Dead Hunger | Book 10 | The Remnants

by Shelman, Eric A.

  “The things we wish were still true,” said Cole through a sigh.

  “Anyway,” continued Eileen. “We thought it was some community program where they were organizing some business thing or other. We really didn’t know. Then they got closer and we’re all wondering why they didn’t get cleaned up. By the time we figured out they were dead-eyed and pretty scary, we barely got the door locked before they got there.”

  “You all make it out?”

  Eileen was silent for a long time, and Scofield turned in his seat, looking back at her. “You alright, Eileen?”

  Wiping away a tear, she nodded. “Fuck! I told myself I wouldn’t cry over this anymore. No, neither of them made it. They both changed. I ended up in the manager’s office, locked in.”

  She choked up again and Scofield’s voice grew soft and soothing. “Eileen, you ever talked about this before?”

  She shook her head.

  “Okay,” he said. “That was a long time ago. Too long to keep it in. So, you need to say what happened in there. Get it off your chest.”

  Eileen nodded, petting Carly, who was dead asleep on her lap.

  “I was locked in the office. Luckily, that’s where we keep the large grooming shears. Tamara and Lucinda were both clawing at the large glass window that took up a wall so the manager could see the groomers doing their thing. Problem was, the shade that was normally there broke, so they took it down.”

  “You were exposed. They’d never leave that window.”

  “No, you’re right,” said Eileen. “They didn’t. They stared at me, and I cried until I was dehydrated. The water cooler was in the waiting area, and the bathroom was there, too. I started listening to a local radio station on my phone, and all they talked about were all the people going crazy and killing everyone.”

  “That’ll freak you out,” said Steven.

  She closed her eyes and nodded. “Yeah. But it was that moment I realized I had to get out of there that was the hardest. I knew by then I couldn’t just walk out. I’d have to fight my way out.”

  “There wasn’t a window in the office?” asked Steven.

  She turned to stare at him like he’d just asked her if she had a third eye on her asshole.

  Cole couldn’t help but smile slightly at the thought that passed through his head.

  “No, Steven, there wasn’t a window. Anyway, I knew they were gone. The eyes. Lucinda’s were really, really red, and she seemed more intense. Tamara’s were pinkish, but not blood red like Lucinda’s.”

  Scofield looked at Jim Cole. “Mothers.”

  “How did you know she was pregnant?” asked Eileen.

  “Didn’t. Your description told me. You’ve seen zombies like her since, right?”

  “The ones with the red eyes? Yes.”

  “We forget our group learned a lot from all our travels,” said Cole. “And from Max and Isis, Beauty and all the rest.

  “Who are they?” asked Eileen.

  “Some folks you’ll get to meet if we get to Lula okay,” said Scofield. “We call ‘em Hybrids. Part Red-Eye, part human. Telepathic, they sense the zombies. If the stars align, they can control them sometimes.”

  “Wow,” said Eileen. “No way. That explains a lot. Shit.”

  “So … finish your story. You ready?” asked Scofield.

  Eileen nodded. “I got the extra-large scissors from the cabinet. Then I got some scotch tape and paper and wrapped a piece of paper around the handles. I wrapped that with almost the whole roll of tape until it fit good in my hand.”

  “Made a shiv, huh?” Steven said.

  “Pretty much,” said Eileen. “But I still needed the balls to run. I didn’t want to use it. Not on my friends. Not on anyone. Then a siren came. Tamara turned right away, but Lucinda didn’t. She just stared at me through the glass. She finally couldn’t resist, I guess, so she followed Tamara. When they were out of sight, I just went to the door and opened it. I stepped out a few feet, didn’t see them, and just ran to the door.”

  “But you said you guys locked the door,” said Jim Cole.

  “We did. So they couldn’t get out. But there was a pocket door between the lobby and the main grooming area, though there are large windows there, too, so the customers can watch us groom their pets. I ran over there, saw them by the door looking out at the street, and I pulled that door closed, and flipped that little crappy latch.”

  “Where does Dallas come in?”

