As he ate, he contemplated her, noting the relaxed ease of her posture. She must have had some epiphany since he’d last seen her outside the meeting, a fact he was glad for. Neurotic, insecure Nadia had not been good for his peace of mind. Still, he was unsure how far the change had gone.
“Have you…” he hesitated.
“Spit it out, Logan.”
“Have you spoken to Donya?”
A flash of pain crossed her features. “I have.”
“And?”
“And she’s right.”
Logan inhaled sharply and choked on a chunk of porridge. He sputtered and wheezed until Nadia jumped up and slapped him on the back. She shoved a glass of water under his nose, and it took a full minute before he regained his composure.
“I told you not to choke and die on me,” she scolded.
“She’s right? Donya’s right? Did I hear that right?”
“Not about everything,” Nadia said. “But she was correct about one thing. I’ve been lying to myself all along, thinking I could pretend to be someone I’m not. I believe she termed it being a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
“I see. Go on.”
“It’s not right lying to other people either. I am dangerous, and they should know that. It was selfish of me to keep it a secret.”
Logan absorbed this in silence before he nodded. “I’m glad. So long as you stop with the freak and murderer nonsense.”
Nadia took a sip of her coffee before replying. “I've thought about it, and while I'm not a hundred percent at peace with what I've done, I've got to accept it. I’m not a freak, just different. I’m not a murderer either. It was an accident.”
“When did this all happen? It seems a little sudden.”
“Let’s just say an old memory helped me to move on.”
“Can I ask what?”
“I’d rather not. You’ve got your secrets, and I’ve got mine.”
Logan’s heart skipped a beat at her words, old pain reawakening as Morgan’s golden-green eyes flashed in front of his eyes. He managed a half-smile. “Fair enough.”
Logan scooped up the last of his food before washing his dish in the washbasin. As he dried his hands, he turned to her. “Well, I’m glad you’re back. Now let’s kick some ass. Ready?”
“Ready!”
Logan left the apartment that had been their home for a month behind without any feelings of regret. While St. Francis had been kind to them, it was time to move on. Time to go home.
***
The Land Rover was parked in the public lot along with all the other vehicles available in the town, so this was where Logan headed. It was a bright day, though cold, and a stiff breeze blew in off the ocean bringing with it the taste of salt.
Martin was already there, along with Josh and three others. As they neared, Logan recognized the other people with him, and his stomach dropped. While Jed was an excellent addition to the party, a man from the watch and a good fighter, the other two spelled trouble.
Next to Logan, Nadia faltered. He reached out a hand and gripped her elbow. “It’s okay. I’m here.”
“Thanks,” she whispered as Donya and Caleb’s eyes fixed on her, one with loathing, the other with guarded optimism.
The distance between them closed, and Logan halted a few steps away from Martin and the rest. His gaze settled on first Donya then Caleb. Inside, he boiled with glacial rage. “Is this a joke?”
“No joke,” Martin replied. “She asked to accompany us. I couldn’t refuse.”
“Couldn’t refuse?” Logan asked. “With their shared history? You don’t think it odd that she suddenly wants to go with us?”
“She's assured me she won’t cause any trouble.”
“And you believe her?” Logan barked out a short laugh. “This is ridiculous.”
Caleb’s eyes narrowed at Logan’s words, his gaze jumping from Donya to Nadia and back. “What’s going on?”
Jed nodded, his expression likewise confused. “I’d also like to know.”
Irritated at the interruption, Logan snapped at Caleb. “Not that you’re any better.”
“Excuse me?” Caleb asked, his green eyes narrowing.
“You heard me. I’ve watched you running after Nadia like a puppy dog, and I don’t like it.”
“It’s none of your business. You’re not her father.”
“Logan felt his hands clench into fists but controlled himself with an effort. “I’m as good as.”
Nadia tugged on his arm with both hands. “Logan, please. I can handle this.”
He looked into her pleading eyes and sighed. “Fine. Go ahead.”
She gulped and straightened up, facing the group. “If we’re all going to travel together, then you deserve to know the truth.”
