The Extinction Series | Book 7 | Primordial Earth 7

by Higgins, Baileigh

  “I don’t know, but they say she’s bleeding,” Paul said.

  “No,” Sandi said. The clipboard fell from her hands and clattered to the floor. She stared at it, unable to comprehend what she was hearing. Kat? Dying? Impossible.

  “Sandi, come on,” Paul said.

  “Go on, dear. See to your friend,” a nearby matron said, scooping up the clipboard. “I can finish up here.”

  “Alright,” Sandi said, still numb inside. She handed over the keys to the storeroom and followed Paul to Dr. Bloomberg’s practice.

  The entire time, it felt like she was on autopilot. Nothing seemed real, and she couldn’t focus on anything except Paul’s last words: They say she’s bleeding.

  This can’t be happening. It just can’t. Paul is wrong. He has to be. To believe anything else was unthinkable.

  Sandi ran the last few steps and burst into Kat’s room, despite Bloomberg’s protestations. The sight of her friend lying in bed with tubes sticking out all over her body brought her to a sudden halt.

  She whirled around. “What happened to her, Dr. Bloomberg?”

  “She fell down the stairs,” the doctor said, his brow furrowed with concern.

  “What was she doing out of bed?”

  “I believe she wanted to investigate the arrival of the airplane,” Bloomberg said.

  “Oh, Kat,” Sandi said with a sigh. “Why would you do that? Why?”

  But Kat had no answers for her. Instead, she lay motionless on the bed. A broken porcelain doll.

  “How bad is it?” Sandi asked, her voice a mere whisper.

  “Even without the Red Flux, I’d be worried. She sprained her knee, dislocated her shoulder, and hit her head,” the doctor said.

  “And the baby?”

  “She started bleeding, but we managed to stop it. The baby is still alive. For now, at least,” Bloomberg said. “I’ve treated her injuries and given her medication for the pain and fever, but what she really needs is antibiotics.”

  “Well, you’re in luck, doctor. A shipment of medicine arrived from Vancouver this morning,” Sandi said. “I’ve just finished restocking the dispensary.”

  “That is excellent news,” Bloomberg said, and a hint of his old joviality returned. “I’ll fetch what I need right away.”

  “Take Paul with you. He can help you carry everything,” Sandi said. “I’ll stay with Kat.”

  “Of course,” Bloomberg said, heading for the door. He paused inside the opening and looked back over his shoulder. “Have faith, Sandi. She’s strong. She’ll pull through.”

  “Thank you,” Sandi said, her eyes filled with tears.

  As soon as Bloomberg and Paul left, Sandi sat down next to Kat. She took Kat’s hand in her own, careful not to pull out the IV, and studied her friend’s face. She didn’t like what she saw.

  The shadows of death lay heavy upon Kat. It was there in every line, every plane, and every hollow. Closing her eyes, she prayed. Prayed as she’d never done before in her life.

  Despite the doctor’s kind words, she didn’t believe Kat would simply pull through. Not this time. This time, it was different. No matter how strong her friend was, she couldn’t do this alone. She needed a miracle. She needed Callum.

  Chapter 18 - Callum

  Callum shivered as the convoy passed through the empty streets of yet another deserted town. He didn’t even know its name. After a while, they all seemed to blend together. It was all the same: Empty shelves, broken windows, sagging ceilings, and collapsed walls.

  The going was rough too. The animals had a hard time picking their way across the rutted roads, and they busted more than one wagon wheel. He studied the map clutched in his left hand and shook his head. “We’re not far enough up.”

  “No, we’re not,” Ric agreed. “We need to go further.”

  “Aye, we do, but the going is slow and difficult. We lost two carts and a mule today,” Callum said.

  “A man too,” Ric added.

  “How so?”

  “He went into the bushes alone,” Ric replied. “They found a leg.”

  Callum swore beneath his breath. “We can’t afford to lose more men.”

  “That’s true enough, but we can’t turn back now,” Ric said. “Besides, it’s not a total loss, so far.”

  Callum glanced in the direction he pointed. A couple of wagons were piled high with wiring, light bulbs, canvas sheets, metal scraps, engine parts, and other items scrounged from the rubble. No, it wasn’t nothing, but it wasn’t enough either. They needed more, a lot more if they hoped to survive the winter.

