Everyone nodded in approval, it made total sense to them. As had all of Jon’s decisions thus far.
“We will create a roster for watch in the guard tower, which will be manned twenty-four seven from now on. To play it safe we will also sure up our defenses and revisit all our escape routes, making certain the other vehicles are ready as well.”
This was not the first time Jon had been forced to make hard calls. He had proven himself time and time again as a solid leader and as a reliable tactician. In times like these he stood tall, every decision he made was always for the good of the group as a whole.
“Is there anything else?” asked Tyler.
“There’s probably a lot more we need to do, but we should make a start on these. Firstly, Josh and Siobhan, seeing you two are good at keeping each other alive you will take the truck and dump it.”
Josh looked at his Warrior Princess. “Sure thing,” he said with a smile. Siobhan rolled her eyes at him.
Clearing the table Jon laid out the map of the city and once again smoothed out the folds. His eyes followed the roads that led away from the compound looking for a suitable location to discard the truck. He wanted it to be disabled permanently and then hidden in plain sight, believing that this diversion might just buy them some time to work on the camouflage at the compound.
He settled on a location close to the pier as the best possible dumpsite, pointed it out on the map and then laid out his strategy. Josh and Siobhan were to circle around the outskirts of the city to avoid taking any direct route that might expose the position of the compound. Once they had arrived they were to set the truck alight.
Whilst the first part of this plan was straight forward enough, the return journey would prove to be a lot more dangerous. As stealth was critical it was deemed too risky to send a car to bring them back. Jon insisted that the two had to hike back to camp.
Later that day Josh and Siobhan checked their weapons, then stuffed enough ammunition and supplies for their return journey into two backpacks. Jon folded up the map, slid it into his son’s shirt pocket and patted it. They acknowledged each other with a nod.
Climbing into the driver’s seat Josh gave the engine life. Olivia sighed as she watched her son leave; it was becoming an all too familiar sight. She could not hide her concern as he and Siobhan pulled out from the compound, turned left and disappeared from view. Within minutes the echoes and the rattle and hum of the large green truck had completely vanished.
19
Lunch Date
A plume of malodorous black smoke filled the air as the truck became engulfed in flames, the intense heat taking hold and quickly decimating the cabin within minutes. Soon afterwards each of the four large tires to begin to melt onto the road, spilling a thick black ooze across the bitumen. Several loud explosions followed, sending shrapnel flying in all directions. Flames leapt higher tainting the clear blue morning sky.
As they walked away Josh and Siobhan could feel the heat on their backs, warming them. Neither of them turned to face the burning wreckage for as far as they were concerned it was mission accomplished. Leaving the smoke behind them they set off on foot towards home.
The return leg of their journey would take them right through the center of the city, this was the most direct and time efficient route and undoubtedly the most dangerous. The city center was the first to be overrun and as a result it continued to hold the largest population of undead creatures. Pockets of survivors had put up strong resistance to the growing threat in the early days, but the sheer weight of numbers had proved too much. As far as the Armstrong’s were aware all human survivors had deserted what was once the heart of the city and this sector had been left uncharted by them as a result.
Once a thriving metropolis the city had boasted all the infrastructure associated with a successful and modern capital. Distinguished universities, world-class sporting facilities, a busy international airport, sprawling parkland, spacious leafy suburbs and a bustling central business district. At its heart skyscrapers that were once occupied by thousands of office workers every day now stood completely abandoned, vacant and silent. Silent and empty they stretched up to the heavens, seemingly touching the clouds above.
Down at street level an upmarket retail precinct once boasted an abundance of boutiques, fashion houses, technology outlets and specialty stores. They shared curb frontage with classy restaurants, bars and cafes which spilled out into alfresco dining areas on wide cobblestone pavements.
This city had been meticulously planned as a hub for innovation, excellence and creativity. It was a huge exporter, experiencing a period of tremendous expansion over the years before the turn. A network of roads, light rail, trams and monorails connected the suburbs, providing easy access to and from the downtown area.
As Josh walked on he could not help but admire the city, it was where he was born and had grown up. Rarely of late had he been afforded the time to reminisce, so he took this moment to recall the many wonderful memories he had of when he was younger.
He thought to himself as he looked around at the vacant buildings, how funny it was that the very year the world changed this remarkable city had been voted one of the most livable cities in the world. He laughed at the irony.
In Josh’s fingerless gloves he gripped a Barrett M468 AR-15 carbine semi-automatic rifle. It was his favorite gun and he loved the feel of the kick it gave when it expelled the larger 6.8mm bullets that it fired. He had equipped it with a steel twenty-eight round magazine, folding front and rear sights and a silencer. A pistol was holstered to his hip and a large hunting knife sheathed on his belt. Clipped to his backpack were several smaller bags containing ammunition and pre-loaded magazines, whilst his two hockey sticks were hung through rings on his pack.
Contrastingly, aside from a pistol and knife on her belt the only significant weapon Siobhan carried was her long-handled sword. The heavy blade was attached to her backpack behind her so that the handle protruded just above her left shoulder. It was positioned perfectly for a fast and effective strike. As far as she was concerned this was the only weapon she needed to carry, few who came across her would ever doubt that.
