Dark of Night (Dangerous Nights - A Zombie Apocalypse Thriller Book 2)

by Baileigh Higgins

  He led the way inside, and Nadia fervently hoped it wasn’t a trap, though she’d come to like little Sam. Please, let this be a safe place for Lisa and Cat. They need this. We need this.

  Chapter 7 - Jay

  Jay leaned against the rough bark of a small pine tree and tugged at the packet of cigarettes in his pocket. He lit one and took a deep drag, savoring the acrid burn in his lungs. Though not a habitual smoker, he felt the need for a hit of nicotine. It fizzed through his nervous system, adding to the euphoria he felt at that moment.

  He had much to celebrate, after all. Not only had he escaped the massacre of his old camp with a handful of other Ravagers, now his loyal guards, but after weeks of searching, he’d finally found Cat.

  It had taken days of combing every small town and city in the vicinity of his old base, branching out in ever-widening circles. At last, one of his men spotted the girls leaving their old hideout, a small bed&breakfast, and alerted Jay via ham radio.

  Jay set off in pursuit, following the girls all the way from the North Cape to the Free State. There wasn’t much of a difference between the two places. Each province was a dry, dusty shithole in his opinion. Both got too little rain and too much sun, the climate resembling that of the bowels of hell itself.

  “And the mosquitoes,” he growled, slapping at one of the offending parasites as it buzzed around his neck looking for the perfect spot to land. He couldn’t imagine living in a place like this, preferring the cooler areas around the coast. It was an argument he’d often had with his brother who was too lazy to move camp to better climes, preferring to lounge about in luxury, instead, while his big bro did all the work. “Poor Paul. Always thought he was better than me, smarter than me. Now, who’s the loser? I doubt being a mindless, flesh-eating zombie is lots of fun, but at least Laura can keep you company.”

  Jay took another drag of his cigarette before dropping it and squashing the stub beneath his toes. Smoke curled from his lips as he focused on the window before him. It faced toward the back of the house, away from the street, which was why the girls hadn’t bothered covering it. They felt secure. Big mistake.

  Through the flimsy gauze curtain, he watched Cat move around the kitchen as she prepared dinner for the three of them, her movements graceful and her face serene. She was as beautiful as ever.

  He detected a slight limp, though, and wondered when she’d been hurt. He hoped it wasn’t permanent. It wouldn’t do for his new queen to be a cripple. A Ravager Queen has to be strong. Fighting fit.

  “What are you doing here, Kitten?” he asked, calling her by his pet name for her. “What brings you to this miserable place? Are you looking for someone?”

  She turned toward the window, and her chin lifted as she gazed through the curtain. He stood stock still, drinking in the perfection of her face. For a minute, he allowed himself to imagine that their eyes were connected, that they shared a moment. Then she turned away, and the feeling passed.

  Jay spent another two hours watching Cat as she laughed, ate, and talked. He enjoyed seeing that side of her, the normal, happy, girlish side that she revealed to her friends. He was jealous too and vowed to get rid of her so-called besties as quickly as possible.

  Especially, Nadia, that bitch. The one who had infected his camp, killing hundreds of his people within hours. It hadn’t taken him long to figure it all out. The kiss, the bites, the way the men turned not long after, and the fact she wasn’t dead or a zombie herself all pointed to one thing. She was a carrier and used it as a bioweapon against his people. “I’ve got something special planned for you, little girl. I’ll make you suffer. That’s a promise.”

  He left once the girls retired to bed, and rejoined his group. Anthony, his second-in-command, cleared his throat when he returned. “Everything all right, Boss?”

  “Everything’s fine, Ant.”

  “Can I ask you something, Boss?”

  “Spit it out, Ant,” Jay growled, his patience fast running out.

  “Why don’t you just take her? The girl, I mean?” Anthony asked. “It’d be easy.”

  “Too easy,” Jay said. “I want to know where they’re going. Who they’re looking for. Once we’ve established that, I’ll make my move.”

  Anthony nodded. “I see.”

