II - Cover
A voice from a cassette tape played on the cassette player. Vonda listened closely, feeling a sense of comfort from listening to her father. The rest of the group were gathered around a campfire while they ate dinner.
"...people are often ignorant about the strength, the power of disease and infection…" stated Tim Crowley in the tape. "Many people think that something like AIDS could end the world as we know it… and give no thought to what would happen if diseases like Ebola or Spanish Flu were to break out. These diseases are unknown to the general public, much like one particular infection. All of you read zombie novels or watched movies with zombies on it right? What if I told you… that there was an infection that would cause a person to act like the zombies that you see in the movies? I know it sounds completely insane and it probably is, but my sources tell me that there is such a disease…"
Lori paused the cassette player and rummaged through Tim's backpack. Vonda looked visibly confused and wondered what Lori was up to. She was about to tap Lori's shoulder when she took out a half-ripped label.
"Wasn't there an Ebola outbreak months ago?" asked Lori while holding the label up. "How recent was this tape?"
She placed it on the label that was already on the tape to connect both labels together. Her hands still placed on the labels, she read out loud.
"ILLNESS. August 8, 1992. Is this information about the infection of the dead?"
Lisa walked away from the campfire.
"Continue the recorded message," said Lisa.
Lori nodded.
"...a combination of a virus and a parasite, which I believe is only transmittable through a bite. So, more information about the virus-slash-parasite… let's see… oh, yeah, it has a 5% mortality rate among humans. However, the strain of the infection grows stronger after the death of its host. Yes, the host will come back to life after death… and the infection grows stronger along with it, although it has yet to be recorded on humans. But it's happened with rats. Dogs. Chimps. They all come back to life. The infection can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva and blood… and this is the one you have to watch out for… as it has a 99% mortality rate. Symptoms include: heavy sweating, dehydration, pale skin, bloodshot eyes, bags around the eyes, and coughing blood. How would I know any of this? There are scientists testing it out right now. There are tests being done right now in the CDC! Now fortunately for us, we humans are the only living host who cannot reanimate. Every other living thing does. But this doesn't mean it won't happen to us. Diseases mutate. Soon... humans will become living corpses, walking after death, biting all of us. And if the disease ever becomes airborne... it could end life as we know it."
"Oh yeah, we believe you," whispered Lori. "If only people actually believed you sooner, we wouldn't be in this mess."
Lori turned over and saw Lisa staring at the tape with wide eyes.
"What did I do?" whispered Lisa.
"Are you okay?" asked Lori.
Lisa looked at Lori, surprised to see that she said her thoughts out loud.
"Of course. I was just... erm, thinking about our recently late sister."
"I see."
"How... did I never hear this tape before?"
"Because he never released that tape," sighed Vonda.
Lori looked at her and paused the tape.
"What do you mean he never released the tape?" asked Lori. "Wasn't this a radio show? He didn't inform people there?"
"I went through all his radio episodes, and he did not mention the infection until 2015. It should be in one of the cassettes tapes in the backpack," answered Vonda.
Lisa looked past Vonda and saw the group members standing up, ready to head back to their vehicles. Empty cans lay on the grass.
"May I get a hold of this?" asked Lisa. "For research purposes."
"Be my guest," said Vonda. "I mean we are going to be sitting next to each other in the RV anyways."
"Not tonight. If Clyde's condition changes, then you or anyone inside the RV can alert me."
"Not that the family doesn't miss you but why are you coming back to Vanzilla all of a sudden?" asked Lori.
"It is not advisable to play the tapes near Lynn. She does not need to hear whatever demoralizing words Tim Crowley has to offer— no offense, Vonda."
"It's okay," said Vonda, handing the tape cassette to Lisa. "I get it. My dad is a pretty grim guy. I'm sorry— was. He was a grim guy."
Lisa noticed Vonda frowning before Lori handed her the cassette player. Lisa gave Vonda a nod and walked back to Vanzilla with Lori.
"What are you planning to do with the tapes?" asked Lori.
"It's time I start taking an active approach and combat the pathogen that plagues humanity. It has already taken a loved one from us. I am going to listen to every second, every minute, every hour of these tapes to extrapolate whatever information I can gather to make sure we don't lose anyone else again."
"That's a good idea. What happened with Lola can never happen again."
Lori stood by the door. She looked at the group members in the distance while she and Lisa were alone, standing by Vanzilla. They awaited the other group members as they were putting out the campfire, grabbing their backpacks, putting away their spoons, and more.
"This may be too soon to ask, but do you think you can find a cure?" asked Lori.
"Too soon?" scoffed Lisa. "That's the question I have been asking myself since the Global Infection Event."
