Days 46 to 53 (Mass Extinction Event 11)
Page 26
“Come back,” I mutter, trying to stay calm. “Please, just come back. Don't -”
Hearing a noise nearby, I turn and look back across the kitchen. I swear the noise came from this room, much closer than before, but I can't see anything so far. I make my way slowly around the kitchen table, constantly on edge in case I'm not alone, while telling myself that this is all in my head. I'm just being paranoid, and there's no way that there could be anyone else here. Still, I can't help worrying that those creatures might have come back. Even though I'm reluctant to go through to Rachel, I figure I need to make sure that she's okay. I head through as fast as my crutches can carry me, but when I reach the door and look at the bed I pull up short.
Rachel's gone.
From the kitchen, there's another faint creaking sound.
My heart pounding, I stand completely still for a moment before realizing that this is insane. Rachel's a one-month-old child and there's no way she could ever hurt me, even if something was in her mind and controlling her. Still, the way she looked at me earlier reminded me of the way those infected creatures used to look at me, and even though I'd desperate not to admit it, there's a fear in the back of my mind that maybe Rachel has succumbed. Taking a deep breath, I force myself to head back through to the kitchen, but there's still no sign of anyone.
“Rachel?” I call out.
Silence.
“Rachel?”
Slowly, I make my way over toward the back door, constantly looking around for any sign of her. When I get to the middle of the room, I stop for a moment and turn, convinced that I'm going to see her at any moment. The problem is, it's so dark in here, I can barely make out a damn thing. Heading over to one of the cupboards, I reach out to grab a candle, but as I glance over at the window, I spot a reflected flash of movement in one of the cupboard's glass panes. Turning, I almost expect to find Rachel right behind me, but there's nothing.
I open my mouth to call her name.
Seconds later, I hear a noise outside. Someone's coming. Filled with relief that it must be Toad, I run to the back door, but before I can get there it's pushed open and three figures burst into the room, wearing army camouflage clothing and aiming guns straight at my head.
“Put your hands up!” shouts one of the men, his face hidden by a mask. “Drop to your knees! Now!”
I stare at him, barely able to believe that this isn't some kind of horrific dream.
“I won't tell you again!” he shouts. “Drop to your knees!”
I hear a creaking noise nearby. Instinctively, I turn to see whether it's Rachel.
“I -” I start to say.
A fraction of a second later, a gunshot rings out and I feel a sharp pain burst through my shoulder, knocking me off my crutches and sending me crashing to the floor with such force that the side of my head bangs against the wood, knocking me out cold.
Continued in:
Days 54 to 61
(Mass Extinction Event book 5)