Z Plan (Book 2): Red Tides

by Lerma, Mikhail

  “Go ahead and go, honey,” she said to the boy.

  “You’re not going to leave are you?” asked Callum as he continued his potty dance.

  “No,” she assured him, “I’ll be right outside the door.”

  “Can you leave it open?” he pouted.

  For a second she was going to tell him no, but she understood his fear of unknown places.

  “Sure.”

  Callum released her hand, and went about his business. She kept the light on him so he wouldn’t be frightened. The sound of his urine hitting the water in the toilet echoed through the shop. Lauren looked around at the darkness. She could make out the shapes of boxes and pallets, and thought that there were bound to be a lot of useful items here.

  “Lauren, look. They have books here,” Callum said, innocently.

  Lauren turned, and saw Callum still sitting on the toilet, pointing up at the wall. She hadn’t noticed the shelf, but he was right. There were magazines up there. She adjusted her light to see them better. Lauren reached up and pulled one down. On the cover of the magazine was a naked girl with platinum blonde hair who was biting her lip. The word ‘Hustler’ was in bold print at the top.

  “Can I see it?” asked Callum.

  “It’s not a book you’d like,” she said as she returned it to the shelf. “All words and no pictures,” she lied.

  Callum looked disappointed. Lauren made a mental note to grab crayons and coloring books the next time they went for supplies. They should also grab school supplies. The education of children was important, even in an apocalypse.

  “You about done?” she asked.

  “Yeah,” he said, as he jumped up and wiped himself.

  Callum pulled up his little pants and went to the sink. The water didn’t work.

  “That’s okay honey,” encouraged Lauren, “let’s just go back and you can wash your hands there.”

  “Okay,” he replied.

  Hand in hand they crossed the floor of the shop, and sat the flashlight down by the door. Outside, the sun had risen a little higher, and more of the sky was starting to turn blue. Fiery red clouds had formed. The men and women on guard were still at their posts. Lauren and Callum had just arrived at the door to the RV when Ben walked up. She was glad she could depend on him, but it seemed like Ben was always around. Always. Every time it was her turn to go scavenging or scouting, he’d volunteer to go with her. Lauren knew some of the others in the community were beginning to talk, as if they were an item of some kind.

  “Good morning,” she said, with a fake smile.

  “Morning,” he smiled back.

  Ben reached over and patted Callum on the head.

  “Hi, Ben,” greeted the boy.

  “Go get back in bed okay?” Lauren whispered.

  “Okay,” smiled Callum.

  “And try not to wake Marie,” she urged.

  After she watched Callum climb into the RV, she closed the door and turned to Ben.

  “You’re up early,” Lauren stated.

  “Yeah. I couldn’t sleep,” replied Ben. “I’m a little paranoid that the undead are going to overrun us.”

  “Understandable,” said Lauren.

  It was still a mystery how the gate to the storage facility had opened and how they’d gotten in so quickly. Ben had recommended having multiple people stand guard to prevent any future incidents.

  “Did you talk to Kristie about some of us maybe staying in the armory?” Lauren asked.

  “She still isn’t budging on the matter. I’m not sure what her problem is,” replied Ben.

  “She’s been by herself for a long time. She probably still feels responsible for all the equipment in there,” she explained.

  “She’s being stupid,” Ben said flatly.

  “Be nice,” ordered Lauren. “She’s been through a lot.”

  “We all have,” Ben said back.

  “Yeah,” Lauren trailed off.

  “Hey,” said Ben, as he reached for her hand to comfort her, “it’s going to be okay.”

  Lauren pulled her hand away as soon as he touched it, and knew she’d hurt his feelings again.

  “I was thinking maybe the next time someone goes out, they could get some things for the kids,” she said, changing the subject. “They’re getting bored, and I think Callum is ready to start learning to read and write.”

  “Yeah. Okay,” Ben said quietly.

  “The kids need something to do,” she continued.

  “There are some pieces of wood in the shop and bags of sand over by the grain shed. Maybe I could make them a sandbox,” suggested Ben.

