by Thomas Bach
Spencer looked at me, he now knew why I wanted him by me. If Ivy turned, he would have to be the one to destroy her. It was a shitty job, but we both knew I was incapable of doing it. Ivy was sitting on the open tailgate, cleaned up now. It looked good, no cuts or bites. But what about her mouth, it only took a little, only time would tell. Spencer stood to her left, one hand resting on the tailgate the other gripping his trusty 9 MM Glock. He held it down to his side, along his thigh in an attempt to hide it from Ivy, but she knew it was there and why. If she did turn it would happen fast, Spencer would have to react immediately, without hesitation, I was confident he would. I took her hand in a feeble attempt to calm her nerves. The minutes felt like hours,
“Has it been ten minutes yet Billy?” her soft, fearful voice filled me with sympathy.
“Not yet, almost, how do you feel?”
“Other than being scared shitless I feel normal.”
“That's a good sign, we should know for sure in a few more minutes.”
Five or maybe ten minutes more passed, it was hard to keep track. Fear and anxiety filled us, but no one said a word. I could see that Ivy wanted me to hold her, but we knew that would be a very bad thing if she turned. Finally, James came running up to us,
“It's been close to 25 minutes since we left the bridge, if she hasn't turned yet then she's good to go.”
We all had a collective sigh of relief, I took Ivy and pulled her into my chest. She was safe now, I wasn't going to lose her, not today. Spencer holstered his Glock and walked away without a word. I knew he would have done it, but it's not the sort of thing you can thank a person for.
“Hey Babe, let's get loaded and out of here.”
“Sounds good to me, the sooner, the better.”
“James, get everyone loaded, we should hit 41 in a few minutes.”
“You got it, and Billy, I'm glad she's alright.”
“Thanks, little brother.” James was a good brother and will be a good leader, I felt lucky to have him by my side. “One more thing James, as we go have your rider mark which brides and overpasses are in good shape, which are impassible, and which look like they need some repair, we can use that for future trips.”
“That's some good thinking big brother, you’re not as dumb as you look.”
I headed west, right down the middle of Mason St. Highway 41 should be just a few miles down the road. Mason St. was surprisingly clear, only a few vehicles, most parked along the curb. A downed light pole blocked half the road every now ant then but easily maneuvered around. Empty shops and office buildings lined both sides, haunting and heartbreaking all at the same time. I could almost imagine what life was like before they came. We had been through almost all of these so they were picked clean. The offices and shops gave way to residential houses as we neared 41. I had never been this far west, I put it in the back of my mind that we should check some of these on our way back. Up ahead the sign was dirty and dilapidated but I could make out US 41 1 mile.
We eased up the old the ramp and headed south on 41, it had been a major thoroughfare, six lanes of thick concert. My Grandfather told me once that this section of 41 had been redone just before they came. Weeds and a few trees sprang up from the cracks but most of the concrete was still intact, I could only hope the bridges and overpasses were the same. The road was straight for the most part and in better shape than I imagined. It must be just past noon, the sun was high in the sky, we were making good time and should be on the outskirts of Appleton by mid-afternoon. Ivy seemed calmer now but continued to hold her rifle out the window, she scanned the roadside intently. The going was slow, negotiating around long abandoned trucks and cars. Driving around tress and other debris but so far so good.
I could tell we were getting close to Appleton, old warehouses and small factories started to pop up. Most of the street signs were knocked down making it difficult for us to tell exactly where we were.
“There,” Ivy said excitedly, pointing to our front. “That sign says County IR”. She scanned the map she was holding, after a moment she said, “that puts us right here, the road to the hospital should be two exits up, stay to the right and we should see it soon.”
“Good job navigator, we should be there with plenty of daylight left to set up camp.”
“We have been lucky so far, lets hope that lasts,” she fidgeted with the map, “you can never fold these damn things back the way they were.” She gave up and tossed it up on the dash the glanced up looking for the exit.
“There it is, Ballard St., that's the road we want.”
“The road looks clear, how far from here?”
“Should be just over a mile, probably on the other side of that hill.”
“Great, after we secure the area and set up camp we can get some hot food in us.”
“Sounds good to me,” Ivy said.
I could tell she was getting tired, being on guard constantly can be exhausting. We reached the crest of the hill, off to our right I could see what had to be the hospital, a six story building sticking above the tree line. It was a dull white, 'L' shaped building with most of it's windows unbroken. It looked ominous, out of place, almost alive. I felt like it was looking at me or somehow sensed our presence. Ridiculous, it's been a long day and I'm sure we all needed some sleep. I eased the Dodge down the hill and pulled around to the back. Most of the parking lot was covered in grass and trees. In the crook of the 'L' was a single story building. The EMERGENCY sign was dirty and missing the Y. Off to the left of the emergency room entrance were three pass through ambulance bays, one overhead door was open. To the right, a ramp leads down to a basement delivery area. I parked the Dodge next to the ramp, facing out in case we had to make a speedy exit. The other trucks followed suit, making a neat row. James jumped out of his truck, stretched his arms above his head and arched his back. Ivy and I got out and did the same.
