Outer Banks (8 page)

Well, like a pale, sickly angel who would most likely try to claw my eyes out if she knew I was there, but an angel nevertheless. A strand of her hair crossed her cheek and I stopped myself from brushing it away.

“Hi, Emery. I'm Dillon. I know you only have my word on this, but I'm a nice guy,” I told her. “Please don't claw my eyes out later. I'm rather attached to them.” I hoped my message would penetrate her subconscious.

I pulled out a few things from her medicine cabinet and put them in the duffel bag, hanging it across my chest before I covered her with the UV enclosure. I picked her up and threw her over my shoulder like I was moving a carpet.

She was light, as I'd expected. I checked the hall and when I saw no one, I made a break for the stairs.

The trip down was easier since gravity was on my side. I looked around the street before making a run to my van, no patrols driving by. I laid her down in the open safe box and locked it up after trying to make her somewhat comfortable.

The deed accomplished, I looked around again nervously, sure someone would have seen something, but no. Still no patrols, thank goodness.

I casually got in the driver's seat, only then noticing how quickly my heart was beating.

“Calm down, Dill,” I said to myself as I pulled out on the main road. “You haven't even made it to the gate yet.”

I stopped at the visitor's center and signed out after chatting with Tina for a moment like I normally would, wanting to keep my routine the same.

After stopping at the machine for candy, I continued on to the first gate.

I held my hand out and the guard with a dark buzz cut put my finger in the blood testing machine while Rick checked out the back of my van.

“I saw you checking out the sexy blonde,” buzz cut mentioned. Bill, according to his name badge.

Had he seen me take her? My heart pounded so hard I could feel it in my ears. I recognized him as the guard who had been following Emery in Feather Cliffs.

“For a small fee I can get you into her room. They don't say no when they're sleeping.” He smiled and nodded in the general direction of her hotel.

It took every bit of self-control I could muster not to reach through the open window and throttle him. There were times when I thought humans were even more disgusting and terrifying than the Bugs. At least with Bugs you always knew where you stood, even if it was bottom of the food chain.

“Uh. No, thank you,” I said.

“You like 'em awake, huh?” He laughed like there was something wrong with me.

“And willing.” My disgust seeped through slightly.

“Good luck with that.” He shrugged it off as Rick came around and gave the van the all clear.

“Okay, well you have a nice day,” said Bill.

“Thanks.” I couldn't say the same thing in return. I'd prefer a meteor to fall out of the sky and strike him dead.

My anger kept me from being too anxious. I was past the third gate and out in the real world before I calmed down enough to remember what I was doing.

What was going on in there? Was that the real reason Emery had her doors booby-trapped? It made me want to go back and get Corey out too. How would I ever be able to take anyone else back there if things were getting this bad?

All those thoughts were swimming around in my sleepy head as I drove for the next few hours. I needed to stop and get some rest.

I pulled into the motel I had been to earlier driving in, but I couldn't stop thinking about the girl in my van.

What had she gone through at OBX? Was she going to believe me when I told her where we were going? Was she really the key to saving everyone still trapped back there?

I took a shower, wanting to clean more than my skin. It would have been nice if the lukewarm water could have cleansed my mind too.

Exhaustion helped clear my thoughts of anything but the bed. I slept so deeply I barely realized the phone was ringing for my wake up call.

“Hello?” I answered, afraid that something was wrong.

“This is your complimentary wake-up call. The current time is—”

I hung up on the automated message. I could have easily slept for another hour or so, but I didn't want Emery waking up in the back of my van with me unable to explain.

I got dressed and picked up a cheeseburger and coffee at the Burger King next door. Cheeseburger for breakfast. Breakfast in the late afternoon. What a life.

Not wanting to have to stop after she woke, I stopped for gas. I hated the looks people sometimes gave me when I was fueling up when someone was screaming in the back to let them out.

I always felt like I should explain, but then someone might suggest I put them out of their misery and that would piss me off even more. Best to avoid the situation altogether.