"Could you?"
Lisa looked as Lincoln and Ronnie Anne were walking towards the van, talking with each other. She looked as Leni held a sleeping Lily in her arms. She looked as Luan lightly shoved Benny, who reciprocated. She looked as Luna and Sam were holding each other's hands. She looked as Lana followed Bobby and Darcy.
"Too soon to tell," said Lisa.
Lori frowned. Lisa then opened the door and entered while Lori placed Tim's backpack inside the van.
"Hey, looks like we're all gonna take a break and then sleep here," said Bobby. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah," said Lori. "Just tired. Mind if we sit in the back? Lisa and Lana can take the front seats."
"Sure."
Lori turned on the AC and walked to the back seats of Vanzilla. The rest of the group members settled into the van while Lori lay her head on Bobby's lap. Darcy then crawled onto Lori's waist and lay her head on Lori's chest. Lori then wrapped a blanket around the two of them and closed her eyes.
Bobby looked down at Lori and Darcy, who were fast asleep. He smiled and caressed Lori's hair before looking out the window. He then rested his head against the window before falling asleep.
The sound of a cassette tape played, which made it easy for the rest of the group members inside Vanzilla to fall asleep.
The sun shined brightly as Lori stretched her arms and yawned. She blinked her eyes softly as the sound of the AC was on, blowing cool air around the van. She then lifted her head up and moved her neck around, seeing the van empty. She looked outside the window and saw the group members gathered around under some cover, eating. Darcy was talking with Lisa and Bobby was chatting with Dana. She smiled and lay her head back down before closing her eyes.
Becky looked at Carol sitting by a tree, talking with Tad. Her green eyes were unwavering.
"Hey."
Sweat dripped from her forehead as she breathed rapidly.
"Yo, Becky."
Becky blinked and turned around to see D standing above her. D knelt down and offered a bottle of water to Becky.
"You thirsty?" asked D.
"No. Thank you."
"You should still drink up. You're sweating a lot."
Becky wiped her forehead and gave D an intense look before swiping the water bottle off from his hands. She took a gulp as D nodded softly.
"That guy over there- you used to be his girl?" asked D.
Becky's stare got more intense, bordering on anger.
"You should mind your own business," said Becky.
"Yo, I don't mean no offense. Just askin' 'cause you be lookin' at him and Carol over there a lot. It's pretty damn noticeable."
"Why do you care?"
"'Cause you're too fine to be stuck over your ex. Let him be. It's his loss anyways."
Becky sighed.
"Are you kidding me? Look at Carol. She's more beautiful than me. She's smarter, she's sweeter, and more importantly, she doesn't treat him like a bitch. Like I did with him."
"Smarter? Yeah, maybe. Sweeter? Yeah... More beautiful? I don't know. I don't see it."
"Come on."
"Wavehead's been crushing on her hella hard lately. But I don't know, yo. She's cute, but I don't know. I don't get what the big deal is."
"What, you're not into blondes?"
"I guess not. Redheads on the other hand..."
Becky scoffed, though she couldn't help but blush.
"Listen... I appreciate everything you're saying... but I'm not looking for anything right now. Whatever I have with Tad... just stay out of it. It's none of your business."
"Alright, damn."
D stood up and walked away. Becky looked down, closing her eyes and regretted her words. She felt lonely and watching D walk away didn't help. She then looked over at Carol and saw her standing alone. She smiled softly, though that smile quickly died as she Tad walking over to her with a guitar.
"You really got it?" asked Carol in the distance.
"Yeah, Luna let me borrow this real quick!" said Tad in the distance.
"Hey, what are you doing?" exclaimed Richard.
"We're all leaving now anyways, right?" asked Tad. "Let me just play this real quick!"
David nodded softly as he stood up.
"Yeah, it's time to go," he said.
Tad smiled and placed the strap of the guitar over his shoulders.
"Hey, Becky, it's time to go," said Bobby.
"Yeah, come on," said Dana, slowly lifting her backpack and limping towards the RV.
Tad strummed the guitar slowly as Carol looked up at him with soft eyes.
"Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh..." sang Tad.
The RV moved slowly along the road with Vanzilla, Chunk's van, and Chaz's car right behind. They drove through vast acres of trees and fields. A lonely cloud drifted slowly along the bright blue sky.
"Ooh, somewhere over the rainbow, way up high..."
David rested his arms on the wheel as he continued to drive the RV along the empty road as Richard and Missy were asleep in the seats behind him.
"And the dreams that you dream of once in a lullaby..."
Lynn slept next to Clyde on the sofa while Francisco sat on the floor, staring blankly at Clyde ahead.
"Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly..."
Vonda was talking with Zach as he nodded and Liam was teaching Tabby how to tie knots in different ways. Rusty sat by them in silence.
"And the dreams that you dream of..."
Dana was reading her book while Becky glumly looked outside the windows as Wavehead and D were laughing in the back.
"Dreams really do come true..."
Lori smiled and nodded as she drove the van ahead while Bobby was telling her about some of his favorite dishes.
"Someday, I wish upon a star, wake up where the clouds are far behind me..."
Lisa tried not to think about the tape recordings as Darcy talked to her. Lana sat next to them, listening into their conversation as she turned to her left frequently, as if to tell Lola something before seeing an empty seat.
"Where trouble melts like lemon drops, high above the chimney top, that's where you'll..."
Lincoln and Ronnie Anne were talking about their favorite TV shows while Luan and Benny joined their conversation. Leni listened in while Lily sat in her lap.
"Find me, somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly..."
Chunk whistled as Sam and Luna sang along to the song playing in the CD player of the van.
"And the dreams that you dare to, oh why, oh why can't I?"
Sergei looked at the rearview mirror and smiled to himself as he saw Carol's happy face radiating as Tad was recounting a story about how he surfed a wave in California.
"Ooh, ooh, ooh..."
The vehicles continued to move along the road as tears bubbled up in Becky's eyes. All she could do is stare at the lonely cloud in the sky over the vast acres of trees. The strumming of the guitar disappeared away from her mind.
"Do you guys hear that?" asked David through the walkie-talkie.
Becky sighed as she wiped her eyes.
"Sure do," replied Chunk through the walkie-talkie. "It's a car coming from the opposite lane in the same direction as us. Like me old country."
"I'm having trouble seeing the car. Can you try to give me some information about the car and the driver?"
Becky's view of the cloud was then blocked by the passing trees. Her eyes snapped out of the trance she was in.
"It looks like a Hond- BOLLOCKS!"
Becky's eyes shot open as she heard gunfire. She lowered her head by instinct and she looked around to see that everyone has done the same.
"What the shit?" exclaimed David.
Richard blinked his eyes rapidly as he reached for his revolver. Missy shook her face awake as she pulled out her pistol too.
Gunshots were heard through the walkie-talkie which caused David to quickly look out of his window. He saw a figure inside the car, pointing his gun at Chunk's car. He then looked at David and pointed his gun at him.
"Fuck!" yelled David as he moved his head back inside.
Gunshots were fired again. Becky looked at Dana, who was panting heavily as she remained lying still on the sofa. She then heard the car's engine accelerating, getting closer and closer to the RV. She closed her eyes and kept her head covered. The sound of the car's engine then faded.
"Shit, where'd he go?" asked Richard.
"He took that exit," said David.
Becky opened her eyes. She looked around, seeing everyone remaining low but feeling more relieved.
"We're not chasing that asshole. But we'll keep an eye out. Check where that exit leads to."
David grabbed his walkie-talkie.
"Everyone stop your vehicles."
The vehicles came to a complete stop. David stepped out of the vehicle with his M9 pistol in hand. A few of the other group members also stepped out, including Lori.
"What a bloody arsehole!" exclaimed Chunk, inspecting his van. "This van's precious to me!"
"Everyone alright?" asked David.
"Yeah, I think so," sighed Lori. "No one inside Vanzilla got hurt. What about the RV?"
"Everyone's fine. It's bulletproof anyways. Hey, Sergei! You guys okay in there?"
Sergei looked at Carol and Tad. Both teenagers nodded.
"Yeah, we good!" exclaimed Sergei.
"The hell was that?" exclaimed Richard.
"You think they were raiders?" asked Lori.
"Nah," said Chunk. "It was one bloke. Didn't even damage me van."
"RV seems okay too," said Missy.
"Well, he was firing at us for a reason," said David.
"And he hit nothing?" asked Lori. "He either has the worst shot in the world or maybe... he was just trying to scare us off?"
"We sure as hell ain't takin' any chances," said Richard. "C'mon, David, let's go after this son of a bitch."
"We shouldn't."
"Exit ain't going far. Ain't nowhere for him to go."
"Let him go."
"Let him go? So he can come back and fire at us again?"
"If he comes back, then we'll take care of it."
"Yeah, we're just gonna give that fucker a chance?"
"It's not safe!"
David huffed and puffed as he noticed himself raising his voice. Richard scoffed and walked away. Missy followed Richard back to the RV as David sighed.
"He might have a point," said Lori. "It's not safe to leave him driving around when he could attack us again."
