Jason, on the other hand, was optimistic as always. “You win some, you lose some.”
“Were you a motivational speaker or something?” Trent asked.
“No, but when this is all over, maybe I’ll become one.” Jason smiled.
“That requires us surviving. After today, I’m not so sure we can,” Ashley complained.
“We did fine. Both times we were outnumbered, and the second time, we killed or wounded at least five, and all of us got a way without a scratch,” Jason said. “I’d say that’s a good day.”
“I scratched my knee,” Trent quipped.
“Losing my car and not getting what we needed isn’t winning, nor is it a good day. It was a shitty day, period,” Sabrina complained.
“We’ll find you another car, but our next stop is a grain wholesaler just north of here. We go check it out and see if it has what I hope it has, a ton—literally, by the way—a ton of food,” Jason said.
“And if it does, we don’t have a box truck,” Sabrina said.
Jason ignored her snide comments and pulled out a map. He pointed on the map and said, “Just south of Blackrock is a small industrial area. The grain warehouse is here, and just north of that is a cement plant and a gravel pit.”
“So?” Sabrina said.
“Meaning there will be trucks. We’ll find something big enough to load a bunch of food, and I bet there’s fuel at the cement plant. We’ll be fine; we just need to keep our heads about us,” Jason said confidently. He shot Paul a look and asked him, “What happened today?”
“He pussed out,” Trent said.
“Ease up on the name-calling,” Kevin said.
“I got scared,” Paul confessed.
Jason narrowed his gaze and looked straight into Paul’s eyes. “I don’t know you, but you can’t do that stuff.”
“Listen, guys, I’ve already talked to him about this,” Kevin said.
The fire crackled, popped and spit out a hot coal that hit Paul’s leg. He scooted away from the fire and wiped the coal away. “He did talk to me. It won’t happen again.”
“Can you make that a promise?” Jason asked.
“He won’t do it again, okay?” Kevin snapped.
Jason threw his hands up in the air and said, “Fair enough.”
“When do we ride for that grain warehouse?” Sabrina asked.
“Tomorrow afternoon, let’s head up. We’ll stash the truck somewhere then go on foot to recon the area and check it out,” Jason said. “Kevin, what do you think?”
“Sounds good,” Kevin replied.
The group broke up. Ashley and Trent walked off to their tent while Sabrina hung close to the fire. Paul too went to his tent, but Jason called Kevin to come talk. The two walked away from the fire and into the cool evening.
“I know that you were kind of the top dog, so to speak, before I came along. I hope my taking charge of certain things isn’t rubbing you the wrong way?” Jason asked.
Kevin thought about his question for a moment and answered, “I’m fine, I’m not good at being bossed around, but you’ve thought this out. Why wouldn’t I let you take the lead?”
“When we get to the warehouse tomorrow, I want you to take charge of the execution of it; that way the group doesn’t get confused about who’s really in charge,” Jason said.
“If you’re worried about stepping on toes, don’t be. I haven’t known the rest of them very long. But if you want me to run our little operation tomorrow, I’d love to,” Kevin said.
“Good, I just don’t want any hard feelings,” Jason said and patted Kevin on the shoulder. “Say, your friend Paul. Is he good?”
“Yeah, he’s good.”
“Just that tomorrow we can’t have him doing that again. Maybe give him a responsibility he can’t run from like being on overwatch,” Jason suggested.
“I’ll think about it,” Kevin said.
“That reminds me,” Jason said. “Follow me.”
Jason led Kevin to his truck. He rummaged through a large duffel in the back and produced a bolt-action rifle. “Give Paul this instead of the rifle he had. He didn’t look confident about handling the M16.”
“I’ll let him have it, thanks,” Kevin said.
Again Jason patted Kevin on the shoulder. “You’re a good guy; I like you.”
“Thanks,” Kevin said. He didn’t want to say the same about Jason, as he still wasn’t quite sure about him.
