CHAPTER 1

SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2022. BEVERLY HILLS CA. 5:30 PM

       The fifth syringe containing unfamiliar fluid was injected into the body again. Doc Chris moved two steps back, observing his 9th experiment since that morning. The satellite radio was playing soft romance music- not his preference but had no choice but to listen.

       Turning to the kid by his right, he passed him a paper containing rules and regulations concerning his experiment. The young lad went over the rules again.

       "What's happening to me? I don't feel too good." his patient groaned, his eyes widened, struggling to see his environment. Pulling out the oxygen on him, he erratically fished around for support. "What did you do to me? I'm going to tell the Cops as soon as I get out of here." I can't feel myself anymore. What did this lunatic do to my body?

       "You were in an accident and I saved you. Is that what you will tell the Cops?" Doc Chris's eyes constricted and the corner of his mouth drooped. His witty facial expression divulged how disgruntled he was at the numerous failures. He was almost certain he did it right this time. What went wrong? Going through his experiment book once more, intentionally turning a deaf ear to his victim's whining he didn't see what was going on behind him.

       The loud intensifying noise of someone falling on the ground had him jerking. He spiraled around in astonishment, observing the young man. His patient twitched around like he was in an acrobatic. The black balls in his eyes disappeared, leaving behind two pale white eyes, his clammy skin and rotten flesh unsettled Doc Chris more.

       He got up and twirled his neck in Chris's direction. Staggering towards him, Chris's mouth dropped. His maniacal eyes burned with madness, his teeth were like a line of broken glass and his breath stank like the vomit from a drunken madman. Then, from nowhere, just as he was about to grab the Doc, the little boy launched forward, shoving a stick at the guy, hands vibrating. What happened next took Doc Chris by surprise- The blood slurping began. The little boy cried for help while the man gnawed, cracked, and stunk till the kid was as white as plain paper.

       "Oh, my God." Doc Chris cried. Whatever had just happened sent cold chills down his spine. Looking at the man in self-pity, he pulled out his AK-47. "He isn't human. I'm not committing murder. He isn't human. This is only self-defense." Just as he was fast approaching Doc Chris, he pulled the trigger; aiming directly at the guy's head. 

       "Chris Preston?" Prosecutor Aguilera walked into the interrogation room, a file in one hand and her favorite coffee mug in the other. "Would you like to have anything? Snacks, food, water..."

       "It's fine." Replied Doc Chris, in an inaudible voice. "I know why I've been brought here. Let's get this done quickly. My daughters are waiting for me."

       Inspector Fred stormed in just as Aguilera was about to ask the next question. He walked briskly towards them, shoulders pushed up like a hanger. On approaching them, he pulled out the chair beside her, sat down, and said, "Mr. Preston, we meet again. I always knew there was something off about you but I just couldn't figure out which." Taking a sip out of the bottle of water, he continued, "Let's cut to the chase and get straight to the point. Why did you do it?"

       Cut to the chase and get straight to the point. Aguilera rolled her eyes.

       "Mrs. Aguilera, I'll take the case from here. You can't handle it."

       As if it had been planned, she and Doc Chris gazed at him angrily. He's so obnoxious. Does he derive joy in irritating people-not just criminals but also teammates?

      Doc Chris tried to concentrate on Aguilera's phone on the desk then his eyelids grew heavy and he started to nod. Aguilera glanced up at him and beamed. He was an old man of about 50yrs- no wife but had two daughters and a son. Mr. Chris loved nature. It didn't come as a surprise to anyone that he had a mini Lab in the desert. 

       "Mr. Chris,"

       "Chris Preston!" Inspector Fred cut in nattily. Elbows pushed forward. "This isn't your bedroom. You murdered an innocent civilian. Hold on," he picked up Chris's file lying untouched on the table then said, "You kidnapped an innocent civilian, used him for your weird experiment, and killed him. And to hide your malicious crime, you tried to kill that little child as well."

       "The child isn't dead?" Doc Chris asked, blinking twice, now determined to stay awake. "That can't be possible. I did see him. His skin turned white just like a dead person's skin would and his eyes,"

       Inspector Fred grinned. His eyes glared harshly at Chris. If eyes could kill, Doc Chris would be dead at that moment. "The child isn't dead?" he quoted sarcastically. "So you did try to kill him?" He clenched his fist, raised his voice, and unexpectedly slammed his hand on the table.

