Dark Days | Book 2 | Retribution

by Davis, James

  “Don’t forget to watch for us to come back through.” Clay said over his shoulder as he walked back to the Gremlin and climbed inside. He rested his hand on the key and said a small prayer.

  “God if you’re up there please let this car start.” he said under his breath as he twisted the key. The starter whined for a bit until the engine finally sputtered to life. Clay closed the door and glanced over at Hank who was still holding the bandage to his head.

  “You alright? We can head back to the farm and do this tomorrow if you want.”

  “I’m fine. Let’s go.” Hank replied. Clay shifted the car into drive and pulled it free from the telephone pole. He stopped next to the three boys and looked at the eldest one for a long minute.

  “Here.” he said holding his spare pistol out of the window.

  “You might need this before we get back here. There are some real terrible people running around, so keep your heads down and stay out of sight until we get back.” Clay said.

  “Thanks mister.” The boy replied. Clay eased down on the gas and they slowly pulled away from the three teens. A few minutes later, they were on the far side of town looking at the rows upon rows of portable sheds at Wilson’s Wood Creations.

  Chapter Twenty

  Bear sat up from his spot on the couch and winced as the pain shot up his side and through his guts. It was difficult for him to move around when he first woke up, but after making a series of small movements he felt good enough to get on his feet and lend a hand to anyone that needed it.

  Bailey entered the room, knocking only after she was already halfway through the door. A small black backpack hung from one shoulder and she carried the usual tray of coffee and Tylenol. She had stayed the night at the farm to tend to those wounded in battle.

  "What do you think you're doing?" she asked, placing the tray on a small oak coffee table in the center of the room and dropping her bag on the end of the couch.

  "Going to see if I can help out." Bear shrugged

  "Uh-uh, not on my watch! Back down with you." She scolded, attempting to push him back down to the couch.

  "Come on! I feel fine!" He protested.

  "Maybe so, but you aren't leavin this couch until I'm sure you're able. Either way, I need to clean your wound, so sit down now!" She ordered, opening her backpack, putting on a pair of latex gloves.

  Bear stared at her defiantly, just long enough to realize he wasn't winning this argument. He relented, letting himself fall to the couch and lifting his shirt. Bailey leaned in close lifting the bandage and inspecting it. She nodded to herself and began cleaning the wounds.

  "So, about that date…" Bear said, looking down at Bailey.

  "Date?" She laughed, stopping and looking back up at Bear, "What date?"

  "You doctored me up, the least I can do is give you the best date you've ever had." Bear grinned.

  Bailey rolled her eyes and returned to inspecting the wound.

  "I don’t think so.” she said as she cleaned the dried blood from around the wound. Bear sighed deeply.

  “Can’t blame a guy for trying.” Bailey finished and gave him a pat on the head before packing her bag up and leaving the bunker.

  “Whoa!” Clay shouted, waving his arms so Hank could see him as he backed up to the fifth shed of the day. Everything had been running smooth all day and they were making great time. Clay looked around at the rows of sheds and pointed at a large one with a front porch and windows.

  “That one is mine!” He shouted to Hank, at the front of the old red flatbed. The sky was a brilliant shade of blue and there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky as they loaded up shed after shed and hauled them back to the farm. They hadn’t seen anyone else on the roads after the trio of young men, and for that they were thankful. The three boys met them back at the smashed telephone pole on their first return trip and they took them back to the farm with them to meet everyone.

  “If you turds plan on staying on this farm you will work! Understood?” Dub had asked when he first met them. There was no time for pleasantries during these dark days. Dub had sent them to help Kyle with the shitters after they ate and drank their fill.

  “If they’ll clean up other people's shit right off the bat then they’ll make a damn good fit here.” Dub added after the three boys went to join Kyle. Clay thought about all of this as he got the chains hooked around the bottom of the shed so they could winch it up onto the flatbed. By the time the sun finally started to shrink past the horizon they had hauled a total of eleven sheds to the farm. When they pulled up to the gate, they could see that the people had been real busy today cleaning up and taking down most of the tents. They already had the big giant one placed at the back of the house for their new cafeteria and people were going in and out of it as they watched.

