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The Infection: Sam at the Academy
Author's note: This is like a resident evil type book but it has some body besides survival to it.
“ I hate you! “ Sam, a tall, jet black haired, 15 year old girl, screamed at her mother. “ You don’t understand Sam, I had no other choice! You were in danger. I was trying to protect you! “ her mother retorted. Eve, a tall, jet black haired mother looked just like an older version of her daughter. Eve hated raising her voice to her daughter but this time, Sam wouldn’t listen otherwise. “ He wasn’t who you though he was, Sam. He was infected with the Dey Slogos virus." “ No mom, he wasn’t. Trust me, I should know. Remember Zac? Huh? The son that never existed until he was gone? I was with him until he was taken and you were at the company. You know what? The company and all of their experiments, I don’t care what happens to them except that they all die in a giant hole in the deepest part of Hell. “ Eve was taken aback. “ What? No Sam, you do care. I have helped people. I have created things. I am-”
“ You are nothing but a researcher mom. Nothing more! “ “ No! I am something more! I create things! Yes, I will admit some of the projects have backfired but that doesn’t matt- “ Sam had enough of this crap.
“ NO! Mom quit it! Stop playing God. I know God actually cares. “ SLAP! As soon as Sam said ‘ cares ‘, Eve’s hand connected with her face. Eve then turned away as she started getting in the miscellaneous closet that they nicknamed Davy Jones’ trashcan. “ Go to your room Sam, “ her mother’s comand sounded hollow and broken, like she was crying. Good, thought Sam. As Sam made her way to her room, her mother’s voice carried to her again. “ We have nothing to talk about. “
No matter what her mother said, there would always be something, no, someone to talk about, Zac. The older brother that was infected thanks to the screwed up security and sanitation measures of mom’s company. She didn’t own the company but was really high up on the totem pole. The company’s name was Vicore. Her mother never could understand, she couldn’t because she wasn’t the one trying to save Zac from the virus that invaded his body, trying to take his sanity. Trying to keep him sane, find a cure and trying not to get killed. Her brother was everything to her and now he was gone. Sam went upstairs to her room where she switched the T.V. on to watch the 6 o’clock news. She was writing down things that have happened to Vicore in the past, all their failures. She knew what was going to happen, the main plant was going to make an irreversible mistake, a viral outbreak. Her mom was going to do something wrong when she was in the middle of a study and everything’s going to break loose. If her mother didn’t do it, an inattentive assistant researcher would. The breaking news tab shot up on the screen.
“ We have some late breaking news at the moment. The Vicore research facility has had a research lab explode causing a chain reaction through out the building. From what we know at the moment, unknown viruses were being researched and have been put into the air. Any workers, factory or research, need to be quarantined immediately. They may already be infected with unknown viruses. Please, were masks and stay away from the area…” CRASH! BANG! THUMP,THUMP,THUMP! Sam’s blood went cold when her brain processed what she just heard and saw. She knew where this was heading, her greatest fear. She looked down at the paper she was writing on and read it over and over then filled in the blank.
Vicore in Brazil explodes on May 24th,2000
Vicore in France explodes on June 14th, 2001
Vicore in Canada explodes on June 18th, 2001
Vicore in ………. explodes on August 12th, 2010
All Sam had to fill in was ’ New York ’ and then pray that the epidemic doesn’t spread like the T- Virus did in the Resident Evil movies. Wait, they said researchers and factory workers. That means…” Mom! “ Sam couldn’t loose her last family member. Not today. Sam ripped her door open to her mother’s dark red eyes, the eyes of the infected Dey Slogos carriers. She also opened her door to her metal baseball bat. She saw nothing but darkness. There was someone in front of her, standing with dark red eyes and a savage grin. She recognized the features instantly. Zac. “ Zac! Zac! Answer me! Forgive me… pleas… forgive me. “ Sam cried to her brother but he didn’t even blink. She realized that it was useless, it was a life like statue of Zac, not actually him. She started crying trying to scream Zac’s name once more but no words came out. Sam relived the day her mom found out Zac was infected and called the Vicore Quarantine Unit. The VQU took him after she had shot him, after he bit her. That was the day she lost everything. The day she lost her only real family, her only brother.