“Looks good so far,” James said half yawning yet, “Most of the windows are still there so that's good.”
“Ya, that's for sure,” I said just starting my own yawn.
We all knew that water was our enemy when it came to scavenging. It's surprising how long most things will last as long as they are not exposed to water. The team began to gather around James and me waiting for orders.
“Let's break up into teams of 2 or 3 and search the hospital. Once it's secure we will set up sentries and send out patrols to check the surrounding area. The emergency room will be our base camp. We will get some food, some sleep then start fresh in the morning.” Pausing to look around at the team I had assembled, all good fighters, good people. “Be careful in there, take it slow floor by floor, don't look for stuff just make sure they aren't in there. Alright let’s move out.”
WDT members started to form groups and head into the hospital.
“James, you and I will head to the basement while Ivy stays here with Eddie and the vehicles.”
With his usual nonchalant attitude James replied, “sounds like a plan Bro, let’s roll.”
“Once we secure the hospital I want you to put a sentry on the roof and four on the ground, covering each corner of the hospital. Set up the portable lights in front of the ER then move the two armored trucks next to the ER doors.”
The look on James's face didn't instill a great deal of confidence, he seemed distracted, looking off to the far side of the parking lot. “You got that numb nuts?”
“Ya, every word, no problem at all, now let’s get moving we're burning daylight.”
The back of his neck felt cold and clammy as I squeezed it to get his attention.
“You alright James?
“Ya, ya just thought I saw some movement in the trees on the other side of the lot.”
“Maybe we should check it out.”
“Naw, it’s probably nothing, we can check it once the hospital is clear.”
“OK then let's get to it.”
Less than an hour later every nook and cranny of the hospital had been searched, sentries w
ere posted and food was being prepared. Not bad for my first day in charge I thought.
“Not a bad first day out.” I said to Ivy and James as we walked into the main waiting room of the ER. We stopped and looked around, everything seemed to be in relative order, a gurney turned over along with dust everywhere were the only indications the human race had almost been eliminated.
“Let’s bring some beds into this area, we should all sleep in the same room.”
Spencer walked with his wide stride and swagger and said,
“The food is ready and the sun is almost down.”
Ivy piped up, “thank God, I'm starving.”
We all headed to the makeshift mess hall just outside and ate a hot meal. After the usual ribbing and laughing it was time for me and James to take our turn on the roof. Four more hours before I could get some sleep. I was the one who made the rule about everyone taking a shift. Right now I'm rethinking that rule.
5
Spencer woke me with a gentle nudge, the gurney turned out to be a fairly comfortable bed.
“Suns going to be up soon Boss, time to start scavenging.”
Half asleep I replied, “Thanks Spencer, is James up yet?”
“Ya, he's out front looking around, seemed a little off to me.”
“I noticed that yesterday to, I'll keep an eye on him, I'm sure it's nothing.”
Looking over at the gurney next to me I marveled at how beautiful Ivy looked, so peaceful, I hated to wake her. I thought about leaving her behind with the rear guard but I knew she would never stand for that. Even after yesterdays run in I'm sure she will still want to be on the front lines.
“Wake up Ivy, it's morning.”
She turned away still in a deep sleep. Spencer smiled at me then headed out to get some breakfast. One more nudge a little harder should do it.
“Time to get up and find some stuff.”
A somewhat surprised look greeted me as she sat up and turned to face me.
Whipping the sleep out of her eyes she said, “Already, it feels like I just fell asleep.”
“Suns almost up so it's time to head out.”
Her soft hand reached out and took hold of my arm. The surprised expression had turned into a serious one.
“I love you Billy.”
“I love you too Ivy.” I was confused by her serious mood; she was usually reserved when it came to showing her emotions.
“Be careful out there today, I have a funny feeling about this place.”
“You know I'm always careful, today will be no different.”
“I'm sure it's nothing, maybe I'm still shaken from yesterday.”
“Maybe, let's get James and Spencer and head out, who knows what we will find today.”
I reached over placing my hand behind her head and gave her a genital kiss on the forehead. As we walked out of the ER together I couldn't help but feel disconcerted, Ivy is my rock and this is the first time I have ever noticed a crack. We walked outside to find a gray overcast sky. The air was cold and thick with moister. It was the kind of day that chilled you to the bone and the flu thrived in. The sun was up now but hidden behind the gray clouds making the atmosphere drab. We all gathered next to the armored truck, I noticed Eddie for the first time in a day. It was nice not hearing his whining and complaining for awhile, he must be really scared being out of the compound.
I addressed the group as confidently as I could, hiding the insecurity that burned in my gut.
“We will break up into two groups. James, Spencer, Ivy and myself will be one group. The next four senior members of the WDT will make up team 2. The remaining members will guard base camp. Eddie, you come with me today.”
A glance up and expressionless half smile let me know he heard me. He's going to drive me nuts I just know it.
“We will head southwest; the other team will head southeast. We are primarily looking for medical supplies, food, ammo, weapons, after that use your discretion. We only have two radios so team 2 and base camp will use them. Any sign of trouble head back here. Take your time, use your training and knowledge, let's all meet back here for a good meal. Are there any questions?”
