The Outbreak Series Boxed Set

by Thomas Baker

  "You should let a fine woman do that," Gus said, winking at the two of them.

  Hannah gently poked Gus in the side with her elbow. "Gus! Not while a lady is present!"

  "Sorry dear. I didn't know you college girls had such virgin ears."

  "Good night, you men." She chuckled as she walked away.

  It was nice to end on the good feeling of laughter. Hannah knew that good feeling wouldn't last as she steeled herself to deal with Ashley.

  Harold continued crouching down on one knee among the trees until he was sure they had all gone inside. He had watched the group through the underbrush. He declined joining them earlier, even though he could have learned what they were really up to. His headache kept him away. It had pounded from the time he'd gotten up. It got worse and worse throughout the day.

  He had gone outside after trying to rest in his room. He thought fresh air and being out among the stars might relax him. Then he heard their voices, carried through the still night air and his curiosity took hold.

  He had crept up close while Gus was just finishing his story. He listened to the rest of them speak with ferocious intensity. Their lives were so much different from his, like alien beings living on other planets. Was this what life under government control was like? It didn't seem nearly as bad as his parents, all his reading, and the talk radio shows he listened to had made it out to be.

  He continued watching. At one point he saw Ashley get close and cozy up with the black kid. His face became a mask of rage, his hands balled up into fists. He felt like his skin would burst from his body, like he wanted to run out of the bushes and attack them all. It took all his will to keep from turning his thoughts into action.

  A little later Ashley became veryupset and stormed away. The rest of them went off eventually, some staying later than others. He felt so sorry for Ashley. He hated to see her suffer. Then an idea occurred to him. There was no reason for her to have to be bothered by such things. He could help her and show her the love he felt for her. With this thought in mind Harold stood up. He took his time going back to the cabin, doing his best not to be seen or heard.

  Once inside, he stopped outside of the girl's bedroom door. He found himself wanting to steal one more glance at Ashley before heading back into his room. However, he could hear faint talking and sobbing coming from the other side of the door. Instead, he entered his bedroom. He lay back on his bed, locking his fingers behind his head. His headache was gone and a joyous smile spread across his face.

  Hannah stirred, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She looked beside her and saw Ashley was still sleeping soundly. After going off in a tiff after the campfire, Ashley and her had talked most of the night. Hannah decided she wouldn't wake her, so she slipped out, grabbing some clothes as she did. She went into the bathroom, changed, and then went out to check if anyone else was up. She crept out into the living room and found everyone else had already started their day.

  Hannah walked out onto the porch and found Gus sitting and chatting with Mike while sipping coffee. Out in the grass, JT and a beaming Tyrone were tossing a football back and forth. It all brought a smile to her face as she walked up behind Gus and put her hands on his shoulders.

  "Well, hello there darlin'," Gus said, grabbing one of her hands. "I can't believe I'm drinking honest to goodness hot coffee."

  Hannah realized more and more how much Gus reminded her of her Grandpa. Okay maybe her Grandpa wasn't quiteso vulgar when he was alive, but Gus made her feel safe and cared for just the same.After all, they had been through, she thought they were becoming like a family.

  "It all seems a little surreal doesn't it Gus?" Hannah asked.

  "That it does. It sure is nice to be able torelax a bitand be around people who aren't trying to kill or eat us," Gus answered.

  "You're lucky we found you. This is the best place I've discovered since the Outbreak happened," Mike added.

  "Don't let your guard down," Dusty advised, walking around from the side of the cabin." You let your guard down, you die. So I wouldn't get too cozy if I were you."

  "Well, good morning to you too there Sergeant Sunshine," Gus shot back, bringing laughs from Mike and Hannah.

  Dusty just shook his head as he walked away. "Well, unlike the rest of you I'm going out to do something useful. Do some recon of my own, see if this place is really as well protected as Harold says it is."

  "Are you really? After last night, I thought you would be off pouting in a corner someplace, polishing your gun," Gus cackled.

  Dusty grimaced and walked away, shooting the bird at Gus over his shoulder.

  Hannah giggled as she patted Gus on the shoulder and headed down the stairs off the porch.

