Copyright: Capcom owns the Resident Evil franchise, not me.
Notices: This story contains violence and sexual content. Additionally, this story will contain grammatical or other errors. If you're feverish over the errors, feel free to privately message me about what you find and help me improve.
Summary: The Earth is flourishing, happily. But humans are endangered and on the verge of extinction after the greedy corporation Umbrella knowingly releases a viral plague. Small human civilizations survive including a moving convoy led by the strong Claire Redfield. Her solitary world turns upside down when she meets an infuriating yet mysterious woman named Alice. Claire soon learns about an underground survivor camp through Alice and heads there. However, Claire begins to secretly fear losing K-Mart, who has become her only source of strength over the years.
Feedback: redhope@redhope.net
Homepage: http://www.redhope.net
Write a Review: http://www.redhope.net/residentevil/review/oneshotform.html
List: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/redhope/
Started: November 11, 2011
Series: One Shot
Copyright: Capcom owns the Resident Evil franchise, not me.
Notices: This story contains violence and sexual content. Additionally, this story will contain grammatical or other errors. If you're feverish over the errors, feel free to privately message me about what you find and help me improve.
Summary: The Earth is flourishing, happily. But humans are endangered and on the verge of extinction after the greedy corporation Umbrella knowingly releases a viral plague. Small human civilizations survive including a moving convoy led by the strong Claire Redfield. Her solitary world turns upside down when she meets an infuriating yet mysterious woman named Alice. Claire soon learns about an underground survivor camp through Alice and heads there. However, Claire begins to secretly fear losing K-Mart, who has become her only source of strength over the years.
Feedback: redhope@redhope.net
Homepage: http://www.redhope.net
Write a Review: http://www.redhope.net/residentevil/review/oneshotform.html
List: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/redhope/
Started: November 11, 2011
Series: One Shot
Trigon
by Red Hope
Chapter 11
Silence was beautiful.
Peace hadn't been around in years. And this was hard to let go of after low light trickled behind her eyes. But warmth surrounded her and called for her return to the living. First her long fingers curled around soft material that'd kept her so comfortable. Then she encouraged her eyelids to draw up carefully. There was a brief strain to her eyes, but her slow mind processed the familiar surroundings. Her next inhale also triggered her memories, especially the distinct scent of a human. However, a white flash in her shoulder caused a groan to drift out from her lips.
"Take it easy," a gentle voice insisted.
Alice focused on the young features that peered over her in open concern. She took another deep breath then muttered, "K-Mart?"
K-Mart was slightly amused and replied, "You're quick." She enjoyed the weak grin on Alice's face. She set the book down into her lap then leaned more against the bench seat's back so she could see Alice better.
Alice shifted under the blanket then brought out her left hand. She grumbled at the irritating reminder in her shoulder that protested against the movements. She opted for her right hand to scrub her face.
"How you feel?" K-Mart checked.
Alice dropped her hand into her lap then groggily replied, "Like a voodoo doll."
K-Mart crinkled her nose at the painted image, but it was true that Alice had been a lifeless doll hours ago with needles sticking out.
Alice shifted against the pillows at her back then she scanned about the truck's interior. Somehow she'd ended up across the backseats of the Ford F-350 truck that she'd looted in Uniontown.
K-Mart briefly mimicked Alice's glance of the truck's cabin then mentioned, "We kind of took over your truck." She shyly smiled at the older woman.
Alice scrubbed her face again and muttered, "No good deed goes unpunished."
K-Mart rolled her eyes then joked, "That'll teach you for saving us." She and Alice traded a grin, but it slipped away.
"How many died?" Alice whispered.
K-Mart leaned her head against the window then recalled the numbers. "Eleven dead... three bitten."
Alice was amazed the death toll was so low. But something caught her curiosity so she posed, "What happens to the bitten ones?"
K-Mart parted her lips slightly, yet the silence stretched out. She dog-eared the book's page then whispered, "Claire takes care of them." She left it there.
