“I have, yes, which he’s graciously submitted to, but what if I need more?”
“It’s his decision, Doctor, and he’s volunteered to fight already. Besides, he’s not a human pincushion!” Dee said, sending the unfortunate scientist an angry glare. Aiden whispered in her ear, and she sat back with a huff, not willing to be mollified. “He’s got Nadia, doesn’t he?”
“Unlike Nadia who’s a carrier, Aiden is unique. His blood doesn’t act as host to the virus like hers does. He’s actually immune. His blood kills the virus. He survived it. Don’t you know how extraordinary that is?” Dr. Lange said, leaning forward in his chair, eyes gleaming. “He is the key to the vaccine!”
“I’m sorry, Dr. Lange, but I’m going,” Aiden said.
“So am I,” Dee added.
Dr. Lange slumped, hands covering his eyes. “God help us if something happens to you. You could be the key to our survival, and you want to toss it away?”
Aiden hesitated. “The Captain needs fighters, Doctor, and Dee and I are among the best. We’re doing this for our friends and family.”
“You’re set on this course of action?”
“I am.”
“But―”
“I’ll keep an eye on him for you, Doctor,” Kirstin volunteered. “We all will.”
“Kirstin!” Max said. “You’re going?”
“Of course. They need me, Max.”
A muted argument broke out between the two, augmented by more whispered comments flashing to and fro between the rest. Breytenbach let his head fall back, trying to ignore the creeping headache forming in his temples.
A hand tugged at his arm, and he looked over into Jonathan’s earnest face. “Captain, can I speak to you in private?”
Breytenbach sighed, wondering what more could go wrong. “Fine.”
He got up and followed the young doctor into a corner. “What is it?”
“Your blood work came up mostly normal,” Jonathan said. “But I must urge you to abandon this plan of yours to lead the attack. Whether you like it or not, your heart is not what it was after your illness, and your other symptoms point to irreversible nerve damage, not to mention your high blood pressure.”
“But if I drink my medication, I’ll be fine, right? Both my heart and my blood pressure can be kept under control with the pills, can’t they?”
Jonathan hesitated. “In theory, yes, but much can go wrong. Both conditions could worsen, and then I hope for sake you’re close to help and not out fighting a young man’s battles.”
Breytenbach shook his head. “I hear you, Doc, but I’ve got to go. I can’t sit around like a useless piece of shit while my family needs me.”
Jonathan raised his chin. “Exactly. They need you, and now you’re abandoning them. I hope it is worth the thrill in the end.”
Breytenbach readied a retort, his anger rising to meet the sarcasm in Jonathan’s voice, but the doctor ignored him, turning on his heels to exit the room. He was left feeling pissed off as he stared at Jonathan’s back.
He surveyed the room filled with arguing people and raised his voice until it boomed over the rest. “Okay, that’s it. Enough debate. The day after tomorrow the evacuation begins. I will lead a diversionary force on Hiran’s stronghold while the rest go through the town and wait for us at a designated rest stop. Any objections?”
He eyed the collected people, daring anyone to say a word.
Nobody spoke.
“The plan is good. The element of surprise is on our side, and we have Michael to guide us. If we do this right, we shouldn’t sustain any losses. Kirstin and Aiden, I can’t tell you what to do. It’s up to you to decide whether to join my team or not, but make up your minds quickly.”
“I am in,” Kirstin replied, and this time, Max remained silent.
“So am I,” Aiden replied. “I will, however, give Dr. Lange more blood before I go.”
Dr. Lange shook his head. “I suppose I have no claim over you. I cannot stop you.”
“That’s right,” Aiden replied.
“Welcome to the team,” Breytenbach said. “Now remember. We’re all in this together. Fighting among each other won’t get us anywhere. We are all responsible for ourselves, and if we work together, we can do this. Agreed?”
Solemn nods did the rounds.
“Right,” Breytenbach said. “Everybody sorted? Can we behave like civilized people now and go in peace?”
Murmurs of assent rose.
