by Sean Kidd
Sawyer took the detonator back from Daniels, “I don’t know. Maybe an hour or less.”
“How much less?” Daniels asked.
“No less than thirty minutes. But they’d never do that. They’d want to give time to whoever armed it, to get out of there.”
Daniels took another sip of his coffee and watched the sun. It was almost halfway up now.
“Do you think thirty minutes is enough time to get to a safe distance from this thing?” Daniels asked.
Sawyer thought about it, “I think the minimum safe distance is the other side of that bridge,” he said pointing at the George Washington Bridge in the distance. “I can have us there in fifteen minutes. We’ll be halfway through Jersey before this thing goes off. We might be even further with the lack of traffic. They won’t know the remote detonator is attached until I tell them.”
“It doesn’t send some kind of signal to them?” Daniels asked.
“No,” Sawyer held up the device and rubbed his thumb against the antenna. “This thing is a receiver only, not a transmitter. Don’t worry, we’ll be fine.”
“And what about my family?” he rumbled.
“I don’t know, Daniels. I just don’t know.”
* * *
Daniels got up and walked toward the rising sun. It was almost up, radiating its warm October glow. It was going to be another fabulous fall day, other than the zombie invasion and nuclear bomb.
Daniels pulled the phone back out and dialed Ty. Unlike most of the modern world, Daniels still remembered numbers and preferred punching them into his phone. He used to wish for a world without cell phones, like when he was younger, but now it was the only connection to his family. Even if the cellular network wasn’t very reliable, there was at least a chance of getting a message through.
After hitting the final number and pressing send, he held the phone to his ear, waiting for a ring. Static and clicks covered the line. For a brief second, he thought he heard someone else speaking. Then the line went dead and stopped making noises altogether. He ended the call and opened up the message app. He still couldn’t tell if his last messages had gone through. Daniels one finger tapped the keys, typing out his message, “Ty, it’s Dad. Stay away from the city. Not safe. Go to Newark. I’ll meet you there today.”
He hit send and watched the status bar. It zipped across the top of the screen. He wondered if all the messages were really sending?
He slid his phone back into his pocket and headed back in the ship to wake everyone up.
CHAPTER 48
My phone rested in the center cup holder, still attached to the white charging cable the girls and Luther almost lost their lives over. I planned on keeping it connected to power as much as possible. I didn’t want to take a chance of something happening and being without a full battery again.
The miles crept by slowly, and I fell into a daze an hour into our trip. I couldn’t get to Dad fast enough. The gas pedal had been glued to the floor since we left. I was pulled back to reality when my phone buzzed and played a tune. I had set my text message ringtone to an old cartoon show. It was the Jetson’s doorbell chime. When I heard that doorbell ring, I reached for the phone as fast as I could. If Cowboy’s Humvee were close enough, he would have seen our vehicle swerve in the road. I picked up the phone and yelled for Chevy to hold the steering wheel. I opened up the message and looked at the screen. It was full of squares and mixed letters. About the only word I could make out was, “Dad.”
I looked back at Mom and the girls. They were staring at me, wondering why I wasn’t telling them what it said. I held up the screen. One at a time they looked and leaned back in their seats. I could see the disappointment on their faces. They looked the way I felt.
Mom pulled herself forward and touched my shoulder. Always being the optimist, she said, “It’s great news, Ty.”
I glanced in the rearview mirror at her, “What the hell is that suppose to mean, Mom,” I paused, “I’m sorry for snapping. I’m just upset.”
She rubbed my shoulder again, “I know, honey. But the message is good news. We may not understand it, but it lets us know he’s alive. Just a couple more hours and we’ll be there. Maybe the closer we get to him, the better the phones will work. We can’t give up hope, Ty.”
“Thanks, Mom. I didn’t think about it like that.”
The minutes ticked away as the miles passed. The closer I got to Dad, the more my chest tightened. I couldn’t get there fast enough. The Humvee was maxed out just under 60 mph, but it felt more like 40 mph. We had more than enough fuel to get to New York City and beyond. There would be no more stops. It was N.Y. or bust.
