The Phoenix Curse (Book 2): After

by D. R. Johnson

  "Damn it!" I cried out, but my voice was swallowed by the din of thunderous music that erupted through the speakers again.

  I shrieked as the Murano threw me back into my seat when it lurched forward, taking out the few freaks that had been standing in front of it. Looking back, I saw the cargo hatch was still open and there were freaks scrambling to get inside hissing and clawing at what they could grab.

  And then I heard it, impossibly loud, even over the beat of the music and the distance that we had already put between the Murano and the crowd. It was as if something other-worldly was clawing their nails down the chalkboard in my mind. The high pitched keening wail of pure anger. The screech of frenzy.

  My blood turned to ice in my veins as the sound reverberated through me louder than the offensive music. Joss's face paled instantly, and the engine roared as he floored the gas to put more yards between us and the newly frenzied freaks. Through the open hatch I saw them scramble after us, not one of them falling behind.

  Then a boney hand reached over the backseat, grasping for traction as it pulled its way into the Murano. A bald, wrinkled head appeared next as the freak rose up from the cargo hold, its red eyes flashing wildly. I stopped breathing, staring back at it in horror as its teeth clamped down on the seat. It growled as the leather proved hard to tear and it pulled away to hiss at the air in frustration.

  "Oh shit!" Joss screamed as he caught site of the abomination in the review mirror. The Murano swerved sharply before Joss got his shock, and the wheel, under control.

  "Don't stop!" I yelled back, pulling my revolver. As I aimed, I paused, watching the freak for a few seconds. It was pissed, but also disoriented and confused. Even though it was frenzied, it wasn't focused on Joss or me. It wanted to kill the music. Regaining some confidence from that, I pulled the trigger. A small hole appeared in the middle of its forehead as a thin spray of blood splattered against the roof and back hatch. The freak fell away from the seat to topple out of the truck.

  "I have to close the hatch." Leaning close to Joss, I yelled loud enough so he could hear me. He frowned but nodded.

  The Murano slowed as I climbed into the back seat. Wrapping the seat belt around my arm a couple times, I looked into the cargo area before sliding over the bench seat. It was clear.

  Joss had slowed and I had a clear view of the angry crowd that still ran after us. I paused long enough to eye them all, seeing that the crowd had grown considerably. Enough wanderers had joined in that only half their number wore the nursing home garb now. I shook my head in disbelief as I reached for the handle on the latch but fell short. The door was opened to its maximum reach. Unless I let go of the seatbelt, there was no way I could catch it to lower it.

  As the freaks neared us, Joss sped up again, and I held on to the back seat as the distance between us and the horde grew. They were in a rage, running at top speed and frothing at the mouth. The chilling frenzy call erupted again, and I shuddered.

  Then, Joss slowed hard, throwing me against the seat and forcing the hatch door down. Reacting quickly, I pushed myself away from the seat to grab the handle and pull it shut, just as the fastest of the freaks made it to us. Scrambling into the backseat, I vacated the cargo hold as hands began to slap the back window. Joss accelerated away from them once more.

  We didn't dare turn the radio down. We couldn't risk losing their agitation, no matter how painful the insidious thumping was becoming. I wasn't sure if we'd gotten all of them out of the nursing home or not, but the wave behind us numbered more than I had expected. I watched them from the backseat as Joss drove, and I hoped that we wouldn't have to use the escape route for Carlos, Vanessa, and the others. At least I was certain that no freak wandered south to find the settlement.

  By the time we were halfway to the kill site, their numbers were beyond counting. With the route we had taken, we were driving towards the back of the store, so Wade would have a clear view of what was coming at him, hopefully giving him plenty of time to get to the roof.

  As we drew closer, the more I thought about it, the more I panicked. We were running out of time. I wanted to change the plan, but I couldn't think through what the safest alternative would be. This scenario had never crossed my mind.

  My frantic thoughts began to form into a plan. Joss and I would abandon the Murano in the parking lot to continue to draw the freaks. I really didn't want to lose my vehicle to a bunch of stray bullets, but I could see no way around it.

