Dead Hearts (Book 1): Morbid Hearts

by Susanne L. Lambdin

  “Wrap it up people,” called Cadence. She wiped her brow and stepped back from the fire.

  Whisper tossed a severed limb into the fire and gave her a nod, indicating the task was complete. Cadence took a moment to reload her weapon and take a brief survey of the team. Blaze loaded a collection of berets and dog tags, while Smack collapsed exhausted after lugging a large bag of weapons onto Whisper’s vehicle.

  “Fourteen berets,” Blaze reported. “We’re one short, in my opinion. Rafe doesn’t deserve his. That loser should be booted out of the Freedom Army.”

  Blaze was right, but Cadence remained silent. Rafe did not deserve to hold rank in the Freedom Army. He was a coward. She was glad he was alive, but she was disappointed by his cowardice, and angry for how he had overreacted. Their relationship was over, that much was certain.

  “You know, when I was a kid I never thought I’d end up pick-pocketing the dead.” Dodger expressed his disgust as he walked by Cadence. “It’s not that I mind stealing things I want, but you have to admit that what we do for a living is pretty much grave robbing. It’s just gross, boss.”

  Everyone was dirty, tired, and discouraged. “I want to go home,” said Smack. She looked up from where she sat on the ground, her face smudged with soot from the fire. “I miss my parents.”

  Dodger knelt beside her. “Sure you do, kiddo.” He punched her in the arm. “Come on. Smile for me. You were great today. You handled that gun like a pro.”

  Smack looked proud. “I did, didn’t I?”

  “You did, and your parents would have been proud of you. I am,” Dodger said, holding up a necklace with a curious medallion. He slipped it over her head. “I think it’s Wiccan.

  Something I know you like. Wish it was diamonds, though.”

  Cadence turned to watch the bodies burn. The fire crackled and smacked its jaws. They had killed so many zombies and survived the onslaught today. Beyond that, they worked as a team to clean the area, secure weapons and block the hole in the fence. Above all, she felt by collecting the berets they honored the fallen soldiers in some small way. She felt good, and lucky. The Tigers were a unit. They were family.

  “Good work, team.” Cadence patted Whisper on the back. “A lot of credit goes to you, Whisper. I don’t want to give you a big head, but nobody is a better shot than you. I mean that.”

  Smack let out a whistle, while Blaze and Dodger applauded. Freeborn saluted from where she stood. Whisper pulled the hood of his parka over his head. His dark, mysterious eyes peered from the shadow.

  “Thanks, Cadence,” said Whisper “I was worried there for a second, until you charged and laid down the law. You fight like a real-life ninja. Dragon taught you well.”

  Cadence was shocked. Whisper had spoken more than two words. Whatever Whisper experienced during the Scourge, he kept to himself, along with his voice. It was rare to hear him express himself. She tried to think of a witty comeback when the roar of motorcycles forced her attention to what approached behind her.

  The Vikings rode in from the main street, led by Thor. His second-in-command and girlfriend, Raven, rode behind him. Thor was seventeen and full of bravado. He was big, handsome, and arrogant. The real brain of the Vikings, however, was Raven. She was a year younger, Latino, and drop-dead gorgeous. Her biggest problem was keeping her temper in check. Raven had few friends and was always fighting with some other girl, mainly about Thor.

  “First one off his bike gets shot in the head,” Cadence said.

  Cadence aimed at Thor, with full intention. Heimdall, a strapping, tall Viking, reached for his rifle. Loki, Baldor, and the squinty-eyed Odin froze on their bikes. Raven disregarded the threat and slid off her bike. She sauntered over to Cadence. Painted lips, leather-clad visage, and her signature rattlesnake tattoo, complete with a red rose between its fangs, communicated boldness and an ‘I don’t care what you do’ attitude.

  “Did you not hear what I just said?” asked Cadence. “This is our kill. You don’t get any credit for it, Raven. You’re not taking anything from us. Not this time. Try it and I’ll shoot Thor.” She heard the leader of the Vikings swear softly at the threat.

  “Pay up, Cadence,” said Raven. “You know the score. You fetch. We take.”

