“Boss you ok?” Brian asked quietly.
“Yeah sorry man, I just went a little crazy for a second.” I lowered my head and continued to try and catch my breath.
I looked up and saw the office door opening. Three people came out all male, and all with bites in various places. I sunk to the floor onto my knees with a sinking feeling, Brian just sighed lifted the gun and shot all three in the head. Really what else could he have done. We had just done all we could, and yet were too late and there was nothing we could do to help in the end.
Brian grabbed me by my arm, helped me to stand up. I really felt pathetic and worn out, exhausted beyond belief. My body was hurting, my emotions felt grated and raw, my eyes were red and bloodshot. “Let’s start moving out of here and head down again”, he pushed.
I grabbed my bat and followed him to the door where we unsecured it and headed down the stairway. It was clear, so we moved quickly, but on automatic, like robots. Before I knew it we hit the 5
th
floor, so close to getting out of here.
Out of nowhere we had lights shined in our faces and someone was screaming at us. Brian took the gun out of his waistband and as he was dropping it to the floor someone hit him from behind where he fell and bounced his head off the floor going unconscious. I was kicked in the back of my knees and forced to my stomach, onto the ground, while lying there being flex cuffed, I looked over at Brian. He was lying in a pool of blood. I nearly lost it and started fighting against the two holding me down. Right then I felt electricity explode through my system, all my muscles froze up and my head felt like it was going to explode. I stopped fighting and went limp.
“You know what came next, so now you know my story from beginning to end and how things happened. I understand why the officers did what they did, but we were the victims not the aggressors.” I looked at Reynolds and gave him a sad smile. “The question, I guess, is if you believe me, if the reports, files, and facts you have, jive with what I just told you.” I sat back and drained the rest of my cup of, you guessed it, cold coffee.
Reynolds finished writing on his notepad, then put everything down and stretched. He crossed his legs and stared at me with no expression. I couldn’t read him. He sat like that for five long minutes just going over his thoughts. “Dan, a story about dead people coming to life, attacking and devouring people sounds like a bad, made for cable, late night movie. For a cop it’s hard to swallow something like that.” He stared at me again this time for what felt like an eternity. I was too tired to show emotion, I was running on empty and had nothing else to give. “But I’m a detective not a cop, I can read facts and see through the reports. I can deduce when someone is lying to me, I can read people, and know when they are making something up. In the beginning I must admit I had no belief in you or your wild story. I let the lawyers go so I could make you feel more comfortable, it’s a trick I use so I can see how a suspect reacts.”
Reynolds shook his head then. “It’s been a long story and frankly one I believe every word of. That’s the reason I ordered to have Mr. Leeder brought here. Too many things are happening in my city tonight, for me to completely ignore or chalk up to coincidence. The question is now what do we do? If this thing is already out of control as you suggest, then there is nothing I can do to help my city, and that doesn’t sit well with me.”
“I told you there is nothing we can do to help. Except to warn people, then get out, I’d like to get Brian and just boogie, but I can’t do that. If there is something I can do to help I will, but I hope you are as smart as I believe you are. When you see the balance start to tip we need to have a plan, we need to move fast and be ferocious or we will become one of them.” I explained.
“First things first. Let’s get you some clothes and a pair of shoes, you look like shit. Then hopefully Mr. Leeder will be here. Follow me.” He stood and walked to the door, opened it and stood back allowing me to walk into the hallway. The floor felt as cold as a meat locker, since I had no shoes. The lights were so bright they hurt my eyes, as they tried to focus, after the dim interview room. I followed him down a couple of hallways and into a room whose sign read Men’s locker room. “Why don’t you take a hot shower, I’ll be right back with some clothes, what size shoe do you wear?”
“Eight and a half.” I stuttered out I was stunned at the turn of events. “Thank you Reynolds, I appreciate everything you are doing.”
