“Let’s make this quick, guys,” said Boggs.
“Fine by me,” answered Nathan. “Gather what you think is useful and we’ll bag it up before we go.”
“I’ll focus on food and drinks,” I offered.
“I’ll grab the camping pads and any bedding I can find,” suggested Boggs.
“And I’ll focus on potential weapons,” added Nathan.
“Nate, there’s a pistol on the desk in the back office we should grab on the way out.”
“Thanks, Zoe.”
“There’s also an extremely dead man in there.”
“Noted.”
We all looked at each other when we heard the unmistakable sound of a shotgun being cocked.
“Set your weapons down,” said a husky male voice.
We all slowly turned toward the voice and did as instructed. Standing with a gun aimed in our direction was a short man, no more than five-foot-five, with sandy blonde hair and a scar running down his left cheek. Aside from the scar, he looked like he was pretty much a computer geek. He was skinny and wore slacks and a button-up short sleeve plaid shirt.
“Who are you and why are you in here?” pressed the man.
Nathan answered. “We’re just looking for some supplies.”
“Is it just you three?” It was a soft woman’s voice.
“Get back, Agnes,” ordered the man.
“Stop treating me like a kid,” she huffed.
I looked back and forth between the two. Agnes was no taller than the man, and had the same sandy blonde hair and similar features. They were both slight of build and looked young, maybe in their early twenties like me.
I decided to speak up, interrupting their little squabble. “We have a few more people waiting for us. One is sick, and two are just little kids. We’re not looking for trouble.”
Boggs gripped my upper arm gently, but I shook him off.
“What’s wrong with the sick person in your group?” asked the man.
“He was stabbed,” said Nathan. “By some pretty bad people that were following us.”
“Great. Then you need to leave,” said Agnes flatly. She had her arms across her chest.
“They were tracking us with a device,” explained Nathan. “It’s gone now.” He looked from Agnes to the man. “Mind not aiming the shotgun at us?”
The short man stared Nathan down for a long moment and then finally took his aim off of us. “Ok. I’m Linus. This is my sister, Agnes.”
“Good to meet you,” said Boggs. “I’m Boggs, this is Nathan, and this is Zoe.”
“Likewise,” chimed in Agnes.
“You guys living here?” asked Nate.
“Nah, just passing through,” admitted the short man. “We’ve only been here for a couple days.”
“We’re hoping to make it to the Survivor’s Center across the sound,” said Agnes. “Last we heard they were thriving.”
“Where’d you get news from?” asked Nathan.
“A long range radio, but it died weeks ago,” said Linus quickly. “They said they have a compound with generators, windmills, and lots of fences.”
“Did they say where they were? Was it east of Concrete?”
“Ya,” said Linus with a puzzled look on his face. “How’d you know?”
“Those were the people after us. We barely escaped. They were keeping the living dead below ground and feeding them limbs from living people.”
“Serious?” asked Agnes with a disgusted look upon her face.
“Dead serious,” replied Boggs. “Have you two been on your own this whole time?”
“No,” answered the brother. “We lost a couple of friends we were traveling with a few weeks back.”
“You’re welcome to tag along with us if you like,” said Nathan. “I’d highly advise against going to the compound, though.”
The brother and sister looked between each other, almost in some moment of silent understanding.
“Where’s the rest of your group?” asked Agnes.
“Just across the alley in a veterinarian’s office. We plan to hole up there for a few days while our friend recovers,” answered Nathan.
Linus spoke for them both. “We’ll come meet your group, spend a day or two with you and then decide…if that’s cool?”
“Let’s grab some gear then,” said Boggs. “I want to get back before daylight’s gone.”
“I heard you mention beds,” said Linus. “There’s a whole box of air mattresses in the back. They might be most comfortable for now, but if you plan to travel lightweight camping rolls would be good.”
“Any air pumps and batteries?”
“I’m sure this place has some,” Agnes chimed in. “Line and I can gather some basics. You all look like you need a change of clothes.”
