by Paul Seiple
Nick rolled out the truck.
"Nick?"
"James," Nick said.
James hobbled on a cane made from a tree branch toward his brother. "Stand at ease, Squatch," he said to the man with the rifle.
"Squatch? I get it. Seven-foot-tall. Hairy." Nick shrugged his shoulders at Squatch. "It's fitting."
"I was worried you were dead," James said, hugging Nick.
"Phone stopped working. How did you gain weight in a zombie apocalypse?" Nick asked.
James smiled. "Still a smart ass, I see."
"Always," Nick said.
James eyed Q. "Nick didn't tell me he was traveling with royalty."
Daria extended her hand. "Hey, thanks. I'm Daria."
James laughed. "And who is this?"
"A pain in the ass," Nick said.
"This pain in the ass saved your ass more times than I can count," Daria said.
"So, maybe two or three times," Nick said.
Q stepped between Daria and Nick and tapped James on the shoulder. "It's good to see you again, my friend."
"I know someone else who's going to be happy to see you," James said.
"Is Carolyn here?" Q asked.
"She is," James said, returning the pat to Q's shoulder. "Let's get inside.”
Q felt like someone sucker-punched him in the gut when he saw Carolyn. She had her back to him, but there was no denying the flowing brown hair. A pseudo smell of coconut found its way into his nose. There was no way she still had the shampoo in the apocalypse, but memories flooded Q's mind and assaulted his senses. His lips tasted her vanilla bean Chapstick. Anticipation lodged in his throat, making swallowing a chore. Carolyn turned to her side and laughed with a woman next to her. Carolyn's smile made Q weak.
"You just going to stare at her or what?" James said. He didn't give Q a chance to answer. He called out to Carolyn. All expression left her face when she saw Q.
"Are you both going to just stare at other? I was hoping for a Hallmark moment," James said.
"Q? Is it really..."
"Yes," Q said. "I never thought I would see you again."
Carolyn took Q's hand and traced his fingers with hers. "I'm sorry."
"Save the apologies for later." Q grabbed Carolyn and pulled her tight.
"There's your Hallmark moment," Nick said.
Twenty-Eight
Alan's legs were numb. Each step was an adventure. He fell far behind Denise, Tabby, and Meg. Melanie held back a little to keep him in sight. She was riddled with anxiety about bringing Alan to Winston. Melanie put the safety of her people above all. Roger's death hadn't completely hit her yet. He would be alive if he hadn't been gracious enough to take her in. Was she making the same mistake by bringing Alan to Winston?
"You still making it back there?" Melanie asked.
Alan bent over, placed his hands on his knees, and dry-heaved.
"Go ahead. I'm going to help him. We’ll be right behind you," Melanie said.
Denise stopped running. "We can't leave you here."
"Just leave him. He's responsible for this shit anyway," Meg said.
"I'm not leaving him," Melanie said, placing Alan's arm over her shoulder.
Denise sighed. "Shit. Go on home. I’ll help Melanie." She ran back and draped Alan's other arm over her shoulder.
"We stay together," Tabby said. "Strength in numbers."
"It's really a good thing I like you girls," Meg said, waiting for them to catch up.
Squatch stood with his elbows propped on an old gasoline sign. He was head and shoulders above the fence. He told himself not to worry. Denise, Tabby, and Meg should have been back before dark. That gave them about ten minutes before the sun set. If they weren't back, he was going to find them.
"Worried?" Cindy asked.
"They can take care of themselves. Hell, I'm sure they are better out there than me," Squatch said.
"Yeah, Denise is a pistol. Tabby is crafty. And Meg is a bitch."
"Being a bitch can save your life these days," Squatch said.
"I need to remember that next time I argue with Roger." Cindy wiped a tear from her cheek. "I never thought anyone could get in like that. We have damn tight safety."
"Roger will be fine. We are going to get them back, and then deal with the assholes who took them," Squatch said.
Cindy smiled. "I hope you're right about getting them back. I know you're right about dealing with the assholes who took them."