I couldn't imagine Emery Mitchell being calm enough to ride in the front like Corey, but I would at least give her the option.

I was planning on finding a secluded place along the highway where I could pull over. I wanted to be ready when she woke so she wouldn't be scared for long. I spent my time rehearsing different ways to explain why she was in my van when she woke. Suave, humorous, direct.

It might have worked out better if I'd paid more attention to the time instead of what I was going to say.

I almost wrecked the van when she started pounding and screaming from the back.

“Let me out, you son of a bitch! Let me out!” The official slogan of the trapped Haunt.

“Hold on!” I pulled off on an access road with a large gate blocking any further passage. I jumped through the seats to the back.

“Get me the fuck out of here!” That wasn't going to happen quite yet. Not until she calmed down.

“Emery? I'm Dillon McAllister. I was hired by your father to get you out and take you to him. You're safe, I swear.”

“My father?” she screamed. “You lying sack of shit! Let me out! Right now!” I took offense to that though she had good reason to be suspicious.

“Not until you calm down.”

“My father was in LA during the first wave. What do you want with me?”

“He was in Palm Springs, not LA. He had time to get away. He wasn't even infected.”

“Liar! I talked to him that day. He said he was in LA.”

“
He
lied to you.”

She huffed and pounded at the door again. “Why would he lie to me?”

“Umm, well, he was with a woman who wasn't your stepmother.” I wasn't sure I was supposed to share that information, but didn't have much of an option.

“What did you say?”

“Your father was having an affair in Palm Springs.”

“You're lying! They'd only been married a few months. He wouldn't have…not already. No. You're lying.” She did stop beating on the lid at least. On some level she was accepting what I was saying.

“I'm not lying. You can believe me now, or you can believe me when you see him in California. It doesn't matter to me.”

“Let me out.” She started pounding again.

“Please just calm down and I'll open the door. If you over exert yourself and go into cardiac arrest, he'll kill me.”

Finally, when it was quiet, I opened the lock and threw back the door.

She blinked and came out of the box, crouching on the floor of the van ready to defend herself.

“I'm not going to hurt you. Your father is paying me to get you to California safely. We can call him now that you're awake.” I held up my phone in encouragement.

“Why are you trying to trick me? What do you want?” She glanced around the van like a caged animal.

“Jeez. You're as stubborn as he is,” I mumbled more to myself, but she heard me.

She tilted her head and calmed a bit. “You really do know my father?” My knowledge of his stubbornness seemed to convince her more than anything else.

She watched my eyes intently for any sign of dishonesty.

“I don't
know
him that well. I only met him recently, but he wouldn't take no for an answer. He hired me to find you and bring you to him. He's got a place for you to stay where you can continue your research. He said he built it where your old cabin used to be,” I explained. “It's going to be fine.”

“He's really okay?” she asked. “He's not infected?”

“Yes. One hundred percent human. Cheating husband, but human.” I smiled.

“He told me he was in LA.” She seemed to be focused on this part. I glanced out the back window.

“Let's get some fresh air. You can speak to him on the phone. You'll feel better when you hear his voice,” I opened the back door of the van and crawled out to stretch.

She winced and waited for me to step back before she cautiously followed me out.

The light was on by the gate, casting a bluish tint on the van and pavement. When she stepped out into the light, her hair looked light blue instead of blonde.

I smiled reassuringly. Or I thought it was reassuring. She took another step back.

I held out my phone so she could see “Adam Mitchell” written on the display. “See, I'm calling your father. I'll put it on speakerphone.”

“Hello, Adam Mitchell's office,” a deep voice answered.

I sighed. Rich people, too good to answer their own phones. “Hello, Anthony. Is Mr. Mitchell there?” I could see Emery become more alert when she heard her father's assistant.

“I'm sorry, sir. He is in a meeting. I'm his assistant. May I help you?”

