The River (Portland Plague – Vol. 3): Portland Plague, #3

Volume 3 of the Portland Plague series!

Fourteen survivors in a post-apocalyptic world are all that remain of the group who left Portland, OR almost two months ago. They have seen unspeakable horrors, been through tragedies and triumphs, and are simply trying to stay alive for one more day.

Now, the survivors have taken to the road, trying to find a better place to live in the new post-apocalyptic world, but are they prepared for what they may find?

At a brewery in the small town of Hood River, they find temporary reprieve and a new group of survivors. But can these new people be trusted?

Many of the survivors are on edge, suspicious of the aloof, cross-bow wielding Mason, and unwilling to follow orders from Dylan. Soon, a few simple mistakes means the entire group faces immediate life or death consequences.

Can they escape from Hood River? And will the group ever be the same if they can?

These are the Stumptown Survivors. This is their story.

Note: Parts of Portland Plague were previously published as Stumptown Survival.

Also includes Two Sneak Peeks at Upcoming Novels!

~ Volume Three – Hood River ~

And we, Lily turned her right hand, are there was a click, in. Welcome to Thanksgiving at the brewery, she whispered with relish. She opened the door to a craft brewery that was well known in the area and, indeed, throughout the nation. 

Hold on Lily. We have to make sure it is clear. Dylan pressed passed her, tense and ready to attack. His posture was in direct opposition to Lily's inviting proclamation. Several of the others began to protest the extra caution but they quickly swallowed their words as Mason stepped through them, following Dylan's lead, his dark bag slung across his body. The others were a little less eager to go in after him with such bravado. Lily looked at them and chuckled as she proceeded inside. Those closest to the door heard her mutter, Cowards under her breath as she disappeared into the darkened building.

Gordon muttered, Can someone explain to me why that guy is with us?

There was a general nodding of heads and whispered responses of agreement. His silent, long-ranged weapon had proven to be very useful, but it was generally believed that Mason’s personality made him more of a liability than an asset. During their travels up I-84 to reach Mary Hill Museum, Ruth had even whispered that they should kill Mason and keep his cross bow.

After all, his presence was demoralizing. The guy was constantly spouting insults and making harsh critical remarks to everyone in the group, and most of them still did not understand why he had even left the art museum with them, since he had clearly loved it there. They had been on the road for over a week before he had even given them a name to call him by, and the more astute ones weren’t even sure it was his real name. One or two commented on the throwing knives he had as well. Mason was clearly a dead shot with either, but the consensus, by the end of the whispers, was that anyone could use them. Shortly after they left the museum, however, Ruth was attacked in the woods. For some reason she had wondered off alone that morning. Mason sat by the river, cleaning what looked like blood from his leg, then quietly sat down on a rock and began cleaning his crossbow. As the echoes of Ruth’s screams died, several members of the survivors noticed him turn his head to the side, smirking at the few who watched him. His black bag cast an odd shadow on the ground, like a grim reaper’s scythe. Not a word had been said about his removal since.

Standing on the streets of Hood River, a small town east of Portland, the group was hesitant to follow Mason anywhere. There were only a few members who seemed able to stomach his presence, and almost half of them had just gone through into the building. They stood on the streets waiting to hear word from inside that it was clear to enter. A few began to talk in normal voices - the first mistake of the evening. The town seemed so cozy and inviting, they had begun to get very comfortable with their surroundings. A low moan coming from down the street turned several heads, reminding them why caution and vigilance were still essential. Stan drew his pistol and shot at an advancing zombie. Within seconds Kyle had Stan’s arm twisted behind his back and Paige had his gun. 

Are you stoned? Kyle's voice was near Stan's ear, Because your desire to survive seems really impaired.

What the hell is wrong with you? Stan was upset and his voice spread over the parking lot, Paige, give me my gun!  He was trying to get out of Kyle’s grasp, which resulted in sharp pain as Kyle pushed up on his arm. 

