Book #1 The Beginning: The Lucy Walker Chronicles

Chapter One

Jim walked through the woods. He wasn’t a big man. He had a beard growing, silver lined the red, even at the young age of forty-five. All his family had red hair, his children were no exception. Jim found an old log and sat on it. He had been hunting for an hour now and hadn’t seen a thing. His family needed food. They have been hiding deep on his family’s farm in an old cave they used at hunting season. It was all decked out with a wood burning cook stove. They even had solar panels for power. There was a nearby well that supplied plenty of water.

He was very jumpy, they have been hiding since the blast. His family was having dinner, and there was a huge explosion. If it wasn’t for the old rock wall that was, part of the original house they all would be dead. They stayed for a while, trying to find refuge. One night, strange men showed up, and tried to take their supplies. Jim wrestled with the men until his father shot them. Jim had no idea what had happened. He knew they couldn’t stay there any longer. If two came, more would surely emerge. So Jim, and his father had packed up their belongings and moved everyone to the cave.  It wasn’t the best place to live but it was safe. The cave was dark, and musty.  Jim heard a crunch behind him and quickly turned around.

Dad, you scared the crap out of me. His father Earl walked over and sat beside him.

When are we going to town so we can get ready for winter? Jim shook his head.

I don’t know dad, listen. They both sat listening.

What am I supposed to be listening to? Jim stood up.

Isn’t it eerie? There’re no small animals running around. Very few birds. He turned and looked at his dad.

Something bad has happened. Jim turned and was face to face with something grotesque. He backed off towards his father. He looked at the strange thing. It smacked it jaws over and over making an ear-splitting sound. He backed away a little more. The thing came closer. Stop! Jim backed towards his dad.

What’s wrong with her? They looked at the woman. Her clothes were worn and ragged. Her hands had what looked like dried blood on them. Her neck looked like it had been chewed.  Her eyes were black like coal. The skin around her lips was ragged and torn. They both covered their nose and mouth as she came closer. Jim raised his gun. She came closer and closer. Jim turned and yelled at his father, Let’s get out of here. He turned to run when it grabbed his arm. Jim tried to tear away, but she was very strong. Earl rushed forward and smacked the thing in the head. The two of them backed off and watched as it stumbled back onto its feet. The two of them turned and ran.

They tried to push the thoughts from their mind. They walked around the side, out of view and entered the cave. He walked past his father and pushed on what seemed like a wall. They had taken a piece of plywood and covered it in mud. This hid the main entrance and gave some extra protection.

The inside was like one imagined it to be. Cold, dreary and damp. Jim’s father was a farmer. He knew they could survive, and keeping this place a secret was very important. His father wasn’t a huge man. Tall and thin. He was starting to bald in places and has grown a small moustache and beard over the last few months. His hands were all callused from years of work, and chopping wood. Their only source of heat, and cooking was the old wood burning cook stove. Jim’s daydreaming came to an end when his mom, Ruth walked into the living room.

Oh, I’m so glad you two are back. Any luck? The look on his face must have been all that was needed. She walked over to him and threw her arms around him.

We’ll be ok, she said in his ear. She leaned back with her hands still on his shoulders. Maybe tomorrow? and gave him one of her crooked smiles. Jim nodded. His mom was shorter than his dad. Her curly hair had started to revert back to its dull grey. He had one of the best moms. She was always so polite and always had a positive view on everything. She turned and walked over to Earl and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. His father had made it to the recliner. She turned and walked to the kitchen. He knew she was cooking in their makeshift kitchen. He could smell the food, which made his stomach ache from hunger.

Jim glanced around looking at the cave. They had made it as comfortable as they could. His daughter Sara, snuck up behind and threw her arms around him.

Hi, daddy! Although a little startled he couldn’t help but smile. Sara was one of the best-hearted little girls he had ever known. She never asked for a thing. He would move mountains if possible to get her anything she wanted. Being only eight she was a little taller than normal. She had the family’s bright red hair, and green eyes. She’d rather be digging in the garden.

Did you get anything today daddy? Once again the look on his face answered for him. It will be ok. Maybe tomorrow? He nodded, and watched as she ran off.  Sara was in a class all to herself. She didn’t enjoy wearing dresses or frilly things. She was more content on wearing jeans and shirts. She wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. She was a lot like her mom and grandma. She loved to grow things. In here there wasn’t even a window to grow a plant. Jim walked over and sat beside of his father. He looked back into the cave to make sure they were alone.

What do you think happened out there? his father shook his head.

Who knows. That woman acted like she wanted to eat us! said Jim.

