Breathless Bodies; An Unwanted Gift: Breathless Bodies, #2

By Brigit Levois

“Darius.”  

“How sweet of you to remember me!  You know, I’m afraid I didn’t give the greatest first impression and I would like a chance to try again.  Would you care to come visit me?”  My anger started to rise.

“What have you done with Sean?” I demanded.  

“Nothing too bad.  Not like what Demo did to Michael.  He’s here too, would you like to say hi?”  I heard the phone get passed to another person.

“Hey there hellcat!  Hey, what did you do to Twitch?  He still hasn’t made it back to camp.” 

“Sorry Demo, my dog got hungry.  Why does it matter?  People are expendable, remember?”  I smirked as I said it.

“You bloodthirsty bitch; he was my brother. You’re a dead woman, you hear me?”  There was a scuffling sound, followed by a man’s wailing.  Then Darius was back on the phone.

“Did you really sick your dog on his brother? Bravo, I’m impressed.   How about you come on over here and we’ll get this party started.  I’ll even bake a cake.”  I could feel the sarcasm coming from the phone.

“That’s a wonderful offer but I’m going to have to turn it down.  Now, where is Sean?”  Darius gave a small laugh and I heard the phone shift again.

“Hello?”  It was Sean, but he sounded weak and beaten.

“We’re coming to get you Sean, don’t worry.”

“No!  Stay away, the kids are safe, please don’t come he’s going to- uh!”  The sound ribs being kicked came through the receiver.

“Sean!” I cried out.  I gripped the phone tighter, trying to keep my panic under control.

“I’ve had your husband here for three days and he didn’t give me what I wanted. Dear little Alex, you have just given me the only thing kept him alive. Say goodbye to your husband.”  The phone shifted, and Sean was there.

“Alex, stay away-” There was the sound of a gunshot and the thud of a body. 

“Keep your phone on, my sweet little Alex.  I’ll call you soon.”  The phone went dead.

     It had been almost a year since the world fell apart.  Alex struggled across the country with her group of survivors, tracking the maniac who had stolen her children.  With the help of the worlds few remaining humans, she chased Darius to save her children and stop the man who released the zombie virus. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brigit Levois
• Release date: Jan 19, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386203032

Brigit Levois

Growing up on a small ranch in a tiny town, Brigit didn't have much to do. The animals were her best friends as she lived almost a mile from her closest neighbor. Her life progressed through drag racing, going as far as to be featured in two Car Kulture Deluxe magazines. From there, Brigit went to Antelope Valley College, majoring in music. The rock band program offered is, by far, one of the most instructive and enjoyable music programs available. Here she learned to play a six-string bass.  Brigit now resides New Mexico with her children and husband. Between mountains of laundry and legos, resides her blanket fort to rival Minas Tirith. It is here that zombies walk and vampires hunt in the day.

Book preview

Chapter 1

It was almost dark by the time we reached Colorado Springs. The roads were clear of danger, but the abandoned cars were a pain to get around. My truck was equipped with a cow plough though, so I could easily push them out of the way. Liz had been silent the entire drive, lost in her sorrow. She had fallen in love with my brother who, like always, managed to screw it up. It hadn’t been completely his fault though.  I mean, he was eaten by a zombie and that’s kind of hard to avoid these days.

The parents rode in the cab with us.  Momma Bea, Ernest, and my mom were at an age where riding in the bed of a truck can be uncomfortable.  My brother, Ragnar, was in the bed with Kato, Malcolm, and Samuel.  One of them manned the roof mounted gun while the other three flanked, making sure nothing got close to us.  I wanted to ask Liz to keep a look out for motels but when I glanced over, she was fast asleep. From the rear-view mirror, I saw the parents were as well. It couldn’t be too hard to find a motel, I thought to myself.  After all, it wasn’t like they were all booked.

We hadn’t been driving for much longer when we came upon a run-down hotel. Everything was getting run-down nowadays.  Between the scavengers and nature taking its course, cities and towns looked like dumps.  I drove into the parking lot and straight up to the entrance.  The headlights shone into the building through the large, broken double doors.  There didn’t seem to be any movement inside, but we could never be too careful. I stepped out of the cab and limped to the others in the back.

How are you guys holding up back here? I asked, leaning on the side of the bed. Samuel stood up from his spot at the tailgate.

