Dead & Alive (Book 1): Survive (9 page)

He looked in the direction of Bray and Zoe, “THEY MADE IT INSIDE, NOW FUCKING RUN!” he shouted to them. Bray and Zoe started to move. Jack ran to Frank’s location; a massive fat dead woman was trying to bite Frank. Jack ran up kicked her in the head, she rolled to the ground. Jack held out his hand to help Frank up, when a Zombie grabbed his leg, the Zombie almost had its teeth sunk into Jack’s leg, when Frank thrust his knife into its head, it dropped to the ground, Jack was free, he helped Frank to his feet, when the fat dead woman was back to her feet, she reached out to them both, Jack ducked down and swung his machete, slicing her stomach open, her intestines spilled out splashing over the ground. Frank punched the decaying woman in the head, as she fell backwards Frank stamped on her head. Jack grabbed Franks arm, “MOVE!” He shouted and they both ran in the same direction as Bray and Zoe.

DOCTOR GRANT

The Zombie army was once again hitting against the reinforced windows of the MI6 building; Elle tried her best to calm the group. Henry was helping as much as he could, “We’re safe in here,” he told everyone, but everyone continued to panic.

“Where is the rescue, you promised us,” Ryan spoke; he was making the group worse.

“Get us out of here now!” Ryan demanded.

Elle concerned for her friends was losing her patients. “We need to wait here for the others,” Henry told Ryan.

“THEY’RE DEAD, THEY HAVE BEEN EATEN, LOOK THE ZOMBIES ARE BACK OUTSIDE THE WINDOWS!” Ryan shouted without consideration of what he was saying.

Elle looked at him in anger, she moved fast to his position, she punched him in the face in anger, Ryan’s nose once again started to bleed. “SHUT YOUR MOUTH, THEY STAYED OUT THERE TO SAVE YOUR WORTHLESS LIFE!” she screamed at him.

Everyone else went silent; Clare walked over and took Elle’s hand, and looked up to Elle's face covered in concern. “They are OK, I feel it,” Clare reassured her. Elle smiled at her. A noise came from behind them, turning round Elle could see the entrance to the stairs. The door swung open, a tall man walked through, he held up a shotgun, “Don’t anyone move,” he told them. Elle stared at the man while moving Clare behind her to shield her from any danger. The man had an overgrown beard, and his hair was hanging down to his shoulders.

The man stepped forward, “This is my place,” he told everyone. He raised the shotgun higher, looking like he was about to shoot when something cold touched his neck. “This is my place now,” a voice said behind him. Elle’s eyes lit up. She looked at Jack, covered in blood held a gun to the back of the man’s head. Bray stepped through the doorway and relieved the man of this shotgun. “Please, I would not have hurt anyone,” the man told Jack. “Is that why you have a gun pointed at my friends,” Jack replied angrily. “It’s empty, I ran out of ammo a long time ago, I was just scared,” the man told him. Jack looked at Bray, Bray checked the gun, and it was empty. Jack lowered his gun, “Who are you?” Jack asked. “David..., my name is David,” he replied feeling scared. “David Grant, Doctor David Grant,” another voice spoke. Frank emerged from the behind Jack with Zoe close behind, “The door is secure,” she told Jack. Frank stood in front of the man, “Doctor Grant?” he asked. The man looked concerned, “Yes,” he replied softly. Frank smiled, “We’ve come a long way to find you,” Frank replied.

Frank and Doctor Grant spoke alone. Jack, Bray, and Zoe approached the group. Jack noticed Ryan was bleeding again, “You have any trouble?” Jack asked Elle. She glanced at Ryan quickly, “Only from a rat,” she replied. Elle gave out a squeal and cuddled Jack, “I knew you were OK,” she told him with a warm look in her eyes. Clare approached them, “I knew they didn’t stand a chance,” she told him. The group was cheering Bray and Zoe.

“Doctor Grant, we received your message and came here to save you, there are a lot of very happy people waiting to meet you,” Frank told him. Doctor Grant just looked at Frank, “We should get upstairs, away from the windows,” he replied, he walked back towards the stairs and walked up.

Frank looked confused as he went to Jack, “Everything OK,” Jack asked a worried looking Frank. “Not sure, but we should go upstairs and think about clearing a space for the helicopter,” he replied. As Frank started to walk away, he stopped and turned back to Jack, “Actually, Jack can you come with me to speak to Grant,” he asked.