I’d almost bet this has something to do with the blast. His father nodded. He sat for a while longer watching his father read. He felt very uneasy at what had happened. I think we need to go back to the farm, and soon. With that, he got up and walked back through the cave. He didn’t stop to say anything to Darla or his mom. He walked into their makeshift bedroom. He pulled off his shirt and boots and let himself fall onto the bed.

Jim woke with Darla sitting down on the bed. Dinner is almost ready. he sat up. He bent over and kissed his wife. Your father said you had some excitement? Jim picked up his shirt and pulled it on. He looked and saw her still sitting there. Her skin was starting to turn white from being cooped up in this place. Yeah, a little. He scooted to the edge of the bed and pulled on his boots. He turned and looked at her. I can’t explain it, but I’m scared. That woman acted like she wanted to eat me. She was strong, I couldn’t get away from her. She smelled like she had been dead for days. She made this eerie smacking sound with her jaws. She gave him a hug. I think I’ll take Lee and walk to the meadow and see if we see anything? she stood up and nodded. They walked back to the kitchen. He looked at the living room. Sara, Lee, and his parents were watching a movie. Jim walked over and took down the old gun. He turned and looked at Lee. You up for going hunting? Lee jumped to his feet. Really? he nodded. Go, put on your boots, and jacket. Jim shoved some bullets into his pockets. Do you really think it’s a good idea to go back out there? He looked over at his father. No I don’t, but do we have a choice? We need meat. He turned and headed away from everyone. He thought about the woman. The way she acted, the way she smelled. He turned as he felt a hand on his shoulder, and looked at his father. I didn’t mean to make you mad. I’m just worried about what we saw. Whatever that thing was it was no longer human. Something is going on out there son, and we have no clue as to what it is. Just be careful. He handed Jim a crossbow. For Lee, so he can watch your back. Jim turned and handed Lee the bow. He looked at Lee. He was tall for a seventeen-year-old. You ready? he nodded. Everyone came over. Darla walked over and kissed them both. Sara walked over and hugged Lee. Be careful out there bubby! Jim looked at his father. Make sure you secure the door!

Jim and Lee stepped outside, the sun had started going down, and the air was getting cooler. Stay close! they turned as Earl secured the door. Jim took off, he looked over his shoulder to make sure Lee was keeping up. The two of them stopped at the edge of the meadow. They started to cross when Jim stopped. He raised his gun, and shot. A little luck! The two of them walked over to the deer. It’s huge dad. It will feed us for a month! Jim nodded. Let’s drag it into the trees and gut it. Lee bent down and helped his father drag the deer. He stood and watched as his father stabbed his knife into its stomach, and slit it. He reached in and pulled out the innards. Wow, I can’t believe how much meat is there.

Jim looked back towards the creek. Let’s go and wash our hands. Lee followed his father through the woods and to the creek. The two of them bent down and washed their hands. The water was cold. Lee stood up, and dried his hands on his pants. Be right back. Nature calls! He walked back up the bank. He looked around and walked over to a tree. He looked down and let out a scream. He fell back onto the ground. He stared at the two bodies lying there. What is it? Lee pointed. His father looked at the two. He pulled out his flashlight and looked closer. That looks like old man Walker and his wife. He turned back to Lee and held out his hand. Lee got to his feet and stood beside his father. Looks like they have been here for a while.

Jim flashed the light on their faces. They look the same as the woman earlier today. He walked around to the side. They’ve been shot in the head. Jim turned to Lee. Let’s get back! and suddenly, there was a crunch. He turned and saw a man standing. Lee backed off. He smacked his jaws over and over. Jim raised his gun. Dad use this! Lee handed him the crossbow. The man came closer.

Lee stood behind his father watching as the man came closer. Stop or I will shoot! It just kept coming. Jim raised the bow and fired, it stopped for a second, and then continued coming closer. Jim raised the bow again and shot. This time, he hit the thing right in the heart, but it didn’t stop. They covered their nose and mouth as it got closer. Jim raised his light and shined it on it. The blood that oozed from the thing was black. Lee watched as his father raised the bow for the third time, and aimed at the head. The arrow hissed through the air and hit the thing between the eyes, it fell to ground with a thud. They walked over to it and looked down. I’ve seen him before. He’s from town. Jim turned and looked at Lee. Let’s get out of here. They hurried to the deer. Lee bent down and grabbed it by the legs, as his father grabbed the other two. They ran across the meadow, and down the side of the cave. Lee pounded on the door. Moments later the door opened. His grandfather stood there with his gun ready. Hurry get in here. The two of them dragged the deer inside. Jim let his end drop to the floor, and bared the door. He looked up at everyone. We had a little luck! he pulled a chair out and sat down. He looked up at Lee and shook his head. Lee nodded, knowing that his father didn’t want the rest of them to know what they had seen. Darla walked into the back and came pulling a piece of plastic. Jim helped his father drag the deer back into the corner of the kitchen. His father pulled out a rope from the wall.  They tied the front legs and hung the deer. Turning to look at his family, he said. That should feed us for awhile. Darla walked up to him and kissed him. We’ll get to work on it tomorrow. He nodded.

