I finished showering and hurried to dress. It was already six in the morning, and the lone flight leaving Seattle this morning was due to takeoff at eight.
Scents of coffee soon permeated the house. I grabbed a cup in the kitchen as Harper whipped up a batch of oatmeal. Fuzzy slippers covered her feet, and she wore a pink bathrobe that looked as old as her.
Slopping oatmeal into a bowl, she pushed it my way. “Better eat before you leave. Who knows when you’ll eat next.”
She had a point. They didn’t have food on the planes or in the airports. And once we reached Omaha, there would be nothing unless we found a restaurant along the way.
“Maybe I should pack sandwiches?” I spooned a bite of warm cereal into my mouth before grabbing the bread.
Harper stopped me. “I’ll make them for you. I’d hate for you to poison Ian.” She winked.
Her relaxed manner and wry joke eased some of the tension in my shoulders.
Sitting at the table, I finished the oatmeal while watching Cate’s daughter. It was funny, even though Harper and I weren’t related, she was starting to feel like a little sister. An obnoxious little sister at times, but for the most part, she was endearing.
Ian arrived twenty minutes later. He appeared freshly showered and wore a parka over his sweater. He fumbled with the jacket in the entryway. “I hear it’s colder in South Dakota. I pulled this out of storage.”
I nodded. “Good thinking. You’ll definitely need it.”
IT WAS TWO in the afternoon by the time we landed in Omaha. I called to check in with Sharon. She was still in the Mobridge area, and despite trying to be admitted three more times into the reservation, she’d been denied. Anger and frustration strummed in her voice. Her ever-increasing worry felt like a storm that was about to be unleashed. Electric and deadly.
“Just hold tight,” I told her before we hung up. “We’re on our way.”
Ian and I hurried down the dark airport terminals to the exit. The other passengers quickly fell behind us.
It was strange traveling with Ian. At times, I felt incredibly self-conscious and unsure at his side. It was intimate to travel with another, regardless of this being a work related excursion.
I’d already learned that Ian preferred driving versus being a passenger. He’d been tense during the flight and made a comment about not liking it since he wasn’t in control of the plane.
I’d also learned that he responded well to stressful situations. An older passenger at SeaTac’s check-in began yelling when he was told his bag needed to be searched. The gentleman seemed a bit confused, so Ian calmly stepped forward and distracted the man as the flustered flight attendant quickly searched his bag. That done, Ian offered to carry the older gentleman’s bag which he gladly accepted.
And right now, as we strode to my car, my bag jostled against Ian’s hip. He insisted on carrying it, which taught me something else about him that I’d been suspecting all week.
Ian liked taking care of people.
Whether that be me, the older gentleman at the airport, Cate and her crazy schedule, or the flustered flight attendant who needed a helping hand—Ian always seemed ready to jump in and offer his services. That personality no doubt suited his position at Compounds 10 and 11 since serving others was essentially what he did. It would also explain why he was so attentive and thoughtful. Those interpersonal skills made him exceptional at his job.
“Where to from here?” Ian asked when we reached my car. He brushed the snow off the windshield.
I could tell that he didn’t want to be the passenger, but I wasn’t about to give up my independence. I opened the door to the driver’s seat. “We’ll need to stop in Sioux Falls to buy groceries. I also need a few supplies from my apartment, and I’d like to talk to my lab group before we drive to the reservation. They may be able to help.”
Slipping inside, we slammed our doors.
“Do you really intend on driving to the reservation tonight?” Ian asked while buckling his seatbelt.
I started the motor and looked at him with a confused expression.
“It’s getting close to evening, and we’re eight hours away. I’m wondering about the logistics. Where would we spend the night?”
I started my car and drove out of the parking lot. “I hadn’t thought of that.”
“We could stay in Sioux Falls tonight and drive up first thing in the morning.”
A light dusting of snow blew off my hood as I picked up speed. I switched on the wiper blades to get rid of the rest. “But my friends could be being abused right now. I can’t put that off.”
