Alpha of the Omega

by Corona, A. M.

  Chapter 12 Escape

  Morning came upon them as light started to creep in through the door. Hobbs and Bobbie woke up. “Man I don’t know if I slept fifteen minutes or all night,” said Hobbs as he stretched his arms wide. He immediately checked all of this gear counting the magazines and how many rounds he had left. Cowan did the same checking his gear and counting the rounds in the magazines. “I’ve only got three full and a little bit left in the fourth,” said Hobbs. “Yeah I got about the same.” “Well that really doesn’t leave us with much to work with.” “I have only a few rounds left,” interjected Bobbie. “Well horse shit! Well Hobbs what do you think?” Hobbs pondered the question for a moment. What are you going to do buddy boy? You have two that you have to care for. One is resourceful and the other well at this point he is just dead weight. You can try to escape but where would you go? You certainly can’t keep on like this and the store would be a good idea if those things stayed outside. If only things were easier. Don’t wish it was easier wish you were better. Hobbs tried to ignore the voice that crept into his mind. “Well I think the first thing is to hold up here for a few more days at the earliest. There are probably still hundreds if not thousands of them out there. Here we have some cover and concealment as long as we keep it down. There is plenty of food and water too. The electricity is still on somehow.” “Yeah I came up with the same thing. Bobbie, you know this town the best where should we go next if we have to leave here?”

  Bobbie was unsure of himself and still mourned the loss of his wife, “We could make it to the hospital but that must be miles away from here. That will lead us deeper into town though.” “Really? Is that the best that you can come up with? The hospital? Really that place is probably crawling with those zombies,” said Cowan irritated. “That might not be a bad idea. If we could somehow make it there then we can hold up for a while. If we could get to the higher floors we will be able to barricade ourselves in. There should be plenty of food and water. The hospital should have their own generator in case the power goes out. Think about it. That would be just what we need.” “Ok say the hospital is the perfect place to go how would we get there?” “Well we just need to sit tight until we can find a way.” “So that’s your plan to hold up here until we can magically come up with a way to make it to the hospital?” “Yeah we will figure out something we just need more time. We are going nowhere at this moment and we have plenty to sustain us until we can come up with something better or a way to the hospital.”

  Compartmentalize, how are we going to get there Hobbs thought himself. We will definitely not make it with all of those zombies outside. We don’t have enough ammunition to shoot our way through either. Our transportation is shot but if there was a way to get it free then we could drive there. So what are you going to do now? Somehow push the car from behind? What good would that do? You would just draw attention and attention is not what you want. So now what? said the voice in Hobbs’ head. “Shut the fuck up!” “Who the hell are you talking to Hobbs?” asked Cowan. Yeah who are you talking too Hobbs? Are you going to tell them about the little voice in your head? Huh? Are you buddy boy? Yeah that would go over well for you. Well let’s see if you tell them about me then. If you do you will be admitting you are crazy and losing it. Showing you won’t be fit to lead. The almighty Hobbs falling apart. How many deployments have you been on? You stood strong and now you are falling apart. Why is that? Is it because the world is ending and now you can’t handle it?

  “No one I was just thinking to myself is all and things got busy in my head as I was trying to work things out. Plus I am just a little bit tired.” Yeah you tell them that. You are just fighting with the voices in your head. You left that part out conveniently. Just a little bit tired that is a good come back. “Like I said we will hold up here for the time being. We will come up with something that will work.” “Ok man it’s your call all the way. I will stand behind you and what you think is best.” Stand behind you? Do you think he would stand behind you if he really knew what was going on? You should just tell him shouldn’t you? Hobbs just shook his head in hopes of silencing the voice that was taunting him. You have to do better than that. Then the voice in his head starting singing. Row, Row your boat gently down the stream. Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily life is but a dream. Wait life is not a dream it’s a nightmare and you are in the middle of it with no end in sight.

