On the Hunt (21 page)

Morning light filled the office at the CDC, and Nora readjusted her weight on the chair and bit back a wince. The previous night had been wild, and they’d certainly consummated their marriage.

Three times. Enough that the soreness extended to places inside her she hadn’t realized could become sore.

Yet they hadn’t talked. The night had overcome them, and they’d run with it, finally succumbing to sleep. Deke had been called to the office early in the morning to update the White House, and he’d dropped her off at the CDC labs, which were nearly in lockdown.

Experts milled around the building, ranging from CDC health workers to FBI agents to MPD. The CDC was about to hold a press conference and announce the truth, finally.

At the moment, as they tried to contain the infection, the world seemed to be holding its breath.

Whether it knew it or not.

She glanced at the newest printout on her desk. Several of Zach’s local victims, including the first one, Mandy, had died from Scorpius. Her shoulders slumped.

Nora’s phone buzzed, and she picked it up. “Yes?”

“Nora? It’s Bobbi.”

Nora sighed. She’d taken over for Lynne as the head of infectious diseases and had left Bobbi in the lab cataloging results. “Hi, Bobbi. Have you finished with the new samples?” The test results from the previous week were dismal, so she’d kept systematically trying different methods and different materials for the nanoparticles. They’d also tried using several different catalysts to get antibiotics through Scorpius’s protein shell, and the results should be ready soon.

“Um, yeah, but well, we have a problem.”

Nora lifted her head. “Define
problem
.”

“Two vials of altered Scorpius, the new green strain, are gone. No record, no transfer . . . nothing.”

Nora’s breath caught. “I’ll be right there.” She hung up.

Deke poked his head in, his gaze roaming her head to toe as if taking inventory. A feminine part of her bristled, and she lifted her chin. He grinned with no small amount of masculine smugness. “You’re looking a bit worse for wear, darlin’.”

The endearment, normally used with a nice Southern drawl, came out as
dorilin
in his deep brogue. She lowered her chin as her mind spun. As she tried to deny reality. “No more so than you.”

“True.” Someone called his name from down the hall, and he turned and gave a jerk of his head before focusing back on her. “Just got word the FBI is tracking Zach Barter back this way. There are guards posted by the labs and at the end of this hallway. You don’t move without me by your side. Got it?”

Fear sizzled along her skin, yet she kept her composure and lifted an eyebrow. “Did you take Scorpius samples from the lab?”

He stilled. Then his head lifted, and his green gaze lasered right in on her. The atmosphere in the small room was charged. “No.”

She stood and planted both hands on the desk. “Do you know who did?”

“Aye.” His eyelids dropped to half-mast in a curiously dangerous look.

“Damn it all to hell, Deacan,” she exploded. “Scorpius is not a weapon.”

He drew in air through his nose. “It could be if used against us.”

She pinched the bridge of her nose between two fingers and fought the urge to punch him in the face. “I won’t be part of creating a weapon we might use against other human beings. No matter what happens.”

“We need a secondary location to keep Scorpius, just in case something happens to this one,” Deke said levelly. “Nobody is asking you to be part of weaponizing anything. Your job is to find a cure, so I suggest you do it.”

Her chin lifted. “What’s your job?”

“To protect and defend by any means necessary.” He lifted a shoulder. “It’s who I am, and I’m not garna change. What we have, you and me, it’s good. Maybe we don’t agree on much, but we agree on each other. We shouldn’t have given up so easily last time.” He glanced down at his vibrating phone. “I have to go. We’ll discuss us later. Don’t leave the building,
wife
.” Without another word, he turned and disappeared down the corridor.

Her temper exploded inside her head with enough force to rattle her teeth. How could he?

The phone on her desk buzzed, and she snatched it up. “What?”

A pause came across the line for a moment. “Um, Dr. Medina?”

Nora took a deep breath and tried to keep from throwing something. She and Deke were going head to head at the nearest opportunity. “I’m sorry, Bobbi. What’s going on?”