I scanned the faces in front of me, so young, so brave. I was proud of each and everyone of them. Can I be the leader they need me to be? Can I be the man my father is? Only time will tell. Hearing no questions, I continued with a somber voice,
“God bless you and watch over you today, the people back at Station Hope are counting on us. Let’s move out.”
With that said the group dispersed. James, Spencer, Ivy, Eddie and myself headed to our vehicles. We would be taking the Dodge and one of the cargo trucks. Ivy rides with me, as usual. Spencer and James get stuck with Eddie, rank does have some privileges. Suddenly for some reason, maybe it was the realization of what I had just sent so many young WDT member off to do or maybe it was this gloomy day. but visions of Station Hope popped into my head. My Father, Mother and Uncle Phil. I'd be embarrassed if the others knew how home sick I felt. Can't dwell about that now, a entirely new city was out there waiting for us.
The only good thing about civilization ending so fast was the fact that no one had much time to ransack the stores. The odds were good that we could find stores that haven't let any water in. If we did, we stood a good chance of finding some much needed supplies. I watched the other group head up the hill then veers east as we went west. As the hospital disappeared behind us I got that same feeling, that gnawing in my gut. I could swear it was watching us, perhaps something inside was watching us. I guess I may never know and maybe that's not a bad thing.
It didn't take much time to come across a building that looked promising. It looked like it had once been a home building supply store. As we approached from the east a sign with the words 'building' and 'store' were visible through the dirt that covered it. The Dodge rolled to a stop a hundred yards or so from the main entrance. James pulled the cargo truck along side. I kept my eyes on the front doors as Ivy and I got out.
“Well this place looks promising. The roof looks good and from the dust and debris in front of the door I'd say nothings been going in or out.”
Spencer looked around surveying the building and surrounding brush. “Seems all clear, how about me and James check the back quick?”
“Sounds good, we will wait here for you and then make entry.”
James and Spencer disappeared around the corner of the building. In no time at all they were back with us.
“Looks secure back there Boss, nothing moving around and all doors and windows look locked.” Spencer said slightly out of breath.
“Good, let's get in there and get what we can. It looks like a decent size store, probably was a family run thing.” I turned my attention to Eddie, “you think there will be stuff you want in there?”
Eddie looked up squinting at the building, his face made me think of a little rat. “No I doubt it.”
His squeaky voice was already getting on my nerves. “OK then, Eddie you stay with the vehicles, Ivy you’re with me. James and Spencer you take the left side of the store we will take the right.”
“Wait, Wait.” Eddie piped up, “you want me to stay out here by myself?”
“Ya, you have a rifle, you do know how to use it right?”
“Yes but, shouldn't one of you stay with me?”
His cowardice sickened me a little, if it wasn't for his smarts I'd never have brought him.
“You’re in the middle of a large parking lot, if anything approaches just honk the horn we will come running.”
Eddie's face had turned to a pale white, well whiter than normal. He knew if he made any more fuss he would loose what little respect any of us had left for him.
“OK, I'll watch the vehicles, just don't take too long.”
“We'll go in, clear the building, then come back out and back the cargo truck up to the front door.”
I got three nodes of agreement and one petrified rat face looking at me. We moved towards the front
door, James and Spencer moved the debris away and entered first. With a little force the glass doors slid open. Three check out lanes greeted us as we entered, the cash registers covered in dust. To our right the east wall was a series of floor to ceiling glass windows. The light they let in was great but it did cast a lot of shadows. The store looked like it had been plucked out of time. Except for the dust everything was untouched just as it was before they came. James and Spencer broke off to the left, rifles up, ready for anything. Ivy and I went down the first isle on our right. The shelves were full, a slight shiver of excitement passed through me, but we will have time to take a closer look once the building was cleared. No windows broken out, no footprints in the dust that covered the floor, all good signs. At the end of the isle was the back wall, from there I could see to the other side of the store. James and Spencer emerged from the far left isle and preceded down the next. Back and forth we cleared the main part of the store. Then we cleared the back storage room, nothing and no one inside so we headed out to move the cargo truck.
As I walked back outside the trucks were where we left them, Eddie was in the front seat of the Dodge with his face in his laptop. I scanned across the parking lot and thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. At the far side of the lot stood the silhouette of a man. Ivy followed my stare and quickly located him. James and Spencer noticed him about the same time I did. They raised their rifles and ran for cover behind the trucks. I ran up to the driver side of the Dodge, Ivy right behind me, I slammed my palm against the window. Eddie jumped, his head almost hit the roof of the cab, his laptop went flying onto the passenger seat.
“What the hell Eddie!” I pulled the door open, “how could you let someone just walk up on you like that!” I pointed towards the silhouette. I didn't think it possible but Eddie turned even whiter, his beady little rat eyes were now popping out as he gazed at the man.
“I got him Billy.” James announced.
“Hold on a sec, don't shoot yet, we don't know if he's human or not.” I looked around the parking lot, no one else around. The creatures always worked in packs, this man was alone. I couldn't make out his face or even what he was wearing. The figure started to move slowly towards us. The creatures sprint once they see their pray so I was 90% sure he was human.