Daisy and the Dead | The Complete Series | Books 1-6 Page 36

  “You know how he can be. There’s no talking him out of something when he puts his mind to it.”

  He had a point there, but still!

  “How long has he been gone?”

  Grey’s cheeked darkened. “Since lunch.”

  Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Turning, I left the cafeteria. If that stubborn headed man of mine didn’t start communicating with me, I was going to show him the consequences. Starting with making his ass sleep on the floor.

  9

  Elijah

  Bobby shook my hand. “Damn good of you to come here. My cousin was wrong about a lot of things, including you.”

  We’d just spent the better part of the afternoon talking, making sure we were on the same page. I didn’t want him to come knocking on our door one day, trying to get the hospital back. On the other hand, he needed to know that I had no beef with his group since Wyatt was gone. As long as we could respect each other then we were good.

  “I wouldn’t say that, sir. I made a lot of mistakes in the past.”

  “But it seems like you’re making up for them now. And no one is perfect.”

  I replied, “I’m going to do my best to make things right.”

  And that meant speaking to the people who had once lived under my protection. If the human race was going to survive, we had to stop fighting each other.

  Bobby stood, knees popping. He shot me a grin when he realized I’d heard.

  “Cold weather’s about to move in. I haven’t been this achy since the winter of 2009.” He rubbed his knee. “That was the same winter we had the blizzard.”

  I replied, “I remember. I was in surgery and couldn’t leave the parking lot by the time I got out because of snow drifts.”

  Blizzards in Oklahoma were rare. In the winter of 2009, the drifts had been over six feet in some areas. Thousands of people were stranded on the roads and some even died.

  Bobby nodded. “That should have been our warning that the world was about to go to shit. Mother Nature seemed to know what was going to happen. We just didn’t listen to the old gal.”

  I followed him from the office. Being in that room brought back memories I didn’t care to remember. But this man was different than Wyatt, so I was willing to look past my own pain and sit in the same chair I’d been in when Wyatt had cut my arm the first time.

  As we walked I asked, “Have you had any communication from Texas?”

  I’d wondered for a while if Lilly had been telling the truth about the communication between groups. She’d known certain facts, so it was possible she told the truth. But I needed to know for sure.

  “You mean through the networking system? Nah. The runner never showed up. Figured he got killed or took off. No skin off my back.”

  I said, “It’s still hard to believe that a system like that existed.”

  He said, “It was severely flawed, but, I’ll give it to that gal in Texas who set it up. She was scary, but smart.”

  That sounded like Daisy’s cousin for sure.

  We reached the back door and stepped out to the courtyard. Before me were several faces I recognized, some that didn’t look happy to see me.

  Amos, a man who used to work for me, crossed his arms. “Bobby, what’s this all about? Why were we all summoned and why is he here?”

  He glared at me as he finished speaking.

  Bobby held up his hands. “You’re all here because I reckon you should hear what this man has to say. You owe it to him, especially if you’re one of the ones who turned on him.” He scanned the crowd. “I’m talking to you, Marianne.”

  I stepped forward. Nerves made my stomach feel heavy. Inhaling, I got a whiff of manure and death, which didn’t make my uneasy stomach feel better.

  I said, “Amos, you’re right to ask why I’m here. I wanted to talk to those of you who used to live under my protection and work for me.”

  Amos sneered. “Your protection was a joke. When it came down to it you ran, leaving us to figure things out.”

  “You’re right. I did run. I was injured when Wyatt’s men took me. There was no way I could help anyone, not even myself.” I looked around. “Daisy was the one who got me out alive. I wouldn’t be here without her.”

  Someone called out, “Why did you come back?”

  “I left with Daisy, hoping to find a new home. We discovered that there’s not much left out there, nothing worth fighting for at least. Nothing like my home here.”

  Amos asked, “Do you expect us to feel sorry for you? We’ve suffered hard times. We lost our homes and people we cared about.”

  “I’m not asking anyone to feel sorry for me. I came back expecting a fight. But that wasn’t the case. Instead, Bobby gave me my home back without question.” I met Amos’ gaze. “So now I’m here, asking if anyone wants to come back.”

  He snorted. “That’s pretty funny. Like we’d go back to your ways.”

  “And that’s your choice.” I paused. “I know I made mistakes in the past, but I’ve learned my lesson. Just know that if you want to come back, you can.”

  The crowd murmured amongst themselves. Bobby slapped my back, narrowly missing my injured shoulder.

  “Well, that could have gone better.” He grinned, revealing several missing teeth.

  I shook his hand. “Thank you again for letting me speak to them.”

  “No need to thank me. If they’re wise they’ll give it a go. Heck, if that place wasn’t cursed, I might go, too.”

  I thought about telling him about the biter in the well, but thought against it.

  Instead, I said, “I’ll take my leave now. I doubt anyone will want to come today.”

  “Probably not.” He slapped my back again. “See you around.”

  I looked around one last time. People were still talking, but no one made any moves to come to me. I made my way through the gate. The gravel crunched under my boots. And then another set of footsteps came from behind me.

  “Boss. Please wait.”