“Well, I, I’m not sure what to do. I tried to call Lynne because I heard she still wanted to be informed of major developments, but she’s out of range, and maybe not even conscious, and I, just—”

“It’s okay.” Nora lowered her voice to soothing. “I’m covering for Lynne, and I can help. What’s going on?”

“I found the missing samples,” Bobbi whispered, her voice muffled.

Nora’s head jerked up. “Where?”

“By Loading Dock C. After I saw they were gone, I figured I should do something since Lynne wasn’t here, so I went to talk to Geo Flanks in the security room? The cute one with the beard?”

“Bobbi—to the point, please.” Nora skirted the desk and headed into the hallway. Where was Loading Dock C? Somewhere south, right?

“Well, he let me watch the security cameras and recordings, and I saw the vials being removed. The cooler containing them is in C right now. Just waiting.” Bobbie cleared her throat. “What should I do?”

Nora sped up, smiling at people she passed. “Nothing. Do nothing right now—I’m on my way.” She sucked in air. “Who took the vials?”
Please, don’t let it be Deke.

Bobbi sniffed. “Don’t get mad, but it was the sexy-as-hell Scot. Your man.”

Nora doubled over as if punched in the gut. If he thought she wasn’t smart enough to stop him, to stop the government, he didn’t know her at all. “Hold tight. I’ll be right there.” She tried to remember the map she’d been given earlier so she could maneuver around the CDC and find the vending machines. They probably hadn’t figured she’d use it in order to avoid the guards.

While her memory wasn’t as good as Zach’s, it was darn close. Nora avoided the guard points, took several more hallways, found the stairs, went down, took several more hallways, and finally ended up at Loading Dock C. Quiet and boring. She shoved open the double doors to a quiet warehouse-like room.

Dust filled her nose and trickled like a warning across her skin.

Bobbi slowly came out from behind a box of masks. Her blue eyes sparkled and her color was heightened. “Dr. Medina. Or is it Dr. McDougall now?”

Nora swallowed and glanced around the deserted area. A chill swept through her. Something was definitely wrong. She casually reached for her phone. “McDougall.” Awareness spiraled through her stomach, and she edged away from the girl. “What’s going on?”

The assistant smoothed down a yellow T-shirt. “I needed to see you.”

Nora peered closer. Something was definitely off. Had Bobbi been infected? “How are you feeling?”

“Better.” Bobbi rubbed her pointed chin. “The Scorpius bacteria is a bitch to get over. I was so sick.”

Heated air burst from Nora’s lungs. “You were infected?”

“Yes. Zach came over the night before he left town, and we, ah—” She blushed and swayed.

Oh shit. “Did he rape you?”

“No. Well, not really. I mean, I fought him, but after the fever, I see that it was love.” Bobbi tilted her head to the side. “I was sick for twenty-four hours—thought I was going to die.” She frowned. “I kept in touch with Lynne, saying I was searching for Zach, but I didn’t die, and now Zach and I can be together. I mean, once you’re out of the picture.” She drew a pointy gun from the back of her waist. “There are a couple of ways this can happen. I can shoot you, but Zach would be pissed. Or I could bite you, but Zach . . . would be pissed.” She sighed. “He wants to bite you himself.”

Nora glanced around for some sort of weapon. Going hand-to-hand with the girl was a bad idea, since the bacteria still lived in the saliva of a host, even one that had recovered from the infection. “Why does he want to infect me?”

Bobbi wrinkled a very pert nose. “He thinks those who survive the infection become immortal.”

“And you don’t?” Nora asked, peering closely.

“Nah. I feel stronger and maybe smarter, but I don’t feel like a god.” Bobbi jerked the gun toward the outside door. “There’s a nice, quiet parking lot out there that nobody uses.”

Nora eyed the weapon. If she rushed the girl, she’d get shot. “Why are you doing this?”

“I love him.” Bobbi’s aim wavered. “When you love somebody, you’ll do anything to make them happy. Right?”

“No.” Nora shook her head. There was an odd glint in Bobbi’s eyes. Fever? Or possibly insanity. “So there weren’t vials stolen?”

