Matronly Duties (27 page)

“What?” Howard yells back.

The guy comes to a stop in front of us, breathing hard. “OSP found the entrance from the catacombs to the cavern.” He looks at his watch. “First party started scouting the tunnels about two hours ago. I left the rest of the guys with instructions to lead them away, but we need to prepare for emergency evac.”

“Shit.” Howard paces, one hand pinching the bridge of his nose. “Grab Grant and Toby and have them put together a group of ten and head back into the tunnels. We need to keep OSP from finding the settlement. As soon as I have everything sorted here I’ll join you.”

Howard turns to me. “Come on, we need to head back to the party.”

I don’t argue.

When we reenter the marquee, Howard puts his fingers to his lips and lets out a loud whistle. Everyone stops what they’re doing and looks at him.

“Sorry to interrupt the celebration, everyone, but we have an emergency situation. OSP has finally found the caverns. We suspected this might happen and have been preparing for the chance it might. A team is going to head out to join the sentries and try to lead them away, but if we can’t, then I need everyone here to be prepared to evacuate. Return to your homes and pack only the essentials. If you can’t carry it, you can’t bring it. Please, try and get some sleep, too, because the hike to the backup hiding place is not an easy one.

“I’ll be heading into the caverns to try and lead the search teams astray, so I will be leaving Bethanie in charge. Any questions or concerns, please direct them to her.” He claps his hands like a starter’s gun and everybody gets moving.

I pull Howard aside. “What on earth are you doing putting me in charge?”

“I need someone I can trust looking after things. Mum will help, but I thought people would feel more comfortable coming to you if they had issues with her.”

I still feel completely out of my depth taking on this task, but I want to do it—if for no other reason than to support him. “Okay. Where do I start?”

“Go home and pack a bag for both of us, just some clothes and other essentials.”

“Anything else?”

“If for some reason I don’t come back, Mark knows where the other settlement is. He can lead you there.” He pulls me into his arms and holds me tight. “I’m sorry,” he whispers into my ear. “I love you.”

Before I can respond, he pecks me on the lips and is gone.
I love you, too.

My knees go weak, and I grab on to a chair to stop myself from collapsing to the ground. Not even thirty minutes ago my world was perfect, now it’s in tatters. I have the intense urge to hide somewhere and cry until I run out of tears, but I don’t have that luxury. Time is of the essence, and I need to go home and start packing.

As I walk to the house, the settlement is aflutter. People are moving about everywhere, not a single residence quiet.

“Beth!” I turn to see Toby’s wife striding in my direction.

“How can I help, Wanda?”

“Is it going to be okay?” The fear that contorts her expression is one I’m intimately acquainted with. I want to lie and say yes, it will be fine. But I’m certain that’s not what I’d want to hear if our positions were reversed.

“I don’t know, but everyone is going to do their darnedest to make sure it is.”

She puts her hand on my forearm and nods. “You’ll let me know if you hear anything?”

“Most definitely.”

I’m stopped three more times before I make it home. Each time, it’s someone seeking reassurance that everything is going to be okay. I try my best to sound positive, but I don’t ever tell them everything is going to be okay. I don’t for one second think that is the case, and I’m not about to lie to them.

I finally make it to the Jameses’ and once inside, I collapse against the door. I let the tears I’ve been holding in fall. I want a time machine so I can go back an hour, put on my big girl knickers, and not behave like a naïve little girl. The fact that Howard is out there fighting for our survival and I didn’t even get to tell him I loved him, too, makes me so mad at myself.

“Are you all right?”

I look up to see Rhonda crouched before me. I hadn’t even heard her approach. “No, I’m so stupid. What if he doesn’t come back? What if he dies thinking I didn’t love him?” I’m full-on sobbing now.

Rhonda hugs me tight. “I know for a fact that he does not think that. He knows you love him. He will be back. He has been through worse than this before and survived.”

I know she is trying to comfort me, but it’s not really helping. “Thank you,” I say anyway. “I’m going to go get my packing done.” I stand and brush myself off.

“Okay, dear. If you need anything, give me a hoy.”

What I need is Howard back so I can apologise for thinking the worst of him before I had all the facts. That isn’t going to happen, though. Not in the short term. But the first thing I’ll tell him when I see him again is just how much I love him.

***

After two days of being on tenterhooks, finally the evacuation order has come. “Thank you, Toby.” When I answered the door, he was on the stoop looking dishevelled and exhausted.

“Did Howard pass on any other instructions?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Okay. Are you staying to help with the evacuation, or are you heading back?”

“Heading back. They need all the hands out there they can get.” That’s not really what I want to hear. Matter of fact, what I want is Howard home and safe and us not having to move.

