Praying for Grace (7 page)

“I’ll go feed him,” I said quickly.

“Will you let me?” asked Gretchen. “I could use the practice.”

I looked at her awkwardly.

“Gretchen is Hoot’s sister,” explained Gus quickly. “She’s the one who’s expecting.”

“Oh. Sorry, I hadn’t realized.”

“It’s ok. Hoot can come help me. I promise we’ll take good care of him.”

“Sure. Thanks,” I said, reluctantly. “His diapers are in Gus’ room in my brown backpack. It’s on the couch.”

Gus smiled softly at me, clearly glad that I was softening just a bit toward Gretchen. Boggs was still looking at me with disapproval. I turned toward the front gate when I heard a car motor approaching.

“They’re here,” said Hoot.

“The Runner?” asked Abbey.

“Ayup.”

“Gretchen? Can you guys get Emmett down below?” I asked, suddenly not wanting him out in the open.

“Gretchen, I’m going to stay up and help get it locked up,” said Hoot. “Can you handle the baby alone?”

“Sure.”

“Abs, maybe you should go down with them,” I said just above a whisper. I had a sinking feeling in my gut.

“She’s right, Abbey,” said Gus. “Danny, we may need you up top. Abbey, go with Gretchen and the baby,” he said in the authoritative tone I had come to miss.

“What’s going on?” asked Boggs. Other than a primitive feeling of dread, I was as clueless as he.

The vehicle came to a haphazard stop at the gate as two men and a woman struggled to open the sliding chain link panel to allow the vehicle to pass. Someone was yelling in pain from the bed of the pickup that still waited to drive through. Hoot and Gus both began running toward the only entry to the base. The painful screaming grew louder as other voices began shouting to find out what had happened. Danny and Boggs were right on their heels. As I ran to catch up, curious as to what was going on, two people ran up beside me.

“Don’t get too close,” said the young woman to my right.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Not sure, but it’s not safe. You need to stay back,” she said quickly.

I looked to my left and saw an older man reaching for my arm.

“Miss, please, Moe told us we have to keep you safe.”

I quickly shook him off my arm. Truth be told, he gave me the creeps. “I’ll be fine.”

“It’s not just you, Miss,” he continued. “The baby. We have to keep it safe. You’ll understand soon. You will. You will…”

The old man’s eyes were bright and pleading. His skin was severely wrinkled, his thinning hair a yellow-gray, and he was hunched over. I stopped walking to keep him from grabbing onto my arm again, and looked away from him and back to the unfolding scene at the gate. The truck was driving through and Gus and Hoot were busy climbing into the bed while it was slowly creeping forward. Boggs and Danny were back several yards. They both looked like they were waiting for an opportunity to help.

“Moe, come get Trudy! She’s hurt bad!” yelled Hoot. “Bring Abe!”

Gus and Hoot were both in the back of the truck, which had come to a stop and parked. Others were closing the gate, obviously in a hurry. The woman standing beside me put a hand over her mouth.

“Oh God, no! Not Trudy!” she moaned. She was soon running toward the scene of chaos.

I looked sideways at the old man. “Trudy’s her best friend,” he said solemnly.

Before he could grab my arm again, I sprinted forward to help. The land was flat aside from the raised flowerbeds. Still, it took me longer to run the distance than I cared for. The area around the truck was in pandemonium. Two men had rushed from the cab and were now struggling with something near the tailgate. The smell of death and decay mixed with fresh blood and I felt queasy. Gus met my eyes as I approached the scene.

“Boggs, brother, keep her back!” he shouted just before coughing onto the crook of his arm.

I found Boggs to my left. He glared at me as if warning me to stay back, but he proceeded forward to the truck itself. Moe and Abe had both arrived and were busy receiving the injured woman into their arms.

“Be careful, she’s been bit!” shouted one of the men from the cab.

“No!” wailed the girl who had been beside me when the truck was still coming in through the gate.

The injured girl was still crying in pain, but her efforts had weakened considerably. She was covered in blood. Abe helped Moe lower her to the hard ground and her friend knelt down beside her. Abe was busy binding the girl’s wrists together with a length of twine.

“Do we have to?” moaned Trudy’s friend.

“You know we do, Katie,” was all Moe said.

Katie positioned herself so that Trudy’s head was in her lap and began stroking her hair gently. Tears streaked her cheeks and I knew only too well how she was feeling. I hadn’t had a chance to actually say good-bye to Emilie, but her loss still caused such pain. Without hesitation, I walked to the two girls and sat on the ground beside them. I placed a hand on Katie’s back and looked down at Trudy’s face, which was already going slack as she slipped away.