"Only the worst suffering for them." Squatch smiled. "Who's on watch?"
"Alison is up there. I'm going back to keep her company in a few. What do you think about our new guests?"
"More mouths to feed, but I would go apeshit if someone tried to turn away my family."
"Yeah, apparently, that Q guy was Carolyn's fiancé before this shitstorm,” Cindy said.
"All right, it's dark, I'm going after them," Squatch said. He checked his pocket for shells before picking up the shotgun.
"Open the gate. I'm hungry," Meg said loud enough for the entire compound to hear.
"Looks like you don't have to go out there after all," Cindy said.
Squatch unlatched the gate. Meg walked through, followed by Tabby.
"Where's Denise?" Squatch said.
"Slow as usual," Meg said.
"She's right behind with Melanie," Tabby said.
"Oh, did I forget to mention, we found Melanie," Meg said.
Squatch caught sight of Denise and Melanie carrying Alan. He ran to them. "Who's this?" he asked, taking Alan's arm from around Denise's shoulder.
"He saved me," Melanie said.
"Good enough for me," Squatch said, picking Alan up. "You good?"
"A little banged up, but I'll live," Melanie said. "Take him to medical."
Squatch ran past Cindy, who stood by the gate.
"Where's Roger?" Cindy asked.
"He didn't make it, Cindy," Melanie said.
"What... what do you mean he didn't make it?"
"He was killed by the people who kidnapped us," Melanie said.
Cindy collapsed to her knees and sobbed. Melanie knelt beside Cindy and rubbed her shoulders.
"How?" Cindy asked.
"He died protecting me. He died a hero," Melanie said, motioning for Denise to leave her with Cindy.
"Why did they come here?" Cindy asked.
"They wanted me," Melanie said.
Cindy smacked Melanie's hand away. She stood and pushed Melanie to the ground. "You're the reason Roger died. You're the reason we're all going to die."
Cindy ran away. Melanie fell back on the ground. "I'm not the right person to lead these people." She closed her eyes.
"When are you going to start listening to me? You're the only leader we need."
Melanie opened her eyes. "James." She sprang up and hugged James, nearly knocking him over.
"Watch it. I have a bad wheel," James said.
Melanie eyed his foot wrapped in a splint made of plyboard. She winced. "How bad is it?"
"Without x-rays, I can't say it's broken, but I can safely say my days of running marathons are over," James said.
"Like they ever began."
James touched the bandage on her face. "Did they hurt you?"
"I hurt one of them."
"That's my girl."
"It's probably going to leave a scar," Melanie said.
"I'm jealous. It'll just remind me of the bad-ass you are," James said.
"I don't feel like a bad-ass. They killed Roger in front of me. James, they strung him up like a piñata and gutted him."
"It's not your fault," James said.
"Cindy thinks it is, and I have a feeling she won't be the only one to feel that way."
"Cindy is grieving. We have to give her time."
"Let's go home. I'm exhausted," Melanie said.
"I do have some good news. Nick made it."
Melanie hugged James again, but this time, she eased up. "I knew he would make it."
"He's not alone. Q Warren is with him."
"Who?"
"Q was the surgeon general when Judas hit. He has the best mind for medicine of anyone I've been around."
"Including yourself?" Melanie asked with a smile.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but yes," James said. "We finally have everything we need to start building a new world." James kissed Melanie on the forehead. "And you'll be our leader."
"I'm really all right. It's just a cut," Nick said.
"You're James's brother and cuts can get infected. Now are you going to let me take a look at it, or do I have to get your brother in here?"
"What did you say your name was again?" Nick asked.
"I didn't, but it's Laura. You can call me ‘doctor.’"
"And what's your education, Laura? I like to know my doctor is qualified to treat my wound."
Laura smiled. "Your brother taught me."
"Oh, so you're not a real doctor?" Nick asked.
"I can treat your cut," Laura said.
"So can Neosporin," Nick said.
"OK, smart ass, do you have Neosporin?" Laura said.