  You know the voice you heard night? That wasn’t me baby boy. I figured you should know that. Then who was it? Is there more than one voice in here? Hellooo calling all voices. It’s too crowded in here so get the fuck out! See there is no one else in here. When I find one I will let you know. Cowan walked down the aisles looking for something to eat. “Man look at all this junk food. I tell you this is the reason why America is overweight. Shit look at these prices. If you eat something halfway decent it costs more than the junk food. Cowan decided on a bag of potato chips. He opened the bag and looked in. It was barely half way full. “You know I think the potato chip company has it down pat when selling stuff. They’re probably the only ones that are able to sell air to people. You see this big old bag and when you open it, it’s only halfway full.” Cowan reached into the bag making a ruffling noise. “I tell you though, these are so good. Sour cream and onion, my favorite. You know I hate onions but for some reason these are so good. Do you guys want any? Let’s see we got wavy kinds, biscuits and gravy. Who the hell comes up with biscuits and gravy flavor?” “Do they have any of those peach rings?” asked Hobbs. “Uh I don’t think so, oh wait here they are.” Cowan grabbed the bag and threw them over to Hobbs.

  Hobbs tried to wipe the dirt and grime from his hands before he opened the bag and reached in. “Anything for you old man?” “Old man, you know I have a name.” “Ok, ok old man don’t you fall apart on me too.” Hobbs shot Cowan a glance. Yeah man you are falling apart aren’t ya. “Well do you want anything or don’t you?” “Yeah find some beef jerky.” “Any particular kind?” “The brand doesn’t matter just see if they have some teriyaki.” “Heads up. Now let me see if they have any cards we can play.” “Bobbie do you play cards?” As Cowan briefly looked up for a response. “Yeah I know a few games from my time.” “Well I don’t know how to play any of that old shit like cribbage.” “Well just because I am old doesn’t mean that I play cribbage. In fact I have never played cribbage before.” “Well what do you play?” “Well how about rummy do you know how to play that?” “Never heard of it.” “Bobbie do you know how to play tonk?” asked Hobbs. “No I haven’t ever heard of it.” “Well we will teach you.”

  Cowan and Hobbs went over the rules of the game. They played for hours as the time passed and the sun started to set turning the sky to twilight and eventually night. Hobbs turned off the lights as not to attract any new unwelcomed guests. “I would like to take a shift this time. Plus I think Hobbs you really need some extra sleep.” Yeah Hobbs all you need is just a little bit of sleep. That will do you some good. “Yeah maybe I just need some more sleep and that way I can work on all cylinders. “Good then I will take the first shift. Cowan how about the last shift? That way Hobbs can get a good night’s rest.” Good night’s rest huh that sounds wonderful. What do you think baby boy? Will some sleep do you good? Well see you bright and early in the morning huh? What do you say we both can get some rest and tackle it in the morning… that is if you can sleep…?

  The two men laid down trying to wash away all the horror and what was in store for them the next day. Bobbie reached into his pocket and pulled out his brown leather wallet. He opened it and pulled out an old picture of his wife. “She was so young. I can’t believe I lost her. Just like that. There was nothing I could do. I told her to make it home. Why couldn’t you make it home? Maybe if I just kept you with me then things would be different. Only if?” Bobbie’s voice trailed off. Tears began to form in his eyes. He put the picture in his back pocket for safe keeping. “Well I guess I don’t need this anymore.” He let the wallet fa
ll to the ground.

