by Steven Pajak
Within minutes, Crystal formed a small group to pass the word and get as many of the group packed like sardines into or onto the already packed vehicles. It was quite a site, seeing so many folks sitting on the hoods and roofs of vans and trucks, and hanging off the sides of running boards. In the end, thirteen remained, myself included. It was a good number; small enough to move quickly and large enough to fend off a small horde.
We watched the caravan fade into the distance as we kept swift pace, keeping ahead of the horde. Under my direction, we set up in a diamond formation. My standing order was not to break away from the group to engage the creatures, but only engage if they were close enough to do harm. My fear was that someone would break off and not be able to get back to the safety of the group before being overwhelmed.
Nearly twenty minutes passed without incident, but I noticed the horde was not only growing, but they were gaining. I didn’t think the creatures had suddenly picked up the pace, but rather we were slowing, getting tired.
As I was considering our next course of action, Crystal dropped back from her position at point and paced next to me. “I’m getting a bit worried, boss,” she said.
Nodding, I asked, “So am I. What are you worried about?”
“I don’t know how far we are away from the farm, but I’m worried these things are just going to follow us right up to the front door. What about you?”
I had not even considered that we were leading the things home. I said, “That’s a very good observation. Right now, though, I’m worried that the crazies are gaining on us because we’re getting tired. If we don’t do something about that, we may not make it home.”
Crystal was quiet a moment and the sound of breathing and feet slapping against pavement filled my ears. When she looked back at me she asked, “You have a plan, right?”
As it turned out, I did have a plan. If it worked, we not only lose the horde, but also get the breather we really needed.
* * *
My mouth was dry and a sharp stitch in my side came with every deep inhale. Sweat broke out on my brow and poured down my sideburns and the back of my neck. It had been a while since I had to maintain an all-out run for more than a minute or two. Again, I was reminded that I needed to take better care of myself.
“Almost…there…” I said between breaths to no one in particular. I didn’t notice if anyone responded. All I could hear was the sound of my pulse thrumming in my ears.
Just ahead, I spotted the two large pines that flanked the entrance to the abandoned farmhouse, the same place we sought shelter several months ago when we braved the white out to reach Finnegan Farms.
Together, we crossed the eighth of a mile of open land toward the ranch home. The abandoned mid-80’s pickup without tires still stood in front of the attached garage. Most of the front quarter panel on the driver’s side was rusted through.
Leading them around to the east side, across the porch with destroyed railings and posts and rotted wood, I pointed to the large gouge in the side of the structure that opened up when the nearby tree fell into the structure and said, “Hurry now, we need to get inside before they see us.”
“What is this place?” Crystal asked.
“Tell you later,” I said, leaning over, hands on my knees. I was trying to catch my breath.
Crystal went in and the rest followed her through the man-sized opening. I could see exhaustion in each of their faces as each of them pushed their way into the house. Bringing up the rear, I grabbed the large piece of plywood and set it against the interior wall, blocking the opening behind us. Someone helped me drag the small, tattered sofa with one broken leg over to brace the makeshift door.
“We need to make sure the rest of the house is clear,” I said softly. “Crystal, take two with you and sweep the rest of the rooms. Randy, you stay with me here and watch this entrance. The rest of you, quietly check to see if there are any openings they might exploit and block them.”
Although my heartbeat finally settled to a normal throb, I still couldn’t seem to completely catch my breath. I took a seat on the sofa and closed my eyes for a few seconds and scanned the room. Dirt and dead leaves mired the deteriorated wood floors. The fireplace stood black and cold.
One by one, they started to file back into the room, sitting down with their backs against the dirty walls. Crystal plopped down on the sofa beside me and Randy joined her. After a moment, she leaned her head against his shoulder and he put his arm around her.
We all sat in mutual silence, listening to the things outside, each man and woman secretly praying for them to move on. The sounds of their moans and guttural iterations was unnerving and I had forgotten how listening to them for extended periods could fray anyone’s nerves
Chapter 10
Battle of Evermore
I sat looking out through the small attic window, my forehead pressed against the cool glass. My eyes burned with lack of sleep; awake before dawn by bad dreams I could not remember, I could not return to slumber even though I felt exhausted. It was still dark outside, though the morning light seemed to come earlier with each passing day. Nothing but shadows stirred in the gloom. A brisk wind picked up suddenly, sweeping up bits of dead leaves and detritus from the gutters, scattering them across the roof.
After a while, I stood up and sat down at the edge of the cot. Its well-worn springs made strange sounds as my weight settled upon them. From beneath the pillow, I pawed out the portable CD player, a recent bribe from Justin. Since Matt and Brian left two days ago, I was moody and withdrawn. Lara was the first to come to me, but she was unsuccessful in drawing me out of my funk. Next, Justin made an attempt by offering a bribe, but I continued my silent routine. Respectfully, they both relented and left me to deal with my issues in his own way.
Now, I placed the headphones around my neck, like a doctor or nurse would hang a stethoscope, and placed the CD player into my jacket pocket. Leaving the attic, cringing as the old wood stairs creaked and moaned as I descended each step, I quietly closed the door behind me. In stocking feet, I padded across the upper floor, then down the main staircase and into the living room.
