Tainted Grace (13 page)

Maddie looked at Jane.
“Is she yours?” She addressed Emilie, probably because they both had red hair, fair skin, and freckles.

“She wasn’t with our group, but I think she’s claimed Zoe,” answered Em.

“What’s your name sweetheart?” asked the kind woman.

Jane crept closer to me.
“She doesn’t say much,” I said. “We call her Jane.”

“That’s a pretty name,” said Maddie.
“Jane, we have a special bathroom and playroom for kids. Do you want me to show it to you while Zoe gets herself cleaned up? We have snacks there too, and other kids.”

Jane looked up at me, as if asking for permission.

“It’s ok, Jane, if you want to go.”

Maddie held her hand out for Jane, who to my surprise took it.
They walked across the hall and gathered Abbey. The three walked farther down the hall and into a room on the right.

“Think they’ll be ok?”
I asked.

“We have to trust so, darlin’, we have to trust so,” said Gus as he put a hand on my shoulder.
“While we’re alone, we need to talk quickly,” he added. “Let’s go into the other room with the others, shall we?”

We filed into the cramped room that Susan and Nathan would share with Abbey.

“I’m not sure what the deal is here. They seem genuine. Still, correct me if I’m wrong Zoe, but they claim the dead were near the cabin and you claim your head was clear.”

“Right,” I said.

“So, that leads me to believe something is off. Still, we have nowhere else to go. For right now I say we go along with it all. Zoe, I don’t want them knowing anything about your…abilities…or your pregnancy.”

“What?” asked Kelsey in surprise.
“Zoe? You’re pregnant?”

I looked at Kelsey and nodded.
“About eight weeks.”

“I had no idea,” she said.

“I guess it just hasn’t come up. Sorry Kelsey,” I said.

“I agree, Zoe, we need to keep your special circumstances a secret for now.”

“I didn’t like how that guy in the truck was looking at Susan,” I added, wanting to shift the focus off of myself.

“I agree,” said Susan and Boggs at the same time.

“He gave me the creeps,” added Susan.

“Just stay close to me, Susan,” said Nathan.

Maddie was back within a few minutes.

“Jane is playing with a couple of the other kids,” she announced.
“Abbey is keeping a close eye on her. Little ones tend to bounce back quickly. Angela is in there getting snacks ready, and I think they’ll be just fine. Ready for the showers?”

I nodded.

Maddie led us to the farthest end of the hall. We filed into a large locker-style room with community showers.

“There’s not much for modesty around here,” explained Maddie.
“So if you all want privacy I suggest coming in at odd times. And if you need privacy right now you’ll just have to take turns and the next group is due to come in soon.” She looked apologetic. “There’s a cart to your left with towels, and bottles of soap and shampoo already in the showers. Take your time and I’ll get your beds made up.”

“Thank you kindly,” said Gus.

Maddie smiled and slipped out of the room.

We all looked at each other awkwardly.

“Uh, there’s no curtains,” I said.

“I think we’re all family, Zo, no one’s going to care if we see each other naked,” said Boggs quietly.
“You all ok with just keeping your eyes to yourself?” he asked the others.

“I’m too tired to care,” mumbled Emilie as she stripped out of her soot-coated clothes.
I turned my head away. Everyone else began stripping.

“
Zo, no one’s going to care,” whispered Boggs into my ear. “Do you want me to wait and you and I can shower last?”

“I’m not sure,” I said.

“There’s a chance more people will be here later, so this might be your best chance.”

I nodded.
“Ok.”

I stepped to a corner and began undressing, facing away from the others.
Boggs stepped up behind me. I could hear the showers turn on.

“Zoe, I promise
it’s fine.”

“Boggs, I don’t want Susan seeing you naked.”
Now undressed, I turned to face him.

“So what if she does?
My body belongs to you, not her. Don’t sweat it, Zo.”

I walked with him to the showers.
He kept me shielded with his body the best he could. I tried to not glance at any of my naked friends. I stepped under the spray of one of the showerheads, Boggs close behind me. I scrubbed myself with the body wash that was on a little built-in soap dish and lathered my hair with shampoo. The water at my feet was dark from fire residue. I looked up at Boggs’ chest. He leaned down and kissed me briefly.

