by Monroe, Kady
The station was isolated by fields and trees. Jenny hoped the lack of cars meant no customers got attacked there. But what about staff? Was the place closed when the outbreak happened or had the person on duty locked up and gone home? There was also the possibility they were still inside, and if so, were they alive or dead?
After waiting and seeing nothing to alarm her, Jenny said,
“I’m going to check it out.”
“I’ll go with you,” Matt replied then turned in his seat to Jack,
“You take the front seat and keep watch.”
“Ok,” Jack said, hoisting himself up. “Here, take these,” he added, holding out two of the tyre irons. Jenny retrieved her coat and put it on, then out of habit, she lifted her bag as well.
Exiting the van, Jenny went to the car and explained the situation, advising them to stay locked inside until Matt and her returned. Sophie looked tired and didn’t offer to go with them this time.
Before they tackled the interior, they did a prompt reconnaissance around the building, making sure nothing was lurking out of sight. The back of the white rectangular building was fenced off with a high chain-link perimeter, and impenetrable looking gate, which boasted a heavy-duty padlock and chain. On the other side of the fence, Jenny and Matt could see a grey back-door. It appeared to be firmly shut and didn’t have a handle on the outside. The rest of the area contained orange and blue gas canisters in a variety of sizes, bags of smokeless fuel and logs, a collection of snow shovels and to the right-hand side, two large plastic black storage units, approximately three feet high by four feet wide. They could see no clue as to what they contained.
They returned to the front and approached the windows which were covered in advertising posters. It reminded her of the shop. Matt checked the cashier’s window. When she glanced at him, he shook his head and moved on to view a different angle. She was also doing the same. Peering in wherever she found a gap. She saw nothing of alarm and neither did Matt.
She went to the metal and glass door, half-expecting it to be locked. But when she pushed gently, it opened. Then she noticed an adjustable sign on the door’s glass panel announcing in white letters on a green background, that the place was OPEN.
Jenny gripped the tyre iron in her right hand as she swung the door further open with her left. No one came rushing at them, so she stepped in. Matt was right behind her.
The place wasn’t in complete darkness. Weak light filtered in from what was left of the day. In front and to the left of the door was various items of motoring paraphernalia. On the right, stood shelves of groceries, a cool cabinet for storing drinks and a lottery ticket unit. Beyond those, the cashier’s counter waited on the right-hand side of the far wall. The left-hand side was walled off which presumably meant it had a storage space behind it, and a way to the back door.
Matt went past Jenny and walked forward sideways so he could inspect the spaces between the two rows of shelves. When done, he retraced his steps to stand beside her. He whispered,
“We better take a look behind the counter, and there’s a door off to the left of it.”
Jenny nodded.
As they approached the sales desk, she strained to hear any noise above the sound of the wind and rain. Matt constantly reviewed the premises as if scared he had missed something the first time.
On the counter sat a cash register of superior technology to the one Jenny was used to using. The surface next to it was clear, allowing customers to place items down for purchase. On the left side of the counter was an E-cigarette display, a lottery ticket dispenser, and after that, a sturdy hinged door the same height as the counter for the cashier to use. Below the front of the counter were recessed shelves containing confectionery and behind, screwed on the wall, was a familiar roll-top cabinet where packets of cigarettes and tobacco were stored.
Matt held the iron up and cautiously leaned over the counter. His shoulders relaxed as he pulled back again. He shook his head at Jenny. She headed for the gate which was unlocked. Stepping through, she put her ear to the door on the left. No sound came from behind it, so like Matt had done, she raised the tyre iron and tried the handle with the other. The door squeaked open. Jenny stepped back, fearing an attack that never came.
The storeroom was much gloomier, due to it having no windows. Jenny’s shadow also hindered the light. Straight ahead, she could see the back door, it only stood out because of its light colour. She moved to the side of the doorway to get rid of her shadow and peered in again. Now she could see lots of boxes of stock and a small table and chair. A small cubicle room was located in the right-hand corner. A staff toilet, she decided.
She remembered that she had a torch in her bag. Fishing it out, she switched it on and gave the little room a sweep of light. It revealed nothing more than she had already seen, so she headed to the cubicle door. It had flimsy panel board walls and a cheap door which someone had painted black. Again, she went through the ritual of holding the iron ready while turning the handle. This room was empty too. The door barely missed hitting the edge of the porcelain toilet bowl. Oddly, a small sink was placed above the cistern.
Matt breathed out a sigh of relief behind her, as they both saw the back-door was locked. Two bolts secured it, top and bottom and in the middle was a padlocked hasp.
Not holding out much hope of the having electricity, Jenny flipped a few switches on the lights panel. The station remained dark.
“If we can find the door-keys, we could stay here tonight, unless you would prefer to pick-up supplies and get back on the road,” Jenny said.