Ian’s gaze softened. “And arriving at midnight demanding admittance isn’t the best plan either. Besides, I’m guessing there aren’t hotels up there. Where would we sleep?”
I sighed heavily. It was probably good that Ian had accompanied me. I hadn’t considered any of this. Instead, I’d been hell-bent on reaching the reservation and putting a stop to whatever Dr. Roberts was doing. Logic be damned.
“Okay, you have a point. We’ll drive up first thing tomorrow.”
I CALLED SHARON to tell her our new plans. She understood, but I could tell she was anxious for me to arrive. I then called Amy as soon as we reached Sioux Falls. She, Mitch, and Charlie had just arrived at Sean’s Pub.
“What are you doing in town?” she asked.
“I’ll explain when I get there.” An idea had formed in my mind during the drive. To make it work, I would need my co-workers help.
“Mind if we make a stop?” I asked Ian after Amy and I hung up.
He shrugged. “Fine by me.”
I drove straight to the pub. Since it was only five, it was relatively quiet, but that would soon change. Sean’s was very popular. Each time I ventured to it, it took longer and longer to secure a table. Word was definitely out about the good beer and cheap food.
“Meghan!” Amy waved at me from a corner table when Ian and I walked in. Irish folk music floated through the air.
I nodded at her so she’d know I’d seen them. “This way.” I led him out of the foyer.
The floorboards creaked underfoot. Sean’s Pub was really an old historic home in Sioux Falls that the owner, Sean, had transformed into a bar and restaurant. It had faded wallpaper, plastered ceilings, and plenty of Irish decorations. A large mahogany bar ran the length of the room. Dozens of tables and chairs were scattered about, while a few chairs and couches circled the fireplace.
Crackling sounds came from the hearth, and dry warmth from the roaring fire filled the room while the Irish songs continued in the background. It was such a familiar and pleasant feeling. If I hadn’t been so concerned about my friends, I would have sat down, relaxed, and enjoyed it.
Mitch’s gaze went from me to Ian when we approached. I could tell he didn’t know if Ian was with me or another patron looking for a seat. Either way, his brow furrowed.
I shuffled my feet uncertainly. It was the first time I’d seen Mitch since I’d rejected him.
“Um . . . this is Ian Gallager.” I made the introductions and then stuffed my hands in my jacket as Ian and I stood beside their table. “He works with Dr. Hutchinson in Washington.”
Charlie raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you supposed to be in Washington?” Charlie’s small Asian build looked positively petite beside Mitch’s hulk. “Did something go wrong? It must have, if you’re back here already.” Charlie leaned forward and whispered, “Did you get fired?”
I rolled my eyes. “No, and in all seriousness, something’s actually very wrong.” I nodded at Ian. “Ian’s going to accompany me to the reservation, and I’m hoping you all will too.”
“Reservation 1?” Mitch cocked his head. “You’re going back up there?”
“Yes, first thing tomorrow.” I eyed Amy. “Did you process those blood samples?”
“Yeah.” She twirled her long, red curls in her ponytail. “They all came back clean. No drugs.”
I sighed heavily and did my best to stomp down the anger that start
ed to rise in me at how easily Dr. Roberts had duped me. “He may not be drugging them, but he’s doing other things.”
Charlie leaned forward and put his forearms on the table. “Meg . . . what the heck are you talking about? Drugging them?”
“I’m sorry.” I shook my head as I put a lid on my emotional kettle that wanted to explode. “It’s about the Kazzies. Dr. Roberts is abusing them again.”
“You’re kidding me.” Mitch frowned. “Is this a joke?”
“I wish it were.”
Mitch growled. “That son-of-a-bitch.”
Amy’s green eyes glittered. “What’s he done this time?”
I told them how they’d refused to admit Sharon to the reservation or let her contact Davin. I then told them about the teenager who’d been secretly videoing things happening on the rez.
“Wait . . . they shot a Kazzie?” Amy’s eyes grew wide. “Are you serious?”
“That’s what Sharon said. That they actually shot her with something that made her fall from the sky.”
Charlie’s dark eyebrows drew together. “So if she was flying, she’s infected with strain 15.”
