Haven

By Stevie Kopas

The post-apocalypse zombie trilogy continues with a thriller that’s “rich with character and eerie with the kind of scares that get under your skin” (Jay Bonansinga, New York Times–bestselling author).

Having barely escaped the clutches of the undead, the survivors of The Breadwinner are headed into the unknown to continue their search for solace in the post-apocalyptic landscape. Once a paradise for the living, the city of Haven is now crawling with flesh hungry creatures—yet it could be their only hope.

Veronica, Samson, and the others take a chance on the promises of Gary, a solitary survivor who may be hiding sinister motives behind his hospitality.

Meanwhile, two ordinary women are faced with extraordinary horrors and obstacles as they struggle to make it to safety. If they don’t succeed, they’ll each become just another undead face in the hordes roaming the streets of Haven.

When tragedy strikes, worlds collide, and the survivors must band together against their common enemy. But remember, who you were does not determine what you will become in the face of a catastrophe. The dead may no longer be their greatest threat.

Welcome home. Haven is hell.

“The underlying theme that living humans are by far the most dangerous creatures in the animal kingdom resonates throughout the entire novel, culminating itself in an explosive ending that will undoubtedly leave Breadwinner fans eager for the final book in the trilogy, All Good Things.” —Kurt Schuett, author of Insurgency

 

“In a world filled with zombie fiction, The Breadwinner Trilogy stands out from the pack, hungrily gnashing its broken teeth. For once, I urge you to let it dig right in.” —Jim Dodge, Mass Movement Magazine

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Apr 14, 2015
• ISBN: 9781618685438

Stevie Kopas

Stevie Kopas was born and raised in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. She is a gamer, a writer and an apocalypse enthusiast. Stevie will never turn down a good cup of coffee and might even be a bit of a caffeine addict. Stevie is the author of The Breadwinner Trilogy. Books 1 and 2, The Breadwinner and Haven were originally self-published in 2013 and 2014. The Breadwinner Trilogy was picked up by Permuted Press in May of 2014 and the second editions of both the first books were released in March and April of 2015. The third and final installment in The Breadwinner Trilogy, All Good Things, debuted in May of 2015. In June of 2015 The Breadwinner was the number one bestselling dystopian novel on Amazon. Her fourth book, Never Say Die: Stories of The Zombie Apocalypse, was released in May 2016 but is currently unavailable pending rerelease by Permuted Press early 2017. Her fifth novel, co-authored with Stephen Kozeniewski, SLASHVIVOR, was released September 2017. Kopas also participates in the At Hell's Gates horror anthologies and all profits are donated to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Her short stories, Nefarious, Patient 63, and Spencer Family Tradition can be found in the first three volumes of At Hell's Gates. Her other short story, Camp Counselors Wanted, can be found in Man Behind The Mask, a charity anthology that donates all proceeds to breast cancer research. She currently resides in Panama City Beach, Florida and tries to spend as much time as she can soaking up the sun. Stevie is also the Managing Editor of the website Horror Metal Sounds and a writer for the site. Offline, Stevie is a telecommunications professional. You can visit the official website at http://someonereadthis.com and connect on Facebook via http://facebook.com/thebreadwinnertrilogy and also follow Stevie on Twitter @ApacoTaco

Book preview

Part I

Haven

I

The gentle rocking of the boat gave Samson little comfort. In fact, the drunken stupor he had put himself in the night before was showing its mean face with every movement The Dockside made in the gulf. He hung himself over the side and puked for what seemed like hours. His throat burned and his head felt like it would explode any minute. He slipped backward and landed on his ass with a grunt. Vomit trickled down the left side of his face and he casually wiped it away. Samson exhaled hard and propped himself up on his elbows, trying to steady himself and get rid of the spins. He cleaned his hand off on his black polo; no use in worrying what he looked like.

I’m already covered in blood, what does a little vomit hurt?

You think you’re finished yet?

Samson saw dirty white sneakers appear out of the corner of his eye.

I sure hope so. He looked up at Veronica who loomed over him, hands on her hips.

You need to get some rest. She held out her hand. We all need to get some rest.

Ben came up on the other side of Samson and helped Veronica get him off the deck. There was a small cabin on the boat with just enough space for the group of six.

Veronica had set up some linens and towels on the floor inside for Samson, and Ben helped him into the makeshift bed.

