I glanced at Bryce and the look in his eyes made me blush.
He grabbed my arm. “Hey, this thing between us, it isn’t over,” he said softly.
“Um…I have to…get something to drink,” I said, turning away.
He smiled then released my arm. “I’ll go check on Bobby.
Chapter Twenty
Eva strolled into the kitchen as I finished drinking my water. I tried to ignore her but she started talking.
“So, I spoke to my mom,” she said, twirling her hair around her finger.
I turned to her, genuinely happy for her. “That’s great! Where is she?”
“She’s at a Crisis Unit that’s been set up at the St. James Hospital. She’s going to send someone for me as soon as they have things under control.”
St. James is the closest hospital to our home. My mom would’ve taken the injured soldier to that hospital.
“Did she mention if there are there many survivors there?” I asked.
“She said there were less than a hundred right now, but more keep arriving. They’ve set up a security force to hold off all the zombies, but they keep coming as well.”
I grabbed her arm. “Can you call her back?” I had to find out if my mother was there.
Eva sighed. “No, she called me using someone else’s phone. I didn’t even get a chance to talk to her very long.”
“I have to get ahold of someone at St. James. Can you hit redial, and then we can call whoever’s phone she used last? They might be able to tell me if my mom ever made it to the hospital.”
Eva shook her head. “Sorry, it’s not working anymore. I tried texting one of my friends after talking to my mom, and the battery completely died.”
The fact that there were living people at the hospital rekindled my hope. It was possible that my mother was still alive at the hospital.
“Okay, once Sara wakes up, we’re leaving to check on Kevin. Then I’m going to St. James to find my mother.”
Eva shook her head. “Listen, my mom said there are hundreds of zombies surrounding the hospital. They believe the zombies are drawn to the Crisis Unit because the scent of blood is so strong. It’s going to be next to impossible to get through.”
“It’s only going to get worse; it’s now or never. If the zombies are running out of food on the streets, many more will show up at the hospital.”
“I’m with you,” said Bryce, walking into the kitchen, followed by Kristie. “We overheard and I agree; if we wait too long, then we’ll miss our chance to find out if your mom’s alive.”
“I’m coming, too,” replied Kristie, putting her arm around me. “If it wasn’t for you rescuing me and my children from ‘Zombie Dan’, we might’ve never made it out of there. Besides, I want to help you find your mother because she’s also a good friend.”
“What about the others? I don’t want to risk them getting injured. Do you think they’ll be safe here without us?”
“Hannah, Paige, and Kylie can stay here and watch the kids until we get back,” replied Kristie. “They’ll be fine. The zombies haven’t been very aggressive. They’re not even very smart. Unless someone opens the door and invites them in, I don’t think we have anything to worry about.”
Eva touched Bryce’s arm. “I should come, too. My mom’s at the hospital and I’m not spending another night in a daycare.”
I gave her a scathing look. “It beats being alone on the streets where we found you.”
Eva had the decency to look embarrassed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just worried about my mom. I’m coming, if that’s okay?”
“Just stay out of trouble,” I muttered.
“Is it okay if I leave Chi Chi here, for now? She seems so happy with Goldie and I can pick her up when it’s not so dangerous out there.”
“Yeah, she can stay,” I said.
Kristie tapped her nails on the counter. “It’s settled then. As soon Sara wakes up, we’ll leave.”
I nodded. “Okay. Let’s go look through my dad’s guns and ammunition. Kristie, can you shoot a gun?”
She sighed. “Well, let me tell you; I can pull a trigger, I just don’t know if I can hit anything with the bullet.”
I bit the side of my lip. “Okay. How about you wait until a zombie gets close enough for you to hit it, but not close enough for it to bite you. Aim right between the eyes and pull the trigger,” I replied.
Bryce rubbed his forehead and sighed. “Maybe we should just let her use the bat.”
“What about me?” pouted Eva as she traced circles on Bryce’s bicep using a perfectly non-chipped fingertip. “What should I do?”
