G

I hit the sack pretty late. Due to two factors, a raid and the fact that there was bombings that cut off the power. Or it could have been explosions. I didn't have a lot of candles. No, I didn't have a single candle because I'm a guy.

I ended up trading some dry food for candles from one of my neighbors who ran a candle store. That put me in bed around four am. What kept me up later was Chris who joined me and I had to admit that I was starting to like this emo girl's enthusiasm to keep me happy.

Not surprisingly, I woke up feeling pretty good. A bit disappointed that Riley didn't join me but overall, in a decent mood.

I nibbled on a sandwich as I watched smoke in the distance. According to a Google search on my phone, the power center was directly in front of me but there should have been a back up. However, I couldn't see it from my position.

"Do you think the military dropped bombs?" Riley asked as she stood next to me.

"Well, I don't know how bombs sound and there isn't a single piece of news from the government at this moment. So high probability that they took out our power in an effort to get us to move from our nest." I closed the curtain as I spoke.

"Are we going to move?" Riley asks as she brushes a strand of brown hair out her face.

"Better question is, when are we going to finish what you propose?" I changed the subject.

Riley rolled her eyes, "should have picked me first." She walked away with ample sway in those lovely hips.

I chuckled at the tease and went to check on the pistols. Making sure they each had all their components.

Not too long later, a knock on my door startled the shit out of me. I grabbed my handy glock and went to see who would disturb the silence.

The old man was standing in front of my door but he wasn't the only one in the hall. I raised my eyebrow as I tossed a look at the others.

"Micheal has something to say and I think we all should listen." The old man said.

His tone was oddly serious. So I stepped out and closed my door.

Micheal walked in the middle of the group with an easy going smile. He looked like a cop but not one of the good ones.

"I am Micheal from 206. A lot of you might have seen me in my uniform going to work. I'm a cop or was a cop before this shit happened." His smile slid from his face before it slid back into place. "The government still has yet to make an announcement or even move on any scale. There are groups out there making safe locations until the government does something. That being said, we need to make a decision."

He looked around at each one of us. "We can't realistically hold up in this building. It doesn't have its own power supply and the walkers have already tore holes in the first floor. Added onto that is the lack of escape route. Which is why I suggest we move to different locations that we can easily supply energy to if needed, grow food, and secure with a decent barrier of some kind."

Micheal made some sense but I had a feeling he was about to make a move for leadership. I hadn't seen him in action but I just don't like to put myself under the arms of someone I don't even know well.

The old man walked out the group into the center. "I agree with what this young man said. It isn't safe here as a man with a granddaughter. I want her to be as safe as possible." He took a deep breath as other people nodded with him. "That being said, we will need a leader and I'm sure that is what Micheal here is getting to. I just don't trust him enough with my own life let alone my baby girl. So I propose someone who I know is trustworthy based on his actions since the start, Kaden."

A few people that know me or have seen me, agreed right away. Well except Micheal who smiled slipped a bit and the yoga girl who marched out to speak on her distaste of me.

"I don't mean to doubt your judgement but isn't he the one hogging all the food? What about the guns?" She started but the old man waved her down.

"Who was it that cleared the building while you were inside hiding? Not only did he face them by himself but he even left food for many of us to find. Not only that but he removed the bodies from the floor so we wouldn't get sick and even dug a hole to bury them." Old man's voice cracked towards the end. "I can't remember a thing you did for us other than go get those girls hurt and bring back a squad of those walkers. He even had to save your ass from your own delusions."

Many people voiced their agreements and I smiled while looking at the yoga girl.

"I'm not saying he did some great things but that doesn't make him leader material. This guy is the same guy who makes decisions that turn you into numbers and values for big corps…" yoga girl was pushed out the way by a short lady with a rolling pin.

"Yes, we all know Kaden is a selfish guy. Yet, we don't want a leader like you with all your conspiracy theories nor like this cop who didn't even try to save anyone. We all know what Kaden has done and we know what he can do for us. If we have to put our lives in someone else's hands, I would rather be that cold blooded bastard than a naive princess." The short lady stepped back.

One by one, people said their peace. Everything wasn't all great for me and I even was called some really mean names but they missed one thing. I didn't want to have their lives on my conscience.

Holding up my hand, I step forward. "I hear what you all are saying but I think you forgot one thing. I don't agree to lead you at all."

I stepped back and the yoga girl threw up her hands. "While I don't agree to lead you guys, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't work together. I have been considering the move since last night's explosions but I can't even fathom a place to lay low."