“Thanks. Well, I won’t keep you.” I turn to Rhonda, who has been standing patiently behind me. “Send the kids out with the message the time has come. I want everyone to meet at the marquee in fifteen minutes tops. I’m going to go see Mark. If people aren’t there when we’re ready to leave, then we are going without them.”

“No worries. We’ll get it sorted.”

Rhonda returns to the house, and I stride the two doors down to Mark and Estell’s.

I don’t even have to knock, as the door is open. When I walk in, Mark, Estell, and Bethanie are sitting on the floor, a picture of a happy family. “It’s time.”

Mark is immediately on his feet. “Were there any specific instructions?”

“The exact message was evacuate everyone to the rendezvous point and the teams will meet us there. I take it you know what this means.”

He nods. “It’s a two-hour hike, but it’s through some rough tunnels and lots of uphill, claustrophobic spaces.”

“Okay. Everyone should be in the marquee in fifteen minutes.”

“Great, I’ll be there.”

Twenty minutes later, Mark is wrapping up his instructions to everyone. It’s strange to see all the exiles together. Only a couple of days ago, they were in this exact marquee, partying and welcoming the renewal that comes with a new year. Now they stand laden with all that they can carry, looks of fear and apprehension on their faces.

“Move out.” Mark claps his hands and strides out of the marquee.

Before Mark spoke to everyone, we discussed that he would lead and I’d bring up the rear with the Jameses. I stand still as everyone follows Mark.

It’s strange the things you don’t notice if you aren’t looking for them. It you’d asked me ten minutes ago if there was a second entrance to the settlement, I would have sworn black and blue there wasn’t. But Mark leads us to exactly that. Hidden on the far side of the cavern, shrouded by shadows, is the exit tunnel that leads to the backup settlement area. If you weren’t looking for it, you’d never see it.

One by one, the fifty-odd residents of the settlement file into the tunnel. I stand to the side watching and taking a mental note of each face. I want to be able to remember them, in case something goes wrong.

Once everyone but the Jameses and I are in the tunnel, I turn to take one last look at the first place I ever truly felt at home. It looks like a ghost town now.

Some movement catches my eye, and I worry we left someone behind. A closer look reveals a group of five men. I’m about to alert the others to the men’s presence when it becomes clear that Howard is front and centre in the group.

Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Before I realise it, I’m moving towards him. The need to have him in my arms and confirm he’s okay is almost unbearable.

Out of nowhere, a massive boom rings out, shaking the entire cavern. I drop to my knees, unable to stay standing. I glance at Howard to see he, too, has been shaken to the ground. I stand when it’s safe to do so, but the reprieve is short-lived as giant hunks of stone start falling all around.

“Howard!” I run in his direction, but a boulder about five metres wide crashes down in front of me and halts my progress. A metre either way and I’d have been crushed.

A hand grabs me from behind and pulls me towards the tunnel. I look over my shoulder and see Anthony has hold of me. “But what about Howard?”

“He’ll be fine. We need to go before we’re trapped.”

I glance over my shoulder and see nothing but rock. “But—”

“No buts. Come on.”

I let him drag me into the tunnel, all the time looking back to the settlement for any glimpse of Howard.

Please, let him be okay.

Chapter 24

The trek to the backup cavern is long, and I can’t stop glancing over my shoulder every few minutes with the hope I’ll see Howard and his group behind us. It hasn’t happened, though.

The almost pitch dark makes navigating the tunnels difficult. On the upside, it makes the claustrophobia not too bad, because you can’t see exactly how close the walls are.

Three long hours and, finally, the tunnel opens into a cavern about a quarter of the size of the one we were in before.

Some of the evacuees at the front of the group already have their swags or sleeping bags set up. Half of a forty-four gallon drum is in the centre of the space, a fire burning brightly. It’s not nearly enough to warm the space, but with all the body heat, it seems to at least stop it from being freezing.

Mark comes over. “What happened? The ground shook, but we just kept going.”

“I don’t know exactly. The last of us were about to enter the tunnel when I saw Howard and four others walking down the middle of the settlement. Then this massive boom rang out. That’s what shook the ground, but I have no idea what made the noise. I tried to reach Howard, but the ceiling started to cave in and I lost sight of him.” My head is full of what-ifs. Images of Howard crushed under a boulder are the most prominent thoughts echoing around my skull.

“I’m sure he’s fine,” Mark says. “Howard’s a wily one. If anyone can make it through, he can.” I hope he is right. “Why don’t you go set up over there?” Mark points to an open area not far from the fire. “Everyone needs to sleep while they can. We don’t know how long we’ll be able to stay here.”

“Thanks, Mark.”

I go to the spot he pointed out and roll out my swag. There is absolutely no chance I’m going to sleep with all the things going on in my head but I lie down anyway. A few minutes off my feet is better than nothing.

