Far Series (Book 1): Far From Home

by Mary, Kate L.

  “It’s too much for him,” I said.

  Thinking about the three of them staying here and how vulnerable they would be, not to mention the many derogatory things Miller had said about Randall, filled me with dread. If only we could take them with us. I didn’t have the first clue how to raise a kid, and I doubted Devon and Kiaya did either, but together we could make it work until we got home. Then Mom would know what to do.

  If she was alive…

  I shook the thought off.

  “You’ll come to the room when you’re done?” I asked Kiaya.

  “Yeah.” She lifted her eyebrows a tad and shot a look toward Devon but didn’t say anything else.

  Again, I flushed.

  Not wanting to address what she’d walked in on since he and I hadn’t even discussed it yet, I said, “If I decide to go to bed before you get there, I’ll keep flashlight on in the bathroom so you can see.”

  “Okay,” she replied but lifted her eyebrows higher.

  I rolled my eyes before turning away.

  Devon was with Buck and Charlie, who was patched up but hadn’t stood.

  Lisa was kneeling next to them. “He was responsive at first, but now he’s acting a bit lethargic.

  “Maybe it’s shock?” Buck said, his focus on the other man.

  “Maybe,” Devon said a bit uncertainly, “although it seems unlikely. He was cussing up a storm when we first came up the stairs.”

  Buck’s frown deepened, growing more exaggerated.

  “How’s our hero doing?” Miller asked, coming up behind Devon.

  He was grinning, his chest puffed out as he looked down to where Charlie, Buck, Devon, and Lisa sat, and I couldn’t quite reconcile the expression on his face with what had just happened. The shitty barricade they’d made had proven to be worthless, the one staircase was now crowded with bodies, the parking lot was overrun, and Charlie had been bitten. It had been a disaster, as far as I was concerned, and I didn’t even want to think about how we were going to get out of here tomorrow now that the dead had converged on the motel.

  Devon grimaced, but didn’t look up.

  “He’s being pretty unresponsive right now,” Lisa, who did look up at Miller, said. “It’s weird.”

  Seemingly unconcerned, Miller shrugged. “He’s probably just hurting. The bastard got a pretty good chunk taken out of him.”

  “Yeah, maybe.” Lisa didn’t look convinced.

  “You going to do something about that other staircase?” Devon asked, nodding to the steps that weren’t covered in bodies. “We saw how easily the dead got over that dresser.”

  Miller scoffed. “Only because they were following you. They’re mindless creatures. It isn’t like they have any real problem-solving skills.”

  Devon’s jaw clenched, and he didn’t look away from the corporal, who had his arms crossed and an expression on his face that dared the other man to challenge him. He wasn’t going to listen to anything Devon had to say. It was obvious.

  Miller’s mouth turned into a self-satisfied smile when Devon didn’t say anything else. “It is getting late, though, and with the parking lot full, we should clear the area. We don’t want to draw any unwanted attention our way.”

  I looked out over the parking lot to the dozens of zombies lumbering around. There were more in the distance, all headed this way. He was a little late if he was trying to avoid unwanted attention.

  “We should get him inside,” Lisa said, turning her gaze on Devon and Buck. “Do you think the two of you will be able to get him up and to his room?”

  “Sure,” Devon said, as Buck mumbled, “Not a problem.”

  They each took one of Charlie’s arms and urged him to stand. He needed minimal assistance, but he acted more like he was working on autopilot than actually participating, and he didn’t seem to be very aware of what he was doing. It was strange, and the longer I watched, the more dread began to pool in my stomach. This just didn’t feel right.

  Lisa and I followed the men as they directed Charlie to his room, which he was apparently sharing with one of the other men who’d been helping Miller. The guy, who was probably in his late thirties, was silent as his roommate was brought in, watching with weary eyes as Buck urged him to sit down.

  “He okay?” the man asked.

  “Shit, Fred,” Buck snapped. “Does he look okay?”

  Lisa ignored his outburst and said, “I’m not sure.”

