“Ain’t gonna be me. Your damn shack, you look!”
Majors defiantly shook his head and levelled his finger at O’Brian. Moving to the back of the room he stood with his arms folded, distancing himself from the events.
“God damn interruption after interruption. Like being married all over again!” O’Brian thundered over to the door and flung it open, then stopped dead in his tracks.
“We heard you broadcasting and figured you’d need some help up here.”
O’Brian stared speechless at Kate Black and the small group of townspeople congregated around the door. All around them were dead creatures; Abe Mcreedy lay with an arrow embedded in the side of his head. It had been a massacre, but a type of massacre O’Brian agreed with. He pointed at McReedy and gave a dry smile.
“Who’d you get to help out, Geronimo?”
“I heard that, Paleface!”
O’Brian looked up to see Red Cloud’s grinning face peering back at him over the edge of the corrugated roof. “Get off my freaking roof, you crazy God damn Indian!”
Benny Arnold ran up to the group, pausing to catch his breath. “Guys, my wife just rang me. Said we’re all over the news stations.”
He caught Kate and Red Cloud by their arms. “There’s a whole bunch of people headed out here.”
Jim Boy stepped forward. “Now we all done with this crap, we all safe right?”
Sam Glitzman waved his fist in the air with delight. “He’s right. Now we’re all over the news they can’t do diddly-squat to us.”
A high-pitched boom sliced through the air like a hot knife through butter. The immediate skyline turned fire red and even at this distance, they could feel the hot blast of air wash over them. They watched, eyes wide in fear, as the red sky continued to grow and grow until it threatened to engulf the sun.
****
The squad of heavily armed soldiers advanced on Eastman. Heston Street was deserted except for Eastman and the soldiers, the two factions closing in on each other. His pistol held low, Eastman kept up his pace, rapidly closing the distance between the soldiers. Eventually they came to a halt, each side now unable to pass the other.
The lead soldier swept his gloved hand across the thick red pen lines on his plastic covered map. “Sir, we’ve cleared through these sectors. We’re gonna link up with some of your people, two blocks from this point.”
Eastman took his shades off and looked at the thickset New Yorker in front of him. “Sure, best take it easy. There’s a whole bunch of scared folks out there with lots of guns.”
The man gave Eastman an uneasy smirk. “Yeah, no need to say that twice. We’re headed past the precinct; you can tag along if you want?”
Eastman held up his hand, declining the offer. “Nope, I’m going the other way. Some people to check on.”
He walked off, leaving the soldiers behind him as he continued up the road. The town was a mess. Trash cluttered up the sidewalks, the occasional abandoned vehicle blocked the street. His nose twitched at the same chemical odour he’d first encountered with Pool. There was something else in the air – the stench of decay.
A group of soldiers were loading some dead creatures onto the back of a truck. Eastman paused briefly to look at bloody handprints smeared across shop fronts. It would be some time before he’d get an accurate death toll. Warily, he moved through the strange and surreal, deserted streets. Finally the health center came into view. Two military trucks were parked directly in front of the main entrance with a number of busy soldiers. One of the men nodded to Eastman, who in return touched the brim of his Stetson and walked into the building.
“Sure glad to see you, Sugar.”
Eastman winced at Elle-May’s unexpected bear hug but managed to smile it off and gain his freedom.
“You ever quit nursing, try wrestling. Well how’d it go back here?”
“It could’ve gone a whole lot worse. When that darn thing went off... Well you can just imagine. But everybody’s where they ought to be, all except for Norris. Lord knows where he’s at.” Lowering her voice, she moved her eyes in the direction of a group of army medics walking past them. “We picked up some extra staff, but after what they tried doing, I’d rather trust a snake.”
“Makes two of us. Where can I find...?”
“In the lab, I reckon she must be about done in by now. She’s worked through the whole thing.”
“Yeah, reckon so. Thought you’d like to know, Jedrey said he’d catch up with you directly.”
He smiled as Elle-May patted her hair. Even after everything that had gone on, there was still time for romance, for some. He turned away and set off up the corridor, the short distance to the lab. He pushed the door open.
“I heard someone was in need of a rest in here?”
Anne rushed at him, wrapping her arms around him, burying her head into his chest.
“I think you just popped another one of my ribs…”
Instantly she released him, her face full of concern as she stared back at him.
“Are you hurt Brad? Let me check you out.”
“Any more of this and I’m gonna need some serious medical treatment. But it sure is good to see you.”
He stepped forward, clasped his hands around her slender shoulders and smiled.
“Brad, did we manage to get any news coverage?”
Eastman laughed, nodding his head as if at some unspoken joke.
“Don’t tell me you haven’t heard O’Brian all over the radio? He’s a regular celebrity. He’s got all the big stations lined up for interviews.”
“It’ll be the book followed by the movie and then who knows what else?”
They looked at each other and burst into laughter at the prospect.
“Is it true about Robert Pool?”
“Yeah, if it hadn’t been for him we’d...”
Anne nodded sorrowfully at Eastman. “How come the military changed sides?”
