Broken Dreams (59 page)

“Of course. Anything for you.” He went over, picked up his guitar, and sat down on the edge of the threadbare couch. He nervously ran through a few chords, tuning it. He had already drawn a crowd. All the kids were peeking out of the kitchen doorway. Nick was clueless. When he began playing, he went into that zone…the same zone Claire saw him in when she first heard him playing.

The song,
Run
by Matt Nathanson, poured out of him full of passion as he delivered the piece of music with such finesse. Again, she was drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

When Nick finished the song, there was an eruption of applause from the crowd that had gathered just outside the kitchen doorway.

***

“I had no idea he could play like that,” Henry said in my ear.

“Yeah, he’s a natural. He had a lot of lessons when he was young, but then he grew bored and decided to continue on his own.” I felt like I was bragging about my own child. Singing and playing guitar was one thing that Nick had always done well. Henry smiled at me.

Nick stood up and bowed. “Thank you, thank you. I’ll be here all night, taking requests.” Everyone laughed.

We all sat around in the candlelit room, while Nick continued to play into the night. It was one of those very few moments where we could forget about everything that was happening outside that front door and enjoy a blissful moment.

Chapter 38

everal weeks went by. We had attempted to leave, but Addie insisted that we stay a little longer. She was concerned about our welfare. It was nice to have someone who wanted to watch over us, instead of wanting to kill us. Also, I think she enjoyed our company.

It was growing more difficult to perform draws in the packed house without being noticed. There was always someone wandering somewhere. We used to do it in the truck, but it was difficult getting out there alone without a tag-a-long or prying eyes.

It was the crack of dawn, and I felt Henry running his icy fingers up and down my arm, which made me shiver.

“Hey, love,” he whispered in my ear. I cracked open my eyes, and there he was, his nose touching mine while we snuggled on the floor. I smiled at him, even though his breath smelled like booze. It wasn’t the first time that I noticed his boozy morning breath, and I was quite certain that it wouldn’t be the last. “You want to go watch the sunrise with me?”

“Yeah.” We quietly got up and snuck out the front door with blanket in tow, trying not to disturb Thomas and Shay, who were sleeping in the living room as well.

After the first few weeks had gone by, we knew that Claire was definitely pregnant, and Addie wanted her to be as comfortable as possible. She gave her all the extra pillows that she could find.

Henry and I trudged out to the barn through the lightly frosted grass. We climbed up the rickety ladder and opened the upper doors to watch the sun do its thing. We snuggled up close together, with the blanket wrapped around both of us, enjoying the view of the sun beginning to peek through the trees. I felt him staring at me.

“What?” I said without looking at him.

“I’m admiring your beauty.”

I laughed. “Oh, Henry. Maybe you should be admiring the beauty of the sunrise. There may be a day when we won’t get to see it.”

He stroked my tangled locks. “And there may be a day when I don’t get to admire your lovely face.” Damn him and that rasp. He pulled me closer. “I’m thinking we should take off in the next day or so.”

I had to admit I was enjoying the home life dynamic. Even though it was cramped and we were sleeping on the floor, it felt so good. Also, I was glad to avoid Gunther.

“I want to make a run for supplies and gas today.” Then he added, “Plus, we need a bag.” He sounded like he was ashamed to ask.

Worry swept over me. “Henry… I don’t want to go find Gunther. I mean, what good would it do? You’re just going to kill him, and then what?”

“I’ll have the upper hand.”

“The upper hand of what? There’s nothing out there.” I motioned toward the old cornfield.

“What happened to saving the world? All that positive talk from you?”

I sighed. “I don’t know.”

“Killing Gunther means I’ll take out another one of Roger’s main men. We already got rid of Kellan. If we get rid of Gunther, then I’ll be able to show Roger that I’m not fucking around with this, and that I mean business. He has to be freaking out seeing that Kellan’s tracking device isn’t signaling to the satellite anymore, and mine and Sophie’s have been stagnant for ages.” My sweet Henry was speaking like he was a killing machine.

“How will he find out? It’s not like there is any way to communicate with him.”

“He’ll find out, at some point, and when he does, it will be a kick in the bollocks to his program.”

“Please excuse my stupidity, but I don’t understand how it will hurt Roger.”

Henry was becoming flustered. “Look, with Kellan gone and when I get rid of Gunther, I’ll only have one more person to go through to get to Roger.”

“But what about the other recruits? Will they all side with you?”

“Probably not. But it’s not anything I can’t handle. Trust me, I have it all worked out up here.” He pointed at his head.

