There was no talking while we all worked at filling our bellies. The potatoes were baked soft and covered in salt and pepper and were moistened with oil of some sort. Canned green beans had been mixed with meat, which was salty. They were divine. Fresh whitefish was crusted and blackened with seasonings of which I was unfamiliar.
“For a special occasion like this,” said Mrs. Jones, “we’ll pass around the whiskey!”
“Bring it on!” said Danny.
His Mimaw rolled her eyes at him.
“What? You said that I’ve proven that I am a man now, Mimaw.”
“Yes you are, Danny. So drink. But not too much,” the old woman warned.
Abbey leaned against me and yawned.
“Want to catch a few Z’s?” I asked her.
She looked at me for a moment before answering. “Can I have some of the whiskey too?” she asked innocently.
I shook my head in disbelief. “I guess that’s up to Nate and Susan,” I said.
The girl looked over to Susan, who was still sleeping on the couch, and then toward Nathan.
“I’ll tell you what, Abs. We’ve all been through a lot. One shot, but that’s all. It’ll help you sleep.”
Abbey nodded in understanding. I noticed the dark circles under her eyes. Mack passed the bottle down, along with a single shot glass that had the logo of a brand of cigarettes on the side, now half worn away. Nathan filled the shot glass once it reached him, and then knee-walked across the floor to Abbey.
As he handed her the whiskey, he sat in front of her.
“Have you ever drank before?” he asked her.
She shook her head back and forth.
“It’ll burn your throat going down. Don’t sip it. Just toss it back and swallow. Drink some of your water as soon as you’re finished.”
“Ok,” she said simply.
“When you’re done, I want you to head down the hall and use the first room on the left. Sleep, Abs. You need it.”
“I think I’ll head back now, if you all don’t mind?” asked Agnes. “Abbey, mind if I bunk with you?”
“Sure, no problem,” she answered. “I don’t like to be alone anyway.”
Nate leaned down and kissed Abbey tenderly on the forehead. She did as he had instructed, downing the foul liquid. I knew Nate must have his reasons for allowing the girl to indulge. Like it or not, he was a father to her now.
She made a face as soon as she swallowed, showing her instant dislike for the drink. Nate immediately handed her a glass of water that she had set aside from dinner; she drank deeply.
***
As soon as Abbey and Agnes had disappeared into the sleeping area, Nathan and Gus settled in on each side of me. Nate passed the bottle to me, along with the shot glass. For the briefest of moments I started to pass it along, being used to abstaining for the sake of the baby who had, not long ago, been growing inside of me. Gus pushed the whiskey back toward me gently, and I ignored the shot glass and drank directly from the bottle. I tried to avoid making a face, but the burn in my throat was too strong. Nathan handed me the same glass of water that Abbey had used. I sipped at it before setting it aside.
“Abbey didn’t cope very well while you were gone,” Nathan said. “She’s barely slept.”
I watched as the whiskey was passed around the circle. Nate and Marnie were the only two who didn’t partake. I could guess Nate’s reason being his past drug abuse, and wondered only briefly about Marnie. Mack took the bottle from Danny before he could get much more down his throat that Abbey had. I chuckled.
“You said there’s ten of you left?” asked Gus.
“Yup, just ten,” said Mack with a sigh. “The other six are hole-up in what we call Sanctuary Two.”
“It’s underground, made out of steel cargo containers” explained Danny. “This is Sanctuary One. S1 for short.”
“S3 and S4 are farther out,” added Marnie.
“I heard you say you lost a couple others in your group?” asked Mack.
“We’ve lost too many. Gus’ girlfriend, Abbey’s older sister, a few friends who were originally with Nate and Abbey,” said Boggs.
“Wanda and little Jane,” I added softly. “Julio. Louisa and the baby.” I paused. “And my baby girl.”
While I wanted to cry, I just stared at the floor. Gus wrapped an arm around me and as I looked up I noticed Boggs glaring at us. He had the bottle of whiskey in hand and drank from it.