  "I'm gonna take a little walk and enjoy the beautiful weather this morning. Will you keep an eye on Ashley for me? After last night, I just let her sleep in."

  "Sure thing darlin'," Gus said with a smile. "You just make sure you don't venture too far off and stay alert. You got something, you know, just in case?"

  "Nope, I was hoping for a sense of normalcy."

  "Please, don't venture from the trails." Mike added. "Harold's not lying when he says he has this place trip wired and trapped in several locations. I'd suggest sticking to the smallest path directly south through the trees that goes toward the water. It's safe as long as you watch your step and don't veer off the beaten path."

  "I'll go with you." JT jumped into the conversation. "I mean, if you wouldn't mind the company. I don't like the thought of you out there with no protection. Hate to side with Dusty, but you really never know."

  "Sure, I'd like that," Hannah said. She tried not to show how much she really liked that idea. JT had been such a nice guy so far. He treated them kindly, and she knew he liked her. She didn't want to give in to the feelings she was having. Or lead JT on. Everything was just still so confusing right now.

  "Come on, dude! What about football?" Tyrone whined.

  "Later kid," JT said, "we got the time now. We can relax here. Maybe you can get one of these old farts to toss it around with you."

  "Old farts!!" Gus exclaimed. "I may be old and I may fart a lot but I am not a fogey yet. What do ya say there, Mike? Should we show this young whippersnapper how to toss around the pigskin?"

  "Oh no, not me," Mike smiled. "I've never been one for sports myself. I'll just be the spectator. You two enjoy your walk but please watch your step. Whatever Dusty believes, Harold isn't joking about his set up. I've never seen Harold joke about anything."

  Gus laughed as he gave a wave to JT and Hannah. "Yes, you kids, be careful."

  "Always Grandpa!" Hannah said, giving Gus a big smile.

  JT and Hannah started their way down the path Mike had suggested to them. She yawned. Hannah had been up with Ashley most of the night. They talked about lots of different things. After that she had laid awake, struggling to clear her mind.

  She glanced over at JT as they walked. She knew that he was attracted to her. She hated to admit to herself that she startedfeeling that way too. Besides Ashley, she felt like he was the only other person she could be honest with and he would take it seriously. She had planned to go by herself but she was glad he had asked to come along.

  "So. What brings us out for a walk today?" JT asked.

  "Honestly?" Hannah replied. She had so many things bothering her, she didn't know where to start.

  "Umm yeah, of course. What's wrong? Is it Ashley?"

  "Well...that is one thing I'm worried about, but..." Hannah stumbled over her words. She looked around, hoping they were far enough from the cabin to bring it up. "It's just that...Well it's just that...I don't know why but Harold has been making Ashley and I feel a little uncomfortable since we got here."

  "How so?" She could sense the anger in JT's tone of voice. She hoped this wasn't a mistake. She had seen the way he could fly off the handle sometimes.

  "It's... It's just that..." Hannah stumbled again. "It's just the way he looks at us. Always staring and seeming
not to care if we notice. This morning he stood in the doorway of our bedroom and watched us. I woke up and saw him standing there. I know we had shut the door when we went to bed. I quickly shut my eyes and then opened them a tinybit. He just kept on standing and staring while I pretended to still be asleep."

  Hannah could feel JT tense up next to her.

  "Maybe I am just being paranoid or dumb. I know it probably sounds crazy. It's his cabin. He's probably just a lonely guy. He's been nice enough to take us in, share his house and his food and...now I'm rambling and you probably think I'm an idiot and..."

  "Hannah stop!" JT stepped in front of her and put a hand on each of her arms. "You don't sound stupid at allto me. You may be right, he probably is a lonely guy and let's face it,neither you nor Ashley are lacking in the beauty department. But as long as me, Gus or hell even Dusty are around, NOTHING will happen to you girls. I...especially you."

  Hannah felt her face turning red at his comments. She was torn and about to back off, instead she stepped in for a hug. She felt so safe in his embrace yet she was terrified of losing him. She couldn't get feelings for him. Not now. She was scared of getting too close and losing someone else. She already felt that way about Ashley.