I didn’t have anything else to say. My worry would have just taken over completely and we would have gotten into an argument. I didn’t want that so I just looked back out at the sunrise and took it all in.

“I’ve been thinking. I want to rise up like you encouraged me to do. Get people together. Rally up. Maybe we could form a new society.”

I whipped my head around at him. “Are you out of your fucking mind?!” I snapped. “You do understand that you would be killed if they found out your life status, right?”

“But if I can prove that we won’t harm them, and if I convince them that Nick and I will continue drinking willingly donated blood, versus making more like us, then maybe I stand a chance. Maybe I can live freely with what I am and not hide anymore. I’m sick of living in secrecy, and sick of worrying about what the reaction will be if someone finds out.”

“Finds out what?” Henry and I both jumped up with our Sigs drawn.

“Julianna! You cannot sneak up on people like that,” Henry scolded her. “And eavesdropping on other’s conversations is terribly rude!”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Henry.” She looked deflated.

I kneeled down to her level and asked her, “Does anyone know you are out here?”

“No,” she murmured.

“You shouldn’t wander outdoors alone.” Henry threw Julianna a quirked brow. Her eyes filled with tears because she knew he was angry with her.

“We need to get you back inside before someone freaks out.” I grabbed her hand, and Henry went down the ladder first.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Elaina.” Julianna’s hand rested in mine. “But what did Mr. Henry mean when he said ‘live without secrets’?”

I stopped abruptly, and Julianna almost fell over. “You need not repeat anything you heard! You have misunderstood what Mr. Henry was saying.” I was as angry as he was, but I tried not to scare her, although I think that I did.

Henry grabbed my arm. “I’ve got this.” I nodded and let go of her hand. Henry knelt down and looked in her eyes. “Julianna, listen, there are some things that are not to be heard by children. To be honest, Ms. Elaina and I were speaking of troubles in our relationship. It’s hard to understand, and it’s been hard on us. We hope to work out all of our problems before we are to marry.” Henry grinned tenderly at Julianna. “So I would greatly appreciate it if you wouldn’t say anything. I don’t want anyone to worry about our relationship. Okay, little love?”

“Okay,” she replied shyly.

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Pinky swear?” Henry held out his pinky. Julianna examined it momentarily, then hooked her delicate pinky finger around his. Julianna smiled. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he stood up, carrying her toward the door.

Then she said, “I wish you were my daddy.” Henry was taken aback, as was I. I felt guilty for scolding her. “You’re nice like my daddy was.”

“Now that is very sweet.” Henry tapped her on the nose with his index finger. Julianna giggled. Henry set her down and took her little hand in his, then they walked back inside the house. It was the sweetest thing I had seen in a long time. Rosa met us at the door, looking completely frazzled.

“There you are!” she shouted. “I was worried sick!” Shay and Thomas, who were still sleeping, woke with a start.

“I’m sorry, Rosa.” Julianna hung her head in shame.

“You cannot go outside by yourself! It’s too dangerous! Thankfully, Mr. Henry and Ms. Elaina were there to bring you back.”

“Take it easy on her. She was just being curious,” Henry said, hoping that Rosa would stop yelling.

“Take it easy on her? Have you ever heard the phrase ‘curiosity killed the cat’? Do you have any idea what I did to save this child? Any idea?”

“That is enough, Rosa. You do not disrespect adults,” Addie sharply added as she walked out from her bedroom. “I’m sure Henry and his group have gone through a lot to stay alive and save others.” Check and mate, Rosa. Henry was seething. He was trying to control his temper.

He whispered, “Just so you know, not that it’s any of your concern, but I had to put a bullet in my best friend’s head. I had to kill members of our families, children and teens much like yourself. Did you forget what we did to rescue you?” Oh, shit.

“We held the fort down at the school. Did you notice the stairs, or did you forget that?” Rosa retorted.

“I did notice, and I do believe I commended you and your group’s bravery and brilliance of the situation. Did I not?! But if we didn’t get in there, you guys would have ended up starving to death!”

I grabbed Henry’s arm. “Come on. Let’s get you some food. Sorry, he tends to get grumpy when he’s hungry.” As I pushed Henry toward the kitchen, I heard Addie scolding Rosa. Words like “ungrateful”, “arrogant”, and “apology” were used several times between the two of them.

I directed Henry into a chair at the table. I started chopping up some fresh veggies and putting them in a large bowl. It was a minute or two before I could bring myself to say anything.

In a harsh whisper, I said, “Henry, you have to control yourself.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I’m in need.” He did sound truly sorry for his outburst.