“She was mine too,” he said firmly.
I ignored him. I wasn’t in any mood to fight.
The new people in our lives looked uncomfortable.
“We almost lost Susan over there,” continued Nathan, to my relief.
“And we just lost someone newer to our group. A woman named Bobby.”
“What happened to her?”
“Danny, manners!” warned his Mimaw.
“Sorry,” the boy mumbled.
“It’s ok,” said Gus. “A man broke into a little shop we were hiding in for a night. He attacked Bobby and Zoe. He beat Bobby so badly she died; we think from internal bleeding.”
I took a deep breath, not wanting to remember the attack or Bobby’s last moments. I automatically reached for Gus’ hand, and leaned against him.
He continued. “We ran into Agnes as we were trying to get back to the others. Her twin brother, Linus, turned. He’d been bit and they hadn’t told us.”
“Fuck,” said Nathan. “Sorry, ma’am,” he said apologetically to Mrs. Jones.
She nodded in acknowledgement. She looked like a forgiving woman.
“I wouldn’t suggest returning to your motel,” said Marnie. “It’s not safe enough. Mack and I have talked and we’d be glad to have you join up with us. I’m sure the others will feel the same way.”
“Safety in numbers and all,” added Mack.
“How about we agree to stay on for a few days, talk it over?” suggested Gus. “We don’t mean to seem ungrateful, but we’ve come across some pretty evil people out there.”
“Fair enough,” said Mack. “Tonight, let’s rest. As soon as the horde moves on we can show you the other hideouts and introduce you to the rest of our group.”
The bottle of whiskey was making its way around the circle again. As earlier, Nate abstained. I took another large swig, wanting to feel numb if just for one evening. My mind was clear of the signals of the dead, but I felt a steady, warming connection to Gus. I could also sense Susan, but just faintly.
Eventually Mrs. Jones got up and blew out the various candles around the room, except for one. I could tell by how she moved that her bones must ache. She was out of breath and coughed deeply.
“I’m headed to bed,” said the old woman once she caught her breath. “You young people enjoy the fire and booze. Stay inside. I can hear them out there.” She used a crooked index finger to tap on her temple.
I assumed she meant the dead. I stole a glance at Boggs, who still wore a look of irritation. I hated that he was hurting and wished we could find a balance.
Mrs. Jones shut the hallway door behind her and the room fell quiet. I was exhausted and my feet still hurt from running and walking barefoot on rough terrain, although I could feel that they were starting to heal.
“Danny, you should head to bed,” said Mack.
The younger boy yawned. “Ya, I need to be up early. Check the traps.” He stood and excused himself.
I leaned against Gus, shuffling my legs to try to get comfortable. Despite the fire, I was growing cold. As if sensing this, Gus rubbed my back gently to try to warm me. I was suddenly overwhelmed with sadness.
“Nate,” said Gus. With my ear nestled against his chest, his voice sounded funny. “You should take Susan into the second room on the left. There’s a comfortable bed.”
As if hearing her name, Susan tossed in her sleep. I heard her whimper as if she were having a bad dream.
“Mack, we should hit the hay too,” suggested Marnie. “The rest of you can camp out in here and ten
d the fire if you don’t mind?”
“No problem,” said Gus. “We’ve already slept anyway.”
“Mind if I wait in the entryway to the place?” asked Boggs.
Mack sighed deeply. “I can tell there’s major tension here, guys,” he said, looking between Boggs and Gus. “But it’s cold out there and the dead are more likely to sense you by the outer entrance.”
“No problem,” I said quickly, while giving both Gus and Boggs a sharp look.
Nate stood, obviously not wanting to get involved, and gently woke Susan. She looked so tired and haggard. He helped her to the hallway and they disappeared into the deeper area of the hideout. Mack and Marnie followed them.
“Zoe, you go ahead and take the couch,” said Gus. “I’ve had enough sleep.”
“I’m glad you’re safe,” mumbled Boggs.
