by Thomas Baker
"Was somebody really that bad of a shot?" He asked himself aloud.
"Lots of people have guns, most don't know how to use them properly," came Alan's voice from below him. JT was so startled, he nearly fell off the roof.
"Fuck! Man you can't do that! I about shit my pants just now!"
"Sorry. Thought you heard me." Alan laughed, but not in a mean way. "I'm coming up. You can go lay down now."
"I appreciate it man, let me know if you need anything," JT was thankful to get inside, away from the biting wind.
Alan didn't really answer. He climbed up and just shrugged his shoulders, nodding at the same time.
JT gave Alan one last look before heading down the ladder. The man looked like he had it rough since the Outbreak.
Who is this guy? JT wondered, watching Alan rock back and forth from heel to toe as he stared up at the night sky.
JT awoke to the sounds of muffled voices. They sounded like they were arguing. Probably outside he was guessing. His body strained as he pulled himself up out of the booth he had passed out in. He almost stepped on Tyrone's headin the process. Instead of sleeping in a booth, he had stretched himself out on the floor, wrapped in some throws from the store side.
JT stepped over him. He stretched, his body popping and snapping in protest of his poor bed choice. I'm too young to be feeling this old. He looked out the window to see Gus and Dusty engaged in what appeared to be an intense discussion. Dusty kept pointing a finger into Gus's chest. JT shook his head as he made his way towards the door.
"It's not worth it," came Alan's voice from behind him. Let him get his griping out. Gus can take it, and then we'll all hit the road."
Alan offered JT a bottle of Dr Pepper. "Want one? They taste kind of like warm ass."
JT waved him off. "I'll pass on the ass for now, thanks."
JT looked around. The only other person he saw was Tyrone, who was still snoring away. "Do you happen toknow where the girls might be?"
Alan pointed outside.
JT squinted as he walked out into the morning light. He used a hand to shield his eyes from the sun. Then he saw them. Ashley and Hannah were sitting atop one of the picnic tables.
"Well look who finally decided to get up," Dusty called over as JT made his way over to the ladies.
JT disregarded him with a wave of his arm.
"Morning," JT said, giving his best smile to Hannah.
"It was so great to sleep with a roof over our heads for a change. It was super."
Ashley's kitten like perk made him chuckle.
"Morning JT. We've been watching the fireworks show." Hannah gestured towards Dusty and Gus." How do you see things going forward?"
"Ladies, I honestly think thatwe should join up with Gus and his group. More people to watch our backs. Sound fine?"
"I know right!" Ashley answered. "It'll be more people I can talk to. No offense Hannah." She gave Hannah a smirk.
"Well last night I wouldn't have agreed with you," Hannah started, "but I was sitting here thinking while they hashed things out. Ashley and I talked it over. It could be a good idea. I overheard Gus even say he was for staying here for a while. It was good to rest but I have a feeling this place won't be safe for long."
JT hadn't even considered the possibility of staying at the truck stop. It was a little too creepy for him. They hadn't seen everything he had seen inside. Or the strange car full of bullet holes.
"So what then? JT do you think we should stay on the move? How long until we almost run out of gas again? No more sleeping inside until who knows when? That will suck."
Ashley's protest of questions made JT think it was going to be hard to have everyone agree on what to do next.
"Ashley!" Hannah huffed. "I know you heard what I did. Dusty's got enough gas to almost fill both cars. He made some good points about setting up camps along the road, off the beaten path. It will be safer." Hannah shifted her attention to JT. "I know you two butted heads yesterday. I am not thrilled with him pointing a gun in my face or his sexist comment. I think we can trust him when it comes down to defending ourselves. No matter what, my gut tells me to stay with you. So whatever you decide, I will go with you." Hannah sounded firm in her decision.
JT felt like a bashful teenage boy again, going through puberty. Even given the crappy circumstances he knew he was developing feelings for Hannah. He stared at the ground intently, feeling the flush in his face from her answer.
