Dead Cold

by Roddy R. Cross, Jr.

  Taking off his backpack, vest and the P90 Roland sat down on the bed and lit a cigarette suddenly feeling very peaceful. The ham gone Eve climbed up onto the bed and Roland kicked off his boots while throwing the duster on the floor. Crushing his cigarette on the nightstand and pulled the blankets over himself and the dog, Eve cuddling into his chest. Outside Roland could make out the dull moaning of the creatures but the blackness of sleep was more powerful and no sooner had he closed his eyes than his world dissolved to nothingness.

  In the dream he was chasing Emily her hand reaching out for his as some unseen force pulled away constantly out of his reach and behind him a horde of undead gave chase constantly at his heels. Suddenly he tripped on something soft landing face first in the cold wet snow and when he turned to look he saw the yellow eyes of Crystal glaring at him as she took a bite out of his calf. The pain was excruciating and as he watched Emily fade into the distance he felt more bites all over his body. Turning to look he saw the faces of everyone else he had allowed to die, their skin grey and eyes yellow.

  “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry!” He kept screaming as they tore into his flesh their yellow eyes boring into him while his blood dripped from their lips.

  The sound of Eve’s barking brought him back to reality, and he sat up with a start looking around the now brightly lit room. Eve was standing at the foot of the bed facing the door growling at the door the sound of scratching and moaning coming from the other side. Climbing quickly out the big bed Roland pulled on his boots and duster peering out the window as he did. The sun had risen and he could see the back yard was empty, he also saw that another crowd of monsters had gathered in front of the mall. It was twelve feet to the ground and as Roland pulled on his vest and backpack he got an idea.

  Picking up the nightstand and using it as a battering ram Roland knocked the entire window assembly out of its frame listening to the glass shatter as it hit the ground below. Tossing the nightstand out the window Roland pulled all of the covers off the bed earning him an indignant look from Eve as he pulled the covers out from under her.

  The covers off the bed Roland yanked off the mattress and dragged it to the window looking out to insure no creatures were nearby. Once he was sure the coast was clear Roland folded the mattress in half and shoved it through the gaping hole trying his best to insure it landed flat below the window.

  The gods must be on my side Roland thought as the mattress flopped down directly below the window. “Come here Eve, we gotta go.” Roland scooped the dog up into his arms and headed to the hole in the wall checking again for any creatures.

  Making a mental prayer Roland climbed up so he was sitting on the ledge Eve in his arms and closing his eyes pushed off. The fall was short and he let go of Eve before he landed to keep from hurting the dog but Roland landed sideways and knocked the wind out of himself. Lying on the mattress in the cold December air Roland did his best to try and catch his breath while Eve licked his face almost as if to say “Come on we gotta get going.”

  A vicious snarl from just inside the house sent a surge of adrenaline through Roland’s veins and he rolled over to see a woman as wide as the door lunging through the broken glass towards him. Without thinking Roland rolled quickly out the way as the creature crashed down onto the mattress in the spot Roland had just vacated.

  Eve started barking at the creature and Roland could hear moans coming from just inside the house. His left arm had become trapped underneath the massive creature so Roland gripped the bullpup submachine gun with his right hand and flicked the selector to full auto. Doing his best to point the gun at the monster’s head Roland shut his eyes and pulled the trigger.

  The clip had only been half full and as soon as it clicked dry Roland opened his eyes looking at what had not long before had been a Wal-Mart greeter. The thing’s head had disintegrated under the hail of armor piercing rounds only a jagged neck stump remained. Not bothering to linger on the grisly image Roland pulled his arm free and stood up looking into the house, he saw that a majority of the creatures were still making their way to the door.

  Thank god these things don’t move fast Roland thought reaching into his backpack and pulling out two of the dark green spheres marked “HE”. Roland pulled the pins on both looking disgustedly at the monsters slowly coming towards him from the stairwell.

  “As if anything like you pieces of shit could ever kill me.” Roland pulled the pins and tossed the grenades into the center of the house a fiendish smile twisting his lips.

