“So how did the meeting with the Mayor go?” Jessica asked as they drove.
“You mean Maeve Finley? Imogen’s mother?” Seth said.
“That’s the one,” Jessica said.
“It was… tough,” Seth said with a frown.
“Tough?” Jessica said.
“That’s right.”
“But you got what you needed, right? For Prime?”
Seth shifted in his seat and swallowed hard. His throat had suddenly dried up, but he managed a quick nod. “I hope so.”
“She looks like a real ball-buster,” Jessica added.
Bear snorted in the passenger seat, and Jessica shot him a look. “What? It’s true.”
“Takes one to know one,” Bear said.
She punched him on the shoulder. “Watch it, big guy.”
He flashed her a grin, his expression taking on an unusual degree of warmth. “You can punch me any time you like, Jess.”
“Jess?” Seth asked. “You go by Jess now?”
“It’s Jessica for you,” Jessica said with a sharp look.
“Okay, sorry,” Seth said, shaking his head. He watched as Jessica and Bear continued to bicker and banter in the front, their camaraderie plain to see. Jess, huh? Things are heating up between the two. Who’d have thought? Jessica and Bear.
A couple of minutes later, they reached the boardinghouse. Seth jumped out and left the mustang idling in the road, with Jessica and Bear still arguing in the front. “I’ll be right back.”
He ran up the steps and entered the low building. A turn to the left took him past several bedrooms, all decorated in the same bland colors: Cream and powder blue. Flowery curtains hung at the windows, and thick carpets muffled his footsteps.
When he got to his room, he reached for the door handle but bounced back when it opened with a sudden creak. A woman with frizzy gray hair wearing a stained apron emerged from the room. “Mrs. Potts!”
She blinked up at him with surprise. “Oh, it’s you, dear. How can I help you?”
“I’m here to pick up a few things,” he said.
“Of course, dear. Go ahead,” she said, waving a duster in his face. “I was just tidying up a bit.”
“No problem, Mrs. Potts. I’ll get out of your way,” Seth said. He ducked inside and grabbed a bag from his bed. Moving fast, he stuffed a couple of things inside and slung the bag over his shoulder. “Goodbye, Mrs. Potts.”
“Goodbye, dear. Will you be joining us for supper tonight?” Mrs. Potts asked.
“No thanks. I’ll be at the hospital again tonight,” Seth said, waving at the old lady.
“She’s a lucky girl, dear,” Mrs. Potts said with a wink.
“Tell her that,” Seth replied with a low laugh as he exited the building.
The boarding house wasn’t much to look at. It was rather plain and old-fashioned, but it was clean, comfortable, and fully paid for by the government of Vancouver. Plus, Mrs. Potts’ cooking was excellent according to the rest of the group.
Not that Seth would know. He’d grown used to the hospital’s terrible food and coffee. So much so that his tastebuds had probably up and died on him days before. There’s nothing like a plate of soggy meatloaf to end off your day.
He climbed back into the car and nodded at Jessica. “I’m done.”
“Right. Airport, it is,” she replied, pulling away in a cloud of smoke.
Seth winced as the exhaust backfired, but soon forgot about the car and its quirks as they approached the airfield. A chain-link fence surrounded the warehouses, hangers, and runway, and a tall tower rose into the sky at the far end.
A gate manned by a couple of guards provided the only means of entry, and Jessica slowed as they approached. The nearest soldier waved them through while another made a note on a clipboard, their postures relaxed. After the past week, they knew the old mustang well, and no longer bothered to search the trunk.
Jessica parked next to one hangar, and they got out just as a plane taxied out and onto the runway. It stopped, and the pilot exited the aircraft. An aviation mechanic approached, and together they inspected the plane and completed its pre-flight checks.
A couple of other workers loaded the plane with crates of medicine, carefully packed and sealed. Seth shaded his eyes and watched, counting each crate with precision. He knew how much each box carried, and he knew there should be enough to treat everyone among the Primes and Exiles who contracted the Red Flux plus extra.
