Carlie Simmons (Book 1): Until Morning Comes by Sawyer JT

Author:Sawyer, JT [Sawyer, JT]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: zombies
Published: 2014-10-30T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Carlie extended the folding antenna on the top of the Iridium sat phone and dialed in the code for central command in Washington. She stood by a slightly ajar window for better reception, feeling the cold air trickle out past her tired fingers.

Four attempts and ten minutes later, she tried calling Washington as well as Secret Service offices in the Four Corners region, but to no avail. Carlie closed the window and powered off the device, then returned to the group, giving a grimace to Phillip as she approached.

“Was there any luck with contacting your colleagues?” said the professor, who stood with his hands buried in his pockets.

“No, but standard protocol is to try at the top of each hour over a ten-minute interval,” she said, stowing the phone back in her pack.

“What’d you see out there?” said the professor.

“A few dozen creatures milling about. They seem to have piss-poor eyesight at night, which was mighty helpful. I also saw one that exhibited near alpha-dog behavior over the others. Not sure what that’s about.”

“What now, if central command is off-grid or disabled?” said Phillip.

“I’ll try a few more times throughout the night. The juice in the sat phone is half gone, the way those things work, so I have to be picky with our attempts until tomorrow, when I can pull out the solar charger. Cent-com is hopefully only down for a short time until POTUS and his cabinet regroups.

“For now, we should all get some rest,” Carlie said. “There are two couches and some chairs in the employee lounge around the rear. Phillip and I will take three-hour shifts on guard and keep trying to get a message out.”

“Sounds like a good idea,” said Nadine as she and David began walking towards the other room. She turned before entering, looking at Carlie. “Thank you for coming to get us, ma’am. I don’t know what we would have done if you hadn’t showed up.”

Carlie nodded while raising an eyebrow. “You’re welcome.”

“Yes—thanks to both of you,” said the professor. “We are indebted to you.”

Eliza unfolded her arms. “Rescuing others is programmed into their cell structure.”

“We are not programmed for suicide, Eliza, and I certainly didn’t take an oath to die for you or your father but rather for the office of the presidency. There’s a big difference.”

“I just can’t take sitting still here any longer when there are others besides me that can use help,” Eliza muttered before heading into the back room.

“Ah, she is brash at times, but I’m quite sure she is grateful,” said the professor, leaning forward in a low whisper to Carlie.

“Sometimes Eliza’s insulation from the real world prevents her from seeing the bigger picture,” Carlie said, then looked at the professor. “Why don’t you join the others, sir, and we’ll wake you when we have any news.”

After everyone had left, Carlie leaned against the wall next to Phillip, who bore a faint grin. “What’s up with you?” Carlie said.

“I just find the irony of your situation intriguing.

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