He stared at her gesture and ignored it. In his mind there was no more “us.” His voice was steady but gentle as he spoke. “I played along with your power grab idea because I thought it was what you needed at the time.” He sat forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “But there are probably only a handful of people left in the world. Rather than trying to connect with them and help each other rebuild some kind of life, you want to rule over them.”
“I want YOU to rule over them.” She sat up quickly and pleaded with her eyes. “You were born to rule, Simon. You know that and I know it. I felt it oozing from you the very first time we met.”
“I was a different person then.” He hung his head and exhaled slowly. “We were both infected and—”
“And nothing.” She stood and stared down at him. “You were the alpha and you’re still an alpha today.”
Simon slowly shook his head. “See? That’s what I’m talking about.” He sat back and crossed his legs, his eyes studying her every move. “You still want power over people.”
She bit her tongue to keep from screaming and turned, pacing the tiny area slowly as she tried to choose the right words. “Who would you have lead us then?” She pointed out the window. “The hippie? The worn out biker with the bad leg? Or maybe one of the old farts on the other side of the campground? The guy that looks like a banker?”
Simon sighed animatedly and wiped a hand across his face. “Who says we need a leader?”
“Every group needs somebody to lead them.”
“Do they?” He stared at her for a moment. “To do what? Run raids on others? Go to war?” He came to his feet and stepped around the small coffee table. “You’re still missing the bigger picture.”
“Pot, this is kettle.”
He raised a brow at her. “Why can’t people decide what’s best for themselves?”
She planted her hands on her hips and glared at him. “What happened to the guy that gutted the troublemakers?” She stepped forward and jabbed a finger into his chest. “Where’s the guy that saved Trailer Park Barbie from getting raped?”
“I’m still here.” His voice was nearly a whisper. “But helping somebody who is in trouble is not the same as ruling over them.” He stepped past her and reached for the door. “Letting people live the lives they choose means more now than ever.”
“You’re a pussy, Simon.”
He paused at the door and gave her a sad smile. “I’m sorry you feel that way.” He pushed the door open and stepped out into the evening air. And I’m sorry I was right about you.
19
Hatcher watched Missy flirt with the young medical student as they ate around the campfire. “I think your friend likes it here.”
Hatcher snorted and sat back, rubbing his middle. “I think you’re right.” He hiked a knowing brow at Willie. “But it may not be this place that has her so enamored.” He leaned toward him and lowered his voice. “What’s his story?”
Willie gave him a surprised look. “Him? That’s Doc.” He shrugged, “At least that’s what we call him. Derek may be a bit on the stringy side and about worthless in a fight, but he’s smart.” He tapped the side of his head. “And get this…his last name is Doctorman. I shit you not.” He held his hand up as though taking an oath.
“With a name like that, it only makes sense.” Hatcher smiled as the kids picked up where they left off and began to chase each other around the campground. He did a quick inventory and turned back to Willie. “Tell me you have sentries posted.”
Willie nodded as he quickly chewed. “We do.” He pointed behind Hatcher. “Two set up at each compass direction. They have clear lines of sight to each other, so unless it’s just really foggy, nothing gets past them.”
“Smart.”
Willie pointed back to the east. “We don’t have to worry so much about that away, since the lake is our natural border, but we’ve collected enough boats that if a herd does happen by, we can take to the water.”
Hatcher nodded approvingly. “Sounds like you’ve thought of everything.”
Willie shrugged. “We’ve had a year to learn from our mistakes.” He lowered his eyes and slowly shook his head. “We’ve certainly made enough of those.”
Hatcher felt the need to reach out; he patted the man’s arm. “Don’t feel alone there. Heaven knows I’ve made enough myself.”
Willie chuckled. “You aren’t in charge, though.”
Hatcher grimaced. “Actually, back home, I was.” He met Willie’s searching eyes and nodded. “I left them in good hands, though.”
Willie folded his paper plate and leaned forward to toss it into the fire. “I guess everybody needs to take a break once in a while.”
Hatcher quickly changed the subject. “I’m not seeing any electric lights. Do you have power here?”
Willie shook his head. “We did for a little while. We decided to save the fuel for the generator, and now it’s just hooked to the clinic. We only run when we have to.”
Hatcher felt a certain kinship and decided to take a chance. “Why don’t you…uh…” He cleared his throat. “Why don’t you have one of your guys come back with us? He can check out how we’re doing things and maybe bring back an idea or three for ya.”
Willie studied him for a moment and slowly began to nod. “That might not be such a bad idea.” He leaned back and pointed to the thick chested, bald guy on the other side of the campground. “Rich was an electrician. He and Larry are both sort of my right-hand guys.” He broke into a toothy grin. “Right and left, I reckon. I’ll talk to him and see how he feels about hitching a ride back with you.”
Hatcher nodded slightly. “I’m sure we can find