  Raven gave a smug look and Cadence wanted to deck her. Her voice was tense. “I’m serious, Raven. I’m in a real bad mood, so I suggest you get back on your bike and get moving. This isn’t like last time. You’re not cheating us again.” She pointed her gun at Raven. “I mean it. Back off.”

  Raven yelled a few expletives in Spanish and glanced back to her boyfriend, motioning for Thor to stay on his bike. He was furious. So were the rest of the Vikings. Hatred emanated toward Cadence.

  “Fine,” said Raven. “We’ll go, but give me a beret for my collection.”

  “No. You didn’t earn it, as usual,” said Cadence. Wasting no more time, she shouted, “Mount up, Tigers. Let’s get out of here.”

  Cadence holstered her gun, pushed Raven aside, and marched to Whisper’s four-wheeler. With one less vehicle, Whisper was her ride back to camp. Raven returned to Thor and whispered something in his ear.

  Cadence pointed at the blonde giant. “Try anything and I’ll wipe that smile off your face. Try to call my bluff and you’ll see I’m not kidding.”

  Raven fumed at the threat. Thor lifted his head a notch, remaining silent.

  “Me either,” said Smack.

  “That makes six of us,” Dodger called out. He waved a handgun in the air. “See you later, punks. Better luck next time.”

  “If they have a next time,” said Blaze, laughing.

  The Tigers lined up next to each other, each one aiming at Thor. The leader of the Vikings acted like it was a conspiracy and hung his head. Raven pointed her finger at Blaze, and then slid it across her throat.

  “Like to see you try!” said Blaze.

  Cadence felt the tension building and feared Thor would react and start shooting. She did not want any trouble, and she couldn’t afford to lose any of her team over something like this. However, the Vikings were not leaving and she needed a change of plans to avoid bloodshed. Cadence pointed toward the truck that was blocking the breach in the fence.

  Cadence lowered her weapon. “Look. Some of the zombies got through the fence. I don’t know how many. I don’t like it, but I think we should ride back together. We’re safer with more numbers.”

  Raven looked around, nervous. “Maybe you’re right. It’s safer in a pack.” She pointed at the guns on the back of a four-wheeler. “There are more than enough guns to give us each one. Give us all a rifle and we’ll ride with you.”

  “I don’t trust you,” said Cadence. “Past experiences with your team haven’t won you any points with the Tigers. If we give your team weapons you’ll shoot us or our gas tanks and steal everything. I’m tired of your team getting the credit that belongs to us.”

  “Man, you’re so uptight. Let’s make it official, okay? I’ll give you my blood oath.” Raven spit in her hand and offered it to Cadence. “If we trick you, you have the right to cut the oath giver. That’s me. It’s the Viking way.”

  Thor revved his motorcycle. “Yeah, we promise not to screw you this time Cadence. If we get attacked, it would be better if we’re all armed. The Captain will take all the weapons the moment you get back to the camp, so what’s the big deal?” He glanced over his shoulder. “Raven gave a blood oath. If anyone on my team betrays her and she gets cut, I’ll personally kick their ass.”

  Blaze counseled her leader. “Don’t trust them.”

  “Screw the Vikings,” Dodger and Smack said at the same time.

  Whisper shook his head at Cadence, making it clear how he felt. Freeborn engaged her shotgun for emphasis. Cadence hesitated. She knew how her team felt, but she was worried about making it home in one piece. Raven sensed she was about to get her way and stuck out her hand.

  “How about it, Cadence?” Raven spread her lips into a smile. “Pretty please.�
�

  “Done, but on my terms. The Vikings ride back with us all the way to camp. No leaving us if we run into zombies in Manitou Springs, and you take no credit for any of our kills. In fact, no one talks about what happened here. Let me handle this with Sarge. Agreed?”

  “Deal,” said Raven. They shook hands. “Now give us the guns. Make mine a Smith & Wesson.”

  “You’ll get what we give you.”

  Cadence passed by the Tigers on her way to the weapons bag. She selected two rifles and two revolvers and gave them to Raven. Raven let out a yelp of delight and hurried over to distribute the weapons. Cadence motioned for the Tigers to break formation, feeling like she had let them down. That was confirmed by the look Whisper gave her.

  “Where’s Highbrow?” asked Thor with a smirk and sliding his new rifle over his shoulder. Raven slipped a revolver into the front of her pants, and kissed her man before climbing on her bike.