The two travelers were gradually engulfed by the shadows of the high-rise buildings, around them the temperature started to drop as they entered the shade. Siobhan shivered, she was still wearing her short skirt, the 4Horsemen t-shirt and her high laced Doc Martens, hardly sufficient to ward off the cold. Reaching into her backpack she pulled out a red puffa jacket, then without breaking stride she slipped things off and on, pulling up the zip and immediately feeling warm and toasty.
Their pace slowed as they entered the dark shadows that were grasping at them across the road. Proceeding with a greater level of caution they navigated their way through the empty streets ahead. Nothing moved in any direction around them, no wind, no birds, nothing stirred at all. As far as they were both concerned… they were all alone.
Josh was pleased with the progress they had made, having carved off a considerable chunk of their journey home in no time at all. They had reached the city center and as Josh was still mindful of the fact that they still had a long way to go he suggested they take a break. Siobhan agreed and they set about finding somewhere to rest up and take a breather.
The road layout was changing somewhat ahead of them, more one way streets, open plazas, pedestrian areas, cobbled carriageways, and wider sidewalks appearing everywhere. They passed rusted metal modern art sculptures that were now covered in bird shit. Fountains which once gushed spectacularly now lay in ruin, covered in moss and mold.
An eerie silence enveloped them.
Releasing the safety on his rifle Josh assumed an assault stance stepping cautiously forward, readying himself for anything. The butt of his rifle was now tucked into his armpit, barrel raised sweeping the landscape ahead. Siobhan too prepared herself for any imminent attack by drawing her sword, gripping the handle with both hands and resting the blade flat against her shoulder. Her weapon wa
s heavy and when carried in this position it caused her to walk more side-on and slower.
As she made her way through the debris strewn across the road Siobhan’s emerald green eyes worked overtime scanning her surroundings taking in everything around her. Still nothing moved and the only sounds were their soft footsteps on the dusty road. High above clouds drifted through the sky which added another dimension to their dilemma. Reflections danced off windows of buildings taunting and playing tricks on them. Fresh shadows swept across the streets. Both travelers felt on edge.
Suddenly and without warning Siobhan stopped abruptly.
Josh’s heart raced, he froze mid-stride beside her panning his rifle across the street ahead. Nothing. Not a single target entered his scope. “What is it?” he whispered, from the corner of his mouth. “What do you see that I don’t?”
“There!” she whispered in reply.
“Where?”
Siobhan just stood there, staring ahead of her with a smile across her attractive face, pouting her full lips. Josh looked again, but still came up empty-handed. As far as he could tell the street ahead was just as barren as all the others had been for the past few hours. A herd, swarm or at least a stray was what he was expecting to see meandering across the street. Nothing moved.
“We can rest there,” she said, pointed towards a building ahead of them. The sign on the wall read, RYDGES 4 STAR HOTEL’.
“What the fuck! I thought…”
Siobhan walked on, ignoring his protestations. Josh followed along behind, realizing that she had got him good. He sighed and started laughing to himself, walking quickly to catch up.
Positioning themselves with their backs against the brick wall at the front entrance of the hotel they prepared to breach the opening. It was simply too dangerous to rest on the street for that would expose them to a multitude of risks, it was safest to rest indoors. They both took a deep breath and then entered through the shattered frame of the doorway next to the glass revolving door. The sound of broken glass crunched under their boots as they stepped cautiously inside.
The spacious foyer ahead of them resembled a war zone, it was a total mess. Tables and chairs were upturned, chandeliers lay shattered on the floor and computer terminals had been toppled. Luggage was strewn everywhere, clothing and other belongings spilled from open suitcases, which Josh reasoned to most likely be the result of looting than anything else.
Clearing the foyer they made their way up a set of elegant stairs that led to the restaurant on the first floor. The double doors were closed, but not locked. Siobhan opened one just wide enough to allow Josh to step through, barrel first. To his surprise the restaurant looked nothing like the foyer below. All the tables were set and despite some surface dust they looked as though they were prepared and ready for an influx of lunchtime diners.
Siobhan entered, closing the door behind her. As she walked past table after table she did not see any evidence of disturbance in the dining area. Every single piece of cutlery was where it should be, every plate and every glass was positioned in its rightful place and every napkin was neatly folded.
Josh searched the adjoining rooms and returned moments later. The kitchen was secure, as were the toilets and storerooms. With relief he lowered his rifle and sighed. “We’re as safe as we can be,” he said, removing his backpack.
Siobhan had already made herself comfortable taking a seat at a table by the window with a clear view over the street below. She picked up a wine glass, wiped it with her table napkin then raised it in front of her. In her best posh accent she beckoned Josh over as if he were the waiter.
“In that case,” she said, sounding like a toff, “I would like your finest wine thank you.”
After a short pause the two of them burst into laughter.
