He looked towards where he expected the torsos of the bodies to be and was confronted with the sight of a woman, two small children, and one man, all dead, each having found death through the brutal savagery associated with the infected.
Bam!
The RV shook on its springs as something hit the closed door that concealed the vehicle’s bathroom.
‘What the?’ The sound was loud and hard, but somehow not as powerful as what he would have expected based on his experiences.
Serafina’s voice called from outside. “Daniel?”
Choosing not to answer her, Daniel brought the shotgun up and aimed it towards the vehicle’s small bathroom as he stepped in the direction of the steps that led down and out of the RV.
Bam!
The lower part of the door splintered outward, a mixture of wood, plastic, and vinyl giving way under the assault.
“Daniel!”
He cocked the gun, chambering two rounds. When the thing came out, he’d put a shitload of lead into it.
Bam!
The lower half of the door exploded outwards as a small figure came crashing out. Daniel’s gun followed the thing as he took aim. It jumped to its feet instantly.
Daniel hesitated.
It was a young girl, no more than five or six years old. Her face was covered in blood, as were her arms and torso. She screamed and lunged forward.
He couldn’t pull the trigger.
The girl’s foot caught the head of one of the corpses on the floor and she fell forward, landing in the pile of bodies. Daniel raised the gun and squeezed the trigger, bringing the hammer closer to the firing pins -
But not enough to fire.
Glancing to his left, he saw a metal fork on the counter. Grabbing it, he ran down the steps and exited the vehicle, slamming the door shut behind him. Turning back to the door, he pulled the hasp closed and jammed the fork through the opening.
Wham!
The door shook hard as the child threw her body against it. The fork rattled around in the opening, threatening to come out. Grabbing the tines of the fork, he pulled downward, using his weight to aid him, and bent the fork into a v-shape, lodging it firmly in the hasp.
Wham!
The hammering continued against the door, causing the vehicle to rock even more.
“What the fuck is going on?”
Serafina was standing near the back bumper of the RV, holding her gun at her side.
“Sorry. I was trying to determine what it was, and didn’t want to give away my position.
Wham!
She looked confused. “So you found it. Why didn’t you kill it?”
Daniel looked down at the ground, embarrassed. “It’s a little girl. I know it shouldn’t matter, but it did.”
“Do you think that thing would hesitate if it had a chance to kill you?”
“No.”
Wham!
Shaking her head, Serafina walked over and pointed the gun at the door. Looking at Daniel, she said, “They’re not human anymore. That thing isn’t a little girl, and it never will be again.”
Wham!
She pulled the trigger.
The banging stopped.
The two cars continued on for nearly two more hours before reaching the outskirts of Bakersfield. With the sun nearly gone from the late afternoon sky, the skyline of the small city was eerily dark, with the handful of tall buildings in the distance standing there like dark monoliths.
After letting Logan and the others know they were stopping to find a place to camp for the night, Daniel pulled the Prius to the side of the road and consulted the map with Serafina.
Seeing a small green area close by and well away from the highway, Daniel muttered, “Damn, I wish we still had our sleeping bags.”
Serafina shook her head. “Yeah, well, we don’t. What else can we use for temporary shelter?”
Her husband shrugged and pointed. “I mean, it’s been ages...but I guess I could.”
Looking at where his finger indicated, Serafina asked, “Seriously?”
Daniel shrugged. “Why not? I’m pretty sure I won’t burst into flames or anything.”
“Dork.”
He stopped joking and got serious. “It should be big enough for all of us, and will most likely have strong doors and only a couple of entrances, which will be easy to guard. The benches won’t be that comfortable, but we’ll make it work.”
Nodding in agreement, Serafina smirked. “Alright. Let’s go to church.”
Our Lady of the Rosary church was a medium sized building, with a high, steepled roof and stained glass windows that sat high on the structure’s walls. As predicted, there was only the main entrance visible from the street and sidewalk, but a quick walk around the perimeter revealed a second, much smaller door at the rear right corner of the building.
Choosing to leave the front doors intact in the event of an assault, the group parked their near-twin cars in the church’s rear parking lot and emerged from the vehicles, forming a much larger group than the five that left San Diego. With Logan, Isabella, and the newly added Joe, their ranks had swelled to eight.
Looking towards the dark stained wooden door at the rear of the building, Daniel looked at both Serafina and Logan. “Like the doors at the front, that one opens outward. Pulling a door open is considerably harder, but I’m thinking we use one of the tire irons to wedge it open.”
Logan nodded and smiled. “Nice. I like it.”
Serafina’s brow creased in uncertainty. “Why don’t we try knocking first?”
Daniel paused, considering what she’d proposed. It was possible that someone was within. Churches were usually where people went in times of extreme uncertainty. WIth that said, there could be dozens of people within.
Shrugging he relented. “I mean, I guess we could…”
Serafina smiled. “Alright. How ‘bout me and Logan here check it out, while you hang back with the group?”
