We drove for Weeks on end non-stop. One sleeping one driving. The engine couldn't take much more and I knew it. The Army had shut down a lot of the freeways and the major roadways. We were attempting to find our way around using the local roads. The engine finally gave out as we neared the Central Valley. The zombies weren't numerous here. We took that as a good sign. We dodged what zombies there were and pushed the van to an auto body shop. There were some supplies there, fuel, oil, and some tools. I did my best repairing the engine. I didn't know much about cars. Just what I had picked up from a few of my friends who were gear heads. I gave it an oil change, refilled the anti-freeze.

It was here that we met up with, well for lack of a better term, people. Drunken teenagers of all things. They were in a pick up blasting zombies like it was a game. They hadn't spotted us and I wanted to keep it that way. I had a feeling that having an encounter with them would lead to a few problems. I called Kathryn back inside, switched off the lights, and locked the garage door. We both hid in the garage weapons at the ready. I had maybe ten shells left in my shotgun and she was just as low with her .45. I pulled my ax off of my shoulder and set it on the floor. I had added a fire poker to the top when we raided a Wal-mart. We heard them driving by. They stopped in front of the shop. I cursed under my breath and flicked the safety off my shotgun. They realized that the door was locked from the inside and tried to break it open. I hoped that they would just give up and go on with their business. No such luck. Shotgun blast and a few kicks got the lock off and they opened the garage door.

They saw my van and thought that they had hit the jackpot. Another car to go joy riding in. I at least had the sense to grab the spark plug before I hid so at least they wouldn't have the pleasure of ruining my car. They tried to start it but it didn't work. I thought they were going to leave, when one came in through the back door. He didn't see me, but he saw Kathryn. Well they descended on her like maggots on a carcass. I jumped out from behind my hiding place and aimed my shotgun at them. This wasn't good. It was five on one and they were heavily armed with shotguns, pistols, and a few military grade assault rifles. Not good at all.