“I wasn’t exploring,” Raven said with asperity. “I was clearing rooms.” She smiled to soften her tone.
Henry laughed. “The bags are on the kitchen table,” he said, turning around to face the TV. “I’m going to see if I can catch any more news.”
“Okay, holler if you see anything interesting.” Raven walked into the kitchen, thinking she would rehydrate some lentil soup. There was plenty of jerky for protein.
Chapter Three
The Ray of Hope
Raven
The days passed in relative peace. Henry and Raven watched TV from breakfast to noon then they took Rocky out for his afternoon constitutional, walking in a cautious circuit around the cabin. They always went together; Raven thought it was safer that way and Henry agreed. After their walk, Henry was in charge of lunch and Raven went through her yoga routine, feeling it important to stay in shape. Then it was more television until dinner or playing cut throat games of Rummy and Go Fish. After dinner — which Raven was in charge of because she wanted more than peanut butter and jelly — they went out again with Rocky to run some laps around the cabin. Henry lasted longer than her. She’d always hated running and gave up after a couple times around the circuit. Then it was back inside for more TV. The channels started dropping away. They’d begun with over seventy-five stations but now most of them were just static. They had one news channel, the history channel, one that always played cartoons, and another that played tedious soap operas.
Everything went along like that until the morning of their third week ensconced in the cabin.
Three Weeks Later
Raven woke a little before sunrise, feeling unrested. She’d dreamed constantly and vividly all night long, disjointed images of her mother and father, of Henry, of undead walking the earth.
Rocky shifted in bed beside her, rolling uncomfortably on top of her leg.
“Get off, dog,” she mumbled. Not yet wanting to open her eyes, she reached for Rocky, pushing ineffectively at his meaty head. “Dude, come on!”
Rocky sighed and rolled back the other way, farting nosily.
“Jesus Christ,” Raven exclaimed, sitting up and scrambling out of bed. Rocky’s farts were legendary and she was sure in the right circumstances they could melt plastic.
Her thermal bottoms were rucked sideways and she straightened them and pulled on a hoodie. The temperature had dropped in the last couple of days. The rain continued to drizzle, making for very green grass and brilliant flowers. It was quite beautiful but rather cold, highs only reaching the low fifties.
“We better get out of here before winter really sets in,” Raven muttered grumpily.
“Hey, sis?” Henry hollered from downstairs. “Come check this out.”
“What the hell is he doing up this early,” she murmured. “Come on Rocky.”
He pushed past her, bounding through the open door. Raven grabbed the doorjamb to keep her balance and slipped into her goose down slipper. She shivered and hoped that her brother, since he was up so damn, early, had the forethought to start a fire.
“Hey Rocky,” Henry’s voice floated to her. “Where’s Raven?”
“I’m coming,” she hollered grumpily. Raven had never been much of a morning person and the goddamn sun wasn’t even up yet. It had to be before seven.
She trudged downstairs, past her brother, who was sitting on his knees by the coffee table and into the kitchen.
“Hey,” Henry said. “Where’re you going?” His voice was excited.
She saw a vivid image of him as a little boy, running around the house and clutching a brand-new toy train. It had bright red paint and shiny silver wheels that looked like metal but weren’t.
Raven snorted, mood lightening. “It’s too early,” said without turning around. “I’m making some coffee.”
Henry chuckled and sat at the kitchen table. He had a large square box with him. He set it down with a thud.
Raven glanced at him with a perplexed look then set the coffee to percolate. Stifling a yawn, she turned to her brother. He was beaming at her and gesturing at the thing in front of him.
It was an old Motorola Transistor radio with two small knobs on either side of a long dial strip that showed the station. The radio was made of brown plastic. It had cracks running up the side.
“That’s cool,” Raven said, coffee in hand. She passed an empty cup to her brother and he rose to fill it.
“Yeah,” he answered, adding some powdered milk. “I thought that since the TV is useless for information, if I got this working we could find out what the fuck is going on out there.”
