The Grace Series (Book 2): Tainted Grace

by M. Lauryl Lewis

  “They’re feeding,” I said quietly.

  “Ayup,” mumbled Gus. “By the looks of it I’d say a cow.”

  Off on the left shoulder and partly in a field was a large mass, likely a cow as Gus had said, that was dead and bloated. About a dozen zombies were beside and on top of it, ripping the flesh of the beast to shreds and gorging.

  “At least half of them are the smarter ones,” I said. “The Runners. They know we’re here now, and they know we taste better than what they’re feeding on.”

  “So maybe half a dozen are the tricky kind,” said Nathan. “Think we can get by if we just speed up?”

  “Maybe,” I said. “The dumber ones are too involved in their meal to take much notice. The smarter ones though, they might try to swarm the car.”

  “We can get out and shoot,” suggested Boggs.

  “No. There’s more of them in the woods across the valley,” I added.

  “Ok then. Let’s get it done.”

  Gus increased our speed fivefold. As we neared, half of the pack stood and looked at us. It was eerie as they moved in unison. Unnatural. Somehow they judged our speed and stood still at the edge of the highway while the others continued to eat on the cow carcass.

  “They know swarming the car will end badly for them,” I said. “Gus, keep the speed up.”

  As we passed, those gorging paused in their feeding, the Roamers and Runners alike now aware of us. I watched the Roamers walking toward us as we sped away. The smarter zombies went back to feeding on the dead cow, ignoring the other dead who were walking away.

  Uneventful miles passed. We came across two abandoned vehicles that we had to push out of the way, but thankfully none of the living dead were close. Nathan and Gus siphoned enough gas to fill our tank once again. We saw no signs of other living humans.

  “There’s a grocery store up on the right,” said Gus. “We should plan that as one of our first scavenging trips. Right now, though, I just want to get us off the mainland.”

  Gus turned off the highway and headed west again. The sun was past its high point in the sky. I figured it must be early afternoon.

  “Ok, listen up. We’re close to La Conner. I’ll get as close to the slough as I can, and hope we find a boat. Nathan, I want you to head straight to the wheel and hot wire if needed. Boggs, you and I’ll carry the younger girls if they need help. Susan, Nate, start waking them up now. It’ll be critical to keep them quiet. If the way looks clear, it’ll be me and Nathan first. Nathan how long do you think you’ll need?”

  “Five or ten minutes,” was all he said. “I’d suggest we all get on board and shove out away from the dock while I work. Then pray like hell it runs.”

  “Ok. We’ll need to take the gas cans with us and at least half the weapons. I want to leave at least two or three guns under the seats of the Suburban. We need to bring a box of food, and the sleeping bags. Susan and Emilie, if you can help carry things that’d be great. Zoe, I want you to keep hold of Jane’s hand, and Abbey’s. Keep your mind focused, ok?” Gus seemed nervous.

  I met his eyes in the rear view mirror and nodded. “There’s a lot of them stuck in buildings close by.”

  “Ok,” said Nate.

  The street we were now on was lined with small touristy buildings. A book store, a wood art store, restaurants, trinkets, a candy shop. Gus pulled the Suburban off the road and parked alongside a building marked “bait.” The SUV now faced the small body of water than connected to the Sound. It was peppered with small wooden docks. Some were weathered and half sunken.

  “Looks like low tide,” muttered Gus. I could tell he wasn’t happy at the discovery. “Less room between land and the middle of the water,” he explained.

  “See down there, just to the right?” asked Nathan as he pointed. “It looks like an option. Old but sturdy, a covered cabin, and enough room for all of us.”

  He was talking about a clunky green motor boat, by the looks of it a fishing boat.

  “If we’re lucky it’s got fishing gear on board,” said Boggs.

  “We’ll need to clear the cabin first,” I said. “I’m not sensing anything but just in case any are hiding from me.”

  “Nate and I can do that. Let’s move dockside as a group. Let the two of us on board first,” said Gus.

  The buzzing in my head was tolerable at best. The living dead trapped in nearby buildings were overwhelming. They knew we were close and were so desperate to get to us, but were unable. Across the street was a community center. I could hear them pounding on the front doors. I was anxious to get away from them. Far away.