Nick extended his forearm.
"That's better." Laura inspected the cut. "Well, you don't need stitches. A little Neosporin, and you'll be fine."
"My brother is a shitty teacher," Nick said.
Laura laughed.
There was only one other patient in the infirmary. A man lay on his side with his back to Nick. He coughed and then vomited into a bucket.
"Should I be in here with him?" Nick asked.
"He's harmless, scaredy cat. His body is having a reaction to food. Apparently, he has been living off tree bark," Laura said.
"I tried that once. It was a little too natural for me," Nick said.
"You're just full of jokes, aren't you?" Laura asked.
"He's full of something," the man said after getting sick. "Can you please shut up? My head is splitting."
"Can you please stop puking? It's nasty."
"Nick," Laura said.
"Wait a minute. Nick Preston?" the man said without turning over.
"How do you know me?" Nick asked.
The man rolled over. "It was the horrible jokes."
Nick squinted. "Do I know you?"
Laura rushed to the man as he tried to sit up. She propped him against her side.
"I'm Alan Dawson."
"No fucking way. You look like shit," Nick said.
"Nick," Laura said.
"It's OK. I'm used to him," Alan said.
"I thought you were dead. So, actually, you look better than I thought you would," Nick said.
"Mitch kept me hostage for a few months. I escaped, but it was after Judas spread. Is Q with you?"
"Yeah, but he's off playing house with Carolyn somewhere. I don't plan on seeing him for a few days."
"Swann is here too?" Alan asked.
"Yeah. So is my brother, James. How did you get here?" Nick asked.
"I helped Melanie, and she brought me back."
"Who's Melanie?" Nick asked.
"She is the leader of Winston," Laura said.
"I'm surprised my brother didn't try to be the leader," Nick said.
"Melanie is his girlfriend," Laura said.
"My brother has a girlfriend? Shit, the world ends, and James starts to live," Nick said.
Carolyn lit a candle. The smell of citronella filled the room. Q hated the smell, but it seemed tolerable in present company. He watched Carolyn in the shadow of the flame. She hadn't changed much since the last time he saw her nearly three years earlier. Carolyn took a seat on the corner of the bed and stared at Q.
"What?" Q asked.
"I guess this is the feeling people have when they see a ghost. I don't know what to say," Carolyn said.
"Are you happy to see me?" Q asked.
"Of course I am," Carolyn said. "It took a long time to get used to life without you."
"Why didn't you try to contact me after Black Dog?" Q asked.
"You're the smartest man I know, Q. You know the answer to that."
"I grieved for you. It hurt like hell letting you go," Q said.
"I had to let you go too," Carolyn said.
Q shifted and then stood. He moved to the other side of the room. "But you knew I was alive."
"I saw how fast Judas spread in Black Dog. It was only a matter of time before it became epidemic."
Q faced Carolyn. Anger burned his cheeks. He couldn't look at her long. Q was mad, but more than that, he was hurt. Carolyn could always ease his frustration with a glance. This time, she was the cause of his pain. He needed her to know that.
"Just stop lying to me, Carolyn."
"I'm not lying to you. I thought you were dead."
"You, above everyone else, knew H1N1 presented immunity to Judas," Q said.
"I wasn't afraid you would contract the virus. I saw firsthand what it did to people who weren't immune. No one is immune from Judas. If it doesn't infect you, the infected will kill you," Carolyn said.
"Bullshit. You could have let me know you were safe," Q said.
"And if I did, we wouldn't be having this argument now. We would both be dead. ARMA planned to erase its mistake."
"Judas wasn't a mistake. You know that. Hell, you created it," Q said.
"Is that what this is about?" Carolyn asked.
"You went behind my back," Q said.
"I'm sorry. The money I was promised would have been enough to give my mother the best care. She was my priority. I was blind to anything else."
"Your blindness helped to wipe out the population, including your mother," Q said.