“That sounds like a good idea,” Raven responded. She was feeling a little lost without the daily news; never thought she’d miss it so much. She sipped her coffee. “Did you get it working?”
“Yup,” Henry answered, beaming. He held up an empty package of D batteries. “I found these in bag one,” he grinned more broadly at that.
Raven knew her special type of organization was a source of amusement for her brother. She sipped her coffee and smiled into the cup. The caffeine was doing its job and her humor had returned. She waved her hand in the air, telling him to continue.
“I just replaced the batteries and voilà we’ve got contact.” Henry switched the radio on in a blast of static that made Raven cringe.
“Sorry,” her brother said, turning the volume down.
Rocky barked from the living room. He’d discovered the old rug in front of the fire pretty quickly. Already chewing on the corner but that was all right. Raven didn’t think Henry would mind and the rug was rather threadbare. He met Raven’s eye and lay his head back down sleepily.
Lucky dog, she thought, draining her coffee and rising for another cup. “Here we go,” Henry spoke. He sat hunched in front of the radio, messing with the dials.
A man’s voice filled the kitchen, speaking low and urgently. Henry turned the volume up a tad and leaned in to listen.
Reports continue to come in of this impossible new virus. The dead walk the streets and our government is doing zip about it! The voice was emphatic. Call in at 817-566-3939 if you are still out there. This radio host is feeling rather isolated. I have been ensconced in the station for the last few weeks, securely locked in. I’m running everything myself so forgive me if things aren’t as smooth as usual. Static crackled, blocking out something the radio host said. It cleared and his voice returned. Call in and bring me some human contact!
“Did you bring your cell?” Raven asked, glancing at Henry. She had never owned a cell phone, which was a joke among her friends to be sure. Raven had just never seen the need for someone to be able to get a hold of her all the time. They could call the house and leave a message; she would get back to them when she had time.
Henry’s face fell. “No,” he answered sighing. “I was in kind of a rush and forgot it.” He frowned. “I know right where I left it. I can see it sitting on my dresser.” Henry sighed. “I even plugged it in!” he added, gesticulating into the air.
Raven snorted. “Fat lot of good that’ll do us.” They were quiet for a while, sipping coffee and listening to the radio guy prattle on. He was talking about the same kind of things they’d seen. People sick with fever turning on loved ones and attacking them. There were always bite marks found on the undead.
Holy shit, the man blurted in the middle of his rant. We have a caller. This is Randy at JWTT radio, are you there?
Hey Randy, the caller answered in a low voice. Henry turned up the volume and Raven leaned in to hear.
What’s your name, caller and where are you calling from? Randy asked, sounding desperate and grateful.
My name is Dan and I’m calling from my home in Union City. I managed to lock myself in my basement when things went south.
There was silence on the airwaves and Raven was afraid they’d lost the signal. Then it came back with a squeal.
That’s too bad, Randy responded, clearly answering something they’d missed. She didn’t
make it, huh? I’m sorry to hear that. How are you doing? He sounded sincere.
I’m okay, Dan answered, as well as can be expected anyways. His voice was palpably sad.
Do you have food and water? Randy asked.
I’m running low on food but so far water’s still flowing from my tap. I started bottling it up in anything I could find down here. Dan replied, voice shaking.
Dan, Randy spoke, stay on the line. I’ve got another caller.
He switched over with an audible click. This is Randy at JWTT radio, are you there caller?
There was the loudest blast of static yet and Raven recoiled, covering her ears.
“Jesus,” Henry said, turning the knob down again. “I miss my computer.”
“You didn’t bring that either, I take it?” Raven asked. She smiled thinly.
“Didn’t even think about it,” Henry responded.
“Oh, well. We probably wouldn’t have any internet out here anyways.” Raven sighed.
That’s not the worst part, a female caller intoned.
Henry turned the volume back up. “We must’ve missed something,” he said, pulling the radio closer to them.
