Dying to Live (8 page)

7.

‘We didn’t know how long we would be holing up in the guard station for, but the general consensus was that it couldn’t hurt to take some measures that would help others to find us. We wanted to offer people a chance to be informed at the very least. The first steps we took were towards getting the radio and broadcasting system that Bao had brought set up. Lucy’s engineering skills were put to use as she guided Frank through what needed doing. Together they got to work on that. Whilst they did that, Pete and I drove out to the road with some paint from a maintenance shed. We painted the road with directions that led back to us.

When we got back, Bao had recorded a broadcast and set it to a continual loop. Lucy informed us of the bad news, the old computer didn’t work.’

“It didn’t turn on when I tried it,” Frank explained, gesturing to the computer tower that was in pieces on the floor. “Once the radio was sorted Lucy said she’d look at it and, well...”

“It’s not my fault that it won’t work!” Lucy said indignantly. “I told you that computers weren’t my forte. I’m used to working on the massive generators over in the hangars. I’ve worked on the trucks and even the small aircrafts. I use computers every day, but I don’t fix them. That’s what the tech guys do. As near as I can tell, a power surge has blown the motherboard,” She finished, throwing her arms up in exasperation.

“It’s okay. I have my laptop bag in the car with the rest of my luggage,” Xin said. She smiled to herself at the way Lucy and Frank had known each other for a maximum of five hours, and already they interacted like an old married couple. It reminded her of happier times, when she had been a young girl watching her parents together. They had both been obviously in love, but constantly bickering. Still lost in her memories, she headed outside to retrieve her things. Since she and Pete were the only ones who had any belongings with them, she intended to mention to Lucy that should she need anything, she was free to take what she wanted.

Xin walked around the car. Having been in such a rush, they had flung their baggage onto the back seats rather than into the boot. She opened the door; two cases, two hold alls, her handbag and her laptop bag, were all somehow crammed into the limited space. She took the laptop bag and pulled the strap over her head, letting its weight rest against her hip.

She thought that she may as well take the rest inside too, just in case. Besides which, she could do with freshening up a little and Lucy probably would appreciate the chance to do the same.

It was a struggle to get the two cases out by herself, but once she had them stood beside the car, all he had to do was pull the handles out and sit the hold alls on top. Hurriedly, she grabbed her handbag, flung that over her shoulder too and slammed the car door.

The cases, although on wheels, were still very heavy. Thankfully, Bao came out to make sure she was alright and see what was taking her so long. He offered to take one of the cases and Xin handed Pete’s over willingly.

“I’m glad we have a moment alone to talk Bao...” Xin started. Her case was protesting against the gravelly ground that she was dragging it over. This distracted her train of thought momentarily as she stopped to give it a tug.

“Yes. I am too actually,” Bao said. The fact that Pete’s case, the one that Bao was pulling along, was moving willingly and with ease frustrated Xin a little.

“Oh?” Xin asked, raising her eyebrow.

“Yes. Of course, I wanted to make sure that you’re ok. I also wanted to find out what had happened once you arrived here in America.”

It was so obvious that this would be what Bao wanted to talk about that Xin rolled her eyes. There was such a noticeable tension between Bao and Pete that Xin had presumed he was going to bring it up himself. Regardless, she definitely intended to talk about it while she had a chance.

By the time they had each given the other a rundown of their experiences, they were outside the door to the cabin. Bao set Pete’s case upright and extended his hand to open the door. Xin reached out and stopped him.

“Before we go inside...” She sighed and wished she didn’t need to say this. She decided she would just get it out fast. “Pete has been a good friend to me when he really didn’t need to and...“

Bao cut her off before she could finish her sentence. “And I haven’t been particularly fair to him. Correct?”

Xin nodded, feeling somewhat like a child. Even though it was Bao who had been acting like one, she thought to herself.

“I know that,” he said, looking off into the distance. “I have behaved in a manner that is both immature and self-indulging. I’m a silly old man and I will admit that I felt put out at the thought that you no longer needed my help...”

“But I...” Xin was cut off again.

“I know, I know. You’re going to say that you do need me.” Bao smiled down at her. “But really, you don’t. You’re outstanding at your job and even if I hadn’t have come, you would have found a way to put this right.”

Xin was stunned. She had never heard Dr Bao-Zhi Yuan, her boss and mentor, the man that she had looked up to for all of her professional life, sound so defeated.

“I don’t know if you’re right,” Xin said seriously. “But irrespective of what you just said, I
want
you here and I’m
glad
that you came.”

“That means a lot to me, Xin. Despite my frostiness, I am grateful to Pete for being there and protecting you. I owe him a debt and an apology.”

Glad to have the situation resolved, Xin gave Bao a smile and pulled him close to her for a hug.

“You
are
a silly old man,” She laughed as she let him go. He laughed too and opened the door.

“We thought you’d been eaten!” Pete joked as the pair walked in. His easy smile was hard for Xin to understand given their circumstances, but she laughed along with everyone else. Even Bao managed a smile as he followed Xin towards where the group was sat.

“I believe these are yours?” Bao asked Pete politely, inclining his head towards the suitcase and hold all.

“Thanks,” Pete said, cocking his head and rising from the armchair he had been occupying.

“Not a problem,” Bao responded, stepping aside as Pete approached. The men made eye contact and seemed to exchange a look, then slowly Bao raised his hand and held it out to Pete. Pete couldn’t hide the look of confusion that flitted over his features, but it disappeared as quickly as it had arrived and he reached his hand out to meet Bao’s. The guys stood awkwardly in the handshake for a moment and then Pete said, “So... are we good now?”

“I think so,” The old man said, smiling in spite of himself. Then, in a hushed tone that the others wouldn’t hear, he pulled Pete closer and quickly added, “I hope that you will forgive me. I am grateful for all that you have done for Xin.”

