The Renegade

by Amy Dunne

  “Please, come with me, miss,” Scott said, politely holding the door open.

  Alex was relieved to step over the threshold and into the corridor. Anything was better than the same four walls that had held her captive. “Thank you.”

  He smiled. “I’ve been ordered to take you to the medical room.”

  Panic made Alex’s legs buckle. “Is Murphy okay?”

  Scott looked flustered. “I haven’t heard anything. Sorry.”

  “Let’s get there,” Alex said. They both jogged and made it through the doors in a matter of minutes. Alex skidded to a halt, nearly body-checking David. He didn’t bat an eyelid but looked as cold as usual. Murphy looked awful, his skin grey and clammy. Alex turned to Evelyn and butterflies swarmed in her stomach. “Is he okay?”

  “He’s running a very high fever. It’s most likely caused by a severe infection. The blood transfusion could also be contributing. But I need to give him another blood transfusion.” Evelyn’s demeanour seemed uncharacteristically cold. Her tone was matter-of-fact and she refused to even look in Alex’s direction.

  “Okay.” Alex sat in the uncomfortable chair and presented her arm. Evelyn set everything up in silence and avoided touching her as much as possible. The interaction was basic. Alex hoped it was because David was watching them, but that didn’t stop it from hurting her feelings.

  Jamie took on his role of using the pump, and his smile helped Alex feel better. “I met Paddy,” he said.

  “You did?” Alex asked, watching as he nodded vigorously.

  “He’s just like you said. He’s fluffy and funny.”

  “He is. Will you give him a belly rub from me?”

  David cleared his throat and took a step closer.

  “Yeah,” Jamie said in a whisper, his childish happiness quelled as he concentrated on the pump in his hand.

  Alex tried not to look in Evelyn’s direction, knowing it would only raise suspicion. But the compulsion grated at her self-control.

  “Are we nearly done?” David asked.

  “Not yet,” Evelyn said. “There’s only half a bag. I need at least another quarter, or this will have been a waste of time.”

  David didn’t look pleased, but he refrained from speaking.

  “I’m going to check your pulse,” Evelyn said, her gaze darting everywhere except in Alex’s direction. When she gripped Alex’s arm, her touch was impersonal. Her gloved fingers pressed lightly on Alex’s wrist as she looked at the watch on her own wrist.

  All of a sudden, Alex felt Evelyn’s fingers painfully pinch her skin. Instinctively she moved slightly, but Evelyn’s grip tightened, giving a firm squeeze.

  “Just another thirty seconds,” Evelyn said in a calm monotone.

  Unsure of what was happening, Alex tried to act calm. She looked up at Evelyn, but her gaze was focused solely on her watch. Another intense prod of her fingers this time convinced her that Evelyn was trying to get her attention. The slight twisting of her wrist made Evelyn’s watch glint beneath the light and capture Alex’s attention. Still at a loss, Alex sensed their time was running out. She finally spotted something—tiny words scrawled faintly on Evelyn’s wrist in pen.

  U never saw B.

  What was B? She racked her brain trying to make the connection. You never saw Ben. Evelyn must have spoken to Gemma and got the story straight. Without warning, Evelyn let go of her arm and let her watch slip down to cover the writing.

  “Your pulse and blood pressure are fine,” Evelyn said nonchalantly. She gave a squeeze of the bag of blood and turned to David. “We’re done here.”

  Alex was completely ignored while Evelyn removed everything and showed Jamie how to replace the blood and ensure everything was working correctly. She removed and disposed of her gloves before washing her hands and wrists vigorously. Alex knew the message would be gone. It had taken guts for Evelyn to relay the message, but it had also put her in danger, and that wasn’t fair. Regardless of whether Murphy made it, she made a silent promise to herself that she would repay Evelyn’s kindness.

  “Here,” Evelyn said, throwing a small candy bar at Alex. “You don’t want to end up fainting or vomiting.” The corner of her mouth twitched ever so slightly.

  “Thanks,” Alex said, ripping open the wrapper. News of her sickness during the interrogation had obviously spread.