  “No dogs were on the table when this happened. We had all just gotten back from a smoke break, so any dogs waiting to be groomed or picked up after would be in the kennels. Dallas was last to be groomed that day, and we were waiting for his owner to pick him up. When I saw him in that cage, staring at me, I opened it and took him out. Behind me, I guess Tamara and Lucinda noticed me. They were at the big window, pounding on it.”

  “Speakin’ of windows, were there any in that room?” asked Scofield.

  “Yes! That’s how we got out. I was freaking out because they were really going crazy, especially Lucinda. She like flew at the glass, and it cracked at the bottom corner. When she backed up, I ran to the window, grabbed Dallas’ leash off the hook, and started climbing out. The scissors were in my back pocket, but I was hoping I didn’t need them.

  “Just then, the window shattered. I turned back to see Lucinda had broken through and was halfway across the room. Tamara was climbing over the shards. I threw myself through the window and landed in the alley between our building and a Smoothie King next door. By the time I rolled over, I looked up to see Lucinda staring down at me. She jumped, and I had the scissors clutched in my hand. I held them up and they stabbed her right through her right eye.

  “I don’t know how I remember that detail; it was her right eye. Just that I saw the other one – so red and intense – go dark and fade. She collapsed on top of me and I pushed her off. Tamara took a lot longer to get to the window, but when she did, she just fell out like I did, and I guess she broke a leg or something. She started crawling toward me, making that growling sound we all know so well by now.”

  The three men silently listened to her story. She was on a roll now, getting it all out. They knew it was important.

  “I started crying. I’d killed my pregnant friend –”

  “Who was already dead,” said Jim Cole.

  “Yes, who was already dead, thank you. But there were others down the street. I didn’t want to think of Tamara joining them, walking with them. Doing what they do 24/7. So, I got to my feet, went over to her, stomped on her hand, which she was trying to grab me with, and stabbed those scissors into the back of her head.”

  “Instinct, or a zombie movie fan?” asked Steven Smith.

  “Both. The latter informed my actions, though. I’d seen it work on Lucinda. It worked on Tamara, too. Actually, once it was over, I knew it was the right thing to do. I’d have wanted them to do it to me if I’d have changed into one of those things.”

  “Where’d you go next?” asked Scofield.

  “I’d rather give it a rest for now,” said Eileen. “I’ve told you the worst of it. For the most part. I guess everybody had a rough beginning. Lots didn’t make it near this far.”

  “We’re glad you did, Eileen,” said Scofield. “Thanks for sharin’.”

  Eileen reached into her bag and withdrew the scissors. “I’ve kept these all these years. They’re too big to groom Carly, but you’ll notice I never unwrapped the handle. Just in case.”

  “We there yet?” asked Steven.

  “Still two days out. Looks like an RV park in a place called Calvert City, in Kentucky. Exit 27 off Interstate 69. That’ll be our halfway point from Miller.”

  “I can do two days,” said Eileen. “Let’s just get to this Calvert City before dark.”

  *****

  Nelson hurried back to town and burst into Flex and Gem’s house. Tommy Watson was there, manning the radio. “Nel, what’s up, friend?”

  “Where are Flex and Gem?” he
asked, winded. “Everyone. Where are they?”

  “Hey, calm down, bud. They went to Athens. They’ll be back in a bit. They just radioed in to say they’re on their way.”

  “Jax is dead,” said Nelson. “We found a bunch of busloads of zombies – and a bunch of Mothers – at the school bus graveyard. We tried to torch the buses, but before we finished, they poured out. Jax didn’t pay attention, and –”

  “Slow down,” said Tommy. “And keep it down because –”

  Appearing in the doorway behind Tommy was Trina. She stared at Nelson. “Jax … is … dead?”

  Nelson closed his eyes. “I’m sorry, Trina.”

  Her face flushed white. “How, Nelson? What happened?”

  “Normally, when people tell stuff like this, they make everyone sit down.”

  Trina closed her eyes for a long moment, then walked over to the sofa. She dropped down and placed her palms together between her knees, leaning forward. “Now tell me what happened.”

