“I see,” Alex replied.
“Are they friends of yours?”
“They are. Were any of them hurt?” Alex asked.
“Not that I know of. They appeared fine when they left.”
“That’s good news.” Alex tipped his head back. “It’s been a rough couple of days, so any good news is welcome at this stage.”
“Anyway, I’ve got work to do, and you’d better get some rest. You’ll be expected to join on a supply run tomorrow,” Officer Brown said.
“Do I get a gun, at least?”
“Of course. I’m not sending you to your death, just making you earn your keep.”
“I guess that’s fair.”
“Once your sister is stable, Tony will show you to your room, and supper is served at seven in the cafeteria,” Officer Brown said.
“Thanks,” Alex replied.
“One more thing,” Jakes Brown said, pointing at Tony. “Don’t piss him off.”
“I’ll try,” Alex said in dry tones.
The cop left, and Alex returned to the waiting room. The next hour passed in a blur as he watched people come and go. It looked and functioned like a typical hospital. Every surface gleamed as if freshly scrubbed, and the smell of bleach hung in the air. Nurses went about their business, and he was even asked to fill in a form with Amy’s particulars. The only difference lay in the guards stationed at every entrance and the burglar proofing that covered the windows.
He was beginning to grow impatient when Dr. Williams returned.
“How is she?” Alex asked, leaping out of his chair.
“Your sister is very sick. The infection is severe,” Dr. Williams said. “She’s also dehydrated and weak.”
“Can you treat her?”
“I’ve placed her on an IV with strong antibiotics and fluids,” Dr. Williams said.
“But, can you save her? Will she live?” Alex asked, his stomach churning while he waited for the doctor’s verdict.
“I don’t see why not? She’s young and strong. If nothing goes wrong, she’ll be just fine.”
Alex slumped back into his chair. “Oh, thank God. That’s the best news I’ve heard all day. Can I see her?”
“She’s heavily sedated, but I’ll allow you a couple of minutes. I’ll send a nurse to escort you to her room,” Dr. Williams said, before excusing himself.
Moments later, a nurse appeared and led Alex to Amy’s bedside. She was in a room by herself, covered in a pure white sheet. An IV tube ran from her arm, and she looked frail and weak. Alex didn’t care. All that mattered was that she was going to be okay.
Amy smiled when she spotted him. “Hey, Alex. Fancy seeing you here.”
“A dozen horses couldn’t drag me away, Sis,” Alex replied. “How do you feel?”
“Much better,” Amy said. “Where are we?”
“In a hospital in Radcliff. It seems safe enough, and the people are nice.”
“Are we staying?”
“Until you’re healed, yes,” Alex said.
“What then?”
“What do you want to do, Sis?” Alex asked, although he already knew the answer.
“You know what I want,” Amy said.
“We’ll go look for Dylan. How’s that?”
“Do you promise?”
“I promise.”
Amy smiled and closed her eyes as she eased back onto her pillows. Alex gave her hand one last squeeze. “Sweet dreams, Sis.”
Epilogue - Saul
Saul drove throughout the night, only stopping once by the side of the road to refuel. At least, the raiders hadn’t removed the jerry cans from the back. Most of their stuff was still there, including the cure and Tara’s hard drive.
Unlike the first half of their journey, the second was uneventful. They encountered a couple of roadblocks, and a few times, they were attacked by groups of infected, but the Humvee got them through every time. It was a tough vehicle, and even the bus hadn’t been able to take it out of commission.
Next to him, Tara had dozed off, while Dylan and Ethan talked in low tones, catching up on their respective journeys. They appeared to know each other from before, although he didn’t have the details. Not that it mattered. It kept Dylan out of his hair and meant he could drive in peace. While he liked her well enough, she got on his nerves at times. Not like Tara. She understood his need for quiet at times.
It wasn’t long before they reached their destination, and he reached over to wake Tara. “We’re here.”
She yawned and brushed the hair back from her face. “For real? We made it?”
“We made it,” he answered.
She sucked in a deep breath. “Well, I guess this is it. The moment of truth.”
Saul inclined his head. “Here goes.”
He rolled to a halt in front of the main gates and immediately spotted two guards illuminated in the headlights. They were kitted out in full gear, and he suspected there were more of them inside.
Saul flashed Tara a broad smile. “Not only did we make it, but the Fort is still standing.”
Tara returned his smile, her excitement palpable. “I knew it.”
“It seems you two were right,” Dylan said from the backseat. “I take back every mean thing I ever said about Fort Detrick. I’ve never been so happy to see a place in my entire life.”
Tara laughed out loud. “Now it’s my turn to say I told you so.”
“Enjoy it while you can,” Dylan replied, but without any sting to the words.
The two guards ahead walked toward them, flanking the Humvee. Saul wound down his window. “Good evening. I’m Lieutenant Saul Dhlamini from the South African National Defense Force, and this is Dr. Lee, a Research Scientist and employee of USAMRIID. This is Dr. Ethan Hayes, a medical doctor, and Dylan, a civilian. We seek admittance.”
The soldier listened to Saul’s introductions and nodded. “Please wait, Sir.”
He walked a couple of steps away and spoke over his radio, presumably to his superior officer. After a brief conversation, the soldier returned. “Admission granted, Lieutenant. I will escort you inside. Please, follow me, and welcome to Fort Detrick.”
The gates opened, and Saul drove through with a feeling of
