To Jack’s dismay, that the zombie pulled on the gate, opening it slightly. John quickly stepped forward and took a shot through the bars, dispatching it. BB, Nat, and Bill joined him in clearing the approaching zombies. Jack was about to join them when he heard a shot behind him. Michelle had taken out a zombie that was approaching from behind.
“We got some angry residents coming in!” Michelle yelled.
Mike quickly stepped up to stand beside the leading Humvee. “Abi!” he called, then pointed to the other side of the vehicle. “Jack!”
He pointed to a spot near him and made a chopping motion towards another angle. He then repeated it one more time for Tammy, who hesitantly took up a position beside Abi.
“Everybody, cover an angle!” Mike ordered when they were all in position.
Behind them, John and his team were furiously shooting zombies. Jack didn’t have to fire his weapon again, as the only two approaching zombies were taken out by Michelle and Abi.
Michelle took two shots to make her kill, though, as her first shot was low. Jack watched in revulsion as the lower half of the zombie’s face exploded, the bullet entering just beside the nose and exiting through the neck.
How the hell can it keep coming after that? Jack was morbidly fascinated and couldn’t take his eyes off the scene.
The second bullet took off the top of its head and ended its existence.
The battle behind them was over for the moment. “Everybody, mount up!” John ordered. They all dashed towards their vehicles and drove away moments later.
Jack was somewhat shell-shocked and didn’t budge for several moments. He caught John moving beside him and turned his head. The ex-soldier busied himself by checking the chamber of his weapon before grabbing a magazine and a box of bullets.
Getting ready for the next battle, Jack surmised in admiration. Watching the man inserting bullets into the magazine reminded him of something.
“John?”
John stopped what he was doing to look over at Jack.
“How did you know when to pop that mag? I didn’t hear you click empty.”
John smiled wryly back at the young man. He continued loading bullets into the magazine as he talked. “They taught me that an ‘empty click,’ as you call it, is a wasted shot. I count my shots, Jack. It’s a good habit and can save your life.”
That made sense. Jack had no idea if he’d ever be able to keep his cool enough in the heat of battle to run an accurate count of shots.
John turned forward. “Mike, see if you can find a high spot for some reconnaissance. That was way more resistance than I had counted on.” He scowled. “I’ve got a feeling that this whole damned community is surrounded.”
“Sure thing, chief,” Mike replied. “I think I saw a radio tower up on the hill to our left.”
John tapped Mike on his shoulder in approval. “Yeah. That’s perfect.”
“Hey, what was going on with that gate?” Mike asked over his shoulder.
“The damn mag locks wouldn’t engage because the latch is bent.” John saw the look on Jack’s face and explained, “That gate was magnetic. But —”
Jack interrupted. “I know what a mag lock is, John. I was wondering how you managed to lock it up?”
John started to smile. “Poor Mike isn’t getting his jacket back.” He touched the veteran soldier on the shoulder once more. “We used it to tie the gate shut again. It should hold up for a bit. Unless zombies learn how to untie knots.”
Jack wasn’t so confident. He was sure that he’d seen that zombie pull the gate open.
The mini convoy weaved through the streets of the suburb, finally making their way to the radio tower. They spotted the occasional zombie on the winding roads but chose discretion before valor and sped towards their goal.
The small plot of land where the radio tower stood was fenced, and the gate securely padlocked. It proved to be no obstacle to the jacket-less Mike once they got there, as he made quick work of the chain with his bolt cutter.
“Who is going up?” John asked the group. “I can’t climb worth for shit with this thing.” He held aloft his prosthetic.
“I can go,” Jack volunteered.
John frowned slightly and surveyed the rest of the group. Mike would not be in good enough shape to climb the tower, and he didn’t think Tammy or Abi would be too keen on it. BB was looking down at the ground but looked up when he felt John’s eyes on him.
“Um—I’m kind of afraid of heights...” BB said with an embarrassed look. “It’s what got me landed into the signalman gig.”
Before John could look around anymore, Jack stepped up to him. “Seriously, John. I can do this. I’m a good climber. It’s one of the things these spindly arms and skinny frame can do well,” he added with a smile, flexing his arms in front of the much more muscular man.
Still, John thought for a moment. Jack knew what was on his mind.
“It will be fine. I know you want to protect me and all, but don’t you think this is less dangerous than letting me face zombies?”
Mike guffawed at that, and John had to crack a grin too. “All right, all right.” He raised his hands in surrender. “You can go. Here, take these binoculars.” He steered Jack towards the tower. “You see that first platform up there? Only go that far. You should be able to see the perimeter wall for the entire community from there. Look out for any concentrations of zombies. I also need you to check if there are any breaches, or if any portions of the wall look like they are about to give. Try to note those locations.” They had walked to the tower. “Hopefully, there are none.”
Jack put the binoculars around his neck. John took them and put them inside the young man’s jacket, zipping it up. “That way they don’t swing around or get caught on something.”
Nodding once,