Sam moved under the red sheets of the bed she was lying on. Her head was throbbing with each heartbeat. A killer headache. “Yay! Can’t wait to tell mom about this one….MOM! “Sam sat up, a little too fast. After a moment, her dizziness had passed and she exited the bed. Wait! This wasn’t her room. Where in the world was she? Sam saw the bed she was lying on had a net type thing cascading down over it which was also red in color. It looked like a giant veil. Sam saw a slit and escaped through it into a room. The small room looked like a dorm room in a collage. She was a narrow hallway and decided to walk through it. There was a door in the middle of it and another room on the other end. It looked like a kitchen, living room, and dining room. In the middle of the dining room, there was a card table that said ‘entertainment center’ in the middle of it. The walls were a light cream color and the carpet was a light grey. She saw the hallway she walked through was hardwood. A light color, white oak? She also realized that there was a flat screen T.V. beside a fish tank filled with brightly colored fish. Tropical if she had to guess. The T.V. was turned onto the evening news.
“…Yes, that’s right. Eve Hess was found in her home with a hole in the back of her head, “the female reporter’s picture left the screen. “ She was the suspected cause for the head Vicore plant in New York to explode. New details will be released in at a news conference at 10 P.M….” Sam went pale. The woman she was silently cursing to die last night had died. Her only family left had died. Her mother was dead.
“Sam! You’re up! “Sam whirled around to see a girl, around 15, walk, no run, up behind her. Sam was startled and went to take a step back, into the card table. The girl had long, all the way to her tailbone, brownish hair with red and blond highlights. The girl looked just like… a friend? Then it clicked for Sam. “No. April? “The girl just smiled. “ You got it Sammy! “Sam just let her jaw hang open as this girl, April, embraced her. Sam hadn’t seen her since she and her family had to run for their lives 3 years ago. “Oh, Sammy, I got us lunch. “ Sam just now noticed the brown paper bag in April’s hand. April sat the bag on the table and started pulling items out of it. The smell made Sam’s mouth water. “I got all your faves. Mac’n cheese, Meat loaf, Rhubarb stalks, and last but not least, desert. It’s called ‘Chocolate mousse, brownie delight. ‘. How did you like your new vei-” April slammed her mouth shut when she saw Sam fingering a charm on her necklace that had the shape of a winged heart laying in a dragon’s paw. She noted it was beautiful but remembered that she got that for her birthday a few years back. Eve had gotten it for her. “Sam? Are you okay? “
Sam’s gaze was glued to the T.V. where pictures were flashing across the screen. There were pictures of her house, mother, brother, father, and a body bag on a gurney being wheeled out the front door. Sam couldn’t believe it. She just shook her head and let her tears fall. “I couldn’t save her. I did it, “she sobbed. “ I told her ‘I hate you ‘before she died. I was never able to tell her how much I loved her. I never told her… “April dropped her black leather purse and food on the table and moved quickly to Sam who was about 2 feet away. April held her friend as Sam’s tears dampened her shirt. April had forgotten why her childhood friend was here and also forgot how much of a delay both her and Sam’s training would suffer because of Eve’s death.
There was just one headache after another. For Sam, physical- not being able to train for a couple of weeks-, mental- having the loss of her mother-, and other ways April probably couldn’t even imagine. All of a sudden, Sam collapsed in her arms, coughing. “Sam! Are you alright? “ April could see the change of color in Sam’s face. A large framed man with dark hair walked through the door. “April! I’m back! I hope you brought supper home; I’m star- “The man stopped dead in his tracks when he saw April sitting on the floor holding someone in her arms. April looked scared and worried. “Duain, “she said. “ Call the campus nurse. Something’s wrong with her! Now! “Duain went into the kitchen and dilled the number for the campus emergency line.
Sam heard someone talking about a sick girl. She heard April yell ‘Now’ and turned her face towards April’s voice. To April’s surprise, the irises of Sam’s eyes were a dark color. Like brown with a few drops of red mixed in. There was only one person in the room that Sam could see. April’s voice and face had disappeared and one person replaced her. He was standing above her smiling. It was… Zac.
