by Bale, Sarah
“Where on earth did they come from?” Jo asked.
I replied, “We used to have chickens at the hospital. I wonder if some escaped and then reproduced?”
Coop rubbed his hands together, his eyes glistening. “We’ll have omelets, roasted chicken, scrambled eggs, and so much more. Oh, happy day!”
“Whoa, dude. You’re getting ahead of yourself. Have you ever tried to catch a chicken?”
Because I had. My dad loved the taste of free-range chickens, so all of our poultry had wandered around as they pleased. When it came time to catch them, it usually took the entire day. Lilly, Theo, and I would be exhausted when it was all said and done.
Cooper shook his head. “No, but how hard can it be?”
“Let’s go back to the hospital and see if there’s anything we can use to cage them.”
Cooper all but jogged back to the hospital while Jo and I took our time.
Jo laughed. “That put a giddy-up in his step.”
“He’ll get over his excitement when he sees how difficult it is to catch them.”
By the time we got back to the building, Cooper had already told Elijah about the chickens.
Elijah said, “I think we have an old dog kennel that you can use. Might be able to catch a few and bring them back.” He glanced at the new barn that was being built. “They won’t have a place to roost for a few weeks, though.”
I knew he was frustrated at the slow pace, but there wasn’t anything that could be done without more help. I was glad the frame was up. With the men working on the well, too, it was a miracle this much was accomplished.
I said, “What about bringing them inside the hospital? The old physical therapy room would be big enough. And, if we take some of the storage bins from the shelves in the old pharmacy, we can make roosts.”
Elijah’s eyes brightened. “That’s a damn good idea.”
“It’ll at least work until we get the barn built.” I looked around. “Don’t suppose you want to come with us?”
He grinned. “Thought you’d never ask.” To the men standing around him, he said, “Boys, let’s go catch some chickens.”
By the end of the day we’d managed to catch thirty hens and two roosters. Grey had unwittingly discovered the eggs hidden throughout the grass when he’d stepped on one, so we also had two baskets full of eggs.
Norm asked, “But how do we know if they’ve been fertilized?”
I replied, “Hold it up to the light. If there’s a chick inside you’ll be able to tell.”
Coop said, “I can’t even begin to express how happy this makes me.”
Grinning, I replied, “I’m glad.”
“Are we still going to gather apples?” Jo asked.
Elijah glanced up to the sky. “We’re losing sunlight.”
Cooper said, “It’s not far, I promise.”
He led the way to the apple trees, where our group went to work collecting the fruit. Thankfully, the frost last night hadn’t damaged them. This would more than likely be our last shot at apples this season, though.
I called out, “Elijah, weren’t the berry bushes nearby?”
“Just over that hill.”
I grabbed a basket. Jo and Coop joined me as we went up the hill. The sky was turning light shades of pinks and purples. When I exhaled, I could see my breath.
“Feels like it’s getting colder,” Jo said as she shivered.
I replied, “I’m worried about how bad winter is going to be.”
Ahead, there were a few berry bushes. We went to work picking them. I popped one in my mouth, letting the juice burst on my tongue. The berry was a little tart, but would make an excellent jam.
Cooper said, “This reminds me of reading the Little House on the Prairie series as a kid. The Ingalls got sick from berries in one of the books.”
“I read those books, too. Again, what stood out to me was the terrible winter they had where they had to burn hay to survive.”
Jo sighed dreamily. “And Almanzo saved the town.”
We all grinned at each other.
“We’re a bunch of nerds.” I said.
Jo replied, “I can live with that.”
We chatted about other books we’d read growing up until the sun set and it was difficult to see.
Elijah came over the hill.
“You about ready to go home?”
Home. Such a small word, but it held great meaning. And that’s where we were. Home.
Eleven
Elijah
It was amazing how so much could change in such a short amount of time. Finding the chickens had been the start of that change. Then, we’d finished the new well and had running water inside the hospital. The barn was coming along, too. But the biggest change was the people who had come back.
Andrews and Nancy were true to their word. They went out each day finding people who used to live under my protection and brought them back. I was surprised at how many people who hadn’t gone with Wyatt. It meant a lot to me.
As of now, there were about ten families living in the housing addition. Each morning we would all get up and have breakfast together. Cooper was proudly serving eggs most days from the chickens he so proudly tended to. Then we would get to work going through the burned homes to see if anything could be salvaged.
We’d cleared out all of the lots with burned houses. The families seemed excited about having spaces for their own gardens in the spring. It was simple, but, more importantly, it was something to look forward to.
Andrews asked, “Are you still going to plant crops behind the hospital?”
Since the new well was finished we’d be able to have clean water to use for irrigation. We’d also discovered the second well at the end of the fields hadn’t been contaminated.
“I am, but not until Spring. It’s important for everyone to learn how to work the fields.” I answered with a smile.
I was going to do everything in my power to make sure these people could rely on themselves if something were to happen to me.
Andrews said, “I’d like to help with the crops. I used to work with my grandpa on his farm, so I think I’ll be useful.”
