For Those In Peril (Book 2): The Outbreak

by Drysdale, Colin M.

  All things considered, the dinner was a civilised affair, with the locals serving us food and wine. I watched them as they moved around the room; they appeared happy enough when they were at the table, but the moment they thought they were out of sight, their masks slipped, revealing how tired and frightened they really were. The way the marines treated them was also illuminating: they expected to be waited on hand and foot, snapping their fingers and beckoning the nearest local over whenever they wanted something. Altogether, it was painting a very unpleasant picture of how the marines saw their role in the Rhum community.

  As we ate, Nick discussed the clinic with Claire. ‘You know, I think Bucky was right, we really do need a doctor around here, and you need somewhere you can run your clinics. Let’s face it, people are going to get hurt, and they can’t work if they’re injured.’ He forked more food into his mouth. ‘And we can’t afford to carry anyone who can’t work; not for long at any rate.’

  ‘I suppose that’s one way of looking at it.’ Claire leaned forward. ‘So, what are you proposing?’

  Nick picked up his wine glass and drained it before waving it around above his head. One of the locals scuttled over with a bottle and refilled it before returning to their place by the back wall. ‘Well, you’re not like these people,’ he swung his arm in the general direction of the locals huddled near the door, ‘are you? You’re more educated; you’ve been places; you know how the world works. We can’t exactly expect you to live like them, can we? If you’re willing to stay and help out, then you can stay in this place, rather than outside in the tents with that lot.’ He waved an arm at the locals again.

  Daz butted in. ‘All of us?’

  Nick took another swig of wine. ‘As long as you’re willing to play by the rules, I don’t see why not. I’m sure you’ve all got skills we can use.’ As he spoke, he glanced round at us, his eyes lingering a little too long on Sophie.

  Daz saw this too, but before he could say something which Nick would certainly not consider to be ‘playing by the rules’, I jumped in. ‘So have you got somewhere for us to stay for the night? No point in going back to the boat if you can offer us proper beds.’

  Nick smiled, happy that we seemed to be seriously considering his offer. ‘I’ll show you myself.’

  I looked at my watch: it was almost eleven and there had still been no sign of Tom; I was really starting to worry that he’d got himself into some sort of trouble. I hadn’t wanted to ask Nick where he was over dinner in case it alerted him to Tom’s absence, but then again, he hadn’t mentioned it either, which I felt was distinctly odd.

  ‘Daz, are you awake?’

  We’d been lying in the dark since ten, listening to the noises of other people moving around the house, hoping the marines would assume we were asleep after the heavy supper.

  ‘Yeah,’ Daz whispered through the darkness.

  I sat up. ‘I’m going to see if I can find Tom; I’m not leaving here without him.’

  I heard Daz start to get up, too. ‘I’m comin’ with you.’

  ‘No,’ I hissed back. ‘I need you to stay here in case something happens to me. You need to make sure Claire and Sophie get down to the beach on time, and if I’m not there by midnight, you need to get in the dinghy, go back to the boat, and then you need to leave.’

  ‘But …’

  ‘No buts. Remember: my boat; my rules.’

  ‘I’m no’ leavin’ you behind.’ Daz was indignant.

  ‘Daz, you have to. You need to get Claire and Sophie away from here; this is our only chance. I think Claire managed to persuade Nick that she’s seriously considering his offer, so their guard’s down: it’s now or never.’

  ‘But I can’t leave you here.’ There was fear in his voice. ‘If Nick catches you, he’ll kill you.’

  The same thought had occurred to me. ‘Daz, if I’m not on the beach with Tom by midnight, get on the boat and take it round to the far side of the island. There’s a point there; you can’t miss it. Wait there until six o’clock tomorrow morning. If Tom and I are still alive, we’ll meet you there: six hours should be more than enough time for us to get there. If we’re not there by then, it means we’re dead, and you need to leave. Take the boat and get as far north as you can as quickly as possible. Head for an island called Handa. It should be beyond their reach and no one lives there so there shouldn’t be any infected either. Mitch will know where it is, and you’ll be able to find it on the charts. If somehow we’re still alive, we’ll know where to find you, but they won’t.’

  Daz said nothing.

  ‘Daz, promise me, please.’

