Surviving The Aftermath (Book 1): The Dead Linger (6 page)

“Holy Shit I was worried.” Jack now hugging her fiercely, almost the same height as her, Jill noticed. Had he always been that tall?

“Man you scared the hell out me, your eyes rolled back and everything. I thought you were bit. Thank the lord Casey was there to catch you, you would have hit the ground hard.” Jack went on explaining further.

“I’m starving, who’s Casey? What are we eating?” Jill had her arm around Jack as they all headed to the table he was just at. She sat down and Jack brought her a nice helping of something that looked like a casserole and smelled good.

“What are we eating?” Jill asked again.

“It’s like a spam casserole, it’s so good, I haven’t had meat in forever.” Jack said as he started to plow through his meal again. Jill admitted that even though it was only spam and some potatoes mixed with other random veggies, it was the best spam casserole ever. She hadn’t seen a veggie in so long, it all tasted so good. And someone had brought over a fresh loaf of sliced bread, it was still warm, and there was a bowl a fruit someone set on the table, apples and bananas, how the hell did they get bananas? Jill about cried from the deliciousness of everything. With her mouth full to bursting Jack made introductions around the table, suddenly embarrassed, Jill shook the other men and women’s hands.

“I’m sorry, I do have manners.” She uttered while sheepishly swallowing a bit.

“It’s ok, we understand there’s not much out there.” Cindi, a lovely blonde haired young lady said. Jack seemed to be quite taken with her, Jill noticed. The conversation seemed to flow, it was nice and light. Just sort of a brief history of how Casey found Tom, his wife Vikki and two daughters Cindi and Susie, stranded on the side of the road and they made their way to these semi looted and abandoned stores, which were already occupied by Kurt and a few other guests. They all seemed to describe those first few days as a blur, which was the way for most people now a day, how they managed to patch up the windows and doors, rid the stores of zombies and begin the slow process of cleaning up. How funny it was that everyone banded together, no questions asked and got the job done. This was not Jill’s normal experience when she came across the living. It was often chaos, people sneaking around and stealing from others. She actually saw feral children in abandoned cities, she tried to help one boy who must have been 6 or 7, all he did was growl and try to bite her.  Now that lunch was over they were being given the “tour” of the facilities by one of the other guys. Kurt, one of their new hosts showed them the stores and told them of the changes. They had re-structured most the stores for efficiency. Kohl’s was the sleeping/living area, just a general lounge area, furniture and TV’s were set up, games and other activities. Menards had become a giant warehouse/machine shop, they built everything there now. Pick ‘n ‘save with its massive coolers and freezer units and been turned into the cafeteria, and cooking facility. The Dollar store became a nice weapon storage place and area for meetings. Since TJ Maxx already was a large clothing store, any article of clothing they found or had was stored there.

“We try and watch the noise level around here, firing guns and such, we try and use those as a last resort, not only for the noise but we are running short on ammo at the moment too.” Kurt said

“You can leave if you want, but you leave with what you came with, we don’t have the resources to give you much more than a few canteens filled with water. Some don’t agree with this, but obviously we don’t have an abundance of food here as you think.” He went on. “We still have to go out and canvas the area for any supplies, food and or survivors. Most of the places around here have been picked over by us or others that pass through. We’ve had to go further and further out lately.”

They continued walking outside behind the stores, the area was pretty vast, and they came up on a couple green houses, Kurt pointing over to them.

“We found we can grow our own veggies, which was our saving grace, because we were going through our canned food so fast. We’ve been trying to work on farming and things like that. You know having livestock, there are several farmers in the bunch, and they have all kinds of plans and ideas. The only worry is will there be any animals left alive.” They continued walking along the outer edge along a brick wall. “Did you guys build this wall?” She asked. “No this was here, practically surrounding the whole place, we just went with it, and only had to close of that area over there, where delivery trucks use to come in at.” He said pointing a good tenth of a mile away. Kurt turned to look at both Jack and Jill.

“This place hasn’t always been like this, when we first got here there was lots of looters and it was sort of free for all and lots of horrible stuff was happening.”  Kurt finished solemnly.

“What do you mean free for all, what horrible stuff? Wasn’t everyone just pretty much running from the zombies?” Jack asked concern.