Zac was staring at her, his lips moving. Sam couldn’t hear any words. He started coming close until he was close enough to embrace her, which he did. As he embraced her, he whispered into her ear, “I want you with me. You’ll see mother in a different life but you’ll see me soon. You’ll come with a thirst for blood too. “Zac backed away a couple of steps, smiling, leaving Sam on her knees. He then reached for her hand, which Sam reached up to meet. When their hands met, there was nothing but red all around them. All Sam felt was a burning pain. Zac then let go not smiling anymore. He faded into the red that had surrounded them. She called to him desperately to come back but he never did. She looked down at her right hand and she saw a mark on it. A mark she had seen on the map in the research facility that marked every location of an experiment site. It was in some type of ancient language, though she wasn’t sure which one, that meant ‘Deso Slogosing ‘, or ‘Dey Slogos ‘. The mark looked like a starburst with a jagged line though the middle. She hung her head when she became dizzy. Everything disappeared instantly after she blinked her eyes. The red was replaced with the walls and ceiling of the dorm. She then realized that there were faces looming over her, one belonging to April, who was the first to speak. “Sam! Talk to me pleas. ““Appy? “ Sam croaked. Aprils voice cascaded itself in relief. “What Sammy? “ Sam smiled a little as she tried to sit up. Sam had only one thing to say. “Appy, pleas, I have a favor to ask of you. No, tell you. For the love of God! Pleas SHUT UP! My head is killing me and the first thing I hear is your yelling. Not trying to be mean but quiet is nice. “Everyone in the room started laughing, except the man standing in the back. The other woman besides April wore a leather motorcycling jacket with leather pants. She had a stethoscope around her neck too. She started to put a flashlight and the stethoscope away in a small black bag. When she was finished, she looked at the person who was standing in the back, the one who didn’t laugh with a tiny smile. “Mr. Paddock, sir, she’ll be fine, “The woman handed April a paper that looked like a Prescription. “ Make sure she put’s this on her had twice a day. It should help with pain and keep the scarring down too. “The other man, dark haired, gave a quick nod towards the woman. “ We’ll make sure she uses it. Thanks Dr. Nappe. “The woman smiled then left the room through the door in the hallway. The other man, Mr. Paddock who was standing the entire time said, “Well, I’m glad we didn’t lose another one. “ After that, he walked out the door. Sam had a confused look on her face while April and the other person helped her stand. She had to ask. “Appy? What in the world is his problem? “April laughed and then pointed towards a lazy boy chair. Sam shook her head. “I’m fine mom, just a little bump on the head with a metal baseball bat. “ Sam was using her little kid voice, the one that nagged at April since their childhood together. She also used big eyes to emphasize her point. The guy in the room looked over at April with a bewildered look. “Hey Ape-” April looked like a striking snake when she turned around gave him a long glare.
“Stop calling me that Duain. “ Duain just rolled his eyes with a sly smile. “Whatever. Anyway, do you think the bat ruined her? “April shook her head with a smile. “ Nothing could ruin that girl except… no. Not even that could since it didn’t.“ Duain was about to ask what when Sam spoke up. “Hello? At least wait until the person is out of the room before you talk about them…“April sighed. “ Sorry. Didn’t mean to sound like that. We’re not talking bad about you. I don’t think. I could be wrong." Sam smiled again. “Is that a compliment than or insult? “ This Duain guy smiled, he had a great smile, mental note for Sam herself.
