Chapter Forty-One
All four jumped as a bomb-like sound went off above their heads. Nobody spoke. Pickle turned to Karen, and then over his shoulder to Vince and Drake to see if they were okay. Most of the arms of the dead that were inside the vehicle, reaching in, had now been removed. The sound had distracted the dead and there was slight relief from the four of them who were minutes from an unimaginable death.
There were two sets of arms on Drake’s side and one of them on Vince’s side, who was half in the car that Vince had just killed, but that was it. Vince pushed the dead male and it fell away, whilst Drake was still stabbing at the hands that were trying to grab him.
Another explosion occurred, some three minutes later, making them all jump once again. This time the arms at Drake’s side removed themselves and bodies started to move away from the vehicle, giving the individuals inside some daylight.
A third explosion occurred, and all of the dead staggered away from the jeep and Pickle and the rest could see the horde, with their backs to them, moving away and along the Wolseley Road.
Pickle turned and looked at his three passengers. All were panting, in shock, and had a look of confusion on their features.
“What’s happening?” Karen asked nobody in particular.
She never received an answer from the three men.
“I have no idea what is going on,” said Pickle. “But I hope those freaks go by the gate at Colwyn.”
Karen was shaking. Her fingers trembled as she brushed some stray hairs over her ears, and said, “If everybody is still indoors, there’s no reason for them to try and break in.”
“I hope yer right.” Pickle checked the state of the windows. The four at the side were shattered, but the back and the windscreen were intact. “But all it takes is one to get distracted and then the rest follows. We’ve seen it before.”
Karen added, “I thought we were goners.”
“Me too.” Pickle turned around and looked at Vince and Drake. The pair of them hadn’t said a word. “Okay in the back?”
Both men nodded.
“Sure?”
Pickle could see Drake wasn’t his usual self. Sure, everybody had been shaken up, but Drake seemed worse than anybody. Not as tough as yer think yer are, Pickle thought.
“Yer look shaken up, Drake.” Pickle started to laugh. “Why don’t I give yer a shoulder rub when we get back to Colwyn? It’ll de-stress yer.”
“Very fucking funny,” Drake snapped. “Let’s just go.”
“We’ve all had a fright,” said Vince. “Let’s sit for a while.
“Don’t have much o’ a choice.” Pickle pointed up ahead. “Need to wait for them lot to get a wriggle on.”
“I can’t hang around too long.” Drake’s voice quivered when he spoke. “Need to get back to Stafford.”
“We haven’t even thrashed out a deal yet,” said Karen.
“We’ve done some things. I’ll agree to whatever else is suggested, but I need to get the cunt out of here.”
“Okay.” Pickle picked up on Drake’s consternation and decided not to annoy the man further.
Karen and Pickle looked at one another and was baffled by Drake’s behaviour. They had all experienced a near death experience and were feeling relieved, but Drake was annoyed and on edge. Pickle decided not to probe the man any further.
“We’ll give it a few more minutes,” Pickle announced and opened his door and stuck one leg out, “and then we’ll go back.”
“Where are you going?” Karen asked.
“Gonna check to see the damage to the jeep on the outside.”
Pickle and Karen stepped out, whilst Vince and Drake stayed in the vehicle, and slowly walked around the jeep. Every window was forced in, leaving glass on the road and some inside the vehicle, and dents were present all around the vehicle, including the bonnet. The axle of both front wheels were clear.
“Seems okay,” said Karen. “Just superficial damage.” She then lowered her voice and asked Pickle what was up with Drake.
“I think he got a fright,” Pickle said in a whisper. “I don’t think he’s as tough as he makes out.”
“What about what he said about making a deal?”
“I think he’s just fed up and wants to go back to Stafford.”
“Weird.”
“Yer don’t know what’s going through his mind. We’ve lost partners, but he lost a child as well. Best not to push it. If he wants to go, he can go.”
“What are you two whispering about?” Drake snarled from the back passenger seat.
“Just assessing the damage,” Karen spoke up. “It’s not that bad.”
“Right, I think we can go now, don’t you?”
Pickle nodded and told Karen to get back in the front seat. The ex inmate made himself comfortable and moved the jeep away.
Chapter Forty-Two
He had walked into the woods, fifty yards up the hilly area, and looked down the road. It was still bare, devoid of life, and he was starting to lose hope. He knew the dead were slow, but they were taking longer than he would have liked.
“Come on, you fuckers,” he hissed. “Where are you?”
He started to bite at the skin around his fingernails. He told himself he would give it a few more minutes and then he would have to release the final rocket. He didn’t want to do this. He wanted to use the final rocket to lure them up into the woods and off the road once they were in view.
The area was completely silent, apart from a couple of birds tweeting above Dickson’s head without a care in the world. Paul looked up and could see them both, sitting on a branch, six feet above his head.
“At least someone’s happy.”
A small smile emerged when he saw the dead appear from around the corner, some quarter of a mile away.
He remained standing and watched as the large dead gang made their way up the road. He could see them passing Colwyn Place and the garage that was situated on the left side of the road. It seemed to take an age for them to go by the street and the garage, and a nervous Dickson knew that the horde could break away if just one of the dead saw something and moved towards the movement or sound that distracted them.
