Run from the Dead: Book 2: A Zombie Apocalypse, page 22
Everything slowed down even more, and Christina felt her breath leave her. Marcus’s grunts and whacks of his hammer reached her ears, as well as the thudding of her own feet hitting the grass and concrete walkway. Blood pounded through her ears as her blood pressure shot up and panic started to overtake her. No, no, no, no, no NO!
She pushed forwards with everything she had, but it was like some nightmare that wouldn’t let her run at the speed she could normally run at. She could only watch as the nearest of the dead to Sandra reached out its evil, grey fingers and latched on to her friend with an iron grip.
Sandra spun her body around, protecting Suzie. The baby was held within the body wrap, but Sandra had her arms wrapped around her as well. Christina could no longer hear Sandra screaming, but could see her mouth forming a large O as she turned away.
Christina reached the beast closest to her and viciously jabbed the pointed end up through its chin and straight into its brain. FUCKER!
She pulled the spear back out before she even realised what she was doing. She was straight onto the next one, who was nearly on her friend and her baby. She swung her foot around in a sweeping kick, knocking the snarling zombie to ground. She spun the wooden shaft in her fingertips, raising the sharp end head height, then forced it deep within the eye socket of the beast still lying on the churchyard grass.
Spear retrieved again, Christina looked towards her friend and the beast that had grabbed her. Sandra was screaming relentlessly as it feasted on her back. It had bitten her friend and was pulling flesh from her body. Blood poured from her open back wounds beneath her ripped T-shirt, which was now turning a dark shade of red. Oh dear God, no. Please, no. Please don’t let this be true. Christina nearly collapsed onto the ground at what she was seeing.
Sandra had protected Suzie, who remained wrapped within her arms towards the church wall, and was suffering through being eaten alive. Christina’s rage resurfaced, and she grabbed at the beast’s collar, yanking it away with everything she had. Where the strength came from, she did not know, but she flung the thing far enough away that it took a moment to gather itself before attempting to attack again. Christina wasted no time in stabbing it up through its chin. As she raised its head up to face her, she screamed at the top of her lungs, spraying spit into its gaping mouth.
She vaguely became aware of Marcus’s presence bashing the other dead over the head with his hammer just a few paces away from her. Mel attacked a zombie too, as did Elsa. Christina released her victim and stormed over to Sandra, pulling her around to face her.
Sandra’s face had tears streaming down it as she undid the wrap that held Suzie in place. “Take her… quickly and… get inside… NOW!”
“Sandra, I won’t leave you!” Christina cried.
“GO!” Sandra pushed Suzie into Christina’s arms as Christina shook her head. The next thing Christina knew, she was pulled to her feet, their joined hands were torn apart, and she was shoved through the church door. The large open space within suddenly darkened with a bang, then clunk, securing them inside.
Shuffling furniture behind her filtered through her fog. Then Marcus and Mel came either side of her with their hands on her back. She registered Elsa nudging her leg with her snout, but Christina couldn’t look down or at either of the two people next to her. Sandra’s gone.
They guided her to a seat, and Marcus took Suzie from her. He passed Suzie to Mel, who sat on a nearby pew, then took Christina’s face in both of his hands.
“Christina? Christina, talk to me.”
She finally raised her eyes to meet his. His tears were what finished her off. She couldn’t stop the wails or the streams of salty liquid pouring from her eyes. Marcus pulled her close and squeezed her as tight as she could bear.
He stroked her hair as he shushed her close to her ear. But nothing he could do could take away even a fraction of the pain she felt. She sacrificed herself for my daughter. She kept Suzie safe whilst they ate her alive. Oh God, what pain she must have suffered. I’m so sorry, Sandra, I failed you.
Marcus pulled her away from him again to look into her eyes. “Christina, I need to check how secure we are in here. I’ll be back in a few minutes… I’m so sorry, my love. I truly am.”
Christina was incapable of any response. She turned away from him and curled into a ball on the pew, covering her face from the world. The smell of wood oil permeated her mind as the taste of her tears touched her lips.