“Please interrupt him. Tell him it's Dillon McAllister. He will not want to miss this call.”

“One moment.”

Emery came a few steps closer as curiosity betrayed caution.

“Mr. McAllister, is it done?” he asked. I didn't get a chance to answer as Emery was ripping the phone out of my hand.

Chapter Eight

“Daddy?” she gasped.

“Emmie! Are you okay?”

“Yes! Are you?”

“I'm fine, sweetie. I'm sorry it's taken so long to get you out of that place. My usual channels turned out to be disappointingly ineffective. I needed to make the proper arrangements,” he explained in a rush as Emery looked over at me—one of the arrangements.

I was smiling at her again. I hoped she didn't notice as she turned her back to me and took a few steps away for privacy.

“What's with this Dillon guy? Is he okay? He keeps looking at me weird.”

My brows creased together. Did I look weird when I smiled at someone? It wasn't weird. I was just happy to see her free. Not weird at all.

I couldn't hear her father's response since she took the phone off speaker. I could only hear her side of the conversation.

“Can't I just fly? I could wear dark glasses. Hire a private jet… It would be quicker… Yes.” This yes didn't sound like an agreement, more like she was resigned to doing what he was saying.

“If you're sure… Yes, I'm fine… No, they won't even let me talk to the research teams anymore. They let me keep some equipment, though… I had a few break-ins… A few broken ribs but they healed quickly. Nothing major… I'm in control. There's no danger of that… I guess I'll see you in a few days. I'm so glad you're okay. I love you. Bye.”

She wiped at her eyes as she walked back and handed me the phone.

“I apologize for yelling at you and calling you a liar. My father seems to trust you. I have to trust him.” She shrugged like there was no choice.

For a few moments she walked around in a small circle while she wiped her hand down her forehead. Coming to grips with things, I figured.

“I know you. I saw you on the elevator,” she said out of the blue as I looked up at the dark sky. The sun was completely gone, only a bit of a glow remained on the western horizon.

“Yes.” Why was I happy she recognized me?

“Do I have to go back in there? Is that how you do it? I…” She was getting upset. She didn't want to go back in the box.

“I kind of like having company while I drive, but if you're going to give me a problem I'll have to lock you up. Are we going to have any trouble?” I gestured to the box and she shook her head.

I went to the passenger door and held it open for her.

“Do you need anything? I packed your things, but I could stop at an all-night store to pick up something if you needed it.”

“No.”

“I have juice boxes in the cooler so if you get hungry just let me know.”

She looked at me strangely. “Juice boxes?”

“Um. Blood bags. We just tend to call them…it sounds less creepy, you know?”

“It sounds patronizing. Like I'm a school kid.”

I realized I was smiling at her again. Why couldn't I stop? It made her uncomfortable.

She looked around the van. “This is your job? You transport Haunts?”

“Yes. Though you're the first one I've transported out.” I smiled but hoped it seemed more natural this time.

“I don't know what you're expecting by smiling at me all the time. I've heard about Hunters that do things to Haunts when they're sleeping. I guess I can't really stop you if that's your thing, but there is no way I would ever sleep with you willingly.”

I definitely wasn't smiling now.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Excuse me for
smiling
at you too much,” I spat. “It won't happen again. And for the record, I would never do anything to you when you were asleep. Hell, I just
saved
you from that! Some creep had his eye on you.” I frowned and pulled out on the highway. This was going to be a long trip.

It wasn't like I was expecting her to have sex with me. Okay. So maybe it had crossed my mind for a moment. Or two. But I wasn't going to
act
on it. I was a professional, goddammit!

Was it too much to expect a little common courtesy? We were going to be traveling across the country together. Not to mention I would be guarding her for up to three months once we got there.

I was sure she was going to love that tidbit of information. She was already irritated. I decided I'd wait to tell her, or maybe let her father do it.

She interrupted my thoughts with her shaky voice. “Excuse me. Can you pull over again?”

