Dead of Knight: A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Tale (22 page)

I looked up and found Tom staring at me.  He was vaguely shell shocked.

“I’m sorry,” I said.

“No,” Tom said, perking up a little.  “I’m sorry.  You shouldn’t have had to do that.  It was my job.  I guess I didn’t want to believe what was happening.”

“I had an advantage over you,” I said.  “I watched Mike’s father turn.  I knew how fast it happened.”

“I’m glad you stopped,” said Tom.

‘What happened here?” I asked.

“We’ve been holed up at our place a few miles away.  But we finally ran out of supplies.  We weren’t ready for something like this.  When we got here, there were zombies in the parking lot and we are very poor shots.  We managed to shot some of the glass out of the store I think and zombies came through.  Then more and more.  And we managed to shoot out the rest of the glass while shooting at the zombies.”

“You don’t have anything other than firearms?” I asked.

“No,” Tom said simply.

“The noise attracts them and seems to rile them up.  You’ve got to be quieter.”

“This is all we have,” said Tom.

“Alright, let me talk to my guys and see what we can do.  You need to post lookouts so I can bring them in.  Tom, if the lookouts see anything just yell for us.  No more shooting.”  Tom nodded and went over to give instruction.  I finished my water bottle and called Mike and Tony over after lookouts had been posted.  After listening to me for a few minutes, Mike spoke first.

“I don’t think we can help everyone we come across,” he said.

“You helped us,” said Tony.

“And you were all ‘let’s save the humans’ about it,” I said.  “What changed?”

“I don’t know, Ryan.  I really don’t.  I think at the moment it’s because there’s too many of them.”

“I agree that we can’t supply every one of them with weapons,” I said.  “But, maybe we can help them help themselves.  And by doing that, help ourselves in the process.  We need a larger group if we’re going to relocate.  I know we haven’t made that decision yet, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.”

“What are you thinking?” asked Tony.

“We help them here; now, to get what they need from the store.  Then tomorrow we go with them to Dick’s or Carolina Rod and Gun to get them outfitted.  Mike?”

“I can get behind that,” he said.

“Tony?”

“Let’s help them.”

“Okay, I’ll call the house and tell them we’ll be late.”

When I was done on the walkie-talkie, I went over to speak to Tom.  I laid out my ideas and Tom was thrilled for the help.

“Understand, right now my family comes first,” I said.  “I won’t give you what we have.  But I will help you to help yourselves.”

“I appreciate it more than you know,” Tom said.

“Because we have more experience with the zombies, I’m in charge,” I said.  “Is anyone going to have a problem with that?”

“No.”

“Then here’s the plan.  Two of my people will clear the store.  I don’t think there’s any more in there but we can’t be sure.  Once clear, we will provide cover while your people load up.  I see a cargo van over there with a zombie in it.  We’ll get the zombie out and you can fill it, too.  No shooting, Tom I mean it.  If we see a zombie we take it out quietly.  Got it?”

Tom agreed.

“Good the let’s get your people back together and go over it with them.”

I stayed outside with Tom’s group and the kids, while Tony and Mike cleared the store.

“One of us should’ve gone with them,” said John.

“They’ve got it, John,” I said.  “We’ve cleared a bunch of buildings.  We can do it quickly and quietly.”

“John, we don’t have any bows,” said Tom.  “And they don’t have any extras.”

“I could use hers,” said John, pointing at Tabby’s bow.

“No, John.  You couldn’t,” I said, turning towards him.  “It’s hers and she’s killed zombies with it.”  I hugged my daughter and she smiled up at me.  “After seeing you shoot, I’m guessing she’s killed more zombies than you.  If you tried to take it from her, she’d probably shoot you.  And I think I’d let her.”

John reacted as if I had slapped him.

“I’m sorry for your loss, John.  I really am,” I said.  “You’ll get your chance for payback.  I know you’ll need it.  But, you’re not getting it today.  Not while you’re so upset.  You’ll get somebody hurt or killed.”

Tom went over to John and spoke to him quietly, but forcefully and he quieted down.

“I’m sorry Ryan,” Tom said.