  “He’s back at camp on some secret mission,” she said, being evasive. “If you’re done asking questions, then I suggest we get moving. You take the lead, Thor.” She pointed directly at him. “If we run into any zombies, I’m counting on you to fight with us. Got it?”

  “Hey, I get the drill.” Thor patted Raven on the thigh, showing his big horse teeth. “I’m not about to let my girl down. You can count on the Vikings, at least this time.” His smile faded. “I guess I owe you one.”

  “Don’t forget it either.”

  Cadence lifted her gun and circled it in the air. At that signal every engine started. The Vikings pulled out in single-file, spinning tires and revealing their immaturity, waving at the Tigers as they rumbled down the street.

  “Get moving, Whisper,” said Cadence. She might not like the Vikings, but she wanted to ride with as many people as possible to the Peak. There was no way to know how many zombies made it through. Raven was a user and a liar, but she was good in a fight. Cadence wished she could say the same about Rafe. At the moment, all she wanted was to be at a higher altitude and find out what happened to Highbrow.

  ***

  A raised fist from Thor brought the two patrols to a crawl as they entered Manitou Springs. Signs that read LOOTERS WILL BE SHOT ON SIGHT and THEFT—PUNISHABLE BY DEATH were posted in store windows, placed there by the Freedom Army. Nobody had ever been shot for stealing, but a few had been placed in the stockades overnight to think about their actions. Cadence and Whisper pulled up next to Thor and stopped. Thor pointed to a store that was intact with a good stock of merchandise inside.

  “There’s no rush to get back to camp,” said Thor. “Why don’t we take some time and scout around. We can fill up on whatever we need. I could use a few pairs of socks and a new flannel shirt. I know what the signs say, but the soldiers are patrolling the fence. We own the town today, so why not have some fun. What do you say? You and your team can wash up in the creek. You need it.”

  “Fun?” Cadence thought it the strangest suggestion yet. “We’re needed at camp. There isn’t time to fool around, Thor. We’re Code 4. If we’re caught looting, as patrol leaders we could be shot.”

  “Oh, come on, you big sissy,” Raven purred. “Take your team and go that way and we’ll go the other way. Highbrow isn’t here to tell you what to do. We’re teenagers and could use a little fun. I’m tired of rules and officers bossing us around. ”

  Thor kept his eyes on Cadence. “If we’re caught, we can say zombies got through the fence and we’re hunting them. They’ll believe us. In the meantime, there’s free merch everywhere. Get yourself a new coat or sweater, or something.” He motioned to the Tigers. “When’s the last time you let any of your Tigers go shopping? We don’t need money. Take what you need. If you find any food, we can meet back here in one hour and have lunch.”

  “A picnic!” exclaimed Raven in delight. She slid off the motorcycle and gestured for her team to follow, not waiting for Thor. She waltzed into a nearby store, gun in hand. The Vikings followed behind her.

  Thor climbed off of his motorcycle but held back, waiting for Cadence to make the call. His show of respect surprised her.

  “We haven’t had a day off in weeks. Maybe it is a good idea,” Cadence said. Her team cheered. Thor gave her thumbs-up and left to meet Raven. Cadence found herself surrounded by the Tigers. “I don’t want anyone going off alone. This is dangerous, so we hang together. That zombie kid we found yesterday was only a block away. There might be more. There always are.”

  “We’ll be careful,” said Blaze. “I need some makeup and undies. I’ll be sure to get enough for Star and the other girls. If you want, I’ll help make them a little gift package.”

  Cadence smiled. “Yeah, that would be nice.”

  Whisper stayed on his four-wheeler and gestured for Cadence to go on without him. The girls and Dodger crossed the street to a clothing store. The place reeked of death.

  Blaze went for anything black and started trading her old clothes for new ones. Smack and Dodger both found jeans and changed, telling each other how good they looked in their new threads.

  Cadence took her time looking through the dusty racks of clothes until she came upon a light-blue silk shirt. She dropped her coat and fleece jacket, shed her long sleeve t-shirt and slipped into the new shirt.

