Beautiful Death (Bella Morté Trilogy Book 1)

by Walker, L. Dee

  Zach blinked, watching her. “Where are you going?”

  “To see what’s up. They might need help.”

  “Oh? What the hell are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know. Looks like they killed everything. Besides, it beats just sitting around. I’ll be back.”

  “That girl’s crazy. I’m staying right here,” one of the male voices said.

  “Like I know that’s right,” a female responded.

  Watching her, Zach groaned. Standing, he hopped over the tailgate, following closely behind her. “I’m not letting you go down by yourself. There might be more just waiting!”

  She stopped short, looked at him and then turned to look at the truck. It was just a regular size with an eight-foot bed and two cab person seat in front. There wasn’t any cover over the back. The people huddled together watched her curiously. “You act like that,” she pointed at the truck, “is Fort Knox.” Shaking her head, she turned, walking away.

  “You know what I mean. It’s not like it’s any safer out here!”

  “Yeah, but we can find out what’s going on.”

  Looking at the woods surrounding them, he shrugged, rushing to catch up with her. “I think it’s safer up there.”

  “Yeah, I’m not seeing it.”

  “Think about it, Todd didn’t try to go through the truck.”

  Entering the campsite, she was shocked. She stopped for a second, looking around. It was too surreal. There were dead bodies and pieces of them scattered everywhere; chewed on, scratched, arms and legs ripped out of sockets. Over in the corner was a girl’s head by itself. She swallowed hard. If she thought that Janet’s body was horrifying, it was nothing to seeing the results of a massacre. Taking a deep breath did nothing but make her cringe again because the stench in the air was enough to assault her poor nostrils, causing her stomach to rumble unhappily. She stepped over the body parts lining the front of the entrance before glancing over her shoulder at Zach. He wasn’t holding together much better than she was. “That was because we were running around it, not sitting in it. It wouldn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out how to get us out of it.”

  “I still think it’s safer than being out here.”

  Ignoring him, she continued walking around the campsite, looking at all the devastation and death. It was frightening to walk through it all and though she didn’t want to look; she had to. Stopping at the picnic table, she looked down at the dead girl. It was obvious she was beautiful… once. She tried telling herself this was fake. It was just special effects for some movie going on somewhere, but it didn’t negate the fact that her mind knew it was real. Shaking her head, she glanced over at Brandon, pointing to the hole in the girl’s chest. “Why do they do that? They tear a hole in your gut and rip out the insides. Wasn’t it zombies that did that shit?”

  Zach looked down, cringing, gagging, before quickly looking away. “Oh my God, I’m going to puke!” He held his hand over his mouth, looking up at the sky, breathing steadily in and out. “I thought zombies were more interested in brains, not internal organs.”

  Nudging Justice, Brandon motioned in Candice’s direction. “If we don’t get that woman outta the tree, everyone’s gonna be down here.”

  Rolling his eyes, Justice glared at him. “I’m tryin’, but if you can do better…”

  Shaking his head, Brandon looked back at Candice. “You should wait up at the truck. It’s safer.”

  She glared at him, not ready to have the same argument with another man. “It must be a guy thing. I’m not going anywhere until the rest of you do.”

  He sighed loudly before looking at the girl on the picnic table. “I’m not sure what they are. They sure as hell aren’t human though.”

  Candice nodded before looking up at the screeching woman. Looking up was a good idea because there wasn’t any death up there. “Why isn’t she getting down? Doesn’t she realize we’re the cavalry?”

  “Got me. She claims she wants to stay up there rather than come with us.”

  “Well, your comedy is a little dry, but that’s no reason to want to stay.”

  “Hey! My comedy isn’t dry!”

  Trevor smirked at her comment. “We tried tellin’ her. She’s not listenin’ or she doesn’t care. Maybe we should throw a rock, knock ‘er out, an’ make her come with us.”

  Candice turned, glaring at him with her mouth open in shock. “That’s your idea of a rescue?”

  “Hey, that’s the only way when she doesn’t wanna be rescued,” Brandon agreed, pointing at Erica. “An’ for whatever reason, she doesn’t.”

