I could really use my old hiking boots, right about now, they really kicked ass, I thought as I watched the first zombie get back to its feet. It came at me quickly with its mouth open and I rammed the cane through its skull.
“Here comes a shitload more. Step it up, Wild!” yelled Nora, who’d just given a really close shave to a zombie who looked disappointed with the results.
We moved towards the main building, which was an impressive sight. It was several stories high and made of mostly glass. I half expected it to be locked but the doors swung open the moment we approached them. Because there weren’t any guards watching over the entrance, we rushed inside.
“Uh, oh,” said Nora, pointing towards the security booth next to the elevators.
There was blood, and lots of it. Some on the security booth and more smeared across the floor. Other than that, there was no sign of anyone in the entry area, dead or alive.
“We’d better take the stairs,” said Nora. “I’m not getting trapped in an elevator. That shit really freaks me out. Seriously.”
I definitely didn’t want to see Nora when she was seriously freaked out.
She pointed. “This way, Wild.”
I followed her to a stairwell near the elevators and we opened the door slowly, listening for any sounds.
“Seems quiet but you never know. Stay close,” she whispered, raising the gun.
We walked up slowly and started exploring each floor, looking for any signs of life. Unfortunately, the first few consisted of nothing but the horrifying stench of decay and a few zombies shuffling around.
“This is beginning to feel like a waste of time,” said Nora after we cleared the first few floors.
“Well, I have to keep going,” I said. “It’s the only place with the answers as to what happened to Allie. And your old man.”
She didn’t say anything.
The following floor was even more infested with zombies but still no breathing humans and we ended up using the rest of our bullets. By the time we’d cleared it, I was lightheaded and ready to pass out.
“I’m so out of it and hungry,” I said. “If we run into anymore zombies, I don’t even know if I’ll be able to defend myself. At least one of us will eat.”
“No shit, we could both use some food or coffee. Jesus, they have to have a lunchroom or vending machine in this building.”
“You’d think.”
We headed up another flight of stairs and as she was about to grab the handle, it swung open and I almost fell to my knees with relief.
“Billie!” I cried, throwing my arms around him. “Oh, my God, what are you doing here?”
“Cassie!” he smiled and held me tight. “I’ve been looking all over for you and your family. I just about gave up. ”
I pulled away. “I take it that you didn’t see anyone else around, either?”
He shook his head. “No, I was just coming back down to search the next building over.”
“Did you find any grub?” asked Nora.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” said Billie, holding out his hand. “I’m Billie.”
She ignored it. “Yeah, congratulations. I’m Nora,” she replied. “Do you have anything to eat?”
He shook his head. “No. The food’s been confiscated here, already. There’s not even anything in the vending machines.”
“Shoot,” I said.
“Um, did I miss the slumber party?” he asked, his eyebrow’s raised. “I haven’t seen this much skin since my cable television died.”
I then remembered what we were wearing and how our butts were both visible from behind.
Nora scowled. “This wasn’t the kind of slumber party you’d be interested in.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Well, first of all…I was bitten by a zombie,” I shrugged. “And survived.”
His jaw dropped. “When? How?”
“They brought Wild in a few days ago and she made a full recovery. They started experimenting on both of us then.”
He looked at me. “But Cassie, you must be immune to the virus, that’s good, right?”
I nodded. “It is… but not if they’re going to hold me prisoner. I have to find my family.”
“Your sister, she might be immune, too,” he said.
I nodded. “I hope so.”
“Let’s get out of here, there isn’t anything upstairs,” he said. “I have the SUV parked in the attached garage.”
“Were there many zombies in the garage?” I asked.
“A few, but nothing like what surrounds the rest of the building.”
We followed him all the way down to the underground parking lot and he turned to us. “Normally I’d let you ladies go first, especially with what you’re wearing, but I’m feeling like a gentleman today.”
Nora touched the back of her gown and grunted.
“Go first,” I said, scanning around for zombies. “I’m not going to argue with you.”
There were a few zombies but nothing we couldn’t handle. When we finally made it to the safety of the SUV, I closed my eyes, finally feeling somewhat safe again.
***
“Nice ride,” said Nora, stretching her legs out in the backseat.
“So, how in the world did you end up here, Billie?” I asked, sitting up.
He sighed. “My family was missing when I made it to Florida. I don’t know if my parents were killed or turned into zombies. They vanished by the time I reached their condo. I searched most of the city without any luck. The hospitals, the shopping malls, even the place they played Bingo, but found nothing but death, zombies, and despair. I eventually just gave up and left.”
I grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “I’m sorry. Do… you think they could have escaped and survived?” I asked.
“I can only hope that’s what happened. Good news is that my dad is ex-military. He’s one crafty son-of-a-bitch, too. If anyone can make it through this mess, it’s him.”
“See. Don’t give up hope,” I said.
He nodded.
“So, where are Shane and Dale?” I asked.
His lips tightened. “They were killed.”
I felt like someone had knocked the wind out of me “Oh, no,” I whispered in horror. “Zombies?”
