Jackie chuckled. “I think he figured that out the second you wouldn’t pick up a gun.”
Claire glanced over her shoulder from the front seat. “Hey! I’ve learned how to shoot.”
“I, for one, am glad Claire doesn’t look like Rambo,” Nick said, smiling at her, “but she’s come a long way in just the short time we’ve known each other.” He patted her hand and smiled at her. “I’m proud of you, Claire, and I know you’re doing your best.”
“Thanks, Nick.” She shot him a flirty grin.
I knew not everyone was meant to go out and fight for the cause, and I was sure Claire wasn’t. Still, like she said, there were other things she could do behind the scenes. The more I pondered, the more I realized I shouldn’t label the girl; I hated when my brother did that to me. I was sure Nick would have loved to keep me behind the scenes, but whether he liked it or not, I’d be out there fighting zombies right by his side.
Claire, on the other hand, wasn’t exactly cut out for hand-to-decayed-hand combat. She was a model, with long legs that I often caught Nick staring hungrily at. Her long red hair flowed down her back in a cascade of curls, and her blue eyes were stunning. She was beautiful, perfect, and girly, and it was easy to see why my brother was attracted to her, but I was sure she wasn’t right for him. It wasn’t that I didn’t like Claire, but all her whining tended to get on my nerves, and I was surprised it didn’t bother Nick. I suppose he just wanted to protect her from all the ugliness in this world.
The major roads were totally flooded, so we had to find a safe harbor to wait out the storm until the roads were passable again. When we turned a corner, I saw a huge, three-story, red brick building. Squinting, I could make out a sign in front, indicating that we’d arrived at Sunny Hills Nursing Home. “Hey, Nick!” I pointed. “How about there? There’d be plenty of room for everyone.”
“Absolutely not,” Claire said. “Think about all the undead we’d have to fight to take control of the facility.”
Jackie nuzzled into my shoulder as I held her. “Claire’s right. I don’t want to fight zombies until we absolutely have to.”
I shook my head. “Who said anything about fighting zombies? The place is all boarded up.”
Jackie wiped the fog off the window. “He’s right! Every single window. Maybe some other survivors are here,” she said. “Maybe they can help.”
“If they’re not hostile,” Nick said.
“We won’t know unless we take the risk,” Jackie said. “So what do you think?”
Nick slowed down and pulled into the driveway, a frown of concentration perched between his brows. “Not a bad idea, but we’ll have to check it out first. Better safe than sorry.”
Jackie stared at the building. “I’m sure if there are any survivors holed up in there, they’ll let us stay for a night. Surely they’ll understand our predicament, and there’s gotta be plenty of room.”
“Fine. I guess it works for me,” Claire said. “If the place’s boarded up, I’m sure there are no zombies.”
Nick opened the car door, allowing a flurry of wind and rain to rush in. “Stay put for a minute, guys. I’m just gonna run back and tell the other drivers what we’re doing.”
“I’m coming with ya,” I said. “After we tell the others, we’ll go inside and make sure the place is safe.”
“Count me in,” Jackie said.
“No, you stay here and stay dry,” I said. “I got this.”
She pulled me close and kissed me on the lips. “What girl doesn’t love a nice shower?”
“Yeah, she’s right. We haven’t had one for days,” Claire said.
“All kidding aside, you know there’s safety in numbers,” Jackie said. “I wanna be there to get your back if you need me. We still have no idea what’s in there. It looks safe, but I’ve learned what isn’t safe is assuming things.”
I was impressed with the girls’ courage and willingness to help. I smiled at Jackie. She had a Lara Croft trait that totally turned me on. “Well, come on then,” I said, grinning.
Cold water soaked through my clothes as the wind howled. As my brother walked over to the others and discussed ways to break in, Jackie and I walked up the long sidewalk, stepping over the weeds poking out of the cracks in the cement.
“Think we should check out the perimeter of the building first?” I asked.
“Sounds like a plan.” She whipped out her gun. “Let’s go.”
As we started to walk away, Nick called me through the rain. “Dean! Hold up!”
