ZOMBIE BATTLE 5

Survive

Jacqueline Druga

Zombie Battle Book 5: Survive

By Jacqueline Druga

Copyright 2013 by Jacqueline Druga

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any person or persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Thank you so very much to Dan C for all your help with this book.

Chapter One

Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong

May 14th

His arm was bleeding badly, but he just wanted to go home. His plans had been altered. Ken Chu was supposed to meet up with friends after he closed out his work at his desk at the bank. But all didn’t go as planned. He wondered where the warnings were, why the government or officials hadn’t released some sort of statement, telling people to stay off of the street.

There had been news of a sickness in Peru. A few cases were discovered in Germany and Italy, the biggest outbreak was in the United States. But last he checked, days earlier none had been reported in China. Certainly if there had been, there would have been news.

Ken had heard the commotion outside of his building for the last hour. Sirens, car tires screeching, people yelling. He figured it was another demonstration gone bad and didn’t think too much about it until he heard the sounds shouting and fighting just down from his cubicle. It had moved inside of his building, just as he was closing down shop for the day. He grabbed his bag, latched it. One person yelling soon became two, then three then a scream.

He raced outside of his cubicle to see what was happening and barely made it a step into the commotion when someone slammed into him knocking him back into the cubicle, sending the semi sturdy wall crumbling back.

A riot of some kind had erupted. That was the best Ken could comprehend, that and the fact that the mad man’s teeth had sunk deep into the flesh of his forearm.

He wouldn’t let go. He chomped down, pulling and gnawing like a vicious animal. It was painful, no doubt, but Ken had to break free. Using his canvas briefcase he hit his assailant several times until he released him and then Ken stumbled to stand and holding his arm sloppily ran for the stairs. So many people ran for the door, it was blocked.

Suddenly the sounds of sirens that he had ignored were much clearer and Ken raced toward a window to look out.

Had he been that absorbed, that focused, that ignorant that he didn’t see what was going on.

Four floors below on the street, it appeared as if people engaged in fighting. Massive amounts of people raced about the streets.

He peered down to his wound, it gushed uncontrollably and Ken knew he had to get help. The screams grew louder and knowing the staircase was out, he opted for the next logical thing.

The elevator.

He breathed out in relief as it opened the second he ran toward it. Luck was on his side, he thought. But it wasn’t. With all the strength he had left, he dove inside. On the floor, he caught his breath and turned. He didn’t even have time to stand when another jumped in the elevator. But he jumped on Ken.

Ken never saw his face, because his attacker’s mouth quickly buried to Ken’s neck and his teeth clamped down. Ken tried to fight, kicking and pulling, but it was useless.

He cried out in agony and for help but the elevator doors closed and no one heard him. No one cared. Truth was, the sickness had spread so quickly through Hong Kong … no one in the world even knew.

Chapter Two

May 17th

Chesapeake Bay, VA

General Greg Lance had led his country and the military as Secretary of Defense, but he didn’t lead the group of eight men from the rubble of the White House Bunker. He followed, CIA Director Wills, along with the Secretary of Health, Don Kraus. They had to leave the Bunker, communications were down and if they didn’t find a way to let the rest of the world know the United States was still alive and fighting, he feared what the rest of the world would do.

He was putting things in place at the White House, working with the CDC and the WHO on a cure or possibly one, when a mentally unstable submarine captain released her bay of trident missiles. Two hit D.C., the rest were wayward, with only one other one hitting a city.

A meteor landed in Peru bringing with it a deadly virus that spewed into the air. When the infection spread about the villages, hundreds of military and medical personnel moved to the site. Not realizing the germ was still alive, it still lingered and the longer the outside world was down, the more chance they stood of a slow infection.

A very slow infection.

Many of the hundreds brought the virus with them when they returned home. Sprinkled like salt on a meal, they spread across the country, and in turn spread the virus.

Last contact Lance had, they had secured a cure. Not antidote, but a cure for the earlier stages before death and reanimation occurred.

He had also sent out Jack Edwards in search of a recluse scientist who very well could have the means to a weapon to end the masses of walking dead, without destroying building or land.

That was the last he heard. Power went down in the bunker and the team suited up and headed out into the radioactive world.

A nightmare world.

The nuclear weapon did nothing to the undead that weren’t blasted to bits. Burned, charred, they crawled at them. Mouths agape, biting at air, arms falling from the bodies and jaws dropping off. It was a pathetic desecration of the human body.

They wanted to head north to where less of the infected roamed, but the heat was too intense and they changed course. Just about out of the city, they weakened and moved slow, trudging forward. The oxygen was just about gone and Wills was able to get out one radio call from his suit’s system. One call. It was for help. Who heard it, if anyone, remained to be seen.

Then they were overrun. A large massing of the undead came upon them. Lance and the others maneuvered clumsily in their suits, and while the undead didn’t move fast, they were more agile than Lance and the others.

He was toppled and fought a good fight. He saw Don buried beneath three of them as they pulled at his suit.

‘Dear God,” Lance thought. “This is it. This is how I die.”

The bloody, gaping, rotting mouth of the dead opened wide, gnawing at his face shield.

Years of battles, fighting wars and he was about to succumb to something beyond comprehension, beyond reality.

Lance closed his eyes.

At some point he passed out. More than likely when the oxygen emptied.

He woke to voices shouting and helicopter noise.

“Do you have a bite? Any bites? Scratches? Anything?”

“Negative.” Another responded.

“This one is clear.”

“I got a bite. Right here.”

“Take care of him now, before he reanimates.”

Was it him? Lance wondered and he opened his eyes in just enough time to see a soldier in combat uniform, careen a metal pipe like object down into the skull of Wills. Impaled with a single entry wound.

The head isn’t easy and Lance knew what it took for that soldier to do that. A lot of strength, it wasn’t or couldn’t have been as easy as it looked.

“General Lance sir.” Another soldier spoke loudly. “We’ll be landing shortly, sir.”

“Am I ok?” Lance asked.

“Yes, sir. You are all clear of any wounds, sir.”

Lance thought of Don. Immediately he thought of his coworker who fast became his friend. He shifted his eyes and saw Don sitting across the chopper, knees brought to his chest and head down. “Is the Secretary of Health alright?”

“He’s fine, sir. Just shaken.”

“Where … where are we going?”

“We secured all the islands in Chesapeake Bay and are diligently working to clear all coastal islands up and down the east coast. They will be easier to contain. We need to land and need to get you into operations ASAP. “

Lance nodded. He understood. The soldier identified himself as a Captain and Lance tried to listen through the helicopter noise. He told Lance how even though the military tried to keep going and kept in touch with Dr. Klein in Cleveland, they were still at an international limbo since they lost communications with Lance in the bunker.

They started searching the DC area by air with no luck until they picked up a radio signal.

Grateful for a lot of things, one of which he was still alive, Lance used the final moments to sort through what all he had to do before being tossed into the throes of things.

It was a brilliant move to secure the islands. They were small, but most were only accessible by boat. They were safe havens so to speak. Amongst other things, Lance made a mental note to congratulate the person who thought of it.

But he knew upon settling, he had to get a hold of Cleveland and speak to Doctors Klein and Powers to see how things were with the antidote. Did they make more? Did it work? Had they distributed it?

Jack Edwards was top on his list. He was on the goose chance for Christopher Dodds and his magical melting weapon.

And last, he had to find a way to get in touch with the Prime Minister of England. Knowing full well what he would do if he were on the uninfected side of the world, Lance had to let Lucille Walker know that not only was he alive, but the United States was still there, still kicking, and still fighting like hell to beat the plague that fast took control of the country.

Chapter Three

Cleveland, Ohio

Everything was normal. Everything. Pulse, respiration, blood pressure … there was no indication whatsoever that the test patient wasn’t healthy and fine. Only Saul Klein’s gut instinct that he shouldn’t have followed Colonel Stilton’s request to test the antidote as an antiserum.

Tom Lewis was the lone volunteer of the serum. He had lost everything and everyone and the only request he made was for a bullet to his head should he be one of the undead.

Saul agreed.

Lewis didn’t die.

When Saul went to check on him, everything from the monitoring station on his vital signs were normal. But then he looked into the observation window and saw an empty bed.

Only for a moment.

The ‘slam’ of the hands against the glass startled Saul but not as much as the vision of Lewis.

He had transformed.

His eyes were a gray green, missing the pupil. His skin color was nearly white but blue veins were predominate and pulsed outwards. The inside of his mouth had deepened in color and Lewis slowly gnawed toward the window. He stopped, hit his hands again, locked eyes with Saul and gave an eerily sinister smile.

“My God,” Saul whispered. “What have I done?”

It was when Lewis moved his mouth in a gnawing motion again that Saul realized the young man wasn’t biting, he was speaking.

Reaching forward to press the ‘talk’ button on the exterior intercom system, Saul paused. His hands twitched and grew rigid about the same time a droplet of sweat rolled down his brow across his nose.

He wiped the sweat then pressed the button, “I’m sorry,” Saul said. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

With the maddened glare on Lewis’ face, Saul expected a maddened response.

He didn’t get one.

“Am I dead?” Lewis asked.

Saul shook his head. “No, it has done something to you. Mutated you. I’m sorry.”

His words were rough and raspy, his breathing gurgled. “I volunteered.”

“How do you feel?” Saul asked.

“Angry. Very Angry. Not at anyone, just angry. I feel enraged.”

“I can end this for you.” Saul lowered his head some. “Just say the word.”

Lewis shook his head, it was almost uncontrolled. “No. I don’t know how much longer I will last. Breathing is hard. Put me somewhere to take them out. Let me take them out one by one. I bet I can walk among them.”

“I can’t authorize that.”

“Stilton can.”

After pursing his lips, Saul nodded slowly. “I’ll be back.”

He walked away from the observation room and down the hall. He had to find Stilton, not to talk about releasing Lewis into the wild to become the ultimate zombie fighting machine, but rather the adverse reaction to the serum.

Saul’s head pounded with each step. He wasn’t a stupid man, the sweating, the headache, the tightest and tremors in his hand. He was worried that his own cure was slow cooking its way like a poison through his veins.

After taking the stairs two flights up, Saul stopped in the hall.

He heard a baby crying.

A few more steps, the crying grew louder. It wasn’t a painful cry, more of a fussy one. And as he reached to knock on Stilton’s makeshift office, he realized where the crying came from.

“Come in,” Stilton replied to Saul’s knock.

Saul walked in. His eyes shifted to the throw back, hippy style man holding a baby.

“Dr. Klein, this is Doctor Christopher Dodds. I told you about him.” Stilton motioned to Dodds with his hands. “He has the weapon that can eliminate the large masses in one moment.”

“He’s holding a baby,” Saul said.

Clinging to the child, Dodds extended his other hand. “I promised Jack I would watch him until he returned.”

“Jack.” Saul whispered. “Jack went for my wife, grandson and his wife. He took your weapon.”

“Yes, have you heard from him?” Dodds asked.

“Not yet. I’m worried. My wife sounded desperate and that woman never sounds desperate under stress.”

Stilton interjected, “We’re trying now to get in touch with them. We’re trying to reach the pilot. Dr. Klein how is Lewis?”

“That’s why I’m here,” Saul said. “It isn’t good, Colonel. The serum was not intended to be an inoculation. It’s an antidote. It has horrible side effects. He transformed and while alive, looks like our infected. He is speaking, difficulty breathing, he rationalizes, but says he feels angry. Very angry. I’m afraid it can get worse. In fact, I’m afraid, that even the cure may not work.”

Stilton shook his head with a confused look. "What do you mean? You took the cure. You’re right here.”

“I am.” Saul held up his hand. “But the injection site, the bite site, it’s stiff, twitching. I have a headache. I’m worried.”

“If I may,” Dodds said. “Headache can be stress and you can just be having a reaction to the bite without coming down with the infection itself. When did you last run tests on your blood.”

“Yesterday.”

“Let’s take some more,” Dodds suggested.

“Doctor Powers can help me with that; you have a weapon to create.” Saul told Dodds. “Until we finish testing on myself and Lewis …” He faced Stilton. “No one else can receive the serum. We may be creating a whole new breed, a second wave worse than the reanimated.” Just as he finished his warning, he saw a cold, ghostly look creep over Stilton’s face. “What is it?”

Stilton placed his hands to his face and murmured. “I had faith.”

“I’m sorry,” Saul asked. “What does that mean?”

“It’s too late. I had faith that it would be a great inoculation, I believed it would work. I sent out serum.” Stilton’s fingers slid down his face. “It’s already been administered.”

Chapter Four

Avery County, North Carolina

If he could, Jack Edwards would break down. Fold to the ground and break. His insides crumbled and his gut wrenched in a painful heartbreaking twist.

What happened? What went wrong?

They were there, right there, not long after they received the call for help from his wife and Irma. Four people, one of which just a toddler … gone.

The Dodds pellet had worked beautifully, destroying every infected animal in the radius of the fortress. It turned them into red and black oozing mush. Skin melted.

Lil, Irma, the baby and Garrick’s brother Steve were in the safe room of the fortress. But when Jack and Garrick arrived they were nowhere to be found.

Outside amongst the remains, Jack signaled the chopper with a wave of his hand to make another sweep and then he radioed, “I need you to look for anything, any signs of people running. Over.”

Were they dead? Jack wondered. When he dropped the pellet to save his wife, did he inadvertently kill her? His soul cried out, and it took everything Jack had not to just lose it.

Garrick emerged from the fortress. “There are no signs of clothing within the remains. I checked the entire fortress up and down.”

Jack breathed out. He too, had noticed there wasn’t any clothing, but felt perhaps his wishful thinking jaded what he saw. “Then where are they?”

“Gone. Left.”

“I have the chopper circling.”

“I’m not sure they’ll be found. How long since they sent that distress call. An hour, two tops. Come here.” Garrick waved his hand for Jack to follow.

Jack did. He followed Garrick back into the house and to the safe room.

Garrick handed Jack the cell phone, the only thing remaining in the room of Lil and Irma. The Garrick crouched down to the floor. “I wasn’t even thinking.” He lifted the rug exposing a small wooden hatch. “The escape route.”

Jack’s eyes widened. “They went out there. Where does this go?”

“Just a small tunnel way that leads under the house to the back side of the property.”

Jack made a move to get into the hole.

“Dude, seriously, you are way too emotional and not thinking.” Garrick said. “Going down there isn’t finding them. They booked. The truck is gone. Somehow they got it and left. Our best bet is to get the chopper to drop us off where we can get transportation and supplies and we go looking for them. We try to think like they would and we go looking for them.”

“Nice plan. Good plan,” Jack said with a swipe his hand across his face. “But North Carolina is a big fucking state. Where do you propose we start?”

“Anywhere but here. The more time we spend here, the more distance we put between us.”

Jack agreed, both facially and with a slight nod of his head. He had to get it together; he had to get back into the mental game. He was overwhelmed with worry and fear. It was a big state and a big country and north only that, it was filled with virus stricken victims who moved viciously without reason hell bent on killing.