Muscles strained as the four men heaved with all their might. The rusted abandoned vehicle creaked as it shifted into position outside the compound lining up with others on the street. The men had been working tirelessly to completely transform the roadside appearance, shifting cars and moving debris. The goal was to make the streetscape resemble others in the neighborhood, rather than the open expanse they had created. For the most part they had succeeded in making it look as derelict and run down as they could.
“That’ll about do it,” said Jon, catching his breath. He took a step back to survey their handiwork and gave a nod of approval.
“Looks good,” Gerard said, patting Jon on the back.
Raising both his eyebrows in acknowledgement, Jon took a moment to let it all soak in. Whilst he was pleased with the work they had done at the same time felt a twinge of sadness, for the house no longer resembled the welcoming home he and his family had lived in for so long. He thought to himself how ironic it was that after a lifetime of providing a safe environment for his kin, in one morning they had torn down that façade for the very same purpose.
In his head Jon ticked off the remainder of the jobs he wanted to see finished. He mentally searched for those tasks that required manpower, for it made sense to utilize the men whilst they were together. He locked in on several jobs, all of which were relevant and essential, eventually settling on the escape plans.
After a short briefing Jon split everyone into two teams. Each one was responsible for ensuring that the escape routes through adjoining properties were all accessible and unimpeded. It was vital that if things went pear-shaped at the house that they were able to abandon the property swiftly, silently and safely.
The lips of two wine glasses clinked together.
“Cheers,” toasted Josh.
“Up yer bum,” saluted Siobhan, in reply.
Josh raised an eyebrow at her swirled the clear liquid around in his glass, tilted his head back and swallowed the contents. Siobhan did the same.
“You know,” she said, getting to her feet, “this is kinda shit with just water.” Looking around the restaurant she spied the bar. “Let’s have a wine!”
She bounded for the wine rack, eyed over the selection, tapping her lips with her finger deciding. Reaching above her head she pulled out a dark bottle, wiped the dust from the label then revealing her perfect white teeth she gave a broad smile.
“I think a lovely ten year old bottle of cabernet sauvignon should do the trick,” she said excitedly. Unscrewed the lid, picked up a napkin from another table as she walked back, then stood to attention in front of Josh as if he were a paying customer. “Your wine sir.”
Josh tossed the excess water from the two wine glasses and placed them back on the table. A rich, fruity aroma wafted into the air around their setting as the red wine poured. Siobhan sat back down again and toasted Josh, for real this time. At that moment their eyes met in this, the most awkward of settings. Josh felt his cheeks burning once again.
Sensing that he was uncomfortable Siobhan offered up another toast. “To friends,” she said in a soft voice, maintaining eye contact.
Their glasses clinked together once more.
Time passed without care as they quickly became engrossed in conversation. They talked about many things as they sipped their wine, each glass consumed relaxing them further. For the first time since they had met they found themselves laughing, totally lost in each other’s company.
Even serious topics took quite a jovial twist as they laughed away the plight of the world around them. Their recent experiences at the zoo caused them to wince a little, but they still joked as they recalled their close encounter with Martin, the 4Horsemen, and the creatures that had been unleashed upon them in the arena.
“Four horsemen my arse,” said Josh sarcastically.
“What do you mean?” Siobhan took another sip from her glass, savoring the flavor of the wine on her palate.
“I mean, what a joke they are. I have seen heard of stupid gangs and seen idiotic cults, and these guys fit the bill for all of that.”
“Yeah, I do agree,” laughed Siobhan, “these guys are truly crazy.”
Josh topped up both glasses. Outs
ide the weather was changing rapidly, a thick layer of cloud had drifted in colliding with the tops of the tallest buildings. More clouds had built up behind them with a gentle rumbling like a celestial drum roll announcing their arrival. It was the season for showers so both Josh and Siobhan knew that it would pass, sooner or later.
“Well, it looks like we might be stuck here on our own for a little while,” said Siobhan, turning to look at Josh. “Any ideas on what we could do until the storm passes?”
Josh was lost for words, which was completely out of character for him as he was usually confident and quite suave around women. There was something about this Warrior Princess that melted him like butter. He pondered for a moment on her question, wondered if she was being suggestive or not. He hoped that she was indeed flirting with him.
Thunder clapped loudly outside.
20
Room Service
High above the abandoned hotel dark storm clouds had gained intensity, rumbling and crackling as they built up behind each other. The large menacing mass completely enveloped the sun, devouring daylight and regurgitating what resembled night in its place. As an icy wind picked up intensity the outside temperature plummeted.
As if to announce the storm’s readiness to unleash itself on the world below a massive thunderclap exploded high above the city. Echoed ominously through the deserted streets. One raindrop turned into two, two into four and soon afterwards the heavens completely opened. There was no holding back the tempest and in a vicious and relentless attack torrential rain lashed the city, flooding the streets with rain water in minutes.
So dark were the hallways inside the hotel that Josh was forced to use his flashlight to guide the way. The only natural light was a slight flicker that came from under each door, far from enough to illuminate the center corridor. The two hotel guests needed to be sure that they were indeed alone and had undertaken a full search of the complex before checking in.
Dark of Dawn 4Horsemen: Book one in the Dark of Dawn Series Page 21