“Ok, you need to make sure you can thoroughly hide any weapon and ammunition you have with you,” Megan advised. She supervised each woman as they hid pistols, revolvers, and the ammo that went with them on their persons. Each of them even carried plastic handcuffs hidden in their socks.
When Cindy walked around the bathroom, she could feel the box of ammo hidden in the waist of her jeans. “Megan, are you sure you can’t see this stuff on us? This is going to be tough, hiding all this and being able to transfer some of it to the men quickly without being seen.”
“Yeah we’re gonna need a diversion,” Megan said as she finished examining Sarah. “Do you think we could get the teens to do something, like start an argument? I think anything would do as long as it gives us a few seconds.”
Cindy nodded with a grin. “That would be perfect! Everyone knows how surly a teen can be, we need to get them together and let them in on the plan.”
“I’ll do it,” Rose said softly. She was always so quiet most of the time people tended to forget she was around. “I will get two walkies - give them one and keep the other. When it’s time I’ll give them two clicks on it when we need them.”
“Great idea!” Cindy said as she walked over and gave Rose a big hug. Rose fairly beamed and gave Cindy a smile in return. “Ok, I think we’re all set then, let’s go!”
Cindy and Megan descended the stairs while the rest of the women went up to position themselves on the fourth floor. Cindy said a quick but heartfelt prayer as she followed Megan that things would work out and no one else would die.
Chapter 25
Despite Dexter’s reluctance to go along with their plans, Charlie managed to convince him with Darrell’s help that they needed to go back. When he also told him that there would probably be a fight, he couldn’t have kept Dexter away. They decided to have a quick dinner, courtesy of Judith, before getting what they needed together. This pushed the timeline back by at least another hour, which Charlie didn’t like, but there wasn‘t much he could do about it. Judith had insisted on going, as well as several other townsfolk, for which Charlie was grateful. Jenny would also be tagging along and Charlie didn’t even waste time trying to argue with her when he saw the look on her face.
After dinner, Charlie went looking for Scott and Sean and found them loading up the back of their SUV. The two new men, Mark and Jacob, were still with them and they were pouring over a map. One of them also held a GPS unit in one hand.
“Hey Charlie,” Sean said as he flashed a good-natured smile his way.
“Came by to see if you were ready yet.” Charlie stopped and gave everyone a smile. “Looks like we should be able to head out in about 10 minutes.”
“We’ll be ready,” Scott grunted as Sean stepped back and he pulled the hatch down.
“Sounds good. Wanted to let you know in case you have something last minute to do.”
“Sean, as Mom always used to ask, need to go potty before we leave?” Scott teased.
Sean smirked at his brother before joining the other two men still looking at the map.
“So, from what I hear, we are following you back because the bridge is out?” Charlie asked as he glanced at the map.
“Yeah, we were hoping to find a quicker route back, but it doesn’t look like that’s gonna happen. We’re so rural out here even the GPS unit doesn’t have but the one route we can’t use on it.”
Charlie shook his head. “That’s too bad. Ok, when you’re ready let Dexter and me know and we’ll pass it on so we can all leave together.”
“Well, actually I think we‘re ready to go,” Sean said without looking up.
“Oh alright, I’ll let the others know then.”
Charlie trudged off in search of Dexter and didn’t need to go far before he spotted him sitting in the cab of a truck with the door open and one leg hanging out. As Charlie got closer, he saw Dexter was busily wiping down his knife. Not wanting to know what he was cleaning off, he ignored the weapon.
“The boys are ready to leave,” he told Dexter soon as he got close enough for him to hear. He planned to swing off and head for his own truck, but Dexter surprised him by jumping out and cutting him off.
“I sure hope this isn’t a wild goose chase,” Dexter hissed, his steely blue eyes narrowing. “We still have so much to do here and if I’m wasting my time…”
“So we waste some time if there’s nothing wrong, at least you will get to see Rose and Kevin,” Charlie pointed out.
“True,” Dexter grumbled, then grinned. “Hey! I can go ahead and bring ‘em back with me if Rosie wants to come! Town might not be quite ready yet, but what the hay.”
Using the opportunity to make his escape, Charlie took it. Nearing his truck, he could see that Jenny was already standing by the bed fiddling with a large backpack.
“Hop in, we’re ready to go,” Charlie said as he walked past her. Then he halted and turned back. “Want me to take that for you? Looks heavy.”
“No, I’m good,” she replied before tossing the pack in the bed of the pickup. “Glad we’re heading out; don’t want to be on the road in the dark.”
Charlie opened the driver’s side door, reached in the cab and picked up his walkie. “Can’t argue with that.” He quickly notified everyone they were leaving, climbed into the cab and tossed the walkie back on the seat.
“Looks like we got us a convoy,” Jenny joked as she slid in beside him on the passenger side.
“Sure does,” Charlie agreed. He was behind the boys and several vehicles were behind him with Dexter bringing up the rear.
