Cale knew it was irrational, but his mind immediately pondered the chances of this group being in league with the Horsemen. After more silence Lee spoke again.
“Before this I was a fiction writer. I don’t live too far from here actually. Just a couple of miles that way,” he pointed to the northeast. “We have plenty of food and water. Even a vehicle if you need it.”
“He’s rolling out the red carpet for you here,” whispered Zach.
Cale noticed that. The man’s pleasantness and eagerness to help caused Cale to question his motives.
“What did you write?” Cale asked.
“Well,” Lee stopped to chuckle as did the three men he was with. “It was just the one book actually. I wrote a zombie novel.”
Zach laughed. Cale wanted to, but didn’t.
“So you’re not a fiction writer then,” stated Cale.
Lee laughed. “No, I guess you’re right.”
Cale offered no follow up statements or questions. Elliot hesitated before speaking up.
“I was a pharmacist,” he said. “My wife and I moved here from Canada about three years ago. No kids.”
“Why not?” interrupted Cale.
Elliot delayed before answering. “I-I’m sterile. Which I suppose, given the world’s situation, isn’t that unfortunate.”
“Apologize,” Zach ordered Cale.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—” he began.
“It’s alright,” responded Elliot.
“Okay, who’s next?” asked Lee turning to the other two men.
“I’ll go,” answered one of them.
The man stepped out. Cale instantly recognized his chubby baby face and the mole by his right eye. His mind worked to rapidly place him.
“I’m—” he began.
“Kyle!” called Cale, who anxiously left the safety of his cover to greet him.
“Holy fuck! Cale?” he said back.
Lee looked surprised. He looked to Kyle for clarification.
“His name is Cale!” Sergeant Kyle explained. “He was on the plane with me!”
“No shit? Let me be the first to officially welcome you home,” Lee said as he approached Cale.
He extended his right hand out, and out of reflex, Cale did the same. Lee noticed Cale’s missing fingers immediately. The nubs at the first knuckle were blackened and swollen.
“Looks like you weren’t as lucky as Mr. Kyle here was,” he speculated.
Elliot took notice also.
“That looks recent,” he blurted.
Cale retracted his hand and used his left to hide it.
“Whoa man,” expressed Kyle. “What the fuck happened?”
Cale wasn’t sure how to respond.
“Cale,” Kyle sounded concerned. “Are you okay?”
“I’ll just say that this here…” he gestured to the four men. “…is the warmest welcome I’ve gotten since we got back.”
“QRF?” asked Kyle.
“Yeah,” Cale muttered. “I-I had to kill one of them.”
“You had to in order to survive,” explained Kyle.
Cale could see that he too was struggling with certain feelings about it.
“QRF didn’t do that to your hand?” asked Jordan.
“No,” Cale answered sharply. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“I won’t make you,” promised Elliot. “But whoever cauterized it did a poor job. We need to get him back to the cabin so I can take a better look.”
“Our pharmacist here doubles as our medic,” Kyle explained. “He’ll get ya fixed up.”
“This way,” Lee lead them to his home.
On the way back Cale told Kyle about the narrow escape from the quick reaction force and the bunker they’d found. He also explained the events of Ballard and the others leaving.
“Ballard just left?” Kyle said shocked.
“Can you blame him though?” defended Cale. “The mission was fucked the second we crossed into U.S. airspace.”
“It’s just hard to fathom,” he replied.
Cale agreed.
“Staff Sergeant Curtis took two marines with him to that airstrip,” Cale informed him.
“Fuck,” Kyle whispered as he and Jordan shared a look.
“What?” asked Cale.
“That place is central command for all ops on the entire eastern sea board,” Jordan answered. “And the area around it is crawling with Zach.”
Cale winced inside. He hated that his best friend’s name was now the derogatory title for these things.
“And if Zach didn’t get them before getting there, they’re most likely dead anyhow,” continued Jordan. “There is nonstop drone surveillance around that whole area, because of the reports of smart Zach to the east.”
