“I know you’ll fight for us, Meg. You’re the only one that does,” he grumbled.
“That’s not true. There are a lot of people on your side on the outside, you just don’t know it.”
Garrett raised an eyebrow over a large eye, not looking convinced. “If you say so,” he said in his typical quiet tone.
“Can we start the movie now?” Sophie was twisting and turning her hands.
“Sure, I’ll go start it.” Sara rose from her seat in her usual gracefulness and glided up the stairs. She’d been strangely quiet, but I’d seen her picking at her fingernails nervously as she listened.
Dorothy stood too. “I’ll get the popcorn.” She hurried off, her wide bottom bumping into Garrett on her way to the stairs.
The movie turned on as the lights dimmed. Popping sounds and fresh popcorn smells permeated the room as the menu on the DVD popped up.
“A comedy?” Victor complained.
“Would you prefer a romantic-comedy?” Sage asked sweetly. “I know how you love Sleepless in Seattle.”
“Oh yuck.” Victor gagged. “How about The Bourne Identity? That’s always a good one.”
Dorothy returned carrying three buckets of popcorn. “It’s my turn to choose, remember? And this is what I want to watch.”
“Just eat your popcorn,” Sophie said gently to Victor.
He grumbled but reached a huge red hand into the bucket.
Davin passed our row’s bucket of popcorn over for me to hold, since I sat in the middle between him and Sara. I settled onto the couch beside Davin, his heat warming my side. Normally, that would have caused shivers to race through me, but tonight, all I could think about was fences, barbed wire, and watch towers.
AFTER THE MOVIE finished, we all ambled back to the cells. Our group grew smaller and smaller with each door we passed. Davin and I were the last ones since we were in cells six and seven. He walked me to my door.
When we stood in the hall, I eyed the camera. A brief flare of annoyance surged through me. “I’m starting to understand your rage.” I watched the camera moving slowly back and forth.
He nodded. “I’ve never gotten used to them, watching everything we do.”
“I never really appreciated how intrusive it is.”
“Life is very different in here.”
“I’m starting to see that.”
He stuffed his hands in his pockets, his muscled forearms peeking out. A frown covered his face. “Have you felt okay today?”
It seemed to be the question of the hour. “Yeah, I’m completely fine, I swear. It’s you I should be asking that question to.” It was only yesterday he’d been catatonic. “Whatever happened to you really scared me.”
He shrugged. “I don’t really know what to say about that. Honestly, I haven’t really thought about it.”
“But Dr. Fisher’s doing more tests tomorrow?”
“That’s the plan.”
“Hopefully, it was just a fluke.”
“I’m sure it was.”
A moment of awkward silence passed between us. More than anything I wanted to stand on my tiptoes and kiss him goodnight, but from the stiff way he stood, I knew he wouldn’t reciprocate despite his body betraying him today.
It can never be.
Running a hand through my hair, I shuffled from foot to foot. “Um . . . goodnight, then.”
He abruptly took a step back and cleared his throat. “Yeah. Goodnight.”
It took all of my willpower to walk into my cell without brushing against him, and this time it wasn’t to drive him crazy or make him jealous. I simply wanted to touch him.
THE NEXT DAY, Amy, Mitch, and Charlie appeared in the watch room just as I finished breakfast. I grinned when I saw them. Since Davin was gone all morning with Dr. Fisher, I knew I’d probably spend the time wondering if they’d found anything. Work was exactly what I needed.
Mitch put his hands on his hips and winked at me. It was only then I remembered I’d given him the impression that I wanted to date him with my flirtatious bantering yesterday in front of Davin. I wanted to smack myself. What have I gotten myself into? And in that moment, I knew.
I needed to stop.
It wasn’t fair to lead Mitch on even though I did enjoy the jealous side it provoked in Davin.
Enough is enough.
“And what’s going on with the reservation?” I asked, after the research projects were emailed to the laptop Dr. Sadowsky had arranged for me to have in my cell. “Any more news?”