Micheal raised his hand, "there are some high end residential housing no more than six miles from here. They have solar panels and the water hasn't been cut off."

"How would we get there?" Someone asked.

"My guys found a bus that's working. We can bring it over, load it up and head out. Its a forty seat bus so we won't have problems fitting us." Micheal explained.

"What about security against those big walkers?"

"With Kay here, we shouldn't have problems taking it down between the two of us." Micheal comforts them.

The old man turned to me, "what do you think, Kaden?"

I shrugged, "I haven't seen the layout. So no opinion. I can maybe run down there and check it out but we can afford to make a mistake at this point."

Micheal smiled and clapped, "you guys packed up now. Me and my boys will grab two busses just in case."

He turned and led four guys out. I shook my head and went in and enlightened the crew on the decisions. Brandon got them organized while I put on clothes and packed some extra. Then I help them pack the necessity and move it to the ground floor. Others copied my mannerism and we were all awaiting pickup after me and two guys moved the furniture from the front entrance.

Micheal didn't disappoint and showed up with two busses. Parking very close to the entrance. Brandon got us reorganized. Combining food items and storing them on the bus. Other items in the bus storage section. Everybody loaded up within half an hour and we were on the road.

When things start going too perfect, then worry should be at the forefront of your mind. Lucky for me, I put my crew on the second bus.

The road was narrow but that was due to how the cars were positioned. Position and not parked.

"Stop the bus!" I yelled as I stood up.

The driver looked at me and he was going to ignore my command but the old man placed a barrel at his temple. The guy made the easy decision and stopped.

"Follow me." I said to my group and moved to the front of the bus. I hit the open button and got off quickly.

We weren't on side streets but a major road but the cars were positioned to allow one lane open. There were hardly any gaps and one car we passed was facing oncoming traffic.

I opened the storage section and grabbed my bags which had four day supplies for four people and the duffel bag filled with ammo and pistols.

"Kaden, what's going on?" The old man asked as he and his daughter alighted.

"It's not safe." Was all I said as I climbed on a hood and made my way towards the sidewalk.

The old man didn't say another word and grabbed his bag. Putting another bag on his granddaughter's back. The old fart followed. It was no surprise that half the bus got off and grabbed a bag and followed.

I cleared my throat, "put a hand on my shoulder and follow me. Not all of you but line up behind one another and do so."

I laughed at them before turning on my flashlight. I marched right into a building, my rec10 up at the ready. This was a four story building and I slowly cleared floor by floor. On the top floor, I dropped my bags in a room full of couches and went to a window overlooking the street.

It was not the least bit surprising that the bus continued. As I scanned the other adjacent buildings for any sign of movement…

An explosion rang in the dead of the night. Not that far ahead, the first bus became a mushroom cloud. The second bus was fired upon and I couldn't help shaking my head.

It was an obvious trap but a policeman didn't even pay attention to it. Probably a beat cop. I moved back and pulled down the ladder that led to the roof. Reloading my body with the bags, I climbed up and we made fast pace across the roofs to one that had an alley in between it and the next. Lucky us that it had a fire escape.

I went down first and the rest followed. I took us out the back of the alley right into an area that was the loading dock of a supermarket.

This is where I wish I had some Nvgs but I could only flick on the flashlight and move into the loading area.

It was quiet and there were way too many crates for my rec10. I cut off the light attachment and switched to a portable flashlight and pistol with a suppressor. I swept the back quickly and let the others in.

"The back is clear. That door can be locked. Old man kept a lookout. There is an office to the far right down this line. Have them wait there for me. I'll take a look around the store." I ordered and passed over my duffel bag.

Without it, I could move around more.

"How did you know there was trouble up ahead?" Someone ask me.

"The cars were lined up in a way that wouldn't be right for traffic that came to a stop. Plus two cars were facing the wrong way." I replied.

"That's it?" Same person questioned me.

"If you use your brain a little. If you were playing a game and had to block off a road. You would stagger the cars so the person couldn't speed up or reverse in good order. Next you will block off the end street with cars going across the road. The way this was set up was like someone with a crane putting cars bumper to bumper." I calmly taught them.

"So you don't think a group of people did this but the walkers?" That same voice reminded me of a yoga girl.

I flashed my light at her and sigh. "Yes, now that you learned something. Shut up and go to the office."

I crept away from them and cut the light as I got near the door to the main store. I waited until my night vision kicked in and I could make out indistinct shapes.

