Inside the garage, darkness reigned. Vera found her way to the truck by feel and climbed inside with Clara still in her arms. Once the sobbing child was buckled in, she turned the key in the ignition. The truck roared to life, and she flicked the lights on, nearly blinding herself. For a second, she paused with her finger on the remote button. Laura. I’m so sorry.
But Laura wasn’t coming, and Vera knew she needed to go. She pushed the button, and the door lifted. Vera reversed out, then jammed it into first gear before roaring toward the gate. It was closed, and she slid to a stop.
Behind her was a crowd of zombies, illuminated in her brake lights. They turned toward her, sensing new prey. She pushed the gate button, but nothing happened. She pushed it again. Still nothing.
Her mind scrambled for answers, but she distinctly remembered Laura switching it back to automatic the day they arrived.“Work you stupid thing!”
The first infected reached the truck and hammered on the sides. Their unearthly groans filled her ears, adding to her panic. Praying for a miracle, she pushed it one last time. It opened.
With a sob of relief, Vera drove through the gate, leaving their home of the past few days behind. As she left, she noticed a gap in the fence. A gaping hole where the undead had pushed over a pole.
Why? She’d never know. Maybe it was a weak point, or the ground was softened by recent rain. All she did know, was that it had cost the life of her friend.
Tears streamed down her face as she looked at the house one last time. In one of the upper rooms, a figure stood silhouetted in the light shining from the window. The figure raised a hand in a silent farewell.
Vera sobbed in earnest now. “Goodbye, Laura.”
The figure was joined by others, swarming like ants, and was soon dragged from view. Vera looked away, clenching her hands on the wheel. I’ll never forget you. I promise.
Vera’s Vow - Chapter 6
Vera hummed along to the song playing on the cd she’d pilfered from an abandoned car a few days before. The tune was catchy and reminded her of better days. Her hands drummed on the wheel in time to the beat, and little Clara flashed her an approving smile.
A warm breeze streamed through the half-open window, and the sun was warm on her skin. Golden and bright. Everywhere she looked, the landscape was flat. Far different from the coastal area she’d abandoned after Laura’s death.
Untended wheat and maize fields streamed past as she drove, the road a winding grey snake that stretched into infinity. She adjusted the sunglasses on her face and ran her fingers through her hair, lying loose and free across her shoulders.
A smile hovered on her lips. She felt good. Better than she had in awhile. Laura’s passing had been a terrible blow, and in the days following, she didn’t think they’d make it. She was sure an equally terrible fate awaited them, and fighting against that fate was futile. Like an ant trying to resist the rain.
Her thoughts winged back to that night. Their desperate flight. Laura’s sacrifice. Driving blind for hours. Not knowing where to go. They’d stopped at last in the middle of nowhere and slept in the truck.
Sunrise found them tired, hungry, thirsty, and in shock. They’d wandered for days, fleeing from the undead wherever they went, and subsisting on the minimum of food and water they could scavenge.
But eventually, she’d found an abandoned farmhouse, and there they’d licked their wounds and topped up their supplies. That was when she had the dream.
It started out as a nightmare. Once again, she relived the night Laura died. What stood out, though, was Laura’s final words. “Live.”
When she woke the next morning, something had changed. The depression weighing her down was gone. In its place, was a rock-solid determination to honor Laura’s wish and live life to the full. No matter how short it might be.
They left the farmhouse with new hope for the future and made their way inland where Vera hoped the lower population would play in their favor. She still hadn’t found what she hoped would be their forever home, though, but was confident she would.
“Where are we going today?” Clara asked, breaking into her thoughts.
“Not sure, sweetie. We’re somewhere in the Free State, close to a town called Bloemhof.”
“What’s there?”
“No idea. It’s known for its fishing, though, and on the banks of a river.”
“Fishing? I’ve never fished before.”
“Me neither. Perhaps we can learn.”
Clara giggled at the thought and speculated on how they’d go about gutting and cooking anything they caught. Vera let her talk, glad that she was bouncing back at last.