I felt like fate was playing against me. Deep in my mind I knew something would delay us again, a blocked highway, a flat tire, or in this new world, the possibility of a gigantic horde of flesh eating zombies. No matter what obstacles were laid out in front of me, I would find my father, and I was going to find him today.
CHAPTER 49
Groggy and tired, the Intrepid’s guests entered the ship's cafeteria one by one. Beck was in the corner doing push-ups, while Destiny stared from behind, “You sure are keepin’ fit, sugar.”
Beck glanced back over his shoulder, red-faced, “Thank you, ma’am.”
“Anything you need, honey, you just let Ms. Destiny know. Like drying off that sweat, or massaging those buns. I’d be more than happy to help.”
“Be careful, Beck,” Daniels said as he walked into the room, “She’s a feisty one.”
“Oh, you know I am, Officer Daniels,” she said throwing an exaggerated wink in his direction.
Master Chief Sawyer walked into the cafeteria right behind Daniels. Beck jumped up to his feet and headed over to Sawyer snapping off a salute, “Morning, sir.”
Sawyer saluted back, “Good morning, Beck. Why don’t you get yourself a cup of joe and meet Daniels and me at the table near the end of the food service line, so the others can’t hear us.”
“Aye, sir,” Beck said, as he headed for the coffee station.
A minute later, Beck joined them at the table, he brought the pot back and refilled the other men’s cups before sitting down.
“What’s the status of the device, Master Chief?”
Sawyer tapped the top of the backpack, which was resting at his feet. “She’s tip top. I armed it on the deck a few minutes ago.”
“You what?” Daniels whispered, trying to keep the rest of the group from hearing he was upset.
“I armed the bomb on the deck, after you left me.”
Beck went to speak, and Daniels cut him off, “Well how much time do we have left? What’s the timer say? Listen, Sawyer, this is my life you’re dealing with, and I really don’t care to stick around to see your fireworks show.”
Sawyer raised two open hands to calm Daniels, “Don’t worry, it’s not like that. When I say armed, that just means I put the pieces together. It’s like a light bulb. It won’t go off until you flip the switch.”
“And who is going to flip the switch?” Daniels questioned.
“Nobody is going to flip the switch. That’s why we have this.” Sawyer reached into the backpack and pulled out the remote detonator, placing it on the table, “I showed you this on the deck. After breakfast, Beck and I will attach it to the device and we’ll head out of the city. Then we’ll have to find a satellite phone to let the General know the device is ready.”
Daniels didn’t like the idea of sitting next to a ticking time bomb, whether it was ticking or not, he didn’t care. And what was it with these Navy Seal guys, device this and device that. Why didn’t they just call it what it was. . . a big ass bomb that would turn everyone in the room into liquid, before they even knew it went off.
Daniels picked up the detonator, “I don’t know if I like the idea of attaching this thing to the bomb, and then leaving town. I don’t really trust the people in control down in Atlanta with my life. Maybe I should get the kids, Bunker and Destiny to a safe place, then let you guy
s arm the bomb, and you can meet up with us in Newark.”
“I’ll do it, sir,” Beck said.
“Do what?” asked Sawyer.
“I’ll stay behind and connect the detonator. You help the Corporal get the kids out of the city. I’ll give you thirty minutes to get clear. Once you're in the safe zone, then I’ll attach it, and meet you in Newark, right by the highway.”
Daniels gave Beck a single accepting nod, “You’re a true soldier, son. You should be proud.”
“I don’t like it,” Sawyer confessed, “I see a couple of flaws in your plan. First, how are you going to get clear of the city without a vehicle? Second, what if you run into a pack of flesh eaters, and there are too many to take on alone.”
“Come on, Master Chief. You know me. I can hotwire anyone of those vehicles out there, and if I run into any of those biters, I’ll just step on the gas and run them down.”
Sawyer shook his head, “I still don’t like the thought of leaving a man behind.”