“Just stay out of the way, so you don’t get hurt,” I snapped. I really wanted to hurt her myself right now. It irritated me how Bryce just let her touch him so casually. He was so clueless.
Eva scowled at me then looked at Bryce. “Fine, I’ll just stay close to Bryce. I don’t think I’ve ever been in such capable hands.”
He shrugged. “Considering what we’re up against, I think it’s wise if we all stay close together and be prepared for anything. Every one of us should have some kind of weapon, too, whether it’s a bat, a shovel, or a gun. Which reminds me; Cassie, let’s go look at your dad’s and figure out which ones to bring with.”
“Eva, why don’t you get dressed,” said Kristie, putting an arm around her and guiding her out of the kitchen. “I don’t think your little nightie is appropriate for where we’re going.”
Eva was still wearing her slinky baby-doll nightgown that barely covered her rear. She smiled coyly at Bryce and licked her lips. “Sorry, I didn’t have anything else to wear. I wasn’t planning on doing a slumber party when I packed it. I’ll change it so I’m not a distraction.”
For the love of God, I thought. Why did we have to save her irritating life?
Bryce looked amused but didn’t say anything as he followed me downstairs to my dad’s gun safe; he almost fell over when he saw all the guns.
“Wow. Lucky for us your dad loves firepower,” he said.
“Yes, he’s obsessed with guns,” I replied, pulling out a semi-automatic rifle. I’d never fired the gun but it seemed pretty impressive.
“Have you tried all of these?” Bryce asked picking up different guns.
“Almost; not this one, though,” I said, opening the chamber. “My dad and I go to the shooting range every weekend so I’ve had a chance to try many of them.”
He took the rifle from me and examined it. “I’ve been around guns all my life, my dad was a cop. Wow, this is an SKS. It’s good for long-range shooting. It will definitely come in handy. Let’s bring it with.”
“So, where’s your dad now?” I asked.
Bryce sighed. “He died about five years ago, trying to stop some asshole from butchering his wife.”
I felt terrible for bringing his dad up. “Wow, I’m sorry. That must have been horrible.”
He nodded. “It was. Good news is that the wife survived a gunshot wound to her chest. It barely missed her heart. They both had little kids at the time.”
“What happened to your dad and the shooter?”
He looked me in the eyes. “My dad made a bad decision that cost him his life. He thought he could stop the husband from killing his wife, all by himself. The negotiator had pissed the shooter off and would no longer answer any phone calls. So my dad snuck into the backyard to try and get in. What he didn’t realize was that the man had hidden surveillance cameras and he was shot before he even made it through the window.”
“I’m so sorry,” I replied softly.
He smiled sadly. “It’s okay. It’s been awhile and I’ve learned to accept it.”
“What happened to the husband?”
“He thought he’d killed his wife and blew his own brains out.”
I shuddered. “How…tragic.”
“Yeah it was pretty tough to handle back then, especially for a fifteen-year-old kid. That’s about the time I really got into the
martial arts, to help me focus on something other than my old man’s death.”
“And now you also have a passion for guns like he did?” I asked.
“They’re impressive, what can I say? I still have my dad’s collection, but nothing compared to this assortment. But I still go to the firing range a couple times a month, have friends in the military who keep me up-to-date on the latest gadgets, and I have a magazine subscription to Gun Digest.”
I laughed. “So you’re an expert on both firearms and the martial arts. Kind of a deadly weapon yourself, aren’t you?”
Bryce smiled wickedly. “I’m an expert on other things as well. Let’s just say I’m not just a fighter, Ms. Wild.”
“Okay, lover boy,” said Kristie, walking down the stairs, an unlit cigarette dangling from her mouth. “Keep your mind on the weapons.”
He saluted her. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Pick out a gun, Kristie,” I said, attempting to change the subject.
Kristie walked over and grabbed a Smith and Wesson handgun. “I’ve shot one of these before at the gun range with Dan. This will do; just load it for me and show me how to remove the safety.”