Ashley giggled, "Awww isn't that sweet. You know Hannah was single before zombies tried to eat our brains."
"Ashley Ann! Hush it!" It was Hannah's turn to blush.
"Well, whatever then. If we are going, I better get somemore stuff." Ashley hopped off the table and bouncing back inside the store.
Gaining back his composure, JT looked back up at Hannah.
"I dowant to keep you ladies safe," he said, clearing his throat. "Gus seems like he will be entertaining, Dusty we can tolerate, Tyrone seems okay-"
"And then there's the Alan guy," Hannah cut JT off, pointing to something behind him.
JT shot a quizzical look over his shoulder, to find Alan dragging a corpse by its feet over to the dumpster. He looked like a professional hit man as he lifted the body into the dumpster with ease. He stood for a moment, his face unreadable, brushing his hands off and looking around.
JT didn't even realize he was staring so intently until Alan looked back at him and shot him a thumbs up. JT was trying to process what he had just saw as he watched Alan walk back inside. JT and Hannah were so perplexed that they didn't even notice that Gus had joined them.
"Alan is a fairly kooky feller. I have learned that in the short time he has been with us," Gus said. "Last night, after he took over your watch, he got five zombies. None of us even knew we had visitors. Not real sure why he is throwing them in the trash though, that's new. Besides, yesterday was trash day."
"He was just sitting inside though. He offered me a soda... when did he even come outside..." JT was confused.
"That's Al for ya. He comes, and he goes. Peculiar fucker but I'll be damned if the guy don't act like the Crocodile Dundee of the Zombie world... Zombie Dundee!" Gus howled at his own comment. JT and Hannah laughed as they watched Gus trying to gain control of himself. Just when he seemed done, Gus would mutter "Zombie Dundee" and snorts of laughter would start again.
"How bout you three get off your asses and help load these vehicles before we deploy?" Dusty shouted from across the parking lot.
JT mimicked and mocked Dusty's words under his breath, like a five-year-old, then turned to Hannah. "It's going to be a long day, I can tell. Let's get this show on the road."
They headed inside together, gathered up their belongings, and scavenged the store one last time.
Gus was pleasantly surprised. The group had been working pretty well together throughout the morning. Nobody was talking much, but Gus was happy that JT and Dusty were at least civil to each other. Everyone loaded anything they found useful, from utensils to trash bags, toilet paper to paper plates. Whatever they thought might come in handy down the road. The SUV and the Jeep were just about full.
Gus was leaning up against the SUV, supervising. Tyrone and JT were carrying some last things out when Dusty stopped them. Tyrone was singing as he worked. "Players, put yo' pinky rings up to the moon. Girls, what y'all trying to do? Twenty four karat magic in the air." The next words died in his throat.
"Stand still and shut up. Someone or something is watching us," Dusty stuck his arm out, barring their way.
Dusty brought out his rifle and aimed into the scrub beside the road, over by the Buick with bullet holes.
"Is it a zombie?" Tyrone whispered.
Alan poked his head out the window of the SUV and shot Gus a questioning look. Gus just pointed to Dusty and shook his head. It was then that Dusty shouted.
"If you're not dead and you don't want to be dead, then I suggest you come out and come out veryslowly!"
A man rose
to his feet out of the scrub just like Dusty commanded. He also raised his hands in the air. The man was dressed in a dirty suit filled with rips and holes. To Gus he looked like a stereotypical middle-aged banker type. His suit hung off of him, his face looked slack and sunken in. Probably from hunger. He began walking towards them.
"Now stop right there," Dusty commanded as the man stepped onto the road. "Do you have any weapons on you?" The man nodded his head yes and pulled a large kitchen knife from his suit jacket.
"Toss it."
The man complied without hesitation but remained frozen in place.
Dusty told the man to walk towards him slowly and with his arms out to his sides. Dusty kept the rifle trained on the man the entire time.