Ya know, we might have had some medicine for all that pukin’ you’re doin’. Clyde stared down at Samson and spoke through a full mouth of potato chips. But somebody locked us out. He raised an eyebrow at Samson, awaiting his response. Samson simply lifted his hand and waved it at Clyde.

You can give him shit later, man, let him sleep the drunk off. Ben took a seat on a wobbly folding chair between Samson and the table Clyde sat at. Got anymore chips?

Clyde stole another handful of chips before handing them over to Ben.

Veronica stood in the doorway and watched Juliette sleep soundly on the small loveseat opposite the table. How do you think she’ll be when she wakes up? Veronica spoke softly.

I don’t know. Clyde hesitated, as if he wanted to say more, but he didn’t even have the energy to trash-talk Juliette at the moment.

The boat come to a stop and Andrew called out to them. Veronica stepped aside to let Clyde and Ben pass. She shut the cabin door behind her and followed them out.

I figure this is as good a spot as any to drop anchor and let everybody get some sleep. Nobody gonna fuck with us out here unless they got a boat of their own. Andrew cracked his neck and gently massaged it with his left hand. Shit, and the day those dead things learn to drive a boat will be the day that I die.

Where are we? Ben lit up a cigarette.

Not really sure, to tell you the truth. Andrew looked around, but for all he knew, they could be halfway to Mexico and he wouldn’t be able to tell. Been headin’ west now for almost three hours, and I’m not gonna tell you that we have a whole lot of gas left. I don’t know shit about boats. So let’s get some shut eye and make some plans in the morning.

Got it. Ben nodded at the brothers as they disappeared into the cabin. You should go in with them.

Veronica shook her head and joined Ben on one of the empty seats on the deck, pulling her legs up and hugging them to her chest. She leaned her head back and stared up at the black expanse of sky. She’d never seen that many stars in her life and it reminded her of how small she was, how insignificant they all were.

Ben dropped his finished cigarette to the deck and stepped on it. So what’s the grand plan for Veronica from here? You’ve gotten us this far. He smiled at her through the darkness.

She looked from the sky and squinted at him, trying to make out his facial expression, but Andrew had cut all the lights. I don’t know. I never really knew if I’d actually find a way out of the city, but I did. And then I never knew how I’d get out of the bay once I found the boats. So really, I haven’t gotten us anywhere; everyone else has gotten me somewhere.

Hey, hey. What is that attitude? He lit up his last cigarette and tossed the empty pack to his feet. If I recall, you are the reason we’re even all on this boat, so don’t get all emo teenager on me for Christ’s sake.

She cracked a weak smile, but knew he couldn’t see it. Sorry. Guess I’m just still in shock. The last couple of weeks have been pretty intense. She swallowed hard. The last couple of hours have been pretty intense.

What happened back there in Franklin? Is this Samson an alright guy?

He’s no better or worse than you or me. You’ll like him. Everyone has been through their own stuff. Nobody’s having a nice time. She rubbed her eyes.

He nodded, understanding. Just wanted to make sure you didn’t lose your spark.

She snickered somewhere in the darkness.

I’m really glad we found you, kiddo.

I’m really glad you found me too.

II

Andrew was the first to wake. The sun shone mercilessly on his face through one of the cabin windows and his body was drenched in sweat. He gently moved Juliette from off him and she groaned in her sleep. He stretched and every inch of his big frame ached. There was bottled water galore on the boat, and he grabbed one as he left the cabin to check out their surroundings in daylight.

The sun was out in full effect; he glanced at his watch, 11:45. They were all so exhausted, it didn’t surprise him how long he’d been able to sleep in such cramped quarters. He squinted at the sun’s reflection shining off the beautiful Gulf waters and climbed the steps to the captain’s chair.

Holy fuck.

Andrew didn’t know what he was expecting to see, but he sure didn’t expect to be this close to land, or that they’d be right in the middle of a vacationer’s wet dream. He put the down bottle of water and fumbled for the binoculars that hung around the steering wheel, the ones which had kept knocking into his legs as he drove the boat the night before.

He recognized the resort immediately, with its tiki hut beach bars, an enormous indoor/outdoor swimming pool, and the algae-stained space straight down the middle of the towering building. It was once a breathtaking waterfall leading from the pool on the roof to the pool on the ground floor. Two smaller towers were to the right and left of the main one and an enormous green E sat at the very top of the center.

