Dead Cold

by Roddy R. Cross, Jr.

  The group was ready to go in five minutes Roland taking the lead not even noticing how close Eve stayed to him as they headed for the stairs. Roland found the trip downstairs much easier than going up the stairs and as he stepped out into the lobby he chuckled when he saw several other members of the group panting as they exited the stairwell.

  Signaling for Cory to follow him Roland told the others to wait in the lobby as he clicked on the P90’s laser sight and flicked the selector to single fire. There were a little over a dozen creatures on the street outside the apartment, Roland and Cory picked them off quickly before motioning for the others to follow.

  Roland realized something was wrong when DJ collapsed three steps out of the door, Cassandra rushing to his side. Keeping his distance Roland looked at Caleb. “What’s wrong with him?”

  “We have to help him.” Cassandra interrupted her voice filled with panic.

  “I couldn’t tell you he seemed fine to me.” Caleb barely finished talking when Eve started barking at the body.

  “Shit! Cassandra get away from him!” Roland took another step back.

  “What? Why?” Tears were streaming from her eyes leaving black streaks down her eyes.

  “He’s been…” Roland was cut off by a shriek from Cassandra as DJ bit her hand taking away a pinky.

  “Holy shit!” Caleb screamed moving backwards so fast he tripped into the snow.

  “Damn it.” Roland cursed as he squeezed the submachine gun’s trigger once and a quarter sized hole appeared in the top of DJ’s head.

  Cassandra continued to scream and Valerie tried to comfort her; wrapping a sweater around her bloody hand. “It’ll be okay Cassie, don’t worry.”

  Roland crouched in front of Cassandra and held her face looking into her eyes. “Actually it’s not, you’ve been bitten and you’re gonna turn just like DJ here.” He lifted the dead man’s pant leg exposing the red circle of a bite. “Like it or not you are going to become one of them.”

  Cassandra began whimpering and Valerie backed away from her like she’d be stung. “How long do I have?” Her grey eyes pleaded with Roland.

  “Maybe a day or less.” Roland stood up and helped Cassandra to her feet.

  “What do I do?”

  “It’s up to you really, I can’t let you come with me it’s too risky.” Cory snorted at that.

  “So you’re just going to leave me here?” the girl’s face hardened as she looked down at DJ’s lifeless corpse.

  “Roland, we can’t.” Cory started but Roland cut him off.

  “Yes we can, and we will. I have no intention of dying anytime soon.” Roland’s face was expressionless as he looked at the girl. “The rest of you can stay but I’m leaving.”

  Caleb had stood up by now. “What if we take the truck and leave you here?” He moved towards Roland as he spoke.

  “Then you would be dead before she could have a chance to eat your dumb ass.” He pointed at Cassandra.

  “What are you gonna do? Shoot me?” Caleb stopped within arm’s length of Roland.

  Roland smiled. “Yeah, I could do that.” Before anyone could blink Roland drew one of his Brownings and had it pressed between Caleb’s eyes.

  “Guys stop!” Cassandra had stood up now. “Everyone go, just leave me. I do have one favor to ask?” She looked at Roland as she spoke.

  “Sure, what you want?” Roland lowered the handgun and turned keeping his eyes on Caleb.

  “Can you leave me a gun; you wouldn’t leave a girl alone without a way to defend herself would you?” She held out a hand.

  Roland’s expression softened. “No I guess not, you’re not gonna shoot me with it are you?” He held the Browning tentatively.

  She shook her head. “No, from the looks of things you would shoot me before I could pull the trigger.” She looked down at the still form on the ground.

  “Let’s not find out.” Roland flipped the gun around placing the butt into the girl’s palm. “Come on everyone let’s go.”

  Valerie gave Cassandra a tearful hug, refusing to let go until Cassandra told her to go as Roland opened the truck door Eve jumping up to sit in the middle. Cory climbed in the passenger seat and Roland handed him his bag as he climbed in, not wanting to leave it in the back with the other two. Caleb gave Cassandra a hug and climbed into the back beside Valerie as Roland started the truck.