  “That sounds like a great idea,” Lauren smiled genuinely.

  Ben cheered up for a moment. “Great. I’ll get to work immediately.”

  “You don’t have to…” Lauren started, before he interrupted.

  “It’ll be a surprise for them,” said Ben excitedly.

  She’d meant for all of the kids in the community to enjoy it, but either way it was okay. Marie and Callum were always happy to share with the other kids. Lauren smiled at the idea of them all playing in a sandbox together.

  “I love it when you look at me like that,” Ben confessed.

  She wasn’t sure what to say. She’d been thinking about the kids, not smiling at him.

  “Ben…” Lauren started.

  “Lauren,” he cut her off again, “you know how I feel about you. I can’t hide it anymore, and I know you’re not there yet. But I think if you gave it time, you’d feel the same about me. I love Marie as if she was my own daughter.”

  “Ben…” Lauren tried again.

  “I love you,” he confessed.

  Lauren just stood there awkwardly. She knew how he felt, but now he’d said it. He’d done so much for them, and if things had been different; if she’d never met Cale, then maybe. But she was married, and committed to Cale. She knew in her heart that he’d never abandon her, and she wasn’t going to abandon him.

  “Ben,” she spoke slowly, “I’m…I’m flattered. Really. I’m glad that even in this fucked up world, you can still feel that way, but I’m married.”

  She couldn’t see him roll his eyes. He was getting sick of this. In his mind he’d done everything right. Even her daughter loved him. But he knew if he pushed the issue she’d get upset, and then it would be days before she talked to him again.

  “I’m sorry,” he lied. “Sometimes I just can’t help it.”

  As they stood there in silence, he could feel anger brewing in his gut. She just looked at him sympathetically. Ben hated that look. He needed to walk away before he blew up.

  “I’d better get to work.” He smiled before turning away.

  He didn’t give her a chance to say goodbye. Lauren watched as he stomped off. She knew he was still angry, but that couldn’t be helped. Lauren opened the door to the RV and went up the stairs. In the back bedroom she could hear both Marie and Callum snoring, and she returned to her makeshift bed on the couch. As she covered up, she imagined Cale wrapping his arm around her. Lauren closed her eyes, and for the first time in her life, she prayed. She prayed to whatever God would listen for her husband’s safe return.

  41.

  Attacked

  Marie and Callum played gleefully in the sandbox Ben had crafted for them. Marie constructed a pile as Callum built a castle.

  “Don’t get too dirty,” warned Lauren. “I’ll be making lunch soon.”

  “Okay,” Callum answered.

  Marie just smiled at her mother. Lauren walked inside the RV and into the kitchen. She’d traded some dolls she’d made for homemade bread and some meat. Lunch today was going to be sandwiches, something both kids had become accustomed to. The summer heat made the RV feel like a sauna, despite the open windows. They didn’t have enough fuel for everyone to let their RVs run, otherwise she’d close everything up and run the AC. Oh, how she missed the old luxuries of life.

  Lauren carried two sandwiches out to the children. Marie, who had j
ust started walking, awkwardly ran over. Callum continued to play.

  “Callum, honey, why don’t you come over here?” Lauren asked.

  It had been a little more than a month since his mother had been killed, and Lauren wished she knew what to say to him, but all she could do was hold him when he cried and apologize. Callum had been having nightmares ever since they’d left the storage facility.

  “I just want to play,” he said, without looking up.

  Lauren was growing increasingly worried about him. She’d noticed he was eating less and less every day.

  “Come on honey. I’m going to take a bite of this tasty sandwich if you don’t,” teased Lauren.

  Callum looked up. His blue eyes were bright behind his thick dark lashes, and he smiled at her.

  “Mmm. This tastes good,” she continued teasing.

  “One more minute, okay?” he asked.

  “I don’t know if I can wait that long. It might be gone when you get over here,” smiled Lauren.

  Callum gave in, and walked over to his adopted mother. Since his own mother’s death, Lauren had been caring for him as if he were her own.

