by A L Carter
Max sheathed his kukri as he approached the two men frozen in place. Grabbing both by the side of their head and driving both of them together in a sickening crunch. Both heads exploded in a shower of gore and he tossed their lifeless bodies two each side and headed into the house.
Dave heard the roar again only louder and closer. This resulted in him losing full control of his bowels. Then he heard the heavy footfalls as death himself approached, the world went black as mercifully he lost consciousness.
Marie heard a thud the stairs as first morning light shone through the windows. Weapon at the ready she braved a look down the stairs, Jenkins and Jones covering her. Then they saw him, covered in blood, eyes deep black pools and a face of rage. Before him, his right arm extended he held a man a full foot of the floor by the throat. He seemed to study the man for a moment, there was a sickening crunch as he broke his neck, then tossed him aside with disgust.
Max seemed to feel himself calming as he looked up at Marie, but he felt no peace this time and his rage just seemed to have receded just below the surface, but ready to reawaken as if not fully sated.
She watched as her man seemed to return to normal, his face softening and his eyes returning to blue. But this time there was no carefree expression of peace, just sadness.
"She's dead..." Was all he said.
Chapter 31
Revenge
Jenkins looked on as Max seemed to return to normal and back into the gentle lad he had first met along with the overwhelming but unexplainable trust he felt for him. It was now clearer than ever that something was very unique about him. Jones had even said it in the times they were alone. Fixated on the time that he had been drunk under the table by a man that apparently was unaffected by booze. But somehow they had always agreed that they felt drawn to him and that somehow the lad was important in some way. He still felt the same way but had glimpsed the lad's dark side. On hearing the lads words though he felt a deep sadness as the realisation hit him. He and Jones followed Marie outside with dread in their hearts.
Marie stepped outside and saw bodies everywhere, but these offered no importance to her. Walking slowly forward she eventually saw her. Dinah's limp and lifeless body and the bloodied wound on her chest.
"Dinah," she said the name then began to sob uncontrollably.
Max was suddenly at her side, his arms around her, "She saved me..."
Jenkins and Jones stood over the lifeless form, tears in both their eyes. Jones stooped to pick up the little dog, feeling it was important to make her comfortable. But winced at the pain in his shoulder having forgotten the injury. Jenkins took over sensing his friend's intention and picked up the brave little dog.
"Please can you take her in the house for me," she said quietly. Jenkins obliged then lay her on her blanket on the sofa. They sat in silence around the dog until they heard the sound of an engine starting up. It was one of the Panthers, then it began to drive away.
"Max," she said in a faraway voice.
The two coppers looked at each other, concerned for both their new friends.
"Look I'll follow in the other Panther and get him to come back, Jones you stay here with Marie," Jenkins instructed.
Jones wanted to protest, to offer to go instead but knew deep down that he would be of less use with his injury.
Jenkins turned to leave but heard Marie as he walked away.
"You won't stop him you know, not until their all dead," she said staring into space.
Jenkins drove down the lane in pursuit, suddenly aware that he was still only dressed in his boxer shorts. Nevertheless, he could not change that now and just followed the vehicle in front that had just crested the brow of the hill.
Max held himself together fighting the urge to rage. He needed to be in full control of himself, he imagined himself crashing the vehicle while under the rage. This had been the deepest yet, and whereas usually, it finished with a total feeling of inner peace. This time he had no such respite, just a feeling that it had been cut short and cheated. He was headed for boss town where he was going to have a meeting with this Mick. Guessing that if he just headed for Coalville's centre then he would soon find him and his gang. Before he hadn't been interested in their activities, as long as they left him and his family alone. But Mick had crossed the line and gone too far. He had to have justice and in this cold new world only meant death, there was no room for leniency. Sensing that he was being followed he checked his rear view mirror and saw the second Defender. He focused his mind and let it roam and suddenly feeling a connection with the driver. There was a relief it wasn't Marie but one of the coppers. This untrained ability wasn't precise especially at this range, but he felt emotions and the drivers personality even. It was Jenkins who was deeply concerned for his well being and also an intense feeling of loyalty. Max felt this strange, the man had only just met him and was now putting his life at risk for the second time. The first being defending the farm. Without him and Jones Marie would probably have been killed. Jones had even been injured, he owed these men dearly and felt guilty for placing them in danger. When his initial intentions had been to protect these men from danger, but instead he had brought it to them. It suddenly came to him that these men should be afraid of him. They had seen his change at the farm into full beast mode, and without any other explanation, that's what it was. Would he ever harm them? He searched himself as if communicating with his inner beast. No, he doubted it as the rage was directed at whoever meant them harm. Now driving along Belvoir street and the emporium he saw the barricades ahead. Also, the two guards that stood on top with crossbows aimed in his direction aware of his approach. Jenkins still tailed him and was concerned for his safety, as he was unsure that he could protect him and take on this gang at the same time. But there was no going back. He wouldn't and couldn't stop this now. The rage boiled but he held it down as he needed to be precise about this. He brought his vehicle to a holt twenty metres away and he noticed more guards appearing along the barricades. Quickly he exited the vehicle, gunshots hitting the door and windows as he did so. Simultaneously he drew both pistols while running. He was able to use each eye independently, an ability mastered by fighter pilots which took years to learn, but able to do it without thinking. Both pistols blazed bringing headshot after headshot, bodies fell off the wall and became entangled in the barbed wire. More guards joined the fray and a door opened in the wall with yet more guards armed with axes and machetes. Bullets hit his vest winding him and knocking him to the floor. Feeling vulnerable he rolled to the right and coming up on one knee. The Glocks fired several more shot's and brought down more guards until they clicked empty. He had more magazine's in his belt but had no time to reload as guards were nearly on him. His inner beast called to him, but suddenly shots rang out behind him and several more guards fell. This was a high calibre rifle causing heads and chests to explode. Jenkins must have got one of the sharpshooter rifles, and luckily for him, he had because he may not have lasted much longer. Warmth spread through him along with renewed confidence. He holstered the Glocks and pulled out his blades ready to bring death.