“No problem,” he replied.

“Bray, take everyone up to the top floor. Take a group to the roof and make a clearing for the helicopter. We only have a few hours until it arrives,” Jack told him. He walked to join Frank and they both followed Grant. Bray turned to the group, “OK, you heard him. Let’s go,” he told them and they all began the walk to the top floor.

Jack and Frank followed Doctor Grant, several floors up he walked into a big room, and it was full of computers. At the back of the room, Doctor Grant had turned into his living area, as Jack walked across the room; he was surprised to see Doctor Grant had power in the building. Doctor Grant stood by a table that contained a CB radio.

Frank was anxious to speak to Grant, “We received your message, I have to say it is impressive you have survived here and continue your work,” Frank told him.

Grant slumped down in a chair, “You should not have come here,” he replied.

Jack stepped forward, “We have come to take you to safety,” he told Grant.

“SAFETY THERE IS NO SAFE SAFETY, YOU WASTED YOUR TIME!” Grant shouted in reply. Jack grew angry, “We lost good people getting to you,” he replied through gritted teeth. Grant just stared at the two men in front of him.

Frank glanced at Jack they both looked concerned. “Doctor Grant, is there a problem with the cure?” Frank asked him

. Grant looked at him and suddenly burst out laughing. “CURE, that’s the bullshit they fed you,” Grant replied. Frank looked sick he was in complete shock.

Looking at Jack, Frank noticed how calm he appeared. Frank wanted answers, “Why would they send us here if there is no cure?” Frank asked both Jack and Grant. “Frank, calm down,” Jack said calmly.

He turned his attention to Grant, “Sending us here just for you, after millions were left to die, makes no sense. So you better start talking,” Jack told him.

“What makes you think I know?” Grant replied. Jack stepped closer, “TALK!” he demanded. Grant looked into Jack’s eyes, “Just kill me, that’s the real reason you’re here,” Grant replied.

Jack stood silent, looking Grant straight in the eyes. Grant started to sweat, “You really have no idea, do you?” Grant asked.

“We didn’t even know about the zombies, until they started eating my friends,” Jack told him. “If I tell you, your life is over,” Grant replied. Frank walked to stand next to Jack, “Talk” Frank demanded

. Grant still sitting on his chair started to talk
,
“The virus, it was not a terrorist attack, it was a weapons test
,”
he told them. Both Jack and Frank stood in silence as Grant continued
,
“I worked for a private company developing weapons for the military. We created a virus, it was a just a simple flu strain, but it could disable an entire enemy force for days. Imagine a war where no guns are needed, no bullets fired
.”
Grant stopped for a moment; he picked up a bottle of water and took a long drink. He then continued
,
“Due to all the problems around the world and increase of terrorist activity, we could not chance testing the weapon abroad. Therefore, military and government officials decided to test it on a small area of Britain. It was deployed in a missile and sent over the skies of the South of England. God, the first few hours it worked, as it should. We prepared the vaccine, when we got word of people being attacked by the dead. The fucking virus mutated. It spread so quickly, we could not control it. WE KILLED MILLIONS
,”
Grant told them with shame in his eyes. “What!” Frank spoke out. Jack stood his ground. Frank started to shake; he looked like he would pass out when suddenly he pulled his sidearm and pointed it at Grant. Grant sat there waiting for it to come. Jack grabbed the gun from Frank, “No, we need more answers,” Jack told him calmly.

“WHY, why would they send us here for him,” Frank asked Jack in anger. Jack stayed silent for a moment, then a memory from the mission briefing it him.

“The message,” Jack whispered. Frank looked at him confused. “The message, what was in the message you transmitted?” Jack asked. Grant looked up, “Everything,” Grant replied.

For the first time Jack looked scared, “Shit,” he whispered under his breath. Frank still confused needed answers, “Jack, tell me, please,” he asked.

Jack looked at Frank, “They picked up the message, and blocked it. So no one else could hear it, but they couldn’t do that forever, so they send us in,” he replied. “What is the point of sending us here, he can’t escape,” Frank replied, still looking for answers. “If the world found out, that a weapon was tested by us, on British soil against British citizens, it could lead to another war,” Jack told him. He walked away for a moment, “We’re screwed, as soon as we get back we will be thrown in isolation and left, telling everyone we are infected,” Jack told Frank.

