~Zombie Land~

Chapter 60- On a Mission​

The next morning Chicago woke up next to Tallahassee. She sighed and stretched and begged her body to wake up until she was ready to throw the covers off. Tallahassee grumbled and rolled over as the cold air snuck in under the blankets. "Come on baby time to get up," she said. He mumbled something else and curled up under the sheets.

Chicago rolled her eyes and pulled on her jeans that she had kicked off the night before. Deciding to let him have five more minutes she left the room. Downstairs she found Summer on the couch asleep. In the kitchen Phoenix was playing cards at the table with Little Rock. "I see you two have met," she said watching the game.

"The game is war, you want in?" the kid asked. Chicago looked over at Columbus who was busying himself with cooking at the stove.

"No thanks," she said shaking her head.

"So, Columbus says we're heading back to my place," Phoenix said casually as he shuffled the deck again in preparation for a new game.

"Yeah, but I think a couple of out members are expecting a little reimbursement," she replied.

"Don't worry I'll make it worth your time," he said. She glanced back at Columbus who had stopped to listen.

"Wrap it up. I want to clear out of here," she said.

"Problem?" Wichita asked entering the kitchen.

"No, just ready to get out of here," Chicago sighed.

"War!" Little Rock exclaimed. Chicago watched Phoenix lose the match.

"Where's Florida?" Wichita asked.

"Sleeping," Chicago replied.

"Well, wake him up, foods going to be done," Columbus said. Chicago went back upstairs and crept into the room.

"Babe, time to get up," she said gently. Tallahassee didn't respond so she pulled the sheets away.

"Are we under attack?" he asked.

"No," she replied.

"Then no," he sighed rolling over. She rolled her eyes and crawled up from the foot of the bed.

"Come on, its time to eat," she said. He once again refused to budge so she pinched his nose shut. Tallahassee flailed around batting her away.

"Okay, okay!" he snapped getting up. She smiled as he rolled off of the bed and onto the floor. "You… are going to be the death of me," he grumbled pulling on his shirt. She peeked over the edge of the bed.

"I love you," she whispered in a sing song voice. He sighed and got up.

"And I am crazy about you," he replied pecking her on the top of the head. She smiled and followed him down the stairs. "Good morning," he said entering the kitchen with his arm around Chicago.

"Morning," Little Rock replied. Columbus was busying himself serving everyone. Chicago took a seat beside Tallahassee and smiled as her entire family gathered around the table. Even Summer managed to drag her groggy self in.

"So, Pablo, we're taking you back," Tallahassee said casually. Chicago stomped his foot under the table and looked to Phoenix to see if he was upset. Surprisingly he didn't seem shaken at all.

"My names Phoenix," he said. Tallahassee didn't seem remorseful.

"So you're looking for your sister?" Columbus asked in his polite way. Chicago thanked god for the boy. He had his faults, but he was very good at keeping a conversation going on safe ground.

"She was taken by Anarchy as I understand it," Phoenix replied picking at the watery stovetop stuffing on his plate. Wichita looked at Chicago with eyes that displayed remorse for the fact that the missing person was most likely dead.

"What makes you think you can find them?" Dad asked pulling his nose out of his book for the first time that morning.

"I was a bounty hunter, I can track," Phoenix replied confidently.

"But don't you use computers and intel to find a target as a bounty hunter?" Wichita asked genuinely.

"Yeah, that was part of it, but there are other… more traditional methods that I employ," he said with a smile.

"What will you do if you find them?" Summer asked softly. Phoenix paused looking at her and chewed thoughtfully.

"Whatever I have to do," he said swallowing. Tallahassee cleaned his plate and set his fork down.

"You'll get yourself killed. They're mean bastards, just look at Summer here," he laughed.

"Yeah, I picked up on that," Phoenix chuckled along with Tallahassee. Summer gave a bitter look, but ignored them.

"I mean it though," Tallahassee said losing all humor. "You're fixing to die."

"Well… I don't have much of a choice," Phoenix said matching the tone. Chicago silently wondered why Tallahassee had to challenge everyone he met. The cowboy seriously needed to find a new way to is people up.

"What kind of skills are you walking in with?" he chuckled. "Gonna roll some cigars?" Chicago wanted to punch Tallahassee. He was just pushing it too far, but Phoenix took it in good stride.

"I'm a decent shot, and I do pretty well with a sword," he said. Tallahassee looked taken aback that his remarks were falling on deaf ears. "By the way, I'm Colombian, not Cuban," he added. Tallahassee smirked.

"Whatever," he said shortly. The meal concluded and as everyone began to pack Chicago strapped on her belt that held her Katana. When Phoenix saw it he couldn't help himself.

"May I?" he asked. SHe handed the blade over to him and he twirled it effortlessly. "Not bad," he commented swinging it with one hand. Chicago watched as true art happened before her eyes. He moved fluently and easily. She only hacked and swung the thing when she used it. It took both her hands and she didn't do nearly the amount of efficient damage as she could see him do while he swung away at invisible enemies.

"That was amazing," she said. He shrugged.

"I took training as a kid, worked nights so I could afford it," he said handing it back. She wouldn't take it.

"Keep it, you can use it better than me," she said. He looked at her surprised.

"You're sure?" he asked. She nodded. "Thank you," he said as she handed him the sheath.

"So exactly what kind of training have you had?" SHe asked curious to see if he was really a bad ass.

"I had martial arts training as a kid. Black-belt, I also am trained in the sword and staff. I went to the police academy after high school, so I know my way around firearms, everything else I know because I learned it on the streets," he said.

"So impressive," Tallahassee said sarcastically. The kids filed into the room.

"We're ready," Columbus said.

"You want to see how impressive it is?" Phoenix snapped. Tallahassee looked pleased that he had finally made the guy snap. Chicago watched as Phoenix twirled the sword before moving across the room like a flash. "Dead," he said touching the blade to Little Rock. "Dead, dead, dead," he said doing the same in a fluent motion to Summer Wichita and Columbus. "Dead," he snapped one last time bringing the blade to rest a microscopic distance from Tallahassee's nose. The control was insane and every jaw dropped except his. Tallahassee didn't flinch, but inside he was a bit nervous.

"Impressive," he said finally. Phoenix dropped the weapon.

"Yeah, and I bet you can kick ass too, so I have no interest in fighting you," he said. He offered his hand to Tallahassee who took it and shook it firmly. Chicago let a sigh of relief.