  Joss was speeding up again, leaving the freaks further behind, and my already jumbled thoughts fell away as I wondered what he was doing. The freaks were still chasing us, but I was afraid we would start to lose them if we continued to increase the range between us.

  As the superstore fast approached on our right, it dawned on me. We were limited to the road while the freaks were starting to cut across the field to catch us. There would be a point where we would have to double back to get to the garage, and that would swiftly eat up the distance between us and the crowd.

  The tires squealed as Joss spun us into the parking lot, and I had to wrap my arms around the seat in front of me to avoid toppling over. I heard Joss cuss over the loud droning of the music as the passenger side tires momentarily lifted from the ground, only to set back down with a thud a moment later. The tires were peeling out again as he floored the gas once more, trying to make up the lost time and distance.

  I could see Wade through the garage windows, but I knew I had to be imagining the look of surprise on his face. He held up his hand to stop us, and Joss obediently hit the brakes. I flew forward between the two front seats, my death grip on the passenger side's headrest the only thing stopping me from barreling into the dashboard.

  Joss gave me a frightened look when I turned a glare up at him and he mouthed the word "Sorry." Then he was staring out the windshield again, his eyes back on Wade.

  I pulled myself up, one hand against the ribs that had been crushed against the console. It was a small bruise that would heal quickly, and the injury was pushed to the back of my mind. I was more concerned by the fact that Wade still hadn't dropped the garage door, nor had he moved from his position.

  This would have been the opportune time to suggest that Joss leave the Murano in the parking lot, but I was too shocked by Wade's actions. Instead of voicing my thoughts for a change of plan, my mind was fixated on Wade’s apparent death wish.

  "What the hell is he doing?" I muttered, knowing Joss couldn't hear me.

  Wade's hand was frozen in the position he had used to halt us. His eyes were on the freaks as they ran through the field and poured into the parking lot. My head spun back and forth, watching the freaks barrel down on us to Wade still standing motionless at his position. The offensive song continued to pump from the speakers, threatening to blow my eardrums.

  I knew we should abandon the Murano and get to the store before the freaks converged on us. I started to reach forward to the radio when Wade began to frantically motion us forward. Joss complied.

  The tires screeched against the pavement as we shot forward and I was, once again, thrown backwards.

  "Goddammit!" I yelled, although no one could hear my outburst.

  The shadow of the building loomed over us. Just as quickly as Joss had accelerated, he was slamming on the breaks again. The Murano's tires screamed in protest as we slid across the pavement into the garage, the front bumper crashing into the far wall and bringing us to a halt. The sound of the gate dropping behind us was lost in the incessant beat.

  The smell of burning rubber hit my nose, and I realized the truck was no longer moving. We were safely inside. My fingers peeled away from the leather seat as I released my tight grip and I leaned forward to hit the eject button on the stereo. The music died immediately. As soon as the CD was in my hands, I cracked it in two, tossing the pieces onto the floorboard.

  Joss was hunched over the steering wheel, sweat pouring from his brow as he panted. The white-knuckled grip he had on the wheel looked like it woul
d need to be pried off. I let my head fall against his shoulder, hearing nothing but the blood rushing through my ears.

  "Fucking A, man!" Wade's yell reached into my shaken mind and danced on my last nerve. He threw open the back door and grinned down at me. "You guys did it! Fucking A!"

  He offered a hand to pull me out, but I slapped it away. Ignoring my reaction, he moved to Joss's door. "That shit was unbelievable. I thought you guys couldn't make those bastards frenzy!"

  All my muscles were tingling and my knees threatened to buckle underneath me as I pulled myself out of the Murano. I grumbled as I was finally able to get my feet solidly on the ground. "They apparently don't care much for dubstep."

  "No shit?" Wade answered with a chuckle as he returned to the window, seeing that the main crowd of freaks had paused right outside the door. I looked out to see that some of the stragglers were still running towards the building, but their advance had definitely slowed. They were confused. It didn't look like it would take long for them to return to their normal, aimless behavior.

