The gunman kicked Decker in the ass.
“Shut up and keep moving,” he said.
Decker. He was the man Sato had been talking about. She lost sight of him as they passed and then they stopped in front of door C-5. The dog was panting hard and whining.
“This gonna take long?” the man asked. “Think my dog’s dehydratin’.”
“No. Not long at all, Mr. Cooper. If you can assist me with escorting this young lady inside, you can run along.”
“Alright, then.”
Sato appeared in front of Noelani and stood next to the door. He removed a keycard from his pocket and smiled at her. She cursed at him through her taped mouth.
“So you’re the older sister of our young inpatient? How fortunate. I’ve been unable to test pathogen replication in similar DNA hosts, so this will be most interesting. Epigenetically speaking, we can alter genomes, but—”
“Dr. Sato,” Cooper said. “I have to go.”
The dog whimpered. Its long white tongue hung from the side of its mouth like a dead snake.
Sato closed his eyes and nodded. “Sorry, Mr. Cooper. I get carried away sometimes.”
He turned and pressed a button near the card reader, activating a small display screen. The other side of the door was clear, but something was lurking in the corner of the room. Sato studied the shape closely.
“Excellent. Mr. Cooper, would you mind? Quickly now.”
Cooper winked at Noelani as he grabbed her wheelchair from behind. Sato swiped his keycard and pulled the door open. She was rolled inside the room, the door slamming shut behind her. The stench inside the room was suffocating.
Noelani screamed and shook in her chair until she saw the shape of a young boy cowering in the corner.
Nathan! It was him. It was really him!
Her brother stood and turned to face her. He slowly raised his head.
Nathan?
Her brother’s dark yellow pupils found her. Blue veins snaked across his face and arms and then he curled back his lips. Saliva dripped from broken teeth protruding from brown rotten gums.
Noelani screamed, rupturing her vocal chords. Zip-ties cut into her skin as she tried to break free.
With a piercing screech, Nathan leapt into the air, landing on top of her. Oxygen burst from her lungs and the wheelchair tipped over, spilling them to the floor.
She smelled the rotten decay of Nathan’s breath as he bit into her face, ripping off her nose and lips. Her wide, terrified eyes looked into Nathan’s gore filled mouth, swallowing pieces of her.
The last sounds she heard were Nathan’s inhuman grunts and snarls, the tearing and chewing of her flesh and somewhere in the deep recesses of her mind, her mother’s voice: have you found your brother?
THIRTY-ONE
Jake’s cell door opened, and Harding walked in. He drew his Glock and motioned for Jake to stand. Cooper wasn’t with him.
“Where’s your butt buddy, Harding?”
Harding’s jawline rippled.
“Perimeter check. In case you’re thinking of trying something, don’t. I got no problem with you, Decker. I’m just doing my job.”
By the look in Harding’s eyes, Jake didn’t think he would pull the trigger, but he had no intention of testing him. Not yet.
“You know, Harding, you remind me of this time on my first deployment. Koa and I show up at the FOB and usually guys are all stoked to see a dog, but they didn’t want anything to do with him. Turns out there was a stray dog in camp that had pups. The guys adopted them, gave them names. The CO didn’t like that—he was worried about disease. While the platoon was outside the wire, the CO had a veterinarian come in and euthanize the pups. The guys were crushed, freaking out, and you know what? The vet said he was just doing his job, too.”
Harding didn’t say anything more after that. He waved his pistol for Jake to step outside. “Let’s go.”
Muffled cries came from the end of the corridor. Dr. Sato was pushing a young woman in a wheelchair. Her mouth was duct-taped. Cooper and Odin were with them. A cold-blooded smile crept across Cooper’s face.
Jake almost went for Harding’s gun, but Harding seemed to read his mind and increased the distance between them. He motioned for Jake to keep moving.
The woman’s eyes were terrified and shiny with tears. Her long black hair was stringy from sweat and caked with dirt. She looked up at him as she rolled by and screamed through her duct-taped mouth. Jake’s heart went out to her, but he had his own problems at the moment.
“Where you are taking her?” He demanded.
Dr. Sato wore a satisfied smirk on his face.
“Family reunion, Mr. Decker. You’ll see for yourself soon enough.”