Alice understood and didn't plan to press K-Mart further. She sat up against the pillows and found the new position more comfortable. "I guess Claire is pissed." The blankets fell away from her upper body, which revealed that she wore only a brown tank top.
K-Mart scratched her nose and considered an appropriate response. "She... has a lot of questions for you."
Alice bobbed her head a few times and continued staring out the window past her feet. She estimated it was probably about four o'clock because the sun was so low.
K-Mart toyed with the book's corner then mentioned, "You heal fast."
Alice suspected the wounds in her stomach wear probably between eighty to ninety percent healed. But the shoulder wound would take a little longer due to the size of the spike.
"Really fast," K-Mart muttered very low.
Yet Alice clearly heard the teen and finally looked at her. "I'm sure the convoy is freaked out."
K-Mart kept staring at her book as she considered Alice's assumption, which was a pretty damn good one. "Yeah." She finally met Alice's gaze. "You could say they're freaked out."
Alice softly huffed and wasn't the least surprised, but she felt exposing her true nature was worth it if Claire and K-Mart were still alive. From her earlier bird's eye view, she could still recall the Iron Maiden approaching the bridge behind the yellow Hummer. Claire's radio blared from her hip as the managers frantically responded to the surprise attack. But it was Carlos's warning to Claire about the Iron Maiden that made Alice race back to the waiting truck. If she'd taken any longer, Claire and K-Mart would have drown to death in the deep river far below in the gorge.
"Are you hungry?" K-Mart softly asked.
Alice's thoughts were broken by the teen's voice. She focused on K-Mart and seriously considered an answer. "I think so."
"I can get us something," K-Mart offered. Most likely Alice wasn't keen on being around the convoy. With that in mind, she put the closed book on the dash and started moving until she heard Alice doing the same.
"I'll join you," Alice explained.
K-Mart nearly argued until she saw how easy it was for Alice to move around in the truck.
"Where are my kukris, K-Mart?"
"Bless you," K-Mart teased. But the serious glance told K-Mart not to tease anymore. She instead reached under the seat and produced the sheathed weapons.
Alice nearly felt whole after receiving her prized weapons. She then pushed out of the door on the driver's side. The cool air was nice, even against her exposed wound. She came around the truck after slamming the door shut.
K-Mart offered a black jacket to Alice. It was as close to the old one that Alice had worn before the Iron Maiden's spike made it holy.
Alice gratefully took it and shrugged it on then zipped it halfway. Amazingly the jacket fit her perfectly like the last one. She clipped the sheathed blades onto her back while she followed alongside K-Mart.
There was a slight breeze tonight but the rain had fortunately stopped over an hour ago. But the chilly weather still forced K-Mart to pop her jacket collar. She then tugged her hat's brim lower in hopes it'd block the cool breeze off her face. Briefly it crossed her mind how Alice handled it so easily with only a tank top and jacket. But it probably was a similar question to how Alice did what she did on the bridge earlier today.
Once near the campfire, K-Mart quickly noticed survivors were going hush and stared directly at Alice. K-Mart nearly rolled her eyes and instead directed Alice to the food van for dinner. She was sure Otto would be making something hot tonight.
"Hey, campers," Otto cheerfully greeted his two new customers. He didn't act any different towards Alice.
"Hey, Otto." K-Mart warmly smiled to him then touched the catering van's side door. "What's for dinner?"
"Deer burgers," Otto proudly replied. He had on a black chef's apron. His flat cap was tilted to one side, but it was his favorite one despite its age.
"Can I get that with cheese?"
Otto grinned at Alice's quip and gave a dramatic sigh. "I'm afraid not." He leaned against the open door that was near K-Mart. He studied the two women down on the ground. "But I can offer ketchup, mustard, and relish."
K-Mart crinkled her nose. "Ketchup for me."
Otto took the order, shifted into the van, and called, "How about you, Wonder Woman?"
