The Beginning of the End (Book2): Road to Damnation

by Kidd, Sean

  “I used to work here,” he said like that was a sufficient answer.

  I stepped out of the Humvee, also feeling the need to stretch. I let out a grunt and watched as Herman peed on the front tire of the hundred thousand dollar sports car.

  “Do you think he should be doing that?” I asked Thurman.

  “Do you think it really matters?” Thurman answered in a sarcastic tone.

  I thought about it for a second. I guess it didn’t. I decided not to give him the pleasure of a response. Instead, I moved onto the more obvious question, “What the hell are we doing here?”

  “I wanted to take one last ride on the Sasquatch,” he coaxed.

  I wasn’t about to bite, and after watching Herman, I had the urge to relieve myself too.

  “Are you going to fill me in, or are we going to play this game all day?”

  “All right, I’m sorry. It was a long drive, and Herman slept the whole time. The reason we’re here is because I know this place like the back of my hand. We used to spend the summers in Lake George, and I got to work here a few days a week during the summer months. I was a security guard, which is funny because I tried to steal everything I could get my hands on. My primary duties comprised of walking around with a broom and dustpan picking up cigarette butts.

  Classified as security staff, I got to go to all of the places in the park that no one else had access to.”

  I was listening, but couldn’t see where he was going with this. He was boring me, and I still had to pee.

  Thurman paused, “I can tell by the look on your face you want me to get to the point.”

  I stood there silently, waiting for the genius to continue.

  “Okay, so I had access to the entire park. The guy that owns this place is some kind of Billionaire. I’m talking mega rich. I always heard rumors he owned the biggest mansion on Lake George and even part of the lake itself. What most people didn’t know about, was his incredible car collection. Only a select few had seen it. But one day, I discovered something only those fortunate ones had seen. The exotic car collection and he kept them all here. Out of sight of wandering eyes where no one could see them. I stumbled across it by accident one day. I was driving around the park in the security cart, which was just a golf cart with a red light on the top and a badge decal on the side. Bored one day, I thought I’d do a little exploring in the old, closed off portion of the park. Back in the 1970s, they called it Ghost Town. You could still see the old remnants of the attraction when you rode the Desperado Plunge. It was a dozen or so buildings covered in faded red and yellow paint. Running through the center of the makeshift town was a set of abandoned railroad tracks. Part of the old Haunted Train ride. I was tired and looking for a good place to take a quick nap and get out of the summer sun for a while. In the distance, I could see the tracks led into an imitation cave structure. I pulled in to take my nap and curiosity got the best of me. I had to see where the cave ended up since it was closed down before I was born. Twenty feet in the cave and I couldn’t see a thing. I was driving blind. I flipped on my red security light and traveled along the serpentine tracks lined with remnants of haunted displays. I don’t have to tell you how creepy that was. When I emerged, I had no idea where I was, but was staring at a humongous warehouse. I mean this place was immense, at least thirty feet high and as long as three football fields. I tried the doors, but the place was locked up as tight as a drum. I had a good view through one of the windows, however. The building was lined from wall to wall with cars. Everything from Lamborghini’s to Model Ts.”

  I raised up an open palm to stop him from talking, “Wait, wait, wait. So you’re telling me we’re here because you want to upgrade your Ferrari to a Lambo?”

  “No, are you kidding? I couldn’t get my brother inside one of those things. But I wouldn’t mind taking one for a drive. Besides all the sports and antique cars, he had an assortment of trucks. He even had a couple of Humvees in there if I remember correctly. Not the military ones like you have, but the ones they sold to private citizens before the company went belly up. I’m betting they’re still in there. Herman and I can ditch the Ferrari and steal one of the Hummers. Then we’ll have more room to spread out, and you guys can ditch the Jeep and join us.”

  I hated to admit it, that was a pretty good idea, but I wasn’t about to let Thurman know that.

