by Bonds, Javan
He pulled his arm inward, slamming the heavy steel pipe into the investigator’s knee. This blow was completely unnecessary, but it brought Mike immeasurable pleasure to inflict pain.
Sako’s kneecap exploded as nerves and bones were crushed. Crimson gushed from the gaping wound, leaving the lower leg connected to the rest of the body only by a few strands of tendons and wet meat.
As the detective toppled to the side, he was able to force out one last burst of energy. Slashing upward with his blade he managed to cut cleanly through the joint of the deceiver’s elbow. In his last conscious movement, The Sacrifice severed The Wolf’s left forearm from his body.
“Motherfucker!” Brother Brown cried out in pain. He quickly pulled his belt off and cinched it around his bicep, unrolling his flannel shirt to use as a tourniquet.
There! It won’t be a permanent fix, but at least I won’t goddamn bleed out in the next few minutes. Now, this sumbitch needs to find out what he gets for fucking with me!
“What was the point in that? Aren’t you supposed to turn the other cheek or some shit?” The reverend chuckled. “Oh wait, that’s me! Too goddamn bad for you I don’t practice what I preach!”
Brother Brown lifted the stump of his left arm, pointing the bleeding appendage nearly straight up. Being above the heart might at least slow the flow of blood. Maliciously, he looked over to the wood chipper.
“We’re about to have some fun detective! I won’t be disappointed this time.” Insanely laughing, he grabbed Sako by his uninjured leg, heaving the dead weight with his remaining arm, in the direction of the running machine.
Straining to lift the detective on the table at the mouth of the waiting wood chipper, he paused to catch his breath and build his anticipation “Don’t go anywhere, I’ll be right back.” The preacher snickered, walking over to an empty wheelbarrow, working it in front of the chute to catch anything expelled.
Though fully aware, the Staff Sergeant was just now able to open his eyes and move his mouth around. His body was becoming acclimated to the injected toxin. The whirring motor was somewhere below his feet. Oh my God! Really? Feet first?
As The Wolf purposely stepped into his field of vision, Hirotaro Sako spoke with all the defiance and conviction he could muster. “What are you waiting for?”
Momentarily silent, the preacher walked to the end of the table and began moving the detective’s legs into position. “Do it!” Sako screamed through his impotence.
No matter how hard he tried, he was unable to move a muscle. “Do it!” Sako’s eyes were growing wet.
The last intelligible words of The Sacrifice came out in a roar. “DO IT!”
His feet dropped into the wood chipper.
Certainly, Hirotaro wanted to scream incomprehensibly, but he forced himself to make absolutely no sound. Just like his ancestors in ceremonial seppuku, he remained utterly silent, as not to dishonor his family. The Wolf was infuriated not being able to enjoy his final screams, attempting to take pleasure in imagining the uncontrollable wailing of the sacrifice.
The whirring of the wood chipper slowed when reaching the abdomen. The meatiness of organs, excess amount of blood and bone, thickness of muscle, and overall mass caused the motor to bog down nearly. It was almost to the point of grinding his cardiac muscle into a sloppy mush, ending his torment. Only a few more eternal seconds of unimaginable torture and everything will stop. After this, I will gain my place among my ancestors.
With only a quarter of the body remaining intact, it squished slowly into the machine. When Sako’s clenched jaw and set eyes went slack and lifeless, Mike understood; The Sacrifice was finished. Continually ripping and grinding flesh, the chipper completed the task. There was no excitement, no exhilaration, and no pleasure to be taken from a heinous act that should have been unbelievably satisfying to The Wolf. Sako steadfastly refused to give in to him or the pain. A hero to the end.
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Brother Brown leaned against a table, thoroughly disappointed. Walking to kill the motor of the now empty wood chipper, he slowly blinked, taking in the scene. Blood dripped from the wheelbarrow now full of ground up meat. He stepped back trying to take in and fully understand everything that just happened. That kid, Hunter. Goddammit, it’s gone! Well, I’m going to have to do some smooth talking to get out of this shit.
