“Then why turn people away?” Kate asked.
Mrs. Winston dropped Kate’s hand and took a sharp step back. She looked down at her fingers as if she were checking for something. Kate narrowed her eyes at the woman.
“You’re so cold,” Mrs. Winston said rubbing her hands together.
“I haven’t warmed up since yesterday,” Kate said fighting off a shiver as the memory of The Unholy surrounding her popped into her mind.
Mrs. Winston pressed her lips together tightly as she took another step away from Kate. She let out a slow breath and pressed her palms to her thighs.
“Sometimes we need to turn people away to keep those that are here safe,” Mrs. Winston said. “In any case, when Lincoln returns we’ll go over the results.”
“Okay,” Kate said, and the older woman nodded.
“Don’t look so worried,” Mrs. Winston said. “Everything is going to be fine.”
Kate pressed her lips together tightly trying to form a smile, but she wasn’t sure if it had been successful. Mrs. Winston gave her and Will each a nod before leaving the building.
Everyone was silent. The mumbling of questions had subsided, and now all they could do was wait.
“Was it just me or did she seem to not like me?” Will asked.
Kate had noticed the strange way she’d looked at Will, but she couldn’t even guess why. “I didn’t notice,” Kate lied. “If there was anything, maybe it was because we broke into the office?”
“Yeah maybe,” Will said scratching the back of his neck. “But it was weird, right?”
Maybe the woman had picked up on something with her psychic abilities. Something she wasn’t about to share with either of them.
Before Kate could answer Jasper popped into the doorway breathing heavily. “I think we have a problem.”
“What?” Kate asked worried it might have something to do with Ethan.
“That woman is trying to fight off one of The Unholy,” Jasper said.
“Shit,” Kate said dashing toward the front door. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
Will caught her arm. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”
“I have to,” Kate said already breathing heavily. “That’s Lincoln’s mom.”
Kate ran down the road. She could see Mrs. Winston swinging a blade smaller than her pinky finger at The Unholy in front of her. The creature was at least six foot seven, and its long arms reached out further than Kate thought possible.
She pulled the woman back out of the way just as The Unholy swung toward her. It caught a small piece of Mrs. Winston’s shirt and ripped the fabric.
“Stay back,” Kate said as she ducked another massive swing. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw another heading toward them. “Scratch that. Go on, get out of here. Run.”
“I can’t leave you out here,” the woman said her voice shaking.
“I’ll be fine,” Kate said looking into Mrs. Winston's eyes.
She nodded. “Yes. Yes, you will. Thank you, dear. I owe you one.”
And with that Mrs. Winston bolted back toward the house they’d found Lincoln and his group hiding inside when they first arrived. Kate took a step to the side, but The Unholy was fast. It mirrored her steps as if they were performing a synchronized dance routine.
“Okay, you big goon,” Kate said trying to take a stab at The Unholy. Her blade missed by several inches. His size was throwing off her usual attacks. She wasn’t even sure she’d be able to get the blade where she needed to take The Unholy out.
She took a step back, but her motion stopped. Kate bit back her scream when she turned and looked at the second Unholy with its jaw wide open.
“Ah!” Kate said as she swung the blade around the front of her body twisting at the middle. The squishing sound of her knife entering The Unholy made her stomach twist. She yanked the blade out and pushed The Unholy to the ground. It flopped down like a lifeless doll splaying out its limbs in every direction.
Kate turned forward just as the tall one swung at her again. It grabbed onto her arm and tried to pull her closer. Her feet tangled with The Unholy on the ground and she fell forward into the over-sized creature.
Kate jammed her blade into its side several times, but it didn’t even slow the beast. The black, infected blood leaked out creating a stench that made Kate even more lightheaded than she already was.
The Unholy seemed to curl its lips into a smile as it moved its mouth toward her cheek. Kate’s arm flailed at her side, making random jabs as she tried to connect with The Unholy’s head.