  Buck stayed at his friend’s side, but Devon stepped back from the bed. “Something isn’t right. He acts like he doesn’t know what’s going on.”

  Buck didn’t look away from his friend. “I’ve known Charlie as long as I can remember, and I’ve never seen him act like this.” He looked up, frowning. “It just don’t make sense.”

  “Maybe it’s the body fighting off the virus?” Lisa looked from him to Devon. “Maybe he’ll snap out of it.”

  I had no clue, and Devon apparently didn’t either, because he only shrugged.

  “What if he don’t?” Fred asked.

  Devon’s focus moved to Buck. “Maybe we should have someone stand watch. Just in case.”

  The older man’s frown deepened, and he ran his hand down his face. “Yeah,” he said, sounding older than he was, and exhausted.

  “You mean in case he turns?” Lisa asked, even though the worst-case scenario was obvious.

  Devon nodded in response, at first appearing like he wasn’t going to say anything else, but then said, “I think it would be wise to have someone on watch outside as well. We all saw how easily those zombies crawled over the dresser. If they realize there’s another way up here, we could be in trouble.”

  “Even if they managed to get up, it ain’t like they’re gonna get us in here,” Charlie’s roommate said, sounding slightly irritated.

  Devon and I exchanged a look.

  “What?” Lisa asked. “What do you know that we don’t?”

  “I’ve seen one open a door,” I told her.

  “Bullshit,” Fred said, while Buck cursed under his breath.

  “It’s true.” Devon was focused on Buck. “That barricade is shit, and we both know it.”

  “Good luck trying to convince Miller of that,” the older man said.

  “I don’t need to convince him of anything,” Devon replied. “We’re here for the night, and that’s it. Whatever happens after we leave is up to you guys to figure out. I’m sorry if that sounds cold or selfish, but I just can’t fight with someone who won’t listen to reason. Not when I have other things going on.”

  “I understand,” Buck said, nodding.

  “What I can do,” Devon continued, “is stand watch outside while I’m here.”

  “Miller ain’t gonna like that,” Fred said. “He wants us staying in the rooms as much as possible.”

  Devon snorted but didn’t look away from Buck. “Can you watch Charlie?”

  “I’ll keep an eye on him,” Buck said.

  “Then I’ll stand guard outside.”

  “The whole night?” I shook my head. “Devon, you can’t stay awake the whole night. You need sleep.”

  “We’ll work it out,” he said, his expression softening when he looked at me. “I promise I’ll get some rest.”

  I exhaled but nodded. Once again, I found myself wishing I had some kind of skills that were useful in this world so I could help take some of the burden off his shoulders. Thinking about how ill-equipped I was made me feel pathetic.

  Lisa stood, stretching a little. “I can take a shift. Just come and get me when it’s time.”

  “So can I,” Fred grumbled, clearly not happy about it.

  The way he glanced toward Charlie, though, made it seem like he wasn’t too thrilled with the idea of being stuck in the room with him either.

  “Thanks,” Devon said gratefully, looking at Lisa.

  She nodded. “In the meantime, I’m going to get some sleep.”

  At the mention of sleep, my body seemed to register just how tired
it was. The last few days of stress and worry had taken a toll, and I suddenly felt like I’d been awake for days.

  “Sleep sounds amazing,” I said, following Lisa to the door automatically.

  “I’ll be right back,” I heard Devon say, and I paused to wait for him.

  Outside, we said goodnight to Lisa before heading toward our rooms. The catwalk was deserted now, but the parking lot wasn’t. It was full dark, and with no electricity the world beyond was as black as the pits of hell, but I didn’t need any light to know the dead were there. The stench of rot was thick, the putrid aroma hanging in the air like a fog, and their moans filled the night the way the chirping of crickets once had.

  I shuddered, and Devon slipped his arm around my shoulders.

  “How are we going to get out of here?” I asked as we headed back to our room.

  “I’m working on it,” he replied.

  I didn’t ask for details because I had faith that Devon would be able to figure something out.

