by Thomas Baker
"Oh God," the man cried out. Tyrone's weapon ripped a long gash in one of the man's ankles.
The flashlight clattered to the ground in a dazzling display. Tyrone rolled back over under cover. He felt as if he would go deaf from the sound of bullets ricocheting off the caboose's wheels and the rails. The man unloaded until his gun clicked. Tyrone rolled out the other side in a rush. He was careful not to cut himself but wasn't as careful in paying attention to where he was going. He looked up and raised a hand, shielding his eyes from the overpowering white light.
"Move again and I will put a bullet in you," a man said.
Tyrone could tell he meant it. He dropped the hatchet, cursing himself. He'd been caughtafter all. Tyrone clenched his fists. Here he thought there would be no problem getting back home on his own and he couldn't even make it out of town before being caught. Even worse, he hoped JT was still nearby, so he could save him.
"Get away. Help, help!" screamed the man on the other side of the boxcar.
The man covering Tyrone shifted his attention for a split second. That was all the opening Tyrone needed. He was up and off, arms and legs pumping for all they were worth, running parallel to the train tracks. I'm going to make it. Just achingly out of reach was a scrub of trees he could put between him and the attackers. His momentum died when a huge weight crashed into him. Both Tyrone and whatever hit him went tumbling to the ground, landing together in a heap.
Tyrone heaved big gulps of air after having all of it knocked from his body. He half turned his face up from the in the gravel, twisting around to see what hit him. A large man pinned Tyrone's legs to the ground with its body weight. It rose before Tyrone would have thought possible. While Tyrone's chest heaved, lungs clawing for air, the zombies did not. The undead man shifted around aimless. Like it had lost its senses. It turned around once making a complete circle around Tyrone. Tyrone shook away his shock but before he could rise the zombie took a step forward and fell on top of him. Tyrone managed to turn onto his back and had almost gotten to his feet when it attacked. The zombie's weight collapsed him. Tyrone could feel it crawling up his back. A moan that sounded more like a mouse squeaking escaped his lips. He squeezed his eyes shut tight. Tyrone made a wish. Please, don't let it hurt too much. A loud bang proceeded the zombie flopping down on his back. Tyrone felt something wet and clumpy crawl and slide along the side of his neck. His stomach did flips.
"I suggest you don't try that again," the man said, standing over Tyrone again. Tyrone could see it was Charlie.
Charlie kicked the zombie off of Tyrone. It slid off, but whatever substance was on his neck stayed. It was like having warm jello with fruit inside stuck on his skin. Charlie reached down, roughly pulled on Tyrone's arm and yanked him up off the ground. Tyrone winced and bit down moans of pain. Charlie continued handling him roughly as he bound his hands behind his back with some duct tape. Charlie bit off the tape and spun Tyrone around and kicked him in the gut. Tyrone fell to the ground hard. His face burned as gravel dug into his skin. Charlie yanked himback to his feet again.
"Get going, before I change my mind and shoot you, anyway."
Looking around, tears streaming down his face, Tyrone saw no sign of JT.
"What, is it time for that sponge bath finally?" Gus asked as he saw Linda approach. It was nice to have the curtains open most of the time now. Even though the view was pile of boxes and dank basement walls, it was better than the claustrophobic feelings of being trapped the white curtains gave him.
His pain was almost gone, and he promised to himself to never take his health for granted again. Soon he would leave the basement and this whole church behind him.
"Gus, how many times were you sued for sexual harassment?" Linda said with a chuckle.
"Three," Gus answered with a straight face. "That was the old world though. Now I'm starting fresh."
Linda laughed. "You're off to a great start. I got some bad news for you Gus. It was almost your lucky day, but things have now changed."
Linda leaned over Gus. She made a show of checking him out as she shone her light into his ears and eyes. While she did, she whispered to him. "Something has this place all stirred up. Yesterday Albright and the church folk did something to a man named Jelly. I think it was bad. I don't know, I hung back. Used you as an excuse to get out of it. I think today we should make our escape attempt."
