by M. D. Massey
“Holy Mother of God!” Dean whispered.
Ella sobbed softly. Even LuLu’s face was damp with tears. Scarlett stared in utter disbelief. She thought back to the arena in Natomas. It had apparently been bombed, but after hearing Luther’s painful recollection, it made it all too real.
“Did you happen to drive by Pinole?” Scarlett asked, wanting to change the subject, but afraid of what his response might be.
“That’s off I-80. I ended up taking 680, so I can’t help you with that,” Luther said apologetically. “However, I do know some of the bridges were blown, the Benicia-Martinez Bridge for one. Had to wait a few weeks to hitch a ride on a boat. Yup, that cost an arm and a leg. And, the Bay Bridge was blown, I know that for sure. The National Guard and WHO—the World Health Organization, were trying to quarantine the entire Bay Area. All I have to say about that is the military underestimated man’s desire to—live.”
“What do you mean by that?” Dean looked worried.
“Despite the military’s feeble attempts to barricade the place off, people found a way out, all right. Unfortunately, both the human and non-human types. Nope, you do not want to go west. That’s one thing I know for sure!” Luther stated rather emphatically.
Justin and the Stockton Boys strolled in. “Look-e what we got!” Nate bragged. “We got ourselves a big Christmas ham.”
“Ella, can you make us a big Christmas dinner with those Mexican Wedding cookies you make?” Paxton coaxed.
Paxton and Nate were behaving peculiar, almost with an icky-fake niceness, making Scarlett want to gag. What’s up with those two? Then Paxton saw Luther on the sofa and must have realized he had missed out on something crucial, for his expression quickly transformed from his fake gag-me-with-a-spoon smile to his usual hard-ass glare.
“Dude, you’re like so awesome!” Justin exclaimed, apparently noticing Luther for the first time.
“Luther, this is Justin, our official Zombie Expert,” Dean said, attempting to lighten the mood.
“Hey, why he gets to be the expert? I’m mo’ betta at smashing-in their stinkin’ skulls,” Nate said, as always missing the point.
“So bro, what’s it like out there? Got any good news for us?” Paxton prodded.
“They say Texas,” Luther said, keeping it short and sweet.
“What?” Paxton seemed surprised.
“Word’s out, Texas seceded from the Union right after the stadium attacks. I got a call from my uncle in Houston. According to him, they sealed off the Texan border.”
“Any excuse I suppose. Texas has been threatening to secede for as long as I can remember,” Dean said while rubbing his chin.
“So, you going to Texas?” Paxton asked rather slowly.
“Who, me? Nope, not that desperate. It took me seventeen years to get out of there. Ol’ Luther here ain’t never going back.” Luther sounded appalled.
“Why not?” LuLu asked astonished. “If that’s where the people are—and the zombies aren’t.”
“No way in hell.” Luther stopped, looking a bit sheepish. “Excuse my French, but in case you didn’t notice, I’m a black man. Very black. No, they’ll probably revert back to their old ways if you know what I’m talking about.”
“Dude, what are you talking about? You know it’s illegal to display the Confederate flag now?” Justin reminded.
“That’s nothing but pure BS—white people trying to be politically correct and all that. At least when someone proudly brandishes the Confederate flag, you know what side of the fence they’re on,” Luther stated bluntly.
Scarlett thought she understood what Luther was trying to say as they skirted around the racial issue.
“So, what’s your plan?” Paxton probed.
“Reno. Got a buddy with a cabin on the outskirts of Reno. He said I could shack-up with him till things mellowed out.”
“How many people are with him?” Dean asked.
“Not sure. Haven’t been able to reach him for two weeks. His phone must have died. Which reminds me.” Luther glanced at Justin. “What kind of crazy-ass message was that anyway?” Luther asked.
Justin shrugged. “Just trying to get somebody’s attention.”
“It sure enough did the trick. But hey, you all are welcome to join me. See, I got this theory. I’m thinking these things, these zombies, as you call them—I’m thinking they don’t like the cold so much. I sure as hell don’t,” Luther said.
