Rock and a Hard Place 12- The Wall Fourteen-

The Wall Fourteen

            “This isn’t right, Rick! You can’t do this! This is not you, man.” Glenn yelled, his voice echoing in the underground facility.

            “Don’t you see, Glenn? This research will help us all. To be able to save those who have already been turned? How can we not act on that? The vaccine didn’t work, all it did was accelerate the change. But this…this is different.” Rick pointed his gun at Glenn, preventing him from reaching her. Maggie lay strapped to an exam table, her baby crying in the adjacent crib.

            “I won’t let you do this. You can’t have my daughter!” Glenn screamed as he rushed towards Rick. The two wrestled for the gun and fell to the floor.

            “Glenn, don’t make me kill you!” Rick roared as he kneed Glenn in the ribs.

            “Please stop! Please…my baby! My baby!” Maggie cried helpless to stop them from killing each other. She couldn’t understand how their group got to this point. They were so close until founding this city. A disagreement in how to run it caused this fracture that Maggie feared would never heal. Now, after weeks of being experimented on Maggie could feel the change start. Her body was dying but all she cared about was her family.

            Her eyes began to blur and it became difficult to breath. The sounds of her baby’s cries and her husband’s struggle pierced her failing brain. “Glenn, save them. Please…save them.”

            Rick was knocked unconscious no longer able to keep up with the younger man. Glenn pointed the gun at his head. How could he do this to them? They were a family, how could he? Maggie’s voice stopped him. She was turning and he would have to end her. The facility around them was on fire, the Dead Heads accomplished their mission of stopping the experiments but for how long.

            Even if Rick died someone like Betty “the Bitch” Patterson will just take his place. Rick can still be reasoned with, Glenn thought he wasn’t too far gone. He dragged Rick’s unconscious body outside the room, leaving him in the hall for his people to find. Glenn could hear their boots on the staircase. He turned back to the inferno and his dead wife. Maggie clawed at him as he walked closer; the love of his life looking at him with dead eyes. In the crib, their baby girl Beth cried for her mother.  

            “Glenn!” Carl yelled as he ran from the hole made in the floor that lead to the sewer system. “We need to go! Now!” Carl grabbed Beth and wrapped her in a blanket. The smoke began to choke him.

            “You go, keep her safe…please. They’ll be looking for her.” The fire raged behind him.

            “No, no. Don’t do this. She’ll need you, come with me.” Carl pleaded.

            “No, she’ll have you to protect her. Go Carl. I want to be with my wife.” Glenn’s eyes never left her face as he spoke and Carl knew he couldn’t convince him. He started back for the opening in the floor. He had to get Beth out of here before they realized she was still alive.

            Glenn smoothed back Maggie’s hair. He lowered his face to meet hers, she tried to bite him. “Maggie, I love you so much. Our daughters will be safe, we’ll watch over them together. I love you.” He kissed her cold forehead and squeezed the trigger, blowing her brains out the side of her head. Glen cried as he lifted the gun to his temple. The fire lapped at his heels but he couldn’t feel it; he was numb. Her face was the last thing he saw, he squeezed her hand and felt the ring there as he pulled the trigger and everything went black.

            Carl woke up on the sofa in the safe house. The dream lingering in his mind as he rose to meet the day. It took their group two exhausting days to cross the lower quadrants of New Charleston to get here in one piece. Much of the food and water stock piles were gone, ransacked by looters. The weapons cache didn’t fare much better; only a few guns and ammo were left, stored in secret compartments in the bathroom.

            Carl watched Marla as she slept on the loveseat unsure if he should tell her what really happened to her parents or her sister; a sister she has never known of for both their safety. Marla didn’t even know her mom was pregnant again. Beth is about two years old now and living in secret outside the Walls of New Charleston.

            “Carl, when should we get underway?” Daryl asked him wide awake since taking the early morning watch. Carl checked his watch, it’s just about 4AM; the sun had yet to peek over the horizon.

            “Give them another 30 minutes, then we set off.” The group was fatigued and it wouldn’t do any good to start the long trek to the inner wall exhausted. Hank and his daughter both lay on the floor on a mattress. Trinity sprawled across an armchair. Daryl nodded and went back to his post. Carl fought off sleeping again and instead went upstairs to an empty room with a wooded desk and chair. He pulled out his journal; well-worn leather and many creases with yellowing pages and a leather strap to close it. He smiled as if getting a visit from an old friend.

            He started journaling when their original group was still on the road as a way to get his thoughts out and reflect on what this new life is about. Now in his late thirties he found that journaling is also a great way to document Dead Head strategies and maneuvers. Carl wrote about what happened at the outer wall, Trinity’s confession, and the status of Safe House 11.

            Before returning the journal to its place in his inner pocket, Carl flipped to an earlier entry involving Maggie and Glen’s deaths then Marla walked in. Carl quickly closed the journal.

            “Couldn’t sleep?” Marla asked. She pulled her hoodie tighter against the chill of the early morning air.

            “I’m normally up at this time. You?” Carl asked.

            “Nightmare. I just…can’t believe this is really happening. I thought that life of running and hiding was finally over.” Marla sat on the twin cot against the far wall.

            “That life would never be over, Marla, not as long as there are walkers. You can’t let your guard down, ever. That’s what people in New Charleston are guilty of. Forgetting the world they live in.”

            “Or just wanting to relive the world they lost. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a normal life Carl. Growing up and only having to worry about grades and boys and clothes.” Marla fantasied.

            “But you didn’t live that life. You have no memories of that kind of life.” Carl scolded her and immediately regretted it when he saw that fanciful look fade from her eyes. Marla wanted that life, one she would never have. It just doesn’t exist anymore.

            “Why do you think I read so much? I’m not stupid Carl, I know that world is gone but do you always have to remind people how messed up this world really is?” Her voice cracked with emotion.

            “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” Now was the perfect time to tell Marla the truth and in knowing what he knows perhaps she’ll understand. “Marla, I need to tell you about something. A secret that I’ve been keeping for a while now, even from you only for your safety.”

            Marla leaned in, Carl has always been an introverted leader. Cool under pressure, decisive but aloof almost to the point of being perceived as emotionless. He doesn’t impart secrets to just anyone, only those in his inner circle.

            “It’s about Beth.”

            “My aunt? What secret do you have about her?” Marla was confused.

            “No not your aunt. Your sister. Two years ago, your mom gave birth to a baby girl they named Beth, shortly after that your parents died. I took Beth outside the wall to live and be safe. She’s the key.” Carl was vague but could see Marla was trying to let everything sink in.

