Night Of The Zombie Chapter 3

Night Of The Zombie

Chapter 3

What? Lee blurted, throwing down his burger and jumping out of his seat. He pulled Mandy out of the booth and grabbed her around the abdomen with his two hands in a fist. He thrust upward—performing the Heimlich Maneuver. A moment later Mandy coughed violently, a piece of hamburger flying out of her mouth, landing on the floor. She fell to her knees continuing to cough.

I had called 911 in the meantime. A few minutes later the paramedics arrived and checked Mandy out. She seemed OK and a few more minutes was able to talk.

Thanks, Lee, she said with a slight grin. You saved my life.

Lee just shrugged. Just glad I learned the Heimlich last year.

The episode put a damper on the rest of our meal, but we were almost done anyway. We disposed of our trash and were headed out the door when the management asked Mandy if she were OK. She nodded that she was fine—now.

We drove her back to the hotel that the movie crew were staying at, where she would take a rest. There was no make-up to do today anyways, with the investigation of the fire still ongoing. Van, Raj, Zach, Lee and I headed over to Zach's apartment where Zach and I would continue going over the script as we had been doing earlier. Lee hung out with Van and Raj, showing them the stills of the movie that were shot on the soundstage prior to the crew coming to Port Salser to do the outdoor shots. He explained to them the process of making a movie. They would be returning to L.A. later to finish some more shots.

About an hour later, as Zach and I continued to read through the script (with the change of a cape to a leather jacket), I started to feel light headed. Over in the corner Raj and Van were joking around and then seemed to stumble and almost fall over.

Oh, I’ve got a real bad headache all of a sudden, Zach said then, rubbing his temples.

Guys! I blurted, standing up but nearly falling over from a dizzy spell. We have to get out of here!

What? Van said, turning to me and then squinting. Oh, I feel sick, he said.

I moved to the door and flung it open, cool air flooding into the room. Guys! I called again, motioning to Zach to follow and moving back into the room. I grabbed Raj by the  arm and pulled him. What is it, Justin, he said. What’s wrong?

Hurry! I urged. Van followed Lee out the door then Zach behind them. I pulled Raj out of the room and down the stairs, Zach and Van stumbling on the steps.

We went outside into Zach’s parents back yard. I’m calling 911, I blurted, pulling out my phone.

What for, Justin, there’s no fire, Zach said. What is it?

I think it’s carbon monoxide poisoning!

Paramedics arrived about 10 minutes later. We all seemed to be OK, having gotten fresh air into our lungs. Van was still a little bit nauseous and had barfed over in some bushes off to the side in the yard.  Zach had a whopping headache.

You gentlemen were lucky, the one paramedic remarked. Any longer and you may have passed out. I detect traces of carbon monoxide in your systems, he added. The fire department will be here soon to check your residence.

They arrived soon and confirmed that there were high levels of carbon monoxide in the apartment. They soon found the cause. Downstairs from Zach’s loft apartment was a small garage, seldom used by him or his parents. An old beat up car was parked there with the engine running! There was a pipe from the exhaust hooked up to the ventilation system of the apartment above.

Even more chilling was the note attached to the windshield which read:

“I told you you would die unless you take your zombies back home”

Is this some kind of sick joke, the fireman remarked, eyeing our group sternly.

I’ve never seen this car before, Zach said. I don’t know anything about this.

Then I think you’d better call the police, young man, the fireman said. He turned away and went back to the fire truck. Lee pulled out his cell phone and made the call.

At that moment Zach’s parents arrived home and seeing the fire truck and paramedics rushed out to the back yard. Zachary Bristow Sr. was an older version of his son (without the ponytail) but the same beard, though, touched with a bit of grey. He was tall and had glasses as well as his son.

Aileen Bristow was a tall slim woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. She went right over to Zach. Are you OK, she said, grabbing his arm and pulling him into a hug.

Yes, Mom, he said, pulling back embarrassed. But someone’s put this car in here and turned it on. The fumes were going up into the apartment, pumping carbon monoxide up there. Justin realized something was wrong and we got out in time.

Are you OK?, Mr. Bristow said to me and the others. We nodded. I don’t know where this car came from—wait, it does look familiar, he remarked. This car was over at the high school earlier this week. Mr. Bristow taught shop class at Port Salser Collegiate. I wasn’t in his class but of course knew him quite well from school and from his being a neighbour.

Someone donated this car a few weeks ago, for us to use in class, he continued. It was an anonymous donation—we get them from time to time. We hadn’t started working on it yet. We reported it stolen two days ago. Seems whoever stole it brought it here.

