CHAPTER 11

Luke is the first to move. Discarding his jacket, he rips off his outer T-shirt and kneels beside Jonesy who’s tugging at the dead thing hanging from his neck.

“Jonesy don’t pull it out, man. It’ll do more damage. There’s a doc at the farm. Just hold on until we get there.”

He bundles his T-shirt against Jonesy’s neck, covering the bloody wound. Jonesy nods and lifts his meaty hand to hold the shirt in place. At least he understands and isn’t in complete shock. Unlike the rest of us.

“What the fuck just happened?” Gordo whispers from behind me, his fingers still digging into my shoulders. I realize he’s been the one holding me back from slipping out of the truck along with Morley. I pat his hand in thanks.

“It’s okay, kid. You can let go now.”

He loosens his grip. I wince, knowing there’s going to be bruises tomorrow. But at least I’m still in one piece. Not like poor Morley.

I push myself back, still on my ass, so I’m looking Gordon in the eye. He stares back, the freckles popping from his pale skin.

“What the hell was that, Bix? I ain’t ever seen leeches act like that. The way they tore Morley apart…” He gulps hard, blinking at me.

I wipe a hand over my cheek and swallow my revulsion. “I really don’t know.”

His gaze flits to Sam. “Sam? You got an answer? Is this what you meant when you said last night they wanted us dead? ‘Cause those bastards back there,” Gordo says, pointing to the horde still off in the distance. “They wanted us dead. Not as food. D-E-A-D.”

I groan and roll my eyes. No, kid. Now is so not the time to say that. I hope everyone’s still in too much shock to pay any mind to Gordon, but of course, Dom, the voice of reason, overhears.

“What do you mean by what ‘Sam said last night’? Do you and Bix know something you didn’t tell us? Again?” He glares at me, but I refuse to take the bait.

Instead, I glance at Luke as he shrugs back into his jacket, looking for his lead on how to handle this. He stares around at everyone in the truck bed. It’s filled with mostly our people and Kip’s people. None of the children were put into this truck or any of Morley’s crew. They, at least, were spared the sight of what we just experienced. He nods to himself, his decision made.

“Last night, Sam told us something new. Most of you are already aware of his connection to the leeches. For those of you that aren’t, Sam can detect the queen leeches when they are near and sometimes hears them in his head.” He ignores the uneasy murmuring that starts up at this juicy tidbit. I’m thankful he leaves out the part about Sam being controlled by them. “Lately, he’s been having images of a leech in charge, one that appears to be in control of all the others. This top gun is aware of us. It knows we’ve killed its kind and has ordered its minions to take us down. Appears the hunters have now become the hunted.”

I ease to my feet and move closer to Sam, fearing how this confession is going to be received. Our people we can possibly keep in line but Kip’s people? I have no idea how they’ll react to this.

Dom apparently elects himself official leader and mouths off again. “I hate to sound like a fucking broken record, but you didn’t think to tell the rest of us about dickwad’s more lovable connection to those things? Maybe being hunted is something we all should have been made aware of?”

“I agree.” Cookie crosses her arms over her chest and stares down her nose at Sam like she expects him to suddenly sprout horns.

Luke’s jaw hardens. “We didn’t know if what he was experiencing was even true. Since he took out those two down in the subway his head’s been messed up. Could have been just a bad dream or stress. We don’t fucking know, and I didn’t want to worry any of you until we got to the safety of the farm.”

“Well, guess what, gigantor? It’s fucking true. Like the redhead idiot said, those things were not just looking to feed. They were looking to shred us like they did with that poor bastard.” Dom is practically snarling as he stares at Sam, flexing his fingers at his side like he’s wishing there was a trigger to pull. “And what about his so-called connection with them? Thought he was some fucking form of leech detector. Why didn’t he see them coming? Why didn’t he warn us? For all we know, he was the beacon that brought them to us, just like the subway. He could have gotten us all killed.”

“How many times I gotta tell you? It wasn’t me. And I can’t detect the regular leeches, just the hybrids,” Sam snaps.