“Hear, hear,” Donya said in a mocking tone of voice, but she quieted when Martin shot her a warning look.
“What truth?” Caleb asked.
Nadia drew in a shuddering breath and squared her shoulders. “I’m infected with the virus.”
“What?” Caleb paled while Jed’s eyes narrowed and Josh paled. Only Martin showed no reaction while Donya gloated openly.
“How’s that even possible?” Caleb asked.
“I’m a carrier. Months ago, I got bitten by a zombie. At first, I got sick. I thought I was going to die for sure. It was awful.”
Nadia’s voice was hushed but steady while she spoke, and he’d never felt prouder. He moved up behind her shoulder to lend his silent support.
“But, I didn’t die. Instead, I got better. It was a miracle. Or so I thought at the time. That night, my boyfriend...he...I kissed him you see, and that night he turned. Everyone died. Everyone except Donya and me.”
“Don't forget Harry. He died later, but might still be alive today if it wasn't for what happened. Everyone died because of her,” Donya said. She pointed an accusing finger at Nadia. “She killed them.”
“That’s right,” Nadia replied with a lift of her chin. “I killed them. But it wasn’t my fault. I didn’t know, and I would never have hurt them on purpose. You can’t put that on me anymore, Donya. I won’t let you.”
“Won’t let me?” Donya gasped. “Why you―”
Martin stepped up and raised his hand. “That’s enough.”
She glared at him but closed her mouth.
“Does anyone else have anything to say or ask?” Martin asked.
Josh shook his head in denial, though he looked intrigued.
“I do,” Jed said. “So, you’re a carrier but not a zombie. That right?”
Nadia nodded.
“Are you dangerous? To us, I mean?”He motioned to everyone gathered.
“Not if you’re prepared.” Donya laughed at that, but Nadia remained firm. “I’d have to bite or kiss you or get blood in you through a cut or something. As long as you stay away from me, you’ll be safe.”
“Why didn’t you say something before?” Caleb asked.
“I couldn’t,” Nadia admitted. “I didn’t want you all to look at me like I’m a monster.”
They all looked at her in silence until Logan said, “Is that it? Can we get down to business now?”
Martin nodded and stepped forward again. “Now that you all know about Nadia, is anyone pulling out? I, personally, don’t think it matters. She’s a strong, capable girl, and I’m happy to have her with us.”
Logan shot Martin an approving look and added, “She’s going nowhere without me, for the record.”
Jed shrugged and shook his head. “It makes no difference to me. She’s welcome to tag along if she carries her weight.”
“Fine by me,” Josh added.
Donya snorted and folded her arms.
Caleb looked at Nadia for a long moment before he said, “This doesn't change anything.”
Logan fought the urge to roll his eyes. “Great. Now that everyone’s had their say, can we get going? Except her, of course.” He pointed at Donya. “She’s made it clear how she feels about Nadia and would o
nly be a liability.”
“What?” Donya cried. “A liability?”
“He makes a good point. You have a problem with Nadia, that much is clear. There’s no room on this trip for personal vendettas, despite your words to me earlier.” Martin said.
Donya pressed her lips together, “I won’t stay. I need to go.”
“Why?” Logan asked. “Why other than to get your chance at Nadia?”
“Because I have family there, and I’m hoping to find them.” Donya swallowed, and for the first time looked a little vulnerable. “I know it's a long shot, but I'm willing to take that chance.”
Logan let his disbelief show in a sneer. “You expect us to believe that? How convenient.”
“It’s true.” Nadia surprised them all by speaking up in defense of Donya. “She spoke about her aunt and uncle often enough.”
Donya didn’t reply but nodded in tight-lipped agreement.
Martin looked at her. “Are you willing to set aside your troubles with Nadia for the length of the trip?”
“I am.”
He turned to Nadia. “Your call.”
Logan squeezed her shoulder, silently willing her to say no, but in typical fashion, Nadia nodded after a brief moment of hesitation. “She can come.”
