Author: Kristen Middleton
Date: 2013-11-12 08:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Fantasy; Horror; Young Adult; Science Fiction; Romance
Description: Special New Release sale price of $.99 for this book will NOT last. Get it now! First Book (Origins) is FREE! As a cold darkness settles upon the world, our heroes search frantically for their friends and family. Meanwhile, two evils come together and try to destroy the child they believe to be the true "Chosen One". Will they succeed and annihilate all of mankind?

Zombie Games

5

End Zone

By Kristen Middleton

Copyright © 2013 by Kristen Middleton

This book is fiction. Any resemblances of characters to actual people, living or dead, is coincidental. The author holds exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without express written permission of the author.

This eBook is licensed for your enjoyment only. It may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this with others, please purchase additional copies for each individual. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or if it was not purchased for your use only, please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

A huge thank you to:

Those who’ve encouraged, inspired, and supported me on this journey.

And a special thanks to Carolyn, who must cringe every time I release a new story before she gets a chance to review it.

Prologue

He inhaled deeply, enjoying the smell of rot and decay as the zombies stumbled around in the indoor amusement park below. To him, the scent of death meant victory was on the horizon and this brought him great pleasure.

Smiling in approval, he reached for the cigar tucked behind his ear and bit off the end. Lighting it with his fingertip, he wondered how the ally from the east was fairing, not that it truly mattered. The human population had dwindled to such an insignificant number, that it wouldn’t take much to control the remaining survivors.

Just as predicted.

He looked up towards the glass ceiling of the mall. “And you thought that you could outwit Lucifer? Obviously, you underestimated his power.”

Lightning flashed across the sky, followed by a thunderous boom that made his teeth vibrate.

He sneered. “Really? That’s all you got?”

Jennifer, his newest follower, cleared her throat. “Excuse me, sir?”

He turned round to find the lovely and easily manipulative young woman standing next to a man dressed in black.

“Good evening,” said the stranger, his blue eyes twinkling. He was in his sixties, with white hair and a kind face that hid the true nature of the soul lurking inside.

Travis puffed his cigar and released a thick stream of smoke. “Well, look what the cat dragged in? I was just wondering if and when you’d show up.”

“It wasn’t an easy journey here, let me tell you.”

“If it were easy, then I’d be concerned.”

The priest hesitated. “You’re not exactly what I expected.”

“Sorry to disappoint. He made me leave my horns at home. True story.”

The priest’s laughter turned into a rattling cough. “Sorry,” he said in a raspy voice as he pulled out a handkerchief from his trouser pocket. “Bronchitis.”

He tapped his cigar, sending ashes to the ground and grunted. “I take it that a celebratory stogie is out of the question?”

“Probably not a good idea, sir.” The priest wiped the spittle from his mouth and then shoved the handkerchief back into his pocket. “It’s an honor to finally meet you, face-to-face. I’ve waited so long… I-”

“Save the handshake,” he interrupted as Father Brambati raised his hand and took a step towards him.

The priest froze. “Of course.”

Travis nodded towards Jennifer.  “Leave us.”

She lowered her eyes and walked away while the priest turned and watched her hips move in a way that would shock his church congregation.

Travis chuckled. “Ah… the sins of the flesh.”

The priest licked his lips. “She’s a lovely young woman.”

“Be honest, she’s not really your type, however, is she? A little too… womanly?”

Father Brambati’s face turned red.

“Hell, I’m not judging you.” He smiled darkly. “We’ve always admired your insidious ways, Father. Anyway, all of that aside, I have some excellent news.”

The priest leaned forward in expectation.

“We’ve located the child.”

Father Brambati’s bushy white eyebrows shot up. “Is that true? Are you certain?”

“The signs that Lucifer mentioned pointed to the small group of survivors from this part of the world. When I finally located these people, she was among them.”

He tilted his head. “She?”

“Yes, the infant is a girl. It just goes to show that the man above tried to pull one over on us but,” he smirked. “failed.”

Father Brambati frowned. “Well, I hope that you’re right and this really is the one we’ve been searching for. It will certainly save us a lot of time.”

“We’ll know soon enough,” he replied, his eyes turning the color of molten lava. “If that little shit really is the second coming.”

Chapter One

Atlanta

Belinda parked the car across the street from the C.D.C. and shut off the lights. She looked over at the sleeping boy next to her and his furry companion, the young pup who never left Bobby’s side.

Closing her eyes, she sighed, yearning for a cigarette. It had been thirty-six hours since she’d smoked her last one and was now completely and totally out. It was making her edgy and more than a little frustrated. A zombie apocalypse was never a good time to stop smoking. If anything, it was a reason to start.

Bobby’s eyelids fluttered open. He sat up and looked around.

“The prince has risen,” she said, ruffling his dark brown hair.

“Are we there, Linny?” he asked, stretching his short little arms.

She wrapped her own arm around the boy’s shoulders and pulled him in closer. He smelled of baby shampoo and the cherry sucker she’d given him earlier. “Yes, honey.”

He hugged her back and closed his eyes. “Good.”

For the past few days, he’d insisted that she drive him to this place, never letting up. Originally, she’d said ‘no’, shocked that he’d even been aware of the C.D.C. But he’d thrown a few fits, which she wasn’t like him. In fact, Bobby was normally so mild mannered and sweet, that she hadn’t been prepared to deal with such tantrums. Grown men with tattoos and beer bellies- yes, but not a small boy with Down’s syndrome, one who’d wrapped her around his finger already. In the end, because he’d been so adamant and Belinda hated to see him so upset, she’d caved in.

“I love you, Linny,” he whispered.

A wave of emotions made her eyes burn. She blinked back tears, not wanting him to see them. “I love you too, Bobby.”

He smiled up at her and her heart swelled.

“Oh Bobby,” she said, kissing the top of his head. “How did you get to be so damn cute?”

His face grew serious. “I don’t know.”

She chuckled at his innocence, loving him even more for it. In just a short period, she’d grown so attached to Bobby, loving the child like he was her own. In fact, the truth was, although they were in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, she’d never felt more alive. Caring for him had opened up a part of her life that she hadn’t even realized she’d been missing.

Motherhood.

Now, she wasn’t about to give it up for anything. As far as she was concerned, Bobby was now her responsibility until Bryce returned.

She touched the boy’s cool cheek. “Bobby, do you know why we’re here?”

He looked up at her, his large almond-shaped blue eyes unusually serious. “Yes.”

“Well, would you mind sharing it with Linny?”

Bobby nodded solemnly. “Friends.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh?”

“Yes.”

Out of the corner of her eye she noticed three zombies stumbling down the block, towards the Cadillac and grew tense. She quickly locked the doors and then grabbed her gun from the glove compartment. Although Atlanta was still riddled with zombies, she’d never get used to their constant presence.

“It’s okay,” said the boy, smiling up at her reassuringly. “They won’t hurt you.”

“Right,” she said, expecting the zombies to surround her car, drooling and moaning like they usually did. Instead, this time, the creatures ignored the car and walked aimlessly by as she held her breath. Belinda released a ragged breath and slid the gun under her seat.

Goldie, who’d been sleeping in the backseat, raised her head. She turned and growled towards the back window at the retreating forms.

“Yeah, you tell them,” said Belinda, reaching back to pet her fur.

“Tell them what?” asked Bobby.

Belinda grinned. “Nothing, honey. I’m just trying to be silly.”

He giggled. “Yes, because Goldie can’t talk.”

“Well, not like us.” Belinda looked at her watch and frowned. It was almost six-thirty in the morning, and the sun had not yet even begun to rise. It was very odd. She turned to Bobby. “Wow, I can’t believe that I let you talk me into coming out here this early in the morning,” she said. “And without my morning coffee.”

His smile fell. “I’m sorry.”

“Why you ought to be,” she teased, tickling him.

Fortunately, the generators were running in the hotel at a bare minimum, and she was able to still have her coffee in the morning. That, along with the other small luxuries she’d enjoyed at the hotel, like warm meals and hot baths were a privilege. She knew they weren’t going to last if things didn’t change soon. The government, whatever was left of it, hadn’t been able to contain the virus or the zombies as of yet, Professor Schultzenheimer wasn’t having any luck coming up with a cure for the and from what she understood, the generators ran on fuel and that had to be getting scarce. Luckily, the night before, some of the other survivors had been able to confiscate a fuel rig that had been abandoned just outside of town and bring it to the hotel. When that ran out, however, she wasn’t sure what would happen. She could only hope that Bryce, Henry, and the others returned soon.

Henry.

Admittedly, she had a soft spot for that old fart as well. He was a little past his prime, but he certainly had charm. And his stories, she could sit and listen to him talk about his days in the rodeo for hours. She hoped he made it back in one piece as well. She’d grown very fond of him.

“There,” pointed Bobby.

Belinda sat up straighter and stared at the tall headlights creeping towards them. Her eyes narrowed. “Now, who is that?”

“Friends,” said Bobby, with a wide smile.

Friends?

No, this had been a bad idea, she thought to herself as she reached under the seat and grabbed the revolver. What in the hell was I thinking, coming out here with the boy and the dog?

“It’s okay,” said Bobby as a black Sierra, with a large grill-guard in the front, pulled up to the curb on the opposite side of the road.

“I guess they haven’t noticed us yet,” said Belinda, watching the truck nervously. She pointed to the seat. “Why don’t you get down, Bobby.”

But Bobby had other ideas.

Before she could react, he threw open the door, jumped out, and ran over to the pickup.

“Bobby!” hollered Belinda, opening her door quickly and scrambling out.

Goldie, barking excitedly, leaped out and chased after the six-year-old.

She caught up to the boy and the dog just as the door opened up on the passenger side of the truck.

“Do you need help?” asked the middle-aged woman as she climbed out of the truck and scanned the streets nervously.

Belinda smiled at the stranger, who thankfully, looked about as threatening as Goldie. “No, we’re fine.”

The driver of the truck, a man with glasses and dark hair, leaned over and smiled grimly. “I take it the C.D.C. is closed for renovation?”

Chuckling, Belinda glanced at the building and nodded. “We wish. No, as you can see it’s been abandoned. Either the employees turned into zombies, or just plain took off.” She decided not to mention the professor, just in case these people weren’t as friendly as they appeared. Besides, the military was probably still looking for him, and from what she knew, he didn’t want to be found.

Goldie jumped onto the woman’s knees and began licking her hands.

“What a sweet puppy,” she said, bending down to pet and hug the dog. Smiling, she turned and looked at Bobby. “Is she yours?”

“No. I’m watching her for someone else,” he replied, gazing at the woman in fascination. “You miss yours, don’t you?”

“Uh, you could say that,” replied the woman, smiling sadly.

Goldie, her tongue hanging out, decided she wanted more attention and leaped into the truck.

The man laughed and started petting her. “Never thought I’d get to see another dog,” he said as she licked his face. “Doesn’t she look like Maggie, Rene?”

Tears filled the woman’s eyes. “Yes… she kind of does.” She turned to Belinda. “Maggie was our last Golden.” Her voice grew thick. “She passed away last year, before any of this happened, thank goodness.”

Belinda smiled and pulled Bobby closer. “I reckon so. Where you from?”

“We’re from Minnesota,” replied the woman, brushing at her tears. “We came out here to find our family.”

Belinda’s eyes widened. “Oh really?”

“Yes. I just hope we can find them,” she glanced towards the C.D.C. “It’s not looking very good right now. We thought for sure they’d be all over this thing. But, obviously, nobody has a handle on anything.”

“It looks that way. I’m Belinda, by the way,” she said, holding out her hand.

Before the woman could take it, Bobby introduced himself. “I’m Bobby De Luca,” he said proudly, extending his hand like his brother had been teaching him.

The woman smiled and shook it. “Hi Bobby, I’m Irene Wild and that’s my husband Steve.”

“See,” said Bobby, turning around to look up into Belinda’s eyes. “Friends.”

“Well I’ll be damned,” whispered Belinda.

***

“They went back?” repeated Irene, wiping fresh tears. Belinda had brought them back to the hotel, to try and find a way to soften the blow. Unfortunately, there had been no easier way to tell them that their granddaughters were on the road.

Belinda nodded, hating to bring them more bad news. It was horrible enough that she’d had to inform them that Dave and Kris had died, but now to find out that their grandkids were somewhere between Atlanta and Minnesota, it made everything that much worse. “Yeah, a couple of days ago. Hopefully they’ll be back soon, but it’s hard to say. It’s not like we have a way to reach any of them.”

“Oh, I just can’t believe they did that,” sighed Irene. “With so much danger on the roads.”

Grief-stricken, Steve sat down on a club chair, the news of Dave and Kris’s death still sinking in. “I just can’t believe it,” he replied, his voice husky. “Dave left me a message a few days ago, saying that they’d made it out here. Now you’re saying that they were murdered, and not even by the damn zombies?”

Belinda swallowed. “Um, yes. That’s right. The ones who did it were part of the mob,” she said, leaving out the fact that she’d been related to one of them. “But, Dave and Kris, they saved a lot of people. You should be very proud of them.”

“We always have been,” sighed Irene, stepping over to her husband. She grabbed his hand. “Haven’t we?”

He nodded tearfully.

Belinda raised her index finger. “I’m sure you’re aware that Allie beat the virus after getting bitten, but your other granddaughter did as well. Cassie was sick for a couple of days, but she also pulled through.”

“He never mentioned anything about Cassie,” said Irene, looking relieved. “They both pulled through and there were no complications?”

Belinda nodded. “Yes. They were very lucky girls.”

“Or maybe it’s something else,” said Steve. “Some kind of immunity to the infection.”

“You know… that that might also explain how Victoria survived getting bitten, too, Steve,” said Irene, turning to him. “Maybe our family has some kind of immunity?”

“Maybe all of the remaining survivors have some kind of built-in immunity,” he said.

“Or they just didn’t get the vaccine,” she answered.

“Who is Victoria?” asked Belinda.

“Our other granddaughter. She’s in Texas right now, staying at zombie fallout shelter with some friends. We were going to check on her next. Tell her the news about her parents.”

Belinda frowned. “Where they killed?”

Irene sighed. “We believe so. They’d been on a cruise with Judy, Steve’s ex-wife, and… well, we haven’t heard from either of them.”

“What a nightmare, huh?” said Belinda.

“Much worse than a nightmare,” replied Steve. “You can’t wake up from this.”

Irene rubbed her forehead. “I just can’t believe the girls took off like that. When we heard that everyone had made it here, we just assumed that Allie and Cassie were safe.”

“Nobody is safe,” said Belinda, glancing at Bobby. “Not here. Not anywhere.”

“I know,” she replied. “And that’s why I’m so scared.”

He patted her on the back. “Rene, it’s okay. We’ll find them.”

She looked up at him. “I hope so. We can’t lose anyone else.”

“We won’t,” he said, his voice cracking.

As Belinda stared at them, she couldn’t help but feel slightly responsible for the turn of events her dysfunctional family had created. All her life she’d had to put up with their crazy, violent ways, and she’d longed for the kind of relationship that these people had. Now, ironically, it was her family that had ruined theirs. She reached over and placed a hand on Irene’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“We’ve all lost,” replied Steve. “I’m sure you’ve lost plenty of family yourself.”

“Yes, but yours is nothing compared to mine.”  She glanced at Bobby, who was looking at a picture book on the floor and felt nauseated at the thought of losing him. “That little guy, however, I don’t know what I’d do if he ever got hurt.”

“Oh, is he yours?” asked Irene, turning to look at the small boy.

“Actually, he’s your granddaughter’s future brother-in-law.”

“What?” they gasped in unison.

Belinda chuckled. “I take it you’ve never met Bryce De Luca?”

Irene shook her head. “No. Cassie is engaged? Seriously?”

“Seriously.  He’s a nice guy, too,” said Belinda. “Handsome, strong, a real fighter.”

“Well, she’s a little young to be engaged,” said Steve, frowning slightly.

“Maybe, but Bryce adores her and believe me, he won’t stop searching for Cassie until he finds her.”

“Let’s hope he finds Allie and Kylie, too,” said Irene.

“He did,” said Bobby, out of nowhere.

They turned to him.

“What was that, Bobby?” asked Belinda, walking towards him. She bent down. “What did you say, honey?”

“Bryce gave this to me” he replied, holding up his book. “He loves me.”

“He certainly does,” agreed Belinda, ruffling his hair. “We all love you, kid.”

“Well, what do we do now?” asked Irene, turning to Steve.

“We go back,” he replied, picking up his rifle. “Find our granddaughters.”

“I’m coming with,” said Bobby. He stood up and walked over to them. “Let’s go. Right now.”

“Honey, you have to stay here,” said Belinda.

“No,” he said. “I have to go and save the baby.”

The adults looked at each other, surprised at his response. “Baby, what baby?”

“They call her the ‘Chosen One’,” he replied.

“The ‘Chosen One’?” asked Belinda.

“Yes,” he replied. “And she really needs me.”

“Oh, Bobby… I’m sorry honey, but you’re not going anywhere,” said Belinda. “It’s much too dangerous to go on a road trip right now.”

“They’re going,” he replied.

“That’s different,” said Belinda.

“Linny, please, I have to leave with them.”

She knelt down next to him again. “Bobby…”

His eyes took on an intelligence that shocked her. “Belinda,” he said evenly. “You don’t understand. We are running out of time. All of us.”

Chapter Two

Allie and Kylie

“Did you hear that?”

“No,” whispered Allie in the cold, musty darkness.

“I think someone’s coming.”

It had been a few hours since the girls had been taken to an old house somewhere in Minneapolis by Billie. There, they’d been welcomed by a small group of people, who were now holding them prisoner in a bedroom up in the attic.

Allie sat with her back against the wall, staring down at the quiet baby in her arms, who surprisingly, hadn’t slept or fussed for hours. In fact, Adria gazed up at her intently, and she almost felt like the baby was trying to somehow console her.

“Don’t worry,” she whispered down at her. “I’m scared too, but I haven’t given up yet. Neither should you.”

“Hey, did you hear me?”

Allie sighed. “Yes,” she replied, trying to remain calm. As much as she wanted to remain positive, the truth was that they were being held prisoner by a bunch of psychopaths, and nobody knew where to find them. Not Cassie, Kristie, or even Bryce. “Well, maybe they’ll bring us some food, I’m starving.”

The noises out in the hallway drifted away and Kylie crawled over to them. “I wouldn’t trust eating their food. They might poison us or something. Anyway, we have to try and escape, before they hurt Adria.”

She held the baby closer. “I’m surprised they haven’t tried taking her from us.”

“I think they’re afraid to touch her.”

“Good. Crazy whackos. Do you really think that Adria is what they say she is?”

Kylie lay on her back and stared up at the ceiling. “The ‘Chosen On’?”

“Yeah.”

She paused for a few seconds. “Oh, I don’t know. Heck, I don’t even know what being the ‘Chosen One’ really means.”

“What about the ‘End of Days’ thing you were talking about before. The signs of the apocalypse and all that?”

Kylie sighed. “I don’t know. I mean, they never mentioned anything about a baby or any other kind of person saving the world. This just doesn’t fit in to what it is supposed to say in the bible.”

“Have you read it?”

“No. I’m just going by what I saw on cable.”

“I haven’t read the bible either. It just looked so long and confusing. What else did it say on that documentary show?”

Kylie sat back up. “Well, from what I remember, there would be a lot of bad things happening, like the seas turning red, earthquakes, volcanoes, and then complete darkness. There were also supposed to be two evil men who would join forces. One of them gets possessed by Satan, making him the Antichrist. They referred to all three of them as the ‘Unholy Trinity’.”

“Now that’s confusing,” said Allie, wishing she would have went to church more. To her, church had always made her sleepy and even a little bored.

“I know. You’ve heard of the ‘Holy Trinity’, right? Father, Son, Holy Spirit?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, this ‘Unholy Trinity’ is supposed to be Satan’s mockery of that. So, it’s Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet.”

“Is the Antichrist supposed to be Satan’s son or something?”

“Not sure. I think that Satan takes over his body though, or something later.”

“Oh, well what about the False Prophet? Where does he fit in to all of this?” she asked, now really getting the chills. All of this talk about the Devil was freaky.

Kylie thought back to what they’d said. “Um… oh yeah, I think the other dude is supposed to try and turn people away from God or something. That’s why they called him a ‘False Prophet’.”

“Oh.”

“This just doesn’t seem right, though. This isn’t happening the way they explained it. And I definitely don’t remember anything about a ‘Chosen One’.”

Allie rubbed Adria’s back. “Honestly, the more I think about it, the harder it is to believe that a small baby could have that kind of power and be able to save the world.”

“Well, those people in the next room obviously believe that she is a real threat. I think they’re planning something for her and I’m getting some really bad vibes about it.”

Allie studied Adria’s face. All she could see was a pretty baby blowing bubbles and making gurgling noises. “Adria can’t even crawl yet, how is she supposed to be a threat to anyone?” she replied as the baby tried to grab a lock of her blond hair.

Kylie reached over and touched the baby’s head. “I know. Obviously, they’re all wacked in the head and all of that talk about the End of Days happening right now is really just a bunch of crap. We have to keep her safe from those delirious freaks. No matter what.”

Voices on the other side of the doorway startled them. Kylie and Allie stood up and backed away from the door.

“Ah… here are my girls,” said Billie, turning on the light.

A younger woman stood behind him, carrying a metal tray. She smiled pleasantly.

“Why are you just sitting around here in the darkness?” asked Billie. “There’s a generator, you know. The lights actually do work.”

Neither girl responded, just stared in unease as the couple stepped closer.

“We brought you some food. I’m sure you’re famished,” he said, motioning towards the tray as the woman set it down on the old pine nightstand next to the bed.

Allie stared at the cheesy pizza and cans of grape soda; her stomach growled.

“See, you’re hungry,” said Billie. “You girls must like pizza? Am I right?”

They both nodded.

He grinned like a Cheshire cat. “Just what I thought. As you can see, there is a lot of cheesy goodness on this pizza, and it’s probably one of the last ones edible on this planet.” He inhaled. “Smell that sauce? Let me tell you, I had a piece of this earlier, and it’s to die for.”

Kylie glanced at Allie, her eyes wide.

“Come on now, don’t let this treasure go to waste,” he prodded, lifting one of the plates. He held it under Allie’s nose and smiled again as she bit her lower lip. “It’s all yours. Don’t be foolish and waste such a treat.”

Allie, unable to take the smell or the hunger tormenting her inside, turned to Kylie. “Maybe one piece wouldn’t hurt? We haven’t eaten for such a long time.”

Kylie frowned. They’d just talked about this. “Allie.”

Allie sighed.

“Look, even the baby wants some,” giggled the woman.

Adria, staring at the mouthwatering food, tried reaching for the plate.

“No,” said Allie, stepping away from the pizza. “You can’t have that, Adria. I’m sorry.”

“Oh… hell, just give her some,” said Billie as Adria began to whimper in frustration. “She needs to eat. Just like you two.”

“But not this, she’ll choke. Do you have any bottled water?” asked Kylie. “She’s dehydrated and needs water.”

“I’ll see what we can find,” he replied. He turned to Jenny and nodded.

Allie’s stomach rumbled again; she wanted nothing more than to eat. “Billie, please let us go,” she begged. “We just want to get back to our families.” And food we can trust, she thought.

“Tell you what,” he said, sitting down on the bed. “If you do what you’re told and help me with something, I’ll release you.”

“Help you? With what?” asked Kylie.

A cold smile spread across his face. “Retribution.”

Chapter Three

Cassie

“What in the hell is going on?” repeated Kristie, for the fourth time. “Why would that numbskull take off with the girls like that? I mean who does that?”

Kristie, Paige, Nora and I were in my grandparent’s family room, stunned and confused as to why Billie had disappeared with Allie, Kylie, and Adria.

I looked up from the sofa as Kristie paced across the room, obviously on the verge of a panic attack. “Maybe he took them to Atlanta?”

She looked at me like I was crazy. “Without us? It just doesn’t make any sense. Nora, what do you think is going on? You knew him better than any of us.”

Nora, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor, flicking a lighter, looked up. “I don’t know. I’m as confused as you guys. I mean, he seemed fine, didn’t he?”

“Yeah, actually a little too fine,” I replied. “He went from mottled and zombish to acting like he could run a marathon. It was beyond creepy, even for Billie.”

“Billie isn’t creepy,” defended Nora. “He’s just obviously… confused.”

“Frankly, his confusion is going to bring him a royal ass-kicking when I get my hands on him,” replied Kristie, pulling out an empty pack of smokes from her purse. scowling, she crumpled it up and threw it across the room.  “No offense, Nora.”

“Don’t be. He deserves a beating. I’ll even hold him down for you,” she replied.

“If we can even find him,” I replied. Truthfully, I was worried that he was going through the same psychosis as Austin. If that was the case, then the girls were in more trouble than anyone could possible imagine. I was almost afraid to bring it up.

“Okay, this is what we should do - once the guys find us a decent ride, we’ll head back towards Atlanta,” said Kristie. “I don’t know, for some reason I feel like that’s where he’s taken them. Obviously, we all know that Billie is a nice guy and I find it hard to believe that he would hurt them intentionally. He’s probably just confused. Like Nora said.”

“Exactly,” said Nora. “He is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. The Billie that I know would never hurt anyone, especially those girls.”

“Okay, I hate to bring this up, again,” said Paige, who was sitting next to me on the sofa, “and I know you all think that I’m crazy, but… is it possible that he was being controlled by Travis and that’s why he left?”

“Oh for God’s sake,” said Kristie. “You can’t really possibly believe that after Travis died, his soul jumped into Billie’s body?”

“Why not?” she asked. “We all agree that Travis was some kind of demon, right? So maybe his demonic spirit is inside of Billie now, controlling him.”

Kristie sat down on a recliner and put her head in her hands. “I’m sorry but I’m still having trouble accepting that Travis was nothing more than a freaken psychopath. Hell, he died from getting shot in the chest. If he was really a demon, I doubt that would have happened.”

“Not if he was just borrowing the body. He probably goes around jumping from victim to victim. Like in the movies… you know?” answered Paige.

Kristie sighed. “Honey, this is not the movies.”

“Obviously. It’s real life, one that’s filled with zombies, bloody rivers, and death. If we can accept that, then why are demons so hard to imagine?”

“Good point,” replied Kristie, sitting back. “Now I’m really going to lose my mind worry about this. Thank you.”

“I’m sorry, mom, but we have to consider everything. What about you, Cassie?” asked Paige, turning to me. “What do you think?”

I stared down at my nails, which were bitten down to the skin. It seemed liked years ago that I’d been sitting in Mae’s chair getting my nails done and my eyebrows plucked. I sighed. “Okay, fine… I think he’s either going crazy from the zombie virus, or,” I looked up, “you’re right and he’s been possessed by Travis. Both ideas are pretty scary.”

“Billie is not possessed,” said Nora, putting the lighter back into the pocket of her faded blue jeans. “That’s totally ridiculous.”

“I don’t know what to believe anymore,” said Kristie. “I just want them safe. I hope the guys get back here soon so that we can start looking for them. I should probably check on Henry. See if he’s up so we can get moving right away when they return.”

Henry was in one of the guest rooms taking a nap while Bryce, Tiny, and Justice had went in search of a vehicle that we could all fit into.

“Good idea,” I replied. I stood up and walked over to the large bay window and stared outside. It was dark, well past midnight and the yard looked like something out of a horror movie massacre. I glanced at the slaughtered zombies sprawled out all over the lawn and wondered if Bryce and the others were having problems with any more undead.

“You see them yet?” asked Paige.

I looked over my shoulder at her. “No. They’ve been gone for over an hour. I can’t believe it would take this long to find something in this neighborhood.”

Paige walked over and stood next to me. “It’s finding a large enough vehicle with gas in it that’s difficult, I’m sure.”

Before I could answer, a zombie staggered into view from the side of the house. We watched as it wandered into the center of the yard and then stopped under the moonlight, swaying back-and-forth. Like the others, it was in rough shape, with its bloody torso and stringy decayed flesh barely covering bone. This one also had a stump for an arm and was one the verge of losing its ratty flowered dress. With her long red hair, she reminded me of Eva a little, and I couldn’t help but shudder..

“It’s pretty bad when you see something like that and it doesn’t even shock you anymore,” said Paige as we stared.

The zombie turned around, as if it heard us talking, and started in our direction.

“Oh, great,” said Kristie, now standing behind us. “I hope it doesn’t attract any other ones that may be hanging out in the other yards. They’re much scarier in packs. Like rabid dogs.”

The zombie, now clearly on a mission, stumbled up the first two steps and then tripped on the third, landing on her face.

“What a life, huh?” sighed Kristie, staring at the zombie with empathy. She shook her head. “It’s just a damn shame. I’ll bet that girl had it all before. Now, she’s just a walking corpse with her bra hanging out and her dress stuck in her panties. Kind of reminds me of college. Those parties were crazy.”

“Actually, if you think about it, they don’t have it too bad,” said Paige. “Think about it - no cares in the world except finding food. They’re not conscious about how they look, if they need a shower, or what may have happened to their missing arm. Nothing matters but finding food.”

The zombie slowly lifted itself from the ground and then staggered to the window. Placing a hand on the glass she stared at us silently with her pale eyes.

“I don’t know what’s creepier – her staring at us or us staring back. What do you think she’s thinking?” mumbled Kristie.

“Remember going to the bakery and staring at all of the donuts through the glass?” said Paige. “Thinking they all looked so yummy.”

I grimaced and the zombie’s black lips pulled up into a black toothy grin, as if it knew what we were talking about. Its eyes traveled slowly to Kristie who took a step back.

“Okay…why in the hell is that thing smiling at me?” she asked in a strained voice. “Like it knows something that I don’t.”