       Jiggling his head at the sudden fruition of what misfortune his mouth might have bought for him, he said, "That's not what I meant. Look, I'm confident John had the same symptoms. I saw John's skin turn pale. You have to kill that kid. Do it right now!"

       "Mr. Chris, what are you trying to say?" Aguilera felt an increasing surge of trepidation from her head to toe. Her palms vibrated. She placed her palm on her chest, trying to ease the pain she felt. She inhaled and exhaled. Hearing Doc Chris's plea reminded her of the pain she felt many years ago. "You're not making any sense. What exactly transpired in your lab?"

       "I didn't do it..."

       "Really?" Veins popped out from Inspector Fred's skin. "Your fingerprint was seen on the gun used to kill John Bill. Why don't we start with the experiment you carried out on John without the permission of his family."

       "I didn't do it!" Doc Chris's high-pitched voice echoed. Fresh sweat rolled down his back. It was mid-September, and the heat level had picked up since that morning. Waking up that morning to spend the entire day with his little angels at the pool- that wasn't going to happen. At least not until he was set free. He knew he was right but had no way of persuading the cold-hearted Inspector otherwise. His liberation was important to him but not as killing the kid he felt was a peril to the world. Determined to knock some sense into the Inspector, he began again, this time more intentionally and pragmatically. "John was involved in an accident. When I went out to get some herbs for my next project, I saw him bleeding profusely. He was unconscious." he subsisted.

       "Doc Chris,"

       "Inspector Fred, let him speak." Aguilera nabbed. She turned on the record on her phone. "Go on, Doc Chris."

       "I've been working on a project for the last six months. A Covid 19 vaccine to be accurate. I thought if I saved him and injected him with the fluid of someone who had the virus and gave him my cure and it worked, I would be able to save the world and people would appreciate me for who I am. My experiment didn't work out as expected. I don't know what exactly happened to John- he just started acting spooky and the next thing, he was trying to attack me. That kid rushed in to save me but got bitten by whatever that was. I'm not making this up, that person wasn't John. It was something... something else. And that demon is in the kid."

       Clapping his hands slowly while getting up from his seat, he advanced towards Doc Chris, eyes beaming with excitement. Getting to the other side of the table, he pressed Doc Chris's shoulder gently, allowing his fingernails to infiltrate his shirt. The swift but loud moan that escalated Doc Chris's mouth had Aguilera's eyes rolling. Inspector Fred's method of interrogation annoyed his colleagues. His tortured and rude personality had most of their suspects committing suicide even before going to jail. One could easily say it was the best way to deal with hardened criminals but not everyone shared the same view.

       "He's such a pain in the ass." Aguilera cursed, glancing up to be sure he didn't hear. The last thing she wanted was to get into an altercation again with him.

       "Wow Chris!" he said, in a grating voice. "What genre is this? Urban, mystery, suspense, or horror? Or maybe it's gore. A lot of zombie movies these days are classified under horror. I mean, I don't see anything alarming about them but I guess no one can contend with their producers. So which one is yours? Let's say you are right, now answer me. Why did an ordinary man have a gun with him?"

       In their first twenty minutes together, everything Doc Chris said unfurled doors to more questions - Inspector Fred wasn't ready to believe anything.

       A young man in his 30s rushed into the room, all attempt to stop him flunked as he pushed his way in and locked the door from inside. Approaching Inspector Fred, he lowered his head and apologized, making sure to tell him about the situation they were facing.

       Inspector Fred rolled his sleeves, groaning loudly. No one was rational enough to his satisfaction. "What are you trying to say, Bobby?"

       "Th...the kid. Something is wrong with him. He's been acting odd. Luckily he's chained to his bed, but we have to call a doctor now."

       "No!" They won't listen to me. I have to do something real quick. Doc Chris surged for the door. As he was about to elude, Inspector Fred pulled him by the neck, making him fall on his back. His eyes flickered away the tears, mouth-mumbling words no one could hear from afar. "Don't save the kid. Kill him before it's too late."

