Thank you everyone who has read and reviewed! This story is complete, but trust me ... there will be a sequel!
Chapter 20 - Haven
Kate had made amazing time in two days. The closer she got to Fort Belvoir, the more nervous she become. Her route had her traveling dangerously close to the base, and that meant potential for more Walker hoards, as well as any 'crazy' people that may have now have leftover military weapons. But she knew that, whatever happened, nothing could be much worse than life with The Saviors. Negan was never violent to her, never abused her in any typical way. But Kate had witnessed his bloodlust on others, and it made her stomach turn.
Kate couldn't help but wonder if Negan was even looking for her. Each moment, she pushed on, thinking that he was only a day or so behind her. What would happen if Negan did find her? She didn't want to think about it. She could only pray that Simon would be with him, and make good on his promise.
After a day of cold rain, Kate finally noticed that she was getting close. She picked up her pace, despite the weather. Finally, in her sights was a boat landing. It was mostly empty, except for a few small fishing boats. Desperate to find the right vessel, she searched until she found a kayak, tied to a small dock. It was perfect for what she needed. Kate was distracted by her own thoughts, and didn't hear the two Walkers that were closing in from behind their hiding place. It was too late; one of the grabbed her leg and knocked her to the ground.
Kate struggled to reach her knife. She was in full panic mode now. She kicked, and writhed, and finally pulled her knife from it's sheath. She managed to stab the Walker in the head, and free herself. There was still the problem of the second one, but she was ready now. She flung her pack to the ground and stabbed it without thinking twice. Once free of the threat, she grabbed her pack and placed the kayak in the water. She climbed in, and paddled off towards Mount Vernon.
The weather was still damp, and Kate was soon soaking wet. She was worried that she would be sick as a result, but the need to find her destination kept her movitated. She imagined what she would find once she was there. How many people would be living there? Would there be anyone at all? So many scenes played out in her mind as she gently manuevred the oar. She hoped that Negan's reach hadn't stretched to the once grand historic home. Kate had never heard him speak of it, only the Hilltop, Alexandria, and The Kingdom.
By the time that the sun was starting to set, she could see torch light in the distance. Was she close? She hoped so. She could see a large dock as well that was partly covered. Kate could just make out a man sitting in a chair, holding a large rifle. This matched the discrption in the book, and she said a silent prayer. The closer she drew to the dock, the more she could make out the person sitting there. And soon, that person noticed her, too. The man stood, raised his rifle, and called out to her.
"Paddle to the shore, toss your pack out, and hold you hands high." The man called to Kate. She complied, and he came jogging over.
"Is this Mount Vernon? Please tell me that this is Mount Vernon." Kate asked, exhausted.
"It is. Stand up slowly, and keep your hands where I can see them." He confirmed.
Kate was all to happy to comply. The man moved his rifle to his back and patted Kate down, checking her for weapons. He noted the knife but didn't take it. He then went to her pack and emptied it on the sand and rocks. He confiscated the gun, but returned everything else.
"You can keep the rest. We check in all guns." The man tossed her pack back to her.
"Do you know Negan?" Kate asked, her voice timid.
"Negan? What's that, a band?" The man confirmed her fears and and, all at once, Kate fell to the ground and passed out.
When Kate awoke, she found herself inside of a canvas tent. The cot she was laying on was hard, but the blankets that covered her provided warmth, and she was grateful. She looked around and found a woman standing in the doorway.
"You're awake. I was a bit worried. You spiked a fever in the middle of the night. How do you feel now?" The woman moved closer, sitting on a crate next to the cot.
"Tired. I think I rowed most of the afternoon and evening." Kate's joints ached.
"Well, relax. You're safe now. I'm Elizabeth, and I'm one of the leaders here. Welcome to Mount Vernon."