Chapter 215 Terms of Survival
Kieran pondered for a moment, then handed over thest bit of water to Phoebe.
After Phoebe took a sip, only a small amount was left at the bottom. She looked around at the others “Here<b>–</b>someone else finish it.”
Jack and Dawn weren’t that thirsty and shook their heads. Ian was parched, but after ncing <b>at </b><b>his </b>girlfriend, he decided to give it up. “M, you take it.”
“Thanks,” M Lockwood said softly, then finished off thest sip.
“Let’s move. Stick close to her,” someone urged.
“I don’t think she wants to take us with her.”
“Yeah, she doesn’t seem like she wants anyone tagging along.”
“I’ve got an idea!” Ian said suddenly and broke into a jog toward Theresa.
“Miss! Hey, Miss<b>!</b><b>” </b>
Theresa didn’t stop, just kept walking with Quentin slung over her shoulder. “Speak.”
“I know theyout of this ce! I can lead you out!” Ian called after her.
Theresa looked around at the endless rows of columns stretching into the dark corners of the underground parking garage. “What’s your offer?”
“Take us with you!”
She nced at the pack of teens huddled behind him. “I’ll allow you to follow me. That’s it. Your lives are your own responsibility. And don’t cause trouble.”
Ian hesitated, then nodded. “Deal! As long as we can follow you!”
With her strength and skills, as long as they didn’t fall behind, they’d be safe. Ian figured that out quickly. He waved at the others. “Come on! She said we can follow!”
The group rushed up.
Theresa eyed the bunch now crowding into her safety perimeter. “I’m saying this once. If you die, that’s on you. I won’t stop for anyone.”
Everyone nodded, dazed butpliant.
“And one more thing. Check your bodies. Anyone hiding an injury dies on the spot.”
This time, they all obeyed immediately. However, just as her words faded, Ginny flinched and stepped back.
“Ginny, what’s wrong?”
<b>1/2 </b>
54 Wed 1JAUD
Chapter 215 Terms of Survival
“Why are you backing away?<b>” </b>
“Ginny–your arm!” Phoebe cried out. She was standing closest and immediately <b>spotted </b>the slow trickl of blood sliding down Ginny’s forearm.
“1–It’s <b>not </b>what you think! I got scratched moving Michael’s body! I hit the corner of the <b>shelf </b><b>it </b>wasn’t a zombie!” Ginny rushed to exin, but no one dared stay near her.
“Please<b>, </b>you have to believe me! Dawn, M, Phoebe–we’ve been roommates for three <b>years</b><b>! </b><b>You </b><b>know </b>I’m not lying!”
The three girls looked torn, but the boys were decisive.
“No way. No one can prove that wasn’t from a zombic,” one of them said firmly.
“You’re just picking on me because Michael’s gone!” Ginny shouted, backing away. “He treated you like brothers, shared all his stuff with you, and now he’s dead, none of you even helped! You’re selfish! Heartless! All of you!”
With that, she spun around and ran into the shadows.
The others stood there, stunned by the outburst.
“Ginny! Come back!”
“We’re not saying we don’t believe you!”
“We’ll just tie her up or something and watch her. If she’s fine, she’s fine. But if she runs off alone–how <b>will </b>she survive?”
“Let’s find herter and take her with us!”
Theresa listened to their nonsense in silence, not even bothering <i>to </i>respond. She adjusted Quentin’s weight and strode forward without a word. The group hesitated, then rushed to catch up.
Ian took the lead, guiding them through the dark garage. The rest stuck close behind Theresa. She kept checking vehicles as they passed, but every single one was useless–t tires, dead batteries, or submerged in the stagnant water pooling across the garage floor.
Ian noticed what she was doing. “Miss, are you looking for a working car?”
Theresa gave him a sidelong nce and nodded.
“We should go to the ground floor. There’s a dealership up there! Brand new cars!”
She actually gave him an approving look. “Not bad, kid. Lead the way.”
Pleased with her praise, Ian turned sharply to the right and led them along the wall, covering more than 200 yards before stopping at a heavy safety door.
Just then, a faint shape emerged from the darkness ahead–trembling, unsteady, and very much human.