What happened, Dorothy? Randy continued.
Dorothy hiccupped and sniffed. I had to kill my husband, she whispered, voice breaking.
Randy fell silent. His breathing was the only sound.
He was dead already, Dorothy continued. He’d been bitten on his way home and died of f-fever. There were these red lines on his skin that started at the wound and crept across his . . . his b-body. She broke down in tears, unable to continue.
“Those have to be related,” Raven said, spinning her empty coffee mug on the table.
“What?” Henry asked, looking at her. “What has to be related?”
“The red lines,” Raven answered, staring pensively at the sticky residue of coffee in her mug. She looked up at her brother. “We saw those on Undead Rob and the crazy zombie at the rest stop.
“Hmm,” Henry hummed. “I think I saw them on Sara as well.” It sounded like he had to force her name out. “I’m not sure though.”
Raven pursed her lips, wishing she could do something to ease his pain. The radio host caught her attention.
. . . a safe place to be? Randy asked. She only caught the tail end of his sentence.
“Listen,” Raven said, turning the volume up to max. Excitement burbled inside. She’d begun to lose hope that anyone else was alive in the last few weeks.
Yes, that’s right, I said a safe place. Another voice answered through the radio waves. This voice was different, more sure and confident. Raven guessed Dorothy had hung up or been disconnected.
Would you care to enlighten my listeners as to where exactly this place is? Randy questioned, unable to hide the tremor of excitement in his voice.
I can’t tell you exactly where, the voice continued. It was definitely a man’s voice there was no mistaking that. He paused for what Raven thought was dramatic effect. Her excitement and hope began to seep away.
“Oh,” Henry said, sounding discouraged. “He doesn’t know shit!” He swung his arm into the air, nearly knocking down the radio.
“Wait,” Raven said, leaning in to listen.
I will set a time and date to meet any survivors and lead them there. After I evaluate their potential, of course.
Their potential? Randy questioned. His voice was accompanied by a boinging sound effect that made Raven laugh out loud.
“Radio hosts,” Henry scoffed, frowning.
I won’t let just anyone into my camp, the voice continued. They have to be able to pull their own weight and I WILL have a doctor with me to evaluate their overall health. Anyone with a bite wound or a high fever will be killed on site.
That sounds a little severe, Randy answered.
The world has changed, the man answered.
A sound filled the airwaves, like a quiet hissing.
“Did we lose the connection?” Raven asked, leaning forward and tapping the top of the radio.
“Don’t hit it,” Henry said, slapping her hand playfully.
She gasped in mock offence. “See if you get any dinner from now on,” Raven said, smiling and rubbing her hand.
What’s your name stranger, Randy spoke through a peal of static.
You can call me President Angler, the voice responded with a hint of manic pride.
Randy laughed out loud. I’m sorry, he said to the stunned silence on the radio. That just sounds a little presumptuous, Angler. Randy softened his tone.
President Angler, he corrected.
Randy didn’t laugh that time. Perhaps he wanted to ensure that Angler would stay on the line. If there was any chance that this man was offering actual safety, people should know about it. Tyrants could always be overthrown.
Where, Mr. President, and when will you meet any survivors that want to join your group? Randy’s voice sounded eager and a little afraid.
I will have two meeting points and times. The first one will be at Junction 5 and Heath Road in two weeks’ time. That’s December 1st for all of you out there who have lost track of the date. The second meet will be on December 20th where Highway 7 dead-ends into Raccoon Road.
Where are those places for our listeners out there that don’t know? Randy asked, regaining his radio voice.
The first is twenty miles east of Atlas City in a little town called Union Falls. The second spot is fifty miles further to the California Nevada border. The town is called Induite Crossing. Randy cleared his throat.
What will happen to the lucky people that pass you screenings? Randy asked, with an odd tone to his voice.