Jake watched the back of the woman’s head as Sato wheeled her down the corridor. They stopped in front of C-5, the same cell where that thing scared the piss out of him.
Harding kicked him in the ass. “Shut the fuck up. Keep moving.”
Jake realized what it must be like for a man on death row, walking to his execution on unsteady legs. Harding kept his gun pointed at Jake’s back the whole way. He didn’t say a word until they arrived at the kennel house and badged them in.
“After you,” he said.
They entered to find Geddon with Dr. Levski and Montoya already there. She nodded slightly and looked away. As expected, Levski was there to put Koa down if she refused.
Geddon walked up to Jake and looked him straight in the eye.
“You just couldn’t listen, could you, Decker? All you had to do was stay the fuck out of my tunnels like I told you and you’d be packing to go home right now—with your dog. But you should feel lucky. Montoya begged, even threatened me to let you say goodbye. In consideration of your exemplary service, I agree it’s the least I can do—before I send you back to Sato.”
Jake’s hands trembled from holding back his rage. He had to stay focused.
“At least none of you sick fucks will ever touch my dog again.”
“I understand exactly how you feel. A hero dies but once, as they say… You may hate me, but I have a lot of respect for you, Decker. Your selfless dedication is a trait I personally admire. It’s what will make our country great again after sending the jihadist scumbags to hell. The world will be a much safer place.”
“I’m not a religious man,” Jake said, “but if there is a hell, then surely you’ll end up there with them. All of you.”
Geddon nodded. “It’s gonna get a lot more crowded soon. I can promise you that. Now, let’s get on with this.”
He motioned to Montoya and Levski. Jake followed them to Koa’s kennel while Harding kept his gun pointed at Jake’s back. Koa was lying on his bed, awake and alert. Jake noticed both his bowls were empty.
“Let me give him some water first,” Jake said.
“No chance. We’re already behind schedule. Montoya.”
Montoya held a small black satchel, a death bag, containing syringes and euthanizing drugs. She cleared her throat.
“Jake, I thought it would help if you knew what the process is. It’s a two-shot method, and physically at least, it’s quick and painless. The first is just a little sting that will put Koa to sleep. The second shot, which he’ll never feel, will cause cardiac arrest in under a minute.”
Jake sneered at Geddon and Levski. “You should put them down instead. Make America great again and the world a safer place.”
“I’m so sorry,” she said.
Montoya opened Koa’s kennel, and Jake went in first. Montoya kept her distance, staying by the gate. Koa growled, knowing something was up. Even if he tried, Jake couldn’t hide his stress pheromones. Koa could smell them a mile away.
“Easy boy,” he said. “That’s it.”
His heart hammered as doubt crept in. Maybe he couldn’t go through with this after all. Jake reached for Koa’s collar, expecting him to bite, but he didn’t. Looking over his shoulder, Jake nodded for Montoya.
From her bag, she remove
d a syringe labeled medetomidine, a strong sedative. Jake held Koa down as Montoya applied the shot in his hind leg. Koa jerked and snapped at her.
Jake held him down. “Whoa, it’s okay, boy. It’s okay.”
After a few minutes, Koa put his head down. Jake petted him as he drifted off to sleep in his lap. He rubbed the back of his hand over the beauty mark on the side of his head and said goodbye.
Dr. Levski suddenly appeared behind them like a white-coated grim reaper.
“I hope I not intrude. Just observe everything, okay?”
Jake glared at him. “Get the fuck out of here, Levski. Or I swear to god you’re next.”
Levski held up his hands but remained close enough to watch. Montoya reached into her bag and pulled out the second syringe: pentobarbital. She used her finger to feel along Koa’s chest and find his heart. She looked at Jake. He nodded.
Montoya pushed the needle into Koa’s chest, plunging the syringe’s contents into his heart. Koa never flinched. She pulled the needle out and put it back in her bag. She put her hand on his shoulder. It was done.
Jake stood and faced Geddon. Through clenched teeth he said, “I want his ashes scattered in the ocean, not dumped in a fucking garbage can.”
Geddon looked at Dr. Levski for confirmation. Levski nodded that he was satisfied. Jake wanted to strangle him until his eyeballs popped from his sockets.
