Brent Acuff - Undead Nation 03 (17 page)

"I'm not going to do anything," the sergeant major said. "I'm on your side." Donovan continued forward.

"Hands up!" he yelled, and the sergeant major reluctantly put his hands on his head.
 

"Ease off," Alex said. His voice was muffled and tight. He had to fight through the lump in his throat to speak. "Ease off, Donovan. He's Cuzman. He's our informant."

This revelation took Donovan by surprise and he momentarily took his eyes off of his target to look at Alex. "How do you know?" he asked, returning his attention to the man in front of him.

"Because," Alex began, standing and picking his daughter up, "the informant said he couldn't kill General Hill because he was trying to keep Gemma safe. Once she was out of danger..."

"I could put a bullet in that monster's head," Cuzman said. "I couldn't let what happened at New Hope stand, but I couldn't take the chance either. Hill was watching me, watching EVERYONE so closely. I didn't want to risk the safety of Gemma if I tried something. Once she was safe and in your hands..." Matthew Cuzman let the memories of what just happened finish his sentence.

"Thank you," Alex said, holding out a hand to the man. "I don't think we could have made it without your help. I don't think I would have seen Gemma again..." The mention of his daughter name choked Alex, and he was unable to finish.

Sergeant Major Cuzman shook Alex's hand. "I wish I could have done more."

A groan of pain from across the room drew everyone's attention. Corporal Jensen was helping Captain Mitchell to his feet. "We've got to find out what's going on out there," the captain said through gritted teeth. "Wouldn't do us any good to have the cavalry come storming in right now, would it?"

At the sight of the injured man, Alex's eyes widened. He turned quickly back to Theresa and Liam. Liam looked up at Alex and shook his head slowly. "She said her job's done," Liam nearly choked on the words, "that she was going to see Amy." Tears flowed down Liam's face and he tried to hide them. Alex knelt next to his friend and placed an arm around his shoulders.

"This is Captain Mitchell. General Hill has been killed and I have assumed command. Report." Corporal Jensen still supported the captain as he bent over a console. A voice soon blared over the speaker.

"The main contingent of zombies have been contained and neutralized. Working to clear the rest out as we speak. We've lost ninety-eight, with twelve wounded. They are being quarantined right now. An assault team in sweeping the area for the infiltrators."

"Cancel the sweep," Captain Mitchell ordered. "The infiltrators have been neutralized." With an effort, Captain Mitchell turned to face Alex. He winked.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Epilogue

The train rattled down the track, gently rocking the passengers back and forth in their seats. Everything was dark inside with only small lights to illuminate individuals. Alex looked up from watching his sleeping daughter to gaze around the compartment. Donovan slept contently across the aisle. Dr. Cahn's sons, Markus and Perry, sat across from Donovan, both asleep as well.

A nudge from his left brought Alex's attention back. Liam had awaken.

"Tell me again where we are going?" Liam said, stifling a yawn.

"North to Seattle," Alex said. "There's a colony setting up there, starting over. General Mitchell said that the new U.S. Government has seeded the colony with enough food, supplies and troops to make it viable for the long haul."

Liam shook his head and grinned. "General," he said, rolling his eyes. "As soon as President Darley promoted him, there was no standing the man."

Alex smiled back. "We owe a lot to him. Least of which the passes to get us into Seattle. They aren't taking just anyone, and I doubt we could have gotten in, knowing our track record for causing trouble."

"Trouble?" Liam said, feigning shock. "We are goddamned heros!" Gemma stirred in her seat and Alex hushed Liam with a look. "Sorry," Liam whispered sheepishly.

The two men sat in silence for a long while, both lost in thought of the events that had been and the hopes that were to be. After a time, Liam turned to Alex, a puzzled look on his face.

"I'm still confused about one thing."

"Only one thing?" Alex said, mockingly. Liam screwed up his face.

"I don't understand what Matthew meant about Gemma. What did he mean, 'Keep her safe and protected. She'll save us all one day'?"

Alex shook his head and looked down at his sleeping little girl. "I don't know," he admitted. "But I'll definitely do what he said, even if I don't know why he said it."

The nighttime landscaped passed quickly outside the window as the train continued into the night.