            “Where is she? Who has her?” Marla stood up.

            “She’s with Michonne.”

To continue….

Rock and a Hard Place 12- The Wall Thirteen

The Wall Thirteen

            Council Head Grimes paced back and forth in his office. Reports have been coming in from the outer districts of a possible breach and walkers inside the city. Rick already ordered the NCD out to take care of the problem but hasn’t heard anything back.

            “Hudson, any word?” Rick as desperately.

            “No, sir. I’m sure the situation is not as serious as the reports are making it out to be. The people are just scared. They haven’t had to deal with walkers for decades because of your heroism in establishing this city.” Troy heaped on the compliments.

            “Hudson, I’d prefer that you get your head out my ass and find out where my daughter is. One walker inside the wall is serious. The people are looking to us for help.” Rick stared out his massive window at the peaceful garden beyond; with the sun shining and pedestrians walking calmly in the streets, you would never think there was a crisis.

            “Of course they are. The NCD are doing all they can to contain the situation. The Dead Heads are pretty bold to try this. Perhaps we should expand our efforts to find their leader and take the head of the snake, so to speak.” Troy suggested hiding a smirk.

            “We’ll worry about that after we clear any remaining walkers. And find my daughter goddamn it!” Rick was losing his patience; his blue eyes lit with anger.

            “Of course, sir.” Troy backed out and left the office closing the doors behind him. He learned long ago when Grimes reached his breaking point, better not push him any further. Troy heard stories of what he was like before the city was established and it was enough to make his skin crawl. He spotted Councilman Betty Patterson standing in an alcove of the main hall.

            “Betty, how are you?” Troy plastered a practiced smile on his face.

            “Troy, walk with me.” Betty spoke in the soft tones that make men weak. Her long chocolate brown hair smelled of lavender when she pass by him, Troy inhaled deeply. “I heard there are walkers in Columbus Square, is that accurate?” She asked with feigned concern.

            “Reports are conflicting but,” Troy was interrupted.

            “Cut the shit Troy, you’ve been a bad boy haven’t you?” A knowing smile spread across her red lips.

            “If all goes well we can clear out the poor from the outer ring and topple the Grimes dynasty all the while blaming the Dead Heads for the suffering and the untimely death of our benevolent leader.” Troy spoke in low tones.

            “Does he know you’ve closed the gates to both walls?” Betty asked.

            “He knows nothing. He’s so absorbed in his own problems that he doesn’t see much else.” Troy assured.

            “What about the project? Has Subject J accomplished the mission?” Betty glanced around making sure no one was close enough to hear. Because they were in plain sight, the casual onlooker would think that two council members were simply conducting small talk.

            “J has come into contact with the Dead Heads but lost the target after a fight.” Troy informed.

            “A fight?” Betty turned to face him, cool gray eyes meeting deep black. “Idiot! We need her alive, you moron!” Betty raised her voice unintentionally, her words echoed in the wide hall.

            “I understand. I will informed Major James to send more NCD to,” Troy was interrupted again.

            “No! You’ll see to this yourself, Troy. This project is very important to me and I’ll not see it destroyed by the Dead Heads or your incompetence.” Her rose lips twisted into a snarl as she forced her words past clenched teeth.

            “Me? I can’t go out there! I’ve lived in Charleston my whole life even before the Wall. I haven’t gone outside the inner gates in years…” Troy pleaded.

            “Shit man grow some balls. Listen Troy, if you’re going to play in my sandbox, you’d best be prepared to get dirty. Now you’re going, I’ll notify Major James to expect you in an hour. You find that girl and bring her back to me now or I’ll make you sorry you were ever born.” Betty’s sing song voice was dripping with venom.

            Across the city a small group slowly make their way into the maze that is the outer Wall. Hank took up point holding his borrowed pistol firmly in front of him.

            “Take this next left.” Carl spoke softly directed behind Hank. The group moved swiftly keeping noise down to a minimum. Hank came to a stop just outside a closed door marked ‘Armory’.

            “There is usually four guards on duty, two forward by the door, one in the weapon’s cage and one positioned on the second level landing. Our goal is to take the two front guards and the one on the landing, if we don’t get him he can take us out from above. Last is the guard in the weapons’ cage but we’ll burn that bridge when we come to it. Ready?” Carl laid out the plan quickly and everyone knew their role.

            Jen and Trinity will hang back with Marla until the all clear was given. Daryl stepped up to the door, arrow already loaded.

            “I’ll take the bird’s nest.” The three men nodded acknowledgement and Carl reached for the door. He knew once he opened it a firestorm will erupt. Taking steadying breaths Carl twisted the knob and threw the door open with a loud thud, staying low to the ground he raised his weapon to cover Daryl as he ran further into the interior.

            No bullets met them, no alarms sounded, no men yelled for back up. Hank, Carl, Daryl and Jason stood in an empty armory with four dead guards; all shot in the head execution style. Their hands and feet bound behind them, their eyes blindfolded.

            Along the far wall was a message written in black paint. Scrawled on the wall was, ‘There is no life behind the Wall, Dead Heads.’ The weapon’s cage was bare, the wall racks looted; some clips and bullets littered the floor as if someone emptied the cache in a hurry.

            “What the hell?” Daryl exclaimed as he read the message. “They did this. They did this to make it look like it was us!” He kicked an empty clip against the wall in anger.

            “Gone, everything…taken.” Jason spoke solemnly.

            “My God, I can’t believe they would do this. That they would go so far…killing their own guards?” Marla spoke in disbelief. Even when Carl explained to her that the New Charleston government was responsible for the walker bomb days ago and that they have been leading a campaign of scare tactics to blame the Dead Heads she still couldn’t believe him.

            “So you all didn’t do this. The government did? But why, what’s their purpose of scaring people like this?” Hank asked as he walked around looking for any weapon they might have missed.

            “Because people who are scared are easy to control. They just want to be safe, you tell them what you need to do to keep them safe and the people will fall in line.” Carl explained unsure how his father could do this. He’s seen his father do terrible things to keep him and Judith safe but this wasn’t making sense. There is another reason for this but Carl didn’t want to say until he knew for certain. He had to get to the inner wall, he had to see for himself.

            “We did this.” A small voice spoke from the doorway. Hank’s daughter Jen was there but she too looked to her left and the speaker.