“He’s had a bad day, I get it.  You should’ve seen me after I lost Mike’s dad.  But he needs to listen more and talk less right now.”

Tom nodded.  No parent likes for someone to tell them their child is being stupid.  Mike and Tony came back out.

“One in the office, one behind customer service,” said Tony.

“And one in the back room,” added Mike.  “It’s clear.”

“Good work.  One more thing then we go on lookout duty.  Take one of Tom’s people, but not John and clear the zombie out of that cargo van over there so they can use it.”

Mike and Tony went off to get that done while I talked to Tom.

“They’re getting the van ready.  When they’re done, pull all three vehicles up to the door and get loading.  Is there anything you have plenty of?” I asked.

“No, I think we need pretty much everything.”

“Don’t take this personally.  I don’t know you or what you know or don’t know, so I’m gonna dumb this down.  Water is number one.  Fill the entire cargo van and one of your vans with it.  Juice, soda, Gatorade will help with the boredom of the water.  For Christ’s sake, get coffee if you have a way to brew it without electricity.  Food is second.  Nothing perishable, either.  Canned meats, veggies and fruits.  Get rice and dried beans.  Then raid the medical supplies:  bandages, gauze, painkillers, anti-biotic ointments and such.  Don’t forget toothpaste and brushes.  There’s no dentist’s in the zombie apocalypse.  Make sure you grab toilet paper.”

“And tampons,” Tom added.

“Exactly,” I said.  “And, Tom, no saving any for someone else.  If you have room and you need it, take it all.”

Mike and Tony had finished and came back over.

“Any problems?” I asked.

“Nope, seats a little gross, though,” said Mike.

“That’s fine.  Can you guys provide security inside?”  They nodded.  “Start by getting them some flashlights, please.”

They nodded and went back into the Bi-Lo to get some flashlights for Tom’s group.

“Tom, my people will provide security inside.  Everyone works together.  Get the water, then the food, and so on.  If you’re people are spread out then we can’t watch them.  I’ll keep watch out here.”

Tom nodded and his folks went inside to meet Tony and Mike.  With five people loading, the vans were full in about an hour.  When they were done, Tom came over to the bus with Barb.

“Ryan, Tony, Mike and kids, I, we can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for us today,” said Barb.

“You’re welcome.  I’m sorry for your loss.  I wish we’d have gotten here sooner.”

“You did what you could.  Not everyone would’ve stopped,” said Tom.

“We’re a little leery of other humans right now to be sure.  We were hit by looters two days ago.  That’s how we lost Mike’s dad.  He got bit trying to escape from other humans.” 

“But,” said Tony.  “Every human we help today is one less zombie to kill tomorrow.”

“We were glad to help,” said Mike.

“Well, we appreciate it.  What about tomorrow?” asked Tom.

“Do you know the Stono Market?”  Tom nodded.  “7:30. Bring your long guns, handguns and knives if you have any.  I’ll need two or three people; you’ll need to be one of them.  But, don’t leave your place undefended.”  I leaned in a little towards Tom.  “If John is coming, make sure you talk to him.  He’ll be taking his orders from me tomorrow, not you.”

“Won’t be a problem,” said Tom.

“Then we will see you in the morning.”

“Thanks again,’ said Tom.

“Base, copy.  Base,” I said into the radio.

“Go for base.”

“Yeah, we’re on our way.  ETA is about ten minutes.  We’ll need help with the firewood.”

“Copy that.  Ten minutes.  All hands on deck.”

The drive home was uneventful.  Once safely in the driveway, Mal and Tabby kept watch while the rest of us unloaded the firewood and other supplies.

Mike, Tony and I were just exhausted and it was only lunch time.  I realized again just how much I missed a hot shower.  One would feel good on these tired muscles of mine.  Maybe there was a way to heat some water in the fireplace or over a fire out back and fill the tub?  I’d have to put some thought into that.  For now, I heated some water on the camp stove in the kitchen and went upstairs to take a sponge bath.  We took turns talking about the firewood trip over lunch.

“I killed my first zombie today, mom,” Mal said.

