Live Another Day by Baileigh Higgins (reading in the dark .txt) 📗

Nadia’s voice was hushed but steady while she spoke, and he’d never felt prouder. He moved up behind her shoulder to lend his silent support.

“But, I didn’t die. Instead, I got better. It was a miracle. Or so I thought at the time. That night, my boyfriend...he...I kissed him you see, and that night he turned. Everyone died. Everyone except Donya and me.”

“Don't forget Harry. He died later, but might still be alive today if it wasn't for what happened. Everyone died because of her,” Donya said. She pointed an accusing finger at Nadia. “She killed them.”

“That’s right,” Nadia replied with a lift of her chin. “I killed them. But it wasn’t my fault. I didn’t know, and I would never have hurt them on purpose. You can’t put that on me anymore, Donya. I won’t let you.”

“Won’t let me?” Donya gasped. “Why you―”

Martin stepped up and raised his hand. “That’s enough.”

She glared at him but closed her mouth.

“Does anyone else have anything to say or ask?” Martin asked.

Josh shook his head in denial, though he looked intrigued.

“I do,” Jed said. “So, you’re a carrier but not a zombie. That right?”

Nadia nodded.

“Are you dangerous? To us, I mean?”He motioned to everyone gathered.

“Not if you’re prepared.” Donya laughed at that, but Nadia remained firm. “I’d have to bite or kiss you or get blood in you through a cut or something. As long as you stay away from me, you’ll be safe.”

“Why didn’t you say something before?” Caleb asked.

“I couldn’t,” Nadia admitted. “I didn’t want you all to look at me like I’m a monster.”

They all looked at her in silence until Logan said, “Is that it? Can we get down to business now?”

Martin nodded and stepped forward again. “Now that you all know about Nadia, is anyone pulling out? I, personally, don’t think it matters. She’s a strong, capable girl, and I’m happy to have her with us.”

Logan shot Martin an approving look and added, “She’s going nowhere without me, for the record.”

Jed shrugged and shook his head. “It makes no difference to me. She’s welcome to tag along if she carries her weight.”

“Fine by me,” Josh added.

Donya snorted and folded her arms.

Caleb looked at Nadia for a long moment before he said, “This doesn't change anything.”

Logan fought the urge to roll his eyes. “Great. Now that everyone’s had their say, can we get going? Except her, of course.” He pointed at Donya. “She’s made it clear how she feels about Nadia and would only be a liability.”

“What?” Donya cried. “A liability?”

“He makes a good point. You have a problem with Nadia, that much is clear. There’s no room on this trip for personal vendettas, despite your words to me earlier.” Martin said.

Donya pressed her lips together, “I won’t stay. I need to go.”

“Why?” Logan asked. “Why other than to get your chance at Nadia?”

“Because I have family there, and I’m hoping to find them.” Donya swallowed, and for the first time looked a little vulnerable. “I know it's a long shot, but I'm willing to take that chance.”

Logan let his disbelief show in a sneer. “You expect us to believe that? How convenient.”

“It’s true.” Nadia surprised them all by speaking up in defense of Donya. “She spoke about her aunt and uncle often enough.”

Donya didn’t reply but nodded in tight-lipped agreement.

Martin looked at her. “Are you willing to set aside your troubles with Nadia for the length of the trip?”

“I am.”

He turned to Nadia. “Your call.”

Logan squeezed her shoulder, silently willing her to say no, but in typical fashion, Nadia nodded after a brief moment of hesitation. “She can come.”

“Then it’s settled,” Martin said. “Now we’ve wasted enough time on this as it is, so let’s get going.”

“On that, at least, we’re agreed,” Logan said. “Nadia’s with me in the Landie. We’ll follow you.”

“We’re going in the double cab truck over there, so I can take four. One will have to go with you guys.”

Caleb opened his mouth, but Logan jumped ahead of him. “Josh, wanna lift?”

Josh shrugged. “Sure, I’m in.”

“Great. Throw your gear in the back.”

With those final words, they loaded up the extra fuel, supplies, and gear Ada had procured for them and set off in silence. Holding the wheel of the Landie again after so long was bliss, and a frisson of excitement rippled down Logan's spine. Finally. I'm going home.

Chapter 9 - Michael

After Rebecca left, Michael stood guard for another hour, watching as dusk turned to night. The light faded at a rapid pace, helped along by thick banks of clouds that rolled across the heavens and obscured the stars. A stiff breeze picked up, and the smell of rain lingered in his nostrils.

A storm, Michael thought. I wonder what the camp's up to? Nombali, Dr. Lange.

Footsteps warned of someone approaching, and he turned. A man he'd seen hanging around Ke Tau before stopped a short distance away and regarded him. He was Indian, his eyes pitch-black and emotionless. Michael thought he remembered his name. Hiran.

“You’re Michael?”

“I am.”

“Ke Tau wants to talk to you.”

Without saying another word, the stranger turned and strode back the way he came. After a second’s hesitation, Michael followed. They walked toward the barred gates of the compound which stood open a crack, and past the lounging guards. They eyed him with interest, but nobody asked a thing. It was better not to ask too many questions in this place.

Once through the doors, Michael was hit by a wall of warm air. His skin flushed as blood rose to the surface, while his nostrils flared to pick up the many smells in the air. Sweat, blood, tobacco, and urine. A fetid mixture overlaid by the stench of fear and food.

They walked through the foyer and across the lobby to the old dining room where Ke Tau reigned supreme from the head of a crowded table. The man lounged in his seat, an empty plate in front of him, while around him his men laughed and feasted on