It took a good while to find their way back to the neighborhood where Summer had found Phoenix, but finding the house was easy. The symbol was painted nice and big on the door that was still open. The car hadn't even stopped when Phoenix got out.

"HIs stamina is really surprising," Dad said watching the man run as fast as caution would allow towards the house.

"Love will do that," Wichita said.

"You'd do the same for me," Little Rock said. Chicago Wichita and Tallahassee got out of the truck.

"Stay here," he said to Columbus who got in the driver's seat. The boy nodded. Summer and Little Rock got out as well ignoring Tallahassee's orders.

Phoenix had disappeared into the house. "Rita! Rita?" he called inside. Chicago and the others went in with their guns ready. He moved to the kitchen, the room had absolutely been decimated. He stood still in the room.

"What is it?" Chicago asked. He looked around.

"This was our cache of food, and other supplies," he said.

"I told you the place was cleaned out," Summer said entering slowly.

"Nah," he shook his head, "This was just the food… Help me," he said pulling the rug up. Chicago helped him pull it aside exposing a door in the floor.

"A bunker?" Wichita asked.

"This house was built during the cold war," he said kneeling down. CHicago heard him mutter a prayer before tapping on the door. They waited and waited but nothing answered. He opened it and went down the steps into the dark. The rest waited above until he turned on a battery operated lamp. Chicago went down the steps and watched him sit down. "She's not here," he said sounding completely broken.

She looked around. The place was completely stocked with guns and ammo. All manner of knives and swords hung around as well. "I told her to get in the bunker when they attacked," he sighed.

"I'm sorry," Chicago said putting a hand on his shoulder. He shook his head.

"Take what you think is fair. Anything I have you're welcome to," he sighed standing up. He climbed the stairs and went off into the house. Tallahassee came down and took a look at the hardware.

"Wow," he said quietly. Chicago picked up a rifle.

"You and the kids pack up," she said climbing the stairs. She found Phoenix in one of the bedrooms sitting on the bed looking at the floor. "You know…. you're welcome to come with us," she said softly. He looked up.

"I'm gonna find her," he said. Chicago nodded.

"I thought you'd say that," she said.

"I'll head east… towards their main camp, look for their symbol along the way," he said looking distant, "I'm gonna find her." Chicago sighed and kicked the rug under her foot.

"Good luck," she said than added, "Keep in touch yeah?" she handed him her phone. He looked up taking it.

"I wish there was more I could do," he said.

"Keep yourself in one piece. You can do that in return," she smiled before leaving the room.

Chicago did her best not to look back as they left the house freshly armed. Almost half an hour down the road Summer broke the silence. "I think he can handle himself. He'll be okay as long as he doesn't go stupid over his sister," she sighed.

"I think so too," Tallahassee said swerving around an overturned semi. Chicago nodded her head.

"We'll see," she sighed.

"After his display I don't thick anything can stop him," Dad said shrugging a little.

"He's a man on a mission, I know how it feels," Wichita said putting her arm around her little sister. "Hell or high water can't stop a big sibling," she smiled fondly. "Or a lover," Chicago heard the younger woman whisper. In the rearview mirror she saw Columbus kiss his girl on the cheek. She looked at Tallahassee who was focusing on the road.

"I'm so sick of being sober," she sighed resting her head back. He glanced over at her.

"You know, I could fix that," he said with a smile. She looked over and pulled the visor down.

"I'd like that," she smiled pulling her hair out of her face into a messy bun.

"Please, you two are going to make me puke," Summer muttered from the back of the truck.

"Yeah?" Tallahassee asked sarcastically. "Well get a good look," he laughed grabbing Chicago and kissing her full on.

"Hey! Would you watch the road please?" Columbus said nervously. Tallahassee gave a crooked smirk and jerked the wheel to the left just to mess with his passengers. The cowboy laughed maniacally as the boy flinched.

 

Chapter 61- Please Help​

Chicago hit the bed hard with Tallahassee on top of her. Neither of them were drunk, but they were nice and buzzed. She tossed his hat away as he kicked off his boots while their lips never seemed to part. As they become more frenzied he kissed down her neck. Her heart was racing and she wasn't even sure what had gotten them to this point.

They had knocked over a convenience store and grabbed enough booze for an army. After a few more hours of driving around they found a suitable house to stay for the night. Immediately after dinner and drinking they had retired to the bedroom.

Chicago knew they were heading south and she could feel how much he wanted it. She felt a bit smutty because she couldn't help but want it too. "Oh god," he gasped as his hand grazed her breast. Chicago let out a muted moan sounding like a purr. His mouth found it's way back to hers.

Chicago suddenly felt something inside of her scream at her to stop. A sense of wrong and unease came over her like a wave and her rum soaked brain put together that there were some doubts. "Tal?" she asked. He grunted in response busy kissing her neck. "Tal, did you lock the door?" she asked.

"Yes," he replied. Chicago was disheartened that her attempt to derail the train had failed leaving her no choice. Her ring from Michael on her right hand was beginning to feel pretty tight.

"Tal," she said. He didn't stop. "Tallahassee," she said more firmly and planed a hand on his chest. He stopped cold.

"What is it babe?" he asked honestly. She took a moment looking at him lovingly before shaking her head.

"I'm just not ready for this," she whispered feeling a little guilty. His eyes changed and she realized this would be a real test of character.

"I'm sorry," he apologized immediately removing his hands from her. She smiled softly. He had passed.

"No, it's me… I just," she shook her head shrugging.

"S'okay," he said giving her arm a reassuring rub. She hugged him truly happy to have found a man who wouldn't dump her ass for being a high maintenance bitch sometimes.

"I love you," she whispered. Tallahassee's heart skipped a beat.

'Shit!' he thought. As he was about to stammer a response the phone rang. Elated her rolled over and grabbed it from he bed side table where it had been carelessly tossed. "Hello?" he asked.

"It's Phoenix," Phoenix's voice replied. Tallahassee had to take a second to sort out what was happening. "Can I speak with Chicago?"

"Sure," he said handing over the phone.

"Hello?" Chicago asked.

"It's me, I found them," Phoenix sounded excited.

"Did you get her back?" Chicago asked cutting right to the chase.

"No," Phoenix started to speak in a hushed voice. "I found the camp where they are staying. That was why they were hanging around my 'hood so much."

"And?" she asked getting out of the bed. Chicago had always had a habit of walking aimlessly around when she talked on the phone. Tallahassee's eyes followed her around the room.

