His face was kind and Bee felt her anxiety quell at once. She’d always been a good judge of character and she could tell this man meant her no harm. “My name is Barbara Jean but everyone calls me Bee.” She shook his hand. His grip was strong but not bruising and his palm was warm and dry. “My friend’s name is Louise,” Bee gestured at the van. Louise sat unmoving and unseeing.
Rodney frowned slightly. “Forgive me for prying, ma’am, but your friend doesn’t look so good.”
Bee sighed. “She isn’t.”
Scout barked and Bee looked at him. “Hi, Scout,” she said, bending to pet him on the head. “I didn’t mean to ignore you but it’s been a hell of a day.”
“I had an uncle like that. He was in the wars. When they shipped him home he’d go through times where he wouldn’t move or speak. Then he’d snap out of it like nothing had happened with no memory of the time between.” Rodney said, gesticulating at Louise. “Has she been through something traumatic?”
“You could say that,” Bee responded. The raging and bloody face of Louise’s father flashed through her mind, thin and feral. She suppressed a shiver. Bee opened her mouth to explain. Taciturnity was not in her nature.
He held his hands out to stop her. “No need to go into it ma’am,” Rodney said.
Bee smiled gratefully, suddenly close to tears. She held them off, not wishing to cry in front of a stranger. “Call me, Bee, please,” she said, touching his elbow lightly.
“All right, Bee,” Rodney said, smiling.
A moan sounded off in the distance and Bee gripped her bat tightly, holding it away from her body. Crouching slightly, Bee glanced in the direction of the sound. Her knee complained but she ignored it. Dog-tired as she was, a noise like that sent her adrenaline into overdrive.
Rodney looked wary and Scout growled quietly. “My home isn’t far from here.” He said, grasping Bee’s shoulder. “If you all don’t mind driving me and Scout back, I can find room for you there.”
She felt no fear from this man and was glad to have some company. Louise, much as she loved her, was more burden than friend these days.
A wind whistled through the trees, bringing with it growls and grunts that could only come from one thing. The leaves skittered across the ground, dancing over their feet. Bee looked at Louise, sitting unmoving in the passenger seat. They needed help; Bee had prayed for it and if God saw fit to bring this man into their lives who was she to argue?
“Okay,” Bee said, patting Rodney’s hand with her own. “Let’s get moving before any of those things come along.”
“Well all right!” he exclaimed exuberantly.
Bee’s mouth quirked in a half smile.
Rodney looked embarrassed by his outburst. “Me and Scout have been alone here for quite some time,” he said as way of explanation.
“I understand,” Bee said. “Now let’s get moving.”
She opened the sliding door; Scout jumped in and Rodney followed more sedately. Bee shut the door and hopped back behind the wheel. Rodney told her to keep going straight and Bee continued down the road.
“Turn left there,” he instructed.
Rodney sat crossed legged in the only clear spot in the van. The rest of the space was taken up with boxes of supplies and blankets. Scout sat next to him panting, tongue hanging out.
“Okay,” Bee agreed.
Just before the turn, she glanced back in the rearview mirror. What she saw made her tighten her grip on the wheel. A group of zombies stood in the road. They were six in all and wore tattered clothing, stiff with blood and dirt. All of the afflicted turned as one, scenting the air. The bolted back into the trees. Bee shivered.
Raven
“They’re not here,” Liz said, wringing her hands. Her fingers flashed pale white in the early morning light.
“They will be,” Raven reassured. Her silky hair was disheveled from sleeping on the floor of the little store.
They’d arrived late at night, exhausted from the events at the cabin. Raven had parked the truck, which she’d managed to drive successfully albeit slowly, beneath a large sycamore tree. Raven had entered the Mom and Pop alone. The undead that was trapped upstairs had broken out but luckily for Raven it had caught itself on the racks of goods and she dispatched it easily, dragging it beneath the stairs. There was a small cupboard there that was just the right size for a body. She’d wait for Henry and they could bury it together. The zombie was too heavy for her to move very far.
