Dead of Knight: A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Tale

by Beard, Stephen J.

  I turned back to the window and the task at hand. In a few moments I was finished with the last window. Behind me I could hear that unnatural moaning again. There were three more zombies coming up the street near the bottom of the driveway. One was in front of the other two by about 20 feet. Without really thinking, I started toward the first zombie. Angry, I guess, at the zombies. At the situation. At the fact that I had just smashed my neighbors head in with a hammer. The hammer came down on the head of the closer zombie before I even realized it was Eddie from across the street. Down he went. Off to heaven or hell or wherever zombies went.

  The remaining two zombies were staggering next to each other and I decided they were too close for me to mess with. Too many ways to screw that up. I turned and retreated back into the garage and lowered the roll up door. After locking it, I reached in my pocket for my car keys. Not there, of course. Doesn’t take long to break habits, I guess. So, I opened the door to the big SUV and put the vehicle in neutral. Pushing hard, I managed to move it right up against the garage roll up door and put the parking brake on.

  Inside, I found Sam on the couch with her arms around the kids. They were all crying. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were like surrogate grandparents to the kids. They went to baseball games and school plays. And neither one deserved this.

  I started to kneel down on the floor in front of them when Sam shook her head at me. I didn’t understand at first then I looked down at my hands. Blood and grey matter. I recoiled a bit from myself. That was Janice Thompson’s blood. And Eddie what’s-his-names blood, too. I couldn’t love my family with those hands.

  Just then, the other two zombies reached the garage roll up and started their rhythmic pounding. Everyone jumped a little including me. Tabitha jumped the most and cried out a little.

  “Why don’t we go upstairs to the other side of the house? You guys can play in your room for awhile. I’ll meet you up there.”

  As Sam led them upstairs, I went to the kitchen to wash my hands. I knew I needed to not waste water but it was more important to wash the blood off. And, for now, the water was still running. I used 3 different soaps that I found under the sink.

  I was ready to head upstairs to find my wife and make sure she was okay, when it hit me. I just killed two people. Zombies, yes. But, I had known those people. They were my neighbors. I had to do it to survive, to keep my family safe. But, right now that wasn’t making the fact any easier. I fell down to my knees in front of the sink and cried.

  It was just 7:50 in the morning.

  I was still in front of the sink 15 minutes later when Sam came looking for me. She knelt down next to me and said exactly what I needed to hear.

  “Thank you. Thank you for doing whatever needs to be done to keep us safe. I’m sorry that you had to do those things but we are a little safer because of it. So, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  We moved to the couch and sat down. I had grabbed a bottle of Gatorade and Sam had a can of Coke.

  “Is this our new reality,’ Sam asked.

  “No, Sam. Understand that I have thought about nothing else since this bullshit started. I think this is just the beginning. More people are getting bit and turning into zombies than zombies are being killed. Especially in the big cities. Even here in Charleston. That won’t change for awhile as people emerge from there safe hiding places in search of food and water. They’ll venture out, get bit and turn into zombies. We’ll eventually run out of food and water, too. It’ll be quicker with your mother here.”

  “Ryan…”

  “No, I’m just saying. So, we’ll have to venture out too. Do you remember a show called ‘Life After People’? I think it was on the history channel.”

  Sam nodded.

  “In one of the episodes they showed a grocery store where the power went out. I think the company folded or something. After just three days people who went inside had to wear haz-mat suits because of the toxic gases caused by decaying fruits and vegetables and the rotting meats.”

  “I remember that episode. You could barely see because the gases were fogging up the lens on the camera.”

  “Yep, and guess what? The power is out. Or it will be soon. It’s cooler this time of year but we prolly have another three days to raid Costco. After that, it’ll be awhile before we can get in.

  “Crap.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Did you say ‘raid Costco’ by the way?”

  “Yeah, Sam. There is no more Costco, or Walmart, or anything. Nothing matters except our survival. And all the other survivors need the same things we do. So, we can’t wait too long regardless.”

