Dead State Box Set [0-5]

by Shupert, Derek

The same look of shock floods his weathered face. His eyes loom at me from under his furrowed brow. His black handlebar mustache engulfs most of his mouth and chin. The dingy, dark gray beanie on top of his head is stretched. He doesn’t appear happy to see me. He exhales deeply through his enlarged nostrils as his face becomes a deep shade of red.

  Cassie rushes up to the intimidating brute as he keeps his eyes fixed on me. “Mack, before you say anything, just let me explain.”

  He holds up his baseball glove sized hand to silence her. “Who is this?” His voice is deep, like thunder exploding in the sky.

  It catches Duke’s attention. He starts to bark, and run around the boxes toward him.

  I scramble to snag his collar. My fingers slip under the tattered leather and take hold. I pull back, and keep him from moving forward. He raises up on his hind legs and continues his barking.

  The agitated man removes a revolver from the front part of his pants. He pulls the hammer back, and takes aim at Duke. “Cassie, you’ve got five seconds to explain what this kid and his mangy dog are doing in here?”

  Duke displays his fangs. He growls and barks at the man. I hold him close, and speak to Duke in a calming tone to try and stay his nerves.

  Cassie gently touches the man’s forearm. “Lower Betsy, and I’ll explain.”

  His eyes cut away from us and down to her.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Although defused, the man still looks pissed. He leans against the wall as Cassie speaks to him. He has put away the revolver, for the time being. His thick arms are crossed in front of his chest, and his eyes occasionally sneak over in our direction.

  Duke has finally settled down as well. I keep him close to me. The last thing I want is to have him irritated any more than he already is. He growls and moans. His body is taut and ready to attack if provoked enough.

  I have to make sure that doesn’t happen.

  Cassie glances back over her shoulder and points to us. By the bored expression on the man’s face, it seems he couldn’t care less. With the man’s arrival, I want to leave even faster.

  They continue their heated discussion for another five minutes or so. I’m not sure why Cassie is arguing with him so intently. If he wants us gone, that isn’t going to be an issue.

  “Um, excuse me.” I raise my hand slowly in the air. The man’s hand instinctively goes for his revolver. Cassie presses her palms to his forearm, wraps her fingers around, and holds firm.

  This guy is super pissed, and I’m not sure why he is so defensive. I don’t think Duke and I have come across as threatening. Still, I need to ease his mind. Duke isn’t the only animal in the loft.

  “Sir, I can tell us being here is not exactly what you want. We will be leaving shortly. I’ll grab our things, and we’ll be on our way.”

  His demeanor remains the same. It’s as if my words have fallen on deaf ears. Finally, he speaks. “You should’ve never gotten in here in the first place,” he thunders. His gaze fixes back to Cassie, who has finally released his arm. “Why did you let them in here? They could be infected with the virus.”

  I interject once more. “Sir, I can-”

  His head snaps back to me. His eyes enlarge, and brim with a fiery anger. “I would advise you to shut up right now, boy.”

  Like a dog being scolded, my body deflates. My weakness is apparent from my slouched posture. Not that I wanted to man up to the beastly man anyways. I just want to plead our case.

  Cassie slaps his chest. It does little to divert his intense gaze.

  “Mack, will you stop this?” she says. “They are not infected.”

  “How do you know they aren’t infected? Did you check them from head to toe?” He throws his hands in the air in dismay, then points his finger at her. “That answer better be ‘no’ by the way.”

  She diverts her gaze toward the ground, like a kid who has been caught lying. She refrains from answering, but only for a few seconds “No. I haven’t checked them.”

  “Then why are they in here?” He points to us and leans toward her. Duke’s growling increases.

  Cassie holds her ground. She isn’t afraid of the man that is easily twice her size. I am once again impressed with her resolve, or stupidity.

  “They were being chased by the infected down the alleyway. They were with another man when they got attacked by a pack on the street in front of the building. If I didn’t let them in, they would have been killed.” She calmly, but firmly, places her hand to the right side of his stubbled face. “It’s ok, Mack. Everything is fine.”

