by Jeff Olah
“Why would you want to talk about that? I told the story to police when it happened and it’s in my file. You can read it for yourself; you don’t need me for that.”
Without breaking eye contact, Nadine closed his file and set it on the table between the two. “I don’t care what’s in the police report. I want to hear it from you, here today. How you feel about that day now that you’ve had some time to move away from it.”
Marcus Goodwin sat forward in his chair, uneasy and displaying an aggressive posture. “I loved my mother and hated my father way before he killed her. He knew this and wanted me to feel pain every day of my life. My dad once told me it made him happy knowing that I was afraid of him. I wanted to kill him and regret not doing it before he killed my mom.”
Shifting in his seat, he fought for the right words to express his current situation and how he viewed his life before that day. “I know you want me to tell you that my life was great before all this happened. It wasn’t… it was terrible and I wish that he would have killed me too. I thought about killing myself lots of times before and after that day, but I was scared. I have always been scared… and that’s why my mom is dead. That’s why she’s dead and I’m still here, because I’m afraid.”
Nadine leaned back in her chair and waited for him to continue. He needed this and so did she, maybe more than either realized.
As Goodwin reached the top of the stairwell and peered into the next ascent, he remembered the first of many admissions he’d made to Nadine. “Am I going to be the same as my father? I kind of feel like I already am and it scares me. I’ve hurt people and I am afraid I can’t stop… I don’t want to be afraid anymore.”
139
The air conditioning came to life once again as Mason sat across the table from Randy, and Savannah rifled through the refrigerator only half looking for something to eat. The room had been silent for close to five minutes as both men had their own agenda and each was eager to get the day started. Yellow pad in hand, Randy raced through the checklist. Over the last few hours, he had only moved from his seat twice to confirm that the needed supplies were stowed safely in the SUV. Unable to control his eagerness another second, Randy stood and walked quickly into the hall, only to return moments later, obviously discouraged. Savannah now also sat across from Mason as a third participant to the impending conversation that was hours overdue.
Attempting to control the slight grin he knew had the others concerned, Randy spoke before Mason had the chance to dampen his resolve. “Mason we have to get going… today. It has to be today!”
Choosing each word carefully, Mason knew Randy was right, although the loss of life he’d witnessed in the last nineteen days had given him pause. “The sun hasn’t even been up for an hour and those kids need their rest. If it were only you and I, we’d have already left.”
Shifting in his seat Randy nodded in agreement, while still maintaining his stance. “Mason, I know where this place is, I know how to get in and out without much hassle and the smaller the group, the better.”
“We promised Megan we’d take her with us. Give her another hour to sleep and we’ll head out then.” Mason lowered his voice and leaned in. “If he’s locked in this silo or whatever you call it, I’m sure he’s fine. If he’s not, then there isn’t much point in us rushing out there anyway. If what Megan says it true and she’s the only one with the code, leaving her behind wouldn’t work anyway.”
Matching Mason’s resolve and holding up his index finger, Randy began to smile. An expression the others hadn’t seen much before today. “One hour… then we go. Not one minute more.”
Grasping her cousin’s hand, Savannah said, “Hey, you need to remember that you’re still needed here as well, both of you.” Turning to Mason and back to Randy she continued. “We haven’t had five minutes to lick our wounds and now you guys want to run off once again, and for what? Some man none of us know. Eleanor and I can’t do it alone. You’d both better get back here and promise me this is the last time either of you think about leaving us. Okay?”
Randy tightened his grip on her hand. “Yes Savannah, once we have Dr. Lockwood back here, there won’t be a reason for us to leave again.”
Savannah shook her head in disbelief. “Yeah sure… and what’s with the sudden change of emotion, and that weird smile?”
Standing once again and moving to the sink, Randy poured himself a tall glass of water before responding. “Neither of you seem to understand what this could mean. If we can get Lockwood back here, we may just be able to fix this whole damn mess. If there is even the slightest chance this may work, we have to go. This man created the infection that Goodwin used to devastate the world. He’s probably the only one who can reverse it.”
Savannah cocked an eyebrow in his direction. “You believe these are actually his kids; how do we know for sure that they are who they say they are?”
Downing the last few ounces and setting the glass aside, Randy said, “They’re legit… no one would have that kind of information and they have no intention of sitting around here on their hands. Megan’s going with us to find her father, she realizes what it means if we don’t find him and the possibilities if we do. Also, I’ve seen pictures of them… it was years ago, but I’ve seen these kids before, trust me.”
Randy once again started for the hall, and before exiting the room, held up his index finger and eyed Mason. “One hour. I’m serious.”
. . .
Wanting to change the subject for fear that her questioning about their trip would continue, Mason spoke first. “Savannah, have you seen Eleanor this morning? She really appears to be taken with you. I can’t begin tell you how much that means to me.”
Focusing on what he’d just asked, Savannah nervously restacked the napkins within the stainless steel holder again and again, finally pushing it aside. “She’s sitting in the room with the kids. She realizes they’re still a bit shaken from what they’ve been through and wants to be there when they wake up. You know a familiar face… she’s a very nice woman.”
