Luke raises the gun and shoots the closest one in the head, sending brains and skull fragments flying. The other two, sensing that Luke is the main threat, charge him. He shoots again, wounding one in the shoulder while Mason swings his bat, taking down the other.
Mason’s slamming the bat over and over on the infected, rendering it unrecognizable while Luke pulls the trigger again, finishing off the other already wounded creature. Our breathing is ragged and wild, made even louder in the now eerie silence surrounding us.
They left her out in the open for someone to find. This was a set up.
Sensing that Mason and Luke are on the same page we freeze, watching our surroundings carefully, only relaxing after several minutes of no movement.
“We were set up.” Mason states, lowering his bat.
“They waited for someone to come for her. Maybe they were expecting the group that got away,” Luke agreed.
The infected only show volatile emotion, not really feeling anything. There are blips that I register on newer infected, but it seems the longer one is diseased, the more emotion tapers off. “Let’s find something to carry her back on. We should bury her next to Hugh before we look for the others.”
The infected were extinct; their sudden reappearance triggering unanswered questions. When did people begin turning again? How are they evolving? They’ve gone from frantic and unhinged to calculating and hungry, hunting in packs instead of solo. All the information we learned about their behavior in the first months after the Flash is null and void. They’re infected, but an entirely new breed. The old rules don’t apply any longer.
We work quickly and lay Lisa to rest next to Hugh. I say a silent prayer over them, apologizing for not returning in time. They survived the impossible, only to die like this. Protecting ourselves against the infected and renegades, not to mention Jeff, is our main priority. Still coherent in his thought, Jeff is our biggest threat. Having intimate knowledge of our home and surroundings, he could slip in and attack at any given moment.
Finally heading in the direction of the survivors, we’re behind schedule. Our backpacks are heavy and full of supplies. Hopefully, we can find them quickly, so I can return home to my family. My daughter’s beginning to warm back up to me. James should wake up any day now, and I miss Lillie like crazy. After our reunion, I realized how hard my “death” was on her. She’d lost weight that she couldn’t afford to lose, and had horrible things happen to her while I was away. I wanted to protect her every second of every day. She’s become a physical force, pulling me to her. Since the three of them came back into my life, I’ve realized how empty I was without them. They’re my world.
Chapter 4
Lillie
Any day now.
That’s the new mantra that’s on repeat in my head. Any day now, he’ll come home. Keeping myself busy has helped with the constant worrying. Azami always remains at my side to help. She’s picked up on some of my thoughts when she’s brushed up against me during the day, sensing that I need her close.
James is back to his old self, probably doing more than he should. The older he gets, the more restless he’s becoming. He’s taken on extra work to keep himself occupied. Lately, he’s taken an interest in tracking. I’ll mention it to Luke when they return home, and see if he’d take him out.
“He wood wite dat, Momma.” Azami tugs on my hand, smiling, while I watch James turn the dirt in one of the gardens. We won’t plant there again until next year, but we’ll work to keep the earth soft, turning it weekly.
Azami’s little trick for seeing into people’s thoughts while touching them is in full effect. She giggles when she hears something funny, and looks confused when she doesn’t understand. She usually asks about it later. The best one was when she asked why Aunt Jen would want to, “Climb Untle Mitle wite a montey.” Thanks for that one, Jen. Now I have to explain to my daughter that she’s a pervert. I informed her that was how Aunt Jen liked to tickle Uncle Michael.
“You think so, princess?”
She nods enthusiastically.
“You want to go make some bread, then relax in the bath?”
“Yes! Tan we see if Untle Dames wants to tome?” She’s already halfway across the field, too impatient to wait for my answer. “Untle Dames! Untle Dames! You wanna go mate bwead and swim?”
James turns. His smile is quick to light his face. “Of course I do, Az!” he replies, just as excited as she is. “Meet you in the kitchen, Lil.” They head toward the kitchen, holding hands.