“God dammit,” she muttered as she twisted to the side trying to break free. It was inches away from her when she gathered up her strength, grunted and pushed the thing off of her.
Kate slipped out of The Unholy’s grip but tripped over the arm of the one on the ground. She landed on her bottom with so much force it knocked her onto her back and her knife out of her hand. Her head snapped roughly against the crumbled road.
When her eyes opened, she was staring into the black circles of the huge Unholy beast. Kate’s eyes widened as she tried to scramble backward. Her feet quickly kicked at the ground trying to move her body backward, but she didn’t move.
“Oh, God!” Kate said as she moved her body from side to side. She wanted to scream, but all that came out was a terrified little squeak.
The Unholy stared at her as it moved its head down. Kate wiggled her arm free and socked the creature in the side of the face. The Unholy’s cheek sunk in leaving an imprint the size of Kate’s fist.
It centered and groaned as it started to dive down toward Kate’s neck. Kate opened her mouth to scream, but The Unholy’s head stopped moving.
“Oh, God!” Kate cried out as the creature was yanked backward by the hair. When she backed away, she saw Will standing there holding her knife. He didn’t hesitate to plunge it deep inside The Unholy’s head.
Will pushed the creature over onto his side. He turned to Kate and helped her onto her feet, guiding her down the street. “Whoa. That was nuts. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Kate said.
“That thing was a monster!” Will said looking back over his shoulder. “Did you see that thing? It was huge.”
Kate shot him a look. “Of course I saw it.”
“Right, yeah. I know. Sorry,” Will said shaking his head. “I’ve seen a lot of those things, but never one like that.”
“Must have been a pro basketball player,” Kate said as they stepped up to the house. She saw the curtain swaying and sighed. “Was everyone watching?”
“No. Not everyone,” Will said forcing a smile.
Kate’s brow wrinkled. “Just most everyone?”
“Does it matter?” Will asked reaching out to open the door.
Kate wrapped her arms around her middle. “I guess not.”
Before she stepped inside, she looked down the road, hoping to spot Ethan returning. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought, but there wasn’t anyone there.
Will put his hand on her shoulder and guided her toward the house. “Let’s go inside.”
Chapter 10
It was just before dark when everyone in the living room began complaining about how hungry they were. Kate and Will were waiting in the kitchen avoiding the mob that would break out if they went into the other room. Jasper watched out the window with Nikki at his side.
Kate hugged her knees and stared at the wall. Her palms were sweating even though the temperature in the building was dropping at a steady pace.
“Kate,” Nikki said standing in the doorway.
Will bumped Kate with his elbow and she looked up at Nikki. There was a darkness in her eyes and Kate couldn’t help but feel like she was looking right through her.
“Sorry,” Kate said. “Did you need something?”
“No,” Nikki said shaking her head. “It’s just that… Ethan’s back. They’re all back.”
Kate’s breath felt as though it was stuck in her throat. For a m
oment, she was worried that Nikki was lying, but it only took a second for her to realize it was the truth.
The front door opened and Kate pushed past Nikki. She stepped in front of the door and was face to face with Ethan.
“Hey, Kate,” Ethan said wearing a half-grin. She threw herself into his arms, unable to stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks.
Ethan wrapped his arm around her as he started to close the door. A foot stuck out stopping the door before it could close.
Kate looked up at Lincoln’s face. She couldn’t read his expression.
“I’ll be back after I talk with Mrs. Winston,” Lincoln said looking around the room. “Good luck.”
He closed the door, and the click seemed to echo through the silent room. Ethan jerked his head toward the kitchen and Kate nodded.
The second they were alone, Ethan wrapped his arms around Kate’s waist and pressed his lips to hers. She gripped his shirt tightly and tried to pull him closer even though he was already as close as he could get.
“I missed you,” Ethan said.
Kate couldn’t say the words, but she had missed him too. So much so that she was afraid if she admitted it, she’d break down into a mess on the kitchen floor.
