The Walkers Chp. Six

This is chapter Six of The Walkers. If you have not read any of this series yet press/click and hold the link below to go read the first story and then just follow along in the order they’ve been posted. https://shopping-feedback.today/horror/the-walkers-rl6olk0ii2 I hope you enjoy the story.

I step into the room taking a look around. There is a bed, a small resser, and a bathroom off to the side that holds a sink, toilet, and bathtub. All with running water even. This is the first place I've been pretty much since the beginning that had running water. On the sink edge a razor and shaving cream is laid out. I look up from the sink realizing there is an actual mirror and not just a hand mirror. For years any mirror I've come across has been broken so it's odd to actually be able to look at most of myself. While looking I decide I should probably take this time and shave.

After a very careful shave, with just a few nicks I look in the mirror again and almost scream, not recognizing the face I see. Eyes sunken deep and cheek bones prominent with dirt in streaks that I missed when rinsing, my face tells the story of the last eight years. Staring at the reflection until I can find something familiar, I put aside the memories that threaten to overtake and strip down, throwing my clothes back into the main room and take a look at my body. For the parts of me that weren't covered with dirt my skin doesn't look too bad. As gaunt as my face is, the rest of me is well toned from the years of constant moving. I close the bathroom door, turn the water on as hot as I can stand, and get into the tub.

I allow myself to soak just until the water starts to cool down and then finally scrub myself from my stringy hair to my mud crusted toes. The water is black but for the first time in what seems a lifetime I am clean. One more time, I inspect myself in the mirror. Various scars cover my body from many encounters between humans and walkers, reminding me why I didn't mind being coated in mud.

In the bedroom my old clothes have been replaced with a new pair laying on the bed. Pulling on the sturdy feeling green shirt and light brown cargo pants I find they both fit close to perfect, leaving just enough breathing room to be able to move around. Looking around I figure it didn't take more than an hour so I've still got plenty of time left. I step out of my room and knock on Bob's door, "You decent in there?"

I hear a brief bit of scrambling then, "Come on in." I step in to find a room identical to my own. Bob is sitting on the edge of his bed in an outfit identical to my own as well. Bob looks at my face and tries to hide the expression of sadness that comes across his face, "Wow man. I don't know if shaving was the best choice. It really shows just how long you've been going at this."

I shrug leaning against the wall, "I know. I looked at myself too. Though I think the weirdest part might be feeling air against my face for the first time in years. Honestly my face is better than the rest of me. I got to be reminded of just how many close calls I've had over the years. I see you shaved yourself, though you still look pretty much the same. So do you have any scars? Or does no one in your country have to worry about stuff like that anymore?"

Bob grins, "I actually do have one scar but I'll only show you if you promise to tell me about Millie."

I look at him for a moment wondering why he would want to know about Millie. Chewing on my lip before answering, I say, "Alright deal. Though first answer me this. Why do you care? It was something I said in my sleep. For all you know it could mean nothing. The fact that I haven't avoided the subject this time means I do trust you. I just want to know why?"

Bob looks down at his feet when he answers, "Since I've met you it was obvious you have been carrying a lot of pain in you for a long time. In our brief time together you have helped me more than every other person I've ever known. I was just a stranger who intruded on your safe spot and could have led insomniacs to you and yet you helped me. I trust you with my life at this point but more importantly you're family to me. That's why I want to know. Because I want to know more about my family."

There is a moment of silence and I can feel the heat of my cheeks flushing, "I don't know what to say. Thank you though that feels so inadequate. You're right though at this point we are family. Alright enough of that. Now show me your scar and I'll tell you about Millie."

Bob laughs and lifts up his shirt showing long scars running down his right side, "So remember when I said I had been hunting before and that most of the animals were so tame they would lick your gun barrel? Well only most of them are. There was a lion I came across in one of the reserves who had his own pride. I decided that I would approach them without my weapon because I just wanted to look at them. Well turns out he was still very wild and he scratched me for my efforts.

