Logan laughed. “Seriously, Marge, shut up. This guy invited us in and that’s all we wanted.” He sent the other man to bring in their friends.
“I’m counting on you to keep your friends in line, Logan. Those are the house rules.” Rafe moved back. “Marge and her husband can have the master quarters. It’s on the second floor. We’re on the third, so don’t go there, and don’t go down into the basement. We have prisoners, too.”
Marge was giddy with delight as she scanned the interior and eyed the exquisite design and accessories. Rafe discerned her greed. He knew they would not be allowed to stay long, at least not as humans. Thirty plus people sauntered in carrying weapons and backpacks. The Freedom Army soldiers were tied together and numbered more than a dozen. There were no serious injuries, but Rafe smelled fresh blood as they passed him.
“Got a place for the soldiers?” asked Logan. “They won’t mix well with my people, so I need to lock them up. I’ll figure out what to do with them later.”
“I assumed that,” said Rafe, considering options. “If anyone is infected, shoot them in the head and leave them outside. We don’t take chances. The wounded can stay in the living room. Have your people tend to them. As for the prisoners, there’s a small study in back without windows. Lock them in there for now. Don’t go in the basement.”
Logan stepped closer and placed his hand on Rafe’s shoulder. “I know you don’t trust us. We don’t trust you either, but no one is going to cause trouble. If they do, I’ll shoot them myself. Is that good with you?”
“Perfect. I’ll retire now. Have a nice evening.”
“I will.” Logan sounded sincere. “Thanks again. It’s nice of you to let us stay when you don’t have to.”
Rafe turned to the stairs, eyes narrowing as a woman walked in with her arm in a bloody sling. It took all his will not to make her his next meal. Logan didn’t notice the hunger in his eyes and pulled a bottle of bourbon from a pocket.
“Don’t run off yet, Rafe,” said Logan. “Have a drink with me. There’s nothing a glass of bourbon won’t cure.”
Rafe joined Logan in the living room. A group of biker types filed in smoking and making themselves at home on the couches and oversized chairs. A familiar scent caught Rafe’s attention. He recognized Sarge and Destry as the Freedom Army soldiers were marched to the study. He hoped they wouldn’t recognize him, as Logan placed a glass of bourbon in his hand.
“Here’s to new friends,” said Logan, clinking his glass with Rafe’s. He took a sip and turned to observe the room.
Rafe sniffed the liquor, found it repulsive and poured it in the pot of a dead plant. Logan noticed his empty glass and poured him a refill.
“Slow down friend, this is sipping bourbon.” Logan plopped on a couch, and waved off the cloud of dust. “You should fire your maid.”
“Or just find a new one,” Rafe replied. He tipped his glass toward Logan.
The sun streamed in through an opening in the heavy drapes and a ray fell across Rafe’s hand. He expected his flesh to burn, but nothing happened. The sun had no effect. He was sure it was a fact Cinder would find interesting. It also appeared he passed for human in the company of others.
Logan stretched out his legs. “The former owners had good taste. Figure I’ll hang out here a while and then go find a room.”
“I should go check on my girlfriend,” said Rafe.
“Whatever,” said Logan as he leaned back and closed his eyes.
Rafe handed his glass off to the nearest human and slipped out. He wondered if the children would devour their guests or try and blend in when they woke. Time would tell when darkness fell on Manitou Springs.
***
Highbrow spent the morning searching around the lake and surrounding woods for Savannah, finding no trace of her.
While searching, he took a mental count of the living and estimated about eighty left from the original scout teams, and that at least three teams had been wiped out. Families on the Peak and the Freedom Army soldiers were dead. The Captain, Habit, Destry, and Sarge were assumed dead or missing, and no other soldiers or scavengers had arrived at the camp. Thor, his Vikings and the Razorbacks spent the early morning hours pulling bodies out of the lake and burning the remains.
“Highbrow, I’ve been looking for you,” said Cadence. She wore a new blue beret. A katana was strapped to her back.
“Well, you found me.”
