“But that’s crazy.”
I let out a bark of laughter, “You’re telling me. Come on we need to clean up these bodies, wash up and reload, just in case. We’ll go after her in the morning. She probably won’t return tonight.”
“Alright, let’s get started.”
We spent a few hours gathering up the bodies and piling them together to light on fire. We used half a dozen bottles of lighter fluid to ignite the gruesome pile. I stood there, watching the flames licking the faces, chests, and limbs of the once humans. Fire has always been a minor fascination of mine, and it was one of the reasons I became a firefighter. I’ve caught myself wasting hours just sitting around a campfire, watching the glowing embers. It might sound weird, but I find a respectful beauty in fire, even now. Sarah broke me free from my silent musings “Hey,” she said putting her arm around me, “You ok?”
I nodded slowly, “Yeah, I am now.”
“Come on, it’s late. We should go to bed.”
“I need to stay up. We have to have someone on watch.”
“Thomas has it covered. He already volunteered.”
“But he does it all the time.”
“Yeah but he knows that you and the other need rest.”
“I’m fine,” I said none too convincingly.
“Don’t make me have to drag you inside.”
I laughed weakly, “Ok, let me clean up and then I’ll go to bed.”
“Good.”
I left the bodies to turn to ash and headed inside. The thick, blackish blood had dried on my skin, forming a sticky layer on my arms. I flexed my hands and watched as it cracked and flaked away. I stripped off my shirt, boots, and socks and went to the bathroom to wash. There were several pots of hot water already waiting for me, and I was happy that someone had thought ahead. I mixed some soap and bleach in the scalding water and began scrubbing. It took a while and every drop of water that was provided, but I was able to rid myself of the tainted blood. I walked to my room with a towel around my waist and got a pair of basketball shorts. I was suddenly extremely tired, fatigue setting into my muscles and bones. My hands were sore from gripping my knives all night, and my head was pounding from the sudden drop in adrenaline. I cracked my neck loudly and heard the door open behind me. “That’s so gross,” I heard Sarah say
“Sorry,” I said taking her into my arms.
“So gross,” she repeated.
“Are you kidding me? I was covered in rotting blood just a little while ago, and you didn’t even wrinkle your nose, but you still think a little joint popping is gross?”
“Uh, yeah.”
“You’re so weird.”
“You know you love me.”
“That’s true,” I said kissing her.
“You’re supposed to be in bed.”
I grinned, “Suddenly I’m not so tired.”
“You can barely stand.”
I grinned even wider, “Well it’s a good thing I don’t have to be on my feet.”
She laughed, and it had an instant calming effect on me. After a stressful situation, some people like to drink, some like to sleep, others work out or do something else to relieve their tension. All I need was Sarah and her laugh. “Bed. Now,” she smiled.
“Don’t have to tell me twice,” I said and pulled her along with me.
She laughed again as we fell on the bed together. She kissed me gently and said, “Go to sleep.”
“I’m not tired.”
“Well if you’re feeling so awake then maybe you want to rub my back.”
“You know what,” I said grinning, “I think you’re right. I should go to bed.”
She smacked me on the shoulder and said, “That’s what I thought.”
I kissed her on last time before resting my head on the pillow and falling asleep. I woke a few times during my short rest, checking the room for anything that might be out of place and, finding nothing, I went back to sleep, Sarah resting comfortably in my arms.
I woke around eight, my muscles sore and cramped. Rolling Sarah over, I sat up with a groan and instantly regretted how I fought last night. I should have grabbed more ammo for my guns, maybe then I wouldn’t feel like someone had hit every single muscle with a sledgehammer. I climbed out of bed, my muscles protesting every movement, and got dressed. Lacing up my gore covered boots, I grabbed my pistol and holster and headed to the armory. Taking a seat on the ground, I began breaking down my pistol and cleaning it. I really should have done it last night, but I was too tired and had a few other things on my mind. I reassembled the gun and began reloading the several magazines I had used the previous night. Sliding a full magazine into the gun, I holstered it and climbed to my feet. Snagging a quick bite to eat from the kitchen I sat down in the living room and began thinking about what I would have to do about Jasmine. She seemed too determined to be reasoned with, and I decided that there was nothing else to do but kill her. I couldn’t afford to let her live, not again. Deciding on a course of action I set my thoughts on another problem. The others would be eager to come with me to find Jasmine, Sarah, and Liz more than most. I didn’t want them to come. It would probably be dangerous and, after last night, I didn’t want them to have to kill again so soon. I knew that I would have to argue to keep them here and that Sarah would fight tooth and nail to come with. I didn’t think there was a thing I could do or say that would convince her that it would be a better idea to remain home. I could argue that I could get in and out of Astoria faster and quieter if it was just me. I could tell her that I wanted her to stay safe, but that would only make her want to come more, just to spite me. I could ask her to stay home, but that wasn’t likely to happen. I was beginning to get frustrated and was coming to the realization that Sarah would probably be coming with me.
“Morning James,” I heard Michelle say.
I smiled, putting the darker thought out of my head. “Morning Michelle. How’d you sleep?”
“Ok I guess,” she said shrugging her shoulders.
