Dying to Live

by Roxy De Winter

  “They could just be nice, normal townsfolk. I agree that we need to be careful and guarded, but I think we should treat these people respectfully unless they give us a reason not to,” Xin put in.

  “I’m not trying to say that we shouldn’t treat them well, I’m just saying we don’t know the lengths that even ‘nice, normal townsfolk’ will go to in order to protect themselves,” Pete explained.

  “I knew a few of the folks here. Big Mormon community, we should be okay but I’d advise caution too,” Harry nodded.

  “Well, we’re about to find out a bit more. He’s turning in just here... Shady Motel,” Frank told them.

  “It doesn’t look that bad. In fact, it looks quite nice,” Xin commented, looking out of one of the windows. The pale pink, wood panelled buildings looked clean and presentable. The car park was relatively empty but it was hardly going to be a busy day.

  “No, that’s the name of it,” Frank grimaced.

  “Oh,” Xin said, hoping that it wasn’t an ominous sign of what to expect.

  The young man hopped out of his car, shut the door and leaned against it, obviously waiting for them. He was wearing tight black jeans that were ripped at the knees and supported by a simple, black, leather belt. He wore a black t-shirt, black, leather, fingerless gloves and a padlocked chain encircled his throat. From what the group could see he wasn’t armed, the only thing in his hands was the smouldering cigarette that hung between two fingers.

  “C’mon,” Pete said standing up. “Let down the ramp, but try and shut it quickly behind us.”

  Lucy was the first to open her door. She jumped down from her seat as the passengers from the back were getting out. Frank joined them when the vehicle was secured again.

  “That’s a nice ride you have there,” the guy said, offering his hand to Frank. “I’m Andrew.”

  “Frank,” Frank responded, a little bewildered to be being greeted first. He shook Andrew’s hand and introduced the others. “This is Lucy... And Harry... Pete... And Xin.” They all exchanged either a nod or a handshake.

  “So, you mentioned scouts that saw us? Are there many of you?” Pete asked.

  “Quite a few, yeah. Caliente did pretty well at minimising its casualties. It was mainly thanks to Mr Thompson. He came through from the base a few miles away, you know the one they call area 51, just up the highway? Well, he said that it all started there. He warned us all so that we’d know to be safe. When it all kicked off, there were a lot of people that drove through town, including the military, but not many actually stopped here. Most of them probably wanted to get as far away as possible, but it meant that the infected didn’t really stop here either. When they did, we took care of them pretty fast. We lost a few good people, though. We haven’t scouted out much beyond town, but it doesn’t look like the others nearby did so well.”

  “Is Mr Thompson still here?” Pete asked, sensing that Andrew would talk and talk if he was left to it.

  The kid looked at the ground before looking back up at them. “No, Mr Thompson was bit. He wanted people to be prepared, so he drove down here and went into the church. Once he’d spoken to the pastor he got back in his car and drove off. We found his car not far away. He’d shot himself in the head.”

  “I’m sorry to hear about that,” Pete said sincerely. “It’s great that your town has survivors thanks to him, though. Is anyone in charge here?”

  “Uh...” Andrew ran his fingers through his floppy black hair as he thought. He wore it longer than either of the girls and swept carelessly to the side. Occasionally it fell into his eyes when he spoke, and his hands would graze lazily upwards to push it aside. “I guess there isn’t really a leader or anything like that, but there is a group of people who have formed a council so that they can address the town’s problems.”

  “And will they want to meet us?” Pete asked.

  “Maybe,” the kid was thoughtful again. “I mean, usually they’re arranging patrols or organising supply runs, sending people to fix things up or something, but you guys must have information?”

  “We were really just passing through. We were looking for a few supplies ourselves: food, water, medical supplies, tools, a map, that kind of thing. Perhaps some fresh clothes too,” Pete explained.