“Great. See you all later,” Breytenbach said, preparing to leave.
Max brushed past him, still walking off-kilter due to his injury and said, “Nice speech. Good luck getting it past my mother, though.”
“I know,” Breytenbach replied with grim despair. Julianne would never fall for it, and he dreaded the coming confrontation. “Guess I’m off to face the music.”
“Good luck,” Max replied.
Breytenbach strode out into the cold evening air and paused, taking in a deep breath. The others drifted off to attend to their posts and relieve those before them while a few lucky ones got to grab some sleep.
He crossed the grounds toward his home, knowing Julianne would be there, fuming. Along the way, he nodded at Mike who’d been appointed inside the camp to safeguard against any further sabotage. It was the best they could do until the culprit was found.
As he spotted the cottage they shared, he slowed, anxiety flooding his veins. “Well, this is it, but I’d rather face a herd of angry elephants than that little lady.”
As if she’d heard him, the door opened, revealing a taut and stressed-looking Julianne silhouetted in the light. “Are you coming in or not?”
With a big swallow, he nodded. “Of course.”
She disappeared inside, and he followed with wary caution. Let’s get this over with, shall we?
The room was warm and silent, and he spotted the sleeping figures of Meghan and Sam almost immediately. Julianne handed him a cup of tea before sitting down on a chair and waving at the chair opposite her. “Sit.”
He obeyed, sipping the warm sweet tea gratefully.
Julianne’s blue eyes pierced his. “Is the plan going ahead?”
“Yes.”
“With you as leader?”
“Yes. I’m sorry.”
She closed her eyes. “Just tell me why.”
“I…”
“And don’t lie to me. No platitudes.”
“I need this, Julianne. I’m going crazy watching everyone else risk their lives for me. For you.”
“Your heart,” she objected with a pained look.
“It’s a risk I have to take.”
“Why you? You’ve risked so much already, done so much for us. Isn’t it enough?”
“No. It’s not.”
Julianne dropped her face into her hands. “When will it be enough, Christo?”
“I…I don’t know. It’s hard for me, Julianne. I’m a soldier. Always will be.”
She raised her gaze to his. “I don’t know if I can live with that.”
“I know, but…give me this last chance. Please. Let me do what I can one more time. After that…I’ll give it up,” he pleaded.
She sighed, staring at him for a few seconds. “One last time. If you can’t give it up then…”
“I know.”
Chapter 18 - Michelle
Michelle glanced at the digital display of her watch, noting the time.
Four in the morning.
Time to go.
She stood up from her spot on the couch and smoothed a hand over her clothing. Everything was in place. Both she and the children had bathed, eaten, and played games the night before until ready for bed.
At three, she’d awoken to the soft beep of her alarm. Within the hour, she was dressed and ready to go, their belongings packed while the children still slept. They didn’t have much. According to Breytenbach’s orders, each person was allowed one pack or bag of medium size. All other belongings and supplies had to be surrender
ed the night before and loaded onto the supply trucks.
As quietly as she could, she lifted the bundled up figure of Jenny from her bed and carried her outside through the front door of their cottage. The child stirred and uttered a brief moan before settling down again, and Michelle sped up the pace. They needed to hurry, and time was of the essence.
Torches lit the grounds, and people rushed around, carrying out their final tasks and inspections. It was bitterly cold, and within seconds her fingertips were frozen, and her breath fogged out of her mouth in puffs of white cloud.
In the parking lot, other people were already loading their personal belongings into their designated vehicles. Whispered instructions were passed along, and Breytenbach waved around a clipboard as he and Julianne oversaw the evacuation.
Tallulah, newly pimped out as an ambulance stood ready to go, was staffed by Hannah, Dr. Lange, and Jonathan. The only other occupants were Erica and Tumi with their young babies, while Mike acted as their driver.
Michelle spotted the big school bus and hurried over. She clambered up the steps and found Nombali tucking a sleepy Meghan and Anne into their seats underneath a warm blanket. Each had a toy backpack at their feet.
