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Aidan said, “It won't take us long to drive the lift down there, and drop the big boxes. We go out make the drop, and get right back inside. But, we still need eyes to watch our backs.” Jack said, “We dig old stake traps, and a few other surprises. We have to mark the place that we booby-trap. We all need to know what the marks are for. This way, if one of us is out for a stroll, and we see the marker, we walk the other way.” Scott said, “Excellent idea, Jack. We can't leave them all over, but we can put a few in, and force them to use that one path. Charlie, how are we with the cameras?” Charlie walked up to where Renee was standing with the radio, “All done. I still need to get a camera room together for us.” Renee asked, “Who is willing to help gather people in case we are attacked, again? We need someone to take the lead with the elderly and children if anyone get's inside the walls. We need extra people on all of the walls and everyone needs to be on call 24/7.” Scott said, “We need a triage set up on the school. Imogen, how are we on medical supplies?” Imogen responded, “We are good. You are the surgeon, though. You need to be close by. In case.” Scott said, “ Hopefully, none of will need a surgeon.” Aidan said, “Men, meet us at Roses. We and drop those containers. Renee, get the women together, to do the rest. We are going to be ready for those bastards.” They worked all day and all night. They blocked all outer entrances with storage containers. They connected the cameras into one container. They now, had a security room, complete with several screens showing every part of the outer walls. They dug a couple of traps. They didn't want too many, in case they had to run on foot. Rachel sat on the wall watching the empty field outside. She was feeling guilty. She did not share her stash of weapons, and ammunition with the group. She took another drink of her coffee. She looked through Will's field glasses. Nothing there. No movement. He gave all three of the girls strict orders to scan the area through his field glasses, every little while. She had made her mind up, she would take a few things out for herself, and the Neely's. Then, she would show the rest to the group. If they were attacked, they would need more to fight with. Scarlett climbed up the stairs, then walked along the top of the wall. The top of the containers that they had used, created the perfect walkway for them. They added an extra eight foot, steel wall along the top of the trailers. There were slats all the way around. This gave them cover and added height to the walls. Scarlett walked into the half made guard shack, and said, “Okay, go get something to eat. Take a break. I'll cover you, a while.” She had a tote bag in her hands. Rachel looked over at her. She said, “Okay. Call me when you want to go back up to the house.” Rachel made it to the house, and stopped at the door. She exhaled. She said, “Tell Mr. Neely. Don't chicken out.” She opened the door, and walked inside. Emma ran to her, and hugged her. “Mommy!” Rachel hugged her daughter back. “Hi, Baby. Were you good?” Emma looked up at her mother, “Yes. I helped Stella cook.” She answered, “You did? What did you make?” Emma said, “We made B.L.T.'s and potatoes.” Just then, Stella poked her head out, from the kitchen. “Yes. And, she did a great job. We have a future chef in the family.” Rachel walked into the kitchen. Will walked in, from the back. He said, “ What smells so good?” Stella said, “B.L.T.'s and fried taters.” He said, “Yum.” Rachel sat down, “Um. I have something to say.” Stella turned towards her. Will looked up, “What is wrong, Rachel?” Rachel looked nervous. Stella knew what she was talking about. She waited for her to speak. She suggested, “ Rach, why don't you show him?” Will looked at Stella, “Show me, what?” Rachel said, “I have some extra....um...weapons.” He asked, “You have a stash of weapons, and you think that you need to show them to me?”
