Killing the Dead (Books 4-6)

by Murray, Richard

  “You ok?” Julie asked.

  “Sure. Just tired.”

  “Yeah, it’s been a rough few days.” She agreed. “Food should be ready in a few minutes.”

  “I can wait.” I said and took a seat on one of the garden chairs that the guys had thoughtfully set up.

  “Maggie.” Claire yelled, “You and Emma go and collect bowls please.”

  The two children, both eight years old, shouted that they would and ran for a back door that I hadn’t noticed.

  I sat for a while and listened to Julie and Claire talk. I didn’t try to join in as small talk was something I had never mastered. It was not unpleasant to sit in the cold air as the day moved on and listen to the women chatting.

  In short time the children returned with stacks of bowls and spoons, closely followed by the adults who all seemed hungry. A loose crowd gathered around Claire and Julie as everyone reached for food.

  Lily appeared and with a few short words had everyone lining up in a reasonably orderly queue.

  “Now before you all even consider having food, the children get fed first.” Lily said and surprisingly few moans followed her comment.

  “Once you’ve all eaten, we can think about settling in for the night. We still need all the blankets bringing over from the boat and we need to decide who is sleeping where.” She said before striding over to where I sat.

  “Seems like you have everything under control.” I said as she stopped and took one final look over the group to make sure everyone was behaving.

  “Someone had to.”

  “Matthew not making a fuss?” I asked. I was somewhat eager to hear that he was so that I would have an excuse to arrange an accident.

  “No, he’s fine. We had a chat earlier and since Howard... well he’s just happy to help out at the moment.” She said.

  “What happened to Howard?” I asked curiously. “Is he dead yet?”

  “Yeah, a couple of hours ago. We added him to the fire.”

  “Who killed him?” I asked slightly put out, I had expected to be the one to finish him off.

  “Cass took care of it.” Lily said.

  “Mum sent these,” Maggie said as she rushed over with two bowls clutched in her hands. I took one gratefully and Lily took the other as Emma ran over with a couple of spoons.

  “That was nice of them.” Lily said as she watched the children run back.

  “They are good kids.” I agreed as I shovelled a second mouthful of the hot food into my mouth.

  “There are thirty of us left with twenty eight bedrooms.” Lily said, “The kids can double up so that’s not a problem. I thought Julie could take one lot and Claire the other. They seem happy with that.”

  “Fine by me. I would suggest sticking them on the second or third floor.” I said.

  “Why?”

  “If any undead show up, they’re the most vulnerable and should stay as far from the points of entry as possible. The people on the ground floor will be first to deal with any incoming zombies.”

  “That makes sense.” Lily said thoughtfully. “I don’t want to be caught unaware this time, so I’m planning on having people on watch. Matthew agreed to arrange a schedule for that.”

  “There’s a narrow strip of land connecting us to the mainland, I would also suggest to him that we put up some kind of barrier and keep it manned.”

  “Ok, that makes sense.”

  “These are all fairly permanent suggestions. I take it we are going to be here for awhile.”

  “It’s not the worst place. Defensible and if we find some fishing gear we can start to catch fish which will certainly help with the food situation.” Lily said, “The undead seem to dislike the water so they will only approach from one direction and with an effective barrier we have a chance of surviving the winter here.”

  “Fair enough.” I said agreeably. The food had been finished off as we talked and my belly felt satisfyingly full even from the small portion we had been given.

  “Four rooms on the top floor. Julie, Claire and the kids take two of them. Cass, Gregg and Pat said they would be happy to share.”

  I raised a brow at that. “Three of them to a two bedroom apartment. Who is sleeping with whom?”

  “None of our business.” Lily said with a laugh. “I thought we could take the last apartment if you don’t mind sharing.”

  “Sounds fine to me.” I said, “I don’t think I could cope with sharing with someone I didn’t know.”

  “That’s all set then.” Lily said happily. “We’ll get everyone settled and secure the front entrance for the night.”

  “Who will take the room where we found the... you know?”

  “The bodies have been removed and I asked Pat to get rid of the mattress and burn it. The woman had been dead for a while and I don’t think it would come clean. With a couple of days to air it out, it should be fine. I was hoping you wouldn’t mind taking that room.” Lily said quietly.

  “Sure. I can sleep on the couch till it’s aired I suppose. I’m used to that by now.”

  “Thanks. I’ll go and get everyone sorted.”

  With that said, she left to organise the group who were all sitting closely together to share the little warmth generated by the press of bodies.

  I spent a few more minutes watching everyone get chivvied into activity by Lily before heading to what would be my new resting place for the foreseeable future. At least with just Lily for company in a two bedroom apartment I would be able to get some peace.

  Chapter 6

  Someone – likely Pat – had closed the door to the bedroom where we had found the mother and child. The kitchen cupboards had been ransacked and several hung open. Other than that the apartment was relatively untouched so I decided to have a look around my new residence.

  The utility room contained a boiler and vacuum cleaner, both of which were useless since we had neither gas nor power. The en-suite bathroom had two doors, one leading into the bedroom that Lily would be using and another that provided access from the hallway. It was useful to know that I wouldn’t have to wait for Lily to be out of her room before I could use the facilities.