  ‘Okay.’ There was a pause. ‘But you’d better make sure you’re there, because I’m no’ too sure I can sail the boat without you.’

  ‘Daz, you’ll be fine. Just remember what I’ve taught you. You’ve really got the knack for it in the last few weeks. You know what you’re doing, you just need to have a little faith in yourself.’

  There was another silence. Then Daz spoke again. ‘Thanks, Ben.’

  ‘For what?’

  ‘For givin’ me a chance.’

  ‘What else could I do?’

  There was a rustle as Daz shifted his weight on his bed. ‘I know, but still … Thanks.’

  ‘You know, you’re a good kid. None of us would ever have lasted this long without you.’ I glanced at my watch again, it was now five past eleven. ‘I’ve got to go.’

  I crept over to the door and listened: there were no sounds outside. I reached out and turned the handle slowly before easing open the door. ‘I’ll see you on the beach, Daz.’

  ‘Promise?’

  ‘I promise. Just make sure you get Sophie and Claire there on time. Until then, just sit tight.’ With that, I slipped through the door and into the empty hallway.

  It took me twenty minutes to get out of the Big House undetected and make my way across the uneven ground to the wooded area which Sophie had told me was off-limits to anyone but the marines. I’d only gone a few yards up a path that weaved between the trees when I saw the glow of arc lamps off in the distance. I crept cautiously forward until I saw a small group of marines in a clearing lit by portable lights set up around its perimeter. As I crouched down, trying to make sure I remained hidden, I realised the men were standing around something I couldn’t see. One of the marines said something I didn’t quite catch, but it made the others laugh. I shifted to my left, trying to get a better look, and glimpsed a figure lying on the ground, a black hood over its head. I recognised the clothes instantly: it was Tom. Panic bubbled up inside me as I watched him try to get to his feet, but he was hampered by the fact that his hands were secured behind his back with a thick, black cable tie.

  Suddenly, Nick stepped into the light and strode towards Tom. Without even stopping, he kicked him hard in the chest, sending him sprawling backwards. ‘So, you’re finally awake …’

  Nick lashed out again and Tom yelped in pain as Nick’s boot smashed into his ribs for a second time.

  He walked round to Tom’s other side. ‘What were you doing sneaking around in the woods? You trying to spy on us?’ Nick gave him another well-aimed kick before leaning down and pulling off the hood. I saw Tom’s face, and recoiled in horror: both eyes had been blackened and there was blood running down one side. Nick grabbed Tom’s hair and yanked him up onto his knees, yelling into his ear. ‘You think you’re tough? Well, we’ll see about that.’

  He pushed Tom to the ground and dragged him by his tied arms across the ground. I heard a pop as one of Tom’s arms separated at the shoulder joint and he screamed in pain. As the marines moved aside to let Nick through, I could see the opening of a large pit. He pushed Tom’s head over the side. ‘This what you were looking for?’

  Tom recoiled and from within the pit I heard the unmistakable sounds of infected. Tom tried to pull himself away, but Nick pushed his boot hard between Tom’s shoulder blades, forcing him back onto the ground. Hands reached up towards him, grasping the air jus
t inches from his face. Around him, the marines laughed.

  Nick knelt down beside Tom. ‘You know, I might have let you live if you hadn’t got so bloody nosy.’ He put his hand on the back of Tom’s head and pushed it downwards. Tom fought hard, twisting his head from side to side as fingertips brushed against his cheeks, trying their best to tear into his flesh. The infected in the pit screeched and howled, yet Tom remained just beyond their reach.

  Nick let go and stood up before walking a few feet from the pit. Tom squirmed away from the edge and wriggled onto his back before trying to get to his feet.

  Nick turned to face him once more, ‘Just as well Samo had the tranq gun when he saw you. If he’d had to shoot you properly, the noise might have got people asking questions, especially that bitch of a doctor. She’s another one that’s been sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong; asking questions she shouldn’t. She’ll get what’s coming to her soon enough, and that daughter of hers, too.’ Nick took a step forward and kicked Tom hard in the side of the face. He fell and his head lolled over the side of the pit, his long hair dangling within reach of the infected, they roared with anticipation as they latched onto it. I watched as Tom struggled desperately, but no matter what he did, he couldn’t stop himself being pulled slowly towards the edge of the pit.