  “Besides, I left her a little present, and I want to see how she reacts to it.” Jay walked toward his tent, waving goodnight to those who were still awake. His last thought as he rolled into his blankets was of the surprise on her face when Cat saw him again. “I’m coming for you, Kitten. Soon.”

  ***

  The next day, Jay watched with grim amusement as the girls packed up and fled their overnight home with haste. He had no doubt they’d seen his message, the boot print on the grave. “Run, little piggies, for the big bad wolf is coming for you.”

  He picked up his radio. “Anthony, come in.”

  “Yeah, boss?”

  “They’re heading East on Cedar Lane. Don’t lose them.”

  “Got it, Boss.”

  Jay followed Cat but took care to hang far behind. He relied on regular tips from his men to keep him going in the right direction. Finally, he topped out on a rise and stopped, his eyes fixed on the girl’s truck parked in front of the civic center.

  He got out and moved closer on foot, his every move calm and studied. A hunter by nature, he knew how to stalk his prey without being seen. From a vantage point on top of a carport roof, he watched Cat and Lisa move in on the civic center while Nadia stayed behind to watch their vehicle.

  He watched Nadia through narrowed eyes, each nerve in his body alight with hatred. He itched to storm forward and put an end to her there and then. I can snap her neck and be gone before the others realize a thing.

  But, no. The time for that wasn’t today. He wanted to make her suffer, and a broken neck would not be enough to quench his thirst for revenge. Nadia’s death had to be painful, and for that he needed time. Time and opportunity.

  So, Jay waited while Cat and Lisa did their thing. Now more than ever, he was convinced they were looking for someone. Who?

  Not long after that, things went South with gunshots ringing out and what sounded like an explosion vibrating through the earth. Jay jumped off the carport roof and edged closer, determined to find out what was going on. He got his chance when Nadia stormed away to help her friends.

  A horde of flaming zombies was chasing after the fleeing girls with Nadia laying down cover fire. Two teenage boys had added themselves to the mix, and he wondered briefly where they fit in. He forgot about them when he saw his chance and whipped out his knife. A quick stab ensured that both the back tires were useless before he retraced his steps. It wouldn’t do to slash just one.

  Much as he wanted Cat by his side, he did not intend to make it easy for her. Her position as queen had to be earned, and if she didn’t make it, so be it. He’d find someone else to take her place, loath though he was to lose her.

  He watched with a faint smile as the girls realized their tenuous position, all hope of salvaging their ride and possessions fading away. He wondered what they’d do. Attempt to fight it out or run.

  When they set off past him with the boys in the lead, he had his answer. It was the smart thing to do in any case. With each second that passed, the area became more and more crowded with infected.

  He made his way back to his own ride and jumped on the radio. “Anthony, come in.”

  “Yes, Boss. I’m here.”

  “They’re coming your way on foot with two teen boys in the lead. Don’t lose them. No matter what.”

  “Roger that.”

  Jay smiled to himself as he considered his next move. This cat and mouse game was fun, but at some point, it had to end. “See you soon, Kitten. See you real soon.”

  Chapter 8 - Cat

  Ralph took the lead, climbing over the gate with the agility of a monkey. Sam and Cat followed, but Lisa had difficulty. Whatever guts had carried her this far despite her injuries, was w
earing off, and she was pale-faced and sweaty, her breathing harsh to the ears.

  “Are you okay, Lisa?” Cat asked once she and Nadia helped her to climb over.

  “I don’t feel so good,” Lisa answered. “I need to lie down.”

  “Good idea,” Cat said, looking at Sam and Ralph. “Do you have a spare bed for her?”

  Ralph nodded. For once he didn’t look uncaring. Sympathy shone in his gaze as he took in Lisa’s state. “Sure. She can have Mum’s room.”

  “We don’t use it,” Sam added. “It’s nice and comfy. She’ll like it there.”

  “Thank you, Sam, Ralph,” Cat replied. “It means a lot to us.”

  “No worries, let me show you the way,” Sam said, leading them up the driveway where he slid open the garage door. Once inside, he locked it and led them to an interconnecting door that opened into the kitchen. This too he locked the moment they were inside. “Better safe than sorry, Mum always said.”

