“What’s the
damage report?” Mary joked. Roger chuckled.
“There’s
nothing left but bones and ashes.”
“Good,” she
muttered, resting her head on his shoulder.
“I’m going
into town,” said Gloria, “Paul might need medicine, and god knows the whole
camp could probably use some too.” She started towards the parking lot but Mary
angrily blocked her path.
“Definitely
not. You are NOT going into the city! Do you know how many risks-?”
“Relax, I
won’t go far in. I think there’s a Walgreens or something on the other side of
Fort Carson.”
Mary still
shook her head. “Too dangerous. Especially if you go alone.”
Pierall was
the first to see, drawing out his pistol before anyone could react. “Wait!
Stop!” Mary yelled, knocking the gun aside just as Pierall fired a shot. Paul
ducked but the bullet missed by several yards, hitting the RV’s front tire
instead.
“Dammit,
Mary! I had that shot!” He roared.
“Is that how
you treat all your injured?” Paul cried out, stumbling over to the table.
Pierall scooted to the opposite end, watching Paul questioningly.
“How are you
doing, kid?” Roger asked calmly.
“Have you
heard this yet?” Pierall asked. “It’s been playing all morning.” He was inside
his RV with Roger, Mason, and Carlos. They listened to the static as Pierall
tuned his radio. On almost every station the same message was playing:
"-and
civilians in Colorado and Wyoming. This message repeats. This is a broadcast
from F.E. Warren Air Force Base. We offer food, shelter, and security for all
surviving personnel and civilians in Colorado and Wyoming. This message-"
“Not saying
much,” Mason muttered.
“You know
what this means, right?” said Carlos. They all looked at each other.
“The virus is
still spreading.” Roger whispered.
“We aren’t
safe anywhere, goddamn it!” Mason yelled.
Before Roger
could retaliate Mason kicked the door open and stomped out.
“Your friend
better watch his temper,” Pierall stated.
“He’s just
been through a lot,” Roger explained.
“Still, I
don’t trust him. His aggression seems a bigger threat than the Mockers.”
Roger
shrugged. “He saved my life. And at the time I also saved his. I have no
quarrel with him.”
“Well hot
damn, this guy’s alive,” he swore. The man was franticly waving his arms and
sprinting. His clothes were dirty and torn, hair a mess, and was carrying
nothing but a tattered book. He finally reached them, out of breath and
exhausted. “You don’t know…how far…I’ve come…” he gasped.
Mason rolled
his eyes. “You are lucky, man. I nearly-“
The man
suddenly collapsed, and Roger quickly knelt beside him. “No pulse!” he yelled
after checking. He tried compressions, but got no reaction.
“Damn it!” Carlos cursed.
“I’m going to
kill them. All of them.” Mason growled, “Every last damn zombie in this town,
MY town, is going to pay. I will send them back to the depths of hell.”
He stormed
back down the hill to the parking lot where everyone else was waiting except
Roger, who was following him. Mason said nothing as he threw the van door open
and grabbed his axe.
“Is this
really such a good idea?” Roger pleaded.
“Don’t do
it!” Carlos yelled.
“Dammit,
everyone grab a gun, let’s give him his revenge,” Pierall ordered.
“Jericho? You
ready?” A voice crackled over a handheld radio.
The van burst
forward, running over several Seekers and pushing aside more before- CLUNK!
There was a sudden impact that caused the vehicle to spin, and then roll. Both
passengers yelled and screamed as the dumpy clunker tumbled over eight times,
coming to a halt on its side in the center of the intersection.
“Whatever
happens, run.” He told her. She shook her head.
“No, I won’t
leave you. We can’t do this again.” She said tearfully.
“Listen, I’m
already dead anyways,” he reminded her.
“Don’t say
th-“She began, but was cut off by a passionate kiss. They embraced only for a
moment; he then lifted her up through the open window. After crawling out she
looked back regret in her eyes and said sadly, “I’m sorry.”
He climbed
out and joined her, and beheld the worst nightmare of his life.