The previous load had been much smaller. Barely enough to treat a tenth of the population. The Mayor had insisted on a trial run, however. If everything went according to plan with the first flight, they’d send another with the rest of the medicine, then a third with food and other necessities.
Maeve had granted these three loads as a gesture of goodwill, and Seth was grateful for it. The medicine would save his people back home from further decimation by the Red Flux, and the added supplies would tide them through the winter. It would allow them to get back on their feet and start to rebuild.
Still, they needed more, and Seth had a feeling that any further help would come with a heavy price tag. Maeve was neither philanthropic nor generous by nature. As sharp as a razor, the woman possessed both incredible business and political acumen. Every word, every gesture, and every move she made was calculated for maximum return on investment. Speaking of the devil.
Seth turned around as a convoy of shiny black cars drove through the gates and up to the hanger. One driver opened the passenger door for the Mayor. Dressed in a crisp business suit, Maeve Finley got out, followed by her assistant, a nervous-looking young man carrying a pen and notebook.
Mauve strode toward Seth with a practiced smile on her face, nodding at those she passed with polite regard. Bodyguards followed at a discreet distance, their manner watchful.
“Good day, Mayor,” Seth greeted, shaking her hand.
“Please call me Mauve,” she replied. “I see no need to stand on ceremony. We are friends, are we not?”
“Of course, we are, Mauve,” Seth said, inclining his head. But he was smart enough to realize when he was being played and remained on his guard.
“I cannot stay long. I simply wished to see the plane off, and to wish the venture good luck,” Maeve said, nodding toward the runway. “If all goes well, we can send the third batch of supplies within the week.”
“Yes, thank you so much,” Seth said. “We are in your debt.”
“Oh, it was nothing,” Maeve said, waving him off, but her glittering eyes reminded him of the Spinosaurus’ gaze. Cold and bloodthirsty.
“Where is Imogen?” Seth asked.
“Visiting your friend in the hospital,” Maeve said with a sigh. “Honestly, I can hardly keep track of the girl. One would think she’d be happy to spend some time with her mother after all these months apart.”
“I’m sure she missed you a lot,” Seth said.
“Maybe, but you know kids,” Maeve said with a laugh. Her reddish-blonde hair was cut into a stylish bob that accentuated her stern features and deep-green eyes. Not a strand of gray could be seen, and her skin was smooth despite her age.
“Indeed,” Seth replied, wishing the conversation would end. He couldn’t care less about the relationship between mother and daughter.
“Anyway, we’ll talk again soon,” Maeve said. “This time, we can get down to brass tacks.”
“Of course,” Seth said with a polite nod.
“I’m sure Prime has much to offer, and the arrangements made will be advantageous to us both,” Maeve added.
“I look forward to it,” Seth acknowledged, relieved when she returned to her car. He knew the next round of negotiations would not be nearly as easy as the first. Not that they’d been a walk in the park. But both Prime and the Exiles were now in Vancouver’s debt, which placed them at a distinct disadvantage. He had his work cut out for him.
As soon as the convoy left, he turned back to the airplane. The only thing he truly cared about was
getting the people back home the help they needed. That meant getting the next two shipments delivered without a hitch.
“This must be a happy moment for you,” Jessica said, leaning against Bear’s side. “All those hours spent in a room with that woman. It couldn’t have been pleasant.”
“No, it wasn’t, but it was worth it,” Seth said.
“Yes, it was,” Bear said.
Silence fell over them while they watched the rest of the crates being loaded onto the plane. As they carried out the last loads, a familiar figure caught Seth’s attention.
“Hey, Seth,” David called out, jogging over. He nodded at Bear and flashed a grin at Jessica.
“Hey, David,” Seth replied.
“How’s Rogue doing?”
“Better, but she’s missing you guys. Are you coming over for a visit later on?” Seth asked.
“Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that,” David said, casting his eyes on the ground.
“What’s wrong?” Seth asked.