  “Eve, let’s go!” Roland barked running for the hole in the fence the dog following close behind.

  Roland dived through the gap in the pale blue boards just as twin explosions rocked the house setting off a nearby car alarm. Standing up groggily and brushing himself off Roland turned to look at the house just in time to watch the second floor and roof collapse as flames engulfed the exterior. Raising his middle finger in a mock salute to the burning monument and crinkling his nose at the scent of burning flesh Roland looked down at the dog.

  “It was an ugly house anyways, let’s go find the others.” Eve gave a single bark and the pair turned towards the mall.

  Chapter 17: Let Me In

  The house still burning behind them; Roland and Eve made their way quickly across the street turning south in attempt to find an alternative entrance, the one the other had used was blocked my a mob of undead. The sun was out and it was the first time Roland had seen it in days forcing him to squint as it reflected of the pristine white snow.

  Roland was thankful the temperature had gone up slightly and as he lit a cigarette he scanned the mall for a way in. Roland’s boots made only a whisper as he trudge through the knee deep powder, Eve hopping along beside him like a puppy out for a walk. Roland stopped suddenly as he saw his way in; there was a roll up receiving door open about a foot in between two of the largest groups of undead. Kneeling down Roland looked the dog in the eyes.

  “All right girl, we’re gonna have to do this fast, get in and shut the door ‘cause I don’t think those bastards are gonna give use much time. You ready?”

  Roland could have sworn the dog winked at him as he stood back up. Taking of at a run, Roland looked down to see the dog running along beside him her tongue flapping as she went. Halfway across the incredibly long parking lot the nearest of the creatures noticed the pair and let out a long, bone chilling moan, causing all the others to turn almost in unison their yellow eyes centering on the running man and canine.

  Like the Red Sea closing back up on the pursuing Egyptians the two groups started towards Roland and his companion, the roll up door seeming farther away every second. Holding the P90 one handed Roland squeezed the trigger and listened with horror as it clicked dry on an empty chamber.

  “Shit!” He screamed adrenaline coursing through his veins giving him an extra burst of speed.

  He was only twenty feet from the door with the encroaching horde so close on either side he could smell the rotten flesh on their breath. Pulling off his backpack as he neared the door he tossed it through the opening and leaned down to scoop up the Husky feeling her heart pound through the sleeve of his duster. Skidding to a halt at the door Roland pushed Eve through the door just as a hand grazed his back; the accompanying snarl causing the hairs on his neck to stand at attention.

  Spinning around quickly his duster floating like a cape Roland came face to face with one of the reporters he had seen while imprisoned; her microphone still clipped on her stylish lapel and her hair coated in blood. Baring her teeth she lunged for Roland her arms reaching for his shoulders as he back against the ledge. Raising his right boot Roland unleashed a devastating kick aimed for the center of her blazer.

  “No comment!” He yelled his boot smashing into her rib cage with a satisfying crunch.

  As the monster tumbled backwards taking several other creatures down with her Roland ducked his head under the door and pulled himself through backwards. His upper body through the door Roland felt a tug on his
jeans as he slid a little ways back out the door. Using his other foot Roland kicked at the soft form holding his leg until the grip released.

  His leg free Roland turned sideways and rolled quickly away from the door only stopping when he was well out arm’s reach. Not pausing to catch his breath Roland jumped to his feet and looked the door. A dozen undead arms were reaching through the opening and Roland could make out many more behind them. Lacking a better plan he ran for the door and leapt grabbing onto the crossbars and bracing his feet against the bottom as the door slammed downwards in a massive bang; covering the sound of several arm bones shattering.

  Slamming the bolt in place Roland jumped back from the door avoiding the arms that flopped around like worms cut in half. Disgusted Roland began looking around the loading bay for something spotting it on a far wall. Eve continued to bark at the door while Roland retrieved his prize and as he broke the glass a sadistic smile crossed his lips; he may have abhorred violence before this, but these things were starting to piss him off.