“Zoe,” I heard Gus say to get my attention.

I peeked out from behind Boggs.

“Let’s get you dressed, darlin.’”

I nodded. “Boggs, walk ahead of me?” I reached behind me to turn the shower off.

Gus, Emilie, and Susan were already wrapped in towels.

To my relief, Gus walked our towels to us. He leaned down enough to whisper to us. “A couple guys just came in. They’re in the bathroom but we need to keep Zoe’s hip under wraps.”

Boggs took both towels and wrapped me in one before tending to himself.
“Keep it on, kid,” he whispered.

“’Kay.”

We dried quickly and dressed in our new clothing. I toweled my hair dry one last time. As we were leaving the room, another group walked past us. Two women and one man. My eyes locked with the man’s. His left cheek was streaked with familiar green lines. I halfway turned, as did the man, and Boggs pulled me down the hall toward our room.

“Did you see his face?” I asked in a strained whisper as Boggs pulled me into our cramped room.

“Yes,” was all Boggs said. “I also saw how he looked at you.” He sounded angry.

“Calm down, Boggs,” said Gus in his usual level-headed tone.
“It was probably just a reaction to a new face.”

“It was just like my hip,” I said, ignoring the two men and their ridiculous debate on how the stranger had looked at me.

“Zoe, I really do think it’s best if we keep your situation private,” said Emilie. “We just don’t know these people and this place feels like it has a weird vibe.”

“I know,” I said.
“But what if he’s just like me with the zombies and brain stuff?”

“In time, Zoe, in time,” said Gus.
“Let’s just lay low for now.”

I sighed.
I knew they were all right, but I also needed answers.

There was a light knock on the door.
We all turned to look at the same time. Maddie had come back.

“Glad to see you all got cleaned up ok,” said the woman.
“Ready for some lunch?”

Susan grinned.
“Please!” She had a huge appetite for someone so skinny.

“Follow me,” said Maddie with a smile.
“The meal crew’s made up some stir fry and rice. It smells good. You’ll be eating with the first group.”

“How many people are here?” asked Gus innocently, but I knew he’d have a reason for every question he asks.

“Oh, last count I think about forty men, women, and children. That’d include you all. We always have people outside for security, repairs, gardening, hunting, so we work and eat in shifts. The kids always eat with the first group, and Abbey and Jane are already in there. They both got cleaned up as well, and I admit Jane looks much better. That poor thing looked like she’d been on her own for some time.”

“I hope she’ll be ok,” said Boggs.

We walked down the hallway as a group. I held onto Boggs’ elbow. Touching him helped me feel grounded. The smell of stir fried vegetables, garlic, and meat began to surround us. Maddie led us through a double swinging doorway and into a small cafeteria.

People sat in plastic chairs with metal legs at long tables.
I took notice that most of them were women of various ages, and a handful of children. Jane peeked from around a little boy about her age and waved at me eagerly. I smiled and waved back. She seemed to be doing well and was clean and dressed in her new clothes. With her hair washed, it was a much lighter shade of ginger than I had first thought. I watched as she hungrily stuffed a spoonful of rice into her mouth. I was glad to see her eating and fitting in. Several people looked up as we walked in, no doubt curious about the new faces in their midst.

“You can go straight to the counter over there,” said Maddie as she motioned us toward a metal counter meant for food service.
“We have to ration, of course, so there’s always someone dishing food for you. It just works best that way.”

“Sounds fair,” said Emilie.

“Once you have your trays, go ahead and sit at the empty table in the back of the room. Jorge will join you soon to ask some questions and get you assigned to work duties.” She had pronounced the name as Hor-hay.

“Thanks, Maddie,” said Gus.

Maddie looked down at her wrist, where she wore a watch. “I’m due outside for a spell, but I’ll check in on you later tonight.” She smiled and turned, and walked quickly out of the small cafeteria.

“Let’s go grab some food,” said Boggs.

