Dead of Knight: A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Tale (23 page)

“That’s only four months,” said Mike.

“That’s crazy,” said Sam.  “I thought we had more.  It looks like more.”

“It does.  Remember,” I said.  “We are a society that goes to the grocery store a couple of times a week and has fresh, clean water pumped into our homes.”

“That’s not the problem,” said Tony.  “If I remember correctly, each store only has 3 or 4 days of inventory on hand at any time to cut back on warehouse space.”

“So, no one store has everything we need,” said Mike.  “And, it will mean a lot of supply runs.”

“Exactly,” said Tony.  “Did you guys leave anything at the Costco?”  I looked at Mike and he looked at me.  I wasn’t sure if he wanted to go back there.

“We got all of the water, I think,” Mike said.  “There is still some juice, Gatorade and soda.”

“But, as we saw today,” I said.  “People are coming out to get supplies.”

“Some won’t make it if they don’t get some experience first,” said Tony.  “It’s the old catch 22.  You have to get experience to get experience.”

“True, Tom’s group would not have all made it out,” I said.

“Even with our help Ryan, they didn’t all make it out alive today,” said Mike.  “I wonder how many people he has?”

“Well, he probably left as many people home as he brought,” commented Tony.  “Some might be children like us.  Or, maybe he let the house undefended.”

“I don’t remember him saying anything that indicated one or the other,” I said.

“We’ll probably find out tomorrow,” said Tony.

“Probably,” I said.  “Thanks again for the inventory.  I think it shows that we are in balance with the supplies.  We just need to continue to get more of everything.”

“You know what I see?” pointed out Tony.  “We will have to become self-sufficient sooner rather than later.  We can’t rely on grocery stores a whole lot longer.”

“I agree,” I said.  Around the table and the room, heads nodded.  But, the subject produces a lot of questions.  Conversation continued for another hour before everyone went home for the night.

As Sam and I were getting ready for bed, Tabby came into our room.

“Knock, knock,” she said.

“Hey sweetie,” said Sam.  “What’s up?  You alright?”

“Yeah, I guess,” Tabby said.  “I just wanted to ask something.”

“Okay.”

“I know why you yelled at me when I snuck off to talk to Justin.  But, at the time I didn’t understand.  After today, I see why you are so worried about me and Mal.  Anyway, I wanted to go downstairs and hang with Mike for awhile.  He said it was fine.”

I looked over at Sam and she recognized the look.  But, I spoke before she did.

“Tabby, I appreciate that you asked.  And I know that you haven’t seen much of him today…”  I looked over at Sam who wore this mask of disapproval.  “But, he’s gonna be very tired and I need him rested tomorrow.”  That look was still on Sam’s face.  “So, don’t keep him up long.”

Tabby’s face lit up and even Sam couldn’t help but grin.  Tabby ran over to me and threw her arms around me.

“Thank you,” she said.

“And, stay in the house please,” I continued.

“I will.”  And she was gone.

Sam was still smiling when I turned off the lantern.

Tuesday, December 23 2014

              I felt better the next morning.  I’ve been working harder than I ever had before in my life before zombies.  That’s how I think of that time in my life now, before zombies.  BZ

I was also losing weight.  The extra work meant extra calories burned.  I just needed to make sure I got enough rest and I’d be good.  Tightening my belt another notch, I got ready for the day.

Mike, Tony and I were at the Stono Market before Tom’s group got there, exactly as I wanted.  I didn’t want them to know where we were coming from just yet.  I was not surprised to finally see the minivan weaving through the cars from the direction of the Bi-Lo.  I figured they lived down that way.  There weren’t a lot of grocery store options on the island.

              “Good Morning guys,” said Tom as he and his son got on the bus.  Handshakes were exchanged all around.  Even John was as pleasant as could be expected.

              “Ryan, we discussed our meeting yesterday at some length last night,” Tom said as we got out on the road.  “As I’m sure you’re group did as well.”  I nodded.  “I wanted to thank you again from everyone for your help.”  Tom made sure to make eye contact with Tony and Mike as he spoke.  They both nodded.  “I also wanted to thank you for not asking too many questions.”

“You’re welcome,” I said.  “And thank you for doing the same.  It made for a more comfortable introduction for us.”

“And you’re welcome,” he said.  “But, we came to the conclusion that we’d all be safer if we worked together.  And I want to offer you some information to see if you’re interested.”

“Tom, I like where you’re going with this.  But understand,” I said.  “I’m more or less in charge on these supply runs.  This is my bus after all.’  Mike and Tony chuckled at that.  “We make the big decisions as a group.  You guys were talked about at length last night and I’m sure it’ll be the same tonight.  But, that means I can’t give you a yes or no today.”

“I understand completely,” said Tom.