  “Don’t worry, Sir,” O’ Neill said, pulling up beside him. “I know we’ll strike it lucky soon. I just know it.”

  “Thanks, O’ Neill. Yer a good man,” Callum said, grateful for his presence.

  More and more, he’d begun to view their trip as a mistake. The Carnotaurus attack had only been the first of many. After that, the attacks continued, as did the losses. It didn’t matter how careful they were, someone always managed to make a dumb mistake.

  His mind flew to Kat, and he wondered how she was doing, if she was okay, how the baby fared. He had a million questions and no way of knowing the answers. What if she was sick? What if she needed him?

  These thoughts plagued him to the point of madness. What if he’d made a mistake? Would he ever see them again? There were others who could have taken his place on this mission. O’ Neill, Bruce… I should’ve stayed with Kat.

  But it was too late now, and there could be no turning back. Instead, he nudged Goliath toward an abandoned Walmart. As he neared the entrance, something stirred within its depths.

  Goliath snorted and tossed his head. “Whoa, Goliath. Easy boy.”

  The horse backpedaled, and Callum let him have free rein. The animal’s instincts were far superior to his own, and he knew he’d be smart to listen.

  “Advance,” Ric called out, moving forward with a couple of men.

  “There’s something inside,” Callum warned.

  “We know,” Ric said, not bothering to look his way.

  Callum shook his head but remained silent. Ric listened to no one but himself, and he would do what he wanted. “Stand ready, O’ Neill.”

  “Yes, Sir,” O’ Neill replied, gesturing to the soldiers to be on their guard.

  As Ric and his men braved the bowels of the building, a large shadow moved within. Callum’s eyes widened, and he reached for his gun. Before he could touch it, the shadow burst outward and splintered into a million tiny pieces. This wave of darkness rolled over the men, enveloping them in a storm of leathery wings.

  Soldiers and animals alike panicked and ran. Carts and wagons clattered across the broken tar, and shots peppered the air. Goliath reared, pawing at the air with his hooves.

  Callum clung to the saddle, but it was impossible to hold on. Buffeted on all sides by the tiny menaces, he fell to the ground. He hit his head a glancing blow, and stars danced across his vision.

  Finally, the air cleared as the swarm of bats fled into the distance, and he picked himself up with a pained groan. “Goliath? Where are ye?”

  “Over here, Sir,” O’ Neill answered, leading Goliath toward him. “I caught him just as he threw you and ran.”

  “Silly horse. Not that I blame him. Who’d have thought it? Bats of all things,” Callum said, shaking his head.

  His ears rang and his shoulder hurt. Blood trickled from a cut on his cheek, and he’d torn his favorite jacket. “Perfect. Tis perfect.”

  “What is?” O’ Neill asked.

  “This day. No, this trip,” Callum said, dusting himself off.

  He looked around, not surprised to find it all in disarray. Half of the convoy was missing, and the other half were scared out of their wits. He sighed. “We might as well take a break to recoup and regroup.”

  “Yes, Sir. I’ll see to it,” O’ Neill said.

  Callum took the time to tend to his injuries, calm Goliath down, water the horse, and have s
omething quick to eat and drink. The short rest fortified him for the road ahead, but it didn’t last. Not when they convened to tally their losses.

  The damage was worse than any of them had thought possible. A wagon was smashed to bits, two mules were lame, a bullock missing, as well as a soldier. Three more had abandoned ship and made a run for Prime. They believed the bats were a bad omen.

  The remaining soldiers were scared and morale was low. Many wanted to turn around, but Ric would have none of it. “We have to push forward. We can’t give up now. The people back home need us.”

  And as much as Callum longed to be at Kat’s side, he had to agree. The success of the venture was of vital importance to them all, especially their loved ones. Who would they be if they ran at the slightest sign of trouble? I’m sorry, lass. I want to be with ye and our child, but I have to go on. For ye. For us.

  Chapter 19 - Paul

  Paul remained by Sandi’s side throughout the long hours of the night. Most of the time, she didn’t even know he was there, but he didn’t mind. Her friend lay dying, and the only thing he could offer was his silent support.