Surprised that they wouldn’t be a team, Daniel turned and looked at his wife. “What?”
Lowering her voice, she replied. “Look, one of us should be with the girls in every dangerous situation, just in case…” She shook her head, then went on. “On top of that, we don’t know the new guy yet. Stay close and keep an eye on him. You’re better suited to do that, should things get...I don’t know.”
Daniel considered everything she’d presented. ‘Damn it, why’d she always have to be right?’
Nodding, he agreed. “Okay.” He raised a finger and pointed it at her. “But be careful.” Looking over at Logan, he directed the man. “Watch over her for me, okay?”
Logan nodded. “Of course. One team, one fight.”
Serafina took the lead, holding her gun at waist height as she walked along the path that led from the parking lot towards the main entrance. The grass on either side of the path was overgrown, and weeds had popped up in numerous places, but it was still mostly green. On the fence that marked the edge of the church’s property, a black cat watched the two figures, looking bored as it did.
Near the rear corner of the building, Serafina followed a shorter path that led to the back entrance. As they approached, they slowed and she looked back at Logan questioningly.
He nodded, then spoke in quiet tones. “Knock, then stay up against the wall.” He patted his gun. “I’ll keep this pointed at the opening, should anyone try something.”
“Got it.” She did as he instructed, rapping her knuckles on the door three times and standing aside. At first, she heard nothing, then approaching footsteps. The door opened almost immediately, revealing an elderly Hispanic man, with black hair that was heavily streaked with grey. Standing about five foot nine and thin as a rail, he wore the standard all black outfit with the white collar. Looking outward, he was met with the barrel of Logan’s gun, which caused his brown, wrinkled face to frown in concern.
He brought his hands up to his sides. “There’s nothing here you would want, my son.”
; Serafina stepped back from the wall and over to Logan’s side so she could face the man. Reaching over, she placed her hand on top of the man’s rifle and pushed it downward. “We’re just looking for somewhere to stay, Father.”
The man nodded and stepped aside. “Please, come in. Like I said, I don’t have much, but what I do have, I’d be happy to share.”
Serafina leaned over and looked into the building’s interior. “Are there others with you?”
The priest shook his head. “Sadly, no. Initially, there were a handful of God’s children here with me, but they left early on, wanting to find their loved ones. They never returned.” He shrugged slightly. “It’s just been Romeo and I for the last week and a half or so. Honestly, I’ve kind of lost track of time.”
“Romeo?”
The man smiled and pointed toward the cat on the fence, who had sat up and was watching their exchange with interest. “That’s Romeo. He’s a good cat, but he can’t stand being cooped up inside, so in the morning,” he leaned outward and pointed towards a small, stained glass window above a small portion of sloped roof above their heads, “I open the window and he goes out to adventure. Most of the time, that’s about as far as he goes.”
Serafina smiled, thinking of her cats, which Janet and Douglas had been nice enough to care for while they took Isabella north. She missed them fiercely, but was glad they were in good hands. Knowing the priest had a cat as a companion made her feel better about the situation. Animals have a keen sense of knowing the good people from bad ones, and cats simply won’t bother giving a bad person their time or company.
Smiling, she asked, “Mind if we take a look around?” She gestured towards the two cars. “There are nine of us, so we should make sure there’s room before I have them come in.”
“Of course,” the man replied, standing aside. “My name is Rolando, by the way.” He bowed slightly, then smiled again. “Please come in.”
“Thank you Father. My name is Serafina, this is Logan.”
With that, they made their way inside, where they found a large empty chamber filled wooden pews and tiled floors. The room was still lit by the day’s sun, which shone through the large stained glass windows that lined either side of the hall. Numerous kerosene lanterns hung from metal hooks on the walls, their warm, yellow light adding to the fading light of the day. A thin red carpet lined the center walkway between the rows of benches, leading to the dais. The central area of the dais was covered in a thicker red rug, which was trimmed with gold fringes. The lectern, which was draped in an ornate satin cloth, stood at the center of the dais. Mounted high on the rear wall was a large cross, showing the crucifiction of Jesus.
The place was empty and eerily quiet.
A rustling above and to her right made both Serafina and Logan spin on their heels, their hands tightening on their weapons.
Romeo climbed in through the window and sat on the sill. His eyes watched them while his tail whipped slowly back and forth.
The priest gestured towards the large hall. “I don’t think the benches would be comfortable for sleeping, but I do have spare blankets, so perhaps the carpeted portion of the hall?”
Serafina smiled. “Thank you, Father. I think that would work just fine for the night.”
Rolando smiled as well. “Wonderful. Romeo and I would enjoy the company. Shall I help you with your things?”
“No, we can get it just fine.” She turned and looked at Logan. “Do you mind helping Father Rolando with the blankets? I’ll get the others.”
The lean, muscled man nodded. “Sure.” He looked towards the other man. “Lead the way, Father.”
Serafina headed back outside and walked back to the cars. Looking at Daniel and the girls, she nodded. “Looks good. Just the priest and his cat.”