“You can’t keep using that as an excuse. She’s just a child, much like Julianna.” It felt odd saying that since I wasn’t that much older than Rosa, although I did feel many years wiser. Life experience speaks for itself.

“I know. I’ll apologize.”

“Just eat something, and we’ll take care of your other issue later.” I dropped the bowl down in front of him. Addie brought Rosa into the kitchen. Rosa scowled as she stood against the counter with her arms crossed, while Henry quietly ate. I continued chopping until there was enough for everyone. Addie sat down next to Henry.

“I think I’m going to go hunting for supplies and gas today. We’ll be leaving in the next day or so.” Henry didn’t even look up as he talked.

“Now, if you are leaving on account of my daughter’s behavior, please reconsider.” I laughed. Addie raised her eyebrow at me.

“I’m sorry for laughing at you, Addie, but if I can’t change his mind, no one can.”

“I understand that, but I don’t want your group to be put at risk because of something she said.”

“I’m in the same room, Mom,” Rosa growled.

“Look. I don’t want any fighting. This is what I’m doing. I’m going to have a private meeting in the truck in a few minutes with my group, and our plans will be finalized.”

“I wish you would stay. My main concern is Claire and the baby. What if something happens and you don’t have a place for her to rest comfortably?”

“Addie, there are things I have to do. I’m sorry. I greatly appreciate all that you have done for us.” He took her hand. “You’re amazing, and will forever be in my heart.”

Shortly after we all ate, Henry gathered our group and we went out to the truck. Henry drew a bag each from Thomas and me…one for himself and one for Nick. We chatted for a while and discussed our plans. They drank their blood, and we headed back inside to relay our plans to Addie.

“Nick, Thomas, and I’ll be going out to hunt for gas and supplies. Can you give me a location close to here?” Henry was leaning on his elbows on the table.

After a full bag, he was feeling pretty high. I was worried Addie would suspect something. Nick was having trouble keeping his euphoria at bay, as well. Claire was stroking his cheek, trying to make it look like he was giddy over her.

“I would like to go.” I turned around, and Justin was standing at the doorway.

“You will not!” Rosa bit out at him.

“Why not? I held my own when we were leaving the school. And I could be an asset. I know my way around here.” I could see Henry liked the idea. It did make sense, but I was leery.

“I won’t let you go with them!”

“Are you being for real, Rosa? I didn’t realize you were my mom.” Oops. I had a feeling that it was going to get nasty. I wished we had electricity so I could pop a bag of popcorn for the show that was about to begin.

“Maybe we should get out of the line of fire,” I whispered to Addie.

“I think you may be right. Let them duke it out.” Addie had a smirk on her face.

I grabbed Henry’s arm. “Come on. Let’s go out in the living room and give them a little privacy.” Claire and Nick followed behind us. When we rounded the corner, Thomas and Shay were kissing on the couch.

“Well, maybe we should go outside then,” Henry said and Addie laughed. Thomas and Shay pulled apart.

He directed me straight through the front door and down the porch stairs. He held my arm and guided me back into the barn. I climbed the ladder, and he followed. I had a feeling what was going to happen.

As soon as he made it up the ladder, he grabbed me, pushed me down on the floor, and began kissing me with intense passion.

Breathless, I pushed him away. “Henry, we can’t. Not here.”

“Why not? Here is as good as any.”

“We shouldn’t. Everyone is up, and we could get company. I’m sure someone saw us come out here.” He grumbled at me and rolled onto his back.

He adjusted his arousal. I felt that stirring deep within my core when I saw him do so. He was propped up on his elbows, smirking at me. His eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

I sighed. “Henry…?”

“Yes, my love?”

“Why must you do this to me? You have this power over me.”

He grinned. “I know,” he rumbled. “Now get over here so I can fuck your brains out.”

“Well, look who thinks he put on his bossy pants this morning.” I crawled up, straddling him. I leaned down to kiss him. He groaned as he ran his icy cold hands up my shirt. I broke into a violent shiver.

“Sorry, love.” He looked upset with himself.

“It’s fine. I don’t mind it.” I softly smiled at him. “It’s exhilarating.” He returned my smile and ran his fingers down my sides. I shivered again, and pulled my shirt over my head. It was so cold outside, and with Henry having such a low body temperature, my nerves were sparking. I shook my head a little and my hair lay over my exposed breasts. Henry sharply inhaled.

“Love…you are so goddamn stunning. I could stare at you all motherfucking day.” I pulled his shirt off of him and ran my hands over his stellar body. His breath caught in his throat. “Your warm hands feel so good against my skin.” I ran my fingers around his waist, teasing him every time I got near the button of his jeans.