I wasn’t sure if he meant me or Gus or both of us.
“And I’m sorry about Bobby. And Linus.”
“Thanks, brother. So are we.”
“Do you guys mind if I just camp out on the floor?” asked Boggs, who suddenly seemed calmer. Perhaps the whiskey was helping his mood.
“Go for it,” I said softly.
I slowly stood, my legs half asleep, and stumbled to the sofa. It was still warm from Susan’s nap and I flopped down, ready to sleep for as long as I could. I grabbed the blanket with which she had been covered and wrapped it around myself. I watched as Gus curled up on the floor, his head propped on a toss pillow. Before long he was snoring.
“Mind if I blow out the candle?” asked Boggs.
“Sure. We should save it.”
Once the room was even darker, Boggs walked to the wood stove and opened the door. Putting a piece of wood inside, it popped loudly.
“Thanks, Boggs,” I said quietly.
“For what?”
“The fire.”
“No biggie.”
“No, it is. I know you’re pissed with me.”
He sat down on the couch near my feet, which I lifted to make room for him.
“Ya, I guess ‘pissed’ about covers it.”
I scooted back against the armrest so that I could face him. The newly burning wood cast a gentle flickering glow across his strong jawline. His dark hair was shaggier than usual, causing him to tuck it behind his ears.
“So much has happened,” I sighed.
“I still care about you, Zo. But what you two did…”
“I know. And I’m sorry. I really am.”
“It’s a fucked up world,” was all he had to say.
I drew my legs up to my chest and hugged them tightly.
“Get some sleep, kid.”
I closed my eyes and turned slightly toward the back of the couch, trying to get comfortable. I felt Boggs’ hand rest on my thigh and squeeze gently. Neither of us said anymore. I reached my hand down and placed mine over his. He held it gently, to my surprise. After a few minutes he leaned over and rested his head against my legs. I felt oddly content.
CHAPTER 13
The sound of others milling around woke me. To my delight I could smell coffee and meat frying. I sat up and stretched. There were a couple of bright lanterns lit, and Abbey was busy helping Marnie cook on top of the wood stove.
“Morning,” said Danny to me as he brought an empty plate over to the girls. “We were just getting ready to wake you.”
I looked around. I was alone on the couch and didn’t see Boggs or Gus. Susan was sitting in a chair at a small table, eating something with a fork.
“How’s Susan?” I asked Danny.
“She seems ok today. She’s started talking and is eating eggs.”
“Good. Where’s Boggs and Gus?”
Danny held the plate out and Marnie began forking strips of meat onto it. It didn’t smell like bacon, and I wondered what it was.
“They’re out with Mack. He’s showing them the lay of the land. They’ll bring more eggs back.”
“What kind?”
He chuckled. “Chicken.”
“You have chickens?” I said with a little too much surprise in my voice.
“We sure do. We coop them at night when they’re quiet but they run loose during the day, otherwise they’d attract the dead. We found that out the hard way.”
A sadness fell over his face for a brief moment.
“We should eat while this is still hot,” said Marnie. “I’ll heat up more when the mighty egg hunters get back.”
“Zoe, you can sit with me and Susan,” said Abbey.
“Thanks. I need to use the bathroom first.”
“I’ll show you where it is,” offered Marnie. “Danny, can you get Abbey and Susan set up, and keep an eye on these potatoes?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said with a wink.
I stood and stretched again, my unhappily full bladder screaming at me. I followed Marnie back to the opening in the wall that we had entered through the evening before. She unlatched it and it swung inward toward us. I let her go first, following suit as she stepped up onto a single wooden step and hoisted herself up. Danny was there to close the hatch after I was through.
“Try not to be long,” he said.
“We won’t be,” replied Marnie.
I crouched down and followed her back through the tunnel to the chamber in which I had first awoken. It smelled of damp earth and the slight odor of decaying plant matter. I hadn’t noticed that the day before.
“Marnie?”
“Ya?”
“It smells wet in here.”
