Death and The Divide (30 page)

Ria glanced at the clock on the computer. Not much time left. Every minute they wasted with this senseless negotiation meant people and animals died.

Five minutes later, the North replied. They would allow the Triumvirate back in power, but the people’s representative council would consist of only RD members. The South stated they would allow the former President to return to office, but only with an equally powerful vice-president from the radical side of the IPP who would make joint decisions with him.

“They really are unbelievable,” Ria said.

The tension ate at her. She started pacing, occasionally stopping at the bed of the former cannibal to say something comforting and offer her water or food. She injected her with morphine to ease her pain, and the woman dosed.

Once this tense situation with the governments ended, Ria would take her to the infirmary and have the soldiers’ medic give her a complete physical so she could start healing. Though the blood tests said she was clear of the virus, Ria couldn’t set her completely free. She’d have to spend some time in quarantine in the infirmary and undergo more testing to rule the infection defeated.

Fifteen minutes passed. Min tapped his fingers on the desk and wiped his sleeve across his forehead. Beads of sweat formed on Linc’s face. He wasn’t as sure about the outcome as he’d stated.

The South gave in. All conditions in Linc’s missive would be met.

She hugged her arms around her chest, fighting the urge to cheer. It wasn’t over yet. Come on, North. Come on. The clock continued ticking off minutes and seconds.

In the final minute, as seconds counted down, she moved to Linc’s side. He reached up, and she took the hand he offered. He had to know she thought of her parents and Conner, not to mention friends and colleagues affected by this decision.

Would the North really reject this offer over the desire for power? Didn’t they see the destruction this parasite had caused? They couldn’t stay locked in their shield-protected city forever. It wasn’t self-sustaining. Eventually, they’d need help. She moved behind Linc’s chair, her gaze locked on Min.

The young man’s palms hit the table, startling her and Linc.  He yelped. “The North says they give in.”

Her knees went to mush, and she leaned over, wrapping her arms around Linc’s neck. Her mind went blank a second as the news sunk in. She pressed her cheek to his then kissed it, overcome with emotion.

“Send directions for their announcements to the people. They have five minutes.” Linc patted her arms and reached back to ruffle her already frizzy hair. It sent a jolt of joy through her.

Min sent the last message then changed the screen to ten different shots of the major news stations. In obviously hastily prepared sets in the leaders’ offices, the RD and the IPP simultaneously issued statements. In the interest of providing a stable environment for the eradication of the cannibal parasite, they relinquished control of the governments to the original leaders. They announced that a cure had been found and would be rolled out as fast as possible with more announcements on that to come. They begged people to refrain from further riots and to help authorities end this horrible scourge.

With visible reluctance, the speakers then turned the vid over to the previous leaders who added their comments and requests for calm. The relief on their faces barely masked the effects of tension—days spent mourning the disasters in their countries.

“Send the details of the cure,” Linc said and pressed Ria’s cheek to his as she still had her arms around him. She whispered in his ear. “It’s over. I can’t believe it. Thank you. Thank you.”

He remained quiet, eyes glued to the news as if expecting them to change their minds.

She straightened and patted his shoulder. “It’s really over, Linc.”

Min waved his arms and yelled,” Woo hoooo! About time!”

The room filled with soldiers who’d seen the news reports in their first floor security station and pounded down the steps. They burst into the lab, spouting questions. “Was there really a cure? How did they find it? What had caused the reversal of the rebels?” Blah, blah, blah.

She didn’t care. Their words barely penetrated her exhausted but elated brain. She sent up a prayer of thanks and added a request to keep her family safe until she could return. Who knew when that would be.

Despite her comment to Linc that it was over, she knew it had really only begun. A long process lay ahead of the world to roll out plans to deal with the infected in the sea, the remaining roaming infected humans, and those locked in prisons. Cleaning up the ravaged coastal towns would be a monumental task in itself.