  We reached my room to find the door to the adjoining one open, but only a crack. It was dark and silent, and I could only assume Hank was sleeping. I’d seen him outside during the fight, but not after. He must have come back here right away, possibly running from the sight of Charlie’s blood. The kid had been on his own for days and had to be worn out, so I didn’t blame him for wanting the rest. I was also glad for the semi-privacy.

  Devon eased the door shut as I flipped the switch on the small lantern, and a soft light filled the room.

  “You going to be okay?” he asked when I turned to face him.

  “Are you worried I’m on the verge of falling apart?”

  “I’m worried we’re all on the verge of falling apart,” he responded, “it just so happens I’m more concerned about you than anyone else.”

  Warmth spread through me, and I lowered my head, looking up at him through my lashes because it was all I could manage.

  “Was it okay that I kissed you?” he asked.

  “It was a surprise, but yes.”

  Devon’s eyebrows lifted. “You were really surprised?”

  “I thought you couldn’t stand me,” I said, “so, yeah.”

  Devon chuckled as he reached out to flick my braid. “I’ll blame the blonde hair.”

  After that statement, I had no problem looking up to glare at him, but the irritation was pushed away when he swept me into his arms and covered my mouth with his. I melted, giving in to the kiss and allowing his strength to hold me up as his mouth moved over mine. It was deep, but slow, and I could feel it all the way in my toes. I concentrated on how soft his lips were, and how warm. How secure I felt in his arms.

  It seemed to go on forever, but when he finally broke the kiss, he didn’t ease his hold on me.

  “I should go.”

  “Yeah,” I said, staring up at him.

  “If something goes south,” he said, his voice quiet, “if you hear anything that makes you think there’s trouble, lock the door and don’t come out. Don’t open the door for anyone but me.”

  “You want me to hide in the room even if I think you’re in trouble? Do you seriously have a problem with a woman coming to your rescue?”

  “Not at all. In fact, once we get to a place where we can safely do it, I’m going to teach you how to shoot. When that happens, you can come to my rescue whenever you want. Until then, you stay where you’re safe. Understand?”

  I sighed but nodded because—once again—he was right. “Fine.”

  “Good.” Devon finally released me and stepped back. “Hopefully, we won’t have to worry about it. Lisa might be right. Maybe Charlie’s body is just fighting off the virus. Maybe Hank went through the same thing but doesn’t remember it.”

  “True,” I said.

  He nodded a couple times like he was trying to convince himself, then shot me one final look before heading for the door. It clicked shut behind him, leaving me alone, and I stripped to my underwear and tank before moving the lantern to the bathroom. I kept the door slightly ajar so it blocked out most of the light, then slipped into bed. My mind was spinning so much I didn’t think I had a chance of falling asleep despite the exhaustion weighing me down. In minutes, though, my body began to feel weightless, and I slipped into a dream world.

  18

  Through the haze of sleep, I became aware of the door clicking, but I didn’t surface enough to register where I was. In my sleepy mind, the footsteps belonged to my college roommate, Riley. It was so like her to stagger into the room in the middle of the night after a party. I rolled over, pulling my pillow over my head to block out the sound of her high heels thumping against the floor when she pulled them off. In minutes, I was back to sleep.

  The second time a click sounded through the room it was farther away, but for some reason woke me more. I opened my eyes and blinked as the haze of sleep melted away and focused on a sliver of light in the darkness. It took a moment to register that it was coming from the other room, but once I had, I pulled myself from bed and padded toward it.

  The door was still only cracked, and I pushed it open a little so I could peer inside. Devon was on the other side of the room, the light from a small lantern illuminating him as he pulled his shirt over his head.

  I pushed the door open the rest of the way and stepped in, my gaze darting to the bed where Hank slept. He didn’t move.

  “Devon,” I whispered.

  He turned, smiling when he saw me. “Did I wake you?”

  “Yeah, but it’s okay. How’s Charlie?”

  “He snapped out of it about two hours ago, thank God. I think it’s going to be okay.” Devon undid his pants and slipped them off so he was standing in only his boxer briefs. “I stood watch at the stairs after that, but Fred took over so I could get some sleep.”

