After Zombie Series (Book 1): After

by Samantha Gregory

  I wasn’t convinced, “You worked to eradicate it. Now you’re making more of it? Who the hell are you?”

  There wasn’t a hint of remorse on his face. I really didn’t know him at all. When Wesley stopped writhing about, Dad ordered him to stand up. I watched as he did just that. Slowly he lowered himself off the gurney. His legs supported him fine.

  “It healed you?”

  “That’s what it was originally supposed to do. Heal soldiers of battle wounds, so they could continue to fight,” Dad said, “Go get cleaned up. Jenna and I need to talk. You can borrow some of my clothes.”

  He walked from the room slowly. He seemed dazed. When he was gone, Dad turned to me. His face softened, “I missed you. And your mom. I thought I was doing the right thing.”

  “Well, you weren’t.”

  I couldn’t look at him, couldn’t trust myself not to cry.

  “I’ll fix this, I swear. You go with Wesley and I’ll meet you outside the city.”

  “And Mom?”

  “I’ll get her, too.”

  I didn’t believe him. He already abandoned us once. I needed to get Mom myself.

  “You can’t leave until it’s dark. Why don’t you go lie down for a while? I can bring you something to eat.”

  “I want answers.”

  “And you’ll get them. But first you need to rest.”

  I nodded. It was clear he wouldn’t let me leave willingly, so I would play along for now. I went into the living room, but it was filled with more lab equipment. Boxes were piled to the ceiling.

  “Top of the stairs, take my room.”

  I had been planning on sneaking out when he wasn’t looking. This made it harder. I went up to the room and lay down on the bed to wait.

  Wesley

  I stared intently at my reflection in the mirror, as if I could somehow see the path the serum was taking through my veins. My legs still ached, but the bones knitted together in seconds. Despite what Tom said, I could still turn into one of them. The thought terrified me beyond all reason. To be one of those things? I’d rather have all my bones broken a million times over.

  My vision began to blur. I took off my glasses and rubbed at my eyes. When I looked up, I was surprised to find I could see myself clearly in the mirror, without the glasses. I’d worn them since I was six; this would take some getting used to.

  I couldn’t stand here all night. I took a shower, savoring the hot water. When I was done I had a shave, and then gave myself a haircut. I wanted the stink of that place off me. I needed to feel human again.

  I headed into the bedroom for clothes. Jenna was curled up on the bed asleep. Her hand was tucked under her chin, her auburn hair splayed out on the pillow. I don’t know how she could sleep after everything that happened.

  I chose a t-short and jeans from Tom’s wardrobe to wear. He was thinner than me, but they fit me fine. I guess I lost a lot of weight over the last few weeks. Breton wasn’t too concerned about remembering things like meal times. Besides when I had the Morphinal, I never felt like eating. I wondered if Tom kept any in the house. I needed a fix badly.

  Jenna mumbled something in her sleep. If my theory was right, then it changed everything I thought I knew about Tom. Only one way to find out. I went downstairs to face him. He was waiting for me in the living room.

  “Let’s talk.”

  Jenna

  I only meant to rest my eyes, but before I knew it, Dad was shaking me awake.

  “How long was I out?” I asked.

  “About six hours.” He placed a sandwich on the nightstand for me.

  “Eat up.” I didn’t argue, I was starving. It was turkey substitute and mustard. My favorite.

  When I finished eating, I went downstairs. Dad and Wesley were talking in the living room. I stayed out of sight to eavesdrop, since no one felt the need to clue me in.

  “Once the two of you are out of the city, head for the safe house. You can take some of my files with you. I don’t want the Alliance getting their hands on them. I don’t care what you have to do, but make sure she gets out.”

  “And the serum?”

  “It’s temporary. You have 96 hours before it wears off.”

  There was silence from Wesley.

  “Don’t look at me like that,” Dad said, “would you rather I left you with two broken legs?”

  “I’m not surprised by anything you do anymore,” he said coolly.

