by Thomas Baker
Albright gave them what was supposed to be a winning smile along with a wink. Gus thought it was disgustingly vulgar in its fakery. He wasn't much of a churchgoer in his latter years, but his first wife was. He had known his fair share of church leaders during his life. None had acted like this yahoo did.
"A little stroll around the grounds is all Reverend," Linda said, not meeting Albright in the eyes. Albright didn't seem to notice, he just nodded to them and walked off, hands behind his back. Gus watched him go beside the stage and out of sight. Linda let out a barely audible sigh and got him through the front door.
Linda pushed him around the church one time for a good show. After that, she pushed him back a little farther off of the church grounds. She stopped and helped him up out of the wheelchair.
"I didn't think I would ever say this, but it is good to be out of bed and up walking around," Gus said with a chuckle to himself. It felt wonderful not to be in constant pain. He didn’t even feel much was Linda got him up into a standing position.
"I know how you men are. I’ve been working with them all my life. Was even married to one once. Don't try to over do it at first. No showing off for me either." Linda was stern, but unless Gus was mistaken, also a little flirtatious.
"Well I’ve had a few ex wives, so I'm guessin I'm not very good at doing what women tell me to."
He held onto her arm, legs wobbling more than he liked. They walked off into the tall grass. He hated to admit it, but he couldn't have walked very far without her help. The pain in his gut was growing after a few steps. It was times like these he would love to be able to dig Harold up and kill him all over again.
"So what's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?" Gus asked. Linda groaned.
"That one is even older than you are."
"I like to consider it a classic, like me."
Gus was quiet as he weighed his decision if he could trust Linda or not. He liked to think of himself as a pretty good judge of people, but his run in with Harold had shaken his confidence. Linda didn't seem like she was blindly following Albright like he was the next Jim Jones. She had brought him out here after all. Even though it clearly worried her too. If he was wrong he could be hurt, or more likely, killed. He was so vulnerable right now. He decided they would most likely all be killed anyway if they didn't conform. That was the vibe he was getting. Blind devotion wasn’t his style. He couldn't image it was JT's either. Gus rustled up his courage.
"So what is the deal with this place? Is it some kinda cult?" Gus tensed up as he waited for her reaction. He was sure she could feel it in the arm she was holding.
Linda looked over both of her shoulders before answering. "That's a fair assessment in my opinion Gus. Your instincts are sharp. It took me over a month to realize it. I was scared out of wits at the time, to give myself some credit.” She smiled while staring off then continued. “Reverend Albright is about as Christian as Benny Hinn. I think he gives most people the same choice he gave me when we crossed paths. Join the church, or be killed. Of course he is too smart to come out and say that, but it is heavily implied. Must be some new branch I have never heard of before. I use to be Mormon, and even we weren't that strict," She gave a little laugh. "You can guess what my choice was. It isn't hard to pretend to read the Bible and mouth along with the rest of the people."
"You telling me you are the snake in his Eden?" Gus chided. "How Eve of you."
"I guess you could say I am. I like the thought," Linda smiled. "The sad thing is everyone else accepts him as Jesus returned. Not a hint of questioning what he says. No hesitation in anything he asks. As far as I can tell one of the things that’s helped him legitimize his power is he’s been lucky enough to keep everyone safe.”
"You know what they say about broken clocks," Gus replied.
Linda frowned. "With all that said, I don't know what I could possibly do to help your friends though. It's not like I have special privileges. In fact, as one of the newest recruits, I suspect I’m watched a little more closely than most of the others. It’s what I would do in his shoes. He needs me though, my skills. That’s helped keep me safe."
"Well shit."
"That about sums it up. Look Gus, I like you. I like Hannah. I haven’t seen your other friends but I’m sorry you all ended up here. After what you have told me about that Harold character, for you and your friends to end up here...."
Linda trailed off.
