“That was lucky,” said Kylie.
“Why would it be locked?” said Allie. “If someone was going to steal a vehicle, they probably wouldn’t go for an old truck like this.” It was at least twenty years old and reminded her of Cassie’s old clunker.
“Easy as pie,” said Justice a couple of minutes later when the engine roared to life.
“What’s that noise?” muttered Kylie, as they backed up.
“It sounds like it needs a new muffler,” he said, frowning. “This thing is going to draw a lot of attention.”
“Great, the zombies are going to hear us coming from the next town,” said Allie.
“We’ll trade it in as soon as we can. Right now, we really don’t have a choice,” said Justice.
“At least the tank is half full,” said Kylie.
He nodded. “It’ll get us out of the city. There will be plenty of vehicles in the next fifty miles or so. Lots of homes with trucks.” He looked into the rearview mirror. “In fact, we’d better leave now. The noise from this beast has already drawn more zombies.”
Four of them were heading in their direction, but Justice zigzagged around them, leaving the upper level of the ramp.
“See,” said Justice, when he was forced to hit a zombie on the next level down. “Hitting one of those things with a car wouldn’t be as effective. An old truck like this is much more practical.”
“Ew… now there’s zombie blood on the hood,” cringed Allie.
“The rain will wash it off when we get back outside,” he said, turning another corner.
“What about our supplies?” asked Kylie, who was sitting in the middle. “Are we going back to the other truck for them?”
He sighed. “No. It’s just not worth the risk, and my back hurts, so now I’m at a disadvantage. Besides, when I left that area of the ramp, there were more zombies entering the lot.”
“Well, I’m so thirsty,” said Kylie. “I’m going to get nauseous if we don’t find something to drink soon.”
“We’ll find something,” he said. “Just hold tight.”
“Okay.”
When they exited the building, there were still dozens of zombies stumbling through the rain-flooded streets.
“Is this what it’s going to be like from now on?” sighed Allie, laying her head against the passenger window. “Just those things and us, trying to avoid them?”
“Eventually they’ll die out if they can’t eat,” he said.
She turned to him. “How do you know? I mean aren’t they already dead?”
“Good point.”
“It’s not going to be like this forever,” said Kylie. “God has a plan.”
Allie raised her eyebrows. “God has a plan? And how do you know?”
“You’d know if you’d watched the History Channel more often,” she said.
“I love the History Channel,” said Justice. “But I may have missed the program pertaining to zombies and God.”
“Well, it didn’t really specify zombies,” said Kylie with a wry smile. “But it did mention deadly plagues, which obviously did help create the zombies.”
Allie sighed. “I give up, what has God got to do with the zombies and the world changing?”
“It’s the ‘End of Days.’ Just like one of the historians on the show talked about.”
“So, what exactly did they say?” asked Allie.
“They said we’d be struck by disease, hunger, and earthquakes. The sky will turn dark like night, and the oceans will turn to blood, and Satan will emerge to fight in the final battle between good and evil.”
Allie’s jaw dropped. “Shut up. Seriously? That’s what they said?”
Kylie nodded. “Yep.”
“That’s kind of blowing things way out of proportion, isn’t it?” said Justice. “I mean, you shouldn’t jump to that conclusion just because a vaccine caused some pretty horrifying side-effects.”
“Yeah,” said Allie. “Don’t go there, Kylie. Unless we get slammed with more earthquakes and the water turns to blood, I don’t want to hear any more about predictions that you’ve learned about on the History Channel. It’s scary enough out there as it is.”
“Exactly. Besides, if the so-called ‘Devil’ or ‘Antichrist’ was here on Earth, I’m sure we’d know by now,” replied Justice.
“Not necessarily,” said Kylie. “He may have been around for a number of years and we may not have known. Like a snake, waiting for the right moment to strike. Who knows, maybe he tampered with the vaccine that created the zombies.”
Allie felt the hair stand up on the back of her neck. “Okay, you’re really freaking me out. Let’s just not talk about this anymore.”
“Fine, but –”
Allie closed her eyes. “Seriously. Stop.”
Kylie didn’t say anything more. Not even when they passed by a pink-tinged lake where two entranced zombies appeared to be heading.
9
Cassie
“Just keep your mouth shut and I won’t hurt you,” whispered Dwayne, covering my mouth with his calloused hand as he pulled me into the darkness.
Although I’d lost my gun during our scuffle, he had no idea what he’d started. Weapon or not, there was no way I’d go down without a struggle. In fact, I’d purposely allowed him take me outside and away from the church, as I figured kicking someone's ass in a holy place had to be sacrilegious.
I nodded, trying to appear scared and as unthreatening as possible. The truth was, after everything I’d been through, I figured I could handle this with my eyes closed.
He dragged me around the church, and that's when he made his first mistake.
He released me.
I turned to face him. “What do you want?”
“Just to talk,” he said, but the look in his eyes said otherwise.
I snorted. “Oh, that’s how you get a girl to talk? You must have been quite the catch back in your hometown.”
“I was,” he said, moving closer with a sly smile. “Gals lined up to be with me.”
