Rise of the Undead Box Set | Books 1-3 | Apocalypse Z

by Higgins, Baileigh

  “Mara.”

  “Go away!” Mara screamed, her expression growing wild once more.

  Dylan stepped back with a shudder, drawing Ethan with her. In Mara’s gaze, she saw a reflection of herself. She saw madness. There was no going back. Not for Mara, and maybe not even for herself. “Come on, Ethan. She’s made up her mind.”

  “We can still save her,” Ethan insisted.

  “No, we can’t,” Dylan said with cold finality.

  Saul stepped forward. “Dr. Hayes. It’s time to go. She’s made her decision. Respect it.”

  Without looking at Ethan, Mara took out her gun and got to her feet. She weaved through the passed out party-goers, pumping bullets into each of their chests.

  “You’d better run before the nasties get here,” Mara said. She pointed at Seth. “I’ll leave him for last.”

  The shots rolled around them like thunder, and Dylan knew they were out of time and options. “Come on, Ethan. Let’s go.”

  “But, what about Mara?” he asked, still unwilling to give up on the girl.

  “You heard Saul. The only thing we can do for her now is to respect her decision,” Dylan said, tugging on his arm.

  She led him toward the Humvee, and he followed like an automaton. They squeezed into the seat, clambering over the bags and other supplies while Tara got into the front. Saul jumped behind the wheel and reversed out the gate. As they exited the school, the first infected ran howling across the road behind them, heading for the entrance.

  Dylan looked away, fixing her gaze onto the distant stars. They were cold and distant, much like Mara’s single remaining eye had been, and she could only hope that the girl’s death was swift and painless.

  Ethan reached out and gripped her hand, his face stricken. She squeezed his fingers, offering what little comfort she could. Beneath his breath, she heard him utter his parting words to his former patient and friend. “Goodbye, Mara. I’m sorry, I couldn’t save you.”

  Chapter 22 - Alex

  When Alex woke up, it was to complete and utter silence. He frowned, trying to pinpoint the lack of sound. Then he realized what it was: the zombies were gone.

  “Amy,” he cried, shaking her shoulder, afraid she’d slipped away while he slept. To his immense relief, she stirred and muttered something incoherent. She was still alive.

  “The zombies are gone. We can leave,” he said, a grin plastered all over his face.

  She didn’t answer, and it dawned on him that he’d better hurry if he wanted to save her life. Without wasting another moment, he jumped up and ran to the top of the stairs. After listening at the door for several minutes, he removed the barricade, one piece at a time.

  With his rifle reloaded and on full-automatic, he cracked open the door. Sunlight flooded into the gap, and he was nearly blinded. After more than three days spent in the basement, his eyes needed time to adjust.

  Alex stepped into the kitchen, not surprised to find it wrecked. The zombies had gone wild, trashing everything in sight. The front door hung on broken hinges, and all the windows were out. Blood and gunk decorated every surface, and the yard was trampled to dust. The walls hadn’t escaped punishment either and had been pushed over in several places. “Holy crap, is nowhere safe anymore?”

  There was no time for sightseeing, however. He needed to move and move fast. After a quick recon, he determined that all the zombies were gone. Not a single one remained.

  Alex ran back into the basement and loaded a few packs with everything they needed, including plenty of weapons and ammunition. He carried it to the spare truck that stood parked in the garage. It was the only place the zombies hadn’t broken into other than the top floor.

  Grabbing a blanket and cushion from upstairs, he prepared a bed for Amy in the backseat. Her body felt as light as a feather when he carried her out of the basement, wasted away by fever and illness. “Hold on, Sis. Don’t give up yet.”

  Once she was tucked in, Alex jumped behind the wheel and reversed out of the driveway. He headed straight for Radcliff, praying he could find what he needed to save his sister’s life. He also hoped the horde was gone, and that they hadn’t moved into the city. If that was the case, they were both doomed.