"Well let me think on it a bit. It’s nice to know there’s somebody here I can trust." Gus gave her hand a little squeeze. At least Gus hoped he was placing his faith in the right person.
“I can trust you as well right?” Linda raised her eyebrows.
“Linda, my lips are sealed. If they weren’t well, you could slip me a little something that could shut me up for good.”
Her horrified look told Gus she was truly on the up and up. “Gus!”
“Just speaking plainly. Seems to get me in trouble sometimes though.”
"Gus," Linda said, trying to lighten up the subject. "What did you use to do, back in the old world?"
"Well I tried to make a living outta winning the lottery," Gus said smiling. "That's a hard career to break into though."
Linda smiled. "Let's hope your luck of getting out of here is better than picking the winning numbers."
"It's just a different kinda gambling darlin."
JT listened intently as he heard someone approaching the door. The door slowly swung open. He rose to his feet as Charlie's head poked through the door, scanning the room like he was looking for someone. He entered, shoving the door open so hard it slammed against the wall, waking up Tyrone and Jelly.
"Charlie!" Jelly exclaimed. "Did The Almighty Golden One let you off your leash for some playtime or are you here on a mission from God?"
"Jelly, Jelly, Jelly, I think you're even more stupid when you're not stoned." Charlie was smug. He didn't even bother to turn to Jelly when he insulted him. He only had eyes for JT.
He casually stepped to the bars of JT's cell. Charlie didn't break the glare JT was giving him. He simply placed his hands on the bars and stared at him. Neither man was backing down. JT thought something changed about the man. He still look like a homeless bum but seemed to have a more confident swagger about him.
Tyrone spoke up. "Big, bad man staring people down through some steel bars. You gonna handcuff me and beat my ass again hitman?"
Charlie spun to face Tyrone with a smile upon his face. Tyrone was at the bars, but took one step back. JT couldn't blame him. Charlie seemed slow upstairs but he was a physically intimidating man. He had already wailed on Tyrone once.
"That’s a big mouth for someone protected by bars. Perhaps the last time I saw you I wasn’t clear enough about why you shouldn’t cross my path."
Charlie caught Tyrone off guard. He quickly lunged forward and grabbed Tyrone by the shirt, pulling him hard against the bars. Tyrone was too shocked to move as he could feel blood on his chin from a split lip. Spittle hit him in the face as Charlie berated him.
"Sinners like you rot in the depths of hell. People like you sell drugs, rob banks, steal cars, and die for their stupidity. Punks like you die in jails just like this one, of unknown causes."
Charlie shoved Tyrone back and forth, pulling him harder against the bars with every tug. On the third time Tyrone hung limply like a rag doll. JT was groping through the bars as far as he could stretch. Trying to get a piece of Charlie, screaming profanities at him.
"Everyone, where's your chill man?" Jelly asked, sounding agitated.
JT screamed. "Turn around and try that shit with me you cock...."
He was cut off as Sheriff Randall burst through the door.
"Charlie! What in the God’s hell is going on in here?! You know the damn rules. Let him go."
Charlie let go of Tyrone with a oh sucks I wasn't doing anything wrong look. Tyrone collapsed on the floor. He struggled over to his cot, one hand holding his bleeding mouth.
"Now what business has The Reverend sent you down here on and why was I not notified?"
"He don't know I'm here Randall. Samuel has made me his whatca call it. Lieutenant of God. I’m second in command now. I can do what I want. I wanted to come see these prisoners. Make sure they get line. Let them know God controls their fate, through me."
Randall did not look amused in the slightest. In fact, he brought out his club. He smacked it against the side of his leg as he spoke.
"First of all Charlie, you know not to address me as anything other than Sheriff Randall. This is still my town, like it was before, back when you use to spend time in these cells, your druken ass puking all over the place. Secondly, since when do we refer to Reverend Albright on a first name basis?"
"We don't Randall. You don't get that privilege. Besides Sheriff Randall," Charlie said mockingly, "it is only a matter of time before I put on that badge. I’ve been washed of my past sins. You, who act like you are to good for Jason's church, will be brought down low."