Montoya stepped forward and touched Jake’s arm.
“I’ll take care of it, Jake. It will be handled respectfully. I promise.”
Jake bowed his head, barely hearing her words.
“Outstanding,” Geddon said. “We’re done here. Harding, take Decker back to his cell and notify Sato.”
Harding raised his pistol at Jake just as the kennel house door slammed open.
It was Cooper and Odin.
THIRTY-TWO
The second Cooper walked in with Odin, Jake could tell there was something wrong with the dog. Odin’s tail and posture alerted that he was in a heightened, agitated state. And now his eyes seemed more amber than before, almost yellow, and his tongue was white—a sign of infection.
“Looks like I missed the party,” Cooper said. “We had some company up at Battery 407.”
“Christ,” Geddon said. “What happened?”
“I gave Dr. Sato-san an early Christmas present. We took care of it.”
Cooper saw Koa on the floor with Montoya at his side. He nodded to Jake.
“Decker, for what it’s worth, he was a good dog and you’re a good handler. He was lucky to have you.”
“You know where you can stick your condolences, Cooper.”
Cooper shrugged as if he expected that. He looked down at Odin. The dog was panting hard and whining.
“Like I told you the day you arrived, this here’s a real Landshark. Best dog I ever had.”
Levski walked toward Cooper, studying Odin closely. “Perhaps you should put muzzle on Odin. Remember what we talk about?”
“Sure, I remember, but he’s thirsty as hell… Hey, you sure them caps you put on are good and tight? They don’t leak or nothin’?”
“Cooper!” Geddon said. “Do what Levski says and get a muzzle on that fucking dog. He’s a loaded weapon.”
Odin growled at the tone of Geddon’s voice and his tail rose higher in the air. Cooper gave Odin a pat on the head. “Easy now, Colonel. You’re upsettin’ my dog.”
Levski’s face became ashen. “We must muzzle him immediately.” There were muzzles hanging outside every kennel. Levski rushed to grab one, spooking Odin by his sudden movement. Odin snapped, biting Levski’s hand.
Levski flinched, holding his hand. “Fuck! I’m bit!”
“Restrain that dog!” Geddon yelled. “Cooper, get him in his kennel. Now!”
Odin snapped at Levski again, wanting another piece of him. Cooper pulled back on his leash with both hands. “I’m trying. Zit!”
But Odin wouldn’t sit, not after Levski bent over and let out a painful shriek. Everyone backed away.
Geddon turned to Harding. “Shoot Levski right fucking now!”
“Sir?” Harding looked scared shitless.
“Do it! Right now!” Geddon ordered.
Levski’s head popped up as blue veins stitched across his face. He held up his hands. “No, don’t shoot. I’m okay!”
“Shoot him, Harding!”
“No, I’m fine, I say!”
Levski was not fine. He began jerking, shaking, and foaming at the mouth. His eyes began turning… yellow.
Harding double-gripped his pistol and took aim at Levski. Odin lunged for the gun, chomping Harding’s wrist.
The gun went off, striking Geddon in the shoulder. “Sonofabitch,” he hissed, sliding to the floor.
Harding screamed and Cooper yanked on Odin’s leash to no avail. Suddenly, Levski jumped at Harding and bit him in the neck, taking a chunk out of his throat. Harding gargled in agony, falling to the floor.
Cooper’s eyes grew big. “What the fuck?” He drew his sidearm and shot Levski through the skull. Blood and brain matter painted the wall.
Odin recoiled and lunged for the new gun—Cooper’s. His dog bit into his arm with a snarl and began thrashing, shaking his head. Cooper howled with pain.
With the path now free, Jake reached for Montoya’s hand. She was thinking the same thing. “Let’s get the fuck out of here!”
But Geddon shoved them aside, sending Montoya crashing and made for the exit.
“Hey—” Jake yelled after him.
Jake pulled Montoya up and they ran for the door. Jake stopped and looked back.
While Odin was ripping Cooper’s arm off, a new sound rose above the fray. Jake would know it anywhere.
Koa’s bark.
Just as they had planned it, the second shot Montoya had given Koa wasn’t pentobarbital. It was epinephrine—pure adrenaline, and it revived him just in time.
