“Susan?”
“She's been surprisingly helpful and is adapting better than I thought she would.”
****
“Ok folks, first rule of collecting wild edibles is never eat a plant unless you know what it is without a shadow of a doubt. Which is why we're starting with some easy plants everybody should know.” Indie stood in front of a group of five women as Susan and Ryan handed out buckets. The women exchanged smiles. “So you all know what a dandelion looks like?” Heads bobbed up and down. “All right then I don't need to go over it. Did you know dandelion leaves are edible?”
Bending over, Indie plucked several leaves from a nearby plant. “Plants without flowers are less bitter than those with, the plants also lose the bitter taste after the first frost. What we're going to do is take our buckets and pick just the leaves from plants with no flowers. These are going to be used as a salad for dinner tonight, but they can also be boiled.”
As the women began picking leaves Susan approached Indie. “Are you serious?”
“Mmm hmm. Once we're done, Mom's going to show everyone how to prepare the food.” Indie knelt and plucked a few leaves tossing them into a bucket.
“But they're weeds.”
“Doesn't mean they're not full of vitamins and will fill your belly.”
Grudgingly Susan began tossing leaves in her bucket. After picking leaving for a while, Indie got to her feet and wiped her hands on her jeans. “Ok ladies, for our next plant, we need to head over to the lake.” As they moved off, Ryan fell into step with Indie.
“Why am I the only guy doing this?”
Indie shrugged. “It was voluntary and all the other guys decided to go hunting.”
“So the other men are hunting and I'm picking flowers.”
“Think of it this way, when they can't find food, you'll be able to have something in your stomach.” Indie stopped next to the edge of the lake. Turning, she addressed the group. “Does anyone have a problem getting wet?” There was a murmur then hesitant shaking of heads. “Good, because our next plant is cattail. Right now we're going to look for new shoots to dig up. We're not going to harvest very many, only enough for dinner tonight.”
Taking off her shoes and socks, Indie rolled up her pants. She braced herself and stepped into the freezing water. “Holy crap that's cold,” Indie gasped, and behind her there was a twitter of laughs. “Okay, new plan...” She rolled up her sleeves. “I'll pull some plants and no one else needs to get wet.”
“I like that plan,” one of the women called.
Grasping a cattail, Indie nodded. “I thought you would.”
She pulled a few plants free of the mud and water and tossed them on the bank. After she climbed out of the water, she dried off with the towel Susan offered. “So you take these, peel off the outer layer and eat the tender inner stalk.” Indie showed them how to pull back the outer layer, before dumping the rest in a bucket. “You can use almost all of the cattail. Leaves can be used to weave mats or baskets. The fluff makes good dry tinder to start fires.”
“So what's next, Teach?” Ryan asked.
“We'll be heading down the path to the ATV lot.” She caught Ryan's arm as the women turned toward the foot path. “I want you to go grab my twenty gauge and meet us there.”
“Why?”
“Bear, moose, zombies. We could see a deer.” She shrugged.
“Got it. Meet you there.”
Indie turned back to the women. “So, here's what we're looking for. Burdock. You all know what that looks like?” They nodded. “Second, we're looking for daisies. We want the burdock roots and leaves from the daisies.”
Ryan caught back up with the group as they started down the path. She glanced over and grinned at her pink gun slung over his shoulder.
“What? I thought it brought out my eyes?” He fluttered his eyelashes at her.
Indie chuckled, then turned her attention to her students. Walking behind the others, Indie glanced off the path. Her gaze fell on a bunch of mustard. Smiling, she tugged on Ryan's arm. “I'll be right back.”
Making her way through the undergrowth, she knelt to pick some of the leaves to show the women. Behind her there was a snort, then a growl. Dropping what she was doing, Indie turned to find a black bear standing a couple yards from her. Slowly she got to her feet, keeping her eyes on the animal. It was small, probably a hundred and ten pounds, most likely female. Who hopefully didn't have a cub up a tree nearby. Its jet black coat tapered to a tan color on the animal’s muzzle. A muzzle full of sharp, pointy teeth. Indie took a step back and it huffed, shaking itself.