  Zach looked around in disgust. “Did you explain how we don’t have time for this?”

  Brandon glared at him. “Don’t make me shoot you.”

  Chuckling, Trevor shook his head. “We’ve been tryin’. We tried reasonin’. We told ‘er who we are an’ she’s safe. We even told ‘er she needed to come with us or she was gonna die! She doesn’t wanna come down. We’ve done everythin’, but throw a rock an’ that’s next… or we can just leave ‘er here.”

  Candice shook her head. “We can’t just leave her here!”

  “It’s just suicide for us to stand around an’ wait. If she wants to stay then fuckin’ let her stay!”

  “We can’t! She’ll die if we leave her.”

  Irritated, Justice groaned. “Then be my fuckin’ guest on tryin’ to get ‘er down! We’ve tried everythin’. Now, I’m for Trevor’s idea of makin’ her come. After all, she’ll be happy when we save her life.”

  Candice rolled her eyes at him. “Let me show you how a woman handles this.” Looking up at her, she offered the best smile she had. “Hey there. I realize you’ve had a pretty rough night. We all have, but you need to come down out of that tree. As it is now, they’re just going to leave you here and if we do… you’re going to die.”

  Erica looked down, screaming. “Fuck off, bitch!”

  Candice glared at her for a moment, before looking around on the ground. “Where’s the biggest fucking rock we can find? I get first crack at her.”

  Trevor grinned. “See.”

  Montana growled. This was ridiculous. He understood the woman felt traumatized, hell, they all did, but he had other people to consider. His calm, cool exterior broke as he pointed at the truck. “Either you come with us or we’re leavin’! I have too many people countin’ on us to get them to safety. I can’t do that if they get murdered waitin’ on you.”

  Brandon smirked, shaking his head. “Now ya did it.”

  Trevor chuckled. “Ya done pissed off Montana.”

  “Other people?” Erica turned, looking at the truck and then back down. “Why didn’t you say so before?”

  Justice looked at Trevor. “Find that fuckin’ rock.”

  “I’m coming.” Looking around, she nodded. “I need help down.”

  Once more Justice offered up a hand and this time, she put her foot on his head, then shoulders and walked down his back, despite the moans and groans of the bridge she used. Her foot slipped and she fell, but just before her head split open on a rock, Justice caught her. He smiled, setting her on her feet. “There ya go. Now, that wasn’t too bad, was it?”

  Ignoring him, she turned to Trevor. “So where are we going?”

  Justice stared at her, mouth agape, shaking his head. “Un-fuckin’-believable.” He muttered under his breath, turning away from her. “Oh thank you so much for savin’ my life! You’re such a big, strong man to allow my fat ass to walk down ya like that,” he said, imitating her. “I’m sorry I stood on your head. How will I ever repay you?” He answered. “Oh, that’s okay. Think nothin’ of it. I’m glad I could help.”

  Candice watched him carrying on a conversation with himself. She understood his anger. After all, the bitch could’ve thanked him, but still smirked at his one-sided conversation anyway. “Are you finished talking to yourself?”

  He glared at her. “I’m the only one who usually listens.”

  Zach
had enough of this waiting game. Surrounded by death and stench, he wanted out of there and she was holding them up. He glared at Erica, snapping. “Look lady. If we don’t get out of here now, then chances are we might not make it out period. I am not up for joining the ranks of the dead just yet! So move your ass to the fucking truck!”

  Candice chuckled. “Well, that’s one way to get her attention, so demanding!”

  Montana nodded, turning to Erica. “He’s right. Follow or don’t, but we’re not stickin’ around. We’ve wasted enough time, tryin’ to get ya to understand.” Turning, he walked back to the truck.

  Just as before, everyone else followed.

  Justice motioned to Erica, who looked as if she wasn’t sure she was going to follow. “Come on now. Ya don’t wanna stay out here by yourself.”

  She nodded, holding her stomach with her arm. “Yes. I don’t feel so good.” Racing behind one of the trees, she threw up. When she finished, she stepped back out, looking at Trevor. “I think I need to lie down.” Slowly, she moved in behind them, following them to the truck.