  “We’re all on rations at the moment. Caliente is only a small place but we have to keep everyone going with what we have here. You see the big building over the tracks?” Andrew pointed behind them at a building in the distance. Its architecture bore striking resemblance to a Spanish mission and the result was quite beautiful. “That’s basically the centre of operations for the council. They have all of their meetings there. It was the old rail depot, but now it’s a museum and houses the city hall. There might be a way they’d be willing to do a trade of some sort, maybe for information...” He looked toward the car, “or other kinds of supplies.” Andrew was clearly curious about them. “Look, if you want a bed for the night you can stay here. There’s enough food and water for each of you for one night and I can probably finagle the spare clothes and map you mentioned. If you want anything more than that, then you’re going to need to talk to someone about it. I can help you with that, but not until tomorrow.”

  “Thanks, we’d appreciate it,” Pete said to the boy.

  He nodded in response. “Let’s find you some rooms for the night.”

  21.

  ‘The visitors seemed a bit standoffish when I greeted them. I’d kind of hoped that they’d be friendlier. My pops said it meant they’d probably been though a lot, and I guess that made sense. I couldn’t hold it against them that they were being wary. I knew they didn’t trust me because I’d seen the driver, Frank, reach for his gun as soon as they saw me. I hoped that they would trust me in time, though, because I was hoping that they would take me with them when they left. Caliente needed strong people, and no doubt they would try and encourage the outsiders to stay, but I knew they wouldn’t agree to it and I never intended to die in this small town. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention, my name is Andrew Miller. I don’t mind shortening it to Andy either. My family has lived in Caliente for generations. In fact, my Grampa used to love telling me stories about the historic moments our family had witnessed there. He swore that his Grampa, or maybe it was his great Grampa, knew the Culverwells who owned the ranch and land here, before the town was built up around it. He told me that his father was around when the railroad was first constructed and he himself was born by the time the train depot was built. We were there in the beginning, when caliente was nothing, but I didn’t want to be there in the end, when it returned to nothing.’

  Andrew led them across the baking lot and into the reception. The afternoon heat was stifling, so the breeze from a small fan on the counter was very welcome. He chatted amiably to them, trying to ignore the looks he caught on their faces before they realised he was looking. He shrugged it off easily. It was natural that they would be trying to weigh him up.

  He ducked behind the desk and made his way over to the rack of keys that hung on the wall.

  “There are only four rooms that I can offer you. We’ve got people in most of the others,” Andrew explained. “Usually you could have your pick, but this is where everyone is coming for solace at the moment. A lot of people want to be closer to the city hall, some simply don’t want to be at home. I hope it won’t be a problem for two people to share?”

  The group exchanged looks. Xin glanced at Pete and blushed before looking away.

  “It’s great, thanks,” Lucy piped up. “We’ve all been sharing one space for the past couple of months anyway.”

  Andrew was obviously glad and smiled back at her. He turned and ran his finger along the panel of keys, making them jingle. His finger drew to a halt and plucked off two of the giant fobs, followed by the two that hung below them.

  “Here, I’ve got 104, 105 and 114 and 115.” He pointed through the window at said rooms. 114 and 115 were below 104 and 105 which were right at the end of the balcony. “They
’re two doubles, a twin and a single,” He offered nonchalantly, swinging one of the keys from his finger. “So, who’s sharing?”

  “I don’t mind sharing,” Harry shrugged.

  “Yeah, me either,” Frank said. “No biggie.”

  “Okay,” Andrew threw the key to Frank. “And the single?”

  “I’ll take it,” Pete smiled, gesturing for the key which Andrew obligingly threw to him. “Let the ladies enjoy the doubles, they could use some luxury.”

  Lucy smirked and turned to Xin, offering her a high five. Xin slapped her hand to Lucy’s with a small laugh.

  “Well, you’ll want to get freshened up I’m sure, but if you fancy it later, head on over to the Knotty Pine. A few of us get together for drinks there on an evening. You might even meet some people you’d be interested in talking to,” Andrew said, as he handed over the last of the keys. “It’s just down the road; you passed it on your way here. I’d show you to your rooms but I need to head over to the depot. I’ll ask about a get-together for you guys while I’m there.”

