“My history. Nick wanted me, but didn’t want me at the same time because he was still in love with his girlfriend who passed away. Then Josiah…” She pursed her lips.
“Babe, Josiah liked you a lot, but you never gave him the opportunity to show you what he had.”
“I saw plenty of him.” Jake shook his head with a chuckle. “I wasn’t ready. I thought I was in love with Nick.”
“You have nothing to be paranoid about. You’re stuck with me…if that’s okay.” Josie laughed. “What?”
“You. You’re so funny. You tell me I’m stuck with you, but it’s my choice.” She laughed again.
“Point taken,” Jake grumbled through his embarrassment.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t laugh.”
“It’s fine.” He raised an eyebrow. “Maybe you could show me how sorry you are later.”
“Maybe I will,” Josie murmured, pressing her palms into his sides. She balanced on her tiptoes to give him a quick kiss on the lips.
Rocking her back and forth for a second, he murmured, “I’m so looking forward to your apology.” He smiled down at her as she brushed her thumb across his stubbly chin. “I’ll leave you alone now.”
“I shouldn’t be too much longer.”
Jake smirked, then playfully added, “I’ll be around somewhere in the vastness of this grand castle in which we reside, m’lady.”
Josie laughed at him again and they broke their embrace. When Jake walked away, Chris was leaning against the counter. He shook his head and turned away.
Chapter 20
After an afternoon of playing referee, I wanted to get out and get a bit of fresh air. The sun was shining and it appeared to be beautiful. After grabbing a couple soccer balls from the gym supply, I headed out.
Gunther followed, as did Jake and Eli. We passed the ball back and forth, chatting about nothing in particular. It was nice to feel relaxed and not overly stressed out over our situation. An enjoyable break for me, considering I had very few.
But it didn’t last long. From the other end of town, we heard a series of vehicles rumbling our way. I directed Jake and Eli back inside to lock up and prepare the others. Gunther and I took position behind the opposite end of the building.
The sounds of the trucks slowed. I glanced around the corner and watched each vehicle come to a stop. “Holy fuck,” I whispered.
“What?” Gunther asked.
“Military.”
“How many?”
“I can’t get a head count, but there are three trucks. One reconnaissance vehicle and two cargoes.”
“Let’s do a meet-and-greet,” he suggested.
I glanced back at Gunther. “Are you fucking insane? They may mow us down, then where would we be?”
“They also may have supplies to hand out. We need more medical supplies and non-perishables.”
“I don’t know-”
“No time to fuck around. Let’s go.” Gunther stepped out toward the front of the building with a confident stalk, heading to the vehicles.
“Shit! Goddamn it! Fuck me all to hell,” I barked, following several paces behind him.
Before he made it to the trucks, Gunther stowed away his Sig. I followed suit. Last thing we needed was combat fire. He sidled up to the brick wall of the school and waited for approach.
“This is a really bad fucking idea,” I growled.
“Shut up and follow my lead for a change.”
Two soldiers, one lanky and one built like a brick shithouse, hopped out of one of the cargo trucks. In nervous anticipation, I licked my lips, worrying we were at our end after surviving for so long. All the fighting, killing, and being near death, I could only think about the security of my family. I looked up to the sky and whispered a plea for our community’s safety.
“How can I help you lads?” Gunther asked.
I stared at the two soldiers standing at ease in front of us, then glanced past them, eying the weapons pointed at us. One false move and lead would be the newest post-apocalyptical fashion statement.
“Obviously, you aren’t from around here,” said Lanky, nodding.
Gunther smirked. “I’m not sure how you came to that conclusion.”
Lanky was far from impressed with Gunther’s sarcastic wit. I was thankful Elaina wasn’t out with us or we’d all be in a military jail in a split second.
“Sergeant Cane,” Lanky replied. “And this is Sergeant Emory.”
“Gunther Erikkson and Henry Daniels.”
“Pleased to meet you. We have been directed to scope out areas and rescue people who need it.” He lifted a brow. “Are you in need?”
“We are in need of some things,” Gunther said.
I was unsettled they would figure out our life status and who we were. If Ben knew about the program, others may, as well.
“Are you living here?” Sergeant Cane pointed to the school.
“Not your concern,” I muttered.
“Actually, it is. You see, this is a government building, not a shelter for homeless individuals.” Cocky motherfucker. “Our goal is to move people back into normal life, and school would be considered part of that.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Have you seen what’s out there?! I’ve traveled from New York to here and there isn’t much that’s not destroyed by the virus or bombs.”
“Yeah, that’s this side of the Mississippi,” he said with confidence. “Further north, on the east coast, it has slowly been coming back online.”
Gunther and I looked at one another.
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“The virus… The military stopped all passage from that point west and at the borders. Our country has been in lockdown. Nothing in or out since the outbreak.”
We looked at each other again. Im-fucking-possible. “Wait. So you’re telling us there’s normal activity going on west and north?”
“Yes, absolutely. They have been affected, but they are living as normal as possible. Operating branches of the military have been slowly going through areas, gathering reconnaissance. It’s been a long process, hence why it has taken so long to get here. We set up camp about an hour west.”