  The bright red fire axe’s silver head glinted in the dim warehouse light as Roland walked back to the door. Coming to the first of the flopping arms Roland lined the shiny blade up with a spot just above the elbow his eyes glinting in the dim light. Raising the scarlet axe above his head he brought it down with all his strength neatly slicing the arm from its owner before the impact with the cement floor sent a painful shock up both his arms.

  Slamming the door all the way down and bolting it Roland paused to look at his handiwork; there were fourteen arms motionless on the floor. Picking up the nearest arm with his gloved hand Roland examined the stump, the skin had turned leathery and the flesh underneath was almost rubbery.

  Dropping the arm Roland looked around the warehouse, he was in the back of the Bay according to nearest box. He could see several boxes marked for a Boxing Day sale that never came and as he retrieved his backpack he frowned thinking of all the holidays he had wasted working. Shaking his head to clear the memories Roland reloaded the P90 and retrieved the axe from where he had dropped it after the last arm had been severed.

  “Come on Eve, let’s go find the others.”

  It was dark in the back of the store and Roland moved towards the front of the store not wanting to linger in darkness where he might be at a disadvantage. Moving quickly and silently down the isles towards the front Eve close behind Roland did his best to listen for anything else in the store. Luckily the store was empty except for him and he managed to reach the front without incident. The sound of voices coming from the mall startled Roland and he dove behind a display.

  “Eve, come here.” He hissed grabbing the dog’s collar as she got close.

  “I swear to god I heard something coming from inside and remember the look out said there had been four people in the truck.” A deep male voice echoed through the store.

  “Yeah, but there’s no way he could get in the ghouls have all the entrances blocked and he was by himself.” This voice more nasal and high pitched.

  “Come on you idiots and remember Michael wants him alive to use as bait for our escape.” This voice was a deep baritone with a Nigerian accent.

  “You got it Jim, I just hope he let’s the girl live.” The nasal voice again.

  “Yeah, Carl cause that’s the only way you’d ever get laid.” The first voice laughed.

  “Screw you Leonard!” The nasal voice almost squeaked in anger.

  “Both of you shut the hell up or you’ll be used as the bait.” Jim’s deep voice snarled.

  “Sorry, Jim.” The other two almost whispered.

  The gate opened and Eve started a low growl in the direction of the men, Roland doing his best to silence her. He could make out the sound of two sets of boots heading towards the loading bay past his hiding spot. Thankfully the heavy boot falls were louder than Eve’s growling and once he was sure the other two had reaching the loading area Roland peeked over the counter to see who had been left to guard the door.

  The figure in the doorway was skinnier and slightly taller than Roland with a mess of brown hair and thick-rimmed glasses perched on a hooked nose. He wore a sweater and corduroys but Roland concentrated on the long black item in the man’s arms. It was a semiautomatic shotgun similar to the one the military had taken from him.

  The man was looking away from Roland fondling a nearby manikin and Roland knew he would never have a better opportunity. Running on his tip toes, his boots barely touching the floor Roland crossed the distance in a few seconds the man turning to face him too late.

  “What the!” Was all he managed to say before the handle of the fire axe connected with his jaw knocking him to the floor instantly.

  Grabbing the shotgun from his target’s limp hands Roland whistled for the dog just as a loud commotion came from the direction of the loading bay. Eve on his heels Roland took off through the door and out into the mall proper, there was no one else in sight and Roland made for a nearby escalator and taking the stairs two at time headed out onto the second floor.

  Pausing briefly to catch his breath Roland looked down at Eve and realized there was a fairly good chance the husky could be injured by a stray bullet. Looking around to get his bearings Roland saw a janitor’s closet that had been left ajar and called the dog over to it. “Sorry girl, it’s for you own good.” Roland whispered as he pushed the dog into the room and after insuring the door was unlocked slammed it shut.