  Suddenly, Nick grabbed Tom’s legs and pulled him away. ‘Not so fast! I’m not finished with you yet. Don’t think for a minute that you’re not going to end up in there eventually. It’s just not quite time yet.’ He turned and pointed towards where one of the marines was cradling a long-barrelled gun. ‘That tranquilliser gun turned out to be pretty useful really. It was Bucky’s idea, you know, to use it to knock out infected. The pit was his idea, too, only he wanted to study them, learn more about them and the disease.’ Nick laughed coldly. ‘He just couldn’t see that there was a much better use we could put them to. You fuckwits were never going to listen to us unless you thought you had no other choice, so we had to give you no choice.’

  Without warning Nick dropped down onto his knees, landing hard on Tom’s chest, knocking the wind out of him. Tom struggled to breathe, but I knew there was nothing I could do, not with so many heavily armed men around him. I had to look at the situation logically: there was no point in me getting caught, too, and I had to make getting Daz, Sophie and Claire off the island my top priority. Yet, Tom was my closest friend, and I couldn’t just leave him, not in the hands of someone like Nick. I hovered indecisively, knowing what I should do, but also knowing I couldn’t leave Tom like this.

  Nick climbed back to his feet and Tom took a huge gulp of air. ‘That’s something they don’t teach you in basic training, but it’s really effective when you want to get someone to talk. Means they can’t breathe, and just when they think their lungs are about to explode, you get off, and then,’ he dropped onto his knees again, causing Tom to exhale sharply, ‘you do it again. You can keep it up all night if you need to and it doesn’t leave a mark.’

  Tears of pain streamed down Tom’s face as the marine got up once more. Nick watched as he struggled to get air into his lungs. ‘You lot have to learn I’m the one in charge now; I’m running this game; I’m the one in control.’

  Nick’s attack had opened Tom’s old wounds and blood was starting to seep through his shirt. Breathing heavily, Tom struggled onto his knees and spoke for the first time. ‘Fuck you, Nick! They’re not going to let you get away with this, you know. People will come looking for Claire, Sophie and me. Ben will be here anytime now, and once he finds out, you’re in trouble. There are more people in Tobermory than you can handle.’

  A cruel smile crept across Nick’s face. ‘Oh, sorry, did I forget to mention? Ben’s already here, him and that lanky Glaswegian twat who follows him around like a lap dog. They’re up at the Big House right now, thinking all’s fine and dandy.’

  Tom’s face fell as he struggled to work out if Nick was telling the truth or not.

  ‘That’s right. It doesn’t look like Ben’s too bothered about you after all. He hasn’t even asked where you are.’ Nick stepped forward and kicked Tom in the stomach, causing him to slump forward. ‘And don’t even think about anyone from Tobermory coming to rescue you. You see, I’m the Big Bad Wolf: I might not have blown down their house of straw, but I certainly burned it to the ground. They’re all dead: I made sure of that. They had to go, just like Bucky and his fucking morals. I’d love to have seen the look on his face when that infected we locked him up with finally came round. He was looking pretty damn scared when we left him in that lighthouse, tied up and all.’ Nick peered down into the pit causing the infected to growl and snarl, their hands clawing at the edge. ‘Getting a bit low on numbers now. We need some more, or maybe the ones we have are enough; maybe they just need to be fed.’ He turned to face Tom. ‘Either way, you won’t last long down there: not as you at any rate!’

  I’d seen all I could take; Tom had always been there for me, and I’d never have got this far without him: I couldn’t let him think I’d abandoned him when he needed me most. Not quite knowing what I was going to do, I stepped out of the trees and into the light. Tom spotted me immediately and a broad grin spread across his face.

  Nick looked confused. ‘What the fuck are you smiling about?’

  Tom nodded towards me. ‘You might not have it all your own way!’

  As Nick turned, Tom lunged, sending him sprawling backwards towards the pit. He came to rest with his upper body hanging over the edge. For a moment, everyone froze, staring, then two of the marines bolted forward and dragged Nick to safety. Almost immediately, he leapt to his feet and strode over to Tom. He pulled his pistol from its holster. ‘You little fucker!’

  Tom took one look at the gun and yelled. ‘Ben, run!’