They all sat in the living room. Jim told his parents and his wife, Darla what had happened. They became quiet. She looked at Lee and said warmly. Are you ok? he nodded. What about their children? Jim looked at Darla. We only saw the two. Darla moved close to Jim and laid her hands on his shoulder. We have to go look for them. They were Sara’s playmates. They could be hurt, or starving. He turned to his father. Can you take care of things around here for a few days? his father nodded, facing Lee, You knew the children. I think you should come with me. Jim stood up. Then it’s settled. Lee and I will go to the Walker’s farm tomorrow. He turned to his father. Why don’t you and mom work on a list of the things we need! he turned and looked at Lee. You need to get some rest and get ready. It will take us most of the day tomorrow to get to their farm. Lee nodded. They stood and watched as he disappeared back through the cave. Jim knew he was in his own little space. He didn’t even have a bed. He had given his to Sara his little sister. He laid on the floor in a sleeping bag. He looked around at the cool cave and shivered.

Jim helped his dad skin the deer. He dipped his hands in the bowl to wash the blood off. It would be nice to have some running water. Darla walked up behind him. Yes, it would. Maybe a bath tub with some hot water? he nodded and gave her a kiss. He took her by the hand. Ready for bed? he looked at his parents. See you in the morning. The two of them walked back through the cave. Jim pulled back the curtain, and looked at the bed. Darla walked through and pulled out a bag. She walked over and started to shove clothes into it. She turned and handed it to him. Please be careful out there!

Jim laid in bed, he twisted and turned. He couldn’t get the images of the woman and man out of his head. He wondered what had happened to them. Then his thoughts wondered to the Walkers. They were nice people. He couldn’t imagine why anyone would hurt them. He sat up, and looked at Darla. He slowly got up and pulled on his shirt. He walked back to the kitchen, and sat down. There just wasn’t anyway he would be able to sleep.

He looked at the deer, and the empty shelves. He knew that his mom and Darla would can the meat. Darla came up behind him. Worried? he turned and nodded kissing her hand.  I just can’t get those things out of my mind. I shot it right in the heart but it didn’t die, it got up. It was like something out of the movies. She sat down beside him. Well maybe you will find something out tomorrow? he leaned in and kissed her. I hope so. He looked around the cave, and looked at her. What if we go to the Walker’s farm and we find the children dead like their parents? Darla looked at him. Well, that would be most unfortunate. She took his hand and led him to the couch. Well let’s pray that’s not the case. I’d hate to think they lost their lives so young. She snuggled up with him. It’s all I’ve been thinking about. I can’t even remember their names.

Jim woke a few hours later. He looked at the clock. It was exactly 2am. He slowly scooted out, not to wake Darla. He grabbed a throw from the chair, and covered her. He walked back to their room, and threw a few extra items in his bag. He opened the night stand table and pulled out a tablet of paper and a pencil. He walked back to the kitchen table, and sat down. He looked around thinking about what they would be needing. He looked at his wife sleeping on the sofa. The first thing he would get was a bed for Lee. Then they would get what they needed for the heating. He thought about what Darla had said about running water. They had the well all they would need would be some line and a pump. He scribbled it down on the list. He turned as he felt hands on his shoulders. Darla slowly took the pencil from him, and laid it on the table. She took him by the hand, and led him back through the cave.

Jim woke, and stumbled putting on his clothes. He looked at the empty bed. He took a deep breath; he could smell the coffee. He picked up his bag, and headed through the cave. He saw his parents standing with their coffee beside the table. Good morning! Darla handed him a cup. Jim walked over and laid his bag on the table. Why are you all up? he pulled out a chair and had a seat. His parents did the same. His mom slid the list to him. Darla came behind him, and massaged his shoulders. He looked over the list. It was the same old thing he’s seen over and over. Beds, clothing, food, heating stoves, water pipe etc... We’ll get as much as we can. Maybe we’ll find an old truck we can use. He laid the paper down. Above all I hope to find the Walkers children. He took a sip of his coffee, looking around the table at the worried faces.

