Dead & Alive (Book 5): Oasis

by I. J. Smith

  DEAD & ALIVE

  OASIS

  BY

  I.J. SMITH

  BOOK FIVE

  COPYRIGHT

  All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher.

  All work is Copyright © I.J. Smith January 2017

  I.J. Smith has asserted his moral rights

  Cover illustrations by I.J. Smith, Copyright © January 2017

  Dead & Alive: Oasis, names, characters and all related work is Copyright of I.J. Smith

  AUTHOR

  I.J. Smith live in the UK and loves his readers. Not perfect, but genuine.

  Come on over:amazon.com/author/ijsmith

  DEDICATION

  SIMPLY TO MY FATHER MICHAEL SMITH.

  WHILE WRITING THIS BOOK, YOU HAD THE GREATEST FIGHT OF YOUR LIFE.

  SEEING YOU FIGHT GAVE ME STRENGTH.

  NO WORDS IN THE WORLD COULD DO JUSTICE OF HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU.

  NOW YOU ARE WITH MUM IN HEAVEN AND LOOKING DOWN ON ME.

  GOODNIGHT GOD BLESS, I LOVE YOU.

  XX

  s

  TABLE OF CONTENT

  COPYRIGHT

  DEDICATION

  TABLE OF CONTENT

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  CHAPTER ONE

  JOURNEY

  With her head still covered with the black hood, Raven was breathing heavy. She could feel the jeep bouncing up and down, proving they were now off road.

  “Jack?” she asked quietly.

  With her hands tied behind her back, she felt herself kicked to the floor.

  “SHUT UP!” A strange voice told her.

  Raven held her emotions in. She knew they had Jack, but where was he? Suddenly, she felt a warm hand touching hers. She felt the large fingers weaving into hers, even with the pain of a broken hand he tried to comfort her.

  “I’m here,” Jack whispered.

  She had a brief sense of relief, until she was shaken when she heard one of the men kick Jack. To her surprise, Jack laughed out loud.

  “Tell you what! Take off the hood and try doing that again, you chicken shit!”

  The men in the truck went silent as Raven giggled to herself. She felt relief that she was in this situation with Jack. Just knowing he was with her made her feel safe.

  Raven began to think about the first time they met, how The Reaper became known to them, how even Sarah instantly had a strong attraction to him. Even after they parted company, not a day would pass without Sarah speaking about the Mighty Jack.

  The strange voice shouted out. “STOP HERE!”

  The jeep halted to a sudden stop, pushing them forward. Raven felt herself being dragged out by her legs, all the time Jack refused to let go of her hand. Eventually both of them were dragged out and thrown to the soft ground.

  The strange voice spoke again. “Take them off!”

  Raven had to close her eyes as the sunlight hurt her eyes. Eventually, she looked around. She could see that Jack was kneeling next to her, also with his hood off. Soldiers surrounded them, a slim man with short hair, wearing a pristine Navy uniform stepped forward.

  Jack looked up at him. “Groves! I see you finally lost some weight, you fat fuck!”

  His comment was met with a kick to his face. Jack’s mouth dripped with blood, but he smiled.

  Grove knelt in front of him. “This is not a game, Jack. You have information we need. So, you will tell us or we kill the girl.”

  Jack spat a large amount of blood onto Groves boot. “Go ahead! Kill her! We both know I am not talking!”

  “I am trying to help you here. Just answer our questions and we will let her go.”

  Jack frowned, for a moment as he considered the proposal.

  “FUCK YOU!” Raven shouted.

  Jack laughed. “You’re going to torture me, that’s fine. Not the first time. However, anyone and I mean anyone touches her and I will fight back.” Jack leaned closer to Groves. “You switched sides, so I know they told you about me. Do you really wanna play my game?”

  “SHIT!” Groves shouted.

  Raven glanced at Jack, he winked at her.

  Groves turned back to them. “OK, you wanna play hero? That’s fine with me!”

  Instantly, both Jack and Raven were hooded again and thrown back into the jeep. Quickly, it drove off. Groves climbed into another Jeep, followed by a long red-haired woman.

  “Give me a few minutes with the girl and Jack will talk!” The woman said.

  Groves looked at her. “Kelly, oh Kelly. We touch her and we will not have any control over Jack.” He looked ahead. “We need to break him!” Groves then told the driver, “Head for the lab!”

  Kelly took Groves hand. “He scares you!”

  He glanced back at her. “He scares everyone!”

  The Jeeps continued to drive for almost an hour, when they finally reached their destination. Zombies roamed around the fences, guards stood watch on the main gate and as the Jeeps arrived they opened it. Driving a mile into the base they reached a small building. Groves jumped out of the Jeep.

  “Get them out!”

  Jack and Raven were once again dragged out and escorted into the small building. Groves removed their hoods and dropped them to the floor.

  “This is cozy,” Jack joked.

  Kelly pressed a button that looked like a light switch and the floor began to lower; it was an elevator. They passed several floors and when they finally stopped, the door open to reveal a grey long corridor.

  “Come on!” a man said, pushing Jack and Raven out the door.