“Ok, let’s get to it,” I said.
I walked to the clothing racks and began looking through options. I settled on a pair of bright blue spandex exercise pants, a jogging bra that would hopefully support me better than the tight tank I had been wearing, and a t-shirt that said “BABE” in pink sequins across the front. A pair of men’s boxers and clean socks finished off my selection. I grabbed something similar for Susan, and luckily found shorts and t-shirts that I thought would fit Abbey and Jane. I also grabbed a package of six men’s tube socks to help keep their legs warm. By the time I finished, Linus and Agnes had gathered a box full of various snacks, along with a pile of sleeping bags. I set the clothes I had scavenged nearby and began searching the aisles for anything else useful. I stopped at a rack of backpacks and grabbed five that looked like they’d hold the most. I passed them out as I came across the others. I filled mine with a couple of emergency thermal blankets, some dehydrated food packs, energy bars, and topped it off with bottled sodas I found in a refrigerator case near the cash register.
We met back as a group near the sleeping bags. We decided that we’d each carry a pack on our backs, and Boggs would carry the box that held air mattresses and two pumps to inflate them. Linus and Nathan would keep their hands open for their weapons. Agnes and I would each carry a sleeping bag. If things were clear, we’d make one more trip for more sleeping bags today, and possibly for more supplies tomorrow.
We took all of the gear to the back door, and set aside the items that would wait for the next trip. Boggs, Nathan, and I had all changed clothes. Nate and Boggs looked like they were getting ready for a hunting trip, both wearing white tank tops and camouflage cargo pants.
“Hang on a sec,” I said. I walked to the small back office, held my breath, opened the door and walked in. I could hear something crawling inside the corpse. I snatched the pistol off the desk, along with three bullets that were left lying beside it, and made a quick exit.
I joined the others. Agnes was covering her mouth and nose in reaction to the smell that escaped the office.
“Ok,” I said.
“Zoe, mind listening at the door?” asked Boggs.
“Sure, no problem.” I stood facing the door, and searched my brain. I could feel the living dead, but they were at least a few blocks away. I wasn’t ready to explain myself to our new companions, so turned my head and placed my ear against the door to make it look like I really was “listening” in the traditional way. I had to turn partly sideways because of my belly’s growth. “Sounds clear,” I whispered.
Nathan and Boggs had already gone over the plan to get to the vet’s office door. It seemed pretty simple, as long as we didn’t run into any of the dead.
“Ok, I’ll open the door. I’ll lead the way. Linus, you bring up the rear,” said Nate.
Linus nodded in understanding. “Ready.”
Nathan untied the rope that had kept the door secured and pulled the door open. The alley was bathed in shadows, the sun quickly fading completely out of sight beyond the horizon. We walked as quickly and as quietly as we could. Nathan stopped me and asked me in a hushed whisper to take the lead once we were steps away from the door to the vet’s office. I d
id so, not questioning his reasons. I watched him head back to the sporting goods store, where he rigged the rope from the doorknob to a wood pallet that was lying in the alley in order to keep it closed. I knocked softly on the door before me, hoping that Abbey or Susan would answer soon. My mind was beginning to buzz with the dead and I knew they were drawing closer. The door opened, swinging inward. I stepped into the darkness of the building.
“Zoe, thank God!” said exclaimed. “We were getting worried.” She took the sleeping bag from my arms. “Gus has been asking for you in his sleep,” she said quietly.
“Thanks. I’ll go to him. Oh, we have two new people with us.”
“Oh?”
Boggs stepped in behind me, and Susan and I continued down the hall to make room for the others.
I rushed to Gus’ side. He was tossing in his sleep, mumbling. I sat on the floor beside him the best I could, my belly getting in the way. I found his hand and held onto it. “I’m here,” I whispered. “I’m here.”
“Zoe,” he mumbled before returning to a more restful sleep.
Jane and Abbey were busy building a house of cards in a corner. I heard the others join us. The newcomers were introduced to Susan and the girls.
