Inhuman [Book 1] Read online

  I continued to think about Jessica and Sophia, just as I had been most of the day. I played through all the different scenarios that could have ended with them still being alive and, of course, I always drifted back to blaming my own stupidity.

  So I was more than happy to become preoccupied when I turned my head to the right and noticed what appeared to be a clearing in the distance… I must have been looking at the ground, thinking while I was walking and just didn’t notice it.

  I brought around what used to be Jim’s rifle and looked through the scope (If I were able to move the scope to my rifle I would have). The sudden lack of trees and the seemingly square shaping of open land suggested an unnatural clearing about one hundred yards to the west.

  The only thing haunting me at the moment, other than the death of my family, was the question of why were all put in the situation to begin with.

  Why would they leave us trapped?

  Why would they cut the cellphone service?

  How could earthquakes have caused this?

  Why the hell is the military firing at citizens like we’re in fucking Afghanistan and I might have a bomb strapped to my ass?

  It was so confusing. If I’d ever encountered something that just truly didn’t make any sense – it was my current situation. And even though I told myself that I needed to avoid people at all costs, those questions were exactly why I had to go check it out.

  I was starting to feel the uncontrollable urge to find out what was going on – why they ended up dying. I urged myself not to, but the idea of seeing something that might give me a hint as to what was going on drove me forward.

  Is it because there’s nothing else left for me to care about?

  I crept toward the clearing, stopping every minute or so to take a look through the scope. I began to make out little sections of a garden, surrounded by a crudely made, wooden fence that had seen better days. It seemed like everything was to the right in the clearing, behind some thick rows of trees, so I had to start veering left if I wanted to get a good look without wandering too closely.

  The next time I stopped and checked the scope, I could see another, even larger fenced in area next to the garden. Three brown and white horses were near the gate eating from a large wooden troth... Okay, so I’m probably right – they’re just living off the land and don’t know anything other than that the power’s out… But that doesn’t mean I’m turning around just yet.

  The corner of a reasonably nice and modern house soon came into view. It was surrounded by ground level flower boxes and outlined with red bricks – not what I was picturing just a few moments ago.

  After another twenty yards or so I didn’t even need the scope anymore. I could clearly see a well taken care of home with a brand new truck and fishing boat parked out front. To the right, there was a dirt road leading out that cut through the trees on the other side of the property.

  I already knew that they probably knew even less than I did, but I had to be certain – no matter how many times the small section of my mind still capable of rational thought urged me to turn back.

  This is almost definitely a waste of my time.

  Either way, I wanted to watch for a while and see if anyone came and went, or possibly returned with bags from a store or some kind of government supply station.

  I had a perfect view of the entire house and everything in the yard. There were dozens of chicken coops and even a few pigs far at the back of the property. It seemed like they were totally self-sufficient.

  I’m surprised none of the groups of people looking to steal have found this place yet.

  I noticed some children’s toys lying in the grass outside the freshly painted, bright-blue front door. Just as I thought – I really hope they don’t – I heard a distant pop.

  I flinched when something hit the tree next to me and pieces of wood and bark flew past my face. Then my left shoulder jerked back like I’d been hit with a hammer – then came the extreme burning. I fell to the ground and the sounds finally registered. I’d been shot.

  The duffle bag and rifle were still on my back, stabbing into me when I hit the ground, so I rolled over and got the straps off of me and grasped my shoulder. I knew it wasn’t that bad, that it was survivable… I could swear I felt it go straight through.

  My real problem is that someone’s on the way to finish me off.

  Without thinking, I automatically tried using both hands to get up. The pain in my shoulder sent me right back to the ground. After a few more tries, I finally got to my feet and started to run – then I heard a man yell out, “Stop right now! Hands in the air!”

  I stumbled to a halt, threw my left hand up in the air and did my best to partially raise the right. Getting it to the height of my shoulder was extraordinarily painful, but my adrenaline made it possible. “All my guns are on the ground behind me except the one in my belt! I was just passing by and taking a look!” I called out.

  Footsteps sounded off behind me and I turned my head to the side, trying to get a glimpse.

  “Look straight ahead!” a man ordered.

  My ears picked up two people. Another man, who seemed slightly further away, said, “Don’t you people know us country folk are armed to the teeth?” He was clearly mocking me.

  They must have already had to fight some people off. At least they aren’t being too serious about it… Maybe it’s a good sign.

  I knew that I was wrong when the footsteps came up right behind me and I felt what I assumed was the butt of a rifle hitting the back of my head. The strike put me in such a daze that I barely even felt myself hit the ground.

  Although I did groan out in pain as his weight came down on me and he pulled my arms back – twisting my shoulder so he could start tying my hands together.

  He took the gun from my beltline. “Whoa, this is a badass gun you got here.” He lightly laughed. “She’s mine now.” I could feel him turn around to show it to the other man. Then he asked, “Why haven’t we just killed him? You know he was gonna try and kill us, just like all the others.”

  “No, no! I’m just trying to get to the National Forest so I can have a steady supply of food. I have some dried meat with me, I have guns and ammo. I don’t need to rob anyone! I, I don’t want to!”