Gus tried to keep his face neutral in case they were being watched. He felt his heart beating faster though. He hadn't felt this afraid since Harold had went psycho and stabbed him multiple times. The secret plans they had been making for the last few days would nowbe put into action. He could get up and about but he wouldn't be winning any hundred yard dashes. Well, we don't always get to choose our times now, huh? Linda stood back up, looking as calm and professional as always. Gus was impressed by her steel. I bet she was a top-notch nurse back in the day.
"Gus, you are looking much better today," Linda proclaimed."I think somemore PT outside later this afternoon would be just what the doctor would order. If there was one around."
"Well, I'll do whatever you say then darlin'," Gus replied and winked at her.
"Let me go get you some breakfast. Any requests?"
"A pound of bacon and some coffee, both black," Gus joked.
"Sure, let me tell the chef and he'll get right on that." Linda walked away and up the stairs.
Gus used the time to calm his nerves and go over what he and Linda planned for their escape route. It would be good to get out of here and see the ugly mugs of Tyrone and JT. Then they could all scoop up Hannah and skedaddle on out of here.
Minutes later Linda came back with a bowl of oatmeal on a tray. She put it on a small card table in the middle of the room. Gus sat up and swung his legs over the side. He slid down onto his feet, wincing at the pain in his gut. Fuck you Harold!
Linda must have seen the look on his face. "Where was that pain level at Gus?"
"Pain in my ass level, that's where," Gus growled. "It's better than yesterday but I don't heal like I use to."
He hobbled over to the table, bent over holding his side. Hating every step of the way. Linda approached him but Gus waved her off. He could make it. He would will his body to work if he had to. He tired of staring at the white sheets around his bed. He was tired of being trapped in the church. He was ready to leave this chicken-shit outfit. Gus grasped the sides of the black table and slowly lowered himself into the chair, grimacing the entire time.
"I think you need to fire the cook," Gus said, looking into the bowl. "I've never seen bacon that looked like this."
"Instant oatmeal with fresh berries from our garden," Linda said, patting Gus on the back. "Some good carbs for you now, some good protein for lunch. That's what you need."
"Jack Daniels is what I need," Gus said, grabbing a spoonful of the oatmeal.
"You make a full recovery and I'll take a shot with you," Linda said, a slight smile playing on her face. "You finish that up. I will be back in twenty minutes. For vitals and this time you'll have to be a little more serious."
Gus finished eating in minutes. He was happy his appetite was coming back. This was all thanks to Linda. At least there was one good thing about finding this church. He wasn't sure if it was a good tradeoff for being sucked into another bat shit crazy situation but hell, it's a hard knock zombie life for us. Gus dwelt on how he would get Hannah out of here. The last time Hannah had visited, she was worrying him. It sounded like she was falling into this cult of personality Albright was forming here. Linda reported to him that Hannah was getting along well with the people here and integrated quickly into the church. That didn't surprise him, she was a great gal. JT and Tyrone were locked in a jail cell, but Hannah might end up being the hardest to break out if they didn't move soon.
Gus heard footsteps on the stairs and turned to the doorway, expecting to see Linda. Instead it was Albright, with Charlie standing beside him. Albright smiled at him.
"Gus, you are up and o
ut of bed yet again! How wonderful! Praise Jesus," Albright said, and clapped his hands.
Albright crossed the room and sat at the table. His knees bumped up against the bottom. Charlie stood leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, and a sour look on his face. Gus looked from one to the other and back at Albright.
"Howdy Rev," Gus said, playing it cool. "God works in mysterious ways, right? I sure appreciate your checking in on me."
"He doesindeed," Albright said, placing his hands in his lap.
The two looked at Gus for what felt like several minutes, not saying a word. Gus felt uncomfortable and squirmed in his chair. He felt like a bug under a magnifying glass. He finally had to break the silence.
"So, something I can do you for you fellas?" Gus asked.
"I'm here because I was wondering if I could do something for you. See, from what Linda has told me, you will be up and about soon. You'll be able to join our little congregation. One more member to make us even stronger. I want that, God wants that. Hannah wants it too."