  The bathroom itself contained a sink and toilet as well as a shower/bath combination. I turned the tap and was pleasantly surprised to find clean looking water gush from the faucet. It would mean we could have a shower, though it would be uncomfortably cold.

  I ignored the kitchen since anything edible would have been taken and whatever remained held no interest for me. The dining area had a dining table made of some light yellowish wood with four matching chairs. Since I couldn’t see dinner parties being common anytime soon, I made a mental note to suggest some uses for the wood.

  In the living area were a three seater couch and a couple of armchairs. A flat screen TV sat on its stand in the corner, a thin layer of dust covered the screen. A sideboard was set against one wall and a quick root through the drawers and cupboards revealed little of interest.

  Opposite the sideboard was a bookshelf that seemed to contain more knickknacks and trashy romance novels than anything remotely useful. With the pictures on the walls and the family photos placed strategically around the room I had the definite realisation that I would find absolutely nothing to aid survival in the apocalypse.

  When I pulled open the curtains I saw that the window looked out over the lake and in the distance I could see the large island that according to the soldier back at the marina, was a place that we should avoid due to deserters making it their home. It would bear watching since it wasn’t that far from where we were.

  I removed my boots and jacket and let them fall to the floor beside the couch before taking a seat with a sigh. My clothes felt scratchy and rough and had a definite odour that was less than pleasant. I would need to find something clean to wear and some blankets to keep me warm during the night but I couldn’t seem to find the energy to do so.

  A light tapping started on t
he window and I looked across to see that the rain had started to fall in a heavy torrent once again.

  Back before the end of the world I had always enjoyed the rain and gloom of the late autumn and winter months, but that was when I could sit inside in the warmth and enjoy it. With the risk of freezing to death or starving during the winter to come, I couldn’t seem to muster the same enthusiasm for the weather as I once had.

  “God, you look miserable.” Gregg said and I twisted my head to see him standing by the dining table with Pat. I was more than a little concerned that I hadn’t noticed them entering the apartment.

  “What do you want?” I asked not caring if I offended.

  “Calm down mate.” Gregg said with his customary wide smile. “We’ve brought you a house warming present.”

  “Yeah, you’ll have to share it with us though.” Pat said as he held up an unopened bottle of vodka.

  “I’ll grab some glasses.” Gregg said and went to root through the kitchen while Pat crossed to sit on the armchair opposite me.

  “You ok?” He asked. His face was creased into such an earnest look of concern that I almost laughed.

  “I’m fine, just tired.” I lied.

  “Of course he’s fine.” Gregg said as he returned from the kitchen with three glasses. “How could he not be?” He looked from Pat to me and back again. “He has fine company and some of the first alcohol we’ve found since the clubhouse.”

  “Well since you put it like that...” Pat said as he opened the bottle and poured a large measure into each of the glasses.

  “So what do we drink to?” Gregg asked as he passed me a glass.

  “To surviving another day.” Pat suggested.

  “Works for me,” said Gregg as he gulped down a large portion of his drink.

  “It’s been a rough few days.” Pat said and Gregg nodded agreement.

  “Certainly has mate. Certainly has.”

  “I reckon we can make this place secure though.”

  “Yeah, maybe. A bit of work and it could be safe for the winter at least.” Gregg agreed, “We certainly can’t keep wandering from place to bloody place.”

  Neither of them seemed to notice that I wasn’t part of the conversation which suited me well enough. I took a sip of the vodka and winced at the sharp taste.

  “It’ll be a cold winter no matter where we are if we don’t find a way to keep warm.” Lily said as she strolled into the room with Cass in tow. “We were wondering where you all were.”

  “Typical men, sitting around drinking when there’s work to be done.” Cass said with a low throaty laugh. “The least you can do is share the booze.”

  “Fair enough I suppose sis.” Gregg said as he rose to find more glasses.

  Cass perched on the arm of Pat’s chair, while Lily sat on the couch beside me after removing her own jacket.

  “You ok?” she asked quietly as Pat and Cass chatted and Gregg searched noisily through the kitchen cupboards.

  “I’m fine.” I said, somewhat annoyed at everyone asking me if I were ok.

  “Sure you are.” She said but let it drop as she gratefully received a glass of vodka from Gregg who seemed to be enjoying playing the role of barman.

  “So what’s the plan?” Gregg asked Lily, “In general I mean.”

  “Well, everyone is inside and the front doors are locked so we should be safe for the night.” Lily said, “The apartments have plenty of blankets and clothes for people to pick and choose from as well as enough food to feed us for a couple of days at least.”

  “That’s something at least.” Cass said, “I was getting tired of being hungry.”

  “You and me both, sis.” Gregg laughed.

  “What are the long term plans?” I asked quietly.

  “I think we should stay here but it’s up to everyone.” Lily said, “A group decision. The last few places have ended badly and I think we all need to agree on where we stay.”

  “This is as good a place as any though isn’t it?” Pat asked.