  “Must be dinner time.” Hank said as he patted his growling stomach.

  “Good, I’m starving.” Clay said as they headed for the big green tent. They walked inside and found Dub sitting at one of the tables sneaking hunks of Spam to Sarge and Bella. Clay chuckled as he took in the scene.

  “Those pups will be fattened up in no time.” The tent was full of cheap lawn furniture and toward the back of the tent a few long wooden tables were set up with trays full of powdered eggs and Spam they had gotten from the bunker. For some reason the blue hats had barely touched the stuff and so there was plenty to go around. It wouldn’t last more than a week with so many people eating multiple meals per day. A scavenging party would have to be sent out sooner rather than later, if they wanted any shot at surviving.

  “Sarge! Come here buddy.” Clay shouted over the cacophony of voices inside the tent. Sarge’s ears perked up and he got up and started to sniff the air for his master. Finally catching Clay’s scent his tail started to wag as he darted across the room toward him. Clay knelt down in front of the dog and wrapped his arms around him, giving him a big squeeze.

  “You smell a lot better! Who gave you a bath?” Clay asked as he looked the dog over.

  “That’d be me. Can’t have the guard dogs smelling like ass while they protect us now can we?” Dub said, as he took a seat next to Hank.

  “Well thanks for the help. I planned on doing it after we were done working today.”

  “Not a problem. I love these two meatheads. Now where we at with the buildings?” Dub asked.

  “We’ve hauled eleven back so far and plan to do twice that tomorrow with a full day.” Dub finished the last of his coffee and turned the cup upside down on the table before getting to his feet. He leaned over and gave the dogs a quick scratch and said.

  “Sounds good. I’m going to see how the setup is going. We need to have this done tomorrow so you two can head out on a scavenging run. We’re good on food for now, but that is going to change pretty fast. Those bastards damn near ate up all of our freezer stock. There is only a handful of steaks and some ground beef left in there.” Dub groused as he continued to pet the dogs.

  “We’ll get it done. Don’t you worry about that.”

  “That’s what I like to hear. You fellers get some rest. You got a long day ahead of you tomorrow.” Dub replied as he turned to leave. They watched as he fell in line behind everyone else that was leaving. The tent was emptying out quick as they sat there finishing their coffee. Once everyone was gone, the women that manned the kitchen started wiping down tables and scooting in chairs.

  “You about ready to get out of here?” Hank asked before gulping down the last of his coffee.

  “Yeah I suppose so. I’m sure Karen is ready for a break from the kids.” Clay replied. They both stood up and pushed in their chairs before walking toward the exit. The woman wiping down tables started to say something, but then a rough cough overtook her.

  “Ma’am are you ok?” Hank asked as the woman headed for her own cup on a table across the room.

  “Yeah I’m alright. It’s just a cold.” she said, as she raised her cup to her lips and took two large gulps, draining it.

  “
Head over to the bunker when you leave here. Bailey is a nurse and can get you something for that cough. I’ll tell her you’re coming.” Hank said. The woman thanked him and went back to cleaning the tables as Clay and Hank left the tent.

  The next morning Clay woke to hot breath hitting him in the face. He opened his eyes to see Sarge almost nose to nose with him, his tongue hanging out of the side of his mouth as he panted lightly.

  “Geez your breath is rank!” Clay said as he pushed the dog away. Sarge chuffed and walked around to Emma and started licking her face. She woke up giggling and wrapped her arms around the big dog giving him a hug.

  “Good morning sweet pea.” Clay said, leaning over to kiss her on the forehead. He stood up and gave Sarge a quick scratching before scooping up his daughter and heading to the pavilion style tent out back. Emma laughed and kicked her feet as Clay carried her. Sarge ran around them in circles barking and jumping at them as they walked across the grass. Inside they found Hank and Karen sitting with Dub, Jeff and Randy.

