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

Without an invitation, Big Jim climbed onto the biggest of the four ATVs. The teenage girl climbed on behind him and held on with a death grip.

“Uh… That’s my ATV.”

“Not anymore.” Jim spoke with a smile on his face, but he meant the look to be a threat. Isaac backed down and took one of the other two ATVs since Corinne had claimed hers already.

The path led them up the side of the mountain and over a pass to the other side. It was a narrow passage and would have been almost impossible to navigate with anything bigger than the ATVs. His passenger clung to him like her life depended on it. And it may have over some of the places they passed on this route.

On the opposite side of the mountain, they came to a large clearing. Jim could see a small garage type structure hidden within the tree line, but no other structures. He might have turned around and left the two behind if he hadn’t noticed the dark reflective material on the ground. Wherever they were staying, it had to be underground. They headed toward the garage and Jim noticed the man as they parked. He was heavyset and older. The type of man who didn’t do physical work, at least not recently. He spoke as soon as they shut the engines off.

“Where are Adam and Dani? Who are these two?”

“We were attacked in the town. Adam and Dani didn’t make it.”

“If Isaac had balls, then the big guy wouldn’t have had to save us. His name is Jim. The chick is deadweight.” Her whiny voice hurt Jim’s ears every time she spoke.

“Oh, no. Both Adam and Dani are dead? Thank you, Jim, for stepping up and saving these two. Can I get you some food? My name is Max, by the way.”

“Hi Max. I wouldn’t pass up something to eat. However, the girl comes with me.”

“Of course, I wouldn’t dream of separating family.”

She had no relation to Jim, but he wouldn’t correct Max if she didn’t. They followed him to a doorway at the end of the garage. It looked like a blast door with no visible handle on the outside. Max punched a code into a hidden keypad and the heavy door groaned as it swung open. A set of steps illuminated by dull light descended from the door into the mountain below.

“A client of mine built this facility. It’s 5,000 square feet of living space underground with another 7,500 of garage storage space above. You came in through the smaller garage annex. There is hydroponic farming equipment, but none of us have figured out how to use it. Twelve, no sorry, ten of us are living here now. You’ve met Corinne and Isaac. My family and a few other friends round out the crew. What did you do before?”

“I grew corn on a farm in Iowa. We didn’t use hydroponic equipment, but I’m sure I could help you figure it out. I had been in Washington DC when the zombies came to power, so I’ve had quite the run the last few days.” Jim held back a description of his other talents.

“Wow, you covered a lot of ground. What’s DC like?”

“It’s gone. They dropped a nuke on it. My guess would be to try to stop the zombies.”

“I wouldn’t have expected that, but it doesn’t surprise me. Well, let me get you something to eat. You and your friend can stay in suite G. Each suite has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a common seating area. Let me see about getting you both some clothes to wear. Then you both can take a shower and get some rest. We’re safe here.”

They had walked down two flights of stairs and through 100 yards of hallway before coming to the large open common area. The common area had a kitchen, a dinning, and an entertainment area. All first class. It must have cost a fortune to build this place all underground into the side of a mountain. Max walked off to talk with a woman in the kitchen area. Jim took the opportunity to look around the common room, while the girl sat down at the table and rested her head in her hands.

Max returned carry two plates heaping with food. A cheeseburger sat in the center while a fresh salad and baked beans rounded out the platter.

“Please sit and eat. I’m sure you’re both hungry and dehydrated because of your ordeal out there. I’ll bring you both some water and iced tea. Have as much as you want.”

“Thanks, Max.”

Big Jim saw no reason to correct Max’s mistaken conclusion. If he wanted to see weakness, then that was ok with Jim. It would allow him to not appear as a threat while he determined their motives. Besides, Jim didn’t know how the teenager had fared on the outside.

After they finished their meal, Max returned to speak with them.

“Let me show you your suite. They aren’t huge, but they’re comfortable.”

Suite G sat at the back right corner of the common area, across from the kitchen. The main seating area featured a love seat, a recliner, a small desk with chair, and a flat screen television. It felt like an upscale hotel room. Both bedrooms were the same. King-sized beds, a dresser, a smaller flatscreen television, and a door opening into a full bathroom.

“I hope you’ll both find these accommodations comfortable. There’s a storage room with clothing, and I’ve sent my wife to find you both something to wear. We have washing machines, so we can clean your current clothes after your showers.”

“Thank you. Y’all have been very kind to us.”

“Great. Get some rest and we’ll see you at dinnertime.”

Max left the room. The girl had done nothing but follow Jim and stare around the room. She still hadn’t talked.

“If it’s ok with you, I’ll take this room and you can have the other. Don’t wander around by yourself, though. I don’t trust them yet and