“Morning, Nombali,” she said, hurrying over to prop Jenny into a chair across the aisle. “Can you watch her, please? I need to fetch Mark and the dogs.”
“Sure, no problem.”
She rushed out again, nearly ramming into Cat who herded another group of children toward the bus. With a brief hello, she slipped past and ran back to her bungalow where Mark still slept unawares.
Two more trips saw both children installed on the bus with their personal belongings, as well as Princess and Buzz. Ruby and Lonny were there too, and Michelle exited the bus to see if her help was needed elsewhere.
It wasn’t. The evacuation was well underway. A couple of trucks loaded with the camp’s supplies stood ready to go already. They’d be driven by Dave and Abe respectively. Phillip was just about done loading his own vehicle and trailer with their crops and gardening supplies, while Joseph drove another one filled to the brim with various materials and Lucas as his sidekick.
“Are the kids inside the bus?” Julianne asked, walking over.
“Yes, all of them.”
“Good. We’ll be leaving shortly.”
“Is everything okay?” Michelle asked, noting the deep grooves that lined Julianne’s face.
Julianne hesitated. “Everything’s fine with the evacuation. Things are running smoothly.”
Michelle remained silent, sensing there was more the woman wanted to say.
At last, Julianne continued, her voice taut. “I’m just worried about Christo, you know? And all the others going to fight. It’s so dangerous.”
“I know. I worry about them too, though I guess it’s worse for you.”
“It’s just a horrible situation. I’ve lost so much. So many loved ones. We all have,” Julianne said, her shoulders sagging.
Michelle nodded. “You’re right, and I can’t help but wonder if by this time tomorrow we’ll all still be here. I’m afraid.”
“So am I.”
“But I have to be strong for the kids, and for them, I’d take on the world,” Michelle said. “They are my world.”
Julianne sighed. “My children are everything to me, and you’re right, of course. For them we have to push through. No matter how tough it gets.”
“We do,” Michelle agreed.
They stood in silence for a few seconds, listening to the crickets sing in the night until Julianne reached out and squeezed Michelle’s hand. “Thank you for looking after our children all the time. I don’t think I’ve ever told you that.”
“It’s okay. I love them, and they love me. They’re my reason for living.”
Julianne smiled. “You’re a wonderful person, Michelle. Never change, please.”
Startled, Michelle stared at the older woman. “Thank you.”
Julianne turned away. “Time to get going, I guess.”
“Do you need help with anything?”
“No, we’ve got things in hand, thank you,” Julianne replied. “You might as well get out of the cold.”
Michelle nodded. “All right.”
Julianne left her then, intent on finalizing the preparations.
Michelle lingered, watching the people split up into their designated groups.
All the cars looked a bit different with their windows covered in mesh, and bull bars on the front. Each one also carried a small cache of fuel, water, food, and weapons.
The team chosen to carry out the diversionary attack would drive in their own armored vehicles. With Breytenbach at the helm, Ronnie, Lenka, Lisa, Kirsten, Liezel, Donya, Dee, Aiden, and Michael formed a respectable fighting unit, and Michelle prayed there’d be no losses.
Two other cars besides Tallulah would follow the bus through town, ready to lend support in case of trouble. The first was a minivan carrying Max, Sean, Peter, Thembiso, Ryan, and Jonathan. The second was Logan’s Land Rover. Martin, Josh, and Jed were accompanying him, and all were armed to the teeth in case of trouble.
The attack itself would happen at dawn, and the rest of the convoy would wait for them to catch up at a designated spot.
When it seemed departure was imminent, Michelle turned to leave but paused when a voice called out to her. “Michelle, wait!”
She turned in the direction of the sound and saw Lisa running toward her. “Hey, Lisa.”
“Before you go, I wanted to give you something.” Lisa fumbled at her belt and produced a pistol in a holster. “Here. In case you need it.”
Michelle eyed the gun with reluctance. “I…no thanks, Lisa. You know, I don’t like guns.”
“I know. But I also know you’re in charge of a busload of kids, Michelle. Children who rely on you to protect them.”