Indiana's heart felt like it was going to beat out of her chest. She slowly raised her arms, waving them. “Listen girl, I don't want any trouble, so I'm just going to back up and get out of here.” She spoke calmly, resisting the urge to turn and run. The bear huffed and took a lumbering step forward. “Seriously, bear, I'm just going to get lost.” She kept moving slowly backward toward the path and hopefully safety. “I swear I don't have anything on me, there's some yummy stuff in the bucket if you’re hungry.” She was babbling, trying to keep her voice calm so it knew she wasn't a threat.
The bear did something like a snorting huff then charged. Her stomach dropped, and so did Indie. Landing on her knees, she curled herself into a ball, lacing her fingers over the back of her neck. As her life flashed before her eyes she heard the blast of a gun followed by a wet thunk. There was a second blast and the bear dropped.
Cracking an eye open, Indie stared at the beast. It still quivered, but was no longer moving. As the ringing in her ears cleared Indiana could hear someone shouting her name and crashing through the bushes. Ryan appeared in her range of sight and knelt next to her. Jerking up, she threw her arms around his neck, her hand brushing the still warm barrel of the twenty gauge slung on his shoulder.
Chapter 5
Indie paused in the kitchen, listening to her parents talk. They rarely ever argued, but she could hear the anger in her mom’s voice.
“Dan, we have to do something. The other moms are worried. Black bears don't attack unprovoked. If Indiana hadn't known what to do, or if she hadn’t told Ryan to get the gun…She could've been mauled or worse. Everyone’s scared, it's time to stop playing survivor man and go down to see what's going on.”
She peeked around the corner to see her dad nod. “You're right, Tera. Ted and I will go down to see what's going on. If it's clear then we'll come back and get everyone.”
“I want to go,” Indie stepped into the room.
“No. We have no idea what's going on down there, the radio has been dead for a while.”
“But we'll need supplies if things aren't any better. No offense but guys aren't all that great at getting everything we need.”
“She has a point, Dan. You suck at getting groceries. We have kids up here and women with certain needs.”
“Fine. I see I'm out numbered but you'll ride with Ryan. Stop at the grocery store to get supplies, then right back, unless we give the all clear. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
****
“Wow,” Ryan murmured as they entered Eagle Bay. Cars were smashed into trees, no one was on the road. They pulled into the Big M parking lot, next to Dan's truck. Indie rolled down her window as her dad did the same.
“You two stay here. We're going to drive down to Old Forge and see what we can see. This isn't looking good, so you two go in, stock up on whatever you can find, then turn back.”
Indie nodded, glancing toward the Hard Times Cafe. Several of the windows had been smashed and a car was tipped on its side in the parking lot.
Ryan leaned forward to look passed Indie. “What if we can't find what we need?”
The men exchanged a glance. “Go to our house and clean out the pantry, basement, and office. You have my credit card, money, the radio and guns, right?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. Keep us informed of where you are.”
&n
bsp; “Will do. Be careful.”
“You too.”
Ryan and Indie climbed out of the truck as their dads drove away. They approached the broken glass doors of the Big M with caution.
“This doesn't look promising,” Indiana muttered, carefully stepping through the shattered glass. Looking around, they saw no other people in the building. “I think we should stick together.”
Ryan nodded, “Those shelves look pretty picked over.”
Indie grabbed a cart. “Well, let’s get what we can.” Pushing the cart down the first aisle, she began grabbing boxes and bags.
After a few aisles, Ryan broke the silence. “You know, I was really impressed by how you handled yourself with the bear. I was scared witless at first, totally forgot I had the gun.”
Indie paused before dropping a box of potato flakes in the cart. “Really?”
He nodded.
“To be honest, so was I. You know how people say they see their lives flash before their eyes? I think I saw that when the bear charged.”
