Rise Once More (10 page)

“
Yes, this is Father Randy Mcfeely from Lead South Dakota. I am putting together a mass mailing for our bible study camp, and I would like to purchase your mailing list. We would like to spread the good lords message to anyone we can.” I say, as Cox looks at me incredulously with a raised brow of disappointment.

I am a god fearing woman myself good father. Will you need a complete list or regional?

“Complete please.” I say.

Not a problem. The total comes to $713.96. How would you be paying today father?

“Credit Card” I reach into my back pocket and retrieve the father's credit card. He had left his wallet in the car. I read off the numbers and confirm everything using his driver's license.

Thank you father your payment has cleared. To access the files just goto our website and login. Your temporary username is RMCFEELEY and your password is xq87t. Do you have any questions?

“No young lady. You have done the lord a service today. God Bless you my child.” I say as I disconnect the call and bring up the web browser. I login and download the file. I open it and begin to scan the names, focusing on southern states.

“
You know there is a special spot in hell reserved for you.” Cox says with a vindictive tone in his voice.

I glance up and look Cox in the eye. “Hey! Desperate times call for desperate measures. I am sure the priest will totally understand. Not to mention he could very well be dead by now.” I continue to scan the names, until one jumps out at me.

Eicca Laine

703 West C Street

Woodburry, GA 30293

Chapter Eleven

Inexorable Victim

The drive back to the motel was agonizing for Alex. No words will ever convince Eve of his innocence. The action already done, set forth by Amos, was now his burden to carry. Even if he were to betray Amos to her, she wouldn't believe him. Or to tell her that the man she loved like a father had ordered Amos to finish the job, even if Alex was successful in capturing Trixie alive.

It was a cold calculating truth that had to be made. It wasn't about feelings, reasons, or promises. It was about accomplishing the mission, and Amos had succeeded where Alex nearly failed. It was done now and all that remained was to tell Eve. My best shot at redemption would be to explain to her that Trixie had taken the Virus. She was one of
them
now. He could comfort her only slightly by letting her know it was virtually painless and a very swift death.

Alex paused at the door, twisting the handle very slowly as to not wake Eve. He cracked the door and slid inside. It was too late the light had cast directly into Eve's eyes, causing her to awake. A flitter of her eyelids and her fierce blue eyes starred at Alex.

The blood speckles sprinkled across his face and shirt. Eve's face grew pale and her thin lips separated slightly as she exhaled. Her chin quivered and she pursed her lips, letting out a small whimper. The tears welled up in her eyes and she began to sob, covering her face with her hands as she shuddered violently. Alex stepped forward and began to speak. “Eve I didn't...”

Eve's crying stopped abruptly. Her tears converted into a frenzy of rage as she launched at Alex. How could he of betrayed her. Once again she had given him a sliver of trust, only to have him walk all over it. This time she had enough. No more second chances, she made up her mind in that fraction of a second, she was going to kill Alex.

She flung herself on top of him, flailing her arms about in a feverish frenzy, but this proved to be a grave miscalculation on her part. Alex being who he was could not suppress the second nature of his training. He reacted instantly, and without any thought. Eve flew backwards onto the floor, and within an instant Alex was on top, his hands firmly gripped around her neck. Locked on, apply even more pressure, quickly depriving her body of oxygen. Eve coughed out her last remaining breathe.

Alex saw nothing but black, and within a few more moments Eve will be dead. Eve flailed her legs about uselessly; she was no match for Alex's strength. Eve began to slip into the darkness and reaching very far down in her lungs managed to get a slurred “Alex” out of her lips. It wasn't much, but was enough. The sound traveled through Alex's ears, working through a series of pathways inside his brain, finding the very spot were the human Alex had retreated too.

Alex immediately released his grip, Eve gasped for air, allowing the life to re-enter her body. Eve lay exhausted on the floor, coughing wildly with each breathe she drew in. Alex startled after realizing what he had done rushed to her side, propping her head up against his knee, and brushing her forehead with his hand.

“
I'm so sorry Eve. I blacked out. I would never hurt you. You have to believe me!” Alex says remorsefully.

“
You're a monster!” Eve bats at his hands and crawls away from him, positioning herself with her back against the bed and one hand gripping the dresser drawer. The anger had slightly subsided and Eve couldn't help but begin to cry again. Even though her relationship with her mother was frayed, she still had a bond with Trixie.

