Page 47 of Creepy
“Fuck, what did you do?
“I did nothing.”
“What did your stupid crew do to them?”
“I didn’t know...”Dillon repeated his words from earlier, and I realized he’d known something horrible this whole time.
My voice shaking, I asked, “Didn’t know what?”
“I didn’t know your brother was never infected.That he’s not a survivor.I didn’t know his girl was pregnant either.”
“Dillon, tell me right now,” I demanded.“Is my brother alive?”
“He’s not dead.Not yet.”
I sprung up from my seat to hit him.
He caught my hands.“Sissy, I just found out and came straight to tell you.”
“And the others?”
“Kyle said Joey had three people with him.One’s dead.I don’t know who yet.”
“What did you do to them?”I screamed as hot tears blinded me.
“I promise, I did nothing.I’ve been here beside you all night.”
I broke my hands away and tried to stand.Each step was a challenge, but I made it to the doorway.I had to go see my brother.“Where is he?”
“Hugo’s crew is fetching him.He’s not here.I told you, I didn’t do this.They got attacked late last night before they made it here.”
“And I’m supposed to believe that?You fed me, someone you used to love, someone you promised...”I took a breath through my tears as they came harder.“...Promised to love forever, to the fucking zombies last night.”
“I promise.I didn’t do this.”
“Who did it then?You control the Stayers.You’re responsible.You give the orders.You’re King around here.”
“Sissy, I don’t control the zombies.”Dillon made his way over to me.“You’re hurt yourself.You need to take it easy.Your brother...”
Rage overtook me.My hands curled into fists and I beat on his chest with both.I wanted to punch him harder than I could.Digging my fingers into his skin, I wanted to draw blood.“This is all your fault.Joey, he came to rescue me.I came here to help Troy.You evil asshole.Joey...”Paralyzing anguish took over.I let myself collapse against Dillon’s bare chest.My brother was going to die, after I’d just gotten him back.Dillon rubbed my back as I sobbed.He kissed the top of my head and let me weep for a bit before picking me up and helping me into a nearby armchair.
He bent down to my eye level, crouching on one knee.I bawled and snorted, feeling sorrier for myself than Joey.Then I thought of Joey’s baby and cried anew.Taking my hand, Dillon explained, “Sissy, Joey’s been bitten.He’s symptomatic, but he’s got some time before...”
Yes, there’d be some time before he died.The waterworks continued as I practically hyperventilated.I couldn’t stop crying.
Dillon gave me a moment before he said another word.
I cupped my hands over my mouth and breathed shallow breaths.
“There’s a good chance this stuff runs in the family, the immunity, I mean.We’ll get him here and take good care of him.”
“No.I don’t want him here with you and those savages.I want to go home.Joey needs to be at our house,” I squeaked.
“Okay.I’ll get you all home.”
“You promise?”
“Promise.”