  The dog safe Roland headed towards the radio station, which also happened to be suspiciously close to the gun store, he never made it. Roland reached the wave pool and found it odd he still hadn’t found anyone besides the first three. Doing his best not to make any noise Roland didn’t see the ambush waiting for him around the corner across from the pirate ship.

  “Don’t move, son.” Came an elderly, almost friendly voice belonging to a red haired man in a preacher’s garb, the golden Desert Eagle in his hand was not so friendly.

  “Shit.” Roland muttered raising his hands as he backed towards the railing.

  “You did good son, real good. The tall guy told us all about what you been through but I’m afraid there isn’t a place in the new world for godless people such as you.” The preacher was backed by at least twelve other men, all well armed.

  “Who are you to decide whether I have a place or not?” Roland snarled keeping his hands high.

  “I am god’s voice; he came to me in a vision and told…”

  “Yeah, yeah that’s nice but I’m getting old listening to you. Now why aren’t I allowed in the new world?” Roland was playing a dangerous game now.

  “You have tattoos, you smoke, you swear.”

  “Every Goddamn day, now let’s talk…” The Desert Eagle barked silencing Roland; the impact knocking him over the railing as the round smashed into his chest.

  “Thou shalt not take the lord’s name…” Was the last thing Roland heard as he hit the water below and everything went black.

  Chapter 18: That Really Hurt

  Roland could hear water lapping against something and it reminded him of the beach when he was younger. The next thing he noticed as his mind cleared was the fact that he was soaking wet and his chest hurt like a son of a bitch.

  “God damn that hurts.” He groaned rolling over.

  “You’re awake.” Came a voice from above his head.

  “I wish I wasn’t.” Roland replied trying to roll over but finding himself stopped by a row of movie style seats.

  “I can’t blame you, that vest stopped the bullet but I’m pretty sure it cracked a few ribs.” Roland noticed the voice seemed to echo like they were in a tight, enclosed space.

  Opening his eyes looking around, there were metal walls and a metal roof with a hatch in the middle. “Are we in one of the subs?”

  A tall man with brown curly hair stepped into Roland’s view a green glow stick hanging from his neck. “Would you rather be outside where the Reverend can take another shot at you? I’m certain his aim would be bett
er.”

  “No, I’m good. Why’d you rescue me anyways?” Roland pulled himself into a sitting position the pain making him wince.

  “I can’t kill the Reverend myself and you’re the best help I could find.” The dark haired man extended his hand.

  “Well at least we have a common goal. What’s your name by the way?” Roland took the hand and stood up. “I’m Roland.”

  “Indeed, my name is Blaze Door.”

  “So why are we hiding in the sub and why do you want to kill the Reverend?” Roland shivered as his wet clothes settle against his skin; raising goose bumps all over his body.

  “He controls pretty much all of the mall with his followers making constant patrols, as for why, revenge is a funny thing.”

  Roland looked at his watch. “Works for me, have I really been out for fourteen hours?”

  “Yeah, I thought you were dead for a while there. I snuck out after night fall and got you a change of clothes and I’ve been stealing weapons.” Blaze gestured to one of the nearby seats.

  Roland felt his dripping clothes and looked down at the seat; Blaze had acquired a new duster, new jeans, a black turtleneck sweater, and a new pair of boots. “Thanks.” Roland said picking through a pile of socks, boxers, and tee shirts.

  “No problem, you hungry? I’m gonna see if I can find us something to eat.” Blaze was all ready climbing the ladder.

  “Sure.” Was all Roland managed to say as the taller man disappeared through the roof hatch.

  Roland was quite impressed with the clothes Blaze had picked out for him, everything fit rather nicely and he found a brand new Zippo in amongst the pile of socks. Remembering the cigarettes in his backpack Roland unzipped the dark green bag and started pulling things out. Most of the ammunition was soaked along with his grenades but in a small favor from the heavens the plastic wrapping around his cigarettes had kept them dry. Tearing off the plastic on one of the packs Roland lit one of the cigarettes and inhaled deeply.