Dark Days
Part 2
By Tooki
2021
Edited by
Tonya
It had been two weeks since they had escaped the city. The first two days they monitored their current situation with the radio, the reports got sporadic and finally faded into static. Their food supplies were starting to run low. Police Captain, Harold Dobey, had been catching as many fish as he could. And his wife Edith was a pro at making food stretch as far as possible but their staple items were running out.
Detectives Dave Starsky and Ken Hutchinson along with Mike Donaldson, a rookie who they had scooped up as they escaped the station, were planning a run into the city to see if things were still bad and to bring back supplies if they were any to be found. When they had left the city people were attacking each other, running crazy in the streets and other unimaginable things that you only see in a horror movie.
Mike was anxious to see if his mother and girlfriend were safe but it was doubtful. He still wanted to check just in case.
Starsky came up behind Mike and put his hand on the young man's shoulder, “Are you ready to go?”
Mike jumped and whirled around ready to do battle, seeing it was only the detective he smiled sheepishly. “You scared me.”
“Sorry,” Starsky said, “We need to head out so we can make it back before dark.”
Mike nodded, they had only seen two of the undead come out of the woods that they had to take care of, they had probably been hunters or campers that had been in the area. Most of the cabins around them were empty with it being the off season, he had helped the detectives search them for supplies but didn’t find much. Mostly forgotten cans of expired food. They were able to get quite a few cans of gas that had been stored on several of the properties.
Hutch walked down the driveway carrying two shotguns. His magnum was in his shoulder holster. He handed Starsky one of the shotguns. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
They piled into the Dobey’s station wagon with Starsky at the wheel. Rosie and Cal came flying down the drive, Hutch seeing them coming rolled down the window. “What’s up?”
“Uncle Hutch, could you get us some candy?” Cal asked.
“Please!” Rosie added.
“We will see what we can do.” Hutch told them. “Now get back to the cabin.” They watched until the kids were safely inside. “Let’s go and get this over with.”
As they got closer to the city, abandoned cars filled the roads. Several times they had to get out and push them out of the way. If a car looked as if it might have supplies Starsky would ransack the vehicle.
They pulled up in front of Mike’s mother’s house, the street was quiet but trash was strewn across the yards, several houses had broken windows. As soon as the car stopped Mike jumped out running toward the house calling his mother’s name. He pulled open the front door and disappeared inside.
Hutch got out of the car to follow Mike, Starsky yelled at him, “Hold up, we don’t know what we are waking into.”
Even after some of the unbelievable things Hutch had seen in the past two weeks he was still having a hard time wrapping his head around it all. “It’s his mom.”
“Is it?” Starsky joined his partner on the lawn.
“Come on Starsk! Do you see anything going on?”
“That’s the point, Hutch, nothing is going on. Nobody mowing their grass, walking their dog, driving down the street. Where do you think they are?”
“You make it sound like we are the only ones left.”
“That is not what I’m saying! What I am saying is you have to be careful.”
“I’m always careful.” Hutch said as he walked toward the house.
Sighing, Starsky pulled his gun from his shoulder holster and followed his partner.
Once inside Mike continued calling for his mother. The house was a disaster, trash on the floor and rotting food sat on the dining table. “Ma!” Mike called as he went down the hall to her bedroom. Maybe she was sick, he had never seen his childhood home look like this. Her bedroom door was closed, he knocked, there was no answer but he heard something. Mike threw open the door, his mother was there, her back to him. He put his hand on her shoulder, as she turned a low growl came from deep within her. Mrs Donaldson attacked her son, her fingernails ripping his skin as she grabbed him to bring him to her mouth.
Hutch entered the house just in time to see Mike stagger into the living room, his intestines spilling out of his body. Hutch stopped in his tracks staring at the rookie.
“Help me,” Mike managed to get out as fell to his knees then face planted at Hutch’s feet.
Hutch stumbled backwards out the door, nearly knocking Starsky over. His blue eyes open wide in shock at what he had just seen. He couldn’t speak, just pointed, then turned and emptied the contents of his stomach in the yard.
Two shots rang out in the house, Starsky came out putting his gun in its holster. “Come on,” Starsky said, pulling Hutch along with him toward the car.
Hutch wiped his mouth on his sleeve, he looked toward the house, “Y-you shot them?”
Starsky grabbed Hutch by the shoulders and looked him square in the face. “The world we used to live in is gone. You gotta get with the program or you aren’t going to survive.”
“But you just killed them.”