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Stella said, “Rachel, show him.” Rachel stood up, “Come on, then.” Will, still confused, stood up and said, “Okay.” He held his a B.L.T. in his hand, he followed the two young women to a back room that Rachel slept in. He ate his sandwich, as Stella and Rachel started to pull large boxes out of the closet. He stopped chewing the food in his mouth, when he read the stamp on one of the crates. Then, Rachel opened one of the boxes. Will's eyes grew big. He blurted out, “That is military grade. Rachel, these are M-16'S. Where did you get these?” Rachel glanced over at Stella. “I know. I found them. When it all started. There was a bunch of cars off of the road on Rte 24. Some of them were military. I grabbed what I could, and got out of there fast, when mob of those things came after me.” He asked, “ Are there bullets for them?” She said, “I think that, these are the right ones.” She went to another box. She opened it up. And, the right ammunition was there. A big smile came over his face. He started to laugh. Then, his laugh morphed into a child-like giggle. He was ecstatic, with joy. Rachel, and Stella both, stared at each other in confusion. They thought that, he would be upset. Stella said, “Uh. Dad...” Rachel said, “I wanted to keep some here, and give the rest to the group. Just, to make sure they have enough weapons to protect the walls. There is more.” He grabbed Rachel, and hugged her. “This is a God-send, Girl!” He grabbed Stella, then hugged her, next. “Come on, let's get to counting. They started to go through it all. Will asked, “How far from here?” Rachel asked, “What do you mean?” Will repeated himself, “How far up Rte 24?” Rachel said, “Right after Millhouse Road. The military trucks had been parked across the roadway. Everyone there... “ she paused, for a moment, “Well, they were dead.” Back at the old school, some of the group were going through supplies. They were trying to stock the escape room. It was made of three storage containers welded together, and sat behind the orchard. It was encased in concrete. Frank had done a good job on it. If they had to hide there, no one would even know it. The men were sure that their walls would keep the dead out. It was the living that may get in. Scott and Nicole walked up to the escape room. Renee, and the others, were stocking it. Scott asked, “So are we okay? Do we have enough supplies?” Renee said, “Yes, We came out ahead on the last couple of supply runs. Maybe, you men could scrounge us up some extra gas, though. If we do have to make a run for it, we'll need a lot of gas. Then, we need to present all plans to the whole group.” Scott said, “Will do.” Nicole said, “What about blankets, and things? For the children.” Renee said, “I think I have everything covered. But, maybe you could look through it, just to be sure. I thought we could rotate the water and food supplies, for awhile.” Scott said, “Yes. Very good. Does everyone know how to get inside?” Pastor Dom walked up, “Is everything here?” Renee said, “I think so.We need to bring everyone back here, and show them how to get inside here.” Pastor Dom said, “ I'll start rounding up people. Can you call over the radio?” Renee agreed, “ Sure.”
Back at Rose's place, Granny made chicken and dumplings for supper. She ordered Rose and the children to wash up, then come and eat. Granny fixed two plates for Tyler and Tessa. The children sat down, and after saying Grace, started to devour their food. Rose joined them. She sat down, and helped herself to some food. Granny said, “About time, Girl.” Rose said, “Thanks, Granny. I parked the Suburban up by the door. If anyone get's in here, you take the children up the back way, to Renees place, behind the orchard. They have built an escape room there. The men are going to update our plans for meet up in a day, or so.” She looked at her Grandmother. Granny said, “If we are attacked, Rose. We'll fight for what is ours.” Rose said, “Granny, you are not young. And, you need to get the kids out of here. I'll meet you after wards. Promise me.”
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Granny hesitated. She frowned, then said, “Alright, then.” They ate in silence. While they all ate, Rose watched Jimmy from the window. He walked along the top wall. He stopped and looked through his binoculars. Granny knew that Jimmy liked Rose. She had heard her, and Keith arguing about him. Granny also knew that, Rose liked Jimmy, and had been trying to hide it. Granny stood up, and walked into the kitchen. After a few minutes, she walked back into the room with a plate, filled with food, and a glass of Strawberry/watermelon juice. She sat the plate down in front of Rose. “You need to bring this to Jimmy.
He has to be starving. My legs are painin me. Now...please? I don't want to go out there.” Rose smiled up at her Granny, “Thanks, Granny.” She stood up, and kissed her Granny on the cheek. She picked up the plate, and glass. Then, hurried out the back door. She walked up on the wall. When she approached Jimmy, she held out the plate and glass in her hand. She said, “Hey.” Jimmy met her half-way. She said, “Are you hungry? I have chicken and dumplings.” He said, “Yes, Ma'am.” She smiled. He accepted the food. She said, “Sit down and eat. I'll take watch for you. If you want to go up to the house and freshen up, you can.” He said, “Maybe, in a while. Thank you.” She said, “Don't thank me. Thank my Granny.” She picked up the field glasses, and looked through them. He scarfed the food down. “This is good, “ he said. With his mouth still full. She smiled, from behind the military binoculars. After, he finished his food, he awkwardly asked her. “So, how have you been doing?” She knew that, he was asking about her dealing with Keith's death. She said, “Fine. Thank you.” He studied at her from the side. She could almost feel his stare. She turned to him. “I'm okay. Really.” He said, “If you want to talk about it....” She cut him off, “I know. I know. You are here.” Her eyes