Gus took a deep breath, preparing himself in case he needed to step in again. Who knew that my retirement years would be spent as an international peacekeeper, he chuckled to himself. If his ex wife taught him anything, it was how to argue well.
The stranger reached the edge of the parking lot. By this point the rest of the group had gathered around Dusty. The girls nervously watched over Gus's shoulders.
"Lose the jacket," Dusty demanded.
The man obeyed again without hesitation.
"Gus, you go over andfrisk him," Dusty kept the man firmly in his sights.
"Take it easyfella. I won't be copping any feels, so let's just follow ole Dusty's orders." Gus ambled over and patted the man down.
Gus gave a thumbs up after finding no other weapons. Only then did Dusty seem satisfied and lowered his weapon.
"OK. Start talking," Dusty barked at the guy.
"Www-what would you like to know?" Sweat gathered on his balding head.
"Let's start with who the hell you are and why in the hell you're lurking around in the woods watching us." Dusty was stone faced.
"Yes, OK, well, uh. My name is John Elton. I've been hiding here for the last couple of days. When I heard the first car pull up, I ran away. I was afraid it was going to be more people. Last time I ran into people, they tried to kill me."
"What do you mean by people trying to kill you?" JT asked seemingconfused.
"There was a group of people, maybe a week ago," His face puckered up at the unpleasant memory. "They pulled up beside me on the road and kept swerving over like they were trying to run me off into the ditch. I tried to speed past them and they started to shoot at me. I lost control of my car. It's the Buick, over there. I must have been knocked out which probably saved my life. They seem to have robbed me while I was unconscious, assuming I was dead. My wallet, watch, and my calendar. Poof, all gone. Along with all my food and water."
"So why hide all night instead of trying to approach us?" Gus asked.
"I looked out the window after hearing you arrive. You didn't look like the same people from before. I thought about staying inside the truck stop. Then I was afraid again, after hearing all the yelling going on. I ran out the back exit. I came around the side of the building and saw the lady with the bat and the man here with the gun having a standoff. That's when I decided to head across the road while you were all distracted and wait it out hoping you would all leave soon."
"Well I have to admit that was a smart move on your part and I don't give out compliments often," Dusty said. "Now how do we know it's the truth?"
"You have no reason to I suppose. I have no reason to lie to you. I don't know what I could do to prove anything to you. I doknow I don't want to be shot and I don't want to be out here alone anymore."
"So you want to come with us is what you're saying?" Gus asked.
John nodded. "That is why I came out now. It looks like you are about to leave."
"I gotta to be honest fella, it is a bitodd to hide in the woods and not come out or make yourself known if you wanted our help." Gus could see his point but didn't like the fact this guy had been sneaking around out here while they were sleeping.
Dusty smiled for a change and shot Gus a nod of approval.
"I apologize for that. I'm just-I've had too many bad confrontations so far. Getting shot at again didn't sound pleasant," John said, rubbing his hands together.
"Dusty might I have a word with you and JT over here for a moment?" Gus asked, using his head to indicate the Jeep.
Dusty and JT nodded in return. Dusty handed off his rifle to Alan.
"If he even looks at you the wrong way, shoot him," Dusty said.
John gulped.
"Now, I know how strange this all is but what do we do with this guy?" Gus started, now that the three of them were by the Jeep. "We can't just leave him here now can we? I mean we have already gutted this place."
"Gus, damn it. You can't be serious can you?" Dusty sounded exasperated. "We can't pick up every stray we find on the side of the road."
"Dude, that's cold," JT said. "These are people we are talking about here, not animals."
"Well I don't want to be responsible for anyone but myself," Dusty shot back in anger.
"Dusty. Dusty," Gus butted in," no one said you had to be responsible for any of us. All of us here are adults, except for maybe Tyrone. If it makes you feel better, I will be responsible for him. I just can't, in good conscious, stand to leave anyone behind that is asking for help."
"I would never ask you to be responsible for me," JT said, taking a shot.
