by Bale, Sarah
Harper added, “Hopefully Jeff gets back soon. I’ll feel better once we have the tank here.”
Dave frowned at that. “Nikki is going to be so pissed when she finds out Jeff went by himself.”
We entered the hospital. Kat, Nikki, and Rocco were waiting for us. Nikki’s face fell as she looked around.
“Where’s Jeff and Noah?”
Dave went to her. “It’s not bad. We found a tank, but there wasn’t a trailer. Jeff volunteered to drive it back. Noah is here, working.”
She hit him in the chest. “You let Jeff go alone?”
Dave shot me a grin. “See?”
Kat asked, “Did you find anything useful out there?”
Grey caught them up on what we’d found at the pawn shops and at the armed forces center, even mentioning Paige and the three men she lived with.
“Think they’ll come here?”
“I’m not sure. One of the guys looked pretty rough.” I paused. “We also caught one of Air’s men. Have him locked in a barn and Noah is taking the first watch.”
Rocco said, “I’m going to join him. Always better to have two heads instead of one on a mission like that.”
Kat asked, “The guy? Did he say anything?”
“He said a lot. Some information we already knew. The group he’s with is very unstable.”
“What does that mean for Daisy?”
I frowned. “As much as I don’t like it, it might work out in her favor.”
Kat shook her head, too. “I don’t like it, either, Boss. I think we should try to get her.”
“We will. We just need everyone to be ready.”
She narrowed her eyes, but didn’t say what was on her mind, which was probably a good thing. I wasn’t sure if I could listen to her rant right now. Oh, she’d probably voice thoughts I’d had myself, but I needed to think this through. One false move and Daisy would die.
Grey said, “I think we need to start gathering everyone. Let them know what’s happening.”
I nodded. “We need to send a messenger to Marshall’s camp and let them know he’s okay.”
Grey replied, “I’ll do it.” Kat gave him a look and he said, “Woman, you know this is something I have to do.”
Again, she didn’t reply. Her glare said it all.
I asked, “Has anyone checked on Cooper today?”
Kat replied, “Jo and Norm have been with him most of the day. He- he still doesn’t believe that Amos is dead.”
That was unsettling, especially after he’d seen Amos’ head on a pike.
“I’ll talk to him after I take a nap. Tell everyone that we’re meeting in the morning.”
Grey asked, “You going to your room or to the extra room?”
“Extra room.”
As far as I was concerned, that room wasn’t home unless Daisy was there. With a nod, I left walked away from everyone. My entire body ached from lack of sleep, which was a blessing and a curse. Blessing, because I was too tired to worry about Daisy. And a curse because I wasn’t sure how long I’d be able to last like this. But I had to stay strong. Daisy’s life depended on it.
6
Elijah
Something tapped my boot and I jerked awake. Grey stood at the foot of my bed.
I sat up, heart pounding. “What is it? Has something happened?”
“Didn’t mean to scare you. You slept more than twelve hours. Thought you’d want to get up for this meeting.”
Rubbing my face, I said, “Fuck. I didn’t mean to sleep that long.”
“It’s understandable. You’ve been under a lot of stress.” He paused. “I went to Marshall’s place while you were sleeping. Not everyone there is wanting to help us.”
My stomach fell. We needed every able body to help fight. We’d do it for them, if they needed, so it really pissed me off that they didn’t want to help us.
“How many do?”
“Twenty. But they want to know what you’re going to do to pay them back for their help.” He shook his head. “Marshall was pretty pissed when he heard. Wants to go back home and talk to them, but Marianne wasn’t having it.”
I asked, “Did anyone show up today?”
“Cafeteria’s full.”
That was promising, at least.
“Give me ten minutes.”
Grey said, “Hope you’re going to shower. You’re starting to smell.”
Rolling my eyes, I went to the bathroom to clean up. My thoughts went to Daisy. Was she okay? Had she been hurt? Was she wondering why we hadn’t come for her yet? Guilt made my stomach churn. By the time I left the room, I was borderline sick.
When I reached the cafeteria, I stopped. Grey hadn’t been kidding. The cafeteria was full. Several people even stood in the back. It was nice to see so many friendly faces. I made my way to the front, where Grey and Dave stood.
Dave handed me a mug of coffee. “Look like you need it.”
“Thanks.” Turning, I said to everyone, “Thank you all for coming here today.”
A man in the back called out, “Sounded important.”
“It is. As you know, we were trying to get rid of another group who followed my brother into the City. Our trip to Lawton to find weapons was unsuccessful.”
Someone else said, “Gathered as much after those fuckers burst through the gates and hurt a lot of people.”
“They hurt the women who went to the airport as decoys, too.”
Kat and Nikki sat together at a table. Their bruises were reminders that we had failed them and Daisy.
Nancy asked, “What exactly happened to Daisy?”
I flinched. “She went out there to end this with Air and his group. Told him she would submit to death.”
There were gasps throughout the room.
“He didn’t kill her, though. And now he has her.” I paused. “I fear he’s going to use her as a pawn.”
Nancy’s hand went over her heart. “Oh dear god. We have to get her back, Boss.”