He released a relieved breath out when the last few passed Colwyn Place, and were now heading to the Wolseley Bridge that stretched over the River Trent.
“That’s it, guys.” Dickson muttered. “Keep walking.”
Over seventy of the dead were making their way over and were now passing the pub with the garden centre to the right. Dickson wanted them to go into the woods, but knew that there was a danger that some could turn left and take the Rugeley Road, or right on the Stafford Road.
Dickson started to walk through the bracken and began to make his way back down, through the trees, to the side of the road. He pulled the lighter out of his pocket and bent down to the final rocket. He adjusted the strap of his rucksack that was slipping, and put it back onto his shoulder.
Before lighting the rocket, he waited a few moments and could see that the horde was only ten or so yards away. Some of them at the front had spotted the man and were progressing a little quicker than before.
Dickson was sure that most of the horde, if not all of them, would follow him up through the woods, but he wanted to be sure. He lit the rocket and stood back a few yards and watched as the firework flew upwards, exploding some seconds later.
He rested his left hand on the handle of his machete that was tucked under his belt, and decided to leave for the woods once the dead at the front of the crowd were only ten yards from him.
He turned around and began to jog up through the woods, his boots stomping on the helpless bracken that got in his way.
He looked over his shoulder and smiled as he could see them walking into the woods and following him.
“Come on, you manky pricks.”
Dickson turned around and continued to jog up the hill, only to be face to face with two Snatchers that had made their way down from the top o
f the hill.
“Shit.”
The rockets may have helped the people of Colwyn, but the dead from afar and in other areas had also been drawn to the sound.
He pulled out his machete and had to push the first one back, as it went for him quicker than he had expected. Dickson could see the second ghoul stumbling towards him and the groans of the dead coming behind him, and knew he had no time to lose. He lashed out with his blade and caught the dead being across the head, but the wounds weren’t enough to put it down.
Now, the two of them were upon him, and the realisation that the horde of seventy or so dead behind him made the man nervous. He swiped his blade again at the side of the creature’s head, and was grabbed by the other as he tried to free his blade.
He grabbed the shoulders of the dead male, and threw it behind him, into the advancing horde.
Hands grabbed him across the shoulder and hair, and Paul Dickson grabbed the blade out of the head of the Snatcher he had put down earlier and ran as hard as he could, feeling clumps of hair being pulled out. Once he was free, his speed increased and he finally reached the top of the hill and had made flat land. He stopped and looked behind him, panting hard, and could see the horde struggling to keep up with him.
They were twenty yards from him, but they had an incline to climb, and he used this to his advantage and took a minute to get his breath back.
Once that minute was up and the dead were ten yards from him, he began to jog through the plantation with his machete in his right hand. Two more appeared and only one was put down by Paul Dickson, almost taking the front of its head off with the vicious strike.
The other one was five yards to the left of him and was easy enough to avoid. It turned and hopelessly tried to pursue Dickson, but it was a pointless task.
Paul could see another Snatcher up ahead and knew the fireworks were to blame for this sudden turn up.
He turned right, now that he was out of their vision, if they could see at all, and needed to be away from the horde. These vicious, yet dumb creatures would continue to go straight until another noise distracted them, and Dickson knew by turning left or right, he would be clear from them. He just hoped that the horde wouldn’t pose a problem for other survivors, but tried not to think about it. He had to do what he had to do.
His goal was to help out the people of Colwyn Place, and he had achieved that.
Chapter Forty-Three
The damaged jeep finally turned up at Colwyn Place and Terry quickly appeared and opened the gate. He stepped out and looked down the road both ways. It was clear.
The jeep pulled in next to the empty pickup and all four got out.
Vince and Karen headed for the garden of 4 Colwyn Place, and Frank and Patricia appeared and were relieved that Drake was still in one piece. Vince looked up and could see a relieved Joanne Hammett step out of her house. Pickle and Drake were conversing with Frank and Patricia, and a heated discussion seemed to be taking place.
Vince gave Joanne a watered down version of what happened. She didn’t believe the experience was so timid, but was just happy that her partner was back and was unscathed.
“What’s his problem?” Karen asked Vince, and nodded over to Drake who was still talking with Pickle, Frank and Patricia.
“I don’t know,” Vince sighed. “Not sure why he’s in such a rush to get back. He hardly leaves the hospital as it is.”
“For all that Drake is a tough man, I don’t think he’s been in a situation like that before,” Karen said. “I think the whole thing has messed him up.”
“He hasn’t been in a situation like that because he hardly goes out on runs,” said Vince. “How many runs did Drake go on when we were there?”
Karen hunched her shoulders. She had no answer to Vince’s question.
“Well, I’m not gonna lie to you, sisters, I was shitting myself. I thought we were fucked this time.”
“I think we all thought that,” said Karen. “Anyway, have you seen the brambles by the side of the river?” she asked Vince. “We should get them picked. There’s all sorts there. Blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries...”