“Mike’s mother was no longer his mother and Mike, well I couldn’t leave him like that. He was suffering and wasn’t going to live much longer and then he would come back as one of those things.” Starsky got in the station wagon and started it up. Hutch still stood in the yard staring at the house. “Hutch, get in!” Starsky yelled at him, when he didn’t move, “NOW!”
Hutch snapped out of it and climbed in next to his partner. “Now what?”
“We came out here for supplies, that is still our goal.” Starsky answered.
Staying in the suburbs was their best bet. Starsky pulled into the parking lot of a small shopping mall. There were several stores where they might find supplies if they hadn’t already been scavenged.
Hutch slowly got out of the car looking around. There was no movement, he was beginning to wonder maybe they were the only ones left. There were more abandoned cars, trash, a couple of dogs wandering around, what looked like decomposing bodies but he wasn’t getting close enough to be sure.
“Let’s go,” Starsky nudged his friend. They headed toward a grocery store. “Grab whatever you can and stay alert. Aim for the head, that’s the only thing that will stop them.”
Hutch glanced at Starsky to see if he was kidding but the look on his partner's face was dead serious. He took a deep breath and followed Starsky to the grocery store. The power was out so they had to muscle their way through the automatic doors.
The inside of the store didn’t look much better than the parking lot. Starsky righted a shopping cart that was on its side. There was not a lot left but they managed to find a few cans of Spam, corned beef and scored a canned ham that was wedged under one of the shelves. In the store room there were a few cases of vegetables, a large box of chips, and several boxes of Hershey bars which Hutch scooped up for the kids.
After grabbing a few other things Starsky pushed the cart to the station wagon to unload while Hutch walked a couple of stores down to a hardware store that had its plate glass window busted out. He peered inside the open door, there were packages of batteries laying on the floor. Hutch stepped in to retrieve them. For some reason the store seemed nearly stocked. He guessed people were more interested in the food.
“Hutch, I told you to wait for me,”. Starsky pushed the now empty cart through the door.
“I’m not a child buddy.” Hutch said as he tossed the batteries in the cart.
Starsky didn’t respond, instead he began throwing items in the cart. He worked his way toward the back of the store, collecting boxes of nails, hammers, and a couple of axes. “Grab some rope,” he called to Hutch. Starsky spied a box of flashlights, as he went to pick them up, a man or what used to be a man stumbled out of the back room and grabbed Starsky. It was growling and snapping like a rabid dog. The detective tried to push it away but was caught at a bad angle and tumbled to the floor dropping the box he was holding.
Hutch, who was still at the front of the store, heard the commotion, “Starsk?” He pulled his gun as he made his way to the back. He stopped in his tracks when he saw his partner struggling with…he wasn’t even sure what to call it. Instinct took over and Hutch shot the thing in the head as Starsky had instructed him to do.
It slumped over and Starsky managed to crawl out from under it. He looked shaken for the first time since the world went to hell. Hutch helped him to his feet, “You okay?”
Starsky nodded, “I think so. Thanks man.”
Hutch grabbed the flashlights. “Let’s get out of here.” He was rattled but he understood now everything Starsky had been telling him.
“Hutch, if I ever become one of them, you shoot me in the head.”
Hutch nodded, “Same goes for me, I don’t want to end up like that.” He glanced at the thing laying on the floor and wondered who he had been.
On the way out they grabbed a few more items. Next stop was a pharmacy to pick up medications that might be needed. With the wagon packed to the top with supplies Starsky pointed it toward Parker Center.
“Where are we going now?” Hutch asked.
“The station,” came the answer as the detective was trying to avoid things in the road.
“Why?” Hutch wanted to know. “It was being overrun two weeks ago.”
“We need guns and ammo.” Starsky said. “It’s locked up so hopefully it’s still there.”
“Unless another officer had the same idea.”
“It’s worth a shot.”
As they got closer to Parker Center they began seeing people shuffling around, it was clear they were no longer alive. Starsky pulled into the fenced in parking area they had escaped from. They both got out and looked around, it was quiet, no movement. “You stay here and guard the car.” Starsky said, tossing one of the shotguns to Hutch and grabbed the other for himself and a crowbar. “I’ll be in and out.”
“What if you get in a jam?” Hutch caught the gun.
“I’ll be careful, if someone sees the wagon it won’t be here when we get back.” Starsky said, opening the back door. “Don’t shoot unless you have to, it will only draw more.” He disappeared into the building.
Starsky made his way down the hall silently. He reached the cage where the firearms were stored. The lock was still intact, using the crowbar he broke the lock. Starsky collected guns and ammo, stuffing them into one of the canvas bags he found in the cage. He grabbed a second bag and filled it also, it was almost more than he could carry.