"That's not helping." Gus sighed, eyeing JT. Traveling was going to be tiring if this was how it was always going to be.
Dusty seemed deep in thought. He came back with a compromise.
"Fine, John can come with us. We have the room. Once our two vehicles are full though, that is it. Got it Gus?"
"Sure," Gus said, figuring that bridge could be crossed later.
Gus and JT went around to everyone else, seeking any objections to John coming along. There were none.
"John, you are going to ride along with me, pal," Gus said, guiding him into the back of the SUV.
Dusty cupped his hands over his mouth and hollered. "Alright, let's roll out while there's still daylight people."
Everyone climbed into their vehicles. Gus looked back as the makeshift convoy left the truck stop behind. He hoped they were making the right choice.
JT popped the top down on the Jeep before leaving the truck stop. A few miles down the road, he was thinking what a great decision that was. It was a perfect spring day outside. The temperature was just right, the sun was shining in a cloudless sky. Hannah, Ashley and Tyrone all seemed in better spirits having the fresh air blowing through the Jeep. A decent night's sleep feeling relatively safe probably didn't hurt either. The only thing missing were his sunglasses and some new tunes to crank on the radio. He wished he would have picked up some new sunglasses from the truck stop.
Tyrone was riding beside JT. Hannah and Ashley shared the back. They had been driving for over an hour before Tyrone broke the prolonged silence.
"Hey, thanks for letting me ride with you guys. Those other guys aren't the funnest to travel with. You know what I mean?"
"Funnest isn't a word, you know that right?" Ashley said.
"I thought we left grammar Nazis behind with the internet," JT said mockingly.
He saw Ashley make a childish face in the rear-view mirror.
"I know, I'm not just some dumb football player," Tyrone said, a little too defensive.
JT could feel the tension brewing and interjected.
"Football huh?" JT thought some sports talk could get Tyrone to come out of his shell. "What position you play?"
"Do we really have to talk about stupid sports?" Ashley grumbled. This time she got an elbow jab and a wide eyed look from Hannah.
"Sorry, I'm just hot and tired. I didn't sleep well," Ashley offered as she sank back in the rear seat of the Jeep. She crossed her arms and put on a pouty face. JT watched her in the rear-view mirror, making sure she was done before continuing.
"Anyways," JT started over, playfully hitting Tyrone in the arm. "What position?"
"Running Back. Som
etimes Corner. And Special Teams."
"Oh yeah? Multi skill levels huh?" JT said, impressed. "That will take you far kid. Well it would have anyway. You know I played QB myself."
"You did? Really?" Tyrone opened up. "Just in High School or College or what?"
"Middle School is where I started. I played college also."
"Really? Where?" Tyrone asked, reallyexcited now.
"The University Of Texas, hook 'em horns!" JT said proudly.
"NO WAY! DUDE! SERIOUSLY? THAT'S AMAZING, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN," Tyrone said, blasting JT's ears.
"Yeah man seriously, until nine games into my Freshman year. I almost got my leg torn off in that game and never got to play again."
"Really? What happenedman?" Tyrone said. He suddenly became serious again." I mean I don't want to be pushy if you don't like talking about it."
"No it's cool I'll tell you." JT took a deep breath. "I remember it like it was yesterday. Third quarter, down by six to Oklahoma. Biggest game of the season. The good ole Red River Rivalry. We were both eight and zero, winner would probably pave their way to the National Championship game. About four minutes left in the quarter. Shotgun, play action fake to the back. We snap the ball, Calvin our running back, slips and falls. I trip over him, trying to keep my balance. Their defensive end hits me low around the knees from the front. I tried to step out of the tackle when one of their other guys gets me high and hard from behind. My body goes forward, my right knee doesn't. Dislocated my kneecap and completely tore my MCL, ACL, and Meniscus. Sports Center called it a one in a million chance of an injury.... Never got my game back after it. Couldn't plant and throw right. Knee still feels like something as simple as jumping off a tailgate might obliterate it..."
