“All clear.” Johnny said as he entered the barn. He headed for his own ride and shoved the pistol back into its holster before climbing on and looking over at Roosevelt.
“Something has got those things attention. No way we got over here last night and out of here this morning without so much as a single zed spotting us.” Roosevelt stated confusion in his voice as he thought about what could possibly be holding the horde of undead. Finally, he pushed the thought from his mind and turned the key on his wheeler. Johnny did the same and together they pressed their ignitions, hearing the engines roar to life. Slowly they rolled up to the doors, pushing through with ease. Beams of sunlight struck them both in the face as they pulled out into the freezing January air.
Chapter Six
8:01 a.m. January 2, 2049
Somewhere in Georgia
“What town is this?” Johnny asked over the idling engines.
“Not sure. Didn’t see a sign when we came in yesterday.” Roosevelt replied. Curiosity getting the better of him Roosevelt pressed the throttle and eased back toward the edge of the town. They rode along watching through the spaced outbuildings looking for the horde that they knew was in the area. They rode side by side along the edge of the field slowing only to pass through a rushing creek. They each raised their legs, resting their feet on the front fenders and they eased through the freezing water. When they got to the edge of town Roosevelt slowed to a stop and shut off his four-wheeler. He looked back at the town and shook his head as he climbed off and walked around to stand next to Johnny's ride. He gave the signal, his flattened-out hand motioning back and forth in front of his throat for Johnny to cut off his engine. Johnny twisted the key to the off position and then stared blankly at his friend, unsure of what he was about to say.
“I have to know what has that hordes attention. Could be someone that needs our help.” Roosevelt said.
“You’re not serious,” Johnny sighed with a WTF look plastered all over his features. Roosevelt chuckle.
“Unfortunately, I am. Come on. Help me spot those bastards.” Roosevelt said. Johnny moved to undo his pistol and rifle, but Roosevelt stopped him.
“Leave it. We’re not going that far or getting close enough that they’ll spot us.” Johnny looked at the two weapons and then looked back at Roosevelt.
“Alright but just so you know this is a stupid ass idea. Leave the weapons. You’re out of your damn mind.” Johnny said, throwing his hands in the air.
“Calm down Tina. We’re not going that far from these wheelers. Just a quick peek and we’re gone. Won’t take us ten minutes.” Roosevelt replied as he turned and started toward the tree line. A row of houses sat behind the trees, the streets empty of all forms of life. Roosevelt eased through the trees and then sprinted across the road, stopping alongside a large ranch style home. He took a quick look around the corner and then glanced back at Johnny.
“All clear. Let’s move.” Roosevelt said before he rounded the corner and jogged down several houses. The road led up to a stop sign and the beginning of the town beyond that. Yellow grassed lawns and tall trees dotted the front of each house as they ran farther down the road. They cleared the small subdivision in a few short minutes and found themselves next to a four-story apartment building. They could now hear the growls of hundreds of the infected from their position. Roosevelt looked back at Johnny and held a single finger up to his lips. Johnny already knew better than to make a single noise as he followed Roosevelt deeper into the town. The unnatural growls got louder as they passed another set of apartments.
“You hear that?” Roosevelt asked, his face almost nose to nose with Johnny when he said it. Johnny nodded and then shrugged. Music played softly over the growls of the dead as Roosevelt eased closer to the back of the building. He stopped at the back corner and chanced a quick peek. What he saw confused him more than anything. A boom box sat on the top rail of the upstairs apartment playing a song neither of them had ever heard. An older brunette danced alone on the balcony as the zeds all growled and reached up towards her.
“What the hell?” Roosevelt mouthed to Johnny before they both backed up a few feet and then turned to head back to the wheelers. Once they made it back to the row of houses Johnny spoke loud enough for Roosevelt to hear him.
“What was that?” He said, keeping pace with his big friend.
“I don’t know but we ain’t sticking around to find out.” Roosevelt replied. The pair continued to jog down the street toward the line of trees. The sound of an engine starting caused them to stop and look around.
“Where did that come from?” Roosevelt asked, looking left and then right.
“Son of a bitch!” Johnny shouted and then took off in a sprint back toward the four wheelers. Ahead a young-looking teen with a mop of shaggy brown hair sat on Johnny’s ride revving the engine and laughing loudly as he watched the two men race towards him. The kid had to have been at least four hundred pounds from the look of it and none of it was muscle.
“Stop!” Johnny screamed as he picked up his pace to catch the kid before he sped off with half of their supplies. Johnny burst through the tree line heading right for the wheelers, but the kid was already a football field away and gaining ground with every second.
“God damn it!” Johnny screamed, kicking at the dirt. Roosevelt ran past and jumped on his ride and started the engine.
“Get on!” He
