Another day passed, and Saturday came.
Around eleven in the morning, he was hurrying into one of the mall’s second-floor bathrooms when he collided into someone. There was an expensive-looking camera slung around his neck.
“Sorry!” the young man exclaimed, reaching forward to steady Min Soo. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” he snapped, craning his neck up to glare at him. The person he’d bumped into was a tall, good-looking kid with floppy brown hair and smiley eyes. Min Soo detested him immediately. Pointing at the camera, he said, “You nearly hurt me with that thing. Be more careful next time.”
“Yeah, I hear that a lot,” the young man said with a guilty smile. “I carry this around because I’m a photojournalist.” He suddenly blushed. “Actually, I’m more of a blogger, but I upload a lot of photos with my blog posts.”
Min Soo stared at him askance. This was something he had never gotten used to in the States. Strangers would sit next to you on the subway or in the park and natter on and on about their personal lives. They would tell you details about their relationships and breakups, or how they were struggling to pay their rent. Such behavior bewildered him, to put it mildly.
The young man extended a hand. “I’m Ethan Sullivan, by the way.”
Min Soo didn’t shake his hand. Instead, he pointed at the urinals. “And I need to pee.”
“Oh, right. Of course. I’ll see you around, then.” With a friendly nod, Ethan made his way outside, leaving Min Soo alone to relieve himself.
Central Creek Mall was packed with tourists, moviegoers, shoppers, and hungry teenagers scarfing down greasy burgers and fries. The weekends were always the worst. But the massive sale on Monday was going to be pure hell. From past experience, Min Soo knew that there would be shoppers lining up as early as six in the morning, with local reporters and news vans parked right outside the mall.
Needless to say, he was not looking forward to it.
On Sunday evening, Min Soo and Sun Hwa ate dinner in the living room, watching some reality program about Americans and their home videos. He didn’t watch TV much; he found the shows frivolous and a waste of time. The only thing he could stomach was the nature channel.
Beside him, Sun Hwa let out a cackle as the TV screen showed a toddler accidentally ripping off a man’s toupee. It wasn’t even that funny. He was about to demand that she keep it down when the phone beside the sofa shrilled loudly, cutting him off.
Min Soo froze, then exchanged glances with his suddenly quiet wife. She swallowed the food in her mouth and set her spoon down.
“Lower the volume,” he ordered, and she complied by grabbing the remote control, choosing to turn off the TV instead.
Min Soo inhaled a deep breath before answering the phone. “Hello?”
“Agent Kang, I’m glad to find you well.” It was Henry Oh. Intermittent screeching and metallic banging in the background made it difficult to hear him.
“Are you outside?” Min Soo asked, raising his own voice.
“No, I’m in my laboratory.” Henry let out an explosive cough. “Don’t mind the noise. It’s just my capuchin monkeys.”
Min Soo relaxed a little. “I see.”
“It seems we have a bit of a problem, but not completely unexpected.” There was a brief pause before Henry added hoarsely, “After I gave the vials to the other agents, they picked up and left. I haven’t been able to contact them since. They’ve gone into hiding, I’m afraid.”
“Can’t you track them?”
“I could. But that’s not why I’m calling.” His breathing grew labored. “I returned to their houses, and it appears they took off with the vaccine but not the virus. I’ve buried the remaining vials in one of the backyards. It’s now up to you or Agent Yoon to finish their mission.”
One pale-blue vial. Three clear vials.
The odds of surviving were looking bleaker by the second.
“Where’s the house?” Min Soo asked softly.
After Henry rattled off the address, Min Soo decided to get to the point. “One vaccine isn’t enough. You have to give us another one.”
“I wish I could, but I’ve given the last vial to my daughter.” Henry sighed deeply. “It’s our fate, Agent Kang. Let’s accept it with courage.”
“Then at least tell me the effects of the virus.”
“As I told your wife, it is better that you don’t know. Try to look at the bigger picture, Agent Kang.” He began coughing again, longer this time.
“What’s wrong with you?” Min Soo demanded at once.
