Situation Z

by Semple, A. M.

  It had been years since she had received flowers from anyone. She swallowed hard and whispered. “Thank you, Wilson. They do cheer me up.”

  Wilson made a mental note to keep Marjie well supplied with flowers. “I was just about to open up some raviolis if you would care to join me.”

  “Just a second.” She grabbed his handkerchief from the trash can, then smoothed it out and put it in her pocket. “I did build up a bit of an appetite.”

  Wilson looked at her pocket, then Marjie, and smiled.

  Chapter 9

  Fred had an attack of conscience almost immediately after he and Jennifer had left the grocery store. They had moved on past a couple of rundown businesses to where a handful of vehicles were parked at a laundromat. “We need a car.” The edge in his voice was telling.

  Jennifer grasped his hand. “I think we made the right decision.”

  Fred stared down at her. “I think it was a smart decision. I’m just not sure it’s the right one. I hate to admit it, but I don’t think we would’ve gotten out of Phoenix if it weren’t for Wilson. He’s just so damned annoying and dangerous. Any one of us could have been attacked when he turned on that flashlight.”

  While they talked, they surveyed the lot in hopes of finding an abandoned vehicle with keys. Jennifer pointed to a minivan with the passenger door open. “That looks promising.”

  “Hopefully the battery’s not dead.”

  “Or anything else for that matter,” she whispered as they ducked down between cars.

  Sluggish movement on the other side of the van startled them both. Fred awkwardly handled the gun Wilson had given him.

  “Remember to turn off the safety,” Jennifer said quietly.

  They waited, hoping the guy would move on, but he didn’t.

  “Let’s look for another car,” she suggested.

  Out of the corner of his eye, Fred saw a hand just before it reached out and grabbed Jennifer’s hair. Her scream pierced the air. The dead woman must have been lurking around the neighboring SUV. He had no idea how they missed her. Her face was distorted and blood spattered. The side of her head was missing an ear. She was dressed nicely in a grey pant suit, slacks and jacket. Blood covered her blouse. Despite all the blood on her face, her lipstick was perfect, making her all the more bizarre.

  Fred aimed his gun but was afraid of hitting Jennifer as she was being dragged backwards. He lunged and pulled the woman off her, nearly being bit in the process. “Run back to the store, Jen.”

  She had no intention of leaving him alone and helped him wrestle free. The lurker was all arms and teeth. Fred had to throw a couple punches after she nearly bit him. Jennifer’s scream had attracted quite a few of the dead. The man from the minivan reached them, though his progress had been slow since he was dragging a leg.

  Jennifer grabbed the gun Fred had thrown to the ground. She aimed, but before she could shoot, Fred grabbed her, and they made a run back to the grocery store. When they got there, Fred turned to her. “Were you bit, Jen?”

  “I don’t think so. You?”

  “Not as far as I can tell.”

  They were both shaking, and Jennifer started crying. Fred pulled her in his arms. “It’s over, Jen. We’ll go back inside. Wilson may be nuts, but he’s well-armed, and there is definitely safety in numbers.”

  ****

  Wilson and Marjorie had finished the ravioli and were about to move onto chocolate pudding when Fred and Jennifer returned. Wilson rarely lost his temper, and while he was relieved to see them, the sight of the bedraggled couple had him fuming.

  “Marjie I need to have a word with those two. Could you find us the pudding?”

  She nodded. “Sure. You know it wasn’t right for them to leave like that, but I’m glad they returned.”

  Wilson had walked away before she could finish her sentence. Fred and Jennifer met him half way. Jennifer was the first to speak.

  “We’re sorry, Wilson.” She’d obviously been crying.

  Normally a simple apology would have been enough. But not even the site of their stricken faces could calm Wilson’s anger. “I could understand you leavin’ me, but that woman over there…” He pointed at Marjorie who was rifling through a box in search of pudding. “…she didn’t do anything to deserve that. She’s been all alone since this happened, and the first thing you do is up and desert her. Fred, I bet this was your idea.” Wilson leaned in till there were just inches between him and Fred, then whispered. “I’m glad you’re back, but you’re on my shit list.” Before Fred could respond, Wilson turned on his heel. “There’s extra ravioli if anyone wants it.”