“I’m going to hit the sack; I have third shift. You’d best get some shut-eye too,” Jason suggested then walked off, leaving Kevin next to his truck in the bright moonlight.
Kevin gave the rifle a once-over. It was a nice rifle; he just hoped Paul would be fine with changing out.
Having Jason give him the lead tomorrow did make him feel better, though he was never that type of person that became upset from not being in charge. He wasn’t afraid of leading and would if it was needed; but when Jason came on the scene, he’d definitely taken a step back, seeing that Jason knew what he was doing.
He agreed with Sabrina that today was a total failure but differed with her, as he thought each day provided an opportunity to turn it all around. Her constant complaining and bickering dissipated what allure she’d had for him. It was evident she had her eyes on Jason, and for him that was fine. After Megan, he wasn’t sure how long it would take for him to ever feel for someone again. When a normal relationship had a breakup, it could be tough; but losing the love of your life to death was something totally different.
He pushed those thoughts from his mind and put his focus on the plan going successfully tomorrow, because failure wasn’t an option.
CHAPTER EIGHT
SOUTH OF BLACKROCK, IDAHO
JUNE 9, 2020
Kevin, with the others in tow, emerged from the dry cornstalks at the edge of the road. Like a perfectly choreographed maneuver, they swiftly moved into positions opposite a large warehouse.
Kevin promptly pulled out a set of night-vision goggles and placed them to his face. His eyes carefully scanned the building, paying close attention to doors and windows. The full moon helped illuminate the grainy green view of their target, the C & J Food Company, a large distributor of grains and beans. “It looks clear,” Kevin whispered.
“I think we need to reconsider this,” Paul replied, his tone indicating fear. He sat with his back plastered to an abandoned truck, his hands clenching the bolt-action rifle Kevin had given him
“We agreed nighttime provides us cover,” Kevin argued.
“But those things, what if they can see in the dark?” Paul countered.
Kevin ignored Paul. He squatted down, pulled out a radio and keyed it. “Everyone ready?”
One by one, the others replied, “Yes.”
Kevin turned to Paul. With an outstretched arm, he handed him the night-vision goggles. “Keep an eye on us.”
“Kevin, listen, this is a bad idea,” Paul again protested.
“Bro, we got this. We’ve been watching this place for a solid day, no movement, nothing. I think it’s clear.”
“Let’s give it another day,” Paul whined.
“No. Now is the time. Plus, I’m starving for something other than MREs. If this place hasn’t been touched, this will be a gold mine, the proverbial mother lode of food,” Kevin replied.
“It just doesn’t feel right,” Paul groaned.
“Get your shit together, man. You’re our eyes and ears out here,” Kevin said.
“We’re ready. What’s the holdup?” Sabrina radioed.
Kevin patted Paul on the shoulder and asked, “You good?”
Paul nodded.
Kevin keyed the radio, “On the count of three, I’ll lead the way to the front door. Ashley and Jason, go around back. Trent, Sabrina, you’re with me.” He gave Paul one more assuring look and began the countdown. “One, two, three.”
On cue, Ashley and Jason bolted from their hide position and across the street towards the left side of the warehouse.
Kevin, with his M16 in hand, took off for the front entrance, a set of glass doors.
Sabrina and Trent were close behind Kevin.
Paul got to his knees and watched as his friends raced off. The light from the moon enabled him to see perfectly.
Kevin reached the front doors. The others stacked up behind him. He looked over his shoulder and asked, “What are the odds this is unlocked?”
“Two to one, it’s not,” Trent joked.
“I’ll take that bet. My money’s on that it’ll open.” Sabrina chuckled.
Kevin reached out and grasped the cold metal handle. He paused, said a quick prayer and pulled.
The door opened.
“Pay up, bitch,” Sabrina said, elbowing Trent.
“Fine, whatever, pure luck, nothing else,” Trent scoffed.
Kevin opened the door slightly and peered into pure darkness. “Hmm,” he grunted as he closed the door.