“Wow, that was easy,” I said.
She nodded and smiled “I’m a no-nonsense kind of gal, Cassie. I just need a gun to shoot and a target that’s less than twelve inches away.”
I shook my head and giggled.
We loaded Kristie’s SUV with the guns and ammunition. She yawned and stretched her arms. “I’m bushed and it’s still pretty early. I’m going to lie down for a while if that’s okay?”
“Go ahead. You’re driving and we need you alert,” I said.
Kristie left and it was just me and Bryce staring at each other.
He yawned. “I’d better get some rest, too,” said Bryce. “So…care to join me, Wild?”
It was tempting but I knew it probably meant trouble. “No, I’ve got to watch Megan. You can sleep in my room though. There won’t be any distractions there,” I replied, thinking of Eva.
“Thanks. How about tucking me in?” he asked with a little smile.
I blushed. “Maybe…next time.”
“I’ll remember that,” he said, yawning again. He then brushed my lips quickly with his own and both of us parted, smiling.
Chapter Twenty-One
“This is going to be tricky,” said Bryce as we stood in the garage several hours later. There were still a number of zombies stumbling around the driveway and we didn’t want to let them in. “I’m going to have Kristie drive and then I’ll take out any zombies that try to get into the house through the garage.”
“Don’t forget to toss that rotting one out with them too. The horrible smell is starting to get into the basement,” I said.
Bryce sighed. “Fine, I’ll drag it out…if you cover me.”
I nodded my head. “Sure.”
“Okay, are you feeling all right, Sara?” asked Bryce.
Sara looked both frightened and determined at the same time. It had been almost two days since she’d spoken to Kevin and we all knew the chance that he was still alive was pretty slim.
“I’m fine,” she said. “Let’s just do this before I change my mind.” She’d been nervous about leaving Megan but Kristie had reassured her that the zombies would never figure out how to get inside.
“My hair looks so dull,” complained Eva looking at herself in a mirror she’d pulled out of her tote bag. I couldn’t believe she was worried about her hair while we were worried about making it out of the garage alive. Although, truthfully her red hair looked so shiny it was grating.
“You’re hair does not look dull,” replied Kristie.
“It’s so shiny that I’m sure you’ll draw all types of unwanted attention,” I muttered.
Bryce chuckled. “Okay, everyone’s hair in place? Everyone use the bathroom? Noses powdered?”
“Wait, I need my cigarettes!” Kristie said, running back into the house. Seconds later she returned with two packs. “Now, I’m ready for anything.”
“Good thing you volunteered Paige to stay behind,” I remarked.
She shrugged but I didn’t miss the gleam in her eyes.
Everyone got back into the SUV but Bryce and me.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
I nodded. I had the gun out and my hammer in a utility type of belt that I’d concocted from an old leather belt and holster.
“Wait,” he said, coming towards me. He grabbed the back of my head and pulled me towards him, stealing a quick kiss. He released me and looked into my eyes. “Just in case I don’t get a chance to do that again.”
His words were like a splash of cold water as the reality of our situation set in. We were heading right into serious danger again and it was more than feasible that any of us could be killed by a zombie.
“Hey, Bryce,” sighed Kristie from the truck. “They don’t have any more like you at home, do they? Cause I got to tell you…”
I chuckled. I knew Kristie was a hopeless romantic and it wouldn’t be long before husband number three would be in the mist. If there was anyone left.
Kristie turned towards the back of the SUV and snapped, “Oh, Eva, would you just chill the hell out.” I knew then that Eva must not have enjoyed the kiss as much as I did.
“Okay,” Bryce said, raising his gun and walking towards the garage door opener. “Get ready, everyone.”
Kristie started the engine and rolled up her window.
Bryce pressed the garage door opener, grabbed the dead zombie by its clothing, and started dragging him towards the opening. When the garage door was all the way up, Kristie pressed firmly on the gas and backed out, crushing two zombies who were staring stupidly at the SUV. I ignored the now-familiar bone crunching and moaning of the zombies and began firing my gun at the new ones coming toward us.
