Eventually, we all settled back into our routines and our lives returned to what we now considered normalcy. After several fall rains, leaves began to drift to the ground. Winter would soon be blowing in from the north. Morning temperatures often dipped to thirty degrees while sunlit afternoons approached sixty-five. A heavy frost was expected in the next few weeks, and then the landscape would change drastically as it turned from green to orange, yellow and brown.
Connie and I spent more time together and became close. After a few dates—here that's time talking together in private—we were intimate. She moved in with me a week later. She constantly professed her love for me and made it clear she'd not tolerate any form of cheating.
I guess she figured if she was sleeping with the group leader she could slack off even more than she had in the past. Several times I talked with her about doing her share for the group. She'd smile and promise to do better, but I still heard complaints about her attitude and lack of work ethics.
I knew I didn't love her, and I suspect she knew it too. She often attempted to get me to pledge my love to her, but I couldn't because it just wasn't there. For my part the relationship was shallow. It was more about companionship and having someone I liked as a warm body in my bed. She was an extremely good looking woman and friendly. We managed to stay together, but toward the end torrid disagreements became a staple of our relationship.
John Alton, Shane, and I discussed changes we wanted to make to the gun ports on the second floor. They'd been designed to shoot unarmed zombies from, and we hadn't counted on anyone shooting back. We agreed to add half-inch thick steel plate with shooting slots so marksmen would be protected if we were attacked by other humans. The kidnapping incident had put all of us on high alert, and we decided to maximize our security and ability to defend our positions. John said he was sure several metal fabrication and supply business' he'd dealt with in Cedar Rapids would have the materials we needed. He thought the equipment to haul it should still be there too. He cautioned us that the quantity required would mean several trips to haul the plate. The fabrication and installation would make a good winter project for our three welders.
Shane looked at me and winked mischievously before he addressed John. "Janice say's you've been seeing Kira every time the two of you get free time together. Is there anything to that?"
John's dark brown face grinned widely. "Yeah. We talk when there's time. She's quite a woman. I mean, what's not to like. In addition to having a great personality and intelligence, she's tall, slender and beautiful. And she's tough. Unfortunately for me, I don't get the feeling she has any attraction for me beyond a casual friendship. But I sense she's still in serious need of someone to relax and talk with, so maybe I can help her."
CHAPTER THREE
That evening, I was in the gym working out on the Nautilus exercise machines we transported from a health club in Waterloo. I was working an abdominal machine when Kira started on a stair climber next to me. We each hit the machines hard, worked up a sweat, and finished at nearly the same time. To cool down, we walked around the equipment repair area at a fast pace then slowed before stopping. "I hear Paige has adjusted to the new environment. Shana says her exam grades are excellent, and she's a pleasure to have in class. She also commented it's apparent you encourage Paige to do well on her homework, and you help her when she needs it."
She smiled. "I actually don't do that much. Shana is a good teacher and Paige has thrived since we arrived here, despite the loss of her dad and granddad."
"We're all pleased that you chose to join us. If there's ever anything I can—"
Connie rushed between us and interrupted. "There you are, Tom. I've been looking all over for you."
She made a huge point of clinging to me tightly and kissing me as if we'd been apart for weeks. "Kira and I were discussing Paige's progress in class since they arrived."
Connie tugged at my arm. "I made a special chocolate desert and can't wait for you to sample it. Come on. We'll have a piece while it's still hot." I said good-bye to Kira and noticed Connie's hard expression as we walked hand in hand to our room. She was quiet and withdrawn the rest of the evening and didn't bother to hide being upset at seeing me close to Kira.
Our relationship deteriorated more over the next week. One afternoon I met with Kira about her training schedule. Connie saw us and rushed to my side and waited impatiently until we finished.
A few days later Kira and I spoke about plans for a scheduled trip to Minneapolis before Thanksgiving. I assured Connie there was nothing between me and Kira, but she often railed and ranted about the nonexistent relationship she perceived. The last fight was so loud and intense, I told her to move back to her own room. I'd had enough fighting, and we were finished. She didn't take my dismissal gracefully, and I had to reinforce my decision to breakup several more times in the next few days.
One afternoon a week later, the guard in