  “I guess that’s not the worst idea,” I said, “let’s pop open the main gate to the park and give everyone a chance to hit the head and freshen up. Running water would be nice right now. I’d like to wash up. When we’re done, we’ll split up into a couple of groups. One group can grab the Humvee while the other finds a pharmacy. This place does have a pharmacy for guests, doesn’t it?”

  “It does,” Thurman said, “but it’s only got things like Band-Aids, sunscreen, and antacids. What are you looking for?”

  “Before we met you, Chevy got hit with a rifle round. It was a superficial wound, but Mom thinks he should take a course of antibiotics.”

  Thurman shook his head, “You’re not going to find anything like that here. We need to go down the street, there’s a supermarket, and they’ve got a pharmacy in the back. We’ll be able to find antibiotics there.”

  “I’ll round up the troops and give them the plan. Bathroom, Humvee, and the supermarket.”

  * * *

  Fifteen minutes later we were all finishing up in the bathrooms. Daylight was running out, and we still had a lot to do before we tried to find a place to sleep. I sat on the bench next to the bronze statue known as ‘Porcellino.' The original sat in Florence, Italy while replicas scattered throughout various countries around the world. I always felt I had a special connection with Porcellino because I had spent time with the original statue in Italy. I ran my finger along the boar’s smooth tusk when Sidara joined me.

  “What the hell is this thing?”

  “It’s a mean pig with tusks,” I sassed.

  “I can see that,” she laughed. Then her face took on a serious tone, “What are we doing about our resident psycho problem?”

  I looked over both shoulders to make sure he wasn’t within earshot, “I don’t know. Do you have any suggestions?”

  “Bash his brains in with the butt of a rifle?” Sidara said, half kidding.

  “If we did that, Sidara, we’d be no better than he is. Let’s play it cool, and we’ll keep a close eye on him. In the meantime, I have a more immediate problem. We’ve only got a few hours of daylight left, and we need to grab the second Humvee and make it to the pharmacy to get Chevy’s meds.”

  Sidara tilted her head and looked into the air deep in thought. A few seconds later, she made a suggestion, “Why don’t you take Chevy and the psycho. The three of you can get the new Hummer. Sophie needs to find a laptop to complete the code sequencing on the ZMapp. She can take the Jeep with Cowboy. I’ll take everyone else, and we’ll head to the pharmacy. After you guys get the Hummer, meet us there. I’ll tell Cowboy and Sophie to do the same. Then we can move the supplies from the Jeep into the new Humvee and leave from there with two vehicles instead of three. Will you pass on a message for me?”

  “Sure, what is it?” I asked.

  “Let the psycho know if he tries any funny business, we’ll smoke Batman.”

  “Really?” I asked surprised.

  “No, I couldn’t hurt that big dummy. But he doesn’t need to know that,” she said.

  I hated the thought of splitting up, but it would save a lot of time. There was still another problem with the plan, “What about Luther?” I questioned.

  “What about him? He’s not going to do anything. He’s a follower, and he couldn’t make it without us. Besides, if he starts any shit, I’ll shoot him before he has a chance to hurt anyone. He’s already afraid of me.” Sidara bragged.

  I couldn’t disagree with that.

  “All right, if you think you can handle it, that’s what we’ll do. Get your group together. You need to be out of here in five. I almost forgot.
Grab me a phone charger while you’re there. My phone is dead, and I’m waiting for a response from Dad.”

  Chapter 22

  Daniels motioned for Bunker to join him in the front of the group. He took a knee next to Daniels who was still surveying the park, “What do you think, Corp?”

  “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. Destiny tells me the solarium across the way has cheesecake that’s to die for. Let’s hope no one will have to do that.” Daniels was just about punned, but he couldn’t seem to help it.

  “We need to cross the park to get there.”

  “That doesn’t seem that difficult,” Bunker said, scanning the flat grassy park, “we’ll cut straight across.”

  “Yeah, we could,” Daniels agreed, “but we’d be in clear view of everyone and everything. I’d hate to be in the middle of that open courtyard if a sniper is hanging out behind one of those windows.”