“Was it a good life?”
Stepping over to the shelves, she picked up some canned vegetables. “Actually, it was unfulfilled. I realized there is a lot I still want to do.”
“Like what?”
“Like...” Indie trailed off as she raised her finger to lips. From somewhere in the back of the store they heard a soft shuffling. She pulled the twenty-two pistol from the holster at her hip. Ryan raised his eyebrow but followed suit. Leaving the cart, they made their way toward the sound, peering around shelving units until they saw a man. He had the same vacant stare that Ms. Weltner and Mr. Benti had when she'd last seen them. The front of his tee-shirt was covered in blood, but Indie couldn't see any wounds. He moved with a slow shambling gait from the deli to an end shelf, then turned and went back.
She shook her head at Ryan. Dread pooled in her stomach. She didn't want to face another life threatening situation. He nodded and jerked his head back toward their cart. They quietly resumed their mission, loading the cart with anything and everything they could find. As they came out of the last aisle they froze in their tracks. A woman stood weaving back and forth between them and the doors. Her blank face contorted into one of stark rage when she saw them. In a shuffling run she came toward them, arms outstretched.
“Think we can get around her?”
“I'm not sure with the cart.”
A sound like a fire cracker rang out and the front window shattered. The woman lurched forward one more step, then fell face down. Ryan and Indie exchanged a shocked look and hightailed it to the front doors, slowing to cautiously exit the store. Holding his gun, Ryan walked out first with Indie pushing the cart behind, glancing over her shoulder expecting the man from the deli to come running. Beside Ryan's truck stood a man with a rifle.
“You two should be more careful.”
“You killed that woman!” Indie tried to keep a calm voice. She'd never seen a person killed before and was fighting to keep her stomach from revolting. Ryan wrapped an arm around her shoulders as she blinked away tears.
The stranger pushed his hat up and raised his eyebrow, then shook his head. “That woman was already dead, sweetheart. Haven't you seen the news?”
They shook their heads and Ryan replied, “No. Past few weeks we've been up in the woods.”
“The government.” He turned his head and spit. “They finally came clean. The people who were infected and died, actually died. There was no coma. That virus thing, it takes over.”
Indie leaned into Ryan. “What do you mean?”
The man scrubbed his hand over his face. “Think of a person like a computer. This virus comes in wipes the hard drive, then reboots with its own programing. The person is gone, and just the virus is left and its only function is to spread itself to other people.”
Indie shook her head. She wasn't sure which was more surreal, this gruff redneck looking guy talking computers or the whole virus taking over people. Pulling away from Ryan she began putting the supplies in the back of the truck.
“Listen, I know how crazy this sounds. But you listen to the radio or find yourselves a TV then you'll believe me. If any of those things come at you, shoot them. They ain't people anymore. Aim for the head, you need a kill shot to bring them down. Hurting them won't do any good, they don't feel pain.” He started to walk away, then turned back. “And for God's sake, don't let them bite or scratch you, that's how it spreads.”
Ryan climbed up into the bed of the truck and began moving the supplies around so they wouldn't blow out. “So what do you think?”
Indie shook her head. “I think we need to find a TV and I wish your radio worked.” She glanced over her shoulder toward the store. “And I think we need to get out of here before that thing at the back of the store makes its way out here.”
****
Indie had Ryan back into the garage so they could load everything without being attacked. As they entered the house she pushed the button to close the overhead door.
“I'm kind of amazed the power still works,” Ryan murmured as they entered the kitchen.
“For now, but it'll go down at some point without anyone to maintain it.” She continued into the living room and flicked on the TV, turning the volume way down. It seemed like the thing to do so they didn't draw unwanted attention.