“Oh, we’re missing two vials, that’s for sure, but I have no idea who took them and don’t really care.” Bobbi shrugged and pointed the gun at Nora’s chest. “I’d love to just shoot you.”

Nora blinked and tried to remember the layout of the building. The exit let out at the side parking lot; there was a chance somebody would be out there. Not a great chance, considering the main parking area was on the other side of the building. If she let Bobbi take her outside, she’d be at a disadvantage. So she set her feet. “I don’t think so. And if you try to bite me, I’ll knock your ass out.”

The girl’s head jerked back. “Well, Zach figured you’d say that.” She fired, and three red darts plugged Nora in the neck.

So, not bullets. Interesting. Nora’s eyes fluttered shut, gravity took over, and the last thing she felt was the hard cement floor.

 

 

Deke finished meeting with the FBI profilers, and his temples pounded at the newest update. Zach Barter was probably back in town. Fair enough.

“We’ll get him,” FBI Director Siles said around a worn toothpick as they maneuvered down the hallway. “We knew he’d come back.”

Deke nodded and headed toward Lynne’s office. Well, Nora’s office now. She was probably still pissed at him, but they both had their ways of dealing with life, and they’d have to agree to disagree. He wasn’t losing her again, damn it. “Aye.” They’d known Zach would return for Nora, but Deke had thought he’d have a little more time to prepare. “Warn your men about Zach. There’s no cure for the bite, and you can only hope to beat the fever.”

So far, based on the newest data from Zach’s reign of terror, most people lost the fight. The CDC had released information to the drug companies, and they were rushing to find a cure. Or vaccine. Or hopefully both. But with the foremost experts in the country still unsuccessful, their chances looked bleak.

Deke reached the office. Empty. He turned toward Siles. “Have you seen Nora?”

“Nope.” Siles’s phone rang, and he glanced at the face. “It’s the vice president. No, I mean the newly appointed president. I bet your girl is either meeting with agents or is in the break room. Call me if you can’t find her.” He turned for the nearest exit.

Deke nodded, glancing down the bustling hallway. A month ago, he’d enjoyed the peacefulness of his job and slow days. Now he could barely find a spot to think. Where the hell had Nora gone? The back of his neck tickled, and he shoved down impatience. She was fine. Zach Barter couldn’t have gotten into the building, considering his face was plastered everywhere, and Nora wouldn’t have gone outside without protection, even if she was pissed about the missing vials.

Where the hell was she?

He scouted the building, going office to office, asking everybody if they’d seen her. All he got were shrugs and head shakes.

He sucked in a deep breath, everything inside him calming. Okay. She wouldn’t have gone anywhere. So he needed to relax and just find her. Yet he couldn’t help but hurry as he headed for the control room.

The men let him in and didn’t question him as he ran through recordings of the last two hours.
Damn it.
He watched the meeting between Nora and Bobbi, and his gut clenched when Bobbi fired. Nora hit the ground, and then the aide had carried Nora outside with surprising ease. The camera outside captured them getting into a white SUV with a man driving. Probably Zach.

Bile rose from Deke’s gut. If Zach had Nora, and if he’d bitten her, Deke was too late.

Nora’s head rolled on her shoulders, and she caught herself in a snort. Her eyes opened.

Candlelight. Tons and tons of candles surrounded her.

She blinked and shook her head, trying to focus. Pain lanced along her wrists, and she glanced down. Rough rope bound her wrists to an old-fashioned wooden chair. A gasp escaped her at seeing the pale-pink, see-through teddy barely covering her. “What the hell?” she asked. The room was sparse with only a twin bed in the corner and her chair.

The door opened.

Her heart slammed into her gut. “Zach.”

He smiled, the expression full of charm. “Nora. I’ve missed you.” An odd glint filled his movie-star blue eyes, and somehow, his voice had deepened. “Did you miss me?”

Hell no. Her mouth tasted like sand. “Where am I?”

“Bobbi’s aunt’s house. She’s quite the helpful girl,” Zach said.

Bile tickled the base of Nora’s throat. “Where’s the aunt?”

“On a cruise.”

“Why am I tied up?” She tried to keep her voice level.