Alice raised an eyebrow at K-Mart after Otto's nickname. She softly sighed and replied, "Ketchup and relish."
Otto was busy serving up the dishes along with two sides. He continued to chat with the women which was an old habit from his bartending days. "You saved our asses back there, Alice."
K-Mart leaned against the van's shiny door and folded her arms. She studied how Alice shifted on her feet. Praise wasn't something Alice probably was use to hearing.
"Again," Otto loudly added. He flashed a bright smile at Alice before he returned to his duty. His hands were fast and putting the hot patties together.
Alice shoved her hands into the soft shell jacket's pockets. She wasn't sure how to reply.
"Alice does have a way of making an entrance," K-Mart joked. She hoped it would ease Alice's tension. However, K-Mart quickly realized that Otto hadn't pick up on Alice's raised stress levels. That seemed odd to K-Mart because it was so obvious to her.
"I'm sure it's a skill," Otto tormented. He was good natured about it. "That Iron Maiden was something too." Already K-Mart's nickname for the creature had spread around the convoy. "I can't imagine what hole that thing crawled out of."
Alice kept her silence. Hopefully the conversation didn't kill her meager appetite because she hated to waste food.
Otto picked up the full plates and started over to the van's open mouth. "But I know the convoy is grateful for your help." He knelt so he could give the plates out to K-Mart and Alice, but he held Alice's eyes.
Alice wasn't sure how to respond and hesitantly took the food. "Thanks, Otto."
Otto smiled then stood up from his squatted position. He hurried into the van for utensils.
K-Mart enjoyed the smells coming from her plate. She received the rolled up utensils then asked Alice to take the two bottled waters in the metal cans. After another thank you to Otto, she and Alice were on their way to the nearest campfire of the three burning.
"He meant well," K-Mart softly told Alice.
Alice acted indifferent but nodded. "I know." She allowed K-Mart to take the lead by looking for a good spot to sit. A soft groan passed from her lips after she and K-Mart were stuck sitting near Carlos.
Carlos had already eaten, dirty plate on the ground, and his rifle on the other side of his chair. He had his legs stretched out and a very entertained look on his face. He folded his arms, canted his head, and taunted, "Welcome back, Alice."
Alice was grateful that K-Mart sat between them. Part of her wondered if K-Mart hadn't done that on purpose for some reason. But she wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
"You didn't stay away long," Carlos remarked.
K-Mart bit the inside of her mouth and waited to see if Alice would handle Carlos. A side glance at Alice told her enough because that normal smug look had finally shown up.
"Apparently that Iron Maiden was too much for you, Carlos."
Carlos straightened up and returned the smirk. "But not for you." He loved his rare poke received him a dangerous glare. "I think you forgot to update me on some things."
K-Mart furrowed her eyebrows, put her burger down, and swallowed after her mind added up Carlos's statement. She looked at Carlos and Alice as she declared, "You know each other."
Alice slotted her eyes at Carlos in promise for his mistake.
Carlos shrugged it off and replied, "We were close... once upon a time."
K-Mart skin crawled at his innuendo.
"Not close enough in your opinion," Alice muttered, but it was loud enough to get a dark glower from Carlos. He'd definitely earned that slap in return, Alice decided. She focused on her meal after she was sure he'd shut up now.
K-Mart though wasn't satisfied and asked, "How do you know each other?"
Carlos grinned and easily read the warning in Alice's eyes. He shrugged at K-Mart. "We were bar buddies."
K-Mart opened and closed her mouth a few times. She knew it was far from the truth, but she wasn't going to press further out here around the campfire. There was little doubt that some of the survivors were listening too.
"Yeah," Alice smugly added, "We hung out at the same lesbian bar."
K-Mart choked on her next bite and started coughing, hard.
Carlos sat up after the teen's fit of coughing began.
Alice regretted her smart remark and quickly grabbed a bottle of water. She hastily unscrewed the cap then handed it to K-Mart.