The realization that he lost his arm in the fight was just coming to him. Turning he bent over to pick up the severed arm. Tossing the cooled appendage into the chipper, he waited for it to finish grinding before finally turning it off. He shrugged mumbling to himself. “Ah well, all those stupid sheep think I‘m fucking magic anyway. Christ knows what they’d do if I told them they were eating me!”
Swimmy headed, he glanced up at the door to the house and urgently yelled for The Alpha. “Hey, Lauren? I’m hurt! And I’m going to need some help! Quick!” Maybe it was the blood loss making him goofy, but he giggled and added. “Oh, and do you think my faithful followers would like some Asian food?”
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Postlude
We sat around the table, waiting for my father to buzz the radio. I was uncharacteristically excited to give him news of what had been going on. All the shit with Festus would need to be discussed, the pirates and how we dealt with them, and of course, I would have to inform him I’m now a badass that shot a fucking cannon. I was itching to tell everyone that would listen about my new mad skills.
I guesstimated it was at least a minute past the scheduled time. Hesitating, I decided to speak into the radio. “Daddy?” There was no way in hell I would use his call sign if that’s what he was waiting for.
“Elmo?” a teary female voice came from the other end.
I was confused. “Mama? Where’s Daddy?” I didn’t want to seem like an asshole and quickly made an addition. “And what’s wrong?”
I was beyond surprised my mom was even able to use the radio. She cannot use any kind of technology even though she claims to be a computer whiz at least when she is not around me. She turns into a blind and illiterate old lady when she gets on the computer in front of me. It’s immeasurably painful to watch her try and load up a Word document or, God forbid, pay a fucking bill online. I would rather kill myself than try to convince my mother that there is a big, flashing button in the middle of the screen. Even though it was there when I looked at the computer five seconds ago, she will swear that “it’s not there now.”
She sniffled. “He’s down at the police station being questioned.”
I waited for more of an explanation and received nothing. “Questioned for?”
It must have been the emotions breaking her train of thought. “He’s a suspect.”
I was shocked. “Suspect of what?”
She seemed disjointed as if she wasn’t thinking clearly. “Where is Eugene?”
I broke away from the radio and spoke to the crew. “Somebody go get Gene! He’s probably downstairs watching Charmed again.”
I turned back to the HAM. “He’s coming. What’s up?”
“He’s got to know.”
I nearly tapped my foot. “Know what?” If they discovered Ark of the Covenant, I was going to be pissed if Gene gets to know before me.
She frantically wailed.
“HUNTER’S MISSING!”
To Be Continued….
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Cast of Characters
(Alphabetic)
Mike Brown: supposed temporary replacement for The Man of God; The Wolf. Formerly in a federal penitentiary, claims to have been a member of The Mexican Mafia. Reformed criminal, now ordained minister. Not trusted by main protagonists remaining in Guntersville.
Akambiya “Aka” Ngona Collins: Easy’s wife. Native of Zambia. Dam technician and Nursing degree (pending). Wears X-Men Storm outfit, carries demonic halberd.
Benjamin “Benji” Collins: second cousin to Mo. Naval Flight Officer in command of Azrael 2, last known functioning AC-130 gunship. Arrived in Guntersville over a month af
ter May Day to discover safety and close family. Wears Indiana Jones outfit, carries accompanying bull whip.
Debbie (Mrs.) Collins: The Hero’s Mother. Conservative Matriarch. Never uses nicknames.
Elmo “Mo” Collins: The Hero and Chronicler. Acting Captain of the Viva Ancora; Jack of No Trades. Wears Battlestar Galactica Cylon armor, carries Star Trek Klingon bat’leth.
Ezekiel “Easy” Collins: Mo’s brother, The Protector. Bodybuilder and extreme health enthusiast. Trainer, nursing degree (pending). Wears Marvel Iron Man armor, carries Warhammer 40,000 Hammer.
Randy Collins: Leader of The Similar (Former). Mo’s Father, Interim Mayor of the Island of Guntersville; Survivalist. Wears Warmachine Storm Knight Armor, carries accompanying Storm Glaive.