            “We did this. Me and Jiff and Kay and Connor. We were hired to do this, it’s why I didn’t say anything earlier.” Trinity walked out of the shadows and into the glare of all in the room. Carl reached her in few steps grabbing her shirt at the collar.

            “Who? Who told you to do this? Who was it!?” He yelled, his spittle hitting her face.

            “I don’t know his name, I swear. We got our orders from a Major something. He got his orders from a councilman I think. Honestly that’s all I know. Kay did most of the negotiating.” Trinity gripped his wrist trying to wriggle her way loose.

            “Carl!” Marla roared at him to let her go. Carl put Trinity back on her feet.

            “And what did you get out of it? What was the deal, girl?” Daryl spoke as he circled her, pacing back and forth. When Trinity didn’t answer Daryl stepped in front of her, loaded and arrow, and place the tip to her forehead in one fluid movement. “You better say something.” He warned.

            “Daryl, wait.” Marla tried to deescalate the situation. “Maybe she really doesn’t know, okay. Killing her solves nothing.”

            “Daryl, stand down.” Carl said calmly. Daryl didn’t hesitate, at Carl’s command he lowered the bow and returned the arrow to the quiver on his back. “We need to keep moving. We’re going to one of our safe houses, there’s food and water and some weapons. But there’s a whole army of walkers between us and it.”

            “Then what?” Hank asked.

            “Then we go to the inner Wall. There’s someone I need to visit.” Carl’s tone is steady and methodic.

To continue…

Rock and a Hard Place 12- The Wall Twelve

The Wall Twelve

            “Jason, you missed one.” Marla pointed at the walker on the ground at Jason’s feet. It stumbled towards him in vain trying to walk to what remained of its limbs as the walker was missing its legs at the knee.

            “Oh, a Dragger.” Jason spoke as he stabbed it in the head with a hunting knife; a crudely drawn skull and crossbones emblazoned its side.

            “A what?” Marla asked confused furrowing her brow.

            “A Dragger, ya know, a walker with no legs.” Jason spoke as if this was common knowledge.

            “A walker with no…you actually have a name for that?” Marla asked surprised but slightly amused, the beginnings of a smile tugging at her face.

            “Well I can’t really call ‘em ‘walkers’ now can I?” Jason smiled. Sometimes he could be a bit arrogant but he was young and headstrong. For those people unlucky enough to be born after Year One, this world of walkers and Draggers was all they knew. So of course theirs would be a somewhat warped sense of humor.

            Marla looked up at Carl leading the group north to the outer wall, his walk is confident. He wasn’t born after Year One but was young enough to be considered raised in the change. He was one of the lucky few who still had a mother and father at a time when whole families were being wiped out. The relationship between he and his father was complicated, a rollercoaster of amazing highs and awful lows. But the one beacon of light for both of them was Judith. Marla’s thought drift to Judith and she wonders what happened to her childhood friend.

            Miles away in a dark junk filled basement Judith sit with her back against a wall listening to the sound of walkers shuffling their dead feet across a concrete floor. Her eyes adjust as much as they can to what little light penetrated the blackness and her head was clearing. Judith allowed herself short shallow breathes just enough to breathe but not enough to draw unwanted attention. She couldn’t stay here, she couldn’t die here.

            She slowly slid up against the wall into a standing position, if she had a knife she could take out the walkers one at a time then make her way to the flight of stairs and door. Just then, a shaft of orange light beamed down the stairs and screaming could be heard at the door. A woman’s body flew end over end just like Judith had landing on the floor with a thud. Judith used the opportunity of light to glance around the room, attempting to commit to memory the layout while she inched towards the stairs.

            The walkers converged on the whimpering mass on the floor. They were getting close but Judith got there first grabbing her up and pressing her against the wall. The girl was older than Judith with matted brown hair and deep black eyes. She put a finger to her lips, the international sign of keep your damn mouth shut. The woman obeyed.

            Behind them, they watched as the walkers investigated the now empty space where the woman had been as the shaft of light slowly disappeared. She was taking her time closing the door, was the crazy woman upstairs upset she didn’t hear any screams of pain and torment? Was this her form of entertainment?

            “Keep quiet. If we stay calm we can find a way out of here.” Judith whispered directly in the woman’s ear.

            “I’m not going anywhere, hon.” She answered back. Judith looked at the pained expression on her face and followed her eyes down to the woman’s leg. As the last of the precious light faded, Judith saw a large bone protruding from the woman’s calf just above the ankle. When you’re on the run, a broken leg is a death sentence and the woman’s black eyes echoed that thought. The light went out.

           

            Hank didn’t know how to start this conversation with his daughter and felt this was surely not the time but when we’re they going to have another time?

            “Jen, why did you leave the house?” Hank began tentatively.

            “Now?” She simply asked looking around at the group. In a time where living people are in short supply one made quick friends or quick enemies. Hank looked at the girl Jen had been traveling with he recalled her name was Trinity.

            “Yes now. Why don’t you listen to me anymore? I’m just trying to protect you.” Hanks spoke in low tones as the pair fell back further to have more privacy.

            “How? By bringing me into a city full of walkers and locked gates?” Jen immediately regretted the words as they left her lips.

            “That’s not fair.” Hank whispered. He already blamed himself for putting her in more danger than when they living on the road but to actually hear his daughter say that hurt him deeply.

            “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that….it’s just…” Jen stated but was interrupted by Carl raising his clenched fist in the air. The group stopped and converged on his position. It seemed like the outer wall had been looming over them for hours that Hank didn’t even noticed they had arrived.

            “There’s an access door just beyond that little house with the red roof.” Carl pointed. “There’s usually a guard stationed inside.”

            “Isn’t there another way in?” Hank asked not wanting to walk blindly into a fight. He glanced at the wall that seemed to rise into the clouds.

            “It’s either this or wander up and down the wall looking for another.” Daryl added. “We don’t have time for ‘another way.’”

            “How are we gonna do this? We’re black on water and ammo.” Hank informed. Even though Carl didn’t serve in the military before the change he knew what Hank meant.

            “We only have what’s already loaded but once we get inside we’ll have all the resources we need.” Carl responded.

            “Yeah,” Daryl said as he loaded a fresh arrow. “I just hope this doesn’t turn out to be a real Charlie Foxtrot.” He looked at Hank.

            Hank never pinned Daryl to have been in the military before. “Yeah, because no one likes a cluster fuck.” Hank smiled having found more confidence in going against this well armed enemy.