  “Meaning what?”

  “I know what Genesis is.”

  “You didn’t tell them, did you?” There was panic in Dad’s voice.

  “No, I didn’t. God, I used to look up to you, but now…”

  Genesis again. What was so bloody special about it? Was it like the serum Dad had given Wesley? That created super humans? It made sense. The Alliance would kill for something like that.

  Wesley walked out of the room, startling me. He was wearing a grey t-shirt and jeans. He cleaned himself up and had even cut his hair military style. His glasses were gone too. It was quite the transformation.

  “What are you doing?” he snapped.

  “Nothing. I was just…looking for my dad.”

  I was shocked at his sudden change in attitude. Even the way he spoke to dad. He used to be his biggest fan. It would take a lot to get him to hate him like that.

  “Jenna, I’ve packed some provisions for you.”

  I took the bag without comment. I knew Dad would stop me from going for Mom, so I planned on waiting until I left with Wesley. He would be easy to get away from.

  “You’ll take my car; Wesley knows where he’s going.”

  I laughed bitterly, “Yeah, first sign of trouble, he’ll run or use me as a human shield.”

  “That won’t happen. In a few hours, we’ll be safe. You’ll see.”

  “You promised me answers.”

  “Once we’re all safe, we can sit down and talk.”

  As we went out the door, Dad held Wesley back, “One more thing.”

  He pulled him aside, whispering something to him. I don’t know what it was but Wesley’s face drained of color.

  “What did he say?” I asked as we headed for the car.

  “Nothing.”

  Eight

  Jenna

  Wesley hadn’t said a word since we left Dad’s house. He donned a long black coat and a pair of Dad’s work boots. Meanwhile I had to rough it in the clothes I put on days ago, my jeans and plaid shirt. I’m sure I looked awful. We had been driving for a while, Wesley was behind the wheel.

  I couldn’t stop thinking about Dad. I hated him right now. I couldn’t help wondering if he would have preferred someone like Wesley as his kid. They certainly had more in common. Maybe he would have confided in him, instead of letting him think the worst.

  “So where is this safe house, anyway?” I asked, because I couldn’t stand the silence anymore.

  “About six hours north of the city.”

  “And the Alliance doesn’t know about it?”

  “Your dad kept a lot of secrets…from the Alliance.”

  “Yeah, I heard you both talking earlier. What is Genesis?”

  “How about we both be quiet for the rest of the trip?”

  I hunkered down in my seat and stared out the window. We were only a couple of miles from home. The streets were deserted. It wasn’t a good idea to venture out after dark. Those that did probably didn’t have much to be afraid of. I started tapping my fingers on the dashboard. It probably wouldn’t take long to get home on foot from here.

  I glanced over at Wesley. He was focused on the road and wasn’t paying any attention to me. I recognized the stretch of road we were on. It was maybe a mile back home.

  Wesley slowed the car down as we approached a crossroads. I might not get another chance like this. I wrenched open the door and ran.

  “Jenna! Get back here!” Wesley yelled.

  I ran past a chain-link fence, which led to a parking lot full of burnt out cars. I was halfway across
the lot when I was jerked backwards by the hood of my jacket.

  “Get off!” I cried.

  “Get back in the car,” Wesley said. He was faster than I thought.

  “No, I’m going to get my mom. You go to the safe house. Tell my dad I gave you the slip.”

  “I’m not taking no for an answer. Move or be moved.”

  I scoffed at him, and turned away. A second later, I was hanging upside down over Wesley’s shoulder.

  “Put me down!” I screeched.

  “I gave you a choice.”

  I thumped him in the back, swearing at him. This drew the attention of the unwanted variety. A gang of guys strolled towards us.

  “I don’t think the lady wants to go with you,” one of them said. He was sporting a pierced eyebrow and carrying a chain, which he had wrapped around his hand.

  “Yeah, she wants to come with me, don’t you, baby?”