  Enormous structures surrounded the park and each building was the home to hundreds of windows. “If there was someone up there with a sniper rifle, what makes you think they’d want to hurt us?” Bunker asked.

  “Maybe they wouldn’t. But we know some of these zombies can run and run fast. I’d hate to be taken out because some sharpshooter is up there thinking he’s doing his civic duty by taking us out.”

  Bunker thought about it for a moment, “Yeah, that’s a good point. What if we take the long way around the outside of the park? We can head over there under the trees and cut by the carousel.”

  “That was the direction I was leaning toward. I just wanted to make sure someone else was onboard with the plan. There’s an added hitch, though…”

  “What’s that?” Bunker asked.

  “See the solarium across the way? Use the EOTech scope on your M4 and tell me what you see.”

  Bunker lifted the rifle and scanned the large solarium windows. As he did, he counted out loud, “One, two, three. Yup, I see three of them.”

  “Three?” Daniels lifted his rifle and peered through his scope, “Shit. You’re right. I only saw one the first time. If there are three in there now, there’s no telling how many more will be in there when we burst through the front door.”

  Bunker moved from his knee back onto his ass. He sat on the littered sidewalk and looked at his new group of friends. Kaden had his arms around Ceci, who was looking worse than ever, and Destiny was painting a layer of clear coat onto her perfectly manicured nails. “I guess we’re going through the solarium door first without backup. I wish your rookie were still here.” Bunker sighed.

  “You’re not the only one.”

  Daniels called out to the group, “Everyone up. We’re going to head around the outside of the park and make a run for the solarium. I want everyone moving fast. When we get there, you three hunker down around that tree next to the carousel. Bunker and I are going in through the front door to take out the threats. You guys stay by the tree until we tell you it’s safe. If everyone is ready, we’ll go.”

  “Hang on, sugar britches. I gotta put my polish away.” Destiny fastened the top of the polish and dropped it into her purse. Minding not to mess up her nails. “Ok, baby. I’m ready.”

  Daniels paused, “You do understand we’re in the middle of a zombie outbreak, don’t you?”

  “Honey, if I get turned into one of them things, I’m gonna make being a zombie look good.”

  “I bet you will,” Daniels laughed, “Okay if everyone is ready now…Destiny?”

  “Yep. I’m ready, sugar.”

  “Then let’s go.”

  The group broke into a slow run around the park. Daniels and Bunker took the lead with their rifles raised, scanning the area. Destiny headed up the rear, looking at her nails, speed walking behind the pack.

  Daniels paused next to the carousel tree and was quickly joined by Bunker. The kids were a few steps behind, and Destiny was only halfway across the park still looking at her nails.

  Behind her, Daniels caught a glimpse of a runner. He was coming up on Destiny in a hurry and she had no idea he was there. She looked up long enough to see Daniels pointing his rifle in her direction. Destiny crossed her arms over her face and turned her head away, expecting to be shot. She heard the high-velocity rifle round wiz by her head and fell to the ground. Daniels struck the runner in the head, killing it. The momentum of his body carried him, tumbling over Destiny. It wasn’t until then she realized Daniels had saved her life. She got back on her feet and sprinted the rest of the way to the group. The only proper thing to do was to thank Daniels for saving her life. So she did it the only way she knew how, “You fucked up my nails, sugar.”

  Daniels grabbed her hand and examined it, “I guess I did,” he smiled, “I’m happy you could make it to the party.”

  “I’m glad too.” Destiny said, smiling back.

  “Okay, let’s get our heads back in the game here. Bunker and I will go in and clear the solarium. Destiny, you keep a look out from behind and make sure no more of those things come running up on you while we’re inside.”

  “You got it.” Destiny said. A dose of reality had changed her tune, even if it would only last for a short time.

  Daniels and Bunker stayed low using the huge cement flowerbeds for cover. They crawled up the stairs to the main entrance. Daniels reached up and gave the door handle a half of a turn, “It’s unlocked,” he whispered, “We go in on three,” They got up on their feet, and Bunker counted.

  “One, two, three.”

