Devastation Erupts Read online

  Riley and I happened to be sleeping outside by the fire, which made us easy pickings. The guys grabbed Riley and, like she mentioned earlier, Jim threatened to hurt me if she didn’t go with them. My heart drops as she describes the fear she felt. And the helplessness.

  At first, she thought they were just going back to Dan and Jim’s trailer to talk. Once there, the guys shared their real plan with her—to take her with them to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia until everything was cleared up in Delaware.

  I interrupt to ask why they wouldn’t just go to Dover Air Force Base. Riley explains that Dan and Jim wanted to put some distance between themselves and the trailer park. Dan admitted to her that Jim was responsible for what happened to one of the neighbors there, Mrs. Adams.

  I knew it!

  It was actually Aidan and Jeff that found Mrs. Adams’ body. Desperate for supplies, they were scavenging around the trailer park, only entering homes they thought were empty. When they told us about the gruesome discovery they had made just a few doors down from our trailer, Riley and I had to see for ourselves. They were right. I found Mrs. Adams’ lifeless body in her bed, red blots that oozed from stab wounds marring her white sheets. I make a mental note to ask how much Riley knows. It couldn’t have been accident.

  I shiver, recalling what feels like a lifetime ago when I heard the scream in the middle of the night. I later discovered it was Mrs. Adams, the last hint of life leaving her body.

  I slip back into silence as I contemplate this information. Of course, we suspected Dan and Jim were the ones to hurt Mrs. Adams, but for them to admit it…I just can’t fathom how Riley endured her time with them, knowing what they were capable of. The more she explains, the more questions I have.

  Did she even try to get away from them? Unless they kept her tied up, couldn’t she just sneak away when they were sleeping? What the heck happened to her cheek?

  Before either of us can utter another word, a sharp knock on the door startles us into upright positions. Reacting faster than me, Riley jumps up and yanks the door open. Private Harris swipes a curious gaze across the room. He’s probably unimpressed by our lack of progress unpacking.

  “Sorry to interrupt you, ladies, but I thought you should know. The mess hall closes in an hour.” He pauses for a moment. When we don’t answer, he elaborates. “And it’s meatloaf night. Trust me. Not something you want to miss.” He flashes an embarrassed smile when his stomach releases a low rumble.

  “Of course,” Riley says. “We’ll be ready in five minutes!”

  He dips his head and ducks back out into the hallway.

  Chapter 4

  After pulling a brush through my straggly hair and washing my hands, I’m ready for a hot meal. The last time I had a decent dinner was at Benny’s, unless you count the pizza at Ton O’ Fun. Although Riley and I had joined Dan and Jim for dinner one night at the trailer park, I believe they served us cat meat. I didn’t touch it, so I’ll never know for sure. I wonder if Riley was able to extract any details about that from Dan? Maybe that’s something to ask another time, like when we aren’t getting ready to eat.

  I swear Harris’ feet are in motion before the door swings completely open. We scramble to keep up as he leads us to the mess hall. Once again, my eyes shift to each face that crosses our path. Although I scan for beady eyes, a tiny mustache and slick black hair, there’s no sign of Jim. I don’t like that he’s out here somewhere, maybe even watching us or waiting for us in the shadows. I’d rather confront him and get it over with, especially when there’s an armed soldier with us.

  The mess hall reminds me of our school’s lunchroom. Although only about a quarter of the seats are taken, hearty laughter crescendos from a corner table. At least it feels more welcoming than a high school cafeteria. Harris beelines to the kitchen area entrance, waving his hand in a gentlemanly gesture, indicating ladies first.

  I smirk at Riley. The poor guy is probably starving, but I dutifully follow his request, grabbing a tray and moving down the line. There are only a few others grabbing their dinner, so the line moves quickly.

  Riley and I both gladly accept plates of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans. The mound of food looks enormous, but I can’t resist grabbing a plated slice of chocolate cake with what appears to be peanut butter icing. I didn’t know they’d have dessert! One iced tea later and I’m ready to dig in.

