“Nathan, calm down.”
“Bullshit.” He did not take his eyes off the woman. “She drew on us.”
“She’s trying to get food for her kids.”
Nathan quickly switched his eyes from the woman to the contents of the shopping cart. He made eye contact with Alissa, following the motion of her head toward the Pathfinder. Upon seeing the infant inside, he sighed. The woman had lowered the barrel of the Magnum a few inches. Nathan lowered his arms to his side.
“Go on.”
The woman did not hesitate. She grabbed the shopping cart, keeping the Magnum in her right hand, and ran over to the Pathfinder. As she passed by Alissa, she said, “Thank you.”
Alissa nodded. “Good luck.”
The Pathfinder’s engine started and the back hatch popped open. The woman unloaded the supplies in back.
Nathan stepped up behind Alissa. “Good call.”
“They’re trying to do what we are. Survive.”
“I’m afraid it’s going to get a lot worse. Come on.”
They waited until they were about to enter before raising their weapons again. The automatic doors slid aside and they entered. To their surprise, the store remained untouched. They had expected to find it ransacked, but it appeared the woman they had run into outside had been the only one to raid it. Neither of them expected to find any deaders.
“Is anyone else here?” called out Nathan.
No response.
“We don’t want trouble. We only want to stock up on supplies.”
Still no response.
Nathan lowered his MPX K. “We’re the only ones here, but don’t let your guard down. You get what we need in the way of medical supplies. I’ll pick up the other essentials.”
Each grabbed a shopping cart.
Alissa headed for the pharmacy area, stopping by the cash registers to grab every reusable shopping bag she could find. Instinct told her to stock up on basic first aid supplies, clearing the shelves of gauze, bandages, alcohol, and disinfectants. She grabbed a pair of crutches and every splint and brace available, anticipating there would be more severe injuries ahead. After that, she filled up one of the bags with Aleve, ibuprofen, and various pain relief creams. Next came cold and flu meds, Imodium, stool softeners, antacids, ointment for rashes and bug bites and burns, and two bags filled with multi-vitamins. By the time Alissa finished, she had filled the carriage.
Nathan came around the corner. “Are you ready?”
“Almost.”
He rummaged through her shopping cart. “Are you sure got enough?”
“I’m covering every illness I can think of.”
“I already have my stuff loaded.”
Alissa pushed the cart over to him. “Load this. I still have to hit up the pharmacy for prescription drugs.”
“Hurry. I told Miriam we’d be back at the dock in an hour. We’re already twenty minutes late.”
As Nathan brought the cart up front, Alissa headed for the door leading into the pharmacy. As expected, it was locked. She used the stock of the Mossberg to shatter the glass, reached in, and unlocked the door. A smile pierced her lips. She could get used to this.
Once inside the pharmacy, Alissa began collecting the essentials, grabbing every anti-biotic and pain killer she could find, placing them in plastic bins she found behind the counter. While searching for Oxycodone, she stumbled across pills for high blood pressure. She mentally chastised herself for not asking the others if there were any prescription drugs needed daily. Thinking about it for a minute, Alissa opted for the basics: prescriptions for hypertension, diabetes, and heart conditions as well as inhalers for asthma, and birth control pills in case any of the women develop severe menstrual cramps. When done, she moved the plastic bins into the main part of the store where Nathan loaded them into the truck.
Nathan came back in as Alissa hauled out the final bin.
“How many more?”
“This is the last one.”
“Good. Let’s go.”
As they passed the exit, Alissa said, “I’ll be out in a minute. I need to get something.”
“Hurry up. I don’t want Steve getting antsy and leaving on us.”
Alissa made her way over to the cash registers and opened the refrigerator filled with cold drinks and took out seven bottles of water, cradling them in her left arm. As she approached the pick-up, Nathan stared at her.
“What?” Alissa opened the rear door and dropped five of the bottles onto the back seat, then handed one to Nathan. She opened her bottle. “Rule number one of survival is stay hydrated.”
“I don’t think that’s a rule.”
“It should be.” Alissa took a long swig and climbed into the Ram. “Let’s go.”
* * *
Twenty minutes later, Nathan and Alissa arrived back at the dock. The others were waiting in the Land Rover, which sat idling in the Castaways’ parking lot.
Miriam climbed out of the SUV and came over to greet them. “Is everything okay? We were getting worried.”
“Everything’s fine,” Alissa reassured her. “Deaders overran the hospital so we had to go to a drugstore to stock up.”
“Are we safe?”
“They’re all trapped inside.”
“Besides,” Nathan chimed in from the driver’s seat. “We won’t be here long enough.”
“We’re all set,” said Miriam.
“You got Archer?”
Miriam rolled her eyes. “Poor thing has been fussing since you left. Steve is threatening to leave him behind.”
Alissa bristled. “He better not.”
“Don’t worry. Steve can be an ass, but he’d never leave Archer behind, and I wouldn’t let him. He’s in the backseat with the kids. They’re playing with him and keeping him quiet. Do you want me to switch him out?”
“No. As long as the three of them are quiet, let things be.”
Miriam nodded.
