I'm Not Infected

By Zhané White

The only survivor is dead...I'm Not Infected, British horror from a unique perspective. Justina Prentice's hangover ends with a zombie attack. But she doesn't die. Trapped between a human mind and a monster body, she battles to stay in control. Soon the infected will be the least of her worries. Time is running out. Twenty-four hours remain...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amaria & Sariel
• Release date: Jul 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781501437588

Zhané White

Dark fantasy and science-fiction come naturally to Zhané White. She loves the uncanny, the strange, and the eerie, always with an essence of the world we know. If she's not writing, she's thinking about writing. When you find her daydreaming, leave her be. Wait. In time, you'll see what she sees...

Book preview

I'm Not Infected

Franklin clutched her lab coat close to her chest. She rocked back and forth on the seat, her eyes pinned to the Petri dish under the microscope. She started the stop watch and sat back, twiddling her clammy thumbs. Her heart racing, she glanced from the watch to the dish to the watch. As the timer ticked down, she grabbed the desk and held on.

Please! she whispered. Please!

She peered through the microscope. In the dish, tiny red cells were swimming around, white cells on the other side. The red cells circled the white ones and then sucked them in. The cells bulged, shrank, expanded, collapsed, and then floated lifelessly around. She zoomed in closer and saw a tiny cell twitching at the back, yellow spots spreading across its body.

Franklin grabbed another dish from the cupboard overhead and ripped off the lid. She tipped the cells under the microscope and watched the red cells zoom across, devouring the white cells whole. The white cells fought back, trying to detach themselves, but then the red cells turned black and sucked them in. The cells slowed down and cruised around the dish, on the prowl for more.

They're alive, she said. They're really alive.

She placed a lid on the dish and labelled it in marker pen. She rushed out the room and dashed down the corridor to the tiny room at the back. The door flew open and a scrawny, redheaded man was on the other side. He stepped outside and closed the door behind him.

I've done it, she said. The red cells are eating the others. It's not like some disease or another. They literally go on the hunt. They rush across like a pack and eat the others. The black ones lead the way, the red ones-

You are far too late, he said. Someone got there first several minutes prior to your discovery.

Who? she snapped.

He adjusted his glasses and glared at her, so she apologised. He tapped his watch and opened the door, so she grabbed the handle and pulled it shut. His back against the door, she stepped closer, towering over him.

Who, Doctor?

You work separately for a good reason, he said. Relationships distract us from the task at hand.

I'm not asking to make friends here. I just want to know who did it.

This conversation is over. He pushed down the handle and stepped into the tiny office. We cannot win them all. Accept that and move on.

He slammed the door in her face.

Franklin heard a snigger. She spun round to the dark corridor stretching ahead, a stream of light coming from the room opposite hers. The door closed, so she walked down and knocked. The door opened a crack, big, brown eyes staring back.

Does this amuse you?

Yeah, why? Who's asking?

Franklin held out her hand. When the girl shook it, Franklin threw her down. The girls wrestled, tugging on each other's hair. The girl yanked out a handful of Franklin's blonde locks before poking her in the eye. Franklin rubbed her eyes, both turning from green to red.

What's your problem? the girl asked, smoothing down her shoulder-length hair. I just found it funny, that's all.

You stole my discovery.

Finders keepers, losers can get lost. The Asian girl stood over Franklin and laughed. That's why you should keep everything on a password-protected file.

The girl retrieved a purple book from her laboratory and flipped through the pages. Franklin's eyes widened when she saw the familiar notes. She rushed into her room and rummaged through the desk drawers. The girl stood in the doorway and yawned.

You stole my file, Franklin cried. How could you? Why?

Don't act like some innocent angel. We both know what it's all about.

Franklin creased her brow, so the girl sighed. The girl motioned to her room and Franklin followed her inside. The laboratory mirrored Franklin's with numerous shelves packed with vials, folders, and pages of research. At the back of the room was a desk, where the girl sat down. Franklin stood beside her, a Petri dish on the desk.

Doc calls me Miss Prentice, the girl said. What's he call you?

Miss Franklin. She hesitantly shook Prentice's hand. I just got here.

I've been here for six weeks. Have you seen anyone else?