After several heavy gulps, K-Mart cleared her throat a few times then sunk back into her chair. She decided it was just best to let the entire conversation go before she couldn't eat anything. Thankfully the silence made it easier for her to eat her meal.
"Sorry about that," Alice murmured to the teen.
K-Mart waved it off and went back to eating. She thankfully noted that Carlos no longer tried digging under Alice's skin. After finishing her burger, she retrieved a fork and started on the white rice that Otto freshly made tonight. She glanced at Alice's plate and realized that Alice was just as famished considering the large fork fulls. But something curious caught K-Mart's eye as Alice used her fork. She didn't comment on it and instead let it go, for now.
Alice hadn't enjoyed a large dinner for several days. Her stomach was quite swollen, and she leaned heavily against the chair.
K-Mart had set the used fork on the dirty plate in her lap. She hesitated from taking Alice's because she spotted Claire Redfield, who was making a beeline for them. Claire would want to catch up with Alice so K-Mart decided it was time to vacate her spot.
Alice was staring at Claire, who had obviously changed since earlier today on the bridge. It was hard to draw her eyes off Claire's beauty.
Claire wore her usual worn boots, but a different set of jeans that hugged her curves and had small cuts at her knees. Her black belt's silver buckle stood out against her black shirt and bright red down vest. Her hands were hidden in her vest's pockets until she come upon the group. It wasn't lost on her how Carlos, K-Mart, and Alice openly stared at her. She couldn't hide her slight smirk once she stood in front of Alice.
"You're awake."
Alice canted her head and wondered why Claire Redfield loved to state the obvious all the time.
"That's good," Claire coolly remarked.
K-Mart shifted forward and reached for Alice's plate. "I gotta go help Mikey." She confiscated the dirty plate and decided to vacate her seat for Claire's use. Just as she came alongside Claire, her elbow was touched and made her pause beside the leader.
"Thanks, K," Claire whispered near her friend's ear.
K-Mart wasn't sure why she earned the thank you, but she nodded anyway then quietly left. She planned to retire to the F-350 truck after she visited with Mikey for an hour.
Claire took her friend's still warm seat but placed her full attention on the outsider. "How do you feel?"
Alice tilted her head and several replies ran through her head. But all of them were smartass comments so she finally played it nice. "Better."
Claire was pleased despite Doctor Green's prognosis earlier today had been positive about Alice. But what else Doctor Green had to tell her about Alice's remarkable healing didn't settle well in her stomach. Right now though, her plan was to find out exactly what made Alice so different than other humans.
"I told Doctor Green that she is to check on you tonight," the leader informed. Claire saw something ghost through Alice's eyes, but she couldn't figure out what. She fought not to ask about the shift she felt coming off Alice. "And it's not an option," she clarified.
Alice accepted the unspoken order and slightly bowed her head in agreement. She would do that first then.
Claire seemed satisfied but turned her head to Carlos. "See that Alice finds her way over to Doctor Green."
"I will," Carlos promised.
Claire stood up now that her orders would be carried out accordingly. She held Alice's eyes and silently promised to catch up with her soon. She strolled off and continued her duties for the evening before she could retire for sleep later tonight.
Alice pursed her lips then turned her darkened eyes on Carlos. "You didn't mention an Umbrella scientist was in the convoy." Her voice was low and quite dangerous.
Carlos wasn't sure why it mattered since he use to be hired by Umbrella too. "She joined the convoy about a year ago."
Alice looked away and coldly stared at the campfire. Several ideas came to mind now that she knew Doctor Green was in the convoy. Why hadn't she seen Doctor Green the first time she traveled with the convoy? A dark smile pulled across her lips once she realized that Doctor Green was hiding from her.
"Let's visit Doctor Green," Alice huskily stated. She stood up.
Carlos popped up, grabbed his rifle, and straightened out his vest. He fell into step and directed Alice through the torchlit camp. He spotted Betty leaving one of the ambulances so he offered a smile. "Is Doctor Green still here?"