  Jennifer grasped Fred’s arm and led him over to a pallet. “You OK?”

  “I’m on his shit list.” His words were let out on a whisper soft exhale.

  Jennifer started laughing and couldn’t stop.

  “Glad I could amuse you.” His words were stilted, but he managed a smile. “I had no idea Wilson had such a protective streak.”

  “I think it’s sweet.”

  “You’re not on his shit list. We best think our decisions through next time. Let’s not forget the man is heavily armed.”

  Marjorie brought them each over a can of ravioli. She managed a smile but her heart wasn’t in it.

  Jennifer was quick to apologize again. “We’re sorry, Marjorie. We weren’t thinking clearly.”

  “I’m all right.” She looked in Wilson’s direction. “I think people should stick together…” She looked like she wanted to say more but pressed her lips together and walked back over to Wilson.

  Fred dropped his head. “I think I would rather have been told I was on her shit list.”

  Jennifer exhaled. She was usually such a loyal person, but she had been trying to be practical. Guilt sliced through her until she looked at Fred’s face. The guy had been through it. “Fred, we both know sentimentality doesn’t keep people alive in a situation like this. We did what we thought was best.”

  “I know. But it doesn’t make me feel any better.”

  The two stood together, watching the other two unpack puddings.

  ****

  “Marjie, you want tapioca or chocolate?”

  “Hmm…let me try the tapioca.”

  Wilson struggled not to make a face as he passed it to her. Tapioca gave him the creeps. He grabbed a chocolate and peeled back the lid. Gunfire could be heard nearby. Wilson set the pudding down and checked his Desert Eagle.

  They were all startled when the door flew open. The man in front of them was tall and intimidating. His clothes were spattered with blood, and he had his gun drawn. He closed the door behind him and took a fast inventory of the group before lowering his weapon. “Are you the ones who blew out Frank’s kneecaps?”

  “Riley.” Marjorie could not believe he returned.

  “Marjorie, you OK?”

  Wilson turned to her. “You know this guy, Marjie?”

  Marjorie struggled not to smile. She’d only met Wilson that afternoon, but he gave the impression that they were old friends from the way he crossed his arms, sizing up Riley. “Yes, Riley saved my life.”

  Wilson raised his eyebrows. “That so?”

  “He was here yesterday, when the store got overrun.” She introduced Riley to everyone.

  “This is the first chance I’ve had to return.” Riley’s eyes grew vacant. “It’s gotten bad.”

  “So we’ve noticed.” Wilson clapped him on the shoulder.

  Marjorie was staring at his clothes. “Were you injured, Riley?”

  “No bites so far.” He looked himself over. “The blood isn’t mine. It wasn’t easy getting back here. There are small pockets of less affected areas. You’re in one of them.”

  “Excuse me.” Jennifer didn’t agree.

  “Oh, you’ve got your stragglers, but most have moved on.”

  Wilson was quick to chime in. “Thought this was a good spot. And we got Marjie.”

  “These things seem to go in waves. This spot wil
l be good for a while, but it could change on a dime. You guys have a plan?”

  Wilson nodded. “We’re headin’ up to Prescott. I got a friend with a bunker of sorts. He’s expectin’ me. We just stopped here for supplies and to pick up chicks.” He winked at Marjie.

  Fred rolled his eyes but held his tongue. He’d gotten himself in enough trouble already. He could not believe he’d managed to get himself on Wilson’s shit list. Wilson, of all people.

  Riley stared hard at Wilson. “I want to hear your plan, but first is there someplace I can cleanup?”

  “There’s an employee bathroom.” Marjorie led him toward the front.

  Riley glanced down at her. “You’ve done really well, Marjorie.”

  “I’m here because of you, Riley. I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “I just gave you some practical advice. You were one of the few smart enough to listen.”

  “But you risked your life in the store and then coming back.”

