Jeffrey McElyea's Zombie Compilation

by Jeffrey McElyea

  “Not anymore.”

  “There’s a chance he’s still in there somewhere. He’s really smart.”

  “If he’s still there, he’s no longer alive. I’m sorry. Seeking shelter in the hotel is a plausible idea. It’s the logical choice.”

  “Raiders could be holed up in the hotel.”

  “Could be the same with the hospital. Likely less zombies in the hotel.”

  “I’d rather hide in a wrecked vehicle.”

  “That’d leave you exposed. I’m trying the hotel.”

  “I’m searching for my brother.”

  “I don’t have time to urge you to reconsider. You’ll be killed by zombies or psychotic killers if we part ways.”

  “Damn it. Fine.”

  “The truth is hard to accept. The cannibalistic mob ahead is getting closer. We’re goners if those things see us.”

  Wade noticed Jessica’s ability to pass by the undead trapped in vehicles with ease.

  “How do you do that? I’m curious.”

  “How do I do what?”

  “You seem to not care about being surrounded by flesh eating corpses.”

  “Keep your voice down.”

  “How do you manage to keep your cool?”

  “I just do. Being scared makes everything worse. I’ve seen fear get a lot of people killed. Not about to let that happen to me, not if I can help it.”

  “I guess some handle it better than others.”

  “Some can’t handle it at all. You’ll get better if you survive in the middle of this shit for long enough.”

  “Are you alright, Jessica?”

  “Fuck no. That’s a stupid question.”

  “Sorry. What I meant was are you going to be alright?”

  “Also a stupid question. I was raped, you dumbass.”

  “Are you from the area?”

  “Yes.”

  “Where were you when the infection hit hard?”

  “I was at home with my dad. He left to pick up my mom when the news spread. He never came back. My sister came by. She had a bite on her hand. Had to kill her while she was passed out.”

  “Damn.”

  “Shovel to the head. We’re coming up on the parking lot. I don’t have a weapon. I’m depending on you. Shut up and concentrate.”

  Pistol at the ready, Wade led Jessica through the cluttered parking lot. He often looked behind him and at the ground. He feared being grabbed by a zombie pinned beneath one of the scattered wrecks.

  “This place is deserted,” Wade advised as he and Jessica neared the front door. “There’s nobody alive here.”

  “You might be right. Could be a trap. Anything’s possible.”

  “I like the way you think. After the first floor is secured, look around. I’ll hold position right here. Yell if need be.”

  The door wasn’t locked, jammed or barricaded. The first floor was deserted. Searching the plaza was mostly fruitless. However, Jessica did find a box cutter in the front desk’s bottom drawer. The kitchen withheld a bounty of useful items.

  “There’s a lot in the kitchen. Keep watch for a bit longer, soldier guy.”

  “Name’s Wade. Go ahead. Grab a container and fill it with stuff.”

  “Got it.”

  Jessica used a clear head, sweeping through the kitchen while Wade kept watch. Wade stood in the best possible spot. He could see the stairwell, elevator and front door from where he stood.

  “Wish there were three of us,” he thought while staring at the windows. “Hiding right above the cheap ceiling tiles might not be a bad idea if we get overpowered.”

  Jessica found a decent sized luggage case with wheels and crammed it full. Invaluable items were tossed in. No canned goods were ignored. Soups, hearty chilis and vegetables filled the largest compartment. Several bottled waters and teas, cheap wine and dozens of sugar packets filled another section.

  She proudly tossed in five knives. She kept two knives on her person. She kept one in her sweatpants and another tucked behind the back of her shirt. Two can openers, pencils, pens, napkins, soap, coffee grounds, cigarettes, a plastic cup, three candles, two books, a metal lighter and a handful of matchbooks topped the luggage case’s remaining space. Jessica coldly stood before her new ally.

  “Looks heavy.”

  “I’ll manage.”

  “You’re tough, Jessica.”