Mitch nodded. “I think there’s only around twenty Kazzies with that strain.”
I remembered one of them. She’d been admitted to Reservation 1 at the same time Davin and my friends had been. She’d been a tall woman with downcast eyes and a fearful demeanor. I could only imagine how much Dr. Roberts loved her fear. He was a sadist to his core.
“So what are we going to do?” Mitch’s gaze swung from mine to Ian’s.
I was glad that things weren’t awkward between Mitch and me. I could only hope he’d put the past behind us. “Ian and I are driving there tomorrow morning. I told Sharon to stay put and not lose that kid who has the videos. And I’m hoping you’ll all join us.”
Amy’s eyebrows rose as she pulled an empty chair out. “Seriously, you should both sit. We obviously have a lot to talk about.”
I gave Ian a questioning look.
He nodded. “We might as well eat supper while we’re here.”
Ian had a point. My grumbling stomach also agreed, but while food was not high on my priority list, Ian was right. We needed to eat. The sandwiches Harper had made for us had disappeared hours ago. We couldn’t run forever on adrenaline.
I took the chair beside Amy while Ian sat next to Mitch. Before I could launch into my plan, the waitress approached. She handed each of us menus. “Well, it looks like you two are staying. Would either of you like anything to drink?”
“A beer for me.” I handed her back the menu. My favorite item was available.
“Same here.” Ian glanced down at the selections.
“Do you both need a minute?”
“I’m ready.” Ian handed her back the menu before he asked me, “If you are?”
I nodded. “Irish stew and a salad for me. Whatever dressing you have available is fine.”
The waitress jotted down my order on her pad. “And for you?” She eyed Ian.
“The pasta and bread.”
Mitch raised his eyebrows after the waitress left. “A pasta man? I would have pegged you for a meat and potato guy.”
Ian chuckled. “Because of my slim figure?”
Mitch’s bark of laughter followed.
Ian’s forearms rested on the table. Mitch’s did the same. In a way, it was comical to watch the two men crammed into seats beside each other. Both had large builds.
“Okay, so what the heck is going on?” Amy leaned forward. “You’re returning to Reservation 1, and you want us to go with you?”
Ian and Mitch’s expressions sobered. Charlie continued sitting quietly.
“We’re going to try to get in.” I turned my attention to Amy. The fire crackled behind us. I slipped my jacket off and put it on my chair back. “And that’s where you all come in. I’m hoping if we all go up, they’ll have a harder time keeping us out.”
Charlie stroked his chin. “Power in numbers. Yes, I like it.”
“That was my thinking too.”
The waitress returned and placed beers in front of me and Ian. I took a sip of mine. Cool, frothy beer flooded my taste buds.
“Okay, so if we all join you, we’ll go to the gates and demand to be let in. Is that the plan?” Amy hooked her elbow over the back of her chair so she could turn toward me. “How many nights are we staying?”
“And don’t we need this okayed from Dr. Miller?” Charlie asked.
Dr. Miller was the new head of research at Compound 26. He’d taken Dr. Roberts position after our former boss left.
I sighed. “Yeah, you’re right. You’ll all need the week off.”
“The week?” Mitch’s eyebrows rose. “Do you really think it’ll take that long to get in?”
I shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Charlie tipped back the rest of his drink and banged his empty mug down on the table. “I’m in! I’ve been wanting to take a road trip for a while.”
“Me too.” Amy removed her arm from her chair back to sit forward. “Any chance to tell Dr. Roberts what a complete and absolute prick he is, is an opportunity I won’t miss.”
“Mitch?” I glanced at my other co-worker uncertainly. “Are you coming?”
He winked. “Only because you asked so nicely.”
“Sounds like we’re all going then.” Ian took a drink from his beer. “And Dr. Hutchinson will also be joining us. She’s flying in tomorrow.”
“So you’ve heard from her?” My heart rate increased. Other than her voice message this morning, I hadn’t received any updates. But we needed Cate if we were to make a difference. She had connections with the president I could only dream of.