Page smirked. “Hell, I think she just found her donut.”

“Time to close shop,” I said, pulling the cord on the curtain. Seeing that cold smile on the zombie’s face was giving me the creeps. It made me wonder if there was something actually going on up there.

Paige and Kristie stood back. As the curtain started to close, the zombie began to moan its frustration and slap at the glass with its one hand.

“That window isn’t going to break, is it?” asked Paige when I dropped the cord.

“No,” said Kristie. “It should hold up.” Her eyebrows furrowed. “Actually, maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to have your weapons within reach, girls.”

“I think we’ll be fine. That glass is pretty thick,” I said. “She’d have to throw something pretty heavy at it for it to break. I doubt she has enough sense to do something like that.”

The window slapping sound stopped.

Paige snorted. “Don’t give her any ideas, Cassie. I think she can hear us through that glass.”

“Even if she could, she’s not intelligent enough to do that,” I said. At least I hoped.

“Don’t underestimate those things,” said Paige..

Now, feeling nervous, I peeked through the curtain and watched as she shuffled away from the window and towards the steps. I winced as she missed them completely, landing on her face once again, this time in the grass.

I almost felt sorry for her.

She stood back up and turned around.

I closed the curtains quickly.

“What’s it doing?” asked Kristie.

“Leaving,” I said. “Hopefully.”

“Good,” replied Paige. “Maybe she’ll bother the neighbors and forget all about us.”

The neighbors.

I wondered if they’d all turned into zombies or if any of them were still around. It would have been devastating for my grandparents if they’d have had to shoot any of them on the way out of here. They’d been good friends with most of the people on their block.

“You know, I’m surprised we haven’t seen many survivors. What about you Kristie?” I asked turning towards her. “Did you run into any on the way back?”

She took out a tube of Chapstick and applied it to her lips. “No,” she said, putting the cover back on. “We haven’t seen much. Just Adria, that creep Travis, his driver, and your grandparent’s friends on the Saint Croix. Other than that, nobody else.”

“They really didn’t want to leave, huh?” I asked, still not liking the sound of that. If things weren’t so complicated, I’d try and talk them out of staying.

Kristie nodded. “Guess not. I wasn’t there, but they told Bryce they felt safer on the boat.”

I thought about the zombies entering the water and it made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. The possibility of it actually being tainted with blood was unsettling. “Well, I hope they have weapons.”

“Tom pulled a gun on Bryce,” replied Paige. “So I’d have to say so.”

I sighed.  “That’s good, I guess. I still wish they’d come back to Atlanta with us.”

Paige sat back down on the sofa and pulled her hair over her shoulder. “I know. I think Bryce may have told them about the hotel, so they can meet up with us if they change their mind.”

“Hey, are those headlights?” asked Kristie, opening the curtain again.

I stepped next to her. “I think so.” A rush of relief warmed my stomach as they grew closer. Although I knew the guys could pretty much take care of themselves, they weren’t superhuman. A bullet or even one wrong step when combating a zombie could prove deadly.

I looked outside as a large SUV stopped in front of the house. I could see Bryce in the passenger seat and I had to fight the urge to rush outside and throw my arms around him. With my luck that zombie that looked like Eva would be my demise.

“Thank God,” said Paige. “I thought they’d never get back here.”

“Missing Justice, Paige?” asked Nora.

Her eyebrows flew up. “No,” she protested. “Why would I miss him? I don’t even really know him.”

“Oh come on, we all saw the way you’ve been drooling over that guy,” she replied with a smirk. “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with it.”

Paige rolled her eyes. “Whatever, I haven’t been drooling over him.”

Kristie chuckled. “She’s definitely got it for Justice. Her voice even changes when she talks to him.”

Paige scowled. “What do you mean my voice changes?”

Kristie fluttered her eyelashes. “Justice,” she gushed. “I love that tattoo of the scorpion on your back. It’s so dreamy!”

“I didn’t say dreamy, I said cool,” snapped Paige. “Dreamy is like from the sixties.”

“Oh come on, since when have you thought scorpions were cool?” asked Kristie.

“Since Justice removed his shirt earlier,” teased Nora. “Ever since then she’s wanted to get stung.”

“That’s ridiculous,” replied Paige, crossing her arms under her chest.

“Oh, we’re just teasing,” said Kristie. “Lighten up.”

“Whatever,” she said. “I don’t think it’s funny.”

Kristie sighed.

Paige raised her chin. “Seriously, though, you guys have to admit, the tat was really cool.”

“It was,” I replied. It had been really cool but the sparkle in Paige’s eyes earlier hadn’t been from the tattoo. It was the guy under the ink.

Just then, the front door opened up and Tiny, Bryce, and Justice walked in.

“Well that was certainly a pain in the ass,” said Bryce, looking weary.

“Why? Did you guys run into some problems?” I asked as Tiny locked the door.

“You could say that,” replied Tiny, moving towards the window. “We were almost shot taking the Yukon that’s now parked in the alley. I think we lost them, but I don’t want to take any chances. Let’s get moving.”

“Who were they?” asked Kristie, looking out into the darkness nervously.

“Looters, I think,” said Tiny. “They took us by surprise after we located the keys for the SUV at one of the neighbor’s homes up the street. They chased us for a few miles until we finally lost them. That’s why it took us so long to get back here. You girls haven’t noticed anyone near the house, have you? A big white pickup?”

“No,” I said. “Unless they drove by without lights and we didn’t see them.”

Tiny rubbed his chin. “Well, like I said - let’s get packed and moving. Just in case.”

“I just don’t understand people,” said Kristie, frowning. “You’d think you’d want to ban together with people, not try and rob them.”

“How many were there?” I asked.

“Couldn’t tell,” said Bryce. “They started firing at us and we took off.”

“What happened?” asked Henry, stepping into the family room wearing the clean white button-down shirt. The other one had splattered blood from Travis and we’d burned it.

“Looters again,” I said. “The guys ran into some when they went out to search for a vehicle.”

He smoothed down his white hair and put on his Stetson. “You get them bastards?”

“No, but they almost got us,” replied Tiny, walking over to Henry. “You get much sleep?”

“Just rested my eyes some,” he replied, rubbing his lower back. “Feller like me can’t sleep too long with a herniated disk.”

“You need to take it easy,” said Tiny. “You’re always overdoing it.”

“No way around it when you’re trying to fight zombies and rescue people,” he replied, patting the pocket of his shirt. “Oh, hell, where’s my chew?”

“Forget the chew, why don’t we find something for the back pain? In fact, I think I have some aspirin,” said Kristie, walking over to her duffel bag.

He waved his hand. “Just keep them,” he said. “If I don’t feel the pain, I might mess it up even more.”

“You sure?” she asked, pulling out a bottle of pills. “I’ve got some right here.”

“If you really want to help my back, you’ll massage it,” he replied with a wide grin. “Haven’t had me a good back massage since the nursing home.”

“We don’t really have time, gramps,” said Tiny, frowning. “We need to get out of here and search for the girls.”

“I know,” he replied. “Obviously, my old bones can wait.”

“Don’t worry Henry, I’ll rub those old bones of yours later,” said Kristie, kissing him on the cheek.

His eyes twinkled. “Haven’t had me a kiss or a promise for some bone rubbin’ in a very long time. This is a good woman, Tiny. Better treat her well or I’m gonna steal her from you.”

Tiny put his arm around Kristie’s waist and brushed her lips with his. “Whatcha think, babe? Am I treating you good or do I need to step it up?”

She smiled grimly. “You find me those girls and there’s no higher step than that, Tiny.”

His face became serious. “I’m going to do everything in my power. I promise you that.”

“I know,” she replied, staring up at him. “And I have total faith that you will.”

“Damn right,” said Henry. “If we have to search the ends of the earth, we’ll find them.”

Ends of the earth.

His words made me shudder. The truth was they could be headed anywhere and it was going to take a miracle to find them. If they were still alive.

“You okay?” asked Bryce pulling me into his arms.

“Yeah. Just worried.” I closed my eyes and rested my cheek against his chest. As usual, his embrace gave me strength. “I’m just so glad you made it back to me.”

His kissed the top of my head. “Me too, Wild.”

I sighed. “I’m sorry.”

He pulled away and looked down into my eyes. “For what?”

“For coming here,” I replied softly. “If it wasn’t for me taking off like that, none of this would have happened. The girls would be safe, Luke would still be alive, and nobody would be missing.”

His eyes softened. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. Besides, if we wouldn’t have come looking for you, we wouldn’t have rescued Adria.”

“Yeah, but her life is in danger now,” I replied.

“Not as much as it was when she was on that boat in Stillwater. Another few seconds and she would have been zombie food if it wasn’t for Billie and Paige.”

“And now he’s kidnapped her. I just don’t get it.” I bit the side of my lower lip. “Where do you think he’s taken them?”

“Maybe back to Atlanta? What do you guys think?” he asked turning around.

“I think Atlanta is a pretty good assumption,” said Nora. “Heck, maybe he misunderstood us and thought we were all driving in separate vehicles.”

Paige snorted. “I doubt it.”

Nora’s face darkened. “Why do you have to be so pessimistic all the time?”

“I’m not. It’s just that there was only one vehicle here, so why would he think that we were all driving separate? It wouldn’t make any sense,” she countered.

“It wouldn’t make sense, but he also may have not been thinking clearly,” said Nora.

“You’re right. He may have been confused,” said Kristie. “Look at what had just happened before he walked out the door. If that wasn’t enough to drive someone a little off center, I don’t know what else could.”

Paige sighed. “Yeah. Maybe.”

“There are other things to consider,” said Bryce. “I hate to say this, but it’s also possible that someone else kidnapped Billie and the girls.”

Kristie’s eyes widened. “I didn’t even think of that.”

“I’m still going with my first gut feeling,” said Paige. “And if you ask me, I believe that Billie brought the girls back to the Mall Of America.”

“Why would he bring them back there?” asked Bryce.

Kristie sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Paige has this crazy notion that Travis is controlling Billie.”

Bryce’s eyebrows shot up. “How? Travis is dead. We moved his body outside, and I’m pretty sure it’s still there with a big hole in the center.”

“I’m sure it is still out there. That’s not what I meant,” said Paige, glaring at him.

“Then please explain,” said Bryce, folding his arms under his chest.

She noticed that all eyes were upon her, even Justice’s and smiled weakly. “Well, if he really is a demon, than he could have jumped into Billie’s body after the other one was destroyed.”

“You seriously think that Billie is being possessed by a demon?” asked Bryce, incredulously. He turned back to me. “What about you, Wild. Do you believe all of that stuff about demons and the ‘End of Days?”

“I don’t know,” I replied, staring down at my left boot. I bent down and tied laces. “I mean, we did see Travis do some crazy stuff.”

“Exactly,” said Paige. “And don’t forget about the earthquakes and the red lake water. Those were some of the signs that Billie mentioned. You know, in the ‘End of Days’.”

“He was just obsessed with that,” said Kristie. “And you were no help, Paige.”

“Well, he made some really good points,” she said.

“Excuse me but the lake water is pink,” corrected Bryce. “Not red.”

“Close enough,” said Paige, talking faster. “And don’t forget about the St. Croix, which was pink too, and the zombies wading around in it. I’ll bet they were attracted to the blood in the water.”

Nora grimaced. “Okay, that’s disturbing.”

“You weren’t there,” said Paige. “It was worse than disturbing.”

Bryce groaned loudly. “You can’t be serious? We’re back to that old theory again?”

“Now wait a second, I think Paige might be on to something,” said Henry.

We all turned to him in stunned silence. Henry was the last person to believe in anything supernatural.

“Don’t look at me like that. You have to admit, Travis used some kind of mind control with those zombies. And remember that ball of fire he threw at the church? Even the nuns were convinced that he was a demon.” He frowned. “No, I think Paige is on the right track and we need to high-tail it back to the mall before he kills that baby.”

Kristie’s eyes widened in horror. “Henry, you really think he’s planning on killing Adria?”

“It’s what he wants,” said Justice, speaking up for the first time. “Travis isn’t human. He had some kind of control over me that I still can’t explain. I think they’re absolutely right and Billie is being controlled by Travis.”

Tiny sighed. “Well, what do you think?” he asked, turning to Bryce. “It couldn’t hurt to check it out again.”

His lips curled under and then he sighed. “I guess we have too. I still don’t believe he’s possessed, but obviously we have to start somewhere.”

“I think you should start by having a more open mind, young feller,” chastised Henry. “It might end up saving your life.”

“He’s right,” I said, grabbing Bryce’s hand. “We all need to be ready for anything.”

“Wild,” he said, squeezing my fingers. “You’ve already taught me that lesson.”

I grinned.

Chapter Four

Allie and Kylie

“Retribution?” repeated Allie after Billie and the woman left. “What is he talking about?”

“Revenge,” said Kylie, who was now holding Adria.

“I know that. What I mean is ‘why’?”

“He’s obviously crazy.”

Allie stared down at the pizza with longing. “I’m so hungry. Maybe if we just had a few bites? To give us the energy to get out of this place.”

Kylie’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t you dare eat that; he’s trying to tempt us into helping him. Don’t give in.”

“I know,” Allie sighed, turning away from the food. She walked over to the bedroom window and looked out into the darkness. There was a tall wrought iron fence surrounding the house and six vehicles parked in the driveway below. Shortly after Billie had left the room, he’d taken off into the night with the seventh. “I just wish we could get out of here, before he returns from wherever he went.” She tapped her fingers on the window panel. “Too bad we’re so high up, or we could try climbing down.”

“Here,” said Kylie, moving towards her. “Take Adria for a while. I’m going to try and figure out a way out of here.”

Allie turned back around and took the baby, who was thankfully, still dry. She smiled down at Adria, who was sucking on her fingers. “Looks like wrapping that T-shirt around her bottom is working. She’s a lot happier now.”

“I know. I learned that in my babysitting class. Well, I learned about cloth diapers and this is close enough.”

They’d managed to find some old shirts in one of the dresser drawers and had tied one around Adria, like a cloth diaper.

Allie kissed her on the forehead. “You must be starving though, you poor little thing. I wish there was something we could give you.”

“Maybe you should give her some of that soda?” said Kylie, pointing to the cans sitting next to the pizza.

Her eyes widened. “That can’t be good for a baby. Didn’t you learn that in babysitting class?”

“Soda never came up. Look, we have nothing else and she’s going to be dangerously dehydrated.”

“I know, but soda?”

Kylie rubbed her eyes. “Well, I don’t know what else to do. If we don’t get something for her to drink and get the heck out of here, they’re going to kill us, one way or another.”

Allie bit her lower lip. “You really think Billie would hurt us?”

“You saw the way he was acting. Something’s definitely very wrong with him.” Kylie opened the bedroom window, removed the screen, and stuck her head out into the darkness.

“What are you doing?” asked Allie, nervously.

She looked back over her shoulder. “There’s an open window  a few feet away. It’s kind of small, but I think I might be able squeeze through it.”

“You’re actually going to crawl onto the roof?” gasped Allie. “What if you fall or someone sees you?”

“Don’t jinx me.” She stuck her leg out the window. “Just wish me luck.”

“Oh my God, be careful,” she replied, lowering her voice. “And… good luck.”

“Just be ready to go,” said Kylie, pulling her other leg out.

Allie moved over to the window and her heart pounded loudly in her chest as she watched Kylie crawl across the shingles in her baggy pink shorts. They’d both lost so much weight in the last few weeks that Kylie reminded her of a prisoner of war trying to escape.

“Be careful,” whispered Allie, terrified that she’d slip and go tumbling off of the roof. But Kylie had always been fearless and daring. She’d have made a good daredevil.

If anyone can do this successfully, she thought, it’s her.

When Kylie made it to the other window, she raised her head and peeked inside. A few seconds later, she turned back to Allie, giving her the thumbs up.

“Thank God,” whispered Allie, releasing a ragged breath as Kylie pulled the window open the rest of the way and removed the screen. She then watched as her lanky friend wiggled her way inside, head first. When Kylie was all the way in, Allie went to the bedroom door, with Adria, and waited on pins and needles.

“Oh my God,” groaned Kylie a few seconds later from the outside of the doorway. “I need a key to get it open!”

Allie’s heart sank. “Great. Now what are we going to do?”

“You are going to have to climb out of the window,” stated Kylie. “With Adria. It’s the only way.”

She stared down at the baby. “I can’t do that. What… what if I drop her?”

Kylie paused for several seconds. “Okay, I’m going to climb back outside and you can hand her to me.”

“Okay. Just hurry before someone catches you.”

“Yeah, I know,” replied Kylie. ‘Hang tight. I’ll be back in less than a minute.”

Allie walked back over to the window and waited nervously until Kylie climbed back out onto the roof and began crawling back. When she reached the window, Allie handed her Adria and then pulled herself out of the window. She looked down at the grass below and swallowed hard. “Um, so do you want me to take her?”

“No, I’ve got her. We just have to move slowly,” Kylie whispered, scooting back towards the other window as she clutched the baby.

Allie positioned herself below Kylie as they crept along the side of the roof and reached the window, which led to a small bathroom.

“Here, take Adria,” said Kylie, holding her out.

Allie grabbed the baby.

Kylie crawled back through the window, which looked incredibly small.

“I don’t know if I can fit through there,” said Allie, handing Adria to Kylie.

“You have to,” whispered Kylie.

“You could barely fit through it yourself, and you’re like a string bean.”

Kylie put Adria down on the floor and then turned back.  “Come on, I’ll help pull you through.”

Just then, Allie noticed a pair of headlights in the distance and began to panic. “Oh God… someone’s coming!”

Kylie grabbed her arm. “Get in here before they see you!”

Panicking, Allie wriggled her way through the window, wincing from the tight fit. “Crap.”

“Are you okay?” whispered Kylie, pulling her up from the tub, where she’d landed, head first.

“Yeah. Let’s just hurry up and get out of here.”

Kylie picked up Adria and they snuck out the door and down the hallway to the tall staircase leading to the foyer.

Allie stopped. “Wait, we can’t just go out the front door.  Whoever is out there will catch us.”

Before she could reply, the doorbell rang.

The girls ducked behind the banister above. A few seconds later, Billie walked into the house, followed by Jenny and a stranger.

Allie peaked over the railing quickly and then ducked back down, shocked to see a priest standing in the entryway.”

“So, where is the child?” asked the priest.

“We’ve locked her in a bedroom upstairs, with the other girls,” said Billie.

“When do you expect the gates to open?” he asked.

Kylie and Allie looked at each other.

Gates?

“Soon. Now that the hole has opened, it shouldn’t be very long. We need to bring the child there, now.”

The priest let out a rattling cough. When he was finished, he wiped his forehead with a handkerchief. “Excuse me.” He cleared his throat. “Could I get a drink of water before we return to the mall? I need to take my pills.”

“Sure, the kitchen is this way and there is some bottled water. Jenny, why don’t you prepare a bottle for the baby, so the girls will be more compliant,” replied Billie.

“Ah, a ‘Last Supper’,” replied the priest, chuckling in amusement as they walked down the hall. “How appropriate.”

Billie chuckled. “Isn’t it, though?”

After their footsteps faded, the girls fled down the staircase.

“I just can’t believe our escape was that easy,” whispered Kylie, as they opened the front door and snuck outside. “We are so lucky.”

“We haven’t escaped yet,” said Allie, feeling as if something scary was going to jump out of the darkness and attack them. Something much scarier than zombies.

“Come on,” said Kylie, who was still holding Adria. “Let’s see if the fence is locked.”

They ran past the parked cars and up to the wrought iron fence, which was about five-feet tall with dark pointy spikes.

Allie stopped at the doorway and tried pushing it open, but it was locked. “This is locked and I don’t know how to open it. I think we need a key. Crap, what in the heck do we do now?”

Kylie looked along the long fence line that wrapped around the estate, biting her lip nervously. “Maybe we could climb over it. It’s not that tall.”

“Seriously?” asked Allie. “There’s no way we can get over this thing without getting… impaled.”

“Well, what other choice do we have? Maybe we can find a ladder and use it to get over.”

“Maybe. First, let’s see if there’s another way out of here,” said Allie. “Come on.”

They followed the fence to the back of the house, past the flower beds and a tennis court. When they found the only other gated exit, it was also locked.

“Oh God,” moaned Kylie. “How are we going to get out of here?”

Before Allie could reply, several zombies staggered out of the woods and moved towards them.

“Oh my God,” squeaked Allie, stepping away from the gate. “They smell like a sewer!”

The zombies stumbled towards them, moaning and growling in anticipation. When the creatures made it to the fence, they tried reaching for them through the iron grates.

“Actually, I guess it’s good we didn’t get out that way,” said Kylie as they backed away from the fence.

Someone cleared their throat and both girls turned around in horror to find Billie staring down at them from the white garden gazebo in the center of the backyard.

“Crap,” mumbled Allie.

Billie, who was puffing on a cigar, blew out a cloud of smoke. The girls watched as an image appeared in the swirling mists; an image of a head with horns and a menacing smile.

Frightened, Allie and Kylie stepped closer to each other.

As the smoke dissipated, Billie smirked. “Let me guess, you needed some fresh air?”

Neither girl said anything.

Billie sighed and began walking down the wooden steps. “Did you honestly think I had no idea that you were eavesdropping when Father Brambati arrived? That you’d escaped? Oh… girls… What am I going to do with you?”

Adria’s lip went down and she began to cry.

Chapter Five

Cassie

We left a note for Billie, just in case he came to his senses and returned to the house. Then we all loaded into the Yukon. Tiny and Kristie sat in the front, I lodged in between Henry and Bryce in the second row, Paige and Justice sat in the third, and Nora crawled into the back cargo area.

“You going to be okay there?” asked Justice, looking back at Nora.

She looked around and nodded. “Yeah. I’ve got plenty of room.”

“Okay, but like I said before, I’d be more than happy to switch with you.”

“Your legs are a lot longer than mine,” she replied, yawning. “You’d be cramping up in no time. Anyway, I like it back here. I’m probably going to sleep on the way. I’ll need all the rest I can get if I’m going to kick Billie’s ass back to Atlanta.”

I laughed.

Smiling, she pushed her short dark hair back behind her ears.

“Do you miss your blue streaks?” I asked, noticing now that most of them were gone. For some reason, she’d cut her hair before we’d left, using my grandmother’s shears. I had a feeling she did it to keep her mind off of Billie, or maybe it was just the shock factor, since she’d always been kind of a rebel. It was now chin-length and made her look almost cute and perky, but I knew better than to tell her that. She’d probably shave it all off in horror.

She shrugged. “Not really.”

“I wish I would have been more daring back in school,” said Paige, glancing shyly at Justice’s eyebrow piercing. “Like, maybe have gotten some piercings or at least a tattoo.”

“You were a little too young for a tattoo,” said Kristie, over her shoulder. “I told you before that when you were eighteen, you could get one.”

Paige sighed. “Well, I guess that doesn’t help me now.”

“How old are you?” asked Justice.

“I just turned eighteen a few days ago.” She nodded towards me. “Same with Cassie.”

“Well, if things ever get back to normal, I might be able to still give you one,” he replied.

Paige raised her eyebrows. “Really?”

He smiled. “My cousin owned a tattoo shop and I had just finished my apprenticeship with him when the zombie outbreak hit.”

“What happened to your cousin?” she asked.

The smile fell. “Not really sure.”

Paige’s eyes widened. “Oh gosh, I’m sorry for bringing it up. That was… stupid.”

“Don’t worry about it. We all lost people. Besides, he was a pretty mean S.O.B. when he wanted to be. Chances are that if he didn’t get the flu shot, he’s still alive, beating the shit out of the undead.”

“Did he have any family, other than you?” she asked.

“His old lady and their new baby.”

“A baby?” Paige put her hand to her chest. “Oh, man, I hope they’re okay.”

He sighed. “Yeah, me too.”

I decided it might be a good time to change the subject. Death and babies were hitting it too close to home for all of us now. Especially with the current situation. I turned to Bryce. “I really like your tattoos,” I said, tracing my finger along one of the black dragons on his forearm. “I can’t believe the details. Whoever did it knew what they were doing. Um, when did you get them?”

“Got both of them after I graduated high school,” he said, looking down at his arms. “Kind of a graduation gift to myself.”

“Nice,” I replied.

He put his hand on my knee and squeezed it. “What about you, have you ever wanted one?”

“I thought about it, but never brought it up to my parents.”

“Why?” he asked.

I tilted my head to the side. “Come on, you met my dad. He wasn’t exactly open-minded about stuff like that.”

“He was a little over-protective, but something tells me that if you really would have wanted one, he would have caved.”

I smiled sadly. “Maybe.”

“Hey, we should both get one at the same time,” said Paige. “When things settle down.”

If things ever settled down. Everything seemed to be getting worse as time went on.

I licked my lips. “I don’t know. Does it hurt?”

Nora burst out laughing. “Wild, after everything you’ve been through, you’re worried about a little needle?”

My cheeks turned red. “I just hate needles.”

“It’s not that bad,” said Justice. “Well, obviously in some places the skin is much more sensitive.”

“You’ve got that right,” said Kristie. “I cried like a baby getting mine.”

Paige mumbled something and looked out the window.

“You have ink? Where?” asked Justice.

Kristie smiled.  “Well, it’s hidden.”

“Where is it?” asked Henry, coming to life. “On one of your bosoms?”

Paige rolled her eyes. “No. It’s on her back.”

Henry sat up straighter. “Oh, she get one of them there Tramp stamps?”

Tiny burst out laughing. “Damn right she did.”

Kristie reached over and slugged him in the shoulder.

“What?” he pouted. “I think it’s beautiful.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I just don’t like that term… ‘Tramp stamp’. I mean, I thought it was funny before, but now that I’ve gotten one, it’s irritating to hear the same jokes, over and over. My tattoo is a work of art… not a place to put your beer.”

Bryce and Justice burst out laughing.

Tiny struggled to keep a straight face.

Henry looked confused.

I glanced at Paige, who looked like she wanted to throw up and then crawl under the seat in front of her.

“Sorry, babe,” replied Tiny, slipping his hand behind her neck and then squeezing her shoulder. “You know I think you’re one of the classiest women on the planet.”

“Thank you,” she said, pulling her dark hair over to the side. “You’re forgiven.”

“I love tattoos on women,” said Henry. “Although the last one I saw was on Sally Mae, a friend of mine at the nursing home. Her tattoo was supposed to be a clover-leaf, but damn if it didn’t look more like a bean-stock. Course, the thing must have grown over fifty years.”

Tiny laughed and started the engine.

Paige rubbed her forehead. “God, I’m not going to even ask where that was located.” She turned to Justice. “So did your cousin do your back?”

“Yeah.”

“It looks really good,” replied Paige, her cheeks turning pink as her eyes met his. “The tattoo, I mean.”

He grinned. “Thanks.”

“She really means your back,” chirped in Nora.

Paige clenched her teeth. “Would you just quit already?”

Nora laughed.

“Girls, take it easy back there,” said Kristie.

“Yeah,” teased Bryce. “You’re going to embarrass Justice. You know, us guys don’t appreciate being treated like sex objects. It just isn’t right.”

“Speak for yourself,” said Henry.

This time we all laughed.

As we drove around the block, Tiny glanced back at us. “Everyone keep your eyes peeled for headlights. We don’t want to run into those jerks in the truck again.”

I reached down and touched the crowbar by my feet, making sure that I hadn’t forgotten it. I’d run out of gun ammunition, although fortunately, the guys still had a few rounds. I didn’t really care though; I was beginning to prefer hand-to-hand combat when it came to the zombies. The living, however, well they were a different story. “You have your gun, right?” I asked Bryce.

He nodded. “Yeah, I also brought one for you. Don’t worry, we’ll get more ammunition. I want you to have a loaded gun whenever possible.”

I stared out into the darkness. “Good luck finding any.”

“We’re going to check out the police station in Saint Paul. They must have ammunition there. Who knows, maybe we’ll even find more survivors,” he replied. “Ones that still protect and serve.”

“That’s a great idea,” said Kristie. “I can’t believe we didn’t think of that before.”

“If there are any guns or ammunition, I’m sure they’ve been stolen,” said Tiny. “But it’s still worth a shot, anyway.”

“What time is it?” I asked.

“It’s almost four in the morning,” replied Kristie as she turned on the radio and began to scroll through static.

My eyes widened. “Wow, I had no idea it was that late. You guys were gone for longer than I thought.”

“It was those bastards in the truck,” said Tiny, turning towards the road that wrapped around the lake. “It took a long time to lose them. Too long. There was no getting around it though. Couldn’t have them following us back to you guys.”

“I know,” I replied, biting my thumb nail. “I’m just so worried about the girls.”

Bryce patted my knee. “It’ll be okay.”

Tiny looked into the rearview mirror and swore.

I turned around.

Headlights.

“Shit,” said Bryce. “I think that’s them. Everyone keep your heads down.”

I hunched down with the others while Tiny accelerated.

“What in the hell is wrong with these guys?” cried Kristie. “Don’t they know we’re on the same side?”

“Obviously, we’re not on the same side, babe,” said Tiny. He frowned. “Oh yeah, that’s the pickup alright.”

The sound of gunshots exploded from behind.

“Are you freaken kidding me?!” hollered Nora.

I turned to look back at her. “Oh my God, are you okay?”

“Yeah.”

“Should we fire back?” asked Justice.

“Not yet,” said Tiny. “Hold on.”

Tiny turned a corner quickly and the tires squealed in protest.

“Oh my God,” moaned Kristie, as another bullet hit the SUV. “Is everyone okay?”

“Screw this shit,” said Nora. “Hand me a gun!”

“No,” said Bryce. “Just stay down.”

“Easy for you to say, I’m the one closest to the bullets!” she hollered.