  “Are we done?” David asked, his body language looking just as testy as his tone.

  “For the time being, yes,” Evelyn said, ruffling Jamie’s hair.

  “Get up,” David said to Alex.

  She felt woozy, but got to her feet. In a flash, David shoved her up against the wall. She managed to turn her face just in time, so her cheek connected with the wall and not her nose. She gasped a shocked breath.

  “Get your hands up. Now,” David said.

  Alex heard the whimper from Jamie, and that was enough to make her comply. She wanted this to be over as quickly as possible for all of their sakes. She pressed her hands against the wall as David kicked her legs apart, making her knees nearly buckle. “What the hell?”

  “Shut up.” He gave another shove, pressing her face against the wall for a few seconds to make sure his demand was understood.

  “David, is this really necessary?” Evelyn asked. “You watched her the whole time. What are you looking for?”

  “This has nothing to do with you. Be quiet.” David’s hands thoroughly searched Alex’s body and clothes. He checked her pockets, patted down her body, and even made her take off her boots. He clearly suspected something and his frustration was palpable. But his hands never lingered on the intimate parts of her body. There was no groping.

  She tied her laces and glanced up briefly to see Jamie’s face buried into Evelyn’s stomach, her arms tightly protecting him. Her expression showed a myriad of emotions—anger, distress, a desperation to intervene. Their eyes met and in that instant, Alex gave a tiny shake of her head before dropping her gaze. She hoped the message was clear.

  “What now?” Alex asked bitterly. “A strip search?” The right side of her face felt warm and stung.

  David’s cool exterior didn’t falter. “That won’t be necessary. We’re going to continue our chat.” He turned his attention to Evelyn and Jamie. “Let me be very clear. If I find out there’s anything missing from here, or anything untoward happens as a result of her coming here, she won’t be back.”

  Evelyn’s expression darkened. “Are you questioning my reputation? You’ve been here the entire time. She hasn’t moved from that chair, except for when you shoved her face against the wall. Have you considered that perhaps your paranoia is unfounded? That maybe your behaviour, thoughts, and emotions are irrational? Because I have medication that could help.” She smiled sweetly. “Mental health is just as important as physical health. And my door’s always open.”

  David’s expression didn’t change. Without another word, he turned, grabbed Alex’s biceps, and dragged her out of the door.

  “Sir, should—” Scott said, startled by their exit.

  “Come.”

  Scott fell in line and hurried to match the pace set by David. Alex braced herself—this was her last shot to get him to let her, Murphy, and Paddy stay.

  David flung the interrogation room’s door open and shoved Alex inside. “Sit,” David said, his hand gesturing to the empty seat. “Wait outside, Scott.”

  Alex sat and blew out a breath. The room was boiling. She opened her mouth to speak, but then decided against it. This was David’s show and she was merely an unwanted extra.

  “We’ve used up a great deal of our own resources to try and keep your husband alive.” The way he emphasized the word “husband” didn’t bode well.

  Alex wasn’t sure what to say. “I appreciate everything you’re doing for him and I’m sorry you’re using your resources. Once he’s better, we’ll leave. If you want, we’ll go out and look to replace the resources you’ve used. It’s the least we can do.”

  David continu
ed to stare at her, and it was unnerving. “There’s a strong likelihood he won’t make it—”

  “He will make it.” She met his stare head-on. “He’s a fighter. He’s come this far. He will make it.” Her throat tightened with every word, constricting even her breath and making her eyes water. She coughed to dislodge the lump stuck in her throat.

  “And what will you do if he doesn’t?”

  “I’ll…” She didn’t know. She hadn’t considered the possibility that Murphy wouldn’t pull through. It was infeasible. She tried to swallow but winced from the pain. “He’s not going to die. Stop saying it.”

  David sat back. At least thirty seconds passed before he spoke. “I’m not saying it to be cruel. My position here is to protect the people of Rapture’s Haven, and I will not let anyone hurt them. We are a relatively small community. There are others, outsiders, who seek to have what we have. They wouldn’t think twice about taking it from us. And I have no doubt in my mind they’d kill for it. I’ve been with Elijah since the beginning. I’m invested in this community. I won’t allow anyone or anything to hurt us.”