Mitch crossed his arms. “They’ve given an estimated move-in date for two months from now. The Kazzies will be moved on September 3.”
I was sure I’d heard him wrong. “September 3? Are you kidding me?”
“Ironically coincidental, don’t you think?” Charlie commented.
September 3 was the anniversary of the First Wave. Everyone knew that. I made a disgusted noise. “More like sickly coincidental. Who’s idea was that?”
“Not sure.” Amy leaned into the microphone. “The MRRA will be running things on the reservation, and all we know is that someone high up in their ranks decided on that move-in date.”
I frowned, realizing for the first time that this was real, and it was happening. In two months, Davin would be leaving the Compound, for good, and I wouldn’t be.
I swallowed. “Okay, I guess we have a lot to get done before then.”
“No kidding,” Charlie said. “If we want any more samples after they leave, we’ll have to drive out there to get it.”
“Or fly,” Mitch offered. “We could always fly. You know how the MRI loves to waste money on frivolous shit.”
They both laughed. Neither Amy nor I did. I kept imagining what life would be like without seeing Davin daily.
I couldn’t.
“Are you doing okay?” Amy asked. “Still feeling all right?”
I nodded, but I didn’t tell her that I’d woken feeling a little achy this morning. It was nothing, I was sure of it, most likely my immune system doing its job. No need to report it.
“I’m fine.”
“That’s good to hear. I’ll stop by again before I leave today, and just email me whatever you come up with regarding these projects.”
“I will. Thanks, guys.”
They all left, leaving me alone in the cell with Private Rodriguez gazing in. I turned away from him and went to the desk, biting my lip.
A cough came out of nowhere when I sat. I muffled it but couldn’t stop a few more before I turned on the laptop.
“Dr. Forester, are you feeling all right?” Private Rodriguez’s voice sounded through the speakers.
I just waved over my shoulder, not looking at him. “Yes. I’m going to do some work now. You can leave for a few hours if you want.”
I didn’t turn to see if he’d taken me up on my offer. The computer screen popped to life. I pulled up the files with our projects and got to work.
THE MORNING PASSED slowly. As each minute ticked by, it became harder and harder to concentrate. An aching feeling had begun deep in my bones and by lunch time had grown and radiated outward. My muscles ached. Even my fingers ached.
I also shivered intermittently, but I did my best to keep working. It was normal to have a reaction to the virus, even after being vaccinated. It didn’t mean anything sinister. Besides, most researchers worked right through it, only feeling mildly ill. Surely, this is normal. No reason for me to stop.
I was reading a research paper I was drafting when the lines blurred together. Strange. I hadn’t heard of that happening. I glanced at the clock. Eleven in the morning.
That’s it? Only eleven in the morning?
I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open. Another cough rattled my chest just as another shiver struck. Maybe I should lie down for a while. Just for a little bit. I’m sure I’ll feel fine then.
Standing, I barely made it to the bed before I collapsed. Everything ached. Everything. And I felt so cold. I pulled the covers
over me, shivering uncontrollably. I’ll just sleep for a little while then I’ll go back to work.
The rest of the morning passed in a blur. By mid-afternoon, my fever was 104.
12 – SICK
Everything was a fog. A thick, oppressive fog. I was burning up.
Amy came into my cell late that afternoon in her biohazard suit. I croaked a hello. Even through the viewing hood, I could see her eyes bright with worry, but she smiled reassuringly.
“I heard you’re sick.”
“Hmm,” I mumbled.
“Going through the stages, huh?” She pulled over the desk chair and sat at the bedside. “Thirsty?”
“Very.”
“Can we get some water in here?” she called to Private Rodriguez.
I barely saw as he fumbled around on the control panel. He must have returned when I was sleeping. I hadn’t noticed him.
A moment later, the panel in the wall that delivered my trays opened. Amy stood clumsily in the suit and returned with a large glass of ice water. It even had a straw.
“Is this service or what?” she joked.
