He tried to scream, but only managed a small, stuttering wheeze. In panic, he stood up, swatting at the creature, and the zombies on the ground opened fire.įord jerked as the bullets slammed into him. He threw his hands up to protect himself as the blackbird swooped down, clawing at his eyes. The gun grew hot in his hands, and the smoke was beginning to burn his eyes. Ford stayed low and kept firing, sweeping back and forth as the creatures advanced. The creatures returned fire, and bullets ricocheted off the heavy armor. The injured those with missing limbs and severed spinal cords, flopped on the ground, dragging themselves back toward the battle. Heavy rounds slammed into the zombie's lines, destroying many and cutting others to pieces. They shambled forth from all directions, and Ford's eyes widened when he saw that some of them were his own men, killed and forgotten during the orphanage attack. The creatures were coming from everywhere. Then he squeezed his bulk behind the fifty caliber, pointed it to their rear, and opened fire. He clambered up onto the sling seat, unbuckled the dead man, and flung him unceremoniously to the ground. The gunner's lower jaw and most of his throat were gone, and Sergeant Ford knew it was just a matter of minutes before the corpse started moving again. Unaware that she was crying, she drove into the storm. Frankie glanced around, looking for Gina or Julie, but there was no sign of either of them amidst the carnage. She stomped the accelerator and Meghan's dead body slipped to the floor. Then she slumped over.įrankie turned in horror as a second bullet finished the woman off. The injured woman leaned forward, fingertips grasping for the handle. Frankie slammed the HumVee into gear and chased after both of them. He–he did things.'īefore Frankie could finish, Gina ripped the door open and ran across the battlefield, charging towards the Meat Wagon.Ĭursing, Julie ran after her. No nono, don't you say it! Why would you say that? Did you see her?' 'Gina,' she began, then struggled for the words. Gripping the wheel tightly, she turned to face the frantic mother. 'Wait, what about Aimee? Please Frankie, we've got to find her!' She drove straight towards him, closing her eyes as he crunched beneath their wheels.

He waved his arms at them, begging Frankie to stop. A soldier ran towards them, his clothes on fire, and the right side of his face charred black.

The rising keene