At that moment it hit Frank, this was only ever going to be a one-way mission. “They sent us to hell to stop a radio signal,” Frank spoke.

“Keep the secret, it’s all about covering their backsides,” Jack replied. “You can kill him now,” Jack continued. Before Frank could reply a gunshot echoed out, Grant had another gun and had shot himself in the head.

Frank watched as Grant’s lifeless body lay back in the chair and his blood and brains dribbled down the wall, “why did he do that?” Frank asked, Jack simply replied, “Guilt.” Frank walked towards the radio, he was about to switch it off, “Don’t,” Jack told him. “I have an idea,” Jack told him.

SURVIVE

Bray was on the roof with Zoe and several survivors, they had cleared most of the debris, “That should be enough,” Bray told them. Zoe threw some more rubbish over the side of the building, she could hear, the dead below frantically trying to get in. “Do you think the door we came in will hold?” she asked Bray. “It only needs to hold for another hour, and then we are gone,” Bray replied. “We should never have broken the door to get in,” she told him. Bray stopped what he was doing and spoke to her, “We didn’t have a choice, we were surrounded,” he told Zoe. She stood on the roof looking down remembering how they escaped from the Zombie army, they had found themselves trapped behind the MI6 building, only a fire exit was available, and Frank had given them an order to break it open. She remembered how Jack was against the idea, he feared it would put the others at risk, but still Frank and Bray broke it open, she agreed with Jack. “It will soon be over” Bray reassured her. Zoe did not reply, Bray spoke again, “Come on, we should go back to the others,” he told her. Bray and the others left the roof; it took Zoe a moment to join them.

Jack was running up the stairs, Frank followed closely, “JACK STOP,” he shouted to get Jack’s attention. Jack looked back at Frank, “We only have an hour, we need to get moving,” he replied. “Not till you tell me your plan,” Frank told him. Jack looked up, they only had a few floors until they reached the others, “OK, we don’t tell anyone what we just heard,” Jack told him. “Jack, no way is the helicopter going to let survivors on board without approval, and from what we learned tonight, no way will they give it,” Frank told him. Jack smiled, “I don’t plan on asking, just trust me,” he asked. Frank looked at this man in front of him, stained in blood, exhausted and hungry, but he was still going, so many times in the last 23 hours had Jack saved their lives. “I always trust you Jack,” Frank replied with a smile. “Then come on,” Jack told him. They both continued their journey to the top floor.

Elle was walking round the room, most of the kids were sleeping, and the survivors were resting, a door behind her opened, she looked at Jack and Frank as they entered the room. “You both OK?” she asked them. “I heard a gunshot,” she continued. “I’ll explain later,” Jack, told her as Jack approached the group of survivors. “OK, I need everyone to listen,” he told the group. Everyone sat up and paid attention to Jack.

“In the next 60 minutes a helicopter will arrive to start evacuating. Now we had no idea any of you were here, so there is limited room,” he told the group. Everyone started to panic. “Calm down, listen, the kids get on first and we have to escort them back and arrange for further rescue, so you will need to stay here for a little longer,” he told them. The group started to get louder with complaints, Ryan shouted out, “You’re going to leave us again, you should stay here to make sure they send a rescue,” Jack looked annoyed. “Ryan Shut up, please listen, we have lost too many of our team tonight, so the four of us need to go back to reassure command that we are not under duress,” Jack told everyone. Henry stood up, “We are safe here, at least for an extra few hours. If Jack says this is the plan, I for one believe him,” he spoke out. Jack smiled at Henry.

The group’s attitude changed. They were happier. “Jack, I need to talk to you,” Frank demanded. They walked across the room, out of earshot. “What are you doing, we both know that there is no rescue after we’ve gone,” Frank told him. Jack looked around the room, looking at the group, “I know, but we don’t have a choice, but we can save the kids, that’s the best can hope for now. If we tell them the truth, they will bombard the helicopter and no one makes it out,” Jack replied. “We are going to leave them to die, I can’t give that order,” Frank told him. “It’s on my shoulders Frank, I am giving the order,” he replied. Frank shocked and too scared to reply, “I can’t ask you to take that responsibility,” Jack put his hand on his friend’s shoulder, “You don’t have to, and Captain Jenkins told me to take command if I felt it necessary. So this one is on me,” he replied. Frank puts his arms around Jack, “Thank you,” he told him as they hugged. Jack hugged his friend with a look on his face, as if he was holding something back.