“You would be surprised at how people act when a catastrophe happens. Not everyone is honorable, or truthful or even helpful. We offer shelter to all, but anyone that disturbs our little hamlet is left to fend for themselves, somewhere outside. We’ve had the overtly religious, the smash and grab type, and the cowboys. I think once things started settling down people and realized the army wasn’t going to save us we realized the importance of working together. It’s been a long bloody road.” Jill had only read about it in books, but suddenly Kurt had that 1,000yd stare. Oh the wretched things that we have all had to see and endure to make it this far.

“We understand, I don’t think Jack has seen or been through what you guys here have, it was just him and his dad holed up in their house since this all started. I guess we both are just looking for a place where we don’t have to run from.” Jill tried to explain.

“You guys are free to walk around and check out stuff, if you want fresh clothes, go ahead and grab some, there are plenty in there. We do encourage people putting in there far share work, let us know what your good at, a hidden talent, it might be of use.” Kurt said as he turned to walk away.

They continued walking around the place, lots of people walking around, building or moving things. Guys were working on cars, women were sorting other items large and small. A group was replenishing the ammo of bows and explosives that had been used. There were additions built on to the buildings, and watch towers built from kid’s jungle gym stuff.  Tom joined them on their walk explaining further as to what their ultimate goal was. Not just to survive, but possibly rebuild.

“We know we can’t be the only ones left alive, there has to be pockets of life out there, just like this one.” Tom started.

“Well I have travelled quite a distance to get here, I’ve found many living people still, and it’s a mix of bad and good. So I guess you’re right, maybe if we hold out long enough these things will eventually dry up or rot.” Jill added. The three discussed the philosophy of the zombie for a few more minutes, inner workings and things that make them tick and what not. But soon Jill became very tired.

“Well Jack, exciting as all this has been I think I need some sleep.” Jill said holding back a yawn.

“What? Don’t you want to meet Casey and the others?” Jack said, not believing Jill was actually tired.

“I’ll meet the rest tomorrow, I have to lie down.” Jill said warily, starting to feel the last few days of stress catching up to her.

“Ok, I’ll walk you to your room.” Jack stated.

“Jack I should be able to find it ok on my own. Go on.” Jill said semi pushing him towards the direction Tom had walked off in.

“No, I’ll go with you. We don’t know everyone here, so we don’t know exactly how safe it is.” He said looking over his shoulder and around.

“Ok fine then, walk me to my room.” Jill chuckled as Jack slung his arm over her shoulders. They walked around and back through the Kohl’s store that had been set up as living quarters, on the way they met more people as they went, introducing themselves, everyone was seeming pretty nice so far. A few others keeping to themselves but that was understandable, as they rounded the corner of a hallway that lead to an area that had been built to up to act as the bedrooms. They came across the other two newest members of the place. Jeff and Tyler. They were more disheveled and gritty then everyone else here, as if they hadn’t taken advantage of the showers yet, but they also just got there the day before so maybe they hadn’t really adjusted themselves.

“Well hello. Where are you two off too?” The first man asked. “I’m Jeff.” He pointed to himself. He had dark hair, it was long and stringy tucked behind his ears. His jeans hung from his hips, obviously far too big for him. Jill did not like the look of him, while he could have been handsome at some point in his life, he’d sure had his fair share of hardships, and he had several scars on his cheeks. “This is Tyler. We just got here.” Jeff said staring at Jill. The man, Tyler was leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest, he was very lean, as most others were now. His hair was a dirty blonde and shaggy, just over his ears. It was uneven in some areas, like it had been cut with a knife.

“So what they hell is he supposed to be, like your body guard? Should we call you Kevin and you Whitney?” He pointed from Jack then to Jill. “Not doing a very good job Kevin”. Tyler sneered.

“Please just ignore him, he hasn’t slept in a couple of days, I’m waiting for him to fall over so I can drag him to bed for some much needed rest.” Jeff said trying to be overly polite and with one of the cheesiest smiles ever, he looked like a game show host, while giving Tyler a venomous look that spoke volumes between the two men.

“No worries, we can introduce ourselves at a later date.” Jill spoke quick and grabbed Jack’s hand to walk away down the hall.

“Really he’s harmless!” Jeff said after the two. “I swear he’s harmless!” Jeff yelled louder. Jack and Jill ducked into her room, locking the door behind her.  Jeff grabbed Tyler’s jacket and yanked him up against the wall, brought his face right within inches to Tyler’s.