"I can't go after him. I'll put all your lives at risk."
"Come on, our lives are already at risk."
"It could be a trap. It just came to me that we're deep in enemy territory. I'm so stupid. We should have just gone through Canada. These empty highways... I knew it was too good to be true."
"This is just one guy. We can take care of him. But I agree with you. We don't have to chase him. Let him come. We'll be ready."
David nodded.
"Okay," he sighed. "Let's keep going."
A couple hours passed. The group continued to move along the empty highway, some of its members peering into the forest and fields around them, wondering if they were going to get attacked again. This time, however, Richard was sitting in Chaz's car, in the front passenger seat and Carol and Tad were at the RV.
"Can you really shoot that revolver from moving car?" asked Sergei.
"Yeah," said Richard. "But if you're worried, I got another pistol. More ammo in it."
"Ah."
"You got balls, Sergei. I could have just drove this car myself."
"Eh, just doing my job. Plus, I got gun of my own too. I can protect the group, like you."
"Can you shoot from a moving car with one hand on the wheel?"
"I don't know. First time for everything."
Sergei laughed as Richard shook his head, smiling.
The tension inside the RV was high. Missy held her rifle while David drove.
Becky sat across Tad and Carol in silence. Dana looked at each of them, noticing that they all avoided eye contact. The awkwardness between them did not help ease the tension.
Tabby's breath quivered.
"Hey, you alright there, Tabs?" asked Liam.
"Not really."
"Richard's gonna make sure we're good. Ain't no one comin' near us without his permission."
"I know, it's just... I've never been shot at before. There was that incidence with that gang from Cleveland, but... they never shot at us. Lori and David shot them before they could."
"According to David, none of the bullets actually hit this fine vehicle. I reckon that fellow's a bad shot. Nobody David can't handle."
"And if he doesn't?"
Liam sighed as he looked at Tabby, who was looking down at her knees. He then placed his hands on Tabby's shoulders.
"Then I will."
"You?"
Liam nodded before he turned around.
"Hey, Mr. Jones, sir?"
"We've been over this, Liam. You can call me David."
"It's just that I got an idea."
"Shoot."
"Why don't we start carrying?"
"Carrying? Your own weapons?"
"Yeah. I reckon I'm a good shot. I had my fair share of shotgun practice before. Birdshot, of course. A little pistol action too."
"I figured none of you could actually handle a gun. Well, save for Becky, Tad, Wavehead, and D."
"I don't know how to use a gun," said Tad.
"Thought I saw a gun around your waist."
"It's just in case."
"Well, we have to change that."
"I can use a gun," said Dana. "Becky taught me."
"Did she now? What about Tad? Why didn't you teach him, Becky?"
"I was under the impression he knew," said Becky, glaring at Tad.
"Why... would you think that?"
Becky rolled her eyes.
"I can also handle a gun," said Vonda.
The group members looked at Vonda with surprise.
"What, you thought I could only shoot a bow? My dad's got me into everything. I just happen to be at my best with a bow."
"Well, okay," said David. "But you're all gonna need some training first. I need to make sure those who carry can actually carry safely. Can't have you kids running around shooting your fingers and toes off. I also can't have you kids carrying weapons with ammo that are too big for you. You all sure as hell can't be having .44 Magnum revolvers. Much less anything that uses .50 caliber."
"I would like to use buckshot," said Liam.
"You sure you can handle the recoil?"
"Mmm..."
"Why don't we start you guys out with something smaller and more accurate?"
"I could go for a revolver then. Like them Wild West cowboys."
"Think we have a Smith & Wesson somewhere in those crates. Not as hard hitting as Richard's Python, but it could take down roamers... and people if need be."
"Fine by me."
Liam walked back to Tabby.
"I'm not using guns," whispered Tabby.
"Why not?" asked Liam.
"Dude, my mom would freak out if she saw me using a gun."
"You don't gotta worry about her worrying about you. She ain't here, y'know."
Tabby nodded. She then looked down at the floor, appearing nervous. Liam then grabbed Tabby's hand, surprising her.
"But hey, what did I say earlier? I'm protecting you, aren't I? Your gun is only gonna be for backup. For when I ain't there to protect you. You get me?"
"Yeah. Yeah, I do."
Tabby looked back down at the floor, smiling and blushing this time. Liam was smiling and blushing as well.
Music played in Chunk's van, although the vibe was stifled. Chunk kept looking at his side mirror while Sam looked out the window nervously. Luna bopped her head softly. However, her eyes kept wandering, eventually landing on Sam.
"Yo, Mazzy Star just ain't hitting it for you two?" asked Chunk.