It was easier to ignore her mother, knowing that someday she could reunite with her, and now Alex had taken that away from her. Eve sniffled a few times as the tears ran down her face. Her body trembling, sitting upon the floor, she felt as if she was on the verge of losing consciousness.

“I didn't kill her Eve...” Alex reaches behind him, retrieving his handgun, and ejects the magazine. The sight of the gun made Eve quiver as she turned away from Alex. “Here is your proof. This berretta only holds 15 rounds.” Alex places his thumb over the top of the magazine and flicks out each bullet one at a time, pausing slightly between each one to allow Eve time to count.

The polished brass casings sparkle in the poor lighting of the motel room. Eve could tell by the craftsmanship of the bullets, that they were of very high quality, most likely hand loaded by Alex himself. “And that makes fifteen...” Alex states with a cold, yet hushed whisper the kind you hear when a human tries to comfort a scared animal. Alex scoops up the shells, replacing them into the magazine, and then puts his gun behind his back, all the while moving slowly and at a distance from Eve.

“Then who did Alex?” Eve says softly.

“
It doesn't matter Eve. She was dead already. She wanted to commit suicide by infecting herself and taking out as many people with her as possible. When I found her she was already infected. I didn't know it at the time, and I pleaded with her to give herself up. I even told her you were here only a few miles away. She didn't believe me at first, and then I played back your voice telling me not to harm her. That is when she tried to attack me.” Alex says.

“
She knew I was alive before she died?” Eve says as her eyes begin to well back up with tears.

“
Yes.”

“
So you had no choice...” Eve says.

“
I told you I didn't kill her.”

“
Quit messing with my head. Just say it... The TRUTH.” Eve says.

“
Amos did.”

“
WHAT? Amos is here now too? Who sent him?” Eve asks. Her body started to tremble uncontrollably. In her fragile state, her brain struggles to piece the story together; ideas crowding for space in her limited brain, flashing just briefly before another idea forces its way past.

Eve begins to fashion the scene unfolding inside her mind. It was hazy at first, but left with only one conclusion.
Reese. He is the only person who could be behind it. He sent her with Alex as a distraction, knowing good and well he had no intent of allowing my mother to live. She was dead long before I got on that helicopter. How could he betray me like that? He was like a father to me...

Eve's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a phone ringing. Alex places the phone to his ear, and Eve can faintly hear the familiar voice of Reese speaking. She couldn't make out the words, as he was speaking very rapidly, and after a few moments Alex's face changed. A look of deep concern flashed across his battle scared face. Alex places the phone back into his pocket and stands up abruptly.

“We gotta go Eve...NOW!” Alex says with conviction in his voice. His attitude had changed from empathetic to strict and orderly. It is clear that Alex is not playing games and there is little time. Alex gathers their belongings and dashes out the door towards the car. Eve rushes to follow behind him and barely makes it into the passenger seat before Alex places the car in gear and speeds away.

“
What's going on now?” Eve asks.

“
Change of plans, we gotta get to the BOZ ASAP.”

“
BOZ?” Eve asks with a  confused look on her face.

“
Bug Out Zone. It's a safe haven my father setup years ago. He is already on his way, and we can meet him there.” Alex says as if reciting a line from a field training manual, the tone of his voice cold and utterly emotionless. Eve wonders what it must feel like to live like he did, only a partial person, more robot than human being anymore.

Eve's mind drifts back to a memory of their prom night. Back when he was just an often misunderstood teenager, before he was a man or now the beast he had become. His hand resting on the sash of her dress, as they danced, her arms interlocked across his strong shoulders. A lame slow song played behind them, and Alex placed his mouth near her ear. Eve had expected a teasing nibble, but instead Alex whispered “I joined the Corp.”

I was so angry at him. He was only 17. How could he do something like that without talking to her about it first. How could they make a life together if he ran off to fight in some war. In a land he had never been, to protect people he never even knew. He knew how I felt about violence. I suppose that was the beginning of our end. Looking back on it now... I was such a hypocrite. It's all in the past now...

The car jerks to a sudden stop and Alex leaps from the vehicle. Within moments he had their gear and was starting the blades on the helicopter. He shoots Eve a glaring stare, as if he is expecting her to already be inside the chopper instead of still sitting in the car day dreaming.