Her wrist unit vibrated, and she held it against her chest. What a strange set of events to find the cure when even the world’s most knowledgeable parasitologist hadn’t. Like the apple falling on Newton’s head, giving him the idea of gravity, sometimes the simple parts of life were the most profound. Now if only the world could pull together and make this cure work.

Chapter Thirty

Linc motioned for quiet in the lab, waving his arms. “Thanks for you congratulations, but we still have a lot of work to do. It would help us most if you guys could clear out now. Someone needs to take the victim to the infirmary so the medic can examine her. Tests show she’s clear of the virus, but very weak and disoriented.”

Two of the soldiers took charge of the victim and rolled her out on the table. The others acted as if they had achieved this success, slapping each other’s backs and offering congratulations they’d made it alive as they filed out of the glass room.

Ria rested a gentle hand on his shoulder. “How do you feel?”

“Tired.” He gave a soft laugh then grew sober remembering his fight with the cannibal on the lower level. “I have a request.”

“What’s that?”

“I swallowed some blood from one of the cannibals. Can you test me for the virus?” He held out his arm.

Her smile faded. “When did it happen? How long ago?”

“When I went to find Min and the prisoners attacked us. I stabbed one and the rush of blood hit me in the mouth. I want to make sure I’m not infected.”

She hesitated a second then went to the desk and loaded another vacu-probe. “Surely a little blood wouldn’t transfer the parasite.”

“I want to be positive.”

“All right. Hold still.” She pressed the cold metal tip to his arm. After a click and hiss, she removed it and implanted the sample in a test chip then inserted the chip into the analyzer.

He laced his fingers together, squeezing hard as he waited. Even with a known cure, the idea of having the vicious bug inside him was disturbing. Could he really trust a little vibration to keep him turning into one of those monsters?

The chip slid out on a beep. She read the screen, her eyes going wide. “It’s positive.”

Heat radiated from his skin. He’d felt changes in the last hour: sort of an itching under his skin and a dizzy blurring of his vision. He’d initially related them to the tension of the moment. No wonder sweat continued to pour off of him. The little monsters were burrowing into his brain. The thought sent panic racing through him.

“We have to hook you up.” She called to Min, “Help me. We need to run the vibration on Linc. He’s infected.”

He didn’t want to lose control and freak out. The transformation shouldn’t take place yet, but no one could predict what further mutations had occurred. He forced his breathing to slow and counted to ten.

Min lost his ebullient demeanor and scrambled to the other desk. “Shit, I hope you don’t feel hungry.”

“Actually, I do.” Linc tilted his head to one side.

Min skidded to a stop, clutching wires and electrodes to his chest, eyes big in a horrified expression.

“But not for you. Just regular hungry,” he said and removed his shirt. “I want to get this done. Come on.”

Min moved slower to Linc’s chair, keeping a wary eye on his movements.

Linc adjusted the electrodes securely on his chest, eager to get this over with. He had important business waiting. “I think they’re all attached. Can you check the ones on my head?”

Ria pressed her fingertips to the pads, and he felt the pressure on his temples and forehead. “They look good to me.”

“I’m ready,” Min said, manning his vibration device.

He nodded. Ready. He glanced at Ria who gave him a thumbs up and brave smile. “Do it.”

The vibration tingled through his body. His vision blurred more for a moment, but quickly cleared. He flexed his fingers. It wasn’t bad at all.

“I’ll take more blood,” Ria said, pressing a vacu-tube to his arm.

He felt a pinch and a sting.

“All done.”

“Go ahead and run it while I’m still hooked up,” he said. Did he imagine the heat in his body dissipating? His attention stayed on Ria as she ran the analysis. “I suppose this was good to do so we have firsthand experience of the process.”

“It’s good of you to stay positive.” She gave him a weak smile.

“Well?” He stretched his neck as the report chattered from the output bin.

She snatched it up and read with greedy eyes. Her body slumped, and she closed her eyes. “It’s clear. Viral RNA back to zero. Thank God.”