  Alex was rendered speechless. David had transformed. His expression softened and his voice sounded emotional. For the first time, he looked and sounded human. He was passionate about this community.

  “It’s my job to ensure security, but also to assess who is invited into our community. You’ve been a challenge. And let me be very clear: I know you’ve lied to me.” He pointed at Alex, his expression darkening. “You’ve lied to me on more than one occasion. And I detest liars.”

  “What have I lied about?” Alex asked, trying to act appalled by the accusation.

  “I can’t prove it. Yet. I’ve been through all of your belongings, twice, with a fine-tooth comb. There’s nothing there that proves you’re married. Not a single thing.”

  “We didn’t think we’d need to bring proof of our marriage when we left. We thought everyone else was dead. Just like we haven’t brought our wedding album, or house keys, mortgage papers, or ID. Did you bring all of those things with you?”

  “I can’t prove you’re not married. You clearly care for him and I’d go as far as to say you love him. But I don’t believe you’re married. I also know that Gemma wasn’t alone when she was attacked. There was someone else with her, the same person who persuaded her to leave the safety of our camp. Quite why you would cover for someone you don’t know is what worries me. How can we trust you? You’re a liar.”

  Alex folded her arms. “If it wasn’t for Murphy and me, Gemma would be dead or suffering who knows what horrendous fate. Murphy is fighting for his life because he tried to protect someone he didn’t know. I haven’t lied. And like you said, you can’t prove it either way. And just a thought, but if this place is so friendly and special, why did Gemma choose to leave?”

  They glared at one another, the atmosphere so tense it could be cut with a knife.

  David cracked his knuckles. “I don’t trust you—”

  “So what? I don’t trust you. What does that even mean?” Alex asked, slamming her hand on the table. “I get it. You’re not going to let me stay here. I really couldn’t give a shit. As soon as Murphy is able, we’ll be out of here anyway.”

  “So you’ve no interest in joining our community? You’re just going to leave and…do what exactly? Keep walking for the rest of your lives? Avoid all other survivors? Keep dressing like a man? Is that what Murphy wants?”

  Alex faltered. “You’ve made it perfectly clear you don’t want us here.”

  “What would Murphy want?” David asked again.

  Alex refused to answer. She didn’t want to join this group. There was something about this place that felt off. She could sense it. But Murphy…Deep in her heart, she knew he would want to stay. They’d disagreed over this exact conversation more times than she could count. He wanted to join other survivors and help rebuild civilization. He’d been adamant and unwavering in that belief since they’d met.

  “The old world is gone. This new one is where we set things right. We make amends to God. I’ve warned you before, there are no second chances. It’s all or nothing.”

  What the hell? Was he inviting them to join them? No way. But if she said no, what would happen?

  “Are you saying I have to decide right now? I’ve not even seen this place. I’ve not met anyone. I don’t know what your rules are. What if I don’t like the people here? What if I disagree with something?”

  David sneered. “You’ve got until tomorrow morning to decide.”

  “Can I at least look around? Meet people?”

  “No. You don’t get to scout out what we have and then make a decision.”

  “What if I say no?”

  “Your belongings will be returned to you and you will immediately be escorted off the premises.”

  “What about Murphy?”

  “He will be taken with you.”

  “You’re just going to let him die?”

  “I’m not doing anything. It’s your choice. You’re the one deciding what happens to him. We can’t afford to waste any more time or resources on people who don’t belong with us.”

  “How can you do this? This isn’t a choice. If we leave, Murphy will die. All of your time, effort, and stores will have been for nothing. And how can you expect me to make a decision on Murphy’s behalf? Doesn’t he get a say?”

  “There’s always a choice. Yes or no. We’ve been more than generous up to now. Winter is coming and we need to prepare. We can’t continue to guard you, feed you, provide medicine, protection, shelter and get nothing in return.”

