4
Frost and his two soldiers entered the dark stable and closed the door behind them. Jan Goodman was now standing next to the old horse Sundance, combing back her white mane. Jan looked infinitely sad, holding his head down lower than one might think possible. Jan Goodman, man with a dead family. Robert sat next to his mother on a bale of hay. He was afraid Rita might be in shock, she was crying hysterically for a few minutes, but now she was catatonic. Robert had laid a few heavy blankets over her back and held her close. Major Frost seemed very different now; he was not as much a military tyrant anymore. Maybe it was because he knew his job was done for the time being, slaughtering many people infected by the disease that was taking the world by storm. A storm that seemed to have no end, no conscience, and no compassion for the carnage it brings. The end of days; laconic and grim. The curtain drops, then all fall in.
Major Frost tells his men to stand guard at the door and then approaches Robert. At first Frost really did not know what to say to Robert. Very few times in Frost’s life has he ever felt speechless; even though he had so much to say. So much to express. So much that was too awful to speak about. Then Frost heard himself speak.
“I am sorry Robert. I truly am.”
Robert made sure the blankets around his mother were secured and then stood up. He directs Frost to follow him to the other end of the stable, past Jan and the two horses. As they pass, Shadow gives out a neigh and shakes her head. Do Shadow and Sundance know the dark and desperate feeling of loss?
“Don’t tell me you are sorry. What do you know about this fucking virus? If you think we are going to let you stay here, you better speak up.” Robert said sternly.
Major Frost removed his cap and then rested his rifle against the nearest wall of the stable. He scratched the top of his head, what was left of his white hair got ruffled.
“I guess that’s fair enough.” Frost said.
“You’re damn right it’s fair. How did this get so far out of hand?” Robert asked.
Frost returned his stern edge, but only to regain the command of Robert’s attention through fear.
“You’ll do well to calm down and listen to me son.” Frost said, but when he spoke the word ‘son’, his voice cracked. Robert was shocked to see that Frost’s eyes were beginning to water up. Now Robert was the speechless one. He waited for Frost to continue.
“I had a son your age. Dustin. I mean I still do have a son your age, I just haven’t seen him in nearly a decade.” Frost rushed to say, wiping his eyes clear.
“What happened?” Robert said softly.
“Well, I tried to push him into this lifestyle. I don’t know if you can tell, but I’m kind of an asshole.”
Robert caught himself actually laughing at what Frost just said. The man of steel had just made a joke. The world must be ending.
“Dustin was an artist. He didn’t believe in guns or fighting. The thought of war went against his beliefs. He was so much like his mother. But I still insisted, no I flat out forced him to enlist into basic training.”
“So he did eventually join the army?” Robert asked, sincerely concerned.
“Nope. Dustin went AWOL before he actually ever had a chance to. Instead of reporting for his first day of basic, he ran away. Shortly thereafter, his mother did the same thing.”
“I’m truly sorry about that.”
“I’m sorry I had to take care of your father. I’m sure he was a great man.”
“He was.”
“But Robert, it had to be done. That’s what I do. I get things done that normal folk would never wish to dream of. And I’m good at it.”
Sundance shuffled in the stall as Rita coughed out loud.
“Robert…you can be a leader. You can be good at getting things done too. The hard things. The hard choices, you will have to make them. If you don’t, you won’t survive. The time to be passive is over.”
For the first time, Robert felt like Major Frost was telling the truth. He had to reveal some sincerity, but Frost had gained Robert’s trust.
“As for the virus? I can only tell you what I was allowed to know.”
Frost took a deep breath to help him collect his thoughts.
“As of three days ago, I was a retired Major General. Now I’m back in full-duty. I first knew something was terribly wrong when my superiors were acting frightened. Son, I don’t have many superiors, so believe me when I say this is big.”
“So wait, they‘ve known about this for three days?” Robert asked.
