“Either way, I feel safer here,” she said. “I can’t imagine going back out there if we don’t have to. Helicopters have to be a good thing. Right?”
“I honestly don’t know,” said Jack.
She didn’t say anything else until they took a seat at one of the tables on the fringes of the bright, two-story glass and steel cafeteria.
“What’s wrong?” she said. “Other than the obvious.”
He glanced around, still not sure this was the answer to his problem. Families returned to their tables, clutching backpacks and the few other belongings they’d managed to carry onto campus. Cushions from the lounges lay scattered on the floor among the tables, serving as makeshift beds for the injured, so they could stay close to family and friends. From what he could tell, at least half of the wounded had remained behind when security rushed everyone out of here. Maybe the plan was to get all of the kids settled in the auditorium before coming back to ferry the injured. He had no idea. The whole scene was surreal.
“Jack,” she whispered insistently, “are you okay?”
He snapped out of it. “Sorry. I was just thinking.”
“Thinking about what?”
“This,” he said, shaking his head. “Us. Getting you out of here.”
“Maybe we’re better off here,” she said.
“Are you saying that because you don’t want to go back out to the plane?” said Jack. “And I don’t mean that to sound snippy. I’d prefer not to get chased by a mob again if I can avoid it.”
“That’s part of it,” said Emma, taking his hand from across the table. “I’m also worried about the actual flying part. Chang said the wing looked bent.”
“I couldn’t tell the difference between the two wings,” said Jack. “But I’m not a pilot.”
“You don’t have to be a pilot to know he put a ton of strain on the airframe,” said Emma.
“No. You don’t,” he said. “Then there’s the military quarantine thing. What are the chances of slipping through undetected—and staying undetected?”
“We barely got away from those helicopters,” said Emma. “What if they have jets in the air tonight? We can’t outrun an F-16 in Chang’s Cessna.”
“If he flies low enough—I don’t know,” said Jack. “If we stay here? I don’t know. I guess that’s the problem. I just don’t know. Part of me thinks we’re better off in that plane. We’d know our fate within minutes instead of sitting around here, hoping for the best.”
“This can’t last that long,” she said. “If the military has the area surrounded, it’s only a matter of time before they start clearing the city. I heard someone saying that there’s enough food on campus for another week. Longer if they start rationing.”
“It won’t be that easy,” said Jack.
“What won’t?”
“Clearing the city. You saw what’s out there. How do they clear a city full of crazy people?”
“I don’t know,” she said. “Maybe we should talk with the others about it. I’d be interested to hear David’s take on the overall situation. He has to be thinking the same thing about his son. I’d trust his opinion.”
“That’s a great idea,” said Jack, standing up slowly.
His entire body ached, especially his legs. Casually running four or five miles a few times a week hadn’t come close to preparing him for last night’s ordeal. Halfway up, he detected the start of a cramp in his right hamstring.
“Cramp,” he announced, extending the leg and leaning into a tight stretch.
His quick reaction settled the muscle spasm, but left him with a lingering doubt about leaving the campus. If something like this happened out there—it could mean the difference between life and death. He didn’t want to think about it.
“You all right?” said Emma, grabbing his arm to keep him steady.
“Yeah. I’m fine. But I’m taking up cross fit when this is over,” said Jack. “I didn’t realize the apocalypse would be this demanding.”
Chapter 34
Emma Harper followed the security guard up the dimly lit concrete staircase. She slowed her pace to let Jack catch up. The cramp in his thigh wouldn’t go away, forcing him to stop and stretch every thirty seconds to keep the muscle spasm at bay. Climbing stairs would probably push his leg over the edge.
“Keep going,” said Jack. “I’ll catch up. This leg won’t leave me alone.”
“Are you sure?” she said.
“It’s straight up, right? Hard to get lost,” said Jack, stretching against the wall. “And I don’t want to hold up any of the security team.”
“Take your time,” said the guard. “It’s not like anyone’s going anywhere.”
“It sounds so depressing put like that,” said Emma.
“It wasn’t meant to be cheery,” said the guard. “I’m Sean, by the way. Sean Fitzgerald.”
“Emma and Jack,” she said, shaking his hand. “You were in the security hub when we arrived. Part of the tactical team.”
“That’s me.”
“It’s hard to recognize you guys right away with all of that gear,” said Emma. “Not to mention the fact that I was still scared out of my mind. I probably wouldn’t have remembered meeting my own mother.”
“And you’re not scared now?” he said.
“I’m scared,” said Jack, easing out of his stretch.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still scared,” said Emma.
“Me too,” said Sean. “Things are getting worse out there.”
“We thought we heard helicopters,” said Emma. “Did anyone try to contact them?”
The security officer stared at her for a second before responding. “The helicopters had a different agenda. That’s all I can say for now.”
Emma wasn’t sure what to make of his response. Why would he hold back information from them? She wasn’t going to push the issue with Sean, but she’d bring it up with David. The security team shouldn’t be keeping secrets or withholding information from the people that had sought refuge here.
“No problem,” said Emma, unable to resist a small jab. “I’m sure Howard has his reasons.”
