Julia studied her as she retreated, noting the filthy, bloodstained bandage on one hand. Probably a bite wound. She’ll turn soon. Maybe in an hour. Two, at most.
This raised a problematic question for Julia. Did she leave the girl to turn and become a zombie? A danger to others. Or, did she kill her now? They couldn’t wait for her to turn. If she was going to kill her, she had to do it now, while the girl was still alive. Human.
Julia hesitated, her finger hovering over the trigger. I should do it. It might save a life later on. But…how can I? I’m not a murderer.
The girl stared at her, and her lips moved. “Please, go. This is my home.”
“Are you infected?” Julia asked, hoping it wasn’t so. That the girl was simply traumatized even though all the signs of infection were there.
The girl didn’t answer.
“Did you get bitten? On your hand?”
“Maybe.”
“Who did it?” Julia asked.
The girl raised her wounded arm and stared at it. “He didn’t mean to. My brother. He couldn’t help himself. It’s just a small bite. It will be alright.”
Julia’s heart sank. “Where’s your brother?”
“In the back. I locked him up. This is our home now.” She smiled at Julia with rust-colored teeth.
“Your home? Oh, sweetie,” Julia said, saddened beyond belief as she looked around the dingy supermarket, its shelves covered in dust and the fridges filled with rotting meat. There was no power, no water. Nothing but death.
“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of him. He needs me. He’s only eight,” the girl said, taking another bite from her…meal.
Julia sighed. She had a duty. A duty to this poor girl to prevent further suffering and a duty to others. To save lives. “I’m sorry. I really am.”
With a swift move, she raised the gun and pulled the trigger. The girl slumped to the ground, the rotten meat falling from her hand to the floor. A thin trickle of blood ran down her face and dripped onto the tiles.
Vicious growls followed the gunshot, sawing through Julian’s eardrums. Suddenly, Alvarez was there by her side. He stared at the girl. “What happened? Where’d she come from?”
“The storeroom,” Julia whispered. In low tones, she told him what happened.
He shot her a sympathetic look. “You did the right thing, Julia. Now, go to the truck. I’ll take care of the brother.”
“Are you sure? I can do it,” Julia said.
“I know you can, but you don’t have to,” Alvarez said with grim determination.
“Thanks.” Julia walked out of the store with her backpack, flinching when Alvarez’s gun went off. The growls stopped, silenced forever.
Sanchez didn’t ask questions. She just shouldered her gun and settled into her seat with a muttered, “It’s a crazy world out there.”
Julia agreed. Crazy…and horrific.
Chapter 7
Several miles into the trip, Chas was beginning to regret her decision to go on this adventure of theirs. First off, the rain kept pouring nonstop, and she doubted they’d be able to see anything at all, let alone come up with a plan. Secondly, she felt guilty for cutting out her friends. They might not be on the same page at the moment, but they were still her best friends. Thirdly, there was Grumps and Lieutenant Stokes. If they found out about this trip, there’d be hell to pay.
“Having second thoughts?” Anke asked, throwing Chas a quick look. “Don’t. I have a plan.”
“Plan?”
“Yeah, I didn’t want to mention this earlier, but I know of another way into the safe zone,” Anke said.
“How? It’s on top of a mountain, and the only entrance is blocked by the barrier they threw up and a sea of zombies,” Chas said with a frown. “As for the river, it was dangerous enough for my friends and I to escape that way. Evacuating hundreds of people through there would be impossible. The zombies would swarm the water, and people would get hurt or killed.”
“I know. I’ve seen the layout. But…I also know of another way in. A mine shaft,” Anke said with a secretive smile.
“A mine shaft? Wouldn’t someone have known of it if it was there?” Chas asked.
“It’s very old, and it’s been empty for years. The entrances have all been blocked off by rocks and rubble. The headgear is still on top of the mountain, but abandoned.”
“How do you know about it?” Chas asked.
“My grandfather used to work there when he was young, and he showed me once or twice. There’s a shaft that leads right to the top of the mountain,” Anke said.