That, my friend, is The Emerald City. Samson shielded his eyes with one hand and held a water bottle in the other.

Andrew hadn’t even noticed Samson below him at the bow of the boat. I know what it is, he called down. Samson continued to stare out at the resort as Andrew climbed down to join him up front.

Samson pointed at the binoculars and Andrew handed them over. Stayed there a few times for some weekend getaways with the family. Samson stuttered over the word family as he scanned the beach with the binoculars. Even thought about getting our own condominium, but I never got around to it. He lowered the binoculars and tucked the water bottle under his arm, extending his hand. I don’t think we were formally introduced. I’m Samson Eckhart.

Yeah I know who you are. Big-shot attorney that kept me nice and busy. He shook Samson’s hand firmly. Officer Andrew Hansen.

Job’s a job. Samson raised a hand toward the empty shore. "Or at least it was a job. The others, they’re with you?"

Yeah, my brother Clyde, my girlfriend Juliette, and the other one’s Ben. Right place, right time, I guess. Just shitty circumstances.

Samson shook his head, I can’t imagine anyone meeting under pleasant circumstances anymore. He handed the binoculars back to Andrew and sipped from his water bottle, staring aimlessly, and was suddenly snapped from his daze by a flash of light from one of the towers. Did you see that? He squinted and snatched the binoculars back out of Andrew’s hands.

What’s the deal, man?

I swear I just saw something. He adjusted the focus and searched floor by floor for any movement from the tower. As he was about to lower the binoculars again he saw the flash of light once more from the top floor. Up there, somebody’s signaling us.

Andrew grabbed the binoculars back from him and took a look for himself. Once more the light flashed. Signal mirror or something. He mumbled, waiting for any more light. A figure appeared on the balcony. They waved one arm and then two, then back to one again. Well, there sure is somebody up there, but who knows if that’s them sayin’ hello or tellin’ us to go the fuck away.

Samson took a look again and the person added a little jump into their waving. It looks to me like they might actually be a little excited to see us. We should wake the others. Andrew hurried to get the rest of the group while Samson remained at the bow. He decided to give whoever it was on the top floor a couple waves back. The figure stopped jumping and waving and quickly disappeared back inside the condo.

Samson frowned, not knowing how to take the sudden cease in communication.

A minute or so passed before everyone but Juliette joined Samson at the bow.

How many people did you see? Veronica held her hands out for the binoculars but Samson put them back up to his eyes again.

Just the one, but they’re gone now.

Could you tell if he was armed? Ben took a cigarette from Clyde and lit it up.

Nah, can’t even tell if it’s a man or a woman from here. Andrew folded his arms across his chest, furrowing his brow. If there are more people in there, maybe they went to go get them, same as us.

Could be bad, Clyde exhaled his smoke and the soft breeze off the water quickly cleared the air again. We’re like sittin’ ducks out here. What if this motherfucker went off to get a sniper rifle or some shit?

Relax. Samson gave him a sideways look. They didn’t look hostile to me. Besides, if they were looking to kill us I don’t think they would have let us know anyone was home.

The group stood silently, studying the tower for any sign of activity. Veronica grabbed the binoculars and pointed at the beach excitedly. Somebody’s running down there. She followed the figure as it quickly moved on the sand toward a small hut. How did ya’ll miss all the damn Jet Skis down there? She looked from Samson to Andrew and back to Samson again, rolling her eyes. The stranger on the beach grabbed something from inside the hut and hopped onto one of the Jet Ski rentals, starting it up in no time. We better hope this guy is friendly.

He’s going to ride a Jet Ski out here to us? Clyde’s hand instinctively went for his firearm but he’d left it inside. Damn, I need my gun. He hurried back to the cabin, cussing the whole way.

Grab ‘em all. Andrew called out to him.

Veronica sighed, Oh, great.

What now? Give me those. Samson tried to take back the binoculars from her but she jerked away. Her mouth hung open at the dozen eaters shambling their way down the beach.

From what Veronica could see, the dead were not so graceful on the sand. They bumped into one another, knocking each other down and tripping over their own feet like undead Keystone Kops. They waddled and shuffled toward the water, arms flailing, almost moving as one.

The Jet Ski slowed as it grew closer to The Dockside. Clyde returned with what little weapons the group had, Juliette following behind with light footsteps.