“No problem Dan, there are fresh towels on the hooks outside the shower. And here is a plastic bag to put your clothes in. Who knows what kinds of bacteria are in all those stains.” He handed me a big plastic bag with a zip top on it and then walked away.
I tore my clothes off and pushed them deep into the bag and zipped it up. I put it on the bench next to me, rose and walked toward the shower. I almost collapsed when the warm water flowed over my body. I could feel the pressure and stress of the last couple of days roll off my shoulders and go down the drain. I used almost all of the bar of soap and scrubbed every part of my body till it turned a raw shade of red. I rinsed off and stumbled out to the towels. I happened to look into the mirrors and saw a haunted looking man staring back. His eyes were red rimmed, he looked like he had seen too much and was ready to give up. I realized it was me, I looked closer into my eyes and that anger I felt in the tower came back. It told me to become stronger, to not be defeated, to stand like a man. To fight for what was mine and to take care of those who would stand by my side. I stood straighter and saw a glint come back into those eyes. I refused to give up, to let a bunch of bad events define who I was.
I saw Reynolds image in the mirror behind me smiling. He was holding a set of black clothes and with a pair of black boots on top. “Feels good to shower and clean up doesn’t it? These are some of our SWAT BDUs, or for you civilians Battle Dress Uniform. They should fit you, I added some socks and boxer shorts. When you're dressed come look for me, go left down the hall onto the main floor, ask someone and they will direct you to me. Brian has just arrived and should be in here soon.” He put everything on the bench and turned to leave.
“Reynolds.” He stopped and looked back to me. “Thank you for all you’ve done, I appreciate it.” God I really must be thankful. That was the third time I had thanked him, he must think I’m a dolt.
He threw a smile my way, nodded and left. I dressed into the SWAT clothes. They fit almost perfectly, Reynolds must have a good eye, I thought. I put on the socks and laced up the boots. I stood and looked in the mirror. A different man looked back at me. Someone that looked confident, someone who looked strong. I dismissed my image and left the locker room, following Reynolds directions to the main floor, which was crowded with police officers, some in suits, some in uniforms, some dressed like me. I approached one “Excuse me officer” I read his name badge “Allen, I’m looking for Detective Reynolds?”
“Yes sir, he said you would be.” He pointed to the other side of the room to a small row of offices. “The middle one over there is his. He’s waiting for you.”
I thanked him and made my way through the throng of officers. I noticed some seemed to be exhausted, others on edge and jumpy, yet others calm, cool, and collected. I made it to Reynolds’ door and knocked. “Come” announced a voice. I opened the door and entered.
I was almost knocked over when a giant of a man picked me up off the ground crushing me in a hug. “I can’t breathe you overgrown Neanderthal.”
He put me down on my feet, stepped back and took in my clothing. “Wow give a boy some manly clothes and he thinks he’s a soldier. Glad to see you’re ok Boss.” Grumbled Brian’s deep gravelly voice.
“Glad to see me? Hell last time I saw you, you were unconscious in a pool of blood.” I looked at the bandage on his head.
“Just a scratch, head wounds bleed like a bitch. The officer taking me down was just a little over zealous. I did have a gun and they had just heard gunshots, so I can’t blame the guy. Like I always say, I’ve had worse. Detective Reynolds was just informing me of the story you told him. He asked a couple of questions about it and I filled in some gaps and told an abbreviated story.”
“Reynolds, what do we do now? Any news on what’s going out there?” I asked.
He removed his tie and threw a report in my direction. “The report is in there but let me give you a quick rundown of the facts. Those two cars that were sent to the morgue never answered so we rolled a third car. When he arrived he found the cars empty. He went inside the building and reported to find the two cops down and mutilated badly. He said the place was painted in blood and he could not find the staff, he retreated to his car and called in that report. He is still on station waiting for a CSI unit to roll out. I also have a report from the three hospitals of patients being aggressive and attacking others. They had to restrain a bunch. And lastly the big riot on Folsom has gotten worse. It’s grown in size and the National Guard has been called in to support within riot control. Everything you said is coming true. I made some calls to my friends in SWAT and told them about what we think is happening. Most won’t listen and laughed me off, but my old team hasn’t rolled out yet, they are standing by if we need them.”