“Definitely compliment. Now get your butt either in bed or in that chair or I’ll put you under the bat of sleep myself.” Both girls laughed. April decided to see Sam’s reaction to her older brother’s appearance. “Sam, I want you to meet someone I don’t think you remember. Sam, this is my older brother-” Sam’s eyes grew in size as she finished April’s sentence. “Duain? Oh my god, Duain? What happened to the runt that was always getting hung-up by his underwear in a tree branch by his sister and her accomplice? “Duain smiled a smile that could light up a room. “ Nice to see you too Sam, even if all you bring back up are bad memories. Trust me. I’ll get you back when you least expect it. Just watch your back. “Duain’s face lost all hummer and was plastered with seriousness. “ Ape, I have some new info on Vicore.“ Sam heard the name and sucked in a breath. Duain didn’t seem to notice. “When the New York facility exploded, some type of virus was thrown into the air. It’s blowing this way. We’re putting the academy under quarantine. “April and Sam looked at each other. Sam spoke first. “Duain. I know only one virus that’s dangerous to us. The other couple just target fruit trees and cabbage patches. The one that is dangerous to us is called the ‘Papule virus’ or the ‘Crazy virus ‘. The only things that it doesn’t affect are Pueos or owls. “. Duain looked at her carefully before saying anything. “How do you know this Sam? “ “My mother, Eve, worked as the head researcher and I sort of watched the files she saved on the computer. I got into them one day and read them and saw what she was researching and in case something went wrong, I knew how to stop it. I know almost everything about it and about what kind of an epidemic we’re facing if the wind blows coastward. ““That’s what I was worried about. Ape; get a meeting with paddock and anyone else scheduled ASAP. “April nodded. “ Do you think we need Baxter? “Duain stared at the clock as if waiting for something, as if he wasn’t even there with April and Sam. “Duain! “ April’s voice seemed to wake him from his daze. “What? “ “Do we need to get Baxter involved? “ Duain looked very tired and serious, almost scared. “Yea. If something goes wrong in the meeting, and they attack Sam, we’ll need ‘em.“ The way Duain was talking and the look that showed up on April’s face chilled Sam to the bone. Something bad was going to happen, and they all knew it was inevitable. Why did Sam have to be so compassionate?
There she was, just as beautiful as always. She was walking down the hallway, lockers on each side of her as she weaved between kids, chatting to April. Her long black hair flowing around her like dark angel wings. She had a smile that could light up an entire world and those color changing eyes could always share a spark of joy. Today they were grey. Today she was wearing that nice red, button up shirt. Today, they would go out to the lake after school with April and Duain.
Duain tapped him on the chest lightly with the back of his hand. “Man, she is hot today. You are so lucky man, I'm serious. “He smiled.” I know. Hey you ready for tonight? Did you find a date? “Duain shook his head giving his hair the wild stallion look. Samantha was right; he did look like a wild mustang in human form. “No, Emily was busy with her job, Nicole was going with Dug tonight, and finally Serena was going trapping with her folks. Looks like I'm dateless again. “Both guys smiled as Sam and April walked up to them. Sam gave him a small kiss on the lips and April stood there watching going “awwwwwww ". Sam looked at her and stuck her tongue out.
“Appy, you coming tonight?” April smiled. “You’re joking right? Of course I'm coming! You nuts girl?“ Duain elbowed April in the side. “So, who you going with? Hmmmm? “April narrowed her eyes at her brother.” No one. “Duain decided to push a little father.” Really? No one at all? Now why is the question? I knew your tomboy actions would come back to bite you. ““Shut up.” Duain felt like being a jerk today. “ Or you just didn’t have enough money on you to pay anyone. “ April narrowed her eyes even more. “Shut up. Eric was going camping this weekend, Shaun was going to a party with Nicholas and Bobby, and Dug was going out with Nicole. Plus all my girlfriends were going to a big party this weekend probably to get wasted. So no, I'm single. “ Duain just smiled smugly.
