Dead To Rights_HZA, Vol. 4

by Marty Brockschmidt

  By the time Tom finished everyone was inside the gate. Tim called out. “Tracey close er up. You and Red keep an eye on things here. You can check on Mitchell later. Everybody else follow me.”

  Tim led them up to the nearest cabin and Sue went with Pete into the bedroom. Pete and Mitch laid down, Sue pulled up a chair, sat down next to Mitch and took hold of the breathing tube. “You get some rest Pete, we got Mitchell.”

  Tom gathered everyone up outside of the cabin. “I know you're all worried about Mitch, but right now he needs to rest and time to let the medicine work. He and Pete cannot be left alone. Miri can you work out a schedule for that?”

  Miri nodded letting Tom continue. “We still got work to do today. Tim, you and Sam start bringing in those cars and wall off the upper part of the park. Jeff and I will continue to work with Jack and James to pull more cars over. Tim can you get by without Red, we need another driver.”

  Lizzie raised her hand. “Can I go with Red?”

  Tom looked at Miri, who nodded. “That will be fine Lizzie. Last thing, there will be time to explore this place. Same rules still apply. Mitchell's accident proves that, there is a lot of danger out there and we always have to be careful”

  Morning was breaking and Red was sitting with Pete and Mitch. Overnight they each got another dose of benadryl and the swelling of Mitch's tongue had dropped enough that he no longer needed the breathing tube. Lizzie had pulled up a chair next to Red's and was sleeping with her head in Red's lap. Red was watching the even rise and fall of Mitch's chest as he breathed in and out.

  Slowly his eyes opened and he looked at Red. “I'm tirsty. Do you tink I could get a dink?” Mitch managed to get out, around his swollen tongue.

  Pete woke up. “Go ahead, I'm okay to watch him.”

  Lizzie sat up. “Hey Mitch, you sure gave us a scare.”

  Red heated some water and added a goodly portion of maple syrup to it, before pouring it into a couple of glasses. She handed one to Pete and the other to Mitch. “Take it slow.”

  Mitch took one sip of the sweet drink and smiled. “It’s good.” Ignoring the take it slow advice, he gulped it down and held out the glass. “More pease.”

  “Dad, I have a question for you.” Jimmy started, with Tom.

  Tom had taken Jimmy with him, to help dismantle the merry-go-round. Sam had plans to use the materials, to reinforce the fence and gates. “What's on your mind?”

  Jimmy took a defiant stance. “I want you to let me help more.”

  “You helping tons now, what more are you thinking?” Tom approached the subject carefully.

  “I can help keep us safe. I can patrol. I can take out zeds at the fence.” Jimmy said in a rush.

  “James, I'm going to need to talk to your mom and the others, but I'm damn proud of you for wanting to step up. I'm also going to need to know that you understand this is serious business. This is not a video game.”

  Jimmy looked his dad square in the eye. ”Dad I understand, I'm ready.”

  On patrol that evening, Tim could sense that Red was concerned by Jimmy's request. “This sure is a big place, how many folks do you think they could pack in here, on a busy day?”

  Red shrugged. “What, I have no idea, thousands I guess. Tim, what do you think about Jimmy going on patrol.”

  “I think these kids are growing up, in a really dangerous world and we can only go so far to protect them.” Tim answered.

  “I guess, but how far do we let this go? We can't let these kids grow up, knowing nothing more than death and killing.”

  Tim stopped her, placing a hand on her forearm and looking her in the eye. “Red, it is not about death, it is about us, all of us, staying alive. All of us taking care of each other, Jimmy understands that.”

  “I hope you’re right, the other kids are going to be in a rush to follow Jimmy.”

  The following morning, at breakfast, Tom called for quiet. “It's good to see Pete and Mitch back on their feet, after the scare they gave us.”