  Harris sits at a table with us, but he looks longingly at the other soldiers. I’d suggest that he sit with them and just keep an eye on us from there, but I have a feeling he’d consider that shirking his duties.

  The three of us eat in awkward silence. Riley and I still have a lot to catch up on, but we can’t speak freely in front of a stranger. I find myself shoveling each bite into my mouth just to rush through the meal.

  We all finish eating around the same time and quietly clean our table, disposing of trash, and balancing our used plates and silverware in their designated gray tubs.

  As we weave around the mostly-empty tables, a heavily-accented voice calls out to my sister.

  “Miss Riley, is that you?” We turn in unison. Riley’s features immediately soften in recognition.

  “Dr. Noori…hi,” she verbally stumbles. A shy smile springs across her lips.

  “Please, call me Safiya. You look like you are settling in well,” the stranger says. She leans in closer and says in a hushed voice, “You look much happier than you did when we met.”

  “To be honest, I am much better now,” Riley says, grinning. “Dr. No-, Safiya, I’d like you to meet my sister, Quinn.”

  Safiya eyes me cautiously. She looks like any other soldier here and they honestly all blend together. But I guess that’s the point of wearing camo. How does Riley know her? She didn’t arrive here that much sooner than I did.

  Cocking her head sideways as if evaluating me, Safiya extends a hand. “It is very nice to meet you, Quinn. I am Dr. Noori and I had the great pleasure of meeting your sister at the hospital a few days ago.” Then, as her deep brown eyes slide back to Riley, “I didn’t realize you had any family on base.”

  With a nervous giggle, Riley answers, “Um, I didn’t. Until today.”

  “Well, I am very happy for you both,” she says. “Now, I must grab some food before the kitchen closes. I hope to see you around.”

  We both say goodbye and hoof it back to our room, led by our faithful escort. When we’re about halfway across the base, Harris’ radio buzzes to life. In one smooth movement, he raises it to his mouth and depresses a button.

  “Go for Private Harris.”

  “Harris, this is Sergeant Bowen. Are you in a secure location?”

  “Mid-base, sir. Approaching the housing unit.”

  “Okay. As soon as you are all behind closed doors, call me back. I have a status update to share.”

  Chapter 5

  Harris affirmatively responds and calmly returns the walkie-talkie to his belt. Although he’s unaffected by the brief message, Riley and I share a wide-eyed look. Our strides grow with each step until we’re practically racing back to the room.

  Once we cross the threshold and Harris secures the door, Riley and I plop down on one bed. We watch intently as he settles at the small desk and chair in the corner.

  “I’m guessing you two are ready for me to make the call?” he asks, half smirking when we both nod vigorously.

  Clutching the walkie-talkie, he calls Sergeant Bowen and confirms that we are back in the room. Bowen doesn’t waste a moment.

  “James Masters exited the base at fifteen hundred hours, during the time I was meeting with Quinn and Riley Whelan. Daniel Masters is an inpatient at the hospital and James has not made any attempt to contact him at this point.”

  Anger seethes through my veins.

  “They just let him leave? No one even questioned him?” I demand.

  Harris shoots me a surprised look and slowly shakes his head, as if to warn me.

  “Ms. Whelan, I suggest you hamper your
tone,” Bowen responds. “Due to what is called civil rights, we do not force guests to stay on this base. Civilians are free to leave when they choose, unless they are deemed to be a danger or harm in some capacity. As you can understand, at the time Mr. Masters left, no one at the entry gates would have had reason to question his motives.”

  “So he’s definitely gone? They’re sure he didn’t sneak back inside when no one was looking?” I ask, earning another disapproving look from Harris.

  “I can assure you that this base is secure. No one comes or goes without us knowing.” Breaking the brief silence as we contemplate what this means, Bowen adds, “Speaking of which, I will visit your room at zero nine hundred hours tomorrow to discuss your plans. Private Harris, your services are no longer needed as the subject in question is no longer on base.” Before we can ask any other questions, he ends the call.

  Harris springs to his feet and strides toward the door faster than a high jumper vaults over a pole.