“That’s why I’ve asked you all here. Air has shown what kind of rules he plays by and we should all be afraid.” I met the concerned gazes of my people. “We have to end this. Now.”
Grey came to my side. “We were successful in getting some weapons. Enough that we’ll be able to make an impact. But we have to be smart about this.”
Dave added, “One of my guys is on his way back with a tank, too. Should be here tonight or tomorrow.”
“How can you sit there, not doing anything? By tomorrow, it will be four days since Daisy was taken,” Marianne exclaimed. “We need to be out there, looking for her!”
Marshall, who sat next to her in a wheelchair touched her arm, murmuring softly.
Her voice broke as she spoke, “If it were me, I’d want to know everyone was doing everything in their powers to get me back.”
Her words struck me directly in the heart. She was right. I should be doing more.
Dave said, “We understand your concerns. We all wish we were doing more, but we have to be smart. It’s snowed twice since she was taken. All tracks are gone. And, while we have an idea where she’s at, we also don’t know what kind of weapons they have.”
Marianne wiped a tear. “I’m sorry, but I disagree. I think we should go out today and look for her.”
I nodded. “I agree with you.”
Dave cursed. “Eli, this is-”
I turned to him. “Don’t act like you wouldn’t be out there if Nikki was gone.”
He dipped his head once. “Fine. But we need to be smart about this.”
Grey replied, “I think it’s time we pay Samson a visit.”
“I agree.” I said to everyone, “We leave at noon. Everyone stop by the main barn to get a weapon and ammo.”
It was rash to leave before Jeff arrived with the tank. I knew that. But I couldn’t sit here while Daisy was out there. Everyone stood, talking amongst themselves. Marianne made her way to me.
“Boss, I didn’t mean to sound disrespectful, but Daisy
’s been so nice to me and I- I can’t just sit back and not do anything to help her.” She shook her head, “She’s the closest thing I have to a friend around here and this just brings up a lot of bad memories. It’s almost like losing my sister all over again.”
Marianne had only mentioned her half-sister a handful of times since I’d known her. All I knew was that she had died in Atlanta, soon after the outbreak began. Marianne had never forgiven herself for not being there, with the rest of her family, when it happened.
“I appreciate that, Marianne. And you weren’t disrespectful. You were only voicing my own thoughts.”
“I want to go out there with you today. I want to help get Daisy back.”
My eyebrows lifted. It was hard to believe that this was the same person who had betrayed me a year ago. I found myself nodding.
“Get your coat. It’s cold out there.”
She gave me a smile before leaving. Dave tugged my arm, looking like he had a lot to say.
“I mean it, Eli. We have to be smart out there. We’re only getting one shot at this.”
“We’re going to do this and get my girl back.”
Dave gave me a tight smile. “I hope so, man.”
“Let’s go see what Samson has to say today.”
Outside, the sun was out, but it was still cold as hell. We reached the old barn. Harper and Andrews stood in front of it.
Harper said, “He’s been bitching all morning about being cold.”
“Did he say anything else?”
Harper shook his head. “Nothing useful.”
I opened the doors. Samson squinted his eyes as we entered.
“Think any more about our offer?”
He swallowed. “I can’t go back. You have to believe me.”
“The only thing I believe is that you’re a piece of shit.”
He nodded. “I am. I can admit to that. Just don’t make me go back, please.”
Dave asked, “Can you draw a map of the mall and surrounding area? Show us where the guards are?”
“Yes. I can do that.”
Grey untied Samson’s arms. He flexed his fingers before taking the pencil Grey offered.
“The ones here and here have rifles with scopes. They switch posts two times a day, usually at noon and when the sun goes down.” He drew some more. “This is where we entered the building. I’m not sure if there are other ways in. Part of the roof has collapsed, and the upper level is full of the Dead. We were able to barricade them, so they can’t come to the first level, but there’s no telling how long the barricade will last.”
He continued to draw, showing us where the tents were down to the number.
“There. That’s everything I know.”
I smiled. “We thank you for your help.”
The look of joy on his face was replaced by terror as I pulled my knife out. In one swift movement, I slit his throat. He gurgled and wheezed as he fell to the ground. Blood pooled around him and I felt a sense of relief as I watched his eyes lose focus. When he was gone, I pushed my knife through his temple, ensuring he wouldn’t join the Dead. He was granted that bit of mercy from me.
Turning, I grabbed the map.
Dave said, “Thought you were going to send his body back to Air?”
“I’m done playing games. It’s time to get Daisy back.”
We went back to the hospital and reviewed the map until we had it memorized.
Dave said, “Everyone stay sharp. We only have one shot.”
We left in two groups. Grey led one while Dave and I led the other. We’d changed our radio frequency, hoping Air wasn’t scanning the channels.
I said to Dave, “If we get a chance to take Daisy without killing Air then we need to do it. I need her safe and protected and that means getting her far away from those fuckers.”
Dave nodded. “Agreed. We can always kill them later.” He paused. “But if I get the chance, I’m going to take it.”
I would, too.
We drove for thirty minutes in silence. The mall came into sight. Five men with guns patrolled one entry, just as Samson had said there would be. I pulled over, parking behind what used to be an old fast-food restaurant at the edge of the mall parking lot. We’d go in on foot from there.
