Free Lockdown (AM13 Outbreak Series) by Samie Sands Page A

going to explode. If I don’t speak now, I think I’ll self-combust.
    I push past everyone and storm into Jamie’s office, allowing the red mist to consume me. “This is just—” I start, not really knowing where I’m going with this. “I just—I don’t know what to say, Jamie. There’s so much wrong with all of this. You must be able to see that…” I’m panting, practically breathless, and I haven’t even really said anything yet!
    Just as I feel myself about to go into a full rant, Jamie interrupts me. “You need to remember, Leah, that we’re only in charge of relaying the information. The plans aren’t mine. I know it’s difficult when things aren’t clear, but you have to remember, this is going to save lives. No matter what happens, if you keep that in mind then the rest won’t bother you as much.”
    I roll my eyes at his ridiculous words. I just can’t even start to tolerate Jamie’s weird belief in zombies today, so I just turn and walk out without saying another word.
     
    ***
     
    As the day turns into evening, I can’t help but notice there are still people outside. I seethe under the surface, but remain stoic for the purposes of everyone else. The others all slowly finish their work and wander off to the canteen for the first night of the Lockdown, laughing and chattering as they go. They seem to be in high spirits for now, but I know that won’t last forever.
    I stay at my desk, my head resting in my hands, not ready to face the night just yet. I just want a moment to myself. I don’t actually move until a voice forces me to.
    “Hey.” Michelle sits down next to me, a lit cigarette in her hand. Before I can say anything about this, she laughs loudly. “If we aren’t allowed outside they can hardly keep up the smoking ban, can they?”
    I smile weakly as a reply. I know she’s trying to cheer me up, but I feel like I’m too far gone for that.
    “Don’t leave without me.” She leans in closer, her expression now deadly serious. “I know you want to go. I can see it in your face. If you do, I’ll go with you.”
    I screw my face up in confusion. Sure, I was thinking about leaving afterwards, but I hadn’t really considered going now. I mean, is that even possible? It’ll have to be a proper fugitive-style breakout if we do. Plus, with the Lockdown, it’ll be impossible to be discreet. I stare at her, waiting for her to laugh and tell me she’s joking, but she doesn’t.
    “I haven’t…” I start, but somehow can’t quite finish the sentence. There might be a time when I do want to leave. Who knows what’s going to happen whilst we’re here—something might crop up that makes getting the hell out of this place more important than keeping my job. Instead of vocalising all of the arguments spinning around in my brain, I gulp, nod, and shrug all at the same time.
    “Come on.” She stands up, tugging on my arm. “Let’s find somewhere to drink this.” She pulls a small bottle of vodka out of her pocket. “Let’s get away from the others—they’re all driving me mental!” I’m sure this last part is more for me than her, for which I’m extremely grateful.
    We sneak out to the small smoking area outside—a place Michelle could have easily had her cigarette; clearly that was a mini-protest of sorts. Jamie can’t be angry at us coming here. It’s still behind the walls, so technically we’re still at work, but it feels a little like we have some freedom too. Luckily none of the others have had the same idea as us, allowing us the privacy I desire so badly.
    We spend the rest of the evening growing increasingly tipsy on screwdrivers—which seem to get stronger as the night wears on. As I start to feel a little drunk, Michelle brings up the prospect of leaving once more. This time the conversation is more lighthearted. She talks about the epic escape and what she wants to do when she’s finally free, as if she’s been locked up for years. I don’t know if