Fighting to Survive (As the World Dies #2)(16)

They were finally going into the hotel. The small walled-in courtyard with the wrought iron gate suddenly seemed so flimsy to him.

What if hundreds of those things had somehow gotten into the hotel? What hope would they have of holding them off? Thank God they had created the new secure area. It now seemed foolish that they had ever considered going into the hotel without making sure that the survivors were safely tucked away first.

He glanced over his shoulder at Nerit. She looked calm, deadly, and ready. His gaze flicked to Juan, who was talking intently to Jenni. Travis knew Juan was very worried about Jenni going in to help clear out the building. He really couldn’t blame him. Jenni was a good shot, but the situation was fraught with danger. Travis was also worried about the woman he cared about.

He glanced toward Katie, who was standing nearby. He was worried sick about her going in. He knew she was a good shot and had more experience dealing with zombies up close than just about anyone. He had confidence in her abilities, but still he felt a sense of dread. Too many times before, he had come close to losing her.

The last few weeks had been hard. After their surprising kiss, Katie had drawn far away from him. It stung him, but he could understand to some degree. Yesterday she had given him hope. Maybe it was misplaced, but when she had whispered 'please' to him, he took it as a sign she wanted time to deal with feelings she had for him. He had seen something in her eyes that had been surprising and encouraging. He was willing to give her time, but now that they were both going into a dangerous situation, he craved one last significant moment with her.

Mike, the man in charge, moved to the center of his carefully chosen groups. A former military man, he had grouped people into teams and trained them to work together for the last few weeks. His dark skin was beaded with sweat and rain. He looked strong and unafraid.

“We're about to go in. Remember to stay with your group. Stick to your predetermined route. If you meet with a large amount of zombies, do not return to the fort, but call for backup and fall back to the main lobby. You are not to return to the fort until the hotel is clear. If something goes wrong, start climbing and go to a higher floor.”

His voice droned on, firm, intent and commanding. Travis watched people gazing at the tall man with deep respect and fear. There was a sense of terror building in the fort. It was inevitable. Things had been so calm, so safe, for weeks now. It had given all of them a false sense of security. And now it could all end. Yet, they needed to get into the hotel with summer heat coming. Plus, people were short-tempered and moody over the lack of privacy and the long lines into the bathrooms and shower. They had to expand the fort now, not later, when things were much rougher.

Mike finished. Everyone stepped back to let two construction workers through to unlock the wrought iron gate that opened up into the small courtyard. Travis watched anxiously, feeling sweat starting to trickle from his brow down his cheeks.

The two construction workers gave the thumbs up to Mike and entered the small area. Taking turns with sledgehammers, the two men began to chip away the brick to form a small hole about shoulder high in the wall. The sound of the sledgehammers cracking apart the bricks and the destroyed fragments slamming into the ground filled the hushed silence of the fort. Swinging one last time, the huge construction worker named Jimmy punched through the bricks and cement. As the hard little bits of the wall crumbled away and the dust cleared, the hole stood stark and black against the red wall.

“We’re through,” Jimmy said with a smile.

His partner , Roger, cautiously leaned forward attempting to peer in.

A hand lashed out of the hole. Roger yelled and fell back.

A torn, gray, black mottled face appeared, teeth gnashing, as a zombie tried to push his body through the hole.

People screamed and the construction workers scrambled back.

Terror gripped everyone.

The zombie’s head jerked back as a nice neat hole in the center of its forehead oozed black blood down over its now limp features.

People were shocked, then realized what had happened. A few looked up to where Nerit still was poised for another shot.

The zombie hung awkwardly in the hole, then a skinless hand appeared desperately reaching toward the humans. Struggling to get past the other zombie, the new one grunted and growled until finally the limp body fell away. It thrust its head through the hole.

Again, a nice little round hole appeared on its forehead and it dropped out of sight.

Another face appeared, this one feminine. blond hair clung to the dried blood on its face. Someone screamed in horror, “Natalie!” then the zombie’s head snapped back and she, too, was gone.

They all waited and watched. Travis could feel sweat and rain trickling down the sides of his face.

The hole remained empty.

Bill entered the tiny courtyard, rifle in hand. He flicked on a flashlight, shone it into the room beyond the hole, and gingerly peered in.

“Check the floor,” someone shouted out.

Bill nodded and looked down. “Clear! Inside door appears to be locked.”

Travis took a breath and started walking toward Katie. She looked toward him and gripped her gun even more tightly in her hands.

Jenni glanced at him as he passed, then back at the hole the construction workers were now widening for them to pass through.

Walking up to Katie, Travis gazed down at her intently. “If anything happens to me…”

“I know,” Katie answered. “And you’ll do the same for me.”