"Yes." Betty had put on a jacket and was rushing to meet L.J. for dinner. But she realized that Alice was with Carlos. She gave Alice a small smile and asked, "How are you feeling?"
Alice nodded once. "Good."
"You weren't too banged up," Betty mentioned. She zipped her leather jacket then took a step away.
"Thanks, Betty." Carlos could tell that Betty needed to go. After the nurse left, he took Alice to Doctor Green's ambulance that was parked beside Betty's all white one. He knocked on the door and heard low movements from Doctor Green. He took a step back once the right door swung open.
Doctor Green had an even expression until she found Alice's cold stare locked on her. She tightened her hand on the door then looked at Carlos.
"Claire asked that you do a check up on Alice." Carlos hooked his thumbs in his belt. He didn't see the need for it since Alice looked fine. But then he recalled K-Mart's mention about Claire liking Alice despite their differences.
"Of course," Doctor Green barely managed. She stepped aside then offered, "Come inside." She sucked in a breath as Alice stepped up and entered the ambulance. Doctor Green hesitantly pulled the door shut.
Alice scanned the contents of the ambulance, which appeared well stocked considering the world's circumstances. She turned on her heels and revealed a toothy smile. "Hello, Elisa."
Doctor Green hide her hands in her jean pockets and nervously studied Alice. "It's been awhile, Alice." She shivered at how Alice's cat smile grew. But staying civil was important to Doctor Green so she continued like things were normal. "Betty and I stitched your shoulder up but your stomach wounds were fine."
Alice folded her arms and kept her eyes on Doctor Green, who moved to the table across from Alice. "You've always had a careful hand," she snidely commented.
Doctor Green visibly flinched, but she continued gathering her couple of tools. Once her right hand was on a drawer handle there was powerful presence at her back. She stiffened against the cold blade that nicked against her throat. Very slowly, she straightened up and closed her eyes when Alice lowered her head down.
"Make me believe you're still not with Umbrella," Alice huskily whispered.
Doctor Green licked her lips and knew not to call for Carlos. This was between them solely, and she would completely lose Alice's confidence if she cried wolf. "I left Umbrella after Raccoon City." She hissed when the knife blade gnawed at her skin.
"Then these attacks are just a fluke," Alice joked.
Doctor Green clenched the countertop and whispered, "I don't think it's a fluke... but I have nothing to do with it."
Alice frowned at how Doctor Green was thinking the same thing as her about the recent attacks on the convoy. It made her skin go cold, but she refocused on her second task. "Were you there when they..."
Doctor Green bite her lower lip then confessed, "Yes." She waited for Alice to cut her throat now. Maybe she could finally have peace after Alice did what she couldn't do to herself. But the drawn out silence made her realize that her ugly wish wouldn't come true.
Alice swallowed hard and struggled to remain unaffected by Doctor Green's confession. She gathered herself then demanded, "What happened to my partner?" She hoped since Doctor Green was there those last hours then she would have knowledge.
"I don't know," Doctor Green answered. Suddenly the blade was gone then she was spun around by Alice.
Alice had swiftly reclipped her closed pocket knife. Her left hand shot out and long fingers wrapped around Doctor Green's throat. "You're lying." She lifted Doctor Green up despite the strain it caused against her injured shoulder. The pain was nothing compared to her need to find out what happened to her partner.
"I wasn't assigned to her," Doctor Green gasped. She gripped Alice's wrist and closed her eyes. "I never saw her." She was surprised to be lowered to the counter top. She gingerly touched her bruised neck but stiffened when Alice shifted between her legs.
"What happened to her after Raccoon City?" Alice quietly demanded.
Doctor Green could feel Alice reading her eyes. She use to hate how well Alice understood her, but right now it was a benefit. "I don't know what happened to her." She clenched her hands in her lap as Alice leaned in closer. "I was assigned to you and the two teams were never crossed except for Doctor Isaacs." The deep need to expose her past to Alice took over, and she kept retelling it all. "We were extracted from the city before it was nuked. I had the chance to escape, and I took it."