Crow: Cook and Crewmate on the Viva Ancora. Permanent Resident Fisherwoman. Given name later discovered to be Rose.
Mahatma Doshi: Phantom HIT. Subordinate to Dr. George. Wears Star Wars Clone Trooper armor accented with black, carries traditional Indian axe knife, bhuj.
Bradley Gage: The Old Friend. National Champion Sharpshooter, Paraplegic Trainer and Bodybuilder. Wears Marvel Daredevil outfit, carries The Walking Dead Lucille, Negan’s Louisville Slugger wrapped in barbed wire.
Dr. Philip George: The Medicine Man, cardiologist. Commander, squad of Indian NSG Phantom HITs. Sniper. Wears Star Wars Darth Vader armor complete with voice changer, carries medieval style, double-headed mace.
Kumar Jindal: Phantom HIT. Subordinate to Dr. George. Wears Star Wars Clone Trooper armor accented with blue, carries traditional Indian curved sword, talwaar.
Devin Landers: Naval Flight Officer, copilot of Azrael 2, last known functioning AC-130 gunship. Arrived in Guntersville over a month after May Day to discover safety. Wears Marvel ghost Rider outfit, carries accompanying logging chain.
Roberto “Bob” Martinez: Temporary replacement for The Tech. Small Engine Mechanic, General Handyman. Mexican. Member of The Similar (former). Spontaneously appeared in Guntersville after presumed dead.
Rajesh Mattu: Phantom HIT. Subordinate to Dr. George. Wears Star Wars Clone Trooper armor accented with green, carries a traditional Indian bladed trident, trishula.
Mary: The Innocent. Capuchin Monkey, Service Animal (partnered with Bradley.) Clearly wise compared to most of the other characters. Carries Star Trek Romulan throwing dagger.
Sarah Ogle: The Love Interest. Longtime Friend and Love-of-His-Life to Mo. Finally in a romantic relationship with The Hero.
Sanjay Patel: Phantom HIT. Subordinate to Dr. George. Wears Star Wars Clone Trooper armor accented with red, carries traditional Indian push daggers, katar.
Hirotoro Sako: temporary replacement for The Expert. Staff Sergeant, USMC (ret.) Amateur Survivalist, degree in Criminal Justice. Body Amplification Enthusiast. Wears Watchmen Rorschach outfit, carries traditional Japanese katana, Ivory, along with the accompanying tanto, Ebony.
Petunia “Hammer” Sledge: The Expert. Captain, U.S. Marine Corp, Special Ops (Ret). Owner Bottom Dollar Pawn; Extreme Survivalist. Wears Metroid Prime Samus armor, carries Lord of the Rings broadsword Andúril, The Flame of the West.
Cheryl Slice: The Dictator. Warden of the Joseph A. Davidson State Correctional Facility (Former.) Now infected peevie female with one goal in new life: devouring Ezekiel Collins.
Gene Stanley: The Tech. PhD Mechanical Engineering (pending); Owner, Excelsior Comics and Collectables; Collector of Fantasy/Science Fiction Memorabilia. Wears Fallout Brotherhood of Steel armor, carries X-Men Wolverine wrist blades.
Marlon “Smokes” Williamson: The Oracle. Gangbanger, Dope Dealer (Ret.); Interpreter and Channeler of The Screenwriter.
Sojourner “Soje” Williamson: The Man of God. Farmer, Preacher. Patriarch of the Williamson Clan.