Don’t worry, we’ll be fine. His father dropped his coffee. I hope you are doing what’s right? Seems you have forgotten what had happened yesterday? How do you explain those things? Jim thought for a moment. I can’t explain any of it. I can’t get the images out of my head. I know whatever is going on out there is dangerous. Those things acted like they wanted to tear us apart. Who knows, maybe that was all of them? His father sat back in his chair and shook his head. You don’t believe that any more than I do. Darla slid out the chair next to him, and sat down. Maybe your father is right. Maybe it’s too dangerous to worry about the children? Jim got up, and walked to the deer. He turned and faced his family. What if this is it? What if whatever is going on out there has killed the animals too? Then what do we do? How will we survive the winter? Our supplies are almost gone! We don’t have a choice but to go and look for the children, and see if we can find food.

He sat back down. He looked around the table. Not one of them said anything. They knew he was right. There was no way they would make it through the winter without supplies.

Chapter Two

Morning came fast. Lee’s alarm had gone off at 4am. Today, he and his father would venture out to the Walker’s farm in hope of finding their children, and possibly get a few things they needed. Lee knew this trip could be very dangerous, and he didn’t like the idea of leaving his mother and sister, but they had to go.

Lee, you’re up. We’ll be leaving soon. I’m almost ready. Make sure you pack some extra clothes and wear your boots. Lee nodded. This totally made sense to him. They would be gone for a few days. He pushed some extra clothes into his satchel and looked at his sleeping bag. Maybe he’d have a bed when they got back. He turned, closed the curtains, and made his way to the living room. Everyone was there. Sara sat with her head down. He walked up to her.

Hey, Sis.  Don’t worry we’ll be ok. I’ll see you in a few days. Is there anything you want me to bring if I can find it? She shook her head.

I only want you to come back. I’ll miss you Bubby, I love you. She wrapped him in a hug.

I love you too

Next were his grandparents.  They both gave him a hug and then backed off. His mom stood with tears streaming down her face. It will be ok mom. She threw her arms around him.

Come back to me. I love you so much.

I love you too Mom. She backed off crying, walking over to Jim.

Keep him safe. I love you! She gave him a kiss, not wanting to let go. She knew this was a risk, but it was a risk they had to take. It could answer a lot of their questions, and maybe, they could go back to living in a real house.

We’ll both be back in a few days, Jim said. I love you, Darla. Don’t go out unless it’s necessary. You should be good on food. Listen to Dad. We’ll bring back with any supplies we find, and hopefully, we’ll find some answers. She took a step back. Jim’s dad walked up to him.

Be safe out there. Don’t risk your safety for anything. We will survive, just come back to us. Jim shook his hand. His mom came up to him and gave him a hug.

I love you son.

I love you too Mom.

Come on Lee, let’s get going. Everyone stepped aside as he joined his father at the back entrance. Make sure you bar this door back up. Jim’s dad nodded. Jim pushed the barrier feeling the chilly morning air. He motioned for Lee to go ahead. We’ll see you guys in a few days, Jim heard his dad barring the door as they moved on. Lee, we’re going to move fast and stay in the tree line as much as we can. he nodded, and they began walking.

The woods were eerie this time of day. The moon was starting to sink and give way to sunrise which cast a shadow. Lee felt the dew from the trees. In a few minutes, they were in the meadow. His father moved very quickly getting across. It was hard for him to keep up, but he did. You ok? Lee nodded. Ok, we’ll follow the creek most of the way. We should be pretty concealed until we come to the road. Lee nodded, and they continued walking. Lee thought about his family, especially his little sister. He knew the rest could take care of themselves. She deserved a normal life and not a life of hiding in a cave. It’s not that they were starving, or were living in the open, the cave was a godsend; they had shelter, power, water, and that’s survival, but it wasn’t normal.

They travelled for a few more hours. Jim figured they have travelled a few miles at least. His mind pondered on many things. They had travelled through the woods and were yet to see one animal. He slowed down, and saw a small overhang. He figured they could start a small fire and eat. Lee followed. Jim sat down and pulled out a bag of deer jerky from his bag. He handed it to Lee. Now don’t eat it all. It’s all we have! Lee snickered

Something hot would hit the spot, but I haven’t seen one animal all morning. It’s eerie. Where is everything, and everyone? I was sure we’d see at least a few people. What’s happened, Dad? Lee asked.

I don’t know. I’ve only seen birds. As for people, the blast was strong. That old rock wall was the only thing that saved us. I’d think if folks were dead, we’d see bodies. It just doesn’t make sense. Where are all the animals? This valley was running over with deer. Lee didn’t know what to say. He knew his father was right. His family had hunted this valley for generations.