His wife was out there.

He had to find her.

Where did they go?

<><><><>

Caldwell County, North Carolina

Steve was a lot of things. A soldier with the rank of Captain, an Army virologist, a pretty decent brother and a heck of a fisherman. But he never considered himself a hero.

He did things because of the human value. Just like he went AWOL over the Peruvian boy. A six year old boy named Juan who had been infected, reanimated after death and was gentle, harmless, unlike the others. When the death order came for Juan, Steve couldn’t bear it and he took off with the child. He headed to his brother’s fortress.

He wasn’t a hero.

Yet, the last thing he remembered was laying on the back seat of the SUV, a blood rushing sound in his ears, his body engulfed in a stinging pain, and the blurry vision of Irma holding little Jerry, peering back at him.

She said. “You are a hero. As God is my witness, I will always remember what you did. You saved us. You saved us. Hold on?”

Hold on? Why?

He had been bit. Not once, but numerous times, probably too many to count.

The rats had infested the fortress. Dead rats, reanimated. They moved with vengeance, fearless and fast. Thousands of rats descended upon them and Steve did the only thing he could think of. Get Irma, the baby and Lil in the safe room and to do so, became the human decoy.

The rats blanketed him. There were so many, it felt like a sack of concrete. It took everything he had to take a step.

Each rat upon his body bit him and gnawed at him. He could feel their teeth sink into his flesh and pull.

But something happened. The grace of God, perhaps. When he stepped outside, the rats pulled from him and ran for the house. As if he weren’t good enough and they wanted what was in the house and had no desire to be outside.

Bleeding and injured, Steve rushed to the already packed SUV and drove from the fortress to the area of the escape route.

It wasn’t a far walk. The area was clear of animals and rats. Of course it was, every rodent and beast in the area wanted the fortress.

The tunnel wasn’t an easy venture, his skin pulled and hurt, but he trudged on. He had to get to Irma, Lil and little Jerry.

He got to the ladder and climbed. The hatch wouldn’t budge. What seemed like fifteen minutes, in realty was only a few seconds.

The hatch opened. They realized he was there.

The looks, the looks of relief and happiness of their faces. Steve would never forget that. Nor would he forget Irma, so motherly looking back at him.

Then he passed out.

He didn’t know for how long.

But his awakening wasn’t rude, it was painful. Like someone threw acid on him, Steve felt a wet stinging sweep over his body and he ejected upward with a scream.

Click.

He faced the barrel of a revolver.

“Don’t shoot …” He breathed out and looked a Lil. “I’m alive. Check the eyes before you do that to anyone.”

“Just being cautious,” Lil said, putting her revolver behind her waist. “Lay back down, I have to finish cleaning these wounds.”

“Why bother.”

“Because.”

“Because why? I’m gonna die and become one of them.”

“We don’t know that. We don’t know if animals transfer the virus.” Lil brought a cloth to Steve’s face.

Weakly he reached up and grabbed her hand. “I’m a doctor. A virologist. It transfers.”

“You know this how?” Lil asked. “Theory or test.”

“Theory.”

“Keep theorizing, I’ll keep cleaning these wounds.”

Still sitting up, Steve looked forward and saw the SUV and Irma.

“Is he ok?” Irma asked, calling from the smallest opening in the widow.

“Yeah,” Lil hollered. “Almost done. Keep looking for those things.”

“Something is on the radio. I’ll listen.”

“Be there in a minute.” Lil examined Steve. “I think I have them all cleaned. You aren’t bleeding anymore. Some of these are bad. I can’t even think about stitching them until we go somewhere.”

“Don’t bother.”

“Shut up.” Lil reached for his arm. “Stand, please.”

“Lil, just leave me here, Ok. I’m serious. Why are you doing this?” Steve asked.

“Aside from you being Garrick’s brother? You saved our lives. You saved us.” Lil stared with seriousness at him. “I can’t forget that. And you’d do the same.”

“There’s a child in that car. Don’t put me in that car with a child.”

“You’ll be in the back seat. I’ll put a bullet in you if you turn. Trust me, Irma will watch.” She held on to his arm and led him to the SUV. “But I’m not giving up, Steve. Not yet. We don’t know.” She opened the back door.

Steve slid inside. “I’m sorry, Irma. I told her to leave me.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Steven. I don’t want her to leave you,” Irma said. “Neither does Jerry. You’re gonna be just fine. My husband has been with the CDC long enough. I know. Some things mutate in animals. We don’t know what this will do to you. I’m not giving up.”

“See.” Lil said and shut the door. She got into the driver’s seat. “What’s going on, Irma?”

“The radio. There was an announcement. I caught the end. It will repeat. Right now …” She turned up the volume and a low hum played. “They’re off the air.”

“What did they say?” Lil asked.

“I caught only the end. They were naming islands off the coast. They said something about transport.”

Lil nodded. “Bet me they’re securing islands. They clear any infected, they’re safe.”

“Is that where we go?” Irma asked.

“No. We have to find Jack. Saul’s in Cleveland right?”

Steve moaned out an ‘no’ from the back seat. “Cleveland is too far. Too much to go through with this outbreak. Head for the coast. Try to find a radio on the way or a phone. At the least, it’s a few hours to the coast. Closer than Cleveland. If they’re moving people, they have communications. If they have communication, Saul is the easiest person to reach. He’s working on the cure.”

Lil looked back at him. “But Jack will be looking. Saul is waiting.”

“Closest safety first. There’s a lot of small towns on the way, you know that. We’ll get in touch with them. We will.” Steve waved out his hand. “Drive. Go. East.” He plopped backwards as the vehicle moved. He felt ill, really ill. But felt better knowing they were headed to the coast. Especially if rescue efforts were engaged there. Cleveland really was too far. A shorter travel time meant less of a chance of Steve turning into one of those things before Lil and Irma could get to safety.

Chapter Five

London, England

Lucille was beside herself. Her stomach knotted and she couldn’t shake the feeling of doom. She couldn’t stop thinking about those across the pond and how there wasn’t a single source of news or communications.

Her military experts said they were picking up chatter, but no one was in command. She needed to hear something; she needed something to take to the UN counsel to stop them from initiating the burn out of North America.

The Satellite still clearly showed that even though DC was hit with a nuclear weapon, the dead still rose.

Burning out America wouldn’t do anything. They had to try to save it.

But without communication or speaking to someone in authority, Lucille was at a loss as to what to propose, what to do and most importantly why.

It was only sixty hours until that day.

She had to come up with something beforehand.

Sleep wouldn’t come easy, she knew it. Downy Street, London for that matter was quiet. The curfew was in effect. It helped to keep everyone off of the streets and if there was an infected, they’d be easier to spot.

But last Lucille heard, the situation was under control. No new infected reported.

She tried to clear her mind by cooking. Non essential workers were told to stay home from work, and the woman that cooked for Lucille was off and with her family.

Lucille’s teenage daughter wanted sausages and potatoes. Easy enough and Lucille prepared a plate for her daughter.

The teenager hadn’t left her room, blocked off her windows and hoarded water and food, despite the fact that Lucille told her she was safe.

As Lucille approached the bedroom door she heard voices, almost chatter, people talking and not like a news show.

After knocking once, Lucille opened the door, announcing, “I have food’, and paused when she saw her daughter staring intently at the computer screen.

“I didn’t hear you,” Liza said. “Thank you for dinner.”

“My God, what are you watching?” Lucille asked, stepping in. The entire computer screen was cross sectioned. Divided by twelve and each square had a different person in it, speaking into a camera, apparently the one on their computer.

“This is a stream, a live stream program. You log on, and the host of the video party, gives permission. But there were so many requesting permission, only twelve can join in. It’s like a video chat for groups.” Liza explained.

“Are these your friends?”

Liza giggled. “No. This guy here.” She pointed. “Is Ren Ryan the actor. He does a live blog twice a day about the plague in America. All these people are reporting from across the United States. This guy here …” she indicated to another. “He’s in Florida. Said everyone is going to the gulf or to the keys, whatever that means. He said nothing has hit his town, but Georgia is in the black. That means it’s half dead.”

Lucille peered closer. “Is there any way you can save this?”

“The chat? No.”

Lucille grunted. “This picture on your screen is amazing. It tells so much. I want to capture this moment.”

“Oh that, it’s easy.” She clicked a key. “I just did a print screen and I’ll import it and make an image for you. Will that work?”

“Very much so. Please take notes on what they say, any areas you hear about.”

“Mother you are welcome to join and listen.”

Lucille nodded slowly. “You know what? I will.” She pulled up a chair.

“Why is this so important to you?”

“Because we haven’t heard from the US in days.”

“Really?” Liza tilted her head. “Because this hasn’t stopped.”

“This is what I need. I need to show the world that they can’t give up on the United States. It does more than tell the story. This …makes it real. It makes it human.” Lucille pointed to the screen. “It puts a face to the why.”

Chapter Six

Cleveland, OH

“Not there,” Powers placed down the printed sheet of paper in front of Saul. “Look for yourself. I visually checked and then ran it through. There is no sign of infection in the blood.”

“Why is my hand so weak and stiff? It pulls and often twitches,” Saul held up his hand.

“Your white blood count is up a little. Could be infection, Human bites carry the worst infections. Could also be nerve damage. It is not, however, the Peruvian Death.”

“Peruvian Death. That’s what we’re calling it now.”

“PD, yes.” Powers answered. “The cure works. It really does. We shipped out a hundred doses.”

“Unfortunately, we don’t know how many of those were used as an inoculation.”

“Speaking of inoculation. I was in the lab. What about Lewis?”

Before answering, Saul reflected. Lewis. He volunteered. He asked for a bullet. The serum didn’t work as an inoculation. It transformed him physically and mentally. An hour after the transformation occurred, just after Lewis asked to be released to fight the undead, and right after Stilton told Saul about injecting others, Lewis transformed again.

He was mad. Mad in a mindset way. When Saul returned, the window was bloody as were the walls. Intense pain caused Lewis to bang his head, pull at his own skin.

Stage one was injection, two was transformation, three was the intensity. Saul didn’t want to know the next phase.

“God help me,” Lewis cried out. “I can’t take the pain. My body feels on fire!” his words were muddled through a swollen mouth and restricted breathing.

“I’m sorry,” Saul told him.

Upon his apologies, Lewis raged for Saul. But Saul apologized not for what Lewis was going through, but for what he was about to do.

He shot him.

One single shot with a silencer on the weapon.

A shot to the head … just in case.

After thinking about the incident that occurred not twenty minutes earlier, Saul sighed and conveyed to Powers. “He passed on.”

“So this is good. Maybe those who received the serum as an inoculation won’t be a threat?”

“Maybe.” Saul answered. But he knew better. He shook his head. “I’m sorry; I’m just not in my right frame of mind,”

“Worried about Irma?” Powers asked.

“Absolutely. But I trust Jack Edwards. If he said he’s looking, then he is looking and he’ll find them. Hopefully …” Saul looked at his watch. “I’ll hear soon. He said he was doing one more circle around, and then he and Garrick were going on the road. The pilot has to return. They want to do air drops and our chopper pilots are few.” His head lifted at the sound of a baby. “Must be Dodds.”

Then the door opened.

Dodds walked in. Instead of holding the baby he sported a front holder carrier.

“What is it with you and that child?” Powers asked. “Is it an emotional thing?”

“It’s an “I gave my word’ thing. An exchange,” Dodds said. “Jack gave me his word he’d get my students. And it appears the Chinook is going to head there. So I gave him my word I’d watch this child.”

“Jack is a good man.” Saul said. “Are you alright? Do you need any help?”

“I’m good. I’m just concerned. I need to find a way to get this child to Jack or somewhere safe. Because it won’t be long before we aren’t safe here.”

Saul looked at him then Powers. “I thought Cleveland was secure.”

“It was safe,” Powers replied. “I told you that. But I also said I didn’t know for how long. Dodds, what do you know?”

“Stilton left. He took three of my pellets. For a drop on the blockades. They said things are worse and the experimental inoculation didn’t help. Taking three of my weapons doesn’t leave many left. But the whole thing is pointless, really. There’s not enough to take out the cities that are over run or enough to take out all of the infected and there certainly isn’t time to make enough.”

Powers nodded. “Like the cure. We have one. But we don’t have the manpower or ability to create enough to save everyone. Plus, too many will be bit before we can get to them in time.”

“Time is our only option,” Saul stated. “I said it before. These aren’t mystical, paranormal or demonic creatures, they are human beings. Biological beings that will break down. Eventually they will decompose to the point they aren’t a threat. Weather conditions will play into that as well. If we could just get word to people to hunker down, wait it out, eventually the threat will be nonviable as the germ is not airborne.”

Dodds asked. “How long?”

“It’s almost summer,” Saul answered. “Weeks.”

Powers shook his head. “I disagree. Weeks for the ones bit today. But keep in mind, every time a person gets bit, the clock resets. Our option is to abandon ship and let it die out, no pun intended to the undead. Perhaps use the weapon in the densely hit areas to give some sort of help. But move survivors to a safe place.”

Dodds suggested, “Maybe even create enough cure to get to these safe places. Can we resource it out to other countries? They have it under control, last I heard. The US was infected with the germ when our soldiers and scientists returned from Peru. They weren’t infected maybe but if we get the cure to them they can produce it.”

Saul had listened to the plan, they both had good ideas. But the number one problem was, it had been days since anything was really on the radio. Days since anyone stepped forward to take charge and organize. They didn’t have the resources or ability to move a large plan into action. They were just three men with a weapon, a cure and an infant.

Three men, in Saul’s opinion, who would do better to focus on getting out of Cleveland, just in case all hell really did break loose.

Chapter Seven

Chesapeake Bay, VA

Lance was stripped, showered, disinfected, showered again and debriefed all while sloshing down two cups of really bad coffee.

“We have no way of knowing, sir,” responded a younger colonel to the question of ‘how many are out there uninfected?’

“Any word from Klein or Powers with the CDC.” He had followed the colonel past a check point where people were given a once over for infection. A long line of refugees extended from the check-in point to the ferry that brought them.

“Negative. We lost communication. We are getting radio contact up and running and believe they’ve rigged communication up there in Cleveland.” He motioned his hand in an outward point to a school house and opened the door, leading Lance down a hall.

“We need to get a hold of them stat. Who’s been in charge?”

“Stilton out of Cleveland, but he’s not responded and seems focused on that state. We have spoken to the Governor of California and he said things are under control there, but they are urging people to move to the coast and inhabit the west coast islands as a precaution. That’s why we initiated this.”

Lance nodded. “Depending on what we have remaining as resources, it can be a slow process.”

“We’re trying right now to get a grip on equipment, transport, man power, volunteers.” The colonel said. “Major storm front just hit the coast off of North Carolina, so that’s hampering. But we are trying. Search and rescue, alerting by air and tapping into a FEMA radio station to send out a recorded message urging people to get to the coast for help.”