Dave said, “They aren’t very smart.”
I wasn’t buying it, though. Samson said there were more men patrolling. We just had to find them.
“Grey, send men around the back.”
Grey came back over the radio. “On it.”
It was risky using the radios, but at this point it didn’t really matter. We were already on top of them. They had no way out.
I said to Dave, “Let’s do this.”
We moved along the side of the building, staying in the shadows as much as we could. Dave pointed and raised his gun with a scope, shooting a man on the roof. The man fell down, never standing again.
The entrance came into sight. My heart pounded in my chest. We were so fucking close-
Gunfire rang out from inside the mall. Dave met my gaze, eyes wide.
Grey came over the radio, “Boss, get the fuck in here! We have eyes on her!”
I ran, not caring that gun fire rang out all around me. Daisy!
Daisy
Gunfire jarred me from my sleep on the floor. Air stood next to me, screaming out orders as I tried to process what was happening. My brain didn’t want to work, though. Who was firing? And why was Air yelling?
“Grab what you can. We’ll use the tunnels!” He pulled me to my feet, ignoring my cries. “Come on, lady. We’re getting you out of here.”
His nails dug into my skin. The gunfire got closer and I could hear voices. Elijah! He’d come for me! I snapped into action, jerking away from Air, not caring that his nails tore my skin, and took off running. I made it ten feet before he tackled me from behind, shoving me onto the hard, tiled floor. Crying out, I pushed myself to my feet, trying to get away. He grabbed my arm again, grasping so tight that I was afraid he was going to break my arm and covered my mouth with his other hand.
“Don’t make a sound or I’ll break your neck.”
I nodded my understanding. He dragged me to a doorway marked Staff Only. I had flashbacks of the stairwell at the airport that had been full of biters.
“Have you been down here?”
I was afraid he was going to hit me again, but he simply smiled.
“Why lady, are you scared of the Dead?”
“Just rather not go down a dark stairway to my death.”
He pulled me behind him. “Everyone dies. It is the only way we can meet our maker. You will learn all about this one day soon.”
I stumbled behind him, but he didn’t stop. We reached the pitch-black basement. Every fiber in my body screamed for me to run.
“Pl-please. Let’s go back.”
Air scooped me into his arms, which was almost worse. His people were making so much noise that we wouldn’t be able to hear the biters if they were down here. Closing my eyes, I prayed I’d make it through this. If I did, I would fight to get away from Air and his group.
After what felt like forever, we finally stepped outside. I blinked in the sunlight and then shivered. I hadn’t grabbed anything to keep me warm.
Air kissed the top of my head. “See, lady. We are safe because our journey is not over yet.”
I pushed at his chest. “You can put me down now.”
He didn’t, though. Instead, he ran toward an old car dealership that was near the mall. Where was Elijah and the others? Why weren’t they rushing to save me? Were they dead?
The jarring and lack of food made my stomach churn as Air ran.
“Please. I’m going to be sick.”
He put me down at the same time I vomited everywhere.
When I was done, he picked me up again. “There’s still hope that you carry a child.”
His words should have brought joy to me. Maybe he was right. Maybe I hadn’t lost the baby. Instead, I felt terror. If I
was pregnant, this would never end. Air would do whatever it took to make sure I didn’t get away.
Air kissed the top of my head again, making my stomach roil.
“Look, lady. Just over there.”
He pointed. Elijah, Dave, and Grey came from the mall. I opened my mouth to scream. Air shoved his hand over my mouth, so my screams were muffled. I thought about biting his hand, but he pressed his other hand against my bruised cheek until my eyes watered.
“Watch.”
There was an explosion inside the mall. Flames rose high into the air and debris landed around Elijah. No! I cried out, wanting him to get to safety.
Air said, “Your leader is determined, I’ll give him that much. But he has a lot to learn as well.” He carried me inside. “We’ll stay here tonight and move on tomorrow.”
I knew I had to get away tonight. There was no telling where he’d take me tomorrow.
For the rest of the evening, I stayed away from Air and his men. Some had perished in the fire and I feared they’d take it out on me. I didn’t know how many more beatings I could take, so laying low was my best option. We had stayed crammed in a room inside the dealership until word had come that Elijah and the others had left. I’d felt a moment of anguish. Why hadn’t he looked harder for me? I would have if this was reversed!
Air came over, handing me a plate with scraps on it.
“Eat.”
“Please, is there an extra coat I can wear?”
I rubbed my arms to show how cold I was.
He nodded once. “I will see what I can do.”
When he was gone, I ate the small amount of food that had been left on the plate. I wasn’t lying when I said I was freezing, but I’d also need a coat when I escaped. It was too cold outside. I’d die if I didn’t have protection from the elements.
Air came back a moment later with a coat. “This belonged to one of our fallen brothers. You may use it for now.”
I put it on, feeling better already. “Thank you.”
He watched me with a look I couldn’t describe. It made me uneasy.
He sat. “Some of the others have been angsty since you came to us. They say you are a temptress. A jezebel.”