The back window blew out from the next round of bullets and Nora screamed as the glass shattered all around her.

“Oh my God!” yelled Kristie. “Are you okay, Nora?”

“I’m not dead… yet! Someone, give me a gun now!” she growled. “Come on!”

“Stay down, Nora,” ordered Justice as he crawled into the back and began firing his gun through the broken window.

Noticing that we were firing back, the truck slowed and putting more distance between us.

“They’re hanging back. Nora, why don’t you climb over and get next to Paige,” said Justice.

Nora crawled over the seat swearing. “My hand’s bleeding from the glass,” she said, clenching her teeth. Wincing, she pulled out a piece of glass. “Does anyone have a rag or something?”

“Here,” said Bryce, removing his T-shirt. He threw it at her and she wrapped it around her hand.

“Thanks. Dammit, if I get my hands on the person that did this, he’s going to need more than a bandage to stop the blood,” she muttered.

We pulled onto the highway. “Let’s see how far they’re meaning to go with this,” said Tiny.

I looked back. Sure enough, the white pickup turned onto the highway too. They weren’t giving up.

.

Chapter Six

Allie and Kylie

Billie walked towards them. “Girls, girls, girls… there is no escaping me, haven’t you figured that out yet?”

Kylie tightened her hold on Adria, who was staring up with frightened eyes. “Please, Billie, just let us go. We’ve never done anything to you.”

“Still think I’m Billie, huh?” He took another puff of his cigar. “Tell me, where does your faith lie?”

“What do you mean?” asked Allie.

“Who do you serve?”

“You’re asking us if we serve God, right?” asked Kylie, getting angry. “Obviously, I’m on his side. What does that have to do with anything, Billie?”

“Just curious. What about you?” he asked, turning to Allie who stared at him in fear. “Do you feel the same way?”

“Yes.”

“Really?” His eyes bore into hers. “You mean to tell me that you would love a God who has allowed all of this death and destruction without so much as offering a helping hand?”

Her eyes widened. “I-…”

He raised his voice. “A God who allowed your parents to be struck down so viciously? Does that sound like someone who has your back or cares what happens to you?”

“Don’t listen to him, Allie,” said Kylie. “He’s trying to confuse you.”

“The only thing confusing is why the planet has gone to piss and he,” he wrinkled his nose, “hasn’t raised one finger to help any of you.”

Kylie raised her chin. “Maybe he has and we just don’t know it.”

“Or, maybe this was his plan all along. Maybe, he’s taken all of his favorites and has turned his back on the rest of you. I mean, if you really take a look at the big picture, it makes much more sense. He has certainly taken more souls than what has been left behind.”

“No,” said Kylie, her face paling. “I don’t believe that.”

He smiled darkly. “Come on now. Deep inside, you’re beginning to have doubts.”

“You’re just trying to mess with our minds. To try and get us to do what  you want,” said Kylie.

He snorted. “Pfft, I can already do that. But, I have to admit, you girls impress me. Your spunk and will to survive is very admirable. Qualities that shouldn’t be ignored.” He pointed his thumb up towards the sky. “Too bad someone else doesn’t appreciate you like I do.”

Neither girl said anything.

Lightening lit up the sky in the distance followed by a low roll of thunder.

“Here comes the rain again,” sang Billie as the drops began. He raised his palms up as it began to pour and tilted his face towards the moon. “Tears from the sky!” he hollered, grinning. “Excuse me while I relish this.”

“Creepy,” mumbled Allie as she and Kylie took cover by the side of the gazebo.

Still standing in the rain, he wiped his face with his hand and looked over at them. “Girls, we’re going for a ride!”

Allie and Kylie looked at each other.

“Don’t even think about trying to escape,” he said. “It will never happen. Just face it.”

“Where are you taking us?” asked Kylie.

He walked over and leaned against the side of the Gazebo. “Well, now, it’s a surprise.”

“We’re tired of surprises,” muttered Allie.

“Oh, I’m pretty sure you won’t want to miss this one. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen.”

The girls stepped back.

“Don’t be frightened, now,” he said. “Jenny has prepared a bottle of formula for the baby and we have a guest who’s going to be joining us. Father Brambati.”

“Is he really a priest?” asked Allie.

“Of course he is,” replied Billie, tossing his soggy cigar onto the grass.

Kylie’s eyes narrowed. “You forget, but we heard what you said - about sacrificing Adria. A real priest wouldn’t allow it.”

He studied her quietly in the darkness and then smiled. “Actually, I only said that because I knew you were listening. I was pissed that you were trying to escape. I didn’t mean it.”

“You didn’t?” asked Kylie, in disbelief.

His eyes widened. “Sacrificing a baby? What kind of a person do you think I am? Now, if you want to know the truth, we’re taking you back to your family. It was Father Brambati’s suggestion. He actually helped me come to my senses, can you believe it? I have to admit, I haven’t been thinking clearly the last few days.”

“You are now though?” cried Allie, feeling relieved. “Really?”

A louder boom of thunder caused both girls to squeal.

Billie frowned. “The storm is going to get worse. We’d better leave.”

Kylie and Allie looked at each other nervously again.

“Well? You coming,” he asked, walking away from them and back towards the house.

“What should we do?” asked Allie.

“I don’t know if I really trust him,” replied Kylie.

Allie sighed. “You know what? Me neither, but, for some reason, I kind of feel that going with him is the right thing to do.”

Kylie nodded. “I know. Strange but, me too.”

They both looked at the baby who was sucking noisily on her fingers again.

“Don’t worry,” said Allie, touching the baby’s soft hair. “We won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Adria lowered her head against Kylie’s shoulder and closed her eyes.

Chapter Seven

Cassie

The truck continued to follow us as we entered Saint Paul.

“What are we going to do?” asked Kristie, looking back. “Just let them follow us all the way to the Mall Of America? See if they’ll join us for breakfast?”

“I think we should feed them to the zombies for breakfast,” sneered Nora. “Dirt-bags.”

“Actually,” said Tiny, tapping his thumbs on the steering wheel. “I have a better idea.”

“I hope so,” answered Kristie.

I glanced back at the lights, wondering why we were so important to the people in the truck. If they were only trying to steal from us, and now knew that we were armed, why wouldn’t they just go to an easier target?

As if reading my thoughts, Bryce leaned over. “Don’t worry, we’ll pull through this. We always do.” He looked back. “I swear, some people are just plain assholes.”

I stared at his shadowed profile, thankful that we were facing this together. His strength and confidence helped put me at ease. “They’ve got to know there are more of us than them. Why are they so gung-ho on chasing us like this? I just don’t get it. Especially after knowing now that we’re armed.”

Our eyes met again. As usual, I could feel myself blush under his scrutiny.

His blue eyes traveled to my cheeks and he grinned. “Hold still.” Raising his fingers, he removed a stray lash from under my right eye. “In answer to your question, they’re obviously nuts. Don’t think too hard about it. We’ll be rid of them soon. Either they’ll get tired of trailing us or, there will be some kind of standoff. Obviously, we’ll win.”

“Obviously,” I repeated, smiling at his cockiness.

Henry grunted. “I say we just pull over to the side of the road and have it out with the sons-of-bitches right now. Quit playing cat and mouse.”

“That’s too dangerous,” said Tiny.

“Well, from the look of things, we’re going to have to face them sooner or later,” he replied. “I’d rather do it now. Get it over with before I keel over and you have one less gunner.’”

Tiny turned on the windshield wipers as the rain began once again. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got a plan.”

“So you said before. Well, I hope this plan involves some serious shooting, because my trigger finger is getting itchy,” said Henry, curling and uncurling his right hand. “And I tell you what, if anyone deserves a cap in their ass, it’s those fools.”

I ginned. “A cap in their ass?”

He nodded. “Damn right. Firing at us like that. We’ve got women and children in this truck. Hell, at least the zombies attack for good reason- they’re hungry. The rest of these yahoos are just doing it for kicks.”

Tiny pulled off the highway.

“Uh, where are you going?” asked Kristie, tensing up.

“Police station,” he said. “We need more ammunition and maybe we’ll get lucky and find some actual help.”

“They’re still following,” said Justice.

“Yeah, but they’re keeping their distance. I’m going to try and lose them,” said Tiny looking into his rearview mirror. “Everyone hold on.”

Kristie sucked in her breath. “Oh Lord.”

He turned a corner and then weaved through a couple of abandoned cars. When he reached the next corner, he took it sharp, and then floored it to the next street.

I looked back as he turned again and noticed the other vehicle still trying to keep up.

“Keep at it!” called Justice from the back. “A few more turns and we might get lucky.”

“Turn off the lights,” said Bryce.

“I can barely see as it is with the rain, but what the hell,” said Tiny, shutting them off.  “Danger is my middle name.”

A few turns later, we lost them.

“Good job,” said Bryce.

“See,” said Tiny, grinning back at us in the rearview mirror. “Didn’t I tell you? My plans work, Dawg.”

“They’re obviously not too far away, so don’t go celebrating just yet,” scoffed Henry. “Dawg.”

“Tiny, do you know where the nearest police station even is?” I asked.

He glanced at me through the rearview mirror. “Not exactly. Fortunately, I’ve never had to deal with the police in this state.”

“Turn left up there,” said Bryce. “We’re only a few miles away. I’ll give you directions.”

“Oh, and you’ve been there?” I asked.

He smiled. “Yeah.”

My eyes narrowed. “Why?”

Wouldn’t you like to know?” he teased.

I cocked an eyebrow. “What kind of a question is that? Why?”

He chuckled. “Relax. Just a couple of speeding tickets. My motorcycle has a mind of its own.” His face grew solemn. “Or at least it did.”

I reached down and squeezed his hand. “You miss your bike, don’t you?”

“I miss a lot of things,” he replied.

“Me too,” I said. “More than anything… I miss a normal life. One with my parents and sister.”

He pouted.

“And you,” I said, elbowing him playfully in the stomach. “A normal life with you, my family, and all of our friends.”

“You got that right,” said Kristie. “A normal life without zombies or assholes in white pickup trucks.”

“Speaking of,” said Tiny. “You guys keep your eyes peeled. Just in case. Hey, you getting wet from the rain back there, Justice?”

“A little. But I won’t melt.”

“Good. How’s your hand doing, Nora?” asked Tiny.

“It’s okay,” she said. “It’s still bleeding, but I’ll live.”

“Good.” Tiny turned left as we all watched uneasily for the headlights while Bryce continued giving directions. When we finally reached the police station, there were three squad cars parked in the back lot, along with a few regular ones. The building, unfortunately, was dark like the rest of the city, and didn’t look very promising.

“It looks pretty empty,” said Kristie, craning her neck as we drove around the building. “Otherwise wouldn’t there be lights somewhere? I’m sure they’d have had to have a backup generator.”

“Even if this place is inhabited, I’m guessing they’d be conserving energy,” said Tiny. “Especially this late at night.”

As we pulled into the parking lot, I noticed a couple of familiar shadows lumbering around the garbage dumpsters. As soon as they noticed us, the zombies turned and began shuffling our way in earnest.

Frowning, Tiny backed up the SUV until the fender was up against a tall metal fence. “There, this should make it harder for any of those bastards to get in through that broken window.”

Kristie’s forehead wrinkled. “Well, let’s hope. There’s still a little clearance.”

“It will be fine,” replied Tiny.

The zombies approached the SUV in the rain, their gaunt faces slick with water. If anything, I thought they looked even more gruesome.

“I suppose we should take these two out,” said Tiny.

“I’ve got ‘em,” said Justice. He climbed out of the back window holding a baseball bat and charged after them.

“Be careful, Justice!” hollered Paige.

“See what I mean?” said Kristie. “If a big kid like him can get out, they can certainly get in.”

“He still had to inch his way out. The zombies aren’t going to figure out how to maneuver their way in,” replied Tiny.

“Let’s hope not,” she said.

“Uh, you guys better get out there and help Justice,” said Paige, watching as several more zombies rounded the corner of the precinct.

Tiny pulled a gun out of the glove compartment, stuck it into his jeans and then grabbed a wooden mallet sitting by Kristie’s feet. “After we take care of these guys, you should be just fine waiting for us out here.” He looked back. “Hey, you coming, Gramps? I’m sure you need to stretch out your legs and relieve some pressure in your back.”

Henry didn’t answer, he was sleeping.

I picked up the crowbar. “He’s out cold.”

“Whoa, what are you doing?” asked Bryce.

I nodded towards the building. “What does it look like I’m doing? You need my help.”

He touched my arm. “Oh no… you stay out here with the girls. Tiny, Justice, and I can handle this on our own.”

I raised my eyebrows. “You don’t know exactly what’s in there. There could be a dozen zombies wandering around.”

“Even better that you stay out here,” he said.

“Look,” I said, clenching my teeth. “I think I’ve proven time-and-time again that I’m not a liability, Bryce. Don’t start getting all macho on me again…”

“Cassie, why don’t you just stay out here with us,” said Kristie. “I seriously think the three of them can handle it.”

“Actually, I think we should all go inside the station,” said Paige, biting her lip as Justice dislodged the bat from one of the zombie’s crushed skulls and then aimed it towards another. “What if those guys in the pickup somehow find us?”

“I hope they do,” said Nora, removing Bryce’s shirt from her hand. Seeing more blood seep out of the largest cut, she grimaced. “So I can thank them personally for this.”

“Honestly, the chances of those guys finding us are pretty slim,” replied Bryce. “I’m sure you’ll all be safer out here in the SUV.” He held out his gun to me. “Especially, if you’re armed with this.”

“Fine,” I said stiffly, taking it.

“Gross,” muttered Kristie, as a male zombie, most of his jaw exposed, began stroking the window with his tongue. “God, do they honestly think if they keep licking the glass like that, they’ll get to us?”

“Uh, someone better get out there,” reminded Paige, as three more zombies surrounded Justice. “Hurry up, you guys!”

“Paige is right, we’d better take care of these guys before they attract even more attention,” said Tiny. He opened the door and joined a very winded Justice.

“Be careful!” cried Kristie as Tiny raised the mallet and charged the nearest zombie.

“Actually, Bryce, I think they could both use a little help out there,” said Nora, wincing as Justice tripped over one of the zombies on the cement and landed on his back. Another leaped on top of him and tried gnashing at his face with her teeth. She was tall, at least six feet, and carried a lot of weight, especially for a zombie.

“You’re underestimating them,” answered Bryce. “Hell, Tiny lives for this stuff. He’s a wrestler and enjoys the challenge. Let him have some fun before I get out there and finish the rest of these guys.

I couldn’t help but snort.

“Maybe so, but I don’t think Justice is having fun with that Amazon woman,” replied Paige, chewing on her lip.

Scowling, Justice tried flipping the zombie off of him, but her weight was too much, even for a muscular guy like him.

“Tiny! Help Justice!” hollered Paige.

Tiny, cursing loudly ran over to Justice, picked up the zombie as is she weighed nothing more than a pencil, and tossed her into the garbage dumpster.

“Nice,” chuckled Kristie.

Tiny smiled cockily and flexed his muscles.

“Mm…. mm… mm…” said Kristie. She blew him a kiss. “What a man.”

“Wild, you know, I’m not doing this to piss you off,” said Bryce, opening up his door. “Just remember that.”

“I know exactly what you’re doing,” I said, annoyed. “Trying to protect me when I don’t need it.”

Another zombie, an older fellow with dark skin and a missing upper lip, staggered over towards Bryce, his arms outstretched. Before the creature could get too close, his face met with Bryce’s right foot and he toppled backwards.

“Is that such a bad thing?” he asked, holding the zombie down with the heel of his boot. He reached down and stabbed him in the forehead. “Protecting someone I care about?”

“It is when I could be helping you.”

He wiped his knife on the zombie’s shirt and then pointed towards Paige and Nora. “They need protection too, Wild. Nora’s hand is messed up and Paige, well…”

Paige’s, head whipped around. “Excuse me? Paige is what?”

He smirked. “Not exactly trained in self-defense.”

She raised her bat. “You want to put those words to the test, karate man?”

Bryce laughed. “No. Anyway, Wild, you know what I mean.”

Before I could answer, another small group of zombies headed towards us, growling like a pack of dogs.

“Stay inside,” ordered Bryce. He slammed the door to the SUV and began moving towards the new zombies.

“Do you ever get tired of him bossing you around?” asked Nora.

I watched Bryce as he kicked and sliced the zombies effortlessly, admiring the way his muscles flexed and glistened in the rain. Even with lack of food and nutrition, he was still pretty ripped and made my insides tingle. “Sometimes, but,” I smirked, “tell you the truth; I can’t say that I don’t mind watching him fight either.”

“Amen, girl,” said Kristie, reaching back to high-five me. “They do put on a good show. The only thing missing is popcorn.”

Nora rolled her eyes as I slapped Kristie’s hand.

“He’d better watch out for that one,” said Paige, pointing to another zombie that was growling and rushing towards Bryce.

“He’ll be fine,” said Kristie.

I watched as Bryce leaped into the air and kicked the zombie in the chin, sending it skidding across the wet cement. Relentless, it got back up and tried attacking again. Before I could even blink, Bryce threw a knife, hitting the zombie in his left eye. It fell backwards and this time stayed motionless.

Bryce turned around and our eyes met.

Smiling, I blew him a kiss and he wiggled his eyebrow before rushing after another zombie.

Nora grunted. “Wow, such a romantic group we have here.”

Nobody said anything. I certainly didn’t, because I knew that deep inside, she was still hurting and pining for Billie.

When the guys were finished killing the last of the zombies, Bryce jogged over, opened my door, and leaned inside.

“What are you doing?” I asked, staring into his eyes.

“I need some luck,” he said, tilting his head. He slid his hand behind my neck and I smiled as his lips pressed against mine.

I opened my mouth to his, wishing we were alone, that things were different. Then, just as quickly as it began, he pulled away, ending it

“Don’t worry, we’ll finish this later,” he whispered, his breath warm on my face.

I sighed. “I hope sooner than later.”

He kissed the corner of my mouth. “Me too.”

“You’d better get out there before they leave without you,” said Paige.

He nodded. “I know. Look, if something happens out here, or if those guys do show up, lay on the horn.”

“Okay,” I said.

“And worst case scenario, if we get separated, go to the MOA and wait for us in the parking lot by the main entrance. Between Macy’s and Bloomingdales.”

“If we get separated?” I asked.

He smirked. “Like that’s going to happen

He kissed me quickly again and then slammed the door.

I watched as he joined the other two and felt a sudden pang of dread in the pit of my stomach as the rain began to pour harder.

***

Bryce followed Tiny and Justice into the cop station. Fortunately, they lobby was clear when they entered, but the familiar rank of the undead was everywhere.

“We’ve got zombies somewhere,” whispered Tiny. “Let’s check out the back rooms. Try and find where they keep the weapons.”

“Never thought I’d enter one of these places voluntarily,” said Justice in a low voice.

“I hear you, brother,” replied Tiny.

Justice stepped over a couple of gutted rats and grimaced. “Nasty.”

Bryce snorted. “You’ve been surrounded by zombies and a few dead rats bother you?”

“Well, we used to have an infestation at my cousin’s shop. Rat shit everywhere, it was disgusting. Still hate the little bastards, dead or alive.”

“Good thing they don’t come back as zombies,” said Bryce. “You’d never sleep again.”

“No shit,” he replied.

Bryce swatted at a large spider web. He hated spiders, even more than rodents. “So, what freaks you out, Tiny?”

“A plus on a pregnancy test,” he replied, as they walked through a door marked “Employees Only”.

Justice and Bryce laughed.

“Either of you ever have any trouble with the law?”

“DUI once,” said Tiny. “After my bachelor party.”

Justice’s eyes widened. “You drove after your bachelor party?”

“I know- stupid. My bride-to-be threw a fit that night and I obviously wasn’t in the right state of mine. I drove over to her place to calm her down and was nabbed.”

“That’s a bummer,” said Justice.

“Tell me about it,” he replied. “To make things worse, I caught her cheating on me with another wrestler a couple months after we were hitched.”

“Did you kick his ass?” asked Justice.

“I wanted to at the time, believe me. He certainly got his in the end though.”

“How so?” asked Bryce.

Tiny smiled grimly. “Well, he knocked her up right after our divorce and they ended up getting married.  She ended up cheating on him, too, after the baby was born. They split and he’s had to pay child support for the last ten years. Or was paying.”

“Wow, you lucked out. At least you caught her before you had a kid together,” said Justice.

“Exactly.”

“Shit,” said Bryce, walking into a room that was clearly the station’s weapons area. “Looks like someone already beat us here.”

All of the gun safes were open and cleared out.

Tiny inspected the rest of the room. “Dammit, what a waste of time.” He sighed and scratched his head. “Well, deep down I kind of had a feeling we weren’t going to find much. Had to at least try though.”

“Hey,” said Justice, holding up a blue shirt wrapped in plastic. “You could probably use one of these.”

Bryce grabbed the shirt, ripped it out of the package, and put it on. “It’s a little big,” he said, buttoning it. “But it will work.”

“It’s better than taunting the zombies with your man meat,” said Tiny.

Bryce shook his head and smiled. “That’s sick.”

“Hell, I’m not talking about your Johnson,” snorted Tiny. “But think about it, we’re not the highest carnivores on the food chain anymore. Man meat is in high demand, so don’t advertise what’s on the menu, unless of course, it’s your wedding night.”

Bryce grinned.

“Speaking of,” said Justice as two zombies lumbered into the room, both foaming at the mouth.

“Don’t waste bullets,” reminded Tiny, advancing on the first zombie.

Justice grabbed a nightstick that had been abandoned and went after the second one. With a swift hard jab, he shoved it into the zombie’s decayed skull and then kicked its corpse to the ground.

“Good job,” said Tiny, retrieving his knife from the other zombie’s brain.

A horn began to blare from outside of the building.

“Shit,” snapped Bryce.

The three men flew out of the room and towards the exit.

Chapter Eight

Allie and Kylie

The girls rode in the back of a black limousine with the priest and Billie, who stared at them with a tense look on his face. It was still dark outside and the rain was coming down in sheets.

“Have either of you ever been in a limo before?” asked the priest, clasping his hands onto his lap. Where Billie looked ready to jump out of the limo, Father Brambati appeared relaxed.

Still frightened and confused at what was happening, both girls said nothing, only shook their heads.

He smiled warmly. “Well, who would have thought that your first ride would be during such dark times? Maybe this is a sign of much better things to come.”

“Oh, mark my words, times will be better,” said Billie.

“Why?” asked Kylie, staring at him.

“They have to get better,” replied Billie, who was holding some kind of stress ball in his hand, squeezing and unsqueezing it. “Don’t you think?”

“Every time I think they’re going to get better,” muttered Allie, “worse things happen. Like getting kidnapped.”

“Come now,” said Billie, tapping his foot now. “I told you that you’d be reunited with your sister very soon.”

I’ll believe it when I see it, she thought. Right now she still didn’t trust anything he was dishing out. Plus, he looked like he was ready to freak out any minute, especially when he looked at Adria.

“How’s she doing?” asked Father Brambati, nodding towards the baby.

Kylie, who was holding her, stared down into her face. “She’s sleeping.”

“She certainly needed that bottle,” he replied. “You’ll have to thank Jenny when we get to the mall.”

Jenny was up in the front with the limo driver, a burly guy who was bald and had plates in his ears and tattoos around his neck.

“So, you’re really a priest?” asked Allie.

Father Brambati smiled again. “Yes.”

“Where are you from?”

“Israel. Well, I’ve lived there for the last fifteen years. I’m originally from California.”

Kylie’s eyes widened. “Israel? But you’re a priest. I thought most of the people there were either Jewish or Islamic.”

He nodded. “Yes, but there are also those who are practicing Christians as well.”

“Where you in Israel when the zombies first showed up?” asked Allie.

He nodded and began coughing. “Sorry,” he said, pulling out a tissue. “Yes, I was in Israel when the epidemic struck. Fortunately, I was able to fly back over to the United States with a couple members of my church right before they shut down the airports.”

“Was it as bad there as it was here?” asked Kylie.

“I left before it became too bad, but yes, the zombies have infested every country in the world. There is no escaping them.”

Allie studied the priest intently, wondering why he had decided to come back to the U.S. “Why did you come back here? For family?”

Father Brambati glanced at Billie and smiled. “You could say that.”

“Are you okay, Billie?” asked Kylie.

Billie, who was obviously agitated, forced a smile. “I’m fine.”

“Would you like some water?” asked Father Brambati, now looking concerned. He leaned forward and grabbed a bottle out of the small refrigerator. “It might help.”

“We just need to get to the damn mall,” he said, eyeing Adria.

“You don’t look so good,” said Allie, noticing that he was now as white as a ghost and beginning to sweat.

“Here,” said Father Brambati, handing him a box of tissues. “You’re sweating.”

Billie blotted his forehead. “What’s taking them so damn long to get us there?”

“We should be there soon,” said the priest, glancing out the window. “I suppose with the rain, it’s making it harder to see.”

Billie turned around and knocked on the window separating them from the driver.

The window opened. “Yes?” asked the driver.

“Step on it,” ordered Billie. “Nobody’s going to give you a ticket.”

“It’s not easy maneuvering this thing with the rain. The abandoned cars and zombies aren’t making it much easier either,” replied the man, looking at him through the rear-view mirror.

Billie scowled. “I don’t want to hear the excuses. Just get us there as fast as possible.”

“Yes sir,” he replied.

Billie turned back around and loosened the collar of the white dress shirt he wore under his black suit coat.

“Are you going to be okay?” asked the priest.

“I will as soon as I get out of this tuna can,” he grumbled.

“Have you ever gotten carsick before?” asked Allie.

His eyes shifted back to Adria. “No, but something tells me it’s not the car making me ill.” He turned and rolled down the window next to his seat. Some of the rain made it into the car, but Billie ignored it. “Just need some fresh air…”

Allie and Kylie looked at each other and then to the baby, who was still sleeping contently.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the mall and the driver pulled into the parking lot, where another couple waited.

Billie got out first. “Bring them to the hole,” he ordered the strangers.

“What hole?” gasped Kylie.

Billie didn’t answer. He walked into the mall, muttering under his breath.

“Don’t worry,” said Father Brambati, smiling reassuringly. “From what I hear, your families will be arriving soon and you can all be reunited. For now, let’s go visit that amusement park you kids seem to enjoy. The one at the center of the mall.”

“It’s closed,” mumbled Allie. “I doubt there’s anything enjoyable about that place anymore.”

“It depends on who you ask,” replied the priest with a glint in his eye.

Chapter Nine

Cassie

The guys had entered the police station apparently without any difficulty. In fact, they walked right into the back door, which made me wonder if we were just wasting our time.

“I wonder if they’ll find any guns or ammunition,” said Paige, staring into the darkness. We’d switched places with Kristie and now both of us were sitting in the front and she was in the very back, smoking a cigarette and blowing out the smoke through the broken window.

“If there are any survivors left in the city, then surely they’d be confiscating guns from the police departments,” I said, putting my head back on the driver’s seat.

She stared at her toes, which were on the dashboard and sighed. “My nail polish looks horrible. Does anyone have any polish?”

I tilted my head. “Seriously?”

“What, worried that Justice will think your chipped piggy toe is ugly?” taunted Nora.

Paige turned around and frowned. “No, I don’t care what Justice thinks. I’m just… bored.”

Kristie put her cigarette out. “Most guys don’t look at anything below your chest anyway, Paige. Ask Henry.”

I glanced over at Henry. He was still snoring softly.

Paige’s face was red. “Oh my God. Would you guys just stop already. I don’t care what Justice thinks.”

Her mother smirked. “Right.”

Paige glanced at me and lowered her voice. “Do you think he’s been looking at my chest?”

I burst out laughing.

“He’d better not be,” said Kristie, moving behind us. “Or I’ll slap him silly.”

Paige rolled her eyes. “God, mom… I can pretty much guarantee that he’s not checking me out. He probably sees me as a younger sister or… something.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” I said, twirling a piece of hair around my finger. “I saw him checking you out earlier today.”

Her eyes widened. “You did?”

I’d actually seen him staring at her a few times, but with everything going on, I’d forgotten to mention it. “Oh yeah. I think he likes you.”

She blushed. “Shut up!”

“Yeah, shut up,” said Kristie. “The last thing I need is to worry about Paige and Justice.”

“God, I’m eighteen years old,” said Paige. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

Kristie leaned over our shoulders. “Sorry, but I’m a mother and the worry doesn’t stop when your kids reach eighteen.”

“I think we have a lot more things to worry about then Justice, you guys,” said Nora from the back.

I looked out the front window, but didn’t see anything. Not even a zombie.

“Behind us,” said Nora.

“Oh shit,” muttered Kristie.

I turned around and was surprised to see a policeman, walking towards us, his gun raised.

“This is good,” said Paige. “Right?”

“You’d think,” I whispered.

The cop, a tall, thin man with a dark moustache, stopped behind us, on the other side of the fence. He had on a blue uniform and a hat. “What are you people doing out here?” he hollered in the rain.

“Looking for help!” yelled Kristie.

He looked around the block and then turned back to us. “You all here alone?”

“No!” said Kristie. “We have some friends who are in the station, looking for help. Can you help us?”

Before he could answer, a pair of headlights turned the corner behind him.

“Oh, shit,” muttered Nora.

It was the truck that had been following us!

It stopped several feet from the cop and our SUV, lighting up both of us with its high-beams.

Scowling, the cop turned towards the truck and motioned for the driver to turn off the headlights. Instead, whoever was inside, revved up the engine, and ignored his request.

Kristie frowned.  “What in the hell?”

The police officer raised his hands in the air again, waving at the truck, but the driver continued to ignore him, clearly annoying the cop.

