Afflicted_Patient Zero_Book 1

by Derek Shupert

  The area has been tossed and is in total disarray. Limping, I head towards the light. It’s quiet, no sounds of people or movement beyond the outside. Perhaps I’m alone now, which considering what I just went through, wouldn’t be a bad thing.

  I stop briefly, bracing myself against the rocky wall to catch my breath. I think this is some kind of converted cave or something. Still doesn’t give me any clue as to where I am.

  All right, come on Mike, you can rest later. Let’s get moving.

  My hand on the wall, I head out into the opening. My right eye instantly wants to close from the intense light, my right hand lifting in the air to shield the sun’s rays. A warm breeze washes over me, the sound of birds flying overhead echoing throughout the cavern. I rub my eyes for a moment and blink, allowing everything to come into focus.

  The land is barren, flat, and desolate except for a few dilapidated buildings in the distance. Not surprising, but I was hoping for a Starbucks at least.

  No vehicles in sight, I journey out on foot. A few paces of freedom are all I manage before a crackle catches up to me and something strikes me dead in the chest. It knocks me flat on my ass. Guess I thought I was out of the woods.

  Lying on the ground, the sun baking my face, I hear footsteps approach to my right. I try to react, but can’t move. Paralyzed. The figure comes into view, but is cast in a shadow from the sun cooking my one good eye. It leans down and grabs my neck.

  “I’ve got one bogey, male, whose showing advanced signs of rapid decay and deterioration. Shall I dispense?”

  “No, he might be of some use still. Bag and tag him.”

  “Yes, sir!”

  I try to lift my arms, fight back as the man slips me into a bag, but I’m completely defenseless. The sound of my fate being sealed creeps up from my feet and runs toward my head. The light is severed as the zipper seals me in. I just thought my nightmare was over, but it looks like it’s only beginning.

  I’m sorry baby. I tried everything I could to get back to you.

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  About the Author

  Derek Shupert is an avid super hero fan (Marvel over DC Universe) and lover of Science Fiction. Derek likes to spend his free time putting down on paper the stories that he has contained in his imagination. By day, he is an Inventory and Distribution Services Center Manager but by night, he writes.

  Derek lives in Sherman, Texas with his wife, children and various pets.

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  Author Website: www.derekshupert.com