“Okay, today we clear the apartment complex south of the last subdivision we hit. Get anything useful and move on.”
Unenthusiastic nods agreed and we wound our way past the labyrinthine traps towards Winter Haven. I listened to the birds chirping and the rustling of leaves as we marched to our goal. In the distance was the ever-present echo of moans from the Dead. I tuned out the unwelcome harmony and watched two feral cats fight over the carcass of a rat snake. My companions made small talk about the weather or dinner; no one spoke to me the entire trip.
I stopped and looked at the two-story apartment complex. There were still vehicles in the parking spaces with stickers denoting annual passholders, cast members, and marathon runners. The skeleton of someone's dog remained leashed to the mailboxes. Only four fleshies were visible in the small lot. I glanced behind me and found Vincent and Bubba had already sighted two Dead with their crossbows, the others held their blades in attack poses. I set the rifle on my shoulder and drew my sword.
“Everyone stay alert. Let's clear the lot and work our way through the units in this building to our left first. Afterward we can clear the lot again if needed and hit the center building. If time allows, we can finish the complex before dusk. You three” I pointed to Marley Guy and two women, “keep the lot as secure as possible and signal us if things get bad.”
I charged the nearest corpse and with a backhanded swing cleaved the skull in a diagonal. The left portion of the dead girl's face hit the pavement with a flat thud an instant before the rest of her. I stared at the half-eaten body of my former coworker. She must have been on her way to work when she died; her nametag was still pinned neatly on her shirt. For the first time, I read her hometown: Smallville, KS.
I never knew she liked Superman.
We put down the other three zombies within minutes and gathered by the first apartment. The welcome mat announced 'beware of dog' with a cartoon chihuahua. Vincent moved up and tried the door. Finding it locked, he kicked it in on the fourth try. The stench reminded me of the dumpster after a Chinese restaurant has tossed its expired seafood and a port-a-john has tipped its contents on top. Then add a humid summer to really let it fester. We left the door wide and backed out to suck in clean air, our eyes still fixed on the room within.
The skeletal remains of the tenant were long gone when the dog finally starved out.
I'll bet that pup lived off his master's flesh for a good couple of weeks before it died.
Bubba and I swept the small one bedroom. There was a little gold jewelry in a box, a few medicines in the cabinet, and a huge stash of porn under the bed. Leaving the porn (I hoped) we took the rest and moved to the neighboring unit. The raid brought in few decent supplies and a lot more smells I could live without. The only things we'd found in any abundance were zombies and gold.
Carrying our treasures back to the main house under a dimming sky, we compared the apartments.
“No, the guy that got ate by the pocket pup was such a bad smell it counts as the worst apartment.” Vincent argued.
“Nah, it been bad but the one wit the three little kiddie Dead locked in de bathroom was the worst. Dat one in the saggin diaper almost bite my hand and didn't barely have no teeth.” Marley said.
“True enough, but only because that room was also covered in feces and piss. Otherwise, it has to be the one with the Dead Gimp. I mean, c'mon. Zombie gimp with his hands tied to the ceiling was the least weird thing in that place.” I quipped.
We turned onto the path through the traps protecting Mrs. Hedburg's place.
“Yup, that was a freaky kinda place. But it was one of the few that didn't stink worse than a dead skunk.” Forrest offered.
I tried to remember if there had been any smell in the creepy two bedroom nightmare. All I could think of was the Gimp's milky eyes and the Dead woman in the swing wearing a clown outfit.
Errgh. Think of anything else. Cats, fighting, Daemon, ewww, ewww, get it out of your mind. Um, quidditch rules, Steve Martin films...nope it's superglued in my memory. Dammit.
We dropped our haul onto the floor and took off our shoes. Looking up from my laces I found Liam staring at me.
“Can I help you?”
The gangly teen screwed up his face and shuffled his feet on the carpet.