"It's a compound… there have to be atlas fifty of them in there," he said. Chicago bit her lip. That was bad odds. "Chicago," he said recapturing her attention. "I can't break this place alone," he said. She stopped moving and closed her eyes putting her hand to her mouth. "I don't want to ask you, but I haven't got any choice. On my best day I couldn't take this many guys."

"Phoenix… I can't make that call," she said honestly.

"Chicago, please… I need your help," he said desperately.

"I'm not the one you need to talk to," she said.

"Time is of the essence here," he said.

"Phoenix, I wont discuss this anymore," she said harshly. "We're in a little town called Barterville. I can't think of any other way to make this happen… I'm sorry," she said.

"Chicago wait!" he said making her stop from hanging up. "If I try to convince the others… I need to know you're with me first," he said. She paused looking at Tallahassee who was watching her intently.

"We've only known each other for a few days," she said.

"I know," he replied. "But we can't afford to not not trust each other. You saved me and I trust you."

"I'm with you," she said after a long pause. Tallahassee let out an exasperated sigh.

"I'll see you soon," Phoenix said without further hesitation before the line clicked down.

"What have you done?" Tallahassee asked as she turned to him.

"I gave you the power to decide what we do," she said tossing him the phone.

"He needs help?" he asked. She nodded. "Is it worth the risk?" the cowboy persisted. She raised her eyebrows giving him a 'you decide' look. "Just one headache after another with you fucking people," he muttered.

"Do you want to get back at the people who shot you?" she asked. He looked at her sharply.

"Pick your fights carefully Chicago," he said dangerously.

"I know," she sighed folding her arms. "I'm going to go for a walk," she sighed. He leaned back in the bed.

"Sorry about earlier," he said just before she opened the door. Chicago looked back.

"Don't be," he replied. She smiled because on the inside she knew he was disappointed. She slipped out leaving him alone.

Around 3 a.m. Phoenix showed up. She opened the door. "You are a pretty good tracker," she said letting him in. He nodded.

"I hate to call on you so late, but can you get the others up?" he asked all business. She nodded and did so quickly waking even Little Rock and Dad because everyone needed a say in it. Once everyone was assembled in the living room Phoenix began. "I won't bullshit any of you. I need your help to get my sister back," he said.

"How many people will we be up against?" Wichita asked cutting to the heart of the matter.

"Around fifty are in the compound I think," Phoenix replied.

"And you're sure your sister is in this compound?" Dad asked. Phoenix hesitated.

"You're not are you?" Tallahassee said aggressively.

"I saw prisoners being moved, I didn't see her, but I know she is there," he replied. "I took some photo's on my phone," he said handing the device around. Everyone took a good look at the pictures although their quality was a little lacking.

"Do you have any sort of plan? It doesn't look like we can just storm in guns ablazing," Columbus said studying the phone.

" I gave it some thought. There are two gates in through the fence," he said. Chicago looked at the pictures as the phone reached her. It looked like Anarchy had modified a detention center of some sort because there was a tall wire fence around the building with razor wire at the top it look like. The pictures had been tacked from an angle looking down on the facility. "If Summer can get inside and open the back fence for us, we can drive in with two cars. One we can run in and blow up to cause confusion while we use the second for escape," he said. Everyone looked at one another.

"You really are planning to just fall ass backwards into this aren't you," Tallahassee sighed.

"Even if I can get in, which by the way I am not promising, what will you do once you get inside? How will you bust the prisoners out? How will you blow the car up? What about the possibility of Zombies coming into the equation?" Summer asked playing with her box of cigarettes. Phoenix looked a little dejected thats he had blown so many holes in his plan so fast.

"Blowing the car is easy," he said. "We turn it into one big molotov cocktail by putting a rag in the gas hole and lighting it up. If you can't get in we can just ram the fences, and once we're in and we set the car off someone can guard the get away car while the others move through the inside of the compound and bust the prisoners," he said.

"With fifty men against you and this kind of visibility, you're going to slaughter," Dad observed. Phoenix looked confused to see the old man speak with such expertise.

"He is a vet," Chicago explained.

"What if a couple of us is on the hill that you took these photos from? We could use the rifles and pick them off… if you use the car to draw them outside," Columbus said shrugging a little.

"Brilliant," Phoenix said nodding eagerly. Chicago stole a glance at Tallahassee who didn't seem moved.

"Okay, so let me get this straight," Little Rock said holding up a hand. "Two or three of us are up on the hill with rifles, okay, two cars hold the remaining people. I'm guessing Columbus and I are on the hill," she said. Chicago shrugged a little.

"Probably," she nodded.

"Okay, so you drive up and ram the gates, assuming infiltration by Summer fails… in which case she would be dead or captured by the way," Little Rock said bringing up the point.

"That is an interesting plot point that I am voting against," Summer added.

"However if she does get in, she can find out where the prisoners are before hand," Little Rock said.

"You are brilliant," Phoenix said quietly.

"I know, so after we get the cars in, we blow the first up and get all the Anarchy people outside after which me and Columbus begin to shoot, while those of you inside grab the prisoners and run for it. Am I correct?" she finished and folded her arms.

"Thats abut it, yeah," Phoenix said sounding tense. "What do you say?" he asked. The group looked at each other.

"This is… awful risky," Columbus said shaking his head in consideration.

"No," Tallahassee said getting up and leaving the room. Phoenix looked to Chicago for help, but she just shrugged.

"I'm sorry," she said. Phoenix put on a determined face and followed Tallahassee into the kitchen.

"Hey," he said catching the cowboys shoulder. Tallahassee spun around and gave the man his attention. "Please," Phoenix said sounding very weak. "Please man, help me," he said almost on the brink of tears. Tallahassee took a deep breath. "If it were Chicago… I would help you get her back," Phoenix said with an intensity in his eyes that Tallahassee couldn't ignore. "Please help me hurt these fuckers," Phoenix said.

Tallahassee took his hat off and ran his hand over his head before putting it back on. "Okay," he said at length. "But we do it my way," he added.

"Yes sir," Phoenix nodded. They went back to the living room together.

"I'm in," Tallahassee announced.

"So am I," Chicago said.

"I'll help," Little Rock nodded. Wichita looked displeased but took a deep breath.

"Me too," she said.

"Alright," Columbus and Dad said at the same time. The room turned to Summer who stood and moved to the window.

"I'll help, but on the condition that we blow the living fuck out of them. I'm not talking just the car. I want to leave a smoldering crater where they used to be," she said.

"Deal," Tallahassee said without hesitation. Chicago turned to him.