“Yeah, sure. Just the hybrids,” Dom mocks. “How convenient. Like I expect you to own up to any of this.”

Sam’s face darkens with anger. “I said it wasn’t me. I’d know if it was. I have nothing to own up to.”

“I think we should toss you over the side and see if your alien buddies will rip you up like the other guy.” Dom holds onto the bare, metal bars above his head as he steps our way.

I do the same, holding myself in place with one hand on the bar above my head while the other hand rests on the knife at my hip.

“Back the fuck off.”

“You trying to convince me to toss you out with him?” Dom sneers at me. “’Cause it sure as hell won’t take much convincing.”

“Stand down. All of you.”

Luke’s order snaps through the truck bed like a whip. Dom’s gaze flits from us to Luke, a slight twinge of indecision cracking through his antagonism. I know he’s angry and scared and taking it out on Sam, but the last time he pissed Luke off he got a knuckle sandwich in return. I also know he doesn’t want to suffer that humiliation again. He snaps his lips shut and comes no closer.

Luke stares around at the faces in the truck bed, reading the mood. His gaze hardens, like he knows he needs to take control quickly.

“We’re all aware that attack was different and totally out of line from what we’re used to. That many leeches together and all at once was organized and precise. It collaborates Sam’s story of a super mind in control, but I, for one, believe him when he says he didn’t bring them here. He would never bring harm to his sister or any of you, for that matter. He fucking saved us in the subway, in case any of you have forgotten.” He turns his stare on Dom. “From where I stand, he’s our biggest asset right now. He can warn us when we’re about to be attacked from hybrids. And if what he says is true and he has access to the one in control, then that can turn the tides. But if we’re going to question each other and go at each other’s throats, then we don’t stand a chance. We need to work together. We need to stand unified against our enemy, or they’ve already won.”

I don’t know whose jaw drops more, mine or Sam’s. Luke defending him? I never thought I’d see that in a million years. I shoot him a look full of gratitude and pride. He told me he didn’t consider himself a leader, but Coop couldn’t have done a better job deescalating the situation. Those who regarded Sam with suspicion only moments ago now shift away in embarrassment. Luke is a real leader, through and through, and I’d follow him to the ends of the earth. No question.

“Great speech, Whitman.” Dom is like a dog with a bone. He doesn’t want to give up. The cockroach must have taken his bold pill today. “I understand your Pollyanna belief that we can win this thing if we all stand together. Hell, I even want to believe it. But how do you explain them knowing where we’d be? That was no coincidence— hundreds of leeches out here in the middle of nowhere. They were waiting for us. How do you explain that one?”

“Last night when Gordo was on watch he saw a leech in the woods. And the leech saw him.” Luke’s words are low and controlled. “I think it was looking for us like the super mind ordered. Once it found our location it put out the word. That horde was drawn to the leech’s command, not Sam.”

Gordo’s panic-stricken face jumps around the truck bed. “I’m sorry guys,” he whispers. “I think that by letting that thing go instead of chasing after it and killing it, I led them straight to us.”

Dom turns his anger on Gordo. “For fuck’s sake, idiot.”

Sam comes to the kid’s rescue. “No, Gordo, you didn’t lead them to us by not killing it. As soon as that leech saw you, the others already knew. There’s nothing you could have done to prevent this.”

Gordo’s panic turns to relief as his shoulders sag. “Thanks, Sam.”

“Yeah, somehow that doesn’t make me feel any better,” Dom drones on. “You telling me that those things are looking for us now? That they fucking recognize us?”

As much as I want that douchebag to shut the hell up, he’s only saying what’s in my head.

Silence follows his comment. No one knows how to answer. As if our predicament wasn’t already a shit-filled disaster, this new twist makes it utterly terrifying. Luke takes control once more.

“Be that as it may, our priority right now is to get everyone to the farm. Once we’ve eaten and rested, we’ll figure out a way to deal with this new… development.”