“Should Jordy be learning how to go on raids? I mean, now that I know what it’s been like elsewhere for you guys, I’m a little scared to go on them. I don’t think you should let Jordy go; he’s still a kid.”
No one spoke as they emptied their packages and sorted the goods. I stood up to face the concerned fourteen-year-old.
May as well get this over with.
“Jordy is learning to take care of himself because that is what all of you kids will have to do eventually. He asked to learn all of the adult stuff now, because he’s already been through too much to still think or feel like a kid.”
I noticed the talking in the other room stopped, but pressed on.
“Liam, you’re barely a year older than Jordy, so it’s okay for you to be scared or concerned. The world’s a scary place, but Jordy would rather learn to fight those fears and dangers; he’ll do it either way, I just want him to be able to protect himself. That’s why.”
He adjusted his glasses and nodded.
“Alright. I guess that makes sense. But does he have to go on raids when he learns this stuff?”
I laid my hand on Liam’s shoulder. Behind him I saw several of the others watching.
“No one will force Jordy or you for that matter, to go raiding. It’s a grown-up job, but even then we usually volunteer. I only promised him we’d train him and think about letting him go with us. I won’t let your friend get into any situations too dangerous for him to handle. Promise.”
I paused to make sure everyone understood and patted Liam’s shoulder before dumping my sack on the floor.
“Here, I brought back a board game. Why don’t you see if the other kids will join you?”
With a weak smile, the teen accepted the box and hurried to find his companions. I tossed a handful of gold into the trunk we’d designated for bribes at the border. I laughed at the thought that we’d gathered a king’s ransom to pay for passage and new lives outside of quarantine.
We still don’t know if the vampires are going to help us or kill us, most of the people would rather stay here than risk the trip, we have no idea who we could get to the border if the vamps don’t answer, and what kind of life would it be if we didn’t even remember Cal or Daemon? How much gold would it take to get the vampires to spare our friends?
The thought of Caelinus and Daemon being tortured to death because they helped us made my chest tighten. I forced myself to breathe and went in search of the two Undead.
I hope they have good news.
###
I found the Roman in the kitchen wearing a lavender apron and spooning stew into bowls. Sunny kept handing him fresh dishes to fill as soon as he set the steaming ones on the counter. Everyone trailed in from their chores to share the meal; only the sentries weren’t present. Michael carried a small bowl to the table for his sister, blowing on it as he walked. He handed the spoon to Bobbi with a warning to wait before brushing his shaggy hair out of his face and rejoining the line. I caught Cal’s eye and nodded my head towards the porch.
Quickly he handed his task off to another and exited.
“I still haven’t heard a reply, Squirrel. And before you ask,” he held up his palm “Daemon is already out on patrol. We had a chat today and I convinced him to distance himself from you so that it will be easier if we have to glamour you in order to arrange this escape.”
“What? Cal, why... why would you do that?”
He wiped his hands on the apron.
“To spare you both any unnecessary pain, of course.”
“But...”
“Squirrel, let’s be completely honest. The odds are that everyone will either remain here for the rest of their lives and we will have to disable
contact with the outside world, or at most half of this group will be smuggled out of quarantine and made to forget. Quite likely, this issue will also cause the deaths of Daemon and I. We must accept that and do what is necessary to minimize the suffering for all. Do you understand?”
I felt the world crashing and forgot how to breathe.
I think I nodded. The Roman turned away and grabbed the door handle.
“What if we just tell everyone we can’t get out?” He paused. “If we tell them escape isn’t possible, which may be true, and the satellite broke...”
“You would do that?” Cal faced me and ran his hand through his short hair. “You would lie to our group; take away their choice in the matter?”
The words cut me; I couldn’t maintain eye contact.
“If it was the best way for us to stay alive and together, maybe. I don’t know. But we should consider all the options, right?”
I waited to hear his response. Instead I heard the turn of the knob and the click of the door behind him. Alone on the porch, I wrestled with the implications of each scenario until I was summoned for my guard shift. The chill breeze had already made my hands chapped and pink. They were as numb as my mind was growing.