“No thank you. We’ve got things under control here,” Paxton said as if he spoke for the whole group.
“We’ll have to think it over,” Dean said politely. “Actually, I do have a proposition for you before you go your merry way,” he said, all eyes suddenly on Dean.
“You name it,” Luther said. “You all saved my ass. I owe you for that.” He smiled, revealing a perfect set of bright-white teeth.
“Well, bro, you ain’t’ heard what the old fart wants.” Nate’s tone was caustic, and he started prancing around as if his jeans were lined with fire ants.
Jeez Louise. Nate must be on something, Scarlett thought.
Luther ignored Nate. “I’m a man of honor,” Luther said. “From what I’ve seen, there isn’t much left of society from the Bay Area to here. All I’ve got left is honor, brains, fast legs, and an overwhelming desire to live. And did I mention a weakness for food?” He pointed to his rather large body mass.
Dean explained, “Here’s the deal. Been hearing some chatter on the short-wave. Usually, it’s just a bunch of mumbo jumbo—never was able to make heads or tails out of it. This time, I distinctively heard Travis Air Force Base mentioned several times.”
A wave of excitement seem to ripple through the room.
“And you didn’t bother to inform us?” Paxton interrupted.
“Yeah,” Nate interjected, “You holdin’ out on us, old fart?”
“Not exactly. Figured the rest of you could stay here and run the place while Luther and I scope it out. Shouldn’t take more than a day or two. Hell, if it’s a smooth trip, we might make it back the same day. But doubt it, with the way the roads are blocked,” Dean said.
“No problem. It’s the least I can do after everything y’all did for me. I need to go back anyhow—left precious cargo in my car somewhere between Vacaville and Fairfield,” Luther said.
“My man, my good friend, what kind of precious cargo you be talkin’ ’bout?” Nate sniffed, running a finger against one nostril.
Dean glared at Nate.
“Bro, Luther here doesn’t have anything to do with narcotics. Never have and never will,” Luther declared, firm and correct. “Nope, got me a Hawaiian shirt collection,” Luther said rather proudly.
“Say what?” Justin asked. Luther had apparently sparked Justin’s curiosity.
“Don’t you worry none. I’m sure we’ll come across your things on our way to Travis,” Dean said, attempting to smooth out the possible misunderstanding.
“When do you want to leave?” Luther asked.
“As soon as your leg will let you.” Dean sounded excited.
“Sounds like a plan. Give me a few days . . . see how my leg heals. A man’s gotta be able to run and run like hell in this new world,” Luther said. His stomach let out a long, low, rumbling growl. “I do hate to be rude, but I’m starving. Who do I need to coax to get a meal around here?”
Everyone turned to Ella. Her cheekbones flushed slightly, and she scurried off to the kitchen.
“That’s enough for me.” Luther pointed to the canned ham sitting on the lobby’s coffee table. “What are you all having for dinner?” Luther’s white teeth gleamed.
LuLu picked up the large ham and asked, “When’s Christmas, anyway?”
“Uh, last week,” Scarlett murmured. An icy-cold silence followed. It was another ugly reminder of how drastically their realities had changed. Christmas had come and gone, and no one had even thought of it until then. Really, who flippin’ forgets Christmas . . .
20
“Dean, I need to talk to you. Mind if I tag along?” But Scarlett wasn’t really asking. She refused to let Dean avoid her this time. The past few times she had attempted a private conversation with him, he had always been too busy, putting her off.
“Reckon, I don’t have much choice, now do I?” he responded with a wisp of a smile.
Great, he’s in another one of his moods. When Dean was in a bad mood everybody had better watch out. And everyone usually did except for maybe the Stockton Boys. They ate breakfast in silence. Meanwhile, she mustered the courage to say what she needed to say. But not there. She didn’t want Ella, Justin, or Luther to overhear in case things got ugly.
After Dean downed his coffee, Ella handed Dean his blue Igloo cooler. “I put an extra sandwich and thermos in there for you, Scarlett.” Ella scampered back to the kitchen, probably sensing Dean’s aggravation.