  “I don’t want or need your pity or encouragement. Help me survive or don’t but don’t give me any bullshit. You got me?”

  “I wasn’t giving you bullshit. I’m a friend.”

  “I don’t have friends.”

  “We’re allies, aren’t we?”

  “As long as you don’t jeopardize my odds.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Then don’t say anything. I’m ready to hit the next floor. The higher we go, the more unreachable we’ll be. Staying on this floor would be suicide.”

  “I’ll lead the way.”

  “That’s the plan.”

  The two walked up the stairs and to the top floor. Jessica tried and failed to open the room on the far right with a shove.

  “Open it, Wade.”

  “Say the magic word, young lady.”

  “I’m in no mood for niceties. Open the damned door.”

  “A little kindness can go a long way.”

  “A little kindness can get you killed, especially now. Remember that. That kindness will get you betrayed or killed if your outlook doesn’t change.”

  “I won’t betray or kill you.”

  “We’ll see.”

  “Morale is important. You’ve been through a lot. It’s likely I won’t ever understand it. All I’m asking for is a chance to prove my trustworthiness. Let me help. Apocalypse or not, I want to protect innocent people.”

  “You’re new to this. You’re like a baby of the apocalypse. Little time to adapt since you somehow managed to walk away from a plane crash. The reality has yet to sink in.”

  “Thanks for the information. It could save my life.”

  “It will if you use your head. Kick the door in.”

  “Coming right up.”

  7

  Jessica relaxed in the bed nearest the window. She angrily watched the soldier pace the floor. Wade paused, looked at her and raised his eyebrows.

  “Foolishness.”

  “I want to search the hotel’s every nook and cranny.”

  “I understand the possibilities going through your head. Zombies and people residing somewhere in the building is possible. I can tell such thoughts are bringing unease. Accept the discomfort. Won’t be comfortable until then.”

  “That makes sense. I’ll immediately face how horrible everything is. Nothing will get better until I roll with it. I’ll take nothing for granted.”

  “What you said won’t be easy to accomplish.”

  “I can swiftly adapt to bad situations.”

  “Great. No searching the hotel until tomorrow morning.”

  “What?”

  “You heard me.”

  “Why not?”

  “We should block the hallway, but that’s it.”

  “Doing a sweep through the hotel won’t be easy if the power goes out.”

  “We’re too tired.”

  “I’ll do as I wish. Do whatever you want. I’m searching and clearing this hotel, Jessica.”

  “Um, no.”

  “You are not in charge.”

  “Whatever. Don’t expect me to pick up the slack when you’re tired.”

  “I won’t leave any slack. I know my limits. Excluding the roof, there are five floors. I’m starting my search on this floor. Create a barricade on the stairs and be a lookout after each floor is searched.”

  “Wow. I’m surprised. Kudos. Okay, Wade. Let’s get it done.”

  Wade found no one living or dead on the roof. No movement was detected on the fifth, fourth or third floor. A half-eaten zombie made a mess in the elevator. A few good stomps to the head was a
ll it took. Wade’s discovery on the second floor was quite the surprise. A man fired a shot as he neared a room on the right. He yielded with risen hands.

  “Don’t move, motherfucker!”

  Wade froze.

  “Take one step and you’re a dead man! Where did you come from?”

  “It’s a long and unbelievable story, sir.”

  “Let’s hear it! Don’t lie! I’ll put a hole in your head if you do.”

  “I hold proof that I’m a survivor from the nearby plane crash and military veteran. May I move to present the proof?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can you honestly tell me you won’t shoot me?”

  “I’m not sure!”

  “If I were an enemy, I’d not have come here with a single person.”

  “Who else is here?”

  “Nobody on this floor. Until I’m certain of your intentions, that is all I’ll say about my companion.”

  “Fine! Be extremely slow. Throw the proof at my feet. Escaping is is impossible. Are you armed?”

  “There is a pistol in my hip’s holster.”