“No, Trudy, don’t go,” begged Katie, who began sobbing inconsolably. “No, not you…sweet Trudy.”

“Katie girl, we have to take her now,” said Moe in the kindest voice she could muster.

“Don’t take her,” begged Katie. “Just let me stay with her until it happens, please? She’d want me to stay with her until then. Oh God, Trudy…”

“She wouldn’t want you to see her after she turns. Please, let us take her now before it happens.”

Moe looked at me, and I knew from her expression that she wanted me to help with Katie.

“Katie, let me take you inside?” I said gently.

The girl looked at me blankly. “I don’t want them to take her. She’ll turn and they’ll keep her in a cage.”

I looked at Moe, horrified, “Is that true?”

“We all make a decision here, on what we want to happen if we ever turn. Either be put down or be kept for science so we can try to solve this monstrous plague. Trudy wanted us to use her.”

Katie let go of her best friend’s head and covered her face with her hands. She leaned against me and I wrapped my arms around her. I held her like that as Moe and Abe lifted Trudy’s body and began walking to a small building with her. There were several just like it, all single or double wide mobile homes that had seen better days. Katie continued to cry in my arms. I looked back to the truck and watched as several men, Danny and Boggs included, tackled the captive Runner to the ground. I could tell by how it moved that it was a Runner. It struggled to get away from them, but was outnumbered. Eventually the creature was pulled up by its bound wrists and forced to walk in the same direction that Moe and Abe had headed with Trudy’s body. As the group walked by, the Runner clicked loudly while looking directly at me. It was badly decayed with a large piece of flesh missing from its neck. Maggots fell along the ground as it marched forward. I held Katie’s head to my chest and stroked her blonde hair until the Runner was led into one of the mobile homes.

“Let’s go inside,” said the old man, who I hadn’t realized was standing behind us.

He held a hand out, and I reluctantly took it. Something about him didn’t set well with me. Katie stood with me. I took her hand and we followed the old man to the bunker where I had spent the night.

I took Katie into the bunker with me. I tried to talk her into lying down for a while, but she said she was too upset to sleep. We found Abbey and Gretchen in the reading room next to the kitchen. Gretchen was holding Emmett and talking softly with Abbey. As soon as she saw Katie, Gretchen handed Emmett over to Abbey and stood.

“What happened?” she asked as she wrapped her arms around the younger girl.

“Trudy…she’s gone.” Katie’s voice came in shudders as she fought to breathe through her tears.

Gretchen looked at me, and without asking slowly reached out and placed a palm on my face. She closed her eyes and held Katie to her. I didn’t feel a deep connection to Gretchen like I had with Gus, but where her hand touched my flesh I could feel a cool tingle. I knew that she was “seeing” what had happened in the courtyard through my own memories.

“I’m so sorry Katie,” she whispered. “I know how much she meant to you.”

As her hand left my face, the coolness slowly faded. I left the two women to comfort each other and made my way to a chair that was kiddie-corner to where Abbey sat with baby Emmett.

“What happened?” asked Abbey quietly.

“A group came back with a Runner, and someone was bit. It was a good friend of the girl I came in with, Katie. She died.” I kept it honest and simple. I knew Abbey could handle it.

“That’s sad. Can I help?” she asked as she watched Gretchen consoling Katie.

“Maybe we should give Gretchen and Katie some time alone,” I suggested.

Abbey nodded and held the baby out to me. I took him into my arms and kissed his soft cheek, which was beginning to fill out. He smelled like old milk and had obviously just soiled his diaper.

“Let’s go see about getting this guy a bath,” I whispered. “Gretchen, we’re going to let you two sit in here. We’ll see you later, ok?”

Gretchen smiled at me, finally unwrapping her arms from Katie. As the two of them took over the sofa, Abbey and I took Emmett down the hall and into Gus’ room.

“He’s soaked through,” I said.

Abbey yawned. “I swear we changed him.”

I smiled at her. “He’s pretty stinky. I think we should get him cleaned up. He’s got to be over a week old now and has never had a real bath. You up for it?”

“Sure! You’ll let me help?”

“Of course. You can start by putting a blanket down on Gus’ bed so it doesn’t get wet. They’re on the loveseat.”

She eagerly set out to help and quickly had a receiving blanket spread out. I set the baby on the bed and began to undress him. He was wide-eyed and kicked his little legs as I unsnapped his sleeper.

“You’re filthy, little man,” I whispered to him before looking at Abbey. “I think I’ll leave him naked and just wrap him in the blanket. We’ll head up top and see about warm water.”

“Can I carry him?”

“Sure. I’ll bring his dirty clothes.

I finished ridding him of his soiled clothes and swaddled him in the blanket. Abbey picked him up and gently placed him over her shoulder. She was always very careful with him and it made me smile.