“Then it’s settled,” Martin said. “Now we’ve wasted enough time on this as it is, so let’s get going.”
“On that, at least, we’re agreed,” Logan said. “Nadia’s with me in the Landie. We’ll follow you.”
“We’re going in the double cab truck over there, so I can take four. One will have to go with you guys.”
Caleb opened his mouth, but Logan jumped ahead of him. “Josh, wanna lift?”
Josh shrugged. “Sure, I’m in.”
“Great. Throw your gear in the back.”
With those final words, they loaded up the extra fuel, supplies, and gear Ada had procured for them and set off in silence. Holding the wheel of the Landie again after so long was bliss, and a frisson of excitement rippled down Logan's spine. Finally. I'm going home.
Chapter 9 - Michael
After Rebecca left, Michael stood guard for another hour, watching as dusk turned to night. The light faded at a rapid pace, helped along by thick banks of clouds that rolled across the heavens and obscured the stars. A stiff breeze picked up, and the smell of rain lingered in his nostrils.
A storm, Michael thought. I wonder what the camp's up to? Nombali, Dr. Lange.
Footsteps warned of someone approaching, and he turned. A man he'd seen hanging around Ke Tau before stopped a short distance away and regarded him. He was Indian, his eyes pitch-black and emotionless. Michael thought he remembered his name. Hiran.
“You’re Michael?”
“I am.”
“Ke Tau wants to talk to you.”
Without saying another word, the stranger turned and strode back the way he came. After a second’s hesitation, Michael followed. They walked toward the barred gates of the compound which stood open a crack, and past the lounging guards. They eyed him with interest, but nobody asked a thing. It was better not to ask too many questions in this place.
Once through the doors, Michael was hit by a wall of warm air. His skin flushed as blood rose to the surface, while his nostrils flared to pick up the many smells in the air. Sweat, blood, tobacco, and urine. A fetid mixture overlaid by the stench of fear and food.
They walked through the foyer and across the lobby to the old dining room where Ke Tau reigned supreme from the head of a crowded table. The man lounged in his seat, an empty plate in front of him, while around him his men laughed and feasted on the food spread out before them.
Women moved among the diners carrying food and drink while more pretty young girls hovered in the background. A cloud of tobacco smoke overhung it all and shrouded the figures of the participants.
Michael’s stomach cramped at the sight of so much food being wasted, and saliva flooded his mouth. He ignored it, though, and edged closer until he was inside Ke Tau’s field of vision before he paused and lowered his head as a sign of respect. It was an emotion he didn’t possess for the ruthless leader but was willing to fake for the sake of the mission. Nothing was more important than the mission. Nothing.
Hiran moved to the seat on Ke Tau’s right-hand side and sat down. There he took a sip from a glass brimming with amber liquid, his cold eyes still fixed upon Michael.
“Ah, Michael,” Ke Tau said waving him closer. “Come sit. Eat. You must be hungry.”
Michael bobbed his head and endeavored to look grateful as he chose an empty spot right on the end of the table closest to the door. “Thank you, Ke Tau. Indeed I am.”
Ke Tau’s single right eye glittered. “You’re not unhappy with my hospitality, I hope?”
“Of course not, Great Leader. I'm most thankful.”
Ke Tau smirked, the jagged scar across his face twisting like a live snake. “Good.”
Michael cautiously reached for a cup and waited while a woman scurried over to pour an opaque liquid in it. The smell of fermented beer reached his nose, and he fought to keep his expression neutral as he took a sip. The thick, creamy brew had a sour taste to it that he didn’t enjoy but dared not refuse. She placed a plate of food in front of him, meat and bread, before hurrying away once more.
“So, I hear you wish for a more prominent role in my…” Ke Tau paused for effect, “...Kingdom.”
“I live to serve, and I would like nothing more than to prove my loyalty to you.”
“Your loyalty, yes.” Ke Tau regarded him before turning to Hiran. “What do you think, my esteemed friend?”
Hiran shrugged. “It’s your decision, but perhaps he could be given a chance to prove himself.”
