In the Aftermath: Burning of the Dawn Read online

  “Yeah, I guess.” Anthony aimed to avoid Mary’s gaze. He loved her colorful eyes, but she could see everything. She would know he was upset with her; even though he already knew that she already knew, so his obstinacy was really just to salvage a little bit of pride and some self-pity.

  “Are you mad at me?” Mary posed the question. Her words broke the boy’s stubbornness as he finally made brief eye-contact with her.

  “No, I’m not mad.” Anthony lied.

  “I’m sorry,” Mary could easily see through the lie. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “You didn’t do anything wrong.” You went off alone with a man you’ve known for a single day and you had sex with him.

  “Doing wrong is what I do best.”

  “There seems to be a lot of things you do best.”

  “I’m a go-getter like that.” Mary momentarily took her eyes from Anthony as she rested the rifle against the porch railing. Seeing that Anthony’s stubborn stupor was particular strong today, Mary moved on from subtleties and straight into bluntness. “I fucked Raymond earlier,” Mary stated. “And I know you disapprove.”

  Mary’s bluntness was effective. Despite his fairly deep knowledge of Mary and her bluff ways, her statement still managed to catch Anthony off-guard. It took him a moment, but eventually he looked to her and replied, “That’s none of my business.”

  “It’s every bit of your business, little brother.” Mary returned her gaze to Anthony; this time he did not look away. “If tellin’ me off or callin’ me names will help, then by all means do so. I can take it.”

  “I don’t wanna call you names.” Anthony was angry, but he still adored Mary and could not bring himself to do anything to potentially hurt her.

  “I can do it for you if you like… slut, bitch, whore, tramp, cunt, dick, prick, idiot, asshole, cocksucker…”

  “That’s not what I want,” Anthony interrupted Mary’s self-inflicted diatribe. “None of those things are true.”

  “A few of ‘em are true.” Mary smiled.

  “No, they’re not. I just…” Anthony hesitated.

  “Come on, let’s have it out,” encouraged Mary. “You keep it in it’s just gonna fester.”

  “I was afraid.” Anthony let it out, quietly. Admitting to fear was shameful, but feeling shame was better than feeling hollow, so Anthony hoped.

  “Afraid of what?” Mary was a little perplexed; she was expecting rage, not fear.

  “I was afraid… I am afraid…” Anthony dreaded sounding like a whiny, jealous child, but he also wanted the truth. “That you’d fall for him, and that you’d go away with him… back to Colorado.”

  “What?!” Mary failed to fathom that the consequences of her actions would cut the boy so deep. “No, honey, no… never!” Anger and jealousy were easy to deal with, but abandonment issues were a whole different monster. “You know why I chose Raymond? Because he’s better looking than the other two. I don’t love him; I don’t even like him – he’s annoying. Damn do-gooder, thinkin’ he can save the fuckin’ world.” Raymond was a decent enough guy, but he was not somebody Mary would keep around for very long – in this world or the previous. “He’s got a decent body and I wanted to give it a fuck before the Sayona rip his dumbass apart. That’s all, I promise you; I’m not going anywhere, ever!”

  “I guess I know that,” Anthony had an assortment of bad outcomes steeping from Mary’s rendezvous with Raymond running through his brain, and they all seemed to have meshed into some sort of chaotic ball of mass confusion. “I’m just being stupid is all. I’m really sorry.”

  “No, no sorries; come here, darlin’.” Mary reached over and pulled Anthony into her embrace. “Big sister’s just a big horn-dog is all.”

  “You gotta do what you gotta do sometimes.” Anthony channeled his inner Mary as his fears and resentments faded away in her arms.

  “Yeah, tell me about it. You know how long it’s been since I’ve been laid?”

  “I would not know that, no.”

  “Too goddamn long… fuck, I don’t even remember.” Mary released Anthony from her cuddle. “I tried droppin’ hints to your mama hopin’ she’d come around, but alas, it seems I’m not her type… too bad, too.”

  “What?” Anthony wasn’t sure that he had heard that correctly. Anthony wasn’t sure that he wanted to hear that correctly. “My mother?!”

  “Yeah, so what? Your mom’s cute.” Mary flashed her notoriously mischievous grin.

