Dangerous Days: Boxed Set (A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Thriller Books 1-4)

by Baileigh Higgins

  “Where did you find him?” Ke Tau asked the guards.

  “They did not find me. I found them,” Michael answered.

  Ke Tau’s eyes flicked to Michael, studying him like one might study an insect. “Is that true?”

  “He…he came to us,” one admitted.

  “So you let this man wander into our midst? You did not see him first?” Ke Tau’s voice was mild, his face expressionless, but that single dread eye flickered with something indescribable. The guards quailed beside Michael.

  The gang leader cut a piece of steak with his knife and shoved it into his mouth. He chewed with vigor, jaws working to masticate the meat. Bloody juices dribbled down his chin. He did not bother to wipe it off, and Michael wondered in passing where they got the meat. He hadn’t seen a beef steak in months.

  “Why did you come here? I sense it was not an accident.”

  “It was not.” Michael drew himself up, lifting his chin. “I’m here because I want the same thing you do.”

  “And what is that?”

  “To see a certain camp of survivors fall.”

  Ke Tau’s good eye narrowed. “Is that so?”

  Michael remained silent.

  Ke Tau leaned forward. “Why do you want to see them die? I’m curious.”

  “Because they took something from me.”

  “What did they take?”

  “A future.”

  Epilogue - Logan

  The Landrover topped out on the rise, and Logan slowed to a stop. Beside him, Nadia sat up straight, craning her head to see better. “Is that it? Is that St. Francis?”

  “Yup.” He dropped the visor to shield his eyes from the glare, and they gazed at the scene stretched out before them in silence.

  The setting sun sank below the horizon, and an explosion of dying color shimmered across the vast expanse of the ocean. It bathed the beach in yellow, and the sand glittered like flecks of gold. Dunes covered in forest green undulated like waves, mimicking the sea.

  A system of canals cut through the town, the same dark blue as the sea. Multi-storied houses with whitewashed walls and iron gray thatched roofs hugged the banks and coastline. The city was devoid of the usual trappings of modern society such as malls, neon lights, and garish advertisement boards. Instead, it looked tranquil and serene, untouched by the world outside.

  “Wow, look at that,” Nadia said, her voice breathy with excitement. “It’s beautiful.”

  “It is,” Logan agreed. He could make out faint figures moving along the street, going about their business. In the distance, Chokka boats bobbed on the water, adding to the normality of the picture.

  The one discordant note was the massive wall surrounding the town. It looped around the entire place, stretching from shore to shore. Guard towers stood watch at strategic points, and a stretch of vegetation had been cleared all around it to improve visibility. “Well, they sure look like they’ve got it all figured out.”

  “Do you think they’re friendly?” Nadia looked at him with worried eyes, her brow furrowed.

  “I’m sure they are. Why else would they offer sanctuary to survivors?” Logan replied.

  “Yeah, but still.” Nadia fidgeted in her seat. “Do we have to go there?”

  “It’s other survivors, Nadia. That’s a big deal. Plus it sounds like they’re being run by an old army friend of Max’s. We should at least check it out.”

  “Yeah, whatever.” She folded her arms and stared out the window.

  Logan eyed her and figured the real problem lay deeper than just an objection to strangers. “Are you still worried that people won’t accept you?”

  “No.”

  “Are you sure? Because you’re acting all crazy.”

  Nadia glared at him for a few seconds before relenting. “What if they’re scared of me?”

  “They won’t be.”

  “They should be.”

  Impatience welled up inside Logan. “We’ve talked about this before. You’ll be fine; they’ll be fine. Just don’t kiss any boys, okay?”

  “Excuse me? You think I’d just go around kissing boys? Especially after…after…” Her face went pale, and she sucked in a deep breath before continuing her tirade. “I know what I am, Logan. I’m a killer, and I will never, ever touch another living being for as long as I live. Got that?”

  Silence fell, her angry words fading away. She slumped back into her seat, turning her face away.