  They were moved along the corridor to a small room, a large lock on both side. Kelly unlocked it and pushed Jack and Raven inside.

  “I don’t see any point in breaking you two up!” Groves said.

  A tall man in black overalls appeared, he carried clothing, two jogging bottoms and two white T-shirts.

  “STRIP!” Kelly demanded.

  Jack smiled as Kelly untied him and Raven.

  “Something funny Jack?” Groves asked.

  “Make the prisoner feel in control and then remove their dignity,” Jack replied. “I think that’s on page one, right?”

  Groves looked annoyed, truth is he was out of his comfort level.

  Raven suddenly spoke as she removed her shirt; revealing her large natural olive-skinned breasts. “I’m a nurse, I’m not embarrassed by my body.”

  Jack smiled at her comment and quickly undressed. Both of them stood naked in front of the soldiers.

  “So, what happens now, we gonna have an orgy?” Jack joked.

  Raven laughed.

  Groves grabbed the clothes from the tall man and threw them at the pair.

  The tall man in black overalls walked in wheeling a trolley in front of him, it was full of med
ical supplies.

  “You said you’re a nurse. You can deal with Jacks injuries,” Groves said looking at the cuts on Jack’s face and his broken hand. As he left he spoke once more.

  “Don’t get too comfy, Jack. We will be seeing you soon!”

  They left, locking the door behind them. Jack just stared at the door.

  “Here,” Raven said. Passing him some clothes.

  “I’m sorry you got dragged into this,” Jack replied.

  Raven touched his face. “I’m OK, but I warn you, I get cranky when my feet get cold,” she said with a smile.

  Jack looked up at the camera in the corner and waved.

  Groves watched on a monitor.

  “I heard the stories, I read the files. I am going to break him!” Groves promised himself.

  CHAPTER TWO

  TIME TO LEAVE

  The large bus was parked alongside an old pub. The place had been cleared, and the children were resting. Paige was lying next to Eddie as he slept. Kat sat alone in the corner, Tommy had tried to comfort her, but was pushed away each time.

  Bray sat at a table reading a map, looking for inspiration on where to go next. Adam and Sarah joined him.

  “What you looking for?” Adam asked.

  “Somewhere we can make a fresh start,” Bray replied.

  Sarah looked angry. “What about Jack and Raven?” She demanded.

  Bray placed the map down. “What about them? We have no idea where they are…” he was saying when Jacob appeared.

  “Maybe we should talk about this outside?”

  Bray left the pub, followed by Adam, Sarah, Jacob and Kat. They leaned against the bonnet of an abandoned car. The pub door opened again; this time with Ryan and Zoe appearing.

  Adam was first to speak. “We cannot leave them!”

  “We don’t even know if they are alive!” Bray replied.

  “You don’t go to all that trouble, just to kill them. They are out there,” Sarah added.

  Bray stood up. “Look, there is nothing we can do!” He began to walk away when Adam spoke out.

  “Yeah, well now you got your daughter back, why should you care?”

  Bray turned and rushed at Adam, Zoe jumped in the middle stopping the two men.

  Ryan stepped forward. “From the beginning, it’s always been about Jack saving us. How about we save him for a change!”

  Bray started to clap. “YAY! The coward is speaking out!”

  Zoe launched herself at Bray, taking him off his feet. “You wanna call him a coward? I didn’t see you ready to fight, back there when they were taken. You were too busy hiding your little girl!”

  “I’M LEAVING!” Adam suddenly said.

  Bray got back to his feet and looking shocked at Adam’s words.

  “Don’t be stupid!”

  “There is so much you don’t know. Jack went with them to cover for me. Now I am going after him.” Adam replied.

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Sarah asked.

  Adam looked at her. “There is more going on than any of you know. Even stuff Jack doesn’t know about. I never had chance to tell him, but I need him. I need his help.”

  Everyone looked curious.

  “Then start talking!” Bray demanded.

  “NO! Whatever I tell you, will end your life!”

  Sarah moved towards Adam. “How are you going to find them?”

  “The Albion, going to start there.” he replied.

  “I’m coming with you!” Sarah said.

  “NO!”

  “And me!” Kat added. “I need to find Jack!”

  Bray stood there angry and yelled, “NO!”

  Jacob laughed. “Guess I am going with the crazies. I wanna find my friend, and Jack too!” He joked.

  Bray still looked angry and he looked around at them. Ryan was about to volunteer when Adam spoke.

  “OK, but’s that’s it! Jack would want you to stick together. Ryan, Zoe, Bray - you are the best ones to keep everyone safe.”

  A few hours later, Adam was ready to go. Sarah, Kat, and Jacob all had backpacks, filled with supplies.

  Kat was checking her bag when Tommy approached. “I wanna come too!”

  “No! I don’t want you to. Just leave me alone.” Kat said harshly.

  Zoe touched his shoulder as Kat walked away. “She’s grieving, give her time!”