  “Thank you,” he said, between bites.

  “You’re welcome,” beamed Lauren.

  “Tank oo,” mimicked Marie.

  “And you’re welcome, my little love bug,” Lauren replied, as she tickled Marie’s tummy.

  Not wanting to leave Callum out, Lauren then tickled him with her other hand. Both children giggled delightfully.

  “How’s my little man, and my two favorite girls in the world?” asked Ben as he approached.

  “Good,” Callum smiled.

  “Da da,” replied Marie as she pointed at Ben.

  Ben smiled.

  Lauren reacted immediately, “No, honey, that’s not Da da. That’s Ben. Say Ben,” she sounded out his name slowly.

  Lauren had been so concerned with correcting Marie that she didn’t notice the mortified look on Ben’s face.

  “BIN!” shouted Marie.

  “Yay!” Lauren clapped for her little girl. “That was pretty close baby.”

  Marie clapped along with her mommy. Ben rearranged his expression before Lauren could notice.

  “What are you up to?” he asked, sounding discouraged.

  “Just giving these babies lunch,” she answered without looking at him.

  She tousled Callum’s hair.

  “Hey!” he objected.

  “I think you need a cut, boy,” she teased.

  “Nuh-uh,” he answered.

  “What are you up to?” Lauren asked, as she turned her attention to Ben.

  “Just coming to let you know that I spoke to Doc and Jim about getting books and stuff for the kids,” explained Ben.

  “Oh, yeah?” Lauren was excited. “What did they say?”

  Ben, however, appeared unenthusiastic.

  “They agreed that education is important, but our number one priority is to get a wall up,” he informed her.

  “Oh, okay,” she sounded disappointed.

  “It’s not a no,” he said, in an effort to cheer her up.

  She knew he was right. The best thing they could do now was to fortify their position.

  “Safety, shelter, and food,” he counted out on his hand.

  Now he was just being condescending, and Lauren hated that. Sometimes he treated her like she didn’t know any better.

  “Momma,” Marie called for her.

  Lauren went over to the sandbox to attend to her daughter.

  “Well, I’ll just keep bringing it up then,” replied Lauren.

  Marie tossed handfuls of sand in the air and squealed. Lauren laughed and mimicked her. Callum continued to work diligently on his sandcastle.

  Lauren looked back at Ben and saw Kristie approaching. Like many of the other women in the community, Kristie fancied Ben. Kristie waved, and Lauren smiled and waved back.

  “Hi!” she said cheerfully.

  “Hi,” said Lauren back.

  Ben turned around to see who it was. Kristie beamed at him.

  “Hey,” he said in an annoyed tone.

  “What are you two up to?” she asked.

  “Just discussing an education plan for the kids,” answered Lauren.

  “Oh fun,” Kristie replied. “Dibs on the physical education teacher.” She laughed. “I use to help coach little league baseball.”

  “Noted,” Lauren laughed. “I’m taking dibs on art and music.”

  “Nice ones,” replied Kristie. “Ya know, I think I tried finger painting once? It didn’t turn out so well.”

  The two women looked at Ben for his input. Ben’s expression, however, was stonelike.

  “Mister Serious here could be the principal,” added Kristie.

  Lauren laughed at Ben’s expense.

  “Keep joking,” he said angrily. “The Zs aren’t going to care if the kids can read or count while they’re eating them.”

  Callum, who’d been listening, burst into tears.

  “Ben!” Lauren yelled upset.

  She hurried over to Callum, and he quickly reached for her and buried his face in her shoulder.

  Ben only stood there. In his mind he was right, and sugar coating it for the kids wasn’t going to cut it. They’d have to be one hundred percent honest with them, if they were going to survive to be adults. The boy continued to sob.

  “It’s okay, honey,” Lauren rocked him gently.

  Marie began crying in the confusion, and Lauren extended an arm to her. She scooped them both up, and into the RV, not saying a word to Ben.