Nancy added, “Plus, he’ll look so sexy with a farmer’s tan.”
We all laughed as his cheeks darkened in a blush.
I said, “I’ll hold you to that.”
Grey, who sat across from me, asked, “What’s on the agenda today?”
I said, “Daisy and I talked last night. We’re going to head over to Bobby’s place today and ask one last time if anyone wants to come back.”
Daisy nodded. “They need to settle in before the weather gets too bad. Plus, we need to know how many mouths we’ll be feeding.”
Grey darted his glance between Daisy and me. “Who all are you going to talk to over there?”
Daisy sighed. “I’m not thrilled at the prospect, but if Marianne really wants to come back, then I’m not going to stop her.”
We’d talked about the situation several times. I respected her opinions and feelings, so we’d come up with a few guidelines to protect us.
I put my arm around her shoulders. “I’m going to make sure that anyone who wants to live here understands the rules.”
The rules were simple. Everyone was coming in with a clean slate. But, if they messed up, they were gone. No exceptions. This time I vowed to know my enemies. I would weigh risk against reward. And I would fight for my people. Daisy had liked my new rules so much that she said she was going to cross-stitch them onto a pillow.
Grey shook his head. “You’re a brave man, Boss.”
Kat added, “But we trust you.”
“Thank you, Kat.”
She nodded. “No need to thank me. Just make sure they know not to come near my room or my man and we’re good.”
“If anyone comes back they’ll be staying in the two empty houses until more can be built. For now, the group that came from Texas is the only one who will be staying inside the hospital.”
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That was something else Daisy and I had agreed upon. She gave me a small smile.
I said, “We should go. I don’t want to waste the day over at Bobby’s place.”
Grey said, “We’re going to work on the barn today. I think we might finish it, if the wind doesn’t pick up.”
“That’s damn good news.”
Hand-in-hand Daisy and I made our way outside, to the van we’d found. I opened Daisy’s door and then went around to the driver’s side.
As I started the vehicle I asked, “Are you sure you want to do this?”
Though we’d talked about the situation, I needed to make sure one last time that she was okay with our plan.
She shrugged. “I think that anyone who wanted to come back would have done so by now, but there’s no harm in asking one last time.”
“I was talking more about Marianne.”
Her mouth curved in a frown. “She’s not my favorite person, as you know, but I’m okay with it if she can follow the rules.”
I brought her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckles. “Thank you.”
I drove toward Bobby’s place. The roads were empty, but there were signs that a large horde had been through the area. Stalled cars had scratches on them and the mirrors were broken. There were also bits of flesh dangling from trees and on the sides of buildings.
Daisy cringed. “Wonder which way that horde went?”
We both knew that if they came our way we’d be in trouble. The fences were mostly repaired, but we also needed extra layers of protection, like wooden stakes for the biters to impale themselves on. Plus, we still didn’t have enough ammunition if things went to shit. Grey and a few others had gone on a couple of runs, but hadn’t found much other than this van.
I said, “I’m sure they headed toward the river.”
Biters were drawn to the sound of running water, so it was possible. The look on Daisy’s face let me know that she wasn’t buying what I was selling.
We turned the corner and Bobby’s home came into view. Nothing looked out of place as we parked. When Daisy and I got out of the van a young kid ran inside the building. A moment later Bobby came hobbling out.
“Back again?” He glanced at Daisy. “With a woman, I see.”
He wasn’t pleased that she was here. His tone gave it away as did the frown on his wrinkled face.
I nodded. “We came to see if anyone had decided to come back.”
“Reckon they would have showed up at your place if they wanted to be there.”
A curtain moved in one of the windows on the second floor and I caught a glimpse of a woman. She quickly moved out of view before I could get a good look at her.
Daisy cleared her throat and said, “We’d like to try one last time to talk to them, if that is okay with you?”
I didn’t think he was going to answer her, which irritated me.
Finally, he said, “One last time. Because this is getting tiresome.” He pointed to the gate. “Go to the back and I’ll send them out.”
He went back inside, closing the door, and we made our way to the gate.
Daisy glanced over her shoulder and asked in a low tone, “This doesn’t feel right. Why won’t he let us in?”
“I wondered the same thing. Did you see the woman in the window?”
She nodded. “I did.”
We reached the backyard to find a few people waiting, none of them female. Amos was also missing. In fact, none of these people were from the old group. I didn’t know a single person there.
Daisy said under her breath, “They look ill.”
That was putting it mildly. These men looked like they were on their deathbeds.
I asked the man closest to me, “Where are the others? Where are the women?”
“There aren’t anymore. We’re it.”
I looked him over. The whites of his eyes were yellow as was the undertone of his skin. He was clearly suffering from some sort of liver condition. A man behind him coughed and spit blood.
I said to Daisy, “It appears he’s sent us the members of his community who are ill.”
The man in front of me wheezed out, “He said you were going to take care of us.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t let you come to my community like this.”
They hadn’t lived there before and it wasn’t fair to ask my people to take them in, especially when they wouldn’t be able to help with chores. Plus, there was no telling if they were contagious.