"How do you plan to do that?" she asked narrowing her eyes. He looked at Phoenix then her.

"You should know by now, I always have a plan babe," he smiled in his crazed manner. She smiled trusting him.

"Thats why you're my man," she smiled kissing him on the lips lightly.

"Gross," Little Rock stuck her tongue out and Chicago laughed.

 

Chapter 62- You'll Get Used To It​

Chicago felt like she had been holding her breath ever since they arrived at the compound. The details had been hammered out at the house and within the hour they were on their way. Tallahassee Chicago and Phoenix were going into the compound with the cars. All three kids and Dad were going to sit on the hill and snipe while Summer approached the main gate.

The group watched from the hill as she approached with her hands in the air. After a few minutes of bargaining with the guards she was admitted in. A silent cheer went out. "Okay, phase two," Phoenix whispered. Chicago and Tallahassee followed him down the steep hill and onto a road where they had hidden two new cars. Tallahassee and Chicago took one while Phoenix took the 'bomb' car. They waited and waited in the darkness until Tallahassee's phone rang.

"I'm opening the gate lets go," Summer said. Both the cars started and sped towards the compound. Phoenix crashed his into some other cars that were inside the fence. The Anarchy guards were starting to mobilize as he jumped from the car and crouched behind it as bullets peppered the metal. He lit the rag hanging from the gas hole and ran like hell diving as bullets and flames licked at him.

The cars went up in a beautiful ball of flames taking out a few Anarchy. "Undead clock is ticking," Chicago said getting out of the getaway car with Tallahassee. They laid down some suppressive fire as Phoenix and Summer ran to meet them.

"Through the door down the hall turn right and third door to the left," she said to them. "You'll need these," she said tossing Phoenix some bolt cutters. The threesome ran off towards the building leaving Summer to guard the car. Shots from the hill were audible as they ran.

Tallahassee kicked in the door and they went inside. "Down the hall turn and third door to the left," Chicago chanted the directions. They sprinted taking down a couple of the Anarchy before they could get a shot off as they went. Chicago tried to turn a blind eye to the fact that she was committing murder. They had shot Tallahassee, they had earned this.

They came to the intersection and looked both ways. "Where?" Tallahassee panted.

"Left," Chicago said.

"Right," Phoenix said at the same time. They looked at each other. Tallahassee was the only one paying attention to the oncoming swarm. He pushed them to the right and ducked left himself as the intersection filled with bullets.

"You take that way," he shouted before turning tail and running down the hall.

"You know I've never been shot at," Chicago said as she picked herself up and sprinted down the hall with Phoenix.

"You'll get used to it," he said. She shot another man as he came out of a room. Phoenix kick din the third door. He entered gun first swinging it around expecting a bad guy, but instead screaming girls were all there was to be found. "Rita!" he exclaimed as he laid eyes on his sister.

Phoenix cut the girls free as Chicago kept watch peeking out into the hall. He grabbed his sister and led her along behind him. Chicago led the way back the way they cam, but as she got to the corner Tallahassee flew around it grabbing her. "Not this way," he said pushing her back. Shouting was coming from behind him so they turned around and began the search for another exit.

On the outside the compound hadn't looked very big, but in reality it was a maze of numbered doors each hiding it's own horror. They ran around corner after corner until finally they found an exit sign. Phoenix ran ahead with his sister and a few other girls who had dared to escape with them. Tallahassee came to a halt causing Chicago to skid to a stop and look back. "What are you doing come on?" she snapped.

Tallahassee dropped the bag he had over his shoulder and smiled. She went back watching him unpack a bundle of grenades. "Found them in Phoenix's stash," he said as he showed her the fuse and home made bomb in the middle of the grenades. She watched him get it set up, but the shouts were getting louder.

The door behind them flew open and Phoenix came back with Rita. "Problem we can't get to the car," he said. Chicago gave an exasperated sigh. The plan was going to shit really fast. Before she had time to say anything a brigade of Anarchy men came around the corner. Phoenix fired at them giving his team enough time to duck behind a corner as did the Anarchy at the opposite end of the hall. "Great a stand off and we can't get to the door," he muttered peeking around the corner and getting shot at.

Chicago flicked out the new phone Columbus had given her dialing Summer. "How how holding up?" she asked.

"They are giving me hell! Where are you guys?" Summer asked over the shouts of people and the pop of guns.

"Not coming. You go ahead. Take the car and go we'll meet you on the hill," Chicago said formulating a new plan as she went. She closed the phone and shoved it back in her pocket.

"What now?" Tallahassee asked. Phoenix popped out around the corner again and shot at the Anarchy.

"Okay, Chicago take my sister. We'll lay down fire and you two bolt for the exit. Once you get outside get to the fence and get out of here. We'll catch up," Phoenix said quickly. Chicago didn't have time or a plan to argue with him so she took Rita's hand and prepared to run. Tallahassee and Phoenix popped out again shooting at the Anarchy against the hall and forcing them back around the corner. The girls went for the door and flew out into the early morning air.

Chicago didn't have time to think about what she was doing. She just shot and ran for the fence dragging Rita along behind her. They came out just in front of the gate so she slammed against it, but it was firmly locked. "Dig!" She commanded and she and Rita dropped to their knees digging unnoticed because of the flaming pandemonium around them. As they went their hands began to bleed, but they didn't stop and the hole under the fence grew.

Just as it was getting big enough a new sort of shriek came Chicago looked over her shoulder and saw the problem. The undead had arrived. "Go! Go!" she shouted knowing the zombies would be on them soon. Rita was smaller than her so she slipped under the fence first. Chicago noted that it was tight fit so she took a few more scoops of dirt before she tried to crawl under.

She was about half way through when her belt snagged. "Shit!

she hissed trying to free herself.

"Come on!" Rita said frantically trying to help. Chicago looked back just in time to see a male Zombie closing in.

"Damn it! Damn it!" she shouted realizing she was completely defenseless. As the sprinting demon reached her a shot came with all the others and the monster stopped dropping dead a few feet away. Chicago realized she had some guardian angles with rifles on the hill and worked to free herself.

Once outside the fence they ran to the steep incline and climbed their way up through the brush until they reached the road above where the kids were shooting from. Both of them collapsed panting. "Do you- do you see the boys?" Chicago asked.

"Not yet," Columbus replied. She staggered over and picked up a pair of binoculars they had been using. She scanned the chaos for Tallahassee and Phoenix.

"What about Summer?" she asked.