  The engine roared to life and Roland looked out the window his eyes catching Cassandra’s they nodded to each other and Roland shifted the truck into drive. Roland pushed the accelerator and the truck put a cloud of snow and the girl behind them. Roland looked in the rearview mirror as the truck sped away and he saw the single flash. Turning his eyes back to road Roland did his best to forget the girl named Cassandra.

  Chapter 15: Cross-town Express

  There was very little conversation in the truck as Roland turned west onto Jasper Avenue hoping to avoid the parking lot that was the Yellowhead trail. Roland could hear Valerie sobbing in the back and did his best to focus on the road. He was lighting a cigarette when he noticed something that made him slow down, the snow was hard packed as if hundreds of feet had recently walked across it. Cory looked at him questioningly but Roland put his finger to his lips silencing the question.

  The sky was clear and the moon was providing ample lighting as the truck moved down the empty street, darkened buildings looming on either side like stone and steel sentries. Turning on the high beams Roland was able to make out a solitary figure shambling down the middle of the street, Roland pushed the gas a little harder centering the truck’s bumper on the stooped figure as the big red truck bore down on it. Roland could see it was an elderly woman, her yellow eyes turning to glare at him as the big truck connected with her slight frame. There was a slight bump and the truck continued on the creature’s head turning to glare after it.

  “What was that?” Caleb asked.

  “Nothing.” Roland lied. “We need to get off this road.”

  “Take a right here and keep going north until you get to one eighteenth then take a left.” Valerie spoke for the first time since they had left Cassandra.

  “You got it.” Roland made a quick right.

  Much to Roland’s relief the road they turned onto did not have hard packed snow and he smiled as he plowed through a deep drift, the snow flying up and over the big truck. Taking a few seconds to relax Roland flipped on the radio and started scanning the channels looking for anything. It was almost all static but when he stopped at the rock and roll station a deep male voice echoed out of the truck’s speaker system.

  “West Edmonton Mall, we have electricity and water. We can protect you and feed you until help arrives. Come to the West Edmonton Mall.” A recording.

  “Look there are people there we’ll be safe.” Caleb spoke up. “We should go there.”

  “We were all ready headed there but we have no way of knowing if those people are still alive, it’s just a recording.” Roland turned down the radio and watched the street markers looking for one eighteenth.

  “It’s worth a shot Roland. What’s the worst that could happen?” Cory chimed in.

  Roland slowed down and made a left turn a long empty street stretching out ahead of them as Roland tried not to think of all the horrible things that had happened in the past week. “Nothing I guess.”

  Roland felt, rather than heard the tire blow out as the truck started pulling sharply to the right. Slowing the truck to a stop Roland looked at the three worried faces all eyes glued to his.

  “We blew a tire, we’re gonna have to change it. Valerie stay in the truck; Caleb you grab the jack out from under the back seat, and Cory you’re with me. Let’s go get the spare.” Roland opened his door the icy wind quickly filling the truck.

  Going around the front of the truck Roland found the front passenger side tire completely flat, a six inch gash torn into the thick rubber. Cory had climbed out of the passenger side and was staring at the tire.

  “Shit dude, what
did you run over.” A moan came from somewhere nearby cause both men to raise their weapons.

  “I don’t know but you and Caleb get that tire changed fast and I’ll keep watch.” Roland flipped on the P90’s taclight.

  “Like a NASCAR pit crew.” Cory and Caleb headed to the back of truck.

  Realizing he would need a better view point Roland climbed into the box of the truck trying to look in every direction at once. He heard a moan coming from an alley fifty feet behind the truck and he clicked on the laser sight, bringing the weapon up to his shoulder. Caleb and Cory had the spare tire and were all ready jacking the truck up as the first of the creatures came around the corner.

  Breathing slowly and closing his left eye Roland centered the red dot sight on the creature’s forehead and squeezed the trigger. The submachine gun barked and he was rewarded with a nickel sized hole materializing in the things skull as it collapsed into the snow. He easily dispatched the next two monsters and was feeling pretty confident with himself. His confidence evaporated as a group of a dozen came around the corner, moaning hungrily.