Henry breathed heavily into the phone. “I suppose you could call it poetic justice. This morning, one of the infected monkeys bit my arm. I should have been more careful, but I was moving their cages, and I accidentally got too close to one of them.”
“Take the vaccine from your daughter and use it now.”
“It’s too late for that.” His voice was starting to slur, as if he couldn’t control his tongue. “The vaccine must be taken prior to the infection, not after.”
In the background, the monkeys’ screeching and cage rattling reached a fevered pitch, causing Min Soo to pull the receiver away. When the noise finally died down, he brought the phone to his ear again.
“Henry? Are you all right?”
There was no answer.
“Henry . . . ?”
There was a hissing snarl, followed by the crashing of metallic objects and ripping material. The monkeys’ agitation grew into screams of frenzied terror as human snarls filled the room. Min Soo called Henry’s name again, but to no avail. It seemed his comrade was beyond reach and help.
Another ear-splitting crash, and then the line abruptly went dead.
Stunned, Min Soo slowly set the receiver down and stared at his half-empty plate.
“What was that horrible noise?” Sun Hwa asked. Her eyes were wide with fear.
He didn’t answer immediately. He was trying to process what he’d heard. Everything had happened so fast that his mind was reeling from shock.
What kind of monstrosity did you create in that lab of yours, Henry?
And it didn’t help that the same monstrosity was floating inside the innocuous-looking vial lying on Min Soo’s bedside table.
He still didn’t know what he’d heard over the phone, but he was certain of one thing – he was not going to be infected with the virus.
“What happened to Henry?” Sun Hwa insisted.
“Nothing,” Min Soo replied, picking up his spoon. “He hung up on me because the monkeys were getting overly excited.” When she stared at him, uncomprehending, he explained, “Henry was in his lab.”
“Why did he call?”
“Don’t play dumb. You know why he called.” He turned on the TV and resumed eating the rest of his dinner.
Sun Hwa looked doubtful, but she rose up and took her empty plate to the kitchen. Then she disappeared into the bedroom and remained there until Min Soo joined her under the warm bed covers.
She pulled away when he fiddled with her nightgown. “Don’t. I’m not in the mood.”
He raised a sardonic brow. “‘Not in the mood’? You would deny me your body, even though I could die this week?”
She pressed her lips together, looking trapped, then reluctantly unbuttoned her gown as if to say, just get it over and done with.
Half an hour later, Min Soo lay in the darkness, listening to his wife’s tired snores and wondering where the hell she’d hidden the vaccine.
***
Both Min Soo and Sun Hwa rose early the next day for the massive Monday sale at Central Creek Mall. Just before leaving the house, he noticed his wife carefully placing her vial inside a slim padded box, which she then slipped into her zipped front pocket. He hid a smile as he placed his own vial into his front pocket. That vaccine would soon be his.
They arrived at the mall to find a small crowd already gathered near the closed entrance. Min Soo snorted when he noticed a navy-colored van with “SBC
News” emblazoned across the sides. A male reporter stood beside the van, barking orders at his young assistant as if he were some hotshot.
For the briefest of moments, Min Soo entertained the idea of infecting him with the virus.
“I have to buy some groceries later,” Sun Hwa said, breaking into his thoughts. “Meet me in front of Uncle Mason’s at half past seven. They’re having a fifty percent sale on all canned foods.”
“I don’t have time.”
Her lips thinned in displeasure. “You’re the one who likes their luncheon meats, not me. So make yourself useful and help me carry the bags to the car.”
“Fine,” he said with a frustrated sigh. “I’ll be there.”
“Don’t be late.”
“I said I’ll be there,” he snapped.
Unfortunately, he was about ten minutes late when he hurried over to Uncle Mason’s and caught sight of his wife standing in front of the busy store. Her brows were furrowed in contemplation. A small plastic bag lay at her feet.
“That’s all you bought?” he asked, knowing the question would irritate her. “Surely you can take that to the car yourself.”
