by Bonds, Javan
It’s kinda gonna be easy to finger a man who just got in a sword fight with a samurai. He’ll be missing limbs. Wonder what his excuse’ll be? He won’t have one when Sako comes through the door, holding the severed head of that wolf in sheep’s clothing! It shouldn’t be much longer now. Maybe they’ll let me out and I can be in the hall when he comes in. An exchange of nods’ll be enough said.
That night Sergeant came into the interrogation area. “Detective’s not back yet. When we get a hold of him, then we’ll go arrest Brother Brown.” Eyes widening, he realized he wasn’t being impartial. “Shit... I mean... bring him in for questioning.”
Randy leaned back. “Pretty sure it’ll be more than questioning. Always knew there was something fishy about that preacher. How are you gonna do it?”
The cop weighed the options. “Ah... If Sako didn’t slice him up... brings back his head or some shit... I guess we’ll go over there in the morning in a squad car, lights on, siren off. Make a big scene. Want those assholes to see we’re just doing what needs to be done. By the fucking book.”
Standing, Mayor Collins placed his remaining hand on Sergeant Salzman’s shoulder. “You got it figured out. It’ll all work out. Like it’s ‘post to be.”
☠☠☠
7
Settin’ The
Woods On
Fire
The glow signaling the end of twilight was showing on the horizon of the Nashville skyline. It was nearly time for The Alpha and her subordinate, The Wolf, to return to the Sheraton after inspecting some of the equipment. Their bodyguards hadn’t been told the true reason for their nighttime stroll. And of course, they didn’t ask why Reaca and Nedra were examining the tools of slaves themselves. Making their leaders happy was what they sought to do. Both incarnations of The Dictator always return from these trips smiling from ear to ear.
Before reaching their protectors, he spoke to his master. “Everything in good shape?”
She cackled. “Of course. Greased down some of the scaffolding. Loosened a few of the rungs on some of the ladders. Didn’t bother sabotaging any of the weapons. No need to give the peevies any more food... or infect any of our food.”
Rubbing his hands together, Fielder questioned, “So... will we be having a big dinner?”
Sink laughed maniacally. “Do peevies shit in the woods?”
“Well yes... but they shit everywhere,” he meekly grinned. In response, the female part of The Dictator only lets out a sinister chortle.
☠☠☠
8
Warming up
By morning, the champion had yet to make a comeback. Law enforcement across the island saw no trace of Hirotaro Sako. He hadn’t responded to a single call on any channel. There would be no victory party. At least, not yet. Some still held out hope, though... still waited.
“But why wouldn’t he come back? Even if he didn’t kill the preacher, no one’s gonna hold that against him. We might need to make an example of Brother Brown, anyway.” Hunter Daniels was almost in tears, so unwilling to accept the Japanese policeman might not return.
No adult in earshot could give any kind of acceptable response to his desperate, angry questions. They weren’t able to tell the boy the man that saved him might’ve lost. Even though he still held childlike faith in superheroes, they didn’t want to introduce him to reality. Good is only the unquestionable, persevering victor in the movies. Sometimes, evil wins, whatever the cost.
Sarge lowered his walkie-talkie for what had to be the thousandth time. “He’s not gonna answer. Dammit!”
The blonde child dropped his head, nearly sobbing. Mrs. Collins tried to console him. “Don’t worry, Hunter. I’m sure he’ll be here soon.”
“Guess we gotta go ahead and send a fucking car to pick up Brother Brown,” Salzman spoke uneasily to the officers behind him. “This is questioning, not arresting got it? Be sure his blind fucktard sheep hear that before things turn ugly.”
Turning, he looked at the two tasked with retrieving the minister; Niki Haines and her husband, Damien. Being partnered together, post-apocalypse, they soon fell in love and were married. “And do not fucking stop. No matter what they say or do, don’t let the assholes get in the way. Justice will be served!”
