Raising herself up in the bed, Ellen leaned back against the headboard. Taking the glass, she sipped its contents slowly.
“What did you dream?” asked Rita.
Ellen shrugged. “Nothing new.”
Week 11
Sunday, 14
The next time Marla visited Jakob in hospital he was breathing without the aid of a machine and appeared more clear-headed. He had shown no symptoms of the virus at all. She was shocked at his rapid progress, but relieved at the same time.
“I’m glad to see you,” he told her as she neared the side of his bed and sat down.
“Do you feel like talking today?” she asked.
“Of course. I’ve missed these chats of ours. What are you going to lecture me about today?”
Marla laughed. “Was I always so hard on you?”
“No, not really. Only when I kept stalking you.”
“What did the doctors say about your condition?” she asked, changing the subject.
“Good things. I met with the surgeon and he made me feel much better about… everything,” said Jakob after some hesitation. “He said they were able to reconnect the vascular and nervous systems successfully, and reinstate the blood supply quickly, and I’m responding well to antibiotics. There was no infection and they think the wound will heal. They’re not expecting to need to operate again.”
“I’m relieved. I was scared of necrosis. I used an axe. I can’t believe I did it.”
Jakob shuddered slightly. “I’m glad you did.”
“I hope you’re not in too much pain.”
“They’ve got me pumped up on a new mix of painkillers. It isn’t so bad. I’m alive and I have you to thank for that. It just itches.”
She tried to smile.
“I had other good news,” he continued. “One department here has been working with bionics for quite some time now and they can fit me with a new leg. That was one of the things being researched here before this virus became the main concern.”
“Are those the limbs you can control by thinking?” asked Marla enthusiastically. “I remember reading about them in an article once. It was amazing. This patient was fitted with a bionic arm. Her brain was linked up to a machine and everyone could watch on a screen as the different areas lit up – you know, as she thought about moving different areas of her arm. You could see how her thoughts connected with each movement. I was like wow.”
“Yes, it’s like that,” Jakob replied. “I’m excited. I was thinking I would need to use a normal prosthetic, which I will to start with, but then I can switch to a bionic limb.”
“That’s great. I’m really happy for you. How long will it be until you can start using a prosthetic? I remember two to four weeks being normal, from my army days, if the tissue heals well, and then it takes a while from there to learn how to… but, anyway, I’m no expert!”
“Well, it’s all thanks to you that I’m still here,” said Jakob. “I’m embarrassed that I was frightened and could do nothing but hide from that thing…”
Marla shrugged. “That’s normal, Jakob. I can’t imagine what I would have done in the same position. I’m sorry all this happened,” she added. “I feel bad that I couldn’t have gotten you out of there in one piece.”
Jakob sighed. “You did better than a lot of people. I can’t believe how brave you were. And fast. Martinez was going to shoot me.”
“He was only doing what you’re meant to do in that situation… and he stopped as soon as I shouted at him.”
“Still, you’re impressive. You’re my hero!”
Marla laughed. “It’s a strange thing to say, but thanks.”
“No, really, I know you left the army, but they were the ones who lost out, I reckon.”
“Well, I just want to help, and I never want to lose anyone on my watch again.”
“Is that what happened?” asked Jakob. “In the past?”
“Yes, a long time ago. A friend. And it’s sure as hell never happening again. Anyway, I better go and leave you to rest. Oh, and Tommy had some good news. His ex-wife and son are moving here soon, in the next few days.”
“That’s nice for him.”
“Yeah, anyway, I don’t want to tire you out, so I’ll be back tomorrow at the same time.”
“It’s a date,” said Jakob with a wink.
“Crazy guy,” Marla replied. “They need to get you off those drugs!”
Wednesday, 17
Marla strode into the cafeteria where a quick check revealed her sister and Tommy sitting in the middle of the room. Funny how they always chose the same place, she thought with a smile. “Hey, alligators,” she greeted them.
“Hey, yourself,” Tommy replied, his face lighting up. “You’re looking extremely cheerful for this time of the day.”
“Jakob is coming out of hospital today.”
“Wow,” gasped Ellen, “that’s soon. How is he doing?”
Marla grinned. “Really well. I didn’t realise, but prosthetics and bionics have come a long way. I guess if you have private healthcare, you’d know more about it, but I never knew they had such things. They’ve fixed him up with a new leg and he’s walking.”
“Already?” asked Tommy. “How is that actually possible?”
“New technology, better surgery, stronger painkillers… Jakob told me this facility was working on projects like this for the government. A lot of top-secret research was going on. Now everything is concentrated on finding a cure for the virus. This is going to help a lot of people injured in…”
“But it takes months to learn how to walk on a prosthetic limb,” said Tommy quietly. “His injury would have to heal completely first.”
“Yeah, I know, and this is just a week and a half. Aren’t you happy about it?”
Tommy frowned and did not meet Marla’s gaze. “I am, yeah, but it doesn’t make any sense to me. It isn’t possible.”
“I guess he’ll be on crutches,” Marla added.
“I think it’s great,” Ellen remarked. “He’s so lucky you have quick reflexes.”