  Nelson went through everything. He told her how Jax crossed into the shadows without realizing it, and the Mother took advantage. He left out the part about her tearing open his skull and eating Jax’s brain. That he would save for Hemp. He needed to know.

  When he was done, he said, “You okay? I’m so sorry, Trina. I had a lot on my hands at that moment, too. I thought he’d be okay –”

  “He wasn’t cut out for this world,” said Trina. “I don’t even know how he lived as long as he did, to be honest. He was a pacifist, like you. Or … like you were.”

  “I still am,” said Nelson. “Except when stuff has to be killed.”

  “I know you only do that when you have to,” said Trina. “I’m sorry.”

  “How many did you say there were?” asked Tommy.

  “Had to be over 150 or more in the buses. They all seemed pretty full. The dust explosions were intense. Killed a shitload of them right off. The kerosene would have been better to use first, but I didn’t have enough and it kinda catches slow, so I thought maybe a massive explosion would rock their world. Rocked mine instead.”

  “How many Mothers?” asked Watson.

  “At least one in every bus. Maybe more in a couple of the buses. They can still jump in case you were wondering.”

  “I figured that out from your story. Where’s Jax?” asked Trina.

  “He’s not fit to be seen. I put him on the forklift and drove him into the office over there. We’ll go get him once we get a coffin. I think you should remember him how he was.”

  The tears finally came. Trina hadn’t cried since Nelson began telling his story, and it didn’t surprise him. He recalled all the things he’d gone through, and in the midst of it, he never cried.

  It was later when everything hit him. Trina’s grief came a bit sooner, but there was nothing to otherwise occupy her mind at the moment.

  “Are Hemp and the others alright?” asked Nelson.

  “Hopefully, but they ran into some trouble there. Sarah’s dead. So is Manuel.”

  Nelson stood up, his face a pale, morbid mask. “We’re losing way too many people. Are Koko and his wife okay? Did you hear?”

  “He is,” said Tommy. “But I’m sorry to tell you, his wife was killed at their house before he ran to town. They said he locked himself in a car when the horde came through. Found a new girl, too. I guess they’re all comin’ back here.”

  “God. Poor Koko,” said Nelson. “I only met her that once, but she was cool. He loved that woman like crazy.”

  Tommy shook his head. “Sucks.”

  Nelson was used to death now, but it still tore at him. His friend had longed for family and he’d gotten himself just a bit of that back. Now she was gone. Koko deserved better.

  Nelson took a deep breath and rubbed his sore knee. “Who’s the girl?” asked Nelson.

  “Wendy something. She’s coming back with them. So’s Koko.”

  “Good. Did they say when they’d get here?”

  “Should be pulling up anytime. You need more help moving buses? That shit can’t wait, Nel. You still up for it?”

  “We’ve got daylight left, so yeah. Why? You got more volunteers?”

  “When I say jump, they ask me how high,” said Tommy. “Yeah. I can find six or so. How many fork trucks you got?”

  “There’s five working forklifts. Plenty of dollies for the rear wheels. What time is it?”

  “4:00.”

  “Plenty of daylight left to move at least ten more if we move. Trina, if they get back soon, would you send Hemp over there?”

  “Why?”

  “I just need to talk to him about the school bus graveyard. What happened.”

  Trina eyed him suspiciously. “There’s something else.”

  “Jesus, chick, you are related to Flex. Just wait and Hemp will tell you. I’m not up to talking about it anymore right now.”

  “See you later, Nel.”

  Nelson went to her and put his arms around her. She sobbed in his embrace. Nelson held her, realizing her strong emotions were not because she had loved Jax.

  They stemmed from guilt … because she hadn’t loved him.

  He decided he would go back and wrap Jax’s body, so Trina never had to see him like that. They would bury him as soon as they got the chance.

  *****

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  When the car rolled up outside, Tommy heard it before it parked in front. He walked outside to meet them.

  “Hey, Tommy. Thanks for manning the radio. What’s going on? Everyone still prepping?” Flex said as he got out of the car, followed by Hemp, Charlie, and Gem.

  “They are,” said Tommy. “Nelson had an ordeal, though. Jax is dead. Killed by a Mother at the school bus graveyard.”