The dying embers of last night’s fire gave off a dim orange glow. Sitting at the edge of the sofa, I pulled on a pair of boots and gloves and then went out onto the wrap-around porch. The morning was brisk and the slight breeze that kicked up litter from the gutters came in again from the west, nipping at my nose and cheeks. To the east, the sky was much brighter, and the shadows witnessed just minutes ago retreated as the sun climbed higher into the sky.
From behind, Cody whined and then scratched at the door. Quickly I let him out before the dog woke the whole house. Although this was a farm, and folks around here woke early, it was still cold enough that most slept in until seven or eight. Although I did not have a watch, I figured it was about six in the morning.
“Go on and make your duty,” I told the dog.
Cody tore down the stairs and made a beeline for the large oak tree out front to mark his territory. After a moment, I turned and walked to the row of rocking chairs and sat in the first one on the left, where Mrs. Cleona took her rest after a hard day of chores.
Watching as Cody moved from the oak tree to an old rusted swing set to raise his leg, I pulled the earphones over his small ears. I slid the CD player out of my pocket and pushed the power button like Justin showed me. After the CD spun up, I pressed the play button and then slid the player back into my pocket.
For a while, I watched the sky grow brighter as I rocked in the chair and listened to the homemade CD, with songs from Led Zeppelin, REO Speedwagon, Journey, The Eagles, Billy Joel and Pearl Jam to name a few. Although I was not familiar with most of these bands—Justin told me this music was made before my time—the music resonated with me and I enjoyed the company.
Eventually, my exhaustion got the better of me with a little help from the rocking chair and the music. My eyes burned until I closed them, telling myself if was just for a little while.
Before long, I was sound asleep.
* * *
I woke with a sudden urge to pee. The dull ache in my bladder was enough to pull me from my slumber. In my dream, I was in a shower lathering with oatmeal soap, and then I was caught in a sudden, tremendous downpour, the rain so cold it seemed to burn when it touched my skin. I ran, seeking shelter against the rain, only to end up in the maze of cornfields, trying to relieve myself, but the wind kept blowing the yellow stream of urine back at me, splashing all over my pant legs.
My eyes snapped opened and I sat up straight in the rocker. Sometime while I slept, Lara, Mrs. Cleona, or whomever had morning watch, had come out and draped a thick patchwork quilt over me. Throwing off the thick blanket, I ran down the front porch to the oak tree and relieved myself. The morning was cool and my urine was warm enough that a light steam rose from the puddle.
Cody nudged my leg as I finished zipping up and chuffed at me. His brown eyes stared at me and I felt as though the dog was speaking to me with his baby browns.
“Yeah, I know, I’m hungry, too,” I told the dog.
Outside, I could smell the aroma of bacon frying in a cast iron skillet and my mouth started to water. There would also be eggs, thick country gravy, and maybe even biscuits. The food was much better here than at Randall Oaks, that was for sure. A country mile better.
Feeling a little better, knowing today would be the day Matt returned, I raced Cody up the steps to the screen door. The dog beat me, but not by much. Inside, the smell was intoxicating. Stopping to kick off my boots and say good morning to Maureen and Stanley who were sipping their morning coffee in the living room—and probably making out when no one was looking—I went straight down the hall to the pantry where I set a double scoop of dry food into Cody’s bowl.
He sniffed the kibble and then looked up at me with his sad eyes.
“Sorry, bud. Maybe Mrs. Cleona will give you bacon drippings after breakfast.”
Ian and Justin were sitting at the table eating their breakfast. Lara was in the middle of setting up a tray to bring out to the communal kitchen out by the ranch quarters. Mrs. Cleona was stirring up her gravy, as expected.
“Good morning,” I said, taking a seat at the table.
“Good morning,” Justin said.
“Top o’ the morning to ya,” Ian said and winked. He knew I was enthralled with his Irish accent and turn of phrase.
Lara kissed the top of my head and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Good morning, champ. Nice to see you socializing. Did you feed Cody?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I said. “But I think he’s waiting for leftovers.”
“Well, don’t be feeding him your scraps,” she said and ruffled my hair. “You’re a growing boy and you need to eat all of your breakfast.”
“I won’t.”
“I’m going to take this over to the ranch but I’ll be back shortly,” Lara said. With the tray in hand, she looked at Ian and Justin and said, “I’ll need you two to make a perimeter check as soon as you fill your bellies.”
“Aye, captain, general, sir,” Ian said, making us laugh.
“Meas buachaill,” Cleona said, and rapped a knuckle against the back of his head.
“I always show respect, ma,” Ian said.
Placing a plate of scrambled eggs, fried potatoes and bacon in front of me, Mrs. Cleona smoothed down my unruly hair. “Eat and grow strong, little one.”
“Thank you,” I said and gave her my best smile.
Breakfast was the best I’ve ever had, even before the crazies came and changed our lives. I sat at the table for almost an hour, accepting seconds. Ian and Justin went on their errands. Jenna, Joshua and Krista joined me later, and after, Deirdre and Nora sat with me for a while, washing down their breakfast with hot black coffee.
