Zocopalypse (Death Fields 1)

I find the pouch where I’d stashed it—under the driver’s seat. I loop it around my neck and get in the truck. Chloe slides in next to me, while Cole and Walker sit in the back, weapons ready. Walker is my subtle reminder from Wyatt not to make a run for it. He shouldn’t worry. I have no intention on breaking my word. I just have to trust that he’s going to do the same.

The truck rumbles to life with familiarity and again I feel a little sentimental. It’s probably the exhaustion. Wyatt waves out the window of the truck and we follow the others off the property.

In the time Cole and I were locked up at the base things have changed outside. Before we could go hours without encountering anyone alive or infected. After we pass the third shambling Eater in a short time I ask Chloe, “Why do you think there are so many more Eater’s around?”

“I think people could only stay holed up so long. Only so much water and food. At some point they had to come out—and as we know, being outside is dangerous.”

No wonder it wasn’t hard for Erwin to gather a defensive army of Eater’s to surround the base. “They seem different now, don’t you think?”

“I noticed that too yesterday. Their insides are rotten, but they also seem less alert—more mob mentality.”

“Great. We’ve got two hundred miles between here and Augusta. Do you think we’ll make it?”

“Yes, unless we breakdown, run out of gas, get attacked by the military or run into a horde lik

e yesterday…” She gestures to the truck in front of us. “But for real, with Wyatt leading the pack? I’ve got no doubt.”

Her words hold no weight but they make me feel better. And she’s right about Wyatt. I glance in the rearview mirror and spot Cole’s shaggy blond hair whipping around his face. “What will you guys do once we get there?”

Wyatt and I agreed not to share our agreement with the others. The fewer people who know about the information I’ve got the better.

“I don’t know. God knows if PharmaCorp will even still be there. I just hope it includes a bed and a warm shower.” She looks at me. “What are you planning on doing?”

“Not sure,” I lie. “Like you, a break would be good.” She shakes her head and I catch her roll her eyes. “What?”

“Don’t pretend like you won’t follow that man wherever he goes.” She tilts her head toward the cargo truck.

“Wyatt?” I ask. “Uh, why would you say that?”

“You two are all wound up in one another. He just about flipped when you went missing. I thought he may tear up half of the state to get you back.”

I fight a dark laugh. If she only knew why he wanted me back. To him I’m a job. Money. Nothing more. “Yeah, well, Wyatt has his reasons for doing the things he does. Don’t mistake it for something that it’s not.”

“Whatever,” she says. “Just don’t think I haven’t noticed his interest in you or that my brother hasn’t either.”

I tighten my grip on the wide, cracked leather steering wheel. “There’s nothing going on between Wyatt and me.”

Another lie. Well, a half-lie. I think she’s implying something romantic.

“Sure. Okay, if that’s how you want to play it.” She props her feet up on the dash and looks out the back window. Again, I catch sight of him in the rearview mirror and I see her and Cole make eye contact. With a small smile, he presses his hand to the window and she places hers on top, matching them up. “I know I shouldn’t say this but my brother really cares about you.”

A lump forms in my throat and my cheeks burn thinking of the time we shared at the base and the things he’d said to me. “I care about him too, he’s a great guy.”

“Just don’t be a bitch to him or something. He can take rejection—but a guy like Wyatt…that’s a tough blow for someone like Cole.”

“Chloe—I just told you, there is no Wyatt and me. Seriously drop it.”

She holds her hands up innocently. “Okay. Fine. I’ve said my peace.”

“You have. It’s noted.” I take a deep breath. “For the record I’m focused on finding my family. Dealing with PharmaCorp and just…trying to figure out how to live in this world, okay? Boys aren’t really a priority.”

She laughs and says, “Word.”

She settles back in her seat and again I look out the back window. Cole’s leaning against the edge of the truck bed, sun beating down on his face. His eyes catch mine and he gives me the same sweet smile I’d just seen him give his sister.

I nod back, exhausted and unwilling to do anymore. With a firm push on the gas, we move forward—toward the end of this.

Chapter Fifty-Four