shifted downwards. She sighed. Scott's voice blared over the radio, “Hey, Jimmy. You there?” Jimmy answered, “Yep. What?” Can you go look at the west wall, by the creek? We don't have anyone on that part. It would be almost impossible for anyone to climb. But, we need to make sure nothing is going on down at the bottom. You are closer than everyone else.” Rose and Jimmy were staring at each other, as Scott spoke. Jimmy asked Rose, “Can you take watch for about twenty-minutes? I promise, I'll be right back.” She said, “Sure.” He stood up, “Keep my seat warm.” He walked down the steps, jumped to the ground and went into a slow jog towards the drop off, over looking the creek. Rose watched him move further away. After a moment, she turned her attention back to what was outside the walls. She thought about Keith. She had treated him badly. And, he always stuck by her. Her mind wandered back to the beginning of outbreak. She looked up, and saw something moving in the distance. She looked through the binoculars. It was a man, he slipped into the trees. She got onto the radio, “Renee. You there?” Renee came on, “Yep. What's up?” Rose said, “I need a favor. Do you mind?” Renee asked, “Sure, if I can. What do you need need?” Rose answered, “I need a cover for the wall for a few minutes. Jimmy had to check on something over by the creek.” Renee asked, “Where are you going?” Rose said, “I saw someone out in the field. Want to make sure it's only a dead one.” Renee blurted out, “ Rose. Stay inside the walls! We don't know if those men are coming back! It's too dangerous.” Rose said, “ I'm unlocked. Send someone up here til I get back. Please?” Jimmy had already checked out the ridge by the creek. There was nothing happening there. He was already on his way back to Rose, when he heard the whole conversation. So did some of the other group members. Renee called out to Jimmy, “Jimmy. Get back to Rose's place. Hurry! She went over the wall.” Scott came on, “Jimmy. You need back up for this?”
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Jimmy said, “I'm on my way. Can you send someone here to watch the wall?” Renee said, “Do we have any volunteers to go to Roses wall, until her and Jimmy get back?” After a minute, Jack said, “I'll do it. I'll go right over there.” Jimmy said, “Thanks, Jack. I owe you one.” Jack said, “It's okay. Be careful, out there.” Jimmy said, “I'll keep you posted.” Jimmy was already over the wall. He walked through the field, into the trees, and down a path. He was looking for tracks, or anything that would lead to Rose. “Rose. Where are you?” he asked by radio. Rose had caught up to the man. He was bigger than her. She was going to shoot him, then realized that, he might have more friends waiting. And, she remembered the herd that, they were trying to lock out. She didn't want to draw more of them closer.
She followed him as quietly as she could. She took an alternate path. As soon as she came up ahead of him, she jumped out in front of him and ordered, “Stop! Don't move! Put your hands where I can see them!” The man froze. He slowly, put his hands out to the side, then raised them up. He asked, “You gonna shoot me, Lady?” She asked, “What are you doing out here? Answer me!” He studied her. A look of deviance came over his face. “You ain't gonna shoot me.” He started to walk towards her. After a couple of steps, she yelled, “Stop!” She shot at the ground, right in front of him. He stopped. Jimmy heard the sound of the shot, then made a bee line for Rose. The man said to Rose, “Okay, Lady. Just, calm down.” She ordered, “Throw that gun down. And, that knife, too.” He frowned. He threw his gun onto the ground. Then, he took his knife out of his side sheath. He threw that down, too. “You aren't going to leave me out here, defenseless. Are you?” She said, “Are you one of them?” A bolt of hatred came over her. It shot through her. He smiled. “One of who? Where did you come from?” She said, “Answer me?” Just then, three zombies came stumbling out of the trees. One went for Rose. She turned, and shot it in the head. Then, the man ran at another zombie, pushing it into Rose, before she could move out of the way. They fell in opposite directions, when they hit. The man ran off. The snarling zombie clawed on the ground as he tried to get to Rose. The third zombie lunged at Rose. It fell on top of her. Now, Rose was struggling with the third zombie. The other zombie had made it to his feet, and was staggering towards her. She pushed back at the zombie woman, as she reached for her knife. She struggled to pull the knife up. She pushed the knife into the zombie's throat, and up inside her brain. The leathery zombie went limp. Just before the other zombie attacked her, Jimmy ran from the trees, grabbing him by the hair. He stabbed the zombie in the temple. He grabbed her by the hand and pulled her to her feet. “What are you doing out here?” She said, “One of them were out here. He ran off.” She started marching towards the trees. He grabbed her arm. “Wait a minute. One of the people that came up on us?” She looked up at him, “Yes! We have to hurry!” Jimmy said, “Get back to the wall. I'll go look for him.” She said, “No. I am going with you.” He said, “It's too dangerous. You need to go back.” She argued, “No. It's better if there are two of us.” He looked down at her. She was stubborn. He looked around in concern. He held the radio to his mouth, “Scott.” He waited for a reply. “Major. You on?” Scott came on, “Did you find her?” Jimmy said, “Yes. We re looking for one of those guys. She caught him, and he got away. You all keep your eyes an ears open. I don't think that he was out here alone. He may be a scout.” Scott said, “Okay. Get back inside the walls.” Scott turned to Nicole, “Get Devon. Go warn the women and children. Get to the school.” He got on the radio. He was speaking to the whole group, “Okay, people. Jimmy and Rose just saw one of them out by Rose's place. Keep your radio's near. Be armed, and ready.” Jimmy and Rose walked along a trail.
