by Brown, TW
There was a polite round of applause and I noticed Melissa glance over at Dr. Zahn for confirmation. Afterwards, there was a bunch of chatting and the next scavenger team was selected: Sunshine, Teresa, and Jamie. I felt sorry for Sunshine, she’d probably have to spend most of her time as referee when Jamie tried to tell Teresa what she couldn’t do.
I hobbled over to Melissa who was grilling the good doctor. No doubt she was trying to see exactly what restrictions she could place on me.
“…falls down that ladder he might never walk again,” Melissa was arguing.
“And if worms had shotguns, birds would mess with them,” Dr. Zahn said stoically. “Steve is able to move around. There are a million ‘if’s’ here, but we do not have the luxury of coddling somebody. And, correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t you and Teresa bully him into the whole ‘women will be included on supply runs’ issue?”
Melissa’s open mouth snapped shut. She turned in a huff to find me standing there. I don’t think I wiped the smile off my face quick enough because she glared at me real nasty like. She huffed and blew a strand of hair out of her face and made to storm past.
“Can I talk to you?” I asked as she tried to decide which way to go to skirt around me.
“Fine,” she stopped and crossed her arms. Dr. Zahn might’ve actually snickered as she turned and walked away. “But just so you know…I’m making the next supply run with Ian and Billy so you go right ahead and put yourself on the watch roster Mister I-can-risk-my-life-climbing-ladders.”
“Fair enough,” I nodded. For the second time in as many minutes, Melissa’s mouth snapped shut with an audible click. “Now, can we go someplace private and talk?”
“If you think you’re gonna haul me off and talk me out of doing—”
“Not at all.” I cut her off, placing my index finger over her lips to shush her. Her eyes narrowed and I could tell that I’d just pissed her off even more.
“I wouldn’t have taken yours and Teresa’s issue to the group if I didn’t support you,” I said in a hurry, preempting her eruption of anger.
Before she could resume the argument, I turned and hobbled away on my crutches, making for a trail. I knew exactly where I wanted to go. I struggled not to look over my shoulder to see if she was following. As I reached the first switchback, I heard her behind me.
I could feel the sweat on my forehead start to bead up and drip. Also, little beads of it on my neck trickled down my back, giving me chills. I could feel the nausea building in a way I hadn’t felt since consuming Sunshine’s psychotropic pain remedy. To Melissa’s credit, or due to her anger, she remained quiet, not even bothering to ask where we were going. That wasn’t exactly what I wanted either. Her being angry was not part of the plan at all. In fact, I’d mistakenly counted on her being in a good mood after I’d just championed her cause.
We hiked up the switchback trail. I had forgotten how long the trip to my pre-planned destination was. And I’d never made it on crutches. By the time the huge, flat rock came into view, I was soaked. What the hell had I been thinking? Still, it was too late to turn back now
My stomach was churning like crazy, and it got even worse when I saw the wicker basket. I couldn’t look back at Melissa or I might actually hurl. Without a word, I set down my crutches and went through the awkward contortions of sitting down on the big rock.
“Have a seat.” I patted the space next to me.
“What’s this?” There was a definite edge to Melissa’s voice.
I didn’t say a word and instead pulled the basket onto my lap. I flipped back the cloth that was folded over the top. One by one I pulled out the contents, setting them down on my left opposite of where Melissa still hadn’t sat down.
“Well?” I looked out over the rolling green hills that stretched out for miles in every direction. In that moment, I was struck by the fact that the world could still be such a beautiful place when there was so much wrong with it. “Are you going to sit here, or do I have to get back up?”
“Huh?” she said absently. “Oh…sorry.” With that, Melissa sat down.
With only a little discomfort, I turned to face her. “Melissa Rachel Blake,” I took her hands in mine and looked into her eyes, “for the first time, I feel something for a woman that I have no doubt is absolutely true love. To be honest, it scares me more than what is going on out there. We both know what we face in this world. Yet, to be in love with you is the most dangerous thing I can think of doing…and I don’t care. So, Melissa, I’ve considered all the possibilities, and it is without fear that I ask, Melissa, will you marry me?” I produced the ring that I’d been carrying in my pocket.
I’ve never been eloquent.
She looked into my eyes and I saw tears welling up, which only added to their sparkle. They brimmed over and her lips began to quiver just a bit. Each second of silence suddenly felt like an eternity. What in the hell had I been thinking? Did such a thing as marriage even exist…or matter anymore?
“Yes,” she breathed, and then leaned over to kiss me.
She kissed me again, and this time it lasted. Time stopped and the undead world vanished. All that I tasted, felt, and touched was Melissa. This moment was different than all the others. I didn’t even notice the rock underneath me. Looking up at her, I was mesmerized as she peeled her shirt off, then leaned forward and tucked it behind my head. For something so simple, it was a very sensual gesture.
I reached up and unfastened her bra. She let it slide off in that way that women do that is one of the most erotic things women do in the world. My hands slid down her sides and found that spot at the waist that I am pretty sure God designed for a man’s hands to fit. We kissed some more and at some point she slipped out of the rest of her clothes. The only thing that put the slightest hiccup in the moment was that we could only take my pants off of my good leg without completely stopping everything to work my pants off over my cast. Neither of us were willing to take that much time. As the sun shone off of her hair, outlining her face in a glowing halo, she lowered herself down on to me.
