The Outbreak (The Nursery Nurse)

Thirty Nine

Two Years ago.
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Reece was sitting slumped against the bars of the cage. Blood had been taken from him in vigorous amounts and he was starting to feel nauseous, the feeling left him paralysed.

his head hung low as he watched the man in protective gear looming over him just a few feet away.

'His guard.'

"You're from that group, well known I hear." The guard said lazily.

He was lounging on a nearby examination table, picking his nails as if he were bored.

Reece didn't reply, he simply looked away.

"We caught one of you pack-rats a while back, I'm fascinated with that woman, I never got her name."

Reece felt his blood run cold as he looked back at him.

The guards head cocked slightly and he grinned, "I'm glad Mark didn't get the chance to kill her, I have great plans for her you see." His voice was low, cunning.

Charlotte.

"I don't know who you mean." Reece said spitefully.

The guard smirked, "That tone indicates that you know exactly who I mean."

Reece bit his tongue hard as he tried to control himself.

"Although that redhead really grates on me, always near her, I'd have to take her out first before I could get what I really wanted." He chuckled lowly.

Reece felt himself pale slightly, he kept his expression cool and collected, masking the horror he felt twisting inside of him.

The guard sighed, he picked up a scalpel and toyed with it carelessly, "You obviously aren't taking good care of her, she's so fragile, that's what pleases me the most."

Reece couldn't help but bare his teeth, his throat made a low sound as he tried to control himself.

The guard cocked an eyebrow before picking up a book from the table and flipping through it, he lifted a finger to the page and started to read.

"Ah yes, such a shame that I had to kill her offspring, oh well, there can always be more."

"You won't touch her." Reece snarled, his fist clenched as the seething rage spread throughout him.

The guard chuckled before setting the book aside.

"So you do know who I mean?"

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Current day
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Charlotte was shoving things into Mia's satchel that was resting on the supply room table in a swift motion, she didn't have much time.

She was going to find Marjorie, even if it killed her.

She felt something tug on her coat and she looked down startled slightly.

Nova was looking up at her with curious eyes.

"Auntie Charlotte where are you going?" Nova asked quietly.

Charlotte smiled before inhaling deeply, she crouched down and placed a hand to her shoulder.

"I'm going away for a while." Charlotte informed gently.

Nova's eyes widened slightly, "Where?" Her voice wobbled with hurt.

Charlotte tucked a loose curl that had fallen from Nova's ponytail behind her ear, "It's a big girl job."

Nova frowned, "I want to come with you Char-Char."

Charlotte smiled softly, "I know but I'll be back before you know it." She assured gently.

Nova's eyes welled with tears, "Who will read to me?"

Charlotte chuckled in surprise, "Uncle Reece is an excellent reader, even better than me." She said enthusiastically.

Nova shook her head, "No one's better than you." She argued passionately.

Charlotte frowned slightly, "Oh darling, come here."

Nova clutched onto Charlotte tightly.

"I'll miss you." Nova whispered.

Charlotte leant into her shoulder slightly, "I'll miss you too."

When Nova pulled back Charlotte pulled up her pinky finger.

"Take care of mummy okay?" Charlotte asked softly.

Nova intertwined their fingers, "Pinky promise."

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After Charlotte made sure she had all of the things she needed she made her way downstairs slowly, trying to be as silent as possible so she wouldn't alert the others.

Once she reached the hallway she heard warm laughter coming from the living area, Charlotte walked towards the doorway, she stopped just before the entrance.

Nova was playing with Carly and Reece whilst Autumn and Mia were laughing together, Winter made tea as he hummed a sweet tune.

She stood admiring for a while, It was almost picture perfect, a rare moment amongst them all, she wasn't going to spoil it.

Charlotte could see the admiration in Reece's eyes over his niece, she still remembered the moment he saw her, he had to step away and cry.

No one noticed her presence, she savoured the image before stepping back, she shut her eyes and inhaled deeply before leaving the house silently.

Later that evening Mia had found the letter Charlotte had left for them.

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I'm going to find Marjorie, please don't come after me, if Reece is right and there are men after us it's safer this way, I won't be alone.

Siobhan has agreed to help me.

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