  Wesley lowered me to the ground, as they closed in. They surrounded him. I backed away; none of them were paying any attention to me. Yet. I ran off. I made it fifty feet before stopping. I could hear grunting and Wesley crying out in pain. He was getting his ass kicked.

  So? That’s his problem, I thought. He wouldn’t go back for me. I knew that from experience. He was on his own. I took another two steps then stopped and sighed. I searched the ground for a weapon. I found a two by four piece of wood. I hefted it and gave it a practise swing. It would have to do. He may be a coward but I wasn’t.

  As I ran back around the corner, I skidded to a halt. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Two members of the gang were already on the ground. The pierced guy was still standing though; he swung the chain at Wesley’s face. Wesley dodged it, caught the chain in one hand and yanked him forward, before punching him in the face. The guy went down with a grunt. The others took off running.

  “Let’s go,” he said, looking at me. I moved closer.

  “I’m sorry, Wesley,” I said.

  “For what?”

  I cracked him across the face with the two by four and ran for the car. The keys were still in the ignition. How helpful of him. I started the car and drove off fast.

  I reached home within the hour, having to avoid road blocks and tolls along the road.

  Leaving the car a few blocks away, I walked the rest of the way. I moved quickly, avoiding people as much as possible. Once I got Mom, we could get away and find our own safe house. I wasn’t looking forward to her reaction when she found out about Dad. She’d never forgive him for what he had done.

  Half a block from home, I ran into a road block. The whole area had been cordoned off and was being guarded by AS. They lined the street, silent sentinels, holding back the crowd.

  I pulled up my hood, moving slowly. Several people were demanding to be let back into the area.

  “What’s going on?” I asked, an old woman. I vaguely recognized her from the building but we had never spoken. Hopefully she didn’t recognize me.

  “Bloody AS won’t let us in. They say some fugitive is in the area.”

  Crap, that’s me.

  Someone took a hold of my arm and pulled me into an alleyway.

  “Ross? What’s going on?”

  Lana was with him, clinging to his arm. She kept glaring at me. She probably waited all of three seconds after I was taken to go after him. If that. Ross wasn’t exactly fighting her off, I noticed.

  “You should know, it’s you they’re looking for,” he said.

  “What? What about my mom?”

  “She was arrested a few hours ago. I saw the AS drag her away," Lana said, staring at me coldly. What, did she think I was back for Ross?

  “Didn’t you try to help her?” I asked Ross.

  “And mess with the Alliance? Damn it, Jenna, what have you gotten yourself into?”

  “It’s a long story. I should get out of here.”

  “They’re saying that anyone with information about you should come forward or risk being arrested.”

  I stared at him, “And? Are you going to grass me up?”

  He couldn’t meet my gaze. He was actually considering it. I shoved him away and ran off into the crowd. Jerk. Why am I surrounded by freaking cowards and liars?

  "She's here!" a voice rang out, but it wasn't Ross. It was Lana. I ran faster, weaving through the crowd, trying to make it back to the car. A few people grabbed at me as I went. I wasn’t going to make it.

  An AS stepped into my path. I ducked under his outstretched arm.

  “Stop her!” someone yelled.

  Spotlights came on, searching the crowd. I hurtled into an alleyway and dropped out of sight behind a dumpster. I glanced out at the crowd. They were all scrabbling around in the semi darkness looking for me. I couldn’t let them catch me. I wasn’t going back with Breton.

  I spied a little boy on the edge of the crowd. He looked right at me. I threw myself back behind the dumpster.

  “Oh please,” I whispered.

  “I saw her!” a voice rang out. A child’s voice.

  The alleyway was a dead end. I was trapped.

  “She went that way,” the voice said again.

  I waited for them to appear and arrest me. I could hear the sound of running feet, but they weren’t coming towards me. I chanced another look. The soldiers were running down the road in the opposite direction. Now was my chance.

  I took off running. I saw the boy watching for a second, then he was gone. He hadn’t given me away. Guess there was at least one person on my side.

