Kate could see the concern in his eyes, and she wished it wasn’t there. She didn’t like how the way he was looking at her made her feel… weak… pathetic. Kate could take care of herself. She had before, and she could do it again.
“I know it will,” Kate said as she pulled her shoulders back. She pushed everything out of her mind and forced her shell back into place.
With everything that had happened… Rosalie, the deaths, Joel… it had caused her to lose her focus. It was easier when all Kate had to worry about was herself, but now she couldn’t stop thinking about Laura and her kids.
She wouldn’t ever admit it to anyone, but she couldn’t stop worrying about Ethan. And Tommy and Wayne too. Kate had been out there beyond the safety of the fence, but they hadn’t. They weren’t ready. She wasn’t even sure if she was ready.
Even though they wanted to go, deep down, Kate felt that if anything happened to them, it would be her fault. But they didn’t have a choice. She knew it deep down in her gut, without a doubt, that if they stayed, things would only get worse.
Before they even got back to the fence, the church bells sounded. Kate and Ethan stopped and looked at one another. The look on Ethan’s face was the same as Kate’s, and she was certain he was having the exact same thought she was… to run.
18
Kate noticed movement in the corner of her eye and saw Tommy and Wayne approaching.
“Seems a bit early for mass, doesn’t it?” Tommy asked.
“He can start whenever he wants,” Ethan grunted.
Tommy shrugged. “He usually waits until sundown.”
They headed toward the church. Kate watched as people came out of their buildings and hurried down the road.
The bells were ringing at a normal steady pace and not the frantic speed as they had the last time. Even though Kate didn’t enjoy any of Simon’s masses, she hoped that this one would be free of drama and spectacles.
Kate was almost certain she could feel anxiety in the air. She wondered if it had always been like that, or if the townspeople were becoming more aware of what Simon was really like. Kate wouldn’t have ever guessed that Tommy and Wayne had wanted out and she’d been working with them for a long time. Perhaps everyone was hiding their true feelings.
When they stepped inside, the pews were already filled. People sat shoulder to shoulder, and others stood along the sides. Kate was perfectly happy to stand at the back. The closer she was to the exit the better she felt. Of course, there were always at least two guards positioned inside the church at the exit and another small group outside. Getting past them would be difficult, but for Kate, not impossible.
Wayne stood to Kate’s left and Ethan to her right. Tommy was on the other side of Wayne with his arms crossed. Kate covered a yawn as she scanned the crowd looking for Laura and her kids.
It was too bad she hadn’t been able to find Joel, but even if she had, she wasn’t sure what she would have told the mother. All Kate was sure of was that those kids didn’t belong inside the fence. They probably didn’t belong outside it either, but inside had to be worse.
“The whole town’s here,” Ethan whispered.
“Not that whole town,” Kate muttered.
Ethan looked at her with narrowed eyes, but after a second his eyes widened, and he nodded knowingly.
“Better they aren’t here,” Ethan said.
“Maybe not if Simon notices.”
“They’ll get a pass.” Ethan glanced back at the door as it was closed. “He’s always extra kind to the new folk.”
Kate shook her head. “I wonder if Joel would agree with that.”
The bells stopped ring and Simon stepped out from the small door at the back of the sanctuary. He held his palms up high in the air as he made his way to the lectern.
“Good evening,” Simon said, his eyes moving over the crowd. He wore a welcoming smile, but Kate knew what he was really doing was taking attendance. “I’d like to start with a prayer.”
Kate zoned out while the crowd in the pews mumbled along with Simon’s Our Father. She wondered if Simon had actually ever attended a mass before the disease wiped out the majority of the population.
The mass moved rather quickly and had been event free, right up until the end as Simon was about to dismiss everyone.
“If I could have your attention before you leave,” Simon said as he clasped his hands in front of his chest. “I have an announcement to make.”
The crowd settled back down. It felt as though the oxygen disappeared from the room as everyone sucked in a deep breath.
“Thank you,” Simon said. “As you know, we’ve had some trouble over the last few days. We’ve lost many lovely souls, but that isn’t all. I had discovered a small group of people had been stealing from our food reserves, but I would like to inform you that the situation has been rectified.”
Simon cleared his throat and smiled at the crowd.
“With that said, I was forced to send a new team to the east who will now be leading our friends. There may be some changes in the next few weeks.”
“What kind of changes?” someone blurted out.
Kate noticed the corner of Simon’s mouth twitched, annoyed at the interruption. Simon smiled and let out a small amused laugh.
“Depending on their needs, I may need to send some of the people who reside here, to assist our new team to the east,” Simon said.
Mumbles and whispers erupted through the crowd.
“Shhhhh!” Simon shouted, waving his finger so hard it shook his entire body. He was struggling to hide his anger and frustration. The volume of his voice increased. “Do you not want to help our friends to the east? What kind of person doesn’t help when someone is in need?”
The crowd instantly silenced.
“If I call on you to help, you will not deny me. Everyone in this room will do their part if called upon, is that understood?” Simon asked, but no one answered. His face was red as he slammed his closed fist on the lectern. “Well?”