I laughed, but my eyes were glued to the water. Nothing had ever looked so delicious.
She sat again and leaned over, helping to get the straw in my mouth. “I’ve never played nursemaid before. Let’s not make a habit of it.”
“Ha ha,” I managed before greedily sucking from the straw. The water disappeared like a lake draining from an opened dam. A loud slurping sound echoed in the cell when I finished.
“I think we’ll need another one of these.” Amy jingled the empty glass, the ice cubes clinking.
Private Rodriguez fumbled with the controls again as I closed my eyes. I could hear the rustling from Amy’s suit as she moved back to the panel to retrieve another glass of water, but I didn’t bother to watch. Just keeping my eyes open was tiring.
I’d had the flu before, bad colds, even meningitis once when I was a kid, but nothing compared to this. I was hot, everywhere, but when I’d been sleeping, freezing chills had startled me out of delirious dreams.
I knew it was my body’s immune response to the virus. If anything, it was promising that I was reacting this quickly. It meant my body detected Makanza immediately and determined it was an intruder. It was fighting it effectively. If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t be having symptoms.
Or at least, I kept telling myself that.
“Here you go.” Amy reappeared with another glass.
I opened my eyes just as she leaned over, placing the straw in my mouth again. I’d emptied about half the glass when a loud banging sound startled me.
Private Rodriguez shakily spoke through the speakers. “Um, Davin’s outside your cell. He wants in.”
Amy’s eyebrows rose. “Subtle, isn’t he?”
“Let him in.” I greedily drank from the straw again.
The panel in the back slid open just as I finished.
Davin stormed in, his shoulders tense. He took one look at me and bolted to my bed.
“Meghan.” He leaned over me. His movements were so fast I hadn’t processed any of it. One second, he was at the door, the next he was just there, worry so apparent in his eyes, I could have drowned in it.
“I’m fine,” I whispered.
“No, you’re not.” He looked at Amy accusingly. “Do something!”
She held her hands up in surrender. “There’s nothing we can do, Davin, other than supportive care. We need to let the virus work its course while her immune system fights it.”
He growled. “Tell me what to do.” I knew he was speaking to Amy even though his eyes darted around my clammy skin.
“Keep her hydrated. Help her to the bathroom. Make sure she sleeps and if she’s able, eats.” Amy leaned forward, tentatively placing a hand on Davin’s shoulder.
He flinched back as if burned.
She dropped her hand. “We can move her into the Experimental Room if need be. We have technicians who will take care of her twenty-four hours a day. She’ll receive the best care as the virus works its course.”
“No,” he replied, his voice so low I barely heard him. “I’ll take care of her.”
“Only if that’s what Meghan wants.” Amy directed her gaze at me. “The other Kazzies have been asking about you too. They’d all like to visit.”
“No,” Davin said before I could reply. “They’ll tire her out.”
Amy bristled. “I believe those are Meghan’s decisions.”
I smiled, not being able to help it. Amy was not one to be intimidated, even by Davin.
“I’d rather not,” I croaked. “Davin’s right. I’m really tired. Honestly, I just want to sleep, and it’s fine if he wants to care for me, really.”
“All right,” Amy said matter-of-factly. The worry was still in her eyes, but she smiled anyway. “And I think sleep is a good idea.” She stood and gave me another overly bright smile. “You’re going to be fine.”
I grimaced. Why do I have the feeling she’s saying that more to reassure herself, than me? “I know. Everyone gets a little sick the first time they’re exposed.”
“Exactly.” Amy smiled again before leaving, as if convinced optimism would cure all.
Davin and I were quiet until she exited. “I want to take you to my cell.” Davin shot a look at Private Rodriguez. “We’ll have more privacy there.”
“That’s fine.” Arguing took too much energy, and besides, I didn’t really care where I slept. I just wanted to sleep.
Davin addressed the guard. “I’m moving her to my cell.”
Private Rodriguez’s eyes bulged. “What? Move her? Um, I don’t think you can do that.”