As Starsky was making his way back down the hall toward the exit he heard movement behind him. He dropped the bags and spun around. It was Bill Anderson, a beat cop that Starsky had known for years. But he was no longer Bill but one of the monsters. It lurched toward him, Starsky started to pull his gun from its holster then changed his mind and grabbed the crowbar. “Sorry man,” Starsky mumbled as he jammed it into the thing's head. He dropped the crowbar that was now covered with gore. It had been the first time Starsky had killed one up close. His stomach turned over but he didn’t have time to be sick, Starsky grabbed the bags full of guns and dashed to the door.
While Starsky was inside Hutch leaned on the wagon surveying the area for any sign of trouble. There had been a few pass by on the street but he was careful to stay out of sight. He was beginning to wonder if they would ever see an unaffected person again. Hutch guessed everyone had gone leaving the streets to the undead. The undead, he had come to terms with what needed to be done but the thought of what was going on was unimaginable. They were living in one of his partner's horror movies.
The door banged open causing Hutch to jump and spin around, he leveled the shotgun at the door but was relieved to see Starsky stumble out carrying out two bags. Hutch ran to help, he noticed his partner looked rather pale and he had splatters of gore on his face, hands and clothes.
“What happened?” Hutch asked as he took both bags.
“I ran into what used to be Bill,” Starsky said as his stomach started flipping again. “I didn’t want the noise of my gun so I used the crowbar.”
Hutch winced, knowing that was up close and personal. “You need to clean yourself up buddy.”
Starsky hadn’t noticed he had been splattered, that was all it took and he lost what little he had in his stomach.
“Want me to drive?” Hutch asked, looking at the pale complexion of his friend.
“I’m okay,” Starsky said, getting behind the wheel. “Just wish I had a change of clothes.” The Dobey’s had clothing, Edith had pack suitcases for each of them but the detectives hadn't had that luxury.
“Why don’t we swing by our places and pack a bag.” Hutch suggested.
Starsky nodded, it should be safer than trying to navigate another store.
Hutch’s place was first up, Starsky pulled to a stop in front of
the apartment building. The street looked nearly normal, except for a burned out car. “Make it quick, I’ll stay here.”
Hutch looked at his gore speckled partner, “Honk if you need me.” Starsky just looked at Hutch, “Oh yeah no noise.” Hutch jumped out of the car and went up the stairs to his apartment. The door was still locked, he grabbed the key from above the door and quietly opened it. Everything was as he had left it. He went into the bedroom, dragged a duffle bag from the closet and began filling it. Then he went into the bathroom and grabbed a couple of towels taking them to the kitchen. The water had stopped running over a week ago but Hutch still turned the cold water on, nothing but a few drips. He opened the fridge, the smell almost knocked him over from rotten food. He found what he was looking for, a pitcher of water that was no longer cold but would do the job. The detective poured the water over one of the towels keeping the other on dry. He closed his apartment door and locked it, dropping the key in his pocket for safe keeping.
Starsky was still sitting in the wagon when Hutch jumped in, he held out the wet towel to his friend. Starsky grabbed it and began mopping his face and arms. Hutch held out the dry towel next Starsky gave him a grateful smile, “Thanks!”
“Hopefully your place is in good shape,” Hutch said. But it wasn’t to be, they turned the corner onto Starsky’s street; it looked like a war zone. Several houses had been burned to the ground, cars lay on their sides, a stack of burnt bodies still smoldered.
Starsky had to stop the station wagon a half block before his apartment, the road was impassable. He got out, “Get behind the wheel.” He told Hutch. “If anything happens, take off.”
“I’m not leaving you!”
“You might have to. I will just meet you back at the cabin.”
“NO!”
Starsky got out of the car, pulled a shotgun out of the back, “I won’t be long.”
Hutch started to protest again but his partner had already taken off running. “Dammit,” He muttered as he slipped behind the wheel.
The front door of Starsky's apartment was standing open, cautiously he stepped inside. The place was trashed, at least there wasn’t anybody or anything there. The fridge hung open as did all the cabinets and drawers the contents strewn on the floor. The couch had been shredded as well as both chairs. He moved quickly to the bedroom. It was ripped apart, the dresser was tipped over but luckily they had left the contents intact. Starsky looked around for something to put his clothes in. He finally spied his laundry bag, shrugging Starsky began shoving his clothes into the bag. The closet door was open and most of his shirts were on the floor, he scooped them up cramming them in the bag. He tossed the bag over his shoulder and was heading out when he heard honking, “Damn Hutch I told you not to do that,” Starsky grumbled out loud.
