The pounding of heavy boots thundered on the pavement followed by the constant clicking of a woman's high heels.
"Get in the car!" Kevin hollered as he reached the parked vehicle. It was obviously out of commission, but it would do until he could think of a way to get them out of their current situation. Slamming the door he shot a glance over at Cindy who screamed as their pursuer slammed into the driver's side door. "Everything's going to be okay." He tried to reassure her as he watched the snapping fangs of the vicious dog starring in his window. He didn't exactly believe it, but it was better then nothing.
What relief they had been feeling quickly vanished as the window began to buckle. SNAP. Rolling over on his back Kevin put both of his feet against the window, trying to reinforced the breaking glass.
"OH SHIT! OH SHIT!" Kevin wasn't prepared for the glass to break, and now the snapping jaws lunged for his heels hoping to get a taste of flesh.
"Shoot it!" Cindy yelled as she pressed herself flat against the passenger door. Reaching for his holster his heart sank when he realized it wasn't there. Giving the dog another kick, his hand searched the floor of the car but it was his eyes that found it first. During the chaos it had been kicked under the break pedal.
"I can't...reach it." His fingers stretched out though he knew they couldn't cover the distance. Not wanting to waste his last moments with his usual thoughts he decided to try something different. 'Oh God. I know I haven't been a saint...' As if on cue the infected animal seemed to explode in a shower of crimson rain. In utter disbelief, he laid his head back in Cindy's lap and laughed.
"What seems to be the problem?" The smooth voice pulled him out of his fit, making him watch as Lieutenant Henderson leaned against the car. Her eyes looking at the blood splatter on his boots. "How about you get out of the car?" Cindy was happy to oblige as Kevin struggled like a turtle to turn himself over.
"Thank you, and thank you for helping us back at the bar." For the first time in months Charlotte felt a small smile on her lips. Helping people; it felt like old times - better times.
"Where are you headed?" Kevin asked. He was feeling a little embarrassed for needing the help.
"The R.P.D."
"So are we."
"Perhaps we can travel together?" Cindy piped up. "Nothing personal, Officer." She smiled sweetly at Kevin hoping she wasn't hurting his feelings. Clapping Kevin on the shoulder Charlotte stopped him from replying.
"Let's not back ourselves into any more corners."
"Sure thing, Ma'am." Stepping aside, he offered her the lead. "After you."
Their pace had quickened since joining the Lieutenant and Cindy's feet were aching. Seeing her struggling to keep up, Kevin stopped.
"We have to keep moving." Charlotte shot back at Kevin who ignored her order.
"We have to stop. She can hardly keep up. Hell, I can hardly keep up." Slowing to a stop, she turned around. The woman looked as if her feet couldn't carry her any further. 'Dammit. He's right.'
"Five minutes. Then we have to move on."
Collapsing onto a nearby bench, Cindy removed her shoes. She'd had nights at J's when her feet ached from serving tables all night, but he had never asked her to run across the city.
"Thank you." Kevin's voice sounded exhausted as he approached Charlotte.
"Rest while you can. This night is far from over."
"What's going on? I have a feeling you know what's happening." He felt her eyes looking at him even though they remained hidden.
"What makes you say that?" Charlotte looked away. She hated wearing them; the sunglasses. She hated when Wesker had worn them too. After the mansion incident she had keep away from the town, staying within the limits of the forest. It wasn't until she stumbled across a small cache of Umbrella supplies that she was able to look into a mirror for the first time in weeks. She refused to make the same mistake again.
"Where have you been all this time? If you were alive, why didn't you come back?" Why was he asking her all these questions? Hadn't Chris and the others filled everyone in on what had conspired?
"Five minutes is up, Ryman. Let's keep moving. We're not far from the station."
"Lieutenant?"
"Perhaps you will find your answers there."
"What's her story?" Cindy whispered as they began their march again.
"Huh? The Lieutenant?" Cindy nodded. "She's a member of S.T.A.R.S. We worked together a few times."
"S.T.A.R.S. were suspended. What did they do?"
"They didn't do anything. They just had to get some stuff sorted out. That's all." He hoped that would Pacify her curiosity.
"Keep your eyes open and stay alert." Charlotte ordered as the station came into view. "Kevin, you and Cindy look for survivors but don't get too close."
"Roger that!" Checking the clip in his gun Kevin could feel his adrenaline beginning to rise. He couldn't wait to see his comrades and get to work, but the silence that met them in the main hall was deafening.
"Where is everyone?" Cindy asked as she descended the small flight of steps.
"It's too quiet in here."
"The virus has spread into the building." Charlotte watched Ryman. She knew what it was like to loose friends. There was no hope for those who became infected but if they hurried they might be able to help some. "See if you can find anyone. I have some things to take care of." Leaving her companions to fend for themselves, Charlotte disappeared through a single door to the right of the main entrance. 'Good luck'. She thought.