  “If you say so,” he croaks. Then adds, “I want them gone, now.” He presents one last displeased glance at us.

  Cassie holds up her hands. “Ok. Just please calm down.”

  He huffs and walks past her.

  I stay planted in my spot for a moment to allow things to settle down.

  Cassie turns, and walks back over to us. Duke lowers his ears. He begins to wag his tail. I feel as though I need to apologize. For what, I do not know.

  She glances to her left, and shakes her head as Mack fumbles with some boxes in the corner of the space. “I am sorry about that, James. Mack can be overly protective.”

  I agree. “I hope he knows we are no threat. We are grateful for you saving our hides and allowing us to hide out while the chasers went elsewhere.”

  “He knows. We just had an incident when all this first went down. We let some people in that were infected. At the time, we didn’t know they were.” Her gaze stays fixed on him. “They turned and nearly killed me. He saved my life. Since that day, he hasn’t been the same.”

  I can understand his reluctance now. Dad probably would’ve been much the same way if it had happened to us.

  “Sounds like your dad just wants to keep you safe and protected.”

  Cassie shakes her head. “He isn’t my father.”

  “Oh?”

  Her eyes move down to Duke, who is licking the tips of her fingers. “He’s a family friend. My parents got infected and attacked me in our home. I was stuck in my closet, trapped with them trying to break through the door to get me. I called Mack, and he rushed over.”

  “What happened?” I probe further for some reason. Perhaps it’s because I feel her pain. I know what she has been through.

  “He did what he had to do.” Her answer is direct, and without emotion.

  Although vague, and without the gory details that I imagine imprinted on her heavily, I know how the story ends. So, I leave well enough alone. Having someone, especially a stranger, pry into such a personal and heart-breaking moment is the last thing anyone wants to have happen.

  I simply offer an understanding nod.

  Cassie brushes her free hand across her eyes as if to wipe away any evidence of that gut-wrenching event. Still, she remains in complete control.

  “I guess Duke and I are going to get out of your hair now.” I rub his head as he glances up at me. “I do greatly appreciate your kindness and all. Come on, boy.”

  I walk past Cassie and head straight for my bag. I briefly glance over at Mack, who discreetly cocks his head to the side and watches my every move.

  Cassie comes over with Duke by her side, and says, “Are you still planning on going to the auto parts store?”

  “Yes. That is where my friend told me to meet him. It’s imperative that I get there.” I grab the straps to my pack, and toss them over my shoulder. I retrieve the rifle that is leaning against the railing of the staircase.

  Cassie glances at me, then over to Mack, who has his full attention directed at us. He still looks pissed.

  “I’m sorry, sir, for the intrusion.” I offer him a grateful nod, and pat my leg. Duke moves to my side obediently as we make for the landing.

  Cassie reaches out and grabs my arm, stopping me. “Wait.”

  “Cassie, what are you doing?” Mack speaks up in his intimidating tone.

  She glances to him, then back to me. Indecision plagues her eyes. She wrestles with a dile
mma that I’m completely unaware of. “We can’t let them go out there alone. The town is crawling with those things.”

  “You heard the boy. He is going to the auto parts store to meet up with his friend. He’ll be fine.” Mack’s stance on the matter is pretty cemented. He wants us gone, and I don’t want to be here any longer.

  Cassie rolls her eyes. She sighs and mutters something low under her breath.

  Mack takes a step toward us. He tilts his head to the left slightly and asks, “What was that?”

  She rolls her eyes and diverts her gaze briefly to hide the rebellious gesture. Her arms fold across her chest. “I can’t believe you. You’d be just fine letting him and Duke stroll down Death Valley without a single care in the world. I can’t believe you at times.”

  He points at us sternly. “They are not my problem. You are. I imagine they have been through worse. After all, they made it here from wherever it is they came from.”

  Cassie shakes her head in disbelief. She releases my arm and looks directly at me. “I’ll take you to the auto parts store. I know the town and where the infected generally roam.”