“Yes, but there are others on the bus too. People who are better fighters than I am,” Michelle protested.
Lisa reached out her hand and grabbed Michelle’s wrist. “You can’t always rely on others. Besides, you’re not a victim anymore. You’re a strong, capable young woman. Take it.”
Michelle stared at the pistol. Maybe, Lisa was right. Perhaps, she wasn’t that scared young girl from before. Can I do it? Can I shoot someone to protect Jenny or Mark?
The answer was yes.
“I believe in you, Michelle. You’ll do the right thing when the time comes,” Lisa said before turning away. “See ya!”
“See ya,” Michelle repeated in a faint voice, cradling the pistol like a newborn baby before buckling it onto her belt. “For Jenny and Mark.”
She boarded the bus minutes later and immediately smiled. It felt like home, filled with the chatter of over excited kids and the smells that accompanied them. The scent of baby powder and candy.
Liz sat at the wheel, her stern gaze flitting over Michelle before softening into a half-smile. “Hi, there.”
“Hey.”
Julianne sat behind Liz with an open map while Elise sorted out a box filled with water, fruit juices, and snacks. Cat, Nadia, Vera, Danielle, and Nikki occupied the back seats and watched over their younger members; Lucy, Kerry, Tessa, and Juan.
Michelle gave them a friendly wave before making her way toward Mark and Jenny. Nombali was there too, keeping an eye on Meghan and Anne while cuddling the mewling Samantha.
Ruby eyed her in silence, still distant after their talk about the chickens. Michelle guessed the girl blamed her for going to Breytenbach with the story, as well as her suspicions regarding Lonny and the keys she’d carried in her pocket that day.
Lonny, at least, appeared to carry no grudge. He flashed her a quick smile before turning back to his sister and tucking a lock of hair underneath her hood. He was very protective of her and she of him. Not that Michelle could blame them. They were all the other had and blood was thicker than water.
She sat down and pulled two dog treats out of her pocket. Each contained a sedative
, and should be enough to keep the animals calm on the trip. After feeding the treats to Buzz and Princess, she settled them onto a blanket with a bone each to chew. After a few minutes, the meds kicked in and they fell asleep.
Michelle sighed with relief. One less problem to deal with. “Thank you, Jonathan.”
With everyone in their spots and taken care of for the moment, Michelle turned her gaze outward. Liz started the bus with an audible roar of the engine, and its lights lit up the scene in a bright yellow glow.
Dawn was still far off, though Michelle could see a slight lightening in the sky on the distant horizon. She looked back at the place they’d called home these past months, and a sense of sorrow filled her. She didn’t know what awaited them at St. Francis, but she did know what she was leaving behind.
“I’m going to miss it too,” Nombali said, accurately guessing her thoughts.
“Yes, I was happy here for a time.”
“We all were.”
One by one, the vehicles switched on their engines and moved into position. The two fighting trucks first, followed by Tallulah, the school bus, minivan, supply trucks and finally, the Landie.
Figures spilled out of the two front cars and opened the gates. The convoy began to move, exiting the inner camp in a slow procession. Once they reached the outer gates, Michelle sucked in a shocked breath.
Infected filled the fields outside the moat, their shuffling figures as inexorable as death itself. They clamored at the barrier and fell into the ditch, filling it with their rotting bodies. There were as many as she’d ever seen in one place together. No wonder we have to leave.
She realized how sheltered she’d been all this time, tucked away inside her school room. Her right hand felt for the gun at her side, and she gripped the handle with fresh determination. I’ll do what needs to be done. When the time comes.
Once again, the fighting trucks stopped, and people got out to open the gates. A barrage of gunfire cleared the area immediately around the barrier, and it was quickly dragged aside.
Muffled gunshots popped as more infected swarmed in, a plague of locusts intent on feeding. She held her breath as her fellow people ran back to their vehicles, barely making it to safety in time.
Dangerous Days: Boxed Set (A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Thriller Books 1-4) Page 79