"It is," said Luna.
"What about you, Sam? Ain't Fade Into You one of your favorites too?"
"Yeah..." said Sam.
"Are you okay?" asked Luna.
"Not really."
"Want... to talk about about it?"
"It's just... I hate hearing the sound of gunshots. Whenever I hear them, nothing good ever happens. Someone... someone always ends up dying."
"It's a good thing this guy's a bad shot this time around then, huh?"
"That doesn't matter. If things get so bad that someone has to use their gun, then that's the real problem."
Sam continued to look out the window.
"You know... when everything was going down, my family and I were headed back home and we stopped by this hotel. Detroit was still miles off, but we needed a break and some shelter. I really should have learned my lesson here, no such thing as safe shelter. It's not unlike what happened in Detroit. Gunmen stormed each room, killing survivors. Only difference is that in Detroit, they were rogues. In this hotel... I don't even know who these gunmen were... but they were just as bloodthirsty as the rogues were. They created chaos and the soldiers at the hotel tried to protect us... but all the bullets, all the noise, everything... none of the bullets killed my parents, but I sure do blame the gunshots for what happened to them. Whether it's connected somehow or just bad luck, I don't know... I just know I don't want to hear any more gunshots."
Luna felt a sense of sorrow wash over her.
"I'm sorry to hear that," said Luna. "I wish there was something I could do to make it so that we wouldn't have to hear any more gunshots."
"Yeah. Me too."
"I do have an idea though. Bad people are gonna fire their guns whether we want them to or not. So why don't we just become better than them at aiming? Shoot them and end them to stop the gunfire?"
"I'm not sure that's gonna solve anything. It's not like anyone we know has actually been killed by a bullet."
"I know. It might not change a thing. But at least we would only have to hear a bullet or two at most. And that would be a bullet coming from us."
Sam looked away from the window and at Luna. She wanted to protest Luna's reasoning, but looking at the determination in her eyes caused her to rethink her own thoughts. She then nodded.
"Sure," whispered Sam. "Maybe that's better."
"Oh, shit..." muttered Chunk.
"What is it, Chunk?"
"It's that bloke. Same car. That same white Honda."
"Oh no..." whispered Luna. "Sam, keep your head down."
Sam lowered herself, using the seats as cover. She and Luna were inches away, facing each other as they panted heavily in anticipation of what was to come. But what they expected didn't come. No gunshots. Not yet, at least.
"David, he's on us again!" exclaimed Richard through the walkie-talkie again.
The white car tried to accelerate past Chaz's car. However, Sergei turned the wheel, preventing the white car from getting ahead.
"You think you can get his wheels?" asked David.
The white car slowed a bit before speeding up again. This time it made a sharp turn to the right before straightening itself with the road. The white car then zoomed past Chaz's car. Richard lowered the window. He leaned his body out of the window and aimed his revolver at the white car, seeing it drive past Chunk's van. He then fired a shot, hitting the bumper. The white car moved left and right, bumping against Chunk's van. The car then sped up, driving next to Vanzilla.
Lori looked to her right, trying to get a look at the driver. However, the windows were tinted.
Richard aimed his revolver as Sergei drove past Chunk's van. The wind blew against his hair, causing it to flap around while he tried to get a good shot at the white car. However, it was moving around too much and too close to Vanzilla. Richard couldn't risk hitting Vanzilla.
"Get closer!" yelled Richard.
"I'm trying!" yelled Sergei.
Sergei pressed on the gas pedal, causing the car to bump into the back of the white car. The white car then began to accelerate before the RV blocked it from going any further. Richard aimed the revolver at the wheels.
Suddenly, an arm came out of the windows. Then, gunshots. Richard lowered his head before looking ahead. The white car was now zooming past the RV.
"David, let us pass!" exclaimed Sergei in the walkie-talkie.
The RV moved slightly to the left, allowing Sergei to drive Chaz's car past it.
"Hang on!"
Sergei stomped on the gas pedal, causing Richard to grip the car to not fall off. He felt the wind pelting his face and shaking his hand as he tried to shoot at the wheels.
"Get closer!" exclaimed Richard.
The white car was faster. It drove further and further away from Sergei and Richard.
"Fuck it."
Richard shot multiple times at the white car. One bullet struck the license plate in the back. One missed. Another struck the mirror on the driver's side. Then, the last one struck the left rear wheel. The white car swerved around as it looked like it was about to flip. However, the driver kept control of it and managed to drive it to the side of the road before it came to a complete stop. Sergei slowed the car down before stopping it behind the white car. The other vehicles came to a stop.
"Stay here," said David.