  “Survivors? That’s what you’re calling us now?”

  “Yep, beats the alternative. Don’t you think? Now, I’ve got to get packing…”

  When I got upstairs to pack I peeked out the window and could see there were now 7 zombies at the garage door. Apparently, the noise of the first two banging on the door attracted the others. Crap. Now what?

  I yelled for Sam and went into the room where the kids were playing. I couldn’t get over how mature Tabby was about all this. She was really being helpful keeping Malcolm as distracted as possible.

  “There are seven zombies at the garage door. I need to get rid of them so I can leave to go get Grandma. I’m open to ideas.”

  “We need someone else to make noise,” offered up Tabby.

  “That’s it, Tab. We need a distraction. What do we have that makes noise?”

  “Alarm Clock.”

  “Smoke detector.”

  “Boom box.” Said Sam.

  “Yeah, that’s right. We have an old portable CD player around here somewhere. If it runs on batteries, it’ll work great.”

  I gathered up some things for my backpack: water, food, a pry bar and some extra ammo that I hoped I wouldn’t need. I put it on the passenger seat of the Land Cruiser with it and went back inside. I found Tabby in the kitchen.

  “When I leave to go to get Grandma will I go near Justin’s house?” I asked.

  “Yeah, he’s a few streets from the bridge. Are you going to check on him?”

  “Make a map or give me directions and I’ll stop by. See if I can find him,” I said.

  “Thanks daddy.” Tabby put her arms around me.

  Sam had found the boom box and had it playing with some batteries. A Prince CD completed the package.

  “Sam, stay down by the back garage door. When I come back from my errand I want to get right into the truck and head out.”

  “How will I know that it worked?”

  “I guess someone will have to keep an eye out from upstairs like before. Put Mal on it. He’s enjoying helping out.”

  “Good, that works.”

  I went into the garage with Sam right behind me and stopped at the back door to the yard.

  “You don’t have to do this Ryan.” Sam was offering a way out.

  “Nah, I have to get your mom. And I’ve got to get going or I won’t make it back before dark. And that brings me to this. It’s a stupid idea. Crazy actually. Just another day in a world gone mad. Here goes.”

  “I love you, husband.”

  “I love you, too wife.”

  And with that and a kiss I was out the back door and into the yard. The plan was to go over the fence into the neighbor’s yard on the other side from the Thompsons. Then go through their yard to the street. A left turn takes me to the intersection just 2 houses down from our driveway. Placing the boom box in the middle of the intersection should draw the zombies down from our house.

  The neighborhood was just deadly quiet except for the zombies banging on my garage door. I wanted to remain as quiet as possible until I got to my destination. Climbing over a chain link fence when you’re an out of shape couch potato was going to be difficult enough. But, I also had to do it quietly. I managed to do it without attracting attention but regretted not setting up the ladders like yesterday. As I crept up alongside the house next door I could se
e three zombies already heading through the intersection toward my house. I wondered if my garage door could hold up to ten zombies banging on it. Probably not. Must go faster. I jogged toward the intersection making sure not to get too close to the three zombies in front of me. They paid me no mind.

  Setting the boom box down in the intersection with the speakers facing my house, I stopped to think. Is there anyone alive in these houses close to this corner? They would be really pissed off by a ‘zombie attracting device’ out in the street here. I looked up at the house in front of me, staring at the windows for signs of life. Typical single story ranch type house. Maybe a family lived there? I seemed to remember kids playing in the yard. Their Christmas decorations looked sad out front without power. I didn’t see any movement.

  The truth is; I didn’t care anymore. I don’t want anyone to die. But, my family comes first. Everyone and everything else was secondary. Yeah, family first, no matter what.

  I reached down and pushed ‘play’ on the boom box and it came to life.