He shook his head. “No, some kind of bandits. I was following behind Dale when they stopped for what looked like someone needing assistance. I had a bad feeling about it and stayed farther behind. The killers took the vehicle and shot them without hesitation. I barely made it out of there alive, myself.”
‘Told you,” muttered Nora. “We’re not safe from anyone.”
Billie nodded. “Yeah, the danger isn’t just the zombies, anymore. Some of the survivors have turned into outlaws and if you have something they want, they’ll shoot you for it, without a second thought.”
I closed my eyes and rubbed my forehead. “Well, what now? We need food, clothing, and ammo. You wouldn’t want to try a Walmart again?”
He shook his head. “Oh, no that’s way too dangerous, now. We’ll have better chances of finding the stuff abandoned in someone’s home.”
I tapped my fingertips on the door. “Well, it certainly doesn’t sound like we have any other choice,” I said. “I could use a shower, anyway. Then I need to find a charged cell phone, to see if I can reach my dad or Bryce. If I can’t get a hold of them, then I’ll have to return and look for clues as to where they moved everyone.”
He nodded. “Okay, let’s find something farther away from this part of the city. It will lessen the chances of someone noticing us. Someone with bad intentions.”
“Sounds good,” I said.
Billie started up the SUV just as a couple of zombies staggered into the parking garage and headed towards us.
“Looks like we’ll need a truck wash as well as gas,” he grimaced after slamming through them. The entire hood of the dark SUV was waxed with a fresh coat of gore.
“Yeah, that was real nasty,” replied Nora. “
So, do you have any food in this jalopy?”
It’s amazing how desensitized you can get in a zombie crazed world, I thought, staring back at her with amusement.
“I have a couple bags of chips in the back,” said Billie. “And some soda if you need anything to drink.”
“Hell, yes,” said Nora, grabbing a bag of sour cream and onion potato chips. She tore open the bag and started stuffing her face. She suddenly remembered the rest of us and smiled sheepishly. “Want some?”
“Yeah,” I said and she handed me the bag.
“So, what happened to lover boy?” asked Billie.
I raised my eyebrows. “Bryce?”
“Yeah, that’s the name.”
God, I wish I knew.
“Um I guess I don’t know. The last thing I remember is being bitten by Eva, who’d turned into a zombie, and then waking up in a prison cell. I can’t remember anything else beyond that.”
“I’ll bet the soldiers took you from your dad,” said Nora through a mouth full of chips. “Maybe they promised him they’d help you.”
That made sense. I couldn’t imagine my dad just abandoning me. And Bryce, he’d just admitted he’d loved me and didn’t seem the type to just walk away, either. My heart swelled just thinking about his clear blue eyes and soft lips. I prayed to God that I’d see him again. I prayed he was safe.
“Don’t worry,” said Billie. “We’ll figure out what happened, Wild. I’ll help.”
We drove away from the heart of Atlanta, which was crawling with zombies, most of them fighting with each other for scraps of food. As we traveled south and away from the busier parts of the city, passing smaller ranches and farm land, the zombies became scarce and we started scouting for abandoned homes to find a little refuge and supplies.
“Those look pretty quiet,” said Billie, pointing to a block of newly constructed homes out in the middle of nowhere. Most of them were still under construction or surrounded by several plots of land for sale.
“Looks okay, I guess,” I said.
Chapter Nineteen
Billie pulled up to one of homes, a split level brick and wooden monster with a ginormous swimming pool in the back. The three-car garage was open but there weren’t any cars parked inside. That was a good sign.
“Looks like someone cleared out the garage,” said Billie. “Pretty odd too. I mean there’s nothing left, no tools, shovels, rakes, or anything you’d normally find. That’s a bad sign.”
“Maybe the homeowners were moving when the shit hit the fan,” said Nora.
We all got out of the truck and followed Billie to the front door, where he rang the doorbell. “Old habits,” he said, smiling down at me.
When nobody answered, we found that it was locked.
“That’s a good sign, nobody’s looted it yet,” said Nora after trying the inner garage door, which was also locked.
Billie broke the glass plate next to the front door and reached inside to unlock it.
“Jesus,” gagged Nora as we stepped inside.
The house was stifling hot and smelled like old cabbage and sewer water.
“It’s got to be rotting food,” I said as we walked into the kitchen. “I’m checking the bathroom for Vicks.”
“Vicks?” said Nora.
I nodded. “It smells better than rotting food and zombies.”
“You surprise me more and more every hour, Wild,” she laughed. “Who’d have known that a germaphobic jock like you would have been such a successful zombie survivor?”
“Let’s see what they have for food. Check the cupboards,” said Billie.
We started rummaging through the cabinets and found plenty of canned food.
“Looks like we have a rum and coke drinker,” said Nora as she pulled out a case of pop and an empty rum bottle. She smiled and opened up a can of pop then started chugging it down.
I found a jar of unopened pickles and my stomach growled its approval. I hadn’t had a pickle in like forever.
“Guess what ladies…the water still works,” said Billie.
“Thank God,” I said between crunches. “I’m taking the first shower.”
“I’m next,” said Nora.
Okay, you girls do what you have to do and I’ll start packing a care kit for us,” said Billie.