The crowd nodded and whispered their scared yes’s.
“Go in peace to love and serve the Lord and this town which he has saved from the evil,” Simon shouted. His fingertips white against the sides of the lectern. “Organ!”
The woman started playing the song she always played, possibly the only one she knew, but the pacing was off. Occasionally she’d hit the wrong note, but no one seemed to notice or care.
Simon’s robes flew up behind him as he turned and disappeared through the door into the sacristy. Everyone sat there in silence, their bodies jolting when Simon slammed the door behind him.
Kate turned to zip out of the church and down the stairs to beat the rush. She could feel Ethan at her heels.
“Kate,” Ethan said taking several steps to catch up to her. “Dinner?”
“Sorry?”
“Can I come with you to dinner?”
Kate looked at him, her head tilted to the side. “Why? Need to keep an eye on me?”
“And if I do?”
Kate shook her head. “I don’t need it.”
“I feel better if we all stick together,” Ethan said glancing over his shoulder. Kate looked back and spotted Tommy and Wayne following close behind.
Kate released a quick sigh. “I was just going to grab something and find a room.”
“You can stay with me,” Ethan whispered. “You should stay with me. It’s safe.”
Kate looked into Ethan’s eyes. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but she really wanted to be alone. If she stayed in Ethan’s room again, maybe it would be another night with little sleep, and Kate really needed to catch up on her sleep.
“If it makes you feel better, you take the room. I’ll find something else,” Ethan said.
Kate shook her head. “I couldn’t do that. Look,” she said turning toward him. When she met his eyes, she lost her words. “It’s fine. I’ll stay with you.”
“Great,” Ethan said with a small smile. It seemed as tho
ugh he could tell she hadn’t really wanted to stay, and that she was giving in to avoid an argument. It didn’t seem as though he cared. “Let’s grab some food and head over.”
They were the first ones to enter the cafeteria, but it felt as though the entire town was behind them. The smell of overcooked baloney filled the air, but Kate doubted they were serving anything that would even mildly resemble lunch meat. Kate grabbed several packaged goods, and Ethan did the same.
Tommy and Wayne stayed behind to grab a plate of hot food. They wished them a good night as they walked by them. Kate weaved her way through the crowd and back up the stairs with Ethan a step behind her.
They stepped out of the church, and as they were about to cross the street, Simon called out to them.
“Kate. Ethan,” he said waving them back. Kate sucked in a breath as she turned to head in his direction. “How is the fence coming along?”
“It’s going to be another day,” Ethan said.
“Really?” Simon said his mouth dropping open into fake surprise. “The other groups estimated it would take them a week!”
Ethan glanced at Kate. He flashed Simon a wide smile. “Guess that shows you how efficient we are.”
“Mmm,” Simon said looking back and forth between them. “You two sure have been spending a lot of time together lately.”
“Not really,” Kate said. “You catch us when we just happen to be together.”
“I see. Funny though, all the time you’ve been here, I can’t recall ever seeing you two together outside of work. Well, anyway,” Simon said nodding slowly. “Did you enjoy mass, Kate?”
Kate pressed her lips into a tight smile and blinked her eyes. “Of course.”
“What was your favorite part?” Simon asked.
Kate’s muscles contracted. “It was all so wonderful, it’s hard to choose.”
She wanted to tell him, the ending pretty much sucked, but she managed to keep the sweet expression on her face.
“We are in this together, aren’t we?” Simon said. “It’s important that we all stick together even in hard times.”
“Of course,” Kate responded.
“The poor souls are upset and frustrated about their losses. I don’t blame them. I too am upset,” Simon pressed his palms together. “I recently lost my dear, beautiful sister.”
Kate’s mouth felt dry.
“Well, I don’t mean to keep you. It looks like you two have something exciting planned,” Simon said glancing at the food in their hands.
“No,” Ethan said shaking his head as he let out a small laugh. “Just a quick bite before catching some sleep. Early morning for us tomorrow.”
“Will it be?” Simon grinned and winked at Ethan. “You know, I’m going to keep you guys on the fence project for a week as well as the others. I really want the townspeople to see how dedicated I am to keeping them safe.”
Ethan shook his head. “We won’t need a week.”
“I understand that,” Simon said. The muscles in his neck jutted outward as he leaned closer to Kate and Ethan. “But pretend that you do. Work slower. Help me show my people.”
Kate bit her cheek and nodded.
“Of course,” Ethan said. “Whatever you want. I just didn’t want The Unholy to build up their forces too much.”
“If they do,” Simon said cocking his head to the side, “Kate will take care of them.”
Simon laughed and looked at Kate and Ethan as if they should also be laughing. Kate smiled.
“Go on, go on,” Simon said lightly touching their back as he turned them away. “Go enjoy your night together.”
Kate was tempted to turn around and correct him, but her desire to get away was too strong. Just because they were walking together and sharing a room together didn’t mean that they were having a night together.
They jogged across the road and up the hotel stairs. The door to the room Kate had spent most nights in was closed. Laura had locked her family inside, and Kate couldn’t blame her. If she were in the woman’s shoes, she probably would have done the same.