“Zoe?”

“Huh?”

“Are you really having another baby?”

I looked at her for a moment. “Yeah, it looks like I am.”

“Is it Gus’?”

I nodded.

“Do you think Boggs is mad?”

I sighed. “Probably, but I hope he’ll get over it. C’mon, let’s get the baby cleaned up.”

She looked like she wanted to say more, but bit her lower lip and nodded. We stopped in the entry area and found the stock of baby supplies. I grabbed a newborn size Pampers and was thrilled to find a bottle of Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo and a travel sized bottle of baby powder. Gus hadn’t been kidding when he said they were well stocked. As soon as Emmett was cleaned up, I’d find a quiet place to nurse him. He’d had bottles for two feedings in a row and my chest was paying the price. As we climbed to the surface, Katie’s sobs quieted behind us.

***

Once outside, I took Emmett from Abbey and we walked toward a man who stood not far from the gardens. He was busy using a shovel to dig a small hole. Hearing our footfalls approach, he stopped and turned toward us.

“Howdy,” he said. “You must be the new group?”

“We are,” I said with a smile. “This is Abbey and I’m Zoe. And baby Emmett.”

The man took a work glove off of his right hand and extended it to me. “Erik. Glad to meet you.”

I shook his hand and smiled. While he exchanged the same greeting with Abbey, I looked around for Gus.

“Do you know where Gus is?” I asked.

“He’s in the zoo,” said Erik.

“The zoo?” asked Abbey questioningly.

“It’s where we keep the dead. It’s next to the lab. I wouldn’t take the baby over there. It gets loud. Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Maybe. The baby really needs a bath. I was wondering if there’s warm water anywhere?” I asked. 

“Sure. If you want hot we’ll have to heat it over a fire, but we usually have some shallow pans full of rainwater that heat in the sun.” The man looked up to the sky. “It’s about noon so it should be warm enough.”

“Sounds perfect. No one will mind if we use some?”

“Nah. It rains often enough here. I’ll show you where we keep it. There’s some showers set up too, but you have to add the water. If you want to shower, I can help with the water buckets.”

“Abbey!” Danny’s voice called as we prepared to follow Erik. “Wait up!”

He sprinted toward us, obviously anxious to see Abbey.

“What’s up, Danny?” she asked as he got closer.

“A couple of the women asked if we can come help get dinner ready. You up for it?”

Abbey looked at me.

“I’ll be fine. Go ahead,” I told her as I took Emmett from her arms.

As she and Danny walked off together, I turned to Erik. He was about the same age as Gus, I suspected, and looked rough. Had I met him outside of the walls of the old base, I would have been intimidated and apprehensive.

“So you’re Gus’ girl, huh?”

“It’s complicated,” I answered.

“I didn’t expect you to be so young.”

When I didn’t answer, he motioned for me to follow him, which I did. Emmett was starting to fuss and I was anxious to feed him. I was also exhausted and needed time off of my feet. We walked a short distance to a small area that had been set up for bathing. It was situated behind the second bunker’s small concrete building. Used wooden pallets had been set up as a deck of sorts. Several long tables held shallow metal pans. Two shower stalls had been built using two-by-fours and tarps. The tops of the showers were constructed of wood and plastic and reminded me of giant funnels.

“For now showers are unlimited, but if the rain barrels get below a certain level we’ll start rationing. The water troughs above are attached to a length of hose with on-off valves. A full water tray lasts a total of about two minutes, so turn the valve off while you’re washing and just use it to rinse. We try to keep it to one tray full per shower.”

“How do I get the water into the tray?”

“Pour it from the metal fish pans on the tables into a bucket. There’s a step ladder for each shower, you just have to carry it up and pour it in. Oh, and you have to keep the water tray covered with the tarp when you’re done to keep debris out. I’d use the hose in the shower for the baby, if you ask me. You shouldn’t be lifting heavy buckets of water in your condition, so I’ll fill it for you.”

I sighed. “Does everyone know?”

“About you being pregnant? I suppose so. It’s big news. Gus told you, right? That your baby may save the world?”

“He mentioned something about it.” I was uncomfortable with the conversation so changed the topic. “Is there anything I can set the baby on in the shower?”

“Sure is. There’s another baby here. Her mom uses a table and little net seat. I’ll grab it.”

“Thanks.”

Erik walked to a small Rubbermaid shed and within a minute or two came back with a folding table and small net hammock-style baby bath seat. He got them set up for me in the nearest shower stall and then filled the water trough above. Without saying much more, he left me and Emmett to our task.