The fire felt good.  Their clothes were damp from the morning dew. We’ll rest for a half hour, and then we’ll be on our way. We should be there late this afternoon, if we don’t run into any problems, Jim said. Nature calls. I’ll be right back. Lee sat, still chewing on his deer jerky. His stomach roared for more. He thought about a nice lunch. Something cooked, and not out of a bag.

Lee’s daydream was disturbed by yelling. It was his father. Dad!!! He yelled, jumping up and running. He could see his father’s head. As he neared, he stopped in his tracks. The sight was unbelievable. Dozens of bodies all burned to a crisp.

Stay back Lee! Jim held up his hand. Lee stopped. The smell was rank. The bodies were charred.

Dad what’s going on? What’s happened here? He put his hand over his nose and mouth. Jim already had his covered.

I don’t know, look! He pointed to the ground. Tire marks These bodies were dumped and burned, but why? Who would kill like this?

I don’t know, Lee said. Jim moved closer. He noticed, like the Walkers, the heads on these bodies looked to be shot. Every head had a hole.

Let’s keep moving! I don’t want to get caught by anyone, especially those who dumped these bodies Jim said. As Lee turned, he was face to face with a young lady who held a bow and arrow. She had long red hair, and about the same height as him. Her clothes were ragged and torn. She had her bow drawn back. Lee slowly raised his hands.

Please don’t, we’re just traveling through. Don’t I know you? Lee asked. The girl looked at them, and lowered the bow.

I’m Lucy Walker, You’re Jim and Lee from the farm next to ours. Jim slowly walked over beside Lee.

Well hello, Lucy you’re the first person we’ve seen. Are you out here by yourself? She slowly shook her head yes.

My brother is at the farm, sick. I was out looking for help. He needs medicine. Can you help? she asked.

Well, Lucy we were headed to your place. We were coming to look for you guys and some supplies. He thought a moment then he got an idea. Is your mom and dad ok? Lee looked at his father from the corner of his eye. What was his dad doing?

I don’t know where they are. They left about a week ago and never came back. I heard them talking about you guys and something about a cave. Jim’s eyes got big.

Did they know where this cave was? Did they tell you? Lucy shook her head.

Dad said he was there a long time ago, and when he saw your house and the dead me, he thought you guys hid. He was coming to you for help. He said you were good people. He told us, if they weren’t back in a week, we should head towards town. We tried but the people are monsters. They put a gun to my brother’s head and told us to leave. On our way home, something came out of the woods. I’m not sure what it was. It looked and smelled dead. It looked like my high school math teacher, but his mouth looked like it had been chewed on. His stomach was all bloody. Its eyes were black but open and it walked, but seemed dead. It grabbed my brother and acted like it was going to eat him, it bit him on the arm, and now he’s sick. I locked him the basement back home. I don’t know what’s wrong with him. Jim walked over and wrapped his arms around her, but she wiggled her way out. He held up his hands.

We won’t harm you. We’ll follow you home, and if we can help, we will. She nodded and went walking down the road. Jim and Lee grabbed their things and put out the fire, and hurried to follow her. They were still several miles away from the farm.

It was midday, the sun high over them. It was warming up to be a fine fall day. Jim and Lee walked behind Lucy. Then Jim picked up his pace so he was beside her. Do you know what happened to all the people back there? Lucy lowered her head.

It was the townspeople. It happened while they were chasing us away. A group came through town, grabbing and biting people. The few townspeople who escaped got inside and started shooting. We watched them. They wouldn’t seem to die. They had to shoot them in the head. We couldn’t believe what we were seeing. One after the other, they fell. Then they gathered up the bodies in a truck and left. We were scared they would see us watching. I didn’t know exactly where they dumped the bodies until back there. Jim didn’t know what to think of her story. Are people eating other people? People who didn’t die after being shot? Jim’s mind raced. What the heck was going on?

Do you know what caused the blast? Lucy shook her head.

It blew the roof off our barn but didn’t do much damage to the house. There are plenty of supplies in the cellar. Dad has a bunker too. He was always ready for a disaster. I just wish I knew where they are, and if they are ok. Jim looked back at Lee and stopped.

Lucy, I hate to be the one to tell you, but we found your parents dead. They had been shot in the head just like those folks back there. Lucy hit the ground, crying.

Jim and Lee stood watching Lucy. She was making alot of noise. They hoped someone didn’t hear. Finally, after a few minutes, she stood up. She turned to face them both. Thanks, for telling me. I want to bury them. Jim nodded. I want you to help my brother. You can have everything you need from the farm. My only demand is that you take us with you! She