Jenkins had stopped his vehicle 200 metres behind deciding to offer cover from a distance thinking that he would be of more use that way. Knowing his own weaknesses and feeling that he would probably just get in the lads way in a close up fight. Grabbing one of the sniper rifles that he had seen earlier and several magazines and rested it on the Panthers bonnet. He had parked the vehicle side on to offer cover from the armoured vehicle. Getting in position he found his first target and took aim. The lad had just exited the vehicle, he prepared to fire. Then suddenly he heard a familiar and chilling moaning noise from behind, followed by the rancid smell of death. Jenkins had to break off the shot standing and turning in one motion. He drew the machete just in time as the first infected was upon him. A horizontal slash removed the top of its head causing a shower of blood which he managed to dodge as well as its falling body. Stepping around the back of the next one he s
plit its head down the middle. A cold hand touched his shoulder sending a shiver down his spine. He spun and removed its arm followed by a backslash that removed its head. While this was happening he was constantly aware that he was letting the lad down and every second counted. He brought down three more of the fiends with his Glock speeding up the process as these were further away, even though the gunfire may draw more. Returning to the rifle he found a target with the scope and just in the nick of time with the looks of things. Mick's thugs were really going for it even though bodies littered the area, the lad had been busy. He focused on the shooters first as they were firing at the lad, but also aware of the pack of bladed thugs that were quickly reaching him. Jenkins brought down the armed thugs efficiently quickly becoming accustomed to the high power rifle. Soon the wall was clear and moving the sight to find out how the lad was faring. He needn't have worried though the lad was back on his feet now blade's drawn, dealing death with a level of grace and ferocity which was simply astounding. No more thugs emerged from the wall and Jenkins felt it was time to move, snatching up the rifle and jumping in the Panther. Driving down to the wall where the lad was waiting.
The guards littered the road around him, that was now stained red. He sheathed his blades and reloaded his Glocks ready for whatever came next. The Panther approached from the rear but he kept his eyes on the wall. Then Jenkins was at his side, so he afforded a glance. Jenkins was dressed in formal black shoes, tartan socks and red polka dot boxers. He held a cheesy grin as he pumped the military shotgun. Max afforded his own cheesy grin.
"I'm bloody glad you showed up," he informed genuinely.
"Glad I could be of service lad," Jenkins replied.
Both men then entered through the wall ready for whatever came next.
Mick watched as the two men entered the compound, two men that had devastated his defences. Killed nearly all his guards to an extent that he was ordering general workers to take up arms to kill these men. He himself had not seen the slaughter for himself as he had no wish to lose his head by climbing up to look over the wall. Mouse who was now at his side, he had wanted to join the fray, seeming genuinely concerned for the loss the men. He had appointed him as his head of security, a job that was now redundant considering there was hardly anybody left. Mick suspected that Mouse didn't fully approve of his latest activities such as town executions. This was due to his stupid code of honour and set of morals. Mouse had not exactly voiced his opinions but could sense the distance between them now. But somehow Mouse held onto his long-lasting loyalty towards him, this was something Mick had always used to his advantage. Tommy was also at his side, but he felt that he had far less confidence in this man. Since the apocalypse, he knew that his gang members thought that he was a pussy. That he had no stomach for the killing, that he would not even make use of the women that were readily available to him. Mick had himself also felt Tommy's weaknesses. But here and now he would have to prove his worth in this do or die last stand. He now only had two guards left, who pointed their AK-47's in the intruder's direction and ready to unleash death at his command. Mick studied these two intruders and was surprised to see that he recognized one of these men and realised his mistake in letting this man live.
"Jenkins forget to dress this morning?" he sneered at the man.
"I was in kind of a rush as my some low life's disturbed my sleep," Jenkins said fire in his voice.