  Everyone stopped in their tracks. It was not what they expected to return to.

  “How?” asked Gem, her eyes filled with tears. “It’s daytime!” She turned to Hemp. “Daylight kills them, right?”

  “Oh, I never said she wasn’t dead,” said Tommy, before Hemp could answer. “Staying in the shadows is apparently enough for them to avoid the sizzle. Nel got her after she hit Jax.”

  “That’s horrible” said Hemp.

  “Well, whatever Nel had to share, he was lookin’ for you. I’d suggest you head out and find him.”

  Tommy recounted the story as Nelson had told it, but he didn’t know what Nelson didn’t say. “Trina was here when he got here, coming to check on you guys. She’s pretty broken up. Like I said, Nel was looking for you, Hemp. Had something to say he wouldn’t share with me in front of Trina.”

  “Has to be bad if he thinks she would be devastated,” said Charlie.

  Flex said, “Jax might not have been the guy for her, but he was a good man. Where is she?”

  “She took off. Said she needed to talk to Taylor.”

  “Her sounding board,” said Gem. “Since they were little girls.”

  Another car pulled in. It was Max and Isis, with Koko and Wendy Potvin in the back. They pulled up and got out.

  Gem ran up to the car with Charlie behind her. “Get back in. We all need to go to Three Sisters Bar and figure things out.”

  “What happened?” asked Isis.

  “Jax is dead. Killed by a Mother,” said Flex. “Nel found a horde hiding out in a row of shaded school buses. Jax lost focus and got hit.”

  “That’s close to us,” said Max. “Too close. We need to scout outside of town –”

  “Too many places they can hide,” interrupted Tommy. “Better quadruple up on the teams defendin’ Lula. It’s gonna be dark in a few hours.”

  “How far along is he?” asked Gem.

  “Either way, it’s not going to be finished tonight anyway. Better we arm up and stake out,” said Charlie. “Take positions on buildings, watch the areas they haven’t put the buses yet.”

  “I’ll do what I can to help,” said Wendy.

  “I will as well,” said Koko.

  Tommy walked up and extended
his hand to Wendy. “I’m Tommy Watson.” She shook it, and then turned to Koko, who shook his hand as well. “You must be Wendy and Koko. Sorry about what happened to your wife, Koko. And your town.”

  “It wasn’t my town,” said Koko. “I’m not sure anyone really has a home anymore.”

  “This is home,” said Flex. “Your home if you want it. It’s a good place, and every time something happens to throw a wrench in the works, good people end up here again. It’s the kinda cycle you want – if there has to be a cycle.”

  Koko nodded, offering a slight smile. It was all he could muster.

  “Thank you,” said Wendy. “I didn’t know any of the folks in Athens all that well. I don’t get too close to people these days. Habit from the last few years.”

  She looked to be around forty years old; she was pretty but weathered, with toned muscles and a friendly, but serious demeanor.

  “I get that,” said Tommy. “Good track record with these folks, though. The residents here in Lula take this shit as serious as a heart attack. They pull together.”

  “Gem, let’s you and I go and find Trina and Taylor,” said Charlie. “Trina’s gotta be hurting.”

  “Please,” said Flex. “If she’s up to it, bring her to Three Sisters. Don’t push her, though.”

  “If I know Trini,” said Gem, “there won’t be too much sadness before she gets angry. She’ll be there. I liked that kid, though. He was soft, but he was cute as fuck and he loved her, and I know he was disappointed T didn’t feel the same about him. She’s not like other girls he’s probably known. She was raised around … well, us.”

  “Never saw that as a negative before,” said Flex. “Hope my example didn’t set the bar too high for any man.”

  Gem just stared at him.

  Flex just smiled and walked into the house, his boots clopping on the wood porch.

  The timing felt perfect for just such an exit.

  *****

  Gem said, “I want to stop by Rachel’s first. See if she wants to come by. Trina really loves her. Lita’s probably with Vikki at Three Sisters.”

  They drove to Nelson’s house, where they found Rachel hanging hand-washed laundry out to dry on a line.