  Mom was probably in a containment camp by now, but there was at least half a dozen of them on this side of the country alone. There was no way I would be able to find her.

  I made it to the car and sped off. The only way I was going to get her back was to give Breton what he wanted. Genesis. If I could figure out what it was first. If it was a serum like the one Wesley had been given, then maybe there was a vial of it somewhere. Or at least the rest of the formula they wanted. I remembered Dad’s notes in the trunk. Maybe there was something in them about Genesis.

  I drove to a deserted spot and flicked through the files. Most of it was Greek to me, but I did find a vague reference to Genesis. It was a file on a man called Danny Greene. He was a person of interest to Gene-Pharm.

  It was Dad’s handwritten notes that told me more. There was mention of an antidote a scribbled address and in the top right hand corner 'Genesis origins?'

  If this guy knew anything about it, then maybe he could help me. The address was on the edge of the city. I started the car. I could make it there in about two hours, providing the Alliance didn’t catch me first.

  Wesley

  I’m going to kill her, I thought as I scoped out the parking garage for a new car. This wasn’t the plan.

  She was going to get us both killed. Only my death may not be permanent.

  Once I had a car I could head out and find her. At most we’d lose a few hours. I couldn’t believe how focused I felt with the serum inside me. It was like finally being awake. It wasn’t a high like I got with the Morphinal, but I hadn’t felt this good in years. If you ignored the anxiety I had from having zombie juice in me.

  I finally found a car that was unlocked. I hacked into the onboard computer and pulled up the GPS system. I ran a search for my car. It may be an old model, but I kitted it out with a tracker right after I bought it. Vintage cars went for a lot if you knew the right buyer. It was on the move. She was headed for home.

  How stupid was she? She was walking right into a trap. I hotwired the car and left the garage. I didn’t have time to chase her across the city, but if I showed up without her...Damn it.

  By the time I reached South City, Jenna was on the move again. Where was she going?

  The whole area was crawling with Alliance soldiers. I ducked my head as two of them marched by.

  I parked a few blocks away to see if I could work out where she was going. She was all over the place.

  I started the car again just as a blindi
ng pain ripped through my head. I let out a groan, clutching the steering wheel. It only lasted a few seconds but the pain was terrible. Was it the serum, or from going cold turkey from the Morphinal?

  I couldn’t waste any more time. I drove off in search of Jenna.

  Jenna

  It was morning when I arrived at Danny’s house. It took a lot longer than I thought. I didn’t want to draw attention with my crappy driving skills, so I stuck to back roads. I had gotten lost twice.

  The house looked expensive. A man stood outside. He was tall with dark hair, wearing a leather jacket and torn jeans. He was smoking a cigarette.

  “Excuse me, are you Danny Greene?”

  He took a drag on the cigarette, “Now’s not a good time, kid.”

  The window opened above him and a red haired woman dumped a pile of clothes on his head. She slammed the window shut.

  I raised an eyebrow.

  “The wife,” he said, “we’re going through a rough patch.”

  “I’m sorry about that, but I really need to talk to you about Genesis.”

  He shook his head, “Never heard of it. Is this some new cult? Because I’m not interested in joining.”

  “It’s not a cult. I found a file with your name on it. It says you were injected with an antidote? I know Gene-Pharm is looking for you.”

  This got a reaction, he visibly tensed, “Are you working for them?” He looked up and down the street.

  “No, they’re after me too. Can we talk inside?”

  He nodded slowly, “Yeah, come on in.”

  We went into the kitchen. I noticed a lot of boxes around the place. It looked like someone was moving out. I could guess who.

  “Okay, talk,” he said, leaning against the counter.

  “The short version? My father used to work for Gene-Pharm, but he quit and was secretly working on something called Genesis. Something that is connected to you. I need something to bargain with. Gene-Pharm took my mother.”

  Danny sighed, “I really thought I was done with all this crap. Look, I know less than you do.”