  “Is there anything else either of you need before I go?” he asks, clearly hoping we don’t. Riley and I glance at each other. Her slight nod tells me she’s got this.

  “Just one question, sir. What time exactly is zero nine hundred hours, in normal clock time?”

  Once we understand that the sergeant will show up at nine the next morning, we settle in for the night. The second the door closes behind Harris, we twist the lock so that we’re safely sealed inside.

  Even though we’re far from home, we’re very lucky to be here. Harris was able to arrange for us to get a fresh set of clothes and pajamas, the mess hall provides our meals, and Riley tells me about the places she’s passed in the few days she’s been here.

  This place is like a small town. It has its own bowling alley and movie theater, and even a fast food restaurant or two. Riley spent most of her time in the room she had shared with Jim, at the hospital visiting Dan, or browsing the shelves at the library.

  The best part is that this whole place resides within the safety of the perimeter fence. It’s nice to feel safe, especially with Jim gone, although I don’t believe he’d just abandon his brother. I don’t think he’s the “lone wolf” type. He enjoys bossing around others too much.

  By the time I finish brushing my teeth, which feels absolutely amazing right about now, my body and mind ache for rest. Riley and I say an early goodnight, dim the lights, and lie in our respective beds. Within minutes, Riley’s steady breathing reaches my ears from across the small room. Who knew how much I could miss that sound?

  I practically ooze into the soft mattress, allowing myself to truly and completely relax for the first time in what feels like forever. We’re safe. At this moment in time, we don’t have to worry about sinkholes, finding food, or people trying to hurt us.

  Still, as wonderful as clean clothes, hot food and a space of our own are, we can’t stay. This isn’t home and it never will be. I actually don’t want to know too much about all the base has to offer. I don’t even want to daydream about what we’re missing if the trip home ends up being difficult.

  I don’t even know what we’ll do once we get home. It’s too much to figure out now. No matter what, we’ve got to get there. Our aunt must assume the worst; I imagine she’s sick with worry. We haven’t even been able to tell her we’re okay yet.

  And it wouldn’t be so bad if we could catch up with Aidan and Jeff. They’re both from Pennsylvania too. We can head north with them. Safety in numbers and all.

  But after one solid night of sleep. Riley and I both need it. First thing in the morning, we’ll figure out our plan so that we can tell Sergeant Bowen. Then we can try to find our friends and make the long trip home.

  Chapter 6

  A sharp knocking yanks me from a peaceful sleep. My eyes fly open and lead my sluggish body into a 180-degree turn. Non-descript gray walls meet a smooth white ceiling. The only décor is a stray crack or mark, but the bland surroundings trigger my memory. The base. We actually made it to Langley.

  My heightened senses pick up a soft snoring, emanating from my practically unconscious sister. The sight of Riley sprawled out on a bed just a few feet away from me instantly warms my soul.

  Just as I stretch my limbs into a deep yawn, the rapping on the door returns, nearly startling me out of my skin. Throwing the blankets aside, I stumble to the door and lean forward, angling my head to take full advantage of the peephole. Crap. It’s Sergeant Bowen, which must mean it’s nine o’clock and we completely overslept.

  Without even waking Riley, I tug the door open. Narrowed hazel eyes land on me like an arrow hitting a target. Lowering my head in embarrassment, I step back and out of his way. As he crosses the threshold, he launches into a lecture.

  “Miss Whelan, we had a meeting scheduled for zero nine hundred hours this morning. I have a very busy schedule, and I specifically carved time out of my day to discuss your predicament.”

  He waves a frustrated hand through the air. Just as he’s about to speak again, his eyes land on Riley’s sleeping form. This isn’t going to improve his mood.

  Bowen squints his eyes closed and rubs his forehead as if we’ve just given him a colossal migraine. Riley’s snoring crescendos, perfectly punctuating his annoyance.

  Eyes still pressed closed as if willing himself to stay calm, he quietly says, “I believe I need another cup of coffee. I’ll be back in fifteen minutes and we’ll discuss your plans at that time. I suggest you wake the other Miss Whelan for our meeting.”