“Well, the plane’s leaving as soon as it’s loaded up, and I was hoping…” David trailed off.
“Come on. Spit it out.”
“I was hoping I could leave with it. Tony too,” David said.
“You want to go home?”
“I do, and so does Tony. We both have family and friends with the Exiles. People that depend on us.”
“You don’t have to explain anything to me,” Seth said, holding up one hand. “I’m not your boss.”
“I know, but I feel like I owe you an explanation anyway,” David said, ducking his head.
At that moment, Tony walked toward them. His lean frame and long legs closed the distance with ease. “Hi, Seth. It’s good to see you.”
“Same here, Tony,” Seth replied. “I hear you and David want to leave us.”
“That’s right. We do,” Tony said. “This place is great and all, but I feel like I can be of more use back home.”
“Me too,” David said. “Besides, I owe Jamie an explanation. I was there when Brittany died, and she deserves to know the whole story.”
“Well, I’ll be sad to see you go, but I understand,” Seth said.
“Thanks, Seth,” David said. “Tell Rogue I’ll miss her. I won’t be able to say goodbye. The plane leaves within the next few minutes.”
“She’ll miss you too,” Seth said.
“Goodbye, and give my regards to Rogue,” Tony added as well.
“I’ll tell her,” Seth said, shaking hands with Tony. “Safe travels.”
“Same to you,” Tony said. He nodded at Bear and Jessica. “It’s been a privilege knowing you guys.”
“Be careful, you two. I hope I get to see you again someday,” Jessica said with a suspicious glint in her eye.
“You could always come with me, you know,” Tony replied with a wink.
“Yeah, yeah. Go on with you before I knock your block off,” Bear rumbled, hammering Tony on the back.
With a sardonic grin, Tony ambled away, and Seth was sorry to see the man leave. They’d been friends.
David stayed behind for a few more minutes while Seth briefed him on the situation. Although David knew most of it, Seth wanted to make sure that Kat, Callum, Moran, Ric, Olivia, and the rest knew what was happening.
Once he was satisfied, he shook hands with David. “Don’t get into any more trouble and be careful out there.”
“Will do,” Dave said. He made his way toward the hanger, smiling at them over his shoulder.
Seth waited with Jessica and Bear until the plane took off. They waved as the craft lifted into the air, taking two of their best friends and the hope of Prime with it. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with sadness and regret, but also promise.
“Godspeed,” Jessica said, lowering her arm once the plane became just a tiny speck on the horizon.
“See ya,” Bear said.
“Farewell,” Seth added. “May our paths cross again.”
As they walked back to the car, Jessica glanced at Seth. “Well, one thing’s for sure.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m so glad I’m not the one who has to break the news to Rogue.”
“Thanks for reminding me,” Seth said, sliding into the backseat. But somehow, he didn’t think it would be a problem. In fact, he was pretty sure Rogue would understand. For some people, home was where the heart belonged.
Chapter 7
After a long morning spent paging through her newfound treasure, Rogue was happy to take a break. With a nurse’s help, she made her way to the communal bathroom and took a hot shower. Then, she dried and braided her long hair, brushed her teeth, and put on a pair of tights and a t-shirt.
Feeling clean and refreshed, she went back to her room and allowed the nurse to change her dressings. For the first time, she got a good look at the wound and found herself relieved. “That doesn’t look so bad.”
“No, it doesn’t,” the nurse said with a smile. “Dr. Matthews did an excellent job, and it should heal without leaving too much of a scar.”
“That’s a relief.”
The nurse straightened her sheets. “How does it feel?”
“A bit sore after the walk, but not too bad.”
“That’s a good sign.”
“How soon can I get out of here?” Rogue asked.
“In a rush?” the nurse asked with a look of amusement.
“No offense, but I hate hospitals. Besides, I’m dying to explore the city.”
“No offense taken,” the nurse said with a laugh. “As for leaving… Prove to Dr. Matthews that you’ve got full use of the limb, and he’ll discharge you,” the nurse said. “Otherwise, he’ll book you for physiotherapy.”