They walked to the lobby. Scarlett was ready, bat in one hand and the 9mm tucked inside her partially zipped jacket. Dean was armed with his blunt weapon of choice, a crowbar, 9mm, and the cooler.
“I walk these days on account of our dwindling fuel supply,” Dean grumbled.
“Works for me,” she said, dreading the cold morning but thankful for the opportunity to practice her sneaking skills with a skilled partner.
It was an easy hike. Not many creepers. Maybe Luther was right. Maybe they didn’t like the cold weather. Once inside the semi’s twenty-degree warmer cab, they silently sipped the coffees Ella had packed. They didn’t talk for a while as if afraid to break the morning’s peaceful silence.
“The dead-head activity has mellowed out lately,” Dean stated.
“There doesn’t seem to be as many,” she agreed.
“Hmm,” he said, rubbing his chin.
“Maybe the Stockton Boys’ Pest Control strategy is actually working,” Scarlett joked.
“Reckon that’s another reason why we’re so low on fuel these days. According to Paxton, it’s getting harder and harder to find petrol,” Dean said. “I’m saving what I can for the trip to Travis.”
“So, when are you and Luther leaving?” Scarlett finally blurted, tired of tiptoeing around the issue.
“Tomorrow, at first light. Luther said his leg’s fine. He’s good to go.”
“I’ve been planning on taking a trip to Pinole for some time now,” Scarlett admitted like some dark secret she’d been holding on to.
“I know,” he said.
“Why didn’t you say something?” She was surprised.
“Figured you’d tell me when you were good and ready to.”
Scarlett continued, “I have a car ready to go, the blue Toyota in the parking lot. Justin helped me jump-start it on one of our supply runs. I’ve been starting it every few days to keep the battery charged. And, I have several cans of gas, which Justin and I found.” She was ready for him to start ranting.
“I’m aware of that as well,” Dean stated.
Dean seemed perfectly calm. Jeez, does he know everything? And here I thought I was so sly. “I thought you’d try to stop me,” she said, embarrassed.
“Scarlett, perhaps you’ve misunderstood my motives. Hell, perhaps I’ve misunderstood my own motives. I’ve been so dead set on keeping everyone safe, it was beyond my belief anyone would want to leave the hotel, especially alone.”
“I can’t explain it. I know it’s horribly dangerous, but I absolutely have to find out about Cyndi,” Scarlett rambled.
“You still want to chance it, despite Luther’s warning about headin’ west?”
“Pinole’s on the outskirts of the Bay Area. Besides, I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t at least try.” She finally released the long, deep sigh she’d been holding back.
“Reckon I’d do the same. Probably should wait ’til Luther and I get back. What if there’s a refugee camp at Travis? Heck, your sister might even be there.”
“Do you really think you’ll find help there? You’d think if the military was that close, we’d have seen signs of them by now, like flyovers, helicopters, something—” she argued.
“That’s bothering me too. Still, to clear my conscience, I’ve got to check it out. Might only be civilians there. It would explain the lack of military presence,” he reasoned. “Do an old man a favor, will you? Wait for us to get back.”
For the first time, Dean turned to look at her. He looked tired and worn out. “I’ll put a deal on the table. Wait for me to get back. And hell, I’ll go with you. We’ll be needin’ a new hotel anyhow since fuel supplies are running out. We can scout it out together,” Dean said. His crinkly-lined eyes pleaded louder than his optimistic tone. Dean finally smiled. It was the same sincere smile he had given her the first day they had met.
“Dean, we could’ve done that weeks ago . . .” her voice trailed off. Jeez, he could have told me.
“To tell you the truth, after talking to Luther, reality has sunk in, so to speak. If things don’t work out at the airbase . . .” he paused. “Promise me this, if we don’t make it back, I want you to organize the group and go to Texas.” He said it so softly she could hardly believe her ears.
“What? Of course, you’ll make it back,” Scarlett rebuffed. As gruff as Dean liked to come across, he really was a sweet man with a big heart.
“Dammit, Scarlett, I want you to promise me. If I don’t make it back for whatever reason—take Justin and Ella to Texas. There, now I’ve said my peace.” He rubbed his chest.