  “The hell you are. Your parents would’ve wanted me to keep you safe, and that is exactly what I am doing.” Mack erupts in a volcanic meltdown that makes me cringe.

  Cassie spins on her heels and faces the mad titan. “I am going. With or without you. I’m not going to just watch them leave. If we become like this, then we’re no better than those things that are killing off everyone we knew and loved.” She is hardheaded, and doesn’t back down even when the odds seem to be stacked heavily against her.

  Mack’s lips are pursed together. A single vein that runs across his wrinkled brow protrudes to the point that I think it’s going to burst. His mouth wants to move, but he holds his words.

  Tension swirls in the loft, making me feel uncomfortable in my own skin. We’re at the point of fighting for our lives, and people are at each other’s throats. As much as I appreciate Cassie’s willingness to go to bat for us, I don’t want to cause any undo trouble.

  “Cassie, it’s really-”

  “Shut up, James,” she snaps back.

  I remain silent.

  Mack finally lowers his arm and expels a deep sigh of frustration. “Why won’t you just let me protect you?”

  Cassie lessens her guard as well. The built-up tension slowly subsides. My eyes cut from Cassie to Mack. I’m not sure if I should move or not.

  “You have. You have done so much for me that I can never repay you. Without you, I fear that I would have died in that closet. All alone, and at the mercy of my mom and dad.” She shifts her gaze back to us. “But they need our help, like you helped me.”

  Mack’s rigid posture eases. His tightened muscles relax. It’s strange to see such an intimidating person let his guard down.

  He places his hands on the sides of his hips. His gaze focuses on me, then back to Cassie. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

  “Not a chance.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Mack points at Cassie. A smile struggles to break across his stern face. “You’re going to be the death of me, you know that?”

  Cassie smirks, which I am pleased to see. “You know you love me, you big softy.”

  Mack walks over to us. He embraces Cassie, kisses the side of her head, and glances over to me. He extends his hand toward me. An olive branch that I wasn’t expecting. “You’re lucky she’s as hardheaded as I am.”

  “I do appreciate any help you can give us.” I reciprocate the gesture, although hesitation nearly gets the best of me as I grasp his palm.

  Mack nods. He peers down at Duke, who isn’t as forgiving as I am. He growls under his breath. I can feel the tremors from his body on my leg.

  Mack doesn’t venture his hand down toward him. Probably a good move.

  He shrugs. “Most animals don’t care for me anyway.”

  Cassie grabs Duke’s face and rubs his snout. Duke instantly relaxes and starts to pant. “Perhaps it’s because you come across so aggressive all the time. If you’d take a chill out once in a while, maybe they wouldn’t be like that,” Cassie advises. “You do realize dogs are extremely perceptive, right? They can pick up on moods just as easily as people can.”

  Mack dismisses the notion with a wave of his hand.

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’m a grumpy old bastard. I don’t see that ever changing.”

  Cassie agrees. Then adds, “Well, we’re going to work on removing that stick that is wedged up your butt. I think it’s time it comes out.” She tilts her head up and winks at Mack.

  He directs his attention at me. I’m still intimidated by him, but now feel like he doesn’t want to snap me in half. “So, tell me, James, is it?”

  I confirm.

  “What is so important about the auto parts store? That place has been completely run through. Not sure there is much left of any use.”

  “They’re after a battery charger for a car they found,” Cassie says.

  Mack strokes the thick strands of hair that dangle from each side of his mouth.

  “We figured it would be easier, and safer, for us to use that instead of trying to push a car over, and get it started that way. Just trying to minimize any noise that will attract the chasers.”

  “It will be risky regardless. It may not look like it, but they’re everywhere.” He pauses briefly and paces about before he continues on. “Where you heading after that?”

  My head turns toward the highway. “We’re heading to Portland to find my mom and sister. They were taken there by some family friends when all this started to go down.”

  Mack’s nose crinkles as if he caught wind of a bad smell.