The man on the Jet Ski came to a halt once he noticed the four guns pointed at him. He put his hands up immediately, revealing a shoulder holster. Whoa whoa, I come in peace. He called out in a thick British accent. He looked from face to face across the boat, stopping at Veronica. He narrowed his eyes, You’ve got children with you?

I’m not a child. She stepped forward, as if she had intended on doing something about his remark but Ben put his arm out.

There are no children aboard. Ben responded, pistol still pointed at the man.

Those things, behind you, Andrew nodded toward the shore, do we need to be worried about them right now?

The man turned around as the eaters tumbled into the water, getting knocked over by gentle waves, uneasy on their decaying feet in the crystal-clear waters. He sort of chuckled, Nah, mate, lucky for us they don’t swim. They get far enough out they sink and probably just stay there. To be honest, I don’t care where they go once they’re in the drink, as long as they don’t bother me anymore. He wiped the sweat from his face on his forearm. Listen, how about this, I throw my weapon aboard, you put yours down? He spoke slowly and clearly.

No one in the group said anything to him.

Look, I haven’t got anything up my sleeve. He wore no shirt and shook his hands in the air, smiling at them.

Andrew looked to Ben and he responded with a nod. Alright. Remove your weapon. Slowly. Andrew watched closely the man’s every move. Once the man had the holster off, he brought his hands back up. Toss it on up here, no sudden movements or I shoot.

The man nodded and with a light underhand throw, the gun gracefully flew up for Samson to fumble, but catch. The men looked at each other and dropped their guns to their sides.

Alright then. The man rested his arms on the Jet Ski and leaned forward slightly, shifting his weight. My name’s Gary. I’ve been living up in the tower, where you first spotted me.

How many of you are there? Samson asked.

Gary looked at him and shook his head. It’s only me, now.

You mean to tell me you’ve got the whole place to yourself? Samson raised an eyebrow. I don’t buy it.

Hey, look, I know, it sounds mad. He rubbed his eyes. Samson could see the familiar hurt in them. There were more. I can promise you that. But we ran into a problem, quite a big one. The last few days I’ve just been sneaking around like a rat between buildings, trying not to get myself killed. I suppose the only advantage I’ve got over those things is I’ve still got my wits about me.

Samson took a few steps over to Andrew and leaned in close. I want to know what happened. And if anyone here is gonna be able to call a liar on his bullshit, I’d like to think it’d be me.

Andrew thought about it for a second and nodded, Alright, let’s bring him up.

"Why

Reviews for Haven

[frankerrington · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Review copyBook two in The Breadwinner Trilogy is an entertaining sequel to The Breadwinner released a month ago, by Permuted Press.In Haven, the rag-tag group of survivors get off the boat and take up residence in The Emerald City, a resort located in the fictional town of Haven, Florida.After clearing out the undead and making their new home defensible, they plan a supply run to a Haven shopping center to hopefully provide for their needs for the foreseeable future.Of course there are the usual run-ins with the recently deceased and writer, Stevie Kopas, finds new ways to deal with the problem..."She nodded, watching as Andrew took a slow-moving eater out with his golf club. The hideous thing's jaw went flying off following the upswing. Samson cracked it over the head with his shotgun, bringing it to its knees. Putrid, black blood poured from the eater's face where its jaw had just vacated, painting the once-perfect white sand the color of death. Juliette flinched as Andrew brought the golf club down one more time for good measure."The writing is suitably gory and visceral at times..."She straddled his body and raised the garden light with both arms. Zach's eyes shot open and locked with hers once more, but they were not the same eyes she had looked into moments before. His half-eaten face and neck made her stomach turn but she swallowed her bile. He growled demonically and his torso squirmed under her as she plunged the metal garden stake straight through the middle of his forehead. No more sound or movement came from Zach. No more sound or movement would ever come from Zach."I liked the story in Haven more than the one in book 1 of The Breadwinner Trilogy. It had all the elements of your standard zombie fare, but this one was more about the relationships and by the story's end, there's a greater threat to the group from within that there is from without.Haven is available now from Permuted Press in a variety of ebook formats and in print from Amazon.com. Book 3 in The Breadwinner Trilogy, All Good Things, will be released on May 12th, 2015.Recommended, especially if your going through zombie withdrawal with The Walking Dead currently being on hiatus.