  Daniels burst through the door first and was engaged by the female he had seen through the scope the first time. His rifle rang out two thundering claps. The girl dropped to the floor. Moans coming from the kitchen area grew louder. The sound ended when it turned the corner, and the .223 round killed him. There was, at least, one more that they knew about. Daniels advanced into the dining area where an armless zombie was standing. He didn’t approach, didn’t make a sound. He fell forward as the round exited the back of his skull.

  “Clear!” Daniels shouted.

  “It’s clear back here too,” Bunker called out.

  Daniels was right, the fountain was still running, which meant this whole grid had power. He checked the coolers. They were still cool.

  “What are you doing?” Bunker asked.

  “I’m going out to let the others know it’s clear.”

  Outside, Destiny was leaning against the tree with one arm around the kids and the other clutching her little P32.

  “Hey,” Daniels called out.

  Destiny spun around pointing the small gun at him.

  “Whoa, be careful with that thing.”

  “Sorry,” she apologized.

  “It’s all right. I came to let you know it’s all clear inside, and the coolers are still on so the food is fresh.”

  The three headed for the door. As Destiny pulled the door open, Daniels produced a hand from behind his back. He was holding a piece of Chocolate Oreo cheesecake, “I thought you could use this.”

  She took the cheesecake from his hand, “It’s too bad you’re married, honey. Because I’d make an honest man out of you.” The two laughed, as they walked through the door.

  Chapter 23

  Sidara pulled the Humvee over on the main road outside the grocery store parking lot. The lined blacktop spaces were empty except for an old blue rust bucket parked in the handicap spot closest to the doors.

  “Do you think someone’s in there?” Sage asked from the back seat of the Humvee.

  Judging from the mismatched front fender, bald tires, and plentiful amount of fist-sized rust holes, Sidara assumed the vehicle broke down and was left in the lot. She’d be willing to bet the owner got sick and never retrieved it.

  “No,” Sidara answered, “it looks like it’s been there a while.”

  She let up on the brake and inched her way into the parking lot, taking the spot farthest from the building.

  “Oh, come on. The lot is empty. Park next to the building.” Luther complained from the p
assenger seat.

  “Now, Luther, it’s not going to hurt you a bit to walk across the lot. I’m sure Sidara has a perfectly good reason for parking here, and I would be willing to bet it’s because we don’t want to announce our presence by driving this thing right up to the front door. Now if I remember correctly, my son told you he was going to leave you in a hole on the side of the highway. So maybe you should stop complaining, enjoy the walk, and be happy to be alive.” Mom explained.

  Sidara smirked as she watched Luther scowling as he got out of the vehicle, afraid to say anything to the woman.

  “See girls, sometimes you have to let men know they don’t have a choice in the matter.”

  Sidara got out and walked around the back of the Humvee. Jen and Sage joined her as she popped the back open, “Choose your weapons ladies.”

  Sage was elated to see the HK again while Jen took one of the AR-15s. She continued fumbling around trying to move Charger’s fat butt until she found another one of the grenades, “Are you going to sleep in there all day, you silly dog?”

  Charger lifted her floppy-eared head and yawned.

  “Why don’t you get out and stretch your legs, lazy,” Jen suggested.

  After a lackadaisical stretch and shake, Charger crawled down to the pavement and curled up by the Humvee tire, where she fell back asleep.

  “The easy life of a dog,” Jen said as she as she clipped the grenade to her belt.

  “Are you expecting a party?” Sidara asked, pointing at the grenade.

  “I hope not, but after seeing the damage it inflicted at the ferry dock, it couldn’t hurt.”

  Sidara stuck her head out from around the cargo area. Luther was still standing in front of the Humvee pouting.

  “Do you need anything out of here?”

  “Nope,” Luther whined, “I’m just going for a walk.”

  Sidara reached up and slammed the cargo door of the Humvee closed.

  “He didn’t need anything?” Jen asked.

  “Just a bigger set of balls. Did you have any of those back there?” Sidara chuckled, as she racked her weapon and moved toward the building.