You and Me against the World: The Creepers Saga Book 1 (24 page)

The young men were entranced but polite enough not to stare too long at the girl. Adam, however, was clearly hooked, although the girl ignored him for the moment and stared at Devin. Adam stood and smiled as he introduced himself and offered to help her with the drinks. She nodded politely and accepted his offer.

“We just lost Adam, unless that girl is coming with us,” Nick said, and everyone except Devin laughed. Thorn was reminded again to ask Devin what bothered him about the place.

The conversation in the room abruptly ended as Brother Luke walked up on a small stage at the front of the dining hall. He raised both his hands, although everyone had already stopped talking.

“My brothers and sisters, thank you for helping me welcome our guests this evening. And now without further delay, our blessed leader, Brother Bartholomew.”

The residents clapped loudly. Brother Bartholomew entered from the side entrance and strode onto the stage. Two fiftyish military-looking men flanked him on both sides. Brother Bartholomew stood six and a half feet tall, with dark hair that was meticulously combed into place. He wore khakis and a blue Oxford, and Thorn noted his expensive Italian loafers. He estimated that Bartholomew was in his mid-fifties, but the man’s blue eyes gave him a youthful appearance.

“He looks like he just got back from the country club,” Susan said softly.

“I was thinking the same thing. A politician dressed down to interact with the common people,” Thorn whispered.

Brother Bartholomew presented a large bleached white smile and raised his hands to quiet the applause.

“Good evening, my brothers and sisters. We are truly blessed. Our Lord guided each of us through the rapture to find Fort New Hope. Our blessed City on the Hill—or in the woods, as it were.”

The residents laughed.

“Many would say that we have reached the end of the world. That life is over and that humankind has lost. I say, never. I say that this is the beginning and that we have been chosen to begin again and to prevail as the old world could never prevail. I say that our glasses are yet half full.”

“Half full of tequila,” Brandon whispered.

“But enough of my preaching,” Brother Bartholomew continued. “Our Lord has also blessed us with some young guests, and for that we are truly thankful, for in youth there is hope still. Welcome, my new friends.”

He looked at their group and smiled.

“Please enjoy your meal, and I look forward to hearing your story after dinner.”

He turned back to the residents and smiled. “Bless you.”

He waved and left the stage followed by his two companions. His companions moved like guards protecting an important diplomat.

“That was kind of strange,” Susan said.

Thorn didn’t answer. He watched Devin, who whispered something to Brandon. The smile left Brandon’s face and he nodded.

After dinner, Brother Luke and Pam approached their table.

“Brother Bartholomew will meet with you now,” Luke announced and looked at Devin.

“Sounds good,” Devin said and stood. “Dr. Thorn and Golden will join me.”

Brother Luke seemed to consider it for a moment. He looked almost pained.

“Well, yes, I’m sure that will be fine,” he finally said.

“And I will take the rest of you to your rooms,” Pam said and smiled. “We have running water, we have comfy beds, and we have clean clothes. Life is good.”

She laughed but she stared at Devin as if measuring him, and the musical quality of her voice didn’t match her eyes. She broke off the stare, and she was again the easygoing woman.

“Come on, troops, follow me.”

As they left the hall, Devin kissed Caroline and whispered something in her ear.

“Okay, this way,” Brother Luke directed.

He led the three out through a back door and down a small alleyway that led to a steel spiral staircase. At the top, they went through a door and entered a large office. It was decorated with dark panels, leather furniture, and brass candelabras. On the far wall was a large oak desk with a leather top. Brother Bartholomew sat behind the desk in an equally large captain’s chair. His two companions were nowhere in sight.

“Please, my friends, come in and sit down.”

Devin and Thorn took the chairs in front of the desk, but Golden remained standing by the door. Brother Luke indicated she should sit, but she ignored him.

“She’s fine, Brother Luke,” Bartholomew said and smiled.

He half stood from his chair and reached out his hand in greeting. Devin shook it. Thorn noted that Bart was one of those guys who squeezed too hard when he shook.

“Welcome, gentlemen. I’m glad you made it to us safely.”

“Thanks,” Devin said. “You have a very nice setup here.”

Bart studied him for a moment, deciding if Devin’s tone held some criticism.

“Yes, we have been very fortunate, as have you, apparently.”

“We’ve lost some good friends on the road,” Devin said in a flat tone.

“So I’m very intrigued,” Bart continued, and then he turned his attention to Thorn. “I understand that you are a doctor, sir.”

“Yes, I am,” Thorn answered.

“And clearly the senior member of your team. Why is it—and no offense,” he said and looked at Devin. “Why is it that this young man is in charge?”

“Who said he is?” Thorn asked. He didn’t like Bart.

Bart laughed and it was a quick bark.

“Dr. Thorn, I was a corporate attorney for over thirty years. It takes me about two seconds to figure out who is in charge in any room.” He waved his hand. “No matter, it was rude to even ask. We are glad to have you here. What is your plan?”