David and Missy came out of the RV with their weapons. Richard came out of Chaz's car aiming his revolver at the white car. He used his car door as cover. David and Missy approached as Sergei got out of Chaz's car, lowering himself. David and Missy walked around the car, the former aiming his M9 pistol and the latter aiming her AR-15 rifle.
"Come out the car, you son of a bitch!" yelled Richard.
"Slowly!" shouted David.
"Shit," whispered Tad, looking through the covers. "It's really going down. Reminds me of our first meeting with them."
"That's what they did to us back in Royal Woods too," said Zach.
"Some hardasses," said D. "David don't mess around, does he?"
The door to the white Honda opened. A hand was shown. David gripped his pistol. Then, another. They were both empty and raised.
"Hey! Don't shoot! I can explain everything!" shouted the man.
The man was wearing black shades that resembled the color of his high and tight cut hair. He was not a young man, yet his face did not wrinkle yet. He was a bit taller than Lynn Sr.'s height and stood with perfect posture. He wore a partially unbuttoned white shirt with small blue vertical stripes. His sleeves were folded back to his elbow and the area around his armpit was covered in sweat stains. Underneath his buttoned shirt was a tank top that was only visible in his chest area. He had a belt and a black gun holster kept around the waist of his navy blue tactical pants. His Glock 19 was visible in his holster, but his arms were raised too high for him to react faster than the group.
"Turn around! Keep your hands up!" shouted David, still pointing his handgun at the man.
"Want to use my handcuffs? They're in the glove department in my car. The keys should be there too."
"Turn around!" yelled David.
The man sighed. He turned around, feeling the sun beating on his face.
"Hell of a chase back there. You guys local to this area?"
"Shut the fuck up," said David.
Missy walked closer to the car. She spotted a bulletproof vest in the passenger seat with three big letters imprinted on it. She turned around, a stern look on her face.
"Hey, David," said Missy. "I think this guy's FBI."
David looked inside the car. He then shook his head.
"Where'd you take that shit from?" asked David.
"My office in Albany," said the man. "I would have it on right now but it's hot as shit. Which speaking of, get my goddamn handcuffs already. I'm tired of holding my hands up like this."
"You said you can explain everything. Go on. Explain."
"I needed you guys to get the fuck out of the way. There are some very bad people after me. The longer we have this conversation, the likelier it is that they'll find me."
"And that warranted fuckin' shooting at us?"
"They were warning shots. I didn't actually shoot at you guys. I shot up, around, wherever you guys weren't at."
"You bullshitting me?"
"What? No, man. I'm being serious here."
Missy tried opening the door, but it was locked. She grabbed her rifle and smashed the window. She then unlocked the door and opened it.
"Oh, did you have to do that?"
Opening the glove department, she found a pair of handcuffs and another gun. She took the bulletproof vest that sat on the passenger seat and the handcuffs from the glove department. She handed the handcuffs to David.
"Look, guys, I'm sorry about shooting my gun. You weren't gonna get hurt. But I couldn't have you guys chase after me."
David grabbed the man's wrists and handcuffed them behind his back.
"Hey, I was just being sarcastic. Come on, I don't have time for this."
He pulled out the handgun out of the man's holster and handed it to Richard. David placed the man on the ground next to the RV.
"I bet you guys have a shit-ton of questions. Like what's my-"
"What's your name?" asked David.
"It's in my wallet. My wallet is in my jacket in the backseat."
Missy walked to the car and smashed the rear window and unlocked the back car door.
"Jesus, lady. You didn't have to do that again."
She grabbed the jacket and placed her hands in the pockets. She grabbed the wallet and saw the man's badge and credentials. She handed the wallet to David.
"Special Agent George Cane."
"That's me."
David chuckled.
"Alright, looks like all that bullshit you were saying wasn't actually bullshit," said David.
"Of course not. But I think you knew that already."
David took the shades off of George's eyes. George flinched softly as the sunlight hit his eyes.
"What bad people are chasing you?" asked David.
George blinked softly. His hazel eyes were wide and revealed his fright.
"Just some criminals with guns. People who saw my vest and got some smart idea. People used to hold vendettas against us before the world went to shit. Now that the world is free for them to kill in, guess who they're going after first?"
David sighed. He then motioned Missy to hand over the keys. He handed George's gun to Missy and unlocked the handcuffs.
"You guys should be fine though," said George. "They see a group your size... well, they wouldn't think to bother you."
"Yeah, and you don't want our protection?" asked David.
"Oh, I can't ask you to do that... I'd just put you guys in danger. They'll think you're feds too."
"Well, you're coming with us anyways."