  The man on my back contemptuously snarled, “shut up” jumped off and then kicked me in the shoulder. “These assholes will say anything! Don’t listen to him, Dad, it’ll come back to bite us in the ass.”

  The other man snapped, “Keep quiet!” and moved closer. “What’s your name, son.” I could tell he was far older by his raspy, weathered voice. His son seemed to be about my age – probably a few years younger.

  Listening as one urged the other to kill me was so terrifying, I actually forgot for a moment… “Chris.” My shoulder was on fire – even more so after he kicked it. My face was still in the dirt and I didn’t dare move.

  I heard the father, who actually seemed willing to talk to me, take another few steps. “Now why shouldn’t I listen to my boy here and just put a bullet in your head and bury you with the others?”

  I frantically though of what to say, while honestly believing that he was about to shoot me. I could almost feel his finger beginning to pull back on the trigger… Maybe if I’m just completely honest… about everything.

  “Look, it’s just like I said… but there’s more… I left because my neighbor killed my wife and daughter trying to steal all of our supplies, I swear! I just wanted to see if you people had power and maybe find out what the fuck is going on! I’d never hurt anyone unless I had to!”

  The son, obviously still wanting to kill me, scoffed, “Oh come on, you don’t really believe that bullshit do you?”

  “I said shut up!” the father snapped. “Well, Chris… I’m sorry but I can’t just take your word for it.”

  I thought – Fuck, I’m dead – then I remembered that I had proof. “Wait, wait! In my bag! A picture, child’s shoes and a necklace… it’s all I have left
of them.”

  Neither of them said anything or moved for what seemed like minutes. I was waiting to hear the shot.

  “Please, when I saw the toys in your front yard it made me think of my daughter – her name was Sophia.” I coughed to clear my throat. “I even hoped that no one ever finds this place and hurts you.”

  I heard footsteps, though they were soon drowned out by the father’s voice. “Go check the bag, I’ll watch him. Just don’t move a muscle, Chris, and we’ll see how this plays out.”

  See how this plays out? Great.

  “Are they in there.”

  The son answered back – skepticism burning in his voice. “Yeah! But he could have just stolen this shit so he could use it to trick people with a little sob story!”

  “Just take his stuff in the house and then come right back” replied the father, obviously agitated.

  “But, Dad, he-”

  “Do it!”

  I heard the rustling of the leaves and the clinking of the metal on the straps of my rifle as he picked it up. Then came the familiar sounds from the duffle bag that I’d grown to despise.

  I hesitantly said, “Please, if you take that from me you might as well kill me… I see you have plenty of food here… and guns. Just let me go. I just want to leave and keep going. I even have a map in my pocket with the section of the National Forest I’m heading to circled, for fucks sake!”

  He sighed. “Look, son, you’re not dead. That means I believe you, so just be quiet and wait. Try to stay calm so you don’t bleed out as fast. The faster your heart beats, the more comes out.”

  Even though it was no time to be laughing to myself, I couldn’t help but remember all the jokes about the film Deliverance as I listened to him talk. He had that heavy, deep country accent I long believed they overplayed in the movies… So did his son.

  I replied, “I’m trying” somewhat sarcastically.

  I was starting to feel a little better about the whole situation. The father seemed like a reasonable man, but they’d also been attacked, and maybe even lost people they love. They may have learned the same lesson about trust I did. If so, I wouldn’t blame them for killing me.

  It would be for the same reason I killed that boy in Jim’s garage.

  “So you have no idea why all these guys are running around trying to steal everything people have?” the father asked.

  I don’t know how I could have started to laugh aloud. Maybe it was the frustration, or maybe I was losing it. “I was hoping you would know.”

  He coughed. “I wouldn’t laugh yet. The moment I don’t believe you – I’ll have no problem putting you down... And seeing as you supposedly just lost your own family, I’m sure you understand my difficult predicament.”

  I remained quiet – I believed him… I’ve already done enough stupid shit. I couldn’t possibly be dumb enough to talk my way out of getting killed, only to then talk my way right back into it…

  After a few seconds passed, he began to whistle. As I heard the lively footsteps of his son approaching, he walked up behind me. I assumed he was going to help me up so they could lead me back to the house. Instead, I felt a blunt force and a sharp pain in the back of my head again.

  Everything started to go black. It was almost relieving.

  Day 48

  The lack of light in the room told me it was night. My eyes gradually adjusted and the faint outline of a man smoking a cigarette appeared. When he took a drag it momentarily lit up a small portion of his face, revealing a heavily wrinkled, bushy brow. There could have very well been another older man I didn’t yet know about, though I went ahead and assumed it was the father.

  I went to move, only to discover that my hands and feet were tied firmly to the bed. Surprisingly, my shoulder was barely hurting and, for whatever reason, I felt kind of like I’d been drinking.

  “Whenever you’re ready to talk, I’m here” he said.

  I wasn’t used to people smoking cigarettes around me (anymore). It bothered the hell out of my nose, but I didn’t exactly mind because it also reminded me of my father.