“You promise?” Liz asked, face innocent and insecure. She sat propped up on her elbows, most of her body was buried beneath layers of blankets. Liz held her mop of curls back with her hand.
“Yes,” Raven said. “I promise. They’ll be here.” She had a moment of worry but pushed it away. Fretting wouldn’t help. “Let’s see what we can scrounge for breakfast and get you some proper fitting clothes. Okay?” She smiled, infusing her face with what happiness she could. It was difficult.
“Sure,” Liz said, sitting up and yawning widely. Suddenly, she sprung out of bed like a jackrabbit, rushing to the front of the store and peering through the glass.
“What?” Raven asked, rising more slowly and joining Liz at the window. Raven didn’t see anything out of place. The sun was rising, bringing light to the morning. She could smell the scent of rain though the crack in the door, clean and fresh. The clouds had thinned overnight and Raven thought they would see a bit of sun today. She hoped so; they could use a dry day. The ground was sodden and that made it harder to drive — she’d learned that last night.
“I thought I heard something?” Liz said. She didn’t sound frightened just excited and a little wary.
“Like what?” Raven asked. She pressed her hands to the glass to block out the glare and peered through. Faintly she heard a familiar bark and hoped it wasn’t her imagination.
“Rocky,” Liz whispered.
Raven’s heartbeat increased slightly. She dearly hoped that her brother had made it with her dog. Raven didn’t think she could bear to be without them.
She heard the bark again, louder this time. It definitely sounded like Rocky.
“I heard it!” Raven spoke, pressing her palms into the glass. The sun had risen enough now that she could see without blocking excess inner light. “I see them!” Liz squealed, sounding very much like the child she was.
It was a good sound to hear and Raven smiled. “Where?” she asked, not seeing anything yet but swaying tree branches. The wind had picked up and was blowing the cloud cover higher into the mountains. A leaf skittered across the dirt, traveling in swirling eddies and sunlight streamed through the trees, dappling the ground.
“At the top of the hill,” Liz answered, pointing.
Two figures crested the hill and moved down into the dell where the Mom and Pop sat. One was clearly human and not afflicted with the virus, walking normally with no jerking or halting movements. It could have been anybody, any man that meant them good or harm or total indifference, but Raven knew it was Henry. She could tell by the way he moved. The other figure was a mystery to her, covered in so many layers Raven couldn’t tell if it was a man or a woman, just an amorphous shape that walked companionably at her brother’s side. A smaller figure ran in circles around the two, galloping on four legs. The sun reflected off his fawn colored fur, filling Raven’s heart with joy.
“Who’s that with him?” Liz asked. She hopped from foot to foot, face glued to the glass.
Raven pursed her lips to keep from laughing. This was the most cheerful and unafraid Liz had been since they fled. It warmed Raven’s heart and it was damn funny.
“I have no idea,” Raven answered. Her curiosity was piqued. “Let’s go find out, shall we?” She turned from the window, grabbed her axe from the counter and held her free hand out for Liz.
Fear washed across Liz’s features briefly then she controlled her expression.
“It’ll be fine, honey,” Raven reassured. “Grab that knife we found for you.”
; Liz nodded and picked up a boot knife in a black leather sheath. It wasn’t an overly large knife. The blade was maybe four inches long, but it was nearly the size of the girl’s forearm. Raven had shown her some basic things about blade safety, how to hold it and stow it away. Liz seemed comfortable enough with the knife and it surely boosted her confidence.
I wouldn’t want to be weaponless these days, she thought with a shiver.
Liz clipped the knife to the waistband of her new jeans, canting it to the side to get a comfortable angle.
“Tuck your shirt behind the hilt,” Raven instructed. “It’ll be easier to grab when you need it.”
Liz nodded and complied, tucking the blue fabric of her thermal behind it.
“Let’s go,” Raven said. She took Liz’s hand and they headed out the back door.
She took a deep breath of crisp, cool air and it felt good. The ground was still damp but the weather just might give it a chance to dry out today. Raven’s boots squelched through the mud and the sun was warm on her face.
“I think he’s with a woman,” Liz said. There was an incredulous tone to her voice that made Raven laugh out loud.