Is the garage kept locked, the fireman asked.

No, unfortunately, Mr. Bristow replied. We only use it for junk so anyone could have had access.

I wonder if the car was brought here while we were downtown, I asked.

At that moment the police arrived. I was dismayed to see that it was Canning. He looked dismayed but not surprised to see me. He ignored me and went over to Mr. Bristow, who told him about the car and the carbon monoxide incident. Lee and Zach added their version of events as well.

What’s up with Canning?, Van asked coming to stand with me in the driveway. You tick him off—more than usual? He usually has a smart remark when he shows up at a crime scene and you’re already there.

I noticed that too, I said. I think I know why, but I’ll tell you later.

OK, well then, I’ll wait with bated breath, he said sarcastically, then moved off to talk to Raj.

Zach came over at that moment, having given his report to Canning. They’re going to look into it, he said, rubbing his beard thoughtfully. I tell you, Justin, I don’t know if it’s worth doing this flick. You guys could have been seriously hurt. I’m really sorry I got you into this—asking you to help me.

Zach, dude, it’s not your fault. I’m going to find out who did this, don’t worry. Don’t stop the movie just yet. That’s exactly what this person wants you to do. We’ll be on the lookout for anything unusual from now on until this nutcase is caught. But I think we should call it a day. It’s almost dinner time and I’m still feeling the affects of the CO. I think you should stay with your parents tonight, though. Don’t go back into your apartment until the fire department give it the all clear.

Zach nodded then went off to talk to his parents. Lee decided to go back to the hotel and rest as he was feeling a bit nauseous as well.

Wow! Raj said, coming back over to me with Van in tow. This is pretty wild, he added, eyes wide.

I’m just glad I noticed the effects.

Yeah, you’re a real good luck charm, Van said gruffly, then grinned. Sorry, I’m just kidding, you’re right, we owe you thanks for saving our lives. I’m forever in your debt. How can I make it up to you? Lifelong subservience?

I’m surprised you know what that word means, I said with a grin.

I have no idea what it means, he shot back. It just sounded good. He turned to Raj and they both laughed. So why is Canning being—well so rude to you lately, he said, turning back to me. Can you tell us now, he added in a stage whisper.

Yes, I can, I said matching his tone. I noticed that Canning went inside the Bristow’s home to continue his questioning. Zach came out a moment later to say he was staying in his parents house if I needed to get a hold of him.

We’re going, I said. Talk to you later, eh?

He nodded then went back inside.

So, spill it, Van said. I’m dying of curiosity.

We walked back to my SUV parked in the street. I looked around for strange notes, flat tires, and any other possible booby traps but found nothing.

Canning’s being transferred, I said as we got inside, Van in the passenger seat and Raj in the back. To some small town in northern Ontario.

You’re kidding, Van said. Why would he be ticked at you because of that?

I started up the SUV and pulled away, headed south into town. Because the new chief, Chief Rose, doesn’t think that the police should be fraternizing with the local private investigators. I guess Canning’s had a poor performance rating from Rose because of the help that dad has been giving him over the years. Rose thinks that the police should work within the police department to solve crimes. He says that using local private investigators is a waste of department resources.

How do you know this? Raj said from the backseat.

I spoke to Maddie at the station. She told me about the transfer but Dad told me earlier about what Rose had said.

So, he’s miffed because you stick your nose in and solve crimes and make him look bad in front of the Chief? Van said, incredulous. This just gets better and better. That Rose seems like a real—well, jerk. I’ve met him once. He looks like a pompous windbag.

I nodded. I don’t like him either, I said, but he’s here to stay, according to Dad.

And Canning’s out, Van said with a sigh. I like Paul. He puts up with our crap. With this new guy on the beat we won’t be able to as much as spit on the sidewalk and we’ll be under arrest.

Pretty much, I agreed. But please don’t spit. It’s a disgusting habit.

I drove Raj home then Van, then headed home, still feeling a bit woozy. Dad was at the kitchen table, still dressed in his suit but without his jacket, and his tie was undone. I kicked off my high tops at the door and went into the kitchen.

Justin, I heard about the fire downtown. That’s awful. I hope the bad publicity doesn’t hurt the movie. I like Zach Bristow, he’s a good guy. The fact he came back here to use locals for his movie might help the local economy.

I nodded. There was another incident, I added, then related what had happened at Zach’s apartment.

Dad was silent for a moment. Justin, I think we should have a talk. It’s not good news, I’m afraid.