  With that, he turns on his heel and strides through the door.

  Rushing to Riley’s side, I grasp her shoulders and shake. Her head lolls for a moment before her alarmed brown eyes snap open. “Riley, wake up. Now.”

  She chokes out a timid, “Wha-what’s happening?”

  Her blood pressure has probably shot through the roof, but at least she’s awake.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t want to scare you, but we overslept. It’s after nine.” Her eyes widen. “Sergeant Bowen was already here. We have fifteen minutes to get ready before he comes back.”

  There’s no time, or need, for more words. We both jump into hurried versions of a morning routine, brushing our teeth and hair and pulling on fresh clothes. By the time we finish our frenzied rush, the sharp knock returns.

  This time we answer it together. The short absence has greatly improved the Sergeant’s mood. When his eyes land on us, he gives an approving nod and says, “Nice to see you ladies. Awake and ready for the day.” We step aside so he can join us in the room.

  Once the door is closed, we sit together on a bed while Bowen plants himself in the desk’s swivel chair. Resting his coffee on the desk’s clean surface, he folds his hands and asks, “So, what are your plans?” His eyes shift back and forth between us. I imagine we both wear the same uncertain expression.

  Bowen takes a long sip from his coffee as Riley and I face each other. We probably should have figured this out last night before going to sleep.

  “Well, our home is in Pennsylvania and we do have relatives there, so that’s where we’re headed.” Riley stuns me by not only answering for us, but also holding Bowen’s gaze and nodding with confidence as she says the last few words.

  “We just have one quick stop to make first,” I add, turning toward my sister. “Remember Aidan and Jeff?” Of course, she does. Still, I wait for her affirming nod. “They were making sure Jasmine made it home, her parents live here in Virginia, but then they’re going back to PA too. I thought we could meet up with them and travel together.”

  “Now, before you get too far with these plans, I have to ask,” Bowen interrupts, rubbing his jaw. “Riley, how old are you? I need to verify that because our records do not confirm what Quinn said upon her arrival on base. Are you, in fact, eighteen, or are you a minor?”

  Chapter 7

  Oh crap! She’s seventeen, but if he knows we’re both minors, what does that mean? Would he make my mom’s sister, our Aunt Robin, come here to get us? Would they make us stay
here until then? Training my eyes straight ahead, I don’t dare look at Riley. I don’t want him to think we’re lying, but I REALLY want her to lie right now.

  “I just turned eighteen while we were apart,” she says. Although I don’t dare look, I’m sure her big brown eyes look as innocent as a doe’s. “So Quinn was right, then. The last time I was with her, I was seventeen. But now I’m technically an adult, so I can make decisions for both of us.”

  Her ease in doing so and willingness to lie evokes a two-fold emotional response. I hate that my sister had to go through so much when we were separated, but she’s become a stronger person for it. The old Riley never would have lied so smoothly.

  “I forgot,” I add. Meeting Bowen’s eyes, I sprinkle a bit of truth into the conversation. “It’s a little hard to keep track of days when you’re living like a nomad.”

  “Alright, given the situation, I can release you from the base as long as you’re together. Now, have you given any thought as to your means of travel?” I swear relief washes over his hazel eyes. Is he that glad to be rid of us?

  This time we both stutter. “Um, no, not really,” Riley says. Shrugging my shoulders, I remember that we both arrived here under at least one similar circumstance. “Yeah, my friends were driving the car I came here in. And I’m willing to bet a bag of sour gummies that Jim didn’t let you drive here.” Riley laughs, shaking her head.

  Steepling his hands and resting his elbows on his knees, Bowen rolls the desk chair a foot closer to us. “So, I’m guessing you’d appreciate a set of wheels to get yourselves, and your other friends, home?” Here it is. When I first got to the base, I asked why he was helping me. He said he might need my help “on the outside” sometime soon.

  Riley nods vigorously. My cautious gaze slides over the sergeant, attempting to determine his motives. What could he possibly want from us? We each own exactly one backpack and its meager contents.