“What?”
“Where are you going?”
“To have a look around.”
“Then take Lucas or Val with you and some armed people from our group.”
“Stop worrying. I’ll be fine,” I yelled.
He threw his hands up in frustration. “I don’t care what you think you know. Your life is in my hands. You have no idea what’s lurking back there.”
When I saw a group of people walking in my direction, I let out a huff. “Fine,” I said. “If you insist, I’ll take bodyguards!”
When Nick turned his back to talk to some of the men, Jackie chimed in, “Your brother’s right, you know. The more, the merrier, right?”
One of the guys approached. “I got your back, li’l buddy.”
“I’m neither little nor your buddy,” I said. “Now let’s go,” I ordered like some kind of drill sergeant, then marched through the puddles.
“Wait!” Jackie said, squinting. “Your brother said to take Lucas or Val.”
I kept walking at a steady pace. “I don’t care what he said.”
It was hard to see through the rain, but I noticed a few trees and picnic benches and hiking trails scattered around the untended gardens. We were halfway around the perimeter of the building when I spotted a giant white gazebo covered in ivy garland that I assumed to be artificial.
“It’s beautiful,” Jackie said, running inside the gazebo and slowly spinning around.
I walked up the stairs to seek shelter from the storm so I could survey the situation without rain pouring down my face. The grounds were in desperate need of attention. All the doors and windows were boarded up, just like in the front of the building. Nothing stirred, mouse or otherwise, and I didn’t see or hear any zombies anywhere. The others walked around the gazebo, checking carefully for any fiendish thing that might be lurking in the shadows or hiding. Heavy rain poured off the roof in sheets as the wind howled.
“I don’t see anything,” Jackie said. “Maybe the zombies are disoriented by the rain.”
“Could be,” I said, nodding. I felt at ease enough to put my gun down, then wrapped my arms around Jackie.
“If we weren’t searching for zombies, it might be kind of romantic to be out here in this gazebo, cuddling and listening to the rain,” she said, tracing my lips with her fingertips. She brushed her long, wet hair out of her face.
I had never seen her look sexier, nor had I ever been so attracted to anyone. My heart pounded in a crazy rhythm as our eyes connected, and I froze as we stared deeply into each other’s. I cupped her face, lost in that dazzling smile of hers. “You’re so beautiful. You just…you take my breath away,” I said.
Her black hair hung around her face, and her eyes were the most beautiful shade of brown. With an outstretched hand, she touched my hand, holding it gently against her damp, warm skin. I pulled her close and kissed her softly on the lips, running my hand through her wet hair. I couldn’t help myself; I’d been dying to do that for so long. Then, just as I was about to deepen the kiss, I felt arms grab the back of my shirt.
“Zombie!” Jackie shouted, fumbling for her gun.
I spun around just in time to see the undead thing lunging at my neck, its teeth just inches from my carotid artery. Suddenly, the green-skinned monstrosity fell backward and crashed to the ground on the gazebo, a knife jutting out of its brittle skull. It twitched and let out a few more hisses, followed by an eerie silence.
“I to
ld you to bring Lucas or Val with you,” Nick said, standing in the pouring rain, tapping his foot as if he were really ticked off.
“I’ve got plenty of others with me,” I argued. I knew I’d screwed up and should have listened to him, but that pissed me off more than anything. Back at the school, I’d finally proven to my brother that I could go on a zombie mission without him, kick butt, and survive, but in one fell swoop of rebellion, I’d blown that hard-earned credibility.
He crossed his arms. “And exactly how much good did that do you? Lucas and Val care about you and will always cover your butt.”
Guilt flooded through me as I realized I should’ve been more attention to my surroundings than I was paying to Jackie’s soft lips. “Fine. I learned my lesson. It won’t happen again.”
“You’re right. It won’t. If I need to put you on a leash, that can be arranged.”
The remark angered me something fierce. “Don’t be such an idiot, Nick.”