“Is that your sick guy?” asked Agnes.
“Ya. This is Gus,” I said quietly in answer to her.
“Is he your baby’s daddy?” asked Linus. I heard Abbey giggle.
I shook my head no.
“Nope, that’s me,” added Boggs.
“Oh,” said Agnes with a bit of a confused look.
I heard Nathan whisper. “We lost someone yesterday. She was a special friend to all of us, but especially to Zoe and Gus.”
“Nathan, he doesn’t feel as hot anymore,” I said.
“That’s a good sign.”
“How many hours has it been since he got the antibiotics?” asked Boggs.
“Two,” said Susan. “I started a new IV bag like you showed me, Nate.”
“Good woman,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her.
“Abbey helped me dress his wounds.”
“Abs, is that so?” asked Nathan.
The girl nodded to him, and flashed him a big pride-filled smile.
“You just might make a mighty fine nurse, young lady.”
“It was really gross,” said the preteen.
“I’m tired,” yawned little Jane.
“Jane, how about you and Abbey help us set up some beds?” suggested Nathan.
The little redhead scrambled to her feet and ran over to Nathan. “Really?”
“Yup, Little Critter. You and Abbey can share a bed. Susan, if you and the girls can inflate some air mattresses I’ll head back over and grab a few more sleeping bags.”
“You really have to go back?” she asked. Her face wore a mask of disappointment.
“Ya. It’ll be quick though, I promise. We have the sacks piled up right inside the back door of the shop. In and out.”
“I’ll go with,” offered Boggs.
“Count me in too,” said Linus. “It’ll make it easier to carry them all back in one trip.”
“I should go too,” said Agnes.
“If you all don’t mind, I’ll stay behind this time,” I said quietly.
“You ok, Zo?” asked Boggs.
“Just tired and achy. I’ll be fine.”
“We’ll get you a bed set up soon,” said Susan.
“I’ll wait at the back door for you guys,” I said as I hoisted myself off of the floor. I walked down the hallway, following the group that was about to gather comfort items. “Boggs?”
“Hmm?”
“Be careful, ok?”
I tapped my temple with my index finger. “Not too far away.”
He nodded in understanding, then leaned down and kissed me softly on the lips. “Stay close by the door. We should only be a few minutes.”
“I won’t go anywhere,” I whispered.
In the background, I heard the sound of a portable air pump.
I stayed by the locked door for what seemed like forever, trying to not worry. Finally, I heard the knock I had waited anxiously to hear. My hip was hurting like a son of a gun and the buzzing in my brain had quadrupled in just the past few moments. I quickly undid the deadbolt and opened the door. Agnes stepped through first, balancing three sleeping bags. She was followed by Linus, who wore a backpack with a sleeping bag tied to the back and held a case of bottled water in his arms. They both rushed down the hall, obviously terrified. Boggs and Nathan followed them, also both packing sleeping bags and new back packs.
“Quick, Zoe, lock it. There’s dead right outside,” said Nathan as loudly as he dared.
I whipped the door shut and engaged the lock. I stood there for a moment, with both hands on the exit, focusing. Without actually hearing words in my mind, I picked up the thought so hungry. I began to feel the hunger for myself as moans and shuffling passed the doorway. There were so many of them, the overwhelming invasion into my mind was making me dizzy. My baby was kicking me so wildly that it was making my belly hurt. I moved one hand from the door and placed it on my belly, willing the little one inside to calm. He or she continued to batter me until the horde passed. I was breathing heavily, and realized there were tears running down my cheeks. I quickly wiped them away and focused on calming my breathing before turning my back to the door and walking back down the hall to join the others.
“You ok?” asked Boggs.
I nodded. “Ya. Just really tired,” I lied.
“Sue and the girls got the mattresses inflated.”
I looked around, and realized Gus was gone. “Where’s Gus?” I asked, near panic.