“Eve move your ass!” Alex shouts, his voice almost drowned out by the sounds of the blades reaching full speed. The down force of the blades sends sand into the air in a fury of chaos. Eve opens the door and is pelted by it like standing inside a large sand blaster. She shields her eyes and rushes inside the machine, taking her place next to Alex, and buckling her safety harness.

Alex rocks the flight stick back and fourth, soon they are in the air, and accelerating rapidly. The tail end sways off course and Alex jiggles the handle to settle it out. The mountains quickly fade behind them as they venture into the open air. Eve sits silently staring out into the sky as darkness settles in around them. Even though she has already slept the day away, she can't help but fall back into slumber.  The stress was just too much for her to handle.

Alex come in. It's Edith do you copy?
Her voice was almost unrecognizable tiny sounding coming from the outdated radio. Alex picks up the mic and wonders why Edith would be calling on the radio band instead of the dlink.

“
10-4. This is Alex. Good to hear your voice Edith. We could use a friend out here.” Alex says.

I see you are close to Omaha. Change your course immediately.

“It is the fastest way to the BOZ Edith. Why change paths now?” Alex says.

I just intercepted a signal on the military band. Emergency no fly zone has been enacted around every major city. You best be on your way, and keep a low profile.

“Can you track any units in my air space?”

Affirmative. I have you in my sights, but a squadron has been given orders to activate about 150 miles to the east of your location. I advise you to head south and I hope you have enough of a head start. They can easily out run you and won't take kindly to anyone occupying their air space. They have orders to shoot on sight.

A loud banging noise can be heard in the background, followed by some rapid footsteps, Edith mumbles a few words that Alex cannot make out. The radio falls eerily silent, and Alex calls back for Edith. “Edith. Come in. I didn't catch that last part.”

The radio remains silent as the two of them look nervously at each other. Alex looks around scanning for any movement in the sky. He knows that if Edith could see them, then the military is fully aware as well. It occurs to him that the ready order issued was obviously meant to dispatch of them. The only thing he has going for them is a distance, one that will fade quickly once the jets got into the air.

Alex! Come in.

“
I'm here. What did you say again? I missed the last part.”

I don't know how long the door is going to hold. Do not come back. Omega Phi is no longer secure.
The sound of metal striking metal rings out over the speakers, followed by a gasp from Edith. The radio again grows momentarily quiet. Uneasiness falls upon Alex's mind, and he is forced to accept the brutal truth. It is too late to save anything, the only remaining option was to fight and stay alive for as long as possible.

Roger back away from me! Alex I am punching out. Best of luck and god bless.
A single gunshot rings out as the radio falls once again into silence. Eve begins to cry, covering her pale face into her clasped hands. Alex lets out a deep exhale and reaches over to rub Eve's shoulders. She flinches as if repulsed by the feel of his touch.

“
It's going to be alright Eve. We just need to make it to the BOZ. We have supplies, shelter, food, and water.” Alex says encouragingly.

“
And Reese... I am not going there Alex. I can't stand the thought of being next to him, or you either. Fuck it all! I might as well just jump out now; at least it would be quick.” Eve searches for the latch of the door, her hands in an unfamiliar setting waft all over the door unsuccessful in finding it.

Alex reaches across her seat, his hands twisting her shirt into a ball inside his fist, pulling her close to his face, he looks into her eyes with a piercing and unforgiving look, his teeth partially grinding, opening his lips to show his clenched teeth. “We have enough to deal with right now. You playing the drama queen isn't helping the situation. So sit down and shut up!” Alex's words stung her ears, laced with anger and impatience.

Alex reaches back behind him, his left hand returning with his pistol, aiming it directly in her face, his right hand still clenching her shirt. “If you want to die, then DO IT! Be my fucking guest.” Alex says his voice ice cold and void of emotion. He drops the gun into her lap, and reclaims the helicopters controls.

Eve sits, staring blankly at the gun in front of her. She reaches out, sweeps her fragile hand under the handle, and lets it rest upon her palm. The weight of it was shockingly heavy to her, the unyielding nature of the steel seemed almost alien to her. The thought of raising the weapon up and squeezing the trigger was a welcomed escape from the pain.