  Hannah broke their embrace. She took a step back. JT lifted Hannah's chin with his finger and looked her right in the eyes. She thought maybe he was about to kiss her. Instead, JT launched into a bad impersonation of Gus.

  "Now come on you prettylittle thing. You're too darn good lookin' to be worryin' so much. It'll add wrinkles around your eyes I've heard. Let us men folk handle everything."

  Hannah laughed. "That sounded terrible. Plus, it's thang not thing." She playfully punched him in the chest. "Get to walking before you have to explain to Tyrone why you came back with a fat lip, mister."

  Hannah nudged past him and walked off again. JT jogged the few feet to catch up to her. Hannah felt lighter now, like a weight was off her chest. JT was so right, nothing would happen with all of them around. It was one guy who was a little odd. They had already fought through bigger challenges and lived. It wasn't like she couldn't take care of herself. She was ready to change the subject.

  "So. Let's talk about fun stuff, just you and I." She giggled at JT as he walked backwards, matching her pace. He was smiling wildly.

  "OK, what are we gonna talk about? Fire away." JT said, turning around and walking beside her again.

  "Hmm... OK let's start out easy. If you could have anything you wanted to eat right now what would it be?"

  "That's too easy! A Peanut Buster Parfait!" JT exclaimed.

  "Ice cream? That's what you would choose?" It surprised Hannah. "I thought a big, strong man like you would want something like a steak."

  "What can I say? Hands down, ice cream's my weakness. I could still kill a cow and make a steak. Without electricity I can't reallyjust make some ice cream."

  "Guess you've got a point there," Hannah conceded. "I don't think you killing a cow and making a steak is as easy as you think. Not like I'm a farmer though."

  "Hey, me big strong man," JT joked, making muscles with his arms. "What about you? You have a secret food kryptonite?"

  "Chicken Alfredo! Ashley and I used to go to this little Italian restaurant close to campus on Thursday nights. They had all you can eat Alfredo for $5.99. Sometimes we didn't even have to pay that, because one of the waiters had a major crush on me. A little flirting would go a long way for two broke college girls," Hannah said laughing.

  She turned to JT when she didn't get a response. His face was scrunched up funny.

  "You OK?" Hannah asked.

  "Yeah, I'm good," JT said, a little too curtly.

  "Wait, does that bother you hearing me say that?" Hannah had a big smile on her face as she batted her eyelashes at him.

  "No," JT said, looking down. "Why would I be jealous of some waiter? It's somebody I don't even know."

  "Oh, my God! You are jealous! Aww, that's so sweet." Hannah decided to just go for it. She put her hand in his and swung their arms as they walked along. She might regret it later, but for now it just felt good.

  JT cleared his throat. "What's your favorite movie? The one you never tire of watching?"

  "Ohhh no!" Hannah said in mock defiance. "You'll make fun of me hardcore!"

  "Come on now that's not fair," JT chided.

  "OK...fine. It's Bring It On." Hannah sighed, waiting for it.

  JT couldn't hide his laughter.

  "See I knew you would make fun of me you jerk!!" Hannah elbowed him gently in the ribs.

  "No, I'm not! I swear! It's just a little cliché isn't it? The cheerleading and all that?" JT tried to reign it in. "I mean let's be honest, if I were to say my favorite was Rudy or Remember The Titans, wouldn't you judge me?"

  "It reminds me of my friends and I in high school, you jerk! We used to watch it so much we could quote the entire movie."

  "Well truth be told, I've seen it....more than once,"

  "Ha! See! It's good, huh?" Hannah laughed. "Well?"

  "Well, what?" JT replied

  "Well, what's your favorite movie? Duh!"

  "You won't believe me when I tell you."

  "Oh, now come on. I told you. Wait, is this like the Zombie song thing?" Hannah teased.

  "You got me," JT sighed. "It's...Dawn Of The Dead. The remake from 2004."

  Hannah and JT just looked at each other and burst out laughing. Hannah couldn't remember the last time she had laughed so hard at something so mundane.

  "Ohh you know what would be fun?!?" Hannah asked, excited.

  "What?!" JT replied mocking her.