"Let me guess, God wants Hannah to stay here? He wants her badly?" Gus said, trying not to let the sarcasm rise in his voice.
"Has God been talking to you too?" Albright asked, smiling even wider. If he smiled any bigger, Gus thought he could shove a watermelon in Albright's mouth. "That is true. It would also be more likely to happen if you decide tostay here with us too."
"Are you going to persuade me to stay? Is that what this is about?"
"Gus, you sound as if you are talking to the Devil and he's trying to trick you into joining him," Albright laughed. "I wanted to ask you a question. What would it take to convince you to stay here? What could we do for you? Besides give you God's protection and His promise of salvation. You ask and if you're worthy, God will provide."
Careful, this could be some kind of trap.Gus wondered if Albright knew what he and Linda were planning or if this talk was just a coincidence. What was the answer this man was looking for which would ease any suspicion? Was Albright expecting a hard sell? Would he suspect something if Gus gave in too easy or pushed too hard? Gus went with a lie with a little truth sprinkled in it. That usually made it easier for others to accept what he said.
"Well, just between us men, I am getting prettyfond of Linda. It would be nice to stick around, get to know her a little better," Gus said.
"Ah, Linda is a fine woman. A very helpful addition to our family," Albright said. "You would be free to pursue a relationship with her. What a treat it would be if I got to perform a marriage one day. A happy occasion among all of this misery."
"Whoa whoa, let's pump the brakes there Rev," Gus held up his hands.
Albright stopped smiling and his eyes narrowed. He talked in a softer voice. "Is that all it would take Gus? What about your friends? Would you like to see them released?" Albright leaned across the table.
Gus looked over to Charlie. The man was like a statue; he didn't look as if he had moved a muscle since they got there. Gus turned back to Albright and licked his lips.
"Of course I do. They would have to follow your rules..."
"Uh huh," Albright interrupted. "They are not my rules. God laid them down. I'm only the ambassador of his will. If I freed them, they would have to stand before the flock and swear to God to join our congregation and adhere to all of God's laws. You must do thatas well."
Albright leaned in even closer. Gus didn't know if the Reverend would kiss him or maybe try to grab him. Gus tried his best to keep up his poker face.
"Do you think you can do it? Is there any chance at all your friends would come to the light?" Albright whispered.
"Yes, I have faith I can. Let me talk to JT and Tyrone, I bet I can convince them too. They're just scared young men Reverend."
"What about if they won't? Then what?" Albright's mouth tightened, and it looked like he was about to explode when from the doorway came Linda's voice.
"Albright, what a surprise. Bless your heart for keeping Gus company during his breakfast."
Albright turned to her, quickly masking his anger with one of his bright smiles.
"Linda dear. I see you have been treating your patient well," Albright said, rising. "We were just discussing how long until Gus could get out of this cold basement and into the warm embrace of the congregation."
"It should be verysoon," Linda said, utterly calm. "In fact, we could use more outdoor PT later this afternoon."
Gus saw Albright shoot a knowing look at Charlie. Were they going to worry about being followed now? Ambushed?
"Good, superb. I leave it in your gracious hands Linda," Albright said. "Yours and ultimately Gods."
Albright exited and Charlie followed behind. Linda crossed over to Gus, grabbed an arm and put it around her shoulder, lifting him up.
"Let's get you back over to the bed. I'll administer you some ibuprofen. Vitals can wait. Rest up, gather your strength. You will need it."
After she left, Gus thought it would be a long wait until afternoon laying there staring at the white curtains. He must have dozed off though, because as he noticed someone shaking him, he opened his eyes and felt the drool on his chin.
"Gus, get up! Now's the time," Linda was hissing at him. She shook him again.
"All right, all right I'm up," Gus said, grouchy. He was feeling a little dull still.
"Come on," Linda said, trying to help Gus up to a standing position. "Something is going on down at the jail with your friends by the sound of it. Let's go while the Reverend is distracted."