“Dammit,” muttered the cop. “This is ridiculous.”

Paige turned to me. “Uh, maybe you should honk the-”

Before she could finish, the driver of the white truck punched the gas. Its tires squealed as it launched towards the cop and our SUV while we all watched in stunned horror.

“No!” screamed Kristie as the truck slammed into the man, pinning him to the fence, right behind our SUV. The force of the impact made the SUV lurch away from the fence.

Henry’s eyes flew open. “What happened?!”

“Help me,” choked the cop, whose lower body was now crushed and bleeding.

“Oh my God,” cried Kristie, crawling into the back of the SUV. “Leave him go!” she screamed, waving her fist at the truck. “You piece of shit!”

Henry raised his shotgun, and aimed it out the back. “I’ll take care of this.”

She pressed his gun down. “No, Henry, you might shoot the cop instead.”

I picked up Bryce’s revolver and jumped out of the SUV. Deep down I just knew that the person driving the truck was evil and demented. There was no doubt in my mind that he wasn’t going to stop with the cop. We were next.

“Cassie!” screamed Paige. “What are you doing?”

Ignoring her, I aimed the gun at the driver and pulled the trigger. The bullet hit the window but nothing happened.

I stared at it in shock. Not even a dent.

Paige laid on the horn as I raised the gun again.

The driver of the truck, rolled down his window and although I couldn’t see him through the tinted glass, loud music blasted out of the cab. It was a song by a band called Drowning Pool and it made the hair stand up on the back of my neck.

Let the bodies hit the floor…

Let the bodies hit the floor…

Let the bodies hit the floor…

A song that had always freaked me out.

Now, this psycho was taunting us with it.

Clenching my teeth, I aimed the gun and pulled the trigger a second time. Just like before, it did absolutely nothing to the glass.

The driver turned up the song and began to back the truck up.

“Get in the SUV!” screamed Kristie from the open window.

I ran around the fence to try and shoot the driver through the side window, but he backed up quickly and I couldn’t get a good position.

“Cassie!” hollered Henry, shuffling towards the cop’s mangled body still caught on the fence. “Get your ass in the SUV!”

The truck stopped moving, about two hundred feet away and began revving his engine again.

“Hit this you pile of shit!” yelled Nora, who was now standing next to me, flipping the truck off with both hands.

The stereo system on the truck was like nothing I’d ever heard before. The creepy song seemed to fill the streets as the driver continued to rev the engine, threatening and mocking us.

“He’s dead,” said Henry grimly, as he stepped away from the fence. “Poor feller.”

“Cassie!” hollered Bryce, running out of the police station. “Get away from there!”

The pickup’s tires started squealing again as the driver punched the gas and took off towards us.

“Shit!” yelled Nora, turning to run.

In a split-second decision I turned and headed for the fence. I jumped and pulled myself up several feet just as the truck hit the metal underneath me. Filled with adrenaline and rage, I jumped down onto the hood and ran until I was on top of the cab. As the driver threw it into reverse, I shoved the gun over the side and into his open window and pulled the trigger, aiming blindly.

“Cassie!” yelled Bryce as the truck backed up with me still clinging to the top, my bullet apparently not hitting my desired target.

Unable to hold on anymore, I slid over the top and into the bed of the truck, landing hard. Ignoring the pain, I scrambled back up and tried shooting into the open window again. This time, the gun clicked.

Shit.

The driver slammed on the breaks once again and I flew backwards, hitting my head on the back corner of steel tailgate protector.

From there, everything went black…

Chapter Ten

Allie and Kylie

As the girls were ushered into the mall, they were horrified to find that it was now infested with hordes of zombies.

“Oh my God, they’re going to eat us!” cried Allie as she turned to run back out of the entrance.

“No, no, no. They will leave you alone,” promised Father Brambati, grabbing her arm. “Just ignore them.”

She stared up at him in surprise. “Why would they do that?”

“Just trust me,” he said, smiling warmly. “Their interests have been… diverted. You have nothing to worry about, young lady.”

“Diverted? I don’t understand,” replied Allie.

“You don’t have to,” said the priest. “Just ignore them and they’ll ignore you.”

Seeing the gruesome zombies staggering throughout the hallway, Adria began to cry.

“I don’t care what you say… we’ve got to get out of here,” said Kylie, bouncing the baby on her hip, to try and calm her. “This is totally insane.”

“Girls, seriously, you have nothing to worry about,” repeated the priest. “I’ve walked past them twice already today, without any problems. They mean no harm to you.”

“Right,” said Allie, her stomach clenching in fear as a zombie stumbled towards them. At the last minute, the creature turned away, its’ attention distracted by something else. Something evidently, it could only see.

“Not only that, but it smells horrible in here,” said Kylie, her lips curling in disgust. She looked down at Adria, who’d grabbed a lock of her hair like she was clinging to dear life. “Even worse than a dumpster full of old smelly diapers. No offense Adria.”

“The zombies are dead and decaying,” said the priest. “They can’t help how they smell.”

“You sound like you actually feel sorry for them,” said Allie.

He stood up straighter. “Of course I do, I’m a man of God. Think about it, they were just like us a couple of months ago. Now they’re just empty shells.”

“Full of hunger,” said Allie, stepping out of the way as another zombie dragged its upper torso along the floor next to her. It paused for a second, stared up at her, and then continued on its way. Allie shuddered.

“You’re right,” said Kylie, wrinkling her nose as the legless zombie left a slimy trail across the marbled floor. “They were. Once. But now they look at us like we’re nothing but food and I don’t feel any sympathy for them. Not even the legless ones. Not anymore.”

He nodded. “I understand. You’ve been through a lot and have every right to feel these things. But I assure you, they will leave you alone because you’re with me. Now, come along.”

Both girls hesitated.

“Girls, if you can’t trust me, who can you trust?” asked the priest, his eyes wide.

“What else can we do?” asked Allie.

“Not much, I guess,” she replied.

Sighing, they began to walk with Father Brambati again, followed by the other two strangers, who remained aloof. As they were led down the corridor, they noticed that many of the shops had been looted or just destroyed. Merchandise was strewn everywhere, mannequins tipped over, and broken glass littered the carpeting.

“Not quite what you remember, hmm?” asked the priest, nodding towards a coffee shop that had been trashed. Coffee beans, shattered glass, and dried blood were all that remained of what had been one of the most popular stores in the mall.

“No,” replied Allie, feeling sick to her stomach. Not at all. For years she’d taken special trips to the megamall with her grandparents, especially during the holidays. Now, gone were the days of holiday lights, Christmas trees, and colorful decorations. Sadly, there would never be another over-crowded line of children to see Santa or people caroling in the background. The magic was gone and in its place was nothing but ruin, destruction, and the filthy undead loitering in the hallways.

She looked at Adria and felt sorry for the little baby who would never get to experience the same types of joys that she did growing up. She reached over and touched her soft head. “If we ever get out of this mess, I’m going to make sure that you learn about Santa Claus, though. And Christmas trees.”

“And presents,” said Kylie.

“Yes,” said Allie.

Most of the zombies shuffled by, not paying them any attention while they continued walking. Others, however, stared at them in confusion, as if they didn’t know quite what to make of them.

“Where are we going?” asked Allie, watching the zombies closely.

“You’ll see,” replied Father Brambati. “We’re almost there.”

“Billie said that he was taking us back to our families,” said Kylie.

“I’m sure he’s arranged to have them pick you up here,” said the priest.

“I think I’d prefer waiting outside,” muttered Allie as she stepped over a dismembered hand.

The priest laughed. “Come on now, we’re almost there. Hey, I’ll bet you’re excited to see the theme park?”

“Are you kidding?” replied Allie. “This place is dead, just like the freaks walking by us. I’m not excited about anything but getting the heck out of here. Oh gross.”

A zombie with one eye hanging from her cheek by tendrils stared at Allie as they walked by.

“And the nightmares just keep getting worse,” she whispered, trying not to gag.

“Think of Adria,” mumbled Kylie. “And the nightmares she’s going to have.”

Allie stared down at the baby. “If we get out of this, she’s definitely going to need some kind of therapy.”

“We all will,” said Kylie as they rounded the corner.

“We’re almost there,” said Father Brambati, smiling eerily. “I can’t wait for you to see it.”

When they made it to the outside of the park, both girls froze, unable to comprehend exactly what their eyes were seeing.

“Oh my God, what is that?” gasped Kylie.

“It’s some kind of hole,” replied Allie, in shock.

Kylie took a step back. “Yeah, but how in the heck did it get here?”

In the center of the building, next to the rollercoaster, where there used to be concrete and ceramic tile, was a giant black hole. It was about one hundred feet wide, perfectly circular, and it almost appeared to be… pulsating.

“It looks like it’s alive,” whispered Allie, in horror.

“It’s about time you showed up. Come closer and have a better look!” hollered Billie, who stood next to the hole with Jenny.

The girls remained frozen.

“Come on,” said Father Brambati. “It’s magnificent, don’t you think?”

“This is not right,” whispered Allie. “How in the world did that hole get inside of the mall? And who in the heck made it?”

Kylie’s heart was beating frantically an in the back of her mind, she began to wonder if Billie was actually, an alien. “I don’t know. I… I’m really scared.”

Allie stepped closer to her friend. “Ky,” she whispered. “I think we should try and make a run for it.”

“Me too. Uh, do you feel that?” asked Kylie, noticing the vibrations under her feet.

“Yes,” squeaked Allie. “What’s happening?”

“Hey girls! Come on,” said Billie, smiling broadly. “You really have to check this thing out. I guarantee you’ve never seen anything like it!”

The couple shoved them forward.

“Stop, don’t touch me!” snapped Kylie, glaring back at the man. “Don’t you know how dangerous a hole like that is? Especially for someone holding a baby.”

“Oh, you’ll be fine,” said Billie, walking towards them. “Here, I’ll even escort you over.”

“Uh, no,” replied Allie, shaking her head vehemently. “I think we’ll pass on this, if you don’t mind. Anyway, aren’t you supposed to be taking us back to my sister?”

Billie looked down at his watch. “Actually, her ride should be dropping her off fairly soon. Father, why don’t you watch for them?”

“It would be my pleasure, General,” he replied, turning away.

“General?” asked Kylie, turning to Billie.

He smiled but didn’t answer.

“Wait, we should go with him,” said Allie as the priest walked away.

“No, that won’t be necessary,” he replied.

“But, we just want to get out of this place,” said Allie, her eyes moving back to the ominous hole.

He smiled darkly. “Don’t worry- you’ll all be leaving soon.”

Chapter Eleven

Cassie

“Ah… there you are…the girls have been waiting for you,” said Billie, his arms around Allie and Kylie’s shoulders as they stood at the entrance of the Mall Of America.

I ran towards them. “Thank God, I was so worried about you guys!”

“I knew you’d come,” said Allie, smiling as I pulled her into my arms and hugged her.

“Is everyone okay?” I asked, glancing towards Billie, who was watching us.

“Of course,” he replied.

“He’s lying,” she whispered into my ear.

I looked down into her face. “What?”

“Cassie, it looks like you made it just in time,” said Billie.

“Good,” I said, my eyes still on Allie, who looked petrified. “Hey…what’s wrong?”

“We need to go,” she said under her breath.

“Nonsense,” said Billie. “You need to stay. You don’t want to miss the show!”

Before I could ask him what he meant, the ground began to shake under our feet. “What’s happening?” I gasped, grabbing both Kylie’s and Allie’s hands.

“Ah… it’s time!” shouted Billie, a triumphant grin on his face.

“Time… time for what?” I asked, staring at the cement, which was beginning to crack.

“We need to go!” cried Allie, pulling me away from the building.

“Cassie!” screamed Kylie, as the ground opened up, in the parking lot we were heading, with a deafening roar.

We watched, frozen in terror as the granite, soil, and bedrock crumbled, forming a massive sinkhole. It widened, growing until it created a perfect circle. When it stopped, there was an eerie silence.

“What’s happening?” I whispered in horror, looking down into the sheer blackness. “What in the hell is that?”

“Shh … listen,” said Billie, stepping next to me. He leaned over the edge. “Can you hear it?”

Adria!

I could hear her crying from somewhere deep inside of the hole.

“Adria!” I yelled, getting down to my knees.

Her sobs grew, tearing at my heart.

“Adria!”

I had to try and save her!

Determined to find a way, I stood up and turned to Billie. “You have to help me get her out of there! Tell me how to do it!”

He sneered. “It’s too late for that little brat. Besides, I’m the reason she’s in the hole. Why would I try and get her out?”

I poked him in the chest. “What did you do to her, Billie? She’s just a baby!”

His eyes began to glow a bright red. Smiling evilly, he grabbed my arms, his nails digging into my skin.

“Stop it, Billie!” hollered Allie, trying to grab his arm.

He shoved her away and she fell to the ground, crying.

Kylie rushed to her side. “This isn’t real, Allie. He can’t hurt your sister.”

I stared at Kylie. “What?”

He began to whisper. “Let the bodies hit the floor. Let the bodies hit the floor… Let the bodies hit the floor.

Horrified, I tried pushing him away, but he was too strong. He pulled me to the edge of the hole.

“Please, no!” I begged.

He leaned forward and I could smell his breath - it stank of sulfur and rotten eggs. “I offer you to my lord and master. Yes indeed, you’re going to make a lovey sacrifice, my lovely virgin.”

“I’m not a virgin!” I growled at him.

His smile widened. “Even better!”

“Let me go!” I hollered.

“Okay.” He shoved me over the edge and I began to fall into the abyss.

***

I’m not sure if it was the rain that woke me, or getting knocked around in the back of the pickup. Regardless, I almost peed my pants when I realized exactly where I was.

Frightened, I sat up and stared at the road behind us as my captor raced down the highway in his pickup. Unfortunately, we were going so fast, that I knew any attempt at escape would be painful and more than likely, lethal.

Soaked and shaking from the chill in the air, I wiped some of the rainwater from my face and tried desperately to think of a way out of the mess I’d gotten myself into. The only thing I could come up with, however, was to jump out the back when we slowed down and just run like hell. Hopefully, it would work out and the freak in the truck wouldn’t get another chance to run me down.

I turned and faced the cab, still unable to calculate how many people were inside. The windows were so black, that I couldn’t see any shapes or silhouettes. It seemed to make everything even more… creepier.

I shivered again and felt my teeth begin to chatter, I was so dang cold. As I pulled my legs in tighter, to try and get warmer, my mountain boot hit the gun.

Sighing in relief, I grabbed the revolver but then remembered that I’d run out of ammunition. I decided to keep the gun anyway, just in case I lucked out and found more bullets. I stuffed it into the back of my shorts and stared back at the road behind us, wondering where in the hell the assholes were taking me. I needed to get to the mall…

It was then that I remembered bits and pieces of my dream. Even though I knew it hadn’t been real, it had been pretty scary and for the first time in a long while, I appreciated my current situation. I could stand up to zombies and crazy people, but holes and demons?

I’d never have a chance against something like that.

None of us would.

***

Bryce

“Where in the hell did that bastard go?!” hollered Bryce, slamming his fist onto the steering wheel. “He couldn’t have just vanished into thin air!”

“Calm down,” said Tiny, who sat next to him. “We’ll find them, man.”

He rubbed his forehead. “We saw the truck turn that last corner and then he just what – teleported out of here? This is ridiculous.”

“You guys, I swear… I just can’t take much more of this,” muttered Kristie. “We just keep running into more trouble and I feel so damn helpless.”

Paige squeezed her mom’s hand. “I know, mom. We all do.”

“Well, what should we do now?” asked Bryce, feeling beaten. “They’ve obviously lost us. Hell, they could be anywhere in the city.”

“Don’t give up, Bryce. He might be parked around here with his lights off,” said Nora.

Bryce rubbed his forehead. “Why the hell does she have to be so damn reckless all the time? She should have stayed in the vehicle, where it was safe.”

“Could have, should have, but as usual- didn’t,” said Paige. “That’s the way she is and you should know that by now.”

“I guess I should. Obviously, everything I tell her goes in one ear and out the other. I never know what the hell she’s going to do next.”

Nora chuckled. “When she climbed onto the fence and then jumped onto that dude’s truck, I couldn’t freaken believe it, man. Seriously, I’m not even that crazy. I think it stunned the hell out of the people in the truck though.”

“Did anyone get a good look at who was in the vehicle?” asked Tiny.

“No,” replied Nora. “I tried, but the windows were too dark.”

“So, what now?” asked Bryce, staring off into the darkness. “To tell you the truth, I don’t know if I can leave this part of town without trying to locate her. I know it’s not fair to you guys, though. Maybe I should find another vehicle so you can head out to the mall.”

Henry took off his hat and smoothed his hair down. “Looky here, Bryce, Cassie will be just fine. Whoever left with her has no idea what kind of a fighter that little lady is. Hell, she’ll probably kill the bastard and still find the girls before we even reach the damn mall.”

Bryce smiled grimly. “I don’t know, Henry. She’s been so lucky up until now. I’m just afraid…”

“Don’t think like that,” interrupted Tiny. “Now, this is Cassie we’re talking about. If anyone has a fighting chance it’s her. Don’t start talking like that and don’t give up hope.”

“I don’t want to,” he said. “I really don’t.”

“Well, we’ve got to get moving,” said Henry. “Wasting time talking about this isn’t helping.”

“Personally, I think we should look for the kids first,” said Tiny. “I hate to say it, but they need our help more than anything right now. If they’re at the mall, then we need to get our asses there before it’s too late.”

“What’s too late?” squeaked Kristie.

He turned around and squeezed her knee. “Just saying, babe. I’m sure they’re fine but we need to get out there. Time’s wasting.”

Bryce sighed and drove towards the freeway. “Yeah, I know we do and for some reason, I’m starting to get this feeling that whoever has Cassie, isn’t even in this area.”

“She knows where we’re heading,” said Henry. “So, once she gets away, and I believe she will, you’ll see her again.”

He wished he felt as confident as everyone else, but in his gut, he knew that Cassie was in mortal danger and the thought of never seeing her again was killing him.

Chapter Twelve

Cassie

The rain died down, but I was still chilled to the bone. I figured that if I wasn’t killed by the people in the truck, I’d probably die of pneumonia if I didn’t get out of my wet clothes soon and into something dry soon. I decided that the first thing I’d do if I escaped, was to break into a vehicle and search for clothing or a blanket. For now, however, I had to bear the cold and as usual, hope that I’d survive whatever lay ahead of me. It was obvious that I’d made another dumb decision without thinking it through, and now I’d be paying for it somehow.

At least my friends were safe.

But Bryce, he had to be just furious with me again. If I didn’t watch myself, he’d change his mind on marrying me. That thought made my heart ache. I wasn’t sure if I could handle it if he dumped me. I wouldn’t necessarily blame him if he did, but I’d rather die than lose him; which was why I had to survive, get back to him, and prove that I could stay out of trouble. Or at least try a little harder.

I stared down at my ring and felt tears burning in the back of my eyes. I didn’t want to die, not without getting married to the big lug. Heck, we still needed time to get to know each other. I knew which foot he preferred to kick with and that he had a helluva right hook, but I had no idea what his favorite color was, how he liked his eggs, or what his favorite food even was.

My God, did he even like pickles?

I closed my eyes and tried to picture his face. Thankfully, it came easily and not surprisingly, he was scowling at me.

I smiled.

Damn, I loved his scowl. I loved everything about my karate man. But then my thoughts drifted from him to my sister and my smile fell.

Allie, God she must be terrified.

I hoped that Billie snapped out of whatever was happening to him and brought her back to my grandparent’s house. That’s what I hoped, but something inside told me that wasn’t going to happen. That something much more sinister was going on. Something also told me that I was going to be there when it went down. I hoped that I was wrong. I prayed that she and Kylie were safe and would stay that way.

When the pickup veered off of the highway near MOA’s exited, I couldn’t believe it. Here I’d been kidnapped, but taken to the one place I really wanted to be. If I hadn’t felt so much hate for the bastard driving the truck, I’d have offered him gas money.

As the truck slowed down to make a turn, a couple of blocks from the mall, I jumped out of the back and began running through the rain. With every puddle splash, I expected to hear a squeal of tires and the roar of an engine, but, amazingly, the truck ignored me and sped away. It was odd, but then the guy was a nut case and I knew not to really expect anything rational from someone that crazy. But, the fact that he’d driven me to Bloomington was a little unnerving.

Pushing away thoughts of the crazy pickup driver, I continued towards the mall, slowing to a jog and then finally, my tired and undernourished body could do nothing but walk. Thirsty and famished, I stared at the restaurants near the mall and my stomach groaned. I hadn’t eaten anything for quite a while and memories of cheeseburgers, heavy on the pickles, and strawberry malts made me want to cry. Feeling frustrated and sad, I turned my eyes away from the painful reminders of what had once been and noticed that there were zombies hovering around, some in the shadows, but most of them by the mall.

Your fault that I can’t have ice cream anymore, I thought angrily as I watched a couple of zombies loitering near the entrance of a steak joint that my dad had loved. And your fault he’s gone.

I glared at the zombies but kept walking, a little surprised that they hadn’t yet come for me.

As I approached the street by the mall, I noticed that many of the creatures were doing their normal thing of shuffling around without reason, lost in their own little worlds, but some of them seemed to be actually watching me with a keenness that was creepy. Remembering that I was basically weaponless, I slowed down, not wanting to get too close to them; if more than two came at me at once, I’d be screwed.

I really needed a weapon.

Making a quick decision, I turned around and headed towards the steak joint and the two zombies still hanging around by the entrance. As I approached, they stared at me hungrily, but made no attempt to attack me. Still, not trusting them, I kicked the nearest one in the face, sending it flying backwards and then turned to the other zombie, a woman with knotted red hair and oozing sores all over her face.

She stared at me, swaying.

I stared back, scowling and ready to strike.

The door to the restaurant swung open and someone grabbed my arm, jerking me inside before I had time to react.

“What in the hell are you doing?” asked a big burly guy with a black beard and a patch over his left eye. He locked the door and turned to me. “Do you want to be a victim?”

“Uh, no,” I replied, shocked.

“Well, you could have fooled me,” he said, sizing me up. “Kids, they just don’t pay enough attention.”

“I’m eighteen,” I protested.

He rolled his eye. “Oh, well then you have no excuse.”

Sighing, I turned to look at the small group of people sitting next to the bar. There were two women, I figured somewhere in their thirties, a middle-aged dark-skinned man, and a boy who appeared to be in his early teens. “Wow, I didn’t know anyone was alive around here.”

The tall man with the beard headed back towards the bar. “If that’s what you want to call it.”

“What’s your name, honey?” asked one of the women. She had medium length blond hair and green haunted eyes.

“I’m Cassie.”

“I’m Carolyn,” she said. “That’s Lisa, and Mac, and Rob’s son Daniel.”

“I’m Rob,” said the bearded man, now leaning over the bar, which was lit up by candles.

“Hi,” I answered.

“Where’d you come from?” he asked, in a softer tone.

“It’s kind of a long story,” I replied, shivering.

“You cold?” asked Mac, the dark-skinned man.

“Uh, yeah. You guys wouldn’t have a blanket or some extra clothing, would you? I’m freezing.”

“I’ll get you one of the uniforms from the back,” said Lisa, standing up. “It’s better than nothing.”

“Thanks,” I replied, walking towards the bar.

Rob grabbed a shot glass and filled it with something brown. “Here, drink this. It will warm you up.”

I picked up the shot glass. “What is it?”

“Rum.”

I’d never had rum.

I took a sip and shuddered. “Oh my God…”

Rob chuckled. “Just drink it quickly. You’ll be glad you did.”

I took a deep breath and then slammed the shot. As the liquid entered my stomach, I began to feel warm and fuzzy all over. I smiled. “Oh, that’s nice.”

“So, what are you doing out here?” asked Mac, who was playing solitaire at the end of the bar. “This time of the morning with all the dead walking around.”

Feeling unnaturally chatty, I began to talk, telling them my story, all the way from when I’d been kidnapped by Austin to how I’d escaped the pickup. Fifteen minutes later, they all stared at me like I was crazy.

“I think you gave her too much rum,” chuckled Mac, rubbing his chin.

“No, it really happened,” I said, staring at the bottle of rum. “Seriously, it did. Hey, um, how about one more shot, I’m getting cold again.”

“How about - no,” he replied with a smile. “Why don’t you change your clothes now that Lisa found a uniform for you? After you’re finished, I have a few questions for you.”

I nodded. “Okay. I have some questions for you guys, too.”

“I’m sure you do,” he replied, grinning.

Lisa handed me a flashlight and the clothes before I went into the Ladies Room. When I stepped inside, I set the flashlight on the counter and then changed into the uniform, which consisted of a black pair of cotton shorts and a white short-sleeve shirt with the restaurant’s logo on it. I removed my boots, wrung out my socks, which were soaked, and slipped them back on. After that, I washed my face and then stepped out of the bathroom carrying the empty gun.

“You hungry?” asked Carolyn as I walked back over to the bar.

“Uh, yeah,” I replied, staring at a fresh bag of sour cream and onion potato chips on the counter. “Very.”

She handed me the bag. “Try to save us some.”

I put my gun down on the counter and tore open the bag. “Oh, definitely. I will. Thanks.”

“So, you really think that some demon has your sister and they’re holding up inside of the mall?” asked Mac, his expression unreadable.

I shrugged. “I really don’t know. I mean, demons… right? Sounds too crazy to be real.”

“So did zombies at one time,” mumbled Daniel.

“Yeah, right? Well, I’m hoping that they’re heading back to Atlanta or my grandparent’s house,” I replied and then stuffed two chips into my mouth. I groaned. “God, these are good. Thank you.”

“No problem,” said Carolyn. “So, tell me - do you plan on just walking right up to the mall, past the hordes of zombies, and into the front door?”

“Well, that’s why I wanted to stop in here. See if you guys have anything I can use as a weapon? I could also use some bullets,” I replied, nodding towards the gun.

“I’m sorry,” said Rob. “I can’t afford to give up any of our ammunition.”

Mac stood up and stretched his arms in the air. “Especially for a suicide mission like that. Do you have any idea of how many zombies are wandering around this area?”

“Yeah, but I really have no choice. I have to see if my sister and the other girls are in the mall, being held against their will. In fact,” I stood up. “I’d better not waste any more time. Thanks for your help and the uniform.”

“Seriously, you’re really going there alone? By yourself?” said Daniel. “Are you nuts?”

“Probably, but it’s helped me survive up to this point.”

“Girl,” said Mac. “You go out there and try to get past those things, you’re never gonna see your sister again.”

“I’ve been through worse, believe me,” I said.

They all looked at each other and I wondered if they still didn’t quite believe my story. “Um, do you have a machete or a butcher knife somewhere in the kitchen?

“Nope, no machete. You can probably use one of Daniel’s Tomahawk Axes,” said Rob.

Daniel’s jaw dropped. “Excuse me?”

Rob leaned forward. “You have two and obviously Cassie needs some kind of weapon. I’m not letting her go empty handed. I’d never forgive myself.”

“Not if you just talk her out of going out there. It’s suicide. You said so yourself,” he said.

“Exactly,” said Lisa. “You shouldn’t go over there, honey. You’ll never make it to the front door.”

“Well, it’s a chance I’m willing to take,” I replied evenly. “Besides, my friends should be arriving shortly.” I turned back to Daniel. “Please, can I use the ax?”

He stood up, walked around the bark, and kneeled down. A few seconds later, he stood back up holding a black ax with a shiny stainless steel head. “Here, this is the smaller one of the two.”

“Thanks,” I said, examining both sides of the blade on the head. This could do a lot of damage. “So, um, you guys are just going to hang out here?”

“Yep. Until the government steps in and gets rid of the rest of the zombies,” said Rob. “We’ve got a grocery store up the street, a cellar full of beer, and a drug store across the street. Haven’t had many looters around here, now with the influx of zombies, so we’ve been lucky.”

“Don’t hold your breath for the government to step in,” I said. “I’ve been to the C.D.C. and back, and haven’t seen any military forces taking down zombies.”

“Well, I’m sure they’ve got their hands full,” said Rob. “Until then, we’ve decided to stick together and hang out here. You’re welcome to join us.”

I smiled. “Well, thanks but after I find my sister and friends, we’re heading back to Atlanta.”

“Suit yourself,” he replied. “But don’t say I didn’t offer.”

“I’d never say that.” I walked towards the doorway. “Well, here goes nothing.”

“Sun up yet?” asked Carolyn, as I peeked outside.

“Nope,” I said. “Strange, huh?”

“Very,” she said. “It’s almost eight in the morning.” She laughed nervously. “God, with the zombies, the crazy weather, and now this unexplained darkness, you’d think the world was coming to an end or something.”

Before I could give her a witty answer, the ground began to vibrate.

Chapter Thirteen

Bryce and Company

They drove in silence on the ride to the mall. The roads were dark and lifeless, which made everything seem that much more ominous.

When they reached the exit leading towards Bloomington, Henry cleared his throat. “What time is it?”

“Almost six,” said Bryce, glancing at the dashboard.

“In the morning?” he asked, surprised.

“Yep,” replied Bryce.

Henry stared into the darkness. “Well, where’s the damn sun? Has the planet stop spinning now or what?”

“If that happened, I’m sure we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” said Bryce. “We’d probably be dead.”

Henry frowned. “Well, how do you explain the darkness? The sun should be well up by now.”

“Maybe the earth has just slowed down?” volunteered Paige.

“Maybe,” said Bryce. “But I don’t think it would be that dramatic. Not in one day.”

“Okay then, perhaps, Billie was right,” said Paige. “And it’s really the End of Days.”

Bryce groaned. “I’m going with - the clock is messed up, or worst case scenario - the earth actually has slowed down.”