  “I’m surprised.”

  Devon let out a low snort. “No kidding. I think Lisa bullied him into it. She seems to be one of the few people who isn’t scared to contradict Miller, and since she’s the only person with medical training, she has a little more pull than anyone else.”

  “Makes sense,” I said. “Miller wouldn’t want to risk her deciding to hit the road.”

  “Yeah,” Devon said.

  He turned his head and covered his mouth, trying to stifle a yawn, but it didn’t work. As usual, it was catching, and a second later I mimicked the gesture, earning a smile from him.

  “I’ll let you get some sleep,” I said, “I just wanted to check on Charlie.”

  “I’d protest, but I think I need it.”

  I nodded, smiling as I backed away. “See you in the morning?”

  “See you in the morning,” he said.

  I turned and headed back to my room, aware that I was in nothing but a pair of bikini underwear and tank top and that he was probably checking out my ass despite his exhaustion. I walked slower than necessary.

  It wasn’t a creak that woke me next. It was a scream.

  I bolted upright, instantly awake. Despite the stuffiness of the room, the covers were wrapped around me, and I had to kick to get them off, while in the bed next to me Kiaya rolled to her feet. Like me, she wasn’t dressed, and seeing her in nothing but a small pair of shorts and a skimpy tank top hit me like a punch. How stupid of us to wear so little after the horrible events of the previous day. What if we had to run outside right now? What if we had no time to change or grab other clothes? We’d be screwed.

  We needed to plan ahead better.

  I was thinking this through as I grabbed my leggings off the floor and pulled them on, my eyes already searching the darkness for my shoes.

  A light flipped on, and my corneas almost burst into flames. I had to squint even though it was dim, but despite the near blindness from the sudden light, I managed to spot my shoes. I’d just shoved my feet into them when the door adjoining our two rooms burst open and Devon, already dressed, rushed in. Hank was two steps behind him, his eyes wide and terrified.

  “What’s happening?” Kia
ya asked.

  “I don’t know.” His gaze moved from her to me. “But we should be ready to make a run for it.”

  “We’re one step ahead of you,” I said as I shoved the few things I’d dragged into the motel room into my bag.

  Thank God I hadn’t brought my hulking suitcase up.

  He nodded, the gesture quick and clipped. “Okay. I’m going to check it out. I want the three of you to stay here.”

  “I’m not staying here,” Kiaya hissed before I could respond. “There are children out there who could need my help. I may not be much use when it comes to killing zombies, but I can watch out for those kids.”

  “I’m going with her,” I said, straightening my shoulders.

  Hank took a step back like he was considering going into the other room and locking the door.

  Devon blew out a long breath but nodded again. “Fine. But watch your backs and stay together. Once you get to the kids, find somewhere to hide and stay there. I’ll come get you when it’s safe to move.”

  Kiaya grabbed her bag, already packed, and slung it over her shoulder before swiping her gun up off the dresser. “Let’s do this.”

  Since the M16 was in the car—it would have been nice to have it right about now—Devon had my gun, leaving me emptyhanded.

  I spun to where Hank stood, visibly shaking.

  How had this kid gotten up the courage to save us when he was so obviously terrified? Maybe it had seemed like his only way out.

  “You can stay here, but I need the knife.”

  He nodded, and his dark, shaggy hair fell across his face, covering his eyes. He disappeared into the other room while Devon and Kiaya headed for the door where they waited for me. Only a few seconds later, Hank had reappeared. His hand was trembling when he held the knife out.

  “Thanks,” I said as I took it. “Lock the door after we leave. You’ll be okay.”

  The kid swallowed. “Okay.”

  It seemed to be all he could get out.

  I went to join Kiaya and Devon at the door, my own bag slung over my shoulder. He had his hand on the knob, waiting, and knowing he was looking for a signal that I was ready, I forced out a nod. It was a lie. I didn’t think there was a scenario where I’d ever be ready to face zombies.