I stepped forward and growled, “I don’t believe you.”
“Ease up,” Sergeant Emory warned, placing his palm on the butt of his gun. I pulled mine faster than his next blink.
The unmistakable sound of weapons readying surrounded us.
“Fuck off,” I yelled, aiming directly at his forehead.
“Henry, mate… Chill,” Gunther whispered, placing his hand on my forearm.
“No. They’re lying!”
“I’m not going to ask you twice. Put the gun down, or my soldiers will take you out,” Sergeant Emory threatened.
“Henry, do it. Just fucking do it,” Gunther urged. “Think about Elaina and the baby.”
Sergeant Cane spoke up. “Look, I can understand that you don’t believe us. There have been several who haven’t, and I’ve lost men because of it.”
“It will take a lot for us to trust,” Gunther muttered.
“We need proof,” I added.
“I understand, but I need to ask… How have you been surviving?”
I didn’t want to respond, but did after Gunther nodded. “We’re surviving just fine, as a matter of fact. We have food, water, and shelter.”
Sergeant Emory’s lips twitched. “Your shelter is a school.” No kidding, asshole. Well aware of that fact. “That’s something we have to change.”
“I am not giving up our only stability!” I shouted.
“Mate, ease back,” Gunther murmured. “We’ve got this.” He nodded at me. Reluctant, I tucked my Sig away. The soldiers lowered their guns, as well.
“The two of you can hitch a ride with my men and get everything you need. The military has been clearing all areas in the east and compiling lists of viable addresses. We will allow those to travel back as long as they have proper identification. If your address is no
t viable, you will have to wait at the camps and be put on a waiting list for temporary housing.”
“I don’t know what to think,” I said with a shake of my head, still stunned and not one hundred percent on board. “What’s today’s date?” I asked.
“February twenty-eighth, twenty seventeen,” Sergeant Cane replied. Gunther chuckled.
“I’m not sure what’s so funny,” Sergeant Emory uttered, tilting his head.
“It’s my birthday,” Gunther said.
Sergeant Cane smiled. “Well, this would be a great gift to yourself.”
I was still skeptical.
“Can we chat alone for a moment?” Gunther asked.
“Absolutely, but we don’t have a lot of time. We do need to continue. Nightfall is close.” The two sergeants walked off, then leaned against their trucks.
Gunther turned to me. “Listen, mate, this could be our chance. You can have your baby delivered by military medical staff. I bet they have surgical equipment if things don’t go well. Maybe your family can get back to New York.”
“What if this is a ploy?”
“Honestly, I don’t think it is.”
“But what if they find out what we are? What if they know?”
“I would think the first thing they would have wanted to do was check our eyes, yeah?” I shook my head, hating what I was, wishing it wasn’t a hindrance of my strength of mind. “Look, I’m just as skeptical as you, but we do this together. You and me. Our decision.”
I thought for several moments while keeping an eye on the wall of camo and artillery in front of us. “What about everyone else? What if they don’t approve?”
“Let’s see if one of us can go in and talk with them, take a vote. But the fact of the matter is we don’t have a choice. Regardless, they’ll force us out of the building. So it’s either survival on the road alone or with them.”
Gazing back at the soldiers, I said, “I don’t trust them.”
“Look at them. Buttoned up tight… Clean… Well fed… We’ll have each other’s back the whole time.”
I blew out a breath. “Christ… Okay.”
“Follow my lead,” Gunther murmured quietly. “Sergeant?!” They headed back over to us. “Henry and I are cousins. We have children and other members inside. Can we take a few moments and talk to everyone?”
“One of you can bring them out unarmed.”
“That went well,” I muttered as we stepped away from them.
“Shut it. Go signal Jake to open up. I’ll stay out here.”
I jogged along the building, suspicious eyes on me. We were not outnumbered, but they outweighed us with firepower.
I nodded at Jake through the small window in the door and he unlatched it. “Gather the community and come outside…unarmed.”
“Everyone?”
“Yes, everyone.”
“Unarmed?”
“Yes!”
“What’s going on out there?”
“I’m not sure. Tell everyone to line up on the side of the building.”
Jake nodded and marched off. I scrubbed my face and wondered what kind of danger Gunther and I were putting our community in. I paced around the door for a couple minutes, waiting for our members to emerge from their rooms.
Josie was the first to appear. I opened the door and waved her out, along with Jane, Lauren, Eli, and Maggie. I nodded at each of them. My very pregnant love, mum, Cora, and the children followed.
Elaina stopped at the door. “Henry, what’s going on?”
I pulled her close and whispered, “We have to leave.” She leaned back, eyes wide. “Shhh… Just let Gunther and me handle this, please.” She drew her bottom lip into her mouth and tears formed in her eyes. “It’s going to be okay. I love you.”
“I love you, too,” she murmured.
I kissed her on the cheek and sent her out with the rest. Chris and Mara walked out with Farren and Eden. Last were James and Savannah, following behind was Jake.
Once everyone lined up, Gunther brought around the two officers. The gasps and whispered murmurs ran rampant. I stepped in front of my community, who all looked terrified.