“After the first missile went off, this Colonel Steedman guy turned up. Said he’d taken over from the General and offered to help sort this mess out.”
She read something in his face that betrayed his unhappiness with this sudden turn of events. She studied his face and waited for him to continue.
“King was some type of double agent, working for another bunch. Steedman wasn’t even sure if any of this was legal. All those people killed – for what? So some suits could make an extra buck.”
“Brad, if this man’s here to help, then let him get on with it. They owe us that.”
“That’s just it. This morning they were all set to nuke us and now we’re all supposed to be God damn pals!”
Reaching over, she caught his hand.
“Don’t knock it. Use the situation and use them.”
Eastman clasped his hand over the top of hers and gave her a begrudging smile.
“I know. But the whole thing sticks in my craw, that I gotta have these punks in our town. Now that Steedman’s operating outta my station house – made it his CP – I needed to get away, bedsides it gave me a good excuse to come check on you.”
“You don’t need an excuse for that Brad. I mean...Want to hear some good news?”
“Is there good news anymore?”
“I’ve solved the car crime for you and I know who’s behind it. Want to hear more?”
“This, I just gotta hear.”
“I’ve been treating Luke Clayton. He told me he and his brother have been stealing cars to order for... Norris Zillman. What about that?”
Eastman narrowed his eyes and then erupted into a fit of laughter but quickly stopped at Anne’s cross expression.
“I’m sorry but... Anne, look, those two are small time, they don’t have the brains to run something like that. And Norris Zillman. Oh come on. You’ve been had.”
Anne stared back at him, her arms folded indignantly.
“Sam Cortez went by Norris’ place to see where he was. He couldn’t find him, but Sam said he found a garage full of
all types of vehicle parts. You and Gerard can go and take a look.”
Eastman looked away and let out a deep sigh, the smile now replaced by a dark, gloomy expression.
“Did Gerard and his group get back okay?”
“He stayed behind for the others to get away.”
“He’s probably on his way back right now and...”
“Even if he made it out, that bomb scorched half the mountain side. I checked; no one’s seen him since.”
Sadly, he fixed his gaze at the green tiled floor.
“I’m sure he’s alright.”
His lips turned up in a half-hearted smile.
“What do you think’s gonna happen to Stone, now that everything’s out in the open?”
She raised her arms, turning her palms upwards and then sat at the desk.
“It’s the army – who can tell? It could go one of two ways. They could sacrifice him in a congressional investigation or try for a colossal cover up.”
“I’d damn well like to see them try!”
Eastman slammed his fist down hard on the desk, clattering what remained of the test tubes and making Anne jump.
“At least we have Taylor, if he’ll talk that is. Where is he anyway?” she asked.
“Colt said they had a cave in down there. Taylor was under it.”
“Oh no. No!”
He moved forwards to comfort her. “I know, but he knew the risks.”
“It’s not just that. Branigan bust in here and took all Taylor’s blood samples. Without new ones we’re back where we started.”
“How’d he know which ones were which?”
“He didn’t. He took the lot. None of them are any good, Taylor’s blood is lethal.”
“What you gonna do now?”
She rose from the seat and headed for the door.
“I have a ward of new patients with the kinda injuries I can treat this time. How about you?”
Eastman opened the door for her and walked out behind.
“Time I took this town back and then I got me a long overdue appointment with the Judge.”
****
Branigan slumped forward on the bench and looked at the foul smelling black vomit covering his feet. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt as ill as he did right now; his whole body ached. It was all that fancy Lenski’s fault. She’d deliberately given a bad batch of that crap to get back at him. She could’ve told him which one to take. She thought she was so damn smart – better than everybody. She was just another college smart-ass and he knew what women like her really needed.
Without warning, Branigan vomited again. He fought the urge to pass out as the thick black sludge splashed onto his lap. If only that lousy thing hadn’t scratched his face – there was no telling what crap he’d caught from her. But he knew one thing; he’d sure as hell make Lenski pay. He’d been quick off the mark but the only thing was, he’d not known which of the drugs to take, so he’d tried them all.
He raised his head at the sound of nearby voices. One, he recognised immediately. Part time retard and full time white trash – Jim Boy. He’d have to do. Branigan had to get back to hospital – that witch would have to help him. Then she was gonna pay, like that freak in the car.
Branigan staggered to his feet, the stomach cramps were getting worse, and it was now difficult to even stand. But he had to get help. He clutched the metal framework of the bench and lurched forward. He could hear the voices getting closer, he tried to call out, but his voice sounded more like a growl. Desperate to clear the gunge from his throat, Branigan stumbled out on to Ryker Street. The two figures in front of him were blurs as he reached out for help.
“Watch out!” screamed Zach, pointing frantically to the monstrosity directly behind Jim Boy.
Jim Boy spun around and fired his pistol into the creature’s head, sending blood and brains onto the sidewalk. He stood shaking while Zach walked over to the dead thing sprawled in front of them.
“Hey, you just blew Barny Branigan away man!” Zach exclaimed, stepping away, astonished.
“What?”
“Yeah, no sweat though, he was a zombie. Come on let’s move it.”