  “You know, there are some things we really don’t have to share with each other.”

  “Where’s the fun in that? You’re too young, according to your mother, so, you know, I gotta get my kicks from somewhere.”

  “I love you Mary, but damn… I didn’t need that image in my head.”

  “Hah! Good luck gettin’ it out now!”

  “Not cool, man.” Anthony jested. “You’re kind of an asshole sometimes.”

  “Better an asshole than a motherfucker, am I right?!” Mary’s efforts ultimately ended in success as she was finally able to coax a laugh out of Anthony. Her intimate time with Raymond was something she needed, but she still felt guilty about Anthony’s misgivings and hurt feelings. Mary was not blind; she could see that the boy held deep affections for her. His mother was right, however; Anthony was too young… for now.

  By sundown the Fury was tuned, adjusted, packed with supplies and ready to depart for the next morning. It was then hidden in the garage with Serena’s car which was also prepped for departure as all belongings belonging to Serena, Anthony, Mary, and Hernando were packed within its confines. They, too, would be leaving in the morning. On this special day, all six soon-to-be travelers shared dinner outside together in the failing light of the evening sun. They spoke primarily of the world before, telling tales their friends already knew to their new friends who were happy to listen and happy to be heard. Anticipation for the next day was high, but little was spoken of the impending journeys. Other than Mary, they all thought it better to avoid any kind of superstitious jinxing.

  All traces of their existence were extinguished and everybody retired to the loft for their second, and final, night together. Nobody was bound or tied to any posts on that night. The three men had earned the trust of Serena and Anthony, and Mary, too. Even if any of the three men did have any improper intentions, there would be little they could do in the dead blackness that the night drenched over the loft. Also, Serena, Anthony, and Mary were all armed. None of the men had any improper intentions planned, however; they were all grateful for everything they had been given and for the hospitality of their hosts. It was not long until everybody in the loft was asleep.

  Sleep did not stay for one. It started with a dream. In this dream only Anthony remained in the loft, or so he thought. Out of the shadows floated a strange being. It looked like a tiny person wrapped in a cloak, yet there were no distinguishing features: no face, no legs, no anything. This strange creature did not appear to pose any danger and there was no feeling of dread in Anthony’s dream, but he was still frightened. As Anthony watched as the ominous creature merely stood there, a distinguishing feature finally appeared: a shadowy arm and hand. The creature never raised its arm; it just appeared from nowhere, and as it did more shadowy creatures appeared and they did the same. Their hands were all pointing in the same direction – pointing towards the ventilation duct at the end of the loft. Anthony then woke up.

  The loft was much darker in a conscious state than it was in Anthony’s dream. Even if the shadowy creatures did still exist there was no way he would know it. Dread overcame Anthony, the same dread he’d had out on the waters of Lake Tahoe. He looked to the ventilation duct; it was not visible in the darkness. It was overcast outside, so any light from the night sky would be smothered. Quietly stumbling from his pallet on the floor, Anthony took a few steps towards the vent, and with every step his fear increased. Ian and Raymond both breathed heavily in their sleep, but Anthony still felt completely alone. He fell to hi
s knees and softly whispered, “Mary…”

  There was no response, so he whispered her name again, “Mary.”

  “Hmm?” Mary awoke.

  “Help me… please.” Anthony could no longer move; he could barely even speak.

  “Anthony? What’s wrong?” Mary immediately found him in the darkness and wrapped her arms around him. She could feel the sweat on his body and the thunderous pounding of his heart.

  “I’m so scared…” Anthony answered meekly.

  “It’s okay, I’ve got you.” Mary pulled Anthony back to her pallet and tucked him under the blankets with her. She kept her arms around him as he shivered. “Was it a nightmare?” She asked.

  “No.” Anthony forced an answer out between his bated breaths. Mary’s presence was an overwhelming relief to his anxieties. Her soft voice and tender touch slowly, but steadily, eased his fears. As his fears faded and his mind cleared, Anthony realized where the effects of his emotional breakdown were coming from.

