Deadlocked 7 by A.R. Wise Page A

don’t mind if I call you Bea. It’s short for Bitch.”
    “I should’ve expected as much from a terrorist like you,” she said and crossed her arms.
    “I already know about the Noah Initiative. So you can take that high and mighty routine and shove it ten feet up your ass.”
    She settled back in her seat, but didn’t look frightened or submissive after Hero’s revelation that he knew about The Electorate’s plan. “Whatever you think you know, it’s not the entire story. I can assure you of that.”
    “Considering the bullshit you just tried to feed me, I’ll just assume that whatever the truth is, you’re not the one that’s going to give it to me.”
    “It would do you good to hear both sides of the story,” said Beatrice. “I know it’s probably hard to believe, but I’m not the bad guy here.”
    Hero sighed and rolled his eyes. “Save it, sister. I’ve heard that line a thousand times. I’ve never met anyone that admits to being the bad guy. Let me throw this out at you, and tell me when I’m wrong. First off, you were part of the group that released the virus.”
    “You don’t know the…” she tried to speak, but Hero cut her off.
    “Shut the fuck up. Second, you plan on living forever by doing some science fiction bullshit brain transfer or something.”
    “Are you going to let me respond to…”
    “Shut the fuck up. Third, you had the scientists here working on a super virus that can infect all mammals, not just humans, and you planned on releasing it as soon as you were able to get all of your body factory girls out of here.”
    “Is that all?” asked Beatrice. “Can I speak now?”
    “Shut the fuck up.” Hero glared at her in silence for a moment. “Okay, now you can talk.” Hero was amused as he waited for this woman to try and explain away what he already knew. He couldn’t fathom what she could possibly say that could change his mind about her.
    She looked up at him with an earnest expression. “I can save you and everyone you love.”
    He was shocked into silence.
    “You already know what’s coming. There’s nothing we can do to stop it. I can offer you a life better than your wildest dreams, filled with all the treasures and comforts that only the wealthiest people on the planet were ever able to enjoy. Every single day you’ll wake up in paradise, surrounded by the people you love, and never again have to worry about disease or even dying.”
    “You must be crazy,” said Hero.
    She sat forward and interrupted him. “You’ll have a mansion, or even your own island if you want. I’m talking about paradise, Levon. Perfect weather, sandy beaches, a new girl every night if that’s what you want. I can make every minute of the rest of your life perfect.” She sat back and looked pleased with herself. “Or you could continue being an obstinate prick and never have another comfortable moment for the rest of your short, short life. No one’s going to live through the next apocalypse, my dear man. No one but us, if you play your cards right.”
    Hero looked down at her, silent, hoping she thought he was considering her deal. Then he smirked, winked, and said, “Remember how I told you that everyone thinks they’re the good guy? Well, you’re looking at the genuine article, Bea. And being the good guy’s not about being comfortable. Sometimes it’s about getting downright nasty.”
    He pointed the gun at her.

Chapter Seven – Playing God
    Seven months after the apocalypse
    One month after Reagan’s first attack , they prepare for more.
     
    “Why aren’t they fighting back?” asked Billy.
    “They’re too damn scared,” said Hero with a grin before tearing open the packet of honey roasted peanuts. “We put the fear of God in them. Right old man?” He elbowed Reagan who was staring out of the gas station window.
    “No,” said Reagan. “I doubt that. And don’t try and be chummy with me, kid. I’m still pissed at you for wrecking the van.”
    “It