“Perhaps.” Ke Tau played with his knife before snapping his fingers in the air. “A companion for our guest.”
From the bank of young girls who hovered in the background, one broke free and hurried over. She bowed her head, eyes downcast as she made her way to Michael’s side.
Michael ran his eyes over her body, noting the thin shoulders and hollow cheeks. In his estimate, she couldn’t have been more than eighteen. His stomach roiled at the thought of what he might have to do to her to prove himself, but he kept a straight face.
“Like what you see?” Ke Tau asked. “She’s yours for the night.”
Sensing it was a test, Michael played the part. He looped an arm around her middle and pulled her onto his lap. She didn’t resist as he ran a finger up her sleeve and over her threadbare shirt, sitting still while he fondled her small breasts.
Around him, the men roared in appreciation while Ke Tau offered a small smile. “I’m glad you like her. Enjoy the rest of the night.”
“Thank you.” Michael smiled and reached for the food on his plate, anything to give him an excuse not to touch the girl further. He gripped a piece of the meat and placed it in his mouth. It had a strong taste, rich and fatty, and he had the immediate suspicion it wasn’t beef or pork or mutton.
With care, he chewed and swallowed, going back for more. All while keeping an expression of enjoyment fixed on his face. He interchanged big bites with swallows of the rancid beer and made sure to pay the proper attention to the girl on his lap. All while Ke Tau watched him with hawk-eyed attention.
After what seemed an eternity, the plate was empty at last. He burped his loud approval and bellowed for another cup of beer. During this time, the party had grown rowdy as the men got drunk. More and more of the girls fell prey to groping hands while the food was removed in favor of more liquor.
At last, Ke Tau raised a hand for silence, and the effect was immediate. He stood up and pinned each man in turn to his seat with that baleful white eye before saying, “Tomorrow, I’m going on a hunt. Who, I wonder, will go with me?”
Cheers of approval did the rounds, and eagerness shone on the men’s faces. Michael sat up straight, his gaze trained on the leader. After a suitable pause, Ke Tau continued. “I have chosen
the ever faithful Hiran, the brave Boipelo, clever Carlito, strong Mosi...and the newest addition to our ranks, Michael, to join me.”
Those chosen beamed around the table, chests puffed out with pride while the rest drank to their health. Once the noise died down, Ke Tau took his leave, dragging a girl behind him with each hand.
“Be ready at dawn,” was his parting words. Words Michael took to heart as he finished his drink and turned to the girl on his lap.
“Where do I sleep?”
“I will show you,” she answered in a soft voice.
She slipped off his legs and led the way on tip-toe, her shoulders hunched against the jeers of those who watched them go. A hand on his shoulders brought him to a halt, however, and he turned to find himself face to face with Hiran.
“Yes?”
“I wanted to wish you a good night.” The man’s eyes flickered from him to the girl and back. “I hope you make full use of your master’s gift.”
“I will be sure to,” Michael replied. “But is he not also your master?”
Something dangerous flickered in Hiran’s eyes. Something cold and treacherous. “Be careful on the morrow, Michael. It’s a dangerous world out there.”
“I’ll be sure to watch my back.”
Hiran offered a half-smile before he turned and disappeared into the crowd. No doubt to plot and scheme.
“Show me where to sleep,” he once more told the girl, and she hurried to take him to a secluded corner in the back of the house.
It couldn’t be called a bedroom. It was a tiny nook in a larger room cordoned off by a threadbare curtain and contained nothing more than a thin mattress and even thinner pillow. It was clean, though, and Michael hardly cared about it after being awake for more than twenty-four hours.
“This is where you sleep?”
The girl nodded.
“And here?” he indicated the rest of the room, lined with pallets similar to hers, all cordoned off with makeshift curtains.
“The other girls sleep here too.”
He nodded and guessed they’d be along soon when the men grew tired of drinking. It's like a brothel.
“What’s your name?”
“Mpho,” was the soft answer.
Live Another Day (Dangerous Days - Zombie Apocalypse Book 4) Page 7