  As he finished speaking, a middle aged woman pushed through the doors behind him. Through them, they were offered a quick glimpse of a lounge, before they swung shut behind her.

  “Oh. Hey, Mom,” Andrew frowned. “I didn’t realise you were here. Weren’t you meant to be taking care of Dad?”

  “You know your father; he won’t let me look after him. So, I thought I’d be more use elsewhere. Who are our guests?” She asked. It was obvious that she was Andrew’s mother; he looked a lot like her. Their eyes were the same, as were the cheekbones and bright smiles.

  “Oh, these guys just got in from out of town,” He told her. “Frank, Pete, Xin...” He stumbled to remember Lucy and Harry’s names but they smiled and introduced themselves. “This is my mom, Mary. Mom, they all need something to eat and drink. I said we could probably manage a change of clothes too. Do you think you could see to that? I need to go see the council.”

  “Of course, you go. I can take care of things here.” Mary smiled at her son.

  “Thanks,” he smiled back and kissed her cheek. “I hope I’ll see you guys later.” He added to the guests, before strolling out of the reception.

  “If you all want to head over to your rooms, I’ll fetch over some dinner,” Mary told them warmly.

  “Thank you,” Xin acknowledged. “We’re sorry to put you out. I hope we aren’t keeping you from anything.”

  “Oh, not at all. When you run a motel it’s all part of the package. Besides, you heard what I told Andy. His father is a stubborn old ox, but he will be fine. He’s just gotten sick from all the commotion recently, that’s all. A lot of people are in and out of here and there’s always someone who’s sneezing or coughing. There are others who have it worse, but they have their families in the rooms with them,” Mary explained.

  “What others?” Pete enquired.

  Mary rolled her eyes. “Andy missed that out, did he? Typical of him. He’s a smart boy but he’s so busy at the moment, it’s no wonder he forgot. Yes, we seem to have an influx of people coming down with all sorts, at the moment. We’re housing a lot of them here for now. Don’t worry, though,” she added, on seeing their worried expressions, “we have it under control. Now, go on. I’ll try and be over in an hour or so.”

  As early evening was beginning to turn the sky pink and giving the air a cool shiver, Andy trudged back from the rail depot. He pulled a black, leather jacket tighter around himself and flipped his hair back against the breeze that tried to push it onto his face. He hoisted a heavy, canvas bag higher onto his shoulder as he walked. Dust kicked up from the ground where his feet hit it, and the rhythmic beat of his footsteps accompanied him. He was in a world of his own.

  It had been a long day. After he had left the motel he had thought about the visitors. It was obvious that they didn’t intend to stay, no matter what was said to them. Their requests had made that apparent. Setting up a meeting for them wouldn’t accomplish anything. They’d probably be denied the things they needed, just to try and convince them to stay. Andrew hadn’t bothered to try and arrange anything. He’d had a better idea. He wanted to win their trust and that was the reason he had decided to be honest with them. He’d thought about telling them that the council had refused to meet with them, but it wasn’t believable and would mean betraying their trust before he even had it. As he picked his way across the abandoned tracks, he hoped that he was doing the right thing.

  His reverie was broken when he found that his short walk back to the motel had concluded. Andrew looked around to check that he was alone, before he headed to his car and popped the trunk open. He swung the bag from his shoulder and packed it in beside the two boxes he had already stowed in there earlier. Once the car was closed and locked again, he leaned against it and pulled out his carton of Marlboros.

  Pete just happened to glance out of the window of his room as he was coming out of the bathroom. His shower had been more than welcome after not being able to feel properly clean for so long. It was heaven to wash off the blood and the dirt and the sweat. The bathroom back at the base was little more than a glorified cupboard by comparison. Through the window he observed the young guy from before, Andy, stowing something away in his car. There was nothing conspicuous about that in itself, but the look on his face made Pete wonder. Hurriedly, he pulled on the fresh, red, polo shirt that was laid out on his bed and decided to go out and talk to him.