Pete gave a nod and patted the man’s arm. Xin looked on fondly, before looking away and catching Lucy looking at her. She was glad of another woman’s company and the pair exchanged a look that said ‘what are they like?’

“Right,” Frank piped up. “Not to break up the bonding session at all, but I’m thinking that we could all use something to eat and some time to at least freshen up a bit. Maybe even sleep? At least before we do anything else?”

As soon as the words ‘eat’ and ‘sleep’ were mentioned, Xin felt as though it had been days since she last ate or properly rested. The problem was, as they had discovered earlier, the small kitchen area was not stocked with anything beyond coffee, juice and biscuits.

“Well, Lucy mentioned a food hall earlier. Right?” Pete asked, turning his look to her.

“I did. But did you miss the part where I also mentioned that it’s not safe?”

“And where exactly is safe nowadays? We can’t just sit around and starve because we want to avoid trouble. Besides, even if the world hadn’t quite gone to shit yet, there aren’t any shops for miles.” Pete shrugged apologetically.

Nobody looked particularly happy. Lucy looked like if anyone suggested leaving the marginally safe confines of the cabin, it would make her cry. Frank and Bao had an uncannily similar look of grim acceptance. Xin felt that their expressions just about summed up how she felt, and looking over at Pete she noted that he was the only one who seemed almost totally unfazed.

“Okay. So, how many of us are going to go?” Frank asked reluctantly.

“I’m sorry, guys. I know you’ve done a lot for me, but... I just... can’t.” Lucy was on the verge of tears. “I’m not ready for that.” She hung her head, ashamed at her cowardice. Frank placed a hand on her arm and gave it a squeeze.

“It’s alright, nobody blames you. It was a tough day for you,” Pete sympathised.

Xin didn’t blame her. They’d all had a tough day but in fairness to the poor girl, she was the only one who’d had to physically fight for her life in these very buildings, and then had to wander the sweltering road in the middle of nowhere.

“I’m in, though,” Pete said.

“Me too,” Xin said quietly.

“Yes, me also,” Bao added.

“Alright. Me too. We should manage okay with the four of us...“ Frank didn’t get to finish his sentence.

“Please, don’t make me stay here alone,” Lucy begged, looking at Frank with her wide green eyes. Her lashes were stuck together with the moisture of tears that threatened to leak down her face. This was another reason why Frank hated when girls cried. He couldn’t find it in him to refuse her and looked around at the others for an answer.

“Someone should stay with her,” Bao said neutrally.

“Yeah, don’t worry about it mate. We’ll be fine. You keep an eye on her and watch for anyone coming looking for us.” Pete gestured the length of glass windows. He doubted that anyone would be here so soon after setting up the radio, but it made Frank feel better about staying.

Fifteen minutes later, Xin had emptied her hold all onto one of the bottom bunks. A heap of toiletries and clothing lay scattered across the bed. Realising that her intention was to use it to carry as much food as possible, Pete did the same and Frank found a few empty grocery bags in a cupboard for Bao to take.

“Alright then. Is it going to be easy enough for us to find?” Xin asked Lucy.

“Oh, yes. There are plenty of signposts. Once you get to the first bulk of buildings, just look for the biggest one.”

Xin had a quick look at the map just to be sure that she had some idea of where to go. They were going to have to drive down the long track to the actual base. In the interest of secrecy, it was a long way from the bordering fence that their cabin sat alongside.

Along with the hand guns they had each taken earlier, Bao and Xin were taking along a shotgun each. Pete had reassured them he would be fine with the machete that he had picked out.

As ready as they’d ever be, they had piled into the car. They left Frank and Lucy with instructions to keep an eye on the gate and watch the news channels on TV. That way, when they got back they’d have some idea of how widespread the infection had become.

They drove along the track without seeing anything, until they got to the place where Lucy’s abandoned car was. Xin saw the blood smeared over its crumpled bonnet. She saw the blood splatters on the road, but she didn’t expect to see a body. Lucy had hit a zombie on the way up the track, but from their experience it would take more than that to put one down permanently.

“Pete, stop,” Xin said suddenly and without thinking. They had slowed down anyway upon approaching the scene, but Pete looked at her puzzled.

“Why?” He questioned.

“I just want to check something,” She answered impatiently.

“Okay,” Pete said slowing to a smooth halt. “But wait a second first,” he added as Xin was reaching for the door handle.

“What?” She asked frustrated at the delay.

“Just slow down a minute, alright? There’s no rush. At least, not at this exact moment. Since we’re doing this as a team, I think it’s fair to ask you what’s going on in your head,” Pete reasoned.

Xin could see his point. She still felt like she had to figure this out alone, but the help was right there for her.

“I’m sorry. It’s just that earlier on, when Lucy was telling us what happened, she said she hit someone who was infected.” Xin took a pause.

“Yet, there is a body...” Bao reflected. “I see where you’re going with this.”

“They’re not so easy to kill... Generally it’s all about the head shot isn’t it?” Pete said, catching onto Xin’s point.

“I just want to see if we’re wrong. If that is one of the infected and the crash killed it, then maybe there’s another way to kill them?” She finished unconvincingly.

“Okay, but we’ve gotta be careful, in case it’s not even dead or there are more hanging around. Remember the films? They never check and the monster always leaps up and gets them,” Pete nodded to himself. He was not going to be one of those people.

“Reassuring, thank you,” Bao said sarcastically.

Xin opened her door, followed by Pete and Bao. They all shot quick, nervous looks around, checking every direction, but the area was pretty bare. They could see around them and they were, at least for now, alone. Bao held his shotgun at the ready and Pete had his hand hovering over his blade’s handle, prepared to jump into action at a moment’s notice. They hung behind and watched Xin’s back.