The road took a bend, as it headed into the main drag through town. Tim had Tom stop. “You and Jeff get out here. I’ll keep a watch on you two from that fire escape. Tracey, take a spin down main street and see if there is anything worth checking into. If not, come right back here. Either way keep us posted.”
At the far end of Main street, were two buildings that couldn't be more different. The one on the end was a plain cinder block building, painted in a flat, dull beige. The unassuming sign over the door simply read, 'The Warehouse'. Separated by a narrow alleyway, was 'Betty Jo's Boutique', the wood siding was painted a bright yellow, with white trim.
The large, industrial letter board in front of The Warehouse read, 'Find your work clothes inside', followed below by 'The South’s largest tarp selection'. The sign, in the curtained window of the boutique read, 'Summer Dress Special'
“Looks like this is our stop.” Sheila exclaimed.
Tracey pulled the Suburban into the empty parking lot, across the street. A couple of zeds, milling about the lot, began advancing on the vehicle. Tracey clipped one with her door as she parked. Red hopped out before Tracey stopped. “Got this.”
Red pinned the one struggling to get to its feet, with her knee on its chest and ran her knife into its eye socket. Rising swiftly to her feet, she rushed the second zed, stopping just short of running headlong into it. Red spun and swept its feet right out from under it. Its head hit the pavement so hard, it split like a melon. For good measure, Red slammed her heel on to its forehead.
Red and Jimmy assumed their positions on top of the Suburban, while Tracey led Pete and Sheila to The Warehouse. After several taps with no response, Tracey had Pete pop the door open, with the pry bar. Stepping inside, giving a minute for their eyes to adjust to the dimly lit interior. The store was small, but made good on its promise of work clothes, with racks of jeans, work boots, canvas and leather gloves and jackets.
Pete looked over to see Sheila crying. “What?”
“It’s like manna from Heaven. I’ve felt so bad, for the children squeezing into clothes they’ve outgrown. I know it had to be uncomfortable for them, but not a one complained.” Sheila explained.
Tracey came up pushing three shopping carts. “Just load it up, we’ll sort it out later.”
It didn’t take long to fill their carts. They pushed them outside and left them at the curb. Tracey had brought along another empty cart, for use in the boutique. Entering again, after confirming the way was clear, Sheila went directly to a stack of blouses. “Oh Pete the girls would be so darling in these. Look Tracey, here's one for you. The three of you would look so pretty together.”
Tracey scoffed. “I've got no interest in being someones pretty thing. Wrap it up here, I'll start getting the rest loaded.”
Jimmy laid flat on the top of the Suburban, was scanning down the road. “Ma'am. Umm Red. Do you think you could show me, how you do that?”
Red looked over at the young man. “Do what?”
“How to take down zeds like you do.” Jimmy stammered.
Red nodded. “We'll talk to your Dad. It's a matter of knowing what your going to do first and...”
Red was interrupted as Tracey exited the boutique, as she passed the alleyway separating the buildings, a man stepped behind her and threw a burlap sack over her head and pulled her back into the alley.
“Now that's what I'm talking about.” Jeff proclaimed. as he filled another five gallon gas can.
Tom grunted, as he climbed back up from underneath another car. “We're doing good then?”
“Ten gallons and still about a third of the cars to go. ...Hold on. Behind you.” Jeff warned raising his shotgun.
The man was dirty and his clothes torn, slowly approaching holding his hands high. Tom's earbud beeped before Tim's voice came across. “He looks to be alone.”
The man took a nervous glance as Jeff moved closer to Tom, his shotgun held tight to his shoulder. “I don't mean you feller's no trouble. I just been hoofin it a powerful long spell and got my eye on that yaller jeep over yonder. If'n y'all don't mind, I'd just like to see if I can get it goin and be out of your hair.”
Jeff started to lower his shotgun, but Tom raised a finger and narrowed his eyes at the man. “Go ahead.”