  ‘Oh, hey!’ Andy greeted him when he saw him heading over. “I was going to come and check in on you guys when I was finished,” He said, lifting the hand that held his cigarette.

  “It’s no problem. I think everyone’s just enjoying the hot water and trying to get a quick nap. We were all planning to come over to the bar later,” Pete said pleasantly.

  “Oh, yeah? Cool. I’ll probably head over there now, if there isn’t anything I can do for you? It was going to be my next stop anyway. You’re welcome to walk over with me,” Andy offered. Between the deep drags on his cigarette he had a gravelly voice. He looked too young for it to belong to him.

  “That sounds great. Would you wait here for a moment?” Pete asked. “I don’t want to leave the others without telling them where I’m going.”

  “Sure. Why don’t you ask if they want to join us? If not, they can always meet us over there,” Andy smiled.

  Pete left Andy leaning against his car, and watched him stub out what was left of the cigarette and immediately spark up another. He shook his head as he climbed the metal steps and walked along the upper walkway to the girls’ rooms. He knocked on Xin’s door and couldn’t help but roll his eyes when Lucy answered it without even looking at him. She was clearly more focused on what Xin was saying and left the door hanging open for him to enter.

  “...ill she said. Given the state of things, I think sick people are a cause for concern, and they’re being cared for right here.” Xin was in the bathroom and had the door cracked open so that Lucy could hear her in the bedroom.

  “Well, maybe... I don’t know. You’re probably right. Pete’s here anyway,” Lucy called back, before turning to him. “What’s up?”

  “What were you girls talking about?” Pete asked, with an eyebrow raised.

  “Oh, yeah. Xin is worried about being in such close proximity to people who are sick. She thinks it probably came from the infected that passed through,” Lucy explained.

  “Well, that’s... not good,” Pete replied. “I don’t think we’ll be here for very long, though.”

  Xin walked back into the room just as he finished speaking. She was wearing a black, cotton dress and her newly short hair was still damp.

  “Hi,” she smiled at him. “What’s up?”

  “I already asked him the same thing,” Lucy said, looking at him expectantly.

  “Christ, I just came to tell you that I’m heading to the bar with Andy if you want to come?” He laughed. “In fact he’s waiting outside now.”

  “Oh, right. Yeah
, we’ll come with you.” Lucy shrugged at Xin.

  “I don’t see why not. We managed to get our heads down for half an hour or so earlier,” Xin said. “It’s been a long time since I went to a bar.”

  “I’m going to go and ask Frank and Harry, I’ll catch you up,” Pete told them, before dashing off.

  “I’m not leaving that beast parked here,” Frank argued. “I’ll drive her over so that we can keep an eye on her.”

  “It’s just a damn car,” Pete told him, exasperated.

  “Well, you won’t be saying that if some crazy local decides they want to take her,” Frank retaliated. His arms were folded across his chest as they stood arguing between the mussed up twin beds.

  “Fine! Drive... Don’t drive... whatever! Wait, that wasn’t even the question!” Pete couldn’t help but laugh. “Are you and Harry going to join us?”

  “We’ll follow you guys over,” Frank snorted.

  “...Guys?” Harry called from the bathroom.

  “What’s up, sheriff?” Frank asked.

  “I don’t think we can trust Mary,” he called back.

  “What? Why not?” Pete frowned.

  Harry emerged from the bathroom and immediately Pete and Frank fell into hysterics. “Well, for one, she thinks this is something I should wear.”

  “It... Suits you!” Frank howled, rocking with laughter. The tall, skinny, serious looking cop, stood before them wearing a pink, Hawaiian shirt with gaudy palm trees decorating the fabric.

  “I can’t go to a bar wearing this!” Harry looked mortified, as the two men continued to laugh.

  “Hey, what’s going on? I just wanted to check...” Andy appeared at the door to the room. He saw the two men laughing and the red faced guy and took pity on him. He tried not to laugh as he said, “Oh God, it looks like my mom’s eye sight is getting worse. C’mon, I have another shirt in my trunk.”