Hutch turned the station wagon around since the road was blocked. He didn’t want to have to back up if something went wrong. He kept surveying the area looking for any moment. Hutch pulled his gun from his shoulder holster and laid it in his lap when he saw a man walking toward him. He could tell by the man's gate he was human.
“Hey man,” the stranger addressed the detective. “I need you to get out and hand over the keys.”
“I don’t think so,” Hutch gripped his gun but didn’t bring it up.
The man reached around his back and brought out a gun, “I do think so.”
Hutch stuck his weapon out the window pointing it directly at the man. “I don’t want to hurt you, we all have enough problems.”
The man's eyes went wide, he wasn’t looking at Hutch but down the street. He jammed the gun back into his waistband and took off running.
Hutch was puzzled as he watched the man run off then glanced in the rear view mirror. “Holy shit!” A large group was shuffling down the middle of the street. They hadn’t reached Starsky’s apartment but it wouldn’t be long and his partner would be trapped. Hutch knew honking the horn wasn’t good, but there was no way he was leaving his partner. He gave the horn two short toots hoping Starsky heard it.
Hutch was about to honk again when he saw Starsky close the door to his apartment. Hutch whistled, his partner looked his way. “Speed it up buddy!” He yelled and pointed up the street.
Starsky looked the way Hutch was pointing, “Holy Shit!” He echoed his partner's sentiment and raced down the street toward the waiting car. Hutch was back behind the wheel and took off before Starsky got the door all the way closed.
“Let’s get the hell out of here!” Hutch said.
“Dobey’s cabin never looked so good.”
“Never thought I would hear you say that.”
It was nearly dark when Hutch nosed the station wagon into the driveway. They both got out looking around cautiously, after the day they had they weren’t taking any chances.
Two beams of light pierced the growing darkness. Dobey and Cal came to greet the detectives and see what supplies they were able to get. Edith and Rosie joined them at the car, “Let’s get this stuff in the house before it gets any darker,” Edith instructed.
Dobey clapped Starsky on the back. He looked in the back, “Where’s Mike?”
Hutch shook his head.
“He didn’t come back with you?” Rosie asked disappointed.
Starsky answered her. “Mike decided to stay with his mother, kiddo.” He dug around in the car and handed her the boxes of candy.
Rosie squealed, “Thank you.”
“We got chips too!” Starsky was as excited as Rosie. He grabbed several bags and started toward the house.
Dobey put his hand on Hutch’s shoulder, “Let’s walk.”
Hutch nodded, he didn’t speak until they were out of earshot of the kids. “Cap it’s bad out there, real bad.”
“What happened to Mike?”
Hutch took a deep breath, he wished he could forget, “Mike’s mother attacked him, ripped his guts out. I have never seen anything like that. Starsky he…he,” Hutch couldn’t go on.
“It’s okay son, I think I get it.” Dobey looked out over the lake; it was so peaceful he couldn’t imagine the horrors his detectives endured.
Hutch picked up a rock and skipped it across the water. “It’s nothing like the world we knew. I think this is our life now. We went to the station. Starsk went in and got as many guns as he could carry.”
“Was there anybody left?”
Hutch couldn’t bring himself to tell Dobey about Bill, he had been a good friend of the captains. “I only saw one live person and that is when we stopped at Starsky’s place, he pulled a gun on me. He wanted the car. I’m sure there are good people out there or at least I hope so.”
When the station wagon was empty of supplies, Edith rounded up the kids to help make dinner. She had been delighted with the canned ham and was planning a feast.
Starsky joined his partner and Captain at the lake. The sun was beginning to set, it made it hard to believe that the world had turned upside down.
Hutch looked at him. “Everything squared away?”
Starsky nodded, “Edith is excited with what we brought back. And the kids love the chocolate and chips.”
“Cap,” Hutch began, “I know Edith isn’t going to like this but she and the kids need to learn to defend themselves. We are one man down and after the big group of the dead we saw coming down Starsky’s street we will need everyone.”
Dobey nodded. “I’ve been easing her into it. I figured the time would come.”
“You know we won’t be able to stay here forever.” Starsky said. “A lot of stuff has already been scavenged, it’s not worth going back to the city. We will have to go where we can still find the things we need. The gas will run out at some point too.”
Things looked bleak for the small group of survivors but tonight Edith was preparing the best meal they had in over a week. Dobey sighed then smiled, “Let’s enjoy tonight. We can worry about the rest tomorrow.”
“I’m starved,” Starsky said, heading toward the cabin.
Hutch and Dobey followed, “What’s new he is always starving.”
Dobey chuckled, he would take the little bit of normal they were going to have this evening.
The end……..until next Halloween!