Mick was surprised by the strength in his voice as he was used to people being afraid of him. He then studied the next man. Jarred had not been exaggerating when he relayed his story to Tommy. The man looked formidable, wearing black military fatigues, armoured vest and covered in his men's blood. He was also huge, as tall as himself and heavily muscled. The man's eyes locked onto his own, deep blue, no deepest black now. For the first time since times with his father, he felt fear. He had never been afraid of any man other than his father. But this was different he could feel the man's hatred towards him and his overwhelming desire to bring death. Mick was repulsed by his own fear and worked hard to cover this weakness. He would have to think fast to survive this and would have to use any tactic he could.
"I take it my raiding party was a fail then," Mick asked.
"Their dead," the man's voice was low and rumbling like a lion ready to kill.
"Quite extraordinary maybe I should have asked you to join us," Mick surmised.
"I'd never join you, you use everyone around you," the voice boiled with rage seeming to vibrate the very air.
Mick felt the effects of this his fear elevating and tightened his bowels and bladder in defence. He heard his guards whimper and Tommy gasp. From somewhere came the sound of bowels opening and loss of bladder control followed by the stench of piss and shit. He had to think fast as he seemed to be losing the battle before it had started.
"You seem to be a fighting man then why not fight my best," Mick offered.
"I want to fight you," his voice rumbled menacingly.
"Fight and beat Mouse and I'll gladly fight you, but no guns or armour my man doesn't like guns he prefers to fight with honour," Mick challenged the intruder.
"Max it's a trap don't trust him," Jenkins warned him.
"I give you my word," Mick promised and turned to his guards. "Put down your guns."
One of the guards complied shakily fear in his eyes, but the other guard stood stock still. His face was sheet white, rifle clutched tight to his chest as he stood in a pool of piss and shit. Mick motioned for the other guard to take the weapon. Which resulted in the man dropping the gun and screaming in sheer horror as he turned and ran away.
"Bloody useless, you can't get the staff," Mick said in disgust.
"Tommy you as well," he exclaimed.
Tommy seemed almost relieved and put down his gun a little too eagerly, seemingly glad that he wouldn't have to use it. He thought how pathetic things had become, his position of power seeming to change in such a short period of time. If he survived he would have to rebuild all over again.
Max considered his options he knew Mick was a totally despicable and ruthless man. Certainly not to be trusted, sensing a deep hatred in the man. Even for his own men, almost as if he blamed them for something. But he also sensed his own men's thoughts and feelings towards him. They had little trust for him and it was only their fear of him that kept them loyal, a loyalty that was now failing fast. However, he considered his potential opponent next. This man lived up to his nickname alright, standing a meagre five four, medium but muscled build, totally unimposing. But Max knew it would be a fatal error to underestimate this man and guessed Mick was hoping he did just that. Mouse took a step forward accepting the challenge. This man had no such fear for either himself or indeed his own boss like the others. He had a strong principled character but there was an inner conflict regarding his loyalty to his boss. But he also sensed the man's desire to prove himself in combat, this man loved to fight. He knew that if he drew his pistols now that he could kill them all in seconds but instead he began to remove his weapons and armour resigned to his decision.
"Max are you crazy?" Jenkins worried.
"Maybe, but I can't do this any other way," he revealed.
"Good choice," Mick grinned showing his teeth.
"But when I'm finished you die," Max promised.
Mouse considered his opponent the man was a hulk, obviously fit strong and well trained. The man moved like a fighter but he felt there was more to this man. When he spoke it was like a weapon striking fear into men. It even seemed to vibrate the air like that of a lion or gorilla. He himself did not feel any fear towards him only curiosity and a good challenge. However, he was confused? The man had given up his position of power. He could have killed them all if he had drawn those pistols. The man was either stupid or held a strong sense of honour, which was rare in this world. As he approached he prepared himself for unarmed combat in a fight to the death.
Jenkins looked on as the two men circled each other, looking for a way in, or a
ny weakness. On first appraisal most people would think the matchup was ludicrous, a little man fighting a giant. But in his police work, he knew all about Mick's gang members. Mouse had trained in the fighting art's since he was a small child. Obtaining black belt's in karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as well as training in Thai boxing, kickboxing and wrestling. Holding several trophies for kickboxing in Europe and before the apocalypse was progressing rapidly up the ranks in mixed martial arts. He even had offers from America's UFC and Strikeforce. Jenkins remembered an interview with Mouse earlier that year. He was a quiet lad who didn't say much and he felt he would be better off cutting his ties with Mick and pursuing his career as a fighter full time. Trying to convince the lad that he was just being used and that he had so much potential. But he knew that his loyalty ran deep even if it was blind.
Max threw a roundhouse at his opponent which was ducked and Mouse closed the distance. Then hitting his body multiple times following up with a jumping uppercut to his chin. The body shots had little effect but the uppercut made his head swim. Mouse was out of the way before he could strike back. He was fast, Max would need to be faster to catch him.
