Carrion Virus (Book 2): The Athena Protocol Read Online Free Page A

bad every night.” Eric sat on the bed, undid his laces and kicked his boots free. “We lost a man tonight. Rozek. The infected were on us before we could react. Another man down.”
    Williamson closed his eyes and mouthed Rozek’s name. “How many is that now?”
    Eric knew the exact number, knew every name and remembered every face. “Too many.”
    Williamson opened his eyes. “Indeed, Eric.”
    “I’m going home tomorrow.” Eric lifted his legs onto the bed and squashed two pillows beneath his head. “I spoke to Jacqui not long ago. I’m looking forward to seeing her and my kids.”
    Williamson toyed with the wedding ring on his finger. “I understand, but there’s—”
    “There’s always so much to do, always more hotspots flaring up.”
    “They need us, they need you, they need Black Aquila. And they need the army.”
    “If they send the army in it’ll be a bloodbath. They shoot, and ask questions later. But,” he punched at the pillows, and readjusted his position, “perhaps that’s what we should be doing.”
    “They’re people out there, Eric. Ill people, not monsters.”
    “Not monsters? Have you seen them?” Eric pointed to the window. “Those are not people. There’s no coming back from that.”
    “I’ve seen them,” said Williamson in a near whisper. “I’ve seen what they’re capable of.”
    “And you really think they can recover?”
    “I have to believe, otherwise all we’re doing here is for nothing.”
    An awkward silence filled the room.
    Williamson stood.
    “Go home, Eric. Tomorrow. Spend Christmas with your family. But I need you back here the day after Boxing Day. Carter will take over your role until you’re back. How is your wife?”
    “Jacqui’s worried. It’s tough on her.”
    “I understand. Enjoy Christmas as best you can. Let’s hope the new year brings better conditions for us all.” Williamson reached for the door.
    “Any news on Brutus?” Eric asked.
    Brutus was a rogue Black Aquila operative, missing in action. A huge bloke with a huge ego, and a huge debt coming to him. Eric still felt the swelling in his jaw from their last confrontation.
    “Nothing about Brutus, no.”
    “You understand that when we find him, I will kill him?”
    “Enjoy the time with your family. Forget about this place for a few days.” Williamson closed the door behind him.
    Eric could hardly contemplate something as normal as Christmas. It seemed a lifetime since he had enjoyed anything normal. He closed his eyes, hoping for a restful sleep free of nightmares. He would be disappointed.
     
    ***
    Jacqui stood in the kitchen, hand gripping the edge of the sink. Outside, the two kids ran around in the garden trying to catch the snow as it fell. The white painted the branches of the fir bushes. Small piles of snow were growing higher in the corner of the garden, the beginnings of a snowman more than likely. Thick scarves obscured the kids’ mouths but she knew they were both smiling, laughing at the thrill of finally having enough snow to play in.
    She turned from the window, back to the empty kitchen. A clock ticked faithfully on the wall. Eric was back doing what he did. She missed him. He promised he’d be home soon. So many promises. Broken promises. But she understood.
    It was not too long ago Jacqui cringed at the thought of Eric’s return. But he had changed, and much for the better, for her and the kids. The private burden that had caused so much upheaval in their marriage remained, but he’d found a way to keep its tentacles from their home life.
    She wanted him home, not just for her sake but for the kids. He would not let anything bad happen to them. She wanted to be engulfed in his arms, to be reassured and feel safe.
    “Come back soon, Eric,” she whispered.
    The clock ticked and ticked, marking time.
     
    ***
     
    Dr. Holden entered the secure unit, the place he conducted all his research. A huge serpentine ventilation system hummed overhead, the