  “Hey,” he whispered to Lauren, as she closed the door behind her.

  “Well,” Kristie said slowly, “that could have gone better.”

  Ben sighed. Ever since they’d come here, everything he did seemed to push her away. Even as he tried to help out, all he succeeded in doing was angering Lauren.

  “She’s a dreamer. Dreamers like her need people like me to survive,” he lectured.

  “Yeah?” Kristie sounded amused. “What kind of person am I?”

  Ben looked at her. Her hair was down today, an unusual look for her. She wore a grey army PT t-shirt and a tight pair of jeans. Her black and pink tennis shoes had dirt on them from her walk over from the armory. He wasn’t sure what to say to her.

  “Jim wanted me to find you today.” He changed subjects.

  “Oh, okay,” she said, obviously disappointed he didn’t answer her question. “What’s up?”

  “We were wondering if there was anything in the armory we could use on the wall,” explained Ben, “We’re just looking for scrap metal, or anything we can fill gaps with.”

  “I’m not sure exactly what you’re looking for, but let’s go take a look,” Kristie said, and headed back to the armory.

  Ben had to speed walk to catch up to her, but matched her pace when he did. Their shadows merged as they walked.

  “We have some metal shelving in the vault, and some desks and chairs,” offered Kristie.

  “Anything helps, really” he answered.

  Gravel and rock crunched under their feet. Parts of the lot were still stained with blood. Kristie kicked a rock that sailed along the ground before bouncing twice, and then resting. She kicked it again when they reached it. Kristie looked over at Ben, who was surveying the perimeter of the lot.

  “We also have some metal cages,” she remembered aloud. “If you can get them out, you could use those too.”

  She was trying to be as helpful as possible.

  “Sounds good,” answered Ben.

  Kristie lost track of her rock as they walked into the patch of grass that separated the co-op parking lot and the armory.

  “What about the trucks?” Ben nodded toward the motor pool.

  “The keys for them will be in the maintenance shop, but feel free to use them,” replied Kristie.

  Ben had his eye on the four troop cargo transports, and a woodland painted forklift; all would be beneficial fo
r obvious reasons.

  “So is Lauren your sister-in-law or something?” Kristie pried, as she opened the door to the armory’s interior.

  “No,” answered Ben flatly.

  “Oh,” she replied. “You a friend of her husband’s?”

  “No,” he answered again. “I’m just the guy trying to hold shit together, after he fucking left her and his kid.”

  “He left?” Kristie was confused. “I thought he deployed,” she countered, as she led him to the left and onto the drill floor.

  “Same thing,” Ben retorted.

  Kristie sensed the issue was touchy and changed the subject. “This way. The vault is through here.”

  As they approached the doorway to the supply room, Ben looked at the flags and the propaganda posters that hung on the walls. ‘Enlist today. Be a Citizen Soldier’ the posters encouraged. He noticed the Christmas tree still standing as he followed her into the dark and windowless space. Kristie grabbed a large lantern off a cabinet and flicked it on. Green chain link fence sections lined the wall.

  “These are the cages,” she explained.

  She led him toward the vault. Inside were large weapon racks and metal footlockers.

  “Some of the racks could be emptied and welded together to form walls,” Ben said out loud.

  Kristie’s cot was still sitting in one of the isles. She still slept there from time to time. Ben walked ahead of her to look at the arsenal.

  “Could we use these?” he sounded hopeful.

  “Sure,” Kristie said, as she placed the lantern on one of the lower racks. “We’d normally make you sign out a hand receipt for it though,” she teased.

  Her heart began to thump, as she became sexually aroused. It had been some time since she’d been with another human being, let alone a man.

  “We can do that if you want,” Ben stated gullibly.

  “Is there anything else in here you want?” added Kristie.

  There, she’d said it. The worst he could do was say no. Kristie’s whole body shook nervously. Ben turned to look at her just as she closed the gap between them and planted a kiss on his lips. She forced her tongue into his mouth and pressed herself against him. Ben’s arousal was immediately apparent.