Her eyes wandered as she drove, her attention half on the road and half on Clara’s chatter. When she spotted the car by the side of the road, she slowed, expecting it to be another abandoned wreck.
Much to her surprise, a woman stood next to it, flagging her down. With wary caution, Vera stopped a short distance away. “Clara, wait here.”
“Please, don’t go.”
“I’ll be right back, sweetie, I promise. I won’t take any chances.”
“No,” Clara repeated, clinging to her arm. “Don’t go.”
Vera leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. “It’s all right, baby girl. I won’t leave you.”
Clara still looked distressed, and Vera couldn’t blame her, not after everything she’d been through. To her credit, however, she kept quiet this time.
Vera stepped out of the truck and surveyed the area. It was clear, and it didn’t look like an ambush had been set for her. There were no trees or bushes nearby, only knee-high grass that waved in the wind.
With measured steps, she approached the car, her palms sweating as nerves set in. The woman had now been joined by a young man of imposing build, and she faltered. Her hand flew to her gun, and she gripped the handle.
When there was still a respectable distance left between them, she stopped. “Do you need help?”
The woman nodded. “Yes, please. We ran out of fuel, and the next town is still a distance away.”
“I see.” Vera hesitated, and her eyes roved around looking for trouble.
The woman noticed and raised her hands. “I promise we’re not planning to rob or murder you. We’re just looking for a little bit of petrol if you can spare it.”
“And if I can’t?”
The woman nodded toward Clara waiting in the truck. “If you can’t, I’ll understand. You have your own to look after.”
“Is it just you two?”
“No, my daughter and her friend are waiting inside the car for us.”
“I see.” Vera chewed on her lower lip while she thought. “I can spare you one jerry can. No more.”
The woman’s shoulders slumped. “Bless you, child. You don’t know how much this means to us.”
“It’s okay. I’m glad to help. Wait here.” Vera retraced her steps back to the truck and selected a full jerry can from the back.
Clara stuck her head out of the window. “Are they friendly?”
“Looks like it.”
“Don’t they want to come with us then?” Clara asked, her face hopeful. It seemed her earlier fears had vanished at the possibility of new friends.
Vera sighed. “Oh, sweetie, I don’t know what their plans are.”
“Will you talk to them?”
“I don’t know, sweetie.”
“Please?” Clara gave her the googly eyes, and Vera’s heart melted.
“Fine,” she grumbled. “I’ll ask them, okay?”
Clara grinned. “Yay.”
Vera walked back to her original position and placed the can on the ground. The young man broke away from the woman and approached slowly with his hands in the air.
Vera stepped back and watched as he picked up the can. She was surprised to note how young he still was. Hardly older than me.
He smiled at her. “Thank you for this. We really appreciate it.”
“Don’t sweat it.”
/>
He hesitated. “I…do you want to join us? We’re good people.”
Vera rocked back on her heels. “Really?”
“Yes.”
“Where are you going?”
“To a place nearby. There’s space enough for us all.” He looked at her with candid eyes, his expression open and honest.
“Is it safe?” Vera asked, feeling like she could trust him.
“Yes.”
“That’s a big promise to make.”
He shrugged. “I always keep my promises.”
Vera felt the tension in her body melt away. This was what she’d been looking for all along. The home and people she sought so desperately for Clara. A family.
“All right. We’ll join you, and I’m keeping you to your word.”
“Noted.”
She stepped closer and stuck out her hand. “I’m Vera, and you are?”
“Aiden. The name’s Aiden.”
The Pledge - Chapter 1
Cat slipped out from underneath the covers with care. She didn’t want to disturb the little ones who still slept soundly in the predawn hours. The first rays of light stole through a crack in the curtains, and she padded across the carpet to peek outside.
It looked like it would be another warm day, one filled with sunshine. Cat didn’t mind. She liked summer, enjoyed the heat it brought and the promise of life and growth. Lush gardens stretched as far as the eye could see, and pigeons cooed in the branches of the wild olive tree next to the window.