            Judith played out scenarios in her mind over and over again. None of them ended well. She and Mandy were still pressed against the wall trying to avoid contact with the roaming walkers. After Judith’s quick survey she determined the only way out was the way they came. Up a flight of stairs to a locked door and a crazy knife wielding maniac spouting government conspiracies.

            “Here.” Mandy whispered as he felt for Judith’s hand in the dark. Judith felt a heavy object in her palm, the warm leather of the hilt and cool metal of the blade proved to be knife.

            “There are 10 paces from here to the stairs. If you run you can make it.” Mandy whispered again. Judith didn’t know how she planned to run with that leg so she positioned herself to put Mandy on her back until she stopped her.

            “No, not me. You can make it. I’m giving you a chance.” She whispered hotly in Judith’s ear and the meaning of her words began to sink in.

            “No.” Judith pleaded.

            “Go,” Many urged her on. When Judith made no moves, Mandy forced her hand.

            “RUN!!!” Mandy screamed and held the word in a visceral yell. Judith obeyed knowing she could do nothing as the walkers closed in on Mandy. Judith counted the ten steps to the left, her right hand gripped the knife, her left hand jutted out in front of her replacing her eyes in the dark. On the tenth count Judith’s hand smacked into the banister and she began her climb. She could hear Mandy being ripped limb from limb but she didn’t stop yelling insuring Judith the time she needed to get away.

            This was a one-time deal, if Judith wasn’t able to burst through that door she’ll end up trapped on the staircase with walkers looking for their next meal. She sprinted up those stairs and with all her force and newfound anger for Mandy’s death she lowered her head and shouldered the door that bowed and broke under her.

            Wood splintered inward as the door gave out and the crazy woman was waiting in the kitchen after hearing the screams. Judith didn’t give her time to process what was happening as she used her momentum to dive for the woman knife first. Judith watched as the gleam from the blade disappeared as it buried itself into the woman’s chest.

            She let out a gurgling gasp and blood spewed out of her mouth an onto Judith’s face who was close enough to whisper to her, “For Mandy.” Judith yanked out the blade as the woman’s body fell to the floor. She wasn’t going to leave it in her.

            The woman continued to gasp for air as Judith knelt beside her and stabbed her in the head. She will be one less walker behind the walls of New Charleston. Judith wiped the blade on her sleeve as the sound of walkers coming up the stairs was her signal to leave. She closed the front door behind her and used the blood on her face to write, “Dead Inside,” as a warning. She made a mental not to return to this place and end Mandy’s suffering. Judith continued on her journey to find her brother.

To Continue….

Rock and a Hard Place 12 - The Wall Eleven

The Wall Eleven

            “Okay, I’m just gonna say it…what the hell was that?” Jason, a young kid with scraggly hair and adolescent beard spoke as the group tried to catch its collective breath having a moment’s pause.

            “I’ve seen that thing before,” Hank said walking Jen to a guardrail to sit. “Back at the orphanage when we jumped to the next building, that thing was in the hallway. I thought I could take it out like any other walker but….,” he looked at Marla, “it was different. It can….think.” The words left Hank’s lips and even he had a hard time believing it.

            “Can think? That’s impossible, the virus kills the brain and only reanimates the base functions like eating and moving but not any of the higher functions.” Carl informed the group drawing the conclusions he remember from his time at the CDC when he was a child. Dr. Jenner showed them exactly what this virus does before he tried to kill them.

            “I didn’t believe it myself but I fought this thing. I saw how it moved and fought back. And now...it’s changed. You all saw what I saw. Not only did it change but it kill those men because it wanted to not just to eat them.” Hank put a comforting arm around his daughter. He felt her subtle shake beneath his palm. They’ve faced tough obstacles before but the only real danger was letting your guard down around walkers and other survivors wanting what little you had.

            This new threat now was a combination of the two. Intelligent walkers that kill for fun instead of food. They didn’t want your supplies either, just you dead. The thought of it was more than some can handle and Jason immediately threw up the miniscule contents of his stomach.

            The group was silent, all seeming to try and contemplate the events of this morning. All that could be heard was labored breathing and groans of dismay. “We need a plan of attack then. The city hasn’t fallen completely, there is still hope.” Daryl spoke.

            “He’s right. For right now we only know of one of those things and with enough fire and man power, I believe we can kill it.” Carl stood up, his leather gun belt groaning with the movement. Hank noticed he carried rather large Colt Python, the silver gun gleamed in the sunlight and made Hank conclude this weapon must have sentimental value because for practical use against walkers there are other weapons that would be more effective.

            “What should we do? There are only eight of us and I’m running a bit low on my ammo.” Christy said despondently as she rose from her seat. “Frank and Terry are dead, the rest of the Dead Heads are scattered and with that signal jam we can’t radio them.”

            “Signal jam?” Hank asked.

            “Yeah, we use to be able to keep in touch with short wave radio, on a different frequency than the NCD, but since all hell broke loose, the signal has been jammed. We can’t send or receive any transmissions which leaves me wondering ‘who’ wants to jam all the signals.” Carl informed.

            “So, our signal is being jammed so we can’t radio for back up, our forces are spread to the wind trying to contain this outbreak of walkers that no one can explain how they even ended up within the city limits, the gates of the outer and inner walls have been sealed and the thousands of citizens are turning into walkers all around us. Oh, and let’s not forget our friend the super walker. I don’t mind saying it but shits really hit the fan today.” Jason so eloquently reiterated. 

            “It has but we can fight back. The first thing we need to do is replenish our weapons.” Carl turned to face north and the looming outer wall in the distance.

            “The armory.” Daryl echoed Carl’s thoughts and stood beside him.

            “Yes,” Carl rotated to face Hank, he assumed he was about his father’s age and the thought of needing his father’s guidance hit him instantly. Carl quickly stomped out that idea being that he and his father haven’t been on speaking terms for several years or more. Not since the day their small core group splintered.

            “Where you came in Hank, there is an armory on the outer wall. Its where the confiscated weapons and contraband from new arrivals are stored until they can be transferred to the inner wall armory which has a more sizable collection and security. Even though the outer wall armory is smaller it’s also less guarded. We should be able to take it with just this group until we can find others.” Carl laid out a convincing plan but Hank was unsure.

            “What’s the catch? There is always a catch.” Hank asked.

            “Always suspicious, you would have made an excellent addition to the NCD.” Carl smiled at him.

            “How did you know…of course you would know that being the leader of the Dead Heads. I’m sure you keep tabs on everything here.”