  “Morning y’all.” Clay said as he sat down next to Dub.

  “Morning.” They all replied as they drank their coffee, or ate their food. A loud scream sounded from the front of the cafeteria. Miss Foster had passed out while serving people food and was currently laying on the dirt floor.

  “Someone go get Bailey! She’s probably down in the bunker with Bear!” Clay shouted at the surrounding people. Hank darted out of the tent and came back a few minutes later with Bailey by his side.

  “What's wrong with her?” Bailey asked as she dropped down next to her and started to pull out various medical instruments from her little black bag.

  “We’re not sure. She had a pretty bad cough last night though.” Clay said.

  “Help me get her to the bunker. I can't do much for her from here.” Bailey replied as she checked for the woman's heartbeat. A couple of guys picked Miss Foster up and followed Bailey out of the cafeteria. After ten minutes or so, everyone was back in their seats finishing breakfast and talking about what could be wrong with her.

  After breakfast, Clay and Hank got straight to work bringing in more of the sheds. They made it back to Wilson’s without any problems and started hooking up a shed to the flatbed’s winch. Sarge hopped down out of the flatbed and started running around marking his territory. Clay watched him for a second and then turned to Hank.

  “What do you think is wrong with Miss Foster?” he asked. Hank shrugged, as he moved around the bed of the truck.

  “I don't know man, a hundred people packed into a tent in the middle of flu season, without proper nutrition or hygiene. Could be any number of things. Whatever it is, it's going to hit us hard." Hank replied as he hit the button that would pull the shed onto the flatbed. They strapped down the shed and climbed back into the truck.

  “Sarge, come!” Clay bellowed out of the open door. Seconds later the large black dog came barreling around the corner of the main building straight toward them. When he got close to the truck, Clay got out and let him jump in. He stood there for a few seconds, staring up at the clear blue sky. He was just now noticing that he hadn’t seen or heard an airplane in quite some time. The president's plan to shut down the country so that the people would have to beg him for assistance seemed to be working, for now at least. He would not let this continue. Sharp had murdered his wife and sent people after him and his brother. He had completely screwed everyone in the country with his plan, and now he had to pay for that. No, Clay would not allow President Sharp to get away with everything he had done over the past year. He was going to pay for it all.

  “Clay!” Hank shouted for the third time, effectively breaking Clay’s trance.

  “Crap, my bad. Sorry.” Clay said as he climbed into the truck.

  “What’s on your mind, bro?” Hank asked, not expecting much of an explanation but then Clay turned his head and said.

  “We need to hunt that bastard Sharp down before he finds out we’re back here. Once we get done hauling these sheds back, I am going to have a sit down with Dub and see what all he’s found out from the soldiers we took prisoner.” Clay said. Hank nodded his head in agreement.

  “I’ve been waiting for you to say that. I just didn’t want to push it on you while you were dealing with everything else.” Hank replied.

  “Well, thanks for looking out for me. I appreciate that, but it’s time we got back to work taking out the trash.” Clay replied with a slight grin.

  Clay pulled the truck through the open gates and stopped next to the group of sheds they had already brought in. He let Sarge out first and then climbed out behind him. The farm had a grim feeling to it and Clay immediately pulled out his gun. He looked over at Hank who was doing the same thing and turned back to the gate guard.

  “What’s going on? Where’s everyone at?” Clay asked. The guard cleared his throat.

  “Most of the folks are inside and down in the bunker. They all got sick this morning after breakfast.” The young man explained. Clay and Hank look at one another with panic on their faces.

  “What is Bailey doing to help?” Hank asked.

  “Sir, she said people were coming down with the flu and for us guards to stay away from the bunker and house until it was taken care of. She had a handful of flu shots but not enough for everyone, so she just gave them to the kids.” The guard said as he pulled a pack of painters’ masks from his backpack and handed one to Clay and Hank.