Stan yelped, You son of a bitch! You used to be all right, a bit of a pain, but manageable. But every day you are a little bit more like that asshole, Stan nodded toward the building to indicate Mason. 

And every day I understand his abject loathing of you a little bit more. Kyle added a little more pressure on Stan's arm. This isn't the wild west, boy. We don't shoot first.

Several of Stan's friends stepped forward ready to take on the pair, but before they could do anything, Ben had come between them and Stan.

Now, now, Stan has to fight his own fights. This is no time for us to get involved. Nick was about to lash out at Ben, when Seth placed his had on Nick’s shoulder. Nick looked up and his arms dropped to his sides. Seth was a very gregarious guy with sandy brown hair and the physique of someone who worked out long before it was a necessity. Only Andrew was taller than him. If Seth was involved in any scraps, you certainly wanted to be on his side. As Seth stopped one side of the fight, Andrew strode over to Kyle, Paige, and Stan.

Guys, we have a more serious problem, he gestured to the streets around them. The little town of Hood River was quaint, which meant the streets were narrow and the buildings close together. They were standing at the bottom of one of the foothills of Mount Hood. A parking lot was just on the other side of the street, giving them a clear view of the rest of the downtown area. Zombies were coming out of nearly every alley as far as they could see, just one or two for each alley, but enough to make the crowd realize the foolishness of firing a gun, and the severity of what was happening. What do you say we take this inside?

Paige handed the gun to Andrew and followed the few others who had gone inside. Kyle let go of Stan, who shook out his arm. Stan muttered, but Kyle no longer cared to continue the argument. Paige, Ben, and Kyle were the first to enter, with Karen directly behind them. Others began filtering into the building after them through the narrow door. Unsure where to go or where the first scouts had gone, Paige gingerly made her way down the hall, pressed against the wall, taking note of the door to the brewery on the right, and the bathrooms and office a little further down on the left. As they passed the door marked for the brewery, Ben lightly jabbed her with his elbow, motioned to the door and gave a thumbs up. Paige shook her head and moved forward. Disappointed, Ben turned to Kyle and made the same gesture, then he mouthed, Later.

Inside a large room at the end of the hallway, the group found Dylan, Lily, and Mason sitting at the bar with several people who were not in the Portland party, all of them with water in front of them, ice cubes and all. We found a few live ones. It was the best sign that it was time to kick back and relax. Lily greeted the party as they entered, her feet up on the bar stool beside her. She swiveled the stool and offered Paige a seat next to her, who sat down without a word. 

The earlier residents of the establishment waved as the new people crowded into the restaurant. It was plenty of space for the party, but it was soon explained that there wasn't enough food for so many. Then, one of the residents spoke up with some welcome news. We may not have enough food for you all, but what we do have is plenty of alcohol. We've kept things running and kept right on brewing, straight through this little apocalypse.

Another spread his arms, Welcome to the post-apocalypse party!

There were cheers from the haggard survivors. They had lost over ten percent of their original number during the Portland departure. With roughly thirty-five hungry and tired people looking to unwind, this was almost as good of news as they could have imagined hearing. 

Where is our salvation, then? One Portland survivor inquired above the cheers. 

Mason stood up, slamming his hands on the bar, then strode out of the room toward the kitchen muttering something no one could understand. The last thing they saw was his bag disappearing through the door. 

Hey, is that the way to go? Stan asked, thinking that even dealing with that jerk was worth it for the sweet oblivion alcohol could bring. 

Naw man, it’s all downstairs, a guy volunteered. 

Which way? Andrew asked. It seemed that, just maybe, things were turning out pretty well. Casualties had been fewer than Mason's initial risk assessment before they left the city. While Andrew felt some guilt for their losses, it seemed they finally had a chance to rest and recoup. That had earned him a drink or two. 

This way, my weary wanderers A guy with blonde hair stood up and showed the eager crowd the way to temporary distraction. Several others from his group joined them heading downstairs, introducing themselves along the way and disappearing down the hall.

