cut out to be a killer? No, he wasn’t, because he wasn’t a killer. He was a survivor, and someone who would defend himself. The people in the bunker meant him and his friends harm. They wouldn’t hesitate to kill him, torture him, so he couldn’t hesitate either. He needed to be strong, use a controlled viciousness if there was such a thing, because remaining levelheaded during combat was important. Important during any great undertaking. He needed to make it out alive and intact, for all of their sakes, including his sister’s.
He would see her again.
Zaun put his jacket on, and placed the knife inside it.
“These men are well-trained,” Jack warned his friend, looking him in the eye. “Professional soldiers, ready to kill.”
“Jack, after what I’ve been through, how far we’ve made it, I’m not about to pussy out. I’m no lab rat or human pin-cushion. It’s us against them.”
The look in Zaun’s eyes was one of fierceness. If Jack didn’t know any better, he’d swear the man had killed before, and maybe he had. The guy had been in that building for a while with all sorts of crazy shit going on. It wasn’t out of the question that his friend had to defend himself. Maybe Zaun looked at the undead as people, and as far as the man was concerned, he had killed already. It was a good mindset to have. Jack felt a little better at seeing how serious his normally non-serious friend was. There was no doubt in Jack’s mind that the guy was ready to do whatever needed to be done.
He only hoped he could do the same.
Chapter 16
Kevin knocked on Maria Lopez’ door, announced himself, and was told to come in. Roger Smithford, a high- ranking C-wing guard, was sitting in a chair. Of all the times to have a guest, he thought. Maria was sitting cross- legged on her bed, dressed in her pajamas. He knew Smithford and her were friends, but there was no way he was going to trust the guy. He thought about turning around, forgetting about Maria, and leaving with Jack and Zaun.
“What’s up?” Maria asked.
“I… um…” H e couldn’t get the words out, his mind caught between wanting to leave and wanting to stay. He turned to stare at Smithford.
“Meyers,” the man said, nodding.
Why the hell was the guy here?
Turning back to Maria, he said, “I have something I need to talk to you about. Something private.”
“You don’t look so good,” Maria said.
Smithford sat back, looking as if he hadn’t heard a word Kevin had said.
“I need to talk to you in private,” he reiterated.
“I get it,” Smithford said, not sounding the least bit upset. The man leaned forward, hi s chair clomping down. He stood, all six feet five inches of him. “You want me to leave.”
“Wait,” Maria told him, then looked at Kevin. “Can this wait until tomorrow?”
Kevin shook his head. “No, I really need to talk to you now.” He looked up at Smithford. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude.”
“No problem,” Smithford said. “It’s getting late and I should let you two talk. Sounds like Kevin has a problem he needs help with.” He said goodnight, then left the room.
Kevin took a seat on Maria’s bed, leaving his booted feet on the floor. He couldn’t face her. Staring at the floor, he felt her hand on his shoulder.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“There’s not a lot of time, so I’m going to just spit it out.”
“Okay,” she said, taking her hand back.
He turned to face her and just started talking. He told her everything, from his drunken conversation with Devon, to just before he left Jack’s room.
“I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s all true,” he said, “and I want you to come with us.”
Maria sighed. “Kevin, not to be an asshole, but that’s the most ridiculous shit I’ve ever heard. I hope you’re puttin g me on. ”
He jumped up, unable to remain seated. “No. I’m dead serious. Didn’t you hear what I said?”
“You’re for real, aren’t you?”
“Yes, and there isn’t much time. We need to meet the others.”
Maria held up her arms. “Wait. Just wait. There’s no way our military would condone this type of thing, human experimentation. Maybe after the rats and monkeys were tested, then human trials, but outright torture and killing, no.”
“Don’t act like you’ve never seen shit. We both have. We’ve seen some nasty stuff that if it ever got out there’d be a public outcry.”
“That was different and those were some crazy-ass individuals. Who, may I remind you, were reprimanded.”
“Look, we’re leaving. Tonight. Getting out of here for good before it’s too late. For all I know you and me are next. We’re not part of the regular crew. We don’t have access to C-Wing. Reynolds has no test subjects left. What do you think he’s going to do to get more? Head out into the city because there are no more people there? It’s going to be Jack and Zaun and then us.”
Maria closed her eyes, shaking her head. Kevin could see he was putting doubt into her. On some level, she believed him.
“You’re talking about treason,” she said. “Going against orders, against your country. You’ll be put in front of a firing squad. You can’t do this.”
The door to the room burst open, startling both Kevin and Maria.
Smithford walked in, sidearm in hand.
“What the hell, Roger?” Maria barked.
“Was listening at the door,” he said. “Heard everything.”
“Get out,” Maria demanded, her voice cracking.
“Don’t,” Smithford warned, as Kevin went for his gun. “ Doc wants you alive and intact, but I’ll drop you where you stand if I have to. I’m sure as long as it’s not a fatal shot, the man can fix you back up; inject those little things into you.”
Kevin truly hated himself right now. He had been so careless. So stupid. Before speaking to Maria, he should have made sure that there was no one outside the door.
“I never liked you, Myers,” Smithford continued. “Fucking pussy.”
“Hey,” Maria shouted.
“Shut the fuck up,” Smithford demanded, keeping his eyes on Kevin. “Now, slowly, give me your sidearm.”
Kevin did as he was told, and handed the weapon over.
“He’s just confused,” Maria told Smithford. “He’s been down here too long. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
“You’re a stupid bitch,” Smithford said. “You know that? Maybe if you’d been willing to put out, I would’ve tried to spare your ass; claimed you as mine, but you’re nothing but a dyke, aren’t you? Or maybe just a tease? Are you a tease?”
“What the hell is wrong with you, Roger?” Concern was evident on Maria’s face. “Cat’s out of the bag, stupid. You weren’t supposed to know about this place. What’s really going on. You two were temporary. Doc was going to ship you right back out, then hopefully get in some people, people like myself, that would go along with the program. But after the city fell, that plan went to shit. He was stuck with both of you. Military wasn’t letting anyone in or out. ”
“This is wrong,” Kevin pleaded. “Don’t you see that? Come with us.”
“Myers, you really are an idiot. Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t leave here. It’s the safest place to be. But I