  "We better get to the roof." I said, turning back to help Joss out. He was shaking as badly as I was. I gripped him tightly by the arm, getting his attention and he looked at me with apprehension. I whispered, "You did amazing out there."

  The worry in his eyes relaxed and he perked up some. "Really?"

  "There's no doubt." I smiled back.

  Then Wade passed us, making a gagging sound as he went. I glared at the back of his head as he made his way into the interior of the store, heading for the roof.

  "What an ass." I muttered under my breath.

  Joss nodded in agreement as we followed him.

  ~ ~ ~ ~

  We heard the first shots being fired before we even made it to the roof. Wade went to join Rose and Mickey, and Joss and I stumbled towards Carlos and Vanessa. They both offered us big grins as we approached, but then went right back to shooting. I had to take a much needed breather to let my nerves settle before I took up the rifle that was meant for me. Joss seemed to agree as he collapsed beside me, closing his eyes and taking deep steady breaths.

  When I finally joined in, I was shocked to see how many freaks the other five had already dropped. The gunfire had drawn the stragglers in, and it was just a matter of time before they were all mowed down. I could hear Vanessa and Carlos start a game of it, counting each kill as if it was a competition. I smiled at them but my heart wasn't in it. I just wanted this day to be over.

  When every freak in sight was either dead or dying, Rose stood up and began to yell. Mickey and Wade joined her, and that pulled in another small crowd of freaks. Shivers went up my spine again as they frenzied, and it was a bit more challenging to get this last group down, but the gunmen I had brought with me were very skilled. I hated to admit it, but it was obvious to me that Wade was a better shot than I was. I didn't come across many people who could make that claim.

  By early afternoon, the task was done. All that was left was to burn the bodies and get out. We all worked together to spread the fuel as quickly as possible and watched as the flames took hold. I wanted us all in the Murano and moving before the smell of burning flesh permeated the area. Wade opened the garage door opposite of the one we had entered from, and we drove out the other side of the building, free and clear.

  The drive back to the settlement was much quieter than our last trip, although the excitement from our five companions was bubbling over. They were jubilant over the victory we shared, but Joss and I remained quiet, both of us still shaken by the earlier events. When we reached the camp, a small celebration ensued, but I slunk back to our shack with Joss following close behind. It didn't seem like we were missed at the celebration. Another clue that the lines had been firmly drawn.

  The next few days were filled with Joss and I cleaning out all the left-over freaks from the nursing home and surrounding houses. It became apparent how thorough of a job we had done during the initial clearing. Other than the few face-eaters that had been trapped behind closed doors and fences, all the freaks had followed us to die at the kill site. After we checked everything twice, the go ahead was given for a small team from Sundown to explore the area. We were all on high-alert, but, amazingly enough, encountered nothing.

  Then the rebuilding and renovations started. It was clear Sundown had a promising new start.

  Joss and I stuck around for the next few months to help, running supply errands mostly, but I was also able to get two other vehicles running for the town. For how long they would stay in working condition, I couldn't say, but it was better than nothing. After that, the days began to blur together.

  When the spring came, I felt our days in Amarillo were coming to an end. Joss was actually the one that approached me first, asking me when we would move on. He wasn't handling the separation between us and the townspeople well. The only ones that came to talk to us on a regular basis were Clive, Wade, and Vanessa.

  Clive and Vanessa I didn't mind, but I think Joss only tolerated Wade just to have someone else to talk to. I still avoided him as much as possible, and the man seemed oblivious to my aversion.

  One evening, I asked Clive and Vanessa over after dinner. When I announced our leaving, neither seemed surprised. Clive just nodded knowingly, and Vanessa gave me a sad smile.

  "Finally going back to Nevada?" The emotion was thick in her gruff voice.

  "I think it's a good time to travel." I answered. "Before the summer heat sets in."