  The men piled items into Susan and Emilie’s arms while I took hold of Abbey and Jane’s hands. Abbey was sullen, but said she was able to carry one of the two sleeping bags. My heart was aching for her. Jane took charge of her teddy bear, and I told her she was being a big help. We had a backpack in the back of the rig, which I had filled with the cans from our midnight rest break as well as some of the food. It was strapped to my back now. Boggs carried the box of ammo and firearms, and I could see the muscles in his arms straining beneath his t-shirt. Gus carried a lighter weight box of food in one arm, and had his gun ready in the other. I’d watched him cock and fire one-handed before and it was pretty impressive. Nathan had tucked weapons under the Suburban seats. He had explained that a stash may save us one day, assuming we came back here. He led the way, both hands focused on the shotgun he held.

  An eerie mist was forming over the water. It smelled bad here, of rot and the sea. We walked quietly to the water’s edge, as a group. We had to go single-file down a steep metal ramp to reach the dock. On the rocks below our feet were the remains of a body, crumpled into a heap with its head floating in the water. It was already being claimed by the sea, barnacles growing on exposed bone. Dungeness crab were busy eating away flesh that remained on its backside. Blackened claw marks marred its bare back. It looked as if birds had had their fair share as well.

  I had let go of Abbey’s hand when we began descending the walkway, and she was sandwiched between me and Boggs. “Don’t look, Jane,” I whispered. I looked over at her, and saw her eyes clenched shut. I picked her up and held her on my hip. She was scrawny for her age and easy to carry. I hoped we’d be able to get her good nutrition soon. I hoped she’d have a chance to grow into a woman. I could hear Abbey whimpering behind me. “Abbey, just keep your eyes focused on my backpack, honey,” I said, my voice just above a whisper. “We’ll be to the boat soon.”

  I looked ahead to Nathan, who was already climbing on board the vessel. Gus was right behind him, had set his box on one of the seats in the back, and had his weapon raised and at the ready. I carried little Jane onto the dock, and set her down on her feet. “Keep hold of my hand, Sweetie,” I whispered. “Abbey, you too.” Abbey put her hand in mine. I squeezed hers in reassurance. I knelt down and whispered to both girls, “as soon as Nathan and Gus give us the a-ok, I want you to both climb on board and go below into the cabin. Ok?”

  They both nodded. Time was ticking by slowly. Tension was palpable as we waited for a signal from Gus or Nathan. Boggs, Em, and Susan waited nearby. The sound of waves slapping the dock was about the only noise there was. It was too quiet.

  At long last, Gus signaled us forward. Nathan emerged from below deck, and they both walked back to help us on board. Boggs picked Jane up and handed her to Nathan, who pulled the child into the boat. Abbey was older and larger, so Boggs took her hand in his and held onto her while she climbed from the dock into the boat. Next the boxes and sleeping bags were handed to Gus and Nathan, who stowed them. While they were arranging things, Boggs helped the rest of us on board and then began untying mooring lines from the metal cleats of the wayward dock. A lone seagull flew overhead, looking at us curiously. It circled, and then swooped down to feed on the body lying on the rocks. Now on board, my body swayed lightly with the current. The girls had listened to me and climbed down into the belly of the boat.

  “Nate?” I whispered
while he was bent underneath the steering column.

  “Yo?”

  “You sure it was clear below?”

  “Positive. The girls are ok,” he reassured me.

  I looked back to Boggs, who remained on the dock. He had shoved the boat off, and was now holding onto Gus’ outstretched hand while he jumped aboard. The boat was drifting toward the middle of the slough. The current was lazy, and I only hoped we wouldn’t run aground on either side.

  As Nathan worked, he continued to talk to me. “It’s a lot nicer below deck. There’s some bunks and a galley. Looks like someone had started to refurbish it from the inside out.”

  The engine suddenly purred to life. As soon as it did, the buzzing in my head quadrupled. There were dead surrounding us who had been unaware of our presence until they heard the noise of the boat.

  “Nate,” I said, my voice strained. He had just stood up. “They’re all around us. We have to get out of here. Now.”