“Ok you two don't make me separate you.” Sam said. She then turned to her guy. “So, who are you taking with you tonight?” "Oh, no one in particular. Maybe someone who I've known forever. " " Oh really.” “Really. She’s beautiful, smart, and to die for partying.” Sam smiled then gave him a hug. She went to give him another kiss- THUNG! Someone tackled Duain to the ground and someone grabbed April and Sam. They had Sam and April by the neck up against the lockers. April’s attacker got a good elbow to her kidneys which made her drop for a second. “April! “ Duain yelled. “No! You bast- “ Their attackers were kind of large and exceptionally strong. They were all in academy standard issued cameo pants, for missions, with a black shirt and black ski mask. Someone hit Sam in the face with their fist. He couldn't just stand there and watch as his girl and best friends were being attacked. His attacker was trying to sweep his feet out from under him. He found a chance and took it. He grabbed his attackers face and threw it into his knee. “Hey you!” someone yelled. He turned around to find himself face to face with a gun. Standard issue. Beretta. He prayed it wasn’t 9mm. “I hope you suffer. l hope your girl suffers. I will bring a new age. I will become something you could only dream of. “ BANG! He had excruciating pain in the side of his head as he lay on the floor. There was warmth that he felt flowing over his ear. The person stood over him, gun in hand. Someone got down beside him. It was Sam. “Run," he whispered over and over. Sam slid her standard issue knife out of its sheath in under her shirt. It was the one not many people knew she had. It was in a sheath that was attached under her shirt on her back. “ Get out of the way. “ the man told Sam.” You know he’s going to die anyway. Just let me end this right now. ““No! “ Sam screamed. “You won’t touch him! You’ll have to go through me!” the man smiled. “That can be arranged but first how is your brother? “ She struck out at the gunman with a savage cry. The knife went from left collar bone to right rib cage. The gun discharged. Sam cried out as a few agents came in with their guns drawn. One stopped to help Sam and him. Three went after their attackers. He could hear Sam crying his name. “Stay down “ one of the agents told her. She refused to listen. He saw Sam’s face above his. Her tears fell on his lips and his face. He glanced at her side. There was a large flower that was still blooming. It was blood. She was losing a lot of it. “I love you. Stay with me. “She cried. She kissed him on the lips. She then raised a bloody hand to her head and fell out of his line of sight. He couldn’t see her anymore. “Sam...” He whispered in desperation. “Sam...”
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“SAM!” Baxter startled awake. He was in a cold sweat as he sat up in bed. He'd had that nightmare the past 2 years. That feeling that he could do absolutely nothing. He hated it. He hated that he didn't do something differently to protect her. It had to be seeing her again after all this time that brought those haunting memories. He got up and went into his living room and got on the treadmill and turned on the T.V. to one of the country music channels and ran. Ran away from the feelings, away from the nightmare, away from the past. He was running towards the future.
45 minutes later he was showered and dressed in a blue tee and blue jeans. It was 4:10 in the morning; at least he could get a head start on that Vicore case. The way he figured he could get to the island off the coast of Florida by 5 and get back by 3pm. That was kind of pushing it but it would have to work. It shouldn’t be as tough as that Texas incident but still. He suited up. Vest that will hold two guns and his knife. His belt with room for a map a bit of ammo, grenade, some medical supplies, and a cell phone. Finally a right thigh holster and two throwing knives, one on the back of each calf. He was ready so he headed out the door ready to face whatever challenges getting the virus experimentation maps would arise. He was in his zone, and nothing would go wrong.
Mr. Paddock was sitting at the end of a large ovalish, oak table. Along the sides there were men and women of all shapes and sizes, all in shape, standing, talking, and waiting. They were all warring a vest that could hold a knife on either shoulder, two guns, in the holsters on each side, palm-pilots, small map, extra ammo, radios, GPS, and more. Sam heard her family’s name mentioned more than once. She heard the words “traitor “, “Liar “, and “Cheat “. What April and Duain told her was starting to surface in her head.
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“They won’t listen to you Sam. You don’t even need to waste your breath. They will just take the opportunity to embarrass you. They’ll eat you alive.” Duain said. Sam had just sighed. “Duain, I know you don’t understand. If I can get one person to understand, one person to listen, I can save this whole complex. I know that I disgraced my family here but now I have a chance to clear the family name. Pleas I have to do this…for Zak. “Sam had fallen out of the sentence. April sighed. “You didn't do anything. Your father is the one at fault for disgrace. You need to know that. We're here for you Sam. If anything goes wrong, we're going to everything we can to protect you. “Duain looked at Sam. “Look, if Paddock challenges you, don't take on that challenge. That could start an all-out war." Sam smiled. “Don’t get yourselves killed because of me. I can still hold my own...I hope. "
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Sam shook herself back to reality. “ You really want to do this? “April’s voice broke her train of thought. “ Yea, “she replied. “ I have to. “She thought she saw someone in a corner to her left but when she took a second look, no one was there.
“Everyone, sit down! Take a seat!” Mr. Paddock yelled as loud as he could. Either it was just Sam, or he was getting a little thinner, not by much but still. Everyone but Sam, Duain, and April did as he said. The trio took a stand on the other end of the table. Mr. Paddock had a look that told Sam, “I don’t like you and I’ll find a way to get rid of you. “ Sam returned his gaze. Was that a challenge that Duain talked about? She was determined to help these people. She was going to be heard. Mr. Paddock spoke first. “ Torads, sit down! “ April and Duain took a seat at the end of the near Sam. There was a woman with blond hair sitting around the middle of the table on the left side. She decided to start.