“Howard’s gone,” said Sean. “He was killed bringing the ER doctor back.”
“I’m so sorry,” she said. “I didn’t know. Obviously. We’ve been a little cut off since we got back. I don’t know what to say.”
“Sorry, Sean,” said Jack. “I could tell all of you were tight.”
Sean took a deep breath and sighed, clearly fighting back tears. “He was a good boss. An even better friend,” said Sean, wiping his eyes. “You ready?”
“We’re ready,” she said, pulling her husband away from the wall.
Humid air washed around them when Sean opened the door to the roof. Emma stepped onto the asphalt roof and took in the clear blue sky. A bird zipped overhead, chased by another. The echo of a nearby gunshot shattered any illusion of normalcy conveyed by the two birds.
“Over there,” said Sean, pointing toward the far side of the rooftop. “Northeast corner. They know you’re coming.”
“Thank you,” she said. “I’m very sorry about Howard.”
The man nodded. “Keep that leg stretched out. You might have to leave the rooftop in a hurry.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Helicopters?”
“They aren’t here to help,” said Sean. “They made that obvious.”
They made their way to the other side of the rooftop, surprised to find nearly everyone from Chang’s plane gathered in the corner. David and one of the security guards pointed rifles away from the building while Larsen and Chang leaned against an air-conditioning fan unit several feet away. David’s suppressed rifle barked, snapping into his shoulder, the shot sounding a lot louder than this morning. Larsen noticed them first, rising to greet them.
“Looks like we’re getting the band back together,” said Larsen. “What brings the Harpers up to the penthouse level? Miss us already?”
“We didn’t expe
ct to find everyone together,” said Emma.
Emma and Jack shook his hand, while Chang scribbled on a map of the city pressed against the air-conditioning unit.
“Actually, this works out great,” said Jack. “We wanted to run something by everyone.”
“David might be a little busy,” said Larsen.
The police officer’s rifle cracked again, the security officer next to him nodding. David left the rifle on the ledge and joined them.
“What’s up?” said David.
Emma didn’t hesitate. “We’re thinking about staying here instead of flying out tonight, but we wanted to get your—David’s opinion. We know the two of you are flying out no matter what.”
“I knew you guys didn’t come up here to see me,” said Larsen, looking rejected.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean—”
Larsen grinned. “Just fucking with you. You’ll have to try harder than that to hurt my feelings. Not sure about Dr. Chang, here, though. He’s kind of sensitive.”
Chang ignored them, continuing to mark the map with his pencil.
“We just figured that David might be the better person to ask,” said Emma, not sure how to explain.
“I’m getting my son out of here,” said David. “As a police officer, I feel a duty to stay and help the people here, but as a parent—I have to get my son out of here. Plus we’re going to have some help. They’re sending a team to make sure Chang gets to the plane.”
“Really?” said Jack. “How?”
“They’re going to parachute in tonight and escort us to the aircraft,” said Larsen.
“I didn’t think we had the room for more passengers,” said Emma.
“We don’t,” said Chang, continuing to work.
“They’re going to depart on foot once we get off the ground,” said Larsen. “I get the feeling that this is a highly professional and capable team.”
“I’m worried about the plane,” said Emma. “Every aspect of it. They could have a pair of F-16s on station overhead. Catch us on radar. Then it’s over.”
“I haven’t heard any jets,” said Larsen.
“What if we do?” said David. “Chang?”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” said Chang, looking up from his map. “We should make sure the rooftop and ground teams listen for jets.”
“Even if they put up some kind of combat air patrol, that doesn’t mean they’ll spot Chang’s plane,” said Larsen. “He’ll be flying away from any known airport radars, at treetop level.”
“We can’t stay here,” said Chang, pointing north, toward the downtown area. “Take a look.”
Emma saw it immediately. Several pillars of smoke rose above the city skyline. One of them looked as thick as one of the skyscrapers to the northwest. She turned slowly, checking every direction. They were surrounded by smoke columns, the closest appearing to be several blocks away, in the direction of Chang’s apartment.
“I’m mapping the fires by direction and estimated distance,” said Chang. “No matter which way the wind blows, we’re screwed.”
“I guess that’s it, then,” said Emma, glancing at Jack, who nodded.
“What about all these people?” said her husband.
“The best we can do is get a warning out to the authorities. Let them know that the facility is secure and the people inside are not infected,” said Larsen.
“How do we do that?” said Jack. “I’m not exactly keen on the idea of approaching the military.”
“None of us are,” said David. “I could probably do it once we get clear of here. Pass it along through a sheriff’s office.”
“That’ll never get through,” muttered Emma.
“Staying here won’t help,” said Larsen. “Not if the city burns down around us.”
“The fires will be the least of our problems,” said Chang.
“What do you mean?” said Jack.
“The fires will drive everyone onto the streets,” said Chang. “A half million infected.”
“That’s why I’m willing to risk the slightly broken wing,” said David. “Worst-case scenario, we hightail it out of here with the team sent to escort Chang. The man sending them didn’t sound like the type to underestimate the situation.”