“Good. Let’s put together a food and resource team to start stock piling and gathering. We need to move the healthy off the mainland until we get a grip on this thing. Move them to cruise ships, air craft carriers, hell, there are hundreds of islands off the coasts and in our lakes, we’ll fill them.”

“A lot of those islands are occupied by very well to do people who aren’t going to take lightly to seizing their property.”

“I don’t give a shit,” Lance said. “They can share. The governor of California had a hell of an idea. We get the healthy off the mainland, leave only the infected, we can clean up easier. Last I knew I sent a man for Dr. Dodds, hopefully he arrived in Cleveland. We need to get him.”

“Yes, sir.”

“But we need help. This is bigger and more than you and I and what is left we can’t handle. You said there was an operational phone?”

“Yes, this way.” The colonel led the way into a school house office. “Right there.”

“Thank you. And Colonel. Job well done.”

The colonel nodded an acceptance of the compliment as he left Lance alone in the office and closed the door.

Lance picked up the phone and heard the dial tone. He was grateful for that and for knowing how to remember a phone number. Many had lost that ability in the age of names on cell phone dialing.

He knew it would be late for her, but he had to call. It was urgent. He dialed, waited and it rang.

She answered with a sigh of relief.

“Prime Minister Walker?”

“Oh, Secretary, it is … I can’t stress how glad I am to hear from you.”

“Same here. I can only imagine that the rest of the world may have given up hope.”

“To say the least. Things have been put into motion as a precaution.”

“We need to stop them,” Lance said.

“Absolutely, As soon as we end this call, I will summons an emergency meeting right away.”

“Thank you. We desperately need your help. We need help on a large scale and need it now to implement a survival plan for our country. Ships, aircraft, soldiers, supplies.”

“I’ll meet with my Minister of Defense straight away and get that going. Now what is the plan?”

Lance was glad to hear her eagerness to help. He wasn’t surprised at all. Lance was hopeful. He was a facing desperate situation, but finally, he felt if they could work the infant stage plan into effect, then there was a light at the end of the tunnel for his countryman.

Chapter Eight

Avery County, North Carolina

Jack didn’t to waste the bullet, so he used the tire iron to deliver the single fatal blow to the head of the recently risen state trooper.

He was placing supplies in the patrol car, keeping an eye out as Garrick changed the tire. In fact, Garrick acted as if he didn’t see him. How that was, Jack didn’t know. The trooper groaned loudly, his insides, dangling from the huge gaping hole in his torso.

Garrick finally looked up when the trooper’s body landed a foot from him. “Yeah, well, I was giving you another three seconds, before I got tired of you wasting time on him. Thought he was gonna bite you before you got him.”

“If you saw him, why didn’t you say so,” Jack dropped the rod.

“Busy.” Garrick stood up. “Done. She’s road ready. Got about three quarters a tank.”

“You didn’t see him.”

“Jack, please, I’m the zombie God. Trust me, I saw, heard and smelled him.” Garrick brushed off his hands, then crinkled his nose. He reached up and rubbed the bridge. He produced a look of ‘odd’ on his face.

“What’s wrong?” Jack asked.

“Rain drop.” Garrick looked up to the darkening sky. “Storm. Now there’s something you don’t ever see.”

“Now I know you’ve lost it.” Jack threw a bag in the back seat of the cruiser. “When haven’t you seen rain before?”

“Not talking about rain. I’m talking about rain and a storm in the zombie apocalypse.”

Jack tried not to laugh. “What?”

“Yeah, think about it. You just don’t see a rain storm in any zombie apocalypse movie. Certainly didn’t see one in that television show,” Garrick said. “This should be interesting.”

“You are so out there. Oh my God.”

“Sarge come in,” Jack’s radio crackled with the call of the pilot.

Jack lifted it. “Yeah,”

“Can’t keep circling. Weather’s getting bad. Negative on anything. Have to fuel up, head to Pittsburgh then to Cleveland. Am I picking you … wait.”

Jack looked at Garrick.

The pilot came back on. “Would they be driving an off red SUV?”

Garrick’s eyes widened. “Yes. Tell him yes.”

“That’s affirmative. Do you spot them?”

“Moving at a good pace east on forty. Not north like we thought. Not far from you.”

“Anything around them?”

“Few roamers on the road. Nothing else.”

Jack looked at Garrick. “Get in the car. We’re on forty now. You can catch them.”

“Wait. What about you? Lil is gonna have a fit.”

“She’ll understand. I can’t leave Saul. I can’t. I promised his wife I’d get him home to her. Plus, you know, I have that baby. Lil always wanted a baby.”

“The zombie apocalypse is not the time to be giving the gift of life.”

“It’s the perfect time.”

The pilot radioed again. “Sarge come in.”

Jack lifted his radio. “Circle around and grab me. I’m heading to Cleveland with you.”

“Roger that.”

Jack returned to Garrick. “Watch them. Head to the coast. You heard Saul. Stay away from Cleveland. The radio said islands are going to be sealed and barricaded. That’s probably where their headed.”

“What about you? How we going to find you Jack?”

“I’ll find you, if not. I’ll be with the men who have the cure and the man with the weapon. I’ll be easy to find. Now go. Take this phone. The pilot has one.” Jack handed him the phone and reached for the car door. “It’s off now to save power. Call Saul, it’s the last number. Call him once you get to Irma. Haul ass and protect my wife.”

“You don’t need to be the hero, Jack. You need to stay alive and be with your wife.”

“I will be. Go.”

Garrick slid in the cruiser.

“Wait. Almost forgot.” Jack lifted a small sack from around his shoulder and neck. He handed it to Garrick. “Saul would kick my ass if I didn’t send that with you. He made them break rules to give that to us at the airbase.”

Garrick pursed his lips and looped the sack round his neck and shoulder. “Hopefully we will never need it.”

“Hopefully. But it’s a beauty to have just in case.” Jack prepared the close the door. “Thank you.”

“You better join us.” Garrick closed the door.

Jack didn’t get to say anything further. Garrick had started the police cruiser and sped off. As Garrick quickly disappeared down the road, the wind of the chopper whipped behind him.

He knew he was taking a chance, but it was what he had to do.

Jack was confident that Lil, Irma, and Jerry would be safe with Garrick and Steve. He also knew they all had to end up together and the only way Jack was sure Saul would make it to his wife, was if Jack kept his promise.

<><><><>

“Is that good, Bub-bay,” Irma watched Jerry nibble on a cracker as he sat on her lap in the car. “As soon as we can, Yaya will get you more food. Okay?”

“Okay Yaya.”

“Such a sweet boy.” Irma kissed him. “Oh, you remind me so much of your mother. So sweet. Your papa was amazing with her.” Irma closed her eyes and planted her lips to the boys head. She lifted them and looked at Lil as she drove. “That poor man, it breaks my heart to know he had to watch her leave this earth. What he must have felt.”

“I’m very envious of you,” Lil said. “You love him so much. Your marriage is wonderful.”

“Oh, you love Jack and Jack is crazy about you.”

“We had our problems. Big ones. We were pretty much broken up when this all went down.”

“You aren’t now. You’ll get through the problems. I promise,” Irma said. “Saul. He is my soul. I have never loved another man. We had our ups and downs, but we survived. God willing … we’ll survive this.”

Steve moaned out slightly.

Jerry startled on her lap and turned around. “Sick, Yaya?” he pointed to Steve. “Boo boos.”

“Yes, baby.” Irma turned slightly. “Steven, how are you?”

“Hanging in there.” Steve said softly, lying across the back seat. He was pale, but not pasty white. Irma extended a hand back to touch him. He was warm, but she wouldn’t classify it as a high fever. That was the diagnosis from mother in her.

She felt the vehicle slow down a little and realized why, the rain had increased. “You alright?” she asked Lil.

“Just taking it easy.” Lil gripped the steering wheel, leaning close to it.

“This is the first rain we’ve had since it’s started.” Irma said, being vigilant about look about. The undead walking the side of the road, became such a common sight, it wasn’t until that moment she notice. The seemed to have a hard time moving. They weren’t walking upright or steady, they staggered more, and some even fell to the ground. “The rain.”

“I’ve seen worse,” Lil said.

“No, the rain. Look.” Irma pointed out the window. “They can’t move in it.”

Not as if she wanted to, but Lil slowed down to look.

The undead man on the side of the road, collapsed, then stood. The hard falling rain beat against him and some of his remaining flesh peeled from his skull.

Steve asked. “What do you see? What do you mean?”

Lil answered. “It looks like the force of the rain is too much. Some even look like they are losing flesh.”

“They would.” Steve said. “The flesh is rotting, it has no blood flow to hold it to the body or keep it there.”

Irma smiled. “This is a good thing, right? It can be a great thing.”

“Hurricane season could save us.” Lil added.

“I would never have …” Irma paused. “Do you hear that?”

Lil’s head cocked. “Sirens.” She looked in the rearview mirror. “Police.”

“Are you speeding?”

“It doesn’t matter. Why would we be chased in the middle of all this? The only moving car on the road. Shit.” She hit the gas.

“Smart thinking,” Irma gushed. “Go. Go. Go.”

“What are you doing?” Steve asked. “Why are you running from the police? Did you stop to think they’re trying to warn us?”

Lil answered. “Did you stop to think it could be a someone dangerous?”

“Or,” Irma added. “One of those things driving.”

Steve breathed out. “A zombie driving a car?”

“I am seeing the dead rise. I saw a walking kind little dead boy. I am not putting anything past this,” Irma waved out her hand. “Faster Lil.”

“He’s catching us.” Lil peered to the side view mirror.

“Faster.”

“I’m trying.”

“Hurry.”

“Shit.” Lil looked again. “He’s right ….” Suddenly, Lil jerked her head. “Holy shit is that Garrick?”

Irma leaned over. “It’s Garrick!”

Garrick was pointing outward.

“It’s Garrick!” Lil squealed excitedly.

Irma joined in the enthusiasm, screaming as well. Happily. “It’s Garrick. It’s Garrick.”

Little Jerry also called, “Gerk. Gerk!”

“He’s pointing at something.” Lil looked out her window. “I think he wants us to pull …”

“Watch out!” Irma warned.

The ‘bang’ was loud as the body slammed against the hood of the SUV. Both women screamed at the same time, along with the baby, loudly and shrill. The body rolled against the windshield then off the car.

Instinctively Lil hit her brakes, causing not only the SUV to slide but caused another ‘thump’ when Steve rolled from the back seat to the floor.

“Oh, God. Oh, God.” Lil breathed heavily. “Tell me that was one of them. Please tell me that was one of them.”

Irma hesitated. “Um, yes.”

“It wasn’t.” Lil looked at her. “Was it?”

“I don’t know.” Irma replied. “It happened fast. But I think it was. It had to be. Who the hell else would walk in the middle of a highway during a rainstorm?”

“Someone avoiding the side of the road where the dead are.”

“That’s true.” Irma bit her bottom lip. “It’s ok.”

Lil closed her eyes after she brought the SUV to a stop. “I just killed someone.”

“Chances are they were dead.”

From the back, Steve said. “I’m okay if anyone cares.”

Irma reached back. “Steven, I am so sorry.”

Slowly, Steve climbed back to the seat. He tried to sit, but plopped backwards.

“Yaya? Lil okay?” Jerry asked.

Irma looked over at Lil. She was frozen. “Lil, it’s fine.”

She slowly turned her head to Irma. “What if I just killed …”

The knock on her window caused her to jump.

Garrick stood there.

Seeping out an emotional, ‘Thank God, Lil placed the SUV in park and opened the door.

“You don’t need to drive so out of control,” Garrick scolded. “You hit a person flagging you …”

Before he could finish, Lil gushed out an ‘Oh Garrick’ and whipped her arms around his neck.

“Hey, hey. It’s ok.” Garrick returned the embrace. “But we shouldn’t stand here. It’s raining. There’s a town up ahead. We’ll head there, and merge everything then. Is that …”

Lil pulled back. “Where’s Jack? Where is he? Tell me he isn’t dead.”

“He’s not dead. Saul told us about the distress call. We went to the fortress to get you guys, and followed the trail here. He went to get Saul to meet us at the coast.” He looked seriously at her. “You alright?”

“Tell me. Did I hit a person? Someone who needed help?”

“Um … no. no. It was a zombie.”

“But you said …”

Nervously, Garrick responded. “Bad timing for a joke. Is everyone okay?’ He leaned to look into the open car door. “Hey, Irma. Jerry. Where’s Steve?”

“Oh, Garrick. We were attacked at the fortress.” Lil said sadly.

“I know. Was Steve …”

“Rats.” Lil stated. “Steve saved us but …” She reached back and opened the back door.

It was apparent by Garrick’s face that his entire being sunk when he saw his brother. “Hey, Steve.”

Weakly, Steve lifted his head. “Garrick.”

“What the hell did you go and do?” Garrick asked, leaning close to his brother.

“I’m in bad shape. I know it.” Steve whispered. “Can you just do me a favor and shoot me in the head before I turn into one of those things.”

“Actually, brother, I’m gonna do you one better.” Garrick smiled and lifted the sack that hung around his neck. “I got the cure.”

Chapter Nine

Chesapeake Bay, VA

The second phone call from Lucille placed a peaceful feeling over Lance’s head. He sipped on bourbon and relaxed in the office that would be his headquarters and home.

He was taking a moment.

Things were moving into place.

After a single knock on the door, Lance lifted his head and smiled when Don walked in. “you look better.”

“I got some rest. A solid hour of sleep did wonders.” Don stepped inside and closed the door. “We got a line to Cleveland, but could not get through to anyone. Any connection was not solid. We’re working on it.”

“Good. We need to get a hold of them and move them here, ASAP. Actually, I want to move Klein, Powers and Dodds to the USNA Comfort. It’ll be arriving by morning.”

“From Boston?” Don asked. “That’s where it was last dry docked.”

“Yes, and since you are the Secretary of Health and that’s a viable hospital ship, I’d like you onboard as well.”

“I think the ships are a grand idea for survivors. Will relieve some of the pressure off of the islands. The Mercy?”

“Should be arriving in San Francisco tomorrow night but California is a last exodus. The west seems minimally hit.”

“For now,” Don said. “Nowhere is safe. This thing has been out a couple weeks. It has to work its course. Like any other pandemic. It will eventually hit everywhere.”

“I agree. Even though other countries are saying they aren’t infected.”

“They are.” Don nodded assuredly. ‘I think we should stick to the plan. Not involve ourselves in what other countries are doing or saying. If your house is infested, a good exterminator will remove all occupants and clear the house. That’s what we’re doing.”

“Good analogy."

“Thank you.”

“Drink?” Lance showed Don the bottle.

“Not right now, thank you.”