“You’re not leaving me behind; I’m just stretching your clock. Besides, you know I move faster alone. This posse will just slow me down. I’m so fast, I’ll leave after you and probably still beat you to Newark.”
Sawyer looked over in time to see Bunker throwing a white powder donut at Kaden. Cecilia responded by tossing a piece of pie at Bunker’s face. Chocolate filling and whipped cream plastered his face. Everyone at the table was rolling in laughter.
Sawyer let out a deep sigh, “I don’t like it, but we can’t jeopardize those kids lives. I guess we don't have a choice. Let’s finish our coffee and then head outside and find you a reliable vehicle.”
* * *
Bunker joined the three men by the entrance, where they parked the Tahoe last night. He was already wearing a MOLLE vest and had his M4 slung over his shoulder, “Where are we going?” he asked, as the men were stepping in the vehicle. Daniels was the last to get in, after untying the rope from the trailer hitch, “We’re clear, let’s go.”
“What am I, on the pay no mind list,” Bunker asked, “where are we going?”
“The next pier over is a parking lot. We're heading over there to secure a vehicle for Beck.” Daniels said.
“What’s the matter, Beck? You too good to ride with the rest of us?” Bunker said smiling.
Beck responded, “Well, we didn’t realize how bad you stunk in the morning, and to be honest, we decided to put you in a vehicle alone.”
The smile dropped from Bunker’s face, “What? Really?”
“Okay, you boneheads. Knock off the crap. We’re getting Beck a vehicle so he can hook up the remote detonator after we leave. Then he’ll catch up with the rest of us in Newark.”
“I don’t understand,” Bunker said, “I thought we were going to hook it up and leave together.”
“We don’t want to take a chance of the device going off with the kids around.” Beck said.
“There’s a chance that thing could go off when it’s hooked up?”
“Small,” Beck answered.
“How small,” Bunker asked, “like one in a million?”
Beck chuckled, “More like one in a hundred million.”
The conversation ended just as the men pulled up next to a pick-up truck. It was blacked out with big mud tires and the total off road package.
Beck let out a “Woo-hoo, this is the one, Master Chief.
“Can you hot-wire it?” Sawyer asked.
“Does the Tin-Man have a sheet metal cock?”
Sawyer thought for a moment, “I guess he does.”
The truck doors were all locked. Beck hopped in the bed and popped out the back sliding window. The men waited as he climbed in and disappeared under the steering console. After a little pounding and a couple beeps of the horn, the truck turned over. Beck rolled down the window, revving the engine, “Hop in boys. Next stop the U.S.S. Intrepid.”
Sawyer smiled, “You can take Daniels. Bunker and I will take the Tahoe back.”
Daniels climbed in the back of the truck and stuck his head in the cab, “You remind me of my boys, Ty, and Chevy. If we can get out of this mess, you might get to meet them in Newark.”
The quarter mile ride back to Pier 86, the final resting place of the U.S.S. Intrepid was uneventful. Just the way Daniels liked it. In the distance, plumes of smoke were visible. The city was eerily quiet, except for the occasional car alarm. Daniels looked down 46th Street into the Hells Kitchen neighborhood. The place was deserted, except a single slow moving zombie. At the pace she was moving, his group would be long gone before she got to them. Where could the millions of people who lived and worked here disappear to?
Daniels scanned the perimeter, one last time before Beck pulled in next to the Tahoe. Kaden was standing guard outside, wearing his newly acquired MOLLE vest and M4. He walked over and gave the truck’s mud tire a kick as Beck hopped out, “This thing is awesome, Beck. Can I ride in it with you?”
“You guys are leaving ahead of me, but as soon as I catch up to you in Newark, you can be my co-pilot.” Beck said, giving Kaden a head rub as he walked away.
“Awesome,” said Kaden as he gave the tire another kick and chased after Beck.
Sawyer and Daniels paused when they saw Ceci step off the Intrepid with arms full of gift shop bags. An additional ten bags were piled up next to the railing.
“What’s all this?” Daniels asked.