  Without question, Nate took the wheel and threw the boat into gear. He started slow to allow everyone to find their sea legs, and then increased speed. The dead were now beginning to line the slough on both sides. They grew rapidly in numbers and walked to the edge of the water. It was perhaps the largest horde I had seen as of yet. The ones in front were pushed into the slough, where they appeared to promptly sink. At that moment I felt a small spark of hope.

  CHAPTER 20

  It had taken us about half an hour to clear the slough and enter Puget Sound. Once we were well away from the mainland, we all sat at the galley table studying a map while the boat drifted lazily.

  “Sucia Island should be in this general direction,” said Gus. “So I suggest we just keep heading west, making sure to keep this bit of land to our south.” He pointed to another island on the map. “Nate what’s the fuel status?”

  “Tank’s seven eights full.”

  “Fucking A. Finally some good luck,” said Gus.

  “How long do you think it’ll take to get there?” I asked.

  “Several hours. I don’t want to push the engine and risk a breakdown,” said Nathan.

  “Do we have an anchor?” asked Boggs.

  “Yes sir,” said Nathan.

  “What if we sleep at sea for the night? Hit the island in full daylight?”

  “Sounds like the best plan to me,” said Gus.

  “There’s four bunks in the back, and the younger girls can share one. They’re asleep together right now, sharing a sleeping bag,” said Susan. “One or two of us should always stay awake anyway.”

  “Good thinking Sue,” said Boggs. He was the only one of us who shortened her name. I didn’t particularly like the token of affection. She didn’t deserve it after what she had done to him in the past.

  “Zoe, you should get some sleep,” said Emilie.

  “I’m not sure I can.”

  “Zo, how about you and I take the first shift?” asked Boggs. “We can talk for awhile.”

  I was dreading talking to him, but nodded my head. “Sure.”

  “Emilie, can you stay with the girls? I’m really worried about Abbey, and Jane isn’t saying much,” I added.

  “I’ll keep an eye on them, no worries,” she said in reply.

  “Nate, you and Susan can rest for a spell. I’ll keep watch with Boggs,” said Gus.

  “Sounds good. Emilie, go ahead and use the second sleeping bag. I’ll lay down with Susan and we can keep each other warm,” said Nathan. I knew he wasn't being kinky, just practical.

  That left me alone for a stretch with Boggs and Gus. Lovely.

  “Ok, then,” said Gus. “Nathan you seem to have nautical skills. Let’s drop anchor for the night.”

  “My dad took me out on the water a lot before he died,” said Nathan. “We’ll want to drop anchor where it’s not too deep, but I don’t want to get too close to land. Puget Sound is really deep. We need to account for the tide too.”

  Nathan and Gus were studying the map together while Boggs was searching the galley.

  “We’re closest to Orcas Island, here,” said Nate as he pointed at a spot on the map. “It should be shallow enough to anchor just north of this cove here,” he pointed again, and marked the map with a pen.

  “I’m gonna go check on the girls,” I whispered to Emilie.

  She nodded.

  The little bunk room was just that. Little. There were two small bunks built into the walls on each side, which were painted a dark blue. The bunks themselves were narrower than a twin bed. The mattresses were thin foam covered in a plastic coating, a lot like gym mats. Abbey and Jane were sleeping side by side, filling the sleeping bag. Jane’s head was resting on her teddy bear. Her ginger hair was matted and she looked younger than her years while she slept. Abbey’s eyes looked sunken in her sleep. She was pale and looked so fragile. I spotted two tall closets at the far end of the room, so walked to them in hopes of finding supplies. The first one was empty. The second held two wool blankets and two pillows. They smelled of age and mildew, but I was glad to salvage them. I set one of the blankets on a bunk for Nathan and Susan to use, and set a pillow on another bunk for Emilie. I took the other pillow to where the girls slept, lifted Abbey’s head carefully, and slid it beneath. Thankfully she slept through my fidgeting with her. I leaned over and kissed them each on the cheek. Jane stirred, and popped her thumb back into her mouth. I gathered the remaining wool blanket in my arms and carried it back up the stairs that led to the deck. Nathan and Gus were at the wheel and we were on the move again. The sun was starting to fade and I heard the barking of a sea lion nearby. I wondered if the sea life had taken notice of the changes on land.