  “Faster would be better!” He yelled to Cory as he drew a bead on the closest creature.

  “It’s got a locking lug nut!” Cory’s angry reply came from the front of the truck.

  “Check the glove compartment!” Roland was taking the monsters out one at a time but more were materializing from the alley as he did.

  “Got it!” Roland’s magazine clicked dry.

  “Good now hurry the hell up!” He inserted a fresh one and started firing again the monsters now numbered over forty.

  The P90’s last clip clicked dry and he was drawing the Browning as the truck leveled out and he heard Cory’s excited voice. “We’re done, let’s go!”

  “Don’t gotta tell me twice.” Roland muttered under his breath as he jumped from the box and right into the arms of one of the creatures.

  Roland figured she must have been gorgeous when she was alive and he felt a little remorse as he smashed the butt of the pistol into her face crushing one of her pretty blue eyes. Uncaring she lunged again, this time knocking the pistol from his hand. As he put both his hands against her neck he could see the approaching mob. With no other options Roland pulled back his right hand to through a punch when a gunshot came from behind him and the creature’s face exploded falling from his grip as it did so. Roland turned to see Cory leaning out the now open driver’s door his FAL in hand.

  “Are you done flirting? We gotta get going.”

  Roland smiled and jogged for the door ignoring his lost automatic. “Kiss my ass.”

  Safely back in the truck Roland reached into his backpack and pulled out one of the grenades. “Come on you bastards.” He snarled.

  “What are you waiting for? They’re coming!” Valerie shrieked, her face pressed to the back window.

  The creatures were five feet from the truck and Roland rolled down the window and leaned out. “See you in hell.” Pulling the pin he tossed the grenade at the nearest monster.

  “You’re crazy!” This time it was Caleb shrieking as Roland shoved the truck in drive and floored the truck.

  Three seconds later the grenade exploded taking a few of the creatures with it and Roland smiled as he watched in the side view mirror. Lighting a cigarette he inhaled enjoying the warm sensation. Roland flicked the butt of the cigarette and made a left turn onto one seventieth.

  “Who wants to go to the mall?” He laughed a little it felt good to laugh.

  “Dude, I think you’ve lost it.” Cory was shaking his head.

  “Dead people are coming back to life and eating people, I think the whole world has lost it.” Roland was maneuvering expertly through the empty cars littering the street, his years of driving an ambulance finally coming in handy.

  “Guess you got a point there.” Cory shook his head turning his eyes back to the road.

  Reaching the mall had been easy; the hard part would be getting into the mall. The undead had gathered at every entrance to the mall Roland saw as he drove past each. Coming to a stop a distance from the entrance nearest to the casino Roland had a crazy idea. “This entrance seems to have the least creatures at it, so I’m gonna lead those things away from the entrance so you guys can get in. Then I’ll double back afterwards and catch up with you guys inside.”

  “What’s wrong with you? What if those things get you? How are you gonna back inside afterwards?” Valerie was staring at him again and she seemed extremely upset with his suicidal plan.

  “She’s right dude, it ain’t worth the risk.” Cory chimed in.

  “Unless you got a better plan Cory, I’d love to hear it? No? Didn’t think so now pass me my backpack.” Roland opened the door and climbed out. “Eve, come.”

  Roland shut the door behind the dog and Cory slid into the driver’s seat. “Dude be careful.” He cautioned; handing Roland’s backpack out the window.

  “Don’t worry we got this, don’t we girl.” Roland pulled on the backpack and gave Eve a scratch behind the ears.

  “Try not to die.” Caleb called from the back seat.

  “Arrogant little bastard.” Roland muttered under his breath. “Cory, the second I lead them away you get to that door and you guys get inside. You got me?”

  “You got it, Roland.”

  “Good luck.”

  “You too.” Cory rolled up the window and Roland could have sworn Valerie blew him a kiss from the back seat.

