Veronica’s gaze slowly worked toward Simon and she saw how uncomfortable he was at the moment. Still, the shock ran deep. “You don’t say.”
Lana nodded, moaning as she practically humped Simon’s arm. “He picked off Jake and Tommy like they were nothing. Then—”
“That’s enough, darling,” Simon interrupted loudly. “Some details are best left to the imagination.”
“Imagination?” She pulled him from the chair, pure lust in her eyes. “I think we need to…talk. Privately.”
He knew the mischievous glint in her eye and he knew exactly what she really wanted. He didn’t fight as she practically dragged him back to the RV.
Simon turned and gave Veronica a slight shake of his head. “Excuse us.”
She watched as the pair disappeared into the RV, the door slamming behind them. It was only moments before Lana was grunting and panting loudly. Normally such sounds would be ignored, but considering the circumstances, Veronica felt a knot of repugnance growing in her middle.
“Sounds like Simon is having a good morning.” Veronica glanced over her shoulder and saw Darla approaching the remains of the fire. Dubbed Trailer Park Barbie by Trent, the nickname had stuck.
“You might say that.” Veronica tried in vain to ignore the noises. “You’re up early.”
“I couldn’t sleep.” She sat down gently in the folding chair and cupped her hands together. “Jody is pissed. He actually cheered when he heard the gunshots last night.”
Veronica stared at her wide eyed as she spoke. “Why?”
Darla blew out a shaky breath. “He just knew that Simon had killed Trent.” Her eyes began to water. “He called me…names.”
“That was uncalled for,” Veronica replied firmly. “He knew what was going on here.”
Darla shook her head. “No, he really didn’t.” She glanced at the doctor and a tear slid down her cheek. “He had no clue what I was doing behind his back, Vee.”
Veronica nodded slightly. “So it came as a complete shock?”
Darla nodded. “And he blamed me for Trent and the boys roughing him up.”
“I see.” She poked at the fire again then slid the oven mitt on and reached for the enamel coffee pot. “Want some?”
Darla shook her head. “No, thanks.” She glanced toward the RV where Lana’s tempo and volume seemed to be ever increasing. “I wanted to thank Simon for…” her voice trailed off.
“He had his own reasons,” Veronica stated as she put the coffee pot back on the coals.
“Whatever they were, we all owe him.”
The doctor sat back and sighed, cradling her coffee in her hands. “We probably do.” She glanced at the RV and shook her head. “I just hope he knows what he’s doing.”
5
Buck sat in a folding chair surrounded by the newcomers. He noticed that they were in all stages of recovery. Some were still pasty white and bald, dark circles under their eyes. Others still had their hair, tanned complexions, and seemed as fresh as any other survivor.
Each slowly expressed their concerns. Their worries about being accepted after the heinous acts performed while infected. Others spoke of lost loved ones. The not knowing whether they were alive or dead was the worst part.
He made notes just as Vicky had instructed, doing his best to keep up with everybody as they spoke. He hadn’t been paying attention to the time when one of them asked if they could take a break.
“Yeah.” He closed the notebook and gave them a soft smile. “Let’s take a half hour and…” He glanced at his watch. “Actually, let’s take an hour for lunch. I didn’t realize we’d gone so far so quickly.”
They each stood and made their way to the front door. Eddie hung behind, milling about. As the last of them left he finally turned to Buck. “I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am that you’re doing this.”
Buck gave him a courteous smile. “Of course. I’m happy to.”
“No, you’re not,” Eddie stated flatly. “I can read people, young man. I can tell when somebody is doing something they don’t enjoy, and you are definitely doing something you don’t enjoy.”
Buck paused and set the notebook down. “I’ll be honest with you. I have no idea what I’m doing.”
Eddie chuckled as he straddled the chair and sat back down. “Who does?” He shook his head and shot Buck a beaming grin. “Hell, son…I don’t think the certified therapists had a clue what they were doing. The main thing was letting people get stuff off their chest and not judging them.”
“I can do that.” Buck returned the smile. “I just don’t feel like I’m qualified.”
“To listen?” Eddie leaned back and surveyed the young man. “You’re a good listener, Buck. And you’ve got the personality that…well, people feel like they can trust you.”
“But that’s all I can offer. I doubt I’m actually helping anyone. I don’t have a clue how.”
“Like I said, who does?” He leaned forward and stared at the younger man. “You got a wife, don’t you?”
Buck shrugged. “She might as well be. We’re still young and—”
“If you’re committed to each other, then it’s pretty much the same thing.” He extended his hand and gripped Buck’s arm. “Look, all I was getting at is this. Cherish the time you have with her. Life is…finicky. You never know how much time you’ll have.” Buck raised a brow at him. “You can be having the time of your life one moment then be hit by a bus the next.”
Buck laughed and wiped at his face. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t laugh. It’s just…there aren’t a whole lot of buses these days.”
Eddie chuckled and nodded at him. “Point taken. But on that same note, these are perilous times. There are damned few people left. And who’s to say you couldn’t fall off a roof or catch a stray bullet.” He patted Buck’s arm. “Just…cherish her. Make her know that she’s your everything.” He slowly rose from his chair and gave him a weak smile. “Don’t ever give her a reason to second guess how you feel.”
“I
