The Death: The Complete Trilogy Read online

  By the voices, Travis identified the people as men and their number being around four at the minimum.

  They bantered back and forth, laughing and crashing through the living room. When they reached the kitchen, they became quiet.

  Travis could see their flashlights bouncing off the walls, floors and ceiling and didn’t have to guess the reason for their silence. They had reached the kitchen and seen the plates of fresh warm food there.

  “Is someone here?” a man asked, hollering down the hall.

  Lori tensed when she heard the man call out. She again prayed, but this time her prayer was exclusively for Travis’s safety.

  Travis could hear the men talking among themselves quietly; he figured they were deciding what to do.

  “Hey, we know you’re here. We see the warm food. Come on out. We don’t mean harm. We’re neighbors of the Bransons, the owners of the place,” the man called out.

  Travis didn’t believe the story.

  “There’s two of you and five of us. Come on out!” the man cried out.

  Lori pressed her lips together and gripped the pistol tightly.

  “I’ll tell you what. We’re gonna just leave you guys, we don’t want trouble, but we’ll be back tomorrow to say hello,” the man said.

  More unintelligible back and forth chatter between the men was followed by the shuffle of feet. A moment later Travis heard the trucks’ engines roar to life.

  Unsure if they had actually left, Travis stayed put.

  Hours had gone by since Travis had heard the trucks leave. Feeling he could explore, he slowly stood and carefully exited the room. With controlled effort he took one step after another down the carpeted hallway. At the edge of the hall and living room, the moon’s light provided enough illumination for him to see the room was empty. He pulled a flashlight out and turned it on; the light splashed across the room and verified that he was alone. He examined the damaged front door and the ransacked living room. An image of Lori sitting alone and terrified in the darkness of the safe room flashed in his mind. He rushed to the office, cleared the closet, and began to open the panel when she screamed out.

  “Travis?”

  “It’s me. Sorry, I should have warned you.” He popped the panel and reached in for her.

  She breathed a long sigh of relief and grabbed his arm. When she went to stand, she realized her legs were asleep. The painful pins and needles made it difficult for her to exit the small space.

  “You all right?” Travis asked.

  “No, I’m not all right.”

  He helped her clear the tight opening and carried her to the back bedroom and placed her on the bed.

  “Sorry you had to stay in there so long. I just didn’t know if they had left when I heard the trucks leave.”

  “It’s okay. I figured you were being careful.”

  He got her some water, and while she rested, they talked about the events of the evening, and the specific point that the men would return in the morning came up.

  “What should we do?” she asked.

  “We have two options. Stay and confront them; they could be harmless or they may not. Second, we flee, to where, I don’t know.”

  “Why didn’t they come looking for us?”

  “Because they’re smart. They suspected we were lying in wait for them. I wouldn’t go looking for someone I didn’t need to.”

  “How can we hold off five men? What if they come back with more?”

  “Or they may not come back at all,” Travis proposed. “That might have been a blanket threat; they may never come back for fear of their own lives. We do have an advantage here.”

  “I think we should leave.”

  Travis sat on the edge of the bed and looked at Lori; the tea-light candle shined on her smooth face and glimmered in her eyes. At that moment he felt a weakness and wanted to kiss her. He resisted the urge, but wondered why he had that feeling suddenly hit him. Was it because she was vulnerable? Was he really drawn to her? What about Tess? He stood up suddenly and said, “Let’s discuss this in the morning. Get some sleep,” and he left.

  Lori was shocked by his abrupt exit and lay there wondering what was wrong. Too wired and scared to sleep, she got up and went to find him. She found him sitting in the large armchair in the living room with only the moon’s light to see.

  “Is everything okay?” she asked.

  “Fine, just thought you could use some sleep.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine,” he answered, then promptly shifted the topic. “I moved the heavy baker’s rack in front of the front door. I’ll also sleep out here, just in case.”

  She placed her hand on his shoulder and said, “I know I’ve said this before, but I don’t think I can say it enough, thank you. You saved my life, and you continue to save it. I don’t know what we would do without you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “I don’t know how to repay you.”

  “Stop, there’s no need to repay anyone. But seriously you need to get some rest.”

  “Travis, I’m not a child. I know when I need to rest.”

  “So I was thinking.”

  “Isn’t that a difficult task for Marines?” she joked.

  Ignoring her, he continued, “I think we leave tomorrow morning, take the old minivan parked out back, and go.”

  She sat on the coffee table and stared at him.

  “Are you fine with that plan?” he asked.

  “Yes, I say we leave and go find your friend together, and from there we go find Tess.”

  He leaned forward and placed his head in his hands and sighed. “But when I say we leave, I then think that it’s more risky on the road than here. I’m confusing myself.”

  “Don’t confuse yourself. We leave tomorrow, first thing. Pack what we can and go.”

  He faced her and said, “Then that’s the plan. We leave and head towards Rapid City.”

  She again touched his arm and in a soft tone said, “We’re in this together. We’ll find your friend, get the vaccine, and then find your fiancée.”