I smirked up at him. “Lined up, huh? You must be referring to the showers at that prison you were incarcerated at.”
His face darkened and he grabbed me by the throat.
Crap.
“That’s not funny. Don’t joke about things like that,” he spat, his eyes bulging. “You have no idea what a man has to do to survive in a place like that. What he has to give up. No clue.”
My eyes were watering. I tried digging my fingernails into his hands, but unfortunately, I’d bitten them down to the skin. I then tried to position myself so I could ‘knee’ him between the legs, when he suddenly released me and took a step back.
I bent over to catch my breath. “Sorry,” I rasped.
“That's better. Apology accepted.”
“No,” I said straightening up. “Sorry that I underestimated you.”
Then, before he had a chance to respond, I spun my leg around and delivered a roundhouse kick to his chin, using as much force as I could. He fell backwards with a grunt and I smiled in satisfaction.
Mountain boots, never leave home without them.
“You bitch,” he growled, scrambling back up.
“Is that what they called you in prison?” I taunted as he launched at me. I ducked his attack, then turned and kicked him in the back of the leg, sending him into a prickly Evergreen bush.
“What’s going on out here?” hollered Henry, who stepped out of the darkness with his shotgun raised.
“He, um, started it,” I said, smiling sheepishly.
Dwayne stood up slowly, a grimace on his face. “Just wanted to talk is all. Had no idea she was such a crazy broad.”
“If you knew what was good for you,” muttered Henry. “You wouldn’t call Wild a broad, and you’d stay away from her.”
I frowned. “Hey, I’m also not crazy.”
Henry ignored me. “Looks like you’ve overstayed your welcome, Dwayne. Now, you need to get your friend and hightail it on
out of here.”
He scowled. “I don’t think that’s your decision. Besides, this is a church. A place of God. He doesn’t turn anyone away.”
“Once you turn him away,” said Sister Theresa, stepping around the corner of the building. “There is only darkness.”
“And an exit door with your name on it,” said Henry.
I just couldn’t resist. “That' shouldn't be too difficult for him to find. Dwayne is no stranger to the 'exit door'.”
He shot me a scathing look and I was relieved that Henry was the one holding the shotgun.
“I’m not sure what’s going on out here,” said Sister Theresa, her face solemn. “But this is a sacred church and we don’t condone any immoral behavior. Now, for the protection of the children and our other guests, I suggest you and your friend Travis leave without giving us any more trouble.”
“You people are all nuts,” said Dwayne, shaking his head. “I haven’t done anything but receive a few lucky kicks from this crazy chick.”
“They were deliberate, not lucky,” I snapped, putting my hands on my hips. “And you were lucky that Henry saved your ass or I would have carved it.”
“Right,” snorted Dwayne.
“Here’s the other one,” hollered Nora, clutching an ax as she followed Travis, who clearly did not look happy. “Kallie told us what happened and so I woke this one up, too.”
“What did you do?” snarled Travis, getting into Dwayne’s face.
Dwayne’s face paled. “Nothing.”
“He was trying to have his way with young Wild, here,” said Henry. “I’d say that was something.”
“I told you to behave here,” growled Travis, grabbing the larger man by the front of the shirt. “To keep your shit in check.”
“Please. I wasn’t going to do anything,” replied Dwayne with real terror in his eyes.
Henry and I glanced at each other in surprise. Although Dwayne was much bigger than Travis, it was obvious as to who was in charge.
Travis’s shoulders relaxed. He released Dwayne and then turned to me. “I’m sorry. If I would have known he was pulling that shit, I would have kept a better eye on him. We’ll be on our way.”
I didn’t say anything. Although Travis appeared sincere, something in his eyes told me that he was much more dangerous than Dwayne.
“We’d appreciate that,” said Henry.
Travis nodded and then smiled at me. “You’re a brave girl,” he said, his eyes so black, they were unsettling. “I’m sure your parents would have been proud of you. If they would have survived.”
“Well, I’d hope so,” I said, wondering how he knew they were both dead. Of course, with the current zombie apocalypse going down, it was an easy assumption.
He studied me intently. “Something tells me we’re going to meet again.”
For some reason, I knew deep down that he was right, and it made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. “Oh?”
“Yes. Definitely. Now, don’t lose that courage,” he said, turning away. “If you want to survive for a time in this war, I’m sure they’re going to need all the help they can get.”
I was confused. “War?”
He motioned toward Dwayne, who nodded and then glanced back at me one last time. “You do amuse me, child. You really do. You and your antics. Unfortunately, sides have been chosen and yours is,” he wrinkled his nose. “nauseatingly obvious. So, without further ado, I’m going to leave all of you with a parting gift, or rather, a message… for him.”
“For me?” asked Henry.
Travis smiled darkly. “Oh, Henry. It’s not always about you. Although I do appreciate your vanity, yes I do. No, this message is for he who creates such false hopes amongst his children. The one who thinks he can still destroy my master. He has no clue, however. No clue as to the powers that Apollyon possesses.”
“Apolly-who? What in the hell are you talking about, psychopath?” snapped Nora.
Instead of getting angry, he chuckled heartily. “Exactly. We are living in pure hell right now, aren’t we? You’d better all get used to it, because it’s only going to get worse.”