My nose is frozen, my body is stiff, and I can’t feel my feet.  Which one do you want to take care of?  Well, at least he’s honest. I gave a small chuckle as I stretched my arms above my head.

I’ll rub your back if you massage my leg.  I said.  My leg had been punctured by a piece of glass when the RV had rolled.  It was stiff after being in the same position for hours.  We had to secure a room for the night before any down time.

Malcolm, why don’t you and Samuel find a room and prep it for the night. I’ll wake up the others and get out some grub. Take Gunther with you.  They nodded and walked into the building.  Gunther jumped out of the truck with a happy bark, off to sniff out trouble.  Ragnar hopped down from the bed and landed heavily next to me.

You did good today, little sis.  I know it was hard for you, but you did the right thing.  He clasped my shoulder, almost sending me spinning.  I stood upright again and smiled at him grimly.

Thank you, Ragnar. That means a lot to me.  We roused the in-laws and started collecting things we would need for the night.  Flashlights, food, blankets and the like. The radio on my hip crackled to life. 

We found a room, 215.  It overlooks the parking lot, so we can keep an eye out for raiders.  Samuel’s voice came through.  As we headed inside, I looked behind us to make sure we were clear.  There was no movement, so I followed behind. The trip up the stairs took longer than it should have.  With one person injured and three elders, it was a slow process to say the least. 

By the time we got to the room, we were all out of breath and smarting.  Ragnar grabbed the supplies from me as I scanned the room. It was large with three twin beds, a few couches, and a couple of trundle beds.  The widewindows gave a great view of the parking lot.  I looked out and saw I had left the headlights on.

Shit, I gotta go back to the truck.  I mumbled.  Malcolm was standing close by. I told him my mistake.

I’ll go with you.  Don’t want you hitting your head on something.  I cocked an eyebrow at him but didn’t say anything. He was right though, I had a terrible habit of hitting my head on everything.  We both grabbed flashlights and made sure we had our guns before heading to the truck.  The stairs were easy to go down-thank you gravity. I had to stop to catch my breath before we left the building.  The gash in my leg felt like a thousand ants were gnawing away at it.

Hey, why don’t you just stay here and I’ll go turn off the light?  Malcolm offered.  I shook my head at him.

It’s right there, I can make it.  He crossed his arms at me like a father scolding a child. 

Now look here woman.  The darn truck is only a few feet away. You sit your ass on that there step and don’t move.  And that’s the end of it.  He turned and walked away before I had a chance to respond.  Once again, he was right.  I sat heavily on the stairs and watched him walk to the truck.  His tall frame was barely distinguishable in the darkness, so it was no surprise when the walkers came out of nowhere.

Turn around!  I shouted, barely in the nick of time. I drew my gun but didn’t want to risk hitting my friend.  I heard him shout and saw the flash of his gun going off.  My heart beat loud in my chest as I sat, helplessly watching.  Wait, dummy, you have a flashlight.  I turned it on and damn near messed myself. 

It was a veritable wave of decomposing humans, all looking to get a bite.  Malcolm was seconds away from becoming a meal for the rotting walkers.  He ran back into the building, helping me to stand as we took off down the hall.  It was hard for me to keep up with him, but we managed to make it to the hall and into the secondary stair well. Malcolm slammed the door behind us while I got on the radio. 

There are a shit ton of walkers on the first floor. We’re in the inside stair well. Any plans are welcome. Stay in the room, copy?  We waited anxiously for a reply.

Yea, we copy.  Samuel responded.  Malcolm looked at me in the shadows cast by the flashlights, tension clear on his face. 

Well, now what?  He said expectantly.  I looked around us and the only way to go was up. The sound of walkers was getting closer to the door, urging us to move.  I thought about the possible scenarios, and then it clicked.

Did we bring any rope up with us?  I chirped into the radio.  Malcolm looked at me in confusion before Samuel responded. 

No, but we can use the sheets to make one. I think I know what you have in mind.  I’ll look for a room above the entrance.  I sighed for not having to explain to him.

Right, we’ll distract them while you guys get out.  Let us know when you’re all in the truck and what room to go to.  I tucked the radio back into my waistband and grabbed Malcolm. He looked more than a little worried as I pulled him to the door.

What are we doing?  He asked, balking as I pulled. I turned to him with a huff.

Do you trust me?  I asked. He shook his head like it was a dumb question.

Well yeah, of course.  Nodding, I grabbed both his arms.