Bray approached Jack, “It’s almost time,” he told him. “Get the kids on the roof,” Jack told him. Jack began to walk towards the door that would take him to the roof when Elle stopped him, “What’s going on?” she asked. Jack did not have time for this, “We’re going home,” he simply told her. Elle was not convinced, “You’re hiding something” she replied. Jack took her hand, “Trust me,” he asked. Elle smiled, looking deep into his eyes, “Always,” she replied softly. Jack wanted so badly to kiss her, but he could not, he walked away and disappeared through the door.

Jack stood on the roof looking up, he checked his watch as Frank joined him, “Only a few minutes,” Frank told him. “We should get ready,” Jack replied. Frank pulled several flares from his vest, opening them up the sparked. Glowing bright red he scattered them on the roof, within a moment the light from the helicopter appeared. The noise got louder and the helicopter started to land. Jack walked over to the helicopter as the pilot disembarked to greet him. “Time to leave?” the pilot shouted. Before Jack could reply the pilot began to pull his sidearm, he had seen Bray emerge from a doorway with several kids in tow.

Before the pilot could raise his gun, Jack had his sidearm pointed at the pilot’s head. “Just hand the gun over,” he told the pilot. As the pilot handed the gun to Jack he spoke, “We can’t take them,” Jack simply looked at the pilot, “You don’t have a choice,” Jack coldly replied. Frank joined Jack, “Is this your plan?” he asked. Jack did not reply, he turned to Bray, “Get the kids on board,” he told Bray. The pilot began to move; Jack grabbed him and pointed the gun at his head. “I have had a shitty day, killed a lot of people so one more is not going to bother me too much,” he told the pilot. The pilot looked scared as Elle helped Bray get the kids on board the helicopter. “Frank stay with the pilot,” he told him.

Jack walked to the helicopter, he opened the door and pulled a pair of headphone out and placed them on. He adjusted the frequency to match H.M.S Albion’s, “Groves, this is poker buddy, come in,” he spoke down the microphone. The static remained for a few moments until finally a voice spoke out over the headphones, “Identify yourself” a familiar voice spoke over the radio. “Groves, I don’t have time, but I need to know it’s you. How much do I owe you in poker winnings?” Jack asked. A laugh came over the radio, “I owe you £50,” the voice said. “Finally some luck, Groves listen to me. The helicopter headed back to your ship needs to be protected, it has a valuable cargo and I need you to use only people you trust,” Jack told him. “Jack, what the hell is going on?” Groves asked. “I can’t tell you, but when the helicopter arrives, you will know everything. Can I trust you?” Jack asked. “We’re friends Jack, I hope to see you soon buddy,” Groves replied. Jack took a moment and replied, “Thank you Groves, see you soon buddy,” Jack told him while disconnecting the transmission.

Elle watched Jack, “We’re ready,” she told him with fear in her voice, she had suspected Jack was up to something and she had just now guessed what. Jack smiled and walked back round to Frank, “Time to go,” Jack, told him. Franks escorted the pilot back to the helicopter. Bray walked to Zoe, “Hang tight we will be back soon,” he told her. Zoe smiled, “You better,” she replied. As Bray was about to turn away, Zoe stopped him and hugged him, “I was wrong about you,” she whispered in his ear. Bray smiled back and walked back to the helicopter.

Frank and Bray got on board, Elle spoke to Jack, “Don’t do this, please,” she told him. Jack stroked her hair behind her ear; he moved in and kissed her softly. Tears started to roll down her cheeks. Frank watched, “What’s he doing?” he whispered. Elle turned away from Jack and started to board the chopper. Jack shouted out to the pilot, “GO!” The shock was clear on Frank and Bray’s face. “Wait,” Frank told the pilot. Frank got off the helicopter and approached Jack, “This was your plan?” he asked. “The only option to keep you all alive,” Jack replied. “Don’t “Frank told him. “I cannot leave I am staying. They were abandoned once, I’m not going to do it now,” Jack replied. “On board now, that’s an order,” Frank demanded. Jack looked emotional, “You have the makings of a great leader. However, this is my battle now. Tell Jenkins I am the only one who spoke to Grant. It will keep you alive, “Jack replied. Frank looked angry, “You are a fucking idiot,” he told him as he turned away. Jack smiled and looked down, Frank turned back sharply, and hugged Jack, “Goodbye my friend,” Frank whispered, he let go and walked back to the helicopter. “What’s going on?” Bray asked Frank. “Jack is staying to look for more survivors,” he simply replied, Bray looked confused, “We’re not coming back are we?” Bray asked. Frank looked at Bray and did not answer; Bray did not need an answer.