Highbrow mentally compared Cadence and Savannah, though he knew it was wrong. Savannah was soft, with hair like the sunrise. Cadence seemed even stronger than before the night battle. She was rigid and unreachable. With her promotion to commander, she was advancing to places he wasn’t prepared for. Yet, her new responsibility suited her.
“God, Highbrow. Didn’t you get any rest? You look like hell. At least wash the blood off, you look like a ghoul.”
“I can’t find Savannah. She’s not in any of the pits,” said Highbrow. “I looked. Nomad looked. Whisper and Freeborn did too. I can’t imagine where she could have wandered. The Green Hornets and Panthers have been patrolling the main road. They haven’t seen anyone. No zombies, scavengers, or anyone from our teams who might have run off last night.”
“Do we have deserters?” Cadence demanded. Her tone was sharp as she squeezed the grip of her gun. Highbrow stared at his best friend, sorrow and confusion clouding his face. She reached out and put her hand on his shoulder.
“I didn’t mean to sound so rough. I’m not going to shoot anyone for deserting. If any of those counted as dead show up, I’ll give them a hug and a bowl of soup. We’re all that’s left, Highbrow. We have to stick together.”
A lump grew in his throat. He was thirsty, tired, and longed to be in Mapleton Hills with its elegant trees and spacious houses. He missed home, and he missed Savannah.
“Did Sturgis pick up any more transmissions from the scavengers?” Highbrow tried to focus. “What’s the plan?”
“China Six checked out Seven Falls,” she said. “They say it’s good, so I’m moving the camp there today. You should search for Savannah while you can. Take the Bandits and use the ATVs. I’ll give you two hours and then we’re heading out.”
“Why don’t we stay here? We can use tents. What does the Professor say? Does he think it’s a good idea to leave?”
Cadence looked annoyed. “He thinks we should move on, too. We’ve burned the bodies, but the lake is polluted and the ground is poisoned. Seven Falls will have fresh water, wildlife, housing, and a means to fortify our position. It won’t take us long to build a wall at the canyon entrance.”
“That’s just great, Cadence. I’m so glad you asked for my input.” Highbrow looked off in the distance, trying not to lose his cool. “It doesn’t even bother you that we’ve killed hundreds of people in the last few days. Now we’re leaving for some fool’s adventure. We’re vulnerable outside the fence.”
“The fence is down. We’re moving and that’s not negotiable. Go look for your girlfriend and report back in two hours. If you’re going to be the new captain, you need to start acting less like a love-struck boy and more like an officer.” Cadence reached into her pocket and shoved a blue beret against his chest. “Put the damn thing on and act like you care. People look up to you. Give them a reason to Highbrow.”
“I never said Savannah was my girlfriend.”
Cadence snorted. “You didn’t have to. It’s written all over your face,” she responded.
Highbrow went through the motions. He cleaned up, got something to eat and drink, cleaned and reloaded his rifle, and donned his new beret. The Bandits waited for him outside the main office. Though he felt it was useless to keep searching for Savannah, he didn’t want to give up. A red-eyed Nomad joined the search with them. After an hour of riding the trails, Highbrow led the team into Santa’s Workshop. There wasn’t much left of the former amusement park.
“We can split up and cover more ground, Highbrow,” said Nomad. His voice was gravelly and strained. “I don’t think we�
�ll find Savannah here, though.”
An hour later, Highbrow stood with Nomad in the center of the park. Some of the Bandits were raiding the stores, returning with sacks full of clothes, toys, and old candy. A few zombies had greeted them and were handled with ease. Nomad had a new black hoodie draped over one shoulder and a bag of fresh clothes.
“I’m surprised your Captain didn’t clear out all of the supplies here long ago,” remarked Nomad. “I found a few things for the little ones.”
“The Captain didn’t allow patrols here,” said Highbrow. “He didn’t let us go into Manitou Springs either. It was against the rules to hangout or rummage. Some did anyway, but if you were caught you’d get lashes. Savannah would have liked it here. None of the rides work anymore, but it still feels like Christmas in the park.”