“Oh, isn’t that great,” said Sam as she eyed me up and down.

“He did great, honey,” I said.  “And I was right next to him.  He likes to help?  He was helping.  So was Tabby, she did great today, too.”  That elicited a smile from my daughter.

“Thanks, dad,” she said.

“Also, Mal, Tab, thanks for being very grown up today.  You listened and did what you were told.  It helped keep all of us safe.  Thank you,” I said.

“Tom’s people seemed pretty clueless today,” observed Mike.

“No, they were just green,” Tony said.

“I agree.  We’ve been lucky to learn so much in so little time.  When I first encountered a zombie next door, I had my gun in my holster but I was so scared by the zombie that I forgot to get it out.  If it had been me shooting that day and not Eddie across the street, who knows what would’ve happened?”

“Can we trust Tom’s people after what happened at the Costco?” asked Lois.

“They seemed like decent folks.  Nothing tripped any red flags for me,” I answered.

“What does that mean, exactly,” asked Karen.

“Well, they didn’t ask how many people we have.  Or, where we were.  Or, how we were fixed for supplies.  Any of those questions would have concerned me,” I said.

“Plus,” said Tony.  “They were pretty unorganized.  A group that sends people out to scavenge in a pickup is more organized than Tom’s group.  Don’t get me wrong, they seemed like good people.  But it’s like I said before, they’re just green.”

“Maybe they’ll make good partners,” said Beth.

“It’s certainly possible.  We’ll know more after tomorrow,” I said.

“How’s the inventory coming?” asked Tony.

“Great,” Sam said.  “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you get started early in the morning.”

“It’s almost done,” said Lois.  “A few more hours, maybe less.”

“Good.  Thank you ladies for lunch.  I’m just beat.  Can we talk more at dinner?”

“Sure, baby,” said Sam.  “You go upstairs and rest.  Mike, Tony, Mal and Tabby, you guys too.  We can’t afford any sick people around here.”

“I’ll go home and nap,” said Tony.

“Not by yourself, Tony,” I said.

“I’ll go with him,” said Mike.  “If that’s okay with you, Tony?  It’ll be quieter over there.”

Tony laughed and agreed.

I awoke from my nap feeling refreshed, not groggy like I sometimes do.  I could smell dinner being prepared downstairs and it smelled wonderful.  So, far we were eating well during the zombie apocalypse.  I hope that continues.  And, it sounded like I was the only person not down there.  The wind up clock showed that I had slept for over three hours.

“Hey, it’s sleeping beauty,” laughed Tony when I came into the room.

“Nah, the beauty sleep didn’t work, boss,” quipped Mike.

I put my hands up to my face and pretended to feel around.

“Oh no,” I said.  “But I feel so much better!”

Everybody laughed and I grabbed a room temperature Gatorade.  That’s stupid.  It’s cold outside.  I should at least put some of these in the garage.  I made a note on the list in my head, but it was a long list.

“Dinner will be ready in about an hour,” said Sam.  “The inventory is on the table.”

I sat down and grabbed the inventory.  I was still reading and taking notes at the dining table when a bowl was sat down in front of me.  Everyone was gathering and beginning to eat.  I couldn’t help but notice that Tabby was now sitting next to Mike.  They were talking.

“That smells amazing,” I offered.

“It tastes even better,” said Mike.  “This tastes like my mother’s recipe.”

“I had a hand in it,” said Lois.

“Well, ladies you are doing a fantastic job of keeping everybody fed,” said Tony.

“Just keep bring us food and we’ll cook it,” said Karen.

“How’s the inventory look?” asked Sam.

“It’s thorough and easy to read.  Thank you.”

“That’s not what we all want to know, boss man,” said Mike.

“Well, at a bare minimum, each of us needs a gallon of water a day.  That doesn’t include washing or sanitation and it doesn’t include Thor.  If I remember correctly, the goal was to have 3 gallons per person.  For this, I’m counting all the soda, juice and Gatorade as water.  We have just under a thousand gallons.  There’s eight, not counting Thor.  If we go with the one gallon minimum that gives us about 120 days of water.”