*****
Pete Quist aged thirty-four with an athletic build from eating the right food and working out at the gym was shy when it came to girls. Forever single was the way that he saw his future because of that one inability where he could not meet anyone without stumbling over his words.
Exerting his authority was one thing – it might impress the girls – but not up close and personal with them. Also, he felt the older he got then the less interested in him someone like Katya Jenova would be.
“Most people call me Kat,” she said, breaking into his thoughts. “And I think you and I should stick together.”
All Quist could do was nod as he stood there tongue tied while watching the crowd stream through the open gates.
“That’s them sorted,” a confident Kyle pointed out as he strode towards them. “Surprised you’re not joining the parade.”
“You said that getting out of London was not going to be easy,” Katya reminded him. “We want to know what you mean.”
Kyle looked from one to the other while making himself comfortable on an ornamental plinth.
“Simple,” he shrugged. “Think about it – it don’t take long for law and order to break down. Gangs form – they fight for control, territory, food and whatever else they can get their hands on. Sometimes allegiances get formed as it is convenient if they get control of larger areas.” He paused to allow this to sink in. “If you were lucky enough to find a motor you’re not going to get far – roads will be blocked either with abandoned vehicles or barricades. Don’t matter which way you go there’ll be trouble.”
Quist held up his hand: “OK we get the picture. So we go underground.”
“For real?” Kyle questioned. “They won’t have forgotten about the tube tunnels – even the ones that people don’t know exist. Great places to store stuff – get the meaning?”
“So, how are we going to get out?” Quist demanded. “According to you all the ways out are shut.”
Kat attracted his attention by laying a soothing hand on Quist’s arm.
“Why don’t you go over to that army camp,” she suggested. “and see what you can find.” To Kyle, she was a little firmer. “If you have a plan then you need to gather up what food you can. In the meantime, I will get some medical kits. We meet up back here – in an hour?”
Both males nodded, looked at each other and went their separate ways.