“Full use? What does that mean?”
“Walk whenever you feel up to it. Exercise the leg. When he sees you’re up and about, he’ll let you off the hook.”
“Thanks,” Rogue said, wiggling her foot. “I’ll get to work on it right away.”
“Okay, but don’t overdo it,” the nurse cautioned. “Collapsing in the middle of the hallway won’t do you any favors either.”
“Noted.”
The nurse nodded at the book on the bedside table. “Are you enjoying the story?”
“Yes, I am. It’s one I’ve never read before,” Rogue said. “Who does it belong to?”
“No one, really. They’re usually donated to the hospital, and we like to put a book in each room for the patients,” the nurse explained. “It relieves boredom.”
“That’s a great idea,” Rogue said, filing the thought away for future reference. “I’d like to see something like that in Prime’s hospital.”
“Prime?”
“That’s my home,” Rogue said. “Though it’s not nearly as nice as this. Nor do we have as many books, I’m sure. ”
“Not many places, including my own, are as nice as Vancouver. It’s quite a city,” the nurse said with a rueful shrug.
“You don’t come from here?” Rogue asked with surprise.
“No, I’m from a settlement to the north. We didn’t last. There were too few of us and too many of them.”
“Them?”
“The dinosaurs.”
“Oh, I get it,” Rogue said, nodding.
“Well, maybe we could take up a collection of books for you when you go home,” the nurse suggested.
“That’s a lovely thought, thank you.”
“Which story is that?” the nurse asked, pointing at Rogue’s book.
“Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley.”
“Ah, yes. A classic, and a favorite of mine,” the nurse said.
“It’s great,” Rogue said, brushing a hand across the book. “A little sad perhaps.”
“True. But there is beauty in tragedy, no?” the nurse said.
“I suppose you’re right,” Rogue said, her forehead creasing as she thought about that statement.
“Anyway, it’s time for lunch,” the nurse said, excusing herself. She soon
returned with the tray. “Enjoy your meal.”
“Thank you.”
Perched on the edge of her bed, Rogue picked at the contents of the tray. Again, the portions were small but the food was good: Roasted chicken, cooked barley, and sweet peas. There was even a cup of jelly and custard for dessert. A real treat for her starved senses.
But even the good food couldn’t make up for the lack of company. As she swallowed the last bite, Rogue sat back with a frown. The loneliness was starting to wear on her nerves. Clearly, Seth hadn’t just gone out on some errand, or he would’ve been back already. Where is everybody? Where’s Seth?
With a sigh, she picked up the book once more and tried to forget about her missing friends. Thankfully, she didn’t have to wait long before Imogen’s bright and cheery face popped up inside the open doorway.
“Hey, there. How are you feeling today?” Imogen asked.
“I’m feeling much better, thank you,” Rogue said, sitting upright.
“You look a lot better too. Your cheeks have some color at last,” Imogen said, taking the nearest seat.
“Do you know where Seth is?” Rogue asked. “He’s been gone all morning.”
“I wouldn’t worry too much about that. He’s probably on his way already. He had a meeting with my mother at the airfield,” Imogen said, her expression darkening.
“What’s wrong?” Rogue asked.
“Nothing, it’s just… my mom can be such a bitch at times,” Imogen said, rolling her eyes.
“Is she a difficult person? Your mom?” Rogue asked, taking care to seem neutral and sympathetic.
“She can be. Especially when it comes to her position as Mayor and the welfare of the city,” Imogen said.
“What do you mean?”
“She lives for her job. It’s her life, and she has little time for anything else,” Imogen said. “And if you get in her way…”
Rogue understood the unspoken words as Imogen trailed off into silence. “I’m sorry to hear that. It must be hard for you.”
Imogen sighed. “It can be. She’s always pushing me to be more and do more. It’s like I’m drowning underneath the weight of her expectations.”
The Extinction Series | Book 7 | Primordial Earth 7 Page 5