“Just ok?”
“Yeah. I had bad dreams.”
She walked over to me, and I had her sit on my lap. “Do you want to tell me about them?”
“Not really.”
“That’s ok, you don’t have to.” We sat for a few drawn out seconds before her face darkened and a tear rolled down her cheek. “Was it about the Walkers?” She buried her head in my chest and nodded. “What happened?”
She spoke in small gasp between her sobs, “They…killed you. They killed Liz and Sarah and even Bear. They killed everyone but me. I was all alone again, just like before you rescued me. I was so scared, but I was even sadder. I don’t want to be alone again.”
“Hey,” I said pulling her away from my chest and wiping away her tears, “You’re never going to be alone again. You’ll have me and Sarah and Liz and Michael and everyone else. No matter how many Walkers show up or how many get through the fence I will always fight my hardest to keep you safe.”
“I know,” she said whipping her eyes with her sleeve, “but you can’t get them all.”
“You want a bet?” I said smiling at her. “Nothing can stand in my way,” I scooped her up in my arms and twirled her around.
She giggled as she spun, “Put me down, put me down.”
I did as she asked and watched as she used her outstretched hands to balance herself. “Are you hungry?”
“Not anymore,” she laughed.
“Sorry. Have a seat. The dizziness will go away soon.” While she sat, I made her a plate of canned pears and peaches as well as some bread with peanut butter. I sat down next to her and offer her the plate, “Better now?”
“Yep,” she said taking the plate and starting on the fruit.
“Do you want some juice?” She nodded, and I got up to get her a Capri Sun. I sat with her as she ate and we talked a little. I was glad to see that her mind was no longer on her nightmares.
“Morning you two,” said Sarah.
“Morning beautiful,”
I told her and Michelle giggled.
“Morning Sarah,” said Michelle still grinning.
“What are you two up to?” she asked raising an eyebrow.
“Just eating,” I told her. “You hungry?” She nodded. “Want me to get you something?”
“I can get it.”
“You sure?”
“I’m a big girl. I can get my own breakfast.”
“So I’ve noticed,” I grinned at her and winked.
“Oh shut up.” She walked past Michelle and I and into the kitchen. I got up and followed her, wrapping my arms around her waist. “I told you could do it by myself.”
“I know,” I leaned in and put my lips next to her ear, whispering softly, “We need to talk.”
She paused while opening a can of peaches and turned to look at me, “Now?”
“You can eat first. We’ll talk after.”
“You sure?”
“Positive,” I told her and left her to finish making herself food. If she’s going to yell at me then she might as well do it on a full stomach, I thought.
“Have you fed Bear yet?” I asked Michelle.
“Um…”
“Get to it. He’s just as hungry as you are.”
She jumped off the couch and grabbed Bears bowl, running outside to the garage to fill it with dog food. Michelle sat with Bear as he ate and I waited for Sarah to finish eating. Once she was done, we went back to our room and closed the door. “So,” she said crossing her arms, “What’s up?”
“Jasmine.”
Her mouth tightened, and she nodded slowly, “You’re going after her.”
“Yeah.”
“Well, then I’m coming with you.”
“I figured you’d want to. Any way I can change your mind?”
“Not a chance.”
“You’re just so stubborn.”
“It’s why you love me,” she smiled.
“Only one of the many reasons,” I kissed her and then chuckled “You taste like peanut butter.”
She rolled her eyes, “You’re such a dork.”
“It’s why you love me,” I repeated her words.
She put on a thoughtful expression before saying, “No, no it's not,” and shaking her head
“Whatever you say, dear. You should probably get ready while I tell the others.”
“Have fun with that,” she grinned.
“Gee, thanks for your support.”
“Anytime.”
I left her to get on some appropriate clothes and get her gear together. I walked to the girl’s room and knocked on the door. “Hey James,” said a tired-looking Hannah.
“Morning Hannah. I need to talk to all of you as soon as you’re all ready.”
“Is it an emergency?”
“Oh no, nothing wrong.”
“Ok, I’ll wake the others.”
“Thanks.” I left her to wake the others and headed to where the guys were sleeping. I knocked on the door before opening it, “Wake up guys. We’ve got to talk.”
“What’s up? What’s going on?” asked an exhausted Thomas as he jumped to his feet.
“Nothing. No worries. Just get dressed and come out to the living room.” I said as I closed the door.
I waited in the living room as everyone took their seats and waited for me to talk. Once everyone was seated, minus Sarah who was still hiding in our room, I stood to speak. “So the reason…”
“You’re going after Jasmine,” interrupted Michael.
“How did…”
“We’re not dumb,” said Carrie.
“I never thought you were,” I said defensively.
“And we know you’re going to tell us that you want us to stay,” she continued. “We also know that you won’t tell Sarah no and so she’ll be going with you.”
“And we’re ok with that,” picked up Justin, “As long as you take one of us with you.”
I frowned at them, “I’m sure you’ve already picked someone. Who is it?”
“Me,” said Liz confidently.
“Why? Why do you want to go?”
“Because that bitch made the mistake of coming back.”
I sighed, “Fine.”
“Really?” said Liz, surprised.