She let out a breath and released her grip. Ethan’s shirt had deep wrinkles where she’d been holding.
“How did things go out there?” Kate asked softly.
“He was pleased,” Ethan said.
Kate nodded as she looked Ethan up and down noticing a cut on his neck. She reached out toward it, and Ethan jerked back slightly.
“What’s that?” she asked crossing her arms.
“It’s nothing,” Ethan said turning to the side as if trying to hide it.
“Ethan, it looks bad,” Kate said.
He waved his hand dismissively. “It’s just a scratch from a tree branch. It’ll heal.”
“I’m sure Lincoln has a bandage or some antibiotic cream or something,” Kate said.
“Kate,” Ethan said sternly. “It’s fine. How about you?”
Kate shook her head. “How about me? What is that supposed to mean?”
“That bruise on your elbow wasn’t there when I left,” Ethan said gesturing toward her arm.
Kate’s brow wrinkled as she twisted her arm to look. There was a big, purplish bruise to the side of her elbow.
“There was a situation,” Kate said.
“What kind of situation?” Ethan crossed his arms.
“Lincoln’s mom was in trouble,” Kate said.
Ethan narrowed his eyes and scrunched up his nose. “Lincoln’s mom? Who’s Lincoln’s mom?”
Before Kate could answer, the front door opened. She could hear that several people were entering the house.
“Can I have everyone’s attention,” Lincoln called out.
Kate and Ethan exited the kitchen and stood in the living room with their backs against the wall. Lincoln and Mrs. Winston stood near the front window with everyone looking at them. Will came down the stairs and stood next to Kate.
“What were you doing?” Kate asked, her voice soft.
“Just having some alone time,” Will said, and Kate scrunched up her nose. “Nothing weird. Just taking a break from all of this.”
Lincoln cleared his throat, and Kate turned toward the front of the room. “Thanks,” he said raising an eyebrow in Kate’s direction. “I’ve had some time to talk with Mrs. Winston about her evaluations.”
“Go on then,” Bonnie urged, and instead of looking annoyed, Lincoln grinned.
“I plan to uphold my end of the bargain. I’ll let Mrs. Winston take over from here,” Lincoln said gesturing at the floor.
“Thanks, Lincoln,” Mrs. Winston said lightly touching his shoulder before taking a step forward. She held out her hands for a moment and then clasped them in front of her stomach. “You’re all lovely people, but as you were informed during your evaluation, we can’t keep everyone.”
She pressed her lips together and looked at everyone in the group one by one. Mrs. Winston hesitated on Kate for a moment longer, nodding before moving on to Ethan.
“Without further delay, would Ned, Sullivan, Claire, and Emily, please step forward,” Mrs. Winston said rubbing her fingers together.
Ned grinned and released a breath as he pushed himself to his feet. He looked as though he’d just won the lottery. The others on the floor started whispering, the disappointment in their tone was quite evident.
“Those standing will not be able to stay,” Mrs. Winston said taking a sharp step back next to Lincoln. “And the dog, he can stay too.”
Kate’s mouth dropped open. Ned reached out to the wall, his knees looked like they were about to give out on him.
“Lincoln, please,” Kate said taking a step forward. “You have to reconsider.”
“The decision is final,” Lincoln said.
“I can’t go out there,” Ned said clutching his chest. “Look at me. I’m… I’m too old for all this. I won’t be any trouble.”
Lincoln held up his hand. “Thanks for your time. I want those who aren’t permitted to stay gone before morning.”
Kate pushed herself off of the wall and grabbed Lincoln by the arm. “Can I see you for a moment?”
“It won’t do any good,” he said moving his lips to her ears. “We made a deal.”
She squeezed his arm, and he groaned. He turned and followed her into the kitchen.
“He won’t make it if he leaves with us,” Kate said turning to face Lincoln. “Please.”
“You’re wasting your time,” Lincoln said, the muscles in his neck tightened. “I wish I could help, but I can’t.”