  Cassie chimes in. “Yeah. I already told him it wasn’t a good idea.”

  I understand their concern. Much like Lucas, I’m not oblivious to the dangers that lurk within the metropolitan city. But family is family, and besides Duke, they’re all I have left in this world.

  “Not to sound like a prick, but have you considered the possibility that they may be dead? Or worse yet, one of those chaser things?” Mack points out the obvious, but does it in the most tactful way I think he can manage.

  “I have. Either way, I need to find out.”

  Mack takes a moment with his response, but eventually he acquiesces. “I got you. It’s a fool-hearted plan that will more than likely get you and anyone else with you killed, but I see why you’re doing it. Family is family.” Mack shoots Cassie a glance, and winks.

  “All right, then.” Cassie sprints over to the window. She points to the west and looks back toward us. “I think as long as we move fast, and keep our eyes open for any chasers, then we’ll be fine.”

  Mack agrees with a simple nod. “If we stay quiet, stick together, and not do anything stupid, this may work.”

  A part of me feels bad for both Cassie and Mack risking their lives for someone they do not know. Having someone put their life on the line for you, and they end up dying in the end is a heavy burden to carry. I’m not expecting that to happen here, but it is now a reality that has to be addressed and considered. I’m not sure I could do that again to someone else.

  “Listen, I know we’ve already had this discussion in some form, but Duke and I can head over to the auto parts store on our own. I can’t, in good conscience, ask you two to come with us. The risk is too great.”

  Cassie becomes flushed with agitation. She goes to speak, but Mack raises his hand and cuts her off.

  “James, to be honest, I don’t want us to. I think it’s a massive risk, but I get it. Cassie was right. If we stop helping out one another, then what chance do we have in this world? Our backs are already pressed to the wall as it is with those things outside. If we don’t band together and start looking out for each other, then what is the point of living?”

  Cassie half-smiles at Mack’s heartfelt speech. To be honest, I am taken back by it as well. It doesn’t seem like he could possibly speak such
deep and thoughtful words. He comes across so brash and unfeeling. It feels as though he could squeeze the life from me with his bare hands, and not shed a single tear for doing so.

  It’s an emotional detachment. A feeling that I have dabbled with as well. You slip into a certain mindset that keeps you focused on the things that matter in your life, and scrub the rest as unimportant.

  For Mack, it’s Cassie. She is his anchor, and he is hers. When the world is burning down around you, you cling to the people that make life worth living. Protect them at all costs, regardless of the price you pay in doing so.

  I offer a nod of gratitude. It means more than I think I can ever say.

  Mack returns the gesture. He shifts his gaze over to Cassie. “Are our packs ready to go?”

  She turns sharply around, and cranes her neck as she shifts her weight to the right some. “Yeah. Do we really need to take our bug out packs for this?”

  “I think we should. If anything goes wrong, and we can’t make it back here, I’d rather have them with us. Better to be safe than sorry. We haven’t ventured this far away from the building for a while. If you remember, the last time I did, I had my pack with me.”

  “Do we need to bring any firearms, or just use the machetes we have?” Cassie asks.

  “I think we’ll go ahead and bring the Beretta’s. Make sure my Molle tactical vest is filled with additional magazines.”

  Cassie springs into action and gets to work on gathering their gear per Mack’s direction.

  “Go ahead and grab some of the frag grenades as well.”

  She offers a thumbs up as she disappears from sight.

  I glance over to Mack.

  “Frag grenades?”

  “Yeah. Never know what we might need. They don’t weigh much, but pack a hell of a punch. We get into a bind, they’ll come in handy.” He glances at my rifle, then back up to me. He holds out his hand. “May I?”

  “Sure.” I hand the rifle to Mack.

  He skims over the weapon. He brings it up and presses the butt end of the stock to his thick shoulder. “Nice rifle.”

  “Thanks. It was one of many that my dad used when we would go hunting together. I couldn’t shoot for crap, but I’ve gotten better over the years,” I respond. “Amazing how much better your aim gets when your life depends on you being accurate.”