Lance stood. “Well we are moving nicely on the exterminator plan. We have Ferries on standby. Bridges to the island blocked with visual checkpoints for infection. West and East coast. We’ve been able to contact any of our ships that can get to us. I don’t have much air support, but right now what I have; I am using to hit our warehouses for supplies. Stock up the ships as best as we can and the islands. After we move all that we can, then we start cleaning house.”

“How many people are we talking about getting off the mainland?” Don asked.

“I’m figuring we can save close to a million.”

“A million. That’s not even one percent of the population.”

“How many are left out there, Don?” Lance questioned. “How many are battling? Dying? This whole thing is going to be an arduous process. Hell, we may not have enough fire power to take out all the reanimated, we may have to wait until everyone one of these things just dies out. Who know how long that will take? We get the word out and we save as many as we can. To be honest with you. I’m looking at this as an extinction level event, and I can’t allow that. I can’t allow that to happen. If we can save a million people, then, man doesn’t become extinct. It’s not many, but it isn’t the end.”

“The explanation is a good one. It is. I think I’ll have that drink now.” Don reached across the desk for the bottle.

Chapter Ten

London, England

Lucille felt good about resting for the night. She spoke to the Minister of Defense and had him working on a plan to implement the naval forces, along with air to assist the United States. More than that within an hour she was able to pull together an emergency conference call with several heads of States and members of the UN to inform them that they were not to give up on the United States. She even forwarded the screenshot picture of that Hollywood actor and the faces of those involved in the online video chat.

“These are the people we want to burn out,” Lucille stated. “They are alive, fighting and have not given up hope.”

Her plea worked. She even managed to get a spot on Ren Ryan’s video circle, telling him he was important to the morale of his people and he was to keep encouraging individuals to listen to their government officials. If they say stay put then do it. Hunker down if advised and leave if told.

A glass of wine, wound down the evening and finally Lucille felt as if the world was getting a grip on something that could have gotten out of control.

Just as she undressed for bed, ready to lay her head on the pillow, she heard the ringing of the doorbell. She grabbed her robe, believing it was important considering the late hour.

Her daughter, Tabby peeked out her bedroom door.

“Mother, is everything all right?”

“I’m certain. Go on back to bed.”

The security camera positioned by the front door was useless, for some reason it was off. But she did manage to see the back of the head. It was Swanson, she was certain.

Tightening her belt on her robe, Lucille looked through the peephole of the door then opened it. “Swanson?” she asked with surprise. “What’s going on?”

“We have a situation,” Swanson stepped inside. “I tried to call, but the phones are now done.”

“I just spoke on the phone.” Lucille said with surprise. “Did you try my mobile?”

“Yes. Nothing, but a ‘try again’ later’ message.

“Mummy.” Tabby called from the staircase. “The internet is down. I can see a connection but I can’t connect to anything.”

Lucille spun with concern to Swanson. “Is this all spanning from what is happening in America?”

Swanson shook his head. “No. Think back. Years ago. SARs.”

“All right.”

“How did it get out of control so fast?”

“The Chinese government never … oh dear God.” Her hand shot to her mouth.

“Officials were keeping it quiet there, in hopes of containing it. In hopes that their fate would be determined like the United States. Once we removed the ‘burn out’ order, they released their info, but it’s too far too fast. They don’t know how many have crossed borders. But they didn’t cause a chain reaction. It’s everywhere. It has just taken days for the news to surface and for one bite victim to become two then four and so on. Long enough for the numbers to be where the US was weeks ago.”

“So in a few days, a week, we’ll be in the same position as America.” Lucille stumbled back. “What do we do?”

“I know we agreed to have our military aid the United States. But we must rescind,” Swanson recommended. “Like German and Russia. We must now worry about ourselves. I have a feeling we may need our own survival plan.”

Lucille’s feeling of hope and confidence flew out the window and was rapidly replaced with fear and doom. She peered up to the stairs where her daughter stood listening, then back to Swanson.

Her night wasn’t slowing down and ending like she had planned, it was only just beginning.

Chapter Eleven

Brooks, North Carolina

She clenched the phone so tight, a layer of sweat formed between her hand and the phone. Irma begged and pleaded in her mind with every ring. ‘Please answer. Please.’

And then he did. Saul actually called out, “Jack’ when he picked up.

“Saully,” Irma wept. “Saully it’s me.”

“Oh my God, Irma. Sweetheart. Thank God. Are you and the baby ok?”

“Yes. Yes we are. Lil is as well.”

“I am so glad Jack found you.”

“Garrick did. We’ve just pulled over before it gets dark. He gave me the phone to call.”

“Garrick? Where’s Jack?”

“He ... he’s on his way to get you, Saul. He gave me his phone. He wants to get you to meet us at the coast. We’re going to try to catch the rescue ships or get on the islands like the radio says.”

“Where are you?”

“North Carolina. We pulled into this small town and we’re in this garage right now.” Irma said.

“Are there any reanimated there?”

“Yes. Many. They’ve destroyed this town, Saul. Buildings are pulled apart.”

“It seems as if we can’t categorize them at all. The germ seems to hit everyone differently. Some more violent than others.”

“I know.”

Saul breathed out. “I miss you, Irma. I miss you very much. I miss the baby.”

“We miss you Saully and love you. We need you, so you listen to Jack, ok, you come with him. You find us.”

“I will. At some point my work must end. I found the cure, but it’s useless. I don’t have enough to save the world nor time to make it.”

“Saully, that is an understatement,” Irma told him. “If we were dealing with humans only then maybe it could be controlled. But Saul, everything that lives gets infected.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Irma nodded. “Deer, birds, Saul, rats … rats got Steven. That’s another reason we had to stop. He needs to rest. He saved us Saul; he saved your wife, your grandson and your wife’s new friend. He risked his life to get us. I will tell everyone what he has done and so should you.”

“He was attacked by rats?” Saul asked.

“Yes, they bit him. It wasn’t too bad, but he’s sick. Garrick gave him the cure you had sent, but … I can’t figure it out. He doesn’t look like he’s going to turn. He asked for a mirror and said he doesn’t look like our Peruvian flu people, but he’s bad. I don’t think he’s making it through the night.”

“His breathing?”

“Like your Yaya when she was at the end. Labored, thick.”

Saul exhaled. “If he was attacked by rats, Irma, it’s more than our germ. Rats carry many things. This is way over our heads.”

Irma sniffled. “Saul, I must end this call if I want to save power to call you tomorrow. Please, be careful. I’m not sure how I can live my life if I don’t have you in it.”

“I will.”

They spoke a few more moments, said their goodbyes and then Irma waited a few more seconds. She looked at Lil who held on top Jerry. While they waited on Garrick to return. Parked in a dark dingy garage, she needed a moment to herself. The sounds of the undead filled the air around them. And while she knew they had to stop for the night, she hoped they could actually make it through the night to get moving in the morning. While she stood there, taking that time. She also prayed for Steve, that God would do whatever He felt was best for the man who would forever be a hero in her eyes.

Chapter Twelve

Cleveland, Ohio

“It’s everything,” Saul explained over the phone to Lance. “Anything that breathes on this earth is infected. We lost control of it not only the moment it crossed our borders, but the second it crossed species.”

“We’re pulling you out of there,” Lance told him.

“Who Stilton?” Saul questioned.

“We haven’t heard from Stilton or his men in hours. We believe they were lost or something in the Akron attack. But from radio reports we got, it’s in Cleveland and we have to get you. Tomorrow morning, we’ll lift you, Powers and Dodds. Dodds and his weapon will come here; you and Powers will be placed on board the USNS Comfort.”

“No.” Saul stated firm.

“No?”

“No. I am going to be with my wife. I’m done. I’ll send everything with Powers, but I need to be with my family. This is all going down. Things as we know it are over. We’ve been apart long enough. If my end is coming, I need it to be with my wife and grandson.”

“Where is your wife?”

“She’s with Sergeant Edwards' wife in North Carolina. They are headed for the coast.”

After a pause, Lance stated. “Apparently you spoke to her, can you get in touch with her again?”

“I will in the morning.”

“Get a location on her and Edward’s wife. We’ll grab them after you. Will you come if we bring you all onboard?”

“Yes.”

“Then we’ll arrange that in the morning.”

Saul thanked him, but wasn’t putting much stock into the ‘picking up Irma’ plan. He was focusing on leaving Cleveland, yes, but to find his wife. He ended the call and faced Powers and Dodds who were in the office.

Dodds scratched his head. “It’s hard to figure out what’s going on in only half of a conversation.”

“They want to move myself and Powers to a Hospital ship and you …. They want you there. Wherever ‘there’ is.”

“They want my weapon. I’d rather stay with you two. I’ll give them the weapon and head wherever you go,” Dodds said. “I’m pretty certain, wherever they are isn’t going to be good in a short spell.”

Saul cracked a smile. “Why would you say that?”

“Serious?” Dodds laughed. “They have the worst luck. I followed the news … sort of. Well a conspiracy site. Lance was there when the president bit it, so was the Secretary of Health. They had to put down an agent. Let’s not forget about the news conference gone wild. They make it safely to a bunker. What happens? DC blows up. What happens next? The bunker goes down. I bet they had to walk through a radiated city to get out.”

Saul swiped his finger over his lip to hide his smile. “They did and they got attacked.”

“Ha!” Dodds pointed. “I knew it. Bad luck duo. I’ll just pass on joining them. Who the hell knows what will happen next to them guys?”

“Well, you can explain to him.” Saul said.

Powers shook his head. “You obviously told them you didn’t want to go, Saul. How did they handle that?”

“They didn’t. He said they’d get my wife after they get us. I just need a location from them.” Saul shrugged. “We’ll see what happens tomorrow. They’re supposed to come and get us. However I’ll be honest with you … Jack Edwards is on his way. He left his wife to get me and I’ll be damned if I’ll leave before he gets here. If he said he’s coming, he’s coming. I’ll wait right here for Jack.”

“Wait no more, Saul.” Jack walked in the room.

Saul heaved out a breath and grinned. “You son of a bitch.” He hurried to Jack and embraced him. Stepping back, Saul noticed that Jack looked worn, dirty and tainted with smears and specks of blood. “Are you okay?” Saul asked. “Not hurt, right?”

“Not at all my friend.” Jack squeezed his arms. “Had some problems after we landed. But I’m here. Last stop. Get ready to see your wife tomorrow.” Jack winked and smiled. “Because I’m done chasing your ass around this country.”

Chapter Thirteen

Chesapeake Bay

Eleven pellets. That number, that thought, ran thought Lance’s head after ending the call with Saul.

There were eleven remaining pellets of Dodds’ weapon. Lance wanted to kill Stilton for using three in Ohio. Since he took them no one really heard from Stilton, probably melted like the creatures he sought to destroy.

If more than one was going to be used, Lance knew where. Manhattan Island. Two were needed there. After all creatures were destroyed, that was another seal off place.

He conveyed this information to Dodds who insisted his weapon wasn’t big enough for Manhattan. Three at least would be needed. Lance couldn’t spare three. He wanted to clear a good pocket to seal off. That was all he could do.

According to Saul, they truly believed the undead would just die off … again. Only for real and for good, decomposing to the point where they were not a threat.

He spread out a map, using the sketchy information and reports of large groups of undead, trying to determine where to use the weapon most efficiently.

Don cleared his throat.

Lance peered up. “I’m sorry, I went immediately to this.”

“That’s fine. What did Dr. Klein say?”

“We’ll pick him up tomorrow.”

“Did I hear you mention something about his wife?”

“Yes. I told him get to on our chopper and we’d find out where she was and get her.”

Don stared at him for a moment, looking into Lance’s eyes. “You don’t mean that, though? You’re not getting her?”

“We can’t and don’t have time.”

“Then you should have told him.”

“And then what?” Lance asked sharp. “Have him decline to come. No, I need him. He has to go. Besides, his wife is in North Carolina and is headed to the coast. She’ll be on a rescue ship before we even get Klein.”

“That’s not true. They probably stopped for the night. Lance, you know as well as I do those ships are filling up. Last report was sixty percent capacity. They’ll be full by morning.”

Lance lowered his head and returned to the map.

“That doesn’t bother you?”

“I can’t let it. I can’t. I have to save who we can. Maybe her Majesty’s navy will have room once they arrive.”

“They aren’t coming and you know this.” Don leaned closer. “Lance call him and tell him you aren’t getting her or picking her up. Either way, don’t lie to Dr. Klein. At this point in it all, we can’t afford the bad karma.”

“Do you really believe that it will come back at us?”

“One hundred percent. Our luck hasn’t been the best.”

After a long stare, Lance nodded. “Then we’ll get her. As hard as it is going to be to find her, we’ll do our best.”

“Do you mean that?”

“I wouldn’t say it.”

Don nodded.

Lance returned to his map. He had far too much on his mind to worry about arguing with Don or even bad karma. Don was right about one thing, they hadn’t had the best luck and knowing the way things were going, Lance thought perhaps he didn’t need to chance causing any more bad occurrences.

Chapter Fourteen

Newton, North Carolina

Everyone thought he was nuts. Garrick didn’t care. He was one of those ‘odd’ people that no matter where he went he always had the apocalypse on his mind. Where could he go if he wasn’t near the fortress? Places that would work.

On his top ten list was a drug store. For years Garrick said that should there be a zombie apocalypse of something where a person had to hide out for weeks, the best place to go was a Rite Aid. They had large loading areas in the back and every accessible window and door was a roll down metal riot gate equipped with a tiny peek through window.

It didn’t matter if the store was in a metropolis or off on a small road in a little town. They all had the same thing. Some were bigger than others, but the gates were a constant.

The first time Garrick had seen those gates was when he went on a fishing trip. They stopped in a small town, and the gates were down. Garrick joked to the clerk, asking if the small town had a history of violence and that was when he was told all of the stores had them.

Sure enough, in the town of Newton, there not only was a Rite Aid, but the gates were down.

Not a single speck of light could be seen inside the store. If there had been surely, Garrick would have seen something through the ‘peep windows’

Nothing.

The dead wandered around the building, occasionally walking into it. No windows were broken. It looked as if the folks simply closed down shop for the night and went home.

Surely, someone had to think of it as a safe haven.

It didn’t look it. The store, like the town appeared void of life. Where did everyone in the town go? Did they leave or simply turn into the creatures that meandered the streets.

Garrick was certain of one thing. He had to get into the store. There was food in there and more importantly and more needed medical supplies for Steve.

But the problem remained getting into the store without calling attention to the undead.

Noise traveled and they heard. Garrick had yet to figure out that one. How they heard anything if the brain was only on auto. If they couldn’t talk, how could they hear? Yet they did.

Garrick figured he had two options. One was to go into the store, get what he needed and take the supplies back to the garage two blocks away. Or, he could simply bring everyone there.

His gut told him there weren’t any dead in the store, but he couldn’t be sure.

He could be leading them all into a death trap. When he conveyed the idea to Lil and Irma they didn’t bat an eyelash. They trusted him.