George looked confused. Missy looked at Richard, wondering if he knew what David was planning. Yet, Richard was just as confused as George.
"If there are criminals in the area, you're gonna show us the roads we need to take to avoid them. Preferably the fastest ones that take us to Albany."
"Albany?" asked George. "Nothing to see there. Just filled with the dead."
"Still. We need you to take us there. We got a good reason to visit."
"I don't wanna doubt your abilities... I'm sure you're all good at taking the infected down... but I'm talking like a lot of infected."
"It's okay. The roamers got nothing on us."
"Roamers?"
"The infected."
"Sure, I would, but... I don't have a car as you can see. After I take you to Albany, I'm trying to leave, you know."
"We got someone who can fix your wheel."
"I... I never even got your names."
David looked at Richard and Missy. The two of them nodded.
"I'm David. This is Richard and his wife, Missy. Our names are the ones you need to know for now."
"Okay. Nice to meet you guys. So... can I have my gun back now?"
David nodded. Missy handed the Glock 19 pistol back to George. David then walked towards Vanzilla.
Lori rolled down her window.
"We can trust him?" asked Lori.
"Yeah," said David. "His name's George. Can you get Lana to patch up his wheel?"
"Sure."
David walked back to the white car. George looked as a little girl stepped out Vanzilla with some tools and an air pump. Lori followed right behind her.
"She's gonna be the one fixing the wheel?" asked George. "I'm in a rush here, y'know. Don't wanna get caught out in the open here."
"Relax," said David. "She'll fix it faster than any of us can."
George sighed as he paced around. Lana knelt down, getting to work on patching the shot wheel.
The sun was bright. George wiped the sweat off his face and tried to fan his shirt. It was completely bogged with sweat.
"What's with this guy?" Lori whispered to David. "He seems so nervous."
"Not sure," whispered David. "Seems like there's more to his story than he's letting on."
David scoffed.
"He's driving in the direction of Albany. Yet he wants to avoid it. His office's in Albany, so why is even all the way out here? Supply-run gone wrong? Why is he even alone? Shit... so many questions."
"Done," sighed Lana.
George was surprised.
"That... didn't take long at all," said George. "That's great. Okay, let's go, everyone! No time to waste."
"Hold on," said David. "You need a walkie-talkie. Lori, you mind getting one for George over here?"
"Sure," said Lori.
Lori walked back to Vanzilla. George sighed and looked down at the asphalt. He then heard the sound of an engine coming from the distance. He looked up, his eyes growing wide as the noise approached.
"You hear that?" asked Richard.
"Shit," whispered George. "They're here."
David turned around. He saw two motorcycles approaching. In each motorcycle was a man wearing a blue tank top. The men then reached for their holsters.
"Take cover!" screamed George.
David, Richard, and Missy ran towards the RV. George grabbed Lana and hid her behind the passenger's side of the car with him. Lori appeared confused as she looked around for cover. The motorcycle drivers took out their handguns and slowed down. One of the men, wearing an indigo bandana, aimed his pistol at Lori. David ran and grabbed Lori by the arm, pulling her behind cover. A gunshot went off and a bullet was sent flying past Lori and into the woods behind the vehicles.
"Fuck!" gasped Richard.
Lori fell to the ground as David held his gun tightly. She was panting heavily as she quickly crawled deeper into cover.
"You got more friends, Cane?" exclaimed the driver with the bandana. "I had you pegged as a lone wolf! But now you got a whole pack of, what, pups?"
The group members inside the vehicles ducked below the windows. They appeared invisible to the motorcycle drivers, but their presence was sensed. Lynn looked out the RV and grabbed her bow and arrow.
"Lynn, what are you doing?" whispered Francisco.
"I gotta protect the group," said Lynn, crawling below the windows.
"No, Lynn, you're not fast enough!" whispered Vonda. "Lynn!"
The bald motorcycle driver accompanying the driver with the bandana took out his handgun and aimed at the white car. He and the other driver took cover behind Chunk's van.
"We know you're hiding behind the car, George!" shouted the bald driver. "Why don't you come out? You don't want to see your friends get hurt, right?"
Lana whimpered as she wrapped her head with her arms.
"Hey, it's okay," whispered George, his voice sounding weak. "It's-"
George swallowed hard. The girl was trembling in too much fear to listen to him. He closed his eyes and took a couple shaky breaths. He then wiped the water on his forehead and under his eyes.
"I won't let anything happen to you," he whispered. "Not this time."
"I'll give you five seconds to come out or else I'll shoot at these cars!" yelled the shooter with the bandana. "Five...! Four...!"
David slowly moved up the RV, with Richard and Missy following him.
