Two Alive, стр. 77
Major Carver came marching over. “Everyone looks like they’re ready to go.”
The major was accompanied by Torrez, in full fatigues from head to toe and Burrows who wore cargo pants with a dark wool sweater. Henry Castle was behind them, wearing a heavy tan overcoat over his dark jeans. Castle was bulky under his coat and had a stern, hard look on his face.
Carver puffed out his chest and squared his shoulders. “I wish you all good luck and Godspeed.”
Miles looked at Antonio, almost about to cry. Antonio grabbed his younger brother and shook him. “Cut it out, Miles. You gotta be the map out there so you can’t be cryin’ and shit.”
Miles swallowed back his tears and nodded his head. “O--ok.”
“Ok.” Antonio leaned closer to Miles’ ear and added, “Remember, as soon as you get the chance, break off from them and go back to the treehouse and wait for me. And try stealin’ one of they guns if you can.”
Miles sniffled and wiped his face with his sleeve. “And while you here, while you stay here… check that cabinet in the securr-itty room. They might have something in there. They could be hiding something.” Miles was so close to Antonio’s ear, spittle hit the back of his older brother’s neck.
Antonio backed away, rubbing behind his ear and rolled his eyes at his brother. Miles wiped his mouth and apologized. The brothers slapped hands, dapped once on top and once on the bottom, before bumping fist and opening their hands with a boom. Miles giggled and Antonio smiled. The old man always liked to fist bump with an explosion sound effect at the end. Antonio thought it was lame in the beginning but over time he grew to love it as much as Miles did.
Julia watched the boys and chuckled. She gave Carver one last cold stare, but the major kept a corner of his mouth in a defiant smirk. Carver coughed and struck his chest.
“Can I get my rifle back?” Miles asked the major, then looked around for a second at whoever could help him with that. “I’m better with my rifle.”
“Yeah, give my brother his rifle. He better than all yo people wit a gun.” Antonio added.
Carver scoffed at the boys, preparing to speak.
“That’s a good idea,” Julia interjected. “You guys know it out there better than any of us. If you need your weapons to perform at your best, we’re bringing them. Anything else you need, Miles?” She stared the major down and could see the fury starting to build behind his eyes.
Miles was unaware of Carver’s anger and replied, “Just my rifle is fine. I just need my rifle.” He paused. “Do you guys have rifle ama-nition?”
“I’ll get it.” Captain Baker knew exactly where the weapon was and prepared to go retrieve it. “And I’ll meet you all at the front of the store.”
“You won’t be going with the outside group however, captain.” Carver coughed and covered his mouth.
Baker stopped and raised an eyebrow. “I’m not going?” The captain exchanged a glance with Julia.
The major went on, “We need the community’s saving grace, patrolling the store and keeping the compound safe.” He let a grin play across his face. “After yesterday’s ordeals, I believe the people would be more at ease with their hero, Captain Baker, remaining here.”
Baker clenched his jaw tight and turned his head slightly. He couldn’t bring himself to look at Julia again, so he just nodded to the major. “Ok… sir.”
Julia rolled her eyes and turned to leave. “We’ll be waiting at the front of the store. Don’t take too long.” She was walking away as she spoke.
Baker sighed and put his hands on his hips. “Yeah. Ok.”
“I’ll take your first shift patrolling the store.” Carver clasped his hands behind his back, and nodded his head towards Antonio, “You can take this boy back to the office on your way, Captain.” The major turned and went off to see the remaining community members out of the food court.
Miles and Antonio shared one last longing look before Baker put a hand on Antonio’s shoulder and told him to come on. They started heading back towards the back of the store and Antonio looked back a few times to watch his little brother shrink in the distance. A voice in his head told him not to cry so he turned around and stiffened his lip. The captain noticed this, but also noticed someone calling out to him.
“Oh, hey! Captain Baker!” Brandon came running up from one of the nearby aisles. “Glad I caught you.” He cleared his throat and straightened the wrinkles in his shirt. “I, uh, I was wondering if I could maybe hang out with Antonio. You know, maybe take him by the shop and hook him up real quick. He lookin’ kinda shabby over there.” Brandon laughed and pulled at the whiskers that were growing from Antonio’s chin and jawline.
“Get outta here, Mr. Brandon! I ain’t a kid no mo’! I’ma grown man.” Antonio stroked his sparse facial hair like it was a full beard.
Captain Baker just groaned. “Brandon, I gotta take him back to the security office.”
“I know, I know. It’s just… I hadn’t seen anyone… since before all this happened.” Brandon’s eyes went back and forth between Captain Baker and Antonio. He cleared his throat and continued, “I know I’m not related to Antonio or Miles but… after all we’ve been through from the school to now... I just thought…”
Baker sighed and shook his head, then spotted the big man who helped with the hive yesterday, Dante Lincoln. He was wandering by in jeans and a tank top, with the same