“What do you think, Justice?” asked Paige, turning to him.

He smiled grimly. “Believe me, you don’t want to know what I think.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Okay, now you have to spill it. What do you really think?”

Justice stared outside. “I know this sounds crazy but when Travis had control of my mind….”

“Oh, come on now,” scoffed Henry. “That feller couldn’t have really had control of your mind. You were probably hit in the head and just in your right mind.”

“I thought you believed him before,” said Paige.

“I did, I do… oh it’s just so hard,” said Henry. “I’m struggling with it I guess.”

“Henry,” said Justice. “Seriously, I wish that would have been the case, but I haven’t been injured. Not physically, anyway. As far as Travis goes, well, we definitely had some kind of psychic connection and I hate to say this, because you’ll really think I’m nuts… hell I feel like I’m going nuts, but Travis knew about the darkness. He also knew about the hole…”

“What hole?” asked Paige

He shrugged. “I really don’t know exactly. He was obsessed with it, though. Just like he was obsessed with finding ‘The Chosen One.”

“Adria,” said Kristie.

“Yup,” said Justice.

“I still think Travis has taken over Billie’s mind,” stated Paige.

Nora, who’d fallen asleep next to Kristie in the third row, opened one eye. “Seriously, you’re still on that trip?”

“Hey, even Cassie believed it,” protested Paige.

“Back to this hole,” said Bryce. “What kind of a hole do you think it is? Maybe a well or something?”

Justice scratched the back of his shoulder. “I have a feeling it’s something much bigger than a well. Something massive.”

“In the ground?” asked Paige.

“Where else would it be?” asked Nora.

“I don’t know… maybe he was waiting for some kind of portal,” she replied.

“Okay, this conversation is getting crazier by the minute,” muttered Bryce. “I’m sorry I asked about the hole.”

Tiny, who’d fallen asleep next to Bryce, had also woken up. He cleared his throat. “What was that about a hole?”

“Believe me,” muttered Bryce. “You’re better off not knowing.”

“We were talking about portals,” said Paige.

“Yeah, Paige thinks that Travis was waiting for some portal to open up,” said Kristie, chuckling.

“Hmm…” replied Tiny, looking thoughtful. “Well… hmm...”

“Exactly,” said Nora.

“Actually,” said Justice. “I think Paige might be right.”

Paige smiled. “Thank you.”

“Come on now, you honestly think Travis was waiting for some kind of portal to open up?” asked Bryce, as he turned off of the highway.

“Well, I think that in his mind, he believed that there could be a portal,” replied Justice. “Not saying that there actually is a portal, but it’s what he believed.”

“Well, if there’s a damn portal,” said Henry, as they approached the mall, “I hope we can send some of these walking dead through it. So we can all have our lives back.” His eyes widened as the mall came into view. “Well, would you look at that- they’ve turned the lights back on at the mall.”

“See, something is definitely going on,” said Paige.

“Hey, that might mean there are some other survivors inside,” said Tiny. “That’s good news.”

“Travis had some followers,” said Justice. “If they’re inside, it’s definitely not good news.”

“Wow,” said Kristie, staring at all of the zombies surrounding the mall. “Bryce, I think you’d better find a different entrance. There must hundreds of zombies around here. Oh, God, there’s more heading this way from up the street.”

Paige turned to stare at the zombies heading in their direction.  “This is crazy. Why are they coming together like this?”

“Maybe the lights are attracting the them,” said Bryce.

“Bryce, head into the parking ramp,” said Tiny, pointing. “We’ll find a way in on one of the levels.”

“Yeah, but what about the zombies near the entrance to the ramp?” said Kristie.

“They’ll move or we’ll just have to move them,” replied Tiny.

Noticing that there was a clearing now by the ramp, Bryce tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “Okay, hold on guys.”

Tiny braced his hand against the dashboard as Bryce turned the corner and headed for the ramp entrance. Before he made it, however, two zombies staggered into the path, getting in the way of the SUV.

Swearing, he slammed on the brakes, barely missing the creatures.

“Thanks,” said Paige, smiling up at Justice, who’d reached out his arm to shield her from smacking her face onto the seat in front.

He smiled back.

“Come on,” growled Bryce, tapping his thumbs on the steering wheel as the zombies remained impassive.

Henry grunted. “Oh hell, haven’t you learned by now? They aint gonna move out of your path when you need them to, so run their asses over and let’s get to where we need to be.”

“That one’s too big,” replied Bryce, pointing to the tall lumbering zombie, staring off into space. “It would be like hitting a deer and we don’t want to take any chances.”

Henry scowled. “We’re in a Yukon. You might get some guts on the grill, but the rain will wash it off.”

“Hey, it’s not raining anymore,” said Kristie.

“Here comes more. Shit,” said Tiny, as three more zombies wandered into their path.

“Is it me, or have you guys noticed that they don’t seem to be paying us much attention,” said Kristie.

“They’re not as agitated as they were before, either,” said Tiny. “Hey, get ready. I think once those two walk by, you’ll have a clear path.”

“Jesus, you’d think we were at the fair or something,” complained Henry. “Just put the pedal to the metal and let’s go find them girls.”

Bryce stomped his foot on the gas, clearing the entrance before anyone else had a chance to get in the way. As they drove up the first level, he asked, “Where should we park?”

“Close to the exit so we can make a quick get-a-way,” said Kristie.

Bryce parked and they all grabbed their weapons.

“Listen,” said Tiny. “We need to stick together but obviously, that’s not always plausible. If we get separated, we’ll meet back here. I’ll leave the doors open.”

“And Paige, you need to stick with me,” said Kristie. “If something does happen, I need to know you’ll be right behind me if we have to take off.”

“Of course,” she said.

“Gramps, you going to be able to handle the walk?” asked Tiny. “With your back?”

“Got no choice,” said Henry. “You need my help and wisdom in there, if things go bad.”

“I don’t want you to be miserable,” replied Tiny. “We can do this alone.”

Henry scowled. “I’ll be fine. Let’s just get moving before the zombies hear us talking and start heading up the parking ramp.”

“Okay,” said Tiny. “I’m just concerned about you.”

“I appreciate that but we have three little girls to rescue and if they are inside, you’re going to need my shooting skills.”

“Agreed,” replied Tiny.

They got out of the SUV and began walking towards the stairwell. Before they reached the doorway, the cement under their feet began to vibrate.

“What is this, now, some kind of earthquake?” asked Kristie.

“I don’t know. It doesn’t feel like one,” said Tiny, looking at the ground. “This is weird.”

“It’s the hole,” said Justice, his face turning pale.

They all stared at him in shock.

“How do you know?” asked Kristie.

“I don’t know. I just do,” he replied. “We’ve got to find those girls. Quickly.”

Chapter Fourteen

Allie and Kylie

After Father Brambati left to go watch for Cassie, the vibration under their feet increased.

Billie grinned. “Excellent. It’s getting bigger.” He raised his fist in front of his face and clenched it. “Yes…the time grows near!”

“Time for what?” asked Kylie.

He lowered his hand. “For victory.”

Allie’s eyebrows shot up. “Victory? Against the zombies?”

“Against fate.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” asked Allie. “I don’t get it.”

He shrugged. “Obviously not. Which is probably for the best.”

The girls looked at each other, both confused.

“Don’t think too hard about it,” he said, with a mocking grin. “You might hurt something.”

Allie frowned. “Ha… ha... Seriously, though, what exactly is that hole for?”

He bent down and stared into the dark pit with a gleam in his eyes. “It’s a gateway to another world.”

Kylie’s eyes grew large. “What? Are you serious?”

“Of course.”

“Like as in another planet?” asked Allie, thinking that it made sense. Who knows, they have even been responsible for the zombies, she thought. The whole “End of Days’, prophecy, had seemed pretty out there.

He tilted his head back and forth.  “Eh…more like another dimension.”

“Whoa,” whispered Allie, turning towards the hole. She wondered if there really were aliens living in that other dimension, and if they were friend or foe. “That’s so freaky.”

“How do you know all of this?” asked Kylie, eyeing him suspiciously. From his irrational actions the past twenty-four hours, she didn’t trust anything he had to say.

“Because it’s where I came from.”

“No way! What’s it like?” asked Allie, now more intrigued than scared.

“It’s a place for those who have been condemned to eternal darkness.”

Allie and Kylie’s eyes met again. If he’d been condemned, then Billie must have done something to really anger whoever put him there.

“Kind of like how General Zod was encased in the Phantom Zone on Superman?” asked Kylie.

“Oh yeah… and Father Brambati did call you ‘General’,” stated Allie. She looked at him curiously. “So, um… were you banished from some planet several thousand light years away and now your friends are joining you?”

He smirked. “Something like that.”

“Is Father Brambati from your world, too?” asked Kylie

“No, he’s a mortal,” said Billie. “But he’s helping us.”

“And who exactly is us?” asked Allie.

Before he could answer, there was a loud rumble from somewhere down below.

“Crap, what is that?” squeaked Kylie.

“Get back,” said Allie, pulling Kylie and Adria with her. “It’s getting bigger.”

“Only about another hundred feet,” said Billie. “We’ll be fine.”

The earth around the hole began to crumble and fall and they all moved quickly out of the way. When it stopped growing and the earth settled, an eerie silence surrounded the group. Even Adria was exceptionally quiet.

“Oh God, what’s going to happen next?” whispered Kylie, after a few seconds.

“I don’t know but I’m scared,” replied Allie under her breath.

“Me too.”

“Don’t be frightened,” said Billie, walking back towards the hole. He looked down and grinned. “Well what do you know?”

Jenny and the couple hurried back to the pit. The other woman leaned down and her eyes widened. “What are all of those moving lights?”

“They look like eyes,” said the man

Billie smiled. “That’s because they are, John.”

All three of them gasped and backed away from the pit.

“Don’t be afraid,” said Billie. “They’re not coming for you.”

“Let’s go,” whispered Kylie, turning to leave as a large shadow flew out of the pit.

“Oh my God,” gasped Allie, staring in horror at the giant bat-like creature. It soared to the other side of the park and then turned to head back towards them. “What is that?”

“Come on!” cried Kylie, frightened as another creature launched out of the hole.

“Marvelous!” yelled Billie, his eyes gleaming a yellowish-red color. “It has begun. We need to ready the child!”

Panicked, Kylie held Adria against her chest and began to run. She zigzagged around a couple of zombies and turned down the nearest corridor with Allie following suit. Before they could make it to the end of the hallway, however, one of the bat-like creatures flew by making an unearthly ear-piercing screeching sound. It circled back around and then headed back toward them.

“Ohmygod!” screamed Kylie, staring at the creature’s blood-red eyes and razor-sharp teeth. She ducked as the flying monster swooped down, barely missing her.

“This way!” cried Allie, running past her towards a large jewelry store.

Frightened, Kylie followed her inside. Trying to avoid all of the broken glass, they rushed to the very back and hid behind an empty glass jewelry case that was still intact.

“Is it gone?” whispered Kylie after both of them caught their breath.

Allie got on her knees and then peered over the edge of the glass case. “Uh… I don’t see anything.” She shuddered. “What was that thing?”

“I have no idea.” Kylie put her cheek against Adria’s, who looked like she was ready to cry. “Don’t cry, honey. Please don’t cry. I’ve got you and we won’t let them hurt you.”

Adria’s lip trembled but she didn’t cry.

“You’re such a good baby,” whispered Kylie, kissing her forehead. She turned to Allie. “I swear, any other baby would have been crying the entire time. Adria is definitely special.”

“That why we’ve got to get her out of this mall. And us.”

She scraped her lower lip with her teeth. “Yeah, I know.”

“That hole,” whispered Allie. “It’s scaring the crap out of me.”

“Me too. Aliens or not, it’s evil. I can feel it. Even the air around it seems so… cold and creepy.”

She shivered. “You felt that too? I don’t think anything has scared me as much as that thing up until now. Even the zombies…”

“I think it’s either aliens or….”

“Something from Hell,” finished Allie, peering over the top of the jewelry case again.

She nodded. “Yeah. I really didn’t want to say that, but yeah.”

“We need to find a weapon or something,” whispered Allie, watching as three zombies staggered towards the jewelry shop, as if they sensed they were there.

“Yeah, I know. Diamonds are sharp, right?” she answered, smiling grimly. “Cause I don’t see much of anything else.”

Allie held her breath as the zombies began moving through the store. Fortunately, they weren’t able to get very far with all of the glass cases and eventually wandered off.

“This thing with the zombies is weird,” said Kylie. “Why are they not attacking us? I just don’t get it.”

“Me neither,” said Allie, sitting back down. “But I’m not going to trust that it will stay that way.”

“Exactly.”

Allie smiled down at Adria. “Is she really okay? I mean, I just can’t believe the way she’s handling everything.”

“I know. We need to find her another diaper soon, though.”

“She’s wet?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay,” she said, peeking over the glass counter once again. “I guess we’d better do something about that then. This is a huge place, they must have diapers somewhere.”

“Even cloth ones,” said Kylie. “Is it safe to leave?”

There were still several zombies moving around in the corridor, but thankfully, no Billie or any of his cohorts. “I hate to say it but we’re never going to get out of this dang mall unless we use another exit,” she replied. “You know he’ll be watching for us at all of the main ones.”

“I’m sure you’re right; what should we do?”

She thought about it. “I know- we need to find out where the loading docks are and see if we can get out that way. Hopefully we’ll find some diapers along the way.”

“Good thinking,” replied Kylie. “Do you know where they are?”

“I think so.”

She picked up Adria. “Okay, let’s go.”

“Hold up. Let’s wait until some of these zombies turn the corner, then we’ll hit it.”

“Okay.”

Allie turned back towards the corridor. “So, what do you think is going on with Billie?”

Kylie shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe he’s crazy. He referred to himself as Travis earlier. What do you think?”

Allie hesitated. “Well, I thought maybe he was an alien but the more I think about it, I’m starting to believe that Travis took possession of his body somehow. I mean, we pretty much know that he was some kind of demon, right?”

“I think so.”

“That could be why the zombies are leaving us alone, because Travis is still controlling them.”

“That’s scary.”

“Everything is scary. Especially that hole. I think those bats were from Hell and,” she swallowed hard. “that something much worse is going to be coming out of it next.”

“Like Lucifer?”

“Exactly.”

“Let’s hope not.”

Terrified of this possibility, they waited on pins and needles for a break in the zombies. Finally, Allie touched Kylie’s arm. “Come on, I don’t see any right now.”

Kylie stood up with Adria and the girls crept towards the exit. Before they could take a step out of the store, however, Billie appeared from around the corner, blocking their way. “Ladies,” he said, grinning smugly. “Did you find anything you like?”

Knowing that it was now or never, Allie shoved Billie with everything she had. “Run Kylie!” she screamed. “Save Adria!”

Terrified, Kylie ran.

Billie grabbed Allie’s arm. “That wasn’t very smart.”

Remembering what Cassie had taught her, she poked him hard in the eyes with her other hand and then kicked him in the shin as hard as she could.

He hollered in rage and released her.

Allie took off running.

Chapter Fifteen

Cassie

After the ground stopped trembling, I stepped out of the restaurant, gripping the Tomahawk ax firmly in my right hand.

“What the hell am I thinking?” I said under my breath, staring at the hundreds of zombies crowding all around the MOA. “They were right. This has got to be a suicide mission beyond all other suicide missions.”

But you have to try and save the girls, countered a little voice in the back of my head. Have faith. You made it this far.

Taking a deep breath, I put one foot in front of the other and began walking. There was no time for second thoughts or reasoning. Sure, it was me against a couple hundred of them, but something told me that time was running out and if I didn’t go for it, my life would quickly follow suit.

As I neared the end of the restaurant’s parking lot, a short female zombie moved towards me along the sidewalk, dragging a bloody, dismembered arm.

Grimacing, I stopped and waited for her to drop the arm and charge me. Amazingly, however, she stayed on her course, paying me no mind.

“Hey,” I said, out loud.

Her glazed eyes met mine for a brief second and then dropped away.

“You sure about this?” I tried again, wondering if she thought that maybe I was one of them.

In response, her eyes stared blankly and she continued to ignore me.

I watched in troubled silence, even more stunned when she passed in front of me, without so much as a pause. Raising my arm, I sniffed my skin wondering if I smelled as repulsive as they did, but found nothing unusual in my scent.

I frowned. Her ignorance of fresh food was unsettling.

Brushing it aside, I crossed the street towards the mega mall’s parking lot, bracing for a different reaction from the others.

I’m nuts, I thought, staring at the massive crowd of dead in my path. What was even crazier, however, was that they also appeared oblivious to my approach. I’d almost expected the entire group of zombies to stop what they were doing and charge after me, but not these zombies- they just kept wandering around with no particular destination in mind..

As I approached the closest of the group, two males who were so emaciated that I could see the bones in their ribcages, stepped out of my path, ignoring me.

What in the hell is going on? I wondered in disbelief as I stared at their retreating backs. Then, another zombie approached and before I could raise my ax, she changed course, also taking no interest.

Grunting, I picked up my pace, zigzagging around dozens of them without interference. When I made it past the parking lot and to the main entrance of the mall, I turned around and stared at the crowd in disbelief, wondering if maybe I was truly losing my mind. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw headlights.

Crap.

It was the white truck, returning. As it drew closer to the mall exit, it slowed, as if searching for me.

“You made it, child.”

I whipped around and stared at an old man, holding the door open for me. He had white hair, blue eyes, and a friendly face. “Who are you?” I asked, in shock, staring at his priest garb.

He chuckled. “Well, I’m a friend, here to help you.”

I glanced over my shoulder one last time and noticed the pickup was still there. I could almost feel his eyes on me and felt the hair stand up on the back of my neck.

“Who is that?” asked the priest, as the truck took off.

“Some asshole. Oh,” I turned back around and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry.”

“It’s quite all right, child. I’m sure you have your reasons.”

“You have no idea. Say, have you seen two girls and a baby around here?”

“Yes. That’s why I’m here, actually. Are you the sister to one of the girls?”

“Thank goodness. Yes, I’m Allie’s sister. Are they safe?”

“I am Father Brambati,” he replied. “Why don’t’ you just come in and check for yourself.”

“Thanks,” I said, stepping past him. “So, is there a man named Billie with them?”

His eyebrows furrowed. “Billie? No, I don’t think so.”

“Really?” I turned and caught him staring at my legs.

His eyes moved back up to mine and he smiled. “My… my… that’s a very interesting outfit, young lady.”

I suddenly felt very subconscious of the skimpy shorts. “I know. Not really my choice, but what can you do. Where are the girls?”

He started walking. “This way. They’ll be very excited to see you.”

I started walking next to him and noticed that there were zombies heading towards us from the opposite direction. I raised my ax.  “Watch out, Father.”

He smiled. “Oh… don’t worry. They’re harmless.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Just watch.”

Sure enough, as we approached, the zombies ignored us and kept walking.

“Why are they ignoring us?” I asked, watching them.

“It’s his will,” said the priest.

I raised my eyebrows. “You mean God’s?”

His eyes moved to my ax.

“Father?”

“You won’t be needing weapons here,” he said, frowning. “In fact, why don’t you leave it behind and retrieve it later? To be honest, t’s making me quite uncomfortable.”

I stared at him in surprise. There was no way I’d give up the ax. No way. “Well, I’m sorry that it’s making you feel that way, but I can’t give it up. It’s all I have and it’s too dangerous, even if the zombies are ignoring us.”

Just then, a woman and a man rounded the corner. When they noticed us standing in the corridor they froze.

“Is everything okay?” asked the priest.

“Yes,” said the man, who appeared tense. He looked at my ax and his face darkened.

“Very good,” replied Father Brambati. “This is Cassie. She’s here to see the girls.”

They didn’t say anything, just continued to stare at me as we approached.

“Everything okay?” I asked, studying the couple uneasily when we stopped in front of them.

The woman smiled. “Of course.”

“Where are the girls?” I said, watching another zombie stagger towards us.

“Follow me,” replied Father Brambati, stepping around the couple.

I did and when we turned the corner and began walking towards the center of the mall, I gasped in shock.

“What in the hell is that?” I asked, staring in disbelief at the monstrous black hole in the floor.

The priest put his hand on my back. “It’s a miracle. Something that words alone cannot describe. Come and see for yourself.”

Frightened, I took a step away from him. There was no way I was going to get close to that thing. It looked like something out of a science fiction movie. “No, I’ll pass, thank you. Where are the girls?”

“Ah… she’s here.”

My head whipped around and I sighed in relief. “Billie, thank God. The priest said you weren’t here.”

He stepped out of the shadows. “Here I am, alive and in the flesh.” He smiled. “I’m glad you’re here. I believe I’m going to need your help.”

“Uh, sure,” I replied. “Where’s my sister, Kylie, and Adria?”

“Oh, they’re around here somewhere,” he replied. “They’ve got the mall all to themselves. Every girl’s dream, right?”

“Under normal circumstances,” I replied, staring at a zombie who was nearing the hole. “Right now, I’d say that it’s a little too dangerous for them to be having a ‘shopping spree’.”

He giggled eerily. “I agree. Try telling girls that age though, huh?”

My eyes settled back onto him. He’d shaved and was now dressed in an expensive-looking black suit, which was odd considering the situation. “You look good.”

He put his hands in his pockets. “I make the suit look good.”

I smiled.

“You look pretty good yourself,” he said, his eyes flickering to my uniform.

I blushed. “Obviously this isn’t mine.”

“Well, you have an entire mall of clothing at your disposal, pick out something else if you’d like. I’d lose the ax, though, it’s not working with your outfit.”

I looked down at my weapon. “No, someone special gave me this and I’m not letting it go.”

“Suit yourself.”

I wanted to ask why he’d taken the girls, but decided to wait. If he had the zombie virus, then he could be volatile and I didn’t want to antagonize him.

“So… are you really doing okay, Billie?” I asked, stepping closer. I wanted to touch his forehead, to see if he was feverish, although, admittedly, he looked pretty darn healthy. “You feeling sick or anything?”

“Actually, I’ve never been better.”

I looked into his eyes and there was something I didn’t recognize. A coldness. “Well… that’s a relief,” I said, feeling uneasy.

“Shall we find the girls?” he asked, glancing at the hole again. He smiled. “I’m sure you’re anxious to see them.”

“Very.”

“Get away from there!” hollered the priest. “You stupid idiot.”

I turned back towards the hole again and noticed a zombie near the edge.

“Dai!” shouted Billie.

The zombie turned around and walked away.

I raised my eyebrows. “Uh, what just happened?”

“Let’s go this way,” replied Billie, ignoring the question. He turned around and began walking towards the shops. “You should start calling for the girls, so they can hear your voice. They could be anywhere in this place.”

I followed him. “Billie, so… um… what’s going on with that hole? How did it get there?”

He smiled back at me. “It’s truly amazing, isn’t it?”

I felt the hair stand up on the back of my neck. “Amazing? More like freaky scary. I’ve never seen anything that deep in my life.”

“You’ve got that right.” He stopped walking and cocked his ear. “Hmm… Why don’t you call for your sister.”

I cleared my throat. “Allie!”

We waited. The mall was eerily quiet without the usual music or people noise.

“Keep calling,” he said.

“Kylie!” I yelled louder.

“Let’s go this way,” he said, pointing towards another corridor.

“Okay.”

We neared a clothing store that my sister adored. “Hold on,” I said, sticking my head inside of the dark entrance.  “Allie!?”

“She’s not in there.”

“How do you know?” I asked, looking back at him.

He shrugged. “She would have answered you, right?”

I sighed. “Yeah, I suppose.”

We continued down the corridor.

“Allie!” I hollered again.

No answer.

“Are you sure they’re safe with all of these zombies walking around?” I asked, as two more rounded the corner.

“The zombies aren’t interested in them. Don’t worry.”

“But why?” I asked. “Why would they suddenly not give a damn about us? We’re their food supply, right?”

“It appears that way,” he replied, sniffing the air. “They’re close. I can sense them.”

Sense them?

He turned to me. “Keep calling.”

“Allie! Kylie!” I screamed.

“Cassie!” hollered Allie. “Get away from him!”

I turned around and found my sister standing at the end of the hallway next to a toy store. Relieved, I grinned. “Allie!”

“Get away from Billie!” she yelled, looking panic-stricken.

I glanced at Billie. “What did you do to piss her off so much?”

“Nothing.”

“He’s trying to kill Adria!” hollered Allie.

He looked down at his nails and frowned. “What a little drama queen. God, she’s really starting to piss me off.”

I narrowed my eyes. He’d done nothing but piss me off in the last few hours. “Okay, you stay here. I think I need to talk to her alone.”

“Dammit, time is running out. Where is the baby you little bitch?!” growled Billie.

I stared at him in shock. “Billie?”

“Run Cassie!” hollered Allie.

“Run Cassie,” he mimicked. “Like you can really escape.”

I started backing away from him. “I… I’m going to talk to her, okay Billie? I’m sure she’s just upset and scared after everything that’s been happening.”

“Stay where you are,” he ordered, the rings of his eyes beginning to glow.

I paused.

He smiled and held up his right hand. “Allie,” he hollered. “If you want to see your sister’s beautiful face again, you’ll come here. Now.”

He’s threatening me?!

I glared at him. “You stay there right there, Allie! Don’t you dare move a muscle.”

Billie’s hands began to glow. “Remember this?” he asked, looking into my eyes.

I stared back at him in horror.

“Yes,” he replied, answering the question jumbling around in my mind. “It’s really me.”

“Travis?”

He grinned wickedly. “Would you like to see how quickly skin melts from the bone, Allie?”

My sister began to cry. “No!”

Fire flowed out of his hand, forming a small ball. It hovered in the air next to his face. “Last chance.”

“Run Allie!” I screamed and began running towards her.

“Cassie!” she cried.

I’m not sure what exactly I tripped over, but my foot caught something on the linoleum and I fell forward just before the ball of fire shot past me and hit a wall. Staring at the flames in horror, I quickly got back to my feet and began running again.

“No, please Billie!” screamed Allie, peaking around the corner.

Knowing he was launching another fire ball, I spun to the side and ducked right before it hit me.

“Impressive!” hollered Billie. He smirked. “You just never disappoint, do you?”

When I reached Allie, I pushed her around the corner and grabbed her arm. “Where’s Kylie and Adria?”

“I don’t know. We split up,” she said.

I pulled her down the corridor towards Nordstrom’s. “I’m going to find a place for you to hide, and then search for them,” I said, grabbing her hand. “There should be plenty of places in Nordstrom’s.”

“What about Billie?”

“I’ll deal with him, too.” I hoped to at least.

We hurried into the store. I looked over my shoulder and was surprised to find that he hadn’t followed us.

“How did he do that?”

“What?” I asked as we past the perfume department and headed towards the escalators.

“The fire? How did he make the fire?”

We began climbing the escalator. “I don’t know.”

“Is he a demon?”

When we reached the top, my eyes stopped at the Linen Department. “Come on,” I said, pulling her hand.

“Cassie? Would you answer me? What is going on with Billie?”

“Uh, a demon?” I wanted to shrug it off by laughing but her question actually scared the hell out of me. He obviously wasn’t my friend Billie anymore. He was Travis. The problem was that I had no idea what Travis was. “I really don’t know.”

“I’m so scared,” she said, squeezing my hand.

I led her to an assortment of hanging shower curtains and stopped. “I know,” I said, turning to her. “But I’m here now and I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Her blue eyes searched mine. “Are we going to be okay?”

“Yes, we are.”

“I don’t want him to kill us.”

“He’s not going to, Allie. I won’t let him.”

“What about that hole? Did you see it?”

“Yes.”

“Do you think Satan is going to come out of it?”

I paused. “Satan?”

She nodded. “That’s what Kylie and I were thinking. Billie wants to sacrifice Adria and then Satan will know she’s dead. Then he’ll come here to try and rule the world.”

“That’s really… dark,” I replied.

She smiled grimly. “I know, but it’s starting to make sense.”

I sighed. “Listen, nobody is sacrificing Adria and you’re going to be safe, too.”

“How can you be so sure?”

I smiled. “Because, I’m your older sister. I know everything.”

She snorted.

I sighed. “Look, I don’t know for sure what is going to happen, but we’ve survived a lot and I’m not going to let that freak kill any of us, okay?”

She nodded.

“Now listen to me- you have to hide and stay hidden. Here,” I handed her my ax. “Hide behind these curtains and wait for me to come back for you.”

“What if you don’t come back?” she asked, her eyes filling with tears.

I hugged her. “I will, Allie. I promise. Just don’t leave here unless… there’s a fire or something.”

“And if there’s a fire?” she asked as I released her.

I thought about the people in the restaurant. “Remember that restaurant that dad used to love. The steak joint, right across from the mall?”

She nodded.

“There are other survivors there. Nice people. If I don’t come back in a couple of hours, try to find a way to get to those people. I know they’ll help you.”

“A couple of hours?” she asked, horrified. “I have to wait that long?”

“Well, yeah… It might take me a while to find Kylie and then get back here to you. Look, this place looks pretty safe and nobody will see you behind these curtains. Please, just promise me you won’t leave.”

She sighed and nodded. “Okay. Not before two hours.”

“Right. I don’t want you to leave any earlier. Okay?”

She frowned. “I don’t have a watch.”

I rubbed my forehead and looked around. “Fine…. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay.”

I rushed over to the cooking department and found a small handheld kitchen timer. I then hurried back and gave it to her. “There you go. Wind up the timer and when it goes off in an hour, rewind it for another hour. Easy, right?”

“Please come back,” she begged, her lower lip trembling.

I hugged her again. “I’ll do my best.”

“Do you think that Adria is the ‘Chosen One’?”

I released her. “Honestly, I really don’t know.”