“Jesus,” Vince laughed. “Talk about changing the subject.”
“Well, what do you think?”
Vince thought for a moment and looked at Joanne, who gave off a small smile and a nod. “Joanne and I will go and pick them once this drama has died down.” Vince spoke up. “Maybe we’ll come across a stray Rotter to put down.”
“It’d be good to kill a few,” Joanne admitted. “I would like to go out on runs eventually.”
“One step at a time.”
“And the berries sound good.” Joanne nodded at Karen. “Terry once suggested putting manure on them.”
“Not sure about that.” Vince twisted his face. “I think I’ll stick with cream.”
Mildred could be seen leaving her issued house and walked over to the three of them, asking what was going on. Gail also stepped out and looked shaken and was ready to leave.
“We’re gonna have to come up with team games,” Joanne suggested. “We need to do something inbetween going out and guarding. It can’t be good for your mental health. I know we try and keep busy, but it’s easier said than done.”
“I know,” Karen sighed and brushed her hair behind her ears. “Paul couldn’t handle the enclosure when he was briefly here.”
“I remember.” Joanne nodded. “He used to go out for random walks whenever he wanted. He used to do John Lincoln’s head in.”
“We’ll sit down later,” said Karen. “And we’ll come up with ideas on what to do in our spare time.”
“I can think of things to do.” Vince quickly elevated his eyebrows and flashed Joanne a cheeky grin.
“Oh, please,” Karen sighed. “Not here.”
“What’s up, Karen?” Vince laughed. “Jealous?”
“Jealous? Me?” Karen laughed and looked Vince up and down. “I’d rather shag the elephant man.” She quickly turned to Joanne and raised her hand. “No offence, Joanne.”
“Hey.” Vince looked genuinely hurt and was annoyed that Mildred was by the side of him, chuckling away. “I’m not that bad.”
“Anyway, you can’t just shag all the time,” Karen said to Vince. “Especially if Joanne is riding the cotton pony. You should read. Educate yourself.”
“Read?” Vince queried.
“Yeah. Terry has a good selection of books. You should ask him if you can borrow one.”
“Okay.” Vince looked like he was giving it some serious thought. “Does he have any Shakespeare?”
“Which one?”
“William.”
“No,” Karen huffed “I mean which book?”
“Anyone will do.” Vince hunched his shoulders.
“I think I’ll have a look later,” said Mildred.
“You should.” Karen nodded. “He has a library full of books. I’ve borrowed Wuthering Heights from him.”
“I had a friend that used to work in a library,” Mildred said. “I wonder if she’s still alive.”
“Probably not,” Vince chipped in.
Mildred nodded and agreed with Vince.
“I had a friend that was struck off for having sexual relations with a patient,” Vince spoke up and added, “I wonder if he’s okay.”
“That’s happened at my work,” said Karen with a nod. “There’s no excuse for it. We had a consultant that was bedding a patient. Didn’t lose his job, though.”
“Well, this guy I knew did lose his job and everything else, including his marriage. He studied for seven years at university and it seemed a bit harsh to lose everything over a relationship. He’s a really nice guy, or he was, and was a bloody good vet.“
Karen, Joanne and Mildred stared at Vince as he burst into hysterics at his own joke, almost doubling up.
“How long have you had that in your locker?” Karen asked him, and now Pickle had joined the group. “I haven’t heard that one before.”
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Terry was making his way over and Pickle was expecting the man to vent his anger at Drake being present, but he was wrong.
“What is it, Tez?” Pickle asked him.
“Before they leave,” he began, referring to Drake, Frank and Patricia, “we’ll need to make sure that the road is definitely clear, for their sakes and our own peace of mind.”
“Good idea.” Pickle nodded. “I’ll send out Ronnie and the young kid we brought back, Thomas.”
“Do you think that’s wise?” Karen asked her friend.
“Aye, they’ll be fine. It’ll make them feel important. I’m sure the dead are away, but I’ll remind them not to be seen if they’re not, otherwise it could bring them back here.”
Chapter Forty-Four
Terry knocked on the door of 9 Colwyn Place. He only had to wait a few seconds when Ronnie Price opened the door.
Ronnie greeted Terry with a smile and asked him if he needed to make another trip to the river.
“Not exactly,” Terry said.
“Um...” Ronnie looked confused and started to scratch the back of his head. “What is it?”
“I need you to do something for me.”
“Oh?”
“Nobody knows if that horde is away,” Terry began. “We want you to check out the roads to see if it’s clear.”
“I can do that.” Ronnie smiled and could feel his face flushing.
“Don’t do anything daft if you can see them. Just come straight back here, but make sure you’re not spotted, and tell us whereabouts they are.”
“What happens if they’re still there?”
Terry hunched his shoulders. “We’ll have to come up with something to get them as far away as possible.”
Ronnie nodded and seemed eager.
“One more thing,” said Terry, clearing his throat after his short sentence. “Take the new lad with you. It’ll make him feel important.”
Ronnie nodded and said, “Does that mean I’m in charge?”
Snatchers Box Set | Vol. 5 | Books 13-15 Page 63