***
“Who brought the picnic basket?” Melissa asked, stretched out naked beside me, popping a blackberry into her mouth.
“Jamie,” I answered, opening my mouth for her to drop one into it as well.
“And the ring?”
“I found it on a run.”
“Kinda presumptuous.” Melissa laughed and rolled onto her side, propping up on one elbow.
“Didn’t say that I had you in mind when I grabbed it.”
“You are such a charmer.”
“What can I say? When the competition is scarce…beggars can’t be choosers.”
“Keep up this pillow talk and I may not be able to resist your offer to go another round.”
“Speaking of another round,” I said as she slid up against me grinding her hips seductively.
“Yes?” she purred.
“I was gonna ask for another glass of that almost warm, but quite tasty champagne…” my voice trailed off as she slid her hands down my stomach. “Umm…never mind.”
She pushed me flat on my back and straddled me. We were deep into a kiss that was flavored with blackberries and champagne when a sound that I heard as well as felt caused everything to vibrate.
Thunder? I wondered, but a quick glance skyward at the cloudless blue squashed that idea.
“Melissa?”
“Worried that it might rain?”
“That would be nothing short of miraculous.”
She raised up and looked over her shoulder towards the sky. “Oh…” Then she popped up. “Steve?”
I turned my head and saw a huge, black oily cloud rising in a mushroom topped column. It wasn’t near the town we’d been raiding, but it was close enough to be a concern. An explosion like that would be like a dinner bell. Every zombie for miles around would be drawn to that if history was any indicator.
“I thought the fireworks were supposed to happen during sex…no
t before,” Melissa huffed. “I guess this means we have to go back now.”
“As tempting as it is to say otherwise…,” I sighed, “we better.”
We dressed and headed back down the trail. About halfway, another explosion sounded. We couldn’t see through the trees, but there was no doubt that it had come from the same direction as the last. We reached the trailhead that we’d taken out of the picnic area to discover Billy waiting for us.
“Jon and Jamie are suiting up to go see what that was,” Billy said in a rush. “Jon said they wouldn’t leave until you arrived, but I was supposed to wait here for you and ask you to hurry.”
We followed as fast as my leg would allow as Billy led the way back to the house. I was gonna need to see Dr. Zahn soon. This trip was causing a good amount of pain, I just didn’t have time at the moment.
When we walked in, everybody was standing around two men bristling with weapons. Their packs looked light which meant no camping gear and probably minimal food.
“Steve,” Jon stepped forward, “I know we just spoke about dividing up missions. And I know that you said I’ve been out too much and need a break; but this is a RECON run, not a supply grab. This is something that I know and have training in.”
“No argument,” I said, holding my hands up. “Just promise not to do anything too crazy. I’d rather you not… engage?...get into a fight?”
“All we’re gonna do is have a look,” Jon replied.
“You better not do anything stupid.” Teresa stepped up to Jamie and began tugging and fussing with some of his straps like a mother sending a child out to play in the snow.
“Did you bump your head and forget who you are talking to?” Jamie snickered.
Teresa slapped him playfully, then threw her arms around his neck. While they kissed and hugged, Jon waited as patiently as he could, but his eyes had turned out the window and his gaze was boring a hole through the distant trees.
As the crowd migrated towards the doors, I pulled Jon aside and described as much as I could of what I’d seen from on the hill. He nodded, his mind probably making all sorts of deductions that were beyond me. After all…he was the Marine.
“While we’re gone, you should amp up security with an emphasis on everybody staying within the perimeter and in sight of another set of eyes at all times,” Jon instructed. “Hopefully the dead will stay down in the valley, but we can’t be absolutely sure.”
“And you take a look then get your asses back here,” I said, trying my best to sound authoritative while talking to a Marine who could chew me up and not bother with the pieces that got caught in his teeth.
I watched as the two men left and once again cursed my clumsiness and this damned injury. If these people were going to look to me for leadership, how could I measure up if I was not able to actually do anything?
***
“They’re coming!” Sunshine called from outside.
“They’ve got somebody with them,” Brad added.
I hobbled out onto the porch. There was in fact somebody with Jon and Jamie. My hope that it might be Jason was quickly dashed. This was obviously a female and, while she was walking under her own power, she had a noticeable limp.
“Go get the doc,” I told Sunshine. “Brad, get down to the river and tell Melissa to keep Thalia and Emily occupied for a little while.”
“Gotcha,” he said, but I could see his trepidation about telling Melissa anything.
The past four days had been tense while we waited for news from Jon and Jamie. There hadn’t been any more explosions, but a plume of smoke was easily seen over the tops of the trees and had grown over the past few days. Billy hiked up to the butte and returned with news that a huge fire was raging. It was moving away from us…for now. That night I called a meeting and told everybody to pack up essentials just in case we had to bug out. I would not allow us to be caught flat-footed if winds shifted and the fire suddenly began heading our direction. Also, I’d officially announced my engagement to Melissa; my logic was to give some good news with all the anxiety so that minds could find other things to focus on.
