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The naked worry in Nick’s eyes didn’t ease. I understood it all too well. “I’ve come to a decision,” I announced. “Bear, you and my dad are going to stay at the zombie lab until this shit blows over.”
Nick turned to me with such a look of gratitude that my knees went weak. “Thank you,” he breathed. “That’s perfect.”
Bear puffed up. “No way. I’m not going to run and hide.”
“Shut up, Dad!” Nick clenched his hands. “If you love me at all, you’ll do this for me. Be safe.”
Bear drew breath to argue then blew it out. “Jesus Christ. Fine. I’ll go. Wherever the hell this place is.”
“Kang, you can drive Bear’s truck,” I said.
Bear scowled. “I can drive myself.”
“Nope. Bad idea.” I stabbed a finger at him. “Like it or not, we still have you on shambler watch. Turning shambler behind the wheel would be ugly.”
“Shit. You’re right.”
“Damn straight I am. I’ll call my dad and tell him he has to go. Y’all can swing by and pick him up, then zip straight to the lab.”
Kang gave me a sour look. “I just left that wretched place.”
“I never said you had to stay,” I snapped. “Drop them off and come back, because god knows we need the help.”
Kang lifted his hands in surrender and turned to Bear. “Do you need anything before we go?”
“Nope. Got a jump bag and a couple of changes of clothes in the truck.”
Bear and my dad would be safe. For now, at least. Better than nothing. But I also needed to protect Portia, who’d managed to become deeply important to me in a short amount of time. I felt a sharp pang at the thought of that lovely, gentle woman turning into a slavering creature. And Jane! Had Pierce’s stalking extended to protecting her?
“There’s someone else I need you to pick up. Hang on.” I stepped away and found Portia’s number, shifted from foot to foot as it rang.
“Hello—”
“Portia, it’s Angel,” I said in a rush. “Please don’t think I’m crazy, but the weird encephalitis is spreading. Look, I really want you to be safe from infection, so I’m sending a friend over to pick you up and take you—oh my god, that sounds skeevy as hell.”
“I’m not sure I understand.”
That was the nicest way I’d ever heard anyone say “you’re a complete fucking looney.” And how could she understand? The whole thing was insanity.
“I know it sounds totally bonkers, but can you please get in touch with Jane Pennington? She’ll vouch for me.” I hoped. “I’m calling her the instant I hang up with you.”
“Actually, she’s right here with me.”
“For real? Can I please talk to her?”
There was rustling, and then another familiar female voice. “Angel?”
No need to be vague with Jane. “The sick people are infected with a mutated version of the zombie parasite, and it’s spreading out of control. I want you and Portia to go to the Tribe lab. You’ll be safe there.”
“Marcus called a few minutes ago and said he would send a car for me as soon as I was ready. Victor agrees it’s best. I came over to warn Portia to stay inside and use repellent.”
At least Pierce was still looking out for Jane. Or maybe Marcus had taken the initiative. Jane’s bodyguard, Victor, was great protection under normal circumstances, but he wouldn’t be much he
lp against the shambler disease. “It’ll take at least twenty minutes for a car to reach you from the lab,” I told her. “I can have someone there for you and Portia in less than ten.” Bear’s pickup was a crew cab and could fit five adults easily.
“Yes, that would be better,” Jane agreed. “Especially for Portia.” In the background, I heard, Jane, what on earth is going on? “Portia, I’ll explain everything, but Angel is right. You’ll be better off going to . . . a safe place.” To me, she said, “Don’t you worry about her, Angel. I’m relieved she’s invited.”
“You’re the best,” I said fervently and sent up about a billion prayers of gratitude. “See you both at the lab later.”
