Out of Time Chapter Seventy-Two
AO3
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Mary keeps Alex close, held in a sling against her always. It is explained to the children why they can’t hold him, just yet.
“He is fragile and your germs are to big for him.” Jamie tells them.
Maggie shows no interest in the baby, clinging to her mam. She is also carefully monitored. Her withdrawal from normal activities is becoming a bigger concern everyday. Even her big brother notices.
“Mam, what is wrong with Maggie?”
Jenny eases him down beside her and attempts to explain. “She needs the sun and fresh air, a chance to be a toddler outside these strange conditions.”
He thinks on this, his hand squeezing a rubber ball. He isn’t allowed to throw it against the stone walls for fear the sound will echo up. They all need a childhood.
“That is what Auntie Claire and Danny went to find, eh?”
“Aye.”
He thinks some more. “What if they don’t ? Will we lose Maggie too?” His eyes, full of the grief that covers them all, meet hers. She swallows back ready tears before answering him.
“We pray not. We pray she will adapt, that you all will. We pray harder you won’t have too.” She holds him close and petitions heaven, once again.
They have traveled a far distance away from the castle hideaway. All is the same. Overgrown fields, buildings being claimed by nature. No sign of other humans. Claire senses they are out there though. Watching. Whether friend or foe, she can’t determine.
“Danny.” The voice stills her, she brings up her gun. Danny, ahead of her, does the same. “It is alright Danny. It is me. Man, they will be glad you are alright.” He steps closer.
“Hold right there.” Claire orders. The stranger laughs.
“Oh, how delightful! It is one of the strays. Finding you and her, I will be amply rewarded.” He takes another step, his focus on Claire. That is a fatal mistake. Danny draws on him, firing without hesitation. The sound of the bullet rips through the stillness, shattering it as the bullet shatters the man’s chest. He falls soundlessly. For a second, all is still again.
“Jeff George. I grew up with him. Our parents ran in the same circles “ He announces before walking away and vomiting. Claire strips the dead of his gun and bullets, a few knives and other gear. She rolls him deep into the field beside them, all the while, scanning for more threats. He won’t be alone. He isn’t . A lady comes running. At her crying out of his name, she takes her out too. Danny has recovered enough to help her strip her body and move it off the road.
“We will need to hide.” She declares. He nods.
