by Nikki Landis
Relief coursed through me. “Thank you Mal, thank God.”
“Don’t cry anymore, sweetheart. I’ll see you get away unharmed when the time is right.”
He spoke in an urgent whisper, squeezing me lightly.
“Please be careful. Darren is no fool. If he suspects anything, you will all be killed. I fear he is more than a danger. I think he is going crazy. Promise me you will watch your back. A storm is coming and it’s going to be bad,” I warned.
“I know. I sense it too. We will have to act before anything else happens. Bringing you here was the last straw for many of us. Kidnapping an innocent pregnant woman? That’s too much. And then those militia soldiers…” He trailed off.
The reminder sent a shiver of disgust through my body. “I know. You should go before Darren returns.”
“I will. There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you. All of those months ago…before you left with Alec, why…why didn’t you ask me to leave with you?” The open hurt and vulnerability in his voice made me cringe.
Stunned, I stared at him. Oh how different things would have turned out. The answer was more complicated than we had time for. Darren could return any moment.
“You would have gone with me,” I whispered, “regardless of my being with Alec or not.” I realized suddenly that he was tortured by the thought that I had not asked or even tried to take him with me.
“Of course. I would follow you anywhere Lizzie. All you have to do is ask.”
He put his palms flat against my cheeks, staring into my eyes.
“I may never get the chance to do this ever again. Forgive me Lizzie.”
Before I could respond, his lips were on mine, kissing me passionately. He pulled back quickly and left, pausing for a second to look at my face. I smiled at him and he relaxed. I wasn’t upset. He kissed me because he genuinely cared for me. It was innocent, not intending to bully or overwhelm me.
A kiss of love, selfless, sacrificial, and unattached.
A reminder that I was not alone. Ever.
Mal was a great guy. One of the best I had ever known. He was only five years older than me. I thought of the many times over the years we had spent together. We had guard duty, trained new soldiers, gone on hunting and supply runs, and even slept next to each other on a cold night. I wondered that I never noticed how Mal felt.
If something happened to Alec, if he was killed because of Darren, I had only one person to turn to. Mal. He would see that my son and I were protected. We would not be alone. As much as the thought of losing Alec disturbed me, it also gave me comfort to know I had Mal to lean on.
Darren returned an hour later. He let me go to the pit alone, knowing I had to return. I could not attempt escape. It was futile.
I ate alone, not out of preference, but because no one sat with me. I wasn’t sure why. I was almost finished when Diva came in. It was the first time I had seen her. She looked surprised.
“Lizzie, how are you?” She asked, her eyes taking in my growing belly.
“Pregnant and hungry. You?”
She shook her head. “I guess I’m not that surprised. How is the married life anyway? You love that guy Alec or what?”
Tears came to my eyes. “I love Alec with all my heart.”
I couldn’t say more. My throat tightened up on me.
She didn’t say anything for a few minutes, eating her food. Then she looked at me, her face sad.
“What are you doing here Lizzie? Why did you come back?”
“Are you serious? I didn’t come back Diva. Darren brought me here against my will. Surely you know that already.” I sounded more bitter and angry that I meant to.
“Yes, but I wanted to hear it from you. I don’t listen to gossip. You have my support. I’ll help Slug and Big Dog.”
“Why would you do that Diva?” I asked her, curious.
“There are some things you don’t know about me Lizzie. Things that will help you understand my motivation. May I tell you?” She asked, her voice wistful.
I nodded. “Please.”
“When the bombing happened on K.D., before I joined this group…I belonged to a different camp. They helped rescue me and about a dozen others, mostly women. In my naivety I never suspected the attack. I truly believed they were there to help us. But I was wrong. They attacked one night. Raped us actually,” she paused at my sharp intake of breath and then continued, “I became pregnant and later was beaten. I lost the child. It changed me. I became a hard bitch after that…not letting anyone in. I tell you this because I always considered you a good friend…and I want to help you now. I didn’t have the strength to challenge Darren before, but now I will. It’s the right thing to do.”