  Alex entered the town with caution, slowing down despite his urge to race to the nearest pharmacy. He had to play it smart. But he’d driven scarcely a mile when two police cars pulled out of a side alley and forced him off the road. Boxed in, he had no choice but to pull over. Men dressed in full uniform scrambled out of the police vans and hunkered down behind them, their weapons trained on him. Four guns. Too many for him to take down.

  Nonetheless, Alex was prepared to fight. He ducked down into the cab with his carbine in his hands, and muttered beneath his breath, “Come on, you fuckers. I’m ready for you.”

  A sense of fatalism had settled into his bones. At this point, it was all or nothing, and he was prepared to die for Amy. He rolled down his window and shouted, “What do you want?”

  One of the cops replied, his gun trained on Alex, “We don’t want any trouble, but this is our town. State your business.”

  “My sister is sick. She needs urgent medical attention,” Alex shouted back.

  “Is she infected with the virus?” the cop asked.

  “No, but she was badly injured. I think she’s got septicemia. Blood poisoning.”

  “If you’re telling the truth, we can help you and her,” the cop said. “But if you’re lying, you’d best turn that truck around and go back the way you came.”

  “You can help her? You’re serious about that?” Alex asked, cautious hope filtering into his system.

  “We’ve got a doctor and the proper facilities. He can treat her if you’re willing to come with us,” the cop said.

  “What’s the catch?”

  “You have to give up your guns. We can’t allow armed strangers into our community.”

  “Not a chance,” Alex said, shaking his head.

  The cop shrugged, his weather-beaten face blank and emotionless. “Suit yourself, but I’m not allowing you to go any further. Go back.”

  “I can’t. I need antibiotics,” Alex replied, his desperation growing.

  “Sorry, but that’s our rules. No guns. Take it or leave it,” the cop said.

  “How do I know I can trust you?”

  The cop sighed. “You can’t, but it seems to me you’re up the creek without a paddle. Make up your mind.”

  Alex hesitated, but one look at Amy’s pale face was enough to convince him. It was a risk, but one he needed to take. “Alright. I’ll do it.”

  “Good,” the cop said with an approving nod. “Follow us. Once we get there, you’ll be disarmed, and we’ll take you in. If you try anything, we’ll kill you. Deal?”

  “Deal.”

  Alex drove behind the cop while the other car tailed him. They turned off to the local hospital, and Alex was surprised to see that both the gate and fence had been heavily fortified. Armed men patrolled the wire, and more jogged over to inspect his truck.

  The cop who’d spoken to him waited to one side while the others disarmed Alex and searched his truck. When they were done, he asked, “Well?”

  “We’ve got all the weapons, Sir. The rest is just food and water.”

  “And the girl?”

  “She appears to be sick, but I can’t tell if she’s infected with the virus or not,” the man replied.

  “Well, we’ll find out soon enough. Take them to Dr. Williams, and leave one man behind to guard them. If he tries any funny business, shoot him. Same goes for the girl,” the cop said, his eyes cold.

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Alex was escorted to the emergency wing of the hospital, a man on either side of him. Two more carried Amy inside on a stretcher where a team of nurses loaded her onto a gurney. Before he could move a muscle, she was wheeled away out of sight.

  “Hey! Where are they taking her?” he asked, but the guards refused to answer.

  One stee
red him to the side while the rest departed, his gun trained on Alex the entire time. “Wait here and shut up.”

  Alex ran one hand through his hair, eyeing the guard with dislike. The bulky man returned his gaze with equal hostility, and the air between them fizzed with distrust. “Can you at least let me speak to a nurse?”

  “No,” came the reply, and Alex wanted to throttle the man.

  He was about to kick up a fuss when a balding, middle-aged doctor in a white overcoat approached with his hand outstretched. “I’m Dr. Williams. How can I help you?”

  “I’m Alex, and the girl that just came in is my sister, Amy,” Alex replied as they shook hands. “She was scratched on the head by zombies, and it’s become infected.”

  “I see. How many days ago?”

  “Three days. She has a fever, and she’s in a lot of pain. Please, help her. I’m begging you,” Alex said.