"You left me in their hands," Alice sneered.
"You were out of my hands," Doctor Green fought. "Doctor Isaacs headed the projects, and he had me reassigned shortly after we made it to the Detroit facility." She shook her head and muttered, "He must have known our history."
Alice ignored the remark about their shared past. She didn't want to give a damn about it, especially when it felt like another life. Instead another woman's face shaped in her mind, and she slotted her eyes at Doctor Green. "Did they kill Elizabeth?"
Doctor Green stiffened at the name she hadn't heard in years.
Alice's lips curled dangerously, and she grabbed the doctor by her shirt again. "That bastard ratted us out, didn't he?"
Doctor Green briefly shut her eyes and murmured, "Yes." She studied Alice's cold features again. "He went to Doctor Isaacs and told him about Elizabeth." A tremble shook her bottom lip. "There was talk about transporting her but..."
"But what?"
The doctor looked off to the side and whispered, "She was turning too fast." Her shirt became loser. "They probably killed her."
"There was no body," Alice snapped.
Doctor Green focused on Alice again. "Bodies went missing all the time, Alice." She tilted her head and asked, "How could you forget of all people?"
Alice released Doctor Green and turned away yet kept her head sidelong so she had some visual on Doctor Green. After a tense few seconds, she whispered, "Did you stick the fucking needle into me?"
Doctor Green shut her eyes, but the old memories invaded her mind. A tear crept past her eyelids and started down her cheek.
Suddenly, Alice turned and returned to the doctor's space. "Did you, Elisa?" she hotly demanded. Her left hand snared the doctor by the throat. She barely managed to keep her voice down.
"Isaacs," Doctor Green shakily murmured. She opened her eyes and felt those wild blue ones pierce through her. But when the grip left her neck then she knew that Alice believed her. "I'm sorry, Alice."
Alice took a step back then shook her head. "If I have to live with this, then so do you."
Doctor Green had long ago accepted that same mindset after she nearly committed suicide shortly upon escaping from Umbrella. She'd joined Claire Redfield's convoy once she left Umbrella and hoped to salvage some scrap of her innocence by healing the survivors.
Alice decided not to delay why they were here. She unzipped her jacket then removed it.
Doctor Green understood the unspoken offer to take new steps in a better direction. She slid off the counter, grabbed her pencil thin flashlight and stethoscope. She cautiously approached her new patient and waited for silent permission to perform her duties.
Alice removed her tank top so her stomach and shoulder were fully exposed. She kept her black bra on and waited for Doctor Green to start. But her eyes followed the doctor's every move because she could never fully trust Doctor Green again.
Doctor Green carefully inspected the shoulder wound, which was scabbing nicely and sealing up at a faster rate than any normal human. Earlier today she'd had the pleasure to openly look over Alice's body without anybody being wiser. Once upon a time, she knew every inch of Alice's body, but today it was quite different. She'd been absolutely amazed by Alice's adaptations and never dreamed how well Doctor Isaac's work would come out. However, voicing that to anybody could mean trouble so she stayed in silence.
"How does your shoulder feel?" The doctor was inspecting the stomach wounds, which probably would be gone in the morning except for temporary scars.
"Sore," Alice simply answered.
Doctor Green stood up from her knelt position. She removed the stethoscope from around her neck then began checking Alice's breathing and heart rate for good measure. "You handled that Iron Maiden well." She moved the bell across Alice's warm skin.
Alice didn't comment back and waited until Doctor Green was done. In her opinion, she'd done poorly with the Iron Maiden, very poor. Old lectures from her past filtered through her mind, but she silenced them. Alice grabbed the tank top off the counter to her left. "Does Claire have any idea about the attacks?"