  “Don’t be stupid.”

  “I won’t. My name is Wade. The wallet in my pocket contains a plane ticket and identification. I will now very slowly reach for it and toss it at your feet.”

  A tall, heavyset man casually emerged from one of the rooms. He held a fully automatic assault rifle while displaying an arrogant stance. He showed a bold frown and intimidating gaze. Wade saw the fear hidden behind the false bravado as he proved his sincerity.

  The cautious man gave a relieved sigh and tossed the wallet back to Wade.

  “Everything’s fine, everyone! He’s legit. Bubba would have killed you without a sweat.”

  “I know.”

  “How would you know?” the cautious man asked.

  “The man called Bubba has killed. That look in his eyes is not unfamiliar. He should work on his intimidation tactics. His game won’t work on someone who isn’t a stranger to violence. He is as frightened as the next person and still recovering from whatever he has done. His legs shook the entire time.”

  “You’re pretty observant.”

  “I often am.”

  “Who and where is the woman you mentioned?”

  “She’s a friend. After hearing the shot you fired, I’d say she is wondering if I’m dead.”

  “So, it’s just you and the woman?”

  “Yes. How many of you are here?”

  “Eleven, a dozen if you count me. We’d be numerous, but Bubba wouldn’t allow more people into our group. We’ve been here since we were overrun and left our neighborhood. Bubba’s smarter than he looks. Nobody argued when he said more people in our group meant more mouths to feed.”

  “Will you and your people accept my friend and I into the group?”

  “We need members. We have a hell of a problem.”

  “What’s the problem?”

  “The assholes across the highway’s bridge. They’re holed up in the big shopping area on the hill.”

  “Why are those people a problem?”

  “They’re taking advantage of our weakness. They’re applying steel-like pressure.”

  “Tell me more.”

  8

  Introductions and acquaintanceships were made. Wade, Bubba and Jimmy spoke over cheap coffee and cereal bars.

  “So,” Wade said, staring at his coffee and giving Bubba and Jimmy a concerned stare. “About the people across the way you guys are conflicting with.”

  “I’m gonna look after everybody barricadin’ the steps,” Bubba said with a nod, exhaling hard and leaving the room.

  “Bubba’s not been big on talking lately. Long explanation short, we’re competing with assholes on the other side of the bridge.”

  “Why not form an alliance?”

  “That won’t happen.”

  “Why not?”

  “Some who we turned away now make up part of the decision makers across the way.”

  “Damn.”

  “Yeah. They’d rather fight than consider an alliance.”

  “Can this conflict be resolved peacefully?”

  “No. One thing’s a certainty. We or they are gonna run low on supplies. Whomever caves first by requesting help is screwed.”

  “What places in the area have what’s needed?”

  “There are few places we haven’t searched within a half mile radius. There’s a truck stop a little ways past the shopping area. Thought about checking there. By now, I’m sure our enemies have wiped it clean. Still think it’s worth a shot, though.”

  “You mean before the horde showed up.”

  “You saw it?”

  “Yeah, when Jessica and I first saw this place.”

  “How many did you see?”

  “Hundreds.”

  “How many hundreds?”

  “Several hundred, possibly a thousand or more are lurking close by.”

  “Fuck. Fuck!”

  “Look on the bright side. We have enough stuff needed for the moment. The horde might be gone when we’re forced to relocate.”

  “The zombies aren’t leaving soon, bud.”

  “Could take a detour.”

  “The raider threat is awfully bad.”

  “I have a bone to pick with the raiders.”

  “Don’t we all?”

  “How is everyone here faring? Give me a rundown.”

  “I’m fine. I’m over losing the people I love.”

  “That fast?”

  “I was close to a handful o’ people. Bubba’s been having trouble since he killed someone.”

  “Who did he kill?”

  “His best friend. His friend went crazy when the looting and rioting started. Norman was a good man, but the end of the world turned him into a bloodthirsty killer.”