Today had the nippy feeling of fall in the air and I didn’t relish the idea of having to relocate and try and set up a new camp with the weather changing. There’d been some talk lately that had me thinking. With the weather getting colder…would the undead freeze? It would be nice to have a few months of freedom from their presence.
I started down the stairs, intent on meeting Jon as he turned on the entry road that led up the hill to the house. Halfway down, I noticed that he and Jamie kept glancing over their shoulders. Damn!
“Billy?” I called up to the crow’s nest.
“Yo?”
“Keep your eyes peeled. Our guys are watching over their shoulders a lot.”
“Will do, Boss.”
Boss? When had that happened?
As soon as I got close enough to the girl, I was hit with a momentary sick feeling. She had bandages wrapped around both arms as well as her right hand. Her right leg was bandaged just below the knee. Her clothing had been changed since the attack, but was already more than just a little bloody.
“Get everybody in the house!” Jon said.
“What’s going on?” I asked. I couldn’t help but visually scan him and Jamie for any sign of injury.
“We got a bunch on our ass,” Jon replied grimly.
“We won’t have a choice,” Jamie added. “We have to go to guns on this one and hope it doesn’t bring more.
“Who’s your friend?” I fell in beside them.
“Sammi Bishop,” the woman introduced herself, sounding strangely like she was a bit drunk. “I’d shake hands…but…” She held up the bloody and bandaged one with a weak smile. Even under all the cloth used to patch her up, and the blood that was dripping from the appendage, I could tell she was missing some digits.
“Sammi here was fighting her way out of a couple dozen of those things,” Jamie said, the admiration clear in his voice. “There were eight in her group. They were refueling a tanker—”
“Roger found a pack of smokes in the cab,” Sammi interrupted. Now she sounded like an angry drunk. “Idiot kept on pumping while he lit up. I was standing watch on the roof of a car. The tanker blew and threw me into some tall grass. That’s why I only had one of those bastards chewing on me when I woke up.”
I tried to imagine waking up to find yourself being eaten. That image quickly went into my file of worst possibilities. I returned my attention to her story.
“…to get on top of an RV. I lay flat, tearing up my shirt and using it to wrap my hand. I waited all day, but those bastards don’t leave once they get on your trail.” Sammi took a bottle of water from Jon as we walked. After a drink, she continued her story. “That night, it got so damned cold. I’d probably be a lot worse off if them fires hadn’t been burning.”
“What was the other explosion?” I asked.
“Our bus,” she answered. “We had a dozen or so cans of gas on board. Some were strapped to the rear; others were fastened to the back. Then there was all our ammo and the box of dynamite.”
“When we got there, Sammi was just sitting on the roof,” Jamie took over the story. “We got her attention and then tried to distract all the zombies around where she was so that she could get down and run for it.”
“It was going great…until one of them creepers under a truck reached out and tripped me,” Sammi slurred. She was getting worse. “I landed on my canteen and knocked the wind out of myself. All I could do was lay there helpless while that sumbitch gnawed on my leg.”
“Your luck is terrible.” I shook my head in disbelief.
“Yeah…well it seems to be contagious,” Jon spoke up. “Of course Sammi here is obviously immune. We wouldn’t have rescued her otherwise.” I briefly wondered at what point he’d made that determination. Had he watched her for a while on top of the RV? “And when we finally got her moving, which took a while since she wouldn’t let us touch her at
all.”
“I might not’ve turned, but the infection is in my blood,” Sammi spoke up again as we climbed the stairs to the house. “If y’all woulda had any cuts, you’d be done for.”
“That’s news,” I said, shaking my head. Again I was curious as to what bit of information had led her to such a discovery.
“We couldn’t move fast enough to shake ‘em,” Jamie offered, sounding apologetic. “We tried doubling back, you name it. We just couldn’t give ‘em the slip.”
“Because of me,” Sammi said sadly.
“What have we got?” Dr. Zahn stepped out on to the porch. Sunshine must’ve been thorough when she found the doc and gave a report because Dr. Zahn was already in gloves and scrubs.
“She’s lost a lot of blood,” Jon reported.
“Obviously,” Dr. Zahn said with a dismissive wave as she took Sammi by the arm and led her back to the former pantry that now served as her makeshift triage space. The door closed, but not before I saw Sunshine hooked up to a blood bag.
“They can’t be more than twenty minutes behind us.” Jon turned to me. “We might be able to take the leading edge of this mob with handhelds, but I’d be surprised if we get fewer than two hundred.”
“Jamie,” I turned to the young man, “go disable the trip wires on the perimeter flares. No sense wasting them since we know they’re coming. Billy is in the tower; take him with you.”
“I’m on it.” He nodded and left on the run.
“Melissa and the girls are at the stream,” I told Jon. “Get them up here. I’ll put Teresa in the tower, she’s the best shot.”
“Fine,” Jon agreed. “I’ll help with the disabling of the flare trips and set up to meet the leading edge.”
“Good, I’ll—”
“Stay up here,” he cut me off. “You will need to make certain that everybody is ready. Get all hands loading every single spare magazine we have.”