  The night was silent except for the moans that drowned out the sounds of the noise of the night. The moans seemed to be getting lower and lower. Bobbie could only conclude this meant there were fewer zombies outside. They must be moving on as they finished their banquet. It must have been some fine dining he thought. Bobbie was repulsed at his own thought. Talking about people dying as a fine meal. Just then Bobbie heard a low knock at the door. He quickly stood up rifle in hand. He waited to see if he was just hearing things or if there was really a person at the door. He waited intensely griping his rifle. “Time to man up here Bobbie,” he said to himself quietly. Bobbie walked slowly and quietly to the door. He peered over the boxes to see if there was anyone there. There was silence and he did not see anyone. Did I just imagine this? I have been under a lot of stress he thought to himself. There was another knock at the door. This time he was for certain he heard it. Then the knock was followed by three more. Then a small whisper at the door. “Is there anyone in there?” The voice was soft it appeared to be a woman at the door. “Please if anyone is in there please open the door.” Bobbie thought about it for a moment. It was not that he was afraid but he wanted to be cautious about who he let in. If he let them in. “Are you alone?” His voice was soft and low. “Mister let me in please!” The voice begged once more. “Are you alone?” “Yes I am. Please let me in. I don’t want to be out here any longer than I have too.” “Ok I am opening the door just know I am armed.” “Just please let me in! They are starting to come at me.” Bobbie pulled the stack of crates away just enough to crack the door open. The woman was slightly taken back at first as she saw the end of the rifle pointed straight at her. Bobbie continued to pull open the door and the woman pushed against it desperate to get inside. It was Donna! His good friend that worked across the street from him. She would go and get her coffee in the morning and then would stop by to see how he was doing. She would usually start the conversation by asking how his wife and he were doing. Then she would look around as if she was going to buy something but never did. Donna would come around the house and drink coffee with his wife and himself from time to time.

  He rushed her in and quickly closed the door pushing the crates back. The zombies came one by one following the woman. It was as if they could smell her fear like a predator does when they are about to attack. “Sorry about that Donna. I didn’t recognize your voice. I am glad you are here.” His voice was low as not to disturb the two soldiers sleeping on the floor or so it appeared. Hobbs heard the commotion and laid still trying to listen in on the conversation in hopes of getting any pertinent information about what really was going on in the city before all this started. He was not rewarded as the two talked in a hush tones talking about how glad they were to see each other.

  Cowan immediately sat up after about five minutes. “What the hell is going on? Who the fuck is this!” “It is my friend. She was trapped out there and was trying to get in.” Cowan immediately sat up and pointed his rifle at her. “Are you bit or scratched in any way.” The woman was just stared at him as if she did not hear or comprehend his words. “Are you bit?” He said more aggressively. She just shook her head. “No I am not infected.” “How they hell did you get past all those zombies out there and I want the truth!” Hobbs was at this point standing looking at the two. Hey there buddy boy what are you going to do as the voice in his head came back alive. How do you know she is not infected? If it was me I would search her. Make her take off her clothes and have a closer look. What do you think? Hobbs tried to ignore the voice in his head in hopes it would go away and be quiet long enough for him to assess the situation.

  “We need to make sure you are not infected,” said Hobbs. “I am telling you that I am not!” the woman said with a shaky voice. Her pulse was racing and her palms started to sweat. She started to wonder if she made the right decision by coming here. Bobbie pulled her behind him trying to protect her from the two. “If she says she is not infected then she is not infected. If you kill her you will have to kill me too!” “No problem old man. I have no issue of putting both of you down right here right now!” “Cowan calm down a little bit here. Ma’am we just need to make sure you are not infected. This is for our safety. If you are infected then you could turn on us at any moment. We just need you to strip down and check you.” “Ok.” She said as if willing to comply. She slowly took off her bloody shirt. Leaving her in her white bra. “Now turn around.” Donna did as she was told. Seeing nothing at all he told her to put her shirt back on. “Now the pants. I know you might feel uncomfortable but it is for our safety.” She hesitated for a moment. “Ma’am please we need to check you.” She slowly unbuttoned her pants and let them fall to the floor. Hobbs walked around her looking for any bites or scratch marks indicating if she was infected. Satisfied she was not he told her to put back on her pants.