STILL ALIVE
BOX SET
BOOKS 5&6
1st Edition
Copyright © 2018, 2019 Javan Bonds
& If I Only Had A Monkey Publishing
Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to real persons, events, or places are purely coincidental; any references to actual places, people, or brands are fictitious. When actual names of people are used it is only by the request of that person. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
For permissions contact:
[email protected]
With Editing by Neal Paradis & J. R. Bonds
Cover by Covers by Christian
http://coversbychristian.com
Follow Mo and His Fellow Survivors in the
STILL ALIVE SERIES
BOOK ONE: ZOMBIE LAKE
BOOK TWO: ZOMBIE ISLAND
BOOK THREE: ZOMBIES ON A PLANE
BOOK FOUR: ZOMBIE OASIS
BOOK FIVE: ZOMBIE RIVER RUN
BOOK SIX: ZOMBIE PARADISE LOST
BOOK SEVEN: ZOMBIE PERDITION
CATCH THE
STILL ALIVE SERIES ON AUDIBLE
All Available on Amazon
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ALSO CHECK OUT
JAVAN BONDS
OTHER WORKS
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Undead Worlds 2: A Post-Apocalyptic Zombie Anthology
Zombie Beginnings: The Oracle
Smokes is The Oracle, Ponderous, Prophetic, and Profane
☠☠☠
Mad Like Me
Tales From Tormented Minds
Prantagonism
☠☠☠
☠☠☠
Follow
Javan Bonds
Keep Up To Date
On Upcoming Books & Events:
www.javanbonds.com
☠☠☠
About The Author
Javan Bonds is the author of the apocalyptic zombie series STILL ALIVE, and the upcoming Free State of Dodge Saga. Bonds has had to overcome numerous obstacles in writing as well as just living his daily life. Diagnosed at the age of 11 with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), (a progressively degenerative neuromuscular disease under the umbrella of the Muscular Dystrophy Association), he has slowly been robbed of his physical abilities through the years. Bonds became wheelchair bound in 1999, but that was only the beginning of his setbacks. His sight began to diminish in 2010 and he is now legally blind. His hearing began failing to the point he now can’t distinguish individual voices in a noisy room. In spite of all of this, he continues to consume three to five audio books a week as well as work on his future novels.
Bonds never lets his disability rule him; he has lived fully, loved, and laughed often. Reading and writing has long provided Bonds with both pleasure and a creative outlet. He began blogging at a very young age and has published articles and letters for his local newspaper. In 2010, he discovered a passion for writing novels and with help of Nuance’s Dragon Naturally Speaking, he writes every day.
In late 2015, at only 28 years old, Bonds was told he may have only a short time left due to the ravages of FA on his heart. Since learning this, his goal has been to complete a significant, lasting body of written work before his time in this world runs out.
In mid-2016, Bonds published his first full length novel and has not stopped writing and publishing since then.
He is currently working on future books in his zompoc humor series, Still Alive plus other books in multiple genres. Javan and his publishing team hope you enjoy his work and all of the upcoming books in the Still Alive series.
Javan has these words of wisdom to offer others stricken by a life-shortening illness:
”Live your life. Light your candle on both ends and let it burn. It may burn out faster, but your flame will burn brighter than some who live much longer”
Keep an eye on his flame, watch it burn!
Zombie River Run
A Poem by Seanan McGuire
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So every June we go and party at the
lake,
It's an annual tradition, and a big mistake,
'Cause if the giant river leeches don't suck your blood,
Then the demonic poison ivy makes you wish they would,
Between the buzzard-sized mosquitoes and the acid slime,
You're guaranteed to have a real exciting time,
But this year has been the worst of them all,
Because this time was the first time that the zombies came to call.
Now Suzy always says the water's where it's at,
She can strip out of her clothing in a minute flat,
And when she's in her bikini on the river bank,
All the boys are out there looking for a god to thank.
We call her boy 'Big Mike' although he's six foot two,
And he likes to be the boy behind the barbecue.
It's a good time, and a big free-for-all...
Or it was until the moment that the zombies came to call.
So run for the river, run for the trees,
Run faster than the next guy, honey, if you please.
We came out to the lakeside for a holiday,
Now it seems we're in the wrong in 'predator and prey'.
We came out for the fish, we came out for the fun,
But we're captives now in the zombie river run.
Well, Dave was first to see them, took it for a joke;
He was standing by the forest sucking down a Coke.
When they grabbed and started chewing he was real surprised,
And that's about the time we came to realize
That the locals had decided to crash our soiree
Despite their state of fairly well-advanced decay.