“What’s wrong?” Sabrina asked.
“It’s dark as hell in there. I can’t see a thing,” Kevin replied.
“Here, toss this inside. See if it stirs up anything,” Trent said, passing Kevin a rock.
Kevin took the rock, opened the door again, and chucked the rock in. It banged loudly off something metallic before hitting the tile floor with a loud smack. Kevin listened intently. Nothing moved. Silence.
“That’s a good sign,” Sabrina said.
“Kevin, we’re at the back door. It’s locked,” Jason radioed.
“Stay put. Front door is open; we’re going inside. We’ll let you in. Until then, keep eyes on that side for us,” Kevin replied. He craned his head back and asked, “You guys ready?”
“Yep, let’s go,” Trent said.
Sabrina nodded.
Kevin pulled out a flashlight and held it in his left hand. He slung his rifle, unholstered his Glock 17 and readied himself. “No better time than the present,” he said and headed inside.
***
Paul’s hand shook, and a cold sweat clung to his brow. It had been almost seven minutes and nothing from the others. The urge to radio them was gnawing at him, but Kevin had given specific orders not to unless it was an emergency.
“C’mon, guys, where are you?” he mumbled under his breath.
A cool wind from the north sent shivers down his spine. Although he was a native of Utah, he disliked the cold, and for him that meant anything under sixty degrees.
A loud clang echoed off in the distance.
He looked through the night vision in the direction of the sound. Slowly he scanned the area, but saw nothing. But he had heard something; that wasn’t his imagination. A cat, maybe a dog, he thought.
Growing impatient, he hit the light on his watch. It was four seventeen.
Kevin and the others had been gone for almost ten minutes.
A clacking sound came from the same area he’d heard the clang. He put the night vision back to his face and looked. This time he saw movement, but it was hard to tell what it was through the grainy lens of the old-generation night vision.
“Argh, these things suck,” he grumbled.
The clacking grew louder. Whatever it was, it was getting closer.
***
“Holy shit, look at all this food!” Kevin yelped, his arms held over his head in a sign of excitement.
With her mouth stuffed, Sabrina smiled and said, “Sooo good.”
“What do you have there?” Trent asked, the beam of his light on her.
“Dude, you’re blinding me,” Sabrina snapped.
“Sorry, what you got there?” he asked.
“Rice crackers,” she said, holding out the box.
He took it and shoved his hand deep inside.
Stuffing her mouth with a handful, she purred, “They’re the best rice crackers I’ve ever had.”
“Twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three…” Kevin said happily, counting the pallets.
“Has anyone contacted Paul?” Jason asked.
“Not yet,” Kevin replied.
Jason turned to the others, who were busy going through the boxes.
They all shook their heads.
“Poor guy, we’re in here celebrating and stuffing our faces, and he’s out there probably shitting his pants.” Jason laughed.
“Kev, where did you find that guy?” Ashley asked as she pulled the plastic sheeting off a pallet of boxed cereal.
“Give it a break. Paul’s a good guy. You all give him such a hard time. And, Ashley, you know he’s my girlfriend’s brother, so knock it off with the cliché and snarky remarks,” Kevin replied.
“The fact you gave him the job of watching over us is scary.” Trent laughed.
Kevin turned to face the group. “Guys, he needs to find a purpose. He’s got some good senses, he’s fine.”
“Like the other day?” Ashley mocked.
“Give him time; he might surprise you. He’s shocked me a few times,” Kevin said.
“Kev, he up and ran off. Ash found him cowering in the fetal position,” Trent snapped, referring to the Preston situation.
Kevin stepped forward. “Paul has his faults. We all do.”
“Yeah, but his could get us killed,” Sabrina quipped.