"Present," Summer said stepping out from behind the truck with a gun half her height. Chicago looked again for the boys. Everyone aimed at a rustle that came from the bushed and Phoenix rushed out grabbing up his sister in a loving embrace. They exchanged some in spanish, but Chicago broke in.

"Where is Tallahassee?" she asked. Phoenix looked up.

"He said he's be right behind me," he said. Chicago's heart filled with dread.

"Shit! The bombs," she hissed moving forward. She grabbed the bolt cutter that Phoenix still had in his belt and started down the hill again. She had to clear a gap through the fence so Tallahassee could get out because he would never fit through the tiny hole under wire. She slid down the hill through the prickly brush despite her friends pleas to stay.

"I'll get her. Stay here Rita," Phoenix said going after Chicago. She reached the bottom and began to cut through the fence calling his name all the while. Fire and Zombies and a few remaining Anarchy ran about inside the fence.

"Tallahassee!" she shouted again and again. Phoenix arrived and grabbed her trying to pull her back to safety. He managed to get her on the ground and cover her head just as the building exploded. "No!" she shouted. She was on her feet again before the fire had dissipated.

"Chicago we have to go!" Phoenix shouted at her pulling her back up the slope. When they reached the road again she collapsed shaking. She's been too late. No one spoke because everyone knew exactly what was happening.

"Maybe he got out," Little Rock said as she scanned the ground through her rifle scope hopefully. The others joined in the search. Chicago pulled herself into a standing position, but she was too numb to notice how much it hurt.

"Maybe who got out?" Tallahassee's voice came. Chicago perked up and saw him walk down the road towards them. She ran and jumped into his arms throwing hers around his shoulders. "Jesus, I'm gone for two minutes and you go to hell," he laughed.

"She almost got herself killed," Summer said. Tallahassee's brow furrowed before he put on a happy face again.

"Well," he said picking up he binoculars and looking down, "a good nights work I'd say," he smiled.

"Look at that zombie, he's on fire," Little Rock laughed watching one of the undead flail around. "Bet I can peg him," she added.

"If you do we can have christmas tomorrow," Tallahassee said watching the fast moving target.

"Deal," she said simply before exhaling slowly and dropping the thing like a deer. Tallahassee's jaw dropped. "You owe me Christmas," she said leaning on her rifle.

"And you must be Rita?" he asked changing the subject. Rita brushed her long brown hair out of her face.

"Yes," she said nodding.

"Rita this is Chicago, Tallahassee, Little Rock, Wichita, Columbus, Summer and Dad," Phoenix said pointing to everyone.

"So nice to meet you, thank you for saving me," she said graciously.

"Not a problem," Columbus said without thought.

"Guys, we should probably get out of here," Summer said watching the zombies below.

"Yeah, lets find somewhere to crash," Wichita yawned looking at the rising sun.

"I was serious about Christmas," Little Rock said as they piled into the cramped truck. Chicago looked at Tallahassee who looked like a guilty puppy.

"Well maybe later this week instead of tomorrow?" he asked trying to bargain his way out.

"Whatever, but I want one last real Christmas," the girl laughed. Chicago couldn't help but laugh at the look on Tallahassee's face as well. Priceless.

 

Chapter 63- Good Night

Everyone was so tired that Chicago ended up driving. Tallahassee was the only one awake aside from her and he sat completely silent in the passenger seat. Once she deemed that they were for enough away from the Anarchy base she pulled over at the first house she found. Aside from a half eaten corpse in the yard it didn't look bad. "Plenty of space," he said looking at the large ranch style house.

"Well, our family is growing," she shrugged turning off the engine. Like always they sat still for a few minutes waiting to see if anything was moving around in the area. "I can't believe you told her we can have Christmas this week," she sighed looking out her window.

"Oh, I dunno," he replied slowly. "I think that giving her one last christmas would be nice," he whispered.

"Yeah… well, you can't accuse me of being the pain in the ass," she smiled knowing he was well meaning.

"Oh, I'm sure you'll find a way to top this," he smiled. She gave him a wink and they slipped out of the car leaving the sleeping flock behind. Inside there was a single zombie that attacked as they went around the corner to the bedroom. Tallahassee grabbed it more in defense than on purpose and Chicago quickly put her knife in the back of its head. The corpse hit the floor.

"I'll show him out," she sighed grabbing the zombies collar and dragging it out of the house and into the yard. She woke the others and marched them inside as he finished the search. People seem to work fast when they want to go to sleep because it took the gang a very short time to get the house shut up and barricaded.

Phoenix and Rita took one bedroom, Columbus and Wichita another. Summer agreed to sleep in the living room with Little Rock while dad took a smaller bed in the attic loft. Chicago peeked in on everyone happy to see them all sleeping soundly for once. All the excitement had worn them out.

"Goodnight," she said passing Tallahassee on her way to the bedroom they had saved for themselves. It was daylight outside, but old habits die hard and she though briefly about the inaccuracy of her pleasantry. He grabbed her arm stopping her and it startled her to see him not smiling, in fact he looked very serious.

"Summer told me about your little stunt earlier," he said. Chicago gave him a puzzled look having no idea what he was thinking.

"What?" she asked freeing her arm from his grip.

"You almost got yourself killed," he said. Chicago realized what he was saying.

"So what? You want me to leave your ass when I think you're in trouble?" she asked getting defensive.

"No, but I want you to use your head. You're the one preaching that we have a family, and having a family means you have responsibilities. If I go and you kill yourself doing something stupid like that, where will that leave the others?" he said. Her jaw dropped.

"I can't believe we're having this conversation," she said rolling her eyes. He put his hand under her chin redirecting her gaze.

"Hey, I just don't want anything to happen to you," he said gently so as to make it clear that it wasn't an attack. "I don't want you to die trying to save me," he said. Chicago's heart beat a little faster when he said this. She could tell from the way he spoke about everything, about her survival over his own, that he really did love her. She knew that she loved him too. She knew in that moment that she would do anything for him and he would do anything for her. She was happy because despite the fact that the world was fucked she had Tallahassee. Chicago had known before that she loved him, but in that moment she was absolutely sure beyond a shadow of a doubt that he had her heart totally and completely for always.

She put her hand on his wrist taking his hand away from her face and he kept talking ignoring the playful and caring look that came in the place of her normally defensive glare. "Because I just think that when it gets down to it-" she cut him off putting her lips against his. "Chicago what are you doing?" he asked when she pulled away.

"What do you think dummy?" she smiled putting her arms around his shoulder and moving for another kiss, but he pulled back.