“Wow, a mine shaft,” Chas marveled. “And that’s where we’re going now?”
“Yup. I want to see if the opening is still there, and if it can be cleared to grant access to the mine,” Anke said. “I wouldn’t recommend us going in, though. It would be too dangerous.”
“Yeah, I bet,” Chas said, picturing a dilapidated old mine with crumbling walls and rusted picks lying around. Maybe even a few boxes of dynamite.
“Your grandfather would need to send in a crew to clear the entrance and the exit on top of the mountain. They’d also have to reinforce the walls and roof so it doesn’t cave in,” Anke said.
A thought occurred to Chas, and she turned to Anke. “Why didn’t you tell someone about it? They’ve been trying to come up with a plan for days now. They could’ve started working on it already.”
“I didn’t think about it until yesterday, okay? I clean forgot about the mine until I saw some kids watching an old cartoon on television. You know, the ones where they chase each other on rails inside skips? That reminded me of the time my grandfather took me there.”
“Okay, so why not tell them yesterday? Why sneak around like this? It’s not like we can clear the mine ourselves, can we?” Chas asked.
“Because, I’m not sure I can find the place again, and I wanted to check first,” Anke said, her shoulders hunching as she gripped the wheel. “Trust me, I feel bad enough about it already. Imagine if I got everybody’s hopes up for nothing.”
Chas stared at her for a few seconds before sitting back in her seat again. Anke’s reasons for not sharing the information didn’t quite make sense to her. Even if she couldn’t remember where the mine was, surely someone else did? They could look at old maps, couldn’t they? Go to the library for records. Grumps would know. He’s lived here his entire life.
She sneaked a look at Anke, wondering what the girl was up to. Suddenly, she wasn’t so sure she’d made the right decision coming out here with a relative stranger. How long have I known her? A few days, that’s all.
At the same time, Chas was also curious about the mine. If it really existed like Anke said, it would be the perfect way to evacuate the people on top of the mountain. I’ll just keep an eye on her and be careful until I know what’s up.
Chas made a point for the rest of their journey to map the route Anke took. She carefully memorized every turn until she knew she’d be able to find her way there again. Without Anke, if need be. At one point, her eyes fell on Anke’s backpack. It was much bulkier than hers, and she cast around for a reason to look inside it. “Hey, did you bring any food? I’m still starving.”
“Oh, right. I almost forgot. There’s a peanut butter sandwich in there. I snuck into the kitchens before we came here. It’s right at the top of my pack, wrapped in a cloth.”
“Thanks. You’re a lifesaver,” Chas said, reaching for the bag.
Anke’s teeth gleamed against her tanned skin as she smiled. “Enjoy.”
Chas opened the backpack and pulled out the sandwich. At the same time, she looked inside and spotted a length of rope coiled at the bottom, a flashlight, a knife, and bottled water. As she zipped up the flap, another item caught her eye. Cable ties. Why would she need cable ties and rope?
Without batting an eyelid, Chas placed Anke’s bag back where it used to be and unwrapped the sandwich. “Mm, this looks good.”
She chewed with relish, savoring every
bite as her empty stomach growled with pleasure. It was important not to alert Anke in any way, and she made a point of acting like normal. “I sure wish this rain would let up a bit.”
“Yeah, it’s a nuisance. It’s making it hard for me to see,” Anke said, pointing at the road ahead. They’d left Red Rock behind them, and were traveling along the single tarred road leading to the safe zone. At one point, it split off with the way to the right leading to a bridge that spanned the river while the left continued to the mountain. “Tell me if you spot the turn ahead. We need to take a left.”
“Will do,” Chas said, focusing on the way ahead. It was as Anke said. Difficult to see through the rain.
After a few minutes, she saw it though, and Anke safely turned left, easing the truck through the tumultuous weather. They’d driven for another twenty minutes when the rain eased off, and the dark clouds opened to reveal the moon and stars. It probably wouldn’t last, but for now, the better visibility was a Godsend.