“Mr. Paddock, sir, why is the daughter of a traitor standing in front of us? “ Mr. Paddock smiled at this comment. “Well agent Gats, she is here to explain to us why she is here and about this so called epidemic that will take place if the virus blows coastward.” Sam was in the spotlight but her voice didn’t waver a bit. Her jet black hair was pinned up in a messy bun and her aqua colored tee fit her kind of tight but only at the top. Her greyish blue eyes were piercing.
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Was that her? Was she here right now? No, it couldn’t be. She would never come back. Standing in the dark corner to the left at the other end of the room opposite of the entrance he was able to see everyone come and go. He watched as she walked through the door with Duain to her left and April to her right. He sucked in a breath when she looked straight at him after she was done surveying the room. There was no way in heaven or earth that she saw him with how dark this corner was. Duain said him and April would need help protecting a girl who was going to talk to the council didn’t he? Didn’t he say she had no known family left? Her piercing eyes had the look of determination that he had been missing for the past 3 years. He had been trying to forget his failure for those 3 years. He had been trying to make up for that moment for the past 3 years. Those are the eyes that he never thought to see again for a long time. He knew for a fact that this was going to get ugly especially with Sheldon involved. If Sam had something to say, she was going to be heard, that’s how she was, but he knew for another fact that Paddock wouldn't hear a word she said thanks to the ' traitor ' she was tied in with. He would have to be careful not to do anything stupid if anything did break out.
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“I am here now because I am having no family. My mother was the head researcher of Vicore. She caused the explosion. She’s dead. There were only A few viruses released into the air. All but one is harmless to people. The rest kill plants. The one that is harmful to us is the “Dey Slogos “virus. It’s known in Hawaii as the “Papule “virus or the Crazy virus. It’s called that because of its documented symptoms which are-“
One guy at the table had a longer haircut and scars that ran up and down his face. His black hair had dark jets of blue running through it, covered the parts of the scars above his eyes. He looked like a rough character. He decided to cut her off. “Come one! Who is she to tell us what is going to happen to us and what this stuff is?”
Sam took a deep breath in and slowly exhaled. “Trust me or at least listen to me. I know what this will do if it reaches the coast, or even this island. If I can just- “The same young man cut her off again. “ Just what? I know what you are. You’re a traitor just like your old man. “Sam made a fist.” Look, if you want to die, fine but don't bring everyone else’s life down into the ground with you. “Sam’s voice rose to a yell. Sam threw the blond a venomous look daring her to say something. “You don't have to listen to me. You don't have to trust me but I'm your best option. “Scar face wouldn't be talked to like that.” Look you little snot, “Scar face stood. He hit his hand on the table. “You will be respectful to me! Just remember where you are in the food chain. “Sam stared at him.” Just remember where you are in brain chain. ““Look you little traitor, I am not afraid to kill someone for looking at me wrong. In my opinion, you already have a bounty over your head!" “I can show you where you can put your opinion! " Before scar face could retaliate, the blond went for another go.
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“I can show you where you can put your opinion!” Sam yelled. Baxter couldn't believe that she hadn't changed at all in the past 3 years. She needed to learn what fights were okay to challenge though and Sheldon's fights weren’t one of them. Baxter touched his gun that was in his thigh holster for comfort. This was going to get ugly. He was scared for Sam. Again. Why did she have to be so bull headed?
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“ How do we know that you’re telling the truth? “Said the blond. Sam had enough. She took her folder she had with her, opened it and threw it down the table. “Take a good look. This is what is going to happen. Screw it all if that reaches the coast. “The pictures had pictures of people with deformed limbs, black teeth, sores, hives, and pointed teeth. It really was a sight. The blond looked and looked a little taken aback. She then smiled. “Nice photo shop kid. I still don't trust you. You didn't lose anything or have any reason to stop this. If this did reach the coast, you have nothing to lose. If you had lost someone or something close, maybe, just maybe I would believe you. " Sam took her balled up fists and slammed them down on the table hard enough to knock over a glass with water that made the blond jump up. “ It did! I lost everything! My mother was killed because of her research! My brother is dead because of the virus! I lost my only family that day my brother was killed. Don’t tell me that I don’t know about what this virus can and can't do! I've experienced it myself! “The blond was up and in front of Sam faster than a cat on a mouse. The woman had one hand around Sam’s neck and had the other poised to slap her in the face.
