He slapped the cork back into the neck and set the bottle in the box. He carried it to the passenger seat then slid in behind the wheel.
He backed the truck off of the sidewalk then froze, his hand resting on the gear selector. He stared ahead and locked eyes with a Rager holding a length of pipe in his hand.
Simon’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the ghostly remains of a man standing alone in the shadows, the pipe swaying menacingly in his grip. He felt his jaw tighten as he watched the creature take a step forward, his eyes focused on his prey.
“What are you gonna do, fucktard? I got a truck that can squish you like a bug.” Simon revved the diesel engine and pulled the gear selector into drive. “You want to play chicken? I promise…I’ll win.”
Even with the windows up, the explosion that went off just blocks away hit the cab and startled him, jerking his head toward the noise. When Simon snapped his head back around to the Rager, he had disappeared.
“If that was some trick to get away, it won’t work.” He applied pressure to the gas pedal then stopped. “Ragers ain’t smart enough to set off a bomb…”
Through the alcoholic haze, Simon’s mind began to piece together possible scenarios. He turned again and spotted the dust cloud rising into the air. “Fucking Cagers.”
He smiled to himself as he put the truck into reverse and pointed the nose in the direction of the ruckus. He smiled as he muttered, “Let my people go…mutherfuckers.”
Chapter 25
Hatcher made his way back through the hallways and stepped out into the courtyard. He looked up at the sentries and nodded. “Anything?”
“All quiet, boss,” a sentry replied.
“For now,” a second sentry added. “I reckon if there’s any Ragers…er, Zulus nearby, they’ll come sniffin’ round.”
“Eyes open, fellas.” Hatcher marched through the courtyard and to the wall sentries. “Look for any signs. Dust in the air, bushes moving unnaturally, anything that just doesn’t feel right.”
“We’re on it, Hatch.”
Hatcher could feel his guts tightening, his ribs aching as he made his way back to his office. He sat down gently behind the monitors and reached for the cold cup of coffee nearby. “Something tells me that this is going to be a long night.”
A knock at his door barely pulled his attention from the monitors. “Come.”
“Ya got a minute?”
Hatcher felt his blood run cold as Roger stepped inside. “Sure, Roger. What can I help you with?” He knew what was coming and hoped he didn’t overdo it playing dumb.
“Candy just found out that she’s pregnant.” He fell into the chair next to Hatcher and waited.
Hatcher took a deep breath and nodded slowly. “Yeah, that can happen when you…” He swallowed hard. “So, how’s she doing?”
Roger shrugged. “I think she’s still in shock.” He took a deep breath and stared at the monitors with Hatcher. “I don’t know if it’s hormones or…”
Hatcher turned and gave him a hard look. “Don’t ever say that to her. Trust me.”
Roger snorted a sad laugh. “I’m not that stupid.” He reached out and laid a hand on Hatcher’s arm. “Hatch, I don’t know what to do.”
Hatcher gave him a confused look. “How do you mean?”
“If it was…you know. Before. I’d ask her to marry me. I’d want to be there for her and the kid.” His voice caught in his throat. “But now? With the world all upside down?”
Hatcher gave him a frown smile. “Rog, the only difference now is there’s a chance the world won’t survive.” He turned to face him and shook his head. “But it definitely won’t survive if we don’t add more people to it.”
“Hatch, there’s creatures out there that want to eat us. Can we really bring a kid into a world like that?”
Hatcher pointed past him to the courtyard. “Do you see all of that crap scattered around out there? Those are TOYS. For KIDS.” He shook his head at the man. “You may not realize it, but we already have a fair number of the wee beasties here. Granted, none are newborns, but that’s beside the point. He sighed heavily and patted the man’s shoulder. “Don’t be afraid of being a dad. You’ve got plenty of people around here willing to help.”
Roger sat back in his seat and blew his breath out hard. “But, is it fair to the kid?”
“You, of all people, should already know that life’s never been ‘fair.’” Hatcher adjusted the brightness on one of the monitors as he spoke. “Sometimes we just have to step up and do what needs doing.”
Roger gave him a lopsided grin. “That’s what I figured you’d say.”
“You just needed to hear somebody else say it?”
“I guess.” He leaned back and eyed Hatcher. “I don’t suppose you’d marry us, would you?”
Hatcher did a double take and stared at him wide eyed. “I’m no preacher.”
“You’re the closest thing we have to a justice of the peace.” Roger held his hands out wide. “You’re the captain of this ship whether you like it or not.”
Hatcher found his mouth moving but no words coming out. He stared at Roger wide eyed. “Are you sure? I mean…is Candy okay with all of this?”
“I’m about to ask her.” Roger slowly came to his feet. “I don’t care if it isn’t legal or…whatever. In the eyes of those that matter, it will be.”
Hatcher stood and extended his hand. “I’d be proud to.”
Roger took his hand and shook it. “Too bad you can’t officiate and be best man, too.” He gave him a lopsided grin. “I guess I better go bend the knee to Candy and hope she doesn’t beat me to death