“A dead Christmas,” said Nomad. “Savannah’s gone, Highbrow. She got spooked during the battle or something else happened and we just don’t know yet. I don’t know where else to look for her. I’m broke up about this too. She was like a daughter to me, but we can’t keep looking for her. Others need us now. Cadence is moving the camp and you need to back her up.”
“I get it. We can move on, but I don’t believe Savannah is dead.”
Nomad handed Highbrow a large candy cane, patted him on the back, and began rounding up the Bandits. Highbrow pulled off the wrapper, took three licks and tossed it. By the time they returned to Base Camp, vehicles were loaded with people and supplies. Every four-wheeler in working order carried two riders, and many others were hanging on the sides of the Army transport. The Bandits made a U-turn and followed the convoy out of camp. Highbrow and Nomad waited until the last vehicle left and made a final sweep of the former HQ before joining the exodus to Seven Falls.
* * * * *
Chapter Fourteen
Cadence walked onto the porch of a small tourist cabin located beside the waterfall, which served as the new HQ and her personal quarters. She placed Thor in charge of a team building a barricade at the entrance. Whisper and the Professor worked on restoring the generators in each of the buildings. The cabins were in perfect condition and provided enough housing for everyone. Several members of the Tigers, along with others from various teams, were gathered around a small pond and grilling out. It could have passed for a normal summer day.
Seven Falls was a picturesque setting, cascading into a large pool that fed a stream running along a rock wall. The stream brimmed with trout and a handful of youngsters were fishing under the supervision of Freeborn. An iron staircase on the side of the rock wall led to another stream and hiking trails. The only way out of the canyon was by the front entrance, which was being blocked off, or by climbing the two-hundred twenty-four steps leading to the trails at Midnight Falls. It was a fortified stronghold.
“I proclaim this haven zombie-free,” said Dodger, tapping his drink against Smack’s. “Zombie-free, indeed.” Smack echoed.
They sat enjoying the evening in their newly acquired fleece jackets from the gift shop, while Blaze and Luna assigned patrols their new cabins and roommates.
Smack smiled. “I like it here, Dodger. This place feels like a home. You’d never guess Colorado Springs is just a half-mile away, filled with zombies. It’s so peaceful and quiet.”
“And you said you weren’t homesick.” Dodger leaned in and planted a kiss on her cheek. “It’ll be okay. Cadence did good. This is way better than the Peak.”
“I think so,” said Cadence.
Dodger blushed as she and the Professor joined them. They both grinned at the sight of the couple. Cadence scooted far enough across the bench, giving the Professor room to sit. He produced a book from his coat pocket. “We have been fortunate thus far, but we lost many people. We would be wise not to forget. Raven gave me this book on edible plants in the area. I suppose I’m the one to decide what can and can’t be eaten.”
“Now you’re talking my language,” said Freeborn. “I’ll help you with that, Professor.”
Peering over the railing, Whisper watched the fish swimming below. Cadence observed the group cooking out, breathing in the aroma of saltwater, fire, and grilled food.
“Professor, what do you think our chances really are?” Cadence lifted a hand to the back of her neck. She already missed her long hair, but Smack insisted it would be a nice change. “Highbrow said they’ve spotted scavengers at Miramont Castle. I considered going back and torching the place, but I’ve seen enough bloodshed for a while. They wanted a place to stay and now they have it. Hopefully, they won’t give us any more trouble.”
“I doubt they’ll be coming here,” said the Professor. “We lucked out getting here first. Being this close to Colorado Springs is both a positive and negative. With the entrance to the canyon secured we should be safe enough against zombies, at least for now. We’re also close to stores and pharmacies when we need supplies, and Thor has a few ideas along those lines. I like that young man.”
“I’ll talk to Thor about it then,” said Cadence. She looked around for Highbrow. He was the only one missing from her team.
“That all sounds positive. What’s the negative?” asked Dodger, injecting himself in the conversation. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but in every western I ever saw, anyone making a last stand in a box canyon didn’t usually survive. Except maybe John Wayne, but he’s not around to help.”
“Pity,” said Whisper.