***

“Hey, sleepyhead.” A hand on my shoulder gives me a little shake. “Come on, time to wake up.” I recognise the voice and sincerely hope it isn’t a dream. I open my eyes and there, kneeling next to me, is Howard, all in one piece.

“Oh God.” I launch myself at him, throwing my arms around his neck. “I’m so sorry. I never should have behaved like that. I love you. I love you so much.” I place little pecks all over his face.

“You don’t need to be sorry, my love.” He wraps his arms around me and holds me tight. “You had every right to be mad at me. I never doubted your love, and I hope you know I love you, too. I’m not the man I was a few years ago, and I have you to thank for that. When we get out of this mess, we’ll sit down and have a good long chat.” He leans in closer and whispers, “Followed by some really awesome makeup sex, okay?”

“Okay.” I giggle and hold him tighter. “What happened back there?”

“OSP set off an explosion in a tunnel right above the cavern. Thankfully, it didn’t cause too much damage. The good news is they think they have us trapped down here and have retreated to the city. They won’t stay away for long, though, which is why we need to get a move on.”

“What do you need me to do?”

“We need to wake everyone.”

Howard helps me to my feet, then we move around the cave to each group until all are awake. Howard finds a rock to stand on so he is up a little higher and everyone can see him.

He puts two fingers in his mouth and whistles, silencing the group. “Okay, so we have some good news and bad. The bad news is we can’t stay here for long. Although we think we’ve thrown OSP off the trail, it won’t be for long. The good news, however, is word has come from the Sydney transport. They’ve arrived early and are waiting up top for us.” A murmur of approval buzzes around the room. “So we’re splitting into two groups. I will lead a group back to the settlement and collect what we can of the remaining supplies for the journey to Sydney. The settlement isn’t compromised yet, but that doesn’t mean we won’t run into OSP on the way. The rest will head for the city using the alternate tunnels. We’ll rendezvous outside the catacombs close to lights out.”

He hops off the rock and sets about dividing the group. When he gets to me, I speak before he even gets a chance.

“I’m going with you, and don’t even think of saying otherwise.”

He grins. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

He curls his arm around my waist and pulls me in tight against his chest. His lips crash into mine with a bruising force. All of my tension ebbs away, and I’m putty in his hands. If only we had time and some privacy . . . the things I would do to this man.

***

When we arrive at the rendezvous point, everyone is already there. The group going isn’t as big as I thought it would be, though. Of the fifty-something people who have been living in exile, only about half of them are making the trek.

“Where’s the rest?” I ask Howard.

“They’ve returned to the settlement.”

“Even Mark and family?”

“Yeah, Bethanie is too young to make the trek. The cold would kill her. So Mark is going to step up and lead the Trads. He’ll watch the settlement and make sure there is still somewhere for those in need of refuge.”

Howard gathers everyone. “Okay, so everyone is here. Now, the plan has been discussed before, but I will give you all a reminder anyway. The moment lights out happens, we’re going to move into the catacombs and split into three teams. Each team will have a designated job. Teams One and Two will be led by Grant and Toby and will head west to collect the two snow carts that have been loaded with provisions and that are hidden in the city in two separate locations. I’ll lead Team Three, and we’ll head directly for the airlock with the aim of clearing a path through security for the other teams.

“By splitting up this way, at least initially, there are a number of advantages. Firstly, no group will be so large as to be immediately suspicious, and secondly, if one team is caught, the other teams will be able to carry on without them and still have sufficient provisions to continue the journey.

“All going well, the three teams will regroup at the airlock. There, we will don protective gear, including weather suits and sun goggles. We then proceed through the airlock to the surface.

“Once we reach the surface, there will be an overland vehicle waiting for us. It will be a five-day journey to Sydney, and it’s going to be cramped and a little uncomfortable, but it is the best we can do.

“All members of one family have been placed into the same group, except for the advance team, who will deal with security. If for some reason you would like to split the members of your family between the two groups, please speak to me in a minute.”

Howard glances around the group of people.

“Are there any questions?”

It is quiet for a minute as the audience lets Howard’s words sink in, then hands start to shoot up. Most of the questions are just clarifying parts of what Howard said, but he answers each one concisely.

Howard wraps things up. “Okay, we have a few hours until lights out, so get some rest.”

Laying my pack on the ground behind me, I recline against it and take the chance to close my eyes and rest properly.

Next thing I know I am being woken up by screaming. “Everyone up now! We have to move!”

The panicked look on Howard’s face rocks me to the core. “What’s going on?”

“Security found us. We were ambushed by a patrol. We took them out, but not before they could radio in their position. If we don’t go now, we’re going to be caught.”

Everybody moves swiftly and runs for the catacombs.