  Trevor took up the rear, checking behind them to make sure they weren’t attacked from behind. “Yeah, let’s get outta here before the hunters become the hunted.”

  Justice rolled his eyes. “I’m surrounded by crazy people.”

  “Hey, that’s the best people to be stuck with in this situation.”

  “I’m afraid to ask.” When Trevor didn’t finish his sentence, Justice sighed. “Okay, fine. I’ll bite. Why?”

  “Crazy people will do the wildest things to stay alive.”

  Montana smirked. “Imagine how I feel. You’re all crazy.”

  Brandon looked around the group, winking at Erica. “I dunno. Insane people must be the best. Have ya ever had sex with one?”

  She shook her head. “Can’t say that I have.”

  “It’s just outta this world orgasmic,” he winked at her. “Or so the chicks tell me.”

  Cringing, she rolled her eyes. “I’m sure they do.”

  Seven

  The main building was located far enough away from the campsite that people had to drive three to five miles, pending site location, to check in. It was a good-sized two-story, brown building with a basement. It had that log cabin appearance. Hundreds of people flocked daily to sign up and pre-pay for their tours: zip lining, tubing, rafting lessons, and white water rafting… until now. The whole reason Candice chose this place, over all the others, was the wide variety of things to do at a fairly high cost, but you get what you pay for.

  The parking lot was huge, stretching around the building to the back where the garage was located. The main building connected with three bay doors they locked nightly where they fixed broken items and checked tubes and rafts daily.

  The building was tall with a wooden staircase on the outside. The store was on the first floor. It offered souvenirs: T-shirts, shorts, jackets, shot glasses, coolers, drink cozies, flags, banners, bumper stickers, towels, and ashtrays engraved with River Riders. They also had the usual stuff people clamored for at a fifty-percent plus markup. Snacks, firewood, beer, wine, sodas, maps, ketchup, mustard, candy, as well as a few other camping needs.

  Inside were a few rooms just big enough for a desk and file cabinet. They looked more like a walk-in closet than an office. The break room was a little bigger and there was a full bathroom with showers. Most of the guides lived in the employee campground. The need to shower was a necessity.

  The upstairs had seven picnic tables with connecting benches, all placed around two TVs, anchored to the wall on opposite sides. Those who signed up for tours had to watch a film of fundamental common sense.

  The adjacent room was the kitchen. It was small but stocked: blender, toaster, oven, stove, refrigerator, and a little freezer, with a full sized grill on the deck. There was a snack section with quick, easy meals for those not wanting a big one; eating something heavy before riding the rollercoaster; not high on the suggestion list.

  Usually, the kitchen offered delectable mouth-watering dishes. A burger, hot dog, chicken, pulled pork, and ribs served up with delicious potato salad, coleslaw, French fries, tater tots, baked beans, and/or macaroni salad. Most of which were stored in the big walk-in freezer, or the pantry for the bulk sized cans, both still larger than the ‘offices’ downstairs.

  They were updating electricity for the campground. There was machinery digging up spots, littering the grounds where they tilled up the soil for underground cables, but until that happened, they were primitive. The only means of electricity and free Wi-Fi was at the main building.

  Johnny-on-the-spots were located in choice areas. There wasn’t running water, but instead a natural spring that ran all year round. Many people in the surrounding neighborhoods visited daily with empty milk jugs, staying long enough to fill them.

  Montana parked, stepping out with his rifle in hand. Turning to the people huddled in the back, he pointed at the building. “Alright, this is where we’ll stay. Justice an’ I are gonna make sure it’s safe. While we’re gone, you guys stay in the truck. It might be safer.”

  Rolling her eyes, Candice muttered under her breath, “Uh-huh.”

  Justice nodded. “No matter what happens, stay in the truck. It’ll be easier to find you. After all, you’ve heard there’s safety in numbers--”

  “Bullshit!” Erica interrupted him. “I had the most girls in any sorority and we all came camping.” She shook her head. “Numbers don’t mean shit. It’s who can get up the tree faster.”

  “I don’t see where--”

  “You don’t? I’m the only survivor out of my entire sorority. Why? Because I got up the tree faster, so save your speeches for someone who didn’t live through this shit.”