  Dr. William’s expression softened. “I’ll do my best. In the meantime, you can wait over there. There’s coffee, although it’s not very good.”

  “Thank you,” Alex said, falling into the nearest chair. He was too tired to do much else and too worried to care about anything but Amy.

  Not long after that, the cop from earlier showed up and introduced himself. “I’m Officer Brown. Jake Brown. You are?”

  “Alex Donahue.”

  They shook hands.

  “The nurse informs me that your sister is indeed ill, but not with the virus. You spoke the truth.”

  “I did.”

  “Well, you seem decent enough, and you’re welcome to stay until your sister is recovered,” Officer Brown said.

  “What happens after that?” Alex asked.

  “That’s up to you. You can choose to stay if you’re willing to contribute to the community. Or your belongings will be returned, and you can be on your way. But if you try to screw us over, you’re dead. Understand?”

  Alex nodded. “I do, and I can’t thank you enough.”

  Officer Brown shrugged. “In these times, good folks should stick together.”

  “If you don’t mind me asking, did you run across three people in a Humvee?” Alex asked. “They would’ve passed through here a few days ago.”

  Officer Brown nodded. “Indeed, we did. They stopped by the clinic on the other side of town. We watched them but didn’t approach.”

  “Why not?”

  “We don’t bother the army folks, and they don’t bother us unless we need something,” the officer replied.

  “They weren’t with the army,” Alex said. “Fort Knox was overrun.”

  “Yes, we found that out a couple of days ago. There’s very little left of the place,” Officer Brown said as an expression of sorrow flitted across his face.

  It was gone as quickly as it came, however, and Alex got the impression that Jakes Brown was a man of controlled emotion and zero tolerance.

  “The people in the Humvee did us a favor, though,” Officer Brown said.

  “What favor?”

  “They wiped out a group of bad apples on the other side of town that have been causing no small amount of trouble,” Jakes Brown said with a faint smile. “For that, we owe them.”

  “I see,” Alex replied.

  “Are they friends of yours?”

  “They are. Were any of them hurt?” Alex asked.

  “Not that I know of. They appeared fine when they left.”

  “That’s good news.” Alex tipped his head back. “It’s been a rough couple of days, so any good news is welcome at this stage.”

  “Anyway, I’ve got work to do, and you’d better get some rest. You’ll be expected to join on a supply run tomorrow,” Officer Brown said.

  “Do I get a gun, at least?”

  “Of course. I’m not sending you to your death, just making you earn your keep.”

  “I guess that’s fair.”

  “Once your sister is stable, Tony will show you to your room, and supper is served at seven in the cafeteria,” Officer Brown said.

  “Thanks,” Alex replied.

  “One more thing,” Jakes Brown said, pointing at Tony. “Don’t piss him off.”

  “I’ll try,” Alex said in dry tones.

  The cop left, and Alex returned to the waiting room. The next hour passed in a blur as he watched people come and go. It looked and functioned like a typical hospital. Every surface gleamed as if freshly scrubbed, and the smell of bleach hung in the air. Nurses went about their business, and he was even asked to fill in a form with Amy’s particulars. The only difference lay in the guards stationed at every entrance and the burglar proofing that covered the windows.

  He was beginning to grow impatient when Dr. Williams returned.

  “How is she?” Alex asked, leaping out of his chair.

  “Your sister is very sick. The infection is severe,” Dr. Williams said. “She’s also dehydrated and weak.”

  “Can you treat her?”

  “I’ve placed her on an IV with strong antibiotics and fluids,” Dr. Williams said.

  “But, can you save her? Will she live?” Alex asked, his stomach churning while he waited for the doctor’s verdict.

  “I don’t see why not? She’s young and strong. If nothing goes wrong, she’ll be just fine.”

  Alex slumped back into his chair. “Oh, thank God. That’s the best news I’ve heard all day. Can I see her?”

  “She’s heavily sedated, but I’ll allow you a couple of minutes. I’ll send a nurse to escort you to her room,” Dr. Williams said, before excusing himself.