She shook her head to clear away the cobwebs and turned around. An early riser by nature, she moved about the room preparing for the day ahead. From the closet, she took out a set of clothes before making her way to the bathroom and closing the door with a soft click.
Luckily, Dee’s parents had believed in living off the grid and the house was fitted with solar power, energy-saving appliances and light bulbs, a gas stove, a fireplace, and a water filtration and pumping system that ran from the river. This meant they had both water and electricity, if they used it sparingly, which they did.
After taking a brief shower and brushing her teeth with her fingers, Cat slipped on a pair of skinny jeans, pumps, and a t-shirt. Her hair went into a ponytail, and a belt around her hip carried a screwdriver, a hatchet, and a knife. The tools served a dual purpose: personal protection and for performing any one of a million chores on the property.
She smoothed sunscreen onto her face, neck, and arms, and put a spare inhaler in her pocket. With her ablutions completed, she was ready to face the day.
The kids were still asleep, and Cat ignored them while she tidied up the room. It felt strange picking up dolls and puzzle pieces. She was an only child, after all, and had never had siblings to care about before, but now she couldn’t imagine her life without them.
From the bed issued a soft moan as Tessa shifted onto her side. Cat glanced over her shoulder, smiling when she caught sight of her sleeping face. She walked over and brushed a tendril of hair from the girl’s silky cheek, marveling at its innocence. It was an emotion she no longer felt familiar with. Not after everything she’d seen and done.
She sighed as her smile faded. Though she loved the children, she still missed her mother. They’d been close in life, so close Cat sometimes imagined hearing her mother’s voice calling her or catching a whiff of her perfume in her nostrils. The longing was a physical ache, one that never went away.
Cat turned around and continued tidying the room. There was no point in feeling sorry for herself. They all had their sorrows to deal with. They’d all lost someone dear to them.
Some more than others, she thought as she gathered up an armful of dirty clothes. Juan and Tessa lost both their parents. So did Dee, Ryan, and Jonathan. None of them were immune to the pain brought on by the zombie apocalypse. And just look at little Lucy. Now that’s heartbreaking.
Exiting the room, she allowed Tessa and Juan to sleep a little longer and walked down the passage, peering into rooms as she went. Kerry and Lucy’s tousled heads peeked out above their duvet, and she left them to it as well.
Dee’s bedroom door was closed, but Cat found her in the kitchen boiling water and setting the table. She, too, was dressed and ready for the day, her gun riding in its customary spot on her hip.
“What’s for breakfast?” Cat asked, patting her growling stomach.
“Porridge,” Dee replied. “And tea.”
“No coffee?”
“Nope, we’ve run out.”
“Damn,” Cat replied, feeling the sudden urge to crawl back into bed.
“You can say that again,” Dee said. Her spiky bangs covered half her face, but they couldn’t hide the purple bags underneath her eyes.
“Bad night?” Cat asked, though she instantly regretted it.
“You could say that,” Dee said as she slammed the pot onto the stove.
Cat shrugged it off. She hadn’t known Dee for long, but long enough to know she despised being coddled. “I’ll see you in a few.”
“Sure.”
Cat made her way to the laundry room, wrinkling her nose at the pile of dirty clothes the boys had left on the floor. Or more likely Jonathan. He could be a real meathead at times and lazy as hell.
She deposited her own load in the hamper and left to help Dee in the kitchen. An hour later, they were sitting around the table having breakfast with the kids, Kerry, Lucy, Tessa, and Juan.
Jonathan and Ryan had yet to put in an appearance. Neither of them were morning people, and they struggled to adjust to their new schedules. Especially when they had to stand watch during the night.
Cat focused on her porridge. It was hot and filling, sweetened with sugar, and just what the doctor ordered. She still missed a cup of coffee and grimaced when she swallowed the lukewarm tea.
