Broken Dreams(164)

“The bar fight…” Everything was falling into place. “He got into a bar fight with some built, older guy. Elaina and I were there. Henry had taken us out for some fun. Marc was out of town on business. Was that him?”

“Yes.”

“The bartender just threw them out.” Claire filled in the missing details. “He begged her not to call the police. She made him stay at her place that night.”

“The next day,” Sophie continued, “Henry came back here. Someone, probably Gunther, broke in. The only thing that was gone was the virus. Gunther stuck around and tracked Henry. He followed his every move. And then, on their wedding day, he injected someone.” Claire’s hands were shaking over her mouth, tears streaming down her face.

“That sick son of a bitch! He killed Marc!” Claire felt a rage that she had never experienced before.

“That’s why he wants to find Gunther. And when he does, Gunther will be begging Henry for his life. You can count on it.”

Claire was in shock…and fuming. “If Henry doesn’t kill that fucker, I will. And you can count on that!” Claire stormed out of Henry’s room, and Sophie was left in her wake. She finished packing up in silence, and headed out to the living room where Claire and Thomas sat waiting for her.

“Alright then. Do we have everything?” Sophie looked around the living room, dropping the journals in a box. There were a lot of bags and small boxes full of supplies. Luckily, they were able to put all the weapons and ammunition in one trunk. It was a little unorganized and was a tight fit, but they got it to work.

“I wish we could go back to mine, Nick’s, and Elaina’s apartments. There are a few things I would love to get for the three of us.”

“Well, let’s get loaded up.” Sophie wasn’t ignoring Claire’s request, but she also wasn’t going to say yes yet. She didn’t know the area, and wasn’t sure if they would be able to find the gas they needed.

Claire stared at her for a few seconds, wondering if she was going to give her a response.

“I’ll stand guard. I want you and Thomas to bring the stuff down. We’ll put the trunk in first so we have access to it, if need be.” They grabbed the interior trunk and followed Sophie out the door. She made sure to lock it just in case.

About a half-hour later, they were all ready to go. Sophie stood looking at the back of the truck. It wasn’t completely full so they could definitely squeeze in more stuff. “Claire?”

“Yeah?”

“How far is it to the three flats?”

“Nick’s and Elaina’s are in the same building less than ten miles from here. Mine is a few miles from that.” Claire was getting excited, but she didn’t want to show it.

“On a normal day, how long would it take to get there?” Sophie was contemplating the drive.

“Well, in crazy traffic, it took about twenty or so to get to Elaina’s, and another fifteen to get to mine.”

“Oh fuck it. Let’s try it.”

Claire grabbed Sophie and hugged her. “Thank you! Thank you so much. You have no idea what this means to me.” Sophie smiled. Thomas wasn’t thrilled, but he had no choice.

“I want Claire in the front so she can navigate.” Everyone got in, and they took off. “We will need to stop for gas soon so be on the lookout for possible sources.”





Chapter 27





I





t took about an hour before Sophie, Claire, and Thomas got to Elaina’s and Nick’s apartment building. Excitement raced over Claire’s skin. There was one thing in particular she wanted to get from Nick’s apartment.

“There! Right there!” Claire was frantically pointing at the plain, brown brick building that looked like a dormitory. Sophie pulled up to the front entrance. They sat there for a few moments, looking around and checking out the area. It seemed relatively untouched, but they knew better than that.

“Thomas, get out the sniper rifle.” Claire and Thomas both looked at each other, worried about what Sophie had in mind. “Claire, where are the flats?” She pointed. Elaina’s was on the third floor, Nick’s was a basement apartment. “Okay. Here’s the plan. I’m going to sit up on the roof of the truck and pick them off as I see them. You two will go inside. You have ten minutes per flat. Any longer than that, I may have to leave you. Come out after each one.”

“Heard,” Claire said. She and Thomas loaded their guns.

“One of you take an axe and a flashlight, as well. Spare your ammo.” They all got out and Sophie hoisted herself up to the roof of the truck. “And no more strays!” she yelled as they marched off into the building. Claire waved at Sophie, acknowledging her command.