Only a few undead walked at the back of the building. He gave instructions to Lil to drive quickly into the loading door after he opened it and should any dead be in that garage, he’d take them out. They moved slowly. Pull in the garage, shut the door, take out the dead.

Worry about the squad car later if they were overrun.

Garrick’s gut instinct was correct. He lifted the door to the garage behind the store and the headlights of the SUV showed an empty storage room. Void of dead, not of boxes.

Lil pulled the SUV all the way in and Garrick flew out to the squad car pulling that in as well.

Two male reanimated made their way in before Garrick could close the garage door. They came for him as he reached to lower the door. Closing that door was imperative, He couldn’t chance any more getting in.

A ‘slam’ of the door, Garrick spun and fired two shots, taking down the walking dead.

Using his flashlight he looked for some sort of light in the Rite Aid. There were still streetlights in town and that told Garrick the building had power.

Hollering, “Stay inside the truck,” Garrick found the lights.

He flicked them on illuminating the room. After deeming it clear and safe, he signaled for Lil and Irma.

As they stepped from the truck, Jerry tightly in Irma’s arms, the banging began.

The sliding of the garage door, revving of engines and gunshots was a calling bell. What could only be hands and bodies beat relentlessly against the heavy metal garage door, trying to get in.

“Garrick, are we safe?” Irma asked. “Are you sure they can’t get in?”

“They can’t break through that door, no.” Garrick walked to the door and shifted the latch. “But just in case they can lift it. It’s locked.”

“Why was it unlocked?” Lil asked. “It doesn’t look like anything has been taken.”

“Maybe whoever took things, just took what they needed,” Garrick replied. “Stay in here. It’s safe. I’m gonna go check the store. If that’s clear. We can move in there for the night.”

He walked across the storage bay to the large metal doors he could only figure led to the store. Quietly, he opened the door and took a single step. He felt it hit against his leg and knew instantaneously what it was.

“Get down!” Garrick yelled as he dove back, just as an ax swung like a pendulum over the width of the door.

His heart beat out of control and his breath left him. It was close, too close.

“Garrick?” Lil called.

“I’m okay, it was a trip wire. A trap.” He lowered his voice. “Someone is here.”

“Maybe they were and they’re dead.” Lil said.

“Shut the door.” Irma urged. “Just shut the door. It could have turned into one of those things.”

A tiny voice, young and male called out from the store. “I’m not.”

“It’s a kid.” Hurriedly, Garrick spun from looking at Irma to back in the store. “Hello? I can’t see you.”

“I can’t see you either. Are you hurt?” he asked. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I didn’t know if it worked.”

“I’m alright.” Garrick shined his flashlight. “It was close.”

The little boy’s voice grew closer. “Officer Neil made that trap. He brought me here, then left to get help. He’s not coming back, huh?”

“I don’t see you in there.” Garrick shined the light. “Follow the beam of light to me. We aren’t gonna hurt you.”

“I know. But I can’t see the beam of light.”

Lil walked to Garrick. “He must be on the other end of the store.”

“The breaker boxes.” Irma called. “Look.”

Garrick watched as Lil stepped back to where Irma pointed. Two breaker boxes where on the wall.

“Can I turn these on?” Lil asked.

“I don’t see why not. The riot gates keep most of the light out.”

“Okay …” Lil opened the cover and started flipping on switches.

“We’re putting on the lights. Just stay where you are.” Garrick instructed the boy. “Are you injured?”

“No.”

Garrick peered over his shoulder to the banging on the garage, and Little Jerry’s muffled cries of fear.

Two rows of light brightened in the store. “Lil, that’s good.” He held out his hand staring into the store. “I see him.”

Garrick tossed his rifle over his shoulder and walked to the boy who stood center of an aisle not twenty feet from him.

The boy was no older than eight and just stood there.

“I’m right here,” Garrick said. “Don’t be scared. I have two women with me and a baby. Also my brother.”

“I’m not scared anymore.”

“Garrick?” Irma called for him.

“I’m fine. Come on in. I found him.” Garrick stepped to the boy. The child didn’t take a step. On the floor were jugs of water, boxes of cookies and other food items. He held out his arm and Garrick grabbed his hand. “I’m right here.” Garrick spoke soothing. “It’s okay now.”

The boy felt his way to grab hold of Garrick, his hands making their way up to Garrick’s elbow, and then he threw himself into Garrick’s hold. Immediately he started to cry. Garrick was at a loss, shocked. He barely embraced him when Irma rushed into the store.

“Oh you poor thing. You poor little thing. Honey come here.” She laid her hand on the boys head. “Let me check you.” Still holding Jerry, she crouched down.

The boy slowly stepped from Garrick and turned. Irma didn’t give him a second; she brought him into her chest with her free arm.

“It’ll be alright, honey.” Irma whispered. “You don’t have to be alone anymore.”

Garrick stood and walked over to Lil, giving Irma her time to comfort the boy.

“Garrick, that kid had to be so scared. He was alone. It breaks my heart.”

“Tell me about it.” Garrick said. “I’m shocked. I don’t know how he managed to survive.”

“Grace of God perhaps?” Lil suggested.

“If there was something more than the Grace of God, I’d say it was that.”

“What do you mean?”

“That boy …” Garrick dropped his voice to a whisper. “He’s blind.”

<><><><>

Both Irma and Lil commented on how much they were finding in the store. Using a jug of water and soap, along with baby wipes, Irma cleaned both of the boys. Jerry was in need of ointment for his bottom, and Irma was so grateful for the supply of diapers.

She took little Timmy into the ladies room and bathed him as best as she could at the sink. His hair needed combed and more than that it needed washed. What Timmy didn’t know was how much blood was dried in his hair.

Since there was power, Irma heated soup for the boys and Steve. Garrick and Lil opted for oodles of noodles instead.

They’d rest for a bit, eat, gather what they wanted to take from the store and put it in the SUV for when they left in the morning. Then they’d sleep or try to.

Steve told them what antibiotics to find and pain medication. He had taken his dose but didn’t look well at all. His hands, neck and face were swollen.

In the pharmacy waiting area, Steve lay upon two blow up rafts. He didn’t look comfortable but claimed he was fine and just wanted to sleep. The blankets with sleeves, an “As seen on TV” fad, which looked more like a backwards robe were used as covers. There was so much that could be utilized in the store.

“It’ll stop,” Timmy said.

“What will?” Irma asked, then instructed. “And eat.”

“The banging, the moaning, the trying to get in. It comes and goes. They try real hard to get in, like now. But then they stop for a while.”

“Oh, good.” Irma grabbed her chest. “I don’t know how you dealt with this all alone.”

“It was scary.”

“I bet,” Garrick said. “Do you live around here? Is your home close?”

“I don’t know where we are,” Timmy replied. “But I am from Huntersville. That’s where I was when Officer Neil grabbed me. We were waiting for the other kids. I couldn’t go on the field trip. Not because I don’t see but because my mom kept saying, something is going on and I want you near me. But we went to the school because my cousin was on the missing bus. All I remember is my mom holding my hand. I smelt this bad smell. I asked my mom what it was and she didn’t know what I was talking about. Then … then people were screaming. They were screaming loud and it scared me. She picked me up. Officer Neil was telling us to come with him. She was running with me and fell. She started screaming and screaming in pain. I called her name. I was crying and Officer Neil grabbed me. He put me in the car. He kept saying, “Oh God and how I needed to hold tight. That was the first time I heard them banging to get us. They kept banging on the car.”

“So he drove here?” Garrick asked. “Is this where you stopped?”

Timmy shook his head. “Not at this store. No. He was on the radio and they were telling him where not to go. We stopped for gas. He said it looked safe and to stay in the car. The window was down so I could hear him. I smelled that smell again. I tried to tell him. But he didn’t answer. So I opened the door. That was when something hurt me. It felt like teeth. I couldn’t even scream it hurt so bad. But I heard the shots. Officer Neil put me back in the car. We came here. He cleaned my leg, said I was bleeding. Gave me medicine. Told me where he set everything and he was going to get me help. He even made the trap to protect me. But he never came back.” Timmy lowered his head.

“Oh my God, you were bit?” Garrick asked.

“It’s pretty deep,” Irma said. “Healing but deep, in the left calf. It’s not showing signs of infection. I saw it when I washed him.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Garrick questioned.

“Because he’s been alone for a while. He healed. How was I to know what bit him? The poor child has been through so much.” With Jerry in her arms, she scooted Timmy closer. “Don’t you worry sweetheart, I am here. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“You feel like my grandmother when you hold me,” Timmy said.

“That’s because I am a grandmother. It’s a gift you know. We have this softness about us. You just feel free to snuggle anytime you need it.”

“Snuggle. Smother,” Garrick shrugged. “Same difference.”

“Garrick Long,” Irma scolded. “You be nice. I can’t help I have this proactive mother instinct. Ask Lil how I am with her?”

Lil looked up. “I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. Timmy must be immune.”

Garrick gave a soft nudge to Steve. “Are you listening? Is that possible?”

Steve grunted and struggled to sit. “Yeah,” he said weakly. “I haven’t determined if it is immunity or just that the virus didn’t take hold. Some people will have immunity. Look at Jack.”

This caught Lil’s attention. “Jack?”

“Yeah, he was scratched or bit. I think a tooth scratch him. Not sure. He’s fine. Never even got an infection. He said he wasn’t bit and all tests showed no infection. But we found saliva around the small wound that contained the strain. So Jack has immunity qualities. We never told him; because we didn’t want it out that Jack resisted the strain. Who knows what they would have done or where they would have sent him?” Steve paused to cough. “And it could have been a fluke that the virus didn’t settle in.”

Garrick reached out; laying his hand on Steve’s back. “Lay back down, man. You aren’t well.”

“I’m fine. I want to be part of the conversation. I like listening to Irma.”

“Thank you sweetheart,” Irma tapped Steve. “I like listening to you. You’re my hero.”

“Oh, God.” Garrick groaned. “One small act of bravery.” He stopped talking when Irma gave a frightful mother scold to him. “I’ll stop.” He mimicked zipping his mouth. “Speaking of heroes. So, I didn’t tell you Lil. Not only did Jack go back for Saul, he went back for something else. He got you something. Dodds was holding it and Jack wants to hand deliver it to you.”

Irma gushed out. “Oh, isn’t that wonderful? The middle of the apocalypse and Jack is getting you a gift. Never doubt that man’s love. Is there an anniversary coming up?”

“Actually yeah. Next month.”

“Oh, Lil. I’m getting misty eyed. With all that was going on, he was thinking of you and your anniversary. Love transcends even the walking dead.”

Garrick laughed.

“Do not laugh at me, Garrick Long.” Irma pointed. “I’m being serious.”

“Jack got me a gift?” Lil smiled. “Really?”

Garrick nodded. “A little something he picked up in Pittsburgh.”

“Why didn’t he tell me?”

“Because, you know, he’s running here and there. Fighting the undead. Saving Jewish doctors and eccentric weapons creators. If he told, and something happened to it on the way, then you’d be really upset. So I think he wants it to be a surprise. Act surprised if it makes it.”

“Why did you tell me?” Lil asked.

Garrick paused. He motioned his lips and took a drink. “For the same reason Jack didn’t. He’s running here and there. I guess … I guess I just wanted you to know, like Irma said, he was thinking of you. In case, God forbid something happens, Jack was thinking of you. He always does.”

Lil produced a peaceful smile. “That is comforting.”

“You know,” Irma reached over to Lil and touched her. “You really should take some time. Maybe find something here in the Rite Aid. I’m sure you can find a gift here. Let him know that you thought of him, too.”

“You should find something for Saul as well. We can make sure we wrap it too.”

“Oh, good idea. Our anniversary is in September. Won’t that be nice to surprise him?” Irma planted a kiss to Timmy and stood, handing Jerry to Garrick. “Can you watch him?”

“You trust me with the golden child?”

“You fed him and watched him while I rested. It was bacon, but you still took care of him. I would trust the Long Brothers with my life. Jerry is my life. Even though you annoy me. I trust you always.”

“I’m honored.” Garrick took Jerry who was close to falling asleep. He watched as the two women walked off together chatting. It was an odd thing to do, think of gifts and shopping when death was all around them. It also was a good thing to do, because with all the death and dark, that bit of normalcy, was a well needed bit of light.

Chapter Fifteen

Cleveland, Ohio

The overwhelming aroma of soap entered the room a split second before Jack walked in asking, “Where is my baby?”

“He’s clean, you can hand him over.” Powers nodded once at Dodds.

“He’s young, Jack.” Dodds handed the child to Jack. “Maybe four months old. But healthy and fine. By the way, thank you for sending help for my students.”

“Not a problem. I told you I would, even if I had to get there myself. They … took them to Erie. Its infection status is low and there are boats on the lake waiting to take people out.” Jack awkwardly cradled the baby. “Oh my God, this is the first real moment I had to look at him.”

“I told the story to Saul and Powers,” Dodd said.

Saul sealed the last of his boxes and dusted off his hands. “Remarkable. An undead had it and didn’t kill it.”

“The only chance this child had of dying was by being dropped. He was very much like Juan,” Jack said. “He spoke, Saul.”

Saul’s eyes met Jack’s. “Spoke. A reanimated spoke?”

“Spoke. Said ‘kill me’.”

“And?”

Jack shrugged. “I did.”

“Then he robbed him.” Dodds added.

Jack scoffed. “I didn’t rob him. I took his phone for pictures and wallet so I could tell this child who saved him. It was a man. Not an undead a man who reanimated and still held his humanity. George McWilliams was his name.” he kept a stare on the baby.

“This closest I was able to get to him,” Saul reached over to the baby. “Dodds was very protective. He’s beautiful.” Saul let out a wistful chuckle when the baby wrapped his tiny fingers around Saul’s. “Oh, wait until Irma sees him.”

“Wait until Lil sees him. I know it’s weird, but we tried for years. Then we had that problem and …It’s silly.” Jack shook his head.

“No.” Saul said. “It isn’t. This is very fitting Jack. You will make it work with your wife. You are through the problems and this is symbolic of a new beginning.”

Dodds laughed. “Understatement. Everyone is having a new beginning or an new end if you aren’t an optimist.”

“What’s his name?” Saul asked. “I think you should be the one who names him.”

“Oh, I know exactly what his name is.”

Dodds took a guess. “George. After the guy who saved him. You’re naming him George.”

Jack looked up. “Are you fucking nuts? I’m not having my kid grow up being called George. No. His name is Jack.”

Dodds whistled. “We’re not narcissistic or anything.”

“Ignore him.” Saul said. “I like it. Your kid?”

“My kid.” Jack gingerly pressed his lips to the infant’s forehead. “I’ve been thinking about this child since I left him. With everything the way it is, it isn’t right to bring a new life into this world. But this child doesn’t have a choice. He’s here. He was saved for a reason.”

Saul stroked the baby’s head. “A family is the greatest inspiration. I think of my wife, my grandson. My daughter.” After a shivering breath, Saul composed himself. “It’s worth more than anything in this world.”