"Charlie, I’m going to suggest you head on back up to the church. I’m not sure if you’re drunk of have gotten into Jelly’s stash but you better shut up either way." The Sheriff's words were stern.
Charlie inched into Sheriff Randall's personal space but before he could speak Sheriff Randall cut him off.
"It will serve you well to never break my rules again. The next time I catch you in my holding area unauthorized you will find yourself in one of these cells with or without The Reverends blessing. Your delusions notwithstanding, I still see the stupid ass bully I got tired of seeing on a monthly basis."
Charlie took a deep breath, exhaling it slowly. He glanced at the Sheriff's club, over at JT and Tyrone and back.
"Yes sir," Charlie was said through a smirk as he headed for the door. He stopped and spun around. "And Sheriff, I'll be seeing the four of you real soon. I have a real good feeling about that. Make sure you lock up tight tonight, be a shame if a zombie strolled into town. Somehow got right inside your precious police station."
Charlie gave a sarcastic salute as he left. He yelled back from somewhere in the office area, "Sweet dreams sugar plums, Charlie's law is coming and it will be swift and merciless."
The sound of his voice faded away singing it'll be coming around the mountain when it comes.
Sheriff Randall came over to Tyrone's cell and opened it up.
"Son, I'm sorry about that. I don't know what has gotten into him. He has always been a big dumb side of beef and a pain in the ass but never has he been so bold. Something like this has never happened on my watch."
Sheriff Randall unlocked Tyrone’s cell and gave Tyrone a hand up. He helped Tyrone slowly along. Tyrone turned to JT as he walked past, his face a bloody mask. His eyes bore into JT's. They were the familiar eyes of fury. Whether they were directed at him, Charlie or both, he couldn't tell.
Albright stood on the stage, striding its length back and forth as he spoke.
"We will one day leave this place," Albright said, raising his hands to the sky. "We will be chosen for the rapture. These sinners left behind in this purgatory shall know God's punishment for all of their transgressions."
He looked out upon his audience. The great majority of them looked up at him with a mixture of fear and awe. That’s how he liked it. He saw a the same few he always kept a particular eye on. Like Linda, who sat in her seat with a blank look upon her face. He had even seen her stifle a yawn when he first started. He questioned if he should keep around more than once. It wouldn’t do to have any discontents. She was valuable though, her skills were something no one else here possessed. The day they found another nurse or even a doctor though, she would have to be judged.
Getting his thoughts back on track, Albright continued on.
"We, of course, are the righteous. We are the believers. We send God all of our love, and devotion, and obedience and he spares us in his righteousness. We..."
Albright was cut off by Charlie and Devon, bursting through the front door. They quickly crossed the chapel. Charlie jumped up on the stage and whispered into Albright's ear.
Albright's stomach tightened for a moment and his breath quickened. As fast as it happened, he got it under control. They had practiced and prepared for this. Still he afraid something would go wrong. His hold on the church couldn’t waver in the slightest. It wouldn't do though to show fear in front of his people.
"Everyone," Albright projected across the room. People were already fidgeting in their seats and hushed voices filled the air. Panic was something he could not have. He wrangled it under control with a cool and confident demeanor. "Zombies! The walking bodies of Sinners! They have been spotted approaching this way. I am told it is a small group, maybe twenty five to thirty of them. You all know what to do. May God bless us all."
Albright scanned the room for Hannah. She was sitting towards the back. She looked a little frightened but he could also see a tightening around her lips and eyes. He wondered what was behind that anger. He also admired her for it. He knew for sure at that moment he had to have her. Who knows, maybe he could even work it so she would become his wife.
He watched her be led off by Margaret down into the basement with the other women, children, and men not fit to fight. It was a small number. The rest of the men lined up along the wall leading to the front door. Charlie and Devon were there, handing out guns they had brought into the church from the storage shed in large canvas bags. Each church member took the weapon handed to them and went outside.