“Yeah, I’m a regular Wonder Woman. So what have you two got planned today?”
“Patrol,” Tommy replied. “I volunteered. You coming?”
Marla shook her head. “I thought I’d sit this one out and help Jakob.”
Tommy winced. “Okay,” he muttered before gulping down the rest of his cup of tea.
Marla watched him quietly, muddled by his reaction.
“Hey!”
Everyone turned around to see Jakob approaching the table very carefully, supported on a pair of crutches and leaning forward slightly. Apart from a thin scar skimming the right-hand side of his face, he looked exactly the same, albeit slightly thinner.
“Jakob!” Ellen stood up and patted his arm. “You’re looking great. Do you want me to get you a drink or something?”
“Erm, I don’t want to put you out…”
“No problem.”
“Thanks. Can I just have a coffee then? White. Four sugars.”
“Four?! Wow. Back in a mo,” mumbled Ellen, scurrying off.
“I wasn’t expecting you out until this afternoon,” said Marla, standing up.
“Neither was I,” Jakob replied, “but here I am, raring to go. I can’t wait to get back to work.”
“You’re a workaholic!”
“And you’re not?” he asked, playfully. Leaning in, he pecked her on the cheek.
Marla blushed and clasped her hands together awkwardly. Seeing an opportunity to take his leave, Tommy stood up. “Okay, you lovebirds, I’m outa here,” he said. “You can have my seat, Jakob. Good to see you. See you later, Marla.”
She pouted. Lovebirds? “You don’t have to go,” she began, but Tommy was too fast for her. He turned to give a wink before disappearing out the exit.
At that moment Ellen returned to the table with a cup of coffee. “Here you go, Jakob. I can’t stay, I’m afraid. Robert said he has something important to tell me before h
e goes on patrol today.”
“No worries,” said Marla. “Say hi to him for me.”
“I will. Bye, Jakob,” Ellen told him. “Great to see you up and about, looking so well.”
“Thanks,” he replied with a grin and Ellen walked away. “Your sister is great, but he doesn’t like me,” he added, trying his best to lower himself into the chair.
“Jakob, let me help you. You mean Tommy? Nah, he isn’t like that,” she said, forcing a smile, although she knew he was right. “He just likes to give people space. Nice guy when you get to know him.”
“If he’ll let me. Did he volunteer for the patrol today?”
“Sure did,” Marla said. “I didn’t. I thought I’d help you out.”
“If you’re sure. I wish I could go out on patrol some time.”
“But you can’t even fire a gun.”
“Yes, but…”
“Yeah, but what? I said I’ll teach you, so whenever you fancy a lesson just ask me.”
“Right,” said Jakob. “Then will you ask Caballero if I can go? When I’m on my feet, that is.”
“I don’t see why you’d want to, but I can ask. You need a lot of experience to go out there. It’s dangerous around those dead-lookers.”
He grimaced. “How could I forget? I think it might help me to learn about their behaviour – in time, obviously, as I’m in no fit state now.”
Marla nodded. “You’re a strange one, asking me this now, after what happened to you.”
“So, do I get a proper kiss?” Jakob asked, raising his eyebrows.
She laughed. “The world has turned to shit, you almost die, and still all you can think about is sex?”
“That’s a big leap from a kiss, but I’m a patient man, and if I had a pound for every time you’ve said that…”
“You’d be a rich man,” said Marla, giving him a peck on the cheek.
Wednesday, late afternoon
Marla rapped on the door and waited, unsure exactly of what she was going to say. When Tommy finally opened it, he was holding a towel and his hair was sopping. “Hey, what’s up?” he asked, looking surprised to see her.
“Can I come in?”
He hesitated. “Erm, I just got back from patrol and washed, so I’m a bit…”
Marla strode past him.
“…wet,” he mumbled, closing the door. Turning, he noticed she had her hands grasped together in that way she always did when she was anxious. “What is it?” he asked, tossing the towel over the chair.
“I wanted to ask you something?”
“Sure. Fire away.”
“It’s about Jakob. Do you hate him or something?” Marla asked bluntly.
Tommy thought for a second. “Hate is a strong word.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
He winced. “There isn’t one. He’s your boyfriend, not mine. Doesn’t mean I have to like him. I leave the liking up to you.”
“Okay, Mister Clever Arse, that’s not really answering the question. I’m asking if you have a problem with him, because whenever he’s around you get up and go, and I kind of wanted you guys to be friends.”
Tommy frowned. “He’s not my kind of guy.”
“You mean he’s not like Eric or Billy?”
“Well…”
“Why can’t you just be civil?” she asked, her temper quickly rising beyond what she’d expected. “You leave like he’s a bad smell or something.”
“Well, you said it...”
“The man’s just got out of hospital. He almost died!”
“I know, and that’s a shame, but I couldn’t stand the guy even before that.”
Marla crossed her arms across her chest, noticing Tommy roll his eyes as she did so. “I get it,” she said.
“What?”
“You’re jealous? Is that it?”
Tommy shook his head. “Fuck that.”
“Yes, you are. You can’t even look at me.”
“I wouldn’t say jealous.”