  “What happened, honey?” Mary inquired. She suspected that the horrors of the world had taken their mental toll on the boy and that he might have to get worse before he would get any better. This was two nights now that he’d had difficulty sleeping. Mary had seen it before in others, and she feared that leaving Tahoe might not be the best of ideas with Anthony in this condition.

  “They’re out there.” Anthony spoke more clearly now. “I know they are. I can feel them.”

  Mary said nothing at first; it took her only a moment to rationalize what that meant. Her previous assumptions were wrong. Anthony was not having an anxiety attack; he was sensing the Sayona. The beasts were back.

  “It’s okay,” Mary spoke softly. “They don’t know we’re here… they’re not going to find us.” Her calming words and delicate embrace soon drifted Anthony back to sleep. Mary, however, slept no more. She remained attentive for the remainder of the short night.

  Two dozen Sayona frolicked in the waters of Emerald Bay on that night, and a dozen more stalked the woods and mountains around the bay. They had spent every night since Mary had raised havoc in Carson City hunting the Nevada deserts. With the exception of the city of Las Vegas, all humans within the state were eradicated. With the deserts now clear of their nemeses, the Sayona maneuvered their way back into their old routines.

  Mary was up and moving the moment the first light of day shone through the ventilation duct. By request, she then woke up Ian, Raymond, and Hernando. Serena and Anthony were left to sleep. Mary and the three men made their way down the ladder, into the house, and out into the dim, quiet world outside. Even though the Fury was much quieter now, the sound of it still woke Serena as Ian backed the car out of the garage. She left her son and joined the others outside.

  “Sneaking away with no goodbye?” Serena asked as she approached Ian and Raymond.

  “Sorry, ma’am,” Ian spoke. “We didn’t wanna wake you.”

  “You have a journey of your own to travel, Miss Serena,” Raymond added. “We wanted you well-rested.”

  “Yeah, right.” Serena grimaced, affectionately.

  “Men are pussies,” Mary pointed out. “They didn’t wanna get all fruity with their goodbyes.”

  “Yeah, that, too.” Ian admitted. Serena was a wonderful person; she showed him nothing but kindness and she was beautiful, too. The fact that this could be the last time that he would ever see her gave Ian a strange surge of courage. He walked to Serena and spoke, “Say I live through this and we somehow meet again, you think we could go out sometime?”

  “Hah, where the fuck you gonna go?” Mary snarled; though she was sort of impressed with Ian’s awkward audacity.

  “Well, wherever we want to.” Ian happily replied.

  “You live through this… yeah,” Serena kindly answered Ian’s proposal. “I’ll be glad to.”

  “Sweet!” Ian offered a handshake to Serena; which she accepted. “I ain’t dying now.”

  Ian then took his gaze from Serena and pointed it to Mary and spoke, “You’re a very scary person sometimes.”

  “Only sometimes?” responded Mary.

  “Okay, most times… but you’re still pretty badass.” Ian offered his hand to Mary this time.

  “Thanks,” Mary, too, accepted Ian’s handshake. “Good luck on your useless and stupid mission.”

  “Thank you, Miss Murder.” Ian backed away and allowed Raymond to approach the two women.

  “Miss Serena,” Raymond chose her first. “Your kindness can never be repaid; thank you for everything you have given us. I hope one day to have the opportunity to repay you. I will not forget my debt.”

  “Just stay safe, and save as many as you can.” Serena embraced Raymond’s hand with hers. “You owe me no debt.”

  “I will do my best.” Raymond then moved on to Mary.

  “Oh you definitely owe me a debt!” Mary mocked, with a hint of seriousness, as Raymond approached her.

  “I’m sure I do,” Raymond laughed. “I’m really going to miss you.”

  “Remember me with tears, asshole, or don’t remember me at all.”

  “I’ll hum Auld Lang Syne all day in your honor,” Raymond offered his hand. “Goodbye, Miss Mary.”

  “Goodbye, Mr. Raymond.” Mary took his hand. “Go kick some ass.”

  “Heh, not if I can help it.” Raymond reluctantly released his hold on Mary.

  “Pussy.” Mary winked as he pulled away from her.

