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Captain Russo has said as much. I like to think it’s because people are finding safe zones. “They should just carpet bomb the fuckers,” I grumble.
“There are still people in there though. Have you seen the drone footage?” She stabs out her cigarette in the snow, then picks it up and tosses it in the garbage at the corner of the tent we pass.
“Some of it. And yea, I’ve seen where they’re herding people. It’s fucked.” I open the door of the kitchen for her. All of the extra people on the property stay outside. The house is still just for my family: Dani, Elly and myself. The added security is reassuring though.
“Hey, babe, can you help me? Cap was just telling us there’s a c-section patient on the way over from the prison, and I might need your help.” Dani stands from the table where Captain Russo and Elly are still sitting. “Oh, Angela! It’s great to see you again! Let me get you a cup of coffee.”
Fuck, I wish all these people weren’t here. I love watching Dani reaching into the cupboard, the way her ass pokes up when she leans against the counter.
“Thank you, Dani. A c-section? Why are they sending it here? Isn’t there an OBGYN at the prison?” Angela asks as she takes the steaming cup of black coffee.
Captain Russo leans back in his chair. His beard is coming in thick and black, a sharp contrast to his pale olive skin. “Well, this one is tricky. The woman changed, but apparently the child is still human.” He clears his throat and stands up, then pushes in his chair.
Dani told me how he lost his wife. This one might be hard on him.
“I need to go and check in the new guards, so let me know if you need anything, Doc.” He grabs his heavy coat from the back of his chair and steps out the door before I see him put it on through the window.
Did I catch Elly watching him leave?
Her eyes shift from the window and fix on Angela. “Angela, good to see you again. Sam told me about Alexander. I admire the hell out of you for what you lived through.” Elly has met Angela a few times through the years, but I’ve never seen this look of admiration in her eyes before.
“Well, he’s kind of why I’m here, too,” Angela says between sips of coffee. She pulls out a folded piece of paper from her coat and smoothes it onto the table.
It’s a grainy picture. It looks like one of the drone shots. I can make out a few buildings and a small pack of dogs with a person. I’ve seen a lot of those lately.
She pulls another picture out and lays it next to the first. This one is closer. I can clearly see the upright form of one of the half-breeds, and it looks like it’s directing a dozen of the dogs. There’s a small human standing next to it.
I pick up the copy paper print. I can easily recognize the familiar features of Alex, although he does look much younger now.
Wait.
“Dani? You need to see this.” Handing her the picture, I watch her face carefully.
The recognition is instant.
“Oh, my god! It’s Jenny!” With a paling face, she clutches the picture closer to inspect it. “When was this taken?” she cries. Her heartbeats become deafening as she looks at Angela.
“Wait, you know the girl?” Angela shakes her head, her brows draw together in a confused look.
“Yes! She’s been my vet assistant for almost a year! She texted me the day Sam got hurt, said she had been taken by a monster.” Her blue eyes widen and pool with tears. “She was taken byhim!” Her pouty bottom lip sticks out farther as she clenches her jaw and a tear sneaks down her cheek.
In a rush, her arms dive around my waist and her face presses against my chest. “Oh, Sam, we have to save her!” Wrapping my arms around her trembling shoulders, my eyes lift to meet Angela’s.
“What else have you found out?” I ask her over Dani’s head.
She takes another swallow of coffee.
I glance at Elly. Her eyes are wide as well and her hands shake holding her coffee cup.
“They’ve narrowed down the area of town he’s in. The common consensus is he’s in charge.” Angela’s lips purse as if her coffee is sour. “Of course he’s in charge. I’m surprised that the girl is still alive after this long…” Her voice trails off as if realizing what she is saying.
She never gave a timeline of how long Alex had held her. “What do you mean by that?” My voice comes out at a rasp.
“He only had me for three weeks, and I was almost dead. I outlived at least five other girls in that timeframe.” She carries her empty cup to the sink and sets it inside. “Maybe I need to talk to that captain a little more. If we can take out Alexander, maybe the others will be easier to neutralize. It isn’t safe in the city. They’re organized and smart. I know it’s because of him. The bastard.” She spits the last words out and flings herself out through the door, slamming it in her haste.
Dani pulls back from my chest. “I think Jenny heals faster. I’ve seen it in a couple of the patients. You healed fast, but some, it’s insane. I watched someone grow a leg back in a week.” She wipes her cheeks on her sleeve before stepping away to get her coat. “My god, what kind of hell is he putting her through if she heals from him?”
Rubbing the back of my leg reflexively, I remember how badly it was torn up by that dog. The missing chunk grew back, but it did take almost a week. Dani was fascinated by how quickly it healed. I told her it was because I kept asking her to kiss it for me.