"Please don't tease me like this," he said smiling as he put his hands on her hips. She was happy that the seriousness had drained from his face.

"I'm not," she said simply. Tallahassee's eyes widened and she removed herself from him completely slinking down the hall. "Come on cowboy," she called to him playfully.

"But you said!" he tried to get out but she looked back lingering at the bedroom doorway.

"Fuck what I said," she winked before disappearing into the room knowing they were gonna fuck more than that before the day was out. Tallahassee wasn't about to disobey and he followed her to the bedroom. The door clicked shut and locked behind him.

 

Chapter 64- Trust​

Chicago woke up nearly four hours after she had fallen asleep. Rolling over she aimed to cuddle up to Tallahassee before falling back asleep. When the other side of the bed was empty she woke up a little more. She sat up holding the covers to her chest in an effort to keep the cold air off her skin for just a while longer. He was no where to be seen. Only her clothes remained carelessly strewn about the room where his should have been as well.

Chicago got up dressing quickly, though she had to pause and search for her bra for a few moments until she found it hanging on the ceiling fan. "Cute," she muttered putting it on. She stopped briefly to try and fix herself in the mirror above the dresser. Her hair was messed up beyond all hope and her face was blotchy. "Damn it Tal," she sighed when she spotted the purply bruise on her collar bone. Her shirt covered it enough though and she moved on.

She poked her head out into the hallway. The house was pretty still so she crept barefoot to the living room. Summer and Little Rock were watching Finding Nemo on the television in the living room. They were both engrossed so she left them alone and went to the kitchen. Dad was sitting at the table enjoying a cup of coffee while he read a magazine of some sort.

"How do you manage to look so normal everyday?" Chicago couldn't help but ask.

"Years of practice," he replied not looking up. She peeked at the cover to discover that it was a Time Magazine from 1964. She just smiled, rolled her eyes and went back to the bag sitting on the counter. She opened it, pushing through the various medical supplies that it held until she found the unmarked bottles she had intended for Wichita to use hidden in a pouch at the very bottom. Chicago popped on of the pills in her mouth and hid the medicine again.

"Is Tallahassee in the shower?" she asked trying to think of where he could have gotten off to.

"No," Dad replied. Chicago furrowed her brow.

"Where is he then?" she asked.

"He left about an hour ago. Didn't even say where he was going," Dad said. Chicago's heart sank and she tried not to look hurt.

"Oh," she replied and slunk from the room. Suddenly feeling very tired she sat down in the living room and watched the Daddy fish look for his son. The others in the house got up not long after. When the movie ended she joined them in the kitchen. Columbus was busily planning Christmas. He seemed almost as excited as Little Rock and the more he talked the more Chicago realized it was going to be a shit load of work.

She didn't speak much though, or attempt to tone down some of the wild holiday spirit ideas. She just brooded over the fact that Tallahassee hadn't been there when she woke up. Whatever he had to do couldn't possibly be so goddamn important that he couldn't wait an hour. The longer she thought about it the more she grew mad instead of sad.

"What do you think?" Columbus asked interrupting her thoughts.

"What?" she snapped.

"About the dinner? Can you pull it off?" he asked. She had no idea what he wanted but she didn't want to make an ass of herself.

"Yeah I can do it, no worries," she sighed realizing he wasn't the one she was mad at.

"I can help," Rita added.

"Yeah, she's one hell of a cook," Phoenix said.

"Great," Chicago replied unable to focus on anything but her current annoyance towards the man she had slept with.

"Are you okay?" Wichita asked.

"Fine," Chicago replied. She promptly got up and went to the bathroom. After she took a long shower Chicago got out feeling slightly more collected. No one spoke as she sat down to watch Wall-E with the girls. When the truck pulled back into the driveway however everyone looked at her. She got up and unlocked the door.

Tallahassee was struggling to get big box off of the roof. "Hey babe, a little help?" he called to her seeming completely obliviouse. She folded her arms and went out to him. She acted like she was going to help, but when the boxes full weight was off the car she dropped it leaving Tallahassee to hold it in his own. He grunted and managed to get it to the ground without killing himself, but immediately he looked at her. "What was that about?" he snapped. She just shrugged and walked away.

Columbus came out to help the older man carry the Christmas-tree box in. "Whats her problem?" he grunted.

"God only knows," Columbus replied.

"I think I know," Tallahassee sighed giving it a second of thought. Once they were inside and the door was bolted again Tallahassee set the kids loose on assembling the tree while he hunted Chicago down in the bedroom. "What's wrong?" he asked. She didn't reply. "What you're not going to fucking talk to me?" he asked, She shrugged apathetically. "You know if you're mad, tell me you're mad," he sighed.

"I'm mad Tallahassee," she said sharply. He rolled his eyes.

"What the fuck did I do now?" he asked.

"Oh, what do you think?" she asked.

"I think the important thing is we're talking again," he smirked. She didn't look amused.

"You didn't even have the decency to be here when I woke up," she said feeling like he should know. Tallahassee's face changed.

"That's what you're upset about?" he asked. She responded with a stoney glare. "So you're pissed that I went out to get a tree for the kids?" he asked.

"You could have woken me up you know," she said.

"I thought you would want to sleep," he said. Chicago softened up.

"You could have woken me," she repeated.

"Well I'm sorry," he said half heartily. She shook her head a little as if deciding if she was still mad. "So am I in trouble or not?" he asked with a smug grin.

"You know you are not as charming as you think you are," she said cracking a smile.

"Yes I am," he said sitting down next to her. She grinned a little and he put his arm around her. "You were worried I was going to walk out on you weren't you?" he asked.

"No!" she denied immediately then under his gaze broke. "The thought crossed my mind," she sighed. He gave her a gentle kiss.

"Babe, you're my gal. I'm not going anywhere. Credit me with some trust," he smiled.

"I do, I just… really don't want to lose you," she said. He took his hat off and put it on her head.

"Stop being so twitchy," he said playfully. "Why is it that girls get into a serious relationship and freak out?" he smiled.

"We know when we get something good," she smiled, "we don't want to let go."

"And because of it you drive the whole damn thing right into the ground," he laughed. She kissed him again.

"I'm sorry baby I shouldn't have freaked," she said admitting the wrong. He kissed her forehead and ruffled her hair getting up.

"Come on we gotta go Christmas shopping," he said as if nothing had ever happened.

 

Chapter 65- Man Enough ​

"Okay, so we got Little Rock, and Wichita taken care of," Tallahassee sighed looking at the box's in the back of the truck.