  Miri led the group in a round of applause, causing Pete and Mitch to stand up and take an embarrassed bow. Tom raised his hands, to quiet everyone down. “It's been quite the year, huh? Hopefully, we finally got a home and what a home it is. We don't get to rest yet. We've got the attention of the zeds and they are starting to come to the fence. Sam, you need any help shoring up the fence, you don't need to ask, just point to who you need. In addition to patrol schedules, Tim will be establishing, fence clearing schedules for us all.”

  Tom put a hand on Jimmy's shoulder. “James has asked to be more involved in defense. His Mom, Tim and I have agreed to let him carry a gun and to be added to the Tim's schedule. Before the rest of you youngsters, start thinking this is a free for all, it's not. James will be paired with an adult, at all times. It will be your parents decision, how much you're allowed to do. What happened to Mitch, needs to be a lesson to us all. Something that seems entirely innocent, can go wrong in a hurry.”

  Jackson turned to Jeff, who silenced him with a finger, knowing Tom had more to say. “Red, I don't like us being spread out across the cabins and Sam has his eyes on the logs from those for the fence. You've been through all the buildings, come up with a suggestion where we move to.”

  Red flashed a smile. “I've got some ideas, I'll let you know.”

  Tom turned to Pete. “No rest for the wicked buddy. How are we sitting on food?”

  Pete itched a couple of his wasp stings. “What we took from Tellico and what Turk gave us, was a big help. We're good for a couple of weeks, longer if there are stores we can tap into here. It is warm enough, I'd like to start planting the greenhouse now. I'm hoping they have some seed stored here, but a supply of water will be critical.”

  Sam shook his head. “Y'all noticed, we got water at the taps in the cabins. That's all coming, from the water tower. At some point, we'll need to get the pumps running again, but for now, we gots water.”

  Pete and the kids, checked out the greenhouse. It had been locked up tight, so not much to clean up, cept for some dead plants. There was seed and plant soil inside and the place was huge, about five thousand square feet, placed near the front of the forty acre,water tower square. With the water from the tower, irrigation would be a cinch, now, they just had to get to work on the planting.

  Beets, carrots, beans, heirloom tomatoes, peppers. lettuce, just some of the seeds they found. Pete had a green thumb, although Sheila, would of loved this. This place would be in memory of her, a legacy in a way. “Kids, just throw all the dead stuff in the garbage bags, we’ll deal with it later.” Pete announced. Arianna, Lizzie, Mitch and Caleb, following his directions. The kids were rather excited, to be involved with the planting and taking care of the greenhouse. Sue and Miri, would help when they could, but this was mostly Pete and the kid’s project.

  There were long tables in rows and square patches of soil, along the sides. Most were marked, showing what was grown where. Pete decided to use this as a map, figuring these people knew what they were doing. Pete watched, as Arianna picked up a handful of soil, smelling it, then letting it fall between her fingers. She had done this a few times, before continuing with the clean up. Pete walked up to her, grabbing the full trash bags and throwing them to the side. “Getting the feel of the soil?” He asked. Arianna turned to face Pete.

  “Do you think there is more out there...like beyond us, this park and the dead?” Arianna asked, thoughtfully. “I know, some people don’t think there is anything good anymore, not with the dead walking.”

  Pete looked around the greenhouse. He could see the good, everywhere. How lucky he and Sheila were, to first find Hap and Tim, then the rest of the group. Good people, in the middle of a shit show. “I believe there is more out there, a bigger power watching over us, if that’s what you mean?” Arianna nodded, but there was more.

  “Do you believe in karma, that people pay for their bad stuff?” Pete thought, that Arianna was very in tune, for an eleven year old girl. ”My moth
er talked about it a lot.” Arianna informed Pete. “She used karma as a means to scare us, but I never thought it was scary, just the truth.”

  “I think you have to believe in karma, to see it. To know, that evil never goes unpunished, or even simpler things, like lying or cheating, also have a price to be paid.” Pete knew Arianna understood that karma, but maybe not the other karma. “But there is also good karma sweetie, good things and good deeds, are also rewarded.” Lizzie, Mitch and Caleb, joined Pete and Arianna, they’d been working all morning and were starting to get hungry.

