Day Four/Runners continued

I peeked at GI Joe. He was lying quietly. He had stopped struggling against the bindings. His eyes were closed.

“Are you asleep?”

“No.”

“Don't you have anything to say about what I told you.”

“No.”

“Are you that cold? That inhuman?” outraged I started around the desk but caught myself just in time. I also forgot to lower my voice so he would for sure know I was a female now but I didn't really care. What kind of man showed no reaction to such horror story? I sat back fuming. He must be just like them. I should have left him for the runners.

“The big burly guy, the one with the cigar. Did anyone ever say his name? Or did he tell you folks who he was?”

“We weren't exactly exchanging histories at the time but I did hear one of the guys ask him if he wanted some action. He called him Lewis. Sargent Lewis.”

“Was there another big guy, blonde. Built like a mack truck. Big scar across his face?”

“Yes, he stayed closed to the Sargent. I heard a couple of names while they were raping Sarah and Evelyn. Blanks was one. Peterson was another. Why? Who are they? Do you know them?”

“Possibly.”

“And you want me to untie you? I don't think so.” I sat back. “How on earth do I know you aren't just like them?”

“Because they killed my buddy.” his voice was barely above a whisper. “When all of this went down I was out on patrol with my squad. My detail was escorting a group of doctors from the CDC in Atlanta to a FEMA camp outside Charlotte North Carolina when we were overwhelmed by runners. We fought but there were too many. I managed to get out with a buddy of mine, Reyes and one of the doctors. We barely made it out. Reyes had gone through boot with me. She was a strong marine. One of the finest. Reyes and the doctor were scouting a convenience store when a big truck of soldiers pulled up. She sent the doctor to hide while she met them out front. They started swapping stories, asking her questions. She let down her guard, thinking they were legit. The doc said she put her gun down to take a drink one of the guys offered her. That's when they grabbed her. Overpowered her. This Sargent Lewis took the first swing at her. Broke her nose. Then he gave her to Blanks. Told him to enjoy the fruits of war. Blanks raped her in front of the rest then told them to line up. She fought. But there were too many of them. After they were done the Sargent stood over her, lined up his sight and said hoorah bitch and shot her. The doc stayed hidden until I got back. I saw her there in the dirt. Torn and bloody. I vowed then that I wouldn't rest until those bastards were dead. The doctor told me what happened before we buried her.”

“What happened to the doctor?”

“I took him to the FEMA camp and then I left.”

“My squad was gone. My platoon was gone. I was alone. So I went hunting.”