            “The catch, Hank, is we have to walk to the outer wall. Without the trains and buses being operable and without cars being allowed in the outer distrcit the walk will be long and dangerous. Not only that but I’ve heard reports that the outer wall was the…epicenter of this disaster. Walkers were coming from that direction all the while citizens were trying to escape the city there as well. More than likely, we’ll meet a lot of resistance.”

            Hank looked down at his daughter, his one reason for coming to a ‘safe’ city to begin with. He got her into this and now would be taking her into the middle of this invasion of walkers. Jen looked at him and seemed to read his mind.

            “We have to do it, dad. We can help these people. They can help us.” Jen pleaded with him.

            “Then let’s do it before I change my mind.” Hank smiled.

            “Carl what about Judith?” Marla asked and Carl’s expression changed.

            “I don’t know where she is. Judith is smart, she’ll make for one of our safe houses and she can handle herself. Doesn’t mean I’m not scared to death not knowing what happened to her. Once we get the supplies we need, we’ll search for her.” Carl hoped.

            Judith ran to the three story building near Hampton Park and desperately shut the door before the herd of walkers reached the area. Judith had been dodging walkers all night but hasn’t been able to reach the DH headquarters. Wave after wave of walkers came as if someone opened the outer wall flood gates and invited every Zeek in the area in. She hasn’t been able to send any message to her brother at all.

            “What the hell is happening?” Judith whispered as she locked the front door. As long as the walkers didn’t hear a sound they’ll move on.

            “It’s the end of the city you know.” The nonchalant female voice startled Judy that she had to cover her mouth with her hand to stifle the scream.

            “Yup, I’ve been sayin it since I’ve been here that the city will fall. All the rules and regulations Grimes put into order wasn’t gonna work. That crazy ass loon. What did he think; a curfew and identification passes was gonna bring civilization back from the brink? Asshole.” The woman was blonde and thin wearing torn up jeans, chucky boots, and a T-shirt with ‘Death to All’ written in red letters. Fitting. But it was all Judy could do not to tell this woman to shut the hell up about her father.

            Most citizens of New Charleston blame her father for their troubles. Judy knows different. She knows her father worked hard and sacrificed so much to make this city livable and to maintain it there needed to be rules.

            “You agree, don’t cha?” The woman asked her blue eyes flashing with insanity.

            “No…no I don’t agree. Laying blame doesn’t keep us alive now. There’s an outbreak and we have to work together to survive. The NCD...” Judy was cut off.

            “Ha! The NCD? That’s a laugh. There not gonna do shit! They’re under orders you see, from Grimes to keep these Zeeks here in the outer district while they remain safe behind the inner wall.”

            “You’re crazy; my…I mean, Councilman Grimes wouldn’t authorize something like that.” Judy was shocked hearing this. 

            “The hell he would!” the woman walked closer bringing the light of her flashlight into Judy’s face. “Those snotty, uptight, selfish assholes behind the inner wall had their eyes on the outer district for years. Wanting to remove all of us poor people so they can set up shop here too. Selfish bastards!” She yelled.

            “Keep your voice down. You want the walkers to hear you?” Judy whispered panicked.

            “They are just gonna sit and wait this out and allow the Zeeks to do the job. There’s no NCD coming kid, no help at all, just death. We’re all gonna die here, you and me too.” Her tone changed slightly from one of insanity to perfect clarity and malevolence. Judy’s guard went up and she began to inch back towards the door she just locked; her well-worn boots deftly missing the tripping hazards littering on the ground.

            The woman advanced, “I tried to tell people that, I tried to explain it but they all thought I was just crazy. Like you. But I tried to tell them.”

            “Look, I’m just going to leave, I’ll find somewhere else to hide out, okay. You can have this place all to yourself.” Judy tried to reason with her.

            “I have a great place for you to hide. It’s just here, I’ll show you.” The woman moved with lightning speed and was on her in less than a second. Her hand clamped down on Judy’s wrist so hard she felt it would break with one twist. The woman yanked her further into the home and towards a door in the kitchen.

            “Let me go! Let go of me you bitch!” Judy let her free hand ball into a fist and fly, the woman dodged the blow and sent an elbow into Judy’s face. The jolt made her see stars for a moment as her head sailed back. She could taste the salt of her blood in her mouth.

            The next thing she knew, she was standing at the top of a staircase leading down into the dark bowels of the home. Without much fanfare, the woman sent Judy flying into the abyss. Her shoulder made contact with a stair and she tumbled end over end unable to stop her momentum. Her head was first to hit the bottom and the stars returned for a second viewing. Her mind seemed to swim in and out of consciousness and she didn’t know how long she lay on the cold concrete floor.

            A moan in the dark dragged Judy back to reality and she struggled to lift herself up. Another moan sounded, another and another. She stayed quite but knew she had to leave the area where she made the noise. Judy silently slide her body across the floor to the left, not really being able to see but feeling where she was going. The walkers in the basement would be attracted to the bottom of the stairs where she landed and that’s one place she didn’t want to be. From the different moans, Judy estimated about five walkers inhabited the basement but without a light source Judy wouldn’t be able to get out. For right now she just had to hide until she could figure out her next move.

            She thought of her brother and her father and hoped she would see them again.

To be continued…. 

Rock and a Hard Place -The Wall Ten-

The Wall Ten

            “So I caved her in. There was no saving her…she’d been bit; it was only a matter of time…the only gift I could give her was to spare her from being a walker.” Trinity spoke solemnly while staring at the concrete. She spoke to Jen about her twin sister, Trisha, but her story was nothing new. Many survivors had the same story but it’s one that needs to be told, less for the stranger’s inquiry and more for the storyteller’s sanity.

            “I’m sorry.” Jen said sitting beside her on the wooden post in the front yard of a nondescript home. They had been traveling all day, dodging walkers left and right, it was nice to take a break.

            “Yeah, I’m sorry too. Well, should we go, I think we’re close to your house.” Trinity spoke.

            “You’re lucky you know.” Trinity spoke. “You still have your dad. Someone on this miserable planet that loves you. You’re lucky.”

            A small herd of walkers appeared from the North heading their way. The two girls stood casually and dusted the dirt from their jeans as they began to walk south. They were tired and didn’t get much sleep last night. They had spent the evening sleeping on top of the disabled bus with a few others. It was safer than stumbling around after dark.

            In the early hours of the morning when it seemed like night was trying desperately to cling to the city, the girls made their way further south towards Calhoun Street and Jen’s home. Not one of the adults wanted to come with them and headed off on their own with one man choosing not to leave the bus at all. Fear made people do stupid things. Trinity and Jen knew the only way to stay alive is to keep moving.