“Do you have any of those SWAT pajamas in my size Reynolds? I don’t think my clothes are going to be able to stand up much longer.” Brian asked.
“No idea, but we can go look. Oh and stop calling me by my last name. The name is Victor or Vic, choose one. Dan, why don’t you stay here, I’ll take the gorilla and see if I can’t get him some clothes, I also need to change.” Vic and Brian left me alone in the office.
I looked at his desk phone and made a decision. I picked it up and tried calling my father. He didn’t answer so I left him a quick message explaining what was happening and to get his guns and how to protect himself and that I would try to come there, so he should stay and protect himself. Next I called my sister but her phone never even rang just went straight to voicemail. I left her a quick message saying I loved her and hoped she was fine. I also tried my brother, but got nothing, not even voice mail.
I moved Vic’s mouse on his desktop and was greeted with his desktop. No password? I thought. I opened a browser and logged into my Gmail account. I had a ton of email, I navigated till I found one from my dad. It said he was ok and not to worry, he had armed himself and was sitting tight, and if I could, try and make it to him. He had just finished fencing his acreage and was making it secure, he had plenty of room for friends. I smiled at that, leave it to the old man to be ready. No emails from my brother or sister. But one from Julie? I’ve had this email a long time and she would know it. The email spoke of the disease and flu and how she was at her house in Fort Bragg. It listed her number. I almost knocked the phone over with how fast I grabbed at it. My fingers shook while I dialed her number.
She answered on the second ring. “Julie! Is that you?” I just about cried out.
“Oh God it’s you! Are you ok? Caller ID says you’re calling from a San Francisco police number. Are you in jail?” She asked. Her voice was raw but sounded like an angel to me.
“Long story sweetie, one I hope to tell you, but relax I am not in jail. Are you in the Army? Why do you have a number in Fort Bragg?” I asked.
“Wrong Fort Bragg. I live in the city of Fort Bragg, off the Pacific Ocean, well north of San Francisco. Listen Dan, some bad things are being reported on the TV. I’m scared and the only person that makes me safe is you. I know it’s been a long time but I need to know you’re ok.” She started to cry a little then.
“Listen to me Julie, San Francisco is about to fall soon, but I am safe. I want you to get as much supplies as you can and hold tight. Do not go outside after you supply up, do not go near the sick, or injured people. If someone attacks your house, defend it, but you must destroy their brain. Just trust me, do you have any firearms?” I asked. Her crying was tearing my heart apart.
“You forgot you big dummy? I was brought up in Nebraska around guns. So of course I have guns, and I’m pretty good at using them too, if I’m being truthful.” Her crying slowed as she explained this to me.
“Oh shit sorry, I forgot. Listen I don’t know how long it will take for the phones and stuff to go down. But I promise Julie, I will come for you. I have a lot to apologize for and make up for. If you’ll have me that is.” I was starting to get emotional and had to fight down a small sob.
“I’ve been waiting for you for a long time. Be safe and get your butt here and then we can start on your apology. Hurry my love, please hurry.” I saw Brian and Vic coming through the offices back to me.
“Listen babe I have to go, but I promise you I am coming. I will not break that promise, just be safe and be alive when I get there.” We said our goodbyes and hung up.
Brian walked in and stood there staring at me. “You ok man?”
“I’m fine just got off the phone with Julie. You remember me telling you about her?” He nodded yes. “She’s alive and living in Fort Bragg, California. It’s a city to the north, not the military base.”
“I know that, you moron. So are you and I headed out to gather her up?” he asked.
“I am, but you don’t have to come, you owe me nothing.” I explained.
“Of course I owe you nothing, except we are family now. If you need to get your girl, I will help you.” he promised.