“I agree. Eleanor is also a very strong woman; she had to be. Even before all this went down. To live the life she did and still remain sane… I just hope we can get her through this.”
“Mason, how much do you know about her? I mean I know you and your father-in-law weren't very close, but how about Eleanor?”
Chewing the inside of his lip, he thought back to the many chances he'd had over the years to have a conversation with April's mother and in every instance the details were cloudy at best. He spent so much time trying to construct the wall that was growing between him and Major Daniels that often even the simplest of pleasantries went unsaid. “Savannah, I'm embarrassed to say that you may know more about her than I do. I don't even remember her middle name. Wow... I guess I'm not the model son-in-law, am I?”
“You might just be surprised. You are actually one of her favorite people in the world. She talks about you quite often... and it’s all good things, I swear.”
The corners of his mouth involuntarily began to rise, though as soon as he realized that his reaction may be a bit premature, he swiftly adjusted his expression. “Savannah, as far as we know, we are the last remaining people alive, certainly in this small of a group I'd have to rank in her top ten.”
Laying one hand on his forearm, Savannah paused a moment to enjoy the fact that they were actually having a conversation that didn't include the dynamic of fighting to save their lives. The past few days were almost enjoyable and had somewhat given her hope that she may live to see her next birthday, which she estimated to be less than a week away. “Eleanor has told me many stories in the last few days. There is no way around it. She admires you and more than that, she loves you. She loves you like a son and always has, even before this all started. She wanted you to be with April from the moment she met you and believes you are the person that can save us.”
“You're serious? I don't think we've had a conversation in the last five years tha
t was any longer than two minutes.”
William moved out of the Command Center carrying the tablet that had over the past few days become an extension of his left arm. He shuffled past the kitchen heading toward the exit. Savannah quickly stood and moved for the door, turning only briefly to Mason. “I need to talk to him; I hope you don’t mind me cutting this short.”
“Not at all; I need to get the rest of the gear into the SUV and round up your cousin. I’m sure he’s probably trying to wake the kids so we can get going. I’ll be sure he finds you to say goodbye before we hit the road.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m just gonna follow William around and get a little more familiar with this place. And…”
“And what?” Mason asked.
“Just bring my cousin back in one piece. I have faith in you. We all do.”
“Thanks.”
Hesitating before moving into the hall, Savannah said, “Mason, when you get back I’m putting you on lockdown. I won’t take no for an answer. You’re finally going to take some time to rest and get to know the woman in the other room. She needs you… and I think you need her.”
140
Sweat pooled in every possible crevice as each step became increasingly more painful than the one before. Imagining that he’d already covered the majority of the distance was his only solace, although the unaccounted for heat pushed him to the edge of delirium. Disoriented and severely dehydrated, Goodwin stopped and sat against the wall, squinting through the perspiration that stung both eyes. His coat now just a distant memory, he’d also removed the severely stained white button-up oxford and tossed it aside.
The concrete walls forced the earth’s heat inward and he knew hallucinations were not far off. A sopping wet hunched over mess, he wiped his forehead, flung the moisture to the ground below and proceeded to put one foot in front of the other. He imagined the surprised looks on their faces as he exited Building Six and how he’d end each one of their lives. His chopper would have never made it back to the city, although the individuals left at Blackmore would pay the price for him having to trudge back through this death tunnel for the last few hours.
His voice hoarse and his respirations shallow and increasing in frequency, Goodwin removed the small caliber handgun from his waistband and began testing the strength and resolve left in his wrecked body. Shouting into the distance, he cursed those he thought responsible.
“HEY… I’M HERE. COME AND GET ME… I’M THE ONE THAT DID THIS. I’M THE ONE WHO KILLED YOUR PEOPLE... NOW I’M COMING FOR WHAT’S LEFT OF YOUR IDIOTIC LITTLE FAMILY.”
. . .
William had moved much quicker than she anticipated and was already out in the yard making the rounds for Randy. Savannah assumed she’d run into him if she cut though the greenbelt between Buildings Two and Three. The promise everyone made to one another to never head out into the courtyard alone had been broken by each person long before today, although for some reason today felt different. She couldn’t place exactly what had her on edge, although she figured it had something to do with the SUV positioned near the gates and what that signified.
If her cousin had his way, he and Mason would have already been on the road. She didn’t like that he was leaving, although selfishly not just because she feared for him. Savannah also hadn’t come to terms with the fact that their only protection once the others left would be William. She didn’t get the feeling he could do what needed to be done if things turned bad, which it always did. And as badly as she feared staying behind, Savannah feared what was outside these walls much more.
Turning the corner and out into the open area west of the facility, William strode along the block wall and intermittently stopped to view the expansive forest beyond. Back to his tablet as he walked, Savannah quickly caught and matched his pace. His response to her presence wasn’t nearly what she’d been expecting. Her frown told him so.
“OH… hey Savannah, you really frightened me. Didn’t hear you coming.”