“No. I don’t like the look of the storm outside, and I’m tired. So if you look for keys, I’ll go check on the others,” Matt said, adding, “I’ll take a few bottles of water out on the way, just in-case we do have to leave quick.”
“Alright, but just make sure you don’t drive off without me,”
He looked at her seriously and said,
“I wouldn’t do that.”
Jenny wondered if he thought she meant it.
She kept her next comment light, saying with a smile,
“I know, anyway, you lot wouldn’t last five minutes without me.”
Matt rolled his eyes and shook his head. There was a hint of a smile as he turned away to complete his task.
Her search for the keys lasted about ten seconds. She found them in a drawer by the cash register. It seemed the logic worked for this business’s employees as well. Keep the keys close. Claiming her prize, she went to the window to make sure everything was okay outside. Matt was handing a couple of two-litre water bottles to Sophie through the passenger window.
Jenny returned to the station’s main door and tried the first key that looked right for the lock. Success. Matt noticed and informed the others while Jenny went to see if the place stocked candles. Instead, she found some battery operated lanterns. After a short hunt for batteries, she had three lamps working. She placed one in an aisle sheltered from the window and one in the back room. The other she switched off. Keeping it as a spare.
Maggie and Sophie entered, with Maggie muttering to Jenny,
“This place isn’t exactly the Ritz, is it?
Jenny ignored the woman’s whining but Sophie didn’t.
“Beggars can’t be choosers Mum. Be grateful we’re not sleeping in the car or out in the open.”
“But where are we going to sleep?”
This time Sophie ignored her and asked Jenny,
“Is there a bathroom?”
Jenny directed the girl to the back room and was glad when Maggie trailed after her daughter.
Jack was next to hop in.
“Where’s Matt and Clive?” she asked him.
“Keeping watch and still asleep.”
“Ok, thanks. Maggie and Sophie are through the back.”
He nodded and went in that direction, still using the broom as his crutch.
She went back outside. Matt nodded an acknowledgement to her as she went to the van a
nd shook Clive. She stood back as he stirred. She felt silly, but she was thinking of Maggie saying he might be infected. The man, with his back to her, groaned and raised himself up onto one elbow, then turned his head to squint at her. His eyes were normal.
“Sorry to wake you Clive, but we’re stopping for the night.”
“Oh, of course. What is it you want me to do?”
“We’re outside a petrol station. It seems secure and has supplies, so we’ll stay here tonight.”
“Alright, thank you. Just let me get up,” he said pushing himself to a sitting position, then swung his legs around. He got out of the van after her and she showed him to the main door.
“I’m going to stay out here,” she said, “I think Matt wants to add some supplies to the vehicles, so I’ll stand guard.”
“Would you like me to stay with you?”
“No, it’s Ok.”
“Alright, I’ll help Matt then,” he said, “it’s the least I can do after what you all did for me.”
Jenny smiled,
“That would be great, thank you.”
Matt and Clive were in and out of the station numerous times before Matt seemed content with the amount of supplies.
“I’ve left a bit of room in-case we find anything else,” he said.
Clive and him had also hauled out the mattress and cushions from the van so the group wouldn’t have to sit on the floor. During her stint as guard, Jenny could report no infected or zombie sightings, which pleased her immensely.
With the vehicles locked and everyone inside, she locked the door and went to the aisle where the others were gathered. Clive was introducing himself to Maggie.
“Clive Okoro,” he said, holding out his hand, “I’m very pleased to meet you.”
Maggie glanced at the hand with distaste, but gave in, barely grabbing his finger’s, she gave one quick shake as she said,
“I’m Maggie. So you’re not dead then.”
“Mum!” Sophie said.
Annoyed, Maggie replied,
“What? He’s not dead, that’s a good thing!”
Sophie shook her head in dismay. Clive looked confused, but answered,
“No, I’m most certainly not dead,” he paused and smiled, “Maggie is such a lovely name, short for Margaret I presume.”
“Actually it’s Magnolia,” she replied frostily.
“Oh, even more lovely.”
Maggie seemed to thaw a little,
“Thank you. It was my Mother’s name too.”
“Thank goodness you didn’t decide to call me that,” Sophie muttered.
Behind Maggie’s back, Jack mouthed the word Magnolia with a grimace on his face, then mimed sticking his fingers down his throat. Sophie caught him in the act and gave him a dig in the ribs with her elbow. He cried out in pain. Maggie turned around to see what the disturbance was about as Jack sheepishly rubbed his ankle, telling her,
“Sorry, I moved my foot the wrong way.”
The petrol station contained a few nice surprises for the group. Maggie found some plastic picnic plates and bowls, along with plastic cutlery. Matt, who had been scouring the boxes in the storeroom, acquired a box of six camping stoves, complete with the gas required to use them. In another box, he found sets of aluminium nesting pans with foldable handles, the kind campers and hikers would use. And Sophie presented Jack with four shiny can-openers.
The group had supplies galore for a hot meal and drinks.