When we reach them, everyone scatters. Thankfully, Teams One and Two manage to get away, but our team isn’t so lucky. As we reach the carts we’re meant to escape in, we’re blocked by two security teams.

“Stay here,” Howard warns. “Keep your head down. And if anything bad happens, take the cart and head for the airlock.”

I do as I’m told and duck my head, so at a glance it looks like no one is in here. Shouts, grunts, and the odd bang, possibly someone being shoved into one of the carts, fill the air. I am tempted to look and see what is happening, but I’m too scared. Every second that passes feels like an eon.

I am so lost in my thoughts that I haven’t noticed the noises have ceased. If it’s quiet then it should be okay to look, so I sit up. I’m wrong. I come eye to eye with a security member. He runs around to my side of the cart and throws the door open. I try to scramble to the other side to get away, but he grabs my leg, pulling me towards him.

“Let me go!” I scream as I try to kick him with my other foot.

I’m wriggling, trying desperately to escape, when he suddenly lets go and collapses to the ground. I lean towards the open door to get a better look at the man, wary that it’s some trick to lure me closer.

Without warning, a face I recognise appears in the opening.

“Need a hand, Ma’am?”

“Oh, Red, what are you doing here?”

He helps me out of the cart. “Trying to make sure you get out.”

I throw my arms around him in thanks. “Where’s Howard?”

“Over there,” he says, pointing to the other side of the cart.

I run around the cart and see Howard out cold on the ground. I’m instantly at his side trying to wake him up.

“Howard, wake up, please! Come on,” I say as I shake him.

It takes a little bit of effort, but finally Howard’s eyes open. “Hey, love,” he says groggily. “What happened?”

“I was hoping you knew.”

He grabs the back of his head as he sits up. “I think someone hit me over the head with something.”

“Are you in much pain?”

“No. How are the others?”

“I haven’t checked yet. I was too concerned about you.”

I help him off the ground. When he’s steady, he looks up and sees Red flanked by Ben and John.

Howard tenses beside me. “It’s okay,” I say. “This is Red, my former chief of security. He saved me from an OSP officer that was trying to get me out of the cart.”

Though he relaxes a little, his hands are still clenched in fists at his side. “Are you all right?” he asks Ben and John.

Both men are fine, though a little groggy like Howard.

“What do we do now?” I ask.

“We need to send word to the settlement that OSP is on the prowl again,” Howard replies.

He thinks for a bit, and I can see the exact moment he has a new plan because the scowl disappears from his face.

“Okay, this is what’s going to happen. Ben, you need to head back to the settlement and warn the others they may be found. Help Mark set up the diversion so the government doesn’t find the settlement. The rest of us will continue on as planned.”

“I’ll keep security distracted,” Red adds.

“Thanks.” I can see the look of appreciation on Howard’s face. “Okay, everyone, we need to move. We’re already behind schedule.”

I give Red a quick hug. “Thanks so much for all your help. I’ll never forget it.”

“You’re welcome, Ma’am. Good luck on your journey. Stay safe.”

Howard and I hop into the same cart as before, John gets into the second one, and we’re on our way.

After about ten minutes, we come to a cart-sized access gate into the city. We quickly navigate our way to the entrance of the tunnel that will take us to the surface.

As we approach, Howard hangs back while John moves in first. It makes sense now what they are doing. John is going to pretend to need to enter the facility for work purposes, but how they intend to proceed from there I’m not sure.

I watch with bated breath as John’s cart pulls up to the barrier gate. One of the two security guards manning the gate comes out to check what is happening, and the next thing I know he collapses to the ground. John quickly jumps out of the cart—now I notice the Taser in his hands—and enters the security office, knocking the other guard unconscious when he comes running out to help the first.

Once John has flicked the switch to raise the barrier gate, he reappears and signals for us to drive through. As we reach the other side, I realise we are being followed by two smaller vehicles, the likes of which I’ve never seen. Once inside the gate, all the carts pull over to the side and I realise the strange carts are carrying Teams One and Two with our provisions. We have all made it here in one piece.

Howard and John duck into the security office to put the gate down and move both the guards inside so they are out of sight.

All four vehicles head down the long access tunnel, and after about ten minutes we pull up at a parking lot to the left of the airlock.

Before we can even switch the carts off, four guards brandishing weapons come running out from the offices next to the airlock. Howard reaches under his seat and pulls out a gun.

“Get down!” Howard yells, then turns to me. “Stay in the cart and don’t come out unless someone you recognise comes for you. Okay?” I nod.

Howard tucks the gun into the back of his pants and hops out of the cart; John does the same from the cart beside us. Not two seconds later, my dad hops out of Team Two’s cart.

“Stop right where you are,” a voice shouts.