The Beginning by M. Rose Flores

Author:M. Rose Flores [Flores, M. Rose.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: LGBTQIA+, YA, PNR, bisexual, dark, horror, zombies/undead, postapocalyptic, family drama, found family, children, San Francisco, Alcatraz, anger/aggression
Publisher: NineStar Press, LLC
Published: 2021-01-21T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Four

MELODY

“Tell me again why you think this is the best we can do?” There’s a hint of reverence in Marco’s voice, a respect for the doctor and his work. But I think this plan has him thrown.

You’re not the only one, Marco, I want to tell him.

“Because—” The doctor drops his voice as we descend a staircase I’ve never been down. “—they might do a cursory search of the lab, but based on what I know about them—which is quite a lot—I think they’ll spend more time searching in places where they would expect us to hide the girls. Our turf. Delilah and Cate walking right back into their hands is something they’ll never see coming. Their arrogance will play in our favor.”

“I hope you’re not wrong,” Marco whispers and jogs ahead to check the rest of the tunnel.

None of our people knew this passage existed before tonight. It leads straight to the lab, and was—according to the doctor—how he came and went without detection.

Cate’s poor hand shakes as she grips mine. Her breath is ragged, and I swear I hear it catch every so often as though she’s crying. Of course she is.

“It’s okay,” I whisper, letting her hand go so I can hug her to my side as we move. “This isn’t like before. We’ll be with you this time, and I won’t let you out of my sight for a minute. Okay?”

Cate doesn’t say anything; just leans her head on my shoulder.

In front of us, Delilah and her uncle Josue are chatting with what seems to be mild excitement. At first, I’m confused and annoyed. Why would they feel it’s appropriate to be excited when my sister’s life and Delilah’s are on the line?

But it comes clear fast: While Cate and I are going to seek asylum with Gabriel and his people, Delilah is going to be with her family again. She isn’t smiling, but her eyes have some sparkle.

As soon as I met her, I knew who she was. Her dark hair and high cheekbones are a perfect image of her dad’s. The doctor’s face, while not as angular, resembles his brother’s and Delilah’s around the eyes and nose. And Abigail, with her auburn hair and fairer skin, looks more like her mom.

I wonder who braided her hair after I left.

“Do you think Abi will remember me?” Delilah whispers to her uncle.

“Of course she will,” he answers, squeezing her hand. “She asks about you often, I’m told.”

Next to me, Cate is shaking more and more violently the closer we get to the lab. When we exit the tunnel, the bright overhead lights are an assault on all our eyes. Cate whimpers as we reach a closed door halfway down the hall. I have to force air in and out of my lungs for a moment, too, because I recognize the room.

This is where I saw her body. This is the cold white room where they asked me for permission to take Cate’s blood, and, thinking my sister was dead, I gave them my consent.

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