“Really? Meghan, did you hear that? He doesn’t think we can do that.”
I rolled my eyes. The testosterone was flowing. I knew Davin was spoiling for a fight. I’d felt his edginess since he’d entered my cell. He was scared, and that wasn’t something he was used to feeling. Poor Rodriguez was gonna get an earful if I didn’t intervene.
“I’d like to move, Private.” I tried to sit up but lay back when it hurt too much. “Could you please open the door?”
“Um, well . . .” he stammered.
“She’s your superior, remember?” Davin advanced toward the glass.
“Just do it,” I said sternly, which thankfully, stopped Davin in his tracks.
“Of course. Whatever you wish,” the guard replied.
“Thank you.” I did my best to smile.
Private Rodriguez nodded in return but then glanced at Davin. He whipped his gaze to the control panel, searching for the buttons to get me out.
For not the first time, I felt sorry for the new guard. He was young and so unsure of himself. Having Davin’s hostile attitude to deal with obviously didn’t make his job any easier.
“Should I come with you?” the guard asked when the door finally slid open.
Davin opened his mouth to reply so I quickly cut in, “No, that’s all right. If your shift doesn’t end for a while, you can stay here. Sergeant Rose should be able to manage everything just fine.”
“Okay.” He eyed Davin warily before dropping his gaze again. It didn’t take a genius to see who the alpha was in the room.
In a hurry to get next door, I stood too quickly and the room spun. Davin’s form blurred and then he stood at my side, steadying me. In a way, I was glad I’d almost fallen. It had taken Davin’s attention off Rodriguez.
It was still embarrassing, though. I’d never had anyone take care of me when I was sick, and I’d certainly never been sick like this at work before. I may have thrown up a few times before presentations, from my ever-present anxiety, but that was in the privacy of a bathroom, not in a cell on display. The Kazzie’s private quarters resembled a fish bowl. Everyone could easily see my humiliation.
“Are you okay?”
The anguish in Davin’s voice trumped my own thoughts. He hovered over me.
“Yeah, I just stood up too fast.”
It t
ook more effort to walk the fifty feet to Davin’s cell than I wanted to admit, but that was to be expected. Right?
Sergeant Rose smiled when we entered, but once our eyes met, his expression turned stricken. “I heard you were sick.”
“Yeah, I’ve been better.”
Davin helped me to his bed. I sank onto it, reveling in his scent that clung to the sheets. It was only when he pulled up the covers that my eyes flashed open as a thought struck me. “But where are you going to sleep?”
“Don’t worry about me.” He settled the covers around my shoulders. “Just rest.”
I tried to protest. I meant to, but I was so damned tired that it was a struggle to keep my eyes open. Before I knew it, darkness surrounded me.
THE NEXT FEW days passed in a haze of sleep, heat, guzzling drinks when I was awake, and eating when I could manage. Davin was at my side the entire time. He looked as bad as me, if not worse. He slept on the floor by the bed, in intermittent shifts, despite my protests that I could return to my cell or stay in the Experimental Room.
He also helped me to the bathroom every time I pushed to standing, but thankfully he left me in peace to do my business. Every time I was thirsty, a drink was instantly at my lips. If I got too sweaty, he wet a rag and wiped my face. And when I had a rare spell where I was awake for more than a few hours, he read me stories.
Essentially, he was the perfect nurse, if a little hovering at times.
If anyone thought it weird that a Kazzie was taking care of his researcher, no one commented. It almost seemed that everyone was too concerned to do anything that may disrupt my recovery. Perhaps the brave smiles and worry filled reassurances were more bravado than actual belief that I’d be okay.
At times, I wondered if I would be. Most people only experienced a mild reaction for a day or two before feeling well again. But then I remembered the researcher at Dr. Hutchinson’s facility who’d moved into the second stage of symptoms. It seemed I was another lucky one in that boat.
The Complete Makanza Series: Books 0-4 Page 46