He shrugged and shut the door behind him. “You’ve been playing hard to get, so I figured I’d just go ahead and catch you.” His chuckle filled the room with a slightly manic sound. “Some women like these kind of games.”

The blood rushed through her head. “Did you infect me?”

His eyebrows rose. “Not yet. I figured we’d do that the old-fashioned way.” His perfectly coiffed blond head jerked to the bed.

“Why do you want to kill me?” she whispered.

He frowned. “You won’t die. Sure, it’s a rough few days, but you’ll live through the fever. Then we’ll be together forever.”

She jerked against the restraints. “Most people catching the infection are dying, Zach. If you care about me at all, you won’t want to kill me.”

He licked his lips, his gaze dropping to her breasts. “You’ll live.”

A shudder wound through her. “Where’s Bobbi?”

Zach shrugged. “She served her purpose.”

Oh no. He hadn’t killed the young scientist, had he? “You’ve gone mad.”

He smiled again. “They do say that most genius is akin to madness, right? Trust me. You want this feeling.” His tennis shoes made little sound as he crossed the room to kneel in front of her, his hands clasping her thighs. Calluses marred his palms and scratched her skin as he caressed up her legs.

Nausea kicked into her gut. She tried to push back, to kick him, but his hold was absolute.

He frowned. “Stop fighting me, or I’ll bite you right now.”

Her legs trembled. Fear bit like fire through her. What should she do? If she fought him, he would infect her. His fingers reached the edge of the pink panties. “Please, stop,” she whispered.

He groaned and reached up to tug down the bodice. Cool air brushed across her nipples. Terror ricocheted through her arms, and she pulled harder against the ropes, shredding her skin.

“I’ve waited so long to taste you,” he murmured.

She shook her head, trying to get away. “If that’s so, why did you leave?” If she could get him to talk, maybe she could buy herself some time. Deke had to be looking for her by now.

Zach blew warm breath over her skin. “I had a job to do. Infecting all of those people took time, and it also kept the authorities busy.”

“Zach, look at me.” She had to get his focus off biting her, damn it. Her voice trembled as she asked, “Why did you infect all those people? I mean, why would you do that?”

He blinked, clearly perplexed. “To thin the herd. You really don’t get it, do you?”

“No,” she whispered.

He sat back. “This is new. I’m something new—in the chain of evolution.” He glanced down at his arm. “Since I survived the infection, I’m stronger. Smarter even. It’s time for the next species on earth—it’s time for me. People who survive the illness are different. Surely you know that.”

The tests were still coming in, but was it possible? Could it be that the infection actually allowed its host to use more of the brain than humans normally were able to access? “Then we should get you into a facility for testing, don’t you think?” she asked, hoping to reach the scientist he used to be.

His gaze sharpened. “No. Why would I let lemmings study me? If the scientists survive, once we’ve gotten rid of lower beings, then I can be studied. No problem.”

A tear rolled down her cheek while her brain fought to get through to him. “I’d like to study you. Please let me.”

His lips spread in a pleased grin. “As soon as you prove you’re worthy, we’ll find a place to study each other. Now I’ve waited long enough to taste you. Stop trying to distract me.” His gaze intent, he leaned toward her breasts.

“No!” She shoved back against the chair. His saliva was infected, but so long as she didn’t have any cuts, she’d probably be all right. She kicked out again and nailed him in the ankle.

He growled and slapped her across the face. Hard. Agony bloomed along her cheekbone.

Her vision blurred, and her ears rang.

“Bitch. Now I bite.” He bared his teeth and grabbed her neck, moving toward her breast.

She screamed.

The door burst open, and Deke barreled inside. He took one second to assess the situation and ran full bore for Zach, manacling him around the waist and lifting. Zach flew through the air to strike the wall and fall down. Hard.

Deke turned toward Nora just as Zach stood up and rushed him.

“Deacan!” she yelled.

 

 

Deke pivoted and kicked Zach in the chest, sending him sprawling again. Circling around, Deke kept his body between Nora and the threat. The image of her, pale and terrorized, half-naked in the chair, would haunt him forever.