I did as she asked. It wasn't like she could get far on this desolate stretch of forest lined highway.

She jumped out of the van like she was going to be sick. I'd never seen a Haunt get sick before. I followed her, knowing she wasn't going to like the invasion of privacy. Too bad. She was going to need to get used to me being around.

She walked to the front of the van, and met me in the glare of the headlights. Her skin looked even paler in the bright light. The hostility in her dark eyes was gone for now.

“I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I was a total bitch back there. Can we please start over?” She held out her hand without meeting my eyes. She was embarrassed, I could tell.

“Yes. I would like that.” I put my hand in hers, noting the cooler body temperature but not surprised by it. “I know it was a shock to wake up in the box while we were moving. I lost track of time. I hadn't planned to leave you in there any longer than necessary, I swear.”

I swallowed and went on. “I guess it was also a shock to find out your father was alive. If I thought you would have believed me, I would have contacted you during the night when you were awake or when I saw you on the elevator.”

“No. You were right to take me when I was sleeping. I never would have gone with someone like you. I wouldn't have trusted you.”

Was she going to insult me the
whole
way to California?

“Do you trust me now? I mean, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm not expecting you to have—”

“Yes. I know. I'm sorry. I just…ugh!” She pulled at her hair and walked into the shadows. “You don't know what it's been like. You don't know what happens there. I'm not used to being around…humans.”

I grimaced. “You're human, Emery.”

“That's not what I meant. Normal people. Maybe I should just go back in the box.”

I didn't understand or know how to make her stop tugging at her hair. I feared she was going to pull it out. When I reached for her hand she pulled away from me. I took her hand and pried her fingers apart.

“Please don't do that. You can stay in the box or sit in the front. Hell, I'd even let you drive if it made you feel better.” I waved my hand back toward the door.

“You would let me drive your van?” she asked, doubtfully.

“Well, I'd wear my seat belt in case you tried running us into a tree, but yes. I'm going to trust you because you're going to have to trust me. You're going to fall asleep tomorrow morning whether you want to or not. You can trust me, Emery.”

She nodded and started crying. Oh jeez. That was even worse than pulling at her hair.

I held out my arms so she could see my intentions, then hugged her awkwardly. “Please don't do that.”

She sniffed a laugh against my chest and wiped her grayish mascara-like tears away.

“I am so sorry. I've got it together now. No more Crazy Girl. I promise.” She took a deep breath and nodded.

“So, would you like to drive?”

“No, thank you.” She went back to the passenger's side and got in, waiting for me.

“Can I ask you something?” I said as I pulled out on the highway once again.

“Yes.”

“Why would you say you wouldn't
ever
have sex with me? Is there something wrong with me?” She took it as a joke which made me feel better. “I mean, I work out. I don't make mirrors shatter…”

“I'm sure there is something wrong with you. I'll let you know when I figure it out.”

“Maybe it's my weird smile.” I smiled lopsidedly, causing her to laugh.

Her laugh stopped me still.

“What?” she asked with a frown.

“Your laugh,” I said. “It's like I remember it.”

“What?” she asked. Why didn't I keep my mouth shut?

“Nothing. It's just I had a dream after I talked to your father. You were in it, and you laughed. It's the exact same laugh. How could I…?”

“It must have been a nightmare.”

“Actually, the dream didn't end well,” I said.

She leaned back in the seat. “Scientifically speaking? It's called pattern recognition. A dream memory is always fairly vague. Your brain fills in the gaps where it can, based on what it comes to expect. You heard me laugh, and it sounded right because it's what you expected.”

“Well, sure. Pattern recognition. Everyone knows that,” I said, making her laugh yet again.

After an hour of searching through crappy radio stations that kept cutting out, I pulled out my CD case and let her look through them. Most of them were over a decade old.

She chuckled a few times, but I didn't ask why. I could only imagine I would be setting myself up for more insults.