  “Whatcha find, Zo?” asked Boggs. He had his arms full with one of the boxes we had carried on board.

  “A couple blankets and pillows.”

  “That’s real good,” he said. The conversation felt forced and awkward. “I’ll be back up in a few minutes. I just want to take our food to the galley. Have something ready for when the girls wake up.”

  “That’s nice of you, Boggs,” I managed to say.

  I watched as he went below deck. He had to duck his head at the bottom before entering the galley. It wasn’t a huge boat. Perhaps thirty feet long at most. We were lucky to have come across it. I carried the wool blanket to the rear of the boat, stumbling a bit as we rode the small waves of the Sound. I sat on one of the two small bench seats that sat beside a large cooler of sorts. The vinyl cushions were a cream color with blue and yellow pinstripes. It was cold on deck and the air smelled of winter and salt. I unfolded the blanket and wrapped it around my shoulders.

  “Penny for your thoughts,” Gus said. I looked up to see him standing in front of me, looking down curiously.

  “It’s cold out here.”

  “If you and Boggs want to sit in the galley and talk, I can manage to keep a lookout up here for awhile.”

  “I don’t want to be alone with him yet,” I mumbled.

  Gus sighed heavily. “Zoe, I don’t think he’s gonna do anything to hurt you again. But if you want me at your side when you talk, then that’s where I’ll be.” His eyes looked tired.

  “You need sleep, Gus.”

  “Once we’re all safe, Zoe.”

  He stepped to the other seat and made himself comfortable. He leaned back and closed his eyes. I wrapped the blanket more tightly around myself and bowed my head in hopes of sparing my nose from the cold breeze that was coming down from the nearby mountains and sweeping across the salt water.

  I felt the boat slow and before long it was just rocking gently in the water. I was ready to fall asleep from the lulling motion when I felt Boggs’ hand on my shoulder. I looked up and met his eyes.

  “Hey,” he said softly. “Nathan got us anchored, so now we’ll just wait till morning before going ashore. Everyone else is settled below, except Gus.”

  I looked over to where Gus had been sitting. He was gone now.

  “Where is he?” I asked.

  “
I asked him to keep watch from the bow so we could talk.”

  I nodded. “’Kay.”

  Boggs held a hand out to me. “Let’s go sit by the wheel under cover. There should be more wind protection in there.”

  I went ahead and took his hand and stood. My muscles had grown stiff and I wondered how long I had been sitting wrapped in the blanket. Once I was standing, I took my hand from Boggs’ and stuffed it under the blanket. I followed him to the bridge of the boat and waited for him to sit. He looked displeased when I took the seat across from him instead of beside him.

  “Zoe,” he said. “I’m so so so sorry about grabbing you like I did. Even more so about slapping you. I know it wasn't right and I know it scared you.”

  I remained quiet.

  “How can I make this better, Zo? What can I do?”

  I took a deep breath. “Boggs. You did more than scare me. You hurt me.”

  He took a big deep sigh and hung his head.

  “I have bruises on my arms, Boggs. You crushed my spirit. I keep trying to tell myself it’s not that big of a deal, but it is. It’d be easier to just brush it off and try to go back to how we were, I know that, but I can’t just pretend it never happened.”

  Boggs was now holding his head in his hands, his fingers tensely grabbing at his hair.

  “We used to be best friends, once upon a time. That changed. Then you come back and the whole world got screwed over. Maybe we weren’t meant to be more than friends, Adam.”

  He looked up at those words, his eyes wide with confusion, like he was trying to process what I had just said. Finally, he blinked.

  “I don’t believe that for a second, Zoe. And I don’t think you do either.”

  “This all happened so fast, Boggs. Maybe I’m right.”

  He looked vulnerable all of a sudden, and scared. My heart was twisting.

  “I love you, Zoe Kate. More than I can say.”

  “You don’t hurt the people that you love, Boggs,” was all I could think of to say.

  “Zoe, I got so angry when I realized you had put yourself in danger. And our baby, for God sake. You realize that fucking dead girl could have killed both of you?”