  Raymond and Ian both approached Hernando next. It happened to be that Hernando was the worst when it came to goodbyes. He shed a few tears as he embraced his two comrades. It was not just concern for the well-being of his friends, the fact that he could not be with them tore at him more than anything. He had a task of his own, to help Mary and the McCoys reach Los Angeles, but he still felt the pangs of failure. He could never forgive himself if something awful were to happen to them.

  “Goodbye, brother,” Ian spoke as he hugged Hernando. “I won’t know what to do without you fixing all my mistakes.”

  “Yes, this journey will be too quiet without you, my friend.” Raymond added.

  “Not too late to go back home.” Hernando knew they never would, but he threw the notion out there anyway.

  “We’ll make it back,” Ian assured him. “Just make sure you make it back first.”

  “Be careful,” Raymond stated bluntly. “You took one bullet for us already; I prefer you take no more.”

  “Don’t worry ‘bout me,” Hernando attempted to crack a smile. “I get to ride with that one.” He motioned towards Mary.

  “You’re very lucky,” Raymond chortled. “I think.”

  “You guys just watch yourselves out there.” Hernando added.

  “We’ll be okay.” Ian was still riding his wave of confidence. “Just have a party ready for us back in L.A.”

  With arms around each other’s shoulders, the three men walked to the Fury together. Ian got into the passenger’s side and Raymond took the driver’s seat. He started the car and put it into gear.

  “Vaya con Dios, amigos,” Hernando spoke as he leaned into Ian’s window. “I’ll see you soon.”

  “See you later, brother.” Ian spoke as he clutched Hernando’s hand on the windowsill. “We’re gonna miss you.”

  “Beer, tits, and fuckin’ monster trucks!” Mary interjected; drawing everyone’s attention. “Sorry, the smell of all the vagina around here was making me queasy. C’mon guys, man-up! You can make out and circle-jerk each other the next time y’all get together.” Serena nudged Mary in response. “What? They’re bringin’ me down!”

  “She’s right,” Raymond laughed. “We’ll see each other again, and soon.”

  “Yeah… be careful guys.” Hernando said his final farewell.

  “We will.” Ian smiled and bid his farewell, too. “Later, man.”

  Raymond backed out of the driveway and headed down the road towards the highway that would take them away from Emerald Bay. Neither man looked back from the c
ar; Hernando was glad. This morning had been difficult enough. He felt ill now; he was alone with two women, both of whom were very strong. Hernando himself did not feel very strong in that moment.

  “I’m sorry,” Serena spoke sympathetically. “That couldn’t’ve been easy.”

  “I’m all right, but thank you,” Hernando answered meekly. “Sorry to be such a… puss.”

  “You’re not,” Serena consoled. “They’re your friends. I know what it’s like.”

  Your friends are the pussies. Mary silently intruded. Stupid motherfuckers. Raymond and Ian had an easy task by Mary’s account. Due to her meddling and the Sayona’s viciousness, the road from Carson City to Denver was now a wasteland free of any human occupants. All those two had to do was avoid the Sayona. Mary presumed that they could handle that menial task. However, she was unsure how she would handle hers. Once out of Lake Tahoe, she would be in unfamiliar territory contending with a foe she knew very little of.

  “There’re a lot of traps on the roads,” Hernando spoke as he, Serena, and Anthony gathered up what few things remained to take with them on their trip to Los Angeles. “Spike-strips, IEDs, even mines.”

  “Mines?” Serena questioned, anxiously.

  “Occasionally,” Hernando answered. “But it’s mostly the spike-strips you gotta watch for. We lost four tires on just one of ‘em. We managed to get all the radio gear out, but not much else… those bastards started chucking phosphorus grenades at us. The truck didn’t last long.”

  “And you kept going?” Mary’s bitterness was not lacking. “You didn’t stop and think, hey, what the fuck? We just got our asses kicked. Maybe we should go back and rethink this retarded, fuckin’ plan of ours?!”

  “We lost our supplies, but we still got away and managed to accomplish our task.” Hernando spoke fulsomely. “It was after that when we… ran into real trouble.”

  “That’s when you were shot?” Serena asked as she hoisted her food satchel over her shoulder.

  “Yes,” Hernando answered. “They tracked us down, but we got away, again, barely. They pursued us for a while, but stopped as we got deeper into the mountains.”