  Shame filled Logan, and he sighed. “Fuck, I’m sorry. I don’t know why I said that. I―”

  “Look, just forget it, okay?” she said, waving a dismissive hand.

  “No, it’s not okay. I’m sorry.”

  “I said it’s fine. Stop coddling me!” She lifted her chin and stared resolutely ahead, lips compressed. “Let’s just get this over with.”

  Logan stared at her profile then shrugged, easing the Land Rover into first gear. There was no point in trying to talk further. Nadia was as stubborn and temperamental as a donkey. Shit, she’s even worse than I am.

  The truck pulled away, the nose pointing towards the settlement below. The sun was fading fast, twilight giving way to night. Powerful spotlights flared to life, lighting the wall and surrounds in a glare of white.

  They must have a steady supply of electricity, Logan thought, his admiration growing by the second.

  As they neared the monstrosity that served as a wall, the tension between them receded. It was replaced instead, by a new form of stress in the shape of the armed guards. They patrolled the wall in uniform, fully armed with rifles and shotguns. Their manner was alert, and several gathered close to the gate, watching Logan and Nadia approach.

  The distance closed, and Logan had the fleeting thought that maybe this was a bad idea. He wondered whether his assurances toward Nadia earlier would now prove to be wrong. His attention was pulled away from such morbid thoughts when an excited Nadia bounced in her seat and grabbed his arm.

  “What the hell is that?” she asked.

  “What?”

  She pointed to an object stuck into the bare ground. It was a sign. A warning sign. In big red letters, it read: “Caution. Landmines.”

  Logan whistled, his eyes catching the craters that dotted the area. “They certainly mean business here. Not a bad way to take out stray infected, though.”

  The gate loomed above them, and Logan eased to a stop. The engine idled while he sat, waiting for some form of a command. Several guns were pointed their way, and the guard’s faces were unreadable.

  Nadia paled, shrinking back into her seat. “Logan.”

  Logan was beginning to think she was right. “It’s all right.”

  “We should leave.” She grabbed his hand and squeezed. “Please, let’s go. I don’t like this.”

  Logan hesitated, tempted to do as she said. The gates opened, the two sides swinging outward with a groan of metal. An imposing figure appeared silhouetted within the gap.

  The man walked toward them with long strides, covering the distance with effortless grace. He was alone, and his hands were empty. Logan noted the way the guards stood closer, their gun barrels trained on the Land Rover with unwavering intensity. He made a few quick calculations in his head and came to a decision. Cracking the door open, he said, “Wait here.”

  Nadia didn’t reply, watching with huge eyes instead. Logan climbed out of the truck, his booted feet hitting the tar with a dull thud. He moved away from the open door and raised his hands to show he meant no harm.

  When only a short distance separated them, the man halted, staring at Logan with a piercing gaze. He was tall and broad-shouldered, an imposing figure that radiated confidence. Tanned and weathered, his face told of days spent in the outdoors, deep lines crinkling the corners of his eyes.

  “I’m Martin Ashwood, and this is my home. I’m in charge here. Please, state your purpose.” Martin’s voice was low, the vowels clipped and rough. He stood with his arms hanging in a relaxed manner, but Logan wasn’t fooled. He’s
got a gun hidden somewhere. I’d bet my life on it.

  Logan eyed him with keen appreciation before answering. “The name’s Logan, and that’s Nadia. We heard your broadcast on the radio.”

  “Do you need shelter? Food?”

  With a faint smile, Logan shook his head. “Not really. We were doing just fine on our own.”

  “Then why are you here?”

  “Curiosity. I’ve heard your name before.”

  “Really? I don’t think we’ve met.”

  “Not in person, but I’ve heard a lot about you from a mutual friend.”

  “Mutual friend?” Martin cocked his head.

  “That’s right. Remember Max?”

  “Max?” Martin rocked back on his heels. “You know Max?”

  “That I do,” Logan said. “Max Rees. Max is short for Maximillian. He was enlisted in the army with you, permanent force. You both went AWOL when the shit hit the fan. Am I right?”