Tears were in my eyes. “I count you as one of my dearest friends Diva. I’m sorry for your pain and loss.”
She nodded. “We have all suffered. You and I maybe more than others. I have to go now but know this, your child will be born safe.”
I placed my hand on hers for a second. “Thank you Diva.”
She put her hand against my stomach and my little son kicked. Tears misted her eyes. She nodded her head again and left.
I looked around, wondering if anyone had heard our exchange but no one was paying attention. We had kept our voices low. I relaxed a little, knowing a plan was in action. Hope was powerful. I overflowed with it.
When another day passed, my hope diminished and despair started to creep in. I knew nothing. Darren didn’t tell me about what was going on outside in the world. If Alec was dead or alive, I didn’t know. If he was coming for me, I didn’t know.
But I did know one thing very well: the four walls of Darren’s room and his embrace. He lay next to me every night and held me close. He kissed me often. In his mind, we were together again. I belonged to him, like a piece of property.
Hatred filled me. I despised him for it.
My baby moved often, kicking and happy, oblivious to my suffering. Darren felt him move. He seemed fascinated, resting his hand on my belly often. It always made me cringe. Part of me was afraid he would try to hurt him. It was Alec’s son, not his, inside my womb.
I fought depression on a daily basis. I had trouble sleeping at night, missing Alec, and putting up with Darren. Fatigue set in. I couldn’t sleep deeply, afraid of what Darren may try. I was certain he would have tried to rape me if I wasn’t so far along pregnant. It was the only thing that kept him from me. I saw the desire in his eyes more than once, but he would look at my belly and move away.
Time kept passing by. I was eight months pregnant now. I was supposed to go to my next doctor’s appointment. I had been missing for days. Bored and lonely, the only solace I found was in my daily walk. I was released to go alone, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, even in the cold. It made me feel better. My only reprieve from Darren and his constant attention.
One morning, early, I was out walking when Darren came running up and grabbed my arm, leading me quickly back to base.
The first snowfall of winter had fallen, blanketing the ground in white, followed by an icy chilly wind. I would not be able to venture far today. My walk would be cut short.
“What’s the matter? Darren, what is going on?” I asked, panicked.
“Nothing Lizzie. Get back to my room and stay there. Don’t leave. I mean it.”
He kissed me on the cheek and took off running toward the entrance. I disobeyed him, trying to figure out what was going on. I walked around for several minutes until I made my way back inside to Darren’s room and sat down. Who was attacking the base? The militia? Alec?
Was it Alec?
Just then the bombing started…
Chapter Six: Alec
Alec paced along the forest floor, his boots crunching through the frozen and uneven ground, dead leaves and twigs becoming embedded in the thick treads. He was oblivious to the sound, all his thoughts focused on his wife. How was she? What was happening?
The wait was killing him. Where was Mal? What was takin
g so long? Surely he should have arrived before now. Something must have happened. Too much time was passing. He had been here days. Days. And still nothing.
It was getting late. The sun was almost set. He sighed and kicked at the ground with the toe of his boot in frustration. Turning on his heel, he headed back to the car, nearly out of hearing range when the snap of branches in the distance made him pause.
Alec ducked behind a tree for cover, peeking around the broad trunk. He hoped it was not the militia. Surprisingly it had been quiet around here. He had seen or heard from no one since he took up vigil in the hopes of meeting Mal.
The rustle of leaves told him someone was approaching. He kept his eyes focused on the trees and dead foliage. The wind picked up, blowing in an icy chill, along with a steady drizzle. The clouds grew darker as the last of the day’s light disappeared beyond the horizon. As the night began to descend the sky lightened with a pinkish tint as the first snow fall trickled slowly down.
The flakes landed on his jacket, the lapel, sleeves, and even his outstretched hand. He caught one, pristine and perfect, in his gloved palm. Beautiful. Sparkling. It made him think of Lizzie.
