Ten horrible minutes passed before the last of the kids unwilling to fight headed up the block. Shane surveyed those who remained, guessing there were at least fifty of them. Looking at their sad expressions, he wondered how many decided to fight because of bravery and how many because they didn’t care if they lived or died.
“Alright, let’s head back to the hotel and grab all the weapons we can carry,” Maurice said, and then marched across the street and into the alley.
The group parted to let him pass, and then followed him, forming a long line.
“We’ll be able to make it to the capitol with these kids helping us for sure,” Kelly said. “Won’t we?” Her wide eyes looked relieved, but something else seemed to stir in them—a sort of wildness Shane had never seen before. He feared the weapon was starting to affect her brain.
“Yeah,” he replied, trying to sound as optimistic as he could. “We’ll make it downtown without a problem.” He put his arm through hers and tugged her along behind Tracy, who followed the last of their new friends into the shadowy alley.
They walked four blocks and entered a hotel with stacks of food and weapons lining the walls of the dark lobby.
“What happened to the lights, Jules?” Maurice asked a wiry girl with a mullet haircut.
“Don’t know,” the girl replied, chewing on a piece of gum and eyeing Shane and his flak-jacket-and-army-helmet wearing group with suspicion. “Lost power a few hours ago. Seems to be out everywhere.”
“Oh wow,” Maurice replied, scratching his head. “That sucks.”
“Actually,” Tracy interrupted, “it could be to our advantage.”
“How’s that?” Shane asked, glad Tracy was forming a strategy.
“If we head downtown after dark, it’ll be harder for Shamus’ gang to see us without the streetlights working,” she replied, taking her green combat helmet off and holding it under her arm like a football.
“Shouldn’t we leave now?” Shane said, afraid Kelly wouldn’t make it to nightfall.
“No, she’s right,” Maurice answered. “We’ll do a lot better under the cover of darkness.” He glanced at Jules, who wore a look of confusion on her face.
“What’s this about us going downtown and confronting Shamus?” Jules asked, sounding more curious than worried.
“I’ll explain everything later,” Maurice replied. “Take these guys to some rooms so they can get cleaned up and get some rest.” Turning back to Shane, he said, “It’ll be dark in three hours, then we’ll leave. If you guys get a couple of hours of sleep, you’ll do a hell of a lot better in the fight.”
As much as he feared for Kelly’s safety, Shane knew Maurice and Tracy’s logic made sense. He looked at Kelly and then the rest of his group. They all had heavy bags under their eyes, like they hadn’t slept in years.
“Alright,” Shane said to Jules, “lead the way.”
They followed the tall, wiry girl, who wore boys’ blue jeans, a white T-shirt, and a black leather vest, through the hotel lobby and down the hall.
“This suite hasn’t been used yet.” Jules opened the door with a key card. “A continental breakfast will be served in the morning,” she added with a comical voice. “Please enjoy your stay.”
“Thanks,” Tracy replied, sounding a little nicer than usual.
Jules smiled at Tracy and bowed, extending her hand into the suite.
“This place is as big as a house,” Aaron said, walking into the main living area.
The rooms had large windows overlooking a garden area, allowing in plenty of light.
“There are two bathrooms—one for girls and one for boys,” Kelly said, and then looked at Tracy. “Mind if I go first?”
Tracy plopped down on the couch in the living room and sighed. “Be my guest.”
“You first in the boys’ room, boss,” Steve said, sighing. He clapped his hand on Shane’s back.
“Thanks,” Shane replied, uncertain as to how he felt to be officially labeled as the leader by Steve.
Too exhausted to give it much thought, he went into the bathroom and showered. He came out with a towel wrapped around him and slipped his pants on. There was a soft knock at the door.
“It’s not locked—come on in.” Shane sat down and then lay back on the bed, struggling to keep his eyes open.
Kelly opened the door, came into the bedroom, and shut it behind her. She had on a clean T-shirt and blue jeans, and her long, blonde hair hung straight and wet down past her shoulders. Shane had seen her dolled up at school and in a disheveled mess over the last few days, but he’d never seen her fresh out of the shower. He felt warmth stirring in his chest, and his face got hot.
“Mind if I sleep in here with you?” she asked with a timid voice.
“Uh…” Shane stuttered. “Sure—I don’t mind.”
“I don’t mean to make you feel weird,” she said, glancing down at her bare feet. “It’s just that Aaron fell asleep in the other bedroom, and Tracy and Steve took the couches.”
Shane patted the bed, trying to act casual, though he felt a little giddy from the idea of her lying near him. “One word of warning,” he said, trying to ease the awkwardness, “I’ve been told I snore like a freight train.”
Kelly chuckled and climbed into bed. She pulled the blanket and sheets out from under him, covering them both. Shane lay still and closed his eyes. Trying to be respectful, he made sure to keep to his side of the bed, though every fiber of his being wanted to roll over and put his arms around her.
“Are you scared, Shane?” Kelly whispered, her sweet breath warm on his cheek.
“Yeah, I suppose I am,” Shane replied. “I mean, who wouldn’t be?”
“You seem so confident… so sure that we’ll make it downtown and shut the weapon off,” Kelly said, her voice shaky. “You don’t seem scared at all.”
“I guess I’m just trying to hold it together the best I can.” Shane felt his face getting hot from Kelly’s compliment.
“I’m so scared,” Kelly said, inching closer to him. “I know it sounds strange, but I feel like my mind is being taken over, like I’m losing myself.”
Shane feared it was because of the weapon. Kelly slid next to him, pressing into his body. She pulled his arm around her and laid her head on his shoulder. Her hair smelled flowery and clean from the hotel shampoo. Shane wrapped his other arm over her and pressed his lips to her forehead.
“You’re just exhausted,” Shane said, trying to use a calm voice, though his heart raced and he was short of breath from her nearness. “Get some rest, and you’ll feel better.”
“You’re probably right,” Kelly replied, her eyes closing. “Can you promise me something?”
“Sure—anything.”
“If I don’t make it, promise me you’ll go back and make sure Natalie is okay.” Kelly’s voice faded, sounding like she was half asleep.
“I promise,” Shane replied, combing the hair out of her face. “But you’re going to make it, so that won’t be necessary.”
The sound of her heavy breathing told Shane she’d drifted off. He looked up at the ceiling, still holding her tight in his arms. A few days ago, he’d have given anything to lie next to her and hold her like this, never imagining it would ever happen. It was like one of his wildest fantasies had come true but, unfortunately, in the middle of his worst nightmare. He wondered what it would be like to be this close to her under happier circumstances, hoping they survived so he might find out.