Instead of moving to the jeep, he lowered his right hand and extended it towards Tom and took a couple of halting steps forwards. “Thank you kindly friend. Roy Fisher. I ain't lookin to be no bother, I really appreciate this.”
“You best get a move on.” Tom replied curtly.
Roy remained lackadaisical, taking another couple steps forward. “Yes sir, I'm a gettin on it. Hey, you fellers wouldn't got a group hereabouts, would ya?
A flurry of events happened all at once. Red's voice came over the radio. “It's a trap.” Tim's rifle cracked, shooting a second man sneaking between the cars towards, Tom and Jeff. Jeff pulled the trigger on his shotgun, the slug hitting Roy square in the face and blowing out the back of his head. At the far end of the road, Red's rifle barked, three times in quick succession, followed shortly after by a quieter single gunshot.
When the sack went over Tracey's head and her arms were grabbed by rough hands, her first reaction was to fight back. Tim's training kicked in and she let herself be led back into the alley, waiting for her moment. “That's it girlie, just let this happen and it will go a lot easier on ya.”
The man dragged Tracey a short way into the alley, before stopping. He moved his hands down towards her wrists, holding her wrists in a vice like grip with one hand, as he reached in a pocket for a zip tie to slip around her hands. Tracey shifted her weight to her left foot, moved her right heel back, until it found the toe end of his right foot. Tracey raised her right foot and slammed it down hard on the man's foot, simultaneously, slamming the back of her head into his chin.
The man stunned and in pain, let go of Tracey's wrists. Tracey spun quickly on her left heel, tearing the sack off her head with one hand and pulling her knife with the other. She plunged the knife, twice, into the man's upper abdomen, before letting him drop to the ground and running out of the alley.
Red raised the alarm over the radio, when she saw Tracey dragged into the alley. Jimmy tapped Red's shoulder, pointing out a gunman coming past the far side of The Warehouse. Red took aim and dropped him in his tracks.
Pete and Sheila rushed out of the boutique, when they heard Red's alarm of a trap. Two more gunmen appeared from the midpoint of the street, rushing straight towards Pete and Sheila, their pistols raised. Red worked the bolt of her rifle, chambering a round then taking out one of the thugs. Pete put an arm around Sheila and began to pull her down. Red worked the bolt again and shot the last gunman in the head.
Everything went into slow motion, the man's momentum carried him forward, his gun hand outstretched. The hand holding the pistol struck the pavement, causing his dead finger to pull the trigger. The pistol firedm Sheila screamed. “Peeete.”
Red came back on the radio. “Tim hold tight, we'll come your way.”
Tom came back. “Are you all okay?”
Red answered flatly. “No. We'll be there soon.”
Chapter 8 - Lost
Tracey was fuming, as she brought the Suburban down to pick up Tom, Jeff and Tim. Jimmy was in the back, cutting up a couple of the new T shirts, into strips, to use for bandages. Red was seated next to Pete, with a hand on his arm. “I am so, so sorry.”
Tracey brought the Suburban and trailer to a stop, alongside the car lot. Jeff secured the gas cans in the trailer, while Tim and Tom looked to see what was wrong. Tim took one look at Pete’s blood soaked shirt and dove in the back seat, causing Red to dive in back with Jimmy.
Tracey slid over to let Tom drive, while Jeff climbed into the passenger seat There was an air of panic in the Suburban, but also an urgency to get back to the woods. Tom drove as fast as possible, while Tim used his training to try and save a life.
“Come on, stay with us Sheila.” Tim encouraged. Shei
la was in and out of consciousness, as Pete cradled her in his arms. “Pete, put more pressure on the wound.” Tim instructed. Tim rummaged thru the first aid kit, grabbing bandages and gauze. Once they had stabilized the wound, they wrapped Sheila in a blanket to keep her from going into shock.