Everyone on the island was aware of the devoted faithfulness of all the church members. They wouldn’t be able to handle their dear Shepherd being mistreated by the government. Especially by caucasian police officers. According to most, public servants no longer served.
Without definitive proof of his barbarism, the congregation would see it only as police brutality. The fact Mike Brown also claimed to be Mexican would only fuel screams of institutionalized racism and bitterness towards those that do nothing but protect and serve. Even if he was innocent, it still had to be verified.
Though he’s not automatically guilty, accusations were made. No one’s ever been above the fucking law; not even post-apocalypse. Not even a fucking supposed man of God. Justice is blind!
Clenching his fists, the night duty Sergeant looked up at the clock on the wall. His shift would be officially over soon, but he wasn’t leaving until this was settled. Fucking duty comes before sleep.
He gestured to the doors and the waiting police car beyond. “You’ve done this before. It’ll be a piece of cake. Let’s fucking move!”
☠☠☠
Lauren didn’t think it would be possible for him to be doing anything but lying in the bed for days if not weeks. Despite her prognosis, he rose before the sun to dress and readied himself for an early service. It might not have been Sunday, but he would be holding an emergency meeting with the flock.
The Wolf needed to get the sheep his version of the story before they were told differently. He was going to make them understand the devil was using the government of, after infection, Guntersville to do whatever he could to stop the work of the Lord. The ultimate deceiver would do all in his power to bring pain to the faithful. Especially to those that only sought to grow the ranks of the army of God. Grow it... with delectable little blonde kids!
Squeezing into his dark jeans, long sleeve, button-down onyx black shirt, black cowboy boots, obligatory darkened cowboy hat, and bolo tie with a red ruby in the middle, he was prepared to present himself to his followers. There wasn’t yet a phone system for the city, but word-of-mouth would have the pews packed before he got to the doors of the sanctuary. The faithful would always jump at a chance to have a special meeting with a messenger from God! Making sure to roll the left sleeve up so the missing appendage was obvious, he couldn’t think of any better way to make his case.
“I was home alone, placing hickory in the chipper that I would use to smoke the next freeze-dried meal intended for the church when an agent of Satan entered. This evil emissary barged in, demanding protection ransom...” The Wolf dictated his planned address he would make to the assembly. The Alpha only nodded in acceptance.
As he did seemingly spontaneously, on different days every week, Mike picked up his oak walking staff and started the foot trek to the nondenominational worship Center of Guntersville. Citizens would surely see their pastor had just become an amputee and would join him on his journey. Regardless of disabilities, he would still walk to the church, lifting the spirits of his followers as he did the Lord’s work. The Wolf was truly on a mission from his god!
☠☠☠
“When this demonic usurper made his outrageous demands, I told him I used any worldly riches to further the house of God. At that, he became viciously angry and drew his blade.” Looking down to where his forearm once was, he jostled his shoulder. “I don’t think I have to tell all of you what he did next.”
The entire crowd gasped and shook with rage. A government representative, bound to defend the people, was burglarizing the citizenry unprovoked! And not just from them, from the Lord! Preposterous wasn't it that crooked mobsters ran the government? Those sworn to defend were stealing from the people. And not just taking from them, almost direct
ly from God! How could the people of this city allow such tyrannical bandits to control them?
Standing behind the pulpit, the one-armed man of God continued his indoctrination. “How high up the ranks of our unelected leaders does this thievery go? Do the imps take just to provide for themselves? If you recall from the scriptures, they steal on orders from their master! And who commands these demonic soldiers, at least on this earth? You all know his name!”
It started as a whisper then multiplied into an angry roar as a furious chant rose from the assembled. “Mayor Collins!”
Smiling, The Wolf appeared happy they understood the truth. These people are goddamn idiots. They just want some more of my “freeze-dried” offerings. I should tell them I’m fixing a whole bunch. They’ll just go kill everyone, not at the church. This is fucking amazing!