"Yep," Chicago replied.

"And you got a book for the old man," he added.

"Yep," she repeated.

"And, although I have no clue why you got something for the Colombian wonder and his sister," He smiled taking a drink of whiskey.

"I wish you wouldn't drink when you drive," she said. He gave her an annoyed glare. "Why not share?" she smiled grabbing it and taking a swig. The stuff burned on the way down. "Yeah I have something for them. All that's left is Summer and Columbus."

"What do you have in mind?" he asked.

"I think we should get Columbus a computer," Chicago said. When Tallahassee gave her another annoyed look she sighed. "It could open up a lot of door you know? He can make phones and shit," She rationalized. He nodded a little.

"We're going to have to knock over a Best Buy or something," he said tipping his hat back. "What about the little bitch?" he asked. Chicago shook her head.

"I have no idea," she sighed.

"We could get her some wine," he said.

"Or a hypodermic and some morphine," Chicago chuckled. He nodded as if it were a real possibility.

"Let's go then," he sighed starting the engine. She frowned. He hadn't been right all day.

"You're mad at me aren't you?" she said after a long bought of silence. He looked at her stopping the car.

"You know I am a little, the more I think about it," he said sounding exasperated.

"I'm sorry, I just panicked and fucked up, and I shouldn't have been such a bitch," she apologized.

"Yeah, well it tells me something about what you think of me when I'm gone for two seconds and you get pissed," he said. "I mean Jesus Christ credit me with a little trust!"

"I said I'm sorry, what else can I do? I'm so glad that little 'I forgive you baby' speech was a lie back at the house. That makes me REALLY want to trust you," she said sharply. "Besides I still think you should have had the courtesy to be there!" she shouted starting to get mad again.

"Bullshit! Just because we're sleeping together doesn't mean the whole fucking world can come to a halt for you," he replied matching her volume.

"Oh YES Tal, I want the whole world to revolve around me! You went out to get a fucking tree! Like it couldn't have waited the hour or whatever I slept in!" she exclaimed throwing up her hands. "When a zombie is bust through our door I am SO just going t be like: "no he has to write me a love song before I will let him leave the bedroom." Is that what you're hearing me say?"

"Just about yeah," he snapped.

"I knew it! I knew this was a stupid idea!" she huffed.

"And who got us into it?" he retorted.

"What?" she snapped.

"You were the one who decided it was a good idea for us to do this," he said.

"I cannot believe what I'm hearing! I was the one who did this?" she laughed in disbelief. "Do not for even a fucking moment act like you didn't want to!"

"Hey I was willing to leave it alone!" he defended himself.

"Yeah, but I had to twist your arm real hard to get you to come to bed didn't I?" she replied. "Don't act for a fucking moment like you didn't want it!"

"Well of course I did, but I didn't think it would turn you into a bitch!" he exclaimed throwing one hand in the air.

"So now the truth comes out!" she nodded.

"Yeah, you are!" he reiterated.

"Well making love seemed like a coupon to become an inconsiderate ass for you!" she shot back.

"Yeah, I'm the bad guy here! I can't believe we're even fighting over this!" he snapped.

"Neither can I!" she shouted then sat quietly for a few moments stewing. "this isn't going to work." He sighed and shrugged.

"Whatever… Jesus we sound like my parents used to," he muttered. She sighed feeling uncomfortable as the car rumbled over the junk in their way. Then it hit her what exactly was happening.

"Great," she laughed suddenly. He glanced at her. "We're doing the whole couples fight thing, after ONE night," she said. He couldn't help but smile. "Oh-hohoho," she said shaking her head. "NO sir, I am not going to put myself through that on top of fighting the living dead."

"Well, I'm an ass and you're a bitch, so how do you plan to avoid it?" he asked sounding less than interested.

"I don't know, but I did not sign up for this," she said in a warning tone. He stopped the car and turned in her seat towards her with an evil grin plastered across his face.

"You know what they say though?" he asked. She gave him a 'What?' look. "The bigger the fight, the better the sex," he grinned. She laughed unable to control herself, but it was more of a laugh of contempt. "And you know, the truck has a pretty big back seat," he wiggled his eyebrows.

"No, Tallahassee," she said shaking her head.

"I think yes," he laughed putting the truck in park.

"No!"

"Yes," he repeated climbing into the back.

"No!" she laughed as he pulled her along.

"Yes!" he laughed right back.

"You are not man enough," she laughed struggling against him unable to believe what was happening.

"Who's not man enough?" he exclaimed.

"You are NOT man enough to make love to me in the back of a truck in the middle of the road after the fight we just had!" she exclaimed.

"I'll show you who's man enough!" he replied undoing his belt buckle.

"Okay, Fine, Fine! Lets see it! Prove you're man enough, boy!" she laughed climbing into the back.

 

Chapter 66- No That Needs Spoken ​

Chicago had to admit she was pretty well on a natural high. After their round in the back seat, she and Tallahassee had found a Best Buy and stormed inside. When they were done they left a pile of at least two-dozen zombies behind them. The truck was bursting with swag, so they decided to head back to the house.

After dumping the presents in the garage they went in the front door. The tree looked great and the kids had made paper chains of many colors out of magazines from the attic. Chicago noted that Dad looked a bit sad.

Phoenix was half hidden under the tree. "Good you're back, I need the car," Wichita said.

"I'm coming with you," Chicago replied. They locked eyes for a brief moment and Tallahassee would have sworn they had just ad a whole private conversation.

"Wallah!" Phoenix exclaimed as the tree light up in all its brilliance with the built in lights.

"Don't wait up," Chicago whispered kissing Tallahassee on the check.

"Be back later love," Wichita said running her hand across Columbus's chest as she left. Both the boys stood dumbstruck as their girls took off.

"How is it that they are so in tune and I never have even the slightest idea what the fuck you're thinking?" Tallahassee asked turning to the younger man.

"Easy, you two have dicks and they don't," Summer replied. Both Little Rock and Rita laughed, while the men in the room didn't find it so amusing.

"Does Columbus tell you he loves you?" Chicago asked innocently as she rode in the passenger seat. Wichita gave a sideways glance.

"I can't leave to go to the bathroom without him telling me how much he loves me. Why?" she replied. Chicago shook her head slightly.

"I don't know," she shrugged trying to play it off. Wichita looked at her knowingly and saw through the disguise.

"Florida doesn't?" she asked. Chicago tried to mask her unhappiness with the accuracy of the statement.