I stuffed another pickle into my mouth and headed upstairs where I found three bedrooms, two were children’s and the third one appeared to be an adult’s.
“Looks like someone left quickly,” said Billie, coming up behind me.
The only thing I found left behind wre a couple of discarded dresses which weren’t exactly my style, but they beat what I was currently wearing.
“Here are some shoes…see if they fit,” said Billie as he threw a pair of white pumps towards me.
“Great,” I mumbled. High heels and a dress so short it left little to the imagination.
“And don’t forget,” smiled Billie, holding up a bra and panties. “You’ll need these.”
My cheeks burning, I grabbed the undergarments and headed for the bathroom.
“Thank God,” I said when I walked in. Shampoo, shower gel, and a razor were sitting in the shower.
“Need a towel or do you plan on air drying?” asked Billie from the doorway holding a fluffy white towel.
“Thanks,” I said.
“By the way, if you need any help with anything, all you have to do is ask,” he said.
I raised my eyebrows and his lips twisted into a devilish grin.
“Um, I’m okay,” I said.
He laughed and then left me alone in the bathroom, which I quickly locked. I trusted Billie but ever since I found out he wasn’t gay, I was more aware of him as a dude; a very cute dude.
A half hour later I stepped out of the bedroom, feeling halfway human again, even though the undergarments were a little loose and the dress barely made it to my thighs.
“Wow, Wild, you trying to raise the dead in that outfit?” smirked Nora as I walked into the kitchen.
“There wasn’t much to choose from. Don’t worry though, there’s another skimpy one like this on the bed that I left for you.”
She sighed. “I guess it’s a whole lot better than letting the world stare at my ass,” she said.
“Oh, I don’t know,” said Billie. “It’s a good distraction for the enemy, dead or alive.”
I rolled my eyes at him.
He ignored me and pointed at my pumps. “The shoes fit, too,” said Billie. “I really like those.”
“Not exactly the zombie ass kicking outfit I’d have chosen,” I mumbled.
“But everyone can appreciate a nice pair of high heels. They raise the butt… ”
Nora snorted. “Typical man.”
I would have loved to have seen Nora’s expression when Billie was wearing heels.
“I don’t know, maybe I’m better without them. They’re a little hard to walk in,” I said. I felt like a new foal walking around in the pumps. I’d never been much for high heels.
“They double as a weapon though,” said Billie. “The heels are sharp and if anything, you can just carry them around.”
“I don’t care. The moment I find a pair of tennis shoes or boots, these are getting tossed into the streets,” I said.
Nora took her time in the shower and when she came down to the kitchen, she was scowling. “What in the hell was up with the woman of the house? She must have been a stripper or something.”
I bit back a smile, her dress was skimpier than mine and she wore sliver platform sandals. Interestingly enough, she was much better with heels than I was.
“I think we should go next door and see if there are more appropriate clothes available,” I said.
Just then Billie, who’d been packing the SUV with more supplies, came rushing into the kitchen. “We have company and they don’t look friendly,” he said.
Nora and I rushed to the front of the house and looked out the window. Three burly biker type of guys had pulled up in
a tall pickup and were heading towards the front door, carrying guns.
“Did they see you?” I asked.
He sighed. “Probably.
“Shit, we need weapons,” snapped Nora, clacking into the kitchen with her heels. Fortunately, the butcher block still had knives and we grabbed them.
“Do you have the keys to the SUV?” I whispered to Billie as we snuck out the kitchen patio door.
“Shit,” he said, feeling in his pockets. “I think I might have left them on the back bumper of the SUV.”
“Nice going, Sherlock,” snapped Nora.
“Hey, you should be lucky I found you,” he snapped back. “You probably would have been zombie chow by now if I wouldn’t have bumped into you when I did.”
“Bullshit, we were doing just fine without you,” growled Nora.
“Quit fighting,” I hissed. “Let’s just sneak around to the SUV and get the hell out of here.”
We crept around to the front of the house and Billie grabbed the keys, which were actually lying on the ground behind the SUV.
“Leaving so soon,” snorted a greasy haired guy with tattoos all over his thick arms. He spat out a wad of tobacco and cocked his gun.
“Listen, we don’t want any trouble,” said Billie, raising his hands. “You can have whatever you want.”
The other two guys, both muscle-bound and scarier than all crap, stepped out of the house and cocked their guns. “See, I told you I saw something,” said the shorter guy with a thin white scar on the side of his cheek.
The taller one with a goatee, who appeared to be the leader, nodded. “Good job Bones,” he said in a deep gravelly voice. “You three…toss the knives away and get on the ground.”
“I think we got ourselves a couple of strippers,” chuckled Scar Face, smiling down at us in amusement as we got on our knees.
Nora opened her mouth to correct him but he’d given me an idea, so I cut her off.
“Yeah,” I said, trying to smile as friendly as I could under the circumstances. “You’re right. Our specialty is totally nude private dances. We rock at those.”
Billie raised his eyebrows.
The leader’s eyes narrowed. “Nude, huh? So I suppose you’re thinking we’ll let you live if you have something else worth more value?”
Dead Endz Page 8