Karen had quietly pulled up a seat next to Dylan, placing herself between her man and Paige. As much as she wanted to join the crowd heading downstairs, she was more concerned about leaving those two together. Dylan had definitely been more protective of her than Paige as they made their way here, but the girl didn't seem to take the hint. She frequently caught them talking in hushed voices away from the group. The thought of it made Karen angry. 

Kyle sat down on the other side of Paige and Ben made himself comfortable on the bar. Several others found themselves spots in the dining area to sit and finally feel carefree for the first time since leaving the city. They were more interested in seeing what food was available and getting an idea of what was next. 

Dylan gave the trio who joined them at the bar a tired grin, I can't believe you guys aren't joining the celebration downstairs.

Ben grabbed the bar and leaned forward, After Kyle and Paige's little display, it’s probably best we cool off away from the more moronic element.

Dylan looked at them. Karen saw her chance, Paige grabbed Stan's gun and caused a fight right at the door.

Ben laughed, And here is what really happened. Karen threw a nasty look at him but he completely ignored her. Once Mason followed you in, a lot of people decided you were right about needing to check things out.

Ah, well that explains the silence. I wondered why people weren't stampeding over me to get in. Man, talk about whacked priorities.

Lily chuckled, It's so true. Of all the things we have to fear, Mason is, by general agreement, the scariest. She had her hands wrapped behind her head.

Everyone but Karen laughed. She typically agreed with the majority of the survival group, not the people at the table.

He killed Ruth, or have you forgotten about that little detail?

Dylan looked at her and muttered, Not this again.

Ben and Lily laughed loudly. Paige rolled her eyes, got up, and joined a table in the dining area. Kyle's eyes were closed as if trying very hard not to become angry at Karen. 

Karen was emboldened by Paige's departure. She decided to push forward with her victorious momentum, Ruth was my friend and everyone saw how Mason reacted, laughing and saying good riddance as she screamed. He was even washing her blood off of him! How can you guys forget?

Dylan pushed back from the bar. He looked down at her and said, You know that isn't how it happened, so whatever you are trying to do, it isn’t working. As I have explained several times already, that wasn’t her blood on his leg. He sustained a pretty nasty cut on his leg while he was helping me recover supplies from one of the houses before I went on duty, so it was his blood. Dylan seemed to have a quick internal fight with himself before saying, As the person who keeps touting herself as the group’s medical aid, you really, really should have already known that. The real problem is that you didn’t do a damn thing when Mason was hurt, and don’t think that some of us haven’t noticed.

The shock on Karen’s face was genuine. Dylan had never spoken to her like that before, and he had certainly never criticized her to her face or in front of others. Her cheeks turned red as she looked down at the bar.

Dylan continued, letting go of thoughts he had kept inside for far too long. Then, when I returned, I was on watch. I was on duty when she decided to leave camp on her own, and as I told you the last time you tried this rant, Ruth would not listen when I told her not to go out alone. I wish she would have listened, but she didn't. Mason did not laugh while we listened to her screams. Mason did not have her blood on his leg. And Mason did not say anything when she was dying. Now, unless you are saying you believe some alternate universe version of the facts, knock it off. Dylan turned his head to the rest of the people at the bar, Please excuse me.

Karen was scared he was going to join Paige. To her relief he headed off into the kitchen, something that should have bothered her much more had she been able to focus on more than just her jealousy.

Kyle, however, had reached his limit with the girl. What the hell kind of moron are you? Mason is one if the few useful contributors to this group. You are excluded from that category, by the way. What the hell have you done to help anyone but yourself?

Karen's victory, in her mind, had been short lived; now she was back on the defensive. I’ve helped a lot of people when they were hurt.

Ben sniggered, Yeah, we’ve kind of noticed how selective you are about who you will help though. That is hardly the team spirit you want your medic to have.

I’m not a doctor or a nurse, I’m just a therapist. What I know is pretty limited because I was highly specialized. I help the people with injuries that I can understand.