  “So there are two karma’s?” Arianna inquired. Mitch picked up on the conversation immediately, he remembered his mother’s words. Lizzie was also aware, Arianna had spoken to her about it, many times.

  “All of this is good karma, finding this park, the greenhouse, the water tower, it's all good.” Pete smiled.

  “But what about Miss Sheila, why did she have to die, she was good, right?” Mitchell asked. Pete continued to smile, even though that wound was still wide open.

  “Look at all the good she brought to us, she taught you kids so many things, she comforted you, when you were scared, she made us all just a little bit happier and to me, that's the best karma.” Pete’s eyes filled with tears, he just couldn’t help it. The kids all hugged him, giving him strength, even Caleb, who wasn’t quite sure what was going on.

  “She did teach us a lot, so did Happy.” Lizzie stated.

  “And we will always carry them in our hearts.” Pete stated. He always struggled, believing in something he couldn't see, or touch. Not to say he didn’t have faith, it just came harder for him. Sheila, on the other hand, had strong beliefs and lived her life accordingly. She never pushed them on Pete, she knew he struggled a bit, when it came to faith, or religion. Although Pete, had felt more spiritual, since this whole apocalypse happened. He found it more comforting, hanging on to the belief of a higher being. And he would never discourage the children, when it came to their own spirituality. Sheila had guided them, when it came to spirituality. They prayed together, before every run and again, when it was done. The kids were thankful for all that they had and Sheila had a lot to do with that. It was so easy to revert to violence, or hate in this new world and Sheila kept them balanced and Pete knew that would fall to him, now that she was gone.

  Mitchell had always felt, that religion was pushed upon him by his mom. Even at age nine, he was well aware of how much his mother’s beliefs, had affected him. He and Arianna had talked about it and she always told him, he’d figure it out. “Do we have to believe in just one thing?” Mitch asked. This had always bothered him. “There are a lot of religions, is there a right one?” Pete knew what Mitchell meant and tried to answer, the best he knew how.

  “I think the right religion, is the one you have faith in. The Bible can be interpreted in different ways and it is...but what is right for you, what you find comforting and gives you strength, that’s the right religion.” Mitchell nodded, as Pete continued. “Faith is not always about religion and you will learn that, in time.”

  “I’m hungry.” Caleb declared. Pete couldn’t help, but chuckle.

  “Okay little man, let’s get some lunch.” Pete looked around, seeing how all their hard work, was starting to pay off. “After lunch, we’ll get back to it, it’s starting to come together now.” Pete declared, before leading the way out.

  Delilah quietly checked the rooms, as the children lay sleeping. She did this every night, one hour, after the children were put to bed. They endured a rigid schedule, which included a strict bedtime and morning roll call. After doing the nightly check, Delilah took the chart from the Sister on duty and after a review, initialed the chart.

  “I take it they’re asleep?” Mother asked, without looking up, from what she was writing. Delilah took a seat, to the right of Rachel.

  “Yes Mother.” Delilah answered, in her flat emotionless,monotone.

  “No more nightmares?” Mother continued.

  “Only the latest candidate, Zoe Cross.” Delilah answered.

  Mother stopped her journaling and considered Delilah. “They cannot all take the conditioning as well as you, my dear. The Cross child, suffered some traumatic days before coming to us, a little backsliding is to be expected.”

  “Yes Mother.”

  Mother took a cleansing breath. “Time is coming, they are almost ready. The children will be the

  Lord’s Army and spread the word of True Belief. You will be their general, dear Delilah and lead them against any, that refuse to follow the path.”

  Delilah nodded, obediently, as Mother continued. “We have some in our midst, that only pretend to be on the path. The first test of your army, will be to cull the non-believers from our camp.”

  “At your command, Mother.” Delilah sat, hands in lap, shoulders back, eyes focused completely on Rachel.

  “Josiah is ready for tomorrow’s service?” Mother asked, slightly changing the subject.