“So not the real thing,” Dee sighed while sipping from her own cup.
“Nope.”
“Makes me think we’ll have to visit the shops soon.”
“I know,” Cat said, an inner shiver working down her spine at the thought even though she knew there was no choice.
They’d been living at the fishing resort for a week now and were in dire need of supplies. They all wore an assortment of clothes cobbled together from the cupboards of Dee and her late parents. A stash of old things left behind by paying visitors in the past had helped as well. With a bit of time spent in the sewing room, they’d even managed to clothe the kids, but they all knew the time for a raid was drawing nearer.
“Are you up for it?” Dee asked, pinning her to the spot with dark eyes.
“Of course,” Cat answered, meeting Dee’s gaze with her own. She was no sissy and would contribute to the group’s survival in whatever way was necessary including going on raids.
The front door opened and Jonathan walked in followed by Ryan. The two boys slouched across the room before falling into their chairs. Dee eyed them with pursed lips. “What’s up with you two?”
Jonathan tipped his head back and yawned. “Night shift, remember? It was our turn to stand guard last night.”
Ryan nodded. “I only got to bed at one.”
“That’s when I took over,” Jonathan added.
“Yes, thank you. I know how it works,” Dee replied with a raised eyebrow. “Cat and I do it every second night, and you don’t hear us complaining.”
“Well, it sucks,” Jonathan said. “Why should we keep watch, anyway? It’s not like the zombies can get past the fence.”
“You know why. Until we’re sure they can’t get in, we’ll keep watch. It pays to be careful.”
“Yeah, whatever,” Jonathan grumbled. He sniffed the air and groaned. “Porridge again?”
“Stop it, Jonathan,” Ryan said, elbowing his friend in the ribs.
“What? I’m tired of eating the same crap every day, all right?”
“If that’s true, then you won’t mind coming on a raid with me and Cat?” Dee asked.
A sudden silence fell over the group, and Ca
t waited for the first protest to come flying their way. Instead, Jonathan jerked upright and whooped. “A raid? Finally! It’s about damned time!”
“Language,” Cat admonished with a meaningful glance toward the children.
Jonathan rolled his eyes but kept his mouth shut.
Ryan nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful. “I’m in too if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Glad to hear it,” Dee said. “We’re running out of just about everything here. Food, clothes, bedding, batteries, gas, candles, you name it.”
“Don’t forget medicine,” Cat said, thinking about her asthma inhaler.
“Yeah, I could use some stuff for my digs too. Make it nice and comfy,” Jonathan said.
“We need educational stuff for the kids as well. They can’t sit around playing all day.”
“I like playing,” Lucy protested.
Cat smiled. “I’m sure you do, and thanks to Dee, you’ve got lots of old toys of hers to play with, but you still need to learn stuff. Like in school. You remember school, don’t you?”
“School was fun,” Lucy said. “The teacher, Mrs. West, was always nice to me.”
“I bet she was,” Cat replied. “How could she resist such a cute face?”
Lucy beamed a bright smile before turning back to her porridge. Soon she and Kerry fell into a whispered conversation about dolls while Tessa coaxed Juan into finishing his food.
“So it’s settled then?” Dee said. “We go on a raid together?”
“When?” Jonathan asked.
“Tomorrow. The sooner the better.”
“Suits me,” he replied.
“What about the kids?” Cat said. “If something happens to us they’ll be alone.”
Dee’s eyes widened. “Mm, I hadn’t thought about that, but you’re right. One of us needs to stay behind.”
“Not me,” Jonathan declared.
Cat, Ryan, and Dee all exchanged looks. None of them wanted to be nominated as the babysitter.
Finally, Ryan sighed and turned to Dee. “I’ll stay. Kerry’s my sister, and I can use the guns in the safe to protect them. Neither Cat nor Jonathan knows how to shoot yet. Besides, they’ll need you and your gun out there.”
Children of the Apocalypse: Mega Boxed Set Page 115