CHAPTER 4 NOVEMBER 28TH - YEAR 2
“Cal, I need to speak with you.”
The muffled sound of Latin curses and items being moved out of the way signaled the vampire’s presence in the small bedroom.
“Di perduint it! Fine, Squirrel. Come in but hurry up, the day is late.”
Entering the blue safehouse had been easy enough, but knocking on this door made my palms tremble and perspire.
“About what I said before...”
“We will not pursue that option. Is that all?”
He faced away from me on his bed.
“No it isn’t.” Caelinus was on his feet an inch from me.
“Squirrel, I’ve no intention of...”
“Cal, shut up and listen to me!” He drew back, eyes widening. “I’m not saying we lie to the community; they’re our people. I’m looking at other options.”
He sat on the twin bed and gestured me to continue.
“I think we should see who wants out and who wants to stay. We can glamour those who stay and set out to meet one or two of your blood buddies further north. Those who stay think we’re just hiking our way out, but we’ve already cut the number of those who need to be smuggled.”
I watched Cal in silence for a full minute.
Jeez man. Say something. Breathe. Give a woman a hint on how this strikes you. Stop being a statue and work with me.
He rubbed his eyes and the ridge of his nose.
“It could work.”
The sense of relief unclenched my muscles and made my head feel lighter.
“Good. Then we just need to set things in motion.”
“Not exactly; we must also ensure those who remain are able to continue without those whom we take. That is, unless you wish to remain.”
Blinking the shock away, my words came out as a whisper.
“What? No, I’m going to leave with you and Daemon.”
“My child, you will be unable to remember him once we’ve arrived across the border; don’t let your feelings influence your decision. These people will still need an adequate leader.”
“I’m going, Cal. Even if you two glamour me. I want out of this wasteland.”
“Sunny and Chase have already stated their intent to leave. You would leave these people unguided?”
He smirked and tilted his head. My clenched fists betrayed my aggravation.
“Troy can lead them. He’s up to the task. Besides, Vincent and Bubba want to stay here, too. They’ll be fine.”
I stepped closer to drive home my determination.
You aren’t making me change my mind this time. I’m too stubborn.
“Very well, Squirrel. Tomorrow, we will begin arranging this venture. Now if there are no other loose ends, I would greatly desire some rest.”
I watched Cal get comfortable in the bed again before responding.
This part will be funny. Not wise to poke the bear, but I have to after he felt the need to antagonize me on this.
“One more thing,” He glared at me. “I left part of my journal at the camp during the fire. I need it to make a decision about after we get out. By the way, it’s full of info about you and Daemon; we probably should find that to be sure no one discovers the real story. ‘Night.”
I was out the door on the final word.
CHAPTER 5 NOVEMBER 30TH - YEAR 2
To say the meeting with the community (minus Liam and his Gammy) went smoothly would be a boldfaced lie. Both vampires and I laid out the plan before asking everyone to decide whether to stay or go. Cal reiterated that we may not even get help across the border and any who made it would be glamoured. The entire time, eyes bored through me like lasers. I was surprised most by Sunny.
“Okay, so we go north and maybe get aid from some vampires and glamoured. Or they arrive and kill us all. Or we get no help and have to find our own way out of quarantine and hope they don’t hunt us down for knowing about Cal and Daemon. Is that right?”
She had the Mom Glare and her hands on her hips.
Dangerous pregnant lady.
“Um, yeah. If you choose to leave, that’s what we face.” I tried to discreetly loosen my top jacket button. To my left, Daemon was squirming like a 5-year-old in his first suit.
Sunny looked at her husband and shrugged.
“We’re in. So who stays here to run things?”
There was an audible sigh and chatter broke out. People began debating the pros and cons; most chose to stay and make a life.
Can’t blame them. Whole lot of what ifs and maybes in our plan. Not to mention the dangers and the extra feedings.