We’re going to draw the zombies away from the truck, so they can get to safety.  Samuel is going to make a rope out the window of a room above the truck. We lead the zombies upstairs, drop out the window, then light this place on fire.  Before he had a chance to respond, I turned and opened the door. We flew out and around the bend as they gave chase. This is your dumbest idea yet, I thought to myself.  We took a left turn, making sure the walkers saw where we were going. They weren't very fast, but the numbers made up for that. We came to another stairwell and started to climb, keeping the zombies close.

Before we reached the second floor, I slipped on the stairs.  I fell hard on my knees, allowing a brain muncher to grab my foot. Malcolm yanked me out of the zombie’s grasp before I became a late-night snack, throwing me onto his back like a monkey. I held on for dear life as he bolted along the second floor. We came to a T in the hall and realized we had no idea what room we were heading to.

Go right!  I shouted, fighting to be heard over the drone of hungry undead. He turned and took off as I pulled the radio off my belt.

Where are we headed?!  I demanded, hoping that the others were safe in the truck already.  It seemed to take forever for someone to respond

Room 201.  Samuel chirped.  We looked at the room numbers as we passed, 254, 256, 258. Shit, we were on the wrong side of the building.  Malcolm cut right as we came to anther T in the hall.  There was a map on the wall and we only had seconds to memorize it. One more right turn and it was a straight run to the room.  The ramblers were getting closer, nipping on our heels.  In a burst of speed, Malcolm jumped forward and put a good fifteen feet between us.  We took another right and saw Samuel standing in the hall with a flashlight, flagging us down.  As soon as he saw us, he turned into the room.  Malcolm was getting tired and he stumbled, dropping me to the floor.  We stood as quickly as we could, almost too late.  Hand in hand, we bolted for the door.  It seemed to be miles away, but we finally made it.  Samuel slammed the door behind us and barricaded it.  I limped to the window and saw the sheets dropping down to the truck, with Gunther and Ragnar picking off the remaining zombies.  Everyone was there,  All we had to do was drop down.

Alright Alex, get on that rope and start dropping.  Samuel said.  I looked at him as he held the dresser in front of the door.  The zombies were pushing at it, trying to get in.  I knew what he was going to do.

No, I’m not going to leave you here.  I hobbled around the room looking for something to help hold the door closed but came up with nothing.  It was Malcolm next to the bed frame that gave me the idea.

Malcolm, help me with the mattress. I said as I started to pull it towards the window.  We’re going to throw it into the truck.  We got the mattress to the window and positioned it, so it fell right into the truck bed.  I turned to Samuel with a grin.

So we have a mattress, now what?  Malcolm asked.  I continued to look at Samuel as I explained. 

We are going to climb down while Samuel holds the door.  Then when we’re safe, he’s going to jump into the bed.  They both looked at me like I was insane. I grunted and put my hands on my hips.

Well do you have a better idea?  I’m not leaving anyone behind.  Samuel and Malcolm glanced at each other and shrugged.  Malcolm came over and held the sheet rope as I clambered down the side of the building.  As soon as I was down, he followed quickly.  We both situated ourselves so there was room for Samuel to jump down.  We saw him at the window preparing to descend when there was a loud crashing noise. I assumed it was the door finally giving way to the moaning hoard.  He looked behind him, the terror clear on his face.  With a shout, he jumped out the window with the rope in hand.  We barely caught him as he landed in the bed.  Malcolm set the rope on fire then turned and banged on the roof. We were off like a shot.

Son of a bitch, that hurt.  Samuel groaned as Gunther licked his face.  I glanced at him and he was staring at his hands.  Malcolm shined his flashlight on Samuel, revealing his fingers had significant rope burn.  I turned to Malcolm.

Is there a first aid kit back here?  I asked.  Malcolm rummaged through the supplies and I examined Samuels hands. The skin was smooth and red, almost like fresh leather. His ring and index fingers had been partially fused together. 

It’s not too bad, just some cream and some band aids and you’ll be fine.  I cradled his hands in mine, being careful to not touch the burns.

Yea, that’s gonna be fun.  Can you get the flask out of my pocket?  I don’t want to be sober for this.  He tried to make it into a joke, but the sarcasm was overwhelming.  Nonetheless, I reached into his back pocket and opened the flask for him.  As I held the flask for Samuel to drink from, Malcolm found the kit.  He opened it and grabbed out the alcohol. 

Are you ready for this?