Development. That’s one word to describe it. I’d rather call it a fucking colossal shift in control. Those bastards knowing our faces? It means we’ll never be able to stop looking over our shoulders. Ever. The moment one of those things see us, the others will be alerted and come. We’ll have to continuously run. Constantly move. It means not another moment of peace. We truly are the hunted.

# # #

By the time we reach the farm, our welcoming committee is aware of the attack. The doctor rushes Jonesy off while anxious faces stare as we empty out of the truck, terrified they’re not going to find the one they’re looking for. I can’t even meet Tina’s eyes as she waits for her uncle to appear. As the last of us step down, her puzzled gaze rests on me, and I shake my head in sadness. I’m spared watching her crumble. Amy runs straight for me and Sam, hanging tight to Mrs. D’s hand, and I focus on them instead, glad for the distraction. I can’t bear to witness any more grief.

“I knew you’d be safe.” Amy’s arms tighten around my neck. “Sammy put me in the truck with Jessica and promised to bring you back. He never breaks a promise.”

“Lucky for me,” I say into her hair. Over the top of Amy’s head, I see Kip in deep discussion with Polly and Lewis. Shit. She looks our way and then strides toward us, her face a mask of concern. Although she was more than willing to take us into her home, this new episode of crazy has thrown her for a loop. I can tell she wants answers, and she wants them now. I tilt Amy’s face up to mine. “I have to go talk with the others. Me and Sam both. But I bet you’re starving, right?”

She nods, and I look up into Mrs. D’s smiling face. She pulls me tight in her arms. “Good to see you, girl.”

“I’m glad to see you, too, Mrs. D. But can you please watch Amy for a bit? This is far from over. Maybe take her to the mess hall for some food?”

Mrs. D flashes Amy a reassuring smile. “Of course. I’d be happy to. Come on, sweetie. Let’s see what we can rustle up.”

I watch them walk away hand in hand as Kip pulls up beside me and Sam, Luke joining us as well. A tight smile lines her weathered face, but her eyes are filled with worry.

“My people tell me you ran into a bit of trouble.”

Luke tilts his head. “Yeah, you can call it that.”

“Hmm.” Her gaze travels over all of us, taking in our disheveled, gore-caked appearances. “We need to discuss some things. Follow me.”

She treads toward the main house without another word. I let out my pent-up breath in a huff. “Man, she don’t look happy. What if she’s changed her mind about letting us stay?”

“Then we are as good as dead.” Luke’s blunt answer adds to the anxiety already building in my chest.

Typical Luke. “Nice of you to tell us a tiny white lie to gloss over the situation.”

He ignores my sarcasm, calling over his shoulder, “All unit four crew with me. You, too, Cook.” He holds up a hand as Gordo starts heading our way. “Not you kid. You’re on fill in duty. Go find the others from the Grand. Let them know we made it, safe and sound. And take Morley’s people with you. If anyone can help them cope right now with their loss, it’s Mrs. D.”

For once Gordo doesn’t argue about not being included, but the reason’s obvious. He’s been met enthusiastically by Evie and Scruff, both hovering and hanging off him like he’s the second coming. Luke’s giving the kid time to hang out with Evie and get over the shock of everything. Lucky bastard. The rest of us don’t get off so easy.

We’re herded up the hill to the main house, Polly and Lewis bringing up the rear.

The core room of the big house is just as I remember. A fire burns bright in the huge hearth. The braided rugs on the floor and pops of flowers everywhere adding to its warmth. But it doesn’t feel as welcoming as before. Maybe it has something to do with the way Kip and her advisors are sitting at the long, wooden table awaiting our arrival, arms crossed, and lips pulled tight like they just swallowed something bitter.

“First things first. My people tell me you all have a target on your back. Can you promise me that you won’t lead those animals straight to us?”