  Marianne came toward me. Her hands were clasped in front of her, a nervous gesture. I prepared myself for whatever was about to come out of her mouth. With her, there was no telling.

  “Boss, I’d like to come back home.”

  Out of all people, she was the only one who wasn’t invited after what she’d done to me. Surely to God she had to know this?

  She rushed on, “I know I messed up, but you did, too.”

  “You’re right, I did make mistakes.”

  She nodded. “I knew the day you brought that girl back that-”

  “No. Do not bring Daisy into this. She is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. She saved me, Marianne, when you did the opposite and handed me over to be slaughtered.”

  Her cheeks flushed. “I only wanted your love. Is that so wrong?”

  I felt bad for her. I truly did. But that didn’t change anything.

  I tipped her chin up with my finger. “Wanting love isn’t wrong, but what you did to me was unforgiveable. Surely you see that?”

  Her eyes watered. “Please. I’ll do any chore you assign me, even field duty. I won’t complain. You won’t even know I’m there.” Her voice broke. “I can’t stay here. The way they treat women is awful. We’re used to clean, cook, and fuck. Even if it’s not what we want. They take us against our will, Boss.”

  Something tightened in my chest. How could I leave her here if that was true? Even if she didn’t come back to the hospital, maybe I could find a safe place for her.

  Sighing, I said, “Let me think about it.”

  I would need to talk to Daisy, because the decision would be hers. I wasn’t going to make her uncomfortable, even if what Marianne said was true.

  Marianne nodded. “Thank you, Boss.”

  I turned, heading toward my car. Amos leaned against it, arms crossed.

  “Boss.”

  “Amos. Anything I can do for you?”

  He replied, “I have a few more questions for you.”

  “I’ll do my
best to answer.”

  “How are you going to do things differently?”

  I said, “We’re rebuilding now. Making the fences stronger. Adding watchtowers. Rebuilding homes in the house addition.”

  “That’s not what I mean.”

  I replied, “We won’t be making unnecessary runs like we did before. Our goal is to be self-sufficient.”

  Amos rubbed his blonde beard. “That’s not what I mean, either, though I do like what I’m hearing. How are you going to rule differently? Are we expected to bow down to you as we did before? Will you listen to us and give us all fair shots?”

  I exhaled loudly. “I never asked anyone to bow to me before.”

  “But you never put a stop to it, either.” He smiled. “I get it. The power was nice, but obviously it didn’t work.”

  “You’re right. It didn’t work and I almost died because of it,” I said. “I can’t make you trust me. But I can tell you that I will give everyone a fair shot. We’ll work together as a team and thrive together. You’re more than welcome to stop by and see what we’re doing.”

  That was the best I could give him.

  He replied, “Thanks for talking to me. We’ll see.”

  We’ll see. That summed up the entire world these days.

  I said, “I’ve got to be going before it’s too dark to travel.”

  Amos chuckled at this. “Don’t want to spend the night in the same place as Marianne? I understand that.”

  “Can you tell me how the women are treated here?”

  Amos looked around before saying, “Not very well, in my opinion. They’re more of objects that can be traded for other goods. But, this isn’t my place, so I can’t change a thing.” He paused. “I will say this – if I had a woman, we wouldn’t live here.”

  “Thank you for answering.” I paused. “I hope you’ll consider coming back home.”

  Amos nodded his head. I got into my car and left. As I drove my thoughts went to what Marianne said. It wasn’t right for women to be treated that way. Even when I was in charge I never forced a female to do anything she didn’t want to, especially with a man.

  The drive back to the hospital was a quiet one. In the west, the sun began to set, putting on one hell of a show. Clouds to the east made me wonder if we’d get snow overnight. I prayed not. It was too soon and we had too much work to do.

  As I approached the property, I was pleased to see the two main gates were back in working order. Even the bullet holes had been repaired. That made me feel better. If a stranger happened to pass by, they wouldn’t be able to look right in.

  Grey waited for me when I parked my car.

  “Daisy was pissed when she found out you were gone. Been pacing a path in that cafeteria carpet.”

  I replied, “I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

  Grey’s lips twitched. “Your funeral.” As we walked he asked, “So, how did it go?”

  “Good for the most part. I learned something that’s not sitting well with me.”

  “Oh?”

  I filled him in on what Amos and Marianne had told me as we made our way to the cafeteria.

  He frowned. “If it was just Marianne I would say she was lying, but if Amos is saying it then it must be true. He was always a fair man.”

  “That was my thought.” I sighed. “Marianne asked to come back here.”

  “The fuck she didn’t!” He glanced at me. “Fuck me. You’re actually considering it, aren’t you?”

  “I can’t just leave her there if she’s being mistreated. It’s not right.”

  He huffed. “Neither is selling your leader out, but what do I know.”

  We reached the cafeteria. I was surprised to see so many people still out and about. A few of the tables had fabrics on them.

  Grey said, “Daisy’s been showing everyone how to mend their shirts. And how to make curtains for their rooms.”

  “Well, I guess that’s something they need to know.”

  He snorted. “Or something she did to keep her mind off your whereabouts.”