       "Call the doctor. We have to examine the kid. And for Doc Chris," he stretched his neck to see if he was truly unconscious. "Lock him away. Separately. He ain't just a killer; he's insane."

       Bobby nodded. He nibbled his last potato in his hand, blushing from ear to ear at the angry set of eyes glazing at him from outside. Aguilera had nothing to say. She remained calm, observing Bobby and another man almost the same height as Bobby, carry Doc Chris away.

       She shut down her system and picked up her files on the desk. Assault and Murder Case of Hillary Steel. She sighed. For days she had been working on the case and there was still no improvement. If only she could finish up the case, she wouldn't have to see Inspector Fred again.

       Inspector Fred folded his hands, waiting for her to talk. He knew she always had two cents to drop every time he did something out of ignorance. Her expressionless face worried him. What was she thinking of? If only he could read her mind. He wished.

       Another man in uniform walked into the room, holding a blue file. He dropped it in Inspector Fred's awaiting hands. "Doc Chris was right. We checked our surveillance camera from 8 AM. Doc Chris visited the hospital earlier today. Apparently, his only son is a Covid 19 patient. Our men discussed with his kid and he said his dad took some blood out of him but didn't say why."

       "So he was indeed carrying out a Covid-19 experiment."

       "Another thing that's really strange." the guy paused, opened the laptop his second was holding, and pointed at a picture of John after the incident. "Here. There were bite marks on John's neck. His body's been taken to the forensic lab and they said this ain't the marks of an animal but a human. I don't even know what the heck it was but that kid has the same mark. I can't believe a human would do that."

       This marks. They are marks done by a human. It's just like the marks shown in movies. But this is real life. He panicked. Zombies ain't real. No. Someone's pulling a prank on us. "Has the doctor arrived?"

       "Yes. Bobby's just taking him to the kid. Sir, I think it's best if we listened to Doc Chris and kill this kid."

       "How could you even talk about killing a kid?" his voice became very strident, and a vein popped out from his neck.  "You are a Cop. I expect more from you."

       "This isn't just about our duty as a Cop," Aguilera added, hoping to change his mind. "We don't know what we are dealing with. Fine. We don't need to kill the kid but at least let's keep him locked up away from innocent people till we find out what's going on. Withdraw your order. Tell the doctor to go."

       "No! This is real life. It ain't some dumb movie or novel. Superstition ain't real. Zombies are for the fucking films only not reality! That kid will get treated and I don't want to hear this again. We have to leave for Prestige Restaurant. We've been invited."

       "Sir," Bobby rushed in, breathing heavily. "Sir,"

       "What is it, Bobby? Can't you see I'm leaving?"

       "Sir shut the door quickly. Shut the door now!" he jabbed, head twitching. "Lock it up now!"

       "Bobby, are you alright?" Aguilera started breathing heavily after feeling the danger they might be in due to unwillingness to adhere. Her eyes searched around for something she could use as a defense. "Inspector Fred, I don't think Bobby is alright. We need to get out of here. I'm out of here." Dear God. Zombies ain't real but I know that I'm not hallucinating either. This is September 26th. AG, you can't be dreaming. 20+20 is 40. You had stakes before coming to work today. This isn't a dream. Aguilera trembled. She was unable to run as fear had paralyzed her legs.

       "That kid. That kid!!" Before Bobby could complete his statement, Inspector Fred heard a splash, screams, and ground vibrating like they were on a track field with competitive runners. He twirled around and saw Bobby lying half dead on the floor, breathing heavily, gasping. He shivered uncontrollably, breathing faster than usual.

       "Bobby," 

       "Inspector Fred, we have to leave now. There are more of them. We need to get out now." In an attempt to flee the situation, the guy next to Aguilera slipped and fell very close to Bobby. What happened next put Inspector Fred in a state of dilemma. Bobby was on top of the guy, struggling to bite him. The Cop pushed, kicked, and cried out hoping to get a little help. Inspector Fred stood still, hands vibrating. He knew what to do but couldn't do it.

       Even if they tried, there was no way out. Everyone outside the interrogation room had already been infected. Turning to Aguilera he shouted, "I'm not going to die here. Not now or ever!" With that said, he fired the gun at Bobby.