“Yep, go get ready.”
“We thought you’d put up more of a fight,” said Michael.
“What’s the point? I wouldn’t win.”
“You’re getting soft big brother,” he grinned.
“The next person who calls me soft will receive a smack upside the head.”
“Hey James,” Jessica smiled. “You’re going…Ow,” she yelled as Justin flicked her “Why’d you do that?” she rubbing the side of her head.
“Better than a smack,” he smiled.
“I’ll show you a smack,” she said and then slapped him on his arm.
“We leave in twenty minutes,” I said interrupting their little quarrel.
Chapter 26
“So you never told me how you knew I was in trouble,” I asked Sarah as we drove to town. She was sitting in the passenger seat while Liz was in the back, checking her bow and the rest of her gear.
“What do you mean?”
“When Jasmine had me dead to rights. I wasn’t able to warn anyone.”
“I just had this feeling,” she grinned.
“No, seriously.”
“It was Bear,” said Liz.
“Dang it Liz,” complained Sarah.
“What? You’re awesome Sarah, just not that awesome,” Liz grinned.
“So he was barking or what?” I asked.
“He was freaking out. He really doesn’t like that girl.”
“Then he’s a smart dog,” said Liz.
I smiled and glanced at her in the rearview mirror. Liz was concentrating on her bow, making sure the weights were tight and that her arrows were clean and the fletching was intact. She had a frown on her face that only intensified her look of determination and anger. She was ready to deal with Jasmine in the harshest way possible. “Ok so Bear was freaking out, and you decided to come out and investigate. Where did you get the idea to try throwing your knife?”
She smiled sheepishly, “It always seemed to come in handy for you. I’ve been practicing, but I can’t always sink it blade first.”
I was a little surprised, I hadn’t known that she working on knife throwing, but she was right. I had used that trick several times with a lot of success, or at least enough to keep me alive. “We’ll work on that when we get home. You have to make sure you flick your wrist just right and the end.”
“Ok,” she smiled.
We drove in relative silence for a short while, the only sound coming from the speakers of the truck, but I was forced to break the silence by addressing the task at hand. “This is going to be dangerous and difficult,” I said to the two.
“How’s it going to be so dangerous?” scoffed Liz, “It’s Jasmine,” she spat the word.
“She’s still a human being, she can still think and plan. If she’s even remotely intelligent, she’ll be expecting us to follow her. This’ll be made even more difficult by the fact that she has had time to hide and plenty of places to do it.”
“Yeah but there’s three of us and only one of her, plus you know the town, she doesn’t,” argued Sarah.
“True and that will help, but it’s not like it’ll give us the upper hand.”
“But you have some ideas where she might be, you have to,” said Liz.
“I’ve got plenty of ideas, but that doesn’t mean any of them are right.”
“Ok, well, where do you think she could be hiding?”
“If she’s smart then she’s going to be hiding somewhere where there are food and water. Now she could be hiding in any of the homes in Astoria, but that would mean she would have to cart food back and forth. It would also mean that she would have to clear out the home she was planning on staying in. No, I think she’ll be in town. There’ll likely be more Walkers, but she won’t
have to leave her shelter very much. That narrows it down quite a bit to a few of the smaller convenience stores that we didn’t hit, just because they’re so small.”
“How many?” asked Sarah.
“Two or three.”
“Well, that’s not too bad. We could wrap this up today,” said Liz.
“Keep in mind that I could be completely wrong.”
“Well, that wouldn’t be a first,” teased, Sarah. I smiled for her benefit, but her comments forced me to count the number of times I had been wrong and how those decisions had affected the group. I had made poor choices, and the group had suffered for it. Sam was dead, Sarah had been captured, Luke’s camp was destroyed and his people slaughtered. She must have noticed because she put a hand on my leg and squeezed, “Hey, I’m just teasing.”
“I know.”
We drove into town, and I headed for the first store on my mental list. It was a small mini-mart near the high school. We were heading there first not because I thought she would be there but because it was the safest, as it was on the outskirts of town. The others were in the heart of Astoria, and I wanted to avoid those areas for as long as I could. Parking the truck, we covered each other as we walked into the small store. It was empty, it shelves wiped clean of everything useful. “It’s been cleaned out, but it doesn’t look like anyone’s been here for a while.”
“Ok, where to next?” asked Liz eagerly.
“Now it gets a little more dangerous.”
“Fine, let’s go,” she said climbing back in the truck.
Liz was ready for vengeance, and I made a mental note to watch for her. Emotions, like I’ve said before, can help or hurt you when it comes to a fight. I had to make sure hers didn’t get her killed. “You heard the lady,” I said smiling at Sarah, “let’s go.” We climbed back in the truck and drove into the center of Astoria. I checked a small store near the bridge and found it full of food, just no Jasmine. The third place we looked was a small cramped store in the middle of town. I climbed out and scanned the area for Walkers. Finding the street empty, I pulled my gun and ordered Liz to climb on the truck to cover us. “You’ve got the long-range weapon, and I don’t feel like having a Walker sneak up on me.”
“Alright. You two be careful.”
Survivors Series (Book 2): Heroes Never Die Page 32