A single tear trickled down Carolyn's cheek. "You bastard. I live with that guilt every day." Carolyn slapped Q and ran out of the room. Instinct nudged him to chase after her, but he hesitated. Q wasn't sure he wanted to chase her.
"Hey, wanna join us for a smoke?"
Daria glared at the girl. She couldn't have been more than fifteen. She was flanked by two other girls who laughed at the question. Daria shook her head and walked away.
"You too good to smoke with us?" the girl asked.
"Smoking will kill you," Daria said without turning back.
"So will JVs. It's the lesser of two evils," the girl said.
"Don't pay any attention to them. They're all talk. They didn't even have any smokes." The boy extended his hand. "I'm Ben."
Daria brushed Ben's hand away and pushed by him.
"You're going to get really lonely if you don't make friends here," Ben said.
Daria waved him off. She walked to the edge of the east fence and sat on a spool that used to house electrical wire. She kicked the heels of her Chucks against the wood, creating a drum beat.
“‘Hotel California,’ right?"
"What?" Daria asked.
"Nothing. I was just trying to make a joke about checking in but never leaving or something. I'm a terrible comedian, though. You're probably too young to know it anyway."
"OK," Daria said.
"I'm Melanie."
"Daria."
Melanie took a seat on the spool with her back to Daria. She kicked the wood with her heels.
"Kill you before you kill me," Daria said.
"What?" Melanie asked.
"The song you're tapping with your feet. It's 'Kill You Before You Kill Me' by Wednesday 13, right?" Daria flashed a smile and hid it as fast as she showed it.
"I'm afraid I don't know that one," Melanie said.
"Yeah, you're probably too old."
"Touché," Melanie said.
"And I know 'Hotel California.' Q forces me to listen to his old people playlist," Daria said.
Melanie smiled.
"It's really not that bad, but don't tell him I said that," Daria said.
"Your secret's safe with me," Melanie said.
"So, how long have you lived here?" Daria asked.
"We came here a few months after the virus hit. We lived in an
old fifties fall-out shelter over there." Melanie pointed to a door sticking out of the ground near a water well. "We've only been above ground full-time for a month or so."
"Well, it seems pretty nice here except for those brats over there," Daria said.
"They're good kids, but yeah, they can get on your nerves," Melanie said.
"Someone's outside the wall."
The male's deep voice gripped Melanie's spine. He found me, she thought. "Stay here."
"And run the risk of one of those kids talking to me again? Not a chance in hell." Daria ran behind Melanie.
"It's Sarah and Steven," Edward said from the guard post.
The metal gate creaked and slowly opened. Steven stumbled, kicked up a pile of dust, and fell to the ground. Once inside the gate, Sarah drooped and put her hands on her knees.
"What the hell were you doing out there after dark?" Melanie asked.
"Looking for you," Sarah said between deep breaths.
Melanie helped Steven to his feet.
"We found Oli and James. We didn’t think anyone else was looking for you. We had to," Steven said.
Melanie hugged him. "You shouldn't have been out after dark but thank you."
"There's a bigger issue than the assholes who kidnapped you," Sarah said.
"What?" Melanie asked.
"We made it to the freak carnival," Sarah said.
"Did they see you?" Melanie asked.
"No one saw us. Those freaks were too busy getting murdered," Steven said.
Melanie pushed Steven away. "What?"
"A group that looked military wiped out the carnival," Sarah said.
"I know we’re new here, but no party invite, really?" Nick asked. He stopped beside Melanie. "Is it just me or is this rude, Alan?"
"He's always like this," Alan said.
"I tried to keep them in medical, but they wouldn't listen to me," Laura said.
Melanie ignored the chatter and turned her attention back to Sarah and Steven. "What did you see?"
"We didn't see much. It's what we heard," Steven said.
"A bunch of gunshots," Sarah said. "And then bragging about making Mitch happy?"
"Wait? Mitch?" Alan asked. "Are you sure?"
"I can hear," Sarah said.
"Shit. I should have known," Alan said.
"Is this the same Mitch you told me about?" Melanie asked.