“Hang on sweetie, we’re almost there.” Pete said, tears rolling down each cheek. Sheila’s head rested on Pete’s shoulder, her face ashen, her eyelids flickering. Tom entered the woods, swerving to avoid trees and rolling over everything else, keenly aware he was leaving a trail, a two year old could follow.
“What the hell?” Sue and Sam watched, as the Suburban came flying toward them. Sue knew immediately there was trouble, running to the vehicle as it skidded to a stop.
“Sheila’s been shot.” Tom said, before opening the back door. Tom helped Tim and Pete remove Sheila from the car. “Get the van ready Sue.” Tim said calmly. Without even thinking, Sue ran to the van, knocking things out of the way, as she pulled the bed down, frantically throwing pillows and blankets on top.
“Careful...careful now.” Tim said, as they entered the van. TIm handed Sheila off to Tom and Pete, who settled her on the bed. “What do we have for pain killers?” Tim turned to Sue.
“Mostly Motrin and Tylenol.” Sue replied.
“I have Percocet.” Red spoke up. Tim nodded, sending Red rummaging thru her backpack. She brought back a small plastic bottle, handing it to TIm.
“Thanks, this will help.” Tim looked around the camp. “Where are the kids?”
“Hap and Miri took em for a walk, they were getting anxious.” Sue replied.
“Let’s not panic them, but it doesn’t look good…” Tim shook his head. “...she was shot in the stomach and she couldn’t walk, so it may have shattered her spine.” Sue put her hands over her mouth, tears filling her eyes.
“What happened?” Sue asked.
“We were ambushed, no telling how far behind they are.” Tim’s focus shifted from Sheila, to the safety of the rest of the group. “Tracey...Red, get some eyes around this area.” The two women fanned out, around the camp. “Jeff, you too.” Jeff climbed up into a tall tree, binoculars in hand. Back in the van, Sheila had regained consciousness, but was in a lot of pain.
“Pete...is everyone else ok?” Sheila asked, barely above a whisper. Pete smiled, it was just like his wife to worry about everyone else.
“They’re all fine hon.” Pete kissed Sheila’s hand. Her breathing was labored and Pete knew it was bad.
“Give her these.” Tim handed two pills to Pete. “It’ll take the edge off.” Pete did as he was told. The best they could do now, was to keep Sheila as comfortable as possible. Not long after, Hap and Miri returned with the kids. Sue, wiped the tears away and met them as they came into camp.
“Why don’t you kids go get ready to leave?” Sue waited, till the kids were out of hearing range, before filling in Hap and Miri.
“Oh my God.” Miri hugged Sue. Hap made his way to the van to see if he could help. Sue and Miri, quietly told the children what happened. It was the hardest thing, but they had to know.
“Now that Sheila is somewhat stable, we gotta make tracks.” Tom said to Tim. “They could be right behind us.”
“Red and Tracey, come on back in, we’re leaving.” Tim radioed the women.
“You ride with Pete and Sheila, Hap will drive.” Tom barked out instructions, as the group got ready to leave. “We need to confuse them, keep em guessing.” Tom stated.
Hap nodded. “Leave that to me boss, I know a thing or to about getting lost in the woods.”
Sue interrupted her husband. “I know we gotta leave, but the kids need to see Sheila.” Tom sighed, he knew his wife was right.
“Okay, but let's get outta here first then we can pull over, once we’re clear of this place.” Sue agreed, hugging her husband close. She knew Tom was feeling Sheila’s impending death, but he could not show that vulnerability now. Inside the van, Pete was trying to keep Sheila talking, keep her conscious.
“Sweets, we hafta leave now, but I am staying right here with you.” Pete squeezed Sheila’s hand, as she lightly nodded. Tim entered the van, taking his place by Pete and Sheila.
“Is she feeling much pain?” TIm asked.
“I don’t think so, she seems comfortable.” Tim made sure Sheila was stable, before giving the ok signal to Hap.