“I think she is,” said Allie. “So, you’d better save her.”

Chapter Sixteen

Bryce and Company

“Did you hear that?” whispered Kristie.

“I didn’t hear anything,” said Tiny, pulling a long screw driver out of a zombie’s forehead.

“That’s because you were too busy with him,” said Kristie, nodding towards the corpse. “But I definitely heard something.”

“I heard it, too,” said Henry, frowning.

“I think I heard Allie screaming,” said Paige, looking frightened.

“And the other voice may have been Billie’s,” said Nora. She sighed. “What in the hell has gotten into him? I just don’t get it.”

There was another scream.

“Let’s go,” snarled Bryce. “Time for some heads to roll.”

“As long as you let me at Billie first,” Nora, trying to keep up with him. “I owe him.”

“I’m not promising anything,” said Bryce, leading the way towards the center of the mall. “Especially if he’s hurt one of the girls.”

“Understandable,” replied Nora.

As Bryce was about to round the corner, he froze and raised his hand in the air. “Hold up… what in the hell is that?”

They all stopped and stared in astonishment at the large, black hole.

“Are you kidding me?” gasped Paige, moving towards it.

“Whoa, hold it, girl!” snapped Kristie, pulling her back. “Don’t you dare get near that thing.”

“It’s that damn hole you were talking about, isn’t it?” said Tiny.

Henry raised his gun and began moving towards it. “You guys just stay back. I’ll go and check it out.”

“Henry, I don’t think you should go near that thing,” warned Kristie. “You could lose your balance and fall in.”

“Oh, I’ll be fine,” he replied. “Just let me check this out. If something happens, the oldest one should be the one to go.”

“The oldest one should also be the wisest,” she replied. “So don’t get too close, Henry.”

“Would you look at that,” said Henry, stopping near the edge. “In all my years, I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s… unbelievable.”

Tiny walked over and stood beside Henry. “Wow, I feel like I’m looking down into space and the only thing missing are the stars.”

“How did it get here?” asked Nora, also moving to the edge.

“I don’t know. It certainly wasn’t here yesterday,” replied Justice.

“No, it wasn’t,” said Henry. “Damn, this couldn’t have been from an earthquake, either. Look at how perfectly round it is. And the edges, they look smooth.”

“This is really freaky,” said Nora.

“If it wasn’t an earthquake, what do you think?” asked Kristie.

“Hmm… Maybe it really is that portal you were talking about, Justice,” said Tiny.

“Wow, I can’t even see the bottom,” said Justice. He got down on his stomach and peered over the edge. “It looks like an infinite black hole.”

“That’s freaken wicked, man,” said Nora. “If there is a bottom, I hope to never see it.”

“Check this out, Bryce,” said Tiny, looking back at him over his shoulder. “Maybe you can give us a scientific explanation for this thing.”

Bryce sighed and moved towards the hole. When he reached the edge and looked down, he experienced an intense wave of vertigo.

“You okay?” asked Tiny, grabbing his arm.

“Yeah,” he said, stepping away from the hole. “Just don’t care much for heights.”

“Well, this is the mother of all heights, my friend,” said Henry. He pulled out a can of chew from his pocket and stuffed the remaining wad into his mouth. “Check this out,” he said, tossing the can into the hole.

They watched as the can dropped and disappeared into the darkness.

“What happened to it?” asked Paige, eager to get closer.

Nora laughed. “Don’t know. It’s probably still dropping.”

“You guys, get away from that thing. We need to find the girls,” said Kristie, looking uneasy

“Hey,” said Justice. “Do you see that?”

Nora’s eyes widened. “Oh shit, what is that?”

“What?” asked Paige pulling away from her mom.

“Paige, get back here,” snapped Kristie. “You don’t need to see.”

Justice stood up quickly. “Get away from the hole. Something’s coming!”

Tiny’s eyes widened. “Everybody move!”

Henry raised his rifle and aimed it. “I’ll take care of that damn thing. Looks like some kind of bat.”

“A mutant bat,” said Nora, backing away. “With five inch fangs.”

The large winged creature flew out of the hole and soared towards the ceiling, making an unearthly screeching noise.

Kristie gasped in horror. “What in the hell is that? A vampire bat?”

The creature swooped back down and flew towards her and Paige, its ragged jaws open wide.

“Tiny!” screamed Kristie, pulling Paige with her as she began to run. “Kill the damn thing!”

Tiny took off running towards them, his gun raised in the air. “I’ll get it.”

“Go into that store!” hollered Henry. “And get underneath something!”

Kristie made a beeline towards the woman’s clothing store and pulling Paige with her. The got on their knees and crawled under a long glass display table.

“Mom, it followed us in!”

“Oh my God,” she shuddered as the creature landed on the table and stared down at her with its blood-red eyes.

Tiny skidded to a stop and aimed it at the monster.

“Kill it!” screamed Kristie.

“Shit, my gun is jammed,” he hollered, trying to fix it.

Bryce charged into the store right as the winged beast took off flying again.

“What in the hell was that?” asked Kristie, as the thing flew to the back of the store and then out the doorway.

“It looked almost like a flying rat,” said Bryce.

“A rat the size of a Beagle,” said Justice as he and Henry stepped into the store.

“Where’d it go?” asked Kristie.

“It took off somewhere down the hallway,” said Henry.

Nora screamed.

“Oh my God, you left Nora out there all alone?!” hollered Kristie, crawling out from under the table.

They all rushed out of the store and froze.

“Hey guys,” said Billie, smiling. He stood next to the hole, his arm around Nora, who looked dazed and confused.

“Billie!” hollered Bryce, looking up towards the ceiling uneasily. “Long time no see.”

“Nora,” called Paige. “Are you okay?”

She didn’t answer.

“Nora?” called Paige once more.

“Something isn’t right,” said Kristie, under her breath. “Nora’s not responding. Not even a smart-assed comment.”

“Something is definitely wrong,” whispered Paige.

Tiny stepped forward. “Hey, did you happen to see a large winged creature flying around out here?”

“Why, yes as a matter of face I did,” he replied, still grinning.

“Uh, where did it go?” asked Kristie.

“I think it may have flown back into the hole,” he replied.

“Where’s Kylie, Allie, and Adria?” asked Tiny moving towards him.

“Not really sure, actually. Somewhere in this building. They can’t get too far without me being alerted.”

“What’s going on with you?” asked Henry. He lowered his gun and walked over to them. “You doing okay, son?”

“I’ve never been better,” replied Billie.

“Nora,” said Henry. “What about you, you doing okay?”

“I’m fine,” she said in a monotone voice.

Billie released her. “She’s a feisty one, I’ll give her that. Good thing I calmed her down or she might have knocked us both into the hole.”

“Nora,” said Paige. “Didn’t you have something you wanted to say to Billie?”

She turned to him. “Yes. I’m so happy to see you again.”

Paige arched her eyebrow. “That’s it?”

Nora smiled. “I’ve missed you.”

“I can tell,” he replied. “And I’ve missed you.”

Bryce sighed. “Okay, it’s great that you’ve been reunited, but where are the girls?”

He scowled. “Like I said, I’m really not sure.”

“You haven’t seen Cassie either?”

He shrugged.

“Look, Billie, we heard you arguing with her. I also heard Allie screaming. You’d better come clean and let us know what the hell is going on here before I lose my temper and kick your ass.

“What is going on is that I need you people to find the girls and bring them to me. If you don’t obey my orders, you will all get to watch Nora’s flesh burn to a crispy black while she screams out her undying devotion to me.”

“I’m leaning more towards kicking your ass and then holding you down for Nora,” replied Bryce, setting down his gun.

Billie sighed. “Somehow I knew you people weren’t going to play nice. Very well.”  He raised his hands in the air and a ball of fire appeared. “Bring me the child and I will allow all of you to live. If you refuse, then death will be merciful after I’m done making each one of you suffer a most unimaginable pain.”

Henry quickly raised his gun. “Nora, move away from him.”

She didn’t respond.

“Tiny, grab her,” said Henry.

Billie looked at him, his eyes glowing a yellowish orange. “Stay where you are and lower your gun, old man.”

“Can’t do that,” he replied.

Billie smiled coldly. “I think you can. You do remember the children at the church? Their frightened cries when they realized that their precious refuge was on fire?”

Henry scowled. “Oh, I remember and that’s why you’d better stop all of this before someone gets hurt, mainly you.”

“I don’t mind pain. I don’t mind giving or receiving it.”

“You’re one twisted sonofabitch,” mumbled Henry, cocking his gun.

His face darkened. “At least I’m not a pathetic excuse for a man, like you, Henry. Bragging to everyone how you were some kind of stud your entire life when you couldn’t even get a woody. Tell us, what kind of a cowboy are you, when you can’t even get your own gun loaded, Henry?”

Henry glared at him. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, but I do. I know everything about you. Remember Mary?” He grinned evilly. “You were always trying to act like you could make that woman happy. She laughed at you, even when you weren’t looking. Felt nothing but pity. Good thing she wasn’t interested in your pruny old ass, or you would have left another woman frustrated and disappointed in life. ”

“Now that’s enough!” hollered Tiny, stomping towards Billie. “Nobody talks to my grandfather like that!”

Billie’s eyes narrowed. “You’d better stop right there or I’m going to make you holler in such a deep voice that everyone will mistake you for a man.”

“Forgive me, God,” muttered Henry under his breath as he pulled the trigger. “For not killing this bastard all the way the first time.”

The impact of the bullet from Henry’s gun knocked Billie backwards, sending him into the black hole.

Nora’s eyes closed and she collapsed to the ground.

“Nora!” hollered Kristie, rushing to her side. She bent down and checked her pulse. “She’s okay. She’s breathing.”

Henry walked over to the edge of the hole and looked down. “Oh, hell. What did I do?” he whispered in horror. “I think I just killed one of us.”

Justice walked over and stood next to him. “That was Travis, not Billie.”

“He right,” said Paige. “Billie would have never acted like that. Plus, you saw what he did to his hands.”

“He would have killed one of us,” said Justice. “You did what you had to do.”

Henry removed his hat. “Well, I reckon you’re right. I just couldn’t stand listening to his lies anymore. And then when he threatened Tiny… well that broke the camel’s back.”

Bryce put his hand on Henry’s shoulder. “It’s okay, Henry. Something was really off about that guy.”

“Like he was possessed,” stated Paige. “You saw what he did to his hands.”

Bryce sighed but didn’t answer.

“What happened?” mumbled Nora.

“You don’t remember?” asked Kristie.

She stood up slowly. “No… I remember something flying out of the hole… and then seeing Billie. But that’s it.”

“He wasn’t Billie anymore,” said Justice.

She turned to him. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“He’s gone,” said Kristie. She put an arm around her shoulders.

Nora’s eyes widened “As in dead?”

“Yeah. But he’s finally at peace. At least, I hope,” said Kristie, glancing uneasily towards the hole.

Nora paused and then sighed. “Well, I guess there’s nothing more to say.”

Paige’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Oh my goodness! Survivors!” hollered a voice. “God has truly answered my prayers.”

They all turned to find a priest rushing towards them. He stopped in front of Tiny. “My name is Father Brambati. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to find you people. This is surely a blessed day.”

“Where did you come from?” asked Bryce.

He turned to Bryce. “I was upstairs when I heard the noise.”

“No, when and how did you get to the mall?” he asked.

“By car, earlier today. I came to Minnesota to search for my family. My grandson used to work here… I thought I’d see if he’d somehow survived.” His face fell. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t find him. Nothing here but zombies and death.”

“And that hole,” said Paige.

He nodded. “Yes. It’s incredible, isn’t it?”

“What do you make of it?” asked Kristie. “Do you think it has something to do with the supernatural?”

The priest walked over to the hole and stood there for a minute, not saying anything.

“Father?” asked Tiny. “What do you think?”

He looked up. “Actually, it’s a bridge.”

“A bridge, huh? Where does the bridge lead to?” asked Bryce, frowning.

“You’ve heard of the End of Days, have you not?”

Bryce grimaced. “Well, yeah. Lately, I’ve heard a lot about it. Are you saying that we’re really at the end of our rope here?”

“Some of us are,” said the priest. “But not all.”

“I don’t get it,” said Henry. “I’ve never heard of a black hole in the bible. What has this got to do with the prophecy in Revelations?”

Father Brambati smiled. “This is the bridge between Heaven and Earth.”

Chapter Seventeen

Cassie

I left Nordstrom’s in search of Kylie and Adria, but it was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. There were so many stores and hallways… plus, I couldn’t risk calling either of their names out loud. Not when Billie was undoubtedly searching for me.

Billie, aka, Travis.

The fact that he was now possessed by Travis scared the living crap out of me. I had no idea how to stand up to a supernatural being, let alone one who could start a fire with his bare hands. The fact that he could also leap into someone else’s body was no less terrifying. If I could just find the girls and get back to Bryce. That’s all I wanted…

Frustrated but not beaten yet, I searched every store I came across as well as the bathrooms. Then I saw something that made me want to toss in the towel and head back to the bar for another shot.

“No freaken way,” I gasped when the giant bat thing swooped down from the ceiling, screeching something crazy.

Frightened, I ran into the nearest store and grabbed a long metal clothing pick-stick. With my heart pounding, I held the metal grabber in front of me and crept back out into the hallway. This time I found myself alone in the hallway with something familiar and less daunting - a zombie with most of his facial skin missing as well as his pants.

I cringed.

Fortunately, he ignored me just as the others had.

I relaxed slightly and started down the corridor again. Before I made it to the end of the hallway, the flying creature made another appearance. With its enormous black wings flapping loudly, it flew at me again, glaring at me with red eyes.

I raised the stick and slammed it against the beast’s face with everything I had. Fortunately, it tumbled to the ground and then lay motionless.

Finish it off.

I started towards the animal, wondering what the hell it was. It was much larger than a bat and like nothing I’d ever seen in any school text book.

Noticing me get closer, it screamed in rage and flew back into the air.

Fortunately, the naked zombie was close. Grimacing, I pushed him in front of me and used him like a shield as the flying beast attacked. The creature opened its mouth and impaled the zombie in the forehead. The zombie fell to the ground, with the creature still attached and I stabbed it with the end of the pick-stick, twisting until it was finally silent.

As I backed away with the bloody stick, I heard the sound of a baby crying.

Adria!

I began running towards the noise and when I rounded the next corner, I saw the couple from earlier with Kylie and Adria. The man had Kylie by the arm and the woman was bent over Adria, who was sobbing in terror.

“Let her go,” I said firmly, stepping towards them.

Kylie shrugged off the man’s hand and rushed to Adria. She picked her up and moved towards me.

“Are you okay?” I asked, eyeing her.

“Yeah,” she replied, her eyes full of tears. “No thanks to them.”

Sneering, the man pulled out a gun and aimed it at us. “Why don’t you just put that stick down?”

I glared at him.

“Do it, or I’ll just shoot you. I have no problem with that.”

Sighing, I did what he asked.

The blond woman smiled triumphantly. “Good. He’ll be so happy with us.”

“What is wrong with you people?”  I snapped. “Treating babies and children like this?”

The man smirked. “This isn’t your ordinary baby.”

“Oh come on… do you really think that this baby is the ‘Chosen One’? I mean she can’t protect herself, let alone the world.”

“You’re just trying to protect her,” remarked the woman with a sneer.

I sighed. “You’re so wrong, you know. Wasting time trying to track this innocent kid when she isn’t even the one you should be worried about.”

The man’s eyes narrowed. “What are you saying?”

“Because I’m the one you should be afraid of, not her,” I replied, only half bluffing.

The woman’s eyes widened. “What are you saying?”

“What do you think I’m trying to say?”

“Don’t listen to her,” said the man. “She’s full of it.”

“Are you sure?”

The couple glanced at each other.

“If she is supposed to save the world, wouldn’t she be older?” I said. “I mean think about it - how could such a young child stop a demon from ruling the world?”

“We are to stop the baby before she grows up,” the woman stated. “Thus the zombie apocalypse. This whole thing was set up to make it easier for us to find and stop her.”

My eyes widened. “Are you saying that Travis is responsible for the zombies?”

“Not him. Abaddon,” she replied.

“Enough,” said the man. “You’ve said too much.”

“Who cares,” replied the woman. “She should know how powerful he is. She should honor him, as we do.”

“Where do I find this Abaddon?” I asked, hoping that I had a chance to show this character how I really felt about his zombie apocalypse. Because of him, my parents were dead and so were most of my friends and family. If anyone needed to pay, it was obviously that guy.

“Don’t worry,” she replied. “You’ll be meeting him soon enough.”

Chapter Eighteen

Bryce and Company

“You’re shitting me,” said Henry. His cheeks turned pink. “Oh, forgive me, Father. I’m just shocked, is all.”

The priest smiled. “It’s quite all right. Given the circumstances, I understand your particular choice of words.”

“When are they coming?” he asked, staring back into the dark hole.

“Well, you’ve all probably seen the first signs,” he said solemnly. “The storms, the earthquakes, the blood in the water, and now the darkness that has settled upon us.”

“That’s why the sun hasn’t risen?” asked Paige.

“Yes.”

“Uh, about this bridge to Heaven,” said Justice, peering over the edge. “Is that really at the end of this hole?”

“I’m not exactly sure how it works, but there is indeed something on the other side. Did you feel the vibrations in the floor earlier?”

“Yes,” replied Kristie, slowly moving towards the hole. “What was that, exactly? Oh… wow… that’s deep.”

Paige walked over and looked down. “That doesn’t look like a bridge to Heaven to me.”

“I agree,” said Kristie, backing away. “To me it looks more like something out of a horror movie. And that thing that flew out of the hole… that definitely wasn’t an angel.”

Paige turned to the priest. “Did you happen to notice the over-sized bat flying around the mall? The one with twelve inch fangs and beady red eyes.”

“No,” said the priest. “I’m happy to say that I didn’t come across such a thing.”

“If this is a bridge between Heaven and earth, why would it unleash something that tried attacking us?” asked Henry.

“You’ve heard the old fables about the ‘troll’ bridge?” asked Father Brambati.

Paige snorted.

“It’s my understanding that the bridge has many guards, not all of them friendly,” he said.

“Makes sense to me,” replied Bryce. “As crazy as it sounds, it does make sense.”

“Unbelievable,” said Paige. “It took a bat out of a hole to make you believe this stuff?”

“And a priest,” he replied.

“What’s going to happen next?” asked Kristie.

“Well, we need to find the child, quickly.”

“You’re talking about Adria, right?” asked Tiny.

He smiled. “I’m not sure of the child’s name. Tell me about Adria.”

Tiny explained how they’d found the baby. “And the guy, or demon, whatever the hell he was… sorry Father, he believed that she was the ‘Chosen One’.

He rubbed his chin and nodded. “Well, he could probably sense that she was special and a threat. Where is Adria?”

“We don’t know,” said Kristie. “Somewhere in the mall.”

“Let’s start searching,” said Tiny, picking up his gun. “Kristie, you and Paige come with me. We’ll take the top level. Justice, why don’t you and Bryce start at the bottom and we’ll meet in between.”

“I’m coming too,” said Nora.

“You’ve been through a lot and I think you should stay here with Henry,” replied Tiny. “In case the kids come back this way.”

“Whatever you say.”

***

They split up and Paige followed Tiny and Kristie up the motionless escalators.

“I’m thankful that the lights are working, but these escalators are killing me,” she said, after they reached the highest level of the mall.

“I’m surprised that there are lights,” said Paige. “They weren’t working last time we were here.”

“Somebody must have switched on the generators,” said Tiny.

“So, mom… did you notice that Nora’s acting weird?” asked Paige.

“Nora has always been weird,” said Kristie. “Hate to say it.”

“Well, something is up because normally she isn’t so agreeable with everything,” said Paige.

Kristie sighed. “All jokes aside… she’s been through a lot in the past few days, Paige. She found her dad’s body and a demon possessed her boyfriend. That’s a lot to digest, you know? I think it’s safe to say that Nora has earned the right to act a little weirder than usual.”

“I suppose,” she replied. “It’s just that…”

“What?” asked Kristie.

She hesitated.

“Tell us what’s on your mind,” said Tiny.

“Well, what if the demon jumped out of Billie’s body and into Nora?”

Kristie stopped walking. “Don’t say that.”

“Think about it. He obviously did it to Billie. Why wouldn’t he do it to Nora if he needed to?”

Kristie turned to Tiny. “What do you think?”

He sighed. “As far as I’m concerned, anything is possible at this point.”

Kristie closed her eyes rubbed the space between her brows. “Well, I think we’d better watch Nora closely. If Travis is controlling her, then…”

“Oh hell,” said Tiny. “I’d better warn Gramps and that priest, just in case.” He handed Kristie his gun. “You keep looking for the girls and I’ll be back up in a minute.”

Kristie looked at the gun uneasily. “Okay, but you know how I am with these things.”

He unlocked the safety. “Aim and shoot, babe, aim and shoot.”

“Okay.”

“And keep the gun down unless you actually have a target, mom,” said Paige, moving out of her way.

“Oh, sorry,” she replied. “Just get back up here soon, Tiny. I’m sure we’re being overly paranoid anyway.”

“Let’s hope so,” he said.

Chapter Nineteen

Cassie

“So, you’re saying that Abaddon, A.K.A. Lucifer himself is involved with the zombie apocalypse, because he’s trying to flush out the ‘Chosen One’ and destroy her… I mean,” I smirked. “Me.”

“Give it a rest, you’re not the one we want, sweetheart,” said the man, smiling coldly. “Now, unless you want me to shoot one of you in the head, you’re going to accompany us back to the hole.”

Since he had the gun and I had no other option at the moment, I decided to play nice. For now. “Fine. Just don’t start shooting people.”

“Do as you’re told and I won’t have to,” he replied.

“Where is the other girl, Allie?” asked the woman.

“She’s long gone,” I replied. “I sent her away.”

“We don’t need her anyway,” said the man. “We have the child.”

“So, um… where have all the zombies gone?” I asked, trying to distract her.

“Do you really care?” asked the woman.

“Yes. It’s weird.”

“If you really must know… Travis sent most of them into the parking lot and away from the hole.”

“Why?” I asked.

“So they don’t fall in. Their entrance into the other realm might anger him, should they somehow survive the fall.”

“Lucifer?” I asked.

“Of course,” she said. “Anyway, once he enters this world, zombies will be the least of your worries.”

I swallowed hard. “Enters? Uh, when will that be?”

“Once the child is sacrificed,” she replied, her eyes glittering.

I glanced at Kylie, who looked ready to bolt. I mouthed the word ‘no’ to her and she sighed.

When we were about to round the corner leading to the hole, the woman stopped abruptly and then shooed us back.

“What is it?” asked the man.

“There are two people with the priest,” she said. “I don’t recognize either of them.”

He walked around us and peered around the corner. “I don’t either,” he said, frowning. “Look, why don’t you go over and find out while I watch these two?”

“Fine, but this doesn’t feel right,” she mumbled, disappearing around the corner.

“How’s Adria?” I asked, while the man’s eyes shifted from me and Kylie, and then back around the corner.

“She needs a diaper,” replied Kylie.

“I’m sure,” I said, trying to decide the best way to disarm our captor. “I think we can find one for her somewhere in the mall.”

John turned around and smirked. “Don’t waste your time, kid. She won’t need a new one where she’s going.”

I clenched my jaw.

The guy was a real tool.

He seemed to notice and enjoy my irritation. He smiled even wider.

I tried to remain calm. “So, what’s going on over by the hole?” I asked, my eyes darting to his gun, which I knew would be mine soon enough.

He looked around the corner again. “Just some old man and a dark-haired girl.” His face darkened. “Shit, now who in the hell is that dude?”

With John’s attention diverted, I launched, getting him with a side-kick to his kidney.

With a loud grunt, he flew forward and landed on his stomach. He lost hold of the gun and it slid across the linoleum.

I ran over and grabbed it. “Get up,” I ordered, pointing the gun at him.

Wincing, he stood up slowly and then glared at me.

“Hands in the air,” said Kylie, now standing next to me.

I smiled. “You heard her.”

He rolled his eyes.

“Do it!” I hollered, glaring at him.

He raised them in the air.

“Okay, let’s go join the others,” I said. “Turn around and walk towards the pit. You try anything, John, and I’ll make sure you end up in that damn hole.”

Muttering something under his breath, he started moving forward. As we rounded the corner, I sighed in relief when I noticed Tiny, Henry, and Nora.

“Oh no,” said Kylie. “That guy who’s with them is friends with Billie, I mean Travis.”

“Father Brambati,” I said, nodding. “Yeah, I’ve met that guy. Something tells me he’s spewing lies to Tiny and Henry now.”

“They need to get away from him,” said Kylie, holding Adria closer. “He’s dangerous.”

“Guys!” I hollered, as we moved towards them. “Watch out for the woman and the priest! They can’t be trusted!”

Tiny stepped away from Father Brambati and Henry raised his gun towards the woman.

“Thank God,” said Tiny, grinning widely. “You guys are safe! Kristie has been worried sick!”

Henry smiled as I approached. “Well I’ll be damned. Somehow I just knew you’d make it here, Wild.”

I smiled grimly. “Apparently the mall was on the way to wherever that prick in the truck was headed. He practically dropped me off at the front door.”

“What happened to him?” asked Tiny.

“Not really sure. He took off.”

Henry frowned. “Huh. Strange days indeed.”

“Tell me about it. Speaking of strange, have you seen Billie?”

“He’s gone,” replied Nora. “As in, dead.”

“What happened?” I asked.

“Long story short,” said Henry. “Billie actually had been possessed by Travis, and he’s probably still falling down in that pit over there.”

“You got him?” I asked.

His eyes twinkled. “Damn right.”

My eyes went back to Nora. “I’m really sorry about Billie, Nora. Are you doing okay?”

“I’m a survivor,” she replied.

“Damn right you are,” said Henry.

I smiled.

“So what in the hell is going on with these three?” asked Tiny, eyeing them suspiciously. “You say they were with Travis?”

“Yes and they all want to kill Adria,” snapped Kylie.

Father Brambati’s eyes widened. “Goodness child, have I done anything to harm you or the baby?”

She glared at him. “No, but I heard you talking. You were okay with Billie sacrificing Adria!”

“Why, that’s ridiculous,” sputtered Father Brambati. “I’m a man of faith. I’ve devoted my entire life to the church and your accusations are ridiculous.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Of faith? I guess the real question is - with whom does your faith and devotion lie?”

“Child, you’ve got me all wrong,” he replied, his face turning red. “I had no idea that they’d planned on sacrificing the infant. No idea at all!”

I turned to the couple, who’d been silent. “From what these two told me, they’d planned on sacrificing Adria to let Lucifer into our world. Father Brambati is in on it, too. Just as Kylie said.”

“Wild, are you certain about this?” asked Henry, looking unsure. “Because that’s a mighty strong accusation to make against a priest.”

“Henry, we are not making this up,” I insisted. “He’s under Travis’s thumb, just like these two. Or rather, they were. You can’t trust any of them.”

“She’s right,” said Kylie, eyeing the couple suspiciously. “Especially these two.”

Henry paused. “Well, I’ve got to take your word for it. You, people, however,” he said, spitting out a wad of chew. “I don’t trust you as far as I can spit.”

Father Brambati took a step forward. “But Henry-”

“Save it,” he replied, cutting him off. “I’ve got no time for lies, especially from someone who’s dishonoring a position as a man of God.”

The priest glared at him. “You’re going to regret this. All of you.”

Henry smirked. “Why is it when someone says that, the only thing regretted is not pulling the trigger fast enough.”

Father Brambati’s eyes lowered to Henry’s gun but he held his tongue.

“Well, it’s certainly good to see you guys. How are you doing okay, Kylie?” asked Tiny, putting his arm around her.

She smiled up at him. “Relieved.”

Nora cleared her throat. “So… how is the baby?”

“Pretty good,” said Kylie. “Considering what we’ve been through.”

Nora walked over and smiled down at the baby. “If you’d like, I can hold her. I’m sure you’re just exhausted,” she said, pushing her dark hair behind her ears.

Kylie kissed Adria’s forehead. “No… she needs to have her diaper changed and my shirt is already kind of damp. I’ll just keep her for now.”

“Are you sure? Because I don’t mind.”

“Believe me, she’s really wet.” Kylie turned to Tiny. “Um, so where’s my mom?”

He groaned and slapped his forehead. “Oh hell, I forgot. She’s looking for you. I’ll go round them up so that they know you’re safe. Hey, where’s Allie?” he asked, frowning.

“I left her in Nordstrom’s,” I replied.

He sighed in relief. “Good. I was almost afraid to ask. Well, I’ll go and round up the rest of the group.”

“Okay,” I replied as he jogged towards the stairs.

“Bryce is sure going to be happy to see you,” said Henry, his blue eyes softening. He chuckled. “In fact, I think he might be handcuffing you to his wrist from now on.”

I smiled. “I think I might actually let him.”

The priest began to cough.

My smile fell. “You okay?”

“I could use something to drink,” he said in a hoarse voice.

“We’ll find you something when the others return,” said Henry.

“Bless you,” replied the priest.

I refrained from rolling my eyes.

Henry waved his gun towards a broken fountain, a few feet away. “Why don’t you three sit over against that retaining wall, where I can keep an eye on you?”

The priest sighed. “Look, I am no threat to you, friend. Please… just hear me out-”

“My hearing is bad and my true friends know better than to try and pull the wool over my eyes,” stated Henry, tightening his grip on the gun. “So, unless you want to find out what’s on the other side of that bridge you were bragging about, I’d keep my mouth shut and sit your ass down like I told you!”

“That’s no way to talk to a man of God,” replied the priest in shock.

I snorted. “Really?” I said. “You’re honestly going to go there?”