It was bad enough I actually had to be rushed out and taken to a hospital. I was bleeding out and for a little while they thought I might not make it. Once they got me stabilized they told me that with a little surgery I wouldn't have any scarring. I declined them though because I decided it looked way too cool and wanted to keep them. So to answer your question from earlier, yes these things are a thing of the past in my country. However I decided I wanted to look cool. Alright, your turn."

I sigh looking down at my feet, "Alright. Millie was a friend of my moms. She was really sweet to me while I was growing up. She didn't have any children of her own and most of my running around was near her house so I gained a second mom. Once I became a teenager I developed a bit of a crush on her. It never really went anywhere obviously but still when everything started she was the first person I tried to find. After I recovered from my mom kicking me off a cliff." Bob's eyes open wide but I shake my head at him.

"So when I found her she was actually still at her house. I approached with caution but I had to see her. I was hoping that somehow she had been spared. This was before I had lost any hope that people had somehow escaped being turned. Unfortunately she had turned and she tried to attack me. Instead of running away like I should have I decided it was better to put her out of her misery. I knew she would be horrified if she had known the things she had done. With her dying breath she seemed to return to her old self for just a few seconds. Long enough to thank me." I pushed off the wall with a sad smile on my face.

Bob stood up and gave me a hug, "When we get out of this I promise that somehow I'll give you a life back. That somehow you'll be able to recover from all this."

I pat him on the back, "Thanks man but ending this will be the thing to give me a life back. That's why one way or another we have to get out of here. Though first we've got a dinner to deal with." We spent the next couple of hours chatting. Killing time until our dinner date. Eventually a knock on the door comes and I go answer it to find our original captor now sporting a purpling bruise from where he got slapped earlier.

The man actually gasps a little when he sees my shaven face, "Wow and I thought you looked bad before. Though at least you have clothes that look like something a person would wear."

I grin at him, "I wouldn't be saying anything about appearances walking around with that pretty bruise. I thought you were handsome when we met but now I'm not so sure."

The man growls his fists clenching. He takes a deep breath and I can hear him counting to himself. He relaxes his fists and through gritted teeth says, "Please follow me. Joann is waiting for you."

I nod at Bob and we leave the room following the man. As we walk I ask him, "By the way what is your name? I just realized that I never got it."

The man looks back at me, "I have no interest or desire to tell you. Even if I did, I would want to know your name in return and I feel like you would just lie to me."

I feign shock, "I can't believe that you think I would lie. That breaks my heart. You are a cruel man, you know that?" I grin hoping I can get another outburst of him. If nothing else I can get him in trouble with his boss. Where there is trouble in the ranks there exists something to be exploited.

The man takes another deep breath trying to calm himself. Soon after many hallways and nothing but silence along the way we come to a large metal door. The man pushes open the doors to show a large dining room with a small table in the middle and nothing else. Bob and I look at the man who gestures to the table. We begin walking towards the table and the man calls out, "They're here Joann. Have your fun." With that he steps back out, closing the door.

Bob and I reach the table. There are three chairs at the table so we each grab one and sit down. After a moment a man walks out dressed as a waiter. He walks up to us holding two cups, "Lemonade sirs? Fresh from our lemon trees." We both nod and the man sets down the drinks. "Miss Joann will be with you both shortly. Please be patient. It's not often we get guests of any sort around here."

After the man walks off I look at Bob, "I don't know why but this is all starting to feel very bizarre to me. We're captured and brought here. Treated as if we're an enemy and now we're honored guests. Keep your wits about you."

At that moment, Joann walks in from a door opposite from where we came in. She's dressed in a simple yet elegant crimson red evening gown, her carefully measured steps occasionally shifting the dress just enough to expose her legs through the slits of the gown. Showing off scarring as well as toned and tanned muscle. She reaches the table as the waiter reappears seemingly from her shadow to pull out her chair. She takes a seat and smiles at us both, "Hello gentleman. Let's talk."

I smile back at her, "Sounds good to me. What would you like to talk about?" At this point the waiter returns with a glass for Joann. It smells of sweet alcohol making me think of wine. The waiter also produces silverware for all of us including a large sharp knife.