            Some people think building a makeshift shelter would be better but a shelter can only get surrounded and with no way out, the walkers would just wait you out. They won’t starve to death, they won’t move on unless prompted, they don’t get tired, they don’t sleep…they just eat.

            “There it is.” Jen exclaimed, a smile crossed her face. The word home came to mind when she and her father didn’t have much of a home before. She didn’t understand why the older people would get so attached to certain places or buildings. They called them home but she never fully understood what that meant, home is where you’re safe for the night. Where walkers can’t get you for a few hours, not a place to live forever.

            Now, she understood what home meant to them and she wanted desperately to see her father there when she walked in the door but she only found an empty disheveled house.

            “There’s no one upstairs. I couldn’t find anything we could use.” Trinity reported as she came downstairs.

            “We haven’t been here long, I guess we didn’t bring much stuff with us either.” When traveling you always had to stay light on your feet, so carrying too much stuff would be a death sentence, Jen thought. Her thoughts also returned to the walker that killed Jiff and Robbie. It was different from the others….it fought back.

            “Dad, please be okay…please.” Jen whispered to herself letting silent tears roll down her sunken cheeks. She rarely cried since losing someone you love was the norm but in that moment Jen realized that she can’t lose her father. Not now in a city that was supposed to be safe.

            As if thoughts of the walker had it materialize from thin air, it burst through the door and only the sound of Jen’s rapid heartbeat filled her ears. She couldn’t move, so stunned that this thing followed them here, Jen couldn’t move a muscle. It walked with purpose, not shambling or sliding dead feet but a full stride towards her and locked onto her with dead eyes. Finally, Jen let out a piercing scream.

            Hank heard the scream and instinctively knew it was his daughter. His feet seemed to be made of lead, he couldn’t get them to run fast enough to reach her. Damn his legs and arthritic knees, hurry…hurry, he told himself. Hank’s chest burned straining for a deep breath, he wouldn’t allow it. He would run his body into the ground if it meant getting to Jen a moment sooner. His house finally came into view with the front door hanging from the hinges in pieces. Hank jumped through not caring about the wood splinters attacking his face.

            “Get away from her!” The walker stopped its pursuit and turned to face him; Hank’s heart dropped into his stomach. The walker from before, the one that gave him the chills. “Jen move quickly!” Hank order her as she ran to another girl on the stairs, they pressed themselves against the wall. A single arrow shot from behind grazed Hank’s neck causing his short cut hair to flutter. Unfortunately it missed its mark as the walker casually moved its head to the left allowing the arrow to sail by unused.

            “Come on you bastard. You want me? Come get some.” Hank glared at it and slowly walked backwards out the door egging the creature to follow. With determination, it obliged him. Hank watched as Jen and the girl made their way out the back door. He knows she will come around to meet him but he’s got to get this thing out in the open where the group can take it down.

            Hank didn’t get a chance to learn much about Daryl but from what little Marla told him Hank knew he was deadly with a crossbow and a brave leader. Surely, working together they would be able to take out this anomaly. In hindsight Hank wished he had told Daryl about this walker but who would believe such a story? He wasn’t even sure himself of what happened in that hallway.

            “Easy Hank, easy.” Daryl spoke as the group formed a semi-circle around the front of the house. Hank was confident, there’s no way this thing stands a chance. Before Hank could get it out into the front yard, the walker jumped through the broken door and over Hank’s head. It landed on the walkway on all fours like a cat but with so much force the ground shook violently knocking the group off their feet and pushing Hank forward into the front stairs.

            It let out an ungodly cry that wasn’t human or animal. The arms and legs began to stretch with the sound of tearing clothes as the material tried to accommodate its growing size. The face elongated and ripped at the mouth tearing it wide open. A long tongue slid out of the mouth and whipped back and forth.

            Finally the stun silence broke as Daryl fired another arrow still missing the head. The others in the group raised their weapons and let loose a hail of bullets. The creature moved with lightning speed effectively dodging the bullets, it allowed them to hit its body but protected its head with the long arms.

            “Fuck me.” Daryl whispered as he too joined in the firing squad. The creature shot out with its tongue and grabbed a man by the ankle, dragging him close then stomping on his head spilling the contents out of the top. It did the same to another man, dragging him closer then biting his neck to rip his head off, it spit the head out like one would a watermelon seed.

            From behind three canisters flew over their heads and landed close to the creature. They exploded sending big plumes of white smoke into the air engulfing it in a thick haze.

            “Run! This way, hurry!” A deep voice boomed in the distance. Hank realized it was a smoke shield to allow them to get away. They ran towards the voice, Hank grabbed Jen’s arm who was standing in the distance, thankful she was still alive. But there was no time for hugs, they had to get away from this thing.

            Coming around the corner Marla ran into the arms of a man. “Carl! Thank God!” This was the man she spoke of, the leader of the Dead Heads.

            “We need to go, we’re not safe here.” Carl spoke as he prepared the group to leave.

            “Shit, with that thing around, we’re not safe anywhere.” Daryl said solemnly as the group began to move. No one spoke, no one commented on what they saw. Fear drove them to move quickly out of the area only the sound of their labored breathing filled the air.

To Continue…

Rock and a Hard Place 12 The Wall Nine

The Wall Nine

            Marla held the bottles of water tight to her chest unsure if she would have to fight to keep them. The group has been travelling through the square all night and were not able to take a straight path with walkers around every corner. They ran into survivors sporadically all with blank expressions on their collective faces. A few tried to take supplies from them even though they had five children to care for but desperation overwhelms empathy.

            “Here Josh, hand these out to the kids.” Josh silently took the water as he shut the door behind her and gave the first to the youngest Amy. Marla handed a bottle to Hank who hasn’t spoken much since last night and to Richard, a man they picked up during the day.

            He was crouched inside an abandoned bus that Hank thought if they could get moving they could drive out of there. Richard was able to tell them the bus driver said the transports are control by the counsel and they were inoperable. The only sounds the bus was able to make was a static recording telling people to stay in their homes.

            “Bullshit, that’s what recordings said when the outbreak first appeared 25 years ago. Then came the ‘safe zones’ which only turned into walker buffets.” Richard stammered.

            Hank’s faith in New Charleston waned more and more. There were no patrols, no transports out of the district, and no containment of any kind. It was almost as if the citizens were left here to fend for themselves or die. And with every passing hour, the thought of something happening to his daughter weighed on his mind.

