We raced away as fast as we could, still dragging a corpse with us who refused to let go. I shifted in my seat until I was facing backwards, then pushed the door open. The zombie, a skinny kid in black clothing, hissed and snapped at me and tried to claw with his other hand. I shot him in the face and he fell away, spinning under the wheels of the Jeep behind us. Jakey screamed in protest at the noise, and Kristen had a time comforting him.
“Sorry, little buddy.” I said, returning to my seat. I glanced at Charlie and he just shook his head. I told him to take the next turn left. We needed to avoid population centers as best as we could. I figured the side roads might be passable. If not, at least there was less chance of a swarm. I exhaled loudly and Charlie just nodded.
We headed down the side street and I motioned for Charlie to head north again at the second road. There weren’t any cars there, and the community to the south was gated and fenced, so the zombies in there were effectively trapped. If anyone was in there, they were trapped as well. Not that we could do anything about it at this point.
We headed through a wooded area, and I once again hoped to hell I was right about where we were going. I had a backup, but it was going to be tight if it came to that. We passed several houses, and a few more high-end subdivisions. I could see several occupied homes, but none living.
I saw a small home tucked away in the woods and told Charlie to head for it. It was away from the road for a bit and something about it made me want to take a closer look. Maybe it was the handwritten sign that said ‘If you can read this: Welcome.’ The two vehicles behind us swung down the same driveway. The driveway was flanked and gated by two stone pillars, and the property was ringed by an unkempt hedge. It made as effective a fence as our cargo containers. Any zombie horde would never get through that, only adding to its strength with their numbers. Charlie pulled to a stop and turned off the CR-V. We all got out, and stretched a little. I used the small rest to replenish the magazine in my SIG.
Tommy and Duncan strolled up from the Jeep. “So what’s up? You planning another gymnastics show?” Tommy said, punching me on the arm. Duncan snickered.
“No, moron, I just wanted a closer look here.” I said, indicating the property with a sweep of my hand.
Duncan scowled. “Why? There’s nobody here. Don’t matter what the sign said.”
I pointed to the chimney. “Then who lit the fire? Zombie’s don’t feel the cold.”
That changed the equation. Duncan and Tommy went to alert and Charlie started a slow recon around the house, stopping when I held out a hand. “Wait here.”
I walked toward the small dwelling, taking off my hat and gloves. I started whistling, and was rewarded with a moaning from out back. I looked back at Tommy, and he and Duncan circled around the garage, guns at the ready.
I continued walking towards the house, and when I was about fifteen feet away, spoke out.
“Hello the house! Anyone in there?” I didn’t want to yell too loudly, but I didn’t want to get shot by mistake, either.
The door opened and a woman stepped out. She was roughly fifty years old, wearing a big flannel jacket and work boots. Her hair was curly red, and she had calloused, work-hardened hands. A big smile lit up her face when she saw us, and she set aside the rifle she had been carrying.
“Hello yourself. Now who might you folks be?” Her voice had a slight Irish lilt to it, and her eyes twinkled a bit as she spoke, like she was the only one who was going to get the joke. I liked her immediately.
I introduced myself and the rest. “I’m John Talon, and that serious-looking gent over there is Charlie, those two coming around the corner would be Tommy and Duncan, and there’s about six more of us in the cars behind us.”
“Quite a group. I’m Dot. You all headed south for the winter?” She asked, putting her hands in her pockets. I thought I caught the outline of a handgun in there, but I couldn’t be sure.
“No, ma’am, we’re heading to a safe place for the winter.” I replied
“Ain’t no such place, son, you know that. But by the looks of you, I bet you could make near anyplace safe if you put your mind to it.” Dot said, cocking her head to the side and seeming to look through me.
I looked down briefly and shifted my feet. “That may be true. Listen, we’re just looking for a spot to rest for a spell before we push on. Do you mind if we stop here a bit? We just managed to wiggle out of a tough spot, and could use a little regroup.”
Dot smiled. “No problem. Haven’t had company in a while, and George ain’t much for conversation.” She picked up her rifle and came out to the cars to meet the rest of the crew. She spent the most time with Jake, who waved his hands at her. I took him out of the car seat and carried him towards the house.
“Would you mind if I borrow a chair? Jake needs his bottle and he’s getting too heavy to carry while he eats.” I asked.
Dot smiled again. “Help yourself. The green one is a good feeding chair.”
We went inside and I saw the house was neat and tidy. Mementos lined the fireplace, which crackled with a warm fire. One wall of the small living room was lined with shelves overflowing with books, and a quick glance showed a variety of interests. The kitchen was lit by hurricane lamps, and the whole house just exuded warmth. If it wasn’t for the need to move on, this would be a nice place to stay for a while.
Dot sat down to watch Jakey eat. “Been a while since I saw a baby. He’s a beautiful boy.” She said.
“Takes after his mother.” I said, smiling at my son.
“You’re a good man for remembering her like that.” Dot said, reading me like a book.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“What I mean is anyone with a good eye can see he looks like you, but you carry a good memory of your dead wife with you, so you see her in him. Nothing wrong with that, just shows you loved your wife and miss her. But it will pass. All things do.” Dot said, reaching out and stroking Jake’s hair, casting a knowing eye at Sarah, who looked away.
I didn’t say anything, just committing every part of the scene to memory. Jake feeding quietly, the fire popping occasionally, my close friends relaxing nearby. I nearly jumped when Dot spoke again.
“Eventually I will have to kill George, but for now it’s just too hard.” She said.
I burst out of my reflections. “Wh-what?” I stammered.
“George. My husband. He’s out back. He took the sickness that killed everyone else. When he turned I moved him outside.” Dot said this as calmly as if she had said it was Tuesday.
Duncan spoke up. “No kidding. There’s a zombie chained to the shed out back. He’s pretty secured. Tommy got close enough to see his bridgework, and there was no danger.”
Dot smiled at my reaction. “No, I ain’t crazy. George and I had been married since I was seventeen, and it’s hard to let go after so long. I’ve dug his grave and made his marker, but I just can’t finish him.”
As nutty as it sounds, I was actually sympathetic. I could see how someone would be hesitant to kill a family member, and in all likelihood, that reluctance got a lot of people killed or infected.
I finished with Jake, and gently burped him. He wiggled a bit and then leaned towards Dot. She smiled and asked to hold him. I didn’t see a problem so I let him go. He immediately started playing with her hair, and her smile made him laugh. It was good to see Jake happy, and it was good to see him making someone else happy.