  I remained rooted to the spot as Nick aimed at Tom and fired repeatedly, not at his head, but into his stomach until Tom was rolling on the ground screaming in pain. Only then did Nick turn to his men, waving his pistol at me. ‘Well, don’t just stand there, grab him!’

  No one moved.

  Nick stared angrily at them. ‘What the fuck’s wrong with you? I said get him.’

  Still, there was no movement.

  Nick’s face was red with anger. ‘What the hell are you waiting for?’

  One of the marines stepped forward, ‘Nick, you’re bleeding ...’

  Nick glanced down and saw the ragged wound on his left hand. ‘It’s nothing; I must have caught it on something.’ The colour drained from his face as he stared at it. ‘Can one of you go get that smart-arsed doctor? Drag her up here if you have to; she’ll know what to do.’

  There was no reply. Nick looked up just as one of his men tried to draw his gun but before he could get it out of its holster, Nick had his pistol levelled at him. ‘No you don’t. I’m not going out like that. I can beat this. I just need the doctor up here now.’

  Another marine made a move, but Nick swivelled and fired before he could get his machine gun into position. Instantly, he dropped to the ground, blood oozing from a large hole his forehead. Nick stared at the remaining marines, a wild look in his eyes as he swung his pistol back and forth. ‘After all I’ve done for you, this is how you repay me? Are none of you going to help me?’

  The marines glanced at each other nervously, unsure of how to deal with the situation. Then, one by one they started backing away, slowly at first, then faster and faster, until they were racing down the path to the Big House.

  Nick stepped forward, yelling after them. ‘Come back, you fucking cowards!’ He glanced down at his hand again. ‘Shit! I’ll just have to get the bitch myself.’ He spoke more to himself than to anyone in particular.

  While Nick was distracted I crept forward, trying to get to Tom, but before I could, Nick remembered I was there. In a single movement, he raised the pistol and pulled the trigger, but there was no shot, just a hollow click. At first, Nick looked surprised and then he smirked. ‘Don’t think you’ve won.’

  Before I c
ould react, Nick threw away the empty gun as he bent down and rolled Tom onto his side. Then, with one last kick, he sent him over the edge of the pit before sprinting off into the darkness in search of Claire. I ran forward, hoping against hope that I still might be able to save Tom, but I heard his terrified screams even before I was close enough to see the infected pull his intestines from his open belly. I looked down into the pit, as they screeched and snarled, fighting over Tom’s still-moving body. He stared up at me, pleading with me to do something to end his pain, yet there was nothing I could do, but stay there with him until he was finally gone.

  For what seemed like an age, I stood, staring into the pit, unable to believe what had just happened. Then something snapped deep inside and an anger like I’d never felt before washed over me. Wiping the tears from my face, I turned and ran after Nick, not knowing what I’d do when I caught up with him, but knowing I was going to make him pay for all he had done.

  Back at the Big House, Nick was nowhere in sight, but people were running in every direction. Then Daz appeared in the main doorway, with Claire and Sophie close behind. The sight of them standing there, eyes moving back and forth as they tried to work out what was going on, brought me back to my senses: Tom was gone, there was no point in trying to seek revenge. He’d already seen to it that Nick was finished anyway. Instead, I needed to concentrate on getting the others back to the safety of the boat and then away from the island. I glanced at my watch, it was now ten minutes to midnight, and we needed to get down to the beach as quickly as possible to meet Mitch.

  Then I realised that it wasn’t just people who were running, there were infected, too: Nick must have turned and attacked others. Suddenly, our escape was much harder and more vital than ever.

  ‘Daz!’ I shouted and waved. ‘Over here!’

  Relief spread across his face and he ran forward, dodging between people and jumping over a body which lay bleeding on the ground. Behind him, Sophie screamed as the body reached out and grabbed her ankle, pulling it towards its mouth. In an instant, Claire threw herself on the newly turned infected, punching and kicking it. It dropped Sophie’s leg and turned its attention to Claire. For what seemed like a lifetime, but must have only been seconds, they struggled before Daz stepped forward and kicked the infected as hard as he could in the head, sending it spinning across the ground. Claire leapt to her feet and grabbed Sophie. ‘Let’s go!’