Once Kate and Ethan were inside Ethan’s room, Kate let out a heavy breath. She sat down in the chair at the small, lopsided table and rested her face down on her crossed arms.
“You okay?” Ethan asked.
“I’m fine.” Kate’s words were muffled by her arms. She wanted to tell Ethan how much she hated Simon, but she was afraid the words would find their way to Simon’s ears.
The possibility that they may actually get to leave was still there, and Kate didn’t want to do or say anything that might jeopardize that opportunity.
“You want to try the other bed tonight?” Ethan asked as he opened a package and bit into the bar. “It might be more comfortable.”
“No, thanks though,” Kate said raising her head up. She would have kept it down longer, but her stomach wouldn’t let her.
Ethan sat on his bed, resting his back against the headboard, as he stared across the room toward the window. He looked as though he was lost in thought.
Kate tried not to look in his direction as he noisily lowered himself down. The bed creaked and squeaked until he settled into place.
“I’ll help you find a new room tomorrow,” he said closing his eyes.
“Oh, um, okay,” Kate said, the disappointment in her voice surprised her.
Ethan’s eyes popped open. “If you want that is. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. I just know how you feel, not to mention it was obvious how much it bothered you when Simon accused us of spending a lot of time together.”
“It didn’t bother me,” Kate responded quickly.
“Yeah, it did,” Ethan grinned, but there was something in his eyes she couldn’t quite put her finger on.
“Well, only because I don’t really think my life is any of Simon’s business.”
“Is that really all? You’re in such a rush to get away from me.”
Kate’s eyes widened. “It has nothing to do with you, I just like to be alone.”
“Still feel like you can’t trust me?” Ethan said raising his head up on his elbow.
“I don’t trust anyone. I’ve told you that.”
Ethan lowered himself back down. “Yeah, yeah, if only there were something I could do or say to get you to see.”
Kate opened her mouth but was forced to snap it shut when Ethan abruptly ended the conversation.
“Good night, Kate,” he said sharply as he turned over onto his other side.
19
Kate had finally slept that night even after her argument with Ethan. She wished she could trust him, but she just didn’t have it in her. It didn’t have anything to do with Ethan... it was her problem.
Since the day they met, Ethan hadn’t been anything but kind and good to her. If things had been different, he was the kind of guy she would have liked in her life. But before the disease, guys like that didn’t want to have anything to do with girls like Kate.
They all wanted adventurous, outgoing girls who liked going out to bars and clubs. But those things were at the top of Kate’s ‘Please Kill Me Now’ list.
Kate liked sitting at home, ordering in, and reading a book. The most adventurous thing Kate did before the disease was landscape painting.
If old Kate met new Kate, it probably would have killed her. She chuckled at the thought.
“What’s so funny?” Ethan asked not even attempting to cover his grumpy tone.
Kate tried to come up with something, but she went with the truth. “I was just picturing what it would be like if the current me met up with the me from before the disease.”
“And it’s funny?”
“The old me loved long baths and watching movie marathons.” Kate smiled at the image of herself in her mind.
“That’s hard to believe.” The corner of Ethan’s mouth turned up into a half-smile.
“How about you?” Kate asked.
Ethan cocked his head to the side. “What about me?”
His smile faded away. “I’m not sure. The old me was an asshole… I’d imagine a lot of people if they knew both versions of me would think the new one hasn’t changed much.”
“No one thinks that about you!”
“Yeah, they do,” Ethan said scratching the top of his head. If Kate had to guess, it seemed as though Ethan didn’t like talking about himself, or at least the old version of himself. “We should probably get out to the fence. You want to leave first, and I’ll come out ten minutes later?”
“What? No,” Kate said shaking her head. “I think you were right.”
Ethan narrowed his eyes. “About what?”
“Us assholes need to stick together.”
Kate looked up into his eyes, and he grinned as he looked away from her. “You aren’t even close to being an asshole.”
“You’re the only one that knows that, don’t let it get out.”
“You can trust me,” Ethan said as he stepped away from her and toward the door. He opened it and gestured for her to exit. “Movie marathons, huh?”
“That’s right.”
Ethan sighed. “Sounds pretty awesome to me.”
Kate bit her lip to stop the smile that was threatening to form. She wondered if old Ethan and old Kate would have gotten along, but I guess that didn’t matter. Old Kate wasn’t ever coming back.
Kate, Ethan, Tommy, and Wayne spent most of the morning sitting around looking at the fence. Now that they had more days to finish it, they decided to spread out the work. If anyone came along, they’d make it look like they were actually working, but no one came by. Thankfully, not even Simon.
Kate sat on the ground picking out single blades of grass and peeling them apart as she stared out beyond the fence. The guys were discussing whether or not they could get away with taking some of the supplies from the cafeteria with them. After a lengthy discussion, they decided against it. They didn’t want to do anything that might look suspicious.
“Maybe we’ll never get out of here,” Tommy said wrapping his arms around his widespread knees. “He’ll just come up with excuse after excuse to keep us inside.”
Falling Darkness Series - A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller - Books 1-3 Page 12