  Moments later, a nurse appeared and led Alex to Amy’s bedside. She was in a room by herself, covered in a pure white sheet. An IV tube ran from her arm, and she looked frail and weak. Alex didn’t care. All that mattered was that she was going to be okay.

  Amy smiled when she spotted him. “Hey, Alex. Fancy seeing you here.”

  “A dozen horses couldn’t drag me away, Sis,” Alex replied. “How do you feel?”

  “Much better,” Amy said. “Where are we?”

  “In a hospital in Radcliff. It seems safe enough, and the people are nice.”

  “Are we staying?”

  “Until you’re healed, yes,” Alex said.

  “What then?”

  “What do you want to do, Sis?” Alex asked, although he already knew the answer.

  “You know what I want,” Amy said.

  “We’ll go look for Dylan. How’s that?”

  “Do you promise?”

  “I promise.”

  Amy smiled and closed her eyes as she eased back onto her pillows. Alex gave her hand one last squeeze. “Sweet dreams, Sis.”

  Epilogue - Saul

  Saul drove throughout the night, only stopping once by the side of the road to refuel. At least, the raiders hadn’t removed the jerry cans from the back. Most of their stuff was still there, including the cure and Tara’s hard drive.

  Unlike the first half of their journey, the second was uneventful. They encountered a couple of roadblocks, and a few times, they were attacked by groups of infected, but the Humvee got them through every time. It was a tough vehicle, and even the bus hadn’t been able to take it out of commission.

  Next to him, Tara had dozed off, while Dylan and Ethan talked in low tones, catching up on their respective journeys. They appeared to know each other from before, although he didn’t have the details. Not that it mattered. It kept Dylan out of his hair and meant he could drive in peace. While he liked her well enough, she got on his nerves at times. Not like Tara. She understood his need for quiet at times.

  It wasn’t long before they reached their destination, and he reached over to wake Tara. “We’re here.”

  She yawned and brushed the hair back from her face. “For real? We made it?”

  “We made it,” he answered.

  She sucked in a deep breath. “Well, I guess this is it. The moment of truth.”

  Saul inclined his head. “Here goes.”

  He rolled to a hal
t in front of the main gates and immediately spotted two guards illuminated in the headlights. They were kitted out in full gear, and he suspected there were more of them inside.

  Saul flashed Tara a broad smile. “Not only did we make it, but the Fort is still standing.”

  Tara returned his smile, her excitement palpable. “I knew it.”

  “It seems you two were right,” Dylan said from the backseat. “I take back every mean thing I ever said about Fort Detrick. I’ve never been so happy to see a place in my entire life.”

  Tara laughed out loud. “Now it’s my turn to say I told you so.”

  “Enjoy it while you can,” Dylan replied, but without any sting to the words.

  The two guards ahead walked toward them, flanking the Humvee. Saul wound down his window. “Good evening. I’m Lieutenant Saul Dhlamini from the South African National Defense Force, and this is Dr. Lee, a Research Scientist and employee of USAMRIID. This is Dr. Ethan Hayes, a medical doctor, and Dylan, a civilian. We seek admittance.”

  The soldier listened to Saul’s introductions and nodded. “Please wait, Sir.”

  He walked a couple of steps away and spoke over his radio, presumably to his superior officer. After a brief conversation, the soldier returned. “Admission granted, Lieutenant. I will escort you inside. Please, follow me, and welcome to Fort Detrick.”

  The gates opened, and Saul drove through with a feeling of intense achievement. After everything they’d been through starting in the Congo, they’d finally made it. All their trials and tribulations suddenly seemed worth it, and even Fort Knox was nothing more than a pit stop along the way.

  Tara must have felt the same because she whispered. “We did it, Saul. We’re here. I almost can’t believe it. I must be dreaming. Tell me I’m not dreaming.”

  He reached over and squeezed her hand. “Feel that? You’re not dreaming. This is where we are meant to be, Tara. This is where the fight for humanity truly begins. Here and now.”

  Tara nodded. “I like that. Here and now. Together.”

  The End.

  Apocalypse Z - Book 3