by K. E. Radke
Opening the back door to the SUV on Melanie’s side Lincoln examined her. “Mel, you feeling ok?” Lincoln asked lowly, his eyes darted to the open doorway in his garage to make sure Wyatt had followed Phoebe.
“Yes! Mommy says we’re all going on a trip,” she chimed excitedly.
“Not hungry, or cold, or feeling weird?” Lincoln questioned eyeing her pink finger tips.
“No, maybe a little scared,” she lowered her voice. “Of the chompers.”
Lincoln felt his mouth tip upward, “Chompers, huh.”
He made sure they were both buckled in before he made the last rounds in his house. In the kitchen he gazed over the backyard watching the chickens, and hoped they’d survive with the amount of feed he left out. The house was quiet as he meandered though the living room and wondered if his house would still be intact when he got back.
In the SUV he opened the garage and saw Wyatt out front still trying to convince Phoebe to stay here. Lincoln flashed his lights at him signaling it was time to go. Phoebe rolled up her window cutting Wyatt off while he was still negotiating. Frustrated and finally surrendering, Wyatt jogged to Lincoln’s car hopping in on the passenger side.
“How you feeling Wyatt?” Lincoln glanced at his pink fingertips with relief.
“Like I want to poke holes in her tires and throw the girls at her while we race away.”
Completely ignoring his pity party Lincoln tried to keep it casual, “Not hungry, or cold, maybe a weird feeling you can’t get rid of?”
“That’s like the fourth time you’ve asked me that in the last few hours,” Wyatt said suspiciously.
Changing the subject Lincoln looked in the rear-view mirror, “Anyone need to use the bathroom? Indoor plumbing is about to be a thing of the past. Enjoy it now ladies.”
Melanie and Charlotte shook their heads.
Rolling down the driveway, he locked eyes with Phoebe giving her a subtle nod. In the street he paused for a minute waiting for Phoebe to drive up behind him. A sudden static obscured all the noise in the SUV as he idled, staring at the house he lived in for over ten years.
He didn’t consider himself sentimental, but it was familiar, and in a fantastic location. A small hand patted his shoulder, in the rear-view mirror he saw Charlotte. The kind gesture made Lincoln’s foot finally push down on the gas pedal. Slithering forward his eyes darted one last time to the four walls that protected him.
In the dark, he silently said goodbye to his house.
Acknowledgments
Of course, my husband, Mario, who guided me with his expertise on all things zombies and guns. He had the guts to tell me when I needed to make changes—even though it was clear I knew where he slept at night.
Adrian Ontiveros of the Polk County Sheriff’s office for his help with all my annoying questions. (No, he never said that, I’m just assuming) Taking time out of his busy day from being a hero to answer me so I could try to be as accurate as possible.
Stacie Boren for her expertise on guns and all her support day and night.
Anna Vandy, Stacie Boren, Courtney Lavalle, and Leah Rivera. My beta readers! My lovely readers that read through all my mistakes, and helped me write the best book possible, you do not know how much I appreciate you.
About the Author
Kendra Radke was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and now settled in Southern Nevada. When Kendra isn't writing she can be found curled up with a good book or traveling on a new adventure. She is a proud spouse of a Veteran, mother of two boys, and two Yorkies.
Find her on social media:
Instagram: @k.e.radke
Twitter: @keradke_
Facebook: www.facebok.com/keradkebooks
Pinterest: keradkebooks