Albright stepped down from the stage, crossed down the center aisle and passed through the doorway. He walked with purpose, chin held high.
The twenty one armed men, spread out on the front lawn, turned to look at Albright as he asked for their attention. Behind them the few corpses still hanging from the tree swayed in the breeze. The only sound was the creaking of ropes against tree branches as Albright gathered his words.
"We have practiced this. Some of you have even had experience with this. Now we will be put to the test," Albright began. "We are God's soldiers and we will not let these sinners foul this holy ground. Remember, aim for the head, watch your brother's back, and know that the Holy Spirit surrounds you. Amen."
Albright made the sign of the cross then checked the safety on his rifle. He pointed off to the left where the zombie group had been reported coming from. He strode off the deck and out to the front of the crowd. On his left was Charlie and his right was Devon. He projected confidence as he led the posse up to the highway.
The highway followed the rolling hills up and down. After the third rise, they could see the shuffling mass below them about a half mile away.
"Charlie, Devon," Albright said, with a nod of his head towards the zombies.
Charlie and Devon laid down, bodies stretched out on the warm concrete, setting up their sniper rifles. Shots were made into the horde. Bodies fell. The group never scattered or slowed its approach. The zombies continued undulating over their fallen members, in awkward jerking motions. Albright suppressed a shudder.
Albright signaled the remaining men to fan out behind him, across the highway into two even rows. Rifles in back, handguns and shotguns in the front. They stretched from fencing to fencing running along both sides of the highway. On the right side was a field of yellow, drying cornstalks, with the corn never harvested, rotting away under the autumn sun. On the left side was open pasture, with two dead cows picked apart by scavengers lying next to a dried up waterhole.
The undead advanced closer. The men with rifles, including Albright, knelt on one knee and fired into the zombies. Some shots went uselessly into the chest, arms or legs. Most found their way into the zombie's skulls though.
Albright was feeling relieved everything was going as plan. He figured they would have them all the undead neutralized before they even got close enough to need the secondary line.
Albright heard a man scream behind him. He turned to see another group of zombies, about ten or so, had come
through the tall corn. Three were rolling on the ground, tangled up in the fencing. The rest had fallen on the rear line, who must have not heard them coming over the sounds of gunfire.
One, a particularly disgusting looking one with a trail of entrails now dried out and looking like rope hanging from its open belly, clamped on to one of his men's arms. The man struggled, trying to turn his shotgun to an angle in which he could fire. Albright fired his rifle, killing the church member. The sudden dead weight of his victim’s body dropped the attacking zombie to the ground with it. Albright took two steps towards it and shot it in the head.
"Second line fall back, first line to me," Albright called out. "The other group is done. Let's draw them apart and take them out. We will not lose anyone else today."
Albright had to admit, he was impressed. Everyone stayed calm and in two more minutes, it was all over. He saw shock in a lot of the men's faces, but pride as well. This was a bonding experience he could use to further strengthen his hold over everyone. He could see that already. Now was not the time for speeches though, not with everyone's adrenaline pumping. He looked down at the man he had killed. He would make a short statement about Mark's sacrifice and then leave them all with a celebratory feeling. At least he wouldn't have to make any condolences to a family. Mark had no wife or kids.
"Everyone let us bow our heads for a moment for our brother Mark and his loss." Albright spoke through the haze of smoke surrounding them. "He is with Jesus and God now, in the place they have prepared for him. We will never forget his sacrifice. Amen."
He scanned the red, wet eyes of the congregation and smiled inside. They were looking at him with unquestioning adoration.
After the moment of silence, Albright walked through the men, patting each one on the shoulder. When he was at the lead of the group again, he turned to them. "Men, you all did outstanding today. It was scary there for a minute, I will admit, but none of you lost faith. Let's go back, get cleaned up, and have a special church dinner tonight. What do you say?"