“That is enough! I’m done with this town.”
Jim Boy held his hands to his head, shutting his eyes tightly.
“No argument from me. First we get ‘The Beast’ then we go get Luke.”
“And then we go, right?”
“Nope. Then we get my money from Zillman. Then we go.”
Zach reached over and took the pistol off Jim Boy. He tucked it into his belt; best to play it safe.
“I still don’t get it. How come nursey boy is Mr. Big?”
“I told you, it’s a cover… and I’d be real careful there buddy with that talk, unless you wanna end up as a freeway support.”
He caught Jim Boy’s arm and dragged him forward. This was no time to hang around.
“You sure we all talking about the same guy here?”
“He runs four chop shops outta Burnsville. He’s a real badass.”
Both men rushed across the street and turned up a deserted side lane full of upturned trash cans. Zach broke into a broad smile as he glimpsed the big orange four-by-four at the far end of the lane. He raced up to the monster car and patted it affectionately, completely ignoring the other man.
Irritated, Jim-Boy blocked the access to the driver’s door. “You ain’t playing me for no fool, Clayton? You even hearing me?”
Zach jabbed his finger into Jim Boy’s chest. “You want to come with me or not?”
Jim Boy winced and then nodded as both men climbed into the vehicle and sped out of the lane, throwing up clouds of dust as they raced off.
****
“You people should be more selective about who you let in this place.”
“I heard you were dead.”
Eastman looked over at Taylor; the guy was a bedraggled mess, but at least he was still alive. Nothing surprised Eastman anymore. He shot Anne a glance as they walked down the empty street.
“Never the less, Mr Taylor, we’re very happy you’re not.”
Eastman led the others away from the street into an empty shop, out of sight. The only sound that could be heard was the crunching of glass as they stepped into the storeroom.
“I’d have to go along with you there. Like that guy said ‘the tales of my death were greatly exaggerated’...” Taylor crossed over to the other two and studied Eastman’s face before continuing. “Benteen wasn’t so lucky. Sorry, he didn’t make it.”
“How’d…? What happened?”
Taylor spoke softly, his usual brashness gone, as he answered Eastman.
“He was in bad shape. He didn’t want to end up like one of them.”
“So he stayed behind to keep the missile safe?”
“He did more than that. Someone had to press that big red button and that someone would have been me, but for Benteen. He saved my ass.”
The three stood without a sound, as though mourning Benteen. It was Eastman who spoke first.
“How’d you come back?”
“I ran into Major Naughton and a Staff Sergeant and persuaded them that hanging around would be less than healthy. Then...”
“I think what Brad means is why did you come back?”
“Well... I... as soon as I work that one out I’ll be sure to let you know.”
“Anybody, apart from those army guys, anyone else know you’re back in town?”
Taylor shook his head.
“After they dropped me off, I kept low. Those two would just take me for one of you lot in any case.”
“Thing is, we got us a situation here.”
Eastman drew his finger lightly over his troubled brow.
“You’re still under arrest for multiple homicides, not to mention escaping while in custody. What to do next?”
“You sound like that idiot judge. You can’t...”
Eastman held his hand up like a traffic cop and waited until A
nne had stopped raging.
“Taylor you have to appreciate these are all serious charges. However, since all documentation has yet to be added to the police computer systems, and I don’t have any prints and the said suspect was buried under an A-bomb, I don’t have a lot to go on. Now that’s the situation.”
Taylor dipped his head and shrugged.
“Yeah, I can see that could be a slight predicament.”
“Plus a number of witnesses last saw the late Mr Taylor buried under a rock slide. That would seem to point to his demise.” Anne wagged her finger at them to highlight the point.
“I would have to agree with you Anne. Hard copy records could easily get lost with all that’s gone on around here.”
“Not to mention Brad, you don’t have time to chase any of this down.”
“True. The law can’t chase what isn’t there.”
Almost sidelined by the exchange, Taylor spoke up. “Do I take it that you’re letting me go?”
“We all got choices to make; Benteen made his and this is me making mine.”
“Yeah, but not always good ones.”
Eastman placed his hand on Taylor’s arm. “You came back here, now that was your choice. That’s good enough for me.”
“This is Bodien calling Brad. Do you read? Over.”
Eastman keyed his mic.
“Eastman here. Go ahead Jed. Over.”
“I’m up top of Regan’s roof. There’s a whole bunch of army and news guys neck and neck for the town. It’s looking like Wacky Races out there. Over.”
“That’s all good,” said Taylor. “The more of a media circus you create Eastman, the better.”
Eastman nodded in agreement. Taylor was right; the more TV cameras that came, the safer they’d be.
“Let those news people in Jed, the more we got, the better. Anything else I should know about? Over.”
“O’Brian and Lenny just about killed each other over who’s getting the best media coverage. But I reckon they kinda worked it through. Over.”
Eastman looked over at Anne and Taylor, a large smile on his face. Maybe it was heading for the book and movie after all.
“Roger that. Maybe we ought to start selling tickets, all these extra folks arriving? I’ll catch you later. Take care. Out.”
Containment_A Zombie Novel Page 42