Slaton - Dead America The First Week (Book 7): Portland

DEAD AMERICA: THE FIRST WEEK

BOOK 7: PORTLAND

By Derek Slaton

2019

CHAPTER ONE

Day Zero +6

Smells good, Zion said as he entered the kitchen of the small apartment he shared with his sister, Monique.

She grinned. Eggs and potatoes, just like momma used to make.

Her brother pulled up a stool and sat on it, his linebacker build looking almost comical on such a small seat at the island counter. Monique couldnt help but chuckle at him as he audibly moaned while shoveling potatoes into his mouth. She was five years older, and even in their twenties it was hard not to see the little boy he used to be.

She filled her own plate and faced him, standing at the island to eat her own breakfast. I hope mommas doing okay, she said quietly, pushing her eggs around with a fork.

Zion stopped shoveling and reached out to grasp her hand. Mo, you know shes fine. Ty is taking care of Compton, theres no way he isnt. Its probably locked down tighter than a drum with our old gang holding the fort.

Yeah. She pursed her lips. I just cant help but feel like we should be there, with her. If we hadnt left

If we hadnt left, then shed have been mighty disappointed in me, Zion cut in. Escaping the gang life was best for both of us, and you know that. Momma knew it, and thats why she wanted me to take you away from Los Angeles.

I know, Monique replied with a sigh. Its just if Id have known the apocalypse was going to happen, I maybe would have stayed. Or brought her with us. It would have been nicer to be together.

Nobody could have predicted this, Zion said with a shake of his head. Dont beat yourself up over it.

Monique took a bite of her potatoes and decided to change the subject. Howd everything go out there last night?

It was quiet, her brother replied with a shrug. Few stragglers here and there, but this place is secluded enough that we dont get many zombies out here as long as we dont make too much noise.

I guess its a blessing that the city lost funding for this area, his sister replied thoughtfully. I mean, it was nice that the place was so cheap, but it was going to be nice to have shops and stuff being built around here. I remember feeling like it was really too bad that we didnt move into the city instead of this apartment building in the middle of the woods.

Definitely better we ended up here, Zion agreed. If wed have been in the city that would have been a whole different ball game during the outbreak.

Yeah. Monique nodded.

There was a light knock on the door, and Zion put up a hand to his sister before walking over to answer it.

Hey, Z, Calvin greeted, running a hand through his shaggy brown hair. He was a wiry little guy, the same age as Zion but probably a third of his weight. Im workin on a new project, and I could use your help.

Im not interested in your projects, Zion replied, though not unkindly. Theres more to our survival right now then your weed plants. Plus were going on a run this morning, in case you forgot?

Thats the thing, I got rid of the weed plants, Calvin replied, putting up his hands. The maintenance closet was full of all kinds of vegetable seeds, I guess the original plan for this place was to grow food as foliage in one of the courtyard gardens. I figured if we change my grow-op into an indoor farm, well be set for fresh food.

Monique nodded her approval from behind Zion, who stared in shock at the stoner.

My apartment is pretty much just a giant greenhouse now, Calvin continued. Brent said that we can grab more lights on our outing today so I can start retrofitting other apartments.

Thats Zion shook his head. Thats great. He turned to Monique, and pulled her into a hug, planting an affectionate kiss on her forehead. Thanks for breakfast.

Be careful, she replied, worry knitting her brows.

He smiled. Always. He left the apartment and closed the door behind him.

Dude, your sister is so gorgeous, Calvin groaned as they wandered towards the stairwell, and then clapped his hands over his mouth, fear widening his eyes as if he hadnt meant to say it.

Zion just laughed. Man, she would chew you up and spit you out again, he assured him. Keep that in mind if you ever get the bright idea to say that to her face.

I thought I was going to die just there, Calvin admitted.

Again, Zion said, an amused smirk on his face. Keep that feeling in mind if you ever decide to hit on my sister. I dont need to threaten you. She could kill you with her bare hands.

Calvin gulped. Is it bad that makes her even hotter?

Ugh. The bigger man rolled his eyes. You white boys are suckers for punishment. He shook his head. Whats the mission today, anyway? he asked, changing the subject as they descended the stairs.

Were heading to that strip mall just off the interstate, about ten miles away to the north, Calvin explained. Just a regular supply run, but also for lights for more farming.

Would have been nice to sleep in after my night shift, Zion muttered.

His companion shrugged. Theres just not enough people fit to fight. Youd think there would be in a building that can house seventy people, but I guess years of office jobs have made em weak over time.

The bigger man raised an eyebrow as he opened the door to the main floor, eyeing up the wiry stoner. And youre in fighting shape? he teased.

Hey, I work out, Calvin replied, flexing lean muscles in his bicep. Besides, facing off against zombies are more about determination than strength.

Zion shrugged. Youre probably right about that. But strength sure helps.

I like having you watching my back, dude, the shorter man declared.

Zion grinned. Remember that if you ever think about hitting on my sister.

CHAPTER TWO

The duo stopped into the armory on the way outside, which was the repurposed security office. When the apocalypse had hit, theyd gathered every weapon they could find in the entire building and put it in here, then added to it as they went on scavenging runs.

What can I get for you boys? the older gentleman attending the armory asked as they walked in.

Ill take one of them hunting rifles, please, Calvin said politely, pointing at the one he wanted on the wall. Grew up shooting game with my pops, he said to Zion. Growing up in the country and all.

Ah, is that where the weed plants came from, then? The bigger man raised an eyebrow. Learn to grow em on the farm?

Calvin laughed. Yeah, actually. Family business. Growing is better out there, but selling was definitely better in town.

Too bad you had to tear down the family business to grow food instead, Zion said.

His wiry companion shrugged. Gotta do what we gotta do in the apocalypse, dude.

The older gentleman manning the armory slid a handgun across the desk he stood behind, and Zion pursed his lips with distaste. A black man comes in here and you just assume hes good with a handgun, huh? he asked, and then slid the gun back. I prefer a more hands-on approach. He walked around the desk and took an aluminum bat off of the wall, along with an ornate-looking dagger. It had definitely been someones show piece, and he checked it to make sure that it wasnt a cheap replica. It was plenty sharp, and he sheathed it on his belt.

A bat and a knife, huh? Calvin mused as they wandered to the stairwell again to head down to the parking garage.

Zion nodded. Neither of them run out of ammo, he explained. And theyre only loud if I want em to be.

They exited the stairs into the expansive parking garage, where three men stood around two large black vans. Brent whirled around to face the pair, crossing his gigantic arms. He squared his shoulders and looked distastefully at Zion.

What took you two so long? he demanded, nostrils flaring.

Zion scoffed, and turned on his heel, heading back towards the stairs.