“No, sir. Apparently, they were under attack by some rogue bikers. A military helicopter firing a few well-placed rounds scattered the attackers and won Hatcher’s good graces.”
President Walters placed his pen down and stared out the small window. “Hatcher’s home was under attack and he just decides to leave it all behind?”
“Negative, sir. Apparently, he was en route to Colorado. Claims he has a woman with him that is immune. He thought the CDC was still up and running there, and they could make a cure from her immunity.”
President Walters turned and gave him a curious look. “Is that a viable alternative?”
Vickers shrugged. “If she is truly immune, I suppose it’s possible. But as much as the virus has mutated, it could be that she is simply immune to the latest variation.”
Walters nodded. “And that’s what we’re facing now, yes? Why not bring her in and see?”
“We will, sir. When the time is right.” Vickers poured himself a drink and sat down opposite his commander in chief. “As it stands now, we still need that primordial sample.”
Walter’s eyes narrowed, and he studied the man across from him. “What are you not telling me, Vickers?”
Colonel William Vickers smiled and twirled the glass in his fingers. “We intend to bring her in, but we need to make it appear as though we are offering sanctuary to all of the people in their compound. If we simply snatch the immune one and leave the rest…there may be complications.”
President Walters groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. “So, she is important.”
“Yes, sir. But we can’t allow the others to know that just yet.” He swallowed his drink and set the glass back on the tray. “Trust me on this one, sir. We have a viable plan.”
“I never thought I’d see the day where we’d be snatching people from their homes, against their will, in an effort to find an end to this.”
“This is war, sir. War is ugly.”
Walters leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. “That doesn’t mean we have to surrender our humanity in order to win it.”
Vickers nodded and stood up. “Unfortunately, sir, times as they are, it does.”
Chapter 6
Candy stood upon the rooftop as the large military helicopter chopped its way across the sky. This time she was prepared as the craft settled in for a landing. She squeezed her eyes shut and shielded her face from the bits of debris that the blades churned up.
“Same bird?” Henry yelled above the noise.
“Looks like it.” Candy bent low and continued to shield her face. “Damned if they won’t have every Zulu for miles zeroed in on us.”
Henry had his back turned to the churning blades and slowly turned to face the machine once the wind died down. He nearly choked when Hatcher stepped out of the open door with Skeeter and the couple in tow. “He don’t look happy.”
Daniel practically dragged Skeeter toward Candy and handed her to the woman. “Do something with her.”
Candy gave him a curious look. “Like what?”
“I would say ground her, but it’s not like you can take her cell phone.” He glared at Skeeter who avoided his gaze.
Candy gave the young girl a disapproving stare. “I’m sure we can find extra chores she can do.”
Daniel marched past the trio and entered the building. Candy tried to catch up and had to yell, “Where are you going?”
“To get my gear.”
She paused and turned to Skeeter. “Any idea what he’s up to?”
She shrugged. “I think he’s leaving with the Army guys.”
Candy groaned and trotted after Hatcher. She stopped at the doorway and pointed a finger at Skeeter. “You, down below now. And I better see elbows swinging, young lady.” She pulled the door open and disappeared into the darkness.
Skeeter turned to Henry and shrugged. “What does she mean, elbows swinging?”
Henry patted her shoulder and gave her a gentle push toward the doorway. “That means you better get busy cleaning something and don’t slow down. Especially if she comes around.”
Skeeter sighed heavily and trudged toward the door, regretting her decision to stow away.
Candy caught up to Hatcher and pulled his arm to get his attention. “Hey, I was calling you.”
Daniel turned back to his things and stuffed more gear into a small duffel. “I’m in a rush.”
“No shit.” Candy planted her hands on her hips and continued to watch him ignore her. “Mind telling me who the hell they are?”
“Military.” Hatcher fought back a shudder as the word escaped his lips.
“Again, no shit. What are they doing on the roof and why were they looking for you earlier?”
Hatcher paused and took a deep breath. “They need someone who knows the park.” He turned and faced her. “They pulled our fat out of the fire…so to speak.”
“How so?”
He shook his head, too many thoughts running through his mind at once to make a coherent sentence.
“Breathe, Hatcher. Just tell me what’s going on.”
He dropped his duffel and took a deep breath. “There’s some scientist soldier onboard that craft. They need to get back to the park and get a sample of the…contagion…that caused all of this.”
“Just catch a Zulu and drain them.” She caught herself grinning.
“They can’t. Apparently, the virus has mutated somehow and now they need the original strain.” He picked up his duffel and began shoving more gear into it.
“Wait. So, why do they need you?”
“I know the park. Better than anybody.”
“And just how do they know this?” Her voice dripped with doubt and Hatcher knew exactly why.
“They’re with the government, Candy. According to them, they salvaged what was left of the government and have everybody off shore on some kind of flotilla. They’re working on a cure, but they need the original strain, and the only way to get that is if I lead them through the park to where it came from.”
“Do you know where it came from?” Candy’s voice dropped low and she glanced around to make sure nobody overheard.
“Sort of.” Hatcher tugged at the