“Yeah, I’m sure you probably saw me coming a mile away. I’ve never been able to sneak up on people. Too clumsy.”
“Really?” William said. “I could have sworn Randy told me you were in training to become a ninja. Was he lying to me?”
Savannah took a playful swing and in connecting with his left arm sent the tablet airborne, only to be quickly caught by William mere inches from the hard packed gravel that ran the length of the compound walls. “William, I am SO sorry, I didn’t mean to, I swear, I’m really…”
Tapping through a few screens to assure his favorite new device hadn’t suffered any damaged, William turned to Savannah as they continued to walk. “It’s okay, no harm done. You are definitely ninja material though. Now if you could just refrain from using your great warrior skills to destroy our only remote for controlling this facility, I would be eternally grateful.”
The pair continued to walk the length of the facility without coming across a single Feeder along the western side of Blackmore. Upon reaching the last building and before heading to the rear gate, Savannah stopped William. “Can you show me how to use that thing?”
He smiled. “Sure… but why’d you come out here? You’ve never had any interest in it before today. Why now?”
“I just wanted to get out of there for a few hours. Eleanor is sort of watching over the kids and I just wanted a break. That’s all.”
“Aren’t Randy and Mason about to leave, don’t you want to see them off?”
In an attempt to divert the conversation, Savannah pointed to the rear gate which had begun to gather more Feeders by the hour. “William, is that going to keep them out?”
“Randy says it will. He and Mason made sure of it. Now why are you REALLY avoiding your cousin?”
“I just can’t stand to see him leave again. I figure if I don’t say goodbye, then they’ll be back before we even have a chance to miss them. I’m sick of worrying. I’m done with it. If it’s alright, I’d like to hang with you for the next few hours. Maybe I can even be useful.”
Extending his hand and allowing Savannah to lead the way, William stepped aside. “By all means, I’d love to have some help. Once we finish our walk, I’ll show you something really exciting… unless Mason has already let the cat out of the bag?”
“I’m not really sure what you mean?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see. It’ll be worth it… I promise.”
The pair continued making their way around the perimeter as Savannah kept her distance from the front and rear gates, peering from a distance at the growing number of Feeders congregating at both locations. William, for the most part, also stayed out of sight and simply made sure the supports put in place were in fact still secure. Within thirty minutes, they made their way around the east side of the facility and spotted Megan and her brother carrying supplies to the SUV, which sat idling just inside the front gate.
With Building Six still in the shadows of the early morning air, William handed Savannah the tablet and took one final glance to the rear. “Are you sure you’d rather be here? It looks like they’re getting ready to leave.”
“Yep, I’m sure. They’ll be fine; we’ll see them later today,” Savannah said. “At most, this silo or whatever… is less than a hundred miles away. We won’t even know they’re gone… right?”
“Savannah, you haven’t even convinced yourself of that. You may not want to see them off; although I’m sure Randy will appreciate the gesture and may actually need the vote of confidence. Why don’t you go see them off… for him? I’ll still be here and this stuff can wait. I’m sure you feel better about it once they’ve left.”
Without thinking about it for another moment, Savannah happily handed William back the tablet, hugged him, and ran off across the courtyard toward Building One.
141
Sitting silently in the dark, she watched Randy peek quietly into the room no less than five times over the last thirty minutes. Although in the time since Megan and Sean had left the room
and were now eating breakfast, he'd yet to return. Eleanor finished her morning ritual of tidying up the bedrooms and started for the kitchen as Mason appeared at the opposite end of the hall. He’d finished loading the SUV and now that Randy was preoccupied with trying to ease Savannah’s nerves, he came looking for his mother-in-law.
She spoke first. “Mason, do you think this is going to work? Is what Randy says true? My husband had faith in this Dr. Lockwood and I think he believed there was a possibility he was still alive.”
“Eleanor, I am really not sure what to think at this point, although if what Randy says about this man is accurate, then we have to at least try. I think your husband was trying to keep us safe and I think he knew that Marcus Goodwin had this place bugged. If word got out that Dr. Lockwood was actually alive, there would be no end to what that piece of trash would do to everyone here to find out.”
She looked good for a woman that had lost just about everything. Even with all that had taken place in the past week, Eleanor still took the time to put herself together. With her outfits perfectly pressed each day and an outward appearance reminiscent of the most powerful of women, she could have fooled anyone. She appeared tranquil, almost normal... but he knew. Mason had seen the world through the same pair of devastated eyes. He couldn't actually see her pain, although he could feel it.
“Mason, on the drive up here, Richard told me that things were going to get really bad for a while. That I would see and hear things that would challenge everything I knew about humanity. He said we may have to stay here at Blackmore until things got better. I realize that I've told this story to everyone here many times, although each time I purposely left out one detail.”
Mason nodded. “Yes?”
“Richard talked to him,” Eleanor said. “They only spoke on the phone for a few minutes, although Richard wouldn’t tell me who he was talking to. He said it was better if I didn't know. He just said the man that could fix this needed to get to Blackmore. I didn't know what to make of it until today. Mason, you have to bring that man back here... I think he can help us.”
