“Zooks.” McBride washed a hand over his weary face. This was possibly the last thing he needed. “We’ve got to show a presence in the town.” Perhaps with authority figures in sight people would calm down and stop going to pieces.
“Why? There’s no point. People aren’t going to stay. They’re scared, and nothing is going to calm them down.”
“What about the uppers, are they—”
“No one is coming to help, especially not our superiors.”
McBride and the men under his employ referred to the Genetics Board as the uppers since they were like a class unto themselves. “Aren’t they going to try to contain whatever this is?”
“We aren’t the only town to have this issue.”
“There are more?” Every nerve in McBride’s body vibrated.
“All over the globe.” After another long beat of silence, Quintus added, “Apparently, we are one of the much later cases to have cropped up. It’s a mess, boss, and I don’t see any way to put the lid back on it.”
The news was devastating. Their world had already undergone a drastic shift once. McBride didn’t think they could survive another. “But do we know what it is?”
“No, and we won’t, not with all the lab people panicking and fleeing right along with the rest of the folks.”
In the background, McBride heard the strangled sounds of controlled chaos. He imagined everyone was taking what they could and going—“Where is everyone going?”
“They don’t know. I’m not going anywhere since this seems to be everywhere. But I think I’m one of the few who doesn’t see the point of running.”
“Come out to my farm.” McBride respected Quintus as an officer and a man, especially now that in the midst of pandemonium, he was keeping his head. He always managed to sound calm and focused. Quintus would be a good man to have around during the upcoming trials.
“Are you sure?” Quintus sounded stunned by the offer.
“It might just be the perfect place to weather the storm.” They talked for a bit longer about what he should bring then cut the call. McBride turned toward the doorway, intent on telling everyone what he’d just learned, but he changed his mind and settled back at the window. There was no point in ruining everyone’s last night of peaceful sleep. Soon enough they’d know that the world had changed forever. Again.
THE END
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Reading, writing, and white-water rafting are the three things Anitra Lynn McLeod enjoys the most. You can visit her at www.AnitraMcLeod.com.
For all titles by Anitra Lynn McLeod, please visit
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Ollie Morgan [Seven Brothers for McBride 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove) Page 12
