by Gayle Katz
The two guys looked confused.
“I’ll take my chances with the zombies,” Owen said, racing to the door and thrusting it open. He ran out into the lot.
It was empty. There were no zombies, only the sounds of them.
“Psst, over here,” whispered a voice. He raced in that direction. Zan grabbed him and pulled him into their spot behind the bushes. He smiled as he noticed she clung to him for a bit longer than normal.
The two guys raced out after him when they realized there really were no zombies outside. Shots were fired. Both figures dropped to the ground.
Stewart had ducked down in his vehicle, but then he saw Sergeant Bourne race past and wave at him.
“Wait! Don’t let her get away,” said Owen. “She came out of the top of the trailer.”
“Oh damn,” said Charlie. “I didn’t think there would be that kind of exit.”
“She must have jumped off on the other side,” said Zan.
“On it,” yelled Sergeant Bourne, racing past them.
Stewart came running up to them. “Hey, guys. Let’s go. The police have control of the situation.”
“OK,” said Mark, as everyone came out of hiding.
Epilogue
________________________________________
They were back in school. “Well, if what you say is true, then the next zombie outbreak has been stopped,” said Stewart, pleased with his team.
“Yeah, except, our class got decimated,” said Zan.
“Yes, and for this reason, next time we’ll meet at my place. The school is closed for a week or two until exams. Oh, and don’t forget, the big funeral is next week.”
“I wonder who that female zleader-wannabe was?” asked Charlie.
“It could be anyone,” said Stewart.
“I think that mayor is sketchy,” said Zan.
“That doesn’t make sense,” said Owen. “The mayor was definitely on our side. I can sense these things. You know, when we were at the mall opening and saw her.”
“Maybe it’s Doctor Arora come back to life?” asked Zan. The group paused to think about it.
“No, this is someone different, someone new, who doesn’t know you. But don’t worry, we’ll figure it out. Say, I almost forgot in all the excitement, did any of you do your Latin translations?”
Owen and Zan looked at each other and shrugged.
“Well, some other time then.”
“I wonder who will replace Principal Allan?” asked Charlie.
“Don’t know yet,” said Stewart. “Doesn’t matter. I want you to move to Seattle. They seem inept at finding their zleader. Most of their underground has been renovated and is safe for visitors once again.”
“What?” said Zan. “They’re letting visitors back down there? After what happened?”
“Well, they’re now selling it as a real zombie-shooting gig.”
“Cool,” said Zan.
“Where is Mark?” asked Charlie. “I thought he was on our team now?”
“He is,” said Stewart. “But his family is moving back to Seattle. Don’t worry, you’ll see him again.”
“But will our team still be immune there? Those zombies have some strong venom,” protested Charlie, remembering what happened to her.
“I believe that you are immune, now that you’ve been bitten and recovered, but Zan and Owen are not. For this reason, you’re the only one going there, not Zan or Owen.”
“What?” everyone cried in unison, protesting the news.
Prologue
________________________________________
“Congratulations,” Mayor Jane Cote said to Ray Orzola. “I hope your business is prolific and successful.” She struggled to cut through the red satin ribbon that covered the old wooden double doors of the business. The scissors looked like they were from last century. With one final snip, the ribbon’s ends dropped to the ground. Everyone cheered.
“Thank you, Mayor Cote,” said Ray. “It’s an honor to be here today. I’m pleased to be employing over forty Portland residents.”
The pair stood for photos by the press.
“I now invite you to join us for cake and refreshments,” said Mayor Cote. “And please, have a look around the facilities. There is also a small gift shop you can access from either the street or from the lobby.” She beckoned in that direction.
“Well, this is a dream come true,” said Ray. “Without your assistance, it wouldn’t be a reality.”
“Oh please, that’s what I’m here for,” she replied. Someone had propped open the wooden doors to allow people inside. The interior hall was vast, with several smaller doors leading to other offices. A gigantic staircase in the center of the hall led down into the basement, and to the floors above.
A long lineup led from outside to the cake table inside.
“Déjà vu,” said Sergeant Bourne, standing near them.
“Yes, it is,” said the mayor, laughing. “Being in attendance for new business startups is part of my job.”
Sergeant Bourne smirked. “Yeah, it’s too bad you don’t do anything else around here.”
She frowned. “Really?” she said. “I’ve balanced the budget for the past six months and dug Portland out of its financial hole. Unemployment is also at an all-time low.”
He nodded and continued smirking. “Right. Keep telling yourself that.”
“Perhaps you should lea…” she started to say, but Ray wrapped his arm around her and led her away.
“I don’t think now is the time,” he explained.
“I hate him!” she said.
“Really, Jane? Now is not the time.”
She was about to argue with him, when she paused. “What is that noise?”
He gazed around as an uneasy feeling overcame him.
A stampede of people came at them and ran out through the double doors into the street, almost knocking them over. Behind them came a dozen zombies, in various states of decay and undress.
“Cool,” said Sergeant Bourne, digging out his gun. He ran to meet them head on.