“Yes. Ground zero for the outbreak was actually in Nova Scotia. It didn’t take long for most of Maine to be infected, that’s when I think the ‘big boys’ knew we were fucked.”
“Why the lies? Cover ups? I have a brother in Washington state that doesn‘t seem to know the truth either.” Robert asked.
“Son, secrets are what keep this country running. Individual people can understand the truth, but a group of people will panic. It makes me sick too. Our government has many secrets; one of them is that they have contained almost every virus and disease ever known to man—even diseases that have never met the light of day.”
“So our government accidentally did this to our own people?” Robert asked.
“No, I’m not saying that for sure. I’m just saying that’s a high possibility. None of the assholes in Washington D.C. had any real answers; they were just running around with their tails between their legs like lost pups in a hail storm. In the long run? It’s not going to matter where it came from.”
“This is unbelievable.” Robert added.
“After noticing that things weren’t going to get resolved, I demanded that they station me out in the field. I wanted to get out here and make a real difference, make a stronghold, someplace that would survive this catastrophe. They put me here in Colton.”
Robert didn’t speak; he saw that Frost was again trying to hold back tears. He really might be human after all.
“I failed Colton, like I failed my son. Infected freaks are tearing that town to shreds.” Frost said. Robert looked back over to Jan. His wife Fran and two daughters, Susie and Carol, were at the Colton Fire Company. God rest their souls.
“Look, I know it’s been a fucked up day so far for everyone here. But my men and I can really use a place to hold up. With your help here, we can fortify this farmhouse and the surrounding land.” Frost said, almost pleading now.
“We need to stick together here!” Frost whispered, with urgency.
And Robert knew he was right. If Colton was lost, and this was indeed the beginning of the end, what choice did they have left? They had to work together now.
“Fine, but listen. This won’t be a military state, martial law doesn’t hold here. The property still belongs to my parents.” Robert winced; the pain of his father’s death came rushing back. That wound was horribly fresh.
“Robert, I want you to lead us. You are right, this place is yours now.”
“Fine. We do this for my father. Keep this place safe and we ride this disease out. No more screw ups.” Robert added.
Frost was now rather content, he even cracked a smile.
“I think we have a good thing here, this farm is on top of a hill. We have the high ground. If we keep quiet enough, maybe we can ride this to the end. Or until what’s left of the government can patch things up.” Frost added, with great optimism.
Jan then came walking up next to Major Frost and Robert.
“Joining forces?” Jan said. Finally, his eyes had dried out. He had been crying and rubbing his eyes dry, no doubt.
“Yeah, we think this is the best place to make a stand.” Robert added.
“Ok. I’m going back to town.” Jan said, his voice suggested he was awfully serious.
“Son, I know you want to do good by your family, but the town is overrun.” Frost said to Jan.
“Major Frost, did you actually see my family being killed or infected by those freaks?” Jan asked, expecting a simple yes-or-no answer.
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“I can’t say that I did son, but listen to me. The town is lost.” The defeat in his voice was deeply personal.
“So then, my family might still be alive. Hiding somewhere; they might need me.”
Robert and Major Frost looked at each other. Jan was right of course, how could any of them be sure that Jan’s family was dead?
“I’m going with you.” Robert said to Jan.
“What?” said Frost.
“Hell no, your place is here with your mother.” Jan said.
“Yeah.” Frost added.
“Jan, you risked everything to come here with me. Without your help I probably never would have gotten out of those woods. I’m going to return the favor. No arguments.” Robert said.
“I wanted you to run things here Robert. But I can keep watch here; we have a decent amount of ammunition left.” Frost said.
“I will step up and control things here when Jan and I get back.” Robert said.
“Absolutely.” Frost returned.
“But when we do come back, this place better not is overrun with sick-fucks. Try to do your job this time.” Jan blurted out, and this statement actually really hurt Major Frost.
“I’m sorry son.” Major Frost said, in a low sad voice.