His eyes widened. “You have to. If you don’t, they’re going to kill us like they did the rest.”
Unease crept up my spine. Had Bobby killed the members of my old community? Is that why no one had come back to the hospital?
Another man nodded. “That’s the way it works here. If you’re sick, you die.”
Daisy tugged on my hand, pulling me aside.
She whispered, “We can’t leave them here, Elijah.”
“I agree, but I need to know where the rest are.”
If they were alive then I had to help them.
She sighed. “I’ll take them to the van. If you’re not out in ten minutes I’m coming after you.”
I kissed her and replied, “Know your enemy. If you go inside, there’s a chance he will hurt you.”
“I’d like to see him try.”
I knew she was serious, so I said, “I’ll hurry.”
She turned to the men as I went up the steps to the building. I prayed I wasn’t making a horrible mistake by going into Bobby’s home. Opening the door, I stepped inside and was met with an eerie silence. Above me, a floorboard creaked. There was a cough down the hall. Since the woman had been upstairs, I decided to go that way first.
I crept up the stairs, praying I didn’t make any noise. The wooden steps were mostly silent, until the last one creaked loudly. Cursing under my breath, I made my way down the hallway. Most of the doors were closed. I went to the one at the end of the hallway, which was the room where the curtain moved. Slowly, I turned the knob. The door groaned as I opened it. I stepped inside, closing it behind me.
There before me was Marianne and ten other women. They were totally nude and had bruises covering most of their bodies.
Marianne came across the room, throwing herself into my arms. “Thank God! I knew you’d come back for us.”
I whispered, “What happened?”
“Bobby’s lost his mind. After you left he locked us up, saying we weren’t going to leave him. Said it would make you stronger than him.”
One of the other women asked, “Do you know where they’ve taken my husband?”
Marianne said, “She’s married to Hardy. He was out there the day you came.”
I replied, “I don’t know where the men are, but I’m going to find them.” To Marianne I said, “Take these women outside. Daisy is waiting in a silver van. When you get to her, tell her to take you back home and find Grey. Tell her to bring back help. Can you do that?”
She nodded. “I can do that.”
I felt bad that these women had no clothing, but there wasn’t time to find them any. Plus, the longer I spent in the building, the more dangerous it became.
Opening the door, I made sure the coast was clear.
“Take the first door on your right at the bottom of the stairs. Run when you get outside and don’t look back no matter what.”
Marianne grabbed my hand. “If he hasn’t killed the men then they’re either in the basement or in the old jailhouse down the street.”
“Thank you. Now go!”
She nodded and led the women down the stairs. I followed, making sure no one came up from behind. They reached the door and took off running. I went the other way, heading toward Bobby’s office. Gunfire rang out and my blood ran cold. No! I couldn’t think about what was happening out there! I needed to find the men before I was discovered.
The door to Bobby’s office was open, but he wasn’t inside. I went to the desk and opened the drawers. There was a pistol and two magaz
ines with bullets. It was better than nothing. I slipped the weapon in my waistband. There was a set of keys hanging on the wall. My gut said to grab them, just in case.
When I slipped out of the office I heard Bobby’s laugh.
“Good one, boy. You got the bitch right between the eyes.”
I froze. Daisy! But I didn’t know for sure that’s who had been shot. And I needed to free the men while I could.
A younger voice replied, “I want to shoot another one.”
“Looks like they took off. Fucking pussies.”
“Pa, how did they get out?”
Bobby replied, “Huh. Didn’t think about that. Why don’t you go up there and see?”
They were in a room a few feet ahead of me. I ducked into the nearest room, praying it was empty. When I saw where I was, I could have wept in joy. Apparently, Bobby liked to keep his weapons near the door, in case he needed them. I grabbed a backpack lying on the desk and loaded it with as much ammo and as many guns it could hold. Then I slipped another pistol into my waistband.
Pressing my ear against the door, I listened. A door slammed from somewhere in the house, but other than that I didn’t hear a thing. The last time I’d been here, I had noticed a door behind the stairs. If I were to guess, that door led to the basement. Slowly, I made my way from the room to the stairway. The door was slightly open, so I slipped through it. I tried to shove my nerves away, but it was hard. I had no good memories associated with this building and being in the pitch dark didn’t help. I couldn’t even see my hand if I waved it in front of my face.
When I reached the last step, I heard a deep groan.
“Amos. Are you down here?”
“Boss? Is that you?”
I replied, “Keep talking so I can find you.”
“You shouldn’t be down here. There’s no telling what Bobby will do if he finds you.”
I reached a cell, touching the bars until I felt the door. “You in here?”
By the shuffling inside, there was more than one person there.
Amos replied, “Yes. There should be a flashlight on the ground. Might help you see better.”
Squatting, I felt around until I found the light. Flipping it on, I saw Amos smiling back at me. Behind him stood twenty men. They were crammed in the cell so tight that they couldn’t even sit. Judging by the smell, they’d been in the cell for a while, forced to shit and piss themselves.