“But the world is so screwed up. I’m worried. He’s so tiny, so helpless. What if I can’t protect him? What if something happens to him?” Jack’s face cringed.

“Jack, I have no doubt in you. Tomorrow we leave. We finally meet up with our families. We start the waiting game, but we start a new life. If anyone in this world can keep this baby safe and make sure he grows up, it’s you.” Saul have Jack a fatherly smile. “Of that, I am very sure.”

Chapter Sixteen

Newton, North Carolina

Garrick knew. He just knew.

The SUV was packed, gasoline from the police cruiser siphoned, they were going to be on the road in a few hours. The insidious pounding at the doors, the undead trying to get in, had finally ceased and a hush of quiet took over.

Everyone slept.

Garrick didn’t want to. He couldn’t. Because he knew … he just knew.

Steve’s breathing had worsened and his entire body had swelled with the retention of fluids. He sat up, back against the wall, leaning against Garrick some as they sat together on the floor.

There wasn’t silence between them.

“I was always …” Steve struggled to speak. “Always jealous of you. You … did what you wanted. You didn’t fit the mold.”

“Yeah, well, I had to do something to get attention. You had all the brains in the family and got all the adoration.”

Steve smiled. “That’s true.”

Garrick laughed.

Steve tried. It pained him.

“For all the fighting we did, man, the good times trumped that.”

“We were the epitome of brothers.” Steve lifted his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“For?”

“Anything I ever did that made you sad.”

“Me, too, me too.”

“I’m not making it through the night,” Steve said. “My blood is settling. Look at my legs. I’m half way there, you know.”

“I know.” Garrick leaned more to his brother, laying his lips on his head. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Steve inhaled heavily, releasing the breath slowly. “I need you to do it.”

“I’m waiting.” Garrick shook his head. “Because I’m not convinced you’re coming back. You got Saul’s cure. I’m not convinced. The dead virus isn’t making you like this. It was the fucking rat attack.”

“Don’t chance it. Don’t. Don’t even take a chance on letting me turn.”

“What if you’re like Juan?” Garrick asked. “It would be the Karma of it all. If you’re like Juan, I won’t do it.”

“How you gonna keep me alive.”

“Feed you chickens.” Garrick looked down. “Cats. I always hated cats. I’ll feed you cats.”

“That’s not how I want to be,” Steve said. “Juan knew. He couldn’t talk, but he knew he was trapped in a decaying body. Just do it when I leave. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

Silence.

“How are you gonna do it?” Steve asked.

“Why does it matter?”

“Because you can’t shoot me. You’ll scare the kids and draw back more of those things.”

“I have a screwdriver.”

Steve gasped. “You’re gonna impale me in the head with a screwdriver?”

“Dude, do you have a better idea?”

“No.”

“I'll do it compassionately.”

“Through the ear,” Steve said weakly. “That would be the …”

The weight of Steve’s head pressed harder against Garrick’s arm and then Steve slid down some. Bringing his other arm over, Garrick grabbed onto Steve and pulled him into his body, again pressing his lips to his brother’s head.

He closed his eyes.

Garrick didn’t look. He didn’t need to. He knew … he just knew.

Steve was gone.

<><><><>

Irma wasn’t sleeping like they thought. She remained quiet, listening to the final conversation between two brothers. It broke her heart as a mother, woman and sister. She nestled close to Jerry, smothering the sound of her crying.

Muting the sound of her tears was in vain, when she realized it was over. It wasn’t the silence that told her, nor the ‘clank’ of the screwdriver as it dropped on the ground. It was the sound of Garrick’s single sob that was an invisible hand, reaching into her chest and squeezing her insides.

She lifted her head and saw what was going on. Sitting on the floor, Garrick cradled Steve against his chest. Steve’s lifeless arms dangled over Garrick’s. Shoulders bouncing in sadness, Garrick buried the sound of his sobbing into his brother’s body.

There was nothing more that Irma wanted to do than to go over and comfort Garrick. Tell him she was sorry, hold him. But she didn’t. She couldn’t. Not right then, it wasn’t the time.

However difficult it was to watch and hear, Irma knew she had to restrain, stay put and let Garrick have those final moments with Steve.

Chapter Seventeen

London, England

After a long night, Lucille had fallen asleep on top of the covers for what she could only describe as a late morning nap. Sideways, head snuggling to the pillow, she slept soundly following a night of one bad report after another. She woke up in frenzy, to a sound that rang an eerie truth to her.

The air raid sirens.

She heard them many times in her life, but there were times, during crisis where they sounded real. They sounded frightening. Hearing them blast sent her into an immediate panic.

“Mommy, what’s happening?” Her daughter burst in the room.

Before she could answer, Lucille saw her nearly vibrating from the stand.

“Yes,” Lucille answered the phone. Her eyes shifted to Tabby. “Yes. Right away. We’ll be ready.”

“Mummy?”

“We need to pack one small bag and do so now. They’ll be here soon for us,” Lucille said with urgency and walked to the window. She parted the drapes and peered out.

Hissing her immediate gasp, Lucille brought her fingers to her lips as she stared out the window. A few hours and all hell broke loose. Fires burned in the distance, cars were scattered on the street abandoned, people ran. Panic.

“Is it that bad out there?” Tabby asked.

Lucille released the drape and turned. “Just go pack. Go pack now.”

Chapter Eighteen

Newton, North Carolina

May 18th

“It’s now or never, ladies. We got an all clear outside the garage,” Garrick spoke soft, almost saddened.

Irma leaned into the back seat, laying her hand on Timmy. “I’m not buckling you in because if we need to make a quick escape, I don’t’ want to fuss with anything. I’m going to sit right back here with you, ok?”

“Ok.” He nodded.

“I’m putting Jerry on your lap. Can you hold him for one second?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Yaya. You call me Yaya, and thank you.” She placed Jerry on Timmy’s laps, and braced his arms around the baby.

Lil was already in the front seat and Irma whispered, “I want to speak to Garrick.”

“Hurry,” Lil said.

Irma stepped back and looked at Garrick. “Do we really need all these supplies? The less we carry the better on gas.”

“Well, I’m planning ahead. What if we get stuck, miss a boat, or can’t get on the island. And what if we do get on an island and it is everyman for himself?”

“I understand.”

“Please get in the car. We have to leave. I’m gonna start the engine, open the door and hurry to drive.”

“I’m getting in.” Irma reached her hand to his face. “Are you all right?”

Garrick sighed heavily. “No. But I will be.” He slid her hand from his face, pausing to kiss it. “Thank you for caring.”

“How can I not? You are amazing.”

Garrick forced a smile and walked away.

Irma got in and lifted Jerry from Timmy’s lap. “I’m smiling at you Timmy. A very confidant smile.”

Timmy lifted his hand to her face and felt her lips. “Thank you.”

The engine sounded so loud when Garrick turned it over. He left the driver’s door partially opened and Irma held tight with one arm to Jerry, while embracing Timmy with the to her. She listened to the sound of the garage door opening and Garrick returned in a moment. Shutting the door and pulling out.

The second they emerged from the garage, Irma could see the undead move their way.

“Are the windows down?” Timmy asked. “I can smell them. I smell them bad.”

Irma shifted her eyes to Garrick as he shut the vents on the car.

“That’s gonna be useful,” Garrick told Timmy. ‘That’s a talent we need. Your own radar.” He turned his head to Lil. “How is our phone power?”

“Still two bars.”

“Let’s not waste it. Send a text to Jack, say we’re on the road and we’ll call once we have a position. We’re saving power.”

Lil agreed and focused on the phone.

Garrick drove slowly; she supposed so as to not draw attention. They did anyhow. They staggered at the vehicle, arms extended as if they could catch it.

Irma looked out that window. She couldn’t help but watch. Some were closer than the others. Some looked ‘fresh’ almost alive, while others appeared to me moving on their last bit of strength. One thing was for sure, it was the first time Irma wasn’t scared of them.

She felt sorry. Staring at their faces, she realized they were once people like her, Garrick, and Lil. People with family and lives. A life of love stripped from them. After knowing the boy Juan, Irma had a hard time believing that the walking dead were soulless animated beings. Most were violent and moved on killer and hungry instinct. But those were the ones where their soul was buried deep. Reanimated like Juan knew what was happening. How cruel. How sad.

They weren’t released from the earth, they were trapped. Trapped in the shell of a decaying body, flesh dropping from the bones. Trapped in their own hell.

Driving away, for the first time ever, Irma didn’t just pray for those she knew and those who had survived. She prayed for the infected. That God would release them, would help them. Somehow … someway.

Chapter Nineteen

Cleveland, Ohio

Beep

Despite all the gunfire, screaming, sirens and crashes, that single beep of his phone jolted Jack. He had grown numb to the noise as they made it out of the city. But once on the quiet highway, the beep went though him like a knife. A usual calm and in control Jack was unnerved.

It was bad enough Jack wasn’t driving. He absolutely hated not being in control of his own life, but strapped to his chest was another life to worry about. He’d rather hold Baby Jack than take a chance of someone else being responsible.

Baby Jack was important. And they were out of the city.

“Is that them?” Saul asked from the back seat.

Jack finished reading the message. “Yeah. They’re on the road. They’re conserving power and will call with a position.” Jack lowered the phone. “Bet me they’re still heading to the coast in case we can’t get them.”

“Lance promised,” Saul said.

“Yes, well, Lance is a bad luck bandit,” Dodds stated. “Plus, we’ll be on a chopper. How far do you think they can fly? Certainly not from Cleveland to North Carolina to Virginia.”

Jack tilted his head. “It’s close. Fully fueled, it gets close to 600 nautical miles. Which is really cutting it close.”

“We still have to factor in, Lance is lying,” Dodds said. “That he has no intention whatsoever of getting your wives.”

Jack looked over his shoulder and winked. “I know the pilot. When he radioed to say he was waiting, I was glad. He’ll do what we need.”

‘Then tell him to pick up the wives and let’s head to the closest island,” Dodds suggested.

“We may not have a choice.” Jack faced forward. He couldn’t believe the mayhem that had ensued. They had received word at dawn that the infection broke boundaries in Cleveland and that one source aided it in getting out of control.

A simple radio call from the pilot stating no one was coming to get them and he couldn’t chance moving the bird, forced Jack and the others to quickly pack the car with as much cure and supplies as they could, as quickly as they could. Powers took on the driving duties. They needed to get to the airbase.

Twenty miles.

It wasn’t an easy trek.

Powers took back roads, but that didn’t stop them from running into rioting groups and hoards of reanimated. People fighting for their lives raced for the car, pounding on the windows, begging for help.

As much as it pained Jack to ignore it, he couldn’t help them. He had to get to the airbase.

While trudging through the city streets, Powers asked, “What do you suppose was the single source that caused it to get out of control.”

Jack guessed it to be infected children. He had seen them in North Carolina. They moved fast, were agile and vicious. It was hard to get a good aim on one, let alone shoot them before they were upon you like a rabid chimpanzee.

There was a sense of disbelief until a child leapt on the hood of the car, gnawing at the windshield, pounding and trying to break it.

Despite Powers trying to shuck the child, it held on for the longest time.

But that was behind them. The road was busy with cars all trying to get out, get somewhere. Traffic moved.

Jack was grateful. They were almost at the air base and a little bit closer to putting the current chapter of the infection behind him.

He needed to see Lil, be with Lil. He and the others just wanted to be away from the infection, and hopefully wait it out. It would end eventually on its own. It had to.

Chapter Twenty

Chesapeake Bay

“We have a situation.”

Lance was in his school house office when he received that little warning. A man rushed in then rushed back out. No information, just that simple line. Lance was already in the middle of a situation. Ships had filled. Islands were already reaching capacity and people were lined up for miles begging to get in. Annoyed, Lance walked outside to see what was happening.

He didn’t need to step far out in order to hear it all.

People shouted and argued. They pushed the limits of the military who held post. There were hundreds who tried to break the barricade. They arrived by personal boats, some by yachts. All of which could not stay.

“What’s going on?” he asked Don, who stood in the street.

“They are turning people away. We’re at capacity. They aren’t happy. But that’s not the situation.”

“What is it?”

“That ferry from last night. The one we stopped? Well it no longer is in the middle of the bay.” He pointed.

“We told them not to come.”

“We can’t reach them by radio, we tried.”

“It doesn’t look like it’s stopping or even slowing down.” He started walking toward the peer only a couple blocks away.

Don walked with him. “I was thinking maybe the ferry was coming for the people we were turning away. But no response.”

“Something is wrong.” Lance watched as the ferry drew closer at full speed. “It’s gonna smash the peer.” At that point Lance started running, he moved as fast as he could the remaining blocks and grabbed the first Sergeant he saw. On the table before the Sergeant was a pair of binoculars and Lance grabbed them, lifting them. He peered to the ferry. “Oh my God,” He dropped the binoculars. “Let these people in. Pull your men back!”

The sergeant was startled. Perhaps he was confused or flustered, but when Lance didn’t receive the response he needed, he took matters into his own hands.

“Barricades down! All men back!” Lance shouted. “Let the people in.”

That alone was the first error. The people heard the shouting or orders at the same time as the soldiers, and before the road blocks could be moved, people rushed forward. There was no orderly fashion, because there was no time,

Lance barely had time to run back when the Ferry collided into the huge docking port, smashing it like toothpicks, sending splinters of wood everywhere.

The ferry cut through the people that remained, tromping and crushing like bugs.

Engines still running, the ferry was unable to go any further and came to a halt. Just as it did, Lance backed up, grabbing on to Don. He knew what was next. He saw through the binoculars, even with a brief peek. A slumped over Captain in the booth and a ferry of infected.

Hundreds of infected were at the railings and the second the ship stopped, despite the Ship to ground height ratio, the determined flesh craving creatures, plowed over the railings to the people below.

While most soldiers tried to fire, Lance knew it wasn’t the time to be diligent and a hero. It was time to bail. Grabbing on to Don, he did just that.

Chapter Twenty-One

London, England

Lucille had banged on Tabby’s door, so much in an hour that her hand hurt. Her daughter refused to come out of her sanctuary.

“I’m not. I’m making a stand here. They can’t break down the door,” Tabby argued.

“Swanson is going to be here, any moment. We need …” Lucille turned her head to the doorbell. It had to be Swanson. He was due to arrive with an escort to get them from the house to safety.

Figuring she’d get Swanson to help her with Tabby, Lucille headed by the security desk, peeked quickly at the monitors, in her pass, she saw it was Swanson and raced to the door.

“Swanson,” she gasped out as she flung open the door.

It was not as she expected.

Swanson’s skin was white with streaks of blood. A huge gaping hole ripped across his neck, and blood soaked his shirt.

He opened his mouth in a gasp, growling out and lunged for Lucille.

She quickly jumped back with a scream and pushed the door. Swanson extended not only his arm, but shoulder in, reaching for her as she struggled to close the door.