“He’s ok. We moved him to the storage room. Susan cleaned up the operating room, so the smell’s better back there now.”
“Susan, thanks,” I said humbly.
“No problem. Thanks for the new clothes,” she smiled. “I needed them after that job.”
“Zoe, the girls are on an air mattress in one corner. Gus is on another. Susan’s going to bunk with the girls, so you should use the other half of Gus’ mattress,” said Nathan. “Linus and Agnes are going to use the roll up pads, and Boggs and I will stay up to keep watch.”
I nodded and then yawned. “You sure it’s ok to sleep by Gus?” I asked.
“What do you mean?” asked Nate.
“I won’t hurt him or something?”
“Nah, just let him sleep.” Nate winked at me and handed me a sleeping bag.
“Thanks,” I mumbled.
“Night, Zoe,” said Boggs. “Get some good rest.”
I smiled at him, and then walked behind the reception desk and into the storage room beyond. Jane and Abbey were sound asleep on their bed; Jane clutching her teddy bear and sucking on her tiny thumb. I walked across the room to where Gus was lying, unrolled my sleeping bag and laid it out beside him. He was covered up with his own sleeping bag, which had been unzipped and opened up. I took my shoes off and climbed into my sleep sack, careful to not jostle Gus as I moved. I pulled his cover back to peek at his wounds. Susan and Abbey had done a good job with his dressing. I looked at his arm and followed the plastic tubing of the IV line up to the bag of fluids that was dripping slowly. It looked full. Nathan had jimmy rigged it to hang from a cabinet door handle. I laid the rest of the way down, scooted close to Gus’ side, and rested my head on his shoulder and gently set my hand on his chest. “Gus, please don’t die,” I whispered just before I fell asleep.
CHAPTER 11
“I’m having a baby,” said Emilie.
I looked at her in confusion. We were standing in a meadow of wild flowers and the sun was behind her head, making her red hair look as if it was on fire.
“It’s so warm here,” she said and smiled. She was dressed in a sheer pale pink sundress, her feet bare. “Doesn’t it feel warm?”
I shook my head back and forth. “It’s so cold, Emilie,” I whispered. Snow began to fall all around us. Emilie turned an
d began to run. “Stop, Em!” I pleaded. I tried to follow her, but my feet were stuck to the ground.
As she got farther away, I noticed that she was holding the hand of a little red-headed girl in a matching pink sundress.
“Jane!” I tried to cry out, but found I had no voice. The little girl turned and looked at me. It wasn’t Jane. She was small and had the same red hair, but her face was that of mine as a child.
***
“Zoe, wake up,” said a voice I didn’t recognize.
I blinked several times. The room was dark. A hand was on my shoulder.
“Hey, you were having some dream,” said the rough voice again, right against my ear.
Orienting myself, I recalled falling asleep on Gus’ shoulder.
“Gus?” I whispered.
“Ya, it’s me. Where are we?”
“Oh my God, you’re awake.”
“How long have I been out?”
“Maybe twelve hours? Nathan started an IV and is giving you antibiotics. We’re in the vet’s office, and have two new people with us.”
“I feel like shit,” he grumbled. “Who are the new people?”
“A brother and sister named Linus and Agnes.”
“Nice names.” He started to chuckle, but ended up moaning quietly in pain. “Is everyone else safe?” he asked.
“Everyone’s fine,” I said softly. “You’re hurting?”
“Ya. A bit. And pretty thirsty.”
“Hang on, I’ll grab some water.”
“Thanks.”
I rolled over as gently as I could and slowly hoisted myself up from the air mattress. “I’ll be right back.”
The storage room was in almost complete darkness, moonlight streaming in through the small windows above us. I could hear snoring, but could not recognize who it was. It sounded male, and I guessed Linus.
“Zoe?” I heard Susan whisper.
“Ya, it’s me.”
“You ok?”
“Ya. Gus is awake. He needs water. And I need to pee.”
The Grace Series (Book 3): Dark Grace Page 11