Alissa opened the back door, removed the bottles of water, and handed them to Miriam. “These are for you, Steve, the kids, and Archer.”
“Thanks. I’ve been dying for a drink.”
Nathan picked up the plastic bag from the front seat and passed it Miriam. “This is for the kids.”
Miriam opened the bag and removed the contents: two Nintendo Game Boy systems. “Where’d you get these?”
Nathan ignored the question. “I thought this would make up for not getting an SUV with a video system.”
“I was joking about that.”
“I know, but you’re right. It’s better to keep the kids’ attention focused on something other than what’s going on.”
Miriam wiped a tear from her eye. “Thank you.”
Alissa reached out and squeezed her hand. “We’ll take the lead. You and Steve follow.”
Miriam nodded and headed back to the Land Rover. A minute later, squeals of glee came from the backseat as Kiera and Little Steve received their gifts.
“You’re a good man.”
Nathan pretended not to hear, though Alissa detected the barest hint of a smile. Shifting into drive, Nathan made a U-turn, pulled out of the parking lot, and made his way back to Central Avenue. A few minutes later, they were on their way to northern New Hampshire.
Chapter Seven
Nathan took 6th Street out of Rochester, picked up Spaulding Turnpike, and headed northwest. He maintained a speed of forty miles per hour, enough to make good time and still avoid any accidents or stalled vehicles. Not that they would come across any. Even though a major toll road, there were no other vehicles, not even abandoned cars. It seemed as if they were the only ones in the area. Alissa knew that was not true. Even if the living had left the area, there were still deaders to worry about.
The turnpike skirted around Rochester, which meant they did not have to navigate their way through the city and encounter God only knows what. North of the city, Nathan veered onto Route 11, a two-lane road heading toward Lake Winnipesaukee. Again, there were no aban
doned vehicles. No indications of chaos. No signs of life except for an older man driving a Toyota mini-pick-up with a Marine Corps emblem and an NRA sticker on the back window that passed them going southwest, more than likely a local who decided to ride out the apocalypse from his home. The guy barely acknowledged them as they passed.
After nearly an hour, the two-vehicle convoy arrived at the town of Alton.
Nathan’s cell phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket, checked the screen, and handed it to Alissa. “It’s Steve. Can you answer it?”
“Sure.” She took the cell phone and pressed the talk button. “Hello.”
“It’s Miriam. Steve and I wanted to know where we’re heading in case we get separated.”
“My cabin in the mountains.”
“What’s the address?”
“I’ll text it to you.”
“Thanks. We probably won’t need it but—”
“Shit.” Nathan began to slow down.
“What’s wrong?” asked Alissa.
“What’s going on?” echoed Miriam.
Nathan leaned over and spoke into the phone. “Steve, we have a police roadblock up ahead.”
A muffled conversation came across the line followed by Miriam. “Any idea what they want?”
“I don’t know,” Nathan said loud enough to be heard. “Could be routine. Let me handle it. If things go south, get out of here and make your own way to the cabin.”
“Roger that,” called out Steve. The connection went dead.
Nathan motioned toward the cell phone. “Text them the address while you have a chance.”
Alissa punched in the information and hit send.
Up ahead, three Alton police cruisers blocked Route 11 where it branched to the left of Lake Winnipesaukee, their red and blue light bars flashing. Six officers were present, each armed with a pump-action shotgun, but none of them seemed agitated or dangerous. Five of them kept their eyes on the approaching vehicles, weapons by the side but ready to be used in a second if necessary. One of the officers moved away from the roadblock and held up his hand, ordering Nathan to stop. His badge bore the name McPherson. He kept his right hand of his holstered Sig Sauer.
Nathan lowered his window and placed his left arm on the rim to show off his Nahant Police shoulder emblem. “Is there a problem?”
McPherson leaned forward. He spoke in a friendly manner even though his gaze checked out everything in the pick-up. “There is if you plan on taking Route 11. There’s an accident about ten miles up the road. Some idiot in an RV came off one of the lake roads too fast and overturned his camper. It’s blocking both lanes. Nothing can get by. You’ll have to go back.”
Alissa leaned to her left. “Is there another road we can take? We’re trying to get to my cabin up north.”
“Where’s your cabin?”
“Near North Conway.”
McPherson stepped back and scoped out the Land Rover. “That’s a long drive.”
“It is, but it’s the safest place right now.”
“I hear you, ma’am.” McPherson pointed ahead of him. “Once you pass the roadblock, take your first right and follow that for a quarter of a mile to Route 28. That’ll take you along the east side of the lake. In Wolfeboro, stay on Route 101 and you’ll eventually reach Moultonborough. And stay on the lake road. Don’t try to save time by cutting north through Ossipee. The latest report this morning indicates their deader problem is getting out of control.”
“Thanks.” Alissa nodded.
“Any news about what’s going on along 93?” asked Nathan.
“It’s a cluster fuck. The horde is past Manchester and by nightfall should overrun Concord. And they’re swarming out of the exits. Within two days, three at most, the entire 93 corridor and everything on either side will be lost. After that, it’s only a matter of time before the whole state falls.”
“What about Massachusetts?”