Raising his good hand to quiet the crowd, Brother Brown then looked down at his stump again. “Good people... You can see what they did to me... and I took no direct action against them. The righteous should not yet let our knowledge be exposed.” Almost laughing, he quoted. “Besides, what would Jesus do?”
Tension visibly dissipated. “Yes, fellow Christians. Just go about your daily lives as if you are unaware of what they are. The time will come when we can make our move. Until then, we must appear simple, meek, and mild. When the hammer falls, though, we shall inherit the earth!”
Uproarious shouts and cheers echoed throughout the chambers. Almost cackling maniacally, the preacher thought of something else to tack on. “When the time is right, we will bring about the kingdom of heaven! These satanic robbers will not be able to withstand the power of God!”
I just fucking say things with gusto, and it’s like I’m the mouth of God. Jesus fucking Christ, I love how stupid people in Alabama are! This might all be over within a few days.
☠☠☠
Sitting outside the church, the officer behind the wheel, Damian Haines, spoke into the handset. “Lots of bicycles on the curb in front of the nondenominational worship center. I think there are a lot of people in there. Gonna stop by since it’s on the way.”
“Roger,” came back the handset.
☠☠☠
9
A House
Without
Love
The Loews Vanderbilt was a reasonably tall building compared to most outside of the downtown area of Nashville, Tennessee. This luxurious hotel didn't fall inside the zone cordoned off as the new city of The Nash. It was quite a few blocks out. But because it was an upmarket, pricey establishment frequented by those of the upper crust of society, the leaders of The Black Hand concluded it would be an excellent scavenging location. Just like every other structure cleared as of late, the strike team unquestioningly readied to battle the undead.
As was usual for these assignments, drawing of names wasn't needed. Slaves jumped at the possibility to shine. Paul Rawlings was glad to be joined by two of his mates from back home, Karen Barker and Elliott Saunders. Along with The Brits were Jenny Lidstone, an Ontarian tourist, and a traveler from Idaho, Lynn Opdycke, as their companions delving into the lions' den.
Willy-nilly, the gang members equipped each member of the unit with things not typically considered weapons before the world started going blue. Jenny carried the obligatory fire axe, un-customarily double-sided. A rusty old machete was given to Opdycke, doubtfully able to cut even butter while Karen received an unusually jagged spear of rebar. All while the male part of the contingent got aluminum baseball bats. Wearing cheap sunglasses, flannel shirts, dust masks, and worn leather work gloves, the team was ready as they could be.
☠☠☠
The Hand enforcers accompanying the workers on this assault mission saw no need to exit the box van they came in, choosing instead to wait until called. Walking around to the main doors of the establishment, the slaves noticed the entrance wasn’t facing the street. Not that it makes a difference now, but I guess it allowed a secretive exit or entry. Bloody rich people! Paul was hoping this would be a quick dash and grab. Nothing’s ever easy.
Rather than breaking through the glass of the once automatic sliding doors, Lynn and Paul pushed them open. No need to alert the zombies of their presence. Any more than merely the scent of humans being on the air. Maybe it’s not a hive—no tracks leading up to the door. We’re gonna be safe!
☠☠☠
10
The Man Comes
Around
“There will always be evil trying to break down our doors, children, but we cannot let Lucifer dissuade us from enjoying what God has given us.” Brother Brown paused as the Amen’s and Preach On Brother sounded across the room. “Even with wolves at the gates, we should still fellowship in thankfulness to the Almighty. That’s why... this Sunday... I will be bringing teriyaki chowder for everyone!” Though this was a new dish to pretty much every member of the fold, they were ecstatic.
It’s like God just keeps miraculously dumping massive amounts of fucking freeze-dried meat to me. None of these goddamn retards even ask how this shit keeps showing up, they’re just damn happy to take it!
I wonder what Jones would say if he knew he was eating the mob enforcer that cut my arm off? He’d probably tell me the bastard got what he deserved. Then, he’d go tell the rest of those Bible-thumping fools it was just the power of God doing away with the wicked, providing for His faithful. What goes around comes around, right?