We walked as a group to the counter, where two teenagers greeted us. One of them was missing her right arm. We were each given a small scoop of rice and a measured cup of stir fry. It smelled delicious, but I found myself wishing the portions were at least doubled.

“There’s glasses and water against the back wall,” said one of the two girls serving us.

“Silverware too,” said the other young lady. She was the amputee. “When you’re finished, dishes go in the big gray bins on the cart.”

“Thanks,” a few of us said at the same time.

We walked to the table that Maddie had instructed us to sit at and took seats, us girls sitting across from Boggs, Nathan and Gus. I saw Abbey waving at us from several tables over. I winked at her and waved back.

“Let’s eat,” said Susan as she stuffed a chunk of broccoli into her mouth.
“Ohmigawd,” she said while chewing. “So much better than fish!” She had closed her eyes and I swear she was close to having a food orgasm.      

“That’d be black bear,” said a rough voice from behind us.

Susan stopped chewing for a minute, her face holding an odd expression, then just as quickly she resumed chewing. Em and I both turned to look at the stranger, and Gus and Boggs both stood. Nathan remained seated. I wondered if it was an intentional statement on his part.

“Name’s Jorge,” said a Hispanic man who resembled our departed friend, Julio.
His memory caused sadness to stir deep within me. “Welcome to our little fortress.”

Boggs stretched his arm across the table to shake hands with Jorge, and Gus followed suit.
Nathan simply nodded and continued eating. Jorge sat next to me in an open chair and set his bowl of rice, bear meat, and veggies in front of himself.

“Nadine filled me in.
Sorry to hear about your home burning.”

Gus nodded.
“Thanks.”

“We’ll welcome you here, of course.
We’re willing to share resources as long as you’re willing to contribute. Security, hunting, cooking, cleaning. We just ask that everyone do their share.”

“We appreciate it,” said Gus.

“Please, eat. The next shift is due in soon, so we’ll need to clear out. Give me an idea of your strengths and I’ll find jobs for you.”

“Do you have horses?” asked Emilie.
“I used to work with horses.”

Jorge shook his head.
“No horses. Yet. But we have chickens and pigs and can always use help there.”

“Ok,” was all Em
said.

“Maybe I can help too?” I asked, hoping to stay close to Emilie if possible.

“I can put you both on Farm Duty and kitchen duty,” said Jorge. “And gardening come spring.”

“How about you?” he asked, looking at Susan.

“I’m not particularly good at anything,” she said honestly.

“We can always use help with laundry, kitchen, cleaning the shower rooms, taking hot coffee or tea or soup out to the guards.
Helping in the kids’ playroom. I can put you down as a float helper of sorts, does that sound ok?”

Susan shrugged.
“Sure. Can Kelsey float with me?” She tilted her head toward the girl sitting beside her.

“Of course.
And you men?” asked Jorge.

Gus sat up a little straighter, and looked deep in thought.
“Nadine mentioned you have an infirmary.”

Jorge gave a curt nod.
“That we do.”

“I’m a nurse.
Or was, a few years back, in the Army.”

“I’m sure we can use you on-call, of sorts,” said the man beside me.
“How are you with a gun?”

“Fair, I suppose,” said Gus.
I knew better. He was an experienced military man and an excellent mark.

“We can always use men on guard duty at the perimeter.
We take six hour shifts. We also have hunting parties we’ll put you on in time.”

“Boggs is a fair shot too,” I said between bites.
I nudged Emilie when I caught her sneaking a spoonful of her lunch into my bowl.

Nathan spoke to Jorge for the first time.
“I’m pretty good with building bombs.”

I choked on a bite of rice, not having expected what he had said.
I quieted myself by sipping at water.

Jorge looked at Nate and was apparently speechless as well.

“Ok, we’ll start there. Duties may be added to or changed in time. Once you’re done eating go ahead and rest up. We’ll see to a full tour tomorrow and start you all out with jobs.”

Jorge stood and excused himself, bowl in hand.

“He seems ok,” said Susan as she scooped the last bite of her stir fry into her mouth.      