Bray jumped off the helicopter, “Get back here,” Frank, shouted. Jack walked to stop Bray, “You have to go now, “Jack told him. “Jack, my wife and daughter never made got out during the evacuation. From what I have seen today, there may be a chance, no matter how small that they could be alive,” Bray told him. “If you stay, you’re stuck here,” Jack told him. “You can’t do this alone,” Bray replied to him. Jack decided no more arguments, “OK, I’ll help you find your answers,” Jack told him. Before Bray could reply Elle joined them, “What are you doing?” Jack asked firmly. “Shut up, I’m staying,” she replied. Jack went to speak but was stopped by Elle, “The best place to be is with you,” she told him. Jack laughed, “OK.”. “YOU’ RE ALL IDIOTS,” Frank shouted at them as he got off the helicopter. “BUT YOU’RE MY IDIOTS,” he finished saying

. Frank walked past them and spoke to the survivors, “Change of plans, all women on board now,” he told them. The woman ran to the helicopter and climbed on board. Zoe walked over to the team, “You guys are staying?” she asked. They looked at each other, “Yeah, we like it here,” Elle smiled in reply. “You are all nuts, so guessing I will hang with you guys,” she replied happily. Frank overheard, “Welcome to the crazies,” he told her. He then walked to Henry, “You need to go,” he told him. Henry looked upset, “No, I have no one waiting for me,” he replied. Frank simply told him, “You see those kids, they need you, so please go,” Henry started to walk towards the helicopter. Ryan rushed past him, “TAKE ME, PLEASE, TAKE ME,” he shouted. As he tried to get on board, he started pulling Clare from the helicopter. Bray rushed over, “HEY,” he shouted. Ryan turned just in time to see another fist coming at him. Bray hit him in the face, and dragged him away.

Jack walked over to Clare, “You are the bravest young lady I have ever met,” he told her, as he helped her back on board. Clare hugged and kissed him on the cheek, “You are my hero,” she told him. He smiled, “Your mine,” he replied. “Joe, you’re the man,” Jack told him. “Bye Jack,” he replied. Henry stood next to Jack. “Here, “said while handing him his sidearm. “If the pilot gives you any trouble, you kill him first,” Jack told him. Henry looked in shock, Jack smiled. “When you get to the ship, ask for Commander Groves, and tell him I’m OK,” he told Henry. The two men shook hands and the helicopter left. Jack, Frank, Bray, Elle and Zoe stood watching. Frank turned to the survivors who remained. Three young men stood there and Ryan still sat on the floor, his nose bleeding, “What are your names?” Frank asked. The middleman stepped forward, “I’m Chris, this is David, and that’s Mark,” he replied. “OK, guys I’m sorry, but we are stuck here, so stick with us,” he told them. None of them moaned or grumbled apart for Ryan, “We’re all going to die,” Ryan groaned. No one listened.

“What now?” Elle asked. “I suggest we get away from this building and find a place to work from,” Jack told her. “Why can’t we stay here?” Zoe asked. “In case hey bomb it,” Frank simply replied. Zoe looked confused, “OH, OK,” she replied. “What’s the plan Jack?” Frank asked. “Simple, save as many as we can,” he replied while walking back towards the stairs.

They all walked down, with Ryan behind still moaning. They reached the bottom just as the fire exit door, they broke flew open. The zombies began to pile in, everyone raised their weapons, and Jack pulled out his machete. The zombies rushed at them, groaning and the smell of rotting flesh filled the room. “What now?” Elle asked. Jack stepped towards the zombies, “WE SURVIVE,” he replied, swinging his machete out slicing the Zombie’s head off.

COMING SOON

BOOK TWO

DEAD & ALIVE:

SACRiFICE