  “Sorry Ma’am.” “I am Donna.” “Well sorry Donna we are just trying to make sure. The last thing we need is for you to turn.” “So how did you get here?” That is the question of the day. How did she get here? I bet it is some conspiracy. She must be working with someone. They will be coming breaking down the door at any moment. Shut up Hobbs said in his head. Oh now you want me to be quiet huh. Just know I will always be here said the voice as it chuckled. “I didn’t know what to do. I was holding up in a closet when I heard the pounding and moans outside. I just couldn’t take it anymore.” “So you decided to head on out? That doesn’t make any sense.” “Nothing makes any sense anymore,” interjected Bobbie. The walking dead is outside does that make any damn sense at all.” “I am just trying to figure out what happened is all.” Donna spoke quietly again as if it would diffuse the situation. “I just panicked. There were not that many out there or so it seemed. So I made a run for it. I just kept running as fast as I could. Then those things out there started following me. I just didn’t know what to do. I came upon this place and was hoping someone was in here.” “So you decided to come here and brought the zombies with you?” The moans got louder and there was pounding on the door. Slowly thump, thump, thump. “See you led all those fucks here!” Cowan dropped his rifle and it swung to his side. He pulled out his knife and walked towards Donna. Bobbie raised his rifle and pointed it at Cowan. “Do it mother fucker I dare you,” said Cowan, as he gave an icy stare that would freeze hell. “Do it then.” The tension built up in the room as they were looking at each other. Bobbie’s finger slowly moved towards the trigger. He flipped the safety off with his thumb and it made a small clicking sound that could be heard throughout the store. Cowan moved up on the ball of his right foot. He shifted his left foot at a forty degree angle and slightly raised his foot. He lowered his eyes slightly looking at the shoulders of Bobbie. He kept his eyes away from Bobbie’s. The eyes can give you away right before you to attack. “Boys put your dicks back in your pants!” Donna moved and placed her hand on Bobbie’s rifle lowering it. “Yes I led them here. That was my fault but I didn’t have a choice. For that I am sorry.” Cowan was torn between killing the two and letting it go for now. Maybe now is not be the best time. He might get his chance later on if there was a later. Cowan return the knife into its sheath. “Now we need each other in order to survive. There is a war out there and it is either us or them and I prefer not to be one of them. Now we can work together or we can fight and kill each other,” said Donna. Hobbs just sat back watching all the events unfold before him.

  An idea slammed into his brain. It was a long shot but if they would able to pull it off then they would just be able to make it. “Cowan do you have any concussion grenades?” Cowan just gave a smile as his lips curled upwards with excitement. “You act like you don’t know me. I ‘acquired’ some from supply shortly after I got knocked out. You know how females love me with this sexy body the army gave me.” Hobbs just shook his head. “I was thinking if we could set off some concussion grenades it would give us some time to get past them. If we are lucky that might even kill some of them. T
hen we can hop from place to place until we can make it closer to the hospital.”

  “Donna how many zombies do you think were out there?” “There have to be hundreds of them. They seemed scattered that was until they noticed me. At first they were walking around aimlessly with no purpose.” “Cowan how many of those concussion grenades do you have?” “I have only two. I would have gotten more but I couldn’t.” “Well we will just have to make do with what we have. I just have one question why the hell did you decide you needed some?” “Well you know me I just like to have the nice shit. I figured if shit hit the fan and we had to deal with other humans it could come in handy.”

  That sounds like a great plan baby boy. Look if you are going to badger me then pick a name for me. Either buddy boy or baby boy make up your damn mind. Oh touchy are we today? I am glad you are talking to me. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing you care. Look you can be a part of the problem or part of the solution. Aright then I will leave you alone for now… “Ok we have the option of going out front. Taking into consideration what Donna told us or we can try the back door and take our chances. My thoughts are go with what we know. The back could be less crowded or they could be all jumbled up. If anything happens in the back we will have no place to go.” “Well I have been with you a long time and you have brought us through this so far so I say let’s go with what we know.” Bobbie and Donna just nodded in agreement. “So I will open the door and throw out the first grenade that should hopefully clear the way and hopefully there is enough space to get through. As far as we know they are slow moving mindless fucks. We can use that to our advantage. Donna you stay close to me because you don’t have any weapons. We are heading to the hospital.” Cowan shoved the boxes out of the way as Hobbs primed the concussion grenade by removing the safety pins and holding down the lever close to the cylinder. Cowan stood behind the door and opened it with a big whooshing sound as the door flung open with force.