The Rain (Book 3 - The Evolving)

Chapter 4 - Trouver des amis et voir d'autres

Jane had un-cuffed the girl's ankles and wrists and managed to get them both out into the hall. The young girl had her arm slung over Jane's shoulder due to the bruises and cuts that lined her legs. She was tired and weak, her bones prominent. Jane was certain that she'd heard the girl's stomach growl for seconds on end. 

"Hey, I need the keys!" Drew shouted, his head poking out from behind the doorframe. Jane looked up and tossed the keys in his direction. He caught them and smiled at Jane. "I've found Eric." He said in relief. Jane let out a quiet laugh and shook her head in happiness.

"What now?" Alex asked from beside Jane. Her laughter faded and she looked up as she heard footsteps. Drew emerged from the room with another guy. He was older, his face chiselled and drained of energy. His blonde hair was stained with blood and sweat. But the thing that really caught Jane's attention was the gauze in his mouth and the fresh blood that dribbled down his chin, and to add to the pain that he was suffering, his left hand was completely gone, nothing but a stump.

"We need to find Jeanette and get the hell out of here." She muttered, beginning to walk towards the door at the end of the hall.

"Jane!" She looked over her shoulder at the sound of Ross's voice. He was standing outside the final door, the one behind them. "There's one more door." He lifted his hand and laid it gently on the handle, waiting for her response.

"Drew," She looked back around and watched as he hoisted Eric further upright. Jane looked down to the Stephanie beside her. "Can you walk?" She asked gently and the young girl nodded after a few seconds of thinking. "Go with Drew," She pushed, easing the girl forward.

"What?" He asked confused, looking up from the little girl to Jane.

"Take them to find Jeanette and tell her that we're on our way, I'm not leaving anyone behind." She commanded, not giving him a chance to reply before she strode towards Ross.

Drew sighed and threw Alex the keys. He sent one last look to the back of Jane's head before turning around and leaving.

She heard Drew walk away and push the door open. It slammed shut and they were plunged back into a haunting silence.

They stood in front of the door. Jane nodded to Ross and he pushed down on the handle. The door didn't budge and he took a step back. He pushed down harder and gave the door a shove. Nothing. He took a few steps back and eyed the door.

"Here," Alex beckoned, holding his hand out the gesture towards the gun. Ross looked hesitant. He looked down to the gun and back up to Alex. He shook his head and handed Alex the gun. Jane stepped away from the door and watched as Ross threw his body against the door.

He grunted and stepped back, running back at the door. It swung open and something clattered across the ground. He stumbled but caught his footing before he could fall to the ground. He staggered and stood up, his face falling and his hands balling into fists at the sight before him.

Jane walked in, unaware of the tension in the room. Alex followed, holding the gun tight in his hands. They all stopped, standing in a line and watching with eyes full of hate and caution.

There she stood. The woman who had caused so much pain. Amelia Iver. And in front of her was a hunched body, blood surrounding the both of them. She looked afraid. Her skin pale and her eyes darting between the three intruders.

"So, you're the one causing all of this," Jane stated, her voice shaking in anger. She took a step forward and Amelia took one step back. She swallowed and searched for a rebuttal, words to fight her case.