  Cat had the feeling that Mum had said a lot of things and wherever she was, her sons had not forgotten. With Cat and Nadia on each side, they managed to carry Lisa toward the bedroom.

  The interior of Ralph and Sam’s house was a surprise. Not only was it neat and tidy, but it looked lived in. Homey was the word that came to Cat’s mind. It was apparent they had no electricity. Candles in holders decorated the rooms for lighting, and the kitchen had a gas stove with a cast iron kettle on top of it.

  They reached the main bedroom, and Sam was right. It was lovely. A big four-poster bed dominated the space, and the bedding was all soothing lavender and dove grey tones.

  They laid Lisa down with a sense of relief. It was far from over, though. She was hurting quite severely, and Cat needed to figure out the extent of her injuries.

  “Do you have a first-aid kit?” she asked.

  “Sure, I’ll fetch it,” Ralph answered before running off.

  “Sam, could you be a dear and get Lisa a glass of water, please?”

  “Okay.”

  When Sam disappeared, Cat turned to Lisa. “How are you feeling? What’s hurting?”

  “My head,” Lisa groaned, squeezing her eyes shut. “It feels like it’s about to burst, and my ribs feel broken. I fell pretty hard. Everything is sore.”

  “Well, let’s start at the beginning then,” Cat said. With a soft touch, she massaged Lisa head until she found a lump the size of her hand. “Ouch, that must hurt.”

  “It does,” Lisa replied with a wince.

  Sam arrived with a bottle of water, and Ralph walked in carrying a first-aid kit almost as big as himself. Cat opened it and was gratified to find it well-stocked.

  She wet a wad of gauze and pressed it to Lisa’s bump before winding a bandage around it to keep it in place. Continuing onward, she determined that Lisa also suffered from a sprained left wrist and two broken ribs. After securely bandaging both injuries, she carried on. A few nasty bruises showed up on her arms and legs, and a couple of abrasions required disinfecting.

  Satisfied with her handiwork, Cat propped Lisa up in the bed and fed her a couple of painkillers. Leaving the water within easy reach, she asked. “There, is that better?”

  “Much better, thank you, Cat. I think I’ll have a rest now,” Lisa said, her eyes drifting shut.

  Cat patted her forearm. “Have a good sleep, and shout if you need anything. Drink lots of water.”

  “Okay,” Lisa said with a faint smile. Without further ado, she nodded off.

  Cat stood up and hustled everyone out, closing the door with a soft click. “Let’s leave her be, people.”

  “Is she okay?” Nadia asked.

  “I think so, apart from the concussion,” Cat replied.

  “Concussion?” Nadia cried looking alarmed.

  “It’s all right. I think it’s a mild one, but without further tests, it’s hard to say. The ribs are painful and will take a while to heal, as will her wrist, but it’s her head I’m most worried about,” Cat continued. “Still, if she gets lots of rest, no bright light, no stress to trigger the symptoms, and plenty of water, she should recover soon.”

  “Oh, thank God,” Nadia said, looking relieved. “What now?”

  Cat looked at Ralph. “That’s up to our hosts, I believe. Is there somewhere we can sleep or do we share with Lisa?”

  “Do you mind sharing?” Ralph asked. “I can organize two mattresses and bedding for you.”

  “That’s perfect. How about supper?” she asked. “Do you have any food?”

  “We do. Enough for a few days,” Ralph said. “As for the bathroom situation, we have a Jojo tank outside that collects rainwater. There’s a bucket next to the toilet for flushing and washing but use it sparingly. It’s been a dry season.”

  “Thanks,” Cat said, meaning every word.

  “Would you like a cup of tea?” Sam asked in such a formal tone that Cat couldn’t help but smile.

  “I sure would. Lead the way,” Cat said, exchanging amused looks with Nadia.

  Sam seated them at the kitchen table and proceeded to make tea with Ralph’s help. Cat took the time to take in a few details, such as the iron bars welded over the windows.

  “Did you do that?” she asked of Ralph.