“Just go and sit your ass down already,” said Nora, looking aggravated.

Father Brambati’s muttered something under his breath as he joined the others by the fountain.

Henry sighed. “By George, I think he’s finally understanding us.”

“I hope so,” I said in a low voice, looking at the trio uneasily. “But, I still don’t trust them. John was telling me that Lucifer was the one who started the zombie apocalypse. Apparently, he wants to kill Adria before she grows up and is strong enough to stand up to him.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Is that right?”

I bit my lower lip. “Yes. And after seeing Travis’s powers, I’m having a hard time not believing him.”

“Now listen here,” said Henry with a determined look on his face. “There is no way in hell that I’m letting these people touch Adria, by golly. So, you just worry about your sister and keeping Bryce happy. Pay no mind to what that feller told you.”

“It’s kind of hard not thinking about it,” I said. “We’re talking about the devil.”

“Wild, don’t underestimate me,” he said. “Especially right now. Hell, I’ve gotten my second wind and I’m in the mood for a little Copenhagen and a little ass kicking,” he patted his shirt pocket and frowned. “And it looks like I’m all out of chew.”

I chuckled. “It appears that we never run out of the latter, though.”

“You got that right,” he said, his eyes twinkling.

Still chuckling, I walked over to the edge of the black hole and looked down. “You know, I wonder what’s really at the bottom of this?”

“I don’t know and frankly, I don’t want to ever find out,” said Henry.

“Can I look in the hole?” asked Kylie.

I turned to her. “Yeah, but not with Adria in your arms. I don’t want her getting near this thing. You know, just in case.”

“Look,” said Nora. “I can hold Adria. I really don’t care if she’s wet.”

“Okay,” said Kylie. “I just want to get a quick peek at the hole.”

“No problem.” Nora walked over to Kylie. She reached over and touched Adria’s cheek. “Hey there,” she said in a soft voice. “Remember me?”

The baby stared at Nora.

“Here,” said Kylie. “Don’t be shy, just take her.”

Nora grinned and accepted the baby. “My, you’re as light as a feather.”

“Kylie!” hollered Kristie, rushing down the escalator. “Oh, thank God you’re okay!”

Kylie squealed and then ran towards her mother who was crying.

“Kylie,” sobbed Kristie, holding her close.

“I missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too, baby. I was so worried,” said Kristie, closing her eyes.

Paige smiled at her sister over her mother’s shoulder. “Missed you too, Paige.”

“Me too, Ky,” said Paige, squeezing her shoulder. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“You really are okay?” asked Kristie, pulling away. She touched her forehead and studied her face.

“Mom… I’m fine,” said Kylie, reassuringly

Paige walked over to me. “Seriously, you had us all worried when that jerk took off with you in his truck. Did you teach him a lesson?”

“No,” I replied sullenly. “He took off.”

“Too bad.” Paige turned towards Nora and her face paled. “Uh, who gave her the baby?”

Kristie quickly released Kylie. “Hey, Nora, why don’t you give me Adria? She probably needs a diaper change.”

Nora shook her head. “No, that’s okay,” she replied, backing away. “I’ve got her.”

“Nora,” said Paige in a stern voice. “Give my mother the baby. You’re getting way too close to the hole. You might drop her.”

Nora looked at the baby and her forehead wrinkled. “You know, something isn’t right, here.”

“What do you mean, isn’t right?” I asked.

“Nora,” warned Henry. “Watch out for that hole.”

She didn’t say anything, just stared into Adria’s eyes.

“Nora, are you okay?” I asked, taking a step towards her. I wondered if all the stress had finally gotten to her.

She licked her lips and then looked at me. “I’m totally fine. Here,” she said holding out Adria by her armpits. “You can have her if you want.”

I reached out and grabbed the baby. “Thanks.”

Kristie walked over to me. “I’ll take her. Like I said, I’m sure she needs a diaper and formula. Tiny said he’d return with some.”

I handed her the baby and turned to Nora. “You sure you’re feeling okay?”

She smiled. “Yeah, why are you guys’ so paranoid? I’m fine. Really.”

A low hum echoed from the hole and we all turned towards it.

“Oh, hell, now what’s going on?” said Henry.

Nora and I both stepped closer and peered inside.

Small red lights. As they moved closer, they reminded me of eyes.

“Oh my God,” I gasped. “Are those what I think they are?”

“Shit,” hollered Henry. “Everyone, find cover!”

“Follow me,” ordered Kristie, running towards a woman’s clothing shop with Adria. “We’ll be in the dressing rooms until you guys kill those damn things!”

“Cassie!” yelled Bryce.

With my heart pounding wildly in my chest, I turned towards the sound of his voice and began running in that direction.

He opened up his arms, obviously expecting me to enter them, but instead, I ran past him. “Run!” I yelled, hearing the loud screeches behind me.

Henry’s shotgun went off.

“Cassie, watch out!” yelled Bryce as dark shadows loomed above us.

I covered my head with my arms and kept running.

“In here!” hollered Bryce, grabbing me by the arm. He pulled me into a shoe store and then to the back room.

He slammed the door shut and then turned to me. “Thank God you’re okay,” he said, pulling me into his arms.

I rested my cheek against his chest and closed my eyes. “I’m sorry. I know I messed up. Again.”

He pulled away and looked down into my eyes. “No, I messed up. I should have let you come with us into the police station.”

I smiled sheepishly. “It’s okay. I understand. You were just trying to protect me. But, you know… I can take care of myself.”

He smoothed the side of my hair. “I know you can, but it’s frustrating for a guy like me.”

I raised my eyebrows. “What do you mean?”

He lowered his face until his lips were almost touching mine. “I want to be the one that keeps you safe. Me. Your fiancé.”

“You do,” I whispered, still loving the sound of that.

Fiancé.

His lips touched mine for a brief moment. “Only when you let me,” he replied, a smile tugging at his lips.

I smiled back. “True.”

A scream from somewhere in the mall separated us. “That sounded like Paige,” I said in a shaky voice.

He swore. “Figures. I want you to stay here. I’m going to take a look and see what’s happening.”

I stared at him in disbelief. Hadn’t we just talked about this? “Bryce, I can help.”

His looked down at my hands. “Do you have a weapon?”

I sighed. “No.”

He leaned forward and kissed my lips quickly. “Well, then there’s a better chance that you’ll become a liability if I let you ‘help’. Just…wait here and I’ll come back for you.”

“But…”

He raised my chin with his fingers and looked into my eyes. “Hey, no weapon and no but’s.”

I rolled my eyes.

He chuckled and ran away.

I sighed and then began looking around for something to use against the creatures. Unfortunately, there was nothing but shoe horns and shoes.

“Cassie! You back here?” A voice hollered when I was searching the back bathroom...

Nora!

I stuck my head out and smiled. “Hey. Are they gone yet?”

She smiled. “Pretty much. Bryce told me to come and get you. We’re leaving soon.”

“Thank God.”

“I know, right? I’m so sick of this place.”

“Me too. Before we leave, I need to get my sister from Nordstrom’s.”

“I’ll go with you after we find Bryce,” she replied.

“Where is he?”

“I think he’s still back by the hole.”

“Is Paige, okay? We thought we heard her screaming.”

“I think so,” she replied, stepping over a pile of shoe boxes. “But I don’t know for sure.”

We walked out of the stock room. “God, I hope one of those bat-things didn’t get her.”

“Me too.”

We walked out of the store and through the corridor. When we made it back to the center of the mall, I noticed three dead flying creatures, two with gunshot wounds and one with its head bashed in.

“These things are so… creepy,” I said, wrinkling my nose. “I wonder how many of them came out of the ground.”

“Oh… about a dozen,” she replied, stepping over another one.

My eyes widened. “You stuck around and counted?”

She chuckled. “Not really, I hid under a bench. You should have seen it though. It was kind of funny… everyone was screaming and you all took off in different directions.”

“Oh, yeah,” I said dryly. “Really funny.”

“Well, I thought it was kind of comical. Then, a few minutes later, the flying things pretty much disappeared and Bryce came back. When he noticed that they were gone, he told me to come and find you. I bet he went to go search for the others.”

“Yeah. Uh, do you know where’s Kristie and Paige are?”

She shrugged. “Guess I’m not really sure.”

I glanced over at the hole. “Jeeze. I hope nothing else comes out of that thing. It’s already freaking the hell out of me.”

She walked over to the hole and stared down. “Oh… I suspect that something will be coming out of it. Obviously, it’s here for a reason.”

I shuddered. “Okay, then let me rephrase that – I hope that we’re out of here before anything else makes an appearance.”

She smirked. “Scared, huh?”

My eyebrows shot up. “Yeah, aren’t you?”

“Not really.”

“Well, you should be,” I answered.

Her eyes glittered. “Tell me, where does your faith lie?”

I bit back a smile. A religious conversation with Nora, who was more than likely an atheist, was bound to be interesting. “I’m a Christian. What about you?”

She shrugged.

“Hey, I’m sorry about Billie,” I said, studying her face. On the outside she appeared to be holding it together, but that was Nora. She didn’t like to show many emotions.

“Me too. I really needed him.”

“He really cared about you.”

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

I sighed and looked around. “Well, I’m not sure what’s taking them so long, but I need to get my sister before she leaves Nordstrom’s. Could you wait here and tell Bryce where I went?”

“Wow, come here for a second,” she said, lowering to one knee.

“What?” I asked, walking towards her.

“Something is definitely happening.” She squealed in delight. “Check it out!”

I looked into the hole and saw a flash of light. A chill went down my spine. “What in the heck is happening now?”

“It’s time to get this show on the road,” she said, standing up.

I tore my eyes away from the activity in the pit. “What do you mean?”

Her hand snaked out and grabbed the back of my hair, wrapping it around her fist. “Just like I said,” she hissed, pulling out a knife. She held it up to my neck.

“What are you doing?” I gasped.

“It has to be you,” she said, her eyes beginning to glow. “You are the ‘Chosen One’.”

“Are you freaken crazy?”

“Shut up, bitch.”

I stared at her face in horror. Her eyes were glowing, just like Billie’s had. “Oh my God!”

She smirked. “Oh, you’ve finally figured it out? Took you long enough.”

“Travis?” I replied hoarsely.

“Bingo.”

“Wild. What’s going on?” hollered Henry, coming towards us. “Nora, what in the hell are you doing?”

“It’s Travis!” I choked, wondering if I should try and get her knife. We were dangerously close to the hole. Too close.

“Hey, don’t even think about it,” she growled, pulling my hair cruelly.

“What have you done to Nora?” I asked.

She grinned evilly. “Oh, she’s here and hating every minute of this. Unfortunately for you, she can’t help you at the moment.”

“Nora, fight him,” I said, staring into her eyes. “Please fight him.”

“Leave her go!” yelled Henry, now shuffling towards us.

“No!” she snarled, holding the knife to my throat. “I need her. She’s the ‘Chosen One’. She even admitted it earlier.”

Henry stopped and raised the gun. “If you don’t let her go, I’ll pull the trigger.”

“Then you’ll kill all three of us,” she replied. “Which right now, I’m actually okay with.”

Henry’s face fell. “Please,” he begged, lowering the gun. “Don’t do this.”

She glanced over her shoulder, towards the dark pit and smiled. “The light… it’s getting brighter. The bridge is opening all the way.”

“The bridge to Heaven?” asked Henry.

She burst out laughing. “Hell no, old man. Are you really that naive?”

“Stop!”

We all turned to see a small boy walking towards us.

My eyes widened in shock when I recognized who it was. “Oh my God… Bobby?!” I gasped as our eyes met.

Chapter Twenty

Cassie

“That’s enough,” said Bobby.

“Son, come on now. Don’t go near them,” warned Henry, grabbing Bobby’s arm. “You’ll get yourself hurt.”

Bobby looked up at him. “It’s okay, Henry. I’ve got this.”

Henry stared into the boy’s blue eyes, surprised at the level of understanding reflected there. “How in the world did you get here, boy?”

“Cassie’s grandparents,” he replied.

My grandparents!?

“Who’s this boy?” snarled Nora.

Ignoring her question, I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Where are they?”

“They’re in Nordstrom’s, getting Allie,” he replied and then smiled. “I’m supposed to be waiting in the car, with Belinda. She fell asleep.”

The light from the hole intensified and Nora tightened her grip on my hair. “Enough of the chit-chat. Let’s finish this.”

“Please, just let me go,” I said, my teeth clenched. “I’m not the ‘Chosen One’. Seriously, I just made that up.”

“Oh, I’m about to let you go,” she replied, smiling darkly.

“Wait,” said Bobby, raising his hand. “Cassie is not the one you want.”

Nora’s eyebrows furrowed.

“Bobby!” hollered Bryce, now running towards us. He slowed down and stared at me in horror when he noticed what was happening. “Nora! What in the hell are you doing?”

“Who is this boy?” snapped Nora, holding the knife closer to my throat. “Tell me now or I’ll slice your throat open.”

“Let her go,” demanded Bobby, in a firm voice. “She doesn’t know.”

My mind was reeling a mile a minute. Bobby was so young and had Down’s syndrome. He certainly wasn’t acting like himself.

Kristie and the girls all gasped in horror when they rounded the corner and saw what was happening.

“Tiny!” hollered Kristie, her face turning white.

Tiny walked around the corner, carrying a box of diapers and froze in place. “Oh shit, I forgot to warn them.”

“You forgot? How could you?” hissed Paige.

Tiny dropped what he was carrying and slowly walked over. “Okay,” he said, raising his hand. “Everyone needs to calm down. Nora, you’re dangerously close to that hole. You need to let Cassie go.”

“No, this is close,” she said as the tip of the knife pierced my skin.

“Let me go,” I begged, feeling the blood trickle down my neck. “Please don’t do this.”

“Oh dear God,” cried Kristie. “Nora, honey, let her go!”

My eyes met Bryce’s and for the first time since everything began, he looked frightened. “Wait,” he said, holding up both hands. “Don’t do this. Don’t hurt her.”

“Oh, how sweet,” said Nora. “You can join her if you’d like.”

Bobby’s eyes glittered as he took another step towards us. “It’s me that you seek, demon. Let her go.”

Nora’s eyed him curiously.

“No Bobby!” I begged. “Please, just get away from us.”

A white light began emanating from his body.

“Bobby?” I whispered in awe.

“What do you know,” said Nora, her voice getting deeper. She pointed the knife at him. “It really is you.”

“Let her go and you can have me,” said Bobby, as the light became brighter.

“Bobby, no!” hollered Bryce, moving towards his brother.

“Stay back!” ordered Nora, pressing the tip of the knife into my neck again. I gasped in horror as more blood trickled down my shirt.

“Let her go,” demanded Bobby. “And you’ll get what you want.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Why would you offer yourself so easily for this… girl?”

“Because I love her,” he said. “I love all of them.”

My heart swelled. “I love you too, Bobby.”

He smiled. “I know.”

Nora snorted. “Oh how pathetic you all are.”

“It’s him!” hollered Father Brambati, from out of nowhere. He raced towards us. “Can’t you feel it?”

“Of course I do, imbecile,” snapped Nora. “Nice of you to join the party.”

The priest stepped forward and stopped, staring at Bobby in fear.

Bobby shook his head sadly. “You chose the wrong path, but you can still be forgiven. All is not lost.”

“Don’t listen to him,” said Nora. “

The priest looked uncertain.

“Would you just grab him already?” demanded Nora.

Father Brambati took a hesitant step towards Bobby.

“Touch him and I’ll kick your ass,” hollered Bryce, taking a step towards the priest.

Just then, a bright reddish orange light rose out of the hole, blinding everyone momentarily. It was quickly followed by darkness and then a smell so foul, it made me gag.

“What is that horrible smell?” gasped Paige.

“Don’t look at me,” said Henry.

“The gate is open!” hollered Nora, triumphantly. “He waits for the offering!”

A chorus of screeches echoed from inside of the hole and then rose to the top.

“Hey… watch out!” shouted Kristie, stepping backwards. “Here come those flying things again!”

Chaos erupted in the room as hundreds of winged creatures burst out of the pit, their screeches so loud that if felt like my ears were actually bleeding.

“Cassie!” shouted Bryce, moving towards us.

Seeing this, John got up and launched at Bryce. They tumbled to the ground with fists flying.

“Nora,” I pleaded as the flying beasts lunged after my friends. “Let me go. Resist Travis.”

“Good idea,” said Nora, releasing me. She reached out and grabbed Bobby, pulling him towards her. The warm light around him disappeared and she smiled.

“No!” I shouted, reaching for his other hand.

“If that’s the way you want it!” yelled Nora.

Before I could stop her, she swung around and with incredible strength, managed to shove all three of us into the abyss.

Chapter Twenty-One

Cassie

I screamed in horror as we descended down the hole, mile after mile, in complete darkness. As we plummeted deeper and deeper, the air seemed to grow colder and soon… I lost hold of Bobby’s hand.

“Bobby!” I choked, flailing my arms.

He didn’t answer nor did he scream.

Oh God, I’d failed him, I thought, consumed with grief. I didn’t care if he really was the Chosen One. To me, he was just Bobby – a sweet little boy who I’d grown to love and cherish. I cried as I thought about the first time we’d met and how we’d played games and watched movies together. He’d had so much fun and hadn’t stopped talking about it, even weeks after that first tragic night. And now, I’d failed to protect him and more than likely, the remaining apocalypse survivors.

I closed my eyes in despair and waited for an excruciating landing. Sure, the hole seemed infinite, but everything had an ending, and there was no doubt that mine was coming soon. And even worse, if Lucifer really was waiting at the bottom, I hoped to God that I wouldn’t have to see him.

All hope gone, I said a couple of prayers, especially for my sister and Bryce, and then I braced myself for the horrible impact, which was taking forever to come.

Just get this over with!” I screamed into the darkness as I continued my descent into darkness. With every mile I fell, the more terrified I became. “I can’t take this anymore. Just let me die already…”

Then, out of nowhere, I felt Bobby’s hand touch mine.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Bryce

Bryce howled in anguish as he watched them go over the edge and into the hellish hole. The two people he cared about most in the world were now gone.

Sobbing, he lifted Father Brambati up by the collar and dragged him over to the pit. “You love this damn hole that much? Then have at it!”

The priest screamed in horror as Bryce shoved him over the edge.

“Don’t forget to pray for forgiveness you asshole!” he hollered, watching the priest disappear into the darkness, screaming.

“Bryce, look out!” yelled Henry.

He looked up just as one of the winged creatures swooped towards him. Fueled by rage, he swung his fist up, knocking the small monster to the ground and cutting his hand. When it landed, he stomped on the creature’s head with the heel of his boot. He then turned and raced after another one, wanting to share the misery that was now burning a hole in his heart.

***

Chapter Twenty – Three

Cassie

After Bobby took my hand, the fear left my body and everything became surreal. He was once again surrounded by light, only this time, I was too.

Don’t be afraid. His lips weren’t moving and I knew he was in my head.

I’m not anymore.

I wasn’t sure if it was the light or the fact that he had my hand, but a warm calmness spread over me.

Focus on me.

Okay. It seemed to be working and then I looked down and finally saw what was at the end of this abyss.

Hell.

It was exactly what I’d imagined it to look like with fire, brimstone, and a three headed beast waiting for us with anticipation. As we grew closer, I shuddered, thinking the beast looked like some kind of messed up pit-bull with jaws sticking out of each muzzle and razor sharp nails protruding from his four paws. He was standing next to an open gate and all three heads watched our descent, which had slowed until we were floating slowly.

Bobby squeezed my hand. Don’t let this scare you.

Too late, Bobby.

He smiled. You’re with me and they can’t hurt you.

They?

I followed his gaze and noticed another figure now standing next to the beast. Its body seemed to be made out of fire and its eyes were as black as death. The smile on its gloating face gave me the chills.

It’s just Travis. In his true form.

But what about Lucifer? I asked.

He’s here and all around us. But, I’m protecting you.

I looked into his eyes. What’s going to happen?

That’s not of your concern.

Are we going to die?

Death is life.

What about here?

Here, there is only suffering.

Crap.

He smiled. Your worries are for naught.

My eyes filled with tears. I’m sorry that I failed you.

You haven’t failed anyone.

Sure looks that way.

The three-headed beast let out an unearthly roar as we descended closer.

Bobby’s face became stern as he stared at the beings at the gate.

Bobby?

He turned back to me. You’re not going to remember anything else from here as it would be too terrifying for you to handle.

Huh?

In answer, there was a blinding light that engulfed us. It was the last thing I remembered before I lost consciousness.

Chapter Twenty-four

Allie

The kitchen timer went off, waking Allie, who’d fallen asleep in a tangle of shower curtains. She quickly shut it off and wondered if Cassie had found Kylie and Adria. Even more so she wondered if Travis had found her. The fact that her sister hadn’t returned was a very bad sign.

Cassie will be fine, she told herself. She always pulls through these things.

Still terrified but unable to sit still anymore, she grabbed the ax and walked timidly through the kitchen area until she reached an exit leading outside of the mall. When she saw that it was still dark outside, she frowned.

Had she slept longer than an hour? Why was it dark still?

“Allie!”

She froze. Was it Cassie? She couldn’t say for certain.

“I’m over here!” she hollered back, hoping at the last minute that she hadn’t given herself away to the bad people. With her luck it would be one of Travis’s followers.

“Allie, where are you?”

She sucked in her breath. She knew that voice! “Grandma!?” she screamed, her heart pounding madly in her chest. “Grandma! Is that you?”

“Allie! I hear you! Where are you, honey?” called a second voice.

“Grandpa!” she hollered, seeing the top of his head by the coffee makers. “I’m here!”

“Steve! She’s over by you somewhere!” yelled Irene, getting closer.

Her grandfather turned his head and his eyes filled with tears as he locked on to Allie. She ran over and flung herself into his arms.

“Oh my God,” sobbed Allie, closing her eyes. “I’m so happy to see you.”

“Thank God you’re alive,” he replied in a husky voice, hugging her tightly. “We’ve been so worried!”

“Steve! Did you find her?”

Allie turned around just as her grandma rounded the corner. Overwhelmed with joy, she released him and charged after her.

“You’re really alive,” cried Irene, wrapping her arms around her. “We didn’t think we’d ever find you!”

“I was scared that nobody would come back for me,” said Allie, closing her eyes.

“Well, we’re here now, honey. And don’t worry, we won’t leave you.”

Allie stepped back and wiped her tears. “How did you find me?”

“Well, it’s kind of a long and crazy story,” she replied, wiping at her own tears. “I’ll tell you all about it once we find your sister.”

Allie’s lip began to tremble. “She never came back for me. I think something is wrong. Really wrong.”

Steve and Irene’s eyes met.

“We need to look for her,” said Allie.

“Where was she going?” asked Steve.

“Into the mall. To find Kylie and Adria,” said Allie. “Adria is…”

“We know,” said Irene, squeezing her shoulder. “She’s the one they believe is the ‘Chosen One’.”

Allie stared at her in shock. “How do you know about that?”

“Because we think we’ve met the real ‘Chosen One’, honey,” replied Irene. “Believe it or not.”

“There really is a ‘Chosen One’?”

Irene nodded.

“And we didn’t really believe him,” said Steve. “I mean, he’s just a little boy...”

“He’s definitely more than that,” said Irene, looking up at him. “This definitely proves it.”

“I’d say so,” he replied.

“Who is it?” asked Allie.

“Your friend, Bobby,” replied Irene.

Allie stared at her in shock. “Bryce’s little brother?”

“I guess so, although we’re finding that this little boy’s family tree stretches out much farther than him,” replied Irene, with a small smile.

***

“Mom,” whispered Paige. “I think we should really get out of here. See what’s going on.”

“No, we should wait,” she whispered back. “Tiny saw us go in here. He’ll let us know if and when it’s safe. Besides,” she swallowed hard. “If Lucifer really made it into the mall, I certainly don’t want to run into him.”

“Crap, don’t say that,” said Paige, looking horrified. “If that happens we’re all done.”

“That’s why I think we should just hang out here a little longer,” said Kristie. They were hiding in a hipster store, in one of the over-sized dressing rooms.

Paige frowned.

“Do you think Bobby and Cassie are okay?” whispered Kylie.

Kristie sighed. “We can only hope. Bryce was there, though. I’m sure once those flying creatures started dive-bombing everyone, he took action. That guy has some mad karate skills.”

“But what if he couldn’t help them?” asked Paige, peeking out of the dressing room.

“Let’s not go there right now,” said Kristie, rubbing her forehead. “I don’t even want to think about that.”

“’m sorry mom, but I just can’t stay here anymore. I feel like we’re sitting ducks. I think it’s safer to move,” said Paige. “Rejoin the others. Safety in numbers, you know?”

Kristie groaned, wishing she had a cigarette. “I don’t know, Paige…”

Patting Adria’s back, Kylie burped her. She’d just finished a bottle of formula and was gurgling and content, oblivious to the horrors in the other parts of the mall. Fortunately, before the scene with Nora and Bobby, they’d found a shop that had baby supplies, including formula and diaper rash crème. “I’m kind of agreeing with Paige. We have to find out what happened,” said Kylie, wiping Adria’s mouth.

“Fine,” said Kristie, standing up. “I’ll go see what’s happening. You two stay in here until I get back.”

“Oh no,” said Kylie. “You’re not leaving us again. Every time someone says that, they go missing.”

“She’s right,” said Paige. “We need to stick together.”

Kristie sighed. “Okay, let’s go. But you girls do exactly what I say. When I say run, you don’t hesitate or ask questions. Got it?”

“Yep,” said Paige.

“Don’t worry,” replied Kylie. “I’ll be running.”

“Here, let me take Adria,” said Kristie. “And… find yourself a clean shirt, Kylie.”

Kylie looked down at her T-shirt. “Oh, yeah… I forgot about that.”

“Pee stains went out last season,” said Paige with a smirk. She walked out of the changing room and up to a rack of shirts. “Here,” she said, tossing her a T-shirt with a beagle puppy on the front. “This will work.”

Kylie ran back into the changing room and less than thirty seconds, came out wearing the clean shirt.

“We should come back here if we survive,” said Kristie, eyeing the racks of clothes. “They’ve got a lot of interesting stuff. Quite the mix.”

“Yeah, I just love this halter shirt,” replied Kylie, holding up a tie-dyed one. “What do you think, mom?”

“Too revealing for a girl your age,” she replied, eyeing a vintage purple and green scarf.

“I’ll wear a jacket with it,” said Kylie.

“Come on you guys,” said Paige, leading the way out of the store. “No time for this.”

“Hey, don’t leave without us,” ordered Kristie. She glanced sideways at Kylie and lowered her voice. “I think she’s worried about Justice.”

“And Cassie,” replied Kylie, picking up the diaper bag.

“Yes, and Cassie,” said Kristie, snatching the scarf.

“Mom?” said Kylie, nodding towards the scarf.

She wrapped it around her neck. “If this is my last day on the planet, I may as get myself a parting gift.” She grabbed a beige knit-cap. “Here, I’ll take this for Paige. So she doesn’t feel left out.”

The corridors were quiet by the time they made it back to the center of the mall. When they reached the hole, they found Bryce and Henry, staring somberly into it.

Paige stopped and stared in horror. “What’s happened?”

Bryce turned towards her, his face filled with grief.

“Bryce?”

He shook his head and walked away.

“Nora pushed all three of them in,” mumbled Henry, his eyes watery. He removed his hat and hung his head low. “Just like that, they were gone.”

Kristie closed her eyes. “Oh, God.”

Paige backed away from the hole. “No… no, I don’t believe it!”

“It’s true,” said Henry. “I wish it weren’t.”

“Paige, honey, come here,” said Kristie, handing over Adria to Kylie. She then walked over to Paige and pulled her into her arms. “Oh Baby. I know she was your best friend.”

“I… I just can’t believe it,” said Paige in a muffled voice. “Cassie, Bobby, Nora, and Billie. All of them… gone.”

Kristie patted her on the back, her own tears running down her cheeks. “I know, I can’t believe it.”

“Someone has to find Allie,” said Kylie, staring at the hole in despair. She turned to them. “She needs to know.”

“Tiny and Justice went to go search for her,” said Bryce in a hollow voice. “She’s supposed to be at Nordstrom’s.”

“She’s going to be heart-broken,” said Kristie. She wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand. “That poor kid.”

“Bryce, I’m so sorry about Bobby,” said Henry. “I almost thought that…”

“What?” asked Bryce.

“That he had some kind of power. That he could stop what was happening,” he replied.

“You mean that he was the ‘Chosen One’? Well, I can assure you, he was just a little boy. A sweet little kid that didn’t deserve to die,” said Bryce.

Henry nodded. “Seems you’re right. Looks like that was all talk.”

Kristie released Paige and then walked over to the hole. She stared down into it. “The worst thing is, that it was all for naught. They all died in vain.”

“Yes, but there is one thing we can agree on,” said Paige. “That Travis was a demon and he was responsible for all of this.”

“We can’t argue that,” said Kristie. “That certainly wasn’t Nora doing those things. She had to have been possessed.”

Bryce didn’t answer.

“What’s going on?”

They all turned to find Belinda walking towards them holding a gun. Her blond hair was sticking out of her ponytail and there was mascara under her eyelashes.

“Belinda,” said Henry, moving towards her. “Thank goodness you’re okay.”

“I’ve been better. What in God’s name is that?” she said, staring at the hole.

“It’s a hole to Hell,” said Henry.

Her jaw dropped. “What? You’ve got to be kidding?”

“He’s right,” said Kristie. “At least that’s what we think it is.”

“Then it is true… everything he said.” She stared pensively into the distance and scratched the side of her head. “Have any of you seen Bobby?”