“And what about LuLu?” Scarlett was afraid of Dean’s answer.
“LuLu does what LuLu wants—if you know what I mean,” Dean blustered, waving his hand in the air like he really didn’t care.
“Are you all right?” her voice wavered. He didn’t answer, an annoying habit of his when he didn’t like the question. Scarlett felt guilty for behaving so selfishly. “You’re right. I’ll wait. It’s the smartest thing to do.” Still, she was disappointed her trip to Pinole had once again been postponed.
“And Scarlett, watch out for the Stockton Boys. They’ve been behaving mighty peculiar lately. Think something’s up,” he warned.
“I’ve noticed it, too.”
“Since Luther arrived, those two are gone more often than not. They check-in for dinner then leave the hotel. I don’t know if you noticed, but their trucks weren’t in the parking lot when we left,” Dean worried.
She hadn’t noticed. “Maybe it’s a good thing. They could be tired of us.” Her instant relief was followed by a surge of fear.
“If we’re not back in a week,” Dean paused, “take Justin and Ella with you to Pinole. And if you don’t find signs of civilization—go to Texas. Whatever you do, for God’s sake, do not leave Ella alone with the Stockton Boys. Not even for one minute!”
“Dean, have you forgotten? Ella won’t even go in the parking lot. How do you expect me to get her to leave the hotel?” Scarlett reminded.
“I’m thinking Ella will go wherever Justin goes. I’ll talk it over with Justin this afternoon.”
“Honestly, I don’t think Justin can get her to leave the hotel,” Scarlett said.
“Might have to drug her. Got any sedatives in that first-aid kit of yours?” Dean asked.
“Are you serious?”
“Do what you gotta do.” As if he wasn’t sure Scarlett took him seriously, he reached across and held her cheeks gently in his hands. “Scarlett. Promise me. If something happens, you’ve got to get them to Texas.”
“I’m sure you’ll be back in a couple of days,” she assured, trying to calm him down.
“One more thing, I don’t mean to be such a curmudgeon, it’s just that—” he faltered for a second. “Thing is, sometimes you remind me of my dear Mary, so damn headstrong so—so invincible. Well, she thought she was.” Dean sighed. “I had to watch her slow, agonizing death as she gradually succumbed to the cancer. No man should ever have to witness such a thing! I want you to be careful. You’re not invincible.”
Dean’s words stung like ice cubes stuc
k to her tongue, refusing to let go. Scarlett affectionately stroked his shoulder.
“So glad Mary isn’t here to see this ghastly world . . .” his words trailed off.
At that very moment, Scarlett had a peculiar notion Dean wasn’t sitting next to her; he was sitting next to Mary. She let him have his moment while she gazed out the window at the approaching mini-horde, wondering how in hell she was going to get Justin and Ella to Texas if she was not—invincible. Dean, you better not die on me. I can’t do this without you. She prayed it wasn’t an unreasonable request.
21
By 4:30 a.m., the lobby was full of chatter and nervous laughs and silly jokes. It was like a bon voyage party. Everyone was jovial; even the Stockton Boys were there to see Dean and Luther off. Justin had Luther cornered, zealously demonstrating his five favorite freakin’ zombie moves (otherwise known as Justin’s Fab-Five). Poor guy. Luther pretended to be fascinated from what Scarlett could see. Scarlett wistfully watched the entire scene unfold from the stairwell’s landing, wondering if it was the last time she would ever see Dean. She had only known him for a short time, a matter of months, but it seemed like a lifetime. She had grown fond of him; he was like a dear uncle. Scarlett sheepishly walked up to Dean with her hands behind her back.
“Looks like someone’s up to no good,” Dean said with a wary expression.
“It’s a going away gift.” Scarlett handed him a large, pink gift bag.
“And just my color,” Dean teased.
“I couldn’t find any Wild West gift bags,” she teased back.
Dean slowly stuck his hand inside the gift bag. “Dern near bit my hand off.” He yanked his hand out of the bag.
“You’re close,” Scarlett said.
“For crying out loud what is it?” LuLu rasped.