  “Yes, ma’am. Right after we got here. I didn’t want the zombies to be able to get in through the windows.”

  “How old are you?” she asked, astonished. “And how long have you been here?”

  He sighed, and Cat detected a hint of pain beneath his usually stoic expression. “I don’t like to talk about it.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” Cat said.

  “It’s all right. I’ll tell you anyway, but first I want to know what you were doing at the civic center. That place is a death trap.”

  “I was looking for my mom,” Cat said. “I haven’t seen her since the beginning of all this, and when I went home, I found a note telling me she’d gone there.”

  “So, you’re also looking for your mum!” Sam cried, spilling tea as he carried two cups over to Cat and Nadia.

  “Yes, Sam. I am. I miss her very much,” Cat replied with a soft smile.

  “I miss my mum too,” Sam said, turning glum. Nadia reached over to give his shoulder a squeeze, and he smiled again. “She’s still alive. I know it.”

  “I hope so, Sam,” Cat said.

  “Oh, she is, and I know where she is. I might even know where your mom is,” Ralph replied.

  “What? How’s that possible?” Cat asked.

  “Because we were all in the civic center together. Me, Sam, our mum, probably yours too,” Ralph said, settling into his seat as he relayed his tale with a somber expression.

  “Go on,” Cat said.

  “When the apocalypse first began, we were in after-school care because our mum worked full days. The teachers phoned the police and were told to go to the civic center, so they loaded us in a mini-bus and took us there,” Ralph said.

  “It was scary!” Sam added.

  “Yes, it was. When we got there, a lot of other people had also been told to go there. It was pretty crowded, but we managed to find our mum. For a few days, everything was all right. The police guarded the gates, and there was a lot of food in the center because of some charity drive a week before,” Ralph continued.

  “We thought we were safe, but then…” Sam added, his eyes growing moist. “Then the food ran out, and people started fighting.”

  Ralph reached out and hugged his brother. “It was horrible. People were screaming and shouting, babies were crying. That’s when a few of the police officers went to look for food along with a couple of dads. They came back, or at least, half of them did. One of them had been bitten but didn’t say anything. You can imagine the rest. You saw the center.”

  Sam shuddered, and silent tears ran down his face. “It was terrible. All the biting and eating, people dying. Mum got us out, but we got separated.”

  “So, how do you know she got away or where she is?” Cat asked in soft tones.

  “
We saw a man force her and a bunch of other people into a bus. They were shouting about a quarantine zone in Queenstown. That’s where they went, I’m sure of it,” Ralph said.

  “What about you?” Nadia asked.

  “When the bus left, it was just the zombies and us, so I grabbed my brother and brought him back home. It’s safe here, as long as we keep quiet. The walls are high, the gate is strong, and we had a lot of extra steel in the garage. That’s what I used on the windows. My friend’s dad taught us how to weld one summer.”

  “How old are you?” Cat asked again.

  “I’m fifteen, and Sam is thirteen.”

  “Wow. I can’t believe you’ve made it all this time on your own,” Cat marveled.

  “We’re fast,” Sam said with a smile wreathing his face once more. “Like ninjas.”

  “And the petrol bombs?” Cat asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “I googled it before the electricity shut off. I googled a bunch of stuff I thought might help. Now I use the library. There’s no one in there, and if you keep quiet, you can slip in and out without alerting the zombies in the admin area.”

  “Is that what you were doing at the civic center today?” Cat asked.

  “Yup.”

  “I guess I’ve ruined it for you now,” she said.

  “Pretty much,” Ralph said with a straight face. “But you didn’t know better, so I’ll let it pass.”

  “Thanks,” Cat said, amazed by all she’d heard. “So what now?”

  “Now we eat and sleep, and tomorrow, you’re taking us to Queenstown.”

  “Um…okay,” Cat said, exchanging looks with Nadia who shrugged.

  “It’s the least you can do. We saved your lives, after all, and you’ve spoiled our weekly library run now.” He spat on his palm and stuck out his hand. “So, do we have a deal?”

  “I guess so,” Cat said, staring at his hand before copying him with reluctance. “Deal.”