The screen filled with a male reporter, a red scroll flying along the bottom. “Again, we must urge citizens to avoid all contact with contaminated people. The virus is spread via bodily fluid and, to an extent, scratches. The disease initially incapacitates victims, but later returns them to a mobile state. This allows them to infect others. If you are attacked, run or use whatever weapon you can to defend yourselves. Destroying the brain is the only way to kill an infected person. At this time, the Center for Disease Control has not identified the virus that is reanimating victims but has tracked it back to several meat processing centers around the country, determining that this was caused by a bio-terrorist attack. The organization responsible is still unknown at this time. The Center for Disease Control has set up camps in various areas for any survivors, a list is scrolling across the bottom of your screen. Stay away from large cities and anywhere people congregate in large numbers. All hospitals, schools, colleges, and government offices are closed. If you are in need of emergency services find a CDC camp in your area and go there.”
Indiana sank down on the couch as the reporter continued. “The continental United States are in quarantine. No travel in or out of the county.”
She tuned out the rest, calculating how long it would take to load up the supplies, drive back to the compound and hike in. Even if they got out of town without problems, driving on the curvy roads was dangerous even during the day. “We're going to have to stay here for the night.” She looked up at Ryan. “We can't make it back before dark.”
He looked out the window, then back at her. “You're right. So what do we do?”
Indie closed her eyes, leaning back on the couch. “I'll radio the compound and let them know. Load the truck before dark then wait it out.” Opening her eyes, she looked around. “It doesn't look like they tried to get in while we weren't here, so as long as we keep the lights off and noise down, I don't think we have to worry. Then as soon as it's light, we'll haul ass.”
“Sounds like a plan to me.”
****
Indiana came downstairs after taking a quick shower. She bypassed her comfy pajamas for clean cargo pants and a t-shirt. It wouldn't be comfortable to sleep in but if they needed to leave in a hurry at least she'd be wearing clothes. She carried several comforters and pillows. They'd decided to sleep on the living room floor, that way they had escape routes. Indie would never admit it but she felt safer with Ryan nearby.
Tossing the bedding on the floor, Indie went to the kitchen and grabbed two flashlights. Just in case. When she came back Ryan had the blankets spread out. She sat down and handed him one of the lights.
“Thanks
. Good idea, but we should only use them if we need to.”
“I figured in the bathroom, since there are no windows.”
He chuckled. “Good idea.”
Indie smiled, sitting her gun and flashlight next to her pillow, along with her boots. “I've been thinking.”
“Uh oh,” Ryan murmured. He grinned and sat down.
“Funny. But seriously, the news said this was a terrorist attack. So why hasn't any group come forward screaming ‘We did it’. I thought they were all about making a name for themselves and instilling, well, terror?”
Ryan shrugged. “Don't know. Maybe this was a test and they're going to do something else and don't want to tip their hand.”
Indie shook her head, flopping down on the blankets. “None of this makes any sense.” She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Why fill the country with creatures that can kill you?”
“Well, technically those creatures are taking over the country for them. If they can control them then they control the country. In this case, if someone had an antidote then they could just waltz in and put whatever price he or she wanted on it. Theoretically speaking, of course.”
Indie cracked an eyelid and peered at him. “Big word.”
He grinned. “I'm more than a dumb redneck, you know.”
“I never called you a dumb redneck.” She dropped her arm over her forehead. Hearing a shuffle as he got to his feet, she peeked out again. Ryan was standing in front of the mantel studying the pictures in the fading light.
“Are these you?”
“Yeah.”
“I didn't know you were in beauty pageants.”
Indie blew out a sigh. “Mom dragged me to a few small time pageants. County fairs, local flair things...Dad put a stop to it when another girl tried to break my leg during a rehearsal.”
“Seriously?”
“Mmm hmm. I think he'd been looking for a reason, but I was happy to not have to deal with it anymore. Those pageant girls can be catty.”
Ryan chuckled. “I believe it, girls in general can be catty.”
“Hey!” Indie jerked up, looking at him, then shrugged. “You're right.” She turned to look at the french doors. The blinds were closed but the setting sunlight still peeked between.