"Shit!Let me just get ready," Gus said, snapping fully awake now.
"There's no time. You'llhave to go in the pajamas you have on. I've been making a stash of important items out in the woods." Linda sounded desperate now. "Let's go right now."
Linda half lifted, half dragged Gus out of bed and across the room. He winced with pain as she jostled him up the stairs. Relief washed over him when he sat down in the wheelchair at the top. The two of them passed some church members on the way to the back door. They mulled around, looking confused. He heard one ask another where the Reverend was and if a zombie attack was going on.
No one challenged them or even paid much attention to their passing. Linda parked the wheelchair, opened the back door, and helped Gus up out of the chair. A little too quickly for his taste but he bit his lip. She helped him down the stairs. She sat him on the bottom step and went back for the wheelchair. She practically tumbled it down the stairs past Gus, who was already feeling out of breath. He wasn't too happy about it. Linda got Gus back into the wheelchair and paused. A voice called to them.
"Who's back there? Linda, is that you?"
Standing at the top of the stairs, holding a candle in a ridiculously over sized holder, was a woman.
"Go back inside Alice," Linda called back. "We're just going out. Leave us be."
"You want to leave?" Alice asked, sounding stunned. "Why? We have everything here. It's safe here. The Reverend protects us."
Linda didn't reply. She turned and took off at a pace somewhere between a walk and a run, ignoring Alice's shouts. Down the trail into the woods they went in the failing light of early evening.
Gus shivered. A cool breeze pushed through the woods. Multi colored leaves twisted this way and that in the wind. Gus thought soon they would be falling. Linda pushed a little harder after the woods enveloped them. Gus could hear her lungs working overtime as they flew down the path. The chair bumped and joggled, reminding Gus of his truck ride from Harold's cabin to the farmhouse. The pain was a lot less severe this time.
The path petered out, and the trees encroached on either side. Linda stopped. Gus thought she needed a little break. Instead, he saw her walk over to a tangle of fallen branches and reach inside. She pulled out a blue backpack and slung it over her shoulder.
"This is where you get out Gus," Linda said, winded. "Sorry but it's walking from here down to the town. I think we should be able to find a good place to hole upuntil we can find some transportation. And get
your friends."
"Won't that be the first place they look?" Gus asked. It didn't thrill him,losing his ride, even though he knew it had to happen, eventually.
"Probably," Linda replied. "The Sheriff though, he thinks of the town as his. It could take a while for The Reverend to convince Randall to let some men go through the town looking for us. Randall will want to handle it himself. Them squabbling and dick measuring might be just enough of a delay for us to get the hell out of here."
Crashing thuds of something pelting through the trees alerted them. Someone was coming. Lights flashed through the trees, throwing skeletal shadows.
"All right, sounds like a solid plan," Gus said, grunting as Linda helped him to his feet. She folded up the wheelchair and hid it in the tangle as best she could. "Looks like it's time to put on my boogie shoes."
"Damn it, Alice," Linda swore. "Why couldn't she leave well enough alone? For a moment I thought she wouldn't say anything."
"What's done is done," Gus said. "Let's get going. I will already slow you down."
They picked their way down the overgrown path as fast as they dared. Linda was supporting Gus with one arm. With the other she had picked up a large branch and was using it as a walking stick. The sound of pursuit through the woods behind them was growing louder. Gus felt like they were going at a snail's pace. Once or twice he thought about telling Linda to go on without him. He knew she had been looking for an opportunity to get away. She wouldn't get a better one than right now.
They came out of the woods and along the road as the final light died behind the hills. A full moon rose in the cloudless sky. It was the only light they had to lead the way. Linda had either forgotten a flashlight or didn't want to use it yet. Gus was too winded to ask.
They crossed the road and pushed on into a drying husk of a cornfield. It stood taller than them. The yellow stalks rustled in the wind, sounding like they were sharing their dying secrets. Linda carried on straight ahead for a few minutes, before taking a more diagonal path. Gus felt they had a good chance of losing any pursuers now.