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Why couldn't she just hold her temper! They were never going to listen and let her help them when she does that! This is where the true trouble was going to start. SLAP! No! He had to do something. No, Baxter, he thought. Duain and April would handle it, they had to...
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SLAP! “Look at the traitor now! “ Everyone in the room was standing and poised to either run or fight. April and Duain were being held where they were. Cursing and yelling at Paddock to make their captors to let go. Sam knew this woman wasn't thinking right. There was that pain in her right hand. She had to escape and fast. Without thinking she grabbed the woman’s wrist and twisted. She then did a sidekick that hit the woman in the left side. The red carpet was spinning in front of Sam's eyes. The woman fell about six feet away. Sam was huffing and dizzy when the next attack came. The man with scars came up behind her with a chokehold. Duain started throwing punches trying to get to Sam. “Sam! Let her go! Sam! “He yelled. April did the same and kept up her cursing. Sam gave the guy a backwards sweep kick which sent the man tumbling. Sam turned and saw a glint of metal. The day of the shooting came back all at once. She reached for the knife that was under her shirt in the back but it wasn't there. Paddock saw the glint too. “Shelton! Don’t! “. Before she could react, the scarred guy, who she found out was Shelton, was behind her with a blade to her throat.
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Baxter froze. No. He wouldn't! Sam was frozen with her head up turned. There was a small drop blood trickling down her exposed neck. He had seen her reach for where she always kept her knife but she didn't have one. She remembered that day, he could see that. He pulled his Black-tail out of his thigh holster slowly, his heart pumping. He looked down the sights. Something was wrong, Baxter could feel it. He grew up with Shelton; he knew he wouldn't be able to kill him or even maim him knowing he wasn't like this even on his worst day, there was something wrong, terribly wrong...
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“Don’t move. I’d hate to go on trial for self-defense. “Said Scar face. He laughed as he smelled Sam's hair. What then? Sam thought. Sam didn’t dare move with this man behind her threatening her life. With her neck tense and head turned up, she scanned the room. April and Duain where standing stiff with wide eyes. Mr. Paddock was smiling and there was that movement in the corner again. This time, Sam was sure she had seen it. All Sam could see in the corner was a fingerless leather glove with a hand in it holding a black-tail handgun. “Shelton. Let her go. Now. “The man’s voice was low and sort of gravely. You could hear anger in the voice but also control. Shelton looked defiant.
“No Baxter! You shouldn’t defend this little wench. She’s a traitor. You know that. You protect her and you’re going down with her. “Sheldon started petting the top of her head.” And besides, I might want to have a little fun tonight so I think I'll take her with me." “No!” the man in the corner yelled. Bang! There was cursing. Sam felt the cold steel blade leave her throat. She twirled and her fist connected with Shelton’s cheek. Think! His body hit the floor. Then Sam’s body hit the floor. Her hand started burning. I was the same excruciating pain she had felt when she was with Zac. She grabbed her right hand and fell to her knees. “April! “ April and Duain ran to her side. “Sam!” April kneeled beside her and looked at her hand. “The skin on your hand looks like you burned it just like yesterday. Are you alright? “Sam looked over her shoulder at Shelton’s unconscious body. “ Duain, get him and the blond quarantined. They’re infected.“ Duain nodded then grabbed Shelton by the shoulders and pushed him against the wall and used a plastic zip tie to hold his hands against his back. He was almost fully awake. Shelton started laughing for no reason. Nobody laughed like that. Nobody in their right mind anyways. “Appy, “April glanced at Sam’s hand. “ What is it Sam? ““Appy. Get everyone out. The virus is here and I'm afraid, it will spread. I have to find a cure...God help me... “Sam looked up. Whoever was in the corner was gone.
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