Operation Z by Szepanski, G.D. (well read books .txt) 📗

playing shuffleboard caused them both to roar with laughter. Jim relished this time with his brother after Judd lived through the pain caused by his absence because of his career in the Problem Solvers. Even his brother had no idea what Jim did for work the last 15 years.

“What are you and Melody going to do once you’re married?”

“I don’t think we’ve figured it out yet. I’ve got my retirement from the Marines and I saved some money while I was in. Maybe we’ll buy a corn farm?”

Judd enjoyed another hearty laugh after Jim’s comments.

“Stop, you’re killing me! I’m not sure what’s funnier. Melody’s parents playing shuffleboard, or you farming corn the rest of your life.”

“Well, Melody is a vegetarian. How else am I going to feed her?”

“I think vegetarians eat more than corn. Dad’s GTO is looking good. You’ve spent a few bucks fixing it up.”

“Thanks. It’s my little tribute to Dad. I want to make his car look like it did when he bought it new. I’m glad you hung onto it.”

“I knew the car held a special place for both you and Dad. When he passed, I didn’t have the heart to get rid of it.”

“Sorry I wasn’t here when he passed.”

“Jim, you weren’t here when Mom passed either. Your military service was always more important than us.”

“Judd, I’m sorry.”

“You keep saying that, Jim. Maybe someday you’ll actually believe it too. Thanks for the pizza. It’s time for bed.”

“Judd, wait.”

Judd stood up and stomped away from the table. He inherited the same fiery temper both Jim and their father had. Jim had to learn how to harness it to survive during the tough missions the Problem Solvers sent him on. Uncontrolled emotions would’ve gotten him killed. There would be no going back in time, but Jim wished he could relive the past and make different decisions this time. He let both his Mom and Judd down by being AWOL during both funerals. Big Jim swore he wouldn’t let his brother down again, but he didn’t know how to make up for the lost time.

To burn off the negative energy of the evening, Jim cleaned the kitchen and then took the GTO out for a ride. The 400 cubic inch engine roared to life and produced a symphony from the twin tailpipes. Jim shifted into first and mashed the gas pedal, leaving twin streaks of rubber in Judd’s driveway. Judd might get pissed in the morning, but he should be used to his big brother’s childish behavior with muscle cars by this point.

Shifting into second gear produced a chirp of the rear tires. The GTO looked stock, but Jim hot rodded the Pontiac’s drivetrain beyond his Dad’s efforts. He enjoyed driving fast and taking risks. For most people danger produced fear, but for Jim it produced euphoria. He drove the car right to its limits along the deserted country roads. Traffic laws were lax here because only corn farms, for as far as the eye could see, lined the streets in this part of Iowa. No one would even notice the GTO as it streaked by at triple digit speeds.

Clutch, brake, shift, and stomp on the gas again. The comforting actions of driving allowed Jim to clear his head and think. He had been too self-focused all his life. He wanted to serve. He wanted to save the world. What had it gotten him? Jim missed out on burying his parents and had a brother who resented his absence. He’d give back the $10 million and the retirement to change the past, but going back was impossible. You can’t ever atone for the bad things you’ve done; you can only move forward and try to make better decisions next time. Big Jim swore he would do things differently this time with both Melody and his brother. He’d be there for both of them this time, and he’d help rather than hurt other people. It was a new day and a new attitude for a new man.

CHAPTER EIGHTDay Five

AFTER THE NIGHTMARE of awakening to Nancy and her captor the previous day, Big Jim appreciated the quiet he found this new morning. The sun broke over the horizon of the clear blue sky, signifying another warm summer day. He scanned the town and found nothing out of place during this early hour. A pleasant way to start the day with no trouble. Jim still hoped to find a group of survivors he could help and protect. His experience as a farmer and a warrior held remarkable value in this dead world.

Small groups of zombies roamed the streets below haphazardly, and Jim decided he would deal with them after he ate breakfast. A breakfast of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, again. He’d check for some proper food while he eliminated the zombies wandering around town. Jim knew he wouldn’t find a meat lover’s pizza, but anything would taste better than PB&J.

While eating, Jim checked the television and radio for any programming. The house’s solar system provided adequate power for all the home’s needs. He turned on the TV first and found nothing but static as Jim clicked through the channels. Finding the morning show playing and life carrying on normally in another part of the country was too much to hope for. Jim moved to the radio and discovered the same lack of signal, except for one station at the extreme end of the AM band. It played the same prerecorded message on a continuous loop.

“When the siren sounds, proceed in an orderly fashion to your local evacuation assembly point. For your safety, do not bring weapons. The military working with local law enforcement will have the area secure. Do not bring food. They will provide you all your needs in the government's sanctuary camps. Your government has the terrorist threat isolated and neutralized. This mandatory evacuation is for your safety while agents round up the remaining enemy combatants. The sanctuary camps will be your temporary oasis during the last