“Where to now?” Chas asked. “The zombies aren’t far ahead, and I wouldn’t give much for our chances should they see us.”
“I know. They’d cover this truck like ants and have us for breakfast,” Anke said with a shudder. “I’m looking for a turn-off into the woods. It used to be tarred, but now it’s mostly dirt. It cuts through the woods and leads to the back of the mountains where the entrance to the mine is.”
“Okay, let me help,” Chas said, leaning forward and squinting into the night. The truck’s headlights weren’t the best, and their yellow glow barely illuminated the gray trunks of the trees beside the road.
To the right, the road sloped down into a valley filled with red rocks and shrubs. Shrubs now trampled to dust by the thousands of zombie feet that flocked toward the safe zone in search of food.
To the left, the ground rose upward as it lifted into the foothills off the mountain, the entire area covered in a thick forest of pine and other hardy species. It provided shelter to many types of animals, chief among them the deer that flourished within its confines.
The zombies didn’t like it much, however. With their poor agility and natural inclination to seek out the easy route, the rough terrain of the forest was not ideal. They much preferred the downward trend and flat area of the valley, which was one of the reasons they ended up at the safe zone in the first place. The promise of food was what kept them there, waiting. Always waiting. An ocean of undead.
It wasn’t long before the girls spotted the track, a rough road that led off into the trees. It was made of dirt, though patches of tar still clung to it in places. A remnant of the past. Days when the mine still flourished before the ore ran out and finances dried up.
Anke navigated the road with old familiarity, even when there was a sudden hairpin turn followed by a deep ditch. She never flinched once and never seemed surprised.
Chas watched her the entire time without making it too obvious. It was clear to her that Anke had driven this way many times before. As they drew to a stop in front of the old mine, she knew one thing for sure. Anke had lied to her. She’d been there many times before, and not just with her grandfather. She knew exactly how to get there. So, the real question is, why? Why did she lie? And what’s inside that mine?
Chapter 8
“I think you should wait here in the truck,” Anke said, reaching for her bag. She opened the door and stepped out after removing her flashlight. “I’ll be right back.”
“Why can’t I come with you?” Chas asked, her brow furrowing.
“It could be dangerous,” Anke said, not meeting Chas’ gaze.
“Which is exactly why you shouldn’t be going alone. I can watch your back.”
“Let me make sure it’s safe first,” Anke said. “There’s a good chance the entrance is blocked anyway. I’ll call you if it’s okay to go in.”
“I didn’t come all this way just to sit inside the truck,” Chas insisted. Without waiting for Anke’s reply, she grabbed her own bag and jumped out. After removing her flashlight, she swung her pack to her shoulders and settled it in place. “I’m ready.”
Anke flashed her a strange look. “Fine. Have it your way.”
She set off for the mine’s entrance, the light from her flashlight bobbing as she made her way over the uneven ground. The terrain rose steeply upward, flanked on both sides by the forest until it opened into a wide clearing at the foot of the mountain.
Chas followed closely, stepping carefully to prevent from falling and breaking an ankle. She watched Anke the entire time, noting the ease with which the girl moved. It reinforced her belief that Anke had been there before. Often and recently.
She soon forgot about Anke, however, when they neared the gaping hole in the side of the rock. It loomed ahead, a pit of darkness that could hide any multitude of dangers. Above their heads soared the mountain, a sharp and jagged cliff that deterred all but the most determined climbers. It certainly wasn’t meant for beginners and had claimed its share of victims over the years.
The night air was silent all around them. The only sounds were caused by the drip of water from the leaves and the breeze sighing through the treetops. A rustle in the undergrowth caused Chas to jump, but nothing happened, and she relaxed. Probably just an animal out foraging.
“It’s right ahead,” Anke said as she crossed the open clearing, though it was hardly necessary.
The entrance to the mine was huge, a big square cut into the rock. Wooden beams framed the opening, probably used for support. An abandoned skip lay to the side, quietly rusting into the earth over the years. Soon, nothing would remain but its bare metal frame until that disappeared as well.