Cale realized that they didn’t know.
“You probably saw their tags,” Kyle suggested. “I did.”
“I saw them,” stated Cale.
“Did you see any Zach?” inquired Jordan.
“Yes.”
“And?” Jordan wanted all the intel he could get.
“How do you know so much about the airstrip?” Cale changed the subject.
“Well, when I went that way, Specialist Jordan here was part of the QRF team that was dispatched to find me when the drones spotted me,” explained Kyle. “That was a week after the plane.”
“We were suppose to bring him in,” added Jordan. “But when we got out there, Zach wiped out my team. Sergeant Kyle was my prisoner, but there was no way I could get him back. So I deserted and went with him.”
“We barely made it out,” stated Kyle.
Cale knew what that was like.
“You were saying you were in Zach towns earlier,” Jordan returned to the subject Cale wanted to avoid. “What were the smart Zach like?”
“I don’t want to talk about that,” confessed Cale.
Jordan didn’t seem to know how to proceed with the conversation, so he said nothing. It was obvious Cale was uncomfortable. Lee and Elliot talked amongst themselves as they climbed further up the mountain. They stopped at a seven foot tall rock wall. A rope ladder hung in a narrow gap in its flat surface.
“This is the only way in, other than the driveway, which I blocked off,” explained Lee.
Lee climbed up, followed by Elliot, then Cale, then Jordan, and finally Kyle. They walked further up the mountain before coming to Lee’s home. It was a massive log cabin. It was more like a log mansion. Cale couldn’t hide his surprise. He’d expected something quaint and cozy. And by that, he meant small and cramped. Lee already knew without seeing Cale’s face, what he was thinking.
“Used to be a ski resort up here. They demolished most of the buildings when it went belly-up. I bought this place super cheap. All it needed was a little love,” beamed Lee.
“Ya don’t say,” smiled Zach.
“Come on in,” waved Lee.
Chapter 28
JOURNAL OF THE UNDEAD
Cale stood at the large window and waited for the sun to rise over the mountains in the east. In the large stone hearth behind him, a fire crackled loudly. Its light danced on the stone floor directly in front of it. Multi-colored carpets covered the surrounding area. Candles flickered in their sconces along the walls.
He could clearly make out the pines as the dawn brought about the day. It was warm. The winter was almost over. He’d lost so much time in that jail cell. Cale turned around and looked up at the oak support beams on the ceiling. The light made them look deep red, only adding to the warmth of the room. It made him feel relaxed.
The aroma of fresh baked bread and scrambled eggs wafted out of the kitchen. Elliot’s wife, Glenda, appeared with a plate ready for him. He hadn’t really spoken to anyone other than Kyle since his arrival two days ago. Everyone else received smiles, nods, and the occasional one or two word sentence.
“Thank you,” he said, receiving the plate.
“You’re very welcome,” she smiled.
Gle
nda disappeared back through the kitchen door, joining the others who cooked breakfast. Cale sat at the table and began eating. Two women and a man came down from the second floor. Lee had formed quite the community. There were thirteen different families living here. All strangers, before he brought them here. Hell, he still had plenty of empty rooms left. Lee believed in preparedness. This place was ready to be “off-the-grid” before the grid was unexpectedly taken off-the-grid. Solar and wind power provided a few creature comforts Cale thought had been lost. When Lee gave Cale the tour, he explained that every Saturday night was movie night. He’d pick something out of his massive collection.
Lee expressed a fascination in being able to sustain himself, free of most modern technologies. He erected a greenhouse that provided fresh produce all year round, as well as, a barn full of chickens and goats. His desire to live green had been fulfilled at the luckiest moment.
“Morning,” greeted Lee’s wife, Stef.
Cale smiled as a reply. He could see his silence was unsettling for most of them. This place was very spacious, however, voices easily carried from one end to the other. Hardly anyone trusted him. He heard their “family meeting” after Kyle showed him to his room. Cale had no way of pairing the concerned voices with their owners, but he knew that he wasn’t wanted here. Of the thirteen families, Cale had only met three or four of them. And even they were still scared of him.