Luke steps toward them and pulls out a chair. He sits down and drops his hands wearily onto his knees. “I really don’t know, Kip. I think they need to see us to know where we are. I’m pretty sure we left them behind, and that won’t be an issue. But am I one hundred percent positive? No. I’m not. I’m sorry I can’t give you a better answer than that, but I’m fucking tired. I’m hungry. I’m sleep deprived. That’s the only answer I can dredge up at the moment. If it’s not good enough for you, then tell us now and we’ll leave. It’s only this group you need to worry about. The rest of our people have nothing to do with this. You promise to let them stay, and we’ll leave here without a peep of protest. I promise that much.”

I’m not sure if it’s the desperate plea in Luke’s voice or his obvious exhaustion, but Kip’s face softens, and she drops her defensive posture.

“My daddy always said only the good put the welfare of others before themselves.” She points Luke’s way. “You, I think, are a good person. So no one has to go anywhere, not quite yet. But you need to tell me what the hell is going on. Polly says a horde attacked. A horde bigger than any of us have ever seen. And that the attack was planned and organized to take you lot down. Is this true?”

Luke nods.

“How? How is such a thing possible?”

Christ, do we really have to go through this again?

“It’s a long story, but I’ll tell you what you need to know. This guy,” he says, motioning to Sam, “he’s our secret weapon. He has a connection to those things. To the one in control.”

Kip holds up her hands. “Wait a second. The one in control? The creatures have a leader?”

“Right. I forgot you guys don’t know this shit yet.” Luke sighs. “Yeah, so, the docs at the research clinic believe there’s a leader, a super mind, controlling all the leeches in its hive. McKinley’s seen where this thing hangs out, mutating into some fucking queen-ass ugly beast no doubt. He can’t pinpoint it yet, but he will. Until then, it’s painted a target on our backs, so we can’t be seen by any of the beasties. Once they see us, they’re all made aware of where we are. If it makes you feel any better, we’ll be leaving again in the morning.”

All of us stare at Luke in surprise. Since when was this decided?

Kip studies Luke with pursed lips, like she’s battling to comprehend everything he’s saying.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m starting to regret letting you people through my gate. You are the proverbial bearers of bad news.”

She ain’t wrong. I can see her point.

“But we also can’t live here with our heads buried in the sand. If we need to take a stand against these things, we stand together.” She glances over at Sam. “I knew there was something strange with you lot when we picked you up. Although you seem to have fared better than the rest.”

Sam’s eyes narrow and his jaw hardens. “What do you mean? What’s happened to the rest that came in with me?”

Kip shrugs. “Gone. All of them. Up and left in the middle of the night with no explanation. About a week ago.”

“And you just let them go?”

“We’re a farming community, not a prison. If someone doesn’t wish to stay, we don’t force them. But I won’t lie to you, I was happy to see them go. Their behavior was becoming very erratic, but from what you just told us it kind of makes sense now.”

Kip’s words scare me shitless, and I want to yell at her to stop. I don’t want to hear anymore, but she keeps talking.

“They were alienating themselves more and more from the rest of us. Not eating or talking much. Not to us, anyway. It was eerie to be around them. It was as if they could communicate with each other without words. The children especially were terrified of them. We didn’t understand at first. It was almost like they were being controlled.” She glances up sharply at Luke. “Does that mean what I think it means? Were they somehow connected to the one in control like he is?”

Despite the warmth from the fire, a cold chill runs over me. Is the same thing going to happen to Sam? No. I won’t let it.

I can see the same question in Luke’s eyes as his gaze passes over Sam and me.

“I can’t give you an answer because I honestly don’t know. All I know right now is McKinley is our best chance at finding the one calling the shots.”

“And then what?” Kip questions. “How do you propose to take care of this threat? You barely made it back here alive. How are you going to stay low on their radar once you leave here?”

Luke sits up straighter, his shoulders square. “I have no fucking idea, to be honest. I’m hoping the docs at the lab will have some good news for us. Maybe help us track the big bad down, or at least have some idea why Amy can understand these fuckers while we can’t. And maybe they won’t be able to help us with a damn thing. I don’t know. What I do know is we don’t have a choice. We need to find this thing. To kill it. It’s us or them right now, and I don’t know about the rest of you, but I refuse to go down without a fight. I’m sick of this whole damn war. It needs to end.”