The thought of her sent a sharp pain into his heart. He yearned for her. Ached for her. Missed her. More than he could say. Much more than he could ever describe. A terrible loneliness nearly overwhelmed him. Where was his beloved?
Snap. Alec glanced up, his eyes searching and scanning the area. A man was approaching. He was almost entirely encased in shadow. From this distance Alec could not tell if he was friend or foe. He kept to the shadows. Waiting. Watching.
A tall lanky frame approached and sat on the bench. The man reached under and grasped the metal box, lifting the lid, and removing the single letter. He opened it in curiosity and quickly scanned the contents. Immediately his eyes lifted to search the forest and trees beyond.
Mal.
Alec grinned, stepping out from the shadows and calling to his friend. “Mal!”
“Alec, what the hell?” He asked. “What’s going on?”
They clasped arms in greeting. “Lizzie has been taken.”
Mal shook his head. “Yes, I know. I was coming to find you. Damn, how long have you been here?”
Did he look as worried and grizzled as he felt? Possibly. He needed a shower, a hot meal, and a nice soft bed. But none of that was important. His needs could wait. Not until his wife was securely in his arms would he consider delaying another second.
“Well, more than a few days. Shit Mal, that’s not important. Have you seen Lizzie? Is she all right?” He asked anxiously.
Mal nodded. “Yes, she’s worried and tired. I saw her this morning. I promised her I would seek you out and we would plan her escape.”
Alec felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from his chest. For the first time since she was taken he managed to take a deep breath.
“Well, I’ll have to ask you for help since I don’t know where she is or what kind of security we are up against. We need a plan, and fast, that snowfall is going to trap her inside that bunker and delay us even further,” he explained, glancing at the increasingly heavy snowflakes. They were sticking now to the frozen ground, accumulating at an alarming rate.
“Yes, but there is another issue. One Lizzie asked me to bring to your attention,” he paused and shook his head, “she’s always thinking of others first. She wants us to help stop the bombing Darren is planning against the militia base and hospital. At the very least, warn them.”
“Dammit, before I get her out?”
“Yes,” Mal tugged on his coat, shivering against the falling temperature.
“I don’t think I can do that,” Alec admitted. Didn’t she want him to rescue her? Didn’t she want to see him again? Why the delay?
He brushed aside his thoughts. Lives were at stake. Hundreds of them. Lizzie was right. They had to warn the hospital.
“Yeah well we have to try to warn those people Alec. It is the right thing. And Lizzie won’t be in danger from him if he’s gone preparing for a fight.”
“I know. I just don’t like it Mal. She’s too vulnerable now. What if the militia strikes back? What if they know of Darren’s base? Nowhere around here is safe for her right now,” he pointed out. “Once she is rescued we can’t stay here. The refugees are going to need a new home and new leadership. We need a safe and secure place for her to have the baby.”
“I know,” Mal agreed, “and we will find one. I know of a few places we can check out. We have friends, connections, people who would shelter us if needed.”
“Fine, but no prominent militia bases. No place above ground. This is important Mal.”
“Agreed. Let me contact a good friend of mine. He has no love for the militia or Darren. In fact, he will probably join us and help lead the rebellion if necessary.”
“What’s his name?” Alec asked, wondering if he already knew.
“Ballard.”
He remembered the name. Lizzie said that was how she knew about Haden. She mentioned her and Mal visiting a compound and trying to recruit for Darren. This must be the guy. Lizzie and Mal trusted him. It was not enough for Alec, but a start. He needed to meet the man first himself and decide.
“All right, first we sneak into the base and warn the hospital. Then we seek Ballard and ask for his help. With any luck, we can return for Lizzie before the night is over.” Alec glanced in the direction of the car, walking fast in the freezing night. He was motivated and encouraged now, a firm plan in place.
“I think we should contact Ballard first. He’s a valuable friend and ally.”
“All right, let’s go,” he agreed, knowing they needed the help.