Robert walked across the stable, to his mother. She was now sitting straight up, looking somewhat better. Robert motioned for the two soldiers by the door to come join the rest of them.
“Alright everyone, gather round. It’s time we come up with a proper plan.” Robert said. Everyone was now standing close to one another, Robert being the ring-leader.
“There are only a few of us here. But we have protection and plenty of food and water. Frost, you and your men…I’m sorry what are your guys’ names?”
“Private Coiler”
“Private Dunbar”
“Ok, Coiler and Dunbar, you and Major Frost are on duty to secure this farm and its surrounding land. It might be a good idea to start killing these sick freaks in a way that is a little quieter.”
“Gotcha; won’t attract ones that are close by. Good thinkin',” Frost said.
“Now Mom, how is the food situation?” Robert asked.
“Well,” she took a moment, “if we ration the food I have inside, then yes we can hold up for a little while at least.” Rita finished.
“Good, when you get inside start a plan to ration the food.” Robert added.
“What about you Robert?” Frost questioned, already knowing the answer.
“I’m sorry Mom, but Jan and I are going back to Colton.”
“No! Robert you can’t!” Rita screamed.
“Mom, I have to. Jan risked his life to get me here. It’s only right I do the same. His family needs our help now; it’s their turn to be saved.”
“But how do you know they are still alive?” Private Coiler asked.
“We just do.” Robert said; his voice strong now. Strong like a leader. The Private respected that.
“While we are gone, Frost, you really should go down and clean out that mess of dead people in the driveway.” Robert said.
“Ahead of you on that one boss, we are going to start a burn pile.” Frost said.
Robert picked up his trusty bat, and held it proudly.
“Alright, Jan let’s not take a chance on my old bronco. Mom, can I borrow the car?” Robert said, smirking at the irony because he hadn’t asked that question in over a decade.
“Of course, the keys are in the kitchen.” Rita said.
“Great. Okay, let’s go,” Robert said. Everyone in the stable had their spirits lifted. It wasn’t much of a plan, but at least they had guidance. And each other.
“Sir, yes sir!” Private Coiler yelled, and then raced to the stable door.
Coiler swung the door open and stopped dead in his tracks. The entire front yard, and area surrounding the stable, was covered with infected people. The moaning of the sick grew louder and hit their eardrums all at once. Four of the infected grabbed Coiler and pulled him directly out of the stable. They began to bite him, tearing him apart almost immediately. Blood was flung in every direction.
“So much for a plan.” Frost said to Robert.
5
“Out the back, now!” Robert yelled, griping his bat tight.
“What about my horses?” Rita cried out.
“Unhook ‘em! Quick!” Jan screamed, joining the party.
Jan opened the gate for Sundance and Robert tended to Shadow. Both horses were acting crazy over the drowning sounds of the infected people outside. Then, a cluster what had to be a dozen of the infected, burst through the front door of the stable. The group of infected would have easily been able to grab Jan and pull him back into their cannibalistic means of death, but Sundance reared back and kicked most of the front line of the infected in the chests. The group went flying backward, moaning in agony.
“Holy shit.” Frost said, amazed.
Robert flung open the wide back door to the stable. And he was thankful that the infected had not reached the back area yet.
“Okay, we are getting outta here. Frost you’re drivin’!” Robert yelled as they exited the stable. Both Shadow and Sundance ran off, away from the stable. The horses were better off to fend for themselves, away from humans.
“What? You want to leave this place? Where are we going to hold up?” Frost yelled.
“Are you fucking kidding me? Did you see how many of those things are on the other side of the stable? The house is practically is surrounded!” Robert fired back.
“We need to just calm down and come up with a plan.” Frost said. An infected person, a lady dressed in an elegant nightgown, came charging around the corner of the stable and bit Frost directly on his neck. Out of surprise and jolted reflexes, Frost’s trigger finger pulled and he shot Private Dunbar with about twelve rounds of ammunition. Two of which got him in the face. Rita cried out in horror. Robert, Jan, and Rita were all stunned.