“I  . .am sick of your shit. We’ve gotta get gas and some food from these people without them knowing were not the “honorable” type. You’re going to blow it, and then I’m going to kill you.” Jeff spoke evenly and angrily, shifting his hold on Tyler to wrap his hand around his throat. “You better get your shit straightened out and get some sleep or something, because if you fuck this up I will slit, your throat.” Jeff finished squeezing and released, with Tyler inhaling a large breath has his face started to change back to its original pasty color.

“Dude I couldn’t help it, I haven’t gotten any in months, she’s a fine looking piece. Plus she looks like she could use a good drilling.” Tyler stated rubbing his throat hoping Jeff wouldn’t kill him yet.

“Leave her alone, if anyone gets to bend her over it’ll be me, you can have whatever’s left.” Jeff said and walked back down the hall to see which room was Jill’s.

“I wish you would have let me tell those guys to suck it, they look shady. Just the way they were looking at you.” Jack was hinting with his eyebrows, and making other motions with his hands. “Like they had sex on the brain.” He said further as if Jill didn’t understand what he was implying. 

“Yes I get you and yes I saw it too. But you know what, there’s a lock on my door, weapons around here and people. You’ll look out for me too won’t you?” Jill said fully knowing the answer.

“Of course, I can sit in here while you sleep and keep watch if you want, I don’t mind. Anything to keep those bastards in their place.” Jack said scowling at the door. “You think they will stay here?”

“Actually I get the feeling that they are more drifters, nomad like. They probably just want to see what they can get out of this place and take off.” She yawned. “If the fellas in charge were smart they would see that too and send them on their way.” Jill now very sleepy started removing her shoes and socks and pulling the comforter back on the bed, and noticed Jake staring.

“Jack could you turn around for a minute please.” She thought it was nice to ask instead of demanding, she always wanted to treat Jack like an adult since he was at that tender age, right on the cusp from teenager to adulthood. Seventeen was rough enough in normal society, but in apocalyptic society, Jill couldn’t even imagine. She put on her functional new PJ’s, shorts and a t-shirt, perfect. She slipped under the covers. “Ok it’s safe now. Why don’t you go out and try to help Beth, she took real nice care of me, maybe she needs a hand, plus I heard she has a daughter.”

“What!?? I don’t want to end up babysitting some kid.” Jack scoffed.

“Just do it for me, please?” Knowing full well Beth’s daughter was 18, and cute. “Now go, I’m good here.” Her head hit the pillow finally and she was out.

Sometime around midnight, Jill awoke with a start, she was sweaty and breathless, and her whole body seemed to have the shakes as she tried to look into the pitch blackness of the room. She had totally forgotten where she was for a moment.

“Jack?” Jill stage whispered. No answer. She reached for the desk lamp that had been placed there next to the bed.  A dim bulb lit the room, empty. He must have gone to his own room. Jill laid there thinking about the events of the last few days, realizing now there was no chance of falling back to sleep, Jill got up and dressed, she decided a walk might help her relax enough to catch some more sleep. Putting on some pants and bulk sweatshirt, she made her wait out to the department store floor.

Jill was wandering through the lower level, noticing more of the department store that had once been, was now most definitely a decent living area. The new walls built looked sturdy, and the hallways intricate, that broke off into small single bedrooms and living space. It appeared to be something like a college dorm. Making her way outside, the night air was cool and clear, and without so many street lights on you could see every single star out there. Jill wandered for a while, there were a few people milling around too, but with a purpose, they were all the “3rd Shifters”, people on night watch, everyone had to take a turn doing the night time jobs. Eventually she made her way up to the roof. Jill got a really good view of the surrounding area. The roof was a popular place, it’s where obviously a lot of stuff happened. Sheds had been built, sitting and lounging areas. Sand bags were packed up against the stores large signs that went 2 to 3 feet up on the front of the stores. She fully understood now why these building were so important, not only was it a sanctuary from the unholy hordes of the undead, but it helped sustain life. As she continued her perusal of the area, walking from one store roof to the other, she noticed a line of apartments directly behind the stores, maybe a 100 plus yards out, they ran the full length of all the stores. It was one of those newer looking structures, it had a 20ft wall built up on one side that sloped down and around separating itself from the industrial stores and there many truck deliveries. Jill wondered if they ever thought about expanding to there. She also noticed further out a few houses and a thick line of trees that stood by a creek, there were softball fields further out from that, a quant suburban neighborhood that went past that, and as her eyes kept searching her eyes landed on a horrifying structure, it caused her pulse to quicken, her heart to race, her palms became sweaty and she could feel the color drain from her face.