Joann picks up the knife inspecting it as she talks, "I said earlier that we would talk and as long as you were honest we could talk about what to do with you. Before we talk though, I would like to address one lie you've already told me. Earlier you said you kept your partner around so you would have someone to toss to the walkers. Which I would have believed if your partner hadn't given you away."

I look at Bob with a hint of confusion, "What did he do that gave me away? If I remember correctly he didn't do anything."

Joann grins showing off an impressive set of slightly sharpened teeth, "Exactly. Normally one would be surprised that someone just admitted they were keeping them around as fodder. But he did absolutely nothing as he knew what you said was a lie and you wouldn't do that to him."

Bob laughs. A loud boisterous laugh that echoes in the large room, "Of course I didn't do anything. It was the agreement we hashed out the first night we met. That at any point our partnership might dissolve if one of us saw an opportunity for survival that required sacrificing the other. But we also agreed to never engage in any dangerous situation without unanimous consent between the two of us."

Joann stares at both Bob and I for a long moment before laughing as well, "Survival of the fittest mixed with democracy! I love it. You two amuse me. Fine,I apologize for saying you had lied. I'm willing to admit when I've made an error, especially an error in judgement. So with that out of the way. Let us eat and talk." She claps her hands and a large tray is brought out by our waiter. On it are two whole roasted chickens, a bowl full of boiled potatoes, salads, and fresh rolls as well as butter.

Soon we have plates filled to the edges with food. Bob and I begin to tear into our food with abandon when we both realize Joann is taking her time. We both force ourselves to slow down. I grin at Joann, "Sorry about that. We've been subsisting on venison jerky for about a week. So you'll have to forgive our reactions to fresh real food."

She smiles politely, "I completely understand. I once was like you. Never knowing where my next meal would come from so I would eat like a beast possessed when I could. However that hasn't been the case for four years now. So I've regained my manners but don't let that stop you. However before you attack your food again I would like to know your names. It's only fair since you know mine right?"

I look at Bob and nod my head slightly before turning back to her, "I'm Steven and he's Bob. Yes, that actually is his name." With that we both begin eating again, though eating a little slower.

Joann's eyes light up as she puts down her silverware, "Steven? You wouldn't happen to be the same Steven that burned down half of Squeen when he escaped? The one who fed the leader at the time to his own personal pack of insomniacs? The one who is personally held responsible for the deaths of over two hundred people. And last but not least the same one with a bounty on his head totalling out to over ten years worth of food."

I sigh but then smile as I put down my silverware as well, "Yes the one and same. Though I didn't know about the bounty. That's exciting. Why do you ask? Wait, I bet I can answer. You and Squeen are allies. You and your city would benefit greatly from sending me to them. Maybe you even knew the previous leader personally and you want revenge?"

Joann grins again, "Right on every bit except the last one. I did know him but I have no desire to avenge him. He wasn't a good man and honestly his death was fitting. So for that I wish to personally thank you. Squeen's current ruler is much more level headed and easy to deal with. Now knowing who you are I know that you are no spy. However, your friend here I know nothing about." She turns her gaze to Bob, "You tell me who you are now."

Bob gulps, "Me? I'm nobody really but I guess I can tell you about my life up to here." He proceeds to tell her all about his life, even showing her his scar. Once he finishes he eats what little food he has left on his plate, "That's me. Like I said I'm nobody."

Joann also finishes off her plate staring at Bob the whole time. Once she is done she claps her hands again. The waiter reappears and takes away our plates. She finally speaks, "I don't think you've lied to me. But I do feel as if you have left something out. I just can't tell if it's important or not. Anyways, now for my final question. What has brought you here? It seems as if you are heading for the capital. But that would also be suicidal. For a man who left so much devastation in his wake to survive, why are you trying to throw your life away?"

I sigh sitting back in my chair looking up at the ceiling, "I realize what I'm about to say will sound like the ravings of a madman. But I believe that if there is anywhere in our country where a group of people have gathered, that might have the ability to end this, it would be in the capital. I have no basis for this belief outside of my own personal conviction. Bob is with me in hopes that maybe he'll find someway to contact the outside world and get someone out here to help us. I know it sounds crazy but there ya go."