Raven thought it was a mixture of eagerness and disdain. She didn’t much like the idea of having to pass a screening, but the thought that a real doctor would be there gave her hope. If he’s not lying, she reminded herself.
They will come back with me to my compound, he answered. I’ve known for years that something like this was coming. I have medical supplies and plenty of food. We will rebuild society. Angler spoke with fervor, like a televangelist or the leader of a cult. There is a need for women, he added quietly, almost shyly. His tone of voice was totally contradictory to his earlier boldness.
The radio gave another peel of static and it lost power, lights on the dial extinguishing. Henry grumbled and pushed it away.
“What do you think?” Raven asked. She knew that they had to do something; their supplies were getting low and as much as she loved her brother they were tiring of only being in each other’s company. It reminded her of when they were kids, growing up in the same house but without parents and a whole lot more danger.
“I’m not sure,” Henry responded, draining his coffee. “I don’t trust the man at all. President Angler my ass. He’s probably just a power-hungry dip shit. But it does raise an interesting point.” His brow furrowed and he spun the coffee mug on the table. A habit he and Raven had both picked up much to their parents’ irritation. “There must be other survivors out there,” Henry said, meeting Raven’s gaze. His eyes were bright. “I love you, sis, but I … we … can’t stay here together forever. We need to find some more people if only to add to our skill set.”
“I agree with you there,” Raven responded. “You’re pretty good at fixing things and I can do some basic medical triage but neither of us are capable of rebuilding society. I doubt we’ll have electricity and running water much longer. That’s means we’ll have to find a clean stream and bury our waste if we stay here.”
“Yeah,” Henry answered, countenance pensive. “We won’t find many people up here. There are a few that live in the mountains but most are probably like Undead Rob. We’d have a better chance if we drive through the Rockies and see what’s left on the other side.”
Rocky raised his head and gave a gentle woof. He got up and trotted into the kitchen, looking hopeful.
“Not you, dude,” Henry responded, looking at the dog. “I was talking about the mountains.”
Rocky let out a huff of air and lay down, placing his head on his paws, looking disappointed.
Raven chortled then rose to rinse out her mug and start breakfast. “We’ll have to re-up on food and stuff before we go,” she said. “Do you know where the nearest store is?”
“Yeah, there’s a little Mom and Pop store a few miles from here. It isn’t large but always had a good selection of dried goods and toiletries. Plus,” he said, voice raised in excitement. “I bet it won’t be as picked over.”
Raven looked at her brother. He was smiling and there was an undeniable air of excitement to him. He’s as bored as I am here, she thought.
“Well,” she said aloud. “We can’t stay here forever. Finding more people wouldn’t be a bad idea but we should be careful. I’m sure there are plenty of scumbags left alive.”
“Probably a disproportionate amount,” Henry murmured, rubbing his hands across his face. He fiddled with the radio knobs, turning it on then off again, trying to get some activity from it. It was no use. “I think we should spy on this president and his gathering.”
“Hmmm. That’s an idea. We would have to be really careful then. Do you think he has a group already?”
Henry scoffed. “How would I know, ninny?” he smiled to soften his words. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”
“I think we can get to the first meeting spot in a day or less, wouldn’t you?” Raven asked. “Once we’ve resupplied of course.” The microwave dinged and she rose to fetch the rehydrated eggs and jerky. She was already getting damn tired of jerky but they had to get protein somehow. Raven filled Rocky’s bowl with kibble and set it on the ground for him.
“Yeah, probably,” Henry answered.
They were quiet for a moment, eating. Raven tossed a couple of pieces of meat to Rocky. He gobbled them down with his cup of dog food. That’s getting low too, she thought. I guess I could feed him people food. I’ll have to pretty soon.
Rocky stood on the tiled floor and licked his bowl clean. He looked at her, grinning in that special Pit Bull way. She still felt sadness for Moon Pie’s untimely death but was glad her dog was alive.
Undead Series (Book 1): Blight of the Dead Page 5