“He hasn’t seen this,” said Jack.
“No. But the team he’s sending has,” said Chang. “I trust they’ll be competent.”
“An entirely new level of competent,” said Larsen. “Way above my skillset.”
“All right,” said Emma, looking at her husband. “We leave with the rest of you.”
Jack nodded. “I think we’re in good hands.”
“I’ve seen you in action with that revolver,” said Larsen. “We’re all in good hands.”
“I can’t imagine the hell this guy’s wife puts up with,” said David, thumb pointing to Larsen.
They all laughed.
“She’s a trooper. No doubt about that,” said Larsen, his voice trailing off.
“She’s lucky to have you,” said Emma. “And I know you want to get back to them more than anything. You will. I can feel it.”
Larsen beamed, his stoic face finally cracking.
“Brother, if you’re going to cry, I suggest you take it behind the air conditioner,” said David, winking at Emma. “You have a reputation to uphold.”
“Fuck you,” said Larsen, laughing.
“Sorry to change the subject,” said Emma. “But what happened with the helicopters? We heard helicopters, and Sean said something kind of cryptic about them.”
“Not sure why he was being cryptic,” said David, motioning for them to follow. “Take a look at this.”
David led them to the corner of the rooftop, where the security guard leaned forward against the concrete parapet, scanning the parking lot with binoculars. The police officer pointed to an SUV parked against a gap in the fence. A few dozen bodies lay sprawled on the sidewalk just beyond the SUV.
“The helicopters were sent to grab Dr. Chang. Long story short—they came this way looking for Chang and ended up shooting a hole in the fence. One more reason why—”
David stopped, glancing furtively at the security officer.
“Dude, I’m a grown-ass man,” said the guard, turning around to face the group. “I can handle the bad news. The name’s Roscoe, by the way. Nice to see you all again. Carry on, David.”
“I was about to say—this is one more reason why I think NevoTech is fucked,” said David. “From one grown-ass man or woman to another.”
“Thank you,” said Roscoe, shifting his binoculars. “Hey, we got another one. Damn if they don’t get curious about that SUV.”
“I think it’s the fact that your rifle’s suppressor has seen better days,” said Larsen. “We should probably swap that out for one of the rifles we grabbed near Chang’s place.”
“Fuck. I hate the naked ones,” said David, looking toward the parking lot.
“Naked?” said Larsen.
“Yeah. That seems to be the new thing for some reason,” said David, heading back to the corner of the rooftop. “That, and they’re starting to fight each other a lot more.”
Emma held Jack’s hand tightly as David nestled the rifle into his shoulder. A naked man staggered across the parking lot from East Street, headed directly for the gap in the fence. She looked at one of the buildings beyond the man, keeping him in her peripheral vision. Everyone on the rooftop became perfectly still for several moments until the rifle kicked into David’s shoulder. She saw the man drop out of the corner of her eye, but that was all she allowed before turning to Jack.
“He’s down,” said Roscoe. “I don’t think a second shot is necessary.”
“Good,” said David.
Emma focused on Jack, neither of them needing to say a word. The sooner they got out of here, the better.
Chapter 35
Chang led Larsen across the campus to the eastern side of the Secure Research Facility, where they met two of NevoTech’s sec
urity guards. They were equipped with full body armor and M4-style rifles, but they weren’t part of Howard’s elite tactical response team. He needed them at critical points along the perimeter.
Larsen nodded at the two guards. “Thank you for helping out with this. Hoenig briefed you?”
“He did,” said one of them. “Sounds pretty straightforward—assuming there was only one team in the building.”
“That’s the key here. Don’t assume,” said Larsen. “That said, I’m almost one hundred percent sure it was only one team.”
“We’ll let you lead the way,” said the guard, “until that’s confirmed.”
“Smart man,” said Larsen, turning to Chang.
The scientist stared at his keycard, looking lost in thought. Probably nervous, which was completely understandable.
“Dr. Chang? You ready?”
“I think we might have a problem,” said Chang.
Larsen instinctively glanced around, assuming the “problem” was something Chang had noticed about the surroundings. He still hadn’t stopped staring at his ID.
“Talk to me, Chang,” said Larsen. “You’re making me nervous.”
The two guards crouched, backing up against the concrete wall behind them.
“No. It’s nothing like that,” said Chang. “I don’t think this ID will get me into my laboratory area. SRF security is handled in a silo. I remember picking up my ID at the SRF.”
“You just thought of this?” said Larsen.
“Sorry,” said Chang.
“No. That’s fine. We’ve all been a little preoccupied,” said Larsen, activating his radio. “Gary, you there?”
“At your service.”
“We had a question about Chang’s ID card,” said Larsen. “What kind of access can you authorize from the security hub?”
“Any level of access specific to Chang’s employment at NevoTech,” said Hoenig. “The only thing we can customize here is general access to employee public areas and buildings. Everything else uploads to the ID card through his secure profile.”
KILL BOX: A Post-Apocalyptic Pandemic Thriller (The Zulu Virus Chronicles Book 2) Page 17