“I’m afraid.” She whimpered.
“I know, but trust me please. I’ll get you to safety and I’ll make sure you have plenty of food and water.”
“Okay.” And she grabbed onto his arm, her nails digging in as he led the way out of the apartment. He moved down the dark hall, pulling the suitcase. He held the flashlight, and they moved to the stairs. He could feel her body vibrating. He didn’t know if it were fear or anticipation of escaping this hellhole.
They stepped out on the street; the stairs had been slow going. Xandra was very weak and he thought he might end up having to carry her down. He was sweating profusely, both from nerves and the heat that was trapped in the apartment building. He walked her to his car. He put her suitcase into the trunk.
“Lay down in the back seat Xandra. Pretend you’re passed out. I’ll tell the road block that I found you and I’m looking for more people and supplies.” He told her as he helped her in. Her eyes were dark and she looked exhausted from their trek down to his car. He was sure she’d be asleep within minutes.
He got back in and looked around. It was quiet out there and he wiped the sweat from his face. He could kick himself a thousand times over. He’d let her down. He’d left her to fend for herself. He’d not make that mistake again. He’d guard her and protect her. He’d make it up to her, if it were the last thing he did.
He pulled out and drove toward the freeway. As expected, he came up to the road block. The two assholes who’d been there before, were still there, it must be their normal post. At least this time, he had a password. He did work for Casper after all.
Slowing down, he rolled down his window. He leaned his head out and grinned at the two men. He noticed they’d build up a shelter, to keep out of the sun. He saw that they had water and a few boxes of supplies. That was no way to live.
“Hey guys. How’s it going?” He asked in a friendly manner. Both men eyed him suspiciously.
“What are you doing out this way?” The man, with the pock marked face, Danny, he thought, asked him.
“Casper sent me out to recruit and to also get supplies. He said I could get what I wanted.” Flynn shrugged.
“Really?” The man asked, clearly not believing.
“Yeah, really. I already found a woman. She’d almost dead, but I think with some food and water, she’ll live.” Flynn said and nodded to the back seat. Both men looked in and Flynn rolled down the back window. The stench of her reached both men and they jerked back, covering their noses.
“Jesus Christ, she smells like death warmed over.” Danny expostulated, his hand covering his face.
“Hey, she’s just about dead, but Casper wants me to find people. I figure she’d be really grateful. Besides, this is what we’re supposed to be doing isn’t it?” He asked, looking each man in the eye.
“Fine, maybe try to clean her up before you take her to Casper. He might have a shit fit, if he smells her. Christ, she stinks. What’s the password?”
Flynn leans forward, looking cautiously over his shoulder.
“King Casper.” He whispered. The two men nodded approvingly and moved the large bar that blocked the way. Flynn nodded to the men and pulled forward. He drove slowly away. He’d wait until he was a couple miles away and then he’d haul ass. He’d drive and when his gas got low, he’d find a car and take the gas or the car. But he’d get the hell out of this place and he’d get the hell away from the mad man, Casper.
SEVEN
Emma’s breath was coming in harsh pants. She was terrified, but they needed to find out who was in the store with them. If they were a threat. Why would they just not announce themselves? She’d only seen the movement of someone going past. She watched as Paadi’s flashlight bounced around the aisles. They came around and Emma ran into Paadi when she stopped abruptly. Looking around Paadi’s shoulder, she saw two little girls, cowering in a corner.
“Oh my gosh, it’s two children.” Emma breathed.
“Girls, where are your parents?” Paadi asked softly, squatting down in front of them. Both girls were thin and filthy. The older one looked to be near ten years old, the other, perhaps about six. The older one held the younger one protectively. The older one was black, with wild tangled hair. The younger girl was white, with dark hair, in wild knots. Their eyes were large and fearful.
“Girls, I’m Emma, and I’m a nurse and Paadi, she’s a police officer. We won’t hurt you; we want to help you.” Emma said softly.
The older girl looked from her to Paadi, then back to Emma. Emma could see that the girl was thinking.
“I’m Amanda. This is Lisa.” The older girl answered cautiously.
“Hi Amanda, I’m glad to meet you. You too Lisa. Are your parents still alive honey?” Emma asked gently.
“No, they’re dead. My mom, my dad and brothers.” Amanda said and her voice broke and tears slid down her thin cheeks.
“I’m so sorry Amanda. Are Lisa’s parents alive? Does she have any family?”
“No, but she doesn’t talk either. I think something bad happened to her. I found her, I don’t know her real name, I just gave her the name Lisa.” Amanda said in a small voice.
Emma felt her heart break for the girls. They’d found each other and Amanda had taken the smaller child into her care.