“Oh…ya…it must have rained overnight. We’re built on the side of a hill, so haven’t flooded. Yet. But it’ll get moist in here after a good rain.”
She ducked down again, and I followed her into another cramped crawlspace. A cold drop of water splattered on the back of my neck, making me shiver.
“We’ll be out in just a sec,” she said quietly. “This is where we need to be extra quiet and listen for the dead. And never lead them back here.”
Marnie stopped and reached her arms upward, lifting on what must have been the main hatch to the hidey hole. “We tie it shut from this side if we’re all down below,” she explained. “Otherwise we only secure the hatch to the basement so anyone topside can get in in a hurry.”
As she moved a board aside, daylight streamed in. I rubbed at my eyes while they adjusted.
“C’mon. The pot’s not far.”
I climbed up toward the surface using a makeshift ladder that someone had fashioned. There were only three rungs and they squeaked slightly as I climbed with my feet. It was constructed of tree branches and rope. Marnie was waiting topside, kneeling on the ground. She reached a hand out to help me emerge.
The sky was overcast and a gentle breeze blew. We were indeed on a hillside, just as she had said. As I found my footing, I looked out at a view of a valley. The ocean was just visible in the distance. A few trees stood nearby, their branches just beginning to fill in with green leaves. In the distance, a good fifty yards away, was the topside of what had been a home.
“Is that where the basement is?” I asked.
“Yes. Only part of the house is still standing. We’ve noticed the dead are more likely to be attracted to a standing building, so we did a controlled burn of part of it.”
“How do you keep them from coming in through the top?”
“We used the dirt from the dig-out to cover weak spots that we had reinforced with salvaged lumber. Here, follow me to the outhouse.”
She began walking downhill toward an oak tree. At the base of the large trunk was a small wooden structure, rectangular in nature, with a toilet seat fashioned on top. A plastic Folgers coffee can was nailed to the tree right beside it, with a roll of toilet paper tucked inside.
“Clever,” I said with a smile.
“It was Danny’s design. Simple, and not very private, but effective,” said Marnie. “The hole’s only about three feet deep, so it won’t last very long. By then we’ll dig a new one.”
“I’ll be sure to compliment him.”
“I’ll wait a few yards away. We try to come out here in pairs.”
“Thanks.”
“Try not to take long, ok? You never know when the dead might wander through.”
“I’ll hurry.” I didn’t feel like explaining that if the dead were near, I’d likely know well before her.
***
After I had finished relieving myself, Marnie walked me to a natural spring that surfaced nearby. The walk downhill was steep, but several shrubs offered handholds on the way down. I helped her fill recycled plastic milk jugs. We worked quietly while listening for sounds around us that might not belong. The small stream was only large enough to allow us to fill half a jug at a time, so we would pour from one container into the others.
“We always try to bring a couple back inside,” Marnie said quietly beside me. “Just so we always have a good supply. You never know when we might be stuck inside hiding for days on end.”
“Has that happened?”
“Twice. The first time for four days, the next for almost two weeks.” She paused for a moment, seemingly spooked by something. “Let’s get back underground and eat breakfast.” She picked up her two jugs of water and began walking back uphill.
As we reached the half-way point, I noticed that Marnie seemed a bit out of breath. She paused to rest and smiled at me.
“I have asthma,” she explained. “It’s just been acting up lately with spring coming on.”
I nodded. “I can come back for your jugs of water.”
“It’s ok, I’ll make it alright. It’s good for me.”
She began walking again, and I followed. As we reached the top of the hill and the landscape flattened, I could feel Gus nearby.
“They’re almost back,” I said quietly.
Marnie looked at me questioningly. I turned in the direction in which I sensed Gus approaching. Within moments he and the other two men emerged from the surrounding shrubbery.
I caught myself smiling, just overall glad to see them all. Gus winked at me, to my delight. Mack walked to Marnie without speaking, and took the water bottles out of her hands.
“C’mon, you know I can get them ok,” she said while rolling her eyes.
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