Fighting of his reaching fingers, Lucille pushed with her body and cried out in gut wrenching scream of fear. Everything was spinning; she had to close that door.

She heard it. A heartfelt call out of ‘Mummy!’ and Lucille saw her daughter jump for the door. The added weight closed it, severing Swanson’s arm.

“My room, we have what we need there.” Tabby grabbed Lucille’s arm.

Lucille cried she was scared. No other word to describe it, but scared She had faced the prospect of war, terrorist in her city, but nothing shook her like this.

They hurried up the stairs and Tabby slammed the door. Both women breathed heavily catching her breath.

“The door solid,” Tabby said. “They can’t break it down. We’ll wait here for help.”

Lucille nodded and her shoulders bounced as she sobbed.

“Are you okay?” Tabby asked.

After a sniffle, Lucille lifted her head. “Yes. Yes. I’m fine.” She sniffled again.

Tabby’s eyes widened. “You’re bleeding. Your arm.”

Slowly, Lucille peered down and exhaled in relief. “Thank God. It’s just a scratch. I’ll be okay.” She smiled at her daughter. “I'll be okay. It’s just a scratch.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chesapeake Bay

Two soldiers, an older woman, along with Lance and Don were in the boiler room located in the basement of the school. An old metal door was the only entrance. They were boxed in, but it was their only hope.

A triple knock on the door, and Don stood up. “Yes?”

“It’s Mellon,” A man said. “I got more.”

Don undid the lock and opened the door. A female solder along with a man entered in the room with a rush. The woman carried weapons, while the man lugged a duffle bag.

He set the duffle bag in the corner of the room with what looked like other supplies. “Shut it. Lock it. There’s no going back out, yet.” The man said.

Don did. He wiped the sweat from his brow. “We can’t stay here.”

“What choice do we have?” Lance asked. “We can’t go up there. At least not yet.” He stood and paced about the mid size room. “We have water, food, weapons and some medical supplies. All hell may be breaking loose up there, but we’re safe.”

“Right now,” Don argued.

“That’s what counts. We ration. We make it last,” Lance said.

“Yeah but for how long?” Mellon asked. “How long can we last?”

“Well,” Lane exhaled. “If Dr. Klein is right. We can last longer than they can. We have to outlive the dead.” He looked up to the ceiling. “Go willing … we can.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

London, England

It had been two hours, since Lucille and Tabby shut themselves in the bedroom. Only two hours. The young soldier that arrived at Lucille’s house was in the Army only four months. He arrived on Downy Street with six four trucks, facing off the growing number of walking dead.

He and another soldier were ordered to retrieve the Prime Minister, get her from the home, escort her to a truck and get her form the city.

A simple mission.

But when they arrived, at the door was s suited man, apparently reanimated. He was missing an arm and he moved toward the solder. A single shot removed him as a threat and the two soldiers entered the house with ease.

“Prime minister.” The young soldier called out.

No answer.

“I’ll take this floor, you go up.” The other said.

The younger one agreed, cautiously taking the steps. “Prime Minister. This is Private Adams of her Majesties Army.” He reached the top. “We are here to get you and your daughter and bring …” He stopped.

The noise. It was a weird wet noise that he couldn’t place. A few steps down the hall, he saw the slightly opened bedroom door, and his heart did a quick skip of fear when he saw the hand. It extended out, not moving and raising his weapon, the private walked to the door. “Prime Minister.”

Using his foot he pushed the door. At first it didn’t budge. He didn’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure out it was the body. He pushed a little harder and the door opened enough to expose the face of a young woman. Her eyes wide, mouth open as if screaming for help. Her arm extended as is she had tried, but failed, to get out.

Another shove of the door and the young private was greeted with a snarl and the sight of the Prime Minister kneeling over the body of the younger woman. The stomach of the girl was complexly open. Internal organs dripped from the prime minister’s mouth to her bloody hands.

It looked like a stomach in her hands.

She snarled again as if to say, ‘Mine’.

Just as she brought that stomach to her mouth, the soldier ended it with a single shot. The Prime Minister fell backwards. Then just to be sure, and as instructed, he fired a shot into the head of the dead young girl.

Chapter Twenty-Three

North Carolina

The pilot’s name was Vetters. Jack called him ‘Captain’ or ‘Pilot’ never bothering to know his name, even after being flown all about with the man. But he did make it a point to ask his name when they arrived at the airbase.

Vetters was waiting and inside the chopper, which he flew alone, was a woman and a young girl. His wife and daughter.

He informed Jack that things were breaking down all over the place and he was in contact with a Red Cross ship just off the coast of North Carolina. The ship wasn’t registered and had plenty of room to take on survivors.

He suggested that fuel would fare better if that ship were their destination after retrieving his wife. Vetters also told him that several other pilots he knew were going AWOL, taking flight and heading to that ship.

Jack didn’t care; he just wanted to get his wife and the others to safety.

He plugged Baby Jack's ears, and held him close as they flew, waiting to hear from Garrick when they were in a position to be lifted. However, signal was in and out and they were out of contact.

Last contact they were in a town called Newton and headed toward the coast.

Jack and Saul were able to devise a plan. Get everyone to the ship, and use the pilots to drop the pellets on heavily infected areas.

Help clear a path so to speak waiting on the dead to ‘die out’

Vetters was in radio contact with others. Just as they entered North Carolina airspace, Vetters informed Jack that Lance had sent out a distress call. They had been over run.

“Ha!” Dodds exclaimed. “I told you, didn’t I? I knew it. Bad luck duo. Man, stay away from them. Did I make the good call or not?”

Jack shook his head in disbelief. “Vetters, the Red cross ship. Clear of infection?”

“Yes, Sarge. But you guys have a antidote so just in case; we should be able to control it.”

“Let’s just try to get a hold of them again.” Using his radio headpiece, Jack accessed is phone. It was loud and noisy, but he heard Garrick when he picked up.

“We’re about sixty miles from the coast. Just off Wright Brother’s island,” Garrick told him. “Moving free and clear on the highway. A few cars here and there. Not much.”

“Excellent. Perfect.” Jack looked at a map. “You must be on 64.”

“Just passed the exit for Williamston.”

“Stay the course, when you get to Plymouth, find a place wide enough for us to land and we’ll get you there. We’re close. About twenty minutes.”

“Should be arriving the same time as you …”

And then for as hard as it was for Jack to hear him before, Jack heard it loud and clear when Garrick blasted the word, ‘Fuck!’

<><><><>

`The free and clear Highway 64 came to an end. Not literally, but their passage on it did.

Like hitting a wall of fog, up ahead was a cluster fuck of congested traffic unlike Garrick had ever seen or even imagined. All four lanes the side of the road and the middle … cars and trucks.

“Garrick?” Jack called out.

“About a mile up ahead all I see are cars, Jack, cars that are stopped. They got both lanes. Looks like every car in North Carolina is on this road. No way are we even getting any further.”

“Then pull over. Stay put. We’ll find you.” Jack said. “We’re close. We are very close.”

Garrick set down the phone and looked at Lil. He pulled the SUV off to the bane of the road and turned off the ignition.

“What now?” Lil asked.

“He’ll find us.” Garrick looked to his right and to the fields. They had growth, not much. Corn, mid stock height and green. He figured that was where Jack and they would probably land and they’d have to trek through the vegetation. “He’ll find us.” He looked down to the phone. “Can’t be many choppers flying overhead, right?”

Lil nodded. “Right.”

“We got about twenty minutes to a half hour.” Garrick looked to the back seat. “We need to unload, and get ready to walk.”

“Walk where?” Irma asked. “I have two children here, where are we going to walk?”

“Chances are Jack is gonna grab us out in that field.” Garrick pointed. “If we’re ready to go, it may stop people from trying to get to the chopper as well.” He opened the car door.

Lil opened her door as well and walked around the SUV with Garrick. She figured they’d decide what they were bringing. She hadn’t a clue where they were headed or going.

“We wait. We hang tight and wait.” Irma held Jerry, and kept Timmy close to her. She shifted her eyes around to the field. It worried her. But she was grateful that the grain wasn’t so high that it camouflaged a undead.

A car or two on the vacant highway passing by wasn’t much, but it added up. Within a few minutes, the mile distance shortened, and as it approached the twenty minute mark, they were no longer the lone vehicle on the side of the road.

Garrick worried.

The constipated highway backed up not only to them, but behind them.

Where was everyone coming from? It was an enormous exodus from the state.

“All these people.” Lil told him behind the SUV. “They’re gonna run for that chopper.”

“I know.” Garrick exhaled. “We have to call Jack.”

Lil agreed and walked to the front of the SUV.

“What’s going on?” Irma questioned. She hadn’t moved with the boys.

“Oh, he wants to call Jack. All these people.”

“Maybe we should start heading to the field?”

“We should see them soon.” Lil opened the car door, grabbed the phone, then looked to the sky. “We have to. I can’t hear them. I wish we could hear them.”

“The horns,” Irma said. “What in the world could they be beeping at? They’ve been beeping like that forever. And the seagulls. Why are we hearing seagulls so far away from the ocean? Do you hear them?”

“Is that seagulls?” Lil asked. “It sounds like …”

Irma’s eyes widened. “Screaming.”

Lil spun. “Garrick!”

Suddenly, Timmy reached up and tugged on Irma. “The smell.” He spoke with a quivering voice. “I smell them. I smell them bad.”

“Which way baby?” Irma asked.

Timmy turned left and right. “All over.”

“Garrick!” Lil screamed.

Irma wasted no time; she grabbed Timmy and threw him in the SUV. “Garrick, come on, we have to go.”

Lil grabbed the binoculars from the front seat, and quickly climbed up on the roof of the SUV. She brought them to her eyes, adjusted the focus, then adjusted again. “Oh my God.”

“What’s going on?” Garrick asked.

“Do you not hear that? The screaming. The horns. Look.” She handed him the binoculars.

Garrick took one look and shoved the binoculars her way. “Get in the truck. Now.”

Lil looked behind her, traffic was backed up. “Where are we going?”

“I don’t know, just … hurry.” As Garrick grabbed the door to get in, he no longer needed to use binoculars. It wasn’t just hoards of undead moving through the cars, grabbing people, but something else, something leaping, fast and focused. They jumped on cars, on people, swiping down, taking a bite and moving on.

He got in the car and started it.

“The smell,” Timmy said. “They’re here. They close.”

Irma pulled him tighter.

“Hang on to the kids. It’s gonna be bumpy.”

They grew closer and it was then Garrick saw what the fast moving objects were … kids. Children, hundreds of them. They moved viciously and pounced on anything in their path.

With a jerk of the wheel he ordered Lil to call Jack, took a look at the oncoming wall of racing deadly corpses, and slammed his foot to the gas,

Jerry screamed as he bounced violently in Irma’s arms when the SUV sailed off the side of the road, careening down hard into a ditch.

Garrick heard the crack of the tie rod and pop of the tire but knew he had to get going.

As the SUV sped into the wall of foliage, he spotted the chopper in the sky.

‘Jack. Jack. Oh, God, Jack.’

“South. Tell him south. In the field.”

“South we’re …”

Scream.

“What the hell?” Jack asked. “Lil!”

The phone went dead.

“Dear God.” Saul said looking out the chopper window. “Tell me they aren’t in that.”

Jack saw. It was mayhem below. So many undead moving about. So much blood that they could even see it from the sky. The closer to the coast, the less movement. But the closer to the end of the highway, things moved fast. Jack knew exactly what they were.

It was obvious that infected were near the coast and they just made their way through the long line of traffic and people waiting to get off the mainland.

“Got a visual,” Vetters announced. “Right there. Moving across the fields. “Gonna land just head of them.”

Jack smiled. They only needed to hold on a little bit more.

Two things Garrick watched for. The chopper and the rearview mirror.

Cars followed, people ran. They obviously saw the chopper.

He released an exuberant, “Yes!” when he saw the chopper staring to descend. “When we get close. Run low, Run fast. Don’t look back.”

“I can do that,” Timmy said.

“Someone has to carry Timmy,” Irma said. “I don’t want him running. Someone has to carry …”

“I got him,” Garrick said. He knew they didn’t have far. The SUV thumped and banged and was hard to maneuver, and they it stopped. The engine ran, but the car did not. The growth was thick and it intertwined beneath the wheels. “Now we book. Run for the chopper.”

He opened the door, then flung open the back, grabbing on to Timmy.

Jerry tucked in her arms; Irma stumbled out the open door.

Lil waited, grabbing her arms.

“No, go.” Irma urged. “Run. We’ll be fine. Go.”

“Not without you.” Lil grabbed her arm and ran with her. “We make it together or we don’t go.”

Garrick was far ahead of them with Timmy in his arms, heading right to the chopper. Lil and Irma weren’t that bad. Lil took a second to peer over her shoulder, she shouldn’t have. She grew even more frightened and felt as if she and Irma couldn’t run fast enough.

Jack opened the chopper door with his free hand. He wanted to be relieved when he saw Lil, but he couldn’t. Behind them in the field, people ran with desperation, but leaping undead tromped them and one by one they disappeared into the fields. The flowing wall of death moved closer to his wife.

Saul didn’t hesitate; he jumped from that helicopter and ran for Irma.

Jack turned to Dodds and handed him Baby Jack. “Watch my baby.”

“With my life.”

Weapon around his shoulder, Jack pulled it forward and jumped from the chopper as well.

Garrick only knew Saul from pictures. He had never met him, but knew it was him when he passed him in the field. An older man, curly gray hair running fast toward Irma.

The second Garrick got to the chopper, he placed Timmy inside. “Stay.” He said. “Don’t move. Inch back.”

“Where are you going?” Timmy asked.

“Have to help the others.”

He turned around. The wall of fast moving undead was taking out the survivors and while still a distance, were closing in on Lil and Irma. The screams of those going down were paralyzing.

Irma swore she was going to have a heart attack. Her heart pounded in her chest, she was winded and Jerry grew heavier, but she filled with renewed excitement and rejuvenation the second she saw her husband. She felt Lil’s hand release her arm and Irma and Jerry charged to Saul.

It had been so long since she had seen him. The man she dedicated her life to, worried about and loved was right there. She growled out a chesty and relieved. “Saul!” As she plowed into him.

Saul’s arm greeted her with a fast embrace, but only for a split second. He pulled on her, bringing her to the chopper.

Jack.

Lil wheezed out and gave it her all, the last few steps of her run, slamming into Jack and finally, feeling the relief of safety in his strong arms. Ensuing danger behind her be damned. Jack had her. She was safe.

He nearly lifted her from the ground, when her body gave way from exhaustion. His hand held tight to her face, lips plastered in a strong hold to her head and Jack carried her the remaining twenty feet to Garrick and then to the chopper.

“Should we take them out?” Garrick asked.

“Don’t waste shots. Let’s go.” Jack lifted Lil inside. Waited on Garrick and then he too got inside the bird.