  “Wear these if you go inside and make sure you use hand sanitizer when you leave. Don’t need that stuff spreading.” The soldier said. Clay and Hank thanked the guy and then headed for the house with their masks on. When they walked in they each stopped in their tracks as shock overtook them. People sat all around the house holding bags under their mouths as they puked.

  “We need more flu meds and masks or it’s just going to get worse and worse.” Karen said from behind them. She stood there with both kids, who were also wearing masks. Clay took Emma and followed Hank and Karen back outside.

  “Miss Foster died.” Karen said.

  “Are you serious? What kind of flu can spread that quick?” Clay asked. Karen didn’t answer the question.

  “You guys need to go find medicine to keep it from spreading.”

  “How do we know what to get if we actually find a drug store that hasn’t already been raided?” Hank asked. Karen handed him a sheet of paper that had a long list of everything that Bailey could think of.

  “Alright babe, I love you. We’ll try to get back as soon as possible.” Hank said squeezing her hand gently. Clay hugged Emma tight and set her back down.

  “I’ll be back soon sweetie. Stay here with Aunt Karen and do what she says. I love you.” Clay said as he took a step back.

  “I love you too Daddy.” Emma replied. Clay and Hank grabbed their gear out of the flatbed and headed for the group of cars that still ran. They climbed into and old square body Chevy and it fired up on the first try. Clay put the truck into gear and let out a loud whistle. Sarge darted off the front porch and jumped into the back of the truck, seconds later they were speeding down the road praying they would find the meds they needed to help everyone.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  President Sharp sat on a white sofa in the center of the large room, his shiny leather oxfords propped up on a small wooden coffee table. He took a sip of whiskey from a crystal glass and leaned back into the cushion, closing his eyes.

  A knock at the door broke the silence in the room. Sharp's eyes snapped open as he sat upright.

  "Come in!" he shouted, straightening his tie and ensuring that his signature black suit was in perfect order. The door swung open and a man rushed in.

  "Good afternoon sir." he said.

  "What is it, Diaz?" Sharp asked, waving off the pleasantries.

  "Sir, we have information on the location of the two escaped prisoners." Diaz said with a grin.

  Sharp stood up, fully alert now. "Well, don't just stand there, let’s hear it." He demand
ed, placing his cup on the coffee table.

  "A U.N soldier just arrived from Fort Alvis. Says he was stationed in Tennessee when their base was infiltrated and then attacked by men fitting the description of our prisoners." Diaz explained

  "Of course, they went right back to Tennessee. Where is this man? Bring him in." Sharp ordered.

  "Right away, sir." Diaz said, turning and walking toward the door he had entered a few moments ago. He opened the door and held it as an older bearded man in a blue helmet entered the room, escorted by two American soldiers. The man was tall, middle aged and sporting a brown beard with streaks of grey. He stared in silence at the president. President Sharp sighed, turned away from him, picked up his cup and finished its contents before placing the cup back on the table.

  "Excuse my manners, would you like a drink?" Sharp offered, turning to look at the man.

  The man shook his head. "No thank you." He declined in a thick German accent.

  "Suit yourself." Sharp said, picking up the cup from the table and walking over toward a small table on the other side of the room. "Tell me what happened." He added, removing the cap from the crystal decanter and pouring himself another drink. He sipped his drink and listened to the man as he cleared his throat and began to speak.

  “We did as we were instructed after you left with the prisoners. We waited for that group to get back to the farm and then we took it. We put up the fence around the place and had those people working the farm. These two men walked up to the gate, begging us to let them in.” Sharp held a hand up to stop the man.

  “Let me guess, you just brought them in without contacting me and it turned out to be the two we’re looking for? How in the hell did you not see that it was these two men?” Sharp shouted as he slammed a picture of Clay and Hank down on the table in front of the soldier.

  “They had help. Someone on the outside helped them. They attacked us from outside and from the inside. They slaughtered my men. I barely escaped with my life.”