  ‘Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…’

  Purple Rain was a great album. As I looked up, there were two zombies bearing down on me. They had been headed to my house. They were about ten feet apart and even. Maybe 30 feet away. Back towards my house the banging had stopped. That meant ten zombies were now staggering toward me from that direction. I needed to go back the way I came.

  Crap. The only weapon I had was my gun. I really have to remember to have a hammer or something like that at all times. The gun was going to be loud. But, that was also the point of the boom box. But, could I really shoot someone? Well, I did just bash Janice Thompson’s brains in. Plus, I had to get home to my family.

  I drew my Glock and aimed.

  This was not like target practice. But, the training does come back. Proper grip, sight picture, trigger squeeze. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Don’t rush.

  Bang. Shit, that was loud. And, I missed.

  Bang. Again I missed. Then…

  Bang. Head shot.

  Bang. Head shot. It helped that the zombies didn’t try to evade.

  I ran back the way I came without looking over my shoulder. When I got around the side of the neighbor’s house, I paused and turned; breathing really heavy. There was a zombie staggering up the street toward the boom box and sound of gun fire. The zombie had no interest in me. It went right on by. Very single minded, these zombies. It was all I could do to turn my back on it. But, it was not going to notice me. I gently climbed the fence and looked up to see Sam at the back door. As I got closer I could see she was crying.

  “I heard the shots. I thought…”

  “I know. I’m fine. C’mon inside.” We closed the door and I put my arms around her, pulling her close.

  “We have a new rule. Well, two new rules since you don’t have your gun on. Number one is always having your gun on. But, it’s a last resort because it’s too fucking loud. Number two is always having a second, quiet option with you. A large knife, the hammer worked well, a crowbar. I think we have a hatchet in this garage somewhere. So, gun and melee weapon at all times. Got it?”

  “Okay.”

  “No, Samantha. Do you understand? I’m serious.”

  “I do, I do. I was just scared.”

  “I know. Just make sure you always have your weapons. I’ll look for the hatchet. You go strap your gun on. I’ll meet you inside. I want to see the kids before I go.”

  The hatchet was where I thought it would be over the work bench. I gave it to Sam when I got inside. Then I spent a few minutes with the kids. They had heard the shots, too.

  “I have to go get your Grandma now. It’s more important now than ever for our family to be together. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  Hugs all around and a few more kisses. Then I went downstairs with the rest of the family in tow.

  “Sam, I should be back before dark, even with my errand. And, I told Tabby I’d check on Justin. If I’m not, just stay inside and keep the noise down. I’ll try to call if I run into any trouble that’ll make me late.”

  “Do the phones still work?”

  “It depends on how widespread the power outage is. Try your mother.”

  Sam’s mom, Karen answered on the second ring.

  “Is Ryan on his way?”

  “He’ll be leaving in a minute. Do you have your things ready?”

  “They’ve been ready. Why hasn’t he left yet?”

  I grabbed the phone from Sam.

  “Karen, two bags and all the supplies you have. Make sure they’re ready to go.”

  “I’m ready. Why haven’t you left yet? I’m getting scared down here.”

  “Well, we had to board up the front of the house. Then we had to find a way to get rid of the zombies that we attracted by boarding up the house. I just got finished killing four zombies; two of them were people I knew. After, I had to wash their brains of my hands. So, I’ve been a little fucking busy. Here’s Sam”

  I placed my hand on the mic and rolled my eyes. Sam nodded and kissed me.

  “Mal, run back upstairs and see if there’s any zombies out front.”

  Sam finished up the conversation with her mother about the same time Mal came back down.

  “All clear.”

  “Thanks, buddy. You’re still doing a great job. Take care of the women while I’m gone, huh?”

  “I will Dad.”

  I grabbed Tabby and held her tight.

  “And you’ve been amazing, sweetheart. Thank you.”

  “Thanks Daddy. And, thanks for going by Justin’s. I really appreciate it.”

  Sam followed me out to the garage.

