Black Flag | Book 1 | Surviving The Scourge

by Klapwyk, Dave

  Over the last couple months, they had gotten settled into Joe’s apartment. Blender had cleaned up the mess left by the looters and threw out some items that had been broken during the break-in. This included the television and Blu-ray player. The pool table was still in the apartment, but the green felt was ripped and the pool cues were broken. The dartboard and laptop were both stolen and most of their food stash. It was more dangerous than ever outside so they had to entertain themselves inside the apartment.

  They were still able to get most essential items and food if they could find stores that were open.

  “I think you should all go shopping!” Monique announced one morning. They all stopped what they were doing and looked at her with anticipation. “I will stay here with the dog and the baby, and you should go take a trip downtown to see if you can find some stores to buy essentials. I would like some vitamins and some healthy foods.”

  “Like chocolate chips,” said Blender

  “I mean more like fruits and vegetables.”

  “I want a television and a Blu-ray,” said Ayesha.

  “I still want a laptop,” said Zach.

  “I have a credit card,” said Monique, “but I’m not sure how much is on it.”

  “Most places are just taking cash,” said Blender, “but I know where Joe keeps his secret emergency stash.” He ran to Joe’s bedroom and disappeared.

  “I have some cash too.” she pulled her wallet out of her purse.

  The dog barked and there was a knock on the door. “I’ll get it,” said Ayesha and Zack at the same time. They raced each other to the door. When they opened it, they saw a tall man with thick blond hair and a big smile on his face.

  “Well, hello there, kids - and dog,” said Laurel.

  “Aren’t you that gay guy from Building Two?” asked Zach.

  Ayesha elbowed him, “That’s rude, Zach.”

  “What?”

  “That’s okay. I’m Laurel. I am gay, but I hope to be known as more than just the gay guy from Building Two.” He rubbed the top of Roxie’s head.

  Monique walked over. “Hello, is there something we can help you with, Laurel?”

  “I’m looking for Joe. Is he here?”

  “No, I’m sorry, he ran into a bit of trouble. My husband has gone to see him in jail right now. Are you a friend of his?”

  “Yes, I…”

  “Laurel, is that you?” Blender came out of Joe’s bedroom.

  “Oh, hi, Blender. I hear Joe is in trouble.”

  “Why don’t you come in Laurel. This is Monique. Have you met Ayesha and Zack before?”

  “Yes, I’ve seen them around. The last time I saw them was right here.” He looked at the baby in Monique’s arms. “And who’s this?”

  “This little miracle is Olivia.”

  They sat, and ate cookies (without chocolate chips). They talked about the Scourge, the looters and how society seemed to be falling apart.

  “It gets lonely in my apartment all by myself and…” said Laurel.

  “Why don’t you come to live here with us?” said Ayesha.

  “I don’t want to impose, but…”

  “Do you have a television?” asked Ayesha.

  “I do…” he said.

  “When you move in here, can you bring your television?” asked Ayesha.

  “Do you have a laptop?” Asked Zach.

  “What about chocolate chips?” asked Blender.

  Laurel looked at Monique.

  Ayesha said, “Can he live here with us?”

  “This isn’t even my apartment, why are you asking me?” said Monique and then looked at Blender.

  “Hey, don’t look at me, it’s not my place either.”

  The apartment door opened, and Kevin walked in.

  “Kevin!” shouted Monique.

  Laurel held his arms out to take the baby. “Here, I’ll take her.”

  She handed Olivia off, ran to her husband and gave him a loving embrace. “How’s Joe? Did you get to see him? What happened, and why does your hair look singed?”

  “It’s a long story,” he answered, “Do I smell chocolate chip cookies?”

  “I wish,” said Blender.

  “Laurel’s coming to live with us,” said Ayesha, “he’s Joe’s friend.”

  “He’s gay,” said Zach.

  Kevin looked confused. “Do you guys like living here in this little apartment?”

  “No,” said Zach, “it’s boring. There are no laptops and no game systems.”