              Tom’s group was ten people now after JoAnne’s death yesterday.  They’re all related by birth or marriage.  Tom, his wife, Barb and their son, John.  Then there was Barb’s brother, his wife and young son.  And finally, Tom’s brother, his wife and their two adult children.  One was a mechanic but the rest wouldn’t be especially useful in this new zombie world.  They all lived on land out on Wadmalaw Island that had been in Tom’s family.  It sounded wealthy but it was clear that the money was gone.  Two of the families were in trailers on the property.  I don’t know how they could defend a mobile home very well.

The ride to Carolina Rod and Gun took longer than it would have in the time before zombies, or BZ.  There were a lot of crashed cars and abandoned ones, as well.  Weaving in and out of them took time.  We saw a lot of zombies but they were off the road in front of stores.  Tom wondered aloud if those were groups like his that didn’t make it into or out of the store.  We also saw a number of convenience stores that had been looted.  The gun store was closed up and there was only one zombie we could see inside.  It took a bit of work to get in.  Ryan and Mike went in with Tom and John while Tony kept watch.

We found just about everything we needed.  A crossbow for each person in Tom’s group and plenty of bolts.  A decent knife for each, as well.  We only found six tomahawks but Tom didn’t think that would be a problem.  Tom and his son also picked out a few firearms.  I reminded them to get slings for the rifles and crossbows and holsters for the handguns.

We also found more walkie-talkies, enough for each person in Tom’s group and one for Ryan to monitor.  I took that opportunity to give Tom one of ours.  There was a lot of trust in that gesture as each group could now monitor the others transmissions.  We also grabbed flashlights and batteries for everything.

None of these supplies took up much room in the bus, so I grabbed several archery targets for crossbow practice and made sure that Tom had some too.  Once Tom and John were satisfied with their haul, I took a minute to find some things that could help my group.  The first was some help carrying stuff.  That came in the form of tactical vests, one for me, Tony and Mike since we were out in the field more.  And, if it was ammo that fit our weapons we took it.  No point leaving it for someone to use against us.  I hated leaving the guns but we had more than we could use.

On the ride back to the Stono Market, it was decided, for now on a mutual aid agreement.  The two groups would keep in touch by radio.  We could trade information and help each other.  And, if attacked the groups promised to come running.  The bus was unloaded and handshakes were exchanged again.  We promised to check in a few times a day.

We left the market first but didn’t head home.  Instead, we headed to the Wal-Mart for supplies.  I figured the easy part of our day was over.  As we pulled in to the parking lot at the Wal-Mart we observed a big suburban parked in front of one of the entrances.  There was no way to know if it was from a few days ago or if it had just been parked there.  So, we parked in the back of the lot and I turned off the bus.

Maybe ten minutes went by and four heavily armed men came out pushing carts.  They looked like law enforcement or military by the way they carried themselves.  Their carts were full of supplies.  I was parked about 100 yards away.  The men made several scans of the area but failed to see us before heading back inside.  I couldn’t help but think of the pickup at the Costco and how I had missed it.  These guys were making the same mistake.  It was a good thing that we weren’t a threat.  We each had a granola bar and waited.

When they emerged again from inside, they loaded the truck and left.  I waited about 10 minutes then pulled the bus up to the door where the suburban had been.

“Do we all agree that they did not seem friendly?” I asked.

“Yes,” said Tony.

“Yep, that’s why I didn’t say we should go help this time,” said Mike.

Tony stayed just inside the door to the Wal-Mart and kept watch.  Mike and I figured that the other guys had cleared the store but we were cautious as we went about our business.  It took almost two hours to fill the bus with water and food.  I also had run over to the cookware and got a few of the heaviest duty pots and pans they had.  The open flame was bound to be hard on the cookware and we would need extras for washing too. 

After seeing other people, I was especially careful on the way back, keeping a good lookout.  A few miles away from the Wal-Mart, we came across the suburban.  I stopped and we each took a good look around for an ambush.  Then we pulled up closer to the vehicle.  The doors were all open including the back gate.  It was riddled with holes and the glass shot out.  Two of the men were lying where they fell.  The other two had fell where they had been executed.  Shot in the back head by the look of it.

“Interrogated,” said Tony.  “Probably trying to get the location of their people.”

“I wonder if they gave it up?” I said.

“Would you?” asked Mike.

“No.”

“Base, this is mobile one, come in base.”

“Go for base,” it was Sam.

“Sam, we just came across some people on Bees Ferry Rd. that we had seen leaving the Wal-Mart.  They’ve been attacked and killed.  Everything was looted.  I want everyone armed with firearms right now.  And I want lookouts inside the front and back of the house.  If there is anyone outside, bring them in.”

“Got it.  You guys alright?”

“Yeah, just shaken up.  We’re about 15 minutes out and we’re gonna make sure we’re not followed.”

“Okay, be safe,” she said.

“We will.  Go get that stuff done.  Mobile one out.”