  “And what about David and Eric?”

  Without hesitating, she answered, “I’ll have to have faith that the chancellor won’t kill them. When the timing is right, I’ll go find them.”

  “What will you do if he’s killed them?” Travis asked.

  “Then my search is over. My baby and I will go and live out our days somewhere safe.”

  “That’s it?”

  She gave Travis a hard look and answered, “Trust me, if he’s killed them and I have a chance to return the favor, I will.”

  Denver International Airport

  Horton held the phone away from his ear, not because it was too loud, but because he didn’t want to listen to another word the caller was saying. He was tired of being told what he needed to do or that he needed to do it differently or what he had done was wrong. He had imagined greater autonomy when he was given the chancellorship years ago. He never thought the council would micromanage the entire operation. What upset him the most was the loss of Lori. It wasn’t so much he couldn’t find another mate; it was that his failure to stop her was a huge embarrassment that had almost cost him his position. There was no urgency in finding her, as what secrets she knew were useless now. Their plan for the cleansing was underway, essentially the cat was out of the bag, but finding her was not operational, it was personal.

  During the weeks that had passed since her escape; he had executed the operation known as the cleansing. The plan was moving forward, but killing tens of millions by firing squad was not a quick process. His desire was to selectively kill. He wanted to keep the best and brightest, those with skill sets that could be used. He also was determined to allocate time to ensure all those in the camps had their DNA sampled. If they passed, they would be spared. The way his system worked was simple: there was the elite class of which he was part of, the warrior class, the chosen class and the working class. If your DNA was unsui
table or you had no value, you were considered a liability and disposed of. However, his selection process was slowing down the cleansing in North America, and that didn’t sit well with the council, hence the phone call.

  He looked around his adorned office while the person on the phone droned on. He loved and admired the artwork he had collected, not just the unique paintings but the sculptures. Being in a position of power gave him certain luxuries and privileges; one of those was collecting the finer things from the old world. He had his people scouring the old museums to pull together a collection that would rival anyone’s.

  The voice on the phone began to yell louder, jarring him and pulling him back to the present.

  “Yes, I’m here,” he said into the receiver. “Yes, I understand, right away, thank you and bye.” He looked at the now silent phone, and just before he placed the receiver on the base, he threw it across the room in a fit of anger. He stood and walked towards a cabinet and opened the veneered door. Inside were a dozen crystal decanters with the most select whiskeys and scotches. He pulled a short stubby decanter out, grabbed a glass, and made for the tufted chocolate leather couch. He sat down, poured a glass and relaxed. He no more than took a sip when the doorbell chimed. He grunted and yelled, “Yes, what is it?”

  The door opened and his new chief of staff, Roger Wilcox, was there. “Sir, the people you requested are here.”

  He rubbed his eyes and thought; not having a clue, he asked, “Who did I request? Please remind me.”

  “Sir, David and Eric…”

  His eyes opened wide; the names jogged his memory. He jumped to his feet and barked, “Good, good. Bring them in ASAP.”

  Roger nodded and closed the door. A moment later the door opened again and in came David and Eric.

  Horton walked over to them with his hand extended and said, “Gentlemen, thank you for coming. I appreciate it.”

  David looked wearily at Horton but took his hand. He understood the politics of things and how important it was to keep up good relations, especially with the chancellor. “Mr. Chancellor, what can my son and I do for you?”

  “Please come in and take a seat. Drink, food, anything?” Horton asked.

  David and Eric shook their heads.

  Everyone sat in the front lounge. An uncomfortable silence and awkward looks occupied the first moments, but Horton quickly remedied it by coming out and speaking his mind. “David, do you know where your wife is?”

  “Excuse me? I didn’t know she was missing,” David said, a look of surprise on his face.

  “Yes, she had a breakdown of sorts and just up and left. We imagined she might have gone to see you at Camp Sierra.”

  David looked at Eric and turned back to Horton and said, “No, we haven’t seen her. Is she okay?”

  “Unfortunately, I don’t think so. As you know, she’s pregnant, and I don’t know what happened, but she just had a complete meltdown and fled the base. We’re obviously concerned for her and the baby’s well-being. She was a vital part of our design team for Arcadia.”

  “When did she disappear?” Eric asked.

  Horton opened his mouth and was about to tell the truth, but he cut himself off. Thinking the truth would sound odd, he lied. “A couple days ago. We’ve been looking for her since, but nothing. She just up and left.”

  “You think she went to find us at Sierra?” Eric asked David.

  “This is all my fault,” David said in a somber tone.

  This comment piqued Horton’s interest. “Why do you take responsibility?”

  “The way we left things, I, um, I wasn’t the nicest person. I’m sure you’re aware of the accusations I made about you and her.”

  “I am, but I don’t pay that any attention. I did notice her emotional state had begun to slip around that time. We had the hardest time getting her back to work. Then she began to have delusions, and next thing we know, she’s gone.”

  “Is there anything we can do?” Eric asked.

  “Yes, there is,” Horton answered.