No one but you...So that's normal?

He keeps us locked up like the bloody rats! Prentice shrugged. Doesn't want us in his business, I guess.

Franklin leaned in closer and Prentice whispered in her ear.

This isn't a cure, she said. This is the disease.

Franklin's jaw dropped. She looked at the dish in horror, the red cells large enough to see with the naked eye. She clutched the dish in her hand so tightly it cracked, liquid seeping through. She dropped it and Prentice kicked it away.

Why? Franklin asked.

Maybe it's a biological weapon or something, I don't know. The point is, if you're some goody two shoes then you don't want your name on this!

Franklin slipped a hand into her pocket and clutched her mobile. She walked back to her room, but Prentice was close behind. Prentice grabbed the phone and held it high so she could not reach.

I can't sit back and do nothing, Franklin said. I...I'm calling the police!

To say what? Some evil scientist is trying to take over the world. Okay, honey, whatever you say...Taken your meds, yet?

Franklin tore off her coat and rushed to the door, but Prentice got there first and dangled the phone in her face.

Why are you here? Prentice asked. It's not the money, is it?

"It is for me."

That cheap bastard is paying us minimum wage...No, you're here for the glory.

Franklin blushed.

No worries. I'm here for the same thing. Prentice locked the door and returned to her desk. Before he came along, I didn't know what to do with my life. I'm twenty-three years old and I've done eff all. It sucks, you know? Even my boyfriend's done better. Still quite pathetic, but at least he's doing something.

Prentice took out her phone and opened the last photo album. The pictures showed a blonde, blue-eyed young man whose eyes managed to avoid the camera every time. In the last photo, he was standing in line outside a dark grey building in the city, his eyes on the pavement. Prentice was posing by him, pouting her rosy lips. There were at least a hundred people queuing ahead of him, all looking as if someone had died, or was going to.

He won't last long, Prentice said. He's a real pussy!

Is that why you're here? Franklin asked. Send out a biological weapon so he doesn't have to fight? The disease will kill off millions of people while he stays at home where our soldiers belong. He stays alive, you stay together, and we never have to lose another soldier.

You been talking to the doctor? Prentice shoved the phone into her pocket. Story sounds familiar, that's all.

Franklin shook her head.

Prentice pulled out the desk drawer and produced two black vials. She poured the contents into two plastic cups and made the cheers motion before taking a sip. She groaned happily and pushed Franklin's cup closer to her lips.

Go on, she said. We're friends now.

Franklin shook her head.

We've got to stick together, Prentice said. It's too dangerous.

What do you mean?

I remember seeing some hot guy going into your office ages ago. I wanted to ask him out but the doctor was there, so I put it off...Then there you were. Prentice stepped closer, her lips wet. Where did he go?

Franklin followed Prentice's eyes to the dish.

If anything happens to me, tell the others, Prentice whispered. She took another sip, the cup still full. So, cheers to having a friend around here!

Franklin put the cup to her lips and sipped, pain shooting through her head. She grabbed the chair to steady herself, which made Prentice chuckle.

It's got something extra for that kick, you know?

I don't usually drink, Franklin said.

Don't worry. It's non-alcoholic.

Someone knocked at the door.

Prentice cursed. She pulled Franklin across the room and pointed at a spot by the shelves. Franklin crouched down and pushed aside two containers blocking her view. She watched Prentice tidy her hair before opening the door.

The doctor stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room. He settled on the desk and pointed.

Why're you drinking that? he asked.

Franklin felt sick. She wiped her lips and grabbed some vials from the bottom shelf. She emptied the cup inside, leaving a tiny bit left. She dabbed some on her finger and rubbed it around her mouth.

Has anyone paid you a visit? the doctor asked.

Prentice shook her head and whispered in the doctor's ear. His eyes shifted to the desk and back.

Remember, access to your colleagues is strictly prohibited. Rule violations warrant instant dismissal with no right to an appeal, as per your contract.

Prentice nodded.

Good work, he said. Maintain your high standards.

I will.

When the doctor left, Prentice locked the door. Franklin stepped out and pretended to gulp down the last of the drink. Prentice smiled and took the near-empty cup to the bin.