***
Marcus stepped away from Christina and could do nothing but watch as she curled herself into a ball. He ran his hands through his hair, trying to repress the tears and concentrate on keeping the rest of them safe. He raised his head and allowed his eyes to roam over the high-up roof beams of the old architecture. Strong sunlight pushed its way through the stained-glass windows but struggled to illuminate the heavy darkness the stone walls brought.
Marcus shifted his gaze to fully take in the images spread across the windows. The colourful scenes depicted various religious stories, of which Marcus knew very little. If I prayed to you now, would you help me? Even if I’m not one of your believers? Am I still a child of God when I don’t worship you on a Sunday? My mother believed in you—from time to time, anyway. He pulled his gaze away from what could only be Jesus, even to an ignoramus such as him. He shook his head and swallowed before looking at Christina, then Mel. Just do me one favour and help me help them.
He moved nearer to Mel and Suzie and bent down to look at them both better. Suzie was stirring and must need a feed soon. He just hoped she could wait another ten minutes or so for Christina to gather herself a tad.
Marcus met Mel’s eyes and saw tears flowing from the girl’s face. “Aw, honey.” He wiped them away, then tried his best smile. “Elsa.” He clicked his tongue. “Come sit here.” He instructed Elsa to snuggle up close to Mel, as it seemed the dog didn’t know where she was needed the most. “Elsa’s got you, Mel. Will you be ok with Suzie for a couple of minutes whilst I check out the church?”
Mel nodded, so Marcus squeezed her hand, then stood again to assess the situation they now found themselves in. I’m heartbroken for Sandra. It’s almost a physical pain. But I must make sure we’re all safe. It’s what she would have wanted. Marcus closed his eyes, thinking of Sandra’s final moments. God, I’ll miss that woman’s sheer strength. He shook his head, cleared his throat, and walked over to the door they had entered through.
Pounding fists on the heavy wood had been a constant since they’d entered the church, as were the growls and snarls that the hungry masses of the dead liked to make when close to prey. Marcus studied the doors, hinges, and bolts, wondering how long it might last. For the time being, it hadn’t moved and looked sturdier than any door he had ever seen.
When they had first shut the massive door, he and Mel had dragged a single pew in front of it for added security. I think a couple more might be good, just to be on the safe side. Marcus heaved two more of the heavy seats and got them on top. They, too, were heavy pieces of furniture, so hopefully the dead wouldn’t be able to get in.
Next, he walked around the interior of the main church room. All the windows were far too high for the dead, and there was no way in hell they could ever break through the dense stone walls that had stood for centuries.
There was another large door to the side of the room, so Marcus fortified it in much the same way as the one they’d entered through. It was heavily bolted, and while the dead were gathered outside the other door, it wouldn’t be long before they were around this one too. It was just to the other side of where Sandra had been attacked, so was far too close to attempt an escape through it.
Why on earth was she that far round? She should have stayed nearer the door with Mel! Shit! It’s not her fault, not at all. It’s actually my fault. I should have kept them all far safer. I should have insisted on a car to take us. Hell, I should have done the journey alone first to make sure it wasn’t a wasted one. Shit, shit, shit. I should have done one hundred and one things differently, then Sandra would still be alive. FUCK!
Marcus continued to berate himself as he heaved the heavy wood around like it was polystyrene. His anger had flourished and was at the point he needed to either calm down or go outside and kill every last one of them.
He stepped away from the pile of pews, panting heavy breaths. He swiped at his eyes, then turned and continued his survey of the building they were now trapped in.
Chapter 30
Anna stood on the lush green lawn of her ex-in-law’s grounds and watched as her children quietly picked some flowers to give to their granny. It never occurred to Alex, Logan, and Jasper that the flowers already belonged to Jill and Ben, but she knew they wouldn’t mind in the slightest. Anything that was theirs they freely shared with those around them, which was evidenced by their complete welcome of strangers, Rob and Jack, into their home.
