Chapter 9
Kate
Even though I nearly blew it by making a run for it, I think I made some progress last night.
What I know is she had the same symptoms that we’d expect of the infection. That’s a step in the right direction.
I also learned her name is Jordan.
Truthfully, knowing her name makes me feel less afraid of her. It also makes all of this seem more real.
I still need to get back to the safe zone, to Dr. Parker. He needs to know everything.
Something in my bones makes me certain that Jordan is the key to figuring all of this out. Maybe that makes me naive or overly optimistic, but I don’t care. This could be the breakthrough we need.
My mind wanders to what life was like before the outbreak, which is always a dangerous game. Harry’s face flits across my eyes.
Thinking of my brother brings my fragile good mood crashing down.
There have been times when I’ve gone to watch him, and I can’t find him. The fear in those moments is overwhelming.
But it doesn’t stop me from going back the next night.
Eventually, he always comes back—where he goes when he disappears, I don’t know, and I don’t think I want to. It’s hard enough watching him deteriorate while not being able to do a damn thing about it.
Parker is adamant that the person we are dies once we’re infected, but I’ve always secretly held out hope that Harry’s still in there somewhere.
I know Jordan is near before I see her. I look at the door and see her prowl forward. She doesn’t say a word as she unties each limb. I watch her with mild confusion, unsure of what’s happening until she finally demands, “Up,” in a gruff tone.
I tsk and mutter, “You could at least say please.”
Her head whips to me with surprise on her face, but she masks it quickly with annoyance. “If you aren’t careful, there will be no bathroom breaks for you.”
“Is that what this is?” I ask as I climb off the bed and follow her out.
“They will be supervised.”
Horror drops into my stomach like stones in water. I plant my feet at the top of the stairs. “Excuse me?”
Jordan doesn’t bother turning around, throwing over her shoulder, “You can’t be trusted.”
A little squawk of frustration and humiliation comes from me, and I actually think about stamping my foot in defiance. “You can’t do that.”
She reaches the bottom step and finally turns to look at me, irritation glowing in her eyes. “If you hadn’t tried to run, we wouldn’t be in this position.”
“And if you hadn’t kidnapped me, we wouldn’t be in this position,” I throw back at her.
She shrugs, nonplussed, which nearly makes me black out from rage. “Now’s your time, sweetheart.”
Fuming at the condescending pet name, I try to think of the worst, nastiest insult to throw at her when my bladder pangs, telling me not to be so stubborn.
Growling through gritted teeth, I stomp down the stairs and into the operational bathroom, twisting my body to avoid touching her.
I place my hand on the doorknob to close it when I feel resistance, Jordan clutching the door. “It stays open.”
My jaw drops. “No way.”
She leans forward until our noses almost touch. “You made your own mess.”
My heart hammers and my face gets hot, both from what she’s making me do and from her being so close. Staring into her eyes is starting to scramble my brain, so I force myself free from the spell and step back, barely avoiding bumping into the door jamb.
“Fine,” I snarl before stepping to the toilet, pulling my filthy pants down, and taking care of business.
Jordan stands like a sentry in front of the door, her back to me. I throw dirty looks at her as I finish up. “Happy?” I demand, stepping almost too close to her as I try to exit.
She pivots gracefully, and my breath catches in my throat. “Oh, I’m delighted,” she answers with a flat tone before pushing back and gesturing to the stairs. “Back on the bed.”
“Only if I get more answers,” I barter, though I’m well aware she could force me down like she’s done already.
She gives me an exasperated look, but to my surprise, she mutters, “Fine.”
It’s enough for me to walk up the stairs without issue, a small smile lifting the edges of my mouth.
I’ll gather what information I need to help save everyone. I may not be the best researcher we have, but if I can use what I learn to finally make a difference, then I will.
I hope I don’t die before I’m able to tell them.