“I have to be if I’m gonna teach you how to survive out here. That little romantic distraction could’ve gotten you killed. The second you stop paying attention, a zombie will strike.” Rain dripped down his face, making him look even more angry. “You always have to be alert. You wanna kiss Jackie, that’s fine, but wait till we’re inside, in some safe place.” He glanced around. “Where’s your backup anyway?”
“They’re securing the perimeter of this building,” Jackie said. “We were right behind them, and…well, I guess we just got separated for a minute.”
“And that could’ve gotten you both killed,” Nick fumed. “Dean, don’t be so naïve! You’re so not ready to be out here,” he yelled. “I had no choice but to bring you along since that helicopter crashed. I don’t even know if I can get you back to Mom and Dad in one piece, especially when you refuse to listen to me.” He pushed me hard in the chest, shoving me back in anger.
I decided then and there that if he wanted a fight, he was going to get one. I shoved him back and sent a right hook crashing into his jaw. He swung back and nailed me, and pain exploded across my face. I lunged at him when he shoved me again.
“Stop it, you two!” Jackie yelled, stepping between us. “Save your anger for the zombies.”
“You just don’t get it, do you?” Nick asked me.
I didn’t even dignify him with an answer.
He narrowed his gaze and crossed his muscular arms. “Is this all some kind of game to you?” he yelled, his voice echoing off the ceiling of the gazebo.
“No.”
“Really? Then why are you in here sucking face with her and letting your guard down? This is exactly why I didn’t wanting you coming back here by yourself.”
I knew Nick was right, though I was tired of being lectured about it. Still, he had a point. If our little impromptu make-out session had gotten any more intense, I might not have even heard the thing sneaking up on me in the pouring rain. My raging hormones had overshadowed my common sense. I wasn’t perfect and had never claimed to be, but I could have listened and learned from Nick, who was giving me a crash course in Zombies 101. I’d barely been out in Zombie Land, yet I was cocky, feeling like some kind of superhero from the few victories I had. The truth was, I was being an idiot—a complete and utter know-it-all. I knew I had much to learn, and I decided then and there that I’d never let that happen again. Instead, I’d become stronger, smarter, and more open to advice, and I would never make a rookie mistake like that again that would put my life, Jackie’s life, or anyone’s life at risk.
“Dean, you’re my little brother, and I love you,” Nick said, his tone softening. “I don’t mean to come off sounding like some controlling jerk, but if anything happens to you…” His voice trailed off, as if he was unable to imagine how he would deal with that kind of loss. As if on cue, a flash of lightning lit up the sky, followed by the crash of thunder. “You have every right to be insane—just not on my watch.” He slapped me on the back, and I knew I was forgiven. That was as much emotion as Nick was capable of mustering up.
“This will never happen again,” I said. “I promise.”
“C’mon,” he said, pulling his blade out of the zombie and wiping it off in the wet grass. “Let’s get this place secured.”
We circled around one more time and decided to see if we could get anyone’s attention. As we walked around the front of the building, I noticed Claire standing under a big, black umbrella with Howard. Nick didn’t look the least bit happy and shot Howard a glare.
“Hey,” Howard said. “Seein’ as though you deserted poor Claire and left her here to get soaking wet in this storm, I was just trying to keep her dry and safe.”
“Yeah, well, while you’re out here pretending to be some Good Samaritan, I’m trying to save our butts,” Nick retorted.
Claire looked up at Howard. “Nick was securing the perimeter,” she said proudly, sticking up for him. “What do you think I am, Howard? A wicked witch who might melt or something? A little rain won’t kill me.”
Nick gripped Claire’s hand and pulled her with him. It was evident that if Howard didn’t back off and quit putting the moves on her, we were going to have to ditch him or fights were going to ensue.
“So you’re gonna drag her out in the rain just to keep her from standing next to me?” Howard yelled after them. “Did you even ask her if she wants to go with you?”
“Bye, Howard,” Claire said, glancing over her shoulder, as if making her choice very clear.