Then I called Tom and told him what had happened and urge them to be safe.  We all kept a good watch on the ride home.  And I drove a little faster than I had been driving before.  When we got close to the house I called Sam again.

“I’m going to drive by the house.  I want you to see if anyone is following us just to be safe.”

I drove by and continued for a few blocks, then I turned left and left again before stopping.  I waited for more than five minutes then called the house again.

“Sam, did you see us go by?”

“Yes, but I’ve been watching and it’s clear.”

“Good, leave Mal to keep a lookout out back and get everyone else to come help unload.  We’ll be there in a minute.”

With all the help, it didn’t take long to unload the bus.  Then we drove the bus a block away, backed into a driveway and walked back.

I hugged Sam and the kids extra-long.  Then, Karen, Lois and Beth also got hugs.  Shaking off some of my gear but leaving my Glock and holding on to my AR, I tried to relax.  It was difficult to do.  Those guys at the Wal-Mart looked as if they had been trained to fight.  It was in the way they moved.  But, they were taken out like they had been clueless sheep.  Were they outnumbered?  Or, had they stopped to help someone and were ambushed.

That was more likely but left a chill down my spine.  The day before, we stopped to help Tom’s group because they looked like they needed help.  Shit.  I had my kids with us.  Everything we do now is dangerous.  The zombies are bad enough, but now stopping to help a fellow human risked all of my people.  That’s how I thought of them now:  my people.

At lunch we recounted the trip with Tom to Carolina Rod and Gun and finding the guys from Wal-Mart.  There weren’t many questions and everyone seemed scared.  I didn’t blame them one bit.  I was scared, too.  We could only hope those looting groups stayed over in West Ashley.

“Should we barricade the road?” asked Mike.

“I think that would give away that we’re here,” I said.

“Not necessarily,” said Tony.  “What if we moved the barricades in from the main roads?  Someone could drive by out on the bigger road and not see it.”

“That might work,” I replied.  “Let’s think about it some more and talk over dinner.  There’s gonna be a lot to talk about over dinner.”

After I helped clear away the dishes from lunch it was nap time.  But sleep did not come easily to me today.  I was tired and drained but there were too many things to sort out.  And they were all in my head at once.  Why couldn’t everyone band together to face this common threat of zombies?  I guess some people just aren’t built that way.  When I finally fell asleep, Sam was shaking me awake.

“Come help with dinner.”

As usual, the ladies out did themselves with dinner.  Everyone seemed happy and there was much animated conversation.  But, I wasn’t happy and I’m sure everyone could sense it.  By the time coffee was served it was time to speak.

“After what we saw today, I am especially glad for all of us to be here today, breaking bread and having the proverbial fellowship.  We are relatively safe and happy and want for nothing except loved ones lost in this nightmare.  And, maybe a hot shower.  I could use a hot shower.”

“Yes,” said Sam.  “You could definitely use a shower.”

That was good for a laugh and I laughed along with them.

“Has anyone thought more about our discussion over the last couple of days?”

“Well, we’re guests here,” said Beth.  “So we’ll go along with the rest of the group.”

“Nope, that’s not going to fly,” said Sam.  “We are all family now.  All of us.”

“I agree,” I said.  “We make the big decisions together.”

“Okay, thank you.  In that case,” said Beth.  “I really don’t want to leave unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

“With us at the other end of the neighborhood, you have an ‘early warning system’ of sorts.  It could be helpful,” continued Tony.

I nodded and around the table the feeling of wanting to stay was unanimous.  Everyone wanted to stay put unless it was absolutely necessary.  I did not want to voice my opposition to staying put.  I did, however, push for some defensive measures.  Two of the three roads that led into the neighborhood would be blocked.  It wouldn’t perfect as an escape route but it would help if we were attacked.  The group also decided that the neighborhood had to be cleared of zombies.  It would be one less thing to worry about now that other humans seemed to be the bigger threat.  Mike was concerned about an escape route if we blocked the other roads.

“Can we move a vehicle around back out of site in case we need to bug out?” he asked.

“Maybe,” I replied.  “As long as we can do it and keep the fence up.”

The escape plan was put on the back burner for now.  And the plan for the next few days was formulated.  Clear the neighborhood.  Put up the barricades.  Talk more about an escape plan.  And I made a decision on my own.  When we went on the next supply run, we were going in the other direction.  I wanted to get prepared to move in a hurry if we had to.

After dinner, I pulled Mike aside and offered him a Gatorade.  Then I scowled.

“What are your intentions for my daughter?” I asked.  No sense beating around the bush.

“Ah, umm…”  He was obviously caught off guard.  He stammered pretty good.  “I don’t have any intentions.”

“Mike, she’s my little angel.  My only daughter.  Samantha thinks she’s attracted to you because you’re the only one in her age group.  But, I can see it’s more than that.  You’re a hell of a good kid.  I’m proud of you and I’m glad you’re here.  But, if you hurt my daughter…”