            “I know Jen will be fine. She’s strong and stubborn.” Marla spoke softly seeming to read his thoughts.

            “Like her old man…”Hank forced a small smile knowing Marla was trying to cheer him up.

            “Walkers.” Josh’s voice interrupted them, a group of walkers wandered pass the broken windows. “We can’t stay, more are starting to gather.” He whispered as he picked up his backpack. It still amazes Hank how young people have to grow up so fast now, they take on leadership roles more easily than him at that age. The thought gave him hope that Jen was still alive and fighting her way back to him.

            “Let’s move.” Hank gathered the supplies and took point with Josh close behind him taking second. Richard took up the rear apprehensively. Moving quickly, Hank led the group down the street avoiding small herds of walkers that were feeding on the ground. The group hasn’t seen another survivor since they passed a bus stop where they found Richard.

            Walkers simply overcame the living quickly because the attack was so unexpected. Without organized evacuations or containment, the walkers would have spread far and fast. Hank devised a plan in his head after reaching his home and meeting up with his daughter; they would have to either head for the inner or outer walls. Even though the announcement said they were sealed, he would find a way to get through them. The outer wall would lead away from New Charleston but into walker infested lands. The inner wall would lead to safety but for how long?

            “No!” A small scream penetrated Hank’s mind and he turned to see Amy on the ground with a walker pulling at her leg. Marla turned to run back to her only to be stopped by a walker’s dead hands plunged into her hair snapping her head back.

            “Shit.” Josh turned to help Marla while Hank made a break for Amy before the walker could sink its blackened teeth into her. Two walkers shambled out of a tall bush, both grabbed at Hank stopping him in his tracks. He kept his eyes on the defenseless little girl struggling to crawl out from under the walker while holding two at bay.

            Hank spotted Richard standing by with a white face and wide eyes. “Help her! Richard, goddamn it, help HER!” Hank roared at him urging him to act. Richard looked at him with blank eyes then turned and ran away. In that moment, Hank never felt as helpless as he did now. Richard never even looked back, Hank stared daggers into his fleeing back until he turned a corner.

            Just as a walker’s mouth was close enough to Hank’s face to smell what it had for breakfast a single silver arrow penetrated the skull stopping just at Hank’s eye. The walker fell and a man came into view.  A group of men and women charged from behind him to dispatch the remaining walkers. The archer picked up Amy and stood her on her feet as Hank rushed to them.

            “You alright little one?” The man said with a southern accent. He wore a T-shirt and leather vest with a quiver full of arrows on his back.

            “Daryl!” Marla yelled out. She ran to the man and hugged him; clearly they were old friends. “Thank you, we got ambushed.”

            “Amy, go with Josh.” Hank told Amy as she clutched her bear closer. Josh came to take her hand and led her back with the other children. The group of men and women took up defensive positions around them as a disciplined unit.

            “Hank, this is Daryl Dixon, he’s with the Dead Heads; these are them.” Marla introduced breathlessly.

            “Thanks.” Hank shook hands with the man who looked to be in his late 50s but still able bodied enough.

            “We took out more walkers than I can count. Carl sent me to find you and bring you back.” Daryl spoke.

            “Do you know what happened here? We haven’t seen any NCD around at all.” Marla asked.

            “And you won’t, Carl thinks the NCD and counsel are responsible for this.” Daryl knew the news would be hard for Marla to hear, even harder for Judith.

            “Paul, take them back to headquarters, the rest of us are going ahead.” Daryl ordered and a younger man moved to obey.

            “Where are you going?” Marla asked him.

            “I’ve gotta find Judith. She went to the inner wall but she’s not responding. A courier just got through with a message that she was coming to meet us late last night. I know she walks through Columbus Square…and then we heard about this….” Daryl couldn’t finish; he practically helped raise Judith and herself.

            “I’m going with you. You’re heading through Spring District?” Hank asked him. Daryl nodded his head. “I’m trying to find my daughter. I left her a note to go home and wait for me there. I need to see if she made it.” Daryl’s face changed with understanding of what Hank is going through. He nodded his agreement.

            “Then I’m going too.” Marla spoke up.

            “Carl said to get you to a safe place…” Daryl interrupted.  

            “I’m going with you there’s no point in arguing. Will the children be okay?” Marla asked.

            “Paul’s one of my best, he’ll take a crew with him.” Daryl pointed at Paul and they began to move out. Marla rushed over to hug Amy tight before departing. At least the children were safe while she, Hank, Daryl and some of the Dead Heads were traveling further into danger. Judith was someone out there along with Hank’s daughter.

            “Don’t worry Hank, Daryl is the best tracker. He’ll find Jen and Judith.” Marla comforted.

            “Who’s Judith?” Hank asked.

            “A very dear friend, I just hope she’s okay.”

To Continue…

Rock and a Hard Place 12- The Wall Eight

The Wall Eight

            “Citizens, by order of Head Counselor Grimes the inner and outer Walls are to be locked down. No one is authorized to move between the gates or screening stations. This is for your own safety. Please remain in your homes until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation.” The male voice read the same message repeatedly to the point where Jen can recite and mock it. She had been out all night with her friends and was ready to go home and face the wrath of her father.

            “Kay? You seen Codi? Wasn’t she supposed to meet us at the high school? She still has my jacket.” Jen asked as the group of teens walked the streets. The sun slowly began to rise in the east casting an early morning orange glow on a mist that still clung to the cool ground.

            “Nope, she probably got her some with her ‘boyfriend’ at the home,” Kay chuckled, “if I were you, I’d burn that jacket.” His comment drew knowing laughs from Jiff, Robbie, and Trinity.

            “What’s the matter? You miss your daddy? Did he give you the jacket for your sweet sixteen?” Trinity laughed as she walked. For some reason, Trinity has been riding Jen since they met yesterday.

            “What’s your problem?” Jen finally had enough and stopped to face her. Trinity could be a true beauty if she didn’t wear a frown on her face all the time. Her skin is caramel colored with almond shaped light brown eyes. She dyed her hair dark purple and shaved one side short leaving the other long in a punk style.

            “You’re my problem…” Trinity came forward, “I could kill you now and no one would care.” She stated with a smile but a strange noise drew the group’s attention to the streets. To their right a small horde of walkers staggered toward them.

            “What the fuck?” Trinity spoke in surprise.

            “Holy shit!  Robbie stuttered.