  David and Eric looked desperate to help.

  “I need you two to stay here, under our care. We will find work for you. We’ll send for your things.”

  “But don’t you think she’s going there to look for us. Wouldn’t it be better if we stayed there?” David asked.

  “You asked if you could help, and that is the best way. Stay here.”

  David and Eric exchanged looks and then nodded in agreement. “Very well.”

  Horton wanted to just tell them everything, taunt them with the truth and then have them killed, but he held back. His anger with the council drove him to do the exact opposite of his emotional instinct. They might hold some value if he happened to find Lori; he could use them against her. His orders from the council were to move past his own personal desires for revenge, but deep down he couldn’t control himself. He wanted to defy the council. He wanted to find her just so he could see her watch her family die in front of her eyes. Never in his life had he felt so emotional about someone. He couldn’t explain the draw she had on him, but her rejection of him was legend, and the troubles she had caused him deserved retribution. After all the years of disciplined patience and planning he had endured, he couldn’t look at this pragmatically. Finding her and exacting payment from her was a fire that burned in his chest.

  Day 210

  April 29, 2021

  North Topsail Beach, North Carolina

  Tess woke up thinking about her and Devin’s vigorous discussion concerning the boys and the deal she had struck without his input.

  Devin was very leery of Alex, and something told him they couldn’t trust him.

  She insisted that the way to a hungry boy’s heart was through his stomach.

  He disagreed, but the deal was set, and Devin gave in but insisted she consult him before she made anymore rash decisions.

  She agreed.

  A whimper from Melody’s room tore her away from her thoughts; she jumped out of bed and ran into her room.

  “I’m here, sweetie,” Tess said, coming up to the side of the bed.

  “It hurts,” Melody whimpered.

  The mere fact she was talking was an improvement from yesterday.

  “Where does it hurt?” Tess asked.

  “All over, but my neck and here,” Melody cried, pointing to her jaw.

  Tess felt her, and her fever was still present. She opened a bottle of Advil and dumped one in her hand. “Here, take this.”

  Melody lifted her head and opened her mouth.

  Tess popped in the small capsule and gave her some water.

  “I’ll be right back. You need to eat something,” Tess said and left as quickly as she had come. She walked into the living room and found Devin asleep on the couch.

  “Dev, wake up,” she said, pushing him.

  He shot up and looked around, his eyes as wide as saucers. “What is it?”

  “I think I know what’s wrong with Melody.’

  Wiping the sleep from his eyes, he said, “Huh, what?”

  “Melody—I think I know why she’s sick.”

  “Infection.”

  “Kinda but this is specific.”

  He swung his feet off the couch and sat up. As he stretched, he curled his toes into the thick Berber carpet and yawned. “Go ahead.”

  “Tetanus.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “No, but I remember the girls’ parents didn’t believe in vaccines. It makes sense. She was hit in the leg with a rake. I bet if I took a look at that rake, it was probably old and rusty and God knows the germs and other shit around. I’ll ask them, but I’m willing to bet she has tetanus.”

  “Who gets tetanus?”

  “People who aren’t vaccinated.”

  “How do we cure it, antibiotics?”

  “I don’t know exactly, but I think you can’t do anything about it but let it run its course, and I don’t know how long that is.”

  “That’s it? Just let it run its cours
e?”

  “As far as I know. But to make sure, I’m going to stop by a bookstore in town and find a medical book.”

  Devin scratched his head and stood up. He looked down at her and asked, “I guess that makes me babysitter for the day?”

  “That’s right; you’re the manny.”

  “Wonderful,” Devin said as he tiredly staggered towards the front door. “Very well, I’ll be on diaper duty, but now I’ll go see a man about a horse,” he said as he exited the condo.

  Tess smiled as she watched him leave. She enjoyed his sense of humor; it matched hers in many ways. Again a feeling of attraction hit her, but she quickly dashed the idea as she thought of Travis. Not wanting to think about anything remotely romantic, she went to get ready for her long and busy day.

  Devin leaned in and grimaced. He wanted to be the third person instead of Brianna, but Tess insisted he needed to stay to protect the girls. It wasn’t that he disagreed with her, he just was concerned they might encounter the group Alex had mentioned, and knowing that Brianna and a snot-nosed kid was Tess’s backup gave him concern.

  “Wipe that grouchy look off your face and keep your radio on,” Tess reminded him. “We’ll be back before sundown.”

  “You guys be careful,” he said.

  “Always,” Tess said, a shit-eating grin gracing her face.

  Devin stepped away from the Humvee, gave a wave to Brianna behind the .50 caliber, and said, “If you find Twinkies, I’ll do your night shift for two weeks.”

  Tess started the Humvee and drove out of the driveway and headed north.

  Brianna turned around and yelled, “If I find Twinkies, I’m eating them, and don’t forget to feed Brando.”

  Devin waved again, this time with his middle finger.

  Brando was sitting next to him and whimpered as he watched the Humvee drive away.

  Devin looked down and said, “I’m worried too, boy. I’m worried too.”