  "We should hang out, just the two of us, tonight! We can sit around and maybe just talk about normal stuff like this for a change."

  "I'd be down for that. You think Ashley will be okay being kicked out of her kingdom for a little while?" JT laughedas he said it.

  They stopped at a small clearing, where some wildflowers still peaked out of the bushes. JT watched Hannah as she picked at some dandelions and blew on them like a child would.

  Hannah caught the look JT was giving her, their eyes locked and froze. He took two steps towards her. He grabbed both her hands in his. He came in close. She looked up at him, then closed her eyes to slits and parted her lips. He leaned into her when the loud crack of a gunshot made both of them nearly jump out of their skin.

  "Oh! I'm so sorry!" Harold exclaimed, stepping out of some thick brush. "I didn't know anyone was down here. I've been seeing deer in the area. Thought I had that one in my sights."

  "You scared the shit out of us!" JT's voice rose in anger. "What deer? I don't see shit! What if you'd of hit one of us you-"

  "I truly am sorry," Harold broke in. "I didn't mean to give you a fright. Please accept my apology."

  Harold kept shifting his eyes to Hannah the whole time he was talking to JT. A half smile played on his lips. She didn't like it; he didn't seem sorry, but she didn't want the two to get into an arguing match, or worse.

  "No fu-" JT started.

  Hannah cut him off again. She didn't want a blow up right now. "It's okay," she said. "You just scared us half to death."

  Dusty came running up the trail, weapon drawn.

  "What the hell is going on?" Dusty demanded.

  "Harold tried to shoot at a deer and almost kill us!" JT answered. He gave Harold a searing look that could have melted steel.

  "I can't seem to apologize enough," Harold said, "I wasn't even aiming in your direction, Hannah. If I'd seen you there, I never would have pulled the trigger."

  "It's over, let's just go on. Right JT?" Hannah squeezed his hand.

  "Yeah, yeah sure." JT was still upset.

  She was thankful for the fact that he got himself under control enough to walk away. She felt they were already on thin ice after the blowup between Dusty and Harold.

  "Wonderful," Harold said, smiling at Hannah and ignoring everyone else.

  Dusty walked over to JT and Hannah as Harold d
isappeared back into the brush.

  "Stay alert. Stay alive. Just like I said." Dusty swung his rifle back over his shoulder. "Not that JT ever listensto me. I'm headed back to camp."

  JT opened his mouth again. Hannah covered it with her hand.

  "Don't. Let's just head back. I need to check on Ashley, anyway. Let's take a rain check on hanging out tonight. That kinda ruined the moment."

  Hannah put her hand into his as they headed back to the cabin. She felt sad but also relieved at the same time at the interruption to their walk. She liked JT, liked him a lot. Her attraction to him really escalated since that night in the van. Was she really ready for something like a relationship in the nightmare world they lived in now? Where could that really lead? Hopefully, it wasn't too late to back things offa bit.

  It was their fifth night at Harold's cabin, by Dusty's count. Dusty noticed how cozy everyone was getting already. It sure didn't take long for everyone to fall into a routine. People, we sure are adaptable, he thought.

  His recon trips weren't paying off much. He actually saw some of the traps and trip wires set out in the woods. Harold wasn't full of shit about that at least. He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but the work Harold had done impressed him. That being said, Dusty still didn't trust the guy. There was something about Harold. He couldn't get the guy to open up so he could figure out what was setting his radar off.

  Hannah and Ashley were in the back bedroom, he presumed doing girly things. Tyrone was regaling Gus and Thomas with yet another one of his football stories. Gus had probably heard it three times already, but he still gave Tyrone his complete attention. Dusty also saw that Tyrone had put back on his football jersey. That made him shake his head as a little smile crossed his lips. That kid is delusional. It would be a long time, if ever, before things would go back to the way Tyrone knew them. He needed to adapt to the new world, or he would die.

  They all might be annoyingat times, but he was starting to think of them as his squad. His new squad. Unlike his old squad, he would notlose any of them on his watch, not if he could help it. If only he could get everyone to see that if they just followed him without question, instead of JT, they would be a lot better off. JT knew his way around a fight, but he was no leader.