Lily gave her a serious look, Are you saying you don’t understand a gash on someone’s leg?

Karen began to splutter with rage, Alright, I didn’t want to help Mason after Ruth died. How many people even feel safe with him around?

All of the Portland party at the bar raised their hand. Even a couple of people near them in the dining area who could hear the heated conversation raised their hand.

Karen sneered, I didn't see any of you guys come in after Mason followed Dylan.

Lily blinked at her a couple of times and replied, I may be short, but I can’t believe you missed me walking in. I laughed at you guys. Remember?

Kyle replied at the same time, That's because we couldn't have sent everyone with a brain inside.

Ben shrugged next to him, Actually, she has a fair point.

Shocked, Karen said, Thank you Ben. I'm glad someone sees logic. She chose to completely ignore Lily’s response.

Ben continued as if she hadn’t interrupted, If we had left most of those guys outside, they would have been like doubling the number of zombies out there.

Karen interrupted DON’T call them that!

But again Ben ignored her, I mean, you could hardly tell the difference between the two. Karen, next time you shall have your wish. I, at least, promise never again to stay to help protect the majority of the group when our competent members have gone on without them.

Karen's face twisted from shock to rage. I don't have to stay here and listen to this. Stan's right. You guys are becoming more and more like Mason every single day.

Ben shrugged again, I think that we are just a little less perceptive than he is about character. Call us optimistic in the face of reality, but we want to believe the best about the people we travel with, despite the obvious reality.

Kyle put his face near Karen’s, And you are right, sweetie. You don't have to sit here and take this. So get up and leave. Karen stared at him. Now.

Karen looked intimidated and scared for a second. Dylan had made friends with the guys for whatever reason, and they were obviously rejecting her. She stood up. With her eyes cast down she said, I'm sorry. This whole thing is so surreal. I'm just tired. You guys are right, and I'm sorry. She walked over to a small group of people at the table furthest from the bar.

Finally, one of the Hood River group spoke up, breaking the awkward silence. Wow. Is this what it's like out there? You have to worry about being eaten by the living and the dead?

The remaining Portland trio looked at the small group of new people. Finally, Ben said, Pretty much. Stupidity is one if your greatest liabilities. And, oh, look, we have that in spades. Only Lily laughed. Kyle nodded and leaned back with his hands behind his head

The blond-haired guy returned to the bar to catch the end of the criticism Doesn't sound like the best strategies for survival are being employed anywhere in your group. How did you guys even make it this far with that sort of attitude?

Kyle glared at him, How would you know? You guys have been holed up here for how long?

One of the others stepped in, holding up her hands, We’ve been here for five long weeks. My brother and I fought our way down here from the other end of town, so we know how difficult it can be. You are safe now, so try to calm down and relax. Let some of that negative energy go.

Lily squinted her eyes, as she looked at the woman who had stepped forward, Are you some type of post-apocalyptic hippie It’s more post traumatic stress than negative energy.

The blond laughed, That’s what I keep telling her, but you know how those Californians are. So set in their ways.

Oh dear brother, you are every bit as Californian as I am, she said poking a finger into his chest.

I wasn’t born there, I was dragged there when I was four. It may have gotten my body, but it never got my heart. The woman rolled her eyes.

Kyle looked at the duo, You’re Californians? What brings you so far north? Surely you didn't come to enjoy the apocalypse with rednecks?

Several people laughed, and she responded, "No actually, we are here on vacation. Or were here on vacation - isn’t much of a vacation now. We only got three days of kite-boarding in when this happened," she gestured toward the back window overlooking some buildings and the river.

Her brother corrected her, I think you mean that way, and he pointed toward the kitchen and the town on the other side of the outer wall.

Argh, you can be so infuriating sometimes, you know that brother? She slapped his arm while he laughed in response.

It’s one of the useful features of a big brother, he grabbed her and messed up her hair. Everyone seemed to relax as they enjoyed the entertainment of siblings. It was a slice of