“All right! Listen up!” I waited until I had all of their attention. “This is Sergeant Cane and Sergeant Emory of the US Army. They have instructed us that we have to leave this school.”
The sound from all their voices and cries was so alarming, I had to take a step back. Gunther stuck two fingers in his mouth and whistled, causing instant silence.
I continued. “Time is of the essence. It’s getting close to dusk. They have a camp set up about an hour west of here for survivors. Regardless of whether you want to go or not, we don’t have a choice. You either go to the camp, or take your chances on the streets. That’s up to you. My wife, mum, and I are going to the camp. I cannot risk anything happening with the baby so close to being born. I would suggest all of you with children join us. We will stick together as we have been because we are a family. We’ve been through a lot together and have had to do unimaginable things.
“We have also been informed things are normal west of the Mississippi, along with parts of the north.” Gasps filled the air again. “The virus was choked off there. We will be able to live at the camp and check to see if our home addresses are viable residences. If they are, they will help us travel back to our homes.” Elaina started sobbing. I knew what she was thinking. The first thing on her agenda was to find out if her parents’ home was viable. “There are many things they will fill us in on later; however, as of right now, we all need to pack up our belongings. Please do not pack up anything that belongs to the school. No books, paper, or gym equipment. For a head count, step forward if you are coming.”
One by one, the entire community stepped forward. If anything happened to them, the guilt would tear me up.
“We will give you one hour,” Sergeant Cane said with a nod. “We need to move sooner rather than later.”
“Let’s move!” Gunther jogged to Grey and picked him up. I grabbed Elaina’s hand and escorted her back inside to the only security we had known. The others followed behind us.
Chapter 21
Mara and Chris were the last to walk back into the school. They stopped in the hall where her room was located.
“I’ll meet you back here?” she asked, uncertain.
“Yeah. It’ll only take me a few minutes. Just some clothes and a couple incidentals.”
She sighed. “Okay. We need to talk later.”
“Agreed.” Chris rapped his knuckles on the wall and headed toward his room.
Watching him walk away, Mara felt a little sad. She turned and went into her room. Jane and Eli were packing while Lauren fed Maggie.
“There you are!” Jane barked at Mara.
“Sorry. Got caught up.”
“Get your stuff packed.” Mara didn’t move. She struggled with fear that she was going to lose the only person, besides her family, who seemed to care for her. Jane stopped stuffing clothes in a bag, looking at her. “Are you okay?” she asked as she approached.
“Yeah,” Mara croaked. “Just a little emotional. We’ve been here a while.”
Smiling, Jane rubbed her hands up and down Mara’s arms. “We’re going to be fine. I’m sure wherever we end up will be safe.” Mara nodded and headed to her side of the room to pack.
Chris made it to the end of the hall before the urge to look behind was too powerful to resist. She wasn’t there. He wondered if it was the end of the relationship he had formed with Mara. It was mostly based on sex, but it worked and he had no idea why.
Upon turning the corner, he saw Eden and Farren standing in the hall, looking shocked. Chris shook his head and went to the door of their room. Farren reached out and placed her hand on his.
“Savannah’s in there with James.”
Shrugging, he said, “So?”
“Josiah’s things…”
Chris crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. “Right. I’ll wait, I
suppose.”
Savannah’s screaming destroyed the quiet around them.
“No! No! No!” James caught Savannah before she fell to the floor. She sucked in a jagged breath and let out a blood-curdling scream, body folded, hands tugging at her hair.
“Savannah! Stop… Please.” She coughed as the bile rose, choking off any sound. James grabbed a stool and placed her on it. “Here, sit. I will do this.”
He knelt and picked up what few items Josiah had, packing them in a bag. They had already given his clothing away to those who needed it, but there were a couple things he brought from home. It was the first time Savannah had faced it.
After James had packed everything, he looked up. Sitting on the windowsill was a small framed photograph of Savannah and Josiah, a crack running through the middle of it. Next to that was a keychain of a baby grand piano made from pewter, the keys to their house attached to it. The jangle seemed deafening as he picked them up, making more sobs come out of Savannah.
James stood, slung the bag over his shoulder, then took Savannah by her elbow. Trepidation filled her as her hands shook, legs bounced, and tears streamed. She rose to her feet and James took her face in his hands.
“I’ve been thinking about what we talked about. Us being a family and such. I want to be here for you. Lord knows you have been for me and I’ve yet to return the gesture. And maybe I can try to take better care of the girls.”
“I’d like that,” she whimpered.
“Even if we never have anything between us, at least we can be there for each other. My vow to you is to try.”
“James…” Her whisper trailed off, and she just nodded.
“Come on. Let’s start again.” He kissed her on the forehead, took her hand, and walked her out of the room.
“I need a box,” Josie said with her back to Jake, looking at the stack of canvases.
Jake grabbed a box from the closet and brought it to her. Her hands trembled as she reached for it. “You all right, babe?”
Gazing up at him, she said, “No, but I don’t have time to fall apart right now.”
He grabbed his ball cap off the desk and pulled it on. “Okay, well… Wherever we end up, I will hold you tight and you can cry as much as needed.”
Blind Faith (Shattered Lives, Book Four) Page 19