Planks crossed the opening, nailed into place when the mine closed. The miners had made an effort to close it up as it represented a safety hazard to curious people and wildlife. Over the years, the wood had rotted away though, falling to the ground or hanging lopsidedly with one end on the floor until most of the opening showed.
Chas stared into its depths with curious eyes, wondering what it contained. Anke looked over her shoulder at Chas. “Wait here while I check inside.”
“Why?”
“Please, Chas. I don’t want anything to happen to you,” Anke said with a pleading note in her voice.
Chas hesitated then nodded. “Alright, but hurry. This place gives me the creeps.”
“You have no idea,” Anke said before ducking inside the mine.
Chas stared after her, perplexed. “What did she mean by that?”
But Anke was gone, and she settled down to wait in the near darkness lit only by a feeble moon and a couple of stars. Chas shivered as a cold wind swirled around the edges of her collar, and a patter of raindrops wet her face.
She shifted from one foot to the other, staring out into the forest. She’d meant what she’d said. It was as creepy as hell out there, and she couldn’t wait for Anke to return. After several minutes, she grew impatient and edged closer to the entrance of the mine.
As expected, it was pitch black inside. So dark it seemed to swallow the beam from her flashlight whole. Like a greedy monster from the deep. The rain started falling again, softly at first but growing stronger by the minute.
Chas bit her lip, undecided, but another icy swirl of the wind decided her mind for her, and she ducked into the entrance. It was a relief to be out of the wet, and her curiosity soon got the better of her. Before she knew it, she was walking deeper into the mine, shining her light on anything of interest.
The ground rose steeply before leveling out once more, and a row of ancient light bulbs and wiring stretched overhead. Now useless. Abandoned picks, shovels, and a pair of boots lay discarded.
It was as silent as the grave until a sharp cry sounded from ahead. “Jonathan, no!”
A low growl answered the cry.
“Jonathan, please. I’m trying to help you.”
More harsh growls.
“Anke? What’s going on?” Without waiting for an answer, Chas plunged ahead int
o the darkness, her heart beating fast. She stumbled when she encountered a struggling duo, Anke fighting with a zombie boy. He was shorter than her, probably younger too. Maybe twelve or thirteen, though it was hard to tell for sure.
The boy was tied up with a rope around his arms, and his mouth was covered with a piece of cloth. This didn’t stop him from trying to bite her, and he threw himself at her repeatedly.
Chas drew her gun from its holster and aimed at his head, determined to shoot him, but Anke noticed and yelled, “No, Chas. Don’t hurt him. He’s my brother.”
Chas paused. “Your brother?”
Anke managed a quick nod before he attacked her again. This time, she grabbed him by the shoulders and tossed him to the ground before jumping onto his back. While he was pinned to the earth, she tied his hands together with the cable ties she’d hidden in her bag.
Chas stared at the spectacle with an open mouth. “What are you doing?”
“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m making sure he can’t hurt us,” Anke replied with a grunt as she secured the plastic ties around his wrists and checked the cloth tied around his face.
“I can see that,” Chas replied, her cheeks burning with hot blood at Anke’s words. “What I mean is, why? He’s a zombie.”
“He’s still my little brother, and I swore to protect him,” Anke said, still sitting on top of the squirming Jonathan.
“Are you crazy? He’s not him anymore, Anke. I know how you feel, but—”
“No! You don’t know how I feel, Chas, so don’t pretend that you do. He’s the only family I have left. After…” Anke swallowed hard as tears welled up in her eyes. “After my parents turned, they were killed by a couple of soldiers, and I knew…I knew they’d kill Jonathan too, and I couldn’t let them…I…”
Chas’ eyes narrowed as a suspicion set in. “What did you do, Anke?”
Anke lifted her chin. “What I had to.”
“You killed the soldiers?”
“I did.”
Gen Z Boxed Set Page 38