“Kill me, god damn it! Shoot me!” Frost cried out in torturous agony as he was continuing being bit, his face being torn to shreds into the infected lady’s mouth. Robert was about to use his bat to bash the lady’s head in, when three more groups of the infected came rushing at them. One group from the left side of the stable, one from the right, and one coming directly out from the stable.
“We gotta run!” Jan screamed.
Thinking quickly, Robert led them far out, away from the house, away from his truck. Some of the infected followed them, stumbling after. Some of them stayed to feast on Major Frost and Private Dunbar.
“They have the keys on them, for the army truck. One of the privates had them, not sure which one. We need their guns too!” Jan said, running slightly behind Robert and Rita.
“Forget about that shit, too dangerous. We have to get the Bronco started!” Robert said.
“What about our truck, the keys are in the kitchen.” Rita exclaimed, practically out of breath. It had been a good while since she had to sprint.
“Mom, look at the house.”
Rita quickly looked back, her dearly beloved farmhouse, her dream home, was overrun with infected people. Nearly two dozen of them were on the front porch, many of them were making their way into the house as well. In a matter of mere minutes, Rita had lost her husband, her horses, and her home.
“Here’s the plan. I’m going to lead the crowd of sick fucks away from my truck. Jan you grab the rock and try to start her up again. Mom, you turn the keys to the ignition while Jan slams the starter column. The keys are still in the ignition.” Robert said, and then he took off in a different direction, leaving Jan and Rita to tend to his truck.
“What?” Rita said, confused.
“Just go!” Robert screamed back. He was now approaching the oncoming group of sick people. He started yelling at them, slamming his bat off the ground, and jumping up and down. Sure enough, the group started to veer off toward Robert. He had managed to get them to chase him as he led them away from Jan and Rita.
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“Come on!” Jan said to Rita.
They reached Robert’s truck; Jan opened the door quickly for Rita and let her in. He reached over to grab his rock and popped the hood.
“Ok, when I say so. Try to start her up.” Jan said, closing the door. Rita waited inside anxiously with her fingers around the keys, ready to turn. Jan swiftly made his way to the front of the vehicle. Thankfully, the closest sick person to him had just started coming down from the front porch. “Don’t have a lot of time here!” he thought.
Robert had done a great job at leading the crowd toward him. Perhaps even too good of a job. He was now running away from what had to be well over two dozen infected people; all of them moaning and most of them coughing up black bile. The stench of all of the rotting bodies was overwhelming. Robert dry heaved while trying to keep his eyes open, not an easy task to do. He only had about twenty feet of separation between him and the crowd. And the tree line was coming up quickly behind him.
“Now!” Jan screamed and Rita turned the keys. Jan struck the starter hard, but nothing happened. Just the ticking sound of a dead truck.
“Fuck! Ok, again!” Jan screamed and Rita turned the keys again. Same result, Tick. Tick. Tick. Jan was already starting to think of an alternative to Robert’s truck, when a man grabbed him by the shoulder and turned him around.
The sick freak had Jan pinned to the front end of the truck. He exhaled a breath of hot stench into Jan’s face as he tried to bite his nose off. Holding back to urge to vomit, Jan swung his rock onto the man’s temple, not once, but three times. The man’s head didn’t split; it just cracked slightly each time until he dropped to the ground.
“Fuck this!” Jan yelled out as he spun around quickly.
“Try it again Rita!” he yelled.
Rita again, turned the keys to the ignition as Jan pelted the starter column with multiple hits from his rock.
Tick. Tick. Then the old rusted out hunk of junk finally started.
“Jesus, finally!” Jan cried out in joy as he slammed down the hood. He ran around to the passenger door, noticing another group of infected people were only about two feet away from him. As he jumped inside the truck and slammed the door, the group slammed into the passenger side of the Bronco.
The Dead Divide Us Page 13