Aren't you finishing yours? Franklin asked.

I'm not thirsty anymore.

Franklin returned to her room and took a syringe from the shelf. She slipped it into her pocket and knocked at Prentice's door. Prentice opened it a crack and smiled when she saw Franklin.

Back so soon?

I came for...Give me a minute.

Prentice laughed.

Franklin strolled around the room, glancing back at Prentice. Prentice shrugged and returned to her desk, the cup missing. When Franklin walked closer to the bin, Prentice shoved it under the desk. Franklin managed to catch a glimpse of the full cup at the bottom of the waste basket.

What do you want?

Just to make sure our deal is still on.

It is.

I forgot my pen when I was hiding. Do you mind if I look around?

Prentice's eyes slit.

Or I can come back another time...

Just get it now, Prentice said. It's no biggie. Hurry up, 'kay?

Franklin slipped round the shelf and dipped the needle into the vial. She pulled the plunger and filled the needle with the liquid. Then she carefully tucked away the needle in her pocket and headed for the door.

What colour was it? Prentice asked.

What?

What colour was the ink? Prentice strolled over, her eyes drifting down to Franklin's hands.

Black.

Prentice frowned.

Franklin briskly walked away and heard footsteps approaching. She spun round and Prentice grabbed her sleeve and pulled. Franklin tugged back and shoved Prentice away, sending the girl crashing into the shelves. Her head flopped over, blood spilling from her mouth.

Franklin locked the door and dragged Prentice behind the shelves. She went to the computer and skimmed over the files. In the middle was a file titled Memory Loss, a tiny image of a black vial in the thumbnail. She took the needle from her pocket and held it by the picture on the screen.

You cow!

Franklin went to Prentice and turned the girl's head away. She thrust the needle into her neck and pushed the plunger. Prentice winced and mumbled something, so Franklin clamped her hand over the girl's mouth. Prentice opened her eyes and cried out.

You bitch, Prentice mumbled. What've you done?

I know what you tried to do.

"I had to."

No. You didn't.

Prentice sprung up and fell back down. She clutched her head, her temples pulsing. Franklin backed away and watched the black sweat pouring down Prentice's face. The girl lay back and convulsed, blood spilling from her mouth. A dark pool surrounded her head and she wet herself.

Someone knocked at the door.

I must speak with you. It is about the human experiment.

Busy! Franklin cried. Later!

No, Miss Prentice. Now!

Franklin glanced at Prentice, whose skin was turning pale. She reached out to Franklin before grabbing the shelf. She pulled herself up and struggled over to Franklin, who backed away.

What did you do to me?

What you tried to do to me!

You gave me the cells, didn't you? Prentice slumped against the shelves. You gave me that thing!

The black thing you gave to me.

Prentice's eyes widened. She shook her head and stumbled forward to the door, but Franklin stepped in her way and pushed her back. The girl fell backward and curled into a ball on the floor. Franklin stood over her, the doctor now pounding on the door. Prentice looked up at Franklin and creased her brow again. She looked Franklin up and down and shifted away.

Who are you? Prentice asked.

It's me. Franklin.

Franklin? the doctor cried. Miss Franklin, open this door at once! Professionals do not cavort in such a manner. Remember your work contract? Dismissal is imminent!

Who's that? Prentice asked, scratching her head. Where the hell am I?

Prentice slowly rose to her feet and held on to Franklin to steady herself. Then she let go and stumbled to the door and turned the handle. She cursed and wobbled the other way, cross-eyed.

"You're at...You said you were tired, but not this tired! Franklin led Prentice to the seat. Rest your head on the desk. I'll be back in a minute."

Franklin placed some papers under Prentice's head and draped her coat over the girl. Prentice winced and closed her eyes, her back drenched in dark sweat. Franklin patted the girl's head and rushed to the door.

What on earth?!

Franklin pushed the doctor back out and closed the door. She put a finger to her lips and led him back to his office. He tore his arm away and tapped his foot, his face turning as red as his hair.

Explain yourself.

"Miss Prentice was about to email your files to a laboratory in America. I'm not sure who her source is, they communicated in code, but I'm sure the answer is at her house. Let me take her back home