They went around the circle. Dal and Bruce shared stories about their fallen varsity football brothers. Everyone else shared stories of Mr. Cecchino.
When they finished, Nonna lifted the bottle of grappa from her tray. “To our fallen,” she said solemnly. Nonna filled the shot glasses and passed around the the tray, letting everyone take a glass.
“To our fallen.” Leo raised his glass to the sky, picturing his father’s face.
Goodbye, Dad, he said silently. I promise to make you proud.
Around him was coughing and sputtering as the shots were downed. Leo hissed between his teeth as fiery liquid burned its way down his esophagus.
He surveyed his companions as shot glasses were returned to the tray. They’d delivered a blow to the invaders they would not soon forget. They’d taken out a contingent of enemy soldiers and gotten valuable information out to the people. They were a strong team. A unit. They were the Snipers.
“What’s next?” Tate asked. His leg had been stitched and bandaged by Nonna. There was a long, gruesome tale about how Nonna had removed the bullet using a knife, grappa, and kitchen tongs. There were bloodstains on the kitchen table from the ordeal, but Tate was alive and moving around with the help of a walking stick. “Last I checked, there were still Russians out there. They all need to die.”
“You need to let your leg heal,” Jim informed his brother.
“I can defend my country with a bad leg,” Tate said, eyes fierce. “Just let me ride one of the horses.”
“Don’t be stupid.” Nonna’s hand twitched, but she refrained from whacking him in the back of the head. “I just finished stitching you up.”
Leo held up a hand. To his surprise, everyone turned to him expectantly. Even Nonna.
“I have the next mission for the Snipers.” His gaze flicked to Jennifer. He had a promise to keep. “We’re going to get Jennifer’s little sister in Westville.”
“What the hell?” Bruce frowned. “We need to defend our country, not go off to find a teenager who’s probably just fine where she is.”
“She’s my sister.” Jennifer glared at Bruce. “You can stay behind if you don’t want to help.”
“We should be plotting our next big strike,” Bruce argued. “We—”
“We’re going to Westville,” Leo cut in firmly. “And if we happen to see any Russians on the way, we can take care of them. Zombies, too.”
Jim gave a curt nod. “That’s more like it.”
“Team Sniper.” Bruce smacked a fist against his chest.
“We need to make more bombs. I’ll get the aprons.” Nonna slid the cork into the grappa bottle. “I want Deejay Sniper to send more broadcasts. The people need a voice in the dark. Someone to give them hope. Leo, Dal needs to get the antenna hooked up.”
“Everyone inside.” Leo herded his team around the cabin. “Time to plan. We’ll make more bombs while we talk about the antenna and our mission to Westville. Anton, there’s a stack of maps in the glove compartment of Dad’s truck. Grab them.”
Anton peeled away without a word of complaint, heading to the truck. Everyone else made their way up the stairs and into the cabin. Jim had one arm around his brother, supporting him up the stairs.
Jennifer caught up with Leo. “Thanks.”
“I made you a promise.”
“Thanks for keeping your promise.”
“I’d want the same if Anton or Lena was stuck somewhere.” On impulse, Leo put a brotherly arm around Jennifer’s shoulders and squeezed. Together, they ascended the stairs.
It was a surprise to realize he was no longer pissed off at the world. Hell, he might go so far as to say that he was happy he hadn’t gone off to play ball at Cal Berkley. If he had, he wouldn’t be right here, right now, defending his home and his family.
Leo couldn’t think of any place in the world he’d rather be. He had a team and a purpose.
Life didn’t happen on a field under the lights. Life happened when you weren’t looking. The plays that counted were the ones you never saw coming, the ones you never expected to make.
And Leo was ready for whatever came next. He wouldn’t stop until his home was free.
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Author’s Note
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Acknowledgements
Thanks to the experts who helped bring this book to life! I couldn’t have done it without your knowledge and wisdom.
Chris Picott
Linda Bellmore
Mike Crowley
Lise Asimont
Lorraine Summers
Lisa Lewis
Jon Theisen
Doc Fried
Sam Stokes
David Taylor
Debra Schwitzer
Thanks to all the members of the Zombie Recon Team on Patreon! I am deeply grateful for your support. You guys help bring these stories to life. (Literally, since many of you are characters in this series!)
Linda Huggins
Amanda Pratt
Larry Guerra
Jenn Miola
Julie Wyatt
Jessica Stephenson
Tanya Griggs
Lisa Unciano
Brian Spillane
Nanciann Lamontange
Vanessa Marquand
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