She picked up the bag and joined him in the bustling crowd of shoppers. “I’ve been mulling over Henry’s call all morning. It’s been driving me crazy.”
“I told you, the monkeys –”
“No. It was more than that.” She came to a standstill, staring at Min Soo. “What are you hiding from me?”
“Nothing.”
Her eyes hardened. “I’m sick of your lies. Why did you ask for another vaccine?”
“Because two is better than one.” He attempted a reassuring smile, but inwardly, he wanted nothing more than to strangle her saggy neck. “This isn’t a suitable conversation to have out here. Let’s go into my office –”
“What happened to Henry?”
She was too smart for her own good. Deathly tired of these games, Min Soo’s face slackened, his eyes expressionless.
“Henry? He died last night. Isn’t it obvious?”
Sun Hwa didn’t seem too surprised. “He was infected,” she whispered, nodding to herself. “That’s why you told him to take his daughter’s vaccine and use it.”
They stood there in the midst of the cheery shoppers, wary as their gazes locked.
“I’ve made up my mind.” She patted her breast pocket, where the vaccine remained hidden. “I’m going to vaccinate myself. All I need is a syringe, and I’ll be safe from whatever crazy outbreak you were ordered to unleash on us.”
Min Soo gave her a blank stare. All she had to do was quietly inject herself with the vaccine, and he would be none the wiser. But instead, she had chosen to tell him her plan. Which, of course, would give him the chance to stop her.
Maybe she wasn’t that smart, after all.
“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that,” he said with deliberate slowness.
Her shoulders straightened, a defiant glint in her eye. “Try and stop me.”
“As you wish.”
Min Soo pulled out his vial, broke the seal with a flick of his thumb, and threw its contents into her face.
Chapter 4
I need the vaccine.
That was the first thought to cross Min Soo’s mind, but he also didn’t want to stick around to see Sun Hwa causing a dramatic scene in front of everyone.
So he spun on his heels and left.
Ten, nine, eight, seven . . .
His wife’s horrified screams attracted kind bystanders to her side. “Ma’am, are you okay?”
Six, five, four . . .
Min Soo walked faster, pushing shoppers out of his way.
Three, two . . .
A snarl carried over the din of the crowd, causing a shiver to run down his spine.
One.
Behind him, screams of horror and pain began to proliferate like a tidal wave. Min Soo almost fell down as shoppers stumbled and pushed forward, creating a scrimmage at the entrance.
Don’t look back.
He was shocked that the virus had taken mere seconds to take effect. He’d expected maybe a half day or so to see the symptoms consume her body. Sounds of wet splatter and gurgles propelled him forward, and he pushed the people before him with all his might. Then he did the unthinkable.
He glanced back.
Carnage everywhere, as far as the eye could see. Torn limbs and trampled organs. Eviscerated torsos. Everything was a sea of deep red.
And the people running. But not running from something. They were moving at a freakish speed toward the screaming shoppers. And some of them were ravaging and eating the dead.
He had never before experienced terror quite like this.
The entrance finally vomited them out into the sunlight. Min Soo ran, eager to escape the madness, before tripping over a foot attached to the young man fallen across the bench. With a shout, he landed hard on the asphalt.
“Are you hurt?” the young man breathed, and Min Soo squinted up at him. The floppy brown hair looked familiar, but he was in no condition to think straight.
“I’m fine. We have to get out of here.”
Nodding, the young man lifted Min Soo up, half dragging him toward the newly constructed, not-yet-opened underground tunnel. As they hurried down the stairs and through the semi-darkness, Min Soo pointed to the right. There was a door with the words, Staff Only.
“We can hide in there,” he gasped, rummaging in his pocket for the keys. Once he unlocked the door, they shuffled down a narrow corridor and entered a room with drab gray walls. A staff member jumped up in fright when he saw their wild eyes and disheveled appearance.
“What’s going on outside? I heard people screaming.”
It was Donny Sanders, a junior cleaner who’d just started three weeks ago. By the looks of things, he’d probably been inside taking a nap during work hours.