Cecilia dropped her load of bags into the pile, “It’s everything from the vending machines and most of what was salvageable from the cafeteria. There are still a few cases of water in the cooler, but it stinks in there, so someone else can get it. I told Kaden to, but he said he was too busy guarding the ship while you guys were gone. He hasn’t done anything I’ve asked him. He’s too busy trying to be a mini Beck.”
“Oh geez, that’s the last thing we need,” Sawyer fussed.
“I’ll grab the water,” Daniels said, “I saw a hand cart in the storage room last night. Then I’ll split up the food in between the truck and Tahoe. I don’t want you outside, Cecilia. I just saw a zombie walking towards the ship. You stay inside until we leave.”
“I think that’s a good idea too,” Sawyer said, “If you can load all the supplies, Daniels, I’ll bring the device up to the deck and run a quick diagnostic. It’s a few mikes after 0800hrs now; I want to be out of here by 0830hrs. You and Bunker get everything loaded and then round up the team. Beck and I will meet everyone in the cafeteria in twenty for a final briefing, before attaching the detonator.”
“You got it,” Bunker said giving a half-ass salute.
Sawyer saluted back and disappeared into the ship.
CHAPTER 50
“Isn’t that bizarre. That can’t be comfortable lying in bed with your arm like that. You must have been exhausted, you didn’t move an inch. Let’s get you packed up and in the vehicle.”
Kane’s body, stiff from the rigor mortis, made loading him difficult. A little pressure, a few cracks, and his brother was able to make the body more manageable.
Lividity turned the backside of Kane’s body a deep dark purple. His brother caught a glance of it and pulled up the back of his shirt, “Oh, dear brother. Do you remember what Mother and Father use to tell us before they died? You don't recall? They told us to always take our vitamins. It’s apparent you haven’t done that. Your skin looks absolutely atrocious. It’s a good thing I love you and don’t mind taking care of you. I just happen to know where I can find some.”
Kane’s brother jumped off the step of the MRAP and headed to the motel office where he’d spent the night. He felt blood rush into his face and his heart began beating fast. The modest man pushed open the door to the office with an affectionate greeting, “Hello, Matilda. It’s me.”
He glided into the room, staring at the floor with pursed lips, standing silent trying to build up the nerve to speak again. Time was short, and he couldn’t afford to wait any longer. Taking a chance, he laid it all out on the line. The way he figu
red it, the worst she could do was say no.
“My dear, Matilda. From the moment I left, I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind. I think we made a real connection last night.”
The starving zombie wearing the Matilda name badge clawed at his face and raising her nose sniffing at the psycho's warm pulsing blood.
“Last night we talked, I sung to you, and it felt like we made a connection. After such a perfect evening, I can’t bare the thought of leaving you here alone. I believe if you’re willing to give a guy like me a chance, I think we could have a wonderful future together. So what do you say, doll? Are you in?”
Matilda clawed and swung her arms violently, reaching for his neck.
“What? You’ll come? That’s fantastic news. I can’t wait to tell my brother. Let’s get you loaded up in the back of my vehicle. I think this is going to be the beginning of something wonderful.”
Kane’s brother opened the office door and stepped out. He paused to peek back into the room to speak with Matilda, “I’ll be right back. I just need to run out to my truck and find some rope to tie you up with.”
He made a move toward the MRAP and stopped remembering the reason he had returned, “Would you be a dear and find me some vitamins while I grab the rope. You see, my brother is in critical need of them. Thanks, hon.”
CHAPTER 51
Sawyer and Beck walked into the Intrepid’s cafeteria after checking the nuclear device. Destiny was standing near a long table, telling a story, while the rest of the group sat around her laughing. The Seals took a seat and caught enough of the story to give them a chuckle. When she finished, she asked, “Are you boys all done lighting the fuse on your bomb?”
Sawyer smiled, “Yeah, something like that.”
Destiny sat down as the focus turned to the Seals.
“Well?” Bunker asked.
Sawyer stood up from the table, “The bomb is armed, and I ran a quick diagnostic. She’s five by five.”