  “Well then, like so much for giving us like that warm, fuzzy feeling,” The one called Rachel said sarcastically. “Like we might be safer in the truck as opposed to like running around on the ground.”

  “Really? Well, they couldn’t figure out how to climb up the tree. You really think they can’t figure out how to get inside,” she slapped the outside of the truck, “here? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that shit out.”

  Candice nodded, slapping Zach in the arm. “See! I told you! There’s nothing safe about this truck!”

  Shaking his head, Zach looked at Erica and back to Candice. “You think her word is going to mean a damn thing to me?” He turned back to Erica. “You’re just full of sunshine and rainbows, aren’t you? If all your girls were like you, that must have been one irritating sorority. If you want to run around on the ground then be my guest. I’m sticking it out in this truck.”

  Montana sighed. “I know it doesn’t seem like much, but everyone will be safer. Trevor an’ Brandon’ll watch out, just listen to them. Don’t leave it unless ya have to. They have guns. If you’re here,” he beat on the inside of the bed, “they have a smaller area to guard.” He looked at the two men. “Keep watch.”

  Brandon saluted. “Ya got it, boss. We’ll keep ‘em safe.”

  Trevor turned, watching the woods around them. “Nothin’ will get by us.”

  Turning, Montana and Justice went into the building.

  Erica smirked, rolling her eyes. “Oh, I feel so much safer knowing,” she nodded to the two guards, “Itchy and Scratchy are watching out.”

  Brandon looked at her. “Negativity like that’ll get you,” he chomped his teeth, “everywhere.”

  “Well, don’t I feel lucky.”

  “At least we agree on that.”

  Zach concentrated on a patch of bushes, pointing at them. “Look,” he whispered to Candice.

  Turning, she looked where he pointed, peering carefully. “What is it?”

  He pointed again. “There! Did you see it?”

  She studied the area like cramming for a test, looking for the slightest movement. “Where?” Her eyes darted from the left to the right. “Do you see it now? What did it look like?”

  “I don’t know!
”

  “You don’t know what it looked like?” She groaned, shaking her head. “Was it big, small, the trees blowing, or something coming to eat us?”

  “I don’t know! I can’t be sure what I’m looking at. The trees are blowing and all those shadows move.”

  “Okay, you’re not making any sense. Did you see something or not?”

  One of the women in the back, Sophia, listened to the two of them and moved closer. She searched the area, looking for something that may or may not be moving. “Do ya see it now?”

  Candice scoffed. “That seems to be the question of the hour.”

  “I heard something in that,” Zach pointed to one section, “direction and thought I saw something too.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t see anything. Everything’s moving because of the wind.” Candice rolled her eyes before looking back at him. “Maybe it was an animal?”

  “An animal?”

  Erica looked over, rolling her eyes. “What else could it be?”

  Shaking her head, Sophia sighed. “Don’t ask ‘at question. I don’t want the answer.”

  Brandon turned, looking out. At this point, everyone in the truck was tuned in and trying to find something moving on the horizon. “I don’t see anythin’.”

  Trevor squinted, ducking down, looking off in all directions. “Yeah, all I see are bushes an’ trees, but it’s dark, so maybe it’s just shadows.”

  Zach shook his head. “Everyone be quiet and listen.”

  “Okay, this is like freaky. Like what’s taking so long?” Rachel whispered frantically.

  Brandon motioned to them with his hands. “Quiet! Let’s see if we can hear anythin’.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Yes, but like he said he saw something move, not that he like heard something.”

  “Everyone look at the bush.”

  “Like what are we looking for?”

  “If anythin’ moves tell us. We’ll shoot it.”

  Turning, she stared at the bush. “Like great plan.”

  The bushes and trees swayed from the cold breeze. Shadows from the moon joined in dancing to a magical beat. Each of them took on a life of their own, moving across the ground, playing hide and seek with the light. It was silent, other than the breeze making the leaves sound like nature’s very own wind chimes. It was hypnotizing. Everyone in the truck stared at the bushes, straining to hear the slightest sound, squinting to see anything out of place.