“Go up the stairs and take a quick peek,” Min Soo said, irritation replacing his fear. “But whatever you do, don’t go outside. And if you hear anything inside the tunnel – hisses, snarls, strange noises – don’t engage but get back here immediately.”
When Donny left, Min Soo turned to address the tall young man standing beside him. “Ethan Sullivan. I remember you now. We met in the men’s bathroom on the second floor.”
“That’s right.” Ethan gave him a small smile. “I nearly knocked you unconscious with my camera.”
“You didn’t bring it with you today?”
His expression turned gloomy. “I did, but I dropped it when I toppled over the bench.” His shoulders drooping, he added, “I’m still paying off the installment. Have about six months to go.”
That’s the least of your problems now, Min Soo wanted to say, but he nodded in sympathy instead.
Just then, Donny burst in and began shoving his jacket and lunchbox into his backpack. He was shaking and blubbering like a terrified child.
Min Soo couldn’t blame him.
“Are you going somewhere?” Ethan asked, alarmed.
“Dude. I’m getting the hell outta here.”
“It’s not safe outside, Donny,” Min Soo said. “Stay here and wait it out, at least until the police arrive.”
“They’re dead!” he screamed. “They’re all dead. Except for those things.” Donny slung the straps of his backpack over his shoulders. “Gotta get out. Right now. Before those animals see me.”
“You’ll only get yourself killed,” Ethan said, grabbing his arm, but Donny shrugged him off.
“I’m not staying here! I got a wife and a newborn at home.” And he quickly left the room before they could stop him, slamming the door on the way out.
Min Soo stared at the vacant spot where Donny had been standing a minute ago. “He won’t make it out alive.”
“Should we go after him?”
“We’ll only put ourselves in harm’s way. Besides, it’s probably too late.”
The two men listened silently as muffled screams beyond the tunnel walls grew
weaker by the minute. As Min Soo’s initial shock wore off, he began brooding about the vial in Sun Hwa’s breast pocket.
Now that he knew what the virus was capable of, he needed that vaccine more than ever.
***
“Is there a radio in here?” Ethan asked, rising from his chair.
Min Soo shook his head. “I’m afraid not. We’ll have to go to the electronics store to get one.”
A low, rumbling growl filled the air between them, and Ethan rubbed his stomach.
“It must be lunchtime,” he muttered, looking somewhat embarrassed.
“There are vending machines just outside the end of the corridor.” Min Soo frowned, thinking. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he was stuck inside with Ethan. And by the looks of things, they could very well end up spending the night together between these dreary walls.
“I guess we’re having chocolate and soda for lunch, then,” Ethan said, heading toward the door.
Ten minutes later, they sat beside a large pile of chocolate bars, candies, and various kinds of beverages. Min Soo grimaced as he watched Ethan stuff all that sugar into his gaping mouth and then guzzle down an entire bottle of soda. The young man was insatiable. Maybe he’d skipped breakfast.
“You’re not going to eat anything?” Ethan asked, nudging a candy bar in the older man’s direction.
Min Soo shook his head. “I’m not hungry.”
“Suit yourself.” With a shrug, Ethan tore open another candy packet and resumed eating.
Min Soo rose up and began pacing, agitation coursing through his veins. He had to find Sun Hwa and get that vaccine. But how could he venture out into that nightmare? How was he supposed to avoid those things and stay alive?
Frustrated, he paused to glare at Ethan. “Are you just going to hide in here and kill yourself with all that junk?”
His contemptuous question didn’t deter the young man. If anything, Ethan tossed his head back and emptied the packet’s sugary contents into his eager mouth.
“I need the energy,” he finally replied, running his tongue over his teeth. Interest gleamed in his eyes. “Why? Do you have some sort of plan?”
“As a matter of fact, I do.” The idea of using Ethan as bait was quite appealing to Min Soo. But first, he needed the young man’s help. “We need to go out and get some supplies. I’m afraid we may have to stay in here for a while.”
The Collapse Omnibus Page 24