  “We don’t have a television either,” said Ayesha, “But Laurel’s going to bring his.”

  “The dartboard’s gone,” said Blender.

  “It is getting a little crowded in here,” admitted Monique.

  “I don’t have to move in,” said Laurel sincerely.

  “I found a place,” said Kevin. “It’s a big place with a big yard.”

  “Is it a mansion?” asked Ayesha.

  “Yes, it’s a mansion, and it’s just outside of Commerce city, and I’m sure it’s big enough for all of you to have your own room, even Laurel.”

  “We can’t afford a mansion,” said a wary Monique.

  “It was given to me. It’s free!”

  They all started talking excitedly to each other. Even Roxie could sense something happy was happening and ran from person to person, her tail wagging.

  “How are we all going to fit into your little stolen Jeep?” asked Monique

  “I have a PT Cruiser,” suggested Laurel.

  “Pack your things, we’re moving out!” announced Kevin.

  “How did you manage to get a mansion?” asked Monique.

  “I’ll explain on the way.”

  The five-hour trip to Commerce City was long but after being cooped up in an apartment it was bearable. They had to stop multiple times on the way to change the baby, stop to eat and allow everyone to go to the washroom.

  Monique was excited and apprehensive. She was excited to move into a big house, and she hoped it was safe and had food. However, she was also anxious, and she had a million questions.

  What will it be like with this growing group of people all living in the same house? Was she expected to be a den mother? Was this going to be a cross between a commune and an orphanage? Is this part of what Kevin would call God’s plan? Were they all going to survive this pandemic? Would she come back to Ingerwood when this was over and go back to work at the advertising agency? Would the government keep sending emergency money? How long was this pandemic going to last?

  A million questions, but no answers.

  They left the highway and drove for another 20 minutes down a few country roads before they found the front gate to the mansion.

  “I just want to warn you guys,” said Kevin, “I haven’t actually seen this place, so don’t get your hopes up. Lorne said it was a big house, but he didn’t say how big.”

  The entry gate was bordered on either side by two brick columns. A 3-metre-high fence stretched out in both directions. One of the brick columns had the address and a sign with Veilig Estates. The other had a metal bracket holding a security keypad. Ayesha and Zach were restless with anticipation as Kevin typed 1-9-7-3 into the keypad. The black iron gate rolled to the side with a loud creak. Both vehicles drove through, and the gate creaked closed behind them. The laneway was bounded on both sides by immense maple trees. The laneway turned to the left, and the view opened up. The large three-story stone manor was surrounded by immaculately kept gardens and shrubbery. There was a separate three car garage to one side and rolling green grass all around.

  “No way…” said Zach, “This is awesome!”

  Ayesha smiled and clapped her hands in glee while Monique stared silently with her mouth open.

  Blender did a clenched-fist pull-down. “Yes!”

  They drove up to the front steps. When the vehicle doors opened it was like they had pulled in to Canada’s Wonderland. Zach and Ayesha exploded out of the car and ran up the steps, yelling, laug
hing and talking. Roxie took off running out into the yard to pee and sniff.

  The group huddled around the front door as Kevin fiddled with the keys. He opened the ornate oak doors, and they filtered in. Ayesha and Zach climbed the grand winding staircase to claim their rooms. Blender went to the kitchen to inspect the restaurant-sized amenities. Laurel went out the back door and discovered a pool with a large deck. Kevin found the study with a large hardwood desk and a vast collection of books. Monique used one of the many bathrooms to change Olivia’s diaper. They found a white pickup truck in the garage.