  I gathered my thoughts, fully understanding that if he felt I posed a threat he’d have to kill me, and that it had nothing to do with whether he was a “good man” or not. It truly did seem like he didn’t want to hurt me – like he pitied me. But he also had to protect his family.

  “So where do we go from here?” was all I felt safe saying for the time being. I didn’t want to come off as too desperate.

  He leaned over and lit several candles surrounding the ashtray on a small table next to him. “Well, I ask, you answer.” He shrugged. “Easy enough, right?”

  I nodded nervously, but at the same time I felt myself beginning to calm. There was something about the old man that put me at ease.

  His heavy steps forced the antiquated wood floor to cry out when he got up and walked a little closer. My guess was so he could closely study my face in order to help determine whether I was lying or not. Since the light was coming from behind him, I still couldn’t make out his very well.

  He took a long drag and blew a huge cloud of smoke all around me. I watched as the flickering streams of candlelight made it take on the broken-up, swirling effect that always reminded me of the medieval paintings depicting demons trying to claw their way up from the chaos of the underworld.

  “So you really don’t know what’s going on? You didn’t have televisions and radios where you came from?” he asked.

  “Yeah of course, but the power went out before I got to really hear anything. I heard about the earthquakes – that’s it.”

  He seemed rather disappointed, which made me feel like he didn’t know shit either. “I see.”

  I decided to just ask. “Didn’t I hear you say that you’ve already encountered other people? They didn’t know anything?”

  He paused. The tip of his cigarette flared up as he took another drag. “No, son. We’ve had to defend ourselves from people trying to take what we have… Just tell me anything you do know, even if it seems small to you. Tell me how you ended up here.”

  As hard as this going to fucking be, I just have to tell the truth.

  I drew in a deep breath and got started. I told him what I saw on the news about the earthquakes, and what other people told me they heard. I told him about Jim, and that we were helping each other survive – that he even looked after my family while I went hunting. I kept going until I got to the part about what he did to us.

  He finally stopped me and said, “I understand, you already told me about your family so I won’t make you talk about it again. I’m sorry that happened to you.”

  I turned my head and silently thanked him. I could see the compassion and sorrow in his eyes, and in the expression on his face… He has children. He really means it when he says he’s sorry.

  All the questions, and having to tell my story just made me think about Jessica and Sophia even more – hate myself even more. I must have drifted away…

  “Did you hear me?”

  “Oh, uh no… sorry. I was thinking about something.”

  He sat back down in his chair and put out the cigarette. “I asked if you were really shot at by the military. That sounds a bit farfetched.”

  I tried to sit up, already forgetting that I was restrained. The feeling of not being able to move at all was making me feel somewhat aggressive. “If that didn’t happen, I wouldn’t be here. I would have gone to town and gotten food and my family wouldn’t be dead!”

  I took a little break to calm myself down. “Why else would people be trying to rob you? Think about it. And by the way, did you drug me? Because my shoulder barely hurts and I feel really fucked up.”

  He lightly laughed. “You’d be in a good bit of pain if we didn’t. But it’s mainly to help keep you right where you are for now, otherwise I wouldn’t waste it on you.”

  The chair loudly creaked as he stood and lit another cigarette. I appeared to be handmade and probably older than I was. “I�
�m going to be perfectly honest with you, Chris – since I’m leaning toward believing that you’re being honest with me.”

  He placed a hand on his hip and began slowly pacing the room. “Even though I believe you, I don’t see how I can just let you loose with your guns.” He faced me. “I understand that if I send you back out there without them I’m basically killin’ you. I saw how much food you have left. And I don’t know how you haven’t already been taken out by one of those groups of assholes yet… You’re a lucky guy.”

  “Just let me leave. Both of you could easily put me down before I tried anything. Fuck, man, I’m wounded. I don’t even know if I could raise a rifle.”

  He turned to the window, seemingly staring at his own reflection. I got the feeling that he was asking himself whether or not he could sentence me to death. I also got the feeling that he didn’t want to. “I’ve considered that… but we have a problem. If people are good at one thing it’s lying and playing on someone’s emotions, so I’m gonna need some time to think about this – come up with some kind of idea on how to fix this situation.”

  He walked over to the door, and before I could talk, he said, “And you need to heal, so just relax. You aren’t going anywhere for a while. We’ll continue this later.”

  “Please, I only have enough food to make it where I’m going. If you use it all up feeding me while I’m here…”

  He didn’t say a word. He just stood there, locked eyes with me for a few moments and then walked out. I called for him to come back, but it was a waste of breath.

  As soon as the sounds of his footsteps faded I was overcome by the need to escape, but reason took over and reminded me that I had much better chance of living if I just kept being honest. I was hoping that all it would take it for him to get to know me.

  If I just tell the truth, he’ll eventually let me go. I have nothing to hide, not even an ounce of bad intent.

  The last thing I wanted to do was bring up what happened, though I knew it was inevitable – that he was just working his way up to that part of my story. I hated even thinking about it, but I needed him to see who I was and what I’d been through so he’d know that I would never hurt him or his children.