Rick’s first words as he pulls Henry feet-first out of the rubble were an expression of such gentle concern that they melt Henry’s heart. But then Rick turns him over and realizes he’s a guy. The two are alone in the deserted underground passages of the downtown core, the city above in ruins due to a nuclear near miss that destroyed the power grid and fried all electronic equipment. Yet all Henry can think about is his burning desire to hear that tone in Rick’s voice again. He knew that isn’t likely to happen. Rick is obviously straight, a survivalist, big, obviously capable, and built. Henry, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to bring much to the table. But Rick himself acknowledges two are better than one. So they team up. Their goal is to stay alive as they try to escape the city. It isn’t going to be easy, but there’s a growing sense of connection between them, feelings that challenge the dark desperateness of their situation. Can love flower in a new and brutal world ruled by survival of the fittest?

The Man with the Big Gun

“Well,” I said, “you can’t be in bad shape if you’re making that sort of remark.”


The amused look dropped from Rick’s face at this. He grimaced. “Actually,” he said, “there is—a lot of pain. I just—fight it that way.”


I nodded, tears stinging my eyes. I could really see the pain in his face then, and my admiration for the guy went up further.


“Well, the Demerol should kick in.” I looked at him. “Can I start now? You’re going to need stitches, but by the time I get to that the effect should have taken over.”


I used a pair of small surgical scissors to cut away his shirt, and washed the blood and grit from the wound area. My head didswim slightly at the first sight of this, but I tightened my lips and forced myself to continue.


I threaded the suture needle. Fortunately I had seen some medical shows—I found the process of stitching flesh horrifying entertaining—so I didn’t have much to learn. When I was ready, I looked at him. He nodded.


Chapter 9