Sudden Death: A Zombie Novel
Page 51
Another report showed people who were screaming and running from a movie theater. Many were pressing their hands against wounds on their arms, faces, and necks.
Still another report depicted panic shopping as people began to realize that they needed to prepare to shelter in their homes.
Without warning, the law enforcement authorities closed the bridges and roads leading into and out of the city. The news media went ballistic, demanding access to the city, and the ability to come and go at will, but the officials were adamant that no one would be permitted to enter or leave it. The Mayor pointed out that the news media was still free to utilize their helicopters for reporting, but later that night, they changed their minds and limited flights to military and government aircraft only.
The news agencies with the capability to put crews in the air collectively ignored the orders to stay away from the city. They aired scenes of first responders, primarily police and fire department personnel, being attacked as they converged on fires at various locations around the city.
There were also scenes of looting at all of the major grocery stores. Herb was surprised to see that liquor stores were also being targeted for looting. He understood the reasoning behind the grocery stores. After all, people have to eat, but the last thing he would want to do in their position was get drunk. He felt it was insane for them to risk their lives to steal something that would lower their chances of survival. Sporting goods stores were also looted, as were gun shops.
In short, Decatur was a madhouse.
Herb had lost track of time as he watched the news. His phone rang and he once more muted the volume on his set. “Herb, where the hell are you?” asked Randy Lions.
“You’re calling my home phone and asking me that question?” he responded.
“I mean, you are supposed to be here at the armory,” Randy explained.
“I’m dressed and ready to leave. I’ve been watching the news about what’s happening in Decatur.”
“Yeah, well you’d better get your ass here soon. Sergeant Shannon is pissed because people are responding to the activation so slowly. He’s about ready to send some of us out to round up the rest.”
“Crap,” Herb said, glancing at his watch. “I didn’t realize it was already past 6 o’clock. Tell the Sergeant I’m walking out the door to leave now. I’ll be there in less than fifteen minutes.”
“You’ve got it, buddy. You can watch the news here. That’s what a lot of us are doing.”
“You’d be better off spending your time preparing your weapons, if they’ll issue them tonight,” Herb countered.
“Yeah, you’re right there. I hope they do. This is some scary shit we’re about to get into, buddy.”
“I know, but we’ll have each other’s backs. I’m gone. See you in fifteen.”
Herb hung up, turned off the television, and switched off the lights on his way out. He arrived at the armory thirteen minutes later.
Randy was right about Sergeant Shannon. Herb saw that he was pissed off and ready to berate the late arrivals. “I’m surprised at you, Bennett. You’re a Corporal, not some jug headed Private. You are supposed to set an example for the lower ranks. You know damned well that rank comes with responsibility and a higher standard of expectations.”
“I’m sorry, Sergeant. I was gathering intelligence about what is happening in the city,” Herb tried to explain.
“You mean you’ve been watching the news?”
“Yes. Did you see what happened to the Special Forces guys?” Herb asked.
Sergeant Shannon glanced around to see if anyone else was standing close enough to overhear them. He nodded his head and said, “I saw it, and it’s a damned shame. I knew a couple of those men.” He looked around again before adding, “Let’s keep quiet about that unless some of the others bring it up. I don’t want our unit going into this with an unreasonable amount of fear.”
“After what I’ve been seeing on the news this afternoon, I’d say a good dose of fear might be the best thing for the guys, Sergeant. It will make them more cautious.”
“It’s most likely going to come up anyway,” Shannon said with a shrug. “You can’t keep guys from talking about shit like this.” He paused for a moment, and then said, “Get the unit together and see that they are issued their weapons. Make damned certain no one chambers a round, but I want them to draw their magazines from the armorer and load them. We’ll be assigning armed guards tonight.”
“You’ve got it, Sergeant,” Herb replied.
“This shit is about to get real for us, Corporal. Make sure the men understand the need to properly inspect their weapons and gear, because their lives may depend upon them functioning properly in the very near future.”
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Table of Contents
Copyright.
Chapter 1Rajesh & Sally
Chapter 2Mustafa
Chapter 3Jenna
Chapter 4Carl & Chuck
Chapter 5 Mad Mandy
Chapter 6Amy & Mark
Chapter 7Zombie Jesus
Chapter 8Digby, Margaret & Tom
Chapter 9Jay
Chapter 10Tim
Chapter 11Cheeseburger & Captain Chijioke
Chapter 12Amoeba
Chapter 13Silent Sam
Chapter 14Happy Larry
Chapter 15Legion
Chapter 16Colonel Grieves
EpilogueThe Lament
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