I smile after them. They’re more like siblings than uncle and niece. The tunnel swallows them after a few steps, leaving me alone. Alone gives me time to think, and thinking always leads to Ian. Wondering when he’ll return with Mason and Luke. They know what they’re doing better than most, but I can’t help the anxiety. The only reason I’ve stayed this calm is because I haven’t had a bad dream since Jeff took Azami.
Our talents come in handy, especially when used together. Only a handful of people know about Ian, James, and me: their aunt and uncle, Jen, Michael, Luke and Mason. I trust them all with my family’s lives. I enjoy the company of others in the cave, but we’re not as close. As for Azami, no one except James and I know what she can do. When it comes down to it, her safety is priority, and telling a single person outside family is too risky.
Inhaling deeply, I push off the wall and head in their direction. Thinking about how full my life has become since the world ended puts a smile on my face. For me, this is the best it’s ever been.
~~~~~~
Over the next few days, we spend most of our time making bread. Our nonperishables are well stocked with sugars, flour, oats, spices, and pastas. These are the items we find more often in our excursions. We grow a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits that we freeze in the snow during the winter. As for now, we’re in the middle of harvesting, and making preparations for storing it all. That means there is always an abundance of food. Today we picked more strawberries and blueberries, which are perfect for making breakfast bars with. Granted, we were missing quite a few ingredients, but we had enough to salvage the recipe…I think.
After pulling them from the oven—the three of us covered in flour—we sit down at the table to sample our creation. We’d mixed oats, strawberries, nuts, and a sugar syrup we created together, separating them on a sheet for the oven. They were a little tougher than I would have liked, but not too bad. We repeated the same recipe with the blueberries. The fruit gave the bars a nice filling, making them perfect for breakfast. We made enough to cover the breakfast crowd tomorrow, and snacks for the next couple of days.
Finally, after hours of baking, we clean up and retire to the tub, where Azami throws herself into the water as soon as we enter the room. James and I sink down into the heated water, both moaning at its warmth after a long day of work.
Chuckling, he looks over to me and says, “Feels pretty damn good.”
I shake my head at his language, but decide not to correct him. He’s older now; a young man. “Sure does,” I say to him instead.
His crooked smile tells me he knows that he got away with something. “You have anything planned for Azami’s birthday?” He whispers so she can’t hear. Not that she would really understand what they usually entailed pre-flash.
“Not really. I checked the calendar the other day. I have about two weeks. I was hoping Ian would return by then. He’s already missed so much.” Closing my eyes, I realize I may have said too much.
When I open my eyes again, James is looking at me, puzzled. “What do you mean? We just found him. He hasn’t even been around long enough to miss anything.”
Instantly, my mind goes to the day we first met, then to the day I found out I was pregnant. My life began when Azami was born, and then renewed when we met James.
“I mean, I don’t want him to miss her birthday. It’s the first event that we’ll all celebrate together.”
James nods, accepting my answer.
The rea
l events play out in my mind. He missed her first words, her first steps, and her first birthday. I don’t want him to miss out on anything more. He deserves this birthday, so I’ll wait and schedule a party when he returns.
“I think I’m going to get out. I’m pruning.” I smile down at Azami, who perches herself on my lap. “Why don’t you go with Uncle James for a bit? I’m going to go dry off, then I’ll come back for you.”
“Otay, Momma.” Azami happily jumps over to James, landing in the water in front of him, splashing his face.
He chuckles as he scoops her up. “Come on, munchkin, let’s practice our cannonballs.” They hop out and head over to the larger pool.
Reaching my clothes, I begin to dry off and dress. Gone for only five minutes, I’m surprised to hear hurried footsteps closing in on me. Azami’s voice carries down the tunnel, relaxing me as I continue to dress. “Untle Dames, I wasn’t done simming yet,” she whines.