  “My God!” Martin let out an explosive breath, astonishment written across his features. “After all this time. He’s alive?”

  “As far as I know. He’s running a camp of survivors back on his home turf.”

  Martin shook his head and stuck out his hand. “Always a pleasure to meet a friend of a friend.”

  “Likewise,” Logan agreed.

  The two men shook hands, and Martin waved at the guards on the wall. They relaxed, and their gun barrels lowered. “Guess we’ve got a lot to talk about. Pull in, and I’ll get you sorted out.”

  “Thanks.”

  Logan got back into the Landie and grinned at Nadia. “Ready for this?”

  “Nope,” she replied.

  “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back,” Logan said. She bobbed her head in answer and relaxed a little.

  He drove through the gates. They closed behind him with a clang, sealing them inside. No turning back now.

  Before them lay the town, hushed and waiting. The stars had come out, twinkling above the sprawling streets and houses like diamonds. Martin waved them onward to show the way.

  For a moment, Logan hesitated. “We don’t have to tell them what you are unless you want to. Just be careful and stay by my side. Deal?”

  Nadia stared at him with surprise. “Deal.”

  “Ready?” he asked.

  “Ready.” With a firm nod, Nadia signaled her agreement.

  The bargain was struck, and Logan stepped on the accelerator, following behind Martin. As they crept deeper into the town, Logan wondered what awaited them. Time to find out.

  Live Another Day

  Chapter 1 - Nadia

  Nadia awoke before dawn and stared up at the ceiling above her head. It was still dark, the black only beginning to fade to gray. From experience, she knew enough to know that few people would be up yet. Only in about an hour, or so. Sufficient time to do what she did every morning since she arrived at St. Francis without being subject to too many curious stares.

  She slipped out from between the warm sheets that covered the bed. Her bare feet touched the smooth tiles, and her toes curled when a chill shot through her soles. For a second, she was tempted to crawl back into bed, but the sea beckoned, and she dismissed the thought.

  Her clothes hung across the back of a sturdy chair, and she slipped on the black tights and cowl-necked sweater she’d been given by the kind lady who managed the central stores of St. Francis Bay. Supplies were plentiful here, and she had more clothes now than she’d had in a while.

  Bare-footed, she padded across the floor toward the sliding door that opened onto the patio. She unlocked it and took a deep breath of the salty sea air. A breeze stirred her short hair and brushed across the nape of her neck. It was chilly. The bite in the air announced that winter was here. For now, though, it was still bearable. The seasons here were far more moderate than further inland, rarely going to extremes of cold.

  In the distance, the ocean called to her, the crashing of the waves soothing to her ears. She closed the door before she left, or else the monkeys would ransack her room. They were a constant nuisance, and almost worse than the zoms, in her opinion.

  She cut across the garden to a small gate, pausing once to admire a beautiful rose bloom, the last of the season. Its petals were white, coloring to a dark pink around the edges. Nadia inhaled the heady scent and marveled that she was able to enjoy such a pure pleasure in these times.

  The wooden gate opened onto the street, and she let herself out. With swift strides, she walked downhill, following the winding road. She nodded at an old couple who were out walking their dog and threw a wave at Ayesha who worked in the creche. “Morning.”

  “Good morning, Nadia,” Ayesha replied, her lashes lowering shyly over huge doe eyes.

  Nadia passed two armed men who nodded but didn’t pause in their patrol, and then she reached her destination, the beach. Her feet sank into the fine golden sand, and she headed toward her rock. A stone slab, smoothed and weathered by the elements, jutted into the air and offered a gorgeous view of the sea.

  She hurried over and clambered up to find her customary seat; a hollowed out ledge. Her legs dangled down, and every time a wave crashed around the base of the rock, her feet got splashed.

  Nadia let out a deep breath and let her eyes wander across the horizon where the vast ocean stretched as far as it was possible to see. It was a stirring sight, one that never failed to soothe the raw pain that coiled inside her at all times.