  “I figured you’d still be here.” He looked away. “And it’s good to see someone survived this. There are so few…”

  He looked incredibly uncomfortable, so Marjie was quick to change the subject. “What do you think of Wilson?”

  Riley laughed. “He’s a little obnoxious.”

  She smiled and glanced back to see Wilson going through more boxes. “He’s a good guy. He brought me flowers.”

  They were standing outside the restroom. Riley stared at her then Wilson. “He doesn’t look like the flower type. You must’ve made quite an impression.”

  She blushed. “I threw my glasses at him. Do you need bandages or anything?”

  “I’ll wash up and let you know.”

  Riley took his time getting cleaned up. Scrubbing his face and arms wasn’t the same as showering, but it made a difference. He had some scratches and bad bruises, but overall he’d done OK. He dried his face and was about to throw away the paper towels when he noticed the edge of what looked like bandage wrappers. Digging around in the trash can, he found used rolled up bandages. Someone had made an effort to conceal them. The bloody parts of the bandage looked bite shaped. “Christ.” He dropped them back in the trash and leaned heavily on the sink. One of them had been bit. He wasn’t in the mood to interrogate anyone, but after what he’d seen over the last couple days, he had no choice. He threw open the door to the bathroom and stared at the small group.

  “One of you has been bit. I want to know who.”

  Riley’s words hit Wilson like poison darts. He glanced at Marjie’s stunned face and made an instant decision. “Aye, Riley, it was me.” He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Marjie, I ain’t a turner.” He turned to the group in general, his focus caught on Riley loading his gun. Wilson pulled out his Desert Eagle. “Hold up, Riley. Lower your gun.”

  Surprised, Riley lowered his gun.

  Still maintaining his aim on Riley, Wilson continued. “Marjie lift up my right pant leg and remove the bandage.”

  Marjie hesitated only a moment before leaning down and lifting the cuff of Wilson’s pants. Fred, Riley and Jennifer didn’t make a move but watched as Marjie began removing the bandage just above his boot. The wound was ugly but healing. There was no discoloration.

  Riley holstered his gun. “How long ago were you bit?”

  Wilson lowered his gun. “Yesterday morning my neighbor got me.” He turned to Fred and Jennifer. “That’s why I got my late start. I didn’t want to leave until I was sure I wasn’t turnin’.”

  Riley came closer and examined the wound. “Are you sure your neighbor was infected.”

  “Hell yes. Gray eyes and a rabies disposition. Latched onto me like a python.” Wilson glanced at Marjie again. Rather than impressing her, he’d startled her. “Don’t worry, Marjie, I’ll keep myself handcuffed when I sleep if you want...”

  Riley cut in. “Wilson, have you notified anyone other than your friend?”

  “No, but Russell has connections if we need them.”

  Riley shook his head in disbelief. “Well, I’ll be goddamned. There may be hope yet.” He studied Wilson a moment. “You should have told us right away.”

  “In this environment, I ain’t exactly going to advertise the fact that I’ve been bit. Except for Marjie, I had my doubts if anyone else would hear me out.” Wilson had four sets of eyes on him. Their expressions were all the same. He saw hope. “Looks like I’m valuable goods.”

  Chapter 10

  If it hadn’t been for all the death and destruction surrounding them, Marjorie would have felt like she was at camp. She and Riley had both accepted Wilson’s invitation to join his group. For the last hour everyone had been sitting around making plans while eating and drinking their fill of canned and dried goods. “Anyone care for more pudding?” There was a chorus of ‘no’s followed by one yes from Wilson.

  “Another chocolate please, Marjie.” His wink left her slightly flustered.

  Fred stared at Wilson a long moment. “I don’t know how someone your size can eat so much.”

  “Fast metabolism from all the working out I do,” Wilson announced rather loudly.

  A hard pounding at the door broke up the cozy atmosphere. Wilson and Riley both pulled out their guns.

  Riley had pushed a pallet of boxes against the back door and approached them slowly. “Maybe it would be best not to tell anyone about Wilson just yet. We don’t know what type of person is on the other side of this door.”

  Everyone agreed. Wilson followed closely behind Riley. “Should we yell through the door?”