  “Keep your gun and the axe or whatever you choose with you at all times. I’ve got a crow bar. Love you.”

  “Love you, too. Be safe.”

  I nodded and we kissed. Long and hard, with tears.

  I started the Land Cruiser and waited for Sam to open the garage roll up. As I pulled out I looked back and saw Sam roll back down. I paused at the street and looked both ways. Old habits do die hard. It would suck to be killed in a traffic accident during the zombie apocalypse.

  I wasn’t down to the end of my own street when I came across the first car wreck. It was a sedan in a ditch. The door was open and there was blood inside. A little further down at the corner, I could see why the power was out at my house. A pickup had taken out the poles leading into the neighborhood. The doors to the truck were closed but I couldn’t see inside very well. After I turned right onto Main Rd to head up to Hwy 17, I could see multiple accidents along the road. Some were bad wrecks. Other cars just seemed to be abandoned in the middle of the road. There were a few zombies. The café-slash-farmers market up the street was fairly unscathed but there were four zombies outside just milling about. I had to leave the road twice before getting to 17 because of car wrecks.

  As I turned into Justin’s neighborhood things weren’t any better. Several houses sat with their front doors open and I wondered where those people were. I pulled into the driveway at Justin’s house and looked around. Well, the house was secure anyway; nothing open or busted out. I looked around and jumped out. The garage door had windows and I could see it was empty. I went up and banged on the door anyway. Damn, that was loud. I jumped back in the car and waited a few minutes. By the time that the first zombies appeared from down the street, I figured nobody was home. Tabby was upset when I texted her. I felt bad but there was nothing to be done for him unless we knew where he was.

  The intersection of Main Rd and Hwy 17 was a disaster. There were vehicles everywhere. The only way I could get through was by cutting through the Burger King parking lot, then past the Waffle House and finally, through a car wash. I was forced to go south down the northbound lanes of 17 and made several cuts back and forth across the median to get by. A few times I wasn’t sure I could get through but made it by going off the road. One car had movement inside and I stopped, thinking there was a human inside. Just
as I was about to get out and help I realized it was a trapped zombie. The idea of getting myself trapped in between the stalled and wrecked cars was one I did not relish. It would be a while before I thought about getting out of the Land Cruiser again.

  A few miles down the road there was a strip mall on fire. I had started seeing the smoke a ways back. The shopping center was almost gone at this point. I figured it must have been burning all night. I stopped for a minute to gawk. How strange to see such a huge fire with no fire department, no police, no bystanders, no living people anywhere.

  One car, a little further down the road, had three zombies pounding on the windows. I stopped but couldn’t see what they were trying to get at. A beep of the horn got the zombies attention but I still didn’t see anyone in the car. I left and the zombies staggered after me. They were still coming to get me when I lost sight of them around a bend almost a mile up the road. One house back in the woods appeared to have smoke coming from the chimney. There were no zombies around it and I didn’t want to attract any so I kept going. I couldn’t see the house very well from the road but I didn’t see anyone trying to flag me down. I wished them well but had my own family to protect. Besides, there probably wasn’t anyone alive in there anyway, right?

  Through many wrecks, stalled cars, and detours the going was slow but fairly uneventful. The trip, which usually took about 2 hours, was on track to take about 3.5 hours. I wasn’t happy about that. It would give me less time at Bass Pro Shop. Valuable time. And all of this depended on Karen really being ready to go. And, of course, there not being an army of zombies outside her place.

  Eventually, Hwy 17 curves around to the west and heads for Interstate 95. I was curious to see what 95 would bring. More of the same? Better? Worse? Near the interchange were the usual array of gas stations, fast food places and fireworks stores. The wrecks and stalled cars were more numerous here as people fleeing this new reality tried to stop for gas or food just like on any other trip. I was almost through the mess and to the Interstate when I saw movement out of the corner of my left eye. There was a man. A living man, running toward me through a gas station lot and into the road.