  A month. That was how long it had been since she and Logan arrived at this refuge. And a haven it truly was.

  The beautiful houses with their whitewashed walls and deep gray thatched roofs were the pride of St. Francis. Lush gardens and trees filled all the backyards and lined the street. On the canal, wooden jetty’s jutted onto the green waters of the river, while the beach was a stretch of gold that edged onto the deep blue of the sea waters.

  The inhabitants were kind too. At least all of those she’d met so far. Marie, the lady in charge of supplies, Kimberley, Martin’s young daughter, and Thys, Martin’s second in command. Even Martin was likable. He was stern and uncompromising, yet fair. The type of leader that led by example.

  There was no need for fear or to go around armed all the time. The town was safe, kept so by the dedicated men and women who manned the walls and kept watch. It was a beautiful feeling, this freedom from death. I’ve enjoyed my time here. It’s so calm and peaceful. Like time has ceased to exist. Is this it? Is this what home feels like?

  She’d never known a real home. A place where she felt safe and loved. Growing up with a drug addict mother and alcoholic stepfather had been hell. A hell made bearable solely because of her brother Bobby.

  Until that day.

  Another loss. Another cut to the heart.

  So many.

  When will it ever end?

  A deep voice intruded on her thoughts. “Good morning, Nadia.”

  Caleb.

  “Morning,” Nadia replied, conscious of a sudden stirring in the pit of her stomach. She twisted in her seat to look down at him. Her mouth went dry at the sight of his face.

  “Do you mind if I join you?”

  “If you want.”

  She moved up a bit to make room and watched as he climbed up the rock with the lithe ease of a leopard. He sat down next to her, so close that their legs touched. Her skin prickled at the contact, even through the material of her tights.

  She swallowed. “It’s a lovely day, isn’t it?”

  “Yes.”

  “You’re up early,” she tried again.

  “So are you.”

  It was evident that neither the weather nor the time of day interested him. She knew very well what did, however, and it flustered her. “I―”

  “You know why I’m here,” Caleb interrupted.

  “Yes,” she admitted.

  “It’s the same reason I’m here every day.”

  “I know.” A knot of heat formed in her breast, spreading out to her extremities until it felt
like her whole body was on fire.

  From the moment she’d met him, Caleb was an enigma. In his mid-twenties, he was a man of few words and intense emotions. He’d made it clear that he wanted her and would stop at nothing to get his way, much to Logan’s irritation who viewed him as a meddling boy.

  “It’s the same reason you come here every day,” he said. “Because you know I’ll follow.”

  “That’s not true,” she protested. “I come here for the view. For the peace.”

  “Perhaps,” he conceded. “But that’s not the only reason why you come here. Admit it.”

  “I…” she sighed, at a loss for words. What Caleb said was the truth. She did come here because of the view, because of the calm it infused into her raw soul, but she also came because he’d be there. Every day, without fail.

  “You cannot deny it.”

  “I can try,” she whispered.

  Her own emotions confused her. She still missed Branden, of course. Not a day went by that she didn’t feel guilty over his death and wished that she could take it back. But Caleb stirred something in her that she never knew existed. Just another complication in my life.

  “You know I’m right. We belong together, Nadia.” His green eyes cut her to the quick, the sharp angles of his face harsh in the morning light.

  Nadia shivered at the sound of her name on his lips and longed to reach up to him. She didn’t. Instead, she shook her head miserably. “You’re wrong.”

  “Just give me a chance. That’s all I ask.” His earnest look pleaded with her. An expression not typical of his haughty features.

  “I’m telling you I can’t.” She looked away with a determined set of her shoulders and gritted her teeth. Usually, at this point, he would back away and leave her alone. Today, the touch of his fingers on her jaw startled her, and she whirled around with a gasp.

  “Nadia,” he said. His eyes bored into hers, and he leaned in for a kiss.

  For a breathless second, she wished she could let him. Then reality set in, and she jerked away as icy fear washed through her veins. I’ll kill him. “No, I can’t. Leave me alone, Caleb.”