Zach shoved to his feet and smiled, blood covering his teeth.

“Don’t let him bite you,” Nora said, her bare feet slapping uselessly against the floor.

Sirens trilled outside, while blue and red lights swirled through the partially closed blinds. “My backup is here,” Deke said calmly. “Get onto your knees, and I won’t have to shoot you.” He drew his gun and pointed.

Zach smiled. “You won’t shoot me. They need me alive.”

“No. They
want
you alive. I’m okay with you dead.” Deke kept his gun pointed levelly. If he shot, blood would spray. While he could probably block Nora’s body with his own, he couldn’t be absolutely sure no blood would get on her.

Zach spat blood toward him.

Nora cried out.

He turned his head to avoid the liquid touching his face.

The door opened, and the blonde ran inside, knife in her hand, heading for Nora.

Time slowed. Deke’s focus narrowed. Drawing on training, drawing on history, he launched himself into action. Spinning, he kicked Bobbi full in the jaw, throwing her back into the door. Her head hit with a sickening thud, and she dropped hard, eyes closed. Without missing a beat, he turned just as Zach leaped for him.

Deke clasped the man in a bear hug, pivoted, and slammed him face-first onto the floor. Blood arced over Deke’s hands and flew in every direction, along the floor, spattering Nora’s feet. Zach slumped into limp unconsciousness.

His hands slipped, but Deke clicked handcuffs into place. He jumped to his feet. “Any cuts on your feet?”

She shook her head, tears washing down her face. “Have to get clean. Have to get you clean. Cuts on your hands?”

He glanced down at his shaking hands, covered with blood. “I don’t think so.”

FBI agents burst inside, guns out.

“Cut her free,” Deke said, yanking off his shirt and kicking out of his clothes. He waited until the nearest agent had cut Nora free. “Get into the shower. Now.”

She nodded, gulping air. With barely a glance at the agents, she shimmied out of the teddy and ran, buck-assed naked, for the hallway. Deke followed her, waiting until she’d stepped inside the shower. “Use soap. Wash it all off.”

He kept his hands away from his body and dropped to one knee, peering at her feet. She scrubbed them with soap until they were pink. He breathed out. No cuts, not even a scrape. Good.

She stepped out. “Your turn.”

He nodded and shoved by her, careful not to touch. Minutes later, he’d washed off the blood and reassured himself he didn’t have any cuts or wounds.

The first agent poked his head into the bathroom. “You’re both to stay here until the CDC guys come for you. They’re bringing decontamination chemicals.”

Deke nodded and flipped off the water, not wanting to touch anything else in the room.

Nora shivered next to the shower but didn’t reach for a towel. “Anything in here could be contaminated.”

“I know.” He wanted nothing more than to reach for her, but just in case he was contaminated, he kept his distance. “Are you all right?”

“Yes. He didn’t bite me.” Her lips began to turn blue. “How did you find me?”

His chest hitched. “Saw Bobbi take you on video, tracked her through town, did a search for anybody she might know. The aunt and her address popped up. The SUV is in the driveway.” He shook his head. “I thought I’d be too late.”

Her hand trembled as if she wanted to reach out and touch him. Reassure him. But they had to follow protocols. Instead, she gave him a smile. “We’ll be okay, Deke. I promise.”

“I can’t live without you.” Standing, dripping cool water, having just faced death, he gave her the truth. “I’ve loved you since I was sixteen years old, and I don’t want this life, any life, without you.”

Color bloomed in her face. “You pick the darnedest times.”

He chuckled. “I know.”

She smoothed water from her hands. “You live by different rules, but you’re true to them, and you’ll be true to me.” Her smile brightened the entire room. “You’d go through hell for me. How could I not want you?” She faced him fully, shivering but with determination in her eyes. “I love you, too.” As she gave him the words, as she gave him herself, she met his gaze. “It’s always been you, Deacan.”

Yeah. He smiled. “I’ll make you happy, baby. I promise.” More importantly, he’d keep her safe, because the woman had pegged him right. Hell was definitely coming, and he fully intended to storm the flames for her.