Troy frowned and spat on the ground. Daemon waved at the kids. Ellen waved back while her mom ran her fingers through the girl’s long hair. Randolph seemed to be arguing with Michael, Bobbi for a moment following the conversation with her head.
The murmur leveled off and faces fell back on me for answers.
“I think Troy, Bubba, and Vincent can run things her pretty well with Edith. They’ve all expressed a desire to remain and build a new life. They know the risks and have the skills to handle whatever comes up.”
“Yeah, that’s right.” The crossbow came off Troy’s shoulder and was strung across his back. “The four of us will manage just fine with whoever wants to stay. We don’t need to run towards some silly dream and near-certain death to get away from this life. Join them on their fool’s errand or stay with us and we’ll get by. The paper is being passed around; either way we all get our memories changed when the group splits.”
He stormed away from the meeting alone. The inky blanket of night claimed him as he returned to his home up the hill. An hour later, the list was complete. None of the children would be going; they would stay and be safe and play. Jordy surprised me by announcing he wanted to stay where he could be his own parent instead of going into some foster home. Ellen’s Mother volunteered to watch over him; he wisely agreed.
In the end, those leaving would include: Daemon, Caelinus, Sunny, Chase, Marley Guy, Vincent, Bubba, I, and four others. Both Vincent and Bubba opted to take on the adventure, while the Nurse chose to stay in their place. Of course, the kids unanimously agreed Sindbad the dog would have to stay too. Our lines drawn, preparations began in earnest.
CHAPTER 6 DECEMBER - YEAR 2
I kneel in the darkness, shifting the ashes of our encampment. The vampire watches me intently as I pull destroyed knives and cookware from the rubble, the remnants of our former life. He probably came with me as much to keep Daemon and I apart as to aid me in my recon. The groans of the risen Dead amplified; my burnt journal sits in the skeleton of my cabin.
“Are you ready, Squirrel? It would seem we will not be alone much longer.”
I leaf through the pages and find some of the writing intact. T
he shuffling of a zombie grows nearer. Cal prods some of the ruins, kicking dirt and bullet casings with a frown. Placing the journal in my bag, I stand and rub my cracking hands together.
“Yeah, I think I’ve got enough info to make the decision.”
It was barely a whisper, but I know the Undead Roman can hear me. He nods and moves towards me as the fleshie stumbles into view. Florida weather has not been kind to it. We watch the lone corpse as it lumbers on a broken leg and opens its sagging jaw; three broken teeth inhabit the rotting cavity. The stench of decay and mildew reach me and set my stomach tumbling. It’s amazing how much longer they last after the humid summer ends; a little cool dry air and these fleshies get a reprieve from Mother Nature.
My companion steps to put it down and I wave him off. Closing the distance to the creature, I draw my broadsword up on the diagonal, slicing the head from chin to temple. Black blood arcs through the air; the cadaver crumbles to the ground in a moist thump. Wiping my blade on its torn Disney tee, I turn to leave with Cal. The others will be expecting us.
###
The ride back on the back of the Honda dirt bike was invigorating. Although it took me a couple of days to get used to the little motorbike, it was worth every purple splotchy bruise and maroon bulging burn. The elder Undead flew across the night sky while I plunged through the overgrowth. Speeding past lumbering Dead, I fought the urge to play mailbox baseball with their heads.
The journey back to the safehouse took the rest of the night. We arrived coated in bits of eviscerated fleshies and road dust. I spat bugs from my teeth as I pulled off the helmet.
“Not a bad ride. We should definitely keep this thing fueled in case of emergency.”
Cal just glared at the muddy bike.
Someone didn’t like riding on the back this last mile.
“Perhaps. However, in the future, I will be either driving the vehicle or walking beside it.”
We parked the Honda and carried our packs towards the house.
“My driving wasn’t that bad.”
Nova Nocte (Book 2): Quarantined in Chaos Page 2