Elliot managed to patch up his injuries and prescribed him antibiotics out of the stash Cale had stolen from the Horsemen. He’d seen Elliot eyeing a few of the other bottles, so he offered them to him. Elliot accepted them without hesitation.
The sound of dining ware scraping plates became louder as more people joined him at the table, but none sat next to him. Upstairs, unseen children could be heard playing and laughing. Cale looked around the table. Anyone who wasn’t engaged in friendly conversation kept their eyes on their plate, and ignored his presence. Zach stood at the large window, watching the clouds change color.
“It’s a good thing you’re leaving today,” he said still staring out the window.
Cale agreed.
“Told ya it was beautiful,” Lee said as he took the seat across from him.
Cale nodded and pretended his mouth was too full to reply. Stef took the seat next to her husband. Kyle then took the seat next to him and Jordan next to Kyle. Cale was feeling anxious suddenly. He avoided looking up as he quickly finished his plate. What was wrong with him?
“Elliot said your arm looked okay,” Lee began. “But your fingers might need some more attention.”
Cale looked at the tan bandage that wrapped around his wrist and covered his missing flanges. When he looked up he realized that everyone was looking at it as well. He had no further use of his fork and sat it on the plate, then pulled his hand down to sit in his lap. Effectively hiding it from view under the table.
“It’ll be okay,” he said meekly.
“You sure? If you just waited a couple more days it might be better,” Lee suggested.
Cale could hear everyone at the table hold their breaths. Lee had offered something that none of them wanted.
“No really. It’ll be fine,” replied Cale.
He could almost hear every person let out a sigh of relief that he’d turned down the invitation. Or was he imagining it?
“Excuse me please,” he said anxiously as he stood.
“Are you okay?” asked Kyle.
“Yeah,” replied Cale. “I’m just gonna step outside for a minute.”
Cale could feel their eyes on him as he made his way to the patio door. Zach followed him. The table broke out into inquiries before the door even closed. He didn’t look back at them, he just walked to the railing. The snow covered deck overlooked a ravine. Not even the orange glow of the sun warmed him up in the cold. Cale looked at his hand. Most of his nervousness had subsided.
“You’re not okay,” stated Zach.
Cale ignored him.
“If they just knew what happened to you—” he continued.
“I just don’t want to talk about it,” Cale snapped.
“Not talking about it isn’t going to mean it didn’t happen,” Zach said calmly.
Cale shook his head. He wasn’t trying to pretend it didn’t happen.
“They said this in all those PTSD videos we watched. You have all the signs man,” Zach lectured. “They’re acting weird in there because you’re acting weird. What do you expect them to do if you’re being crazy?”
Cale watched the snow glitter as the light moved over the mountain top.
“You can’t pretend nothing happened,” repeated Zach.
“Of course I can’t!” shouted Cale. “You know why? Because I’m missing part of my fucking hand! So unless I can regrow it, I’m not pretending shit! I just don’t want to talk about it!”
Behind Zach he could see everyone gathered and looking at him through the window. Fuck. They’d just watched his outburst at his imaginary friend. Embarrassed, he turned back to the railing.
“Thanks a lot, Zach,” he said angrily.
Zach didn’t reply. Warm tears rolled down Cale’s face, which then immediately became cold. He could feel his ears turning red as the cartilage was buffeted by the wind.
“Shit,” he whispered. “Shit.”
The door behind him opened, then closed.
“Is everything okay?” Kyle’s voice called to him.
Cale didn’t answer.
“Why don’t ya come back inside,” suggested Lee. “Step away from that ledge and out of this cold.”
They thought Cale was going to jump into the ravine. He wiped his face before turning to face them. His face flushed with embarrassment, but could also be mistaken for being cold. Kyle approached him slowly.
“I just want to leave,” stated Cale.
Lee and Kyle looked at one another. Cale knew they were exchanging nonverbally. Lee let out a sigh before speaking.