  Chapter 16: Not The Best Plan

  The wind was picking up and Roland did his best to ignore the needling cold as he walked towards the entrance and its mass of death. Tossing away the empty magazine he loaded a fresh one into the P90, with both his pistols gone he only had the submachine gun and sniper rifle left. Looking through his backpack as he walked he took stock; three magazines for the P90, four clips for the Timberwolf, and five grenades. It wasn’t much but it would have to do, Roland thought as he slung the backpack over his shoulder and looked down at the blue eyed canine walking beside him. “Well girl, let’s see if we can get their attention.”

  Roland was fifty feet away from what he guessed was about fifty of the creatures when he stopped drawing a bead on the nearest monster. Letting out a sharp whistle as he squeezed the trigger he watched as its left eye disappeared, his moment of pride cut short as the rest turned towards him and began a slow shambling walk in his direction. Roland knew he needed to lead them away from both the truck and the entrance but he didn’t want to get to close to another entrance or he’d risk increasing the size of the mob following him.

  “Guess we got their attention, come on Eve let’s go.”

  “Come on you bastards, free meal right here!” Roland shouted as he put some distance between himself and the creatures heading for the street.

  Stopping at the edge of the parking lot Roland turned to make sure they were all following him before taking the opportunity to perforate a few more skulls. Once he was sure there were no more creatures left at the entrance Roland jogged across the street his progress slowed by the deep snow everywhere and he could see Eve hopping through the snow beside him. He reached the nearest fence with at least eighty feet between him and his new fan group and began looking for a gate.

  As far as Roland could see in either direction the fence was unbroken by a gate or hole and the hungry crowd was closing on him. “Over, under, around or through.” Roland said to Eve and he started to kick in the fence boards.

  As soon as Roland had three of the six inch fence boards broken off Eve jumped through the hole, Roland turning to look at the encroaching mob before climbing through himself. The Timberwolf’s stock became momentarily stuck causing Roland to panic briefly until he pulled the stock down and freed himself.

  There was a two-story home in the yard, one of many cookie cutter homes and Roland headed for the back door praying it was unlocked. Eve was already all ready at the sliding glass doors by the time Roland got there and seemed to be looking at him expectantly. “
Let’s hope the god’s of luck are smiling on us girl.” He said as he grabbed the handle and pulled.

  The door slid open silently and Roland said a silent thank you as he ushered the dog in before stepping through himself. Safely inside Roland slid the door shut and clicked the locked just as the first of the creatures fell through the gaping hole in the fence. The fence blocked his view of the mall so Roland decided to head for the second floor to get a better look. The house was dark and Roland clicked on his taclight; instantly lighting up a large family photograph above the nearby fireplace. Looking away Roland headed for the stairs his boots clumping along the floor as he went.

  Eve followed close behind; her nails clicking on the linoleum floor, the pair’s footsteps the only sound in the house. Roland shivered, it may not have been as cold inside the house as it was outside but it certainly wasn’t warm. There was thick, white carpet on the stairs and Roland felt a little bad as he trudge up the stairs, his boots heavy from the day’s exertions but he had to know what had happened to the others. At the top of the stairs Roland headed to the back of the house and found himself in the master bedroom. Opening the curtain on a solitary window he saw that the yard was filled with the monsters that had followed him from the mall and that he had a clear view of the mall’s casino entrance.

  Throwing his backpack on the bed he pulled the Timberwolf from its sling and opened the window. A blast of cold air hit him in the face and he kicked out the screen watching it bounce of the head of one of the undead. Roland rested the sniper rifle’s bipod on the window and pointed the scope towards the mall where he could see the truck was parked in front of the doors it’s passengers gone.

  “Well at least they made it; I guess we’ll just stay here tonight.” Roland looked at his watch and saw he’d been awake for almost twenty hours.

  Moving quickly through the house to insure all the doors were locked Roland grabbed what he could out of the fridge before heading back to the master bedroom. Not wanting any unexpected visitors Roland tipped the heavy armoire over and braced it against the door making sure nothing could move it. His temporary hideout secure Roland fed Eve the ham he had found in the fridge, the dog devouring the meat hungrily.