       "Thanks, man. Why did it take you so long to pull the trigger!" He jumped, checking his body for any injuries. "I didn't get bitten. How do we get out of here, Sir? My wife and kids are waiting for me."

       "You've always been a great Cop to us and our country." Aguilera could sense what was going on. She forcefully pulled her reluctant legs back, heading towards the other door. "If there's anything like a next life, I would be grateful to have you serve this country by my side." This is the only way to survive. Kicking the door open, he grabbed the guy by the neck and flung him at the uncountable number of the living dead running towards the interrogation room. 

       There was a long silence as he allowed what he did to sink in, assuring himself it was the only way to buy some time. Tom's cry pierced his heart like a sharp needle. He watched tearfully as the living dead devoured him. "Aguilera, let's go. We don't have much time."

       With no other option left, she shook her head in response. "What about Doc Chris?"

       "He's probably dead. And, if he was alive, there is no way to save him. There are too many of them and two of us. We need to get out of this building and blow it up."

       Inspector Fred took the lead, running faster than usual. Aguilera's abrupt scream drew his attention. They were being followed. It baffled him that the living dead could run faster than Usain Bolt. Taking her hand in his, he fought off some of them, pulling her along. They had no connection or relationship-his responsibility as a Cop came first to him regardless of who it was except when his life was at a crossroads and he needed to choose one. 

       Taking out the gun from her bag, she fired it at them, eyes shut. There was no end. As they were killed, their number increased. "Help me!" She screamed. Mr. Benedict was on her. His fingernails her skin. "Fred." her voice grew weaker.

       Inspector Fred couldn't do it. Mr. Benedict was more than just their leader- he was like a father, mentor, and role model to many. He had so many dreams and aspirations. Mr. Benedict loved everyone and hated no one. "I'll treat y'all to lunch after your break." he used to say. How their lives changed in just 30 minutes. If only he listened. If only his enormous ego didn't get in the way. Everyone he knew was gone. Zombies. Did they exist or was he hallucinating? He asked himself this question.

       Aguilera struggled to escape the firm grip of Mr. Benedict when a hole popped out in his forehead- he fell backward, dividing into two. She moved her neck a little to the side and saw Dare, the only African Cop who made it to their department. Sending out her appreciation, she picked up her gun.

       "There's more of them everywhere. You can't kill all. Let's just get out of here." he said, glaring at the dozens of dead beings running toward them. "Let's go."

       Inspector Fred ran out first, reaching his hand out for Aguilera and Dare who were fighting off the dead that caught up with him. "Hurry up, Dare. Just throw the bomb."

       "Get away from the door! If I throw it, we'll all die!"

       "Let's go, AG!"

       "But, Dare..."

       "He's going to be fine. His sacrifice can't be for nothing, AG."

       "Sacrifice?" She freed her hand, jerking away angrily. "He's in there fighting for us! All you ever do is give out orders. You killed Tom."

       Determined to justify his actions he replied coldly, "If I didn't do it, we won't have made it out. If anything you should be grateful." I should have pushed you instead. "If I have to do it again to survive, I would. In times like this, AG, don't think about others but yourself. I saved you because I could, if I can't then I won't."

       Hardly did Aguilera walk away angrily, a loud explosion erupted from inside. She fell very close to Inspector Fred. Dare did it. He barely made it out alive but everything was normal- or so he thought. He coughed, checking if Aguilera was alive. "Everything is over," he whispered. "Just forget everything like it was a nightmare."

       "That won't be possible, Fred." No one else dared to address him without using honorifics; he knew who it was. It was him for sure. Aguilera couldn't tell if his smile was realistic-after everything he had said earlier. "The doctor left before everything happened?" Dare continued while dusting the ashes off his shirt. "After injecting the kid with sedative he left."

       "Did the kid..."

       "Yes. Then, we thought he was only being childish and scared. It was only a small bite. Doc didn't show any signs."

       "We need to find him now. Not just him but whoever started this. If Doc Chris didn't do it, how did John get infected? Get in. I'll drive."

       I have to go home now. "Thanks, guys but I need to be with my father and kids. This is too much for me to process. It still feels like a movie to me." I hope I could wake up and find out it was just a prank.

       "Stay safe, AG. We need to end this before anyone finds out. Put a call to our superiors and let them know what happened."

       "Sure."