Doctor Green reversed to the counter behind her and leaned against it. "I don't think so, honestly." She folded her arms and watched Alice get dressed. "She probably thinks it's just bad luck."
Alice brushed her hair out of the way after she put on her jacket. "A L-251 isn't bad luck." She narrowed her eyes and asked, "Why didn't you talk to her about it, Elisa?"
Doctor Green bowed her head, which gave her a chance to process how Alice knew about the L-251 from days ago. She tucked away her thoughts then looked up again. "You don't know Claire Redfield." She revealed a worried frown. "She does what she damn well pleases." She noticed how Alice didn't seem totally convinced so she explained, "The survivors trust her instincts... they don't question much." She shook her head. "I won't be the one to stir the pot and taint the survivors' trust in Claire."
Alice's eyes darkened, considerably. "You rather have them die?" She decided she didn't want an answer beyond the shocked look from Doctor Green. Instead she grabbed her jacket and considered how K-Mart knew about that facility in Reston. Yet the convoy traveled past it. She would bet her kukris that Claire hadn't told a single soul about the underground facility.
"Somebody needs to talk to her." Alice started to the closed doors.
Doctor Green shook her head once then offered, "Good luck."
Alice knew it was in reference to convincing Claire, of anything. She turned her head sidelong and coldly stared at Doctor Green. She didn't reply and quietly left the ambulance after she made up her mind that Doctor Green wasn't a threat to the convoy.
Carlos had a concerned look and checked, "Everything alright?"
"Fine." Alice brushed past Carlos and decided to head right to the truck.
Carlos caught up to Alice after several wide strides. "You and Doctor Green reminiscing about the good ole days?"
Alice huffed but didn't answer his question.
Carlos touched Alice's arm and got her to stop in front of the tow truck. "What's happened, Alice?" He had a serious expression and a hard tone. "What happened to you?"
Alice struggled with her options then made her choice despite her history with him. "It's in the past, Carlos." She only made it a small step before Carlos had her arm.
"We were friends," Carlos reminded.
"You're right." Alice shifted into Carlos's space. She had a dangerous smile that cut under to Carlos's nerve. "But I'm not that Alice anymore." She jerked her arm free then left his side.
Carlos was annoyed that he'd been pushed aside by Alice. Most likely Alice would tell Claire what was going on, but not him despite their previous friendship. None of it made sense to him and was starting to piss him off. He decided he need to stay busy right now so he didn't say or do something rash that would put him onto Claire's shit list, permanently.
K-Mart had been in the truck for the past fifteen minutes and was trying to read her book. But her concentration was weak and was totally broken by Alice's figure. K-Mart looked hard through the back window and realized Carlos was with her. She shook her head because whatever Carlos was saying was putting Alice on edge. K-Mart shut her book when Alice left Carlos behind and continued towards the Ford truck. She prepared for Alice's arrival until Claire intercepted Alice a few yards away from the Ford truck. K-Mart had a perfect line of sight of the pair.
Briefly thoughts about Alice and Claire having sex several nights ago bubbled to the surface. Yet, K-Mart wasn't bothered by them standing so close to each other tonight. The way Claire responded to Alice was a plus in K-Mart's mind. Overtime, K-Mart had become the only person in Claire's life but now Alice somehow magically fit into it. K-Mart decided it was a positive thing despite Claire was resisting it so hard.
Claire needed it.
"But how long am I going to stay, right?" Alice posed to Claire.
The leader glanced away and stared at the survivors gathered around one of the bonfires. She licked her lips then turned back to Alice. "K-Mart and I are truly grateful for what you did for us." She hesitated then honestly explained, "But they're all talking about what you did... and they're scared."
Alice lowered her head slightly and murmured, "They should be."
Claire stepped closer to the outsider and found curious blue eyes on her. "But K-Mart isn't..." She faltered from saying more.
Alice slotted her eyes and read the last of Claire's thoughts in her eyes. She didn't need to hear the words to know that Claire trusted her, enough.