Ian nodded. “She text just as we walked into Sean’s. She had to stay in D.C. today for a meeting, but she was able to book the jet first thing tomorrow.”
“Does she want us to wait in Sioux Falls for her?” Already, my feet itched to move. It killed me that we would have to wait another day before heading to the rez, but if it meant Cate could join us, we would have to do it.
Ian shook his head. “She’s having the MRI plane fly her to an old landing strip outside of Mobridge.”
“The beauty of private air travel.” Mitch sighed. “Meanwhile, we lowly Compound employees have to drive.”
“Speaking of which, whose car should we take?” Amy twirled a finger through her hair.
“My SUV’s biggest,” Mitch offered. “I’ll drive.”
“It’s settled then,” I said just as our food arrived. “Mitch is driving and we leave first thing in the morning.”
Rich scents from the Irish stew wafted up. I inhaled deeply, but my stomach still churned and not from hunger. I had no idea what Dr. Roberts was doing to Davin.
But I did know one thing—I was going to find out.
6 – NIGHTMARE
It didn’t occur to me until we were driving away from Sean’s Pub that Ian would be spending the night. In my apartment. Just the two of us.
I’d never had any man spend the night.
“So this is where you live?” Ian leaned forward in his seat.
We’d just pulled into my parking lot. It was dark out, but lights around my building allowed one to see its gray exterior, white trimmed windows, and canopied front door.
“Yep, home sweet home!” I forced a smile that I hoped looked relaxed.
From Ian’s quizzical expression, I realized it probably looked scary.
I hurriedly stepped out of my car and grabbed my bag.
Ian did the same but at a slower pace.
“Glad I brought my parka.” He pulled it closer around him.
It couldn’t be warmer than twenty degrees. A half inch of snow dusted the ground, but someone had shoveled it off the sidewalks. I plugged my car’s battery into the charging station and hitched my bag up higher on my shoulder.
“Um . . . follow me.”
Ian trailed behind me into my building and up the stair
s. My apartment complex was two stories. I lived on the second floor about halfway down the hall. My home wasn’t big—only a small entryway, kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom, but it was all I needed.
When my key slid into the lock, it was the only sound in the hallway.
“So . . .” I pushed the door open. “I only have one bed. I can get you blankets and a pillow for the couch. Or we could pull the cushions off the couch onto the floor. Whatever you want.”
I twisted my hands and eventually stuffed them into my pockets while we stood in my small entry. This close, Ian’s unique scent reached my senses. He smelled like leaves and cedar.
“The couch or floor is fine. I’m not that high maintenance.” He grinned and ran a hand through his hair. “Really, I’m not too concerned about where I sleep, so don’t worry.”
My icy palms warmed. “Okay.”
When he lowered his hand, it brushed my shoulder. I froze, but Ian continued on, seemingly oblivious to the contact we’d just shared. He walked into my small kitchen and then living room.
“Small but cozy.” He put his hands on his hips. In jeans and a bulky sweater, he looked even bigger than usual. Or maybe it was my cramped apartment. Whatever the case, it felt as if he filled the room.
I started to wring my hands again. This is so weird!
“We should probably go to bed. We have to wake up early tomorrow. Excuse me.” I hurried to pull out blankets and a pillow for him. “The bathroom’s in the hall. Feel free to make yourself at home.”
Ian nodded pleasantly and opened his bag. I retreated to the safety of my bedroom so he wouldn’t see how nervous his presence made me.
Running water sounded from my bathroom. I peeked my head out the door to see light bordering the edges of the closed bathroom door. Ian was taking my advice and getting ready for bed.
Debating if I should put pajamas on now or wait until he was asleep in the living room, I sighed in disgust at how unsure I was acting.
Screw it. It’s not like my pajamas are lingerie. My pajamas were pretty much the opposite. Most nights I slept in flannel pants and a T-shirt.
I quickly changed, and while Ian was in the bathroom, I arranged the blankets and pillow on the couch for him. Then, I grabbed a glass of water from the kitchen.
The Complete Makanza Series: Books 0-4 Page 65