The Professor removed his glasses and wiped them on his sleeve. “The only exit is the staircase up to Midnight Falls. That’s the one major drawback to this paradise of ours. We’ll have to keep a constant eye on that. It might be beautiful and seem peaceful, but we must never let our guard down. Ever.” He balanced glasses on his face. “But the positive outweighs the negative. At least I believe so. We have a tunnel that remains comfortable at fifty degrees year- round and an observation point with a view of the entire area. Whisper assures me it will serve our snipers well. The cliffs keep us out of view from the outside and we have fresh water and game. Plus, we’re not fourteen thousand feet high where I was in jeopardy of having a massive coronary. I like our odds here much better.”
Cadence leaned back and stretched. “I’m not exactly sure how I became the new commander, but it seems everyone has accepted that. I’m good with it and I feel good about this place, Professor.”
“Promote those within your own team,” said the Professor. “It’s always wise to place those you trust in leadership. Assembling an elite fighting team is where I would start. What about scout teams? Are you eliminating those? You don’t have the fence to walk, but we still need to know what’s going on in the big city.”
“I’ve already asked Thor and Star to set up elite teams, reorganize the patrols, and develop a duty roster. Dragon volunteered to train people in hand-to-hand combat, and Xena is giving private sword lessons.” Cadence glanced at her own teammates. “I’d like Blaze and Freeborn to head up security, which leaves Dodger and Smack in charge of supplies.”
“So we get to go into town?” asked Dodger, excited. “Cool.”
“Real cool,” affirmed Smack.
Cadence looked at Whisper. “You’re on target practice. Teach everyone how to shoot like you. I need snipers who can hit their marks. Professor, you’re head of communications now. There’s a nice shortwave radio here and laptops in my cabin you might make use of.”
“Cool,” said Whisper.
“Would everyone stop saying that?” Cadence begged, her team snickering. “Dodger, you and Smack take inventory of supplies and let me know what we need. It might include a run into town for our team, but I plan to use all of the existing patrols.”
“Cool!” The team teased in unison.
“Okay. Say it again and see what happens,” responded Cadence. The Professor chuckled and everyone let out a collective laugh.
The Tigers were pleased with their new assignments. Cadence did not want to run things like the Captain and Mother Superior. She also wanted a proper m
ilitia, but she needed a captain to help run things.
“This isn’t going to be like the Peak,” she explained. “Everyone will remain armed. I’m done with most of those stupid rules and regulations, and that includes the whipping post. Demerits will be given for anyone who steps out of line and it’s the brig for the worst offenders. We’ll set up a system of discipline that is appropriate.”
“That sounds wise,” said the Professor.
“What about me?” Highbrow came walking down the wooden deck, followed by Nomad and Sturgis. He’d befriended them quick. “And do you have jobs for these guys?” He paused, glancing at Blaze. “Nice hair. You look like a grape.”
Blaze flipped an offending finger toward Highbrow and joined Freeborn on the bench.
“Nice of you to join us.” Cadence refused to let Highbrow’s attitude get her down. She knew he was upset about Savannah, but didn’t know how to tell him the truth. “I’m commissioning you as captain. I need someone to run the camp and I can’t think of anyone better than you, Highbrow. I’ll remain in command, and we’ll make major decisions together.”
The two older men walked to an ice chest and pulled out a few beers. Sturgis leaned against the railing, while Nomad handed a beer to Highbrow. He opened it and drained half the can. Nomad offered one to Cadence, but she refused.
“So, if I’m the new captain,” began Highbrow, “I should be responsible for selecting teams to go into town. We need someone to keep people in line, like Blaze. In fact, I think she should be our new Sarge. She likes to boss people around, so she should do it officially.”
“I don’t want to be the new Sarge, and I don’t want to babysit,” said Blaze. “But I can give great archery lessons and would love to help Dragon train the people how to fight.
Barbarella has done her best training archers, but I can do better. Let Freeborn and Luna handle security.”
Highbrow finished his beer and opened another. Cadence had never seen him drink before. He had an angry look in his eyes.
Morbid Hearts (Dead Hearts Book 1) Page 14