I pushed open the door and slipped in. Letting it slowly close behind me. I walked down an aisle with my ear out but I didn't hear much of anything. Nor did I smell decay, piss or shit. It was a little too clean.

The end of the aisle led to the paying counter. There was a soft glow of light that was probably from some solar power item. I stood there as I tried my hardest to hear something.

Could it be that the store was closed for some reason?

I fought the urge to turn on my flashlight and crouch down and duck walk out. I made it around the counter and I almost cried when I saw how the front was boarded up. I switch on my flashlight to get a clear picture and by damn.

The front entrance was really boarded up. There were light fixtures dangling from the roof. Ladders set up and tools all around.

I turned back and slowly swept the store without as much caution. The store was freaking empty of frozen food but the dry food was still on display. I ripped open a package of water and grabbed a bottle. Tossing my head back as I soaked my throat.

I grabbed a pack and carried it towards the back. My apprehension is all but gone. I pushed into the door with my butt and forced my way into the back.

The sound of padded feet and low snarling made me drop the water and jump forward. Something brushes past me. I flashed the light as I yanked my pistol free. The biggest fucking dog I ever seen stood there growling at me.

I smiled at the fucker and unloaded four shots into its fucking skull. Right as another fucking mutt bit down onto my arm holding the flashlight.

It literally dragged me off my knees. I pointed the barrel at it and fired points blank. I didn't even get to feel the relief from it when something latches onto my boot.

Grunting, I shot the bloody thing and turned to force the death grip off my arm. I sat up and peeled the jaws back from the one biting on my boot. I didn't even have a bloody moment to be thankful I'm alive before I saw four more red eyes.

I put them down and rolled over as I caught the sound of something behind me. My baby rec10 saved me from having my throat ripped apart. Another latched onto my bloody boots again.

Dog spit was flung into my face as the fucking thing really wanted to taste a little of Kay.

I tried kicking the fuxking mutt that was about to snap my ankle with all that head turning shit. I couldn't even reach for my machete. This was a very sad way to die. Torn apart by rabid dogs who spat on me before killing me.

The sound of gunfire scared the shit out of me. It even made me check my hand positioning but it wasn't me. My foot felt the instant relief and this dumb mutt near my throat looked up, giving the shooter a decent shot.

I closed my eyes as whoever shot it, had to do so while it was over me. Couldn't they wait until it ran at them? Such selfish bastards!

Not only that but the darn thing collapsed on me. I crawled out from under it and grabbed my flashlight before searching for my handgun.

Whoever helped me was actually wearing heels. The clicking was maddening. I found my handgun kicked under a bacon display. Guess what? No bacon in the fridge thing.

"No thank you?" The voice sounded a little too cheery.

I turned the light towards her feet and saw she had on those calf high boots with a sort of thick heel.

"Interesting fashion statement." I remarked.

"What? A girl can't look good while saving your ass?" She retorted.

I shrug and wipe my face off. "Didn't say you couldn't and thanks. They surprised the hell out of me."

"No problem. Not that it looks like you need much help with how you down the rest of the pack." She pointed her pen light at the other corpses.

I shrugged again and moved back to the storage area. I did another sweep of the back end and found how they got in. The ramp door was opening where the employees threw trash out. I lowered the door.

"So are you alone or?" The woman asked.

I walked past her towards the office. "Are you asking me for sex? Because we can work something out."

"No, I was hoping that you weren't running long wolf." She said after a minute.

The old man walked out of the office with a yoga girl.

"Everything good? Heard shots from a different gun." The old man asked.

I flash the light at my savior. "It was her. I ran into a situation with a pack. Almost got turned into a chew toy. But is the office big enough for us to rest in?"

The old man nodded. "Yeah, it's plenty of room. Actually it's bigger than that. Couple rooms inside that probably were offices and a set of bathrooms with showers. We could probably rig a generator or something."

I followed him and saw what he meant. The old man flashed his light at my arm.

"Going to get that patched up?" He asked.

I looked at the vicious bite wound and frowned. "Yeah, the store is basically blocked off. It has some hardware items and blankets and pillows. Led a group to pick up some stuff. Also see if you can find the power box. Most new superstores have solar panels on top and back up gas generators. It should be inside."

The old man's face lit up and went to organize the crowd. I shuffled into the bathroom and peeled off my jacket. The shit stung worse than getting beat up in a bar fight while roasted.

I grabbed some napkins and soaked it before dabbing the wounds.

"Wow, you are such a big baby." My savior had a sense of humor.