  It was hard on him too, seeing Kat suffer like that. She tossed and turned, mumbling Callum’s name repeatedly. She’d cry out and clutch her belly. Those times were the worst. That was when they all held their breaths, praying she didn’t lose the baby.

  Despite the antibiotics, Kat didn’t seem to improve. As time passed, her cheeks grew hollow, and her eyes sunk deep into her skull. Her lips turned blue, and her skin looked like curdled milk.

  Around dawn, Sandi turned to him, her eyes swollen. “I don’t know what to do anymore. She’s not getting better.”

  “Sh, sweetheart. Come here,” Paul said, gathering her into his arms. He rested his chin on the top of her head and held her close while she cried.

  “She’s dying, Paul,” Sandi said with a sob. “She needs… she needs Callum.”

  “Callum? But he’s not here,” Paul said, frowning.

  “I know that, but he’s the only one who can pull her out of this… pit,” Sandi said. “She’s not fighting, and that’s not like her.”

  “Are you sure Callum can help her?” Paul asked.

  “I’m sure,” she replied. “Not that it matters. He’s not here, and by the time he gets back, it’ll be too late.”

  Paul held her until she’d cried herself out. Once she returned to Kat’s bedside, he fetched her a bottle of water and a cup of coffee. Mumbling some excuse, he left the room and hurried toward the exit.

  Sandi couldn’t know what he was planning. She’d stop him if he did, and he was determined to see it through. He jogged toward the stables where the horses were kept and grabbed a saddle and bridle.

  It wasn’t hard to locate a suitable mount. He’d been there a couple of times and knew the animals. Violet, Rogue’s horse nickered at him as he walked past, and he stopped to give her a rub. “Hey, girl. How’s it going?”

  She nuzzled his chest, and he smiled. “As much as I’d love to take you, I can’t. You’re almost ready to foal, and soon, you’ll have a beautiful baby.”

  After a few minutes, Paul moved on and chose a sturdy bay horse from another stall. The animal was strong and healthy, and itching to go for a run. He saddled the horse and led it out of the stable. On his back, he carried a bag of supplies and a loaded rifle, but he was placing his trust in speed.

  As he prepared to mount, a faint cry caught his attention. He looked around and blanched when he saw Sandi running toward him. “Ah, damn.”

  “Paul! Paul, stop!” Sandi yelled. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m going to fetch Callum,” he said as soon as she reached him.

  “What? But that’s suicide,” she said, grabbing his arm.

  “No, I can do it,” Paul said.

  “No, you can’t,” Sandi said, not letting go.

  “Please, Sandi. I can’t just sit by and watch Kat and her baby die. Not when I know I can do something about it,” Paul said, pleading with her.

  “You can’t go out there alone,” Sandi insisted, shaking her head. “I won’t let you go. I won’t.”

  “I’ll go with him,” a voice said from behind them.

  They turned and saw Terri standing a few feet away.

  “Terri?” Sandi asked. “What are you doing here?”

  “I couldn’t help but overhear,” Terri said. “And I’m here to offer my services.”

  “Services?” Sandi said, clearly overwrought.

  “Yes, I can help. I know how to track, and I know what route they were supposed to take,” Terri said.

  “You do?” Paul asked with an inner sense of relief. Though he’d never admit it out loud, the thought of having company was a

  “That’s right. Besides, two are better than one. I can fight, and I’ve got a gun,” Terri said.

  Sandi stared at him for a few seconds, clearly undecided. Finally, she asked, “What about a horse?”

  “I’m sure I can organize one,” Terri said with a shrug.

  “I… I don’t know,” Sandi said, turning to Paul. She gazed at him, pleading silently. “Are you sure about this?”

  “I am,” Paul said with absolute certainty. “I need to do this, my love. For you, for Kat, for Callum.”

  “Promise me you’ll come back,” she said, clinging to his arms. “I almost lost you once. I can’t lose you again.”

  “I promise,” he said, drawing her into his arms. “I’ll come back. I swear it.”

