The Living Dead Boy (The Living Dead Boy #1)(21)

“Me, too,” Sam replied. Big tears glistened in his eyes as they walked toward where Savannah was waiting with Yessica.

“But he saw them as zombies. That’s harder than not knowing where they are.”

“Oh.” Sam thought this over. “Cause my dad might be alive. And my mom, too.”

Josh nodded.

“I’ll try not to be so stupid,” Sam promised.

“Thanks, Sam,” Josh said, clapping him on the shoulder.

Sam puffed up his chest and nodded solemnly.

Relief flooded Savannah’s face when she spotted them. “Oh, good, you’re here! Josh, Sam, and Troy, get your stuff. I already got food for the little ones.” She held up a plastic bag. There were containers of chocolate milk, water, cheese and crackers, and cookies in it.

“Yay! Chocolate milk!” Oscar grinned with delight.

Drake wasn’t paying attention though. They were close to the front doors, and Josh noticed their dad was visible as he walked along the side of the Metro bus escorting the girl in the wheelchair. Drake was obviously watching him.

“Daddy is right there,” Drake said with relief.

“Yup. He’s taking care of us,” Josh replied.

Jamie hopped into the bus to help load the chair on board.

“Don’t leave, Daddy!” Drake shouted. “Don’t leave me!”

In an instant, the little guy was running toward the exit. Savannah made a grab for him, but Drake skidded around a couple entering and raced through the open doorway.





Chapter 13


Josh started after his little brother, but Savannah grabbed his arm. “I’ll get Drake! Get your food and drinks!” Savannah raced after Drake, dragging Oscar behind her.

Yessica ran after Savannah and Oscar clutching her plastic bag of food and drinks.

Sam attempted to catch her. “Stay here, Yessica!”

“We’re supposed to stay with her!” Yessica said, panicking. “She’s the group leader!”

Yessica was faster than Sam, and ducked around him. She scampered out the door after Savannah.

Sam started after her, but Josh stopped him. “Do what Savannah says. Let’s get our stuff and get out of here. The smaller kids have their stuff. Savannah will take care of Yessica.”

“Yeah. They’re almost to the bus anyway.” Troy pointed to where Drake was scrambling onto the bus.

Savannah and the other kids were close behind.

“We’re old enough to take care of ourselves,” Josh said with confidence.

“Yup. Let’s get our stuff.” Troy sauntered toward the racks of chips, probably looking for his Takis.

“Where’s your girlfriend?” Sam asked Josh abruptly as they trailed after Troy.

“Corina’s not my girlfriend,” Josh said automatically.

“Okay, so where is your not girlfriend?” Sam chewed on his bottom lip while studying the vast display of chips, popcorn, and other salty snacks.

Josh swiveled about, looking for Corina in the crowded aisles. Panic rose in his chest, though it didn’t make any sense. They were safe inside the building. Guards were in the parking lot. Corina was safe.

Troy triumphantly held up a bag of Takis. “Mission accomplished. Oh, they have jerky here!”

Following his friends, Josh grabbed a random bag of chips and a tube of Mexican vanilla cookies from the shelves. Again, he searched the crowded aisles for Corina. A few people weren’t even waiting to get back to their vehicles to eat and were shoving food in their mouths. Josh caught sight of Clare and Hector chatting with smiles on their faces. The food and drinks were already making a big difference in the mood of the travelers.

“They’re so dumb.” Troy noticed who Josh was looking at across the store. “We’re not safe yet, and they’re not hurrying.”

“I want to get a fountain drink,” Sam decided.

“They’re shut off. See? Grab something from the cooler.” Josh shifted his things around and pulled open a glass door to reach for a soda. The cold air felt good against his sweaty skin.

“Can you get me a Sprite?” Corina appeared at his side wearing a pink t-shirt with glittery blue bonnets emblazoned across the front. Her torn skirt and leggings were gone, too, replaced with jeans with a lot of studs and rhinestones on the hem and pockets.

“Did you steal those?” Sam said suspiciously.

“I figured if we can take the food we can take other stuff, too,” Corina answered defensively. She also had a big denim tote bag embroidered with the State of Texas on the front and a braided leather strap slung over her shoulder. It was bulging at the bottom.

“How much stuff are you stealing?” Sam eyeballed the tote.

“I got something for Yessica to wear. She’s covered in blood. I also already got my food, some deodorant, and disposable toothbrushes. I just need my water and a soda.”

Josh handed her the drink she asked for, and grabbed one for himself. “I’m sure it’s fine, Sam. Let her be.”

“Maybe I should get a shirt, too. With an armadillo!” Sam eyeballed the big display of t-shirts.

The water bottle area was quickly emptying, so Josh hurried over to people gathered there. Corina went with him while Troy and Sam veered off toward the souvenir area where the clothes, hats, and belts were arranged. Josh noticed a few other people were swapping out bloodied clothing for new pieces.