I turn around as they close the distance between us. “Baby, if Uncle James is finished, then so are yo…” I stop speaking as I look into James’s eyes; he looks pissed. “James? Are you okay? What happened?” I ask, starting to panic.
“Explain to me why Azami thinks that Ian is her daddy…her real daddy.” My heart lodges in my throat as James stands there, physically shaking. “When I asked her why she thought that, she said she heard you say it in your head.”
Oh, shit! I didn’t think about her listening in on my thoughts, using her new gift to steal that little secret. My silence is only fueling James’s fire.
“I…” I don’t know what to say, or how explain it to him. Feeling sick and defeated, I close my eyes and sigh, conceding to the truth without words.
“Motherfucker!”
Chapter 5
Ian
At dark, we hit our stopping point. Locating their tracks at night is near impossible. The terrain changes, moving from dirt to cement, then back to dirt. Traveling out in the open is dangerous, and from recent evidence, the infected are stalking, waiting to pounce. Who knew when they’d come for us.
Leaning up against a street sign, we plan our next move.
“This looks as good as any place to stop. We should sleep in shifts. I’m still expecting the infected to come at us at any moment.”
“I’m thinking the same thing,” Mason drawls.
Luke begins to look around, and his gaze settles in the direction of a small house. “That place will work. We could do a sweep and stay there.”
His suggestion is a good one. “Good eye.”
We head over to the small house and check the perimeter before we enter. Mason and I make a sweep of the house, while Luke guards the door for anyone coming or going.
We head through the one story home, checking every room and every corner. I tap open the last door with my toe and freeze. Above the crib hangs a banner announcing, It’s a Boy! Welcome home, Toby! I step slowly into the room, forgetting to do a proper scan. Mason starts to bitch at me as he follows me inside.
I swallow, trying to get the lump out of my throat as I see a picture. I know I’m only torturing myself when I pick up the frame and wipe off the dirt that has accumulated over the years. I see a happy couple holding a new baby in their arms. I recognize the white fence that borders the house; it was taken outside on their front porch. Numbers at the bottom corner draw my attention. It was dated three days before the flash.
Closing my eyes, I try to keep the visions from bombarding my mind. Mason’s complaining is halted as he sees the dirty blue and yellow banner bordering the room. He steps close to me and takes the photo from my hand to place it back on the dresser, in its proper place. He claps a hand against my back, telling me without words that there is nothing we can do for them. I turn to leave, until a lump in the crib draws me closer.
“Don’t,” Mason snaps, but I can’t help myself.
I reach in and place a hand on the bundle in the crib. I breathe out harshly, finding it’s only a few blankets tossed into the crib. There is no little body underneath, giving me hope that somehow they made it.
“Let’s go.” Mason directs me away from the room.
I close the door quietly as we head back to the front room.
“You find something? What took so long?” Luke asks.
“Nothing, man. We’re good.” I reply.
He questions me with his eyes, while Mason shakes his head, directing Luke not to ask. “We need to set up some sort of security outside. We’ll split the night into three shifts. I’ll take first watch,” Mason volunteers.
“I can take first watch,” I interject.
Mason is already shaking his head again. “That’s all right. I got it.” His eyes hold sympathy.
I concede, knowing he won’t change his mind. “Fine. I’m going out to set up the perimeter.”
I head outside, checking my surroundings once more. There’s enough trash around for me to build a security system. Taking the ropes from our bags, I begin placing metal items on the lines. After I finish, I wrap them around the trees, creating a sort of trip wire. If an infected sneaks up on us, it will run into the rope and create a lot of noise. Not the best science, but simple.
Entering the house gives me a sort of déjà vu, reminding me of a time when things were normal, and coming home was an everyday occurrence. Mason was closing the last door in the hall, blocking off any other threats that may sneak up on us. I stare out the front window, watching the stars blink into existence. Luke walks past me and slaps me on the shoulder, another ‘everything will be all right’ gesture. I stay silent. We’ve understood each other for a long time. We all have our moments.
