“Don’t go getting all paranoid like Arthur,” Jesse said with a frown.
“She’s asking pertinent questions. I’m not offended.”
Minji met Alec’s stare and something silent passed between them. It was an understanding that there was more to say, but not at the moment. A corner of Alec’s mouth twitched and she had the distinct impression he was pleased.
Nuzzling Ava’s cheek, Minji listened to the odd noises emerging from her lips. Exhaustion pulled at her eyelids. It was time to sleep. There would be time for questions in the morning. Minji slid off the chair and carried Ava to the door.
“I better get some rest if we really do plan to leave tomorrow,” she said more to Jesse than the newcomer.
“I’ll finish up with Alec, get him a bed, then check one last time on everyone before I lay down for a few hours.”
“Not worried about the fires?” Alec tilted his head to gaze to Minji.
“The construction site is a natural firebreak. We’re okay for now,” Minji answered.
With a nod, Alec agreed with her assessment. “I’ll alternate sleeping stints with Jesse to keep an eye out. He looks like he could use some rest.”
“I really could. Sounds like a plan.” Jesse looked relieved at the idea of a split shift.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” Minji said before slipping out of the room.
She could feel Alec’s eyes on her as she departed.
Minji mulled over everything that had happened since she’d awakened and didn’t like where her conclusions were taking her. Whatever was controlling Ava and the mesmerized had let go of her daughter when it had seen Alec. Maybe it was a coincidence, but she had to consider that it wasn’t. Alec had avoided answering her directly when she’d asked him about being in contact with the military concerning the event. Was it all connected, and if so, what did it mean? Maybe she was getting just as paranoid as Arthur.
Once inside the room she was sharing with her family, she secured Ava with the child leash, checked on Bailey and Jake, closed the door, and shoved a chair against it. The piece of furniture wouldn’t keep anyone out, but it would make noise if someone tried to come in.
Yes, she was definitely becoming paranoid, but she supposed it was natural when all the events of the preceding day were taken into account. The world was coming to an end after all. However, she wasn’t willing to give into despair just yet. Ava had woken for a short period of time and she had to cling to the hope that was born in those few wonderful moments.
She stretched out next to her unconscious husband, mulling over Ava’s words. Was Ava in pain? Or was the other suffering? Which one was actually calling for help? And why did the other seem particularly aware of Minji? Was it her immunity? Or because she was Ava’s mother?
Sleep eventually stole her away, but her dreams were haunted by Ava’s cries for help.
Chapter 22
The air outside the window was a yellowish-gray. What little early morning sunlight managed to break through the thick gray haze illuminated the soot covered wreckage in the boulevard below. Cars, bikes, bodies, and rubble dotted the Las Vegas Strip.
Minji wondered why Jesse had selected rooms facing the boulevard. The gruesome scene outside was unsettling and only reinforced the notion that this was the end of the world. Of course, if the winds changed directions and the fires started to spread in the direction of the medical center, they’d have ample warning. Nevertheless, it was disconcerting to see the beauty of the strip demolished beneath a sickly colored sky.
After clothing Ava in her newly washed outfit and putting Bailey in a fresh one from the diaper bag, Minji slipped on her shorts and tank top. Ava stared while Bailey slumped against her father’s side on the bed looking pouty and groggy. Minji tossed the scrubs onto a nearby chair, glad to be in her own clothes again. Her boots were still a little damp, but two layers of socks made them comfortable. Rubbing her arms, she tried to warm herself. There was a chill in the air that she was certain was not from the air conditioner. Plus, a cold shower was not the most satisfying early morning experience, but after washing the girls in warm water the flow had refused to heat again. At least Jake appeared to be sleeping peacefully, but she wondered if his placid exterior was a lie. The nightmares that had ravaged her mind throughout the night had left her feeling unsteady upon awakening.
After kissing Jake, she ushered the girls down the hallway to the break room. She was almost to the open doors when she heard voices coming from within, one particularly strident.
“So where is he now?” Arthur demanded.
“Asleep,” Jesse answered. “He took the last shift. He’ll be up in an hour or so.”
“But he needs to tell us what’s going on!”
“He doesn’t know either,” Jesse responded.
?
??But you said he’s in the military,” Arthur protested.
Minji took a deep breath to steel her nerves against Arthur’s most recent tirade and entered the room. Simone glanced up from her breakfast of scrambled eggs and gestured toward Arthur with her eyes before rolling them upward. Jesse was at one end of the table while Arthur sat across from him at the other. Minji deliberated if they were both vying to be the head of the table. Dressed in clean scrubs, Arthur provided her a dour look.
“Still immune?”