“Hurrah!” Min pumped a fist. “Linc doesn’t have to eat people for the rest of his life. Yay!”

He ripped the electrodes from his body and tossed them on the desk, relief washing through him like the saving grace of baptism. It took a few moments for him to absorb his near brush with cannibalism. It gave him the perspective of a victim. So many had suffered loss due to the pandemic. He gazed at Ria. What a fantastic, beautiful woman. He could have lost a chance with her along with so many other things.

She sank to a chair, her hands holding the report shaking. “You’re going to be okay.”

“You know what? I think we’ve done enough for the moment.” He rose, donning his shirt. “I’m ready for some decent food and a night of sleep without worrying I’m going to be attacked.”

“Hear. Hear,” Ria said. “I think you promised me your famous lasagna when this was over.”

“So I did. If the ingredients are here, I’ll definitely make one.” It would be healing to do something other than scientific programs, something simple and basic like cooking.

“We can raid the kitchen.” Ria smoothed her hair from her face where it curled and obscured her eyes.

“Sooo, I’m going to have that date with the pool and tiki bar I’ve been putting off. And I’m fairly certain I’ll drink more than I should,” Min said. “You guys have a great night.”

“Thanks, Minlo,” she said with an indulgent smile. “Don’t drown.”

Linc had hungered for a chance to be with Ria away from the stress of the parasite drama. He’d wanted to explore a possibility of a relationship between them. Now that he faced such an evening, doubts shook his confidence. Maybe she didn’t want what he did. Or, if she did, maybe she wouldn’t want it with someone from the South. So much had happened to them, it was probably best to take any progression slowly. If it was meant to work out, it would.

***

Ria refused to turn off the water in the shower until she’d scrubbed every inch of her body and hair at least three times. The stench of death and the lingering sense of sticky infection seemed to penetrate her every pore.

Fortunately, her closet contained stacks of clean clothes, although the unisex styling didn’t fit well. Still, the soft material and lose fit was exactly what she needed. Plush comfort came as a welcome change from her days rolling in dirt and dodging flesh-eaters.

When she emerged from her bedroom, a wave of garlic and spices enveloped her. She closed her eyes and inhaled. Her stomach clenched and demanded she search out the source of this delicious aroma.

Around the curve of the central wall, Linc stood beside a stove in the small kitchen. A couple of pots boiled on the stovetop, and he sprinkled spices in one of them. A variety of containers sat on the counter. He appeared to have found the ingredients he needed.

He turned, and his face brightened. “That shower felt great, didn’t it?”

She let out a long sigh. “I could have stayed in there an hour.”

“I have a surprise.” He pointed to a green bottle sitting in a bowl of ice. “

“Champagne?” She laughed. He was beyond great to take the time to make this night special for their celebration.

“I think we can celebrate now.” After popping the cork, he poured the bubbly gold liquid into two glasses and handed one to her. “Cheers. Good job, Parasitologist Moralez.”

She clinked her glass to his. “Cheers. Thank you. Good job yourself. This is nice. You didn’t have to do all this tonight. I know you’re tired, too.”

“To be honest, I couldn’t wait to do something normal. I’ll collapse later. I needed the absorption of cooking to mute what we’ve been through. I had to fill my mind with routine, simple tasks to push out the savagery I’ve witnessed. Does that make sense?”

It was more than understandable. She’d gone from the tragedy of her sister’s death, to the drama of a world-devastating parasite. She hardly remembered what it was like to sit down with family and enjoy a meal, simply talking about how their day had went. Sitting here with him helped push away the savagery he’d mentioned. She couldn’t think of anyone else she’d rather be with right now as they took time to heal from their ordeal.

She took a deep drink that sent bubbles up her nose. She sneezed. “It makes perfect sense. Like I couldn’t scrub myself enough to be rid of the clinging film of hopelessness.”