  Over the next few weeks, they got settled into their new home. Since they were close, Kevin drove the blue jeep to the Abitido Jail once per week but was refused each time. Ayesha found a movie theatre room and a library of Blu-ray movies, which included many kid’s movies. Zach helped her hook it up and would sometimes watch movies with her. Zach found a laptop which he connected to the internet. The connection was not reliable. Many sites were either not updated or not working at all, but he tried anyway. Blender was happy in the kitchen. He found a full freezer and racks of canned food in the basement. After dinner, he would often go to the rec room, where he found a dartboard. He would throw darts by himself, and when anyone asked to play with him, he said none of them were as good as Joe and he would rather play alone. Kevin tried to keep up the house and grounds. He cut the lawn, trimmed the hedges, and cleaned the floors. Kevin also managed to keep his beard neatly trimmed.

  Monique spent a lot of time looking after Olivia, but was able to hand her off to Laurel, so she could have a break. Laurel was in a perpetual sombre mood. He spent much of his time sitting by the pool or wandering the grounds with Roxie and didn’t talk much.

  Chapter 19

  Not far away at the Abitido Jail, Joe was in the midst of his escape attempt. He and Ubi stood over the stretcher with Ben, waiting for an agonizing couple of seconds in the cage. Joe’s heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest.

  What is Plan C? What does he mean things are about to get hairy? Why don’t they open the door already?

  Eventually, there was a buzzing sound, and the 2nd door opened. Joe resumed the breath he didn’t know he was holding and walked out of the cage. The three of them exited the cage and stood at the beginning of the hallway. The door clanged closed behind them.

  Suddenly a deafening klaxon siren sounded, a spinning red light flashed overhead, and a voice boomed over the loudspeakers.

  “Attention, all personnel, we have a Code Orange. All Class I guards remain at your station. All Class II’s report to Cell Block F2. We have a Level One security breach.”

  Joe looked back at Ubi. “What’s going on?”

  “It’s all part of Plan C. Keep moving.”

  Joe continued walking down the hallway. “What did you do?”

  From around the corner, a group of four guards charged down the hallway towards them. They wore helmets with face shields, knee pads, elbow pads, shin pads and body armour. The guards were dressed in black, carried batons in one hand a large plexiglass shield in the other. They were running towards them. Joe froze.

  This is it. This is where I die. If I don’t die, I’m about to get severely beaten. Again.

  “Step aside,” one of them said as they marched past.

  “What’s going on?” Joe asked Ubi.

  “Stretch and Tank just opened up all the doors in our cell block.”

  “What? Why?”

  “It’s all part of the backup plan in case we didn’t all make it out of our cell block. They might be able to get out in the ensuing riot and confusion.”

  The two of them pushed Ben down the hallway and through a second set of double doors. Down the next hallway was another security station, just before the exit. Ben got off the stretcher and walked in front of Joe with his hands behind his back, pretending to be their prisoner. They all walked as casually as they could up to the security station. This station consisted of a booth with two guards and a locked door with a swipe card reader.

  As they approached the booth, one of the guards yelled out from the booth, “Where are you going?”

  Joe spoke for the group. “Prisoner transfer.”

  “Not now. We’re on lockdown. They’ve got something happening in F2. Nobody in or out till we get the all-clear.”

  Joe looked at Ubi. “Now what? You have a Plan D?”

  Ben spoke up. “The basement. We might find a way out there. The guard’s locker rooms are down there. There might be another way out.”

  Ubi looked at Joe. “Let’s go.”

  They walked back down the hallway till they found a stairwell. The three of them shuffled through the stairwell door and down the stairs. They walked down another hallway past the guard’s lunchroom and into the changeroom. The basement was quiet, and there didn’t appear to be anybody around. The only sound was the prison alarms and their footsteps echoing across the changeroom.

  “Now what?” Joe asked, looking at Ben.

  “I don’t know. I said there might be a way out down here. At least there are no other guards down here.”

  Ubi ran further into the changeroom. Ben opened some lockers until he found a uniform that might fit him. The locker also had a set of keys, including one for a Mercedes that he put in his pocket.

  “Over here, guys!” Ubi called out from the other side of the changeroom. “I found a window.”

  Ben scrambled to put on the guard’s uniform as fast as he could and joined Ubi and Joe by the window. The window was barely big enough to fit through and was at the top of the wall. There was steel mesh that was affixed to the window, and a large lock held it in place.