Boggs and Gus each gave me a spoonful of their rice.
I glared at them, not wanting the extra attention.

“You need it Zoe,” whispered Gus.
“You’re looking too thin.”

I sighed and ate the rest of my meal.
A soft buzzer sounded and the other people in the room were quickly picking up their tables and leaving the cafeteria.

“I think that means it’s time for us to clear out too,” said Boggs.
“Let’s go get some sleep.”

We stood and put out bowls and trays in the ‘dirty’ bins. Emile took a damp rag that smelled of bleach water and wiped our table down, following suit with what we had witnessed the other people do just before they left.

As we neared the exit, men started filing in. Mixed in were just a few women. Group two. They all looked cold, and smelled like the crisp outside air. In the pit of my stomach I got a sinister feeling as three men passed close to me. Each of them looked tired, and I took notice that one was the teenager with green streaks in his cheek. He looked directly at me and smiled wickedly, then winked. I clung to Boggs, who was tensed and obviously ready for a fight.

“No, Boggs,” said Gus under his breath.
“Leave it be, brother.”

We left the room.
I felt cold all over. “He knows,” I whispered.

“Zoe, what do you mean?” asked Gus.

“He knows I’m like him.”

Emilie wrapped her arm around my waist and Boggs growled under his breath.
Before long we were back to our cramped rooms. Boggs held my hand and pulled me inside. The others followed us.

“Let’s go ahead and sleep,” suggested Emilie.
“I think we all need it.”

“I’m cold,” I mumbled.

Boggs wrapped his arms around me and held me close to him. “I think we all are. I’m sure heating this place would drain the generators. Climb into bed, Zo, it’ll get warm soon.”

I nodded, knowing there was really nothing else to do.
I took comfort in the feel of Boggs’ hands gripping the back of my head, and his forehead touching my own. I felt my heart speed while my soul itself calmed.

“I know we have two rooms,” said Nathan.
“It doesn’t feel right to be split up though.”

“I agree,” said Gus.
“I think we should all bunk in here for now. Kelsey, can you and Abbey share one of the top bunks?”

“Absolutely,” she answered.

“Jane can sleep with me and Boggs,” I said.

“Zoe, you’re one of the lightest of us.
How about you and Jane take the other top bunk?” suggested Boggs. “I can bunk with Emilie and Gus or Susan and Nathan.”

“You sure?” I asked.

“Yeah. I’d hate the top bunk to crash down from one of us heavier guys. And it makes sense for Jane to sleep with you.”

I didn’t like the thought of being apart from Boggs, but knew he was right.

On cue, Abbey and Jane walked into the room. Kelsey quickly explained to them that we were all going to share beds in the same room. The girls seemed to understand and didn’t question it. Abbey and Jane climbed into the top bunks and settled in under the covers.

I felt Emilie touch my back.
“Climb into bed,” she said softly. “Sounds like it’ll be a busy day tomorrow.”

I heard the bunk bed across from our own squeak and looked over.
Kelsey was climbing under the covers, still in her clothes. Susan and Nathan were across and below me, already tucked in.

“Night Em,” I said quietly.

“Night Zoe,” she said in reply.

Boggs was below me, against the wall, with Emilie in the middle and Gus on the outer edge.

“If anyone needs to use the bathroom tonight, best wake me or Nathan or Boggs to go with,” said Gus sleepily.
“Just to be safe.”

I snuggled up to Jane.
The sheets and blanket felt cold and I welcomed her warmth. She wrapped an arm around me. I rested my face close to hers and closed my eyes in an attempt to sleep. Her hair smelled like flowers. Images of our cabin burning filled my mind. Worry about our future crept in and mixed with my fears over becoming a mother.

“What’s wrong?” whispered Jane.

“Nothing sweetheart,” I whispered back.

The little girl found my hand and squeezed it.
Eventually we slept, but the chill in the building made it a restless sleep.

It was the sound of alarms that woke me.
They were loud, like the old fashioned bells in schools. Jane clung to me in fear. My heart pounded in alarm.

“What is it?” asked Susan, her voice filled with trepidation.