“We have to go there.” Chris encouraged.
“I suppose you’re right.” Katrina felt strong in that moment, knowing Chris would come with her and knew she would finally be able to enter her home again. Mama had offered to come with her before, but there was something about having a frail old later that didn't make her feel quite as secure as having a six-foot-two man with her. She smiled sincerely at Chris and looked over at Jerrid, who was trying to drink his beer while lying on his back.
They walked over and sat next to him. Chris leaned back, propped up on his elbows enjoying the clear view of the stars; they were spectacular dots of light in the dark sky with no city lights or smog to interfere with their brightness; Chris could clearly make out the constellations and even see what he imagined was part of the milky way.
Jerrid’s cell phone rang and he fumbled for it in his pant pocket, knocking over his beer in the process. “Shit. Hello?”
Katrina watched Jerrid intently and Chris watched them both curiously.
“Clint, Hi. Okay so you got her secured in the basement? Is she talking yet?” Jerrid nodded to himself “Okay, just keep her there overnight; we’ll come in the morning." He paused to let out a deep, meaningful exhale. "Well, If you’re not going to tie her up, Make sure she can’t get out.” With no goodbye he hung up the phone.
“Are you guys holding someone hostage or something?” Chris asked, very serious.
“Technically,” Katrina replied. Chris locked his eyes on her. “Well, what did he say?” She asked Jerrid.
“He’s got her back in the basement but he couldn’t ger her restrained; she kept trying to bite him. Apparently she hasn’t said anything yet but she’s… hungry. He said she’s moving normally but not fully there—mentally-- Yet.”
“So it’s working.”
“I guess so. You’ll have to try and give her another dose tomorrow and see if that will bring her back even more.”
Katrina glanced over at him as if she forgot he was there. “It’s Emily.”
“Emily? I thought she wasn’t around anymore.”
“What made you think that?”
“Well you said—“ Chris thought about it, and realized Katrina never did mention her death. “She’s alive and she’s infected still?”
“Yes. I brought back some of the medication they were giving me and testing on others in Colorado. I wanted to see if they would work on her.”
“You mean you stole and smuggled some medication.” Jerrid added.
Katrina didn’t acknowledge the last accusation; “I figured if she stayed alive this long, maybe she can be helped; treated and cured. I didn’t want you to come with me to Clint’s today, because I was giving her the first dose. One or two more and she should be good--from what it sounds like.” Katrina was very happy with the possibility and it showed on her face.
Chris didn’t feel the same way, “Uh, Good?”
“Yeah, she can be like me.”
“Okay, so didn’t you think that this would have been helpful information to me? You have a weapon of possible mass-destruction hidden in your uncle’s basement, which you just happen to be holding captive.” Chris stood up to walk this new information off. “Oh, I wish my head would stop spinning,” He sat back down. “Wait, what happens if she gets out and she’s still hungry?”
Katrina couldn’t think how to answer the question without worrying Chris any further. Jerrid filled in: “Then we could potentially have a problem on our hands.” Chris and Katrina laid down beside Jerrid, looking at the sky and contemplating the possible outcomes if Emily were to escape. Jerrid frowned; “I’m out of beer; it spilled.”
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