“What I’ve given you is more than enough to take care of him. He’s just one more person,” Kate pleaded.
Kate and Lincoln both turned when someone knocked on the wall before stepping inside the kitchen. She remembered his name, Garrett, but what she didn’t know was what he was doing in the kitchen.
“I’d like to change places with Ned,” Garrett said.
Lincoln groaned. “It doesn’t work that way. You’re more than welcome to leave, but Ned can’t stay. There is nothing you can do or say that will change my mind.”
“Lincoln, please, I’m begging you,” Kate said, and he held up his palm. She could see the anger filling his eyes.
He slammed his fist on the counter so loud it echoed inside the small room. “He cannot stay. That’s final. If you don’t agree to my terms, you can take them all.”
Kate’s mouth snapped shut, but she didn’t bother to hide the anger from her face.
“Be pissed if you want,” Lincoln said trying to hold back his grin. “But I want you gone by morning.” He walked back into the other room. “Those who stay follow the rules of this town, and if you don’t, you’ll be thrown out. You’ll be fed and taken care of, is that understood by those staying?”
Kate didn’t hear anyone answer, but she could picture them all nodding.
“Good,” Lincoln said before slamming the door behind them, and Kate’s entire body trembled.
Kate gripped the counter with both hands and leaned forward. Her hair swung forward, and she bit her lip, so she didn’t scream out her frustration.
“Um, Kate,” Garrett said, and Kate spun around having forgotten he was even in the room.
“Yes?” she said running her hands down her thighs.
“I really do want to go with you,” Garrett said shaking his head. “I don’t want to stay here.
Kate narrowed her eyes. “Why? You’d be much better off staying here.”
“I don’t trust him.” Garrett’s hair flopped as he shook his head side to side. “I’d rather be with you if that’s okay.”
Kate didn’t know what to say. She didn’t want to lead anymore, that much she knew, but she didn’t want to turn him away. Kate wasn’t free yet, what was one more?
“Whatever you want to do.”
“Thanks, Kate. I appreciate it.” Garrett flashed
her an apprehensive smile. “Anything I can do to help just let me know.”
Kate nodded just as there was a knock at the door. “Would you get that?”
“Yeah!” Garrett said beaming as if he’d gotten a promotion. He raked his fingers through his hair as he walked out of the room.
Kate drew in a deep breath the moment he was gone. It was less than a minute later when Garrett and Ethan came into the room. Ethan raised up his hands. He was tightly gripping a small bag in each.
Kate turned and noticed her backpack was no longer on the floor where she’d left it. At some point, Mrs. Winston must have taken it.
“Our going away gift,” Ethan said. “We give him a large underground warehouse full of everything he could ever need, and we get two bags.”
“That one is mine,” Kate said pointing at one of the packs in Ethan’s hand. She lifted the strap that had gotten a bit singed in the fire.
“Well, better than nothing, right?” Garrett said.
Ethan turned and narrowed his eyes at Garrett. Kate could tell Ethan was wondering what he was doing in the kitchen.
“Garrett’s coming with us,” Kate said without explaining.
“I see,” Ethan said setting the bags down on the floor. He cleared his throat as he looked down at his feet, his eyes shifted upward. “So, when do we leave?”
Kate’s shoulders sunk and she exhaled. “Now.”
Chapter 11
It was almost morning when they were at least several miles from Lincoln’s town. She was surprised at how hard it had been for her to say goodbye to Max, but she knew it had been the best thing for him. He’d be fed and taken care of which was far better than what she would be able to do for him.
Ethan had convinced Kate to let Ned and others rest before leaving. He tried to entice her to sleep, but Kate couldn’t settle her nerves enough to get more than a few minutes.
The ground was still wet from the massive amounts of rainfall which made travel slower. Since they had no idea where to go, they picked a direction at random, south, and continued to walk.
Falling Darkness Series - A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller - Books 1-3 Page 39