“My brother has been known to hang out with a few women in the past,” she said, chuckling. The image of a particularly beautiful but crazy girl flashed through Raven’s mind. Her name had been Candy, which when you think about it should have been a warning sign. The woman had left Henry high and dry one evening, absconding with his wallet and his PS2 game system. Raven loved her brother but he could be such an idiot when it came to pussy.
Henry, Rocky and the mystery woman were getting closer. Raven could make out her brother’s too long dark hair and his wool coat. The woman walked by his side comfortably. She had a long blond braid that reached down to her knees. It looked like she was wearing one of Henry’s sweatshirts. Raven recognized the image of an old-school camera on the front. It reached down to mid-thigh on the woman, which meant she was tiny. Raven had worn that sweatshirt before and it fit her normally. Rocky bounded between them, excitedly.
“Hi!” Liz yelled, waving emphatically. Raven hadn’t seen her so enthusiastic before.
Raven smiled and waved as well, looking around at the surrounding trees. All the noise they were making was dangerous. It attracted the undead. The trees stood silently at the side of the road; covered in various bits of moss. Nothing moved within and that was good.
She saw Henry wave but was still too far away to hear him. Though she didn’t think he’d be foolish enough to yell out. Liz opened her mouth to holler again and Raven cut her off.
“Hush, Liz,” she said in a mild voice. “It’s dangerous to be too loud.”
Liz nodded and put her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry,” she said, voice muffled behind her palm.
Raven smiled and pulled Liz’s arm down. “It’s okay. I just want you to be safe.” All of us to be safe, she thought.
Liz nodded again and stepped over a large pothole. It was filled with water and shimmered with incandescent light. The girl’s enthusiasm had been palpably dampened and Raven was sorry for that but it was better than being attacked.
The road led upward at a slight incline and Raven felt her thighs burn with the exertion. Better increase my leg routine, she thought, not wanting her body to weaken. Maybe Liz will like yoga. She made a mental note to ask her when things settled down.
“If they settle down,” she murmured.
Liz glanced at her but kept silent. Her face glistened from the walk and the rising sun. It seemed like it was going to be the warmest day they’d seen in a while, a weather enigma. Raven pushed up the sleeves of her sweater. The dark blue cotton rolled easily, exposing her tattoos.
Rocky barked and she looked for him. He must’ve seen them by now for his body wiggled. Rocky broke away from Henry and ran toward Raven and Liz. A large smile spread across Raven’s face and she increased her pace, eager to see her dog. It had only been one night but felt much longer.
Mindful that she’d just told Liz to be quiet, Raven did not whistle like she usually would. Rocky moved rapidly closer, large strides eating the distance.
“Brace yourself,” Raven said, smiling broadly. She hunkered down, placing one knee on the ground and opened her arms wide. Rocky’s paws rushed across the dirt and his tongue lolled out happily. He wore that special Pit Bull smile.
“Come here, baby,” she spoke. Her eyes filled with moisture but she would not cry, not in front of a stranger.
Rocky bounded the last few feet and launched himself into Raven’s arms.
“Oof,” Raven exclaimed as the air was knocked from her. Rocky covered her face in warm, wet kisses.
“Hi, Rocky,” Liz said, petting the dog’s head.
Raven kissed the side of his face affectionately.
“Hey, sis,” Henry said. In his arms he held a small grey and white kitten. He handed the cat to the woman.
Raven gently pushed Rocky away and embraced her brother.
“I missed you, stupid idiot,” Raven said, squeezing her brother and holding him at arm’s-length. He looked worn around the edges but otherwise all right. “You really need a haircut,” she said.
Henry’s lips twitched, like he was unable to decide if he should laugh or frown. “I missed you too, sis,” he said. “Hi, Liz,” Henry spoke, turning to her.
Raven had an inkling that the girl might have a crush on her brother. She hid a smile behind her hand and turned to the mystery woman.
Liz smiled shyly. “Hi, Henry,” she said, clasping her hands behind her back. Liz glanced at the kitten. “Where did the kitty come from?” Liz asked, reaching out a tentative hand.