“Behind you, Bryce!” I yelled as dead and rotted Mr. Hendrickson appeared behind Bryce.
Bryce snapped his head back, hitting the zombie in the forehead. He turned around, kicked it in the stomach, then blew off Mr. Hendrickson’s slackened zombie face. Bryce scowled and brushed off the back of his head, trying to remove zombie brain particles.
I shuddered. “That was…so nasty.”
“To your left!” hollered Bryce.
The crazy old lady from up the street was snarling and coming right at me. She’d always been a cruel and hateful woman, screaming at anyone who’d ever gotten too close to her yard, and God forbid if you should accidently kick a ball onto her lawn. She wouldn’t just keep it; she’d destroy it while you watched, smiling smugly and daring you to say anything. Needless to say, my mom had weathered many heated arguments with the old broad and I still couldn’t stand her, dead or alive.
“Sorry, Hazel,” I said, raising my gun, “but your days of being a bitter old bitch are now over.”
Hazel growled angrily and then fell backwards as the bullet entered her rotting skull.
We killed the last two zombies trying to get into the garage, then closed it and jumped into the SUV.
“Those things smell awful! God, I could smell them from inside the truck,” complained Eva.
“That reminds me,” I said, pulling out the small jar from my pocket. “Vicks, anyone?”
~~~
Zombies must have been waking up all over the city because even the rural areas were plagued with them.
“I had no idea,” whispered Sara, staring out the window in horror.
The streets were like obstacle courses and it was difficult to navigate the SUV around both the abandoned cars and zombies. Fortunately, most of the zombies ignored us, staggering aimlessly with no real apparent destination.
“Watch out!” said Bryce as a zombie stepped in front of our moving vehicle.
Kristie cringed in revulsion as the zombie bounced off the front grill and over the hood. “That was…unpleasant,” she muttered, grasping the steering wheel a little tighter.
We drove past the karate studio
and noticed the large plate-glass window in the front was smashed. Zombies wandered around the entire mini-mall, shuffling through broken glass…paper debris…and other dead zombies.
“I hope Master Jordan survived,” I said.
“I know he didn’t get the vaccine,” replied Bryce. “Neither did Mae; both of them are into natural herbal remedies. I’d bet anything that he’s alive somewhere. He’s definitely one guy who’s not going down easily.”
“He’s a great guy. I hope you’re right,” I said.
Sara’s place is located in a newer development where many of the homes are still under construction and thankfully, we didn’t run into any zombies.
“Listen, Kristie and Eva; honk if you see any zombies approaching.”
“Okay,” replied Kristie. She picked up the Smith and Wesson and placed it on her lap.
“Can’t I come with?” asked Eva.
“No, it’s too dangerous. You’re much safer in here,” he replied.
It wasn’t the answer she was looking for. “Fine,” she sniffed.
“Let’s go, I can’t wait anymore,” said Sara. She opened the door and jumped out of the SUV. Bryce and I got out and followed her to the front door.
Sara pulled out her keys, but the door was unlocked. “Kevin?” she called, opening it. “Kevin, it’s me, Sara!”
The house was eerily quiet when we entered. Like my house, it was a split-level, but much larger and newer.
Sara tossed her keys onto a new granite counter and turned to us. “The bedroom is upstairs. He’s probably sleeping,” she said.
We followed Sara upstairs where there were three bedrooms and a bathroom. One of the doors was shut and that’s where she headed.
Bryce grabbed my arm. “Be ready,” he said into my ear.
I nodded as we followed her into the master bedroom. The room was huge with a built-in fireplace and cozy chenille chaise off to one side of the room, a private bathroom with a built-in whirlpool bath on the other. It was the nicest bedroom I’d ever been in considering its current state. Discarded clothing, used tissues, and empty food containers lay scattered all over plush carpeting.
Darlings of Decay Page 54