“I hope we can help,” Jenny said softly. “And I can’t wait to meet all these people you and Darrell talk about so fondly.”
“I hope we’re not too late,” Charlie said with a soft sigh. “I want you to meet them too, they’re the best kind of folks you’d ever want to be friends with.”
****
Soon as Megan and Cindy reached the first floor, they were shoved around a bit by two of Bill’s soldiers and then brought directly to him. He tilted his head and frowned when he saw the two women.
“Weren’t you supposed to stay upstairs? Or is my memory failing me?”
“We know what we’re supposed to do, but Megan was on the balcony and saw something, we thought we should tell you,” Cindy replied in a shaky voice. “We were afraid that if it was the military and we didn’t let you know, someone else would get hurt and we didn’t want that.” Cindy hated that her voice was shaking so badly, but it made her sound convincing.
Bill looked thoughtful for a moment before replying. “All right, think we’re done down here for now, everyone back up,” he commanded in his squeaky voice.
Only when everyone was moving toward the stairs did Cindy venture a quick glance at Mick. He was staring at her with a speculative look in his eyes. He knows something’s up, she thought and she gave him a slight nod. His eyes widened slightly and darted from side to side to make sure no one had seen their exchange. Satisfied that no one had, he gave her a tiny smile.
Once back on the fourth floor, Bill stopped to survey the room. Most of the women were sitting quietly; they all turned when the group came in from downstairs. Bill motioned toward Megan with a jerk of his head.
“Show me,” was all he said. Megan nodded and headed for the balcony with Bill and one of his men close behind. That left only one of his men with them.
Cindy sidled slowly over to Mick. Getting as close as possible to him, she slipped a hand behind her back and pulled out a revolver. Mick stood a bit behind her and when he saw the gun, reached over as though he were going to put his arm around her waist and instead carefully put his hand over hers. She slowly released her grip as she felt him grasp the gun. He reached back and gingerly slipped the gun under his shirt, tucking it into the waistband of his jeans. They repeated the process with a small box of bullets.
Once completed, Cindy glanced over at Diane and nodded. Diane passed what she had over to Matt. Each woman also had a w
eapon, most had pistols since they were generally smaller and easier to handle. Sarah had a gun for Jeff that she would give to him as soon as the opportunity presented itself. Now they waited for Bill and Megan to return, which they finally did and it was obvious Bill wasn’t happy.
“Can’t be certain, but looks like the military might be headed this way,” he grumbled. “If that’s the case, I want all of you in one place where we can keep an eye on you.”
Cindy glanced over at Rose and gave an almost imperceptible nod. Rose’s hand twitched in her pocket, then she slowly withdrew it and clasped her hands together in front of her. Right on cue, Jimmy and Reggie’s voices could be heard in the hall and it was obvious they were arguing. Cindy knew that Brooke and Parker were staying with the younger kids and out of the way.
“What the hell?” Bill exclaimed as the two teens burst through the doorway still arguing violently. Reggie gave Jimmy a hard shove, knocking him into Bill and the man standing next to him. Immediately, everyone sprang into action. Matt put his revolver up to the head of the one soldier standing off to the side while Mick literally threw himself at Bill, grabbing him by the scruff, and jamming his gun into the back of the startled man’s neck. Before they could react, the second man recovered and swung his rifle up; almost instantly a shot rang out. As the man slumped to the ground, Megan smiled grimly behind him.
“Who's next?” she said darkly. “Bill, I have something for you if you’d like it.”
Bill, still in shock at what just transpired, squealed like the pig he was. Cindy and Sarah quickly used their plastic handcuffs to subdue the two men.
Mick walked over to Jimmy and Reggie. “Good job you two; we couldn’t have done it without you.”
Both boys looked unnerved and nodded without speaking. Denise ushered them over to the table and poured them both a large glass of tea, which they drank straight down. After a few moments, Cindy sent them back to stay with the other kids. Then they all turned to face Bill.
To Mick’s surprise, Bill was smirking at them. “You think you’re all sooo smart, don’t you?” he retorted with a snarl. “For your information, my walkie is on and I’m certain my men downstairs heard everything. Trust me, none of you will get out of here alive now.”
“Way I see it,” Mick replied as he paced back and forth in front of Bill. “We weren’t going to get out alive anyway, at least most of us wouldn’t. Not since you were planning on experimenting on us with that vaccine.”
Bill pulled a weird face and nodded. “Well, that part is true, but most of you will be going a lot sooner than anticipated.”
Mick wanted badly to put a bullet in the man then and there. Cindy must have sensed it because she put a gentle but restraining hand on his arm. He shook his head to clear his thoughts, and then motioned toward Bill with his weapon.
“Get up; we’re going down to have a “talk” with your men.”
Bill actually smiled. “Whatever you say,” he said with a chuckle.