“Oh,” Henry spoke, like he suddenly remembered the kitten existed. He smiled. “This is Neptune. Rocky and I saved her from some zombie bastards, didn’t we boy?” He patted the dog on the head affectionately.
Raven smiled at the name. She remembered their old cat Neptune quite well. The shy thing had followed their mother around constantly. Raven’s gaze moved to the strange woman. “I’m Raven,” she said, holding out her hand that did not grip the axe and smiled welcomingly.
“Oh, sorry,” Henry said, straightening from the bent posture he’d taken while talking to Liz. “This is Monique. We ran into her on our way here,” he said by way of explanation.
“Hello,” Monique said, grasping Raven’s hand. Her grip was weak like she’d never been taught to shake hands properly. She was stunning, blond hair that shimmered with gold in the sun. Her bone structure was perfect, right out of a Hollywood movie. Her lips were full and pink and her tongue slipped out wetting them. She couldn’t see Monique’s figure very well beneath all of her layers but Raven suspected she was curvy and petite. Her breasts pressed out from beneath her brother’s sweatshirt.
Raven suppressed an instant dislike. Her grandfather had taught her the importance of a good, firm handshake and this woman did not have one. It usually spoke of a lack of character and morals, or so Grandpa had said. Raven hadn’t found much evidence to the contrary.
“How’d you end up out here?” Raven asked, wanting to get a bit of Monique’s backstory before they went back to the store. She needed an accurate sense of the woman’s character.
“I was separated from the group I was with. My friend and his brother are still with them, hopefully,” she added. A frown spread across her face.
Raven wondered just how old she was. A moment ago she would’ve guessed early twenties but the fine lines that appeared on her forehead and by her eyes made Raven up the number.
“I was thinking we could help her find her people,” Henry said, smiling. His gaze traveled down Monique’s body but she didn’t notice.
Raven snorted. Damn her brother, a pair of tits and striking eyes had taken him in. Not that Raven could blame the man. This woman was beyond beautiful.
Raven gave him a look that said they’d talk about this later and turned to Monique. “I’m sure we can fit you in,” she said, smiling brightly. It
did not quite reach her eyes.
Monique’s expression faltered for a moment. She frowned slightly. “Anything you can teach me about defending myself would be helpful but I can make my own way.”
Raven’s opinion of the other woman changed slightly. She liked that Monique did not wish to take advantage of Henry’s obvious infatuation. “We can do that,” Raven said nodding.
“Raven!” Liz cried, pulling at Raven sleeve. Her visage showed pure terror. She pointed to the tree line about fifty feet away.
“Shit!” Raven exclaimed. She swung the axe around and pulled the leather case from the blade, pocketing it.
Walking out of the trees was a group of zombies. It was the largest they’d seen. Raven counted seven undead and they were still appearing from beneath the shadowed branches.
“Motherfucker,” Henry murmured. He pulled out his knife and moved closer to Raven.
“Monique, can you run?” she asked.
The woman bobbed her head fearfully, blond braid settling artfully across her shoulder. She gripped the kitten tighter, whether out of fear it would bolt or just plain terror, Raven did not know.
“Take Liz and make for that store.” She pointed back the way they had come, toward the Mom and Pop.
“No, Raven,” Liz begged. “I want to stay with you.”
“I’m sorry. You can’t right now.” She gripped the girl by the shoulder, digging her fingers in. “Go with her now and we’ll see you soon. I promise.”
Liz nodded. Her eyes were wide and her expression was filled with terror.
“Hurry it up, Raven,” Henry spoke in a tense voice. “They haven’t noticed us yet. The wind is in our favor but that won’t last forever.”
“Can I take Rocky?” Liz asked.
“Yes, of course,” Raven answered. “Go now hurry. Run.”
Liz bolted back toward the store and Rocky followed her with a little prompting.
She grabbed Monique’s arm before she could follow. “You keep her safe,” Raven said. Her eyes darkened. “I will take it personally if you don’t.” She released Monique’s arm.
Undead Series (Book 1): Blight of the Dead Page 12