I carefully unwrapped the tiny baby and set him in the hammock. He began to cry the moment I set him down, causing me to frown. His crying made my chest hurt and I felt sorry for him. It was a warm day, but not warm enough for a newborn to be naked and getting a lukewarm bath. I heard a noise behind us, and keeping a hand on the little one I turned to see that Erik had returned. He was busy setting up a second table. I watched for a brief moment as he folded a clean towel and set it down. I looked back at Emmett, who was turning red in the face and beginning to wail. I found the end of the hose dangling nearby and grabbed it with my free hand. I turned the valve just part way, creating a gentle stream of tepid water. I began by letting it run over his head, which caused him to shriek. I felt horrible.

“You guys ok in there?” asked Erik.

“Yeah. He’s just really mad. I’ll try to quiet him.”

“It’s ok. There’s guards on all the walls, so nothing will get in. He’ll be happy enough once he’s warm again.”

I continued to wet his skin, making him even angrier. Eventually I managed to soap him up and rinse him off. By the time I was done I was nearly in tears myself. I felt so bad for having tortured him. I quickly powdered his bottom and diapered him before swaddling him tightly.

“He sounds ticked as hell,” I heard Gus say as he walked up, Gretchen at his side.

I looked up. “He hated the bath and he’s hungry.”

“Erik told us you were out here. Why don’t you let Gretchen take the baby in and get him settled? Abbey’s on her way with fresh clothes so you can shower.”

“Where’s Boggs?” I asked, realizing I hadn’t seen him in a while.

“He’s helping wrap up some loose ends before dinner. They’re making a big feast to welcome you all.”

“Hoot’s setting up a crib for the baby,” interrupted Gretchen. “I’d be happy to watch him for a few hours so you can sleep for a bit,” she said kindly.

I took a slow deep breath while considering the offer. “I am tired,” I said, giving in. “But promise you’ll wake me up if he needs me?”

“Sure,” she answered. “Want me to feed him a bottle?”

“That’d be great. Thanks. How’s Katie?” I asked.

“Pretty upset. She and Trudy had been friends since grade school. Abe gave her something to help her sleep. She’s strong. She’ll be ok, in time.”

I nodded and handed Emmett to Gus’ new blood-bound-friend. Oddly, he quieted once in her arms.

“I’ll have him in the library for now,” said Gretchen.

“Thanks, Gretch,” said Gus. I didn’t like him using a pet name for her.

She smiled at us both and walked with the baby toward the bunker.

“I’ll fill the shower for you,” offered Gus.

“No offense, but you’re pretty ripe too.”

“Yeah I know. Tackling the fucking dead fucks will do that to a man.”

“Are we safe, Gus? Here? With them keeping the dead for experiments?”

He adjusted his stance until he stood right in front of me. Taking my hands in his, he looked deep into my eyes. “I wouldn’t have you here if I wasn’t sure. I promise these people are ok and I promise the dead are secure. They’re making progress, Zoe. Real progress. There’s only one guy I’ve met who gives me the creeps and if he does anything to harm a hair on your head, or our baby, I’ll kill the fucker. Ok?”

I nodded.

“C’mon, we both stink and the showers are going to be in high demand in just awhile,” he said, letting go of my hands.

I watched as he filled two shower stall tops with water. I admired how easily he lifted the heavy bucket. I looked to my left when I heard someone walking toward us. Abbey and Danny were side-by-side, each carrying a neatly folded stack of clothes and towels.

“Gus, I grabbed these out of your drawers. Gretchen mentioned you were both going to shower. Sorry to go through your stuff,” said Danny.

“No problem. Thanks for bringing them out.”

“I just guessed on your size,” said Abbey as she handed me a pile.

I smiled in thanks.

“Will you guys hurry up so we can go next?” asked Danny dramatically.

“Sure,” said Gus. “Give us five minutes and wait nearby or someone’ll sneak in before you get a chance.”

“We’ll hang out here then.”

The two found a seat on some nearby log rounds, their backs facing the showers. Gus and I undressed quickly and stepped into separate stalls.

***

The dress that Abbey had brought for me to wear did little to conceal my swollen chest. The dress was bright red with white daisies and tight fitting in the middle, the full skirt ending at my knees. Wide straps hugged my shoulders. I felt rather silly wearing it.

Gus stayed behind at the showers to help fill the water troughs and to supervise the teens since a certain amount of nudity would be involved. I was glad to see him concerned, although I got the impression that Danny and Abbey were just interested in being friends and not more. I made my way back to the bunker to check on Emmett. Once there, Gretchen showed me where he was sleeping inside a playpen. He looked peaceful as he slept in a pair of fleece footed pajamas. I thanked Gretchen for watching him. I didn’t want to admit it, but I was warming up to her.