“We’ll stay the night and get on the road tomorrow evening,” Devin said.

“And where will you go?” Bart asked.

“Northwest. Away from the cities.”

Bart nodded.

“Makes sense. Cities have a lot of infected.”

He adjusted his chair and looked at Devin. His face changed, the politician smile was gone, and for a moment, Thorn thought that perhaps Bart was an okay guy under it all.

“Devin, I understand you’d have good cause to be suspicious of any survivors you meet. It’s the smart play, and I won’t try to convince you otherwise. Instincts keep a man alive. But your group is safe here. Sure, we’re a little religious, but we’re harmless. Besides, you have us seriously outgunned, and most of the residents here couldn’t shoot a gun if you showed them the right end to hold. Heck, one look from the little girl over there and most of them would wet themselves and run. So please, stick around for a few days, rest up, get together the supplies you need. Heck, we have a great mechanic who can fix that van of yours.”

Thorn noted that Bart was already aware of their van’s condition but remained quiet.

“Why?” Devin asked. He waited for a response.

“Because of the children,” Bart said, and it sounded sincere because he didn’t pretend to not understand Devin’s question. “Their presence is good for the hearts and souls of my congregation. But it’s more than that. It’s dangerous out there. You know that as well as I. Wherever you plan on going, the chances are, you won’t make it. I don’t want to see those little ones die. So stay a few days. Keep your guns on you. See that we’re not what you fear we are, and then maybe, you’ll stay longer because you’ll find this can be your home too.”

Devin stood and said, “Thank you, sir. I appreciate the offer. We’ll stay as long as is necessary to get ourselves rested, and then we’ll be heading out.”

Bart stood up and nodded.

“Fair enough,” he said.

He shook Devin’s hand and then Thorn’s.

“Brother Luke will show you to your rooms. Enjoy your stay, gentlemen.”

The next time they saw Brother Bart, things were not so friendly.

The tip of insanity

They planned to stay for only a few days, but that became a few weeks.

Devin had not given up his suspicions, but they proved difficult to maintain. The people of New Hope were nice, and their actions didn’t raise concerns. Pam turned out to be the one that put them most at ease. Caroline, Susan, and Annie struck up an almost immediate friendship with her. The other residents proved to be a big help with the children. Neither Caroline nor Susan had gotten much rest on the road. It seemed the little ones always needed something or that one of them was always awake when the others slept. Having an entire village to assist with the kids gave both the women some much-needed rest.

Pam, however, had no desire for them to stay. In fact, she thought that their plan, which Caroline shared with her, much to Devin’s disapproval, was a great idea.

“I’m sure,” she said, “there is more out there for you kids than this tired old place. You should go as soon as you’re ready. Hell, maybe me and Bob will tag along.”

Austin didn’t get any worse. He was a little fatigued. The fever came and went; occasionally he coughed, but other than that, he appeared to be fine. Thorn checked his vitals daily when the two met in private, but he felt confident Austin would beat it.

Adam had only one interest—Dani, the gray-eyed girl. She was nice in a quiet, reserved way. The two of them spent every day together. Dani had many chores. Adam helped her with everything, except for the office work that she did for Brother Bartholomew.

Annie believed that Dani’s share of chores was unfair. She made it clear that she had no interest in remaining at Fort New Hope if it meant a boring life of domestic responsibilities.

Pam agreed with Annie. On their last day at New Hope, Pam explained Dani’s situation to Annie, Golden, and Susan as they sat at a picnic table, drinking iced tea.

“Dani is Bartholomew’s niece, and he insists that she be productive.”

“Niece?” Annie questioned. “The way I’ve seen him look at her, I’d say that he was something else.”

Pam didn’t laugh. “You want to be careful with what you say about the brother, Annie. People will get the wrong idea.”

“No, they’ll get the right idea. The guy is a fuckin’ creep,” Annie said loudly.

Pam slapped her in the face and then immediately regretted it. Golden was every bit as quick on the draw as her husband, Bob. Golden leveled the .38 at Pam’s face before Annie recovered from the assault.

“I’m sorry,” Pam said in a whisper. “You just can’t talk like that, you can’t.”

“It’s all right, Pam,” Susan said and placed her hand on Golden’s arm. “I think you should just go.”

Pam hesitated. She ignored the gun and looked at Annie’s red cheek.

“Annie, I’m really sorry.” Tears spilled down her face, but the sadness didn’t quite touch her eyes.

“You’re crazy, Pam. Just go before my sister puts a hole in your head.”

Pam got up, but it was a slow, reluctant movement, and she kept her head down.

“I … I wish I could explain.”

“Just go,” Susan said. “Now.”

Pam walked away. They were all sad. They had lost a friend.

“Dr. Thorn,” Dr. Scott called out, “have you been avoiding me?”

Devin and Thorn turned and saw the doctor coming down the street.

“Not at all, Dr. Scott, just been busy.”

“Well, I do want to talk to you about these infected. I have so many thoughts, ideas, and theories. We really do need to compare notes.”