“Enough Paul bashing, he’s a person, a human being, and right now, there’s not a lot of us around anymore. As far as making sure he’s up for the challenge, how about talking to him, getting his skills honed. He’s not a star athlete like you, Trent, or an astrophysicist like you, Ashley. Unfortunately, he’s just a store clerk, who didn’t have the advantages you had, Sabrina; going to Stanford to become a chemist wasn’t an option for him. But he’s part of our team now. I gave him that job to let him know he’s one of us. He needs to build confidence, but if all we do is make snide comments and bully him, he’ll never be an effective part of the team. So just drop it. He’s fine out there; he has our back,” Kevin blared.
***
Paul sank down and scooted underneath the truck once he identified the sound was ferals running down the paved street towards him.
His heart was thumping loudly in his chest, so much he worried they could hear him.
Three ferals paused their advance. With their heads craned high in the air, they sniffed.
Paul gulped. His mind began to question his decision to hide under the truck versus making a run for it. Can they smell me? Unsure of their full range of senses, he knew their hearing was keen. The last thing he needed was for the radio to begin blaring. He slowly reached down and clicked the handheld off.
A single feral snapped its head towards the truck.
Paul pressed his eyes closed. His temples pulsed and sweat beaded on his brow. Did it hear that?
The feral stepped towards the truck. Its head swiveled as it sniffed loudly, its teeth chattering incessantly the entire time.
It knows I’m here, fuck, it knows I’m here . His mind began to play out his own grisly death.
With incredible agility, the feral leapt onto the roof of the truck, its weight making the shocks of the truck squeak.
Terror overcame Paul. Unable to control his basic human functions, he began to urinate on himself.
The other two ferals turned towards the truck as the smell of urine hit their nostrils.
Tears welled in Paul’s eyes. This was it. This was how he would die. His shaking hand gripped his rifle. Feeling the wood of the stock, he then decided if he was going to die, at least he’d go out fighting. If today would be his last, he’d die with some sense of dignity.
The feral on the roof began to slither down the side of the truck.
With two coming from the left side and the other feral coming from the other, Paul was surrounded. He needed to make his move now or never. He moved his rifle towards the right side and leveled it in the direction he guessed the feral would appear. When it did, he’d fire. This, he hoped, would kill it and give him the chance to flee.
Gingerly the one feral inched down the side of the truck. It was
as if it was toying with Paul for maximum psychological effect. The other two squatted down, no doubt they could see him now, but they had stopped their advance. They were waiting on the other. This attack was tactical, showing a sign of intelligence.
Paul waited for the feral to show itself. The terror he’d felt at first was gone, replaced by a deep resolve to fight. Resigned to his fate, he told himself that if he could take one with him, then the war against the ferals was still even, one human for one feral, a draw.
***
“I can’t reach him. He’s not replying,” Sabrina said, holding her radio in frustration.
“Did he run off and leave us again?” Trent cracked.
“I bet he didn’t replace the batteries in his radio.” Ashley laughed.
“Jason, can you go out and check on him, make sure he’s alright, and let him come in. Take his place on watch,” Kevin ordered.
“Fine,” Jason groaned, grabbing his rifle and heading to the front door. “Don’t eat all the Toasty O’s.”
“How about we find a secure place to rest for the day? Go lock the back door,” Kevin said to Ashley. He turned to Trent and ordered, “Head up to the second level; see what’s up there.”
Jason reached the front door and paused when faint laughter came from within the warehouse. He frowned. His friends were having fun and celebrating their success while he had to go and ensure Paul could do the most basic responsibilities of all, provide watch. A sweet laugh hit his ears; it was Sabrina. He’d noticed earlier she had her eye on him. He liked her and it appeared she liked him. A smile creased his face as he imagined them together. What they needed was some time alone.
With his mind somewhere else, he exited the warehouse.
***
Any moment, the lone feral’s head would appear, and then Paul would take his shot, a shot that would likely be his last.
The front door of the warehouse opened.
The two ferals whipped around and spotted an unaware Jason. They bolted towards him.
Detour: A Post-Apocalyptic Horror Story Page 8