  “Now what?” asked Ben. “Do you happen to have a key for that? You know I used to know a guy who could pick locks. He tried to pick the lock to his cell door once. He didn’t do it, mind you and got himself thrown in solitary. I hear they don’t even give you a toilet in solitary. You have to go…”

  Ubi ran out of the changeroom. They heard some clanging, and running water in the other room. He returned carrying a large steel pipe, that was still dripping water.

  “Found the key,” he said and then slipped the pipe between the lock and the door, using the pipe as a lever.

  They heard voices from the stairway. “You better hurry,” Ben said.

  Ubi pushed as hard as he could till the pipe began to bend, but the lock remained intact. The voices were getting louder, and they could hear loud footsteps coming down the stairs.

  “Come on, let’s go. They’re almost here.”

  Ubi hit the lock with the pipe, swinging at it hard. On the 3rd swing, the lock finally gave out and clanged to the floor.

  “Who’s down here?” someone yelled from out in the hallway. They could hear the guards entering the lunchroom, and it would be only moments until they found them.

  Ubi bent open the metal cage and started to pull himself up. The guards could be heard on the other side of the changeroom. Once he climbed out the window, Ubi helped Ben and then Joe out the window just as the guards ran into the room.

  Outside, the air was cool, and a light snow was falling on the frosted ground. They ran away from the window towards the employee parking lot. Ben pulled out his key and pressed the unlock button repeatedly. “This car has to be around here somewhere.”

  Finally, a black Mercedes honked, and they all ran towards it. Behind them, the guards were yelling.

  As they approached the car, Ubi held out his hand towards Ben. “Give me the keys. I’m driving.” Ben handed him the keys and got in the back of the car. Ubi got in the driver’s seat, and Joe climbed into the other side. The guards were getting closer as Ubi started the car and sped towards the main gate.

  The gate was over 20 feet high. It was reinforced with steel tubing and topped with razor wire. It was also closed. Orange lights flashed on top of the guard tower beside the gate, and two guards stood on top of the tower. One of them had a long rifle with a scope.

  “We�
��re all gonna die!” Ben yelled from the back.

  “Go, go, go!” yelled Joe.

  Ubi put his foot down hard on the gas pedal, and they sped towards the gate. A shot rang out just as they were about to collide with the gate. Ubi’s head exploded just as the car impacted the gate. Joe was saved by the airbag that deployed. He felt Ben’s head hit the seat behind him. The car wasn’t able to get through the gate which was now folded around the car. Joe slapped at the airbag to push it down. He looked over at Ubi, whose head was a mess of flesh, bone and blood. Joe vomited on the deflating airbag. From behind him, Ben was passed out. Through the smashed window beside him, Joe saw the muzzle of a large gun pointed at his head.

  Ben was taken away to the infirmary and treated for a mild concussion, and Joe was placed in solitary confinement. He remained there for one week - and it did have a toilet. It gave him time to think and contemplate his life and current situation. He thought about Ubi and tried to block out the image of his head exploding. The only way he found he could escape the horrible images was to look ahead.

  He needed a plan and a purpose. Joe missed Ayesha, Zach, Blender, Kevin and Monique. H wanted to get back to them. At the next opportunity he would get out of this prison and back to his apartment.

  When he emerged from solitary, he was put in a cell alone. He met up with Ben during the next free time in the yard. Ben had suffered a concussion and a sprained wrist; it was still wrapped up. Ben told him that Stretch and Tank had been moved to a different cell block and that none of their crew had made it out. He also heard that due to the attempted escape, ensuing mini-riot, and the fact that there were now fewer guards and prisoners, they were being transported to a different facility. They were conglomerating many of the prisons into one large facility somewhere out east. Further away from his friends.

  Chapter 20

  It was a cool November evening when Laurel walked into the study.

  “You are a good person, Kevin.” He stood at the side of the desk, looking at the photos hanging on the wall.