            “We need to move, now! The home’s not far.” Kay yelled. The five teens moved in unison, no one spoke, they knew they had to get off the streets and each pulled out a weapon. Jen didn’t have her knives or guns, they were confiscated at the outer Wall.

            “Here.” Trinity handed her a military Ka-Bar with brown leather grip. “Don’t fuck it up.” She warned but Jen was relieved to have a weapon again.

            Rounding a corner, the group reached the group home they had just left hours before. The bottom floor was empty but furniture was pushed over and tables knocked down as if a horde went through here.

            “We can’t stay.” Jen spoke.

            “We’re not, we just need to get a few things.” Kay assured her as he and Jiff went to the second floor. Jen paced the kitchen wanting to run home and get her dad. He would need her to watch his back as this horde advanced. They were always together at times like this, what would he do without her? Damn, why did she leave the house?

            As Jen paced, she noticed her denim jacket underneath a fallen chair but her elation turned sour when she picked it up and saw dried blood down the back.

            “Codi,” she whispered knowing the girl was mostly likely dead. She was a quiet 15 year old who liked to read books and write stories. She had mousey brown hair and clear blue eyes; she also had a crush on a boy who lived here on the fourth floor and wanted to wear the bedazzled jacket in a vain attempt to catch his attention.

            “Dammit, Codi.” Jen was surprised by the tears welling up in her eyes. She barely knew the girl but had grown to like her in the limited time they spent together. Codi had no one else in New Charleston so she had no one to mourn her but Jen would.

            The crackle of paper drew Jen’s attention, a crumpled piece of paper sat in the inner pocket. Perhaps it was something Codi was working on, a love letter to her crush. When she drew it out, she immediately recognized her father’s handwriting. Jen felt a rush of dread as she tore at the folded edges trying to open the letter as quickly as possible.

            ‘Jen, meet me at home. Dad.’ That was all that was written but it was enough to make Jen’s heart swell. Her father was okay and came here looking for her and finding her jacket covered with blood wasn’t enough to convince him of her death. In that moment Jen realized how much she truly loved her father and would fight her way home no matter what.

            With a renewed sense of purpose, Jen went to tell Kay that she was leaving for home and that they could join her or she would go alone but Kay was pointing at something on the street.

            “Guys! Look at this.” Kay yelled from outside on the porch.

            “Shut the hell up, you wanna attract every Zeek for miles? Ass.” Trinity spoke softly as the group followed Kay’s line of sight.

            “Look at this Zeek, he’s watching us and smiling. That’s some funny shit, you ever see a Zeek smile at you?” Kay was enjoying the show but Jen had a knot in her stomach. Walkers don’t just stand in the middle of the street watching you and smiling. That’s not normal behavior.

            “We should go.” Jen said her eyes never leaving the lone walker.

            “Yeah, let’s leave. You got our stuff.” Trinity agreed, her voice seemed uneasy with the walker around.

            “Let’s have some fun first. Jiff, you got that bat? Let’s play Zeek ball.” Kay and Jiff advanced. Robbie reluctantly followed not wanting to be left out and thought less of by the other guys.

            The walker stood stock still as the three boys circled him. Two with broad smiles and one scared shitless. Jiff began to poke at the walker trying to incite a reaction but the walker didn’t move, didn’t lunge, and didn’t attack. It just stood there grinning.

            “This bastard ain’t doing anything. This is too easy.” Jiff laughed obviously eager to smash the walker’s head in. Jiff aimed the bat at the back of the walker’s knees intending to put it on the ground and prolong their fun but the knees didn’t give out, it barely moved at all.

            “Just go for the head.” Kay provoked. Jiff swung the bat to the left temple and the walker caught the bat with his left hand. It twisted the bat down and pushed the end back into Jiff’s chest knocking him down. The smiles fade as the walker dropped the bat and advanced on a coughing Jiff. It reached down and grabbed Jiff’s head with both dead hands and picked him up high enough that his sneakered feet dangled above the concrete.

            Jiff was screaming as the walker plunged its thumbs into the soft orbs of his eyes and slowly crushed those inwards. Blood and matter oozed out and onto the ground. Kay and Robbie were motionless with fear; once Jen got past the initial shock was spurred into action. She ran for the walker drawing her knife; the horrible screams from Jiff making her feet fly faster.

            As she was ready to strike, the walker flung a now motionless Jiff around using him like a weapon to knock Jen to the ground. It swung Jiff’s body towards Kay who now took off running while Robbie’s head made contact with Jiff’s feet. The walker dropped Jiff in a crumbled heap and lunged for Robbie. It sank its teeth into Robbie’s throat and ripped at it like an animal while Robbie gurgled his last screams.

            Trinity rushed to Jen and picked her up by her armpits. “Let’s go, come on!” Trinity yelled but Jen’s legs didn’t want to respond so struck by fear. Finally Jen was able to get her feet underneath her and the two ran off into the newly formed day. Jen had never been so scared in her life, even living among walkers in the settlements didn’t scare her to this degree. The walker seemed to be enjoying killing Jiff and Robbie, the smile never left its face and it was able to fight back. How was it able to fight back?

            All Jen could think about now was getting home to her dad. She told Trinity about the note as they ran, she agreed to come with her and Jen could see Trinity has the same fear in her eyes.

            “Sorry folks, transports have been suspended. You should return to your homes.” The driver spoke to a small group of people on the corner. Jen and Trinity stopped to find out what was going on.

            “My home is overrun by walkers. I lost my wife. What are we supposed to do?” A man spoke up.

            “I’m sorry but all the transports and trains are remotely controlled by the NCD. I can’t even get it started. They’re asking me to tell you to return to your homes while they get the situation under control.” The driver continued to plead.

            “Situation? Jesus man, the square has been taken over by walkers. They’re spreading. We need to get out of the city.” Another man spoke with desperation.

            “There is no out of the city, the gates at both the inner and outer Walls have been sealed.” A woman in the crowd informed.

            “So they trapped us in here with Zeeks. Where is the NCD? Shouldn’t they be here to stop this?” The first man spoke again. “They’re trying to kill us, that’s what it is….they’re trying to exterminate us with walkers. Those bastards!”

            “Citizens, by order of Head Counselor Grimes the inner and outer Walls are to be locked down. No one is authorized to move between the gates or screening stations. This is for your own safety. Please remain in your homes until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation.” The recording spoke again over the static of the bus radio system as if mocking them. This wasn’t good. The Walls were supposed to keep walkers out; now they were prisoners.

To Continue…