Mal and Alec pulled up in his car only an hour later, approaching the gates of the old warehouse, surround by tall fencing with barbed wire running along the perimeter. Not a place Alec could take Lizzie for the birth of their son. This was entirely too vulnerable.
They exited the car, waving to the guards on patrol. They ushered Mal and Alec in, offering hot coffee from the kitchen. They stood by the large fireplace letting the warmth creep back in to their shivering bodies. The cold was growing more brutal by the second. As night fell, the temperature continued to drop, the snow accumulation adding to the frigid night.
“Malcolm, good to see you son.” A man in his early forties, greying hair at his temples, approached Mal with a grin and a handshake. Middle aged and fit, slightly greying beard, and an average height, he was someone that could have been a father to either Mal or Alec. An interesting thought.
“What brings you here at this hour?” He glanced at Alec. “Who’s your friend?”
Mal returned the smile. “This is Alec but you probably know him as the Reaper.”
Ballard raised an eyebrow. “Nice to meet you Alec. I assume you don’t go around introducing yourself as the Reaper.”
Alec grinned. He liked Ballard instantly. “You assume correctly.”
They shook hands and sat at one of the long wooden tables. “Tell me what is happening gentlemen.”
“Darren is planning to attack the Wright Pat militia base and bomb the hospital,” Mal informed him, “and he kidnapped Lizzie.”
“Lizzie? Is she all right?” He sounded upset but not really surprised which clued Alec in to the fact that Darren’s reputation was well known, at least to Ballard.
“She’s eight months pregnant. I need to recover her as soon as possible,” Alec informed him, watching his reaction closely.
Ballard sat back in his chair and rubbed his chin, deep in thought. “The little lady seems to have more than a couple of admirers.” He glanced at Mal who shrugged noncommittally.
“She’s my wife,” Alec told him, looking Ballard square in the eye. No more mistaken thoughts about that little piece of information.
Ballard chuckled lightly. “Right. So, what’s the plan?”
The three of them strategized for the next half hour and then exited the compound, armed and ready for a fight,
thirty of Ballard’s men in tow. Alec was hard pressed not to charge ahead of the group, impatient and frustrated, and more than ready to find his wife. This was taking entirely too long. If Darren changed his mind, or altered his plan, Lizzie could be in even greater danger.
The militia base was quiet when they approached. The weather had forced most people indoors. The snow had ceased its downfall but left in its wake was several inches of crunchy snow and a bitter east wind. The guards at the front gate huddled inside, warming their hands over a buck stove, oblivious to the men as they snuck in.
Alec, Mal, and Ballard crept along in the shadows until they entered the emergency room entrance to the hospital. It was risky, being here, out in the open, with Alec wanted for treason. He knew Haden had not hesitated to make him an enemy the second he walked out of that office and knocked him unconscious.
He was not afraid, not of Haden, the militia, or any man. Alec was only concerned about Lizzie. But exposing himself so blatantly left him vulnerable to attack and capture. He did not come this far only to end up back in the clutches of the militia or Haden, especially as a prisoner. Where would that leave his wife and child? What would happen to his son?
No, he needed to be cautious. And he needed to destroy some of these cameras. Alec pulled Mal to the side. “I need to cut off those surveillance cameras. If I’m caught they will kill me Mal and I’ll never get to Lizzie.”
He nodded. “Understood. I’m taking Ballard up to the fifth floor. We have a couple of nurse friends up there. I’m going to warn them about the bombing and see what we can do to help.”
“Meet back here in thirty minutes,” Alec ordered, turning and heading in the opposite direction.
He knew the layout of the hospital since the schematic ended up in his office months ago, conveniently around the time Lizzie started volunteering on a regular basis. At least that’s what his secretary thought. And why not? Alec did not owe the militia anything.
He crept along the corridors until he reached the safety office on the first floor. With accuracy and speed he punched in the six digit code that opened the door and slipped inside. The shotgun was already pointing at the three militia soldiers lounging inside the room. Alec knew all three of them.