“Jake, come on!” Montoya yelled.
Koa barked again—rapid, machine-gun barks that said he was ready to throw down. Odin let go of Cooper’s arm at the sound of Koa’s challenge. He ran between Cooper’s legs and disappeared into Koa’s kennel. Sounds of primal fury erupted and round two of their dogfight was on.
“Jake!” Montoya yelled again.
He couldn’t leave. Not now.
Harding got up off the floor.
He was turning, yellow eyes, blue veins crawling under his skin like worms. He shuffled toward Jake with his mouth stuck open, teeth clacking uncontrollably. Harding was not only fucked up; he was hungry!
“Goddammit, Jake, come on!” Montoya yelled, yanking on his shirt.
Jake couldn’t leave Koa, not with these fucking monsters. He started for Koa’s kennel as Cooper looked up, holding his arm. He was turning, too.
“Looks like my number’s up, Gimpy.” He smiled as his face became a spiderweb of varicose veins. “But not till I find out what you taste like.” A dry cackle escaped his throat.
Just then the whop-whop-whop sounds of a helicopter came from outside, then another. Jake looked up and turned to Montoya.
“They’re here. Go find Geddon and Sato!”
Jake shoved her out the door and pulled it shut. He had to help Koa but realized he was unarmed. He searched for a weapon, something heavy. A flat-blade shovel leaned against the wall. Jake grabbed it and went to war.
Harding was almost on him. Jake rammed the shovel into his gaping mouth, crushing his teeth down his throat. He pulled back and swung at Harding’s head. It connected with a solid clang! Harding hit the deck and didn’t move.
Cooper bull rushed him. Jake rocked him in the head with the shovel, severing his ear. It knocked him off balance, but Cooper kept coming. Jake swung again, but Cooper caught it and yanked on the shovel, pulling Jake closer.
He grabbed Jake by the shirt, opening his mouth wide. Jake cringed, shoving Cooper back, sending him sprawling over Harding’s body.
Jake ran for Cooper’s Glock on the flo
or. He grabbed it and spun around. Cooper was coming. Jake double-tapped two rounds into Cooper’s chest. It slowed him down, but he still kept coming!
Jake aimed higher and pulled the trigger. Cooper’s head blew apart and the rest of him dropped to the floor like a fifty-pound bag of dog food… Jake’s eardrums rang, and the acrid smell of gunpowder filled his nose.
The dogfight raged on. Koa and Odin were like a tornado of snapping teeth and slashing claws. Jake took aim but had no shot. They were moving so fast he might hit Koa.
Suddenly, Koa slipped and Odin pounced, gaining the advantage. Odin went for Koa’s throat but got a mouthful of carbon fiber stuck in his teeth.
Odin twisted away to get free, exposing his neck. Koa snatched Odin in his jaws and shook the Mal savagely, crushing the life from him until he moved no more.
Jake grimaced. Seeing two dogs fight to the death was awful, but the sound of Odin in his dying throes made Jake’s skin crawl.
Whimpering, Koa rolled up off the floor and went for his bed but stopped short. He was hurt and began licking his wounds, lying on the fur-and blood-covered floor.
Jake put the gun in his waistband and went to him. He was bit up bad: nicks and cuts in his snout, a deep gash in his nose. Chunks of hair were missing.
“Damn, bud. That was a hell of a scrap.”
Jake needed something to stop the bleeding. He stood and ran to the food station and found a towel. He made it wet and grabbed a spare. He ran back to Koa.
And froze.
Drooling saliva and a rumbling growl spilled from Koa’s mouth. He stood, exposing his teeth as his eyes locked onto Jake. He came closer, just like in Jake’s dream, metal claws scraping the floor like knives.
“Koa,” Jake whispered. “No… Down… Stay down.”
Koa was no longer a dog; he was a prowling monster on the hunt, ready to kill. It shook Jake to his core. Koa crouched, curled his lips back and lunged.
Jake fired.
The bullet ripped through Koa’s chest, flipping him backward. He landed on his side and no longer moved. Stunned, Jake stared at Koa’s lifeless body as the gun fell from his shaking hand.
Jake fell to his knees. “Koa…”
Landshark Page 17