  “He has chosen his passages.” Delilah handed Rachel, Josiah’s choices.

  The Lord tells us the culling process, we call Sanctification. Prepares us for the fight, for as the Army of Gideon saw, Israel did not win the battle, the Lord did.

  When the culling process is finished here on Earth, will you be one of the ones still standing?

  The first test is fear, many will fail this test. The Lord tells His children not to fear anything or anyone but Him, for the Lord will deliver us from the enemy.

  “These are acceptable.” She stated.

  “Yes Mother.”

  “We are so close, so close.” Rachel closed her eyes and clenched her fists.

  After a moment, Rachel opened her eyes and unclenched her fists. Standing, she addressed

  Delilah. “It is time I retire, please attend me.”

  Rachel walked across the office to the attached room, that served as her bedroom, with Delilah following behind. The two women could not be more different. Rachel was a petite woman, barely over five foot, middle aged, black hair starting to gray, dark complexion and dark brown eyes. Delilah, in her early twenties, statuesque, standing nearly six feet tall, long blonde hair and blue eyes. Delilah’s curves were near textbook to an hourglass female form, in contrast to Rachel whose body could be described as straight as a ruler.

  Rachel sat herself in front of her dressing table, with Delilah taking a place behind her. Rachel adjusted the mirror to best capture Delilah’s reflection as Delilah set about preparing Rachel for bed. Delilah started with pulling the hairpins and combs that held Rachel’s hair in a tight bun to the back of her head. Rachel’s hair was actually quite long and lustrous and Delilah took her time letting it down and straightening it. Reaching over Rachel’s shoulder to pick up a brush and pausing a moment to allow Rachel to press the back of her head against her breasts.

  Using one hand to hold out Rachel’s hair Delilah rhythmically ran the brush through. “That feels divine my dear. Your care so helps me unwind after a long day.”

  When she finished, Delilah returned the brush to the table and began slowly massaging Rachel’s shoulders and neck. Rachel moaned in delight as Delilah’s strong fingers worked the knots from her muscles.

  Eventually Rachel placed a hand on Delilah’s indicating she should stop. “Thank you dear, that will be sufficient.”

  Delilah pulled the chair back as Rachel stood up. Rachel took the few steps towards the bed and turning towards Delilah undid the sash of her robe. Rachel let the robe slip to the floor, before sitting naked on the bed. “Present yourself my darling.”

  Delilah removed her white blouse and skirt, placing them on the back of the chair, before removing her undergarments. Rachel beckoned her forward and Delilah obediently closed the gap between them. Rachel extended her hand and stroked Delilah’s taut abdomen, before cupping Delilah’s buttocks and gently kissing Delilah’s stomach.

  Rachel’s voice became husky in her arousal. “Soon I will find the perfect progenitor, to place
his seed into you. The child from your coupling will be my heir.”

  Delilah merely nodded. “Yes Mother.”

  Rachel took Delilah’s hand and guided her down to the bed. As Delilah lay reclined on her back, Rachel sat astride her hips. Rachel took immense pleasure in the total control she had over the exquisite creature laying below her.

  Rachel bent down and kissed Delilah, full on the lips. Delilah didn’t really return the kiss, but had been taught to deliver something close. Occasionally, she felt disappointment that Delilah could never feel or express any true love for her, yet knowing that Delilah would never reject or disobey her, quickly pushed away any desire for Delilah’s love. Sitting back up, Rachel guided Delilah’s hand between her thighs. Rachel closed her eyes, tilted her head back and synchronized the movement of her hips, with the motions of Delilah’s fingers.

  Turk was anxious to get to Smoky Mountain Playland, for a whole passel of reasons. Overnight, he had found himself with a pair of teenagers, who were desperately in love and anxious to explore, all its possibilities. Prescott a level headed young man, but too anxious to prove himself. Then there was Margo, the complete opposite of Prescott. She was desperate for Turk's protection and clung to him, every chance she got.