"Where you going?" asked Lori in a whispering voice.
"Tryna get a good angle on them," whispered David. "I don't wanna hit any of the vehicles. Stay put."
Lori remained where she was.
"Three...!"
George revealed himself aiming a gun at the van. He then fired at the guy with the bandana.
"Shit!" exclaimed the guy with the bandana, ducking.
Chunk gasped as he kept his seat reclined and himself below the sightline of George and the criminals. Sam closed her mouth as she whimpered softly, feeling glass pieces touch her back. Luna closed her eyes, holding on to Sam tightly.
George let off a good number of shots, some of them striking the windshield of the van and leaving small holes. The bandana guy then popped up and fired off a couple shots of his own, striking the white car as George ducked. George bent down, using himself as cover for Lana.
David popped his head from the other side of the RV, but the bald driver was already aiming at the left side of the RV. He fired off a couple shots, causing David to back up.
"Shit, he knew already," said David.
"Russ, why don't you move on ahead," said the guy in the bandana. "I could handle George. I'll give you cover fire."
"Alright," said the bald driver.
Russ's friend continued to fire his pistol at the white car as Russ moved ahead to the RV. He then leaned against the left side of the RV. The passengers inside the RV saw the silhouette of a man moving along the RV. Lynn moved towards the back door, placing her hand on the door handle.
"Lynn, he'll kill you," whispered Vonda.
"Shush. He won't," whispered Lynn.
George raised his head before hearing a shot go off, hitting the mirror next to his head. He ducked again.
"Stop!" yelled George. "Our beef doesn't have to involve these people! Leave them alone and I'll surrender!"
"Sorry, Cane. These people made their choices," said Russ's friend.
Lynn quickly came out of the RV with her bow drawn. Russ and his friend turned and faced her, pointing their guns at her. She released the arrow before a barrage of gunshots went off. An arrow flew past David and struck the road pavement. A thud was heard.
Lori panted heavily. Smoke drifted along the air and blood seeped along the asphalt.
"Oh my god..." said Carol's muffled voice.
Lori stood up and looked at George, who moved on ahead and took cover behind the RV. They then looked at Missy, who nodded.
"It's over now," she said.
Lori and George walked over to the left side of the RV, where Lori suddenly got dizzy. She looked at the bodies at the ground, causing her eyes to widen as she turned towards Lynn's back.
Chunk opened the door. He groaned as he stumbled out of the van. He then shuddered as he saw the bald motorcycle driver in the ground with his nose missing and a hole in the side of his head. Brain matter could be seen in the pavement below his head.
Francisco came out of the RV and gasped as he saw the body in the ground, a bullet hole on the side of its neck. A pistol was lying on the road next to Russ's cold hands.
"I told you, man... you aren't fast enough," said Vonda.
Lynn stared at Russ's body in the ground, panting heavily while her bow was still up. She then turned around and saw his friend's body on the ground. She was so lucky, she thought. She then felt a touch to her back and turned around again.
"Hey, you okay?" asked David.
"Yeah..." gulped Lynn.
"I know you distracted him... but if I was only half a second too slow... shit, that was reckless, Lynn. You should have stayed inside."
"Uh, huh..."
"He's right," said Lori, gritting her teeth. "Don't do it again. But I'm glad you're okay."
Lori then pulled Lynn in for a hug. Lynn dropped her bow and hugged Lori back.
David sighed as he knelt down. He looked at the bullet hole on Russ's neck before noticing something in the back of his neck. He turned his head. He then felt chills all over his body.
"It's good now," said Chunk. "You gals are safe. Everyone is."
Luna and Sam panted as they slowly lifted their heads up. Their hairs were ruffled and their faces were plastered with relief. They stepped outside of the van and saw the bodies on the ground. Sam then let out a sigh.
"God... he was just inches away from us. If we had a gun, we could've ended things quicker," said Sam. "Just two shots. And they would have been dead. Like you said, Luna."
Luna nodded. She then looked at David.
"Where's George?" asked David, looking around.
Lana whimpered softly as George approached the white car. She then flinched as George appeared before her. George looked at his sidearm and nodded. He holstered his sidearm and bent down.
"Hey, there, it's okay," he said. "We stopped the bad guys. There's nothing to worry about now."
Lana wiped her tears. She looked at George, who placed his shades back on.
"Now, why don't you dust yourself off and return to your van?"
Lana nodded. She stood up and turned around, but not before seeing Lori walk in front of her, holding her rifle and aiming it at George. Lana turned around and gasped, seeing David holding a gun against the back of George's head. George slowly raised his hands.
"Get in the damn RV," said David.