We pounded on the door and boarded-up windows, not sure if we’d get any sort of response, since we didn’t know if anyone was currently residing in the dark, lonely place. Some of the others came over and joined in. We figured if anyone was in there, friendly or hostile, they’d come out and greet us since we announced that we weren’t zombies and had no deadly intentions.
I listened intently through the rain for somebody’s voice, but no answer came.
“Maybe they’re scared of outsiders,” Jackie said.
Water dripped down Claire’s face. “Or maybe the place is deserted.”
Lucas approached. “Or maybe somebody boarded up all the zombies from the city in there, like a zombie prison.”
Jackie slugged him. “That’s a scary thought.”
“You think I’m playing?” he retorted, blinking droplets out of his eyes. “You have to keep every option open.”
“He’s right,” Val said, shielding her face. “Be on guard and put no scenario out of your mind, no matter how crazy you think it is. These are weird times, and weird stuff happens.”
“Enough with the banging,” Nick said, walking over. “If anybody were in there, they’d have been out here by now. You’re just ringing the dinner bell for nearby zombies.”
I blinked, wiping the rain with my sleeve as sheets poured down.
A muscular man with gray hair brought over a few axes. “What do ya think? Should we give it a go?”
Nick nodded.
Another man handed out long, thin flashlights, and I made sure to grab one, since I knew there’d be no electricity inside. “We’ll need people to stand guard,” the man said. “I don’t want some zombie hacking away on me while I’m hacking away at these boards.”
Val came over and grabbed an axe. “You fellas don’t get to have all the fun,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to be on a wrecking crew.”
Nick and Lucas smiled and shook their head at her, then grabbed axes as well. I figured we didn’t need ten people chopping at the window, so Jackie, Claire, and I stood guard while they burst through the wood stroke by stroke.
A woman handed us some umbrellas. “Maybe these will help you see better, in case anything’s coming,” she said.
I thanked her and kept diligent post, looking for any shadow or the slightest movement. Jackie and Claire took their positions seriously as well, and we didn’t talk to each other; we knew how important it was to remain focused on our surroundings—a lesson I’d learned the hard way while kissing my girl in a gazebo
.
Crack! Wood splintered, flying everywhere as they chopped through the window.
“We’re in!” Val said.
Nick’s hands were still wrapped around the axe, rain dripping down his face. “Dean, shine some light in here, would ya?”
I shined my flashlight into the dark, gaping hole, illuminating a receptionist’s desk, floral couches, and matching floral paintings on the walls. I almost expected some people to peer out holding guns and questioning why we were breaking into their makeshift fortress, but nobody showed up. Still, someone had boarded the place up pretty tight. I wondered who had done it and if any of them were still alive.
Chapter 5
We all looked at each other as the rain poured down.
“Who’s going first?” the man asked, holding up his axe.
Nick shot us a look. “Cover me.”
“We got your back,” Lucas said.
A woman softly touched my shoulder. “I’ll take your umbrella so you can go inside. Be careful.”
“Thanks,” I said.
Nick didn’t waste another minute. He just climbed right in, pulled out his gun, and put his gun arm over his other hand, which held the flashlight—just like he’d taught me. I clambered past the jagged wood, careful not to get a gash; there were no doctors or stitches available, and an infection from even the smallest cut could mean death.
“I’m right behind you,” Jackie said.
“Stay close,” I whispered.
Everything was eerily quiet except for the pounding of rain. The receptionist’s desk had an old calendar on it, one from the prior year—an eerie reminder of the year our world changed forever. Flashlight beams swung everywhere and bounced off the walls once several of us had crept in. I didn’t see any signs of survivors, but that didn’t mean they weren’t hiding somewhere. For all we knew, they were terrified of us, the intruders, or they were waiting to ambush us. I shared these very pessimistic but very possible ideas with Nick and Lucas. A few of the others tuned in.
“We come in peace!” a man suddenly yelled. “If there are any survivors here, we mean you no harm. We just need to stay here until the storm passes.”
The Zombie Chronicles - Book 4 - Poisonous Serum (Apocalypse Infection Unleashed Series) Page 4