Daniel smiled. “I saw the cat. Kinda chunky. The priest must feed him well.”
Once they’d brought everything they needed for the night inside, they made sure the cars were locked and headed inside. The sun was nearly gone for the day, and without the usual lights of the city, numerous stars were already visible in the sky.
Inside the church, Isabella sat with Father Rolando, crying softly as she spoke with him. The Father had offered to hold mass, but Serafina and the others politely declined, thanking him for the offer. Isabella, however, having been baptized Catholic, felt right at home sitting and talking with the man, asking him to make sense of the insanity that had overtaken the world.
Nearby, Logan reclined on one of the benches, stretching out his legs as he leaned his head back and rested his eyes. Almost unconsciously, his right hand deftly spun a knife in it, its blade reflecting the light of the lanterns that adorned the walls.
Walking over to him, the newcomer to the group sat down. “You’re pretty handy with that. You been in combat?”
Logan glanced over at the man. “Yeah. Quite a bit, actually.”
Joe Reilley nodded, looking down at the floor. “I thought about joining the military when I was a teenager. Got a job and girlfriend, then eventually went to college. Before I knew it, I was too old.”
Logan grunted non committedly. He’d heard the ‘almost joined the military’ line too many times to count, and honestly, he didn't give a shit if people did or didn’t join. Some, like him and Daniel, chose to serve the country, and it was a deal they made with the government. Give and take. They gave, and the government took. For those who went a different route, that was fine. As long as they hadn’t walked away or hidden when the government called on them, like those who’d dodged the draft during the Vietnam War, he didn’t have an issue with them.
“What kinda gun you got there?” Joe asked, looking across Logan’s body at the rifle that laid on the pew.
Eyes still closed, Logan let the knife stop its spin and come to rest in his hand as he replied. “Standard AR-15. Nothing special. Got it from some guy before we headed north.”
Joe nodded. “Cool. Can I check it out?”
“No.”
“What?”
Opening his eyes, he turned to look at the other man. “I don’t like people touching my gun. Once I have it, I get used to it. Every little nuance associated with the gun is something I take the time to get to know. If someone else holds it, something changes. I don’t like that. It could affect me when I need it most.” Having said his peace, he leaned his head back again and closed his eyes.
“Oh,” the man replied, looking confused. “Okay. You’re probably right. I don’t know anything about guns, really. I’ve fired one at the gun ranges a few times, you know, the ones they have there that they let you use for a fee? But that’s about it.”
“Unh hunh.”
Changing the subject, Joe asked, “How’d you end up with these folks anyway?”
“They’re heading north, just like me. I like the family. Good people.”
“What’s the deal with the little Mexican girl?”
“Look, Joe, I’m not trying to be rude, but I’m trying to relax here for a bit, so if you don’t mind, I’d like some peace and quiet.”
“Oh. Alright, sorry.” The man stood up and walked over to where Daniel was putting out the food they’d be eating for dinner on the little folding table the priest had provided.
Opening his eyes just slightly, Logan watched the man walk away. Something wasn’t quite right about him.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Ventura, California
Using the thin, flat tool he’d found worked perfectly for the task, Chadwick Beaumont gently lifted the latch for the window. Once it was clear of its seat, he maintained control of it and lowered it off to the side, ensuring it didn’t fall against the frame of the window.
Silence was the key. The risk of entering a house with three armed military men inside was huge, but as he thought about the blonde woman’s delectable body, he told himself it would be worth it. Besides, she’d be his shield the whole time.
He just needed to get to her side without waking her.
He peered into the room, searching for and finding what he’d expected. The woman lay in the center of the large bed, her two children each sleeping on opposite sides of her.
Leaning forward, he looked inside the room to make sure there was nothing in the way of his entry. Seeing nothing but hardwood floors under the window, he stepped off of the small step ladder he’d positioned outside the window and lowered his right leg into the room, moved his body through the window, then brought the other leg inside. As his left foot came down, the wood floor creaked slightly, causing him to freeze. He looked towards the bed, watching for signs of stirring from the three figures.
Nothing.
Exhaling slowly and quietly, he crept forward, bringing his knife up. His footsteps made no sound as he crossed the small area between the window and the bed. Reaching across the sleeping form of the little girl, he placed his right hand over the woman’s mouth and nose, then leaned in and used his left hand to press the knife against the side of her throat.
Her eyes opened instantly, filled with terror. Staring down at her, he felt the surge of endorphins race through his body as he was filled with excitement.
She was about to be his.
‘All mine to play with,’ he thought. ‘This will be fu - ’
A steel-like grip grasped his left bicep as he was pulled away from the bed, the thumb sinking hard into the inside of his bicep, hitting a nerve. His grip on the blade was gone in an instant, sending the knife clattering to the floor. Something hard slammed upwards into his chin from below, snapping his head back.
The room somehow got darker as he collapsed to the floor.
Surviving Rage | Book 2 Page 28