  Dodger walked up to her eating a piece of licorice and clutching an ugly, fluffy green sweater under his arm. “It’s for Whisper,” said Dodger. “His favorite color is green. I have a pair of socks for him, and I found some boxers, too.” He kept his scruffy brown leather coat and boots, but everything else was brand new.

  Cadence tugged at a blue t-shirt hanging on the rack. “Maybe I should pick something for Highbrow?”

  “And let him know we broke the rules? No way. He thinks this is scavenging. He might not report us, but he won’t be happy about it.”

  Sweeping off her orange beret, Cadence gave her hair a shake and let it fall around her shoulders. “He’ll see we have on new clothes and know what we did, Dodger. Go find him a sweater. His favorite color is blue. He likes flannels, too.”

  “Fine. I’ll shoplift for him too.”

  By mid-afternoon, the two teams sat in the park near the hot springs the town was once known for. Some found snack foods, while others found some drinks. Everyone was sporting new clothes and looked much cleaner than they did an hour earlier. Even Whisper donned his new green sweater and seemed happy to be munching on chips.

  “Thanks.” Thor lifted his drink, toasting Cadence. “I know this isn’t your style, but we all needed a break today. You’re a nice person when you aren’t threatening to kill people.” He laughed and tossed a bag of chips to Raven.

  “You’re not so bad either.” Cadence exchanged a smile with Thor. She noticed Whisper pointing and looked to see a squirrel gathering some nuts someone had tossed its way. Gazing upward, she thought of the pilot and wondered about the black box. “This has been a good day. It started out pretty bad, but got better. Good idea, Thor.”

  Everyone grew quiet.

  “What?” Cadence looked around at everyone. One by one, they started laughing. No one had to explain. It was the first time she had ever said anything nice to Thor. She had to chuckle. “Just keep those ideas coming, Thor. You might have a brilliant one someday.”

  “Not likely,” said Whisper. Everyone laughed a little louder.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Eight

  Rafe sat with a group of soldiers who were fresh out of action. He stared at his scrambled eggs, three strips of bacon, and buttered toast. A glass of milk sat untouched in front of him. His buddy Wizard lit up a smoke next to him. Rafe was starving, but felt too sick to eat. He took the pack of cigarettes from the table and slipped one out. Smiling, Wizard leaned forward and offered a light. Rafe stuck the tip into the flame and drew the smoke into his lungs, coughing.

  “What’s up, Rafe?” asked Wizard, whose nose had been broken so many times it lay flat against his face. “Not hungry? You normally eat the scraps off everyone’
s plate.”

  Rafe shoved his plate toward Wizard. “I’ll trade you my food for another cigarette. In fact, give me a pack and you can have my milk too. I don’t like powdered milk anyway.” All he could think about was getting out of the mess hall. Wizard pushed the pack toward Rafe.

  “You sure you’re okay? Up to a game of Warfare? Garble has the computers up and running good.” After a moment, Wizard slid a book of matches into Rafe’s front pocket. “Go see Doc. You look sick.”

  Rafe felt horrible. He noticed something was wrong since the battle. Zombies hadn’t gotten close enough for a bite, but what he was feeling wasn’t normal. His guts rumbled. He stood uneven, knocking over the glass of milk. Rafe reached for a towel to clean up the mess, but Wizard was already wiping off the table with napkins. Rafe’s stomach lurched and he bolted from the mess hall and made it outside just before vomiting.

  Wiping his mouth across his sleeve, he heard someone yelling across the street. “Get out of my way! I’m going to see Doc. I’ve got friends waiting for me in there.” It was Highbrow. “I said move! I mean it!”

  Rafe looked down to see a spot of blood on his hand. He looked back up to see Highbrow faced off against three soldiers without a chance. Rafe gave a whistle and crossed the road to where the group was standing and threw his arm around Highbrow. He glared at the soldiers.

  “We don’t want any trouble, boys,” said Rafe. “This here is Highbrow, the late senator’s son. Show him a little respect and get the hell out of the way.”

  “Sure, Rafe,” said one of the soldiers.

  “Whatever you say,” another replied.

  Rafe’s stomach beckoned again. This time he held it in. It was bitter and tasted like blood. “You say you have friends at the hospital,” asked Rafe, “well, let’s go see Doc together. I need some Pepto or something. My stomach is killing me. I’ve felt like crap all day.”