Full darkness had descended outside, and the storm had not abated. With the evening being cold, they debated about whether they should keep one of the camp stoves lit. Matt said he thought there might be a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if they did that, Clive agreed, therefore, the idea was abandoned.
Jenny had noticed a rack containing woollen scarves, gloves and black thermal beanie hats. She took enough for everyone and handed them out. It was only a little thing, but along with the blankets they had brought in, it would help to keep them warm during the night.
CHAPTER 16
She woke in a cold sweat from a dream already fading. All she remembered of it, was running. Checking her watch, she could just make out the time as 2.20 am. It was hard to believe it had only been just over two days since everything changed; it felt like that evening had been weeks ago.
Glancing around, she saw Matt was missing. Getting up, she tip-toed past the rest of the sleeping group. He was sitting in shadows, on one of the sofa cushions by the window, looking out. A blanket draped over his shoulders. He hadn’t noticed her approach, so she gave a quiet cough.
Matt turned his head and acknowledged her presence with a nod before turning his head back to the window.
“Can’t sleep?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
“Worried about your dad?”
“Yeah.”
“It must be awful for you, being so far away and not knowing.”
“Yeah,” he replied again, keeping his gaze on the window.
Not getting much response, she decided he might have gone to the window for some alone time. She could do with some of that too. It was probably best to leave him alone.
“I’m going to treat myself to a hot drink,” she said, “Would you like one, tea, coffee or hot chocolate?”
“No. I’m alright, thanks.”
“Ok,” she replied already turning away.
“Jenny,” he said,
She swung her head around.
“I’m sorry about what happened in the shop with the old guy. But that’s me, always making the wrong choices and disappointing people.”
Her brows furrowed.
“Matt, I was out of line with what I said, I’m sorry. And who’s disappointed with you? It’s certainly not me or anyone here.”
He turned his head and looked up at her. She continued,
“You saved our lives in the shop with the shutters and then getting the van. Who knows what might have happened to any of us if it hadn’t been for you.”
He gave her a sad smile,
“Thanks. Just wish my Dad felt the same way. Even if I find him, I’ll still have done something wrong. Probably he’ll say I took my time, didn’t care enough to get there quicker...”
he trailed off, and glanced back to the window,
“Sorry,” he continued, “didn’t mean to say all that.”
Jenny crouched down beside him,
“We’re holding you back,” she said quietly.
“No! Yes, a little, but it’s not that. Even if I arrived the next morning, he would still have found fault,” he paused and placed his palms upwards in front of his bent knees,
“Me and my Dad don’t get along.”
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“Not anyone’s fault,” he replied.
“You know, if we find another vehicle to accommodate the group, you could take off, get to your dad quicker.”
“So you want rid of me now?” he joked with an actual smile, then added,
“I’m glad I’m with you all.
Jenny smiled as Matt continued,
“I don’t think I could have handled the journey on my own,” he confessed. He then seemed to reconsider his last statement and added quickly,
“but if I see signs of a refugee place, I won’t try to avoid it or anything just to keep everyone with me.”
“I know you wouldn’t.”
He looked her squarely in the eyes,
“You don’t know me, so how can you be so sure?”
“Because action speak louder than words, and I’ve seen enough to know I trust you.”
Matt let out a breath and smiled,
“Thanks, Jenny. That means a lot to me.”
“No problem,” she replied, getting to her feet, “And who knew you could string so many words together at once,” she said with a grin. He grinned back. It seemed her work here was done, so she asked,
“Now, do you want that drink or not? I’ll even throw in some chocolate biscuits.”
On her way there, she decided she would have a word with Maggie in the morning, before they got back on the road. Matt needed to reach his father, which meant travelling further each day if they needed to. Matt said he was okay with staying at the petrol station, and maybe he had been tired and didn’t want to drive in the storm. But she wasn’t sure if that was the truth, or if he was trying to keep the group happy. He had been kind enough to try to reunite everyone with their families. Maggie wasn’t the only one who was exhausted and scared. The daily stress was sucking the energy out of all of them. So it was time for the woman to knuckle down and think about other people for a change. She’d have to stop complaining and suck it up like the rest of them, or go her own way. Which Jenny didn’t think for a moment, would happen.
While waiting for the water to boil, Jenny went on another shopping trip, picking up tubes of toothpaste, a handful of toothbrushes, dental floss and packs of wet-wipes. She also spotted green bottles of mouthwash and included them in her hygiene hoard.
Once back in the storeroom, she took a plastic bag out of a box and placed most of the items inside. Keeping one of each for herself.
She sorted out two mugs for drinks. As the water was coming to the boil, Clive joined her.
“Sorry, did I wake you when I was moving about out there?” Jenny asked.
“No, I only just woke up and notice you and Matt were gone,” he paused and nodded his head towards the cubicle, “Is he in there?”
“No. He’s by the window keeping watch. I was just making drinks, would you like one?”