They had a companionable dinner, devoured the lasagna and polished off the bottle of Champagne. Her head buzzed with a pleasurable numbness, keeping her thoughts of death and violence at bay. Maybe she should keep drinking and never face reality again. Then her mind summoned Conner’s face. She still had responsibilities. Her nephew needed her. And there was Linc’s face, too. She needed him.

Linc yawned. “I think I’ll turn in. A full stomach and exhaustion make for a great sleep aid.”

His yawn was contagious, and she joined in. Tonight wasn’t the night for pursuing a relationship. They were both too tired and emotionally fried. She didn’t have the energy for much more than climbing in a bed anyway. “My eyes are so heavy I can barely keep them open.”

They cleared their dishes and fed them into the cleaning unit in silence. Would the effects of the champagne last all night and keep her nightmares of cannibals and mad scientists at bay? That would be good.

“Good night, Ria,” he said in a soft voice. “I hope you sleep well.”

“You, too.” She touched his hand on the table, a brief warm caress to give her the dose of comforting contact she craved. It would have to do for now.

His gaze lingered on her a few moments before he disappeared into his room. That look made her already weak knees even weaker. Before too many days, they had to talk about this attraction between them. He was too wonderful to allow out of her life. They had to find a way to make their differences as much a part of the past as that damned parasite.

She drained the last few drops from her glass, almost afraid to go to bed alone. Too many demons had frightened her in the past few weeks. Could they really all be vanquished? She scanned the area and walked into the living room. This bunker, which had witnessed incredible upheaval the last few days, settled into the quiet of evening. Only a creak now and then broke the silence.

She imagined Min in the lowest level, diving in the pool and drinking margaritas. He’d drink too many, she felt certain. He’d be able to mourn Lola and feel he’d help her soul rest by defeating the R.D. She smiled and wished him peace. Poor kid. He’d had a tough time with Lola’s death, but he’d come through for them on this adventure.

What about her life? She still had a PhD to finish, and a future to mold. Her parents and Conner would surely be a part of it, and she hoped Linc would, too. There’d be some hassles to deal with also. She could only imagine all the questions she’d be put through over Manson’s actions. That she didn’t relish.

No longer able to put off the inevitable, she padded to her room. She turned on the light and stared at her bed and the shadowy corners not reached by the lamp on her bedside table. She bent, lifted the spread, and peered under the frame.

An icy remembrance of scarred bloody faces crawled into her mind. She shivered. She couldn’t sleep here. She still had a sense that cannibals lurked in dark, hidden places, humming and planning.

Biting her bottom lip, she left the room. She stood in the hall. She might be able to sleep in the sunny atmosphere of the pool area, or maybe on the couch in the living room. Or maybe not.

She went to Linc’s door and gave it a soft rap. “Linc?”

“Yes?” came his muffled reply.

She almost didn’t answer. Maybe he wouldn’t understand her need to be with someone tonight. She didn’t want to push him away by presumed forwardness. Oh hell, he could only say no. “May I come in?”

After a long pause, he said, “Come.”

She let out a huff of relief and opened the door. Inside, he lay on his back on top of the covers, his hands folded behind his head. He’d removed his shirt, and his muscled chest gleamed in the lamplight, decorated with a bruise or two.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, wrinkles creasing his forehead.

“Aren’t you sleepy?” Her heart wrenched when her gaze landed upon the small cube on his bedside table—the Life-cube containing the remnants of their ill-fated embryo. Oh, Linc! His attachment to the remains gutted her. How touching that he would keep it and protect it. It tore down any remaining wall of resistance she might hold.

“Seems I can’t slow my mind. I keep going over past events.” He frowned. “I suppose I’ll carry this nasty baggage for a while.”

She nodded, her gaze traveling over him. He looked solid, reliable, a person she could depend on. Her arms ached to hold him, give him the healing love that she knew he needed. It didn’t matter if he came from the South or Mars. What was inside him was what mattered. She went to the bed, then hesitated, searching his face. His eyes said more than anything. A welcome, but no expectations.