"I'm not going to tell you how long to stay." Claire went back to Alice's earlier question. "But if I had some answers then it sure would make things a Hell of a lot easier." For only the second time, she was able to see thoughts moving through Alice's eyes, and she waited for Alice's choice.
Alice moved her head up and down once then whispered, "I'm going to make camp just outside the perimeter." She gazed past Claire and indicated with her chin. "That way." She took a step back. "Maybe you'll stop by later." She turned on her heels and went to the truck's rear where she hoped her supplies were still located despite Claire and K-Mart had taken everything over today.
Claire stood there and watched Alice gather only the worn pack. She didn't like it and went over to Alice. Her fast hand halted Alice from shutting the tailgate. "Take some blankets." She faced the tailgate and rooted around for the satchel of blankets. "It's going to get colder tonight."
"I don't..." Alice dropped her words after Claire thrust several blankets into her.
"Shut up and take them," the leader ordered. She slammed the tailgate then rammed the hard tonneau cover down. She indicated the Ford F-350 with her nod. "Thanks for the truck too."
Alice sighed at the leader's smug look because they'd taken it from Alice. "It has your name written all over it." She strolled off after she awkwardly slung the pack over her good shoulder.
Claire leaned against the taillight and watched Alice leave. She was amaze they hadn't argued, but she expected it to get ugly later. She thought about Alice's unspoken offer to talk later tonight, and Claire whispered, "See you soon." She pushed off the truck then decided to check on K-Mart. She threw open the driver's door and bit back a grin at how K-Mart nearly toppled off the bench in sheer surprise.
"Damn it, Claire." K-Mart gripped the dashboard for support then wiggled onto the bench. She had renewed her efforts with the book, but was lost on it after Claire and Alice went to the rear of the truck. "What's going on?"
Claire stood in the open door and propped her arm against the door's rest. "I gotta do my checks."
K-Mart shook her head then attempted a more direct route. "I meant between you and Alice." She tugged on her hat brim. "Are you two gonna talk?" She knew that was priority on Claire's list.
"Yeah." Claire sighed and propped her right boot on the running board. "She's gonna make camp just beyond the perimeter. I promised to meet up with her later."
K-Mart nodded a few times then made a daring move. "I'd like to go."
Claire hadn't expected this and stared at K-Mart for a long moment. She finally blinked then shook her head. "I don't think it's a good idea, K." She dropped her arm off the door.
"Why?"
Claire was stumped by her friend's recent courage. She was use to K-Mart being shy and often quiet about convoy affairs. She wasn't sure why K-Mart wanted to concern herself with convoy drama when she usually steered away from it. But then again it was about Alice and that didn't totally settle well in Claire's stomach.
K-Mart could sense there wasn't a good answer. She took her opening and pressed Claire harder on it. "She might open up more if I'm there."
Claire looked off to the right after K-Mart words dug against her skin. She easily held down her irritation. But it was a good point plus Alice tended to be more choosey with her words around K-Mart rather than being so cutting and cold.
"Come on, Claire," K-Mart urged. "I have a right to know what's going on too." Seconds were ticking past, which were not a good sign for K-Mart's chance.
Claire ran her thumb and finger along her hat's brim as she weighed the pros and cons. Then her shoulder slumped down, and a frown appeared after she realized she didn't have a good counter argument. "Damn it, K." She stared at the space between them and realized how much of a benefit it would be to have K-Mart there. It would certainly keep her and Alice separated, which was good and also bad.
K-Mart didn't expect to win and accepted her failure as Claire started backing away from the door. She wished just for once that Claire would let her do more than just the meager chores around the convoy.
Claire had the door half closed but quietly promised, "I'll be back in a hour to get you." She didn't want to see K-Mart's excitement and slammed the door.
K-Mart heard the heavy door shut, and she stared in awe like Claire was still there. "Wow," she muttered in shock. Maybe Claire could be reasoned with after all, and it definitely made K-Mart feel better about the future.