  Adam stepped towards the door, Bray blocked his path. He handed Bray a map, “We are headed here.” He pointed at the map. “There is an old fort that will give good cover for us.” Taking the map, Adam spoke, “When we find them, we’ll bring them home.” Adam placed his arms around Bray.

  Everyone said their goodbyes.

  Eddie approached Adam. “Can you tell Jack I miss him?” he asked.

  Placing his hand on Eddie’s shoulder he smiled. “I promise.”

  Opening the doors, the small group walked out and away from the pub.

  “So where do we head now?” Sarah asked.

  “Back to the Albion. I am willing to bet there is something there.”

  Suddenly, a bark echoed out. The group stopped to see Paige chasing after them.

  “That dog really loves Jack,” Jacob said.

  “Come on, you crazy mutt!” Jacob told Paige.

  Zombies roamed around. There were a few were in their path. Adam and Sarah quickly cut them down. Sarah noticed glints from Adam’s backpack.

  She reached out and touched them, recognizing them immediately. “Jack’s machetes?” she asked.

  Adam smile, “I thought he would want them back!”

  The small group walked away, out of sight of Bray and the others.

  “Good luck!” Bray whispered.

  CHAPTER THREE

  TALK

  Raven had wrapped Jack’s broken hand tightly. It was the best she could do with what she had. She was now using a cotton bud to clean the cuts on his face. She kept locking eyes with him. She noticed the slight hazel and black lining around his pupils. As he looked into her deep dark-brown eyes, his heart fluttered. She looked down to notice his hand was once again shaking.

  “Did you hurt your other hand?”

  Jack looked down at it. “Nah, it has just been a little shaky the last couple of days. I don’t know why.”

  Raven suddenly looked concerned.

  The locks on the door began to clank.

  “YAY! Company!” Jack said.

  The metal door swung open, the red-haired Kelly walked in slowly, with a smile on her face.

  “Are you making yourself comfy?”

  Jack stood up, looking directly at Kelly.

  “Raven, look! Groves let his pet off the leash!”

  Raven stood up beside him, his hand pushing her back behind him. Looking at the door, he noticed five soldiers standing behind Kelly. They were leaving their weapons outside.

  “Jack, I have heard all the stories about you, now I want to know if they are true.” Kelly stepped to one side. “Groves has said it will take time for you to break, but I am sure we can make that much sooner.”

  The five men walked into the room. Jack pushed Raven to the far side of the room. One of the soldiers stepped forward.

  “Don’t worry, when we’re done with you, maybe we can play with her!” The soldier laughed.

  As the first soldier moved towards Jack. With a smile, Jack pushed his hand up and launched the man’s nose into his brain, killing him instantly.

  The four others all rushed at Jack. Taking a punch in the face, Jack elbowed one man in the face. Turning, he sidestepped and stomped on the man’s knee. A bone broke through the man’s trousers; as he screamed in pain.

  Jack was grabbed from behind and held tightly while the other two men attacked him. Jack head-butted one of them, forcing his head back, and breaking that man’s nose. Jack turned and stomped on the man’s throat, killing him. The last two rushed at him again. Jack punched one in the side of the face. The man fell, smashing his head into the wall. Grabbing his
hair, Jack smashed the man’s head into the wall again, cracking the skull, causing blood to spray out.

  As Jack turned, the last man grabbed him and squeezed, Jack smiled and took a bite at the man’s neck, tearing his throat out; blood sprayed. The man let go, clutching his bleeding neck. Jack spat out part of the man’s windpipe.

  The sudden clicking of the gun sounded out. Jack looked up to see Kelly, pointing her gun at him.

  “HOLSTER THAT WEAPON!” Groves shouted.

  Groves looked around the room, the blood smothered the walls and floors. He looked at Jack. His mouth was covered in blood, his shirt soaked in blood, and a look of death on his face.

  A man still laid on the ground screaming in pain, the bone of his leg poking through the flesh.

  “Want me to put him out of misery?” Jack asked.

  The tall man in black overalls appeared and grabbed the man on the ground; helping him away. Kelly stood beside Groves.

  “Take them to another holding room, and then report to me!” Groves ordered and walked away.

  Kelly waved them towards her, and moved them to the room on the opposite side.

  “Any chance of room service?” Raven joked as she walked passed Kelly.

  Slamming the door, Kelly locked it and was about to walk away when she looked back into the other room. She looked at the dead bodies that scattered the room.

  Kelly marched off. She opened a door, walked to the top of the stairs, and into a long white corridor. There were doctors working in the sterilized rooms. She passed the glass walls, looking at the strapped down zombies being tested on. She came to a brown door and knocked on it.

  “COME IN!” Groves shouted.

  Kelly walked in and stood at the table, in front of Groves.

  “Did you enjoy that?”

  Kelly looked confused. “I was just trying to move things along.”

  “Oasis wants Jack alive. I don’t know why, but they do.”

  Kelly swallowed hard. “I hoped he would talk.”

  Groves slammed his hands on the table.

  “WELL FOUR MEN ARE DEAD, ONE WILL PROBABLY NEVER WALK PROPERLY AGAIN! YOU DON’T FUCK WITH THIS MAN! IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?”