She places her flashlight in a way or provides ample light. Then I sat down with a first aid kit. I couldn't help cringing as she took out some shit and began cleaning my wounds. The worse wasn't the sewing but the fucking high-grade alcohol. Shit burned like sticking your hand in a fire.

"So how did you get in?" I asked after a moment of thought.

She looked at me with that not so pretty smirk. "I was here before you came in making all kinds of rackets. I was sleeping in the hunting area. Thankfully, you were here or else I might have been another body."

"Oh, was the light on when you came?"

She shook her head, "same way you found it."

I moved my arm around and nodded. Still had a range of mobility but movement burned.

"So why did you come to find me?" I glance around the bathroom.

The lady smirked, "name Amala and I have a couple people with me but we obviously are not good survivalists. I'm the best shot and the others are basically lousy. Our best fighters died up to this point and I will probably be the next at this rate. It's better if we join up with a group."

She spoke in a voice that dripped with scorn.

I shrug and hide my disappointment. "That's fine. Let the old man know or the kid who looks gay but isn't gay."

Her eyes did that whole narrow thing as she listened to and repeated the last half of my words. She just nodded and left.

I glanced at my arm and hoped I wouldn't die before the Yoga girl. Pushing off the sink, I found Riley and Chris moving a bed into one of the office rooms. I followed out of curiosity to see how big the room was. Sadly, it was literally a cubicle. Could barely fit the bed in and that's it. There were also several rooms like this and a hallway that turned left.

I followed it back and saw an exit sign. Realizing I left my gear, I went back and shrugged it on before going back to the exit. I gave the door a push but it was stuck. I pushed a little harder, even putting my shoulder into it. The door was stuck and I ran my light over the seams to realize there were nails in the door by the seams. Someone blocked off the other side with boards?

I walked back down the hall, dodging those guys moving desks out of the office rooms. Chris and Riley had put down sheets, pillows and thick covers. I dropped off my backpack in the corner and went to see what the old man was doing.

"Some of them will just have to sleep in the open area but they can use tents for privacy." The old man explained to the yoga girl.

"That's not safe. We should put as many in a room as possible or do sleeping shifts." She retorted.

"Why not use the desk as walls? We can put two on top of each other and blankets to block out the rest. As for safety, if anything wants to get in they don't have to go through the door." I said as I walked up.

Old man nodded, "I'll get the guys on it. Also that girl.. she brought over about thirty more but I feel they aren't going to be of much use."

He pointed at a section where Amala had them setting up tents outside of the office. Some of them were just standing around and watching. When I studied them a little more, I noticed that some looked like typical elderly that had some disabling features. While the other half was young women who had hand held babies. The people working were young teens.

I scratched my head and looked at the old man. "I'm not the leader, you are. Your problem but my advice is to ignore them. The crazies will eventually clear them out. Anyway, I'm about to go around the store. There is an exit blocked by something."

The yoga girl's mouth opened to say something but she was stopped by the old man.

"Take the mp5. It's better than your rec10 in close quarters." He passed it over.

I strapped it on and left. Sneaking back out of the store was all good. The moon was still high in the sky and the back stank but wasn't bad.

I moved along the left of the building and found myself facing a brick wall with a fence on top. Walking back the way I came, I grabbed a few crates and returned. Making a semi reliable step ladder, I managed to pull myself up to the brick wall.

There were what looked like some kind of industrial a/c units. Maybe a generator? I walked along the fence and came to a metal door that was chained. The other side led to another store back area.

I felt an urge to go explore but the pain on my arm was a solid lesson. I returned to the store after making a tour to check out the parking lot. It was empty of all but a few cars in the far back. Couple trailers opened with construction materials and fences around that.

There were other stores along this shopping center that filled a u shaped almost. I returned inside and handed the mp5 over.

"What did you find?" The old man asked as he tore into a pack of jerky.

I took a pack out of a box at his feet. "It leads to an air conditioning unit or a generator. Its box in and across from it is another store dock area. How about the lights?"

"Greg working on it. He had to reroute a few things as it looked like the store was preparing for an overhaul. They pulled out a lot of wires and stuff." Old man said.

"Alright, I'm going to rest my weary heart. Came a little too close to death." I shuffled off.

The girls were staring into their phones with those portable chargers connected. I eased the door closed behind me and undressed with some eagerness. I slid right into bed and flexed a little but other than getting a side glance, they were glued to their phones.

I had this itch to ask what was so exciting that they could ignore me? Not that I felt I was Brandon level good looking but by damn did I look manly.

Instead, I worked myself under the covers and quickly passed out.