“I'm not used to seeing people smile. You kind of threw me, because you're normal and you smiled when you looked at me. Normal humans don't smile at us. Even in the lab my colleagues were always uneasy around me. So it was weird.”

“I don't see what the big deal is. I've seen your photo. I know what you looked like before. It's not like you're so different. A little paler, your eyes are black, you're thinner. It's not like you have scales or a horn growing out of your head.”

“Some people act like we have scales,” she said.

“What was it like? When the Bug got you?”

“It was horrible,” she answered automatically.

I'd never asked anyone before, though I'd heard all the stories from other people and interviews on TV. I didn't push for anything else. I was sure it wasn't pleasant to talk about. I certainly wouldn't want to cause her more anxiety.

To my surprise, she continued.

“I was in New York City working at the hospital. I worked alternating shifts between the hospital and my father's lab. I didn't want to forget what it was like to help actual patients.” I nodded. It made sense to me. “My shift was over, but I never left right away. I was talking to another doctor about a new procedure we were going to test the next morning when we heard people shouting.

“I followed the sound outside and saw the large ship hovering above the city. Even now, I remember thinking it was magnificent. Not terrifying. Magnificent. I'd always wondered about life on other worlds, and just seeing that changed everything. Then the terror sank in.

“The hospital went crazy almost instantly. People started pouring in. People who were injured trying to get out of the city. People with heart problems and anxiety attacks. I couldn't leave.

“I heard the nurses talking about how the ship above Manhattan wasn't the only one. They were everywhere around the world. But I couldn't even stop to watch the news myself. There were too many people who needed my help.”

She swallowed and twisted her fingers.

“By that evening, I was exhausted. I'd been working for almost twenty hours. I went out in the courtyard to take a moment. I may have dozed off on the bench. I can't remember.

“I woke to a thrumming sound, like a helicopter but faster. When I opened my eyes, I couldn't believe I was awake.

“I thought it was a nightmare. One of them was draining one of the nurses. Then the Bug punched a hole in the ground with his back foot and shoved her down into the opening.

“I don't think I was even breathing. I don't remember. It looked at me with its red eyes. Not the way a person looks at you, but he saw me standing there, taking it all in. I couldn't move.”

She gasped with the memory. I wasn't sure if she would go on. I almost hoped she wouldn't.

“It came for me, twisting my body around so I was facing away from it. I watched my co-workers screaming and running from the other monsters.

“Then the pincers punctured through my lumbar region and up into my kidneys. The pain was intense, but only for a moment. I went numb as the coldness started moving through my body.

“I hadn't even noticed the fangs were in my jugular, drawing out my blood. That part was painless, but I knew I was dying. Then it all went dark.

“It felt like it had been dark for only a few moments. I could feel myself again. I had an instinct to move. Like a calling. I couldn't refuse to pull myself toward the surface. I just had to.”

“I pushed and clawed my way through the ground until I found air. It rushed into my lungs and my heart stuttered and started beating again.

“I remember lying there in the dirt of the courtyard smiling. I thought I was alive and fine. I was very,
very
wrong.” Her voice faded off.

Even after my own experience with the queen and Emery's detailed account, I still couldn't imagine that level of fear. It's no wonder so many people didn't survive the process, their hearts unable to take the stress.

This girl did. She survived, only to be made to feel like an outcast by her own species. Detained for her own safety.

I looked at her and saw the strength it took to endure what she had lived through. What all of them had lived through. Amazing.

“When I was brought to the facility—” I was sure she had jumped over a big part of the story, but I wasn't going to ask. “—I went willingly so I could help work on a cure. I wasn't the only infected researcher there. At first everything was fine, but then the other doctors started taking short cuts. They were impatient and reckless. After the second round of trials failed they smartened up, but then they started cutting back on our access, and eventually revoked it all together. They split us up on different parts of the Outer Banks, told us not to contact one another. It was as if they were giving up on us. What was I supposed to do, sit back and relax? Rely on the other doctors to find a way to make me a person again?”