“Then what?” Marla demanded. “What is it exactly?”
He sighed. “I just don’t like the guy.”
She narrowed her eyes. “If you are jealous, how come you never mentioned anything to me about it?”
“About what?”
“Your feelings...”
Tommy laughed. “I haven’t said anything about feelings. You just said…”
“Jesus. Okay. Or is it that you don’t even like me, because you’ve been acting all weird and distant for a while now.”
He threw his hands in the air. “Since when?”
“Since... since I started hanging out with Jakob.”
“I think you need to go and have a lie down. You’re not thinking straight.”
“You’re such an idiot,” she retorted, opening the door to leave and slamming it behind her.
“Women,” grumbled Tommy as he kicked the bin. Just to kick anything.
Friday, 19
Ellen’s dream
His face edges closer, the almost translucent layers of skin lifting off into the air, tearing back in slow motion to reveal the pumping blood and muscles once concealed beneath. Fear and dread rip through her mind, but she wills herself on to act, to do something before his teeth seek to rip the tendons in her neck for she senses… no, she knows this will happen; the inevitability of it.
Something shifts in the air. She feels it. So soft, so easy to miss; it is nothing really and yet it is everything. It is what gives her the power.
Peeling the soles of her feet off the ground, she takes a step backwards and then another. He is still staring at her, haunting her. The white orbs seem to flicker in his eye sockets, seeing nothing, yet seeing all, seeing her.
She steps again. In the distancing, she feels a slip in the atmosphere, a movement. There is… she knows not what it is, but it is there, hidden, listening. She feels it.
In this endless split second her body flees and suddenly she is with it, moving, racing down the corridor into the blackness. It waits like a sleeping animal, scooping her up inside it, willing her to follow its curve as it eels along.
In front of her sweeps the scent of death, rotting meat, the morbidity of decay. She swallows, resisting the urge to vomit. Turning slowly, she sees him; he is there, not so far behind as to not be a constant threat. Threat: the word sticks in her mind. Its importance she cannot define, but it seems to float in the air, filling the void.
Ahead, darkness reigns. The more she tries to focus on it, the more it appears to open like a door; the mist seeming to invite her, this secret guide.
Laughter. It rushes into the corridor like an uninvited lover, stalking, pushing around her, seeking to stroke her body, entangle her, but she will not have it. Glancing around, she seeks the source.
“This is a warning,” a voice utters. “This will be the last warning before the end.”
Echoes thunder around this space. He is here. A man. She can sense him. But the layers of sound, they rise, so expected, one upon another of rising sound, so she cannot define any one voice, and they are sweeping upwards like an endless tide.
Then nothing. The nightmare is over and there is nothing but the dark.
***
Ellen woke, gasping for breath. The dream had been different, she remembered; she had managed to run.
Saturday, 20
“Dad!”
Tommy wandered towards the helicopter while Marla remained beside Ellen, holding on to Bob’s lead. As the breeze from the blades sent his hair whipping across his face, Tommy stopped and squinted in the gust as he waited for them to stop. When they did, he began to laugh. His son’s face was pressed up against the window and he was waving for all he was worth. A soldier stepped out of the passenger seat and opened the back door. Ash fired out like a rampaging bull, straight into the arms of his father. “Dad, Dad!” he cried, his words coming out muffled against Tommy’s shirt.
Tommy stroked his son’s head. “It’s so great to see you, Ash.”
Tommy bent down and hugged him. “I’m here now and I’m not going anywhere without you again.”
“Promise?”
Tommy sighed. “Promise.”
“Hello, Tom.”
Looking up, he recognised Hanna, dressed in a long blue skirt, crisp white shirt and a black jacket. She was wearing trainers and her dark hair was tied back. In her hands was a suitcase.
“Let me take that,” he offered.
“Thanks,” she replied, offering a small smile.
“You look well.”
“And yourself,” Hanna answered. “I had no idea where you were. I didn’t know what to tell him or what to think.”
“Same here,” said Tommy. “But we’re all together now. I’m so relieved you’re both okay.”
Hanna smiled again and then something caught her eye behind him. “Is that Bob?”
Ash spun round, as if seeing the Labrador for the first time. “Bob!” he yelled.
The dog bounced up, wagging his tail, and pulled forwards on the lead. Marla gripped it tightly to stop him. Ash bent his knees. “Come on, boy!” he called, clapping his hands against his thighs.
“You can let him go,” said Tommy. “He won’t run anywhere but here.”
Marla smiled and unclipped Bob’s lead. He pelted forward and launched himself into the boy, who fell back on his haunches, giggling as he rubbed the dog’s head. Bob licked his face, making Ash giggle all the more.
“Like old times,” Hanna remarked.
Tommy grinned at his son, feeling doubly glad that he had gone back home for his dog.
“Hi,” said Marla, walking forward. “It’s nice to see you again and this is my sister, Ellen.”
“I remember you,” Hanna replied with a sour expression on her face. “Hello, Ellen. So what is this place like?”
“Nice,” she responded. “And it feels safe.”
I Dream of Zombies (Book 2): Haven Page 14