The second Lil sat down, she felt better. Then she saw the baby.

“You all right?” Jack asked her with a kiss.

“Yeah. I am now.”

He smiled then reached to Dodds, grabbed Baby Jack and handed him to Lil. “Hold him.” He kissed Lil. “A surprise for you. Ours now.”

Her eyes shifted to Garrick. “This is the little something he picked up?”

Irma chuckled an airy laugh. “I don’t think what we got at Rite Aid is gonna compare.”

Happy, fast reunion over. Vetters announced “We need to go now!”

“Get ready to lift.” Jack reached for the door. That’s when he saw her. A woman ran in the field, but she wasn’t alone. In her arms was a child. The child was small, probably a toddler.

“Wait!” she creamed in desperation. “Please! Help me. Help my baby. Take my baby!”

“Jack,” Vetters called. “Now.”

Jack exhaled.

“Help me! Wait.”

Jack saw them. The fast undead. They neared her and the child. She didn’t stand a chance.

“Now, Jack.” Vetters said. “If they catch us, we’re all done.”

“Help!”

A hard blink, a spin to Lil and Jack kissed the baby and then his wife. “If I don’t come back. I love you.”

He jumped out the helicopter door before Lil could respond. Her hand extended and she cried out his name. “Jack!”

“Give us a second,” Garrick said. “If we aren’t back. Go. Just go.” He told Vetters and went for the door. Like Jack, for Jack, Garrick didn’t hesitate either. He jumped out. His friend stood a better chance if he was there.

Garrick was shorter, thinner, younger and faster than Jack. He always bragged about it and proved it when he caught him.

Twenty feet maybe. Twenty feet behind the woman, the fields moved like a small tornado was whipping up the growth.

The woman cried out. She was ten feet from Jack, closing in. Jack just wanted to grab her and run. But the small predators didn’t waver nor tire.

With a chesty, emotional cry, the woman screamed out and with everything she had in her run, she threw her child.

Garrick pushed his limits, surging ahead of Jack as the child sailed only a few feet into the air and the mother went down.

He heard the child hit the ground with thump and it cried out.

Garrick saw it. A girl, and his hand reached for the baby. If she was crying, she was alright he figured. He scooped her up in his arms as an undead child pounced on the back of the fallen mother.

A sprinkler effect of blood shot outward and Garrick, little girl in his arms, started to run back to the chopper before he was even fully on his feet. “I got her. Let’s go.”

Jack ran backwards. He had no choice but to just start shooting and hopes of hitting something. He could feel the wind of the chopper blades on his back. He was close.

“Jack!” Garrick yelled, not wanting to look back. The gunfire rang out and then the steady shots, turned to one or two. Finally arriving at the chopper with the baby, Garrick turned around.

Jack was gone.

In the high fields, Jack had disappeared.

No more gunfire. Where was he?

Lil screamed hysterically, as did Irma. Garrick only took a second and climbed inside.

“Mommy!” The little girl reached out. “Mommy!”

All the crying, all the screaming. It was loud, but somehow Garrick’s fast beating heart, drowned it out. He handed the girl to Powers, asking him to check her out, and then Garrick closed the helicopter door.

The chopper lifted.

Chapter Twenty-Four

“Does anyone see him? Anyone?” Lil asked as she wept, trying to see out a window.

Irma sobbed as well, she pulled Jerry and Timmy to her. Her lips going from child to child. She then stared at the hysterical little girl on Powers' lap. She handed Jerry to Saul, “Hold your grandson.” Then she leaned forward extending her hands to the little girl. “Sweetie.” She wiggled her fingers. “Sweetie come here. Come to me. I’ll hold you.”

As if she knew Irma, she jumped for her, and the second she found Irma’s arms, the little girl buried herself against her.

Lil watched it all. Her head spun, heart raced body ached and soul destroyed.

Jack.

“This isn’t right.” She brought shook her head, then brought her lips to the baby. “This isn’t right. We have to go back.” She looked over her shoulder to Garrick up front. “Garrick, we have to go back.”

He shook his head not to say no, but to say he couldn’t hear her, and indicated to his headset.

She didn’t know the man that someone called ‘Dodds’ but she saw he was wearing a headset. She snapped her finger to get his attention then pointed to his headset. He handed it to her. “This isn’t right, Garrick. We have to go back. We have to go back for him.”

Graveled and breathy, Garrick spoke and his head lowered. “He went down.”

“But I didn’t see him get attacked. I didn’t see those things get him. Did you?” she didn’t get a reply from Garrick then looked at Saul and Powers who both wore headsets. “Did either of you? Did you see him get attacked?”

Powers shook his head. “No, but there are so many of them. We can’t go back. Flying above will keep them there. We land, they’ll come after us. It isn’t just Jack or you. Look at the kids now. We need to get them to the ship. You have that child to worry about now. Jack really wanted you to have that child.”

Saul added, “He named that child Baby Jack. Maybe he had a feeling …”

“No. Jack isn’t dead,” Lil argued. “He can’t be. Not Jack. He’s too strong. Too good and immune.”

“Where did you hear that?” Powers asked.

“Steve told us.” Lil replied. “Saul?”

“We only guessed him to be immune because of the infected saliva by his wound. We never double checked his blood.”

“He got bit or scratched and didn’t turn. He’s immune,” Lil stated. “He’s out there alone and needs our help. Pilot?”

“I have to get these kids to the ship. I’m sorry.”

“But it’s Jack,” Lil said sadly.

Saul cleared his throat. “Yes is it.” After a second, Saul called the pilot’s attention. “Vetters do we have the fuel to drop off at the ship and come back?”

“Since we aren’t going to Virginia or Boston, yes, but it is still close. Everything we do now, every stop has to be fast.”

“Will you drop off the kids and bring us back?” Saul asked. “Because it is Jack. He never left a man behind. Not Carlson, not those kids in Pittsburgh, the baby, Dodds, that woman screaming for help, and certainly not me. He came back for me more than he should have. If anyone deserves us to go back, it’s Jack. For nothing else but respect and closure.”

He paused but a split second and Vetters said, “Then we go back.”

Lil wanted to cry, in fact she did. She whispered, ‘Thank you’ to Saul, closed her eyes and held the baby tighter.

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Vetters conveyed that it was the fastest drop off he had ever done in his life. He radioed ahead, Garrick opened the door just as they lowered and a crew was there to quickly grab the children, Powers and Dodds.

“I have this child,” Irma told Lil. “It’s very special. Bring him back.”

Lil locked eyes with Irma. “What do you think? What does your gut tell you?”

Irma leaned to Lil, kissing her on the cheek then whispering. “I think he’s alive.”

Lil’s lips quivered and she hugged Irma.

After the embrace, which had to be quick, Irma backed up.

Lil watched Irma as the chopper rose from the deck of the ship.

Saul was there. He wanted it no other way, Plus a doctor with a viable antidote, he had to be there. Garrick of course, would be there for his friend.

However, Lil specifically told him, “If Jack has turned; I have to be the one, Garrick. I have to be the one. It’s my husband.”

“But I’ll be by your side, just in case.”

Lil nodded.

Finding that field would be easy, they only had to follow the massive line of traffic that led from the ocean. Burnt cars were nearer the shore; carnage lay below them and as they closed in on where they left Jack, multitudes of undead moved slowly, automated through the cars.

The hundreds of fast moving small predators were nowhere to be seen.

“I can’t guarantee, that when we get close, those things won’t pop up,” Vetters said. “So I’m only lowering if we see him and when I do, make it fast.”

Lil nodded and then like Garrick and Saul, kept looking out the window. Especially as they approached that large farm and the fields around it.

She spotted the woman. The little girl’s mother that was attacked. She moved through the fields toward the highway. That didn’t make Lil feel any more secure. She said nothing. Her mind begged and prayed. ‘Please. Please. Please.”

“There!” Saul pointed. “That’s him. Walking the other way. Away from the highway.”

From her side of the chopper Lil couldn’t see. “Is he okay?”

Saul only shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Garrick instructed the pilot, “Get as close as you can. We jump out.”

“Roger that.”

When the chopper turned, that was when Lil spotted him. It was Jack. The man walking through the high field was far too big to be anyone else. But there was something about the way he walked. He staggered and stumbled. He also didn’t acknowledge the chopper. Lil lifted her weapon.

They touched down in the field about fifteen yard from Jack. The corn came to his chest and Jack kept walking in the other direction.

Garrick got out after Lil. “This isn’t good, Lil.”

“I can’t see to tell. I have to see his eyes. Your brother said check the eyes.”

“He hasn’t even turned around.”

“Maybe he doesn’t want to. Maybe he doesn’t want to chance it isn’t us. Maybe he’s scared someone will shoot him. Maybe he’s in shock.”

“Maybe he’s one of them. Lil. Let’s just do it now.”

“No.”

“If you don’t. I will.” Garrick lifted the rifle.

“No!” Lil yelled strong and then just took off running. “Jack! Jack!”

“Son of a bitch.” Garrick ran after her.

“Jack please!” Lil called. “Please, stop. Jack.”

He moved some left to right, very unbalanced and then Jack stopped.

Ten feet away, walking in the other direction, Jack stopped.

Lil could barely breathe; her body was burning with emotions and fear. She slowed her pace and moved to Jack.

Garrick reached out his arm to stop her.

She quickly pulled it from him. “Jack.”

Jack didn’t move. His clothes were bloody and his head was lowered. His body swayed back and forth.

With a weeping, “Jack’, Lil lifted her weapon and stepped to him.

Garrick stayed close.

A few feet away, Jack turned around. She could see the blood on his neck and arms. And Lil raised her weapon as Jack lifted his head.

“I’m sorry, Jack.”

Just as her finger was about to depress the trigger, she saw his eyes at the same time Jack … spoke.

“Don’t …” His shoulder dropped and his body nearly fell forward. “Don’t shoot. I’m not dead ….yet.” On his last word, Jack toppled to the ground.

Lil shrieked in excitement, dropping her weapon and racing to Jack.

Garrick did the same.

“He’s alive. He’s alive.” She felt for a pulse, then kissed him. “Jack. Jack. Why didn’t you answer us? Why didn’t you turn around?”

“Can’t …” Jack reached up to touch her lips. His fingers slid sloppily down her chin. “Barely, hear …you. Don’t know why. Can’t hear.”

Emotionally, Lil laughed and grabbed hold of Jack. “Lucky you.” She embraced him quickly, then with Garrick’s help, they helped Jack to stand and moved him as best as they could to the chopper.

Saul was at the door of the chopper, waiting to help him in. Saul grinned. “You big son of a bitch. You made it.”

Jack could barely stand, his head hung and it took a lot for him to lift it. “They got me good. I still can’t bring myself to kill them.”

Saul laughed. He helped Garrick lift and slide Jack inside.

“He said he can’t hear, Saul. Not well.” Lil said.

Saul lifted his eyes as Garrick slid the door closed. Immediately Vetters lifted off.

“A lot of things could be the cause,” Saul said. “But that is the least of our worries.” He began to examine Jack.

“Do you think he’ll make it?” Lil asked.

“Yeah.” Saul produced a reassuring smile. “Yeah, I do.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Florida Keys

September 1st

THREE YEARS LATER

Baby Jack was no longer a baby, but he held on to that name. He darted across the yard of the compound in an attempt to tackle Jerry who towered over him in bulk and size. Baby Jack was exceptionally small for his age and considering Jack was the opposite Lil found amusement in that. Jack didn’t.

As she sat on the porch of her small metal home, she heard Irma call out that it was lunch. The boys raced to Irma’s, and then Irma stepped into the grass and waved to Lil. “Lil, lunch. Get Timmy.”

“On my way.” Lil waved. She could smell the food. Irma was the best cook. After stepping back into the house she called to Timmy. She had him listening to an audio book; no one had quite mastered brail yet. Lil was Timmy’s teacher. Although she never really ‘taught’ a day in her life outside of student teaching, it was what she went to school for and Lil took on that responsibility.

She didn’t teach all the kids. Mainly the ones that needed the special attention and time. Like Timmy. He certainly didn’t need her help to find his way to Irma’s next door, he stood, thanked Lil and hurried out.

Lil followed.

The compound was large, and the fence finally came down. But it was paradise when they first arrived. The only island that would take them. They were on the Red Cross ship for a long time, nearly a year. Baby Jack’s first steps were not on solid ground.

The ship was a commissioned cruise ship. When they first arrived it was 30% full. Within weeks and months, and following distress calls, they filled the ship. Overcrowding didn’t bother Lil, she was happy to see so many people alive. There were three outbreaks of the infection onboard during their time on the ship. Mainly caused by infected men returning from a ‘run’, getting scratched and not reporting it in time for the cure. They were contained swiftly and Lil supposed that was the reason no one wanted to let them come ashore. She swore she would be on that ship until the mainland was deemed clear.

Coordination, cooperation and change didn’t happen, until General Greg Lance, former Secretary of Defense made a call for help. His island, once taken over by the dead, had died out three months post exodus. Once he was rescued, things made a mighty big change. Everyone stopped and listened.

Jack was part of the crew who rescued him and several others.

Jack was always part of everything. His loss of hearing was caused when he was firing his weapon and a small predator leapt at him mid shot. It rang too close to his head. Most of his hearing returned.

Lil spent as much time with Jack as away. He always went on rescues, fuel runs, supply runs. He and Garrick were key surveillance people when Dodds’ weapon was dropped somewhere. Finding out if it worked or failed. None of that happened until General Lance organized things.

She wasn’t crazy about Lance at first; he was always over their place, almost with some sort of weird attachment to Jack. Garrick called it a man crush.

There were many things Lil was grateful for as the days went by. No one she knew became infected or died, She had her husband back alive and as a partner. Plus they were raising a son together. Lil couldn’t have been happier.

She learned a lot from Irma. Irma and Saul were an amazing couple that just clicked. Irma herself was amazing. Not only did she have Jerry, Timmy, and the little girl Eva, from the helicopter, she took on a couple older children. Giving them a home and mothers’ love. Irma claimed her arms were big enough to hold and hug them all. Lil believed her heart was even bigger.

The mainland was deemed cleared Three years, two months and seven days after the initial infection. When the last of the reanimated remained, all they could do was fall and crumble to the ground. It was a process; they walked, then crawled, then barely reached their arms. Finally, they turned to bone and dust. At that stage they were no longer a threat. The same occurred with the animals. Jack would show pictures of the cities and how a world looked without people. They were morbid but beautiful in the same breath.

Sidewalks cracked, Cars were buried beneath grass and weeds, buildings deteriorated, rivers dried up. New trees grew everywhere.

The United States needed a lot of work.

People began to move back in droves.

Not Lil though. Not yet. Probably not ever.

She had her life. The mainland was nothing more than a reminder of the infection and horrors. Because of that, she was staying right there with her family. A fresh life, new life, and most of all... no dead. That was the way she wanted it.

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