“That’d probably be best,” he said. “We’ll get that vehicle I promised and you can leave right away,” he paused before apologizing. “Sorry.”
Cale could see the regret Lee displayed was authentic.
“It’s fine,” offered Cale. “I just want to go home.”
“I’ll be back,” said Lee, then went inside.
“You want me to go with you?” asked Kyle.
“No,” responded Cale.
“You sure?” Kyle looked concerned for him.
“The sooner I go, the sooner I’ll get better,” he assured him.
Kyle nodded. He escorted Cale inside. Everyone had retreated to their rooms.
“Stay here,” ordered Kyle. “I’ll be right back.”
Cale obeyed. He observed the still full plates of eggs and bread on the table. Steam billowed off of them.
“You ruined breakfast,” teased Zach.
Cale gave him a sharp look, but didn’t dare speak to him again in front of present company. Lee and Stef came down the stairs.
“Kyle said he’s grabbing your stuff. We can’t spare any ammunition, but we can give you some of our food reserves for the medications you gave Elliot,” explained Lee.
“Thanks,” said Cale.
“It’s not much. Just a couple of bags of deer jerky,” he said.
“Thank you,” Cale reaffirmed.
“Let’s head outside. Kyle will be along shortly,” Lee stated.
Cale nodded and followed him out to a large garage. Stef stood with Cale as Lee opened the sliding door. She was tense and had her arm behind her back. Cale knew what she was doing. She was watching him, and behind her back was a firearm.
“You must’ve really scared them,” said Zach.
“No thanks to you,” Cale muttered.
“What?” Stef asked.
Cale flushed with embarrassment.
“Nothing,” he answered.
She eyed him suspiciously. Lee grunted as the door slammed up. Inside there were two vehicles. A Ford Explorer and a sm
all Ford F-150.
“This here is your horse,” Lee pounded the side of the F-150 with his fist. “There’s a road atlas in the glove box. Now there will still be a lot of snow up here, but as you work your way down the mountain it’ll clear up. Maybe even be gone.”
Cale nodded. Kyle came up behind them carrying Cale’s pack and weapons. He accepted his belongings as Lee opened the door for him and Cale threw his things inside. He offered the keys to Cale.
“Sorry we’re sending you off like this,” Lee apologized.
“It’s fine,” Cale informed him.
“It’s only three quarters full,” he stated. “It’s the best we could manage for you.”
“Thanks,” Cale assured him.
Cale climbed into the seat and Lee shut the door for him.
“We’ll get the gate for you,” explained Lee.
He explained the best route to take to get to Akron while avoiding quarantine zones. Cale absorbed the highlights, however, he struggled to focus. He was looking right at Lee, but soon was looking through him. Get home. Survive. Vigilant.
“Cale? Cale?” Lee waved his hand to bring Cale back.
Cale shook his head and blinked rapidly before answering.
“Sorry,” said Cale. “Take 79 to 70, get off at the highway 9 exit to avoid the quarantine around Columbus,” he pulled the words from the part of his brain that was listening. “Head north toward Dover. Got it.”
Lee looked at him uneasily, then nodded. Cale started the pickup. A black cloud of exhaust sputtered out of the tailpipe and was swept away by the wind. Stef hugged her husband and Kyle joined them at Cale’s window.
“One more thing,” stated Lee, producing a paperback book.
Cale took the book and looked at it. Journal of the Undead by SG Lee. A dark silhouette of a zombie decorated the cover.
“That was one of the first cover ideas,” said Stef.
“I can’t,” said Cale as he offered the book back.
“Take it,” smiled Lee. “I have tons of them laying around. Just figured if you were bored sometime—” he trailed off.
“Don’t be a dick,” said Zach sternly from the passenger seat.
“Thanks,” smiled Cale. “Hey, what’s the ‘SG’ stand for?”
Lee laughed.
“I like to keep that a secret. Adds a little mystery to it,” he chuckled.
Z Plan (Book 3): Homecoming Page 26