“You have food?”
Ben grinned and slapped Boss on the back.
Dee watched the exchange, admiring how they accepted each other so quickly. She guessed the apocalypse could bring out the worst and the best in people.
Before the Hemorrhage Virus had torn into the fabric of society, throwing the country into chaos, she never would’ve imagined herself doing any of the things she had done in the last couple of weeks.
Deep down inside is a strength most of us never know exists until the greatest of circumstances call upon it. That time is now. Today it is time.
After a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs and sausages, Boss started to look more like his old self. Dee grinned as she finished her meal and her cup of coffee, sighing inwardly at the bitter taste. It had been days since she had enjoyed a cup.
“What’s the plan, Ben?” Dee said, glancing at the soldier.
“Plan?” Boss said. “What have you guys been up to?”
“We might know where Jack is.”
Boss frowned and looked between her and Ben. His mouth opened and closed like a goldfish. “I’m trying to think of some witty Python reference but I’ve got nothing. Just. What?”
“C’mon, I’ll show you,” Dee said, pushing back her chair.
Ben gathered them around the table in his war room and spread out one of the maps. Ben filled Boss in on what they had figured out while he’d been unconscious, then outlined his plan.
“This is the nest where we think Jack is. There are multiple entrances but only three of us.
“Boss, you’re going to be in the river driving the boat you two found. Dee and I are going to go in, look for Jack and get out, killing as many of those bastards we can. As you discovered, these things don’t like the water for some reason, so that’s our escape route. Now, I’m not going to sugarcoat it: this is probably a suicide mission, and I’m disobeying orders. But I’m tired of the army just running and hiding.” Ben looked sternly at Dee then Boss. “I’m giving both of you the opportunity to back out now. I know neither of you have training, but someone with determination and a will to survive can overcome great odds.”
Dee put her hand over Boss’s. “I know it’s a lot to ask, Boss. If you don’t want to do this, it’s fine.”
Boss nodded, shrugged. “Sure, why not, I’m in. Two weeks ago I was just another millennial playing video games and annoying my parents. It’s better to burn out than to fade away, eh?”
She couldn’t help but grin at his movie reference. Just like Jack. Probably why she liked the kid so much.
“Thanks, Boss. I appreciate it,” Dee said, smiling. She looked back down at the map and remembered Jack’s phone.
“Shouldn’t we check the phone location first, in case he’s moved. Ben?”
Ben crouched down and opened a big duffle bag next to the table. Pulling out some guns, he placed them on the table. “My gut says he’s in the nest. We can check it after.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
“All right. Boss, you’re going to take these in the boat as backup. If we get out of there alive and Variants are attacking us, as I know they will be, you’re going to have to give us covering fire. Don’t worry too much about hitting them. Just give them something to worry about. I’ll give you both some quick lessons before we move out at 1100 hours, okay?”
Dee and Boss nodded. Ben pulled out a rifle, the same as the one Dee had seen him use in their rescue.
“This is for you, Dee. Again, I’ll give you another quick lesson before we go, okay? I’ll also give you a shotgun — easier to hit them with. Now, if we get out alive, Boss, you fish us out of the river and we motor to the vehicle I’m going to drop off here.” He pointed to a spot on the map. “Then we hightail up this road straight to this airfield. I’ll call in the chopper to get us out to Mayor Island.”
Dee looked at Ben and saw a determined look. She felt happier knowing he was a seasoned professional. It was an extremely simple plan, but as he was the only one with military training, it was the only course of action to take. If Jack was out there, she had to know.
“Umm, why can’t we wait for your army buddies?” Boss said.
“They would never approve it. The order went out about a week ago. Get out with as many survivors as you can find or hunker down. The virus hit too fast. The under-strength army wasn’t ready for this. It was a miracle the navy and air force were having exercises in the Pacific. As harsh as it sounds, they aren’t worried about one man. It’s us or no one will save Jack,” Ben said.
“Fine. Let’s go hunt some Orcs!” Boss smirked.
Dee shook her head at the teenager. Definitely like Jack. Movie obsessed.
At 1100 hours Dee found herself following Ben back down the same road they had driven up the previous day. She couldn’t help but shudder in disgust as they pulled into the farm where Missing Teeth and his buddy had tried to rape her.
Dee and Boss climbed out of the vehicle and headed towards the boat. Dee hugged the teenager goodbye before he climbed in.
As he moved out into the current, she waved. “Good luck… Thanks, Boss.”
Boss returned the wave. “Now you owe me.”
Jumping back into the car, Dee found herself grinning as she followed Ben again.
The sun was reaching its peak and she revelled in the warmth of its rays. She couldn’t help but wonder if this was the last time she would feel them on her skin. That she was on her farewell drive, taking in her last sight of the world they had lost. Dee wound down her window and let the wind blow through her hair, enjoying the sensation. Jack always said to enjoy the little things.
They broke the world and ripped my life apart. I’m going to do my best to take back what’s mine.
Don’t give up hope, Jack. It’s all we’ve got left.
— 26 —
Jack fought against the strong undertow and currents. He kicked to the surface, pulling George with him. He cradled the child in a lifesaver’s embrace and gulped for air. With the added weight of George, Jack realised that his backpack had to go. Grunting with the effort he managed to slip off one strap, then the other. Finally the pack slid from his shoulders. He watched as it bobbed in the swirling river and the current swept it away towards the bank. He would miss it. It had been a good friend for some years now, since Dee had given it to him as a gift.
The cacophony of screeches and howls broke into his thoughts as the torrent drove him away from the dam, lessening the roar of flowing water. He closed his eyes briefly, cursing silently. For a second there, everything had been normal. When he opened them again, he couldn’t miss the monsters. They were racing along the tops of the steep cliffs on either side of the river, keeping up with his and George’s progress downstream. The thick undergrowth barely slowed them as they took to the trees, swinging from branch to branch and leaping over rocks as if they weren’t there.
Jack kicked hard, willing the current to move him down the river faster. The sun was getting high in the sky now. He hoped it would force the monsters back to their nest. As he floated, the creatures continued their relentless pursuit, screeching at him. Every now and then he heard the almighty bellow of the leader. He could just picture it, weird bark skin and spiked shoulders, and the grotesque child-head trophies. Jack couldn’t see him, but he would never forget the sight of the two decaying children’s heads displayed, jiggling with the beast’s every movement.
Frantically he searched for a way out. They had made it this far. Alive, bruised, broken and injured — well, he was — but alive. He didn’t want to give up now. He had fought to break away from his cocoon. He had found some salvation in George. He had discovered the reason behind their capture. They had escaped. All this would be for nothing if he didn’t find a way for them to reach safety.