Bryce opened his mouth and then turned his head away, overwhelmed with emotion.

“He took off on me,” she said, her eyes filling with tears. “Dammit, I’d fallen asleep and he snuck out. I’m so sorry, Bryce. I feel horrible.”

Kristie walked over to Belinda and put an arm around her. “We need to talk.”

“Uh, sure. Did you see him?” she asked.

Bryce nodded. “Yes.”

As Kristie began explaining what had happened, the ground under their feet began to shake.

“What’s happening?” hollered Belinda.

A bright red light poured out of the hole and they all rushed back from the hole.

“What’s happening?” asked Kylie, crying.

A rush of fire and lava spewed up from the hole’s depths, filling the circle completely.

“Look,” gasped Paige, pointing towards the molten bubbles.

A giant face, its’ lips twisting in rage, appeared before them in the flames. Two horns protruded from the beast’s head, its’ eyes were pitch black, and it had a forked tongue which slid out of its mouth, licking the earth.

“Mommy!” screamed Kylie, terrified.

Kristie, in shock, pushed Kylie and Adria behind her, shielding her from the horror.

Giant fingers made of fire grasped the edge of the hole as the beast struggled to raise itself up. As its shoulders began to rise above the edge, a bright white light sprang out from beneath the demon.

“Let’s get out of here!” hollered Bryce, backing away.

The beast roared in anger as it struggled to free itself from the hole but the light became brighter, now filling the room. “No…!” it growled.

Henry grabbed Paige, who was frozen in shock. “Get back!”

“Look!” pointed Paige, staring up at the ceiling.

A beam of light from above, shot down and hit the demon in the head. It screamed in anguish and was pushed down into the hole, along with the fire.

“Whoa!” said Kylie, peaking around Kristie.

As the beam of light continued to pour into the hellish abyss, there was an ear-splitting rumble from deep inside.

Henry walked over and stared over the edge. He gasped. “I think it’s filling, by golly!”

“Let me see!” said Kylie.

“No, don’t stay back,” replied Bryce. “You too, Henry. Get back.”

Henry backed up and they all watched in stunned silence as the hole began to close in on itself, with granite and rocks rising from the core.

“It really is closing!” cried Kristie, her eyes transfixed.

When the hole was completely filled everything became silent and the earth grew still.

“What in the hell just happened?” asked Belinda.

“Bobby,” said Paige, turning to her. “I think it was Bobby.”

“What do you mean?” asked Belinda.

“Bobby and Cassie were pulled into the hole,” said Bryce, in a husky voice.

Belinda’s eyes filled with tears. She smiled sadly. “He did it. He succeeded. Just like he said he would.”

Bryce nodded and wiped his face.

She walked over to him and gave him a hug. “He loved you so much, you know,” she whispered. “So much. So did Cassie.”

He let out a choked sob.

She stepped away from him and touched his cheek. “Bryce, honey, this was his destiny. It was his calling.”

“As the ‘Chosen One’?” he asked, his lips trembling.

She nodded. “Yes. When he told me, I didn’t want to believe it. I loved that little boy, Bryce. I really did. But, he has always known that this would be his fate. He’s known it his entire life.”

Bryce cleared his throat and sniffed. “He did?

“Yes, and he was so proud and honored. You could see it in his eyes when he told me.”

“What about Cassie?” asked Paige, staring at the fresh dirt in the center of the mall. “Was this always her destiny, too?”

Belinda sighed. “Maybe. I don’t know.”

“What happened to the hole?!” hollered Allie, rushing down the escalator followed by her grandparents.

“Oh hell,” said Henry, rubbing a hand over his face.

Kristie wiped the tears from her face and walked towards Allie. “Honey, we need to talk to you.”

Allie froze and looked around. “Where’s my sister?”

“What’s happened?” asked Steve, stopping next to Allie.

“Where’s Cassie?!” squeaked Allie, seeing the looks of horror on everyone’s faces. She turned to Bryce. “Where is she?”

“She’s gone,” said Kristie, pulling her into her arms. “I’m so sorry, honey.”

“What do you mean?” she asked, pulling away to look into her face.

Kristie licked her lips and smiled sadly. “She was pulled into the hole. With Bobby and Nora.”

“Oh my God,” gasped Irene, her eyes filling with tears.

“The hole? Where is it?” asked Steve, looking towards the fresh dirt.

Henry walked over and explained what had happened while Kristie held Allie, trying to console her.

“And then it closed up,” said Henry. “It was a miracle, though. Whether it was Bobby or God himself, the damn thing closed up and it’s gone.”

Steve wrapped his arms around Irene and they held each other, mourning quietly.

“Has anyone seen Justice or Tiny?” asked Paige.

Allie shook her head.

“No,” sniffled Irene. She cleared her throat. “We found Allie and haven’t run into anyone else.”

“I’ll go look for them,” said Bryce. “I need to get out of here for a while.”

“I’ll come with you,” said Henry, picking up his gun.

“Me too,” said Paige.

“Paige-,” said Kristie.

“Mom, quit coddling me,” she cut in. “I’m not a baby.”

“Just like Cassie used to say,” said Allie, sadly.

Kristie swore under her breath. “Fine. Just be careful. We’ve lost enough already.”

“I know,” said Paige, following Bryce and Henry.

“Oh hell, let’s follow them. There’s no reason to wait here anymore,” said Kristie.

“Speaking of babies,” said Kylie, holding Adria. “Can someone take her for a while? My arm is killing me.”

Irene stepped forward. “Sure, I’ll take her. So, this is the one everyone thought was the ‘Chosen One’?”

Kylie handed her to her. “Yes.”

Irene stared down into the baby’s face. “Poor thing. This must have been a horrible experience for her.”

“She did really good,” said Kylie. “I can’t believe it.”

“What’s her name?” asked Steve.

Kylie smiled sadly. “Her name is Adria. Adria Cassandra Wild.”

Allie wiped her tears and smiled. “You’re naming her after Cassie?”

Kylie smiled back. “Yes. That way you’ll always still have part of your sister. The Wild One.”

“Even in death, Cassie will always be a part of your life,” said Irene. “You can count on that, Allie.”

Allie hugged her. “I know.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Cassie

Bobby?

Yes.

Where are we? Why is it still so dark?

Open your eyes.

I opened them and blinked in confusion. To say that it was not at all what I expected was an understatement.

“Bobby!” I hollered, looking around in astonishment.

Instead of where I thought I’d still be, in the fiery pit of Hell, I was in a lush green meadow, with flowers, blue skies, and birds chirping in the distance.

Have I died?

Technically, yes.

I certainly didn’t feel any different. “Where are you?” I yelled, twirling around.

“Sorry,” he replied, stepping around me.

“Don’t sneak up on me like that!” I gasped, still pretty freaked out. “This is… where are we?”

“Where do you think?” he asked with a twinkle in his eye.

I looked around again and smiled. “I don’t know… this place is unreal. I mean, it’s kind of taking my breath away, now that I think about it. It’s just so beautiful and perfect. Like paradise.”

“It should take your breath away, Cassie. It’s your idea of Heaven.”

My eyes widened. “Am I in Heaven?”

“Not exactly,” he turned. “Look behind you.”

I turned around and was stunned to see a glittery golden bridge leading to a rainbow of beautiful lights.

“Beyond that rainbow you’ll find the real Heaven.”

Tears came to my eyes. I placed a hand to my lips as a rush of emotions spread through me. It was as if I could actually feel the love emanating from the other side of the bridge. It was strong. Comforting. Exhilarating. Yearning to get closer, I took a step towards it.

“Wait,” said Bobby touching my arm.

Reluctantly, I turned back to look at him. On the outside, he still looked like Bryce’s little brother, but I was now aware that he was so much more. Brother, son, protector, and the one who had been chosen to outwit Lucifer on earth. “Who are you, really?” I asked.

His eyes softened. “I am someone that God chose to teach Lucifer that he is powerless. That he will always lose in the end as will those who fall under his spell.”

My lips curled up. “Because good always conquers evil?”

“Yes.”

“So, he chose you for this lesson?”

“Yes, but I would have volunteered, wholeheartedly.”

I stared at him in awe. “Are you the son of God, like Jesus?”

“In a way, we are all his children.”

“Are you an angel?”

“Let’s just say that I am a very old… soul. Although you know me as a young boy, I’m…” he began to change before my eyes, until he stood as full grown man, possibly in his twenties. He kind of reminded me of Bryce, only his hair was long and he had a beard. “Whomever I decide to be.”

“Travis kept calling you the ‘Chosen One’.”

“And I am. But not who he thought I was. He thought I was the second coming of Christ.”

“But you weren’t?”

He shook his head. “No. Nobody knows when that will happen. Only God and he certainly won’t give it away to Lucifer.”

“Was Travis and Lucifer really responsible for the zombies?”

“Travis was sent to earth by Lucifer, because somehow he believed that the ‘End of Days’ would be soon upon us. Travis tampered with the vaccine, turning people into, what you call, zombies.”

“What about Father Brambati?”

“A bad man who Travis was able to manipulate into helping him. Nothing else.”

“So, they weren’t like… the Unholy Trinity or anything?”

Bobby sighed. “No, they may have believed that they were, but that particular prophecy hasn’t begun yet. At least, not that I’m aware of. If they were, they probably would have gotten much farther in their mischief.”

“What about the earthquakes and red rivers?”

“I believe that Lucifer played a hand in that as well. Trying to draw out the child of God.”

“So, they wanted to destroy you because they thought that you were part of the prophecy that would finally destroy Lucifer forever?”

“That about sums it up,” he said. “Unfortunately, many lives were taken. But thing will get better. The sun will rise and nature will be restored now. Your life will get back on track.”

I sighed and looked back to the bridge. “Speaking of which, you told me to wait. Why?”

His face became serious. “Because it’s not your time.”

“You’re saying that I’m going back?”

“The truth is, you’re needed now more than ever back on earth.”

“Me? Why me?” I asked, almost disappointed. The pull to go over the bridge and see everything, was so strong that I felt a sudden sense of loss.

“To rebuild and help the other survivors start over.”

“You mean help clean up the zombies?”

He nodded. “Yes. There are also those who you’ve met along the way, who need you now more than ever. Those whose hearts you’ve touched and are counting on your return.”

An image of Allie, frightened and hiding, made me sad. Then there was Kallie, the little girl at the orphanage. And Goldie…

“Okay. I understand.”

He smiled.

I cleared my throat. “Uh, so how does this work? Do I click my heels and say ‘there’s no place like home’ three times?”

“Funny. No, it’s much simpler. There is one more thing, however.”

“What?”

He looked over my head and smiled.

I turned around and screamed with joy.

My parents.

I flew forward and threw myself into their arms, crying.

“Oh sweetheart,” said my dad, kissing the top of my head. “We’re both so proud of you.”

Although we were hugging, it was different. Not quite the same as back home. Our physical bodies were gone but I could still feel the warmth of their love, in the form of what I could only describe as some kind of energy.

“I’ve missed you guys, so much,” I said, loving them more than ever.

“We know,” replied my mom. “But what you didn’t know is that we’ve been with you. Watching and supporting you.”

“You have?”

“Yes. And like your father said, we’ve been so very proud of you. Looking after your sister, standing up for what you believe in. Caring for your friends.”

“Thanks.” I smiled sadly. “I guess I have to leave here soon.”

My mother, who looked more youthful and vibrant than ever, smiled back. “Yes, honey, but you’ll be back. Some day.”

“Yeah, but I kind of wish that I could stay. I mean, I know what Bobby said, but it’s so hard…”

“Once you return to earth, you’ll be glad that you did,” said my dad, who’d lost the gray wisps and the lines on his face from all of the stress. “They need you down there, Wild One, and your adventure isn’t over yet.”

“I just miss you guys… and,” I turned to look at the bridge. “I really want to cross that bridge.”

“Of course you do,” said my mom. “And some day you will. Right now, however, you have some other bridges that need to be traveled.”

Images of Bryce flashed through my brain.

I smiled.

“Stay honest and true,” said my mother. “And above all else, don’t give up on the others. No matter how discouraging things may seem, don’t ever give up on fighting for what’s right.”

“Stay strong, honey,” said my dad, backing away. “We love you.”

“Wait,” I cried, as my mother backed away too. “Can’t we just be together a little longer? Please? I’ve missed you both so much.”

“We’ll be with you,” said my dad, taking my mother’s hand. “And someday, we’ll be back to accompany you over that bridge.”

Before I could respond, they both disappeared.

Wiping tears from my face, I spun around, looking for Bobby. Instead, I was caught with yet another surprise.

Nora and Billie.

They were standing on the bridge, holding hands and smiling at me.

Relieved that they were okay and together at last, I raised my hand and waved.

They both waved back.

“It’s time,” said Bobby.

I turned and found him standing in the grass again. I laughed. “You really have to quit doing that!”

He smiled. “Sorry.”

My smile fell. “Are you coming with me?”

He shook his head. “That particular adventure ran its course. You must go back alone.”

“But what about Bryce? He’s going to miss his little brother dearly.”

His eyes softened. “He’ll be fine. You’ll help him pull through it.”

“Can I tell him about you?”

“Of course. That’s why you’re going back. To enlighten others. Give them hope and tell them to live humbly.”

“Humbly? Even Henry?”

He chuckled. “Yes, even that Old Cowboy.”

“Okay.”

He suddenly looked troubled.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“You need to wake up.”

My eyes widened. “What?”

“Wake up. Quickly!” he hollered as everything went black.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Cassie

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the parking lot of the mall, near Nordstrom’s. Surrounding me, were dozens of zombies. Unfortunately, these ones were not ignoring me.

“Really?” I asked, looking up at the stars. “You couldn’t have put me in a safer place?

A star twinkled in the distance. Obviously, those upstairs were not too worried.

“Okay, so you’ve got me covered.”

I quickly got up and began backing away as they approached me, growling and drooling hungrily. Fortunately, there were only about thirty of them, which was much better odds then earlier. Too bad I didn’t have a weapon.

“Crap.”

“Hey!” hollered a man’s voice, banging something loud behind me.

I turned to find Rob beating a metal garbage can cover with a hammer. Next to him were Mac and Carolyn, both holding weapons. I sighed in relief.

“See you lost the ax!” yelled Mac, smiling grimly. “Guess we got here just in time.”

“I haven’t lost it, I gave it to my little sister,” I replied kicking a zombie in the face and sending him flying. I quickly turned and snapped a side-kick to the chin of another zombie, knocking him backwards.

“Good move,” said Mac, smiling as he began swinging his machete.

“Watch out Carolyn!” I yelled as another zombie approached her from behind. He was so tall that he made her look like a dwarf.

She turned and gasped, then fired a single shot from her revolver, hitting the zombie in the head.

“Don’t waste your bullets,” said Rob, slamming his hammer into another zombie.

“Did you see the size of that one?” she shouted. “I couldn’t reach his neck if I was on a stepstool.”

“Always an excuse,” said Rob. “Good thing you have a list hidden somewhere so you don’t use the same one twice.”

“Men,” said Carolyn, flipping him off. From the little smirk on her face, I could tell that their relationship was almost as interesting as mine and Bryce’s.

“Cassie!”” shouted Tiny.

I turned to find him and Justice jogging out of the Nordstrom’s. As soon as they got near, they started helping clear the zombies. When most of them were finished off, Tiny rushed over and gave me a hug, lifting me off of the cement.

“Girl, you gave us all a scare! Where in the hell have you been?”

“Long story,” I said, when he put me down.

“Where’s Bobby?” asked Justice.

I sighed. “He’s gone.”

Tiny’s expression was somber. “Dammit, are you sure?” he asked, struggling with words.

“Yes. But, he’s not suffering and I guess you could say, he always knew his fate,” I replied.

“He was the ‘Chosen One’ for real, wasn’t he?” asked Justice.

“He certainly was.”

“What happened to Nora?” asked Justice.

“Travis took possession of her body and she didn’t make it either,” I replied.

Justice shook his head. “Damn, what a nightmare.”

“Yeah, but I think the worst is over,” I said.

“Let’s hope so,” said Justice.

“Bryce is going to be heartbroken,” said Tiny. “He loved that boy so much.”

“I know,” I replied. “Uh, where is he?”

“Don’t know,” said Justice. “Those bat creatures flew out of the hole again and we split up. Tiny and I killed most of them and then decided to get Allie, since she was all alone.”

“Did you find her?” I asked.

“No,” said Tiny, looking grim.

“Crap.” I turned to Carolyn. “A young girl in her early teens didn’t show up at the restaurant, did she?”

“No. Nobody did. The only reason we came out here was because of this asshole in a white pickup started firing at the bar,” said Mac. “We decided that he needed to go.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Did you kill him?”

“That’s not an easy answer. Something crazy happened and I don’t know if you’ll believe it, but… the truck disappeared,” said Rob.

“You mean he took off again?” I asked.

“No, the entire truck disappeared. Into thin air,” said Carolyn. “Like ‘poof’.”

I bit my lower lip. “Believe it or not, it’s not as crazy as it may sound. There’s been a lot of weird stuff happening today. I’m talking weirder then zombies.”

“Damn right,” said Tiny.

“Where are Kristie and the girls?” I asked.

“They’re hiding in some clothing store. We should get back there,” said Tiny.

“You see Belinda’s car parked anywhere?” I asked, remembering what Bobby had said about her bringing him to the mall.

“That it?” asked Carolyn, pointing towards a black Sierra truck parked near the ramp.

“No,” I replied, thinking it looked familiar though. “But it almost looks like my grandparents. Oh my God! Maybe they’re here!” I started walking towards the truck. “I think that’s their license plate, but I can’t say for sure.”

“Wait for me,” said Justice, following me.

“Hey, are you Tiny the wrestler?” asked Rob, as they began walking with us.

Tiny grinned. “I guess you could say that I was.”

Rob held out his hand. “My son is one of your biggest fans. Hell, now he probably is your biggest fan now that there’s hardly anyone left.”

“You may be right,” said Tiny, shaking it. “Your boy okay?”

“Yep, thank God. They’re back at the restaurant. You guys want to join us for a drink and some food, you’re welcome to,” said Rob.

“We might take you up on that,” said Tiny. “After we round the rest of our group up.”

“We planning on going back to Atlanta?” asked Justice.

“Yeah,” I replied, stopping in front of the truck. “I’ve got some things that I need to take care of. You know, I think this really might be my grandparent’s!”

“Maybe they have Allie,” said Justice.

“I hope so. Let’s go back inside the mall and take a look around,” I said.

“We’re going back to the restaurant now that we know you’re safe,” said Rob. “Like I said, stop on over before you leave.  We’ve been talking it over and are starting to think it might be better if we joined up with your group.”

“It would be a good idea,” I said. “With all of the looting and crime happening, the good guys are safer in numbers.”

“Hey, it’s Bryce,” said Justice, looking past me.

I turned around to see Bryce walking out of the entrance to Nordstrom’s. He stopped in his tracks, staring at me. The look on his face was of shock and disbelief.

“Cassie!” screamed Allie, running around him and towards me. In the distance I could see my grandparents walking with Kristie, Paige, and Kylie.

I ran, meeting Allie halfway. “Oh thank God!” I cried, wrapping my arms around her. “I thought something may have happened to you.”

“They said you were dead,” she cried, tears running down her face.

“You were,” said Bryce, in an accusing tone. I stopped next to us. “You were. I saw you fall into the hole with Bobby.”

I stepped away from Allie and put my arms around him. He was rigid and stiff. “Bryce…”

“No,” he said, pushing me away. “I saw you fall! This has to be some kind of illusion or trick.”

I grabbed his hand and put it to my cheek. “It’s me, Bryce. I swear to God. I’m not Travis or anyone else. I know what this looks like but I’m telling you the truth.”

He looked into my eyes and I could tell he wanted to believe, but was too frightened.

“I love you,” I whispered, kissing the inside of his palm. “I have ever since that first moment you pissed me off during sparring, and I kicked your arrogant ass.”

His face crumpled. He pulled me into his arms. “Cassie,” he choked. “Thank God. I thought I’d lost you.”

“Haven’t you learned yet that it’s not that easy to kill me,” I said, holding him tightly.

He snorted.

“I think this proves that I can pull my own weight,” I said. “Although, I shouldn’t take the credit this time. Bobby saved my life.”

“Bobby?”

I nodded.

“Where is he?” he asked, pulling away. He looked around. “Bobby?!”

“He had to stay, Bryce,” I said softly. “He was never meant to come back.”

He clenched his jaw. “No.”

“Yes,” I said, caressing the side of his face. I stared up into his eyes. “He sent me back to explain everything and to make sure that we had another chance. But, he didn’t suffer and he knew that this was his destiny. He knew it all along.”

The grief in his eyes broke my heart.

I pulled the back of his neck so our heads were together. “He saved the world, you know,” I whispered. “You should be very proud of him.”

“I am,” he choked. I could feel his chest convulsing as he began to cry. “I am so proud of him. I just wish I would have told him that more often.”

I looked up into the sky and saw a shooting star. I smiled. “He knows how you feel, Bryce. He knows.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

One Year Later

Cassie

“Don’t answer it,” whispered Bryce. “Maybe they’ll go away.”

We were lying in our hotel room, snuggling and goofing around. Now that most of the zombies had either died of starvation or execution, and nature had been restored, we were able to forget about the past for a while and enjoy the present.

“It could be Allie,” I whispered back, pushing him away. I slid out of bed and grabbed my robe, thinking of my sister, who although was just down the hall, I still couldn’t help but miss. Since our wedding, I’d moved in with Bryce while she and Adria had moved in with Kristie and Tiny. There were times when I felt guilty about the living arrangements, but Kristie said it was for the best. That until my grandparents returned with our cousin, Victoria, it was better for her to live with them, especially now that Bryce and I were newlyweds.

“You look beautiful. Don’t cover up.”

I stared down at my pregnant stomach and sighed. “You’re just saying that because you think it’s a boy in this bubble.”

His eyes softened. “It has to be a boy.”

I flipped my hair over my shoulder. “Why do you keep saying that?”

“My mother always told me that baby girls take away their mother’s looks when they’re pregnant, but you’re more beautiful than ever.”

“Okay, now you’re just saying that so we’ll finish what we started,” I said, blushing as his eyes appraised the parts of me not covered by the robe.

He smiled seductively. “I didn’t even think about that, but I’m all for finishing what we started.”

I rolled my eyes and walked, or rather waddled to the door.

“I need your help,” whispered Paige, smiling sheepishly when I the door open.

I stared down at the two gowns she held in her hands. “What are those for?”

Her eyebrows shot up. “You didn’t hear?”

“No, what?”

“There’s going to be a prom! Next Friday.”

“What?”

“Since there are so many high school kids who’d missed it last year, the council has decided to hold a prom, to try and make life a little more… normal.”

The council, which included Tiny and Kristie, were a small group of survivors who’d been voted into decision-making positions for our ever-expanding “bunker”. After moving back to Atlanta, more and more people had showed up at the hotel, until it had become obvious that we needed some kind of leadership. I’d thought that Kristie and Tiny had been the perfect candidates and had been ecstatic when they’d been chosen as part of the council.

“That’s great!” I said, looking at the two gowns. “Uh, let me guess, you’re going with Justice?”

She smiled. “Yes. You should see the tux that we picked out for him. He looks so hot,” she gushed. “Now I can’t wait to see what it looks like off of him.”

My jaw dropped. “Paige!”

She smirked. “Not that I haven’t already.”

I gasped. “You didn’t!”

She nodded and then squealed. “Last night… oh my God, it was so...”

“Ahem! I hear you and I’m pretty sure the neighbors can too!” hollered Bryce.

I tried to keep a straight face. “I like the blue one,” I said, changing the subject.

“I like that one too,” she said, blushing.

“Good. Now, I’ve got to get back to Bryce or he’s going to start getting cranky.”

“Oh, and we both know how intolerable that can be. Have you thought of feeding him? I hear that works.”

I smiled.

“I heard that, too!” hollered Bryce.

“He already knocked you up,” she snorted. “Tell him to stop taking Henry’s Viagra.”

Bryce walked around the corner of the door, scowling. “Excuse me,” he said, folding his arms across his chest. “This guy,” he pointed towards his pecs. “Needs no help in that area.”

“Obviously what you do need is a cold shower,” said Paige. “All little jokes aside,” she said with a wry smile. “Are you guys going to the prom?”

I looked up at Bryce, who was still glowering. “Hmm… well, I never did get to go ours.”

“You want to?” he asked, turning to me. “Because I’d be more than happy to take you.”

I looked down at my stomach. “Yes, but I doubt we’ll be able to find a dress that fits.”

“Not a problem,” said Paige. “You just need to tell me what color you want and Belinda said she’d help make you a dress.”

I winced. “Belinda?”

She smiled. “Relax, you’re pregnant. She can’t make it too… vulgar looking.”

“Okay, but make sure it’s not animal print. Please,” I said, remembering how much Belinda obsessed over leopard patterns. I loved Belinda but where she liked revealing tops and skin-tight pants, I wanted things covered up, especially now that I was curvy in places I’d never been before. Even my rear looked like two water balloons.

“Oh I don’t know,” said Bryce. “I wouldn’t mind seeing you in something tight and sassy.”

I elbowed him in the stomach. “Not going to happen.”

“I’ll make sure that she doesn’t go that route,” said Paige.

“Cool. Speaking of Belinda, how’s Kallie been doing?” I asked. “I haven’t seen her that much lately.”

Paige smiled. “Great. Belinda spoils the crap out of her.”

“Good,” I said, smiling in relief. “I’m glad. I felt bad that she couldn’t stay with us….”

“Kallie understands and to be honest, I think that she adores Belinda. It was the best thing for both of them. Don’t sweat it.”

After bringing Kallie back from the monastery, it was decided that taking care of her on my own was too much of a responsibility. So, after a couple of months, she moved into Belinda’s hotel room.

“Good.”

“Okay, bye Paige,” said Bryce, waving as he tried pulling me back into our room.

“Pink or blue?” asked Paige. ‘What color should I tell her you’d like?”

“Green?” I hollered as he slammed the door.

“Jerk,” mumbled Paige through the door.

“What’d she say?” he asked.

I pulled him towards the bed. “She said ‘sure’.”

He smirked. “Right.”

***

Unfortunately, we missed the prom, only because our son arrived an hour before the festivities. It was a long labor but when I held him in my arms for the first time, all of the pain, the agony, and my profanity were pretty much forgotten. At least on my part. Bryce, on the other hand, would probably never look at me the same after the names I’d called him.

“He looks like you,” I said, staring at his scrunched up face.

“Damn right. He’s a handsome little dude,” said Bryce, sitting next to me by the bed. “What did you expect?”

“I guess I should expect cockiness and a little attitude when he’s older, too?”

“Don’t forget impulsive and stubborn,” he replied with a smirk. “Just like mom.”

“Crap, we’re in trouble, aren’t we?”

“Was there ever a doubt after seeing the plus sign?”

I giggled. “No, not really.”

There was a soft knock at the door.

“Come in,” said Bryce.

It opened and Henry peaked his head around the corner. “Is it safe now?”

“Yeah, she’s all out of cuss words,” said Bryce.

“Oh hell, I could have given her more to use,” he replied, holding his Stetson in his hands. “My… look at that little whippersnapper. He’s a good looking boy.”

“Thanks Henry,” I said.

“Where is everyone?” asked Henry.

“They’re coming soon,” said Bryce.

Kristie and Belinda had left me after several intense hours of labor, helping me through the delivery. They were going to clean up and bring the girls in to see the baby.

“You should be mighty proud,” said Henry.

“Oh, I am,” said Bryce.

“Of your wife, too,” said Henry, smiling down at me “You’re a lucky man.”

Bryce took my hand and squeezed it. “I know, and how could I not be proud? She’s given me everything that I could have ever wanted.”

My eyes filled with tears. “Thank you, Bryce.”

He leaned down. “Told you it was a boy,” said Bryce, kissing his son’s forehead. “Never doubt me again, woman.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Watcha going to name him?” asked Henry.

I smiled down at the precious bundle in my arms. “Robert David De Luca,” I said. “Bobby for short, of course.”

“I think you’ve got another Wild One on your hands,” said Henry, as Bobby began to scrunch up his fists and cry for his meal.

Bryce smiled proudly. “Henry, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Author’s Note

Thank you for reading this final installment of Zombie Games. I truly hope that you’ve enjoyed this adventure as I really enjoyed creating it for you. It’s going to be hard saying goodbye to these characters and who knows- maybe one day I’ll decide to bring them back for other adventures. No plans right now but you never know.

Also, I really want to apologize for the spelling and grammar errors. This story will be discounted until my editor gets her hands on it. I’ve had so many readers writing and begging me to get this book out. I didn’t want to disappoint them any further. So, if you can stand a little grammar issues, then I hope you’re not too disappointed. Otherwise, you can upload a new edited copy for no additional charge once it’s released.

Thanks again and keep an eye out for other paranormal stories written by me coming in 2014.

Happy reading

Kristen

Table of Contents

- Copyright
- acknowledgement
- Prologue
- Chapter One
- Chapter Two
- Chapter Three
- Chapter Four
- Chapter Five
- Chapter Six
- Chapter Seven
- Chapter Eight
- Chapter Nine
- Chapter Ten
- Chapter Eleven
- Chapter Twelve
- Chapter Thirteen
- Chapter Fourteen
- Chapter Fifteen
- Chapter Sixteen
- Chapter Seventeen
- Chapter Eighteen
- Chapter Nineteen
- Chapter Twenty
- Chapter Twenty-One
- Chapter Twenty-Two
- Chapter Twenty – Three
- Chapter Twenty-four
- Chapter Twenty-Five
- Chapter Twenty-Six
- Chapter Twenty-Seven
- Author’s Note