  “Perhaps this Norman fellow was always that man.”

  “Maybe. Just when Bubba began thinking there was a chance of things improving, his teenage son left without saying a word.”

  “Why?”

  “Young kid wanted to play hero. Marty spotted him from the roof. Poor kid was part of the horde. Too soon. Thirteen years old. Brave but incredibly stupid.”

  “The sooner the horde leaves, the sooner we get moving.”

  “The horde will stick around. The raiders’ gunfire attracts those damned monsters.”

  “And your other people?”

  “Marty and Robert are scared old men. John and Erica are solely focused on their son’s safety. His name is Chap. Kid’s not made a peep since Bubba’s son went missing. Doesn’t know zombies exist yet.”

  “Really?”

  “Really. Erica’s too scared to leave the hotel. Can’t say I blame her. I sure as hell won’t go outside unless I have to.”

  “The feeling’s mutual. Zombies scare me more than people ever could.”

  “Casey is the beautiful blonde woman. She worked here at the hotel. John and Robert worked together at the post office. Decent folks. Then there are the four annoyances.”

  “The sickly looking four loafing in the corners?”

  “Yes. They’re crazy. If they didn’t have guns, we wouldn’t let them stay.”

  “They appear to be detoxing from the lack of recreational drugs.”

  “Right. Dopers.”

  “They’re a potential threat. Keep an eye on them.”

  “John and Robert watch them closely. Those idiots think they run the place. More focused on ruling than survival.”

  “I disagree. I think they’re focused on survival. I think they’re simply not too bright and being highly immature during a horrifying scenario.”

  “They’re scaring everybody, Wade.”

  “And for good reason. I’ll put a stop to whatever madness they may partake in.”

  “Thanks. Having you around makes me feel less shitty.”

  “I do what I can when I can.”

  “Got any family?”

  “I doubt I have any living relati
ves.”

  “Did you and Jessica know each other before this?”

  “No.”

  “Is she an alright sort?”

  “She’s strong. I am politely asking you not to bother her unless it is absolutely necessary.”

  “I hear ya loud and clear. I’ll spread the word.”

  “What do we have and lack?”

  “We’re good on food and water right now. We need weapons, ammo, medical supplies and trade items. Everything in and around the hotel that can be used as a container has been filled with water for later.”

  “Smart idea. Public water supply could be shut off any second.”

  “Was Bubba’s idea. He’s an outdoorsman. Knows a great deal when it comes to hunting, fishing, botany and such. He’s the man to ask about that sorta thing.”

  “How’s our food situation?”

  “We have enough to last us for a bit.”

  “For a bit?”

  “Weeks?”

  “I recommend you and Bubba do a precise check and start rationing what we have.”

  “Will do.”

  “Weapons and ammunition?”

  “You, Bubba, John, the jackasses and I have firearms. Well, as far as I know. Everybody else has a knife or blunt object. Bubba has a buncha ammunition for his rifle and some boxes of nine millimeter rounds.”

  “Running low on food will become a problem. Desperate people can and will do crazy things.”

  “Yeah. I don’t wanna think like that.”

  “No big risks unless it’s worth it. We’ll keep the group happy to prevent betrayals.”

  “We’ll survive.”

  “No.”

  “No?”

  “We’ll thrive. We’ll have to.”

  “Outstanding. I guess we wait?”

  “Not much else we can do right now.”

  “You seem to have something on your mind.”

  “I’m thinking every person here has racing thoughts.”

  “True.”

  “I’m hoping zombies starve and decompose.”

  “We’ll find out.”

  9

  Two days of what the hotel rats called peace passed. The water supply was cut. The building was surrounded hours later.

  “Activating flares here and setting vehicles aflame in the hotel’s parking lot was a declaration of war,” Wade angrily announced.

  “Yeah!” the four degenerates shouted.

  “Marty saw who set the fires.”

  “Fault lies in enemy hands,” Marty confirmed with disgust.