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Jimmy asked, “How did you get to him? What happened?” She said, “I had my gun pointed at him. He came at me. I shot at the ground, once. The dead came out of the trees, he pushed one of them at me, then ran.” Suddenly, two men jumped out of the trees. They were pointing their guns at Rose and Jimmy. One of them was the man that, Rose had the encounter with. “Well, well, well. Lookee here.” The man sarcastically said. She glared at him. “Hey Eddie, she wants to know if, I'm one of them?” Eddie sarcastically answered, “Oh yeah? Who are you?” He grabbed Rose's gun, as he got into her face. She spat at him. He slapped her. Jimmy charged him. The other man pointed his gun at Jimmy. He came to a halt. Raider “I wouldn't do that, if I were you.” The other man started feel around Rose's waist. He said, “So, where are you staying? Behind the walls?” He stepped back, looked at Jimmy, then back at Rose. Jimmy said, “If you think we are going to give anything up to you... Think, again.” The man stepped in front of Rose. “You may not, but when I'm done...She will.” He leered at Rose. “You and me, we are going to have some fun. She spat at him, again. He glared at her, and wiped the spit from his face. He pushed her down to the ground. Rose struggled with him. “You are a wild one.” He started t
o tie her hands. Jimmy waited til the other man looked away. He lunged at the man. He grabbed the gun, hey struggled. They had missed Jimmy's second knife. Jimmy pulled his knife from his waist, and shoved the blade into the mans throat. The other man jumped to his feet. By the time he stood up, Jimmy already had him by the throat. They started fighting. The first man lay on the ground, gurgling on his own blood. He was fighting to breathe. Rose struggled to get on her feet with her hands tied behind her back. Jimmy, and the man were fist fighting. Finally, Jimmy flipped over,then around the man. Then, slit his throat. The man went down. Jimmy went to Rose. He untied her hands. He took her face in his hands, and looked over her cheek. “Come on.” He took her hand, and led her back to the wall. They heard voices. “I told them, to get back. The Captain is pissed.” Jimmy pulled Rose into some trees. He said, “Sh.” He peered through the branches. Three armed men walked past them. In the distance, he could see a large jeep. He watched the men walk off. Rose whispered, “What are we going to do?” Jimmy whispered into the radio. “Major, there are more out here. Major, can you hear me?” Scott said, “Yes. How many? Jimmy said, “Keep it down. We're hiding. We got two of them, and now we just saw three more. They spoke of a Captain. Put everyone on alert.” Scott asked, “Where are you? What is your position?” Jimmy whispered, “Not far. Maybe, a half of a mile outside of Rose's place.” Scott said, “Get back inside the walls, Jimmy. We don't know how many of them that there are out there. If they try to get in, we'll fend them off.” Jimmy said, “Okay. He is right, we need to go back inside the walls. We will have a better chance of fending them off, from inside.” Rose said, “Okay.” They turned around, and started to head back. As they crept through the path, the three men surrounded them. They all yelled, “Get down! Now!” Rose and Jimmy froze, then went down on their knees. Jimmy looked for a way out of this. They were surrounded. The man who was in charge was called, “Cornelius. He ordered Jimmy, “Hand over your guns! Now!” The other men laughed, “One said, “I call, the knife, Cornelius.” Cornelius looked at him. He threw Jimmy's knife at the ground in front of his thug-buddy. Cornelius said, “I'm keeping this.” He held up the Glock. He stuffed it in his waist. He circled Jimmy and Rose. He was contemplating, how to get them to talk. “Where is your camp? Are you with anyone?” Jimmy said, “Go to hell!” Rose said, “If you wanted us to tell you anything, pointing guns, and threatening us, is not the way to do it.”
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