  “You’re—”

  “If it were up to me, I’d send you on your way. The only thing I’m certain of is you’re a liar—not a redeeming trait. But Elijah is the one in charge, and he’s instructed me to invite you. You have until tomorrow morning to make your decision. The first thing you say will be taken as your final decision. But if you decide to join us, I will be watching you closely.”

  Alex stood up. “I want to see Murphy. Now.”

  “You don’t get what you want just because you have the audacity to demand it. Sit down.”

  Alex nearly exploded with fury. She weighed up how much damage she could cause before Scott heard something and reached her. But it was David’s expression that galled her more. He was enjoying this. He wanted her to go after him, to give him the excuse he needed to get rid of her. Grinding her teeth with ferocity, she sat. The slight flicker of his annoyance was quickly replaced by his stony expression. Without another word, he stood and stormed from the room. A few minutes later, Scott escorted her back to her cell.

  She didn’t bother to turn the light on. Instead, she sat on the floor with her head and back resting against the cold wall.

  Things had spiralled out of control.

  Murphy’s life wasn’t the only one hanging in the balance.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Where are you taking me?” Alex asked Phil. He refused to answer and shoved her shoulder, causing her to stumble. The dark concrete path had eroded over time with weeds and tufts of grass sticking up through crevices. The sun shone brightly, but the October morning had a chill. Alex stole glances around the camp whilst trying not to draw attention to her snooping. They’d left the building where she’d been held and interrogated. The path they walked was vaguely familiar from the previous day, when Scott had escorted her to the medical room. Two different buildings lay ahead. The first, a modern structure, veered off to the left. The building directly ahead was older and significantly larger, with a large clock tower, although she doubted the mechanism actually worked. The building looked prestigious and had obviously been an important part of the army base in its formative years.

  A large metal gate, a watchtower, and the car park lay a little further off. Two other buildings sprawled in the distance and her heart skipped a beat.

  The medical room.

  Murphy was in there and perhaps Evelyn, too. She consid
ered making a run for it, but quickly dismissed the idea as suicidal. Phil wouldn’t hesitate to shoot her. Plus, she’d spotted movement in the watchtower above the gates. Whoever was up there might also be trigger happy.

  “Hurry up,” Phil said, giving another hard shove.

  Alex chewed on her lip and forced herself to keep calm. As they approached their destination, she realized she’d underestimated both the size and the grandeur of the building.

  “Up the steps,” Phil said, out of breath.

  Alex jogged up, narrowly avoiding another shove. She hid her smirk, as Phil was the one to stumble this time.

  Marble floors stretched as far as she could see. Regal wood panelling lined the walls, and unlit chandeliers draped down from the high ceilings. Impressive paintings hung with heavy, garish frames, showcasing men in varying uniforms, battle scenes, and wars. She glimpsed Phil move toward her so picked up her pace.

  They reached an impressive staircase. Phil gestured with the gun’s muzzle, so Alex climbed them. They approached a pair of closed doors guarded by a man Alex had yet to meet. He didn’t acknowledge them, other than to knock and open one of the doors after receiving confirmation.

  Alex entered the room and her gaze automatically homed in on David. His expression reflected her own unhappiness about their meeting again.

  “Alex,” a man said, standing up behind a large desk. He brandished his arms wide and smiled. “Welcome. I’m afraid circumstances have taken up my time and delayed our meeting. Please accept my apology.”

  Alex took in the man. He was dressed in plain clothes and wore a wooden rosary around his neck. His dark hair was shaved in a military style. Faint silver scars showed on his scalp. Dark rings hung beneath his eyes, and the stubble on his pale face looked unkempt. The cleanliness of his pressed clothes contrasted starkly with his dishevelled physical appearance. His eyes were bloodshot, pupils dilated, and his gaze darted from her, to David, to the door, and back to her again without a blink. Something about him made her wary.

  “How rude of me,” he said with a hearty laugh. He stepped around the desk and started toward her. “I’m Elijah, the camp’s chosen leader and faithful messenger of our Lord God.”