“We should leave,” said Ray, taking Jane’s hand.
She laughed and ran with him. “That’s my Portland!”
Chapter 1
________________________________________
“There’s a slight change in plans,” said Stewart over the telephone.
“What now?” asked Charlie.
“I’d like you to go to Seattle now, rather than waiting for the new school year,” he explained.
She sighed. She never got a break. Earlier in the year, she had really believed that she could retire from zombie slaying. “But, exams are done, and summer vacation starts soon.”
“I know, but word has it that there is new zombie activity in Portland. I want you back here before it worsens.”
“Why don’t I just stay here then? Seattle has had their zombies since at least the eighteen hundreds, and we know they can’t jump cities. And Mark has moved back there. He can handle it.”
“No, it’s just Mark in Seattle. Besides their competent police force, there are no other zlayers there that we’re aware of. And you know how the police like to interfere and get in the way. They wouldn’t even let you go ahead of them. I’d rather you were with Mark when you head into the underground. Anyway, you have one more year left until graduation, so there will be plenty of time for zombie slaying here. Zan and Owen have got it covered until you return.”
She sighed. “Fine. I’ll start packing.” Stewart gave her a few more details while she tossed clothing into her bag.
“What are you doing?” asked Gran from the doorway.
“Packing for Seattle,” she explained.
“I thought you were going to study in Seattle for a semester?” she asked, suspiciously. “Was this school trip another cover for your zombie slaying?” Gran entered the room.
Charlie paused and tossed her hands up in the air. “I can’t lie to you! Of course it’s for zombie slaying. But the good
news is that it’s only for a week, rather than an entire semester. Looks like I’ll be completing the entirety of my senior year at Portland High School.”
“Well, isn’t that funny,” Gran started to say. “No one ever thinks to consult me about these things.”
Charlie sat on her bed, patting the spot beside her. Gran went and sat down next to her.
“Well, you know who I am. You know I have no choice.”
Gran shook her head. “I know it’s a family thing,” she said. “Doesn’t mean I like it. I’m all too aware of the danger and the stats. Just look at what happened the last time you went to Seattle. You nearly lost your life!”
“Well, I like it about as much as you do. I really thought after Texas that I was going to be able to retire. Turns out, I can’t.”
“Yes, well, it’ll be a couple more years of this nonsense, then you’ll lose your abilities. Then that will be that.”
Charlie smiled. “Yes, though, I’ll still always have some fighting abilities.”
“True, but you won’t want to continue zombie slaying as getting bitten will mean death.”
“Yep,” she replied. “Instead, I’ll join the police force. Should be much safer.” She tried not to laugh.
Gran looked horrified. “The police? As in, the Portland Police?”
She nodded. “Where else would I work? Unless we moved to another city?”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. You are aware that they too fight zombies, right?”
“Oh, that’s just Sergeant Bourne’s division. The rest of them do nothing.”
Gran sighed. “Well, have you considered other career options?”
“Like what? You do know that Stewart and Principal Allan were giving me As and Bs on all my homework that should only have gotten a C plus at most.”
“I didn’t know that,” said Gran. “But I see you do your homework.”
“I do my best, but not enough to get me grades good enough to get into a top school.” She grabbed a scarf off her bed and tucked it into her bag.
“Well, there are plenty of careers that don’t require good grades in math or science,” she said. “Let’s see. You could be a graphic designer or an actress.”
“Nah, I’m not exactly creative.”
“You could be a security guard or go into the military,” Gran suggested.
“Sure, those must pay well,” Charlie said.
Gran shrugged. “It’s not always about the money.” She paused. “Well, is there anything that really interests you? I mean, if you had all the money in the world, and the grades?”
Charlie paused from packing her bag and frowned. “Well, Egyptology would be kind of cool, but that would mean lots more school. And to be honest, I’m just not sure.”
Gran smiled. “Well, think about it for a bit before you make your decision. I think I’d rather you go up against zombies than humans any day.”
“Right,” said Charlie. She watched as Gran got up and left to do whatever it was that grandmothers did all day. She let out a loud laugh, thinking that going up against regular human criminals might be a lot simpler than what she did now. Or would it? She stopped laughing.
Then she frowned as she realized that much of what she had done the past year really had involved going up against humans.
zzz
“I’m so happy you got a new job,” said Zan.
“I know,” said Owen, putting his book down. “I start tomorrow. It’s a pretty simple job, but it will keep me busy. I always feel guilty taking cash from my parents at my age, even though my parents are doing well.”
“Great,” said Zan. “Whatcha doing?”
“I’ll be a receptionist at this factory. Basically, I check employee passes and IDs and don’t let the public in, unless they have an appointment.”
“Cool,” said Zan. “What do they make at the factory?”
“Jackets and vests. Supposedly waterproof for our climate. I’ll see if I can get you one,” said Owen.
“Oh, that’s so sweet!” said Zan, leaning in and kissing his cheek.
His eyes lit up and he smiled. “Umm,” he started to say.