They had not only welcomed them but had also helped save Rob’s life and patched up Jack’s injuries as well. The two were still recovering, as it had only been a few days since they’d arrived, but Anna was hopeful they would be fighting fit in no time. Her ankle injury had just been a slight sprain and was feeling much better already.
Anna’s attention was pulled away from watching her children when a strange noise drifted over on the breeze. She showed her children the shush sign and told them to stay put, then walked farther down the garden.
A seven-foot fence ringed the entire property, which was massive to someone like Anna who had grown up on a housing estate. Anna narrowed her eyes and cocked her head to the side like Ben and Jill’s chocolate Labrador would do. Is that the Army driving around again? They had appeared once three days ago when Anna was making her way here. No, it must be something else.
Then the noise seemed to amplify and told Anna exactly what it was. Pounding fists and the growls of a sizeable group of the dead. Oh gosh, that’s a massive group. Whoever they’re trying to get must be done for.
“Kids, inside now,” whispered Anna.
The children complied without a word. They had already seen too much in their young lives to not know what the look on Anna’s face could mean.
***
Marcus checked every corner of the building; it seemed there were just the two accessible doors at the front end. There was a third at the back, but it was locked with a key and would be impossible to break open without attracting all the dead around that side.
There were a couple of upstairs rooms towards the back of the building, one of which had a large window that opened outwards. The problem was it had the height of a third-storey window and could mean an injury upon dropping to the ground. An ankle, foot, or leg injury would end it all for whoever jumped. It might be our only option. I could jump, then find a vehicle or lead the zombies away on foot, allowing the others to escape.
Marcus returned to Christina and Mel, who had cuddled up close to each other now, with Suzie feeding at Christina’s breast. There were no more tears, and Christina had a fierce look on her face. She emanated rage and seemed to be struggling to contain it, even though her child was close to her chest.
“Do we have a way out of here, Marcus?” asked Mel.
Marcus winced and squinted his eyes. Should I tell them the plan and risk Christina cutting off my bollocks right here, or just fob them off for a while to let her calm down?
“I might have one, but I think we should rest awhile and take stock before we do anything rash.”
Christina’s eyes locked on to his, but she didn’t push for his idea. She instead took a calming breath and stared at the beautiful face of her daughter. Marcus reached out to stroke Suzie’s head, then took Christina’s hand in his, giving it a small squeeze.
“I’ll get us out of here, I promise,” said Marcus.
As he said this, the pounding increased, telling them even more of the dead had joined the ranks outside. Time is running out. I’ll have to make that jump now if we’re to survive this. There’s no way in hell I’m letting anyone else die today.
Marcus blew out a long breath between pressed lips. He looked around the interior of the church one more time then turned to face Christina and Mel again.
“The way out I’ve found is jumping from the height of a three storey window.” Marcus held his breath waiting for the backlash.
Christina closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. “You want to lead the dead away don’t you?”
“What?” Mel looked from Marcus to Christina.
“There’s no way we can all jump it. Especially not with Suzie. I’ll lead the dead away then you guys can get out. I’ll circle back. Anna’s in-laws are left at the lights then on the right hand side. I’ll meet you there.”
“And what if you break an ankle when you land?” Christina’s voice was low and almost cold.
“Errr. Well, then I’ll just have to hope they haven’t seen me and try something else once I’m free.”
Christina shook her head. “I don’t like this, Marcus.”
“I’ll do it. I bet I’m faster than you anyway.” Mel stood up as if she was going to jump right then.
“Nope,” said Marcus.
“No way in hell are you going out there.”
“But…”
“NO,” said both Marcus and Christina at the same time. Mel sat down and looked away instead.
They all remained silent for a few moments longer until the dead reminded them of their presence once more. Christina’s gaze moved from the door over to Marcus, still wincing at the increased volume of the bangs and thuds.
She handed Mel baby Suzie and said, “Now’s the time, isn’t it?”