Mick took him by the arm and jerked him roughly to his feet, gun jammed into the back of Bill’s neck again. Megan grabbed the remaining soldier and marched him down to join Jesse in the radio room. When she returned, Megan fell in behind Mick, who was pushing Bill in front of him. They slowly descended while the rest of the group waited upstairs to do their part.
****
“I’m getting antsy,” Scott complained. He squirmed around in his seat to look at the line of vehicles behind them.
“You can get out and jog,” Sean joked with a quick glance at his twin.
“Don’t tempt me, might just do that.”
Mark and Jacob chuckled in the backseat, they were getting used to the twins’ constant bantering, but it was still funny.
“How much further?” Mark asked.
“Now you sound like Scott,” Sean said with a grin. “Getting close, maybe 15 minutes out.”
A few minutes passed in silence, and then Sean suddenly stood on the brakes, causing the rest of them to brace themselves. He’d almost run into Charlie and Jenny in front of them when they had suddenly stopped.
“Holy moly, will ya look at that!” Sean yelled.
Wordlessly they stared at the long line of vehicles coming from the west and kicking up a huge cloud of dust.
“They’re military,” Scott whispered. “Must be a whole platoon or more.”
“Whatcha wanna bet they’re headed to Hudson Place?” Sean whispered back, eyes glued to the line of humvees and trucks going through the intersection about 400 feet before them.
“What do we do?” Jacob asked from the back seat.
As they continued to watch, one humvee pulled out of the line and headed their way.
“Guess that question has already been answered.” Sean remarked solemnly. “Looks like we sit here and talk to whoever is coming to pay us a little visit.”
Chapter 26
Mick halted just short of the final set of stairs. “Try anything - and I mean anything and you’re dead - understand?” he hissed at the man in front of him.
Bill nodded and Mick tightened his grip on the man’s collar. “I’m serious, give me an excuse.”
Bill slightly turned his head toward Mick and said, “Don’t worry; I’ll behave because in the end you’re all going to be very dead no matter what I do.”
Mick pondered that statement, Bill said something similar earlier, but he didn’t dwell on it for long. “Let’s go,” he said gruffly and gave Bill a slight push forward. A quick thought came to Mick of what had pushed him to this, was he now capable of killing? Determinedly he dismissed it from his mind; he’d digest that question later, if there was a later.
As they descended the last few steps, there were about five of Bill’s men stowing gear and various sized boxes in the main room. They were almost to the bottom step when one man with a red crew cut glanced up, froze for a second, then reached over and slapped the man nearest to him on the arm.
“What’s goin’ on?” Red asked, causing the rest of the men to stop what they were doing and turn their way.
Mick shoved Bill forward off the last step and said, “Well, let me tell you what’s going on. Bill here has had a change of heart, so you are going to take all this stuff, put it back in your trucks, and you’re going to leave and do it quickly.”
To his surprise, Red threw back and his head and laughed out loud. From the corner of his eye, Mick saw Bill smirking again. The other men began to grin. “Sorry, can’t do that,” Red said with a quick shake of his head. “You got it all wrong, partner. Bill isn’t in charge; he was following orders just like the rest of us. The man in charge is not anywhere near this place. We have our orders and we will follow them and we will complete the mission.” Red’s eyes narrowed and he slowly clenched his fists.
Mick suddenly didn’t know what to do. For several tense seconds the two groups faced off. In his peripheral vision, Mick could see one of the men slowly removing his hand from behind his back. Without even thinking, Mick aimed his gun and fired, but his shot went wide. The moment he fired, Bill tried to squirm out of his grasp. Mick gave him a vigorous shake and began backing up toward the stairs. He felt Megan’s hand on the back of his shirt; she was trying to haul him up the stairs faster. At that moment, Bill decided to become dead weight; he went limp and refused to budge. Regretfully Mick released him, then turned and ran up the stairs behind Megan as fast as he could go. The first shot rang out and ricocheted off the wall behind them.
“Damn, hurry up!” Megan shouted. She was already at the door leading up to the second floor, jumping from one foot to the other. Mick leapt through, with Megan right behind, she slammed the door shut and locked the dead bolt.
“Run!” she breathed, giving him a shove. They could both hear the sound of booted feet pounding on the stairs below. “That dead bolt won’t hold them for long!”
Bill was right, Mick thought dismally as they frantically ran up the next two flights of stairs. They were going to put up a fight, a good on
e - but ultimately this would probably be their last day on earth. At least for most of them, he didn’t even want to think about what was going to happen to the children.
He knew Cindy should have already sent Brooke, the other teens, and the children up to the roof by now, they were supposed to be in a small supply shed next to the greenhouse. The roof would be their last place to make a stand, Mick prayed it wouldn’t come to that, but he didn’t see a way out of their predicament.
They burst through the last door, locking it behind them and raced down the short hall where the others were waiting. Mick threw Cindy a quick look and she must have read his mind because all the blood drained from her face.
Zombified (Book 1): Hudson Place Page 16