Joann stares at me unblinking, "I honestly don't know what to say to that. But what I can tell you is that just getting to the government buildings will be almost impossible. We've mounted a few attempts to retake the capital but by day it swarms with walkers and by night just as many insomniacs. I've lost many soldiers there and we accomplished nothing. That is all I can tell you. I will not stop you from leaving and continuing on your journey but I would like to make a counter proposal."

She leans forward, her face sincere but a hunter's gleam still in her eyes, "Stay here and work for me. I could use someone like you here. Someone not afraid to do what he must for survival. Those are qualities I admire in an individual. Simply think about it and give me your answer in the morning. If you say no I will send you on your way, though I will give you no aid. But if you say yes you will finally have a home to call your own. With food and water."

I sit forward myself now, "Actually yeah how do you have running water here? I've been wondering that all day."

Joann grins slyly, "This place sits near several sources of fresh water which we have rerouted to our city. Under our city over one hundred people toil all day turning giant wheels that keeps the water flowing both in and out. We've figured out how to purify the water at least to an extent. It won't work forever but it works for now. We all have strict water enforcement laws about when it can and can't be used. Don't worry though I wouldn't put you two here. You'd live in this building with me. So again just think about it."

Joann claps her hands one more time and the waiter appears once more. She looks at him, "Please escort them back to their rooms. Make sure no one harasses them on the way." The waiter nods and gestures for us to head to the door. He leads us back to our rooms with no incident, bows, and then walks away all without a single word.

I look at Bob gesturing to my room as I open the door stepping in, "Real friendly guy. Alright so I already know my answer but I won't assume yours. What are we telling her in the morning?"

Bob follows me into the room shaking his head, "Do you have to ask? Of course we're saying no. We've got a mission to complete. I've followed you this far, I'm not going to quit now."

I take a seat letting out a sigh of relief, "I thought so but figured I would ask. Be kind of awkward if she asks us tomorrow and both of us have a different answer. Alright I'm glad to know where we're at. Now if you don't mind I'm going to take advantage of getting to sleep in an actual bed. Good night Bob."

Bob heads for the door, "Good night. See you in the morning Steven."

I'm woken up to knocking on my door. I groan rolling myself out of bed and head to the door, "Hold on! I'm coming." I open the door and the waiter from last night is standing in front of me. "Hey there. Sorry about a second ago that was my first night in a real bed in quite some time. I slept like the dead."

The man stares at me blankly while he speaks with a monotone voice, "It's time for you to provide your answer. If it is no then I am to take you to your horses. If yes then you go to Miss Joann. So what is your answer?"

I smile at him wondering how he manages to convey no emotion, "Unfortunately my answer is no. I'll get myself put together and be out in a moment." I close the door and hear the waiter knock on Bob's door. They have a similar conversation and in ten minutes we're being led out of the building towards a stable.

Joann is waiting for us by the stable yelling at our captor from yesterday. When she sees us approaching she pushes him out of the way, "Get out of here! Back to the forest with you. Next time you bring me captives make sure they're actually worth my time." She walks up to us, "I can already guess your answer but please let me hear it with my own ears."

Bob and I simultaneously say, "No." I start checking the horses over as well as my bag. Bob goes and starts ruffling through his bag.

Joann sighs, "I knew it. I was really hoping you would stay but I knew you wouldn't. However listen, if at any point you want to come back and take me up on my offer it's open. I like you both and I think you both would have been great additions to my army. So with that I bid you both farewell as unfortunately I have work to attend to. I've already sent word ahead to the gates so you're clear to leave. Good luck to the both of you. Hope to see you alive at the end of your journey."

Bob and I both nod at her. Satisfied with my inspection and finding nothing missing I hop on to my horse and Bob does the same. "Once I find a cure I'll come back. You can help me get it out there. Thank you for your hospitality." With that we ride out and once past the gates I nudge my horse to speed up looking over at Bob, " Now let's go. We've got a country to save."

Bob stops laughing loudly, "Oh man that was cheesy! But you're right let's go." We take off down the road hoping that our journey doesn't get delayed any more.

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