'Frankie!'
'Stay where you are,' Ramsey ordered. 'We mean you no harm. I'm Darren Ramsey.'
'I know who you are,' Jim said, pulling Danny close. 'That's my friend you have tied down in that wheelchair.'
'I can assure you, it is for the young lady's own good. Her welfare-indeed, the welfare of us all-is my utmost concern.'
'Is that why her nose is bleeding?'
'She became unruly. Her behavior has been quite erratic. I'm sure you know that the building has come under attack. We are simply restraining her so that we can move her to safety.'
Frankie grunted, straining against the gag. The fat man's grip tightened on the wheelchair.
'Attack?' Jim stepped in front of Danny and slowly walked toward them.
'I know there was an alarm, but I haven't heard anything about an attack. Where are you taking her?'
'To salvation. She will be the new Eve.'
'I think you'd better let her decide that.'
'That's far enough, Mr. Thurmond.' Ramsey brought the pistol up.
'How do you know my name?'
'I know everything about my children, even when they are disruptive and disrespectful, as Bates is now behaving. I'm sure he's told you that he thinks I'm insane?'
'Listen,' Jim held his hands up, 'I don't know what you're talking about. If you and Bates have a problem, then that's something the two of you need to work out. All I know is that you've got my friend tied to that wheelchair, and she's hurt. Why don't you go ahead and untie her, and then we'll be on our way and let you fellows go do whatever it is you're doing.'
'We are attempting to save her.' Ramsey sighed. 'And you are trying my patience, Mr. Thurmond. I offer you and your son the same salvation. Come with us. Dimassi and I intend to leave this place. Ramsey Towers could have withstood this attack, but with Bates in charge, its defenses will weaken. Our time here is over.'
Beaming, he offered his free hand. The other hand tightened on the pistol grip.
Beside him, Frankie grunted again. 'Ungh umnh!'
'No chance,' Jim said, and stood his ground.
'Then you leave me no choice.' Ramsey pointed the gun at his chest. 'You are standing between us and the elevator to the roof. Get out of our way, Mr. Thurmond, or I can guarantee that you and your son will join the undead.'
'Fuck this, Mr. Ramsey,' DiMassi grunted. 'Let's just use the stairwell on the other end of the hallway.'
Jim clenched his fists and whispered, 'Danny, run back to the elevators and get help.'
Instead, Danny stepped forward, his own small hands balled into fists like his father's.
'You leave my Daddy alone, and let Frankie go!'
Ramsey laughed. 'That is exactly the kind of spirit the next generation of humanity will need to survive. You will definitely be an asset, young man. You may come with us.'
Danny darted forward and kicked Ramsey in the shin. Before Jim could move, DiMassi seized Danny. He twisted the boy's arm behind his back, and used Danny as a shield. Danny cried out.
'Don't move, Thurmond,' Ramsey shouted. 'Do as I say, and I give you my word that your son will live. Disobey me, and I will kill you all, starting with him.'
'That will be the last thing you ever do, you son of a bitch. Leave him alone.'
'This is not the time for bravado, Mr. Thurmond. I know your story. You traveled hundreds of miles to save your son. You won't let him die now.'
Jim bit his lip. Blood filled his mouth.
Ramsey motioned with the pistol. 'Get down on the floor, now.'
Jim hesitated. He saw his own fear reflected in Danny and Frankie's eyes. Then, reluctantly, he sagged to his knees.
Ramsey grabbed Danny's ear and twisted it between his fingers.
'Let me go!'
'Quiet, you ungrateful little brat. You will do as I say, or I will kill your father.'
Frankie struggled against her bonds.
Ramsey pinched Danny's ear harder. 'Lay down on the floor, Thurmond, and put your hands over your head. DiMassi, bring the woman. We're leaving.'
'The only way you're getting out of here with my son,' Jim said, 'is to go through me.'
'Indeed?'
'Over my dead body.' Jim drew himself up, ready to spring.
Ramsey cocked his head and smiled.