Before any of us could respond, he raised his hand and a small ball of fire appeared above it.
“Lord God Almighty, help us,” said Sister Theresa, clutching her cross. “And have mercy on this man’s soul.”
“His mercy isn’t welcome, here,” smirked Travis, his eyes now glowing the same color as the flames.
Her eyes widened and she held out her cross. “Be gone, demon!”
We all watched in stunned disbelief as he raised his other hand and began spinning the fire until it was the size of a large beach ball. Then he turned toward the church and cast it into the air.
“No!” I screamed, as the fireball hit the side of the church and the flames began to spread.
He looked back at us and his smile chilled me to the bone. “Well, good luck with all of that.” Then he left, his laughter echoing wickedly in the darkness.
10
Allie and Kylie
After leaving the disturbing scene at the lake, they quickly found the street leading to Cassie and Allie’s grandparents’ home.
“There’s the house,” said Kristie, pointing to a small cedar home nestled halfway up the block.
“Looks pretty quiet around here,” murmured Tiny. “I don’t know if that’s a good sign or a really bad one.”
“Not a lot of zombies lurking around is definitely good for us,” said Bryce, getting out of the SUV.
The rest of them got out of the vehicle and splashed through the deep puddles until they reached the front porch.
“Should we knock?” asked Tiny, cupping his hands around his eyes as he tried looking through a large bay window.
“Why not? It’ll draw the attention of any zombies in the house and we’ll know what we’re dealing with,” said Kristie, rapping on the door.
“Ring the doorbell, too, in case someone is in the back of the house,” said Bryce.
After ringing and knocking several times, they walked around the back to the three-season porch. Fortunately, the backdoor wasn’t locked.
“Let’s just go inside,” said Kristie, pushing the door open. When they entered the living room, she sighed. “Hate to say this, but something tells me we’re all alone in here.”
“Keep going,” said Paige. “Maybe they’re downstairs or in one of the other rooms.”
“Maybe,” her mother replied.
They walked toward the back of the house until they reached the kitchen.
“Check this out,” said Bryce, picking up a piece of paper. “They left a note.”
To our loved ones,
If you’re reading this then our prayers have been answered, and you’re alive! As you can see, we are not at the house but have taken refuge with Tom and Barb on their yacht (Her Escape) on the Saint Croix River. We have stockpiled some supplies and have anchored near the Stillwater Bridge, so if you can join us, please do, because we miss and love you so very much!
Hugs and Kisses,
Us
Bryce sighed. “Great. Well, I guess we have some more driving to do.”
“Hmm… It’s going to be dark soon and I think we should wait around here a little longer,” said Kristie. “In case Kylie and Allie show up.”
“Or, Bryce and I could drive to Stillwater right now and look for the yacht, while the rest of you hold tight here,” said Billie.
Tiny shook his head. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to split up. What if something bad happens or if one of you get hurt? Then you guys would be missing, too.”
“If we sit around here, we’re wasting more time,” said Bryce. “Billie and I should leave right now, in case Cassie and Nora have already headed out to Stillwater and need help. We wait too long, and we may miss them totally.”
“Yeah, he’s right,” said Kristie. “Knowing Cassie, once she knows her grandparents are safe, she’ll head back to Atlanta. You forget, she do
esn’t even know that her sister is missing, again.”
“Maybe they’ve already reunited,” said Tiny.
“No,” replied Bryce. “I doubt those kids made it to Minnesota before we did.”
“You’ve convinced me,” said Tiny, throwing the keys to Bryce. “Leave us some food and water before you take off, though.”
“Sure,” said Bryce.
“I’m coming with you guys,” said Paige.
“Absolutely not, young lady,” said Kristie.
She rolled her eyes. “For God’s sake, mom! I’m not sitting here, watching you two play kissy-face while these guys go off to find Cassie. Besides, like I said earlier, I’m an adult now and should have the right to make my own decisions.”
“You’re still my kid. Look, it’s too dangerous out there. You’re staying here with us and that’s final,” said Kristie.
Paige’s face fell. “You never let me do anything. I mean, come on, haven’t I proved that I can protect myself against the zombies?”
“Listen, it’s not just the zombies I’m worried about, Paige. Look at what happened to you and Cassie in Atlanta. There are some dangerous people out there and I’m not taking any chances of you getting hurt. I mean, hell, we don’t even know where your sister is! I’m not about to lose you out there, too. So just chill out here with us and stop trying to take on everything.”
Paige stared at her for a minute and then nodded. “Fine.”
Kristie walked over and pulled her into her arms. “Thank you. Now, why don’t you help Tiny gather some food from the SUV before these two take off. Then, if I were you, I’d try and get some rest. I can’t even remember the last time you slept.”
“Well. I am kind of tired.”
“I bet. While you guys do that, I’m going to see if there are any candles around,” said Kristie, opening some drawers in the kitchen. “It’s going to be dark soon and we’ll be walking into walls if we don’t have light.”
Tiny handed her a flashlight. “Take this and check the laundry room, too,” said Tiny. “That’s where I usually kept my candles.”
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