After breakfast I set out to do my chores. Cody followed me out to the stable where I went about feeding and watering the horses. I couldn’t help but notice the two empty stalls where Meredith and Beauty should have been. While I mucked out the stalls, Cody played near the goats, running up and down along the fence, barking and doing his best to frighten them. Nora wouldn’t allow this, as she said he might frighten the kids to death, but I had my doubts about that.
Near midday, Jenna came with some glasses of ice water, and to check my work. Although caring for the horses was my responsibility, I was still learning and Jenna was an excellent teacher. Jenna’s hair was long and blonde, almost white, and she always seemed to smell like peaches or strawberry.
“Nice job on the stalls, Wesley,” Jenna said.
I watched her as she peered into each of the stalls. She wore dark blue jeans and a white cable-knit sweater under her barn coat. She was so pretty to look at that sometimes my breath caught in my throat.
“No ammonia smell. Dry hay. Pretty soon you won’t need me out here.”
I blushed at her high praise. Following her, I watched as she inspected the horses, checking their eyes, teeth, and legs for cuts or bruises. From her back pocket she produced a hoof pick. Using the small tool, she gently lifted each hoof, picking at the dirt and stones, checking the fit of each shoe. As she worked, she talked, but I only heard about half of what she was saying. Mostly I just smiled and nodded, mesmerized by her.
Jenna was midway through her hoof inspection when Krista came at a run, almost taking a dive when she burst into the stable. “They’re here!” she exclaimed, breathless from her run. “Come on, what are you waiting for?”
I looked over at Jenna who smiled at me and shouted. “Last one there shovels manure for a week!”
* * *
It was just before noon when we saw the caravan at a distance, making their way down the main road onto the farm, the long line of vehicles getting closer by the second. Breathless from running, Jenna and I stood under the oak tree with the rest of our family and friends gathered around. She held my hand in hers, and I could feel her pulse beating as fast as my own. Even now, as I write this, I remember both the excitement and devastation of that day.
Sam and Kat were among the first of the caravan to arrive. Together, the women stepped out of the white van, holding hands. They looked at us, a group of old friends they had not seen for months, and many strange faces of those they had not yet met. Letting go of Jenna’s hand, I bolted from the group, calling out their names as I ran to them.
On her knees, Sam caught me in an embrace and hugged me so tight I felt my back crack and I almost couldn’t breathe. Kat joined in on our hug and soon both women were planting kisses all over my face.
“We missed you so much,” Kat said, finally.
I noticed the scar, an old wound, but I also noticed fresh cuts and bruises, as though she’d recently been in a fight. Reaching out, I gingerly touched her chin, turning her cheek slightly so I could get a better look at her wounds.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
Kat grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze. “Don’t worry about me, my sweet boy. I’m fine. You should see the other guy,” she said and winked.
The next half hour was a whirlwind. There were introductions, new people, from Providence of all places. That was an interesting story. Sam and Kat explained as quickly as they could to Lara and Justin and the rest of us who fought against these men and women. My mom and dad died in that war.
It wasn’t until Nora and Deirdre walked past me with Meredith and Beauty that I realized I had not seen Matt or Brian since the caravan arrived. I asked Sam about them and she was silent for a moment. Finally, she sighed and said, “We have to talk.”
I felt my stomach drop and my mouth suddenly went dry.
She looked at Lara now and said, “All of us. Get all your leaders together. We’re going to have company soon. The unwelcome kind.”
* * *
Fully realizing she did not answer my question about Matt, I followed the group of women to the cellar—the command post—where we were joined shortly by Ian and Justin and a few other folks. I stood off in the corner and kept quiet, surpr
ised I had not already been sent off or told to sit with Mrs. Cleona.
Sam and Kat took a few minutes to accept welcomes from the men and women who had not seen them in three months. No one commented on Kat’s scratches or bruises. They must have figured she’d gotten them along the road. Besides, Sam and Kat had said we were going to have unwelcomed visitors and even I knew now was not the time to ask after Kat’s wounds.
After the quick reunion, Sam told us what had happened in the last twenty-four hours. She told us about the attack on the community and how they used the crazies to cause a diversion, and how Kat was taken during the raid. She told us about their mission to rescue Kat from the marauders. She explained that these were the same people who they rescued me and my family from so long ago and that these men and women have been using their tactics to kill people like us to take their supplies and sometimes even their people. These bad men and women sent the man here who killed Kieran and now they had their eyes set on us. Sam said they would be on their way soon.
As I sat listening from the corner, I could feel my heart racing. I couldn’t have said a word, even if I’d wanted. I kept remembering how Kieran looked—pale and covered with blood—when they brought his body back. These people killed a boy for nothing. These people used crazies to kill good people just so they could take what they wanted. They took Kat and did unimaginable things to her and now they were coming here.
“So where are Matt and Brian?” Justin asked. “If this is about to jump off, where the hell are they?”
“We knew they would be coming, so Brian and a contingent group stayed behind to set up some explosives to try to do as much damage as possible, and to keep them off our ass for as long as possible. We heard the explosives a while ago…we don’t know if there are any survivors there.”