  After a long moment, she pulled away. Putting on a brave smile, she nodded. “Make sure you do. I’ll be waiting.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Paul said with a rueful smile.

  “Ready to go?” Terri said, leading a horse from the stable.

  “Ready as I’ll ever be,” Paul said, climbing into the saddle.

  “Make sure you bring him back alive and in one piece,” Sandi said, wagging a finger at Terri.

  “Will do, young miss,” Terri said with a salute that would’ve seemed mocking on any other occasion except this one.

  “The animals too. We can’t afford to lose them. Or you,” Sandi said in grudging tones.

  “Thanks, I guess,” Terri said, getting onto his horse.

  “Look after Kat while we’re gone,” Paul said. “Keep her alive. Do whatever it takes.”

  “I will,” she said, brushing away her tears. “Be careful out there.”

  “Always.”

  As Sandi stepped aside, she reached out to Paul and grabbed his leg. “Come back to me. Okay?”

  “Okay,” he said, gazing deep into her eyes.

  Finally, she let go. “I love you, Paul.”

  “I love you too, Sandi,” he said before kicking his horse into motion.

  The bay broke into a canter, and they swept up the street toward the gates. Terri followed, his relaxed seat speaking of years spent on horseback. As they galloped through the gates, Paul shouted out, “Why?”

  “Why what?”

  “Why are you doing this?” Paul asked. “You could die.”

  “Yup, and we probably will,” Terri replied.

  “So why do it?”

  “I guess I was bored.”

  “Bored?” Paul asked, not sure he’d heard correctly.

  “That’s right. I needed something to do,” Terri said. “Besides, who am I to stand in the way of fate.”

  “Fate? What do you mean by that?” Paul asked, puzzled.

  “Don’t tell me this whole thing didn’t strike you as odd,” Terri said. “You going on this heroic quest. Me being there at the right time to help. It’s fate.”

  “Maybe,” Paul said, mulling it over. Perhaps Terri was right. Perhaps this was fate at work. Or maybe it was just a fool’s errand, and he was an idiot. “I guess only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure, I’m not giving up.”

  Chapter 20 - Tony

  “Tony!”

  The call came from far away. It tugged at his consciousness, and he rose to a
state of wakefulness with a sense of reluctance. The dark was so much nicer, and he wanted to stay in its warm embrace a little longer.

  “Tony, wake up!” the voice insisted.

  No, leave me alone.

  “Tony, please. I need you to wake up now,” the voice repeated. It forced Tony to leave the cocoon of darkness behind and face the real world, much though he didn’t want to.

  “Wha… what happened?” Tony mumbled, shaking his head His thoughts were confused. A jumbled mess of mixed feelings and sensations. Mostly pain. His head throbbed and every breath he took hurt.

  “Tony!”

  With a start, Tony came awake. He gasped and jerked upright in his seat. Pain shot through his head, and he grimaced. “Ouch!”

  “Whoa, there. Easy, Tony. Don’t hurt yourself,” the voice said. It sounded familiar, and he thought he knew who it was.

  “David? Is that you?” Tony asked, looking around. A shaft of light cut through the gloom and fell across his friend’s face. Relief filled his chest.

  “Yes, it’s me,” David replied, unclipping Tony’s seatbelt and helping him up. “We’ve got to move.”

  “Why? What happened?” Tony asked, still befuddled.

  “We crashed.”

  “Crashed?” Tony asked,

  “Yeah, the plane crashed, and every predator within a ten-mile radius will be on its way. We need to get out of here now,” David said.

  The urgency in David’s tone got Tony moving. He looked around, and his eyes widened. The interior of the plane was a wreck. A mess of exposed wiring, twisted metal, and buckled seats.

  He looked toward the back of the plane where the crew members used to be, but it was gone. Nothing remained but a gaping hole where the rest of the craft had been. He looked through the opening, and his jaw dropped to the ground. They’d cut a swathe through the forest that stretched as far as the eye could see.

  His brain kicked into gear as adrenalin flushed through his veins. David was right. They had to get out of there as soon as possible. The crash was sure to draw predators of all kinds, and they had nowhere to hide inside the mangled wreck of the plane. They were too exposed. Easy prey.