Goddamn, I can imagine them perverting that Scripture about taking of the blood and the body so that it’s just fucking fine to eat people. It’ll eventually become a commandment from God to eat longpig. Jesus, if I weren’t such a twisted freak, that’d be fucking creepy!
And yeah, I guess it is the power of God. Maybe I need to name my wood chipper God.
Hah. Shit, I’m a motherfucking comedian!
☠☠☠
Suddenly, the mesmerized assemblage was broken from the trance by the loud thud of the main sanctuary doors swinging open. Timidly, two uniformed officers walked down the aisle, directly to the stage of the front. Only sent to detain Mike Brown for questioning, they made sure not to look at the ranks of the faithful as they pushed on.
The Wolf waved theatrically, gesturing to the interlopers. “Brothers, Sisters! May I introduce to you…two lovely, dutiful, civil servants.” Pointing, he read their name tags with a squint. “Damian Haines and ... Niki Haines! Come to enforce the will of their superiors, no doubt.”
Barely restraining themselves, the entire church group stayed in place. Though their eyes burned with unadulterated hatred of anyone who would lay a hand on their messianic holy man, none verbally or physically attacked the officers. Ever faithful, they just knew God would intervene.
As they topped the first step of the stage, he exaggeratedly intoned. “Are you going to arrest me, officers? What are you charging me with?”
Officer Niki Haines turned to face the congregation, making sure everyone in the room could hear. “No, not arrested. You’ve been accused of kidnapping. We’re just taking you in for questioning.”
“By all means, take me. I go willingly so my innocence can be proven!” Acting insulted that this would be alleged, he freely extended his remaining hand to be cuffed.
With both cops standing behind him, the threesome hurriedly traveled to the doors and the waiting car beyond. Walking past his shocked wife, he made sure to offer closing words. “It’s okay, honey. Everything goes according to God’s plan,” he spoke with a wink.
Leading the one-armed man in black, the policemen exited the large room in complete silence. The congregation didn’t make a sound. It was eerie. The leashed, rabid dogs may not have been barking, but the barely contained boiling anger was nearly whistling.
☠☠☠
The second the thick doors closed behind them, the assembled sheep exploded in a feverous outcry. Without a leader, they needed a replacement to guide them in returning their shepherd. They needed direction and would take it from anyone, especially
one forceful enough to give unpleasant commands. The congregation was ready to be obedient.
Hurrying up to the pulpit, Lauren Brown turned on a cordless, handheld microphone. As mascara ran down her face, she brushed her blonde hair back from her face. “They may have Mike now, but as he said... we’ve got to act like we don’t know what’s going on. Eventually, we’ll be able to make a stand. Until we can show them God’s on our side, we have to be covert...”
“Yeah, It’s all for Mike!” “Whatever you say, Lauren!” came the general chorus. They would go to any lengths to see the homecoming of their man of the cloth. The Alpha could only smile at the willingness of the sheep to follow blindly.
☠☠☠
11
We Live In Two
Different Worlds
The first floor was dark and damp, having that musky smell of shit most nests put off. It could only mean one thing. Like expected, the undead infested The Loews. Only, there were no zombies in sight. They must’ve not smelled us yet!
Upon going further into the lobby, it was noticeable that there was nearly no feces sprayed haphazardly on the walls, floor, or ceiling, at least to the right. There were, to their left, clearly reanimants occupying the structure. Only half of the ground level seemed to be a hive, layered in months of caked bowel butter. An invisible border virtually divided the room into equal sections of spotlessly clean and caked-up nasty.
Strangely, the peevies seemed to have stayed in one area and left the rest of the building literally uncontaminated. Since the hallway leading to the elevators and the stairwell, according to a map Elliott found at the front desk, was completely clean, there was no reason to assume the other floors wouldn’t be just as untouched. Assumptions were only guesses, though. And in the post-apocalyptic world, guesses were usually wrong.