  “We could make it defensible from the undead with a bit of effort.” I agreed, “If we could find fishing gear and some small craft we could start to fish which will help the food supply.”

  “God I hate fish.” Cass said as she screwed up her face in a look of disgust.

  “It’ll be that or pine cones before long.” Gregg laughed as he refilled his glass, “So you better get used to eating whatever we have available.”

  “Great. I’ll be the first volunteer to go scavenging then.” Cass said as she held out her glass for a refill.

  “The biggest problem here is that the apartments are all modern so no fireplaces and everything runs on gas or electric.” Lily said, “Keeping warm and preparing food will be a problem before long. The barbecue will work for a while but it isn’t a long term solution.”

  “We’ll need tools and materials, not to mention weapons.” I added, “We could make this place work if it’s where everyone wishes to stay but it won’t be easy.”

  “Well aren’t you a ray of sunshine today.” Gregg said as he poured more vodka into my glass. “Drink up and cheer up.”

  He laughed at me as he said it and my hand tightened on the glass and I struggled to keep myself from casting the glass into Greggs face.

  Lily placed her hand on my arm and I glanced at her and saw her shake her head slightly as the narrowest of frowns appeared on her brow. No one else seemed to have noticed as they were all chatting and laughing at something or other.

  I lowered my hand and forced a half hearted smile before turning back to staring out of the window as the others continued their talk. I could almost feel Lily keeping a careful eye over me and I swore silently at myself.

  “Right this bottle is all done,” Gregg said. His overly loud voice had a slight slur and I realised that he must have been drinking more than anyone else, enough to get slightly drunk anyway.

  “Then it’s time for bed.” Cass said firmly, “Come on little brother, time to get some sleep.”

  Pat waved his goodbyes as he helped Cass guide her brother out of the apartment to the one they were all sharing.

  I set down my still full glass on the windowsill and avoided Lily’s gaze. I didn’t want an argument or condemnation.

  “You aren’t ok at all and you could’ve hurt Gregg then couldn’t you?” Lily asked in a low and soft tone as she gently pressed her hand on my arm.

  “It wasn’t my intention.” I said, “I am just in a poor mood. I apologise.”

  “Hey, you can talk to me you know.” She said, “You aren’t yourself and I’m becoming a little worried.”

  “I shall be fine, you have my word.” I said as I looked back at her.

  “Maybe a good night’s sleep will help.” She suggested, as though something so simple would affect this growing need within me. Only one thing would help and it was the one thing I was unable to do.

  “I think that tomorrow I shall set out to have a look around the area, it will be useful to be able to locate any threats and the possible locations of supplies.” I said. “Perhaps it would be a good idea for me to have some time alone too.”

  “Ok,” Lily said after a minute of quiet thought. “I’ll go and grab you a blanket.”

  She disappeared into the hallway and returned a minute later with a thick quilt that she passed to me with a smile.

  “I’ll see you in the morning.” She said before heading to her room.

  I watched her go before lying down on the couch and pulling the quilt over myself. I was becoming concerned with my behaviour and I knew that I needed to get a handle on it before it became a problem. The question was, how.

  Sleep was a long time coming.

  Chapter 7

  I managed to get a few hours sleep before waking shortly before dawn. I lay beneath the blankets for a time and enjoyed the warmth. I could see my breath forming into a mist whenever I breathed out and I was very much awar
e of how cold it would be outside of my blankets.

  “You awake?” Lily asked quietly from the doorway and I turned my head to her.

  “I’m surprised you are.” I said by way of answer.

  “No rest for the wicked.” She replied and I could sense more than see her smile.

  “I suppose so.” I agreed, “Why are you up so early?”

  “Preparations to make,” Lily said as she came into the room. “I’ve had a word with Matthew and he is going to organise things here while we’re away.”

  “We?”

  “Yeah, I’m coming with you.”

  “You are?”

  “Someone needs to.” She said in a no nonsense tone. “I know what you said yesterday and I think it’s an excellent idea to get the lay of the land, but I also think it’s a terrible idea for you to go off on your own just now.

  “I really don’t require a babysitter.” I snapped.

  “No, you don’t. You do need a friend though.”

  “And if I chose to go off on my own anyway?” I asked testily.

  “Then you will return and if you are cheerful I will know that it is time for you to leave us because you will have found some poor victim out there.” Lily said, quiet yet firm.

  “Why do you even care?” I demanded crossly, “It wouldn’t be anyone you know and I would stick to the promise I made.”

  “I think we both know that you may not have the choice in that.” Lily said, “I know you would try and I appreciate that but I could see it in your face yesterday. You were ready to hurt Gregg over some silly comment.”

  The truth in her words was surprisingly painful to hear coming from her and I quickly ran through my options before replying.

  If I refused then I was essentially cutting myself off from the group, from Lily and I didn’t want to do that, though it would allow me to perhaps find someone to kill in the manner I craved.

  To accept her company would be an admission that I needed someone with me and may well end my chance to go anywhere and do anything in private. It would severely limit my chances to kill anyone, let alone in the way I needed to.