* * *
With Jared and Jack on either side, Anna wandered the grounds barefoot, although they mostly kept her close to the building. Anna seemed to be enjoying the cool, soft grass against her feet.
She headed east, to a slope down the hill, flanked by her protectors. Suddenly, she stopped and cocked her head, listening.
“Come on—” Jared started.
“Don’t you hear it?” she said, cutting him off. “It’s beautiful!”
Jack shushed them both. Yes, he thought he heard something, too. Down the embankment. He motioned for Jared and Anna to stay back while he took a few steps toward the sound, then paused and listened again.
All was quiet, but something moved in the bushes nearby. Jack focused his eyes on the bushes and what he had seen. But there was nothing else; not even a bird chirped. He paused, staring at the bush and unable to shake the feeling he was being watched. Jack had to admit, he felt like he was being watched.
Probably a rabbit or a fox, he told himself. Or a raccoon, maybe.
He turned, took Anna’s hand and led her back. All the while, he couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.
* * *
The agent in black named Cole crouched a little way away in the bushes. He felt exhilarated by what he had just learned. The girl named Anna was indeed infected. She heard the sound he was transmitting, the sound that would bring her first—and then everyone else. Not yet... but soon.
He moved back to the camouflaged tent, merrily whistling a soft tune.
* * *
That evening, Anna had trouble staying focused.
Jared did not leave her side for more than a few moments at a time. He talked with her, read to her, and finally let her sleep. When she could no longer eat or drink, he held her hand in the dark office. He knew what was coming. He knew he couldn’t stay with her for much longer. It was only when her eyes lost focus and she seemed to look through him rather than at him that he finally broke down. He held her tight for a moment. Then, in a fit of rage, she shoved him back against the office wall and growled. Jared dashed out, and closed the door.
* * *
Jack waited nearby, taking in Jared’s pale face and shaking hands, and hugged the boy for the first time. “It’s gonna be all right, son.”
Jared nodded bravely. “I know. It’s just hard... we haven’t even talked about how we are going to contain her. The door opens inward so we can’t put stuff against it to block her exit.”
He allowed Jack to lead him to the eating area, a picnic table and some folded chairs Carla had dug out from storage.
“Don’t worry about it, Jared,” said Jack. “We’ve taken care of that.” Jack guided the kid to one of the chairs, where Carla set a bowl of vegetable beef soup in front of him.
“Thank you,” said Jared, sounding distracted.
“Tomorrow, I’m going down to the Zoo and run a sweep,” said Jack. “I’d like for you to come with me, Jared.”
“The zoo? But I want to stay—”
“I know you do. But there’s nothing more you can do right now. You need to get your mind and your butt out of here. You can help me get things ready. For Anna.”
Jared nodded. Still, a worried look crossed his face. He looked away to avoid Jack’s gaze. “I’m worried about my parents, too,” he said. “I haven’t heard from them in almost two weeks.”
Carla and I locked eyes in surprise. She sat down next to the boy and took his hands.
“Why didn’t you tell us about them earlier, Jared?”
“There’s been so much going on,” he answered, his voice cracking. “And when Anna got bitten, suddenly the focus was on her and our security sweeps, and then our supplies and... two weeks got away from me. And I don’t know where they are. Or even, if they’re alive and okay. I feel so frigging guilty because I am... I am letting go of them. Moving on. Making all of you my family.”
“But, they’re your parents.”
“Only in name,” said Jared, sounding bitter. “I was a source of constant disappointment for my dad. Mom and I never really connected. She always worked. She always took his side. There was no....”
“No what?” asked Carla, gently.
“No love, I guess. Nothing like what I see in this family.”
His words touched Jack, and appeared to affect Carla even more deeply. Jack drew in a deep breath. “I always try to put a positive and honest spin on all things, kid. And, you’re right... there is love here. But I think you should prepare yourself for some rough times ahead.”
Jared nodded glumly. “I know. I can feel it. As for my parents, I know in my heart I won’t find them. Or, if I do find them, I’ll wish I hadn’t. They’ll be like... like the others.” Jared pushed his untouched soup aside.