Despair washed over the officer’s face. “It’s been completely overrun as of late last night. Only a few pockets of humans remain, but there’s no way to get them out.”
Alissa closed her eyes and tried not to think of her friends lost in that nightmare.
“One other thing,” warned McPherson. “As of 1800 tonight, maybe even sooner, the governor is going declare martial law and ban all unnecessary travel, with those who break the restriction being arrested and sent to emergency detention centers. If I were you, I’d haul ass.”
“Thanks.” Nathan offered his hand. “We will.”
McPherson gave it a firm pump and then motioned for his men to move one of the squad cars. One of the officers jumped in the car on the right and backed it up ten feet. Nathan shifted into drive.
McPherson tapped the hood of the pick-up. “Good luck. You’re going to need it.”
Both vehicles drove through the roadblock and proceeded straight, heading to the eastern side of the lake. As the Land Rover passed, the officer pulled his squad car back into place.
Nathan pulled the road map from the console and handed it to Alissa. “Plot out a new course for us to get to your cabin.”
* * *
The alternate route offered by the officer may have been considerably longer but contained no traffic, allowing them to make good time. They had been less than ten miles into the trip when a sign off to the right informed traveler’s they were entering Wolfeboro. Nathan’s cellphone rang. Alissa answered and hit the speaker button.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah,” responded Miriam, a tone of embarrassment in her voice. “The kids finished off the water you gave them and now have to go to the bathroom. There’s a town up ahead. Any chance we can stop?”
“If it’s safe, sure. If not, they may have to use the woods.”
“Stevie won’t mind. Not sure about Kiera, though. Thanks.”
Alissa disconnected the call and began to speak. Nathan smiled and cut her off.
“I heard. I could use a leak break myself.”
Wolfeboro was a good-sized town, a resort location for tourists filled with campgrounds, restaurants, shops, and a host of other amenities. Being November, the town would normally be less active than during the summer. With a deader horde closing in behind them, the place had been deserted, every commercial establishment closed and even the private residences abandoned. Alissa feared this would soon be the new norm for all of mankind.
Nathan applied the brakes, flipped on the right directional and pulled off Route 28 into a parking lot. Alissa grew concerned.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Why the sudden stop?”
“That.” Nathan pointed ahead of him.
A store stood in front of them, not a from a national franchise but a local mom-and-pop place. Alissa leaned forward to see the sign above the main entrance. Carson’s Leather Jackets and Accessories.
“Wouldn’t it be easier to find a restroom at a gas station?”
“We’re here for the leather.” Nathan removed the keys from the ignition and pocketed them as he got out, heading for Steve’s Land Rover.
Alissa followed.
Steve leaned out the driver’s window. “Everything okay?”
Nathan nodded. “I want to get everyone leather jackets and pants. They’ll help keep us warm during the winter and will make it harder for the deaders to bite us.”
From the backseat Kiera squealed, “I’m getting a leather jacket? Cool.”
“I want one, too,” protested Little Stevie.
Nathan leaned over to look at the two kids. “You’ll both get one as long as you do what me and your mother tells you. Deal?”
“Deal,” both kids replied in unison. Stevie added, “I have to pee.”
“We’ll take care of both, buddy.” Nathan focused his attention back to the adults. “I’ll check out the store to make sure it’s safe. If it is, brings the kids in. Steve, do you mind being the lookout?”
“Sure. I’m not much use with this.”
He raised his right hand and showed off the bandaged wound.
“Be right back.”
Alissa fell into line behind him. Nathan asked, “Where are you going?”
“I’m your back up.”
He nodded and they continued to the front entrance. Alissa pulled on the handle; the door was locked. She pounded on the glass several times and placed her against the window.
“Hear anything?”
“No.” Alissa peered inside for any movement. Nothing stirred. She pounded on the door again, this time harder.
“Step back.” Nathan used the stock of his MPK X to shatter the window and clear away any broken shards. Reaching inside, he unlocked the door and entered, his weapon in the high ready position. Alissa moved close in behind him, her Mossberg raised and ready to fire.
“Is anyone here?” Nathan yelled.
Silence.
“Go get Miriam and the kids. I’ll switch on the lights.”
Alissa stepped outside and waved for the others to join them. By the time they got to the store, Nathan had lit up the place. He met them by the cash register.
“The restrooms are in back. I’ll take the kids while you pick out jackets. Make sure you have enough room to fight if necessary.” Nathan rubbed his hand across Little Stevie’s head. “Come on, buddy.”
Alissa and Miriam shopped around, trying on various coats and sizes. Miriam chose a black leather trench coat that hung almost down to her knees for herself and brown leather bomber jackets with fur collars for the two Steves. She had picked out a similar coat for Kiera who refused to wear it, the coat not being “cool enough,” and instead chose for herself a black short coat biker jacket. Alissa opted for a black leather motorcycle jacket. By the time Nathan got back with his own jacket, a dark brown B-3 bomber coat with a sheepskin lining, the two women were picking out leather pants and gloves as well as hiking boots. When they were done choosing and had piled the clothing into a pair of shopping carts, Alissa and Miriam wheeled them toward the exit.
Nurse Alissa vs. the Zombies (Book 2): Escape Page 6