Marcus nodded and swallowed at the same time. This feels like madness, but it’s my family’s only option, so I’m doing it.
“I know I said I’d never leave you again, but I hope you realise that this isn’t that kind of leaving, right?”
Christina sighed and said, “Shut up and get over here to kiss me.”
Marcus smiled, then pulled her tight into his arms for a passionate kiss. Mel was snuggling with the baby, so Christina was free to hold on tight with her own arms. The kiss was deep and loving, but more than anything, it was the way they held each other that spoke volumes.
They pulled their lips apart and snuggled their faces into each other’s necks. God, she smells so good. How is that possible?
“Make sure you come back to us, and no getting yourself killed,” said Christina.
She was being funny, but Marcus saw how she was trying not to cry. “I’ll come back, Christina. Never doubt that.”
Christina’s bottom lip trembled, and she mumbled something barely audible about “bloody hormones” before taking Suzie from Mel.
“Well, kiddo. No driving of vehicles whilst I’m gone please.”
Mel huffed and Marcus expected something clever in response, but she launched herself at him, hugging him, completely taking him by surprise. It lasted a couple of seconds before she pulled away, sniffed, and went over to Elsa for a stroke. Marcus raised his eyebrows at Christina, who smiled as if she knew it had been coming.
Marcus went up the stairs into the room with the large window and pushed it wide open to scan the area. Nothing was around this side; obviously all zombies had headed straight over to where all the other dead had gathered. They can’t think past what they can see and hear.
Marcus looked to the ground he was about to drop onto and considered the lush green grass that had been carefully looked after. I hope that’s soft ground down there and not hard as stone from all the dry weather.
He had decided against taking his rucksack, as he wasn’t planning on going very far. He only needed to get a vehicle, then lead the group of dead away. He would then return a short while later and hopefully collect them to walk the short distance to Steve’s parents’ house. A rucksack might hinder his running ability, and he had no way of telling how that would go.
He climbed onto the edge of the window and hung one leg out of it. First, he dropped his hammer to the ground with a soft thud before following and dangling for a moment with both hands on the window ledge. But the wood was rotting, and a quiet crack sent one hand free.
Oh fuck! With the weight of his whole body under his remaining hand, he soon slipped, twisting in the air and facing almost head first as he plummeted to the ground. Flashbacks of falling from his mum’s second-story window popped into his head. That didn’t work out perfectly either, did it?
He turned just enough not to land head first but hit the hard mud with his shoulder instead, making him cry out in pain. Oh, no, no, no, no! They’ll have heard me. Get up and run!
Marcus scampered to his feet, feeling massive amounts of pain shooting from his shoulder, but made sure he grabbed the hammer off the ground. He scanned past the window he had dropped from to see Christina and Mel watching on in horror. He hadn’t realised they’d been watching and didn’t want them to see him injured—or worse.
He looked away and ran in the opposite direction to the crowd of the dead gathered around the front. They must have heard me, no doubt about that. Get running before Christina and Mel watch you get eaten alive. I made a promise, and it’s one I intend on keeping.
Marcus attacked the short brick wall to the rear, leaping over the best way he could with a possibly dislocated shoulder and an arm that hung limply next to it. Thankfully it was his left shoulder, giving him his dominant right to swing the hammer, should he need to.
The opportunity arose much sooner than he had wanted. As soon as his feet touched the tarmac on the other side of the wall, a lone beast ran straight at him. He whipped the hammer through the air and clattered the skull of the zombie on the temple, leaving it fully dead and sprawled on the ground. The resulting pain that continued through Marcus’s body ramped up even further, making him swallow down bile while black spots danced in his vision.
He ran as fast as he could, knowing full well the dead would be hot on his heels. How he hadn’t already felt fingers clawing at him or teeth sinking into his flesh, he did not know. The chorus of growls grew louder as he turned a street corner, praying it wasn’t a dead end. He caught sight of the main street and realised that was a no-go area; there had been a multi-car pile-up from what he could see, and there were probably more near the lights too.