  "That's thinking smart." Clive added, barely able to hold his smile. He had thinned considerably over the few months since we'd first arrived, and his skin hung loosely on his cheeks. He also seemed paler than normal and couldn't quite get his throat to clear completely. His rapidly declining health was an indication of just how sick he was, but I had never addressed it with him. He never seemed to want to talk about it.

  Clive's grey eyes stared at me, gleaming from a hint of tears. "We can't ever thank you enough for what you've done for us. Sundown wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."

  "We can't take all the credit, Clive." I smiled. "You're more resilient than you know."

  "Come here." Vanessa interrupted, catching me off guard as she pulled me in for a hug. I stuttered awkwardly for a moment before I was able to return the squeeze. Even after Joss witnessed her hug attack, he was still surprised when she turned on him and pulled him close. His eyes went wide momentarily before he relaxed and hugged her back.

  As Vanessa pulled away wiping tears from her eyes, Clive cleared his throat. "When are you going?"

  "In the morning," I replied. "Unless you can think of anything else we can do?"

  "No, Ali." He shook his head. His dingy blue baseball cap was in his hands and he pulled and fidgeted with it, as was his habit. “You've done all you need to do. We're grateful. I'm sorry if we just don't know how to show it."

  "Thank you." I said and it was heartfelt. From there, the conversation drifted into awkward silence. Finally, Clive pulled me in for a hug. I returned it, feeling nothing but skin and bones underneath his shirt. A pang of loss shot through me and the tears finally welled in my eyes.

  "Make sure you come back around the next time you're in the area." Clive said as he pulled away, patting me on the back.

  "I'll be sure to." I smiled. Clive turned to Joss, reaching out to shake his hand.

  "Keep her out of trouble, okay?" Clive told him.

  Joss chuckled and shrugged. "I'll try."

  After the goodbyes were all said, Clive and Vanessa took their leave. They waved to us one last time before walking back to the new settlement. With a heavy heart, I turned to the shack, not wanting to watch them go. Whatever sickness had clawed its way into Clive, it wasn't likely to let go, and the finality of it was too much for me to bear. I knew if I ever made it back to Sundown, Clive would most likely not be here.

  Joss followed me inside, and, for once, he seemed less affected by leaving than I was. I could tell he was brimming with the excitement to get back on
the road, but he could also feel my mood. Thankfully, he kept the conversation to a minimum.

  Sleep managed to evade me for most of the night as my mind got tangled up in memories that refused to let me rest. The little sleep I did get was interrupted by dream that left me with feelings of remorse when I woke. I finally gave up trying to sleep sometime in the early morning hours and settled on listening to Joss toss and turn.

  That next morning, we slipped out before dawn and left Sundown behind us.

  ~ ~ ~ ~

  As Joss and I settled into our routine cadence of travel, I was pleasantly surprised by how much ground we were able to cover per day. As we made our way from Amarillo to New Mexico, the flatlands opened wide before us, and we found little in the way of human activity and settlements. We made it all the way to Albuquerque before we were slowed down.

  I let Joss pick the neighborhood, wanting to make sure he was paying attention to my lessons of survival. After spending so much time away from the infected, the unease I felt at choosing to surround ourselves with them again was almost palpable, but I still felt it was the safer course. Joss drove off the highway for a few miles before he settled on a decent neighborhood with a high population of freaks. Despite the nervousness, we both slipped back into our nightly routine as if nothing had ever changed.

  Joss had been working on a block of wood for a while now, whittling it into the shape of a small figure. He pulled out his carving knife and the figurine as I started reading out loud again. It helped to put the pain of leaving Sundown behind me. Later that night, I was able to slip into a dreamless sleep. Joss decided to take advantage of the spacious house and slept in a room down the hall.

  It seemed our journey had truly begun and we meandered across the state of New Mexico in the weeks that followed. I was still surprised at how few people we actually spotted, and we made sure to avoid them all. Settlements were normally trustworthy, but it was a different story if you stumbled upon wanderers out in the open. You never knew if they would want to stop for a chat or rob you blind. Sometimes they did both, or worse. It was better to not take the chance.