  Daisy lifted her head at the sound of Grey’s laugh. Her eyes narrowed and she crossed the room with a determined look on her face. Grey gave me a look before walking away. I was about to ask how her day had gone when she punched my arm as hard as she could.

  I rubbed the spot. “What was that for?”

  “You stubborn, frustrating man! When are you going to learn?”

  My eyebrows raised. “I’m guessing Grey told you where I went.”

  “Yes. He did. And do you know what I’ve done for the last few hours? Worried about your stupid ass!”

  Her voice rose louder with each word she said. Norm and Jo glanced up and then they quietly made their way from the room.

  I said, “Maybe we should go to our room to talk. We’ll have more privacy that way.”

  “Privacy?” Her voice rose to the point of screaming. “You want some privacy?”

  The rest of the room cleared out. Coop gave me a wide-eyed expression as he closed the cafeteria doors behind him.

  “Daisy, nothing happened. I’m fine.”

  She inhaled and then counted to ten. Out loud. It would be comical if she wasn’t scaring the shit out of me.

  When she was done, she said, “That. Is. Not. The. Point.”

  “I-”

  “It’s my turn to talk, Elijah. You put yourself in a dangerous situation. We don’t know Bobby and what he’s capable of. Just because he gave us our home without a fight doesn’t mean he’s a good person. What would you have done if something went wrong today?”

  I didn’t have an answer for her. Not one that she would like at least.

  “We’re a team. You should have talked it over with me and then we could’ve come up with a solution. Together.” She went on, “Knowing you, you wanted to talk to the people who lived here before. Am I right?”

  I nodded. “I wanted them to know that things are going to be different.”

  “I get it. I really do. But what you did today was fucking stupid.”

  “Daisy, I had to go. Those people used to be under my protection. I needed them to know they could return here if they wanted.”

  She said, “And I support that. I don’t support how you handled the situation, though.”

  “If it makes you feel better none of them came back with me.”

  “No. That doesn’t make me feel better.” She paused. “Do you think any of them will come?”

  “I hope so.”

  Marianne’s face crossed my mind and I cringed.

  “What’s that look for?”

  I sighed. “You’re not going to like it.”

  “Then you should definitely tell me.”

  “Marianne wants to come back.” Daisy’s mouth dropped open so I rushed on, “Things are bad for women there. I told her I would talk to you about it and let her know.”

  “What in the fuck, Elijah?” Her voice bounced off the walls. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

  Well, that could have gone better…

  10

  Daisy

  Elijah stared at me, not speaking. Surely I heard him wrong?

  “You’re seriously considering letting her come back? After everything she did?”

  He nodded. “The women are traded like objects there.”

  “Oh, did she tell you that?”

  If so, that was awfully convenient.

  “Amos did, too, which confirmed everything she said.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Daisy, I can’t leave anyone there that wants to come home. It’s not right.”

  I couldn’t believe he was saying this.

  I closed the distance between us, taking his hand. “I know you feel like you owe something to the ones who lived here before. But Marianne betrayed you, Elijah, and that has to count for something, too.”

  “I was thinking that if we don’t let her come back here that we can find somewhere for her to go. Maybe let her live in a house until then?”

 
; Why couldn’t he see that once she came back she wouldn’t leave? This place was a gold mine in a world gone to shit. And I didn’t trust her, even if she was being mistreated. I decided to voice my thought.

  “You were the only reason she stayed here before. When you moved on with me, she got angry and that’s when she turned on you. How in the heck do you think she’s going to act when she has to see me every day?”

  He rubbed my arms, but I pulled away.

  “She won’t be here, in the same building as us.”

  I took another step away from him. “You’ve already made up your mind, haven’t you?”

  I could tell that he had.

  “Daisy, I wouldn’t do anything to put you in danger. I swear it.”

  “I know. But sometimes you forget that I’m your partner and that we’re in this together.” An idea crossed my mind. “Take off your pants.”

  His eyes widened. “What?”

  “Take. Off. Your. Pants.”

  He watched me for a moment.

  “Don’t make me count, Elijah.”

  His lips twitched at that, but he did as I said. He kicked his boots off and tugged the dark jeans down his muscular thighs.

  “Kick them to me.”

  He pushed them across the floor with his foot. I pulled his belt from the loops.

  His eyes widened. “What are you doing?”

  “Ah, so you’re a giver and not a receiver?” I grinned. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to spank you, even though you deserve it.”

  Crossing the room, I used his belt to lock the door, looping it through the handles. When it was secure, I went back to him, tugging his head down for a kiss. I slowly explored his mouth, tasting and licking until he moaned. As I kissed him, I moved my hand under his shirt, feeling his firm muscles. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer.

  When I moved my hand lower, over the flat planes of his stomach he groaned.

  “Do you like that?” I asked against his lips.

  “I do. Very much.”

  I pulled back and said, “Take your shirt off.”

  He pulled it over his head, tossing it to the ground, and then tugged my shirt off as well. With one hand he unclasped my bra. I rubbed my nipples against the hair on his chest until we both made sounds of pleasure. He caught my lips in a kiss again. I cupped him with my fist and pumped him at the same pace we kissed.