  “You stay down and keep as quiet as possible. We can’t afford to have anything happen to you.”

  Stunned, Wilson hesitantly agreed. “Usually I like to go charging in, but I suppose you know what you’re doing.”

  “I like to think so.” Riley inhaled and yelled. “Who’s there?”

  “For Christ sake, what difference does it make?” The voice on the other side was loud and annoyed.

  Wilson leaned against Riley. “Don’t like the sound of that one.”

  “Me neither,” Riley whispered. “But it’s not for us to judge.” He yelled out again. “You alone?”

  The man outside hit the door with something heavy. “Yeah, now let me in.”

  Riley turned to Wilson. Wilson shrugged. “Too bad he hasn’t been eatin’. Guess we gotta let him in.”

  Riley agreed. “Step away from the door and put your hands up. We’re armed and will not hesitate to shoot.”

  The man began swearing but agreed.

  They removed the boxes, and Riley opened the door. The man outside could have been anywhere from his late forties to early fifties. His greying hair hung low over his brow, making his dark eyes look even darker. His salt and pepper mustache made Wilson think of a used car salesman from the seventies. His Hawaiian print shirt was filthy, but other than that, he looked relatively unharmed. Riley checked to see if he was armed, then let him in.

  The others walked over and introduced themselves. He stared at Jennifer when he said his name. “Larry.”

  Marjorie was about to offer him something to eat when he started rifling through boxes. “Where’s the booze?”

  Wilson shook his head. “Don’t know, but keep lookin’, maybe you’ll find it.”

  Larry gave him a look that should have been chilling, but Wilson chose to ignore it and walked over to Marjorie. “Stay away from that one, Marjie. He’s got a nasty disposition.”

  “I think I’ve seen him in the store. He always waited in Kelly’s line.” She started sniffling. “I can’t believe she’s gone.”

  Wilson nudged her chin. “I’m sorry about your friend.”

  She laughed a little. “She wasn’t exactly a friend. She was rather mean at times. And she was sleeping with the assistant manager so she got the best hours.”

  Wilson nodded. “Strictly a coworker.” He couldn’t help thinking that it must be Kelly stinking up the place.

  ****


  Larry polished off several cans of beef stew and watched as the small group packed boxes and assembled them at the door. “Where we going? I’ll be damned if I’m staying here alone.”

  All eyes turned to him, and Riley gave Wilson a questioning look.

  Wilson shrugged and walked over to Larry. “Have you got a vehicle?”

  “No, I don’t.” There was challenge in his voice.

  Riley cleared his throat. “He can ride with me. My truck’s out back.”

  Marjorie spoke up. “I have a car.”

  Wilson didn’t hesitate. “Best if you ride with me, Marjie. Fred, you don’t mind riding with Riley, do you?”

  Fred glanced at Jennifer, and she gave him the OK. “Sure, no problem.”

  Wilson clapped his hands together. “Well then, that’s settled.”

  Larry shook his head. “No, it’s not. Where’re we going?”

  Wilson clapped him on the shoulder. “We’re headin’ to Prescott. We would be happy to drop you off someplace.”

  “How bout I stay with you? You’ve managed to stay alive so far.”

  “If only we had the room where we’re going, but we don’t.”

  “Yeah, well we’ll see about that.”

  Wilson’s smile was angelic. “Yeah, we’ll see.”

  Riley checked outside and gave them the all clear. They had the additional boxes loaded in a matter of minutes. Wilson held the door for Marjie and Jennifer.

  Marjie had her swan bouquet carefully packed in a small box. “I’ll just hold this in my lap.”

  “Ah…I better secure that in back. We’ll be doin’ a bit of off-roading.” Wilson glanced in the cab while packing up the swan and was glad to see Marjie would be sitting next to him. He jumped in, and on Riley’s signal pulled out in front to take the lead. They had argued a bit over that. Riley wanted Wilson in back, but Wilson knew the route better than anyone.

  Jennifer noticed a difference in Wilson’s driving right away. He took curves gentler. The accelerating and breaking were almost normal. She was sure that it had something to do with Marjie.