“Hey big guy…” Tom addressed Sam. “...I’m not going to lie to you, we got a shit storm coming after us. The offer stands to stay with us, but we completely understand, if you decided to get outta Dodge.”
Sam smirked, watching Caleb with Jimmy and Jackson. “I think we’ll stay, as long as you don’t mind us tagging along?”
“Okay...roll em.” The group started north, following the van. Hap took them around in circles, so it seemed, but Tom knew exactly what Hap was doing. At this point, the group needed to get away, the stay and fight choice, was off the table.
“Sorry bout the tossin and turnin.” Hap apologized to Pete.
“Do what you hafta do Hap.” Pete knew Sheila wasn’t going to last much longer, but he continued to wipe her brow with a cool cloth and speak encouragingly, to the love of his life. The sun was setting, when Tim had Hap pull over, knowing Sheila didn’t have long.
“Not sure how long my back trackin, is gonna hold em off boss.” Hap said to Tom.
“We camp here till right before daybreak, the darkness is a huge asset right now.” Tom walked over to Sue, taking her off to the side. “Better get the kids in to see Sheila, she doesn’t have much time left.” Tom had Tracey and Jeff, keeping an eye out. Tom’s biggest concern right now, was staying ahead of the Inferno. Sue took Arianna, Lizzie and Mitchell to see Sheila. She explained to them that Sheila was not doing well, but really wanted to see them.
“Sweets, the kids are here to see you.” Sheila smiled, squeezing Pete’s hand. Arianna and Lizzie knelt by the bed, both teary, but remaining calm. Mitchell stayed back with Sue, not yet ready to approach.
“I want you girls…” Sheila took a few ragged breaths, before continuing. “...to take care of each other, always be safe my loves.”
“We will, we promise.” Lizzie , being the stronger of the two, spoke up. Through their own tears, both gently kissed Sheila's cheek. Mitchell put his arm around Pete’s neck, as the older man knelt by the bed. It was harder for Mitchell, but Pete gave him silent encouragement.
“I’m sorry.” Mitchell said, before starting to cry. The young boy, met Sheila's eyes for a minute, still seeing the warmth there. Sue took Mitchell out, where he was comforted by the girls. Sheila again squeezed Pete’s hand, getting his attention.
“He needs you...” She whispered. “...they all need you.” Pete smiled and nodded. His own grief would have to wait, he needed to make sure the kids were okay first. Tom and Jimmy went next, followed by Jeff and Jackson. Red and Tracey also paid their respects, Tracey trying to hide her tears.
“You have so much to give.” Sheila said to Tracey. Sheila knew what Tracey had gone through, being captured by the Inferno and she also knew, how strong and how vulnerable she was. Sheila wanted her last words to count.
“Thank you.” Tracey smiled thru her tears. Pete could see Sheila was becoming uncomfortable, her hands clammy and cold. Sue and Miri were the last to come in and Pete got up to give them a minute alone.
“What are we going to do without you?” These three women, had been the backbone of the group. They were mother figures, teachers, wives and warriors. They made everything okay when it wasn’t and they supported their husbands and friends, through it all. And in between all the chaos, becoming the very best of friends.
“I... know...you can ...make it.” Sheila could barely speak at this point. Sue and Miri held Sheila’s hand, before reluctantly, leaving her side. As the group waited outside, Pete stayed with his wife.
“I’m here honey, I’m here.” Pete held on tightly, to Sheila’s hand. In her last moments, Sheila smiled at Pete, the
n she was gone. Pete’s sobs echoed in the van, tears streaming down his face, utterly lost without her. She had made him the man he is, she had supported him and guided him in so many ways. They had been so close, it was like a part of him had been taken away.
“Give Pete a few more minutes, then we gotta deal with the body.” Tom had to be practical, he had no choice.
“Leave it to me.” Hap replied.
“You sure?”
Dead Reckoning_HZA, Vol. 3 Page 19