She nodded and sighed heavily. “I don’t suppose I could just go back to bed and we start at a decent hour, could we?”
He shook his head and nodded to the steel door with his chin. “Never a better time than now.”
She groaned as she turned and stomped toward the door in an overly dramatic fashion. “But mom…just ten more minutes.”
“You are not humorous.”
“I tend to make bad puns when I’m worried.” She turned at the door and faced him. “We both know that eventually, everyone will be exposed…”
“You’re just not quite ready to be part of ‘everyone,’ are you?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know why I’d be worried. It didn’t hurt Kevin.”
That we know of. Broussard gave her a soft smile then pulled the door open. “After you.”
Simon sat back in the recliner with his feet up. He tossed a couple of the Lortabs into his mouth and chewed them while Shooter grabbed him a fresh bottle of hooch. “Ugh, these things are nasty.”
“You’re not supposed to chew 'em.” Sinner stated while staring out the window. “It will be sunup soon.” He turned back to Simon and shook his head. “You’re going through those things like Skittles. That’s all we could find.”
Simon gave him a crooked smile. “If I run out, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind sharing your stash with me.”
Sinner clenched his jaw and fought the urge to inform him that those were his. “I’m about out. You better make those last.”
Simon’s eyes widened. “What?” He picked up the pill bottle and rattled it. “I only got one left.”
“Then I’d say to make it last. Save it for when you really need it.”
“I know you prefer brown liquor but this is all I could find.” Shooter held up the pint of rum. “It’s spiced.”
Simon groaned and reached for the bottle. “When it rains it fucking pours. First, you shitheads come back with a half dozen pills then you tell me I’m down to just rum?” He twisted the cap off the bottle and tilted it back, sucking from it.
Sinner glanced to Shooter who gave a barely perceptible nod. “Sorry boss. The only stuff left after that is the clear stuff.”
Simon continued to suck on the bottle until it was nearly empty. “Fuck me!” He slammed the bottle down on the side table and shook his head. “I can’t get the taste of those pills out of my mouth.”
“M-Maybe you should eat something?” Shooter pointed to the kitchen. “I think there’s still a can of chili you could—”
“Shut up and see if you can find something stronger than rum.” Simon belched loudly and leaned his recliner back farther. “The strong stuff. Maybe Everclear or…something.”
“You got it.” Shooter disappeared into the garage again and Sinner turned his attention back to the window.
“When the sun comes up me and Shooter can slip into town. Maybe hit some of the pharmacies. I bet we can find one or two that hasn’t been cleaned out yet.”
Simon yawned and nodded at him. “That’s a hella idea.” He pushed the recliner back flat and closed his eyes. “Ya know…I think them pills are starting to kick in.”
Sinner fought the urge to smile. “You rest. We’ll do what needs doing just as soon as it’s clear out.” When Simon didn’t reply, he turned slowly and stared at his sleeping form.
Shooter shot back into the house and waved the bottle of clear liquor. “I found—” Sinner held a finger up to his lips, shushing him. “Is he out?”
Sinner nodded. “Took longer than I expected.” He picked up the bottle with the remaining Lortab. “Fucker ate all my pills.”
Shooter gave him a slight shrug. “We can find you more.”
Sinner sighed and set the bottle on the side table. “Let him have it.” He turned to Shooter and nodded. “Is your shit packed?”
Shooter shrugged. “What’s to pack? I got one change of clothes.”
“Grab it and come on. We got some miles to put between us.” Sinner turned for the door to the garage and Shooter held a hand up, stopping him. “You don’t want to try the Cagers?”
Sinner sighed and looked away. “We had our shot there before. Neither of us felt right about the place.”
“That was before.” Shooter whispered. “Now they got resources.”
“How can you be sure?”
“They got lights, brother.” His eyes searched the larger man’s face. “Lights. You know what that means.”
Sinner ground his teeth together and glanced back at the window. “It means they’ll be attracting every Rager out there.”
“Safety in numbers. Remember that?” Shooter stepped back and lowered his eyes. “It’s your decision, man. If you say we break loose and head for the hills, I’m with ya.” He looked up and met his gaze. “But if you say we give the Cagers a shot…”
Sinner stretched his neck and worked his good shoulder. “Just grab your shit.”
Hank and Wally worked by the light of a camping stove, sweat dripping as they worked through the night. Wally dropped the wrench he held and stood up, stretching his back. “I know I ain’t said it, but I appreciate you watching our backs.”
Trevor nodded absently and leaned against the door of the garage. “Blame your friend there.” He glanced at Hank, feet sticking out of the cab of the dozer. “He thinks we’re all going to be one big, fat, happy family once your people meet Patricia.”
Wally chuckled and shook his head. “I would never have believed it if I hadn’t seen her with my own eyes.” He suddenly sobered and glanced to Hank. “Hey, you ever wonder…”
“What?” Hank asked, his hand patting the area for the socket wrench.
“All of the Zulus we fought off…” He made a motion toward Patricia sitting in the corner, slowly spinning on a stool. “If maybe some of them were like her?”
Hank shook his head. “I can’t think that.” He tightened the last bolt then slowly sat up, setting the socket on the floor of