“Oh, sorry. That was weird,” she replied. “But I know you like me.”
“Of course I like you. You’re my friend,” he said, before realizing that didn’t sound right. “It’s just that our line of work isn’t safe. I mean, we could die tomorrow. Plus, I don’t want things to be awkward between us.” The words were just blurted out.
“Oh, I know,” said Zan. “Maybe when we’re a couple years older. I’m not ready to date yet either. It must be your truthsayer abilities that are drawing it out of me today.”
Owen felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. He didn’t want to force Zan to say or do anything against her will, but two years seemed like a long time, when he really cared about her now. “Um, yeah,” he said, embarrassed. “That must be it.”
“It’s weird though. Like all the other teens are dating and everything,” Zan said.
He nodded. “Well, the good news is that we both have dates for the prom next year.” He smiled, feeling a bit better that at least he wouldn’t have to wait a full two years to go on a date with Zan.
She frowned. “We do? Oh right, duh!” She laughed. “So,” she started saying, trying to change the topic. “I heard Charlie is going to Seattle this week, rather than in the fall.”
Owen picked up his book again. “That’s good news. I wish we could go with her. I don’t understand this zombie immunity thing, personally.”
Zan grabbed her smartphone and looked at it. “I don’t either. It’s too bad we don’t know what the scientists are studying, if anything about it. And those rogue scientists last week, Jaz and Dr. Arora, don’t count.”
“I wonder if there is any money in it?” asked Owen.
“Probably, but it’s hard for anyone to commit the resources to do anything since some places, like good old Portland, don’t even admit they have a zombie problem. Plus, you’d only be immune to the zombies in your city so forget traveling. This whole thing seems like one great big mess.”
“Yeah, it’s crazy, for sure,” said Owen. “Any word if the latest zombies in the news are traditional or the newer type?”
“They have to be the newer type. There shouldn’t be any traditional ones left after we killed the zleader.”
“Great,” he said. “So we just have to hunt down and find the zleader wannabe then.”
She nodded. “I’m betting it’s the mayor. Or Sergeant Bourne.”
“Yeah, it has to be someone prominent, with the resources to start a new zombie uprising.”
“OK, let’s see if we can get some of this book translated for Stewart.” She held some photocopied papers up in the air. They had ancient Latin and strange symbols written on them.
“I’ll grab my Latin dictionary,” Owen said, rummaging in his bag.
Chapter 2
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“I’m feeling a bit uncomfortable leaving Charlie out of the loop in this,” said Stewart, taking a seat at a table covered with a charcoal lace tablecloth. In the middle of the table was a candle that sat in the center of a chalk-drawn pentagram. At each point of the pentagram were small objects: a crystal, sage, a clipping of hair, a small piece of driftwood, and what suspiciously looked like part of a finger bone.
“Relax,” said Rose Warner, Charlie’s grandmother. “I’ve performed this spell once a season, after I realized that Charlie is a zlayer, just like her mom.”
“Charlie’s mom died in the field, right?”
“Yes, that’s true. But not before she got pregnant and had Charlie, of course.”
“So, where’s the dad?” asked Stewart, carefully lifting up the tablecloth so it wouldn’t catch on his legs.
“No idea,” said Gran. “She was very young. Personally, I preferred there was no dad in the picture.”
Stewart looked at the grim expression on her face.
She squeezed her eyes shut. “It was fine in the beginning, but he thought I had zlayer abilities, but I didn’t per se. He pushed me too far one day. Let’s just say he’s dead now, and I was very happy to look after Mica’s daughter, that’s Charlie’s mother’s name.”
Stewart finished his drink and put the glass down on the table. “Wait a minute. I thought Charlie did have a dad?”
Gran nodded. “She did. Mica got married after she finished college. It was when her zlayer abilities started waning that she got killed. That is the dad that Charlie knew. Unfortunately, he passed away from cancer only a few years later, and I kept my promise to him not to burden Charlie with these details.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. If there is one thing in common about ayers, it’s that they are very private people. I didn’t want to press too hard in questioning her.”
Rose pulled the blinds closed and pressed the light switch to off. “You got that right. This isn’t what I’ve told Charlie about her dad over the years, but it’s the truth.”
“If you’ve done this so often, why do you need me here?” he asked.
She smiled. “You’ll see.”
Since there were only two of them, they each had to stretch out across the table to have their arms form a circle. This naturally encircled the pentagram at the center of the table.
“Now close your eyes,” Rose instructed.
The room seemed to grow almost darker, even though it was still sunny outside. The red pillar candle in the center of the table seemed to burn faster. A strange howling noise filled the air.
“Now, open your eyes,” Rose whispered.
Stewart slowly opened his eyes, squinting from the brightness of the candle flame. Directly above the candle floated several images in the light.
Stewart and Rose leaned closer to have a better look. Some of the images were of Charlie and the room they were in. Most were fairly innocuous, of common daily scenes of Charlie having breakfast, or of her studying. Some were of zombies she had slayed in the past. There were some notable landmarks from Dallas, Texas.