During the day, the weather is still relatively warm, but the nights are becoming colder. Luke goes through the cupboards and finds some blankets stored in vacuum sealed bags. When he opens the bags, I can almost smell the fabric softener. I smile at the small luxury. It may benefit us to start searching through people’s houses. Normally, we get our supplies from stores, but some houses could supply us with items in better condition. These blankets are a good example.
Mason sits next to the window. The house supplied with light from the stars and moon. Luke was already fast asleep, having laid a blanket across the couch and then another over top of him. He reminded me of a buddy sleeping over after a long night out. The thought had me chuckling, drawing Mason’s attention.
He turns, then follows my gaze, chuckling along with me at the sight of Luke sprawled out on the couch—one leg over the back of the couch, and an arm hanging off to the floor. “He looks comfortable.”
“Yeah, he does.” The room grows heavy with our silence. “Mase?”
“Yeah?” he replies quietly.
“We’re good, right?” I’m quiet while I wait for him to answer. When he doesn’t, I continue. “We go way back, Mase. I don’t want her to come between us, but I will pick being with her every time.”
He tilts his head back and closes his eyes, taking a deep breath before he answers. “We’re good. I love all of them, because in a way, they’re family to me now. You all are. I’m not a pining teenager. I know who she’s in love with, and it’s not me.” His smiles, but his eyes reflect the hurt of that statement.
I nod, indicating that I understand. There are very few people on this planet that I trust, and Mason is one of them. I certainly don’t want to lose him or our friendship.
Once I lay down I drift off to sleep. I dream of hugging Azami and twirling her in the air, helping her brush her teeth and tucking her into bed. Making up lost time with her and her mother. My heart thumps hard in my chest, thinking about Lillie. Our circumstances started from a horrible situation, but now, I can’t imagine a life without her. Holding her, kissing her, seeing her smile—these things have become a necessity for me. Growling, I’m holding her in my arms, my fingers dragging against her soft skin. Tucking her against my chest, protecting her from anything that would threaten to take her from me. Lying beneath me, I hike her leg up and around m
y waist. Curling my fingers over her hip, I cup her perfect ass—
“Ian!”
I jump up and open my eyes, only to see Mason and Luke standing over me, cackling like fucking school girls. I follow their line of sight, and can’t help but crack my own smile. My dick is standing proudly at attention.
“Fuck off. I miss her.” I climb to my feet and adjust myself to a more comfortable position, noticing the rising sun. “You skipped my rotation?”
“We thought you could use the extra sleep,” Luke glances down. “And by the looks of it, I think we were right.” His comment sends them both into another fit of hysterical laughter.
“Ha-ha, assholes.” We collect our packs and continue to laugh.
“We should pack some of this stuff to take back.”
“It’s in good condition, and there’s a lot more stored in the hallway. Whoever lived here really liked vacuum sealing. Bonus for us,” Mason smiles.
I laugh, then straighten up at my next thought. “We should check the baby’s room for blankets and baby clothes. Naveen will have a baby, Gage. He’s about ten months old now. They may have something he can wear. With winter coming, we should check a few more of these houses for warmer clothes. You know how brutal the cold can get.”
“Houses are a risk,” Luke states. “We could run into anyone or anything. But I agree we should take the items here. They’ll be helpful for the colder months. Besides, we can’t check these houses now, not with our car miles away from us. It’s going to be hard enough to get everyone else back to the rig.”
Mason’s eyebrows scrunch before speaking. “I should go back and get the car.”
“Fuck that!” Luke and I say at the same time.
“We stay together,” I tell him, rolling my eyes. “No splitting up. Don’t you remember every scary movie ever made?”
He laughs. “Fine. Separating’s not a good idea, but we do need the car. We’re a good five miles away now. Are you sure we can get them back there with a baby, and still remain undetected?”
Flash Series (Book 2): Immune Page 3
