“Any idea where they came from?”
“A couple.” I wait for more but he clams up.
The rest of the trip is uneventful, but we’re shaken silent from the harsh reality of what we’re stepping into. When the trucks finally slow to a stop I can’t help but stick my whole head out the window to see our destination. No one gave us any details or description of the clinic and I’m surprised when I spot the building.
“A highway rest area?” I say, grabbing Wyatt by the arm, stopping him from walking off.
The building is in the middle of nowhere, brick with minimal windows. The few at the front of the facility are already secure with metal sheets. Jane has sent a crew out to fortify the perimeter with paneled fencing that surrounds the expansive parking lot and green space. Mobile housing units and tractor trailers sit in the oversized parking spots. It’s such a familiar place—something we’ve all passed by or used a million times. It’s kind of perfect.
“Whose idea was this?”
“Walker. She was actually stationed at one of these as an emergency center at the beginning of the crisis.”
“I’m impressed. It’s far enough away from heavy populations but it has the functionality we need.”
He nods and we both watch the large gate slide shut with the help of three fighters. “It could work.”
“You have doubts?” If Wyatt is worried, we should all be worried.
“I think it’s as good as it can get. We don’t want something bigger to defend. At least not yet. The plan is to bring in small groups at first, assess them and give them the vaccine.” He scratches the scruff of beard on his chin. “Fixing this disaster is going to be a slow process.”
“Not your style?”
“Slow?” He gives me a sly grin, revealing the softer side of Wyatt I got to know on our journey, when it was just the two of us. I miss him. “Not typically.”
“Listen up!” A voice calls from near the front of the building. “Everyone needs to check in at the front desk. You’ll receive housing and work assignments and an overall briefing on how this facility will work.”
Wyatt lifts his pack and slings it over his shoulder. He accidentally brushes against the wound on his cheek and grimaces.
“Get that checked out.” I remind him.
He grabs the strap of my backpack and tugs me toward him. “Thanks for looking out for me.”
“That’s what we do, right?”
He nods and slips into the crowd, apparently not required to get in line for instructions. A pang of sadness hits me when I’m alone and I wish Cole could be here with me. I’m hoping he’s not too angry we left him behind.
Chapter 12
At the Clinic, we fall into a quick routine encouraged by a meticulous schedule posted in the entrance of the Welcome Center’s lobby. Everything from sleep to meals to bathroom breaks are hyper-organized around our daily work rotations.
We’re put straight to work. There’s no time to ease into this job. Walker puts me, Jude, and Parker on nightly patrol walking the perimeter of the fence line. The three of us move quietly through the dark, fifteen steps apart, while a pair of veteran Fighters sit up high in a crow’s nest scanning the distance for the infected, survivors, or anything else that moves.
The Fighters have different protocol for each situation. The survivors come into a secure quarantine area before they can mingle in the group. Individuals infected are picked off by sharpshooters. Swarms or hordes require a more tactical approach to take them out. We haven’t crossed paths with any hostiles, military or otherwise, but the tension in Wyatt’s jaw tells me he’s on the alert. Something is bothering him.
At first, I’m excited about the patrol, but then I realize the more experienced Fighters are keeping us busy and out of the way. I’ve had nothing more than a glimpse of the few survivors that have come into the camp, and have not been allowed anywhere near the mobile unit designated for the actual clinic and vaccinations.
“Ramsey,” I hear, whispered in a smooth, southern accent. I glance back in the faint moonlight and see Jude nod in the fresh Fall air. The nights are kind of peaceful, and I’m surprised at how quickly the edge wears off. I lag a little and he speeds up until we’re closer together. We walk quietly together for a little while until he starts talking.
“Did you see that the first group of inoculated left today?”
“I saw the truck leave. I knew there were some people on it.”
“Yeah, I was on trash detail when it happened. It looks like most of the survivors that came in this week were loaded up.”
“Where did they go? Did you hear?”
“Back to the Fort, maybe?”