"He hasn't… not once," she said softly. Wichita was silent for a moment thinking carefully what she should say. Chicago sighed. "I guess it really doesn't make much difference anyway," she sighed. "I'm stuck with him. Thank god he doesn't have any options… me or an undead corpse I suppose," she smiling a little.

"Well, there are something's that don't really need spoken though right?" Wichita said softly.

"I know, but it would be nice," Chicago replied. "I know he's not playing me and I know he cares about me, but still," Chicago shrugged at a loss for words.

"Yeah I can understand," Wichita nodded.

"What are you getting Columbus for Christmas?" Chicago asked changing the subject.

"I'm not really sure yet, what are you getting Tallahassee?" she replied. Chicago smiled.

"Something that will make him La-la-love me," she smiled. "But I was kinda hoping for a little help from you. It's going to take a little doing," Chicago smiled.

"You scratch my back I scratch yours," Wichita smiled.

 

Chapter 67- Christmas Angel​

It took nearly a week and a half of living hell for everyone to prep for Christmas. Chicago wanted to kill Tallahassee for getting them into the whole thing. He acted completely oblivious to the fact and seemed to enjoy the mock holiday.

The group took turns going out of the house and grabbing gifts from whatever shop they wanted to ransack. Even Summer and Dad went out shopping. Phoenix and Rita stepped out for a few hours to gather some gifts despite being told they didn't have to.

The second phase of the 'gift war' (as it was named by Little Rock and Tallahassee) was wrapping without the recipient seeing it. This proved to be even more challenging than getting the item. Being cooped up in a single house made it nearly impossible. Chicago felt it was a bit silly that she and Columbus had almost died getting the materials to bag the gifts. They had invaded a Hallmark store in a small strip mall one evening. She was sure he had been bit when the zombie tackled him and could have died of relief when she pulled him to his feet and examined him.

At long last one morning Little Rock and Tallahassee proclaimed that it was Christmas Eve. Chicago rolled her eyes a little at the bitter sweetness of the sight. He was really letting his father side show and that made her think of Buck, and Buck made her think of Michael for some reason. Probably just because they were the ones who always seemed to hold Tallahassee and Chicago one step away from absolute happiness. She often contemplated the irony that they no longer cared about the zombies knocking at the door.

The space under the tree was completely filled with brightly wrapped gifts before Tallahassee and Chicago even started to wrap the gifts they had hidden in the garage. They were the last ones to put the gifts out. After the kids had gone to bed they turned the living room into a disaster area of wrapping paper and bags.

"Come on baby, keep going," Chicago sighed. She was stretched out on the couch handing him tape as needed while he sat on the floor. They were both exhausted from gathering the fixings for the Christmas feast.

"Why do we wrap things? It takes forever and it last for about two seconds in the end," he said struggling with some foil paper.

"You're the one who wanted to give Little Rock one last Christmas," Chicago shrugged sitting up. She sat cross-legged and struggled to find the end of the tape that she had lost in the change of position. Tallahassee hadn't been looking up to receive the tape, but when it wasn't there he looked up.

Tallahassee froze and for some reason there was an amazing moment of clarity. The way she looked in that moment made him realize all his life he had been looking for her. The Christmas lights casted a soft glow onto her making her look like an angle. Her hair was pulled back into messy bun while a few strand of her bangs hung down against her flawless face like little tendrils. The baby blue plaid flannel shirt that she had found in some forgotten closet of the house was nice and loose on her, hanging perfectly to compliment her frame. The first button was undone exposing the little dip in her collarbone, and she bit her soft pink lips as she tried to get the tape to behave.

Tallahassee realized he had never seen Marie look so beautiful. She had always dressed in tiny dresses and he rarely had ever seen her without her 'sexy' make-up. Chicago was a polar opposite and Tallahassee knew she didn't need all those things to be beautiful. It was as if her sweet wonderful personality made her glow from the inside out naturally.

Chicago finally managed to get the piece of tape and looked up to find Tallahassee staring at her with a little bit of a dazed expression on his face. He got lost looking at her eyes. The star on top of the tree reflected in them and he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his days with her.

"Tal," she said waking him up. His face flushed and he took the tape looking back at the package. "What were you looking at?" she asked.

"Nothing," he replied even though his heart felt all fluttery. She narrowed her eyes.

"You know, I have to admit, even though its been a pain, this was a good idea," she said. He smiled and handed the gift to her so she could write the name of its owner on the tag.

"Yeah," he said softly.

"How are we ever going to cart all this shit with us?" she laughed a little looking at all the gifts.

"I don't think we will, it's more the excitement of opening them," he replied. She nodded in agreement and watched as he took the book that they had gotten for dad and started to cover it in Santa Claus paper. He seemed so distant all of a sudden and she couldn't help but voice her thoughts.

"I hate it when you do this," she said. He looked up confused.

"You don't like this paper?" he asked.

"No," she laughed lightly. "I mean when you're thinking about something and you just shell up," she said.

"I don't do that," he shook his head.

"Oh, please," she grinned. "You've been doing it since we met," she laughed quietly so she wouldn't wake the kids.

"I have to tell you everything I think about?" he asked raising his eyebrows.

"No not everything, but let me know what you're thinking about occasionally," she sighed handing him another piece of tape.

"Am I making the man face?" he asked. She rolled her eyes.

"No you're making the Tallahassee face," she said. He gave a crooked smile. "Come one baby, penny for your thoughts," she smiled. He took a deep breath and another piece of tape.

"I was just thinking about how nice you look," he said. Chicago blushed and brushed a strange of hair out of her eyes.

"Really?" she asked unable to believe that was what he was thinking about.

"Yeah, you look really nice," he replied simply.

"Tal, I look like crud," she laughed a little. "I don't have any make-up on or anything."

"You just look like home," he said. Chicago shut up and watched him tape the present thoughtfully. "I don't know why, you just do," he went on. She smiled gently. He was so sweet when he wanted to be.

"Thank you," she whispered. He stood up and handed the little box to her.

"That's the last of them," he said stretching his back.

"I guess we can get some sleep then," she replied addressing the box. "We might have a couple hours before Little Rock gets up." He nodded.

"You go ahead, I need to go out," he sighed. Chicago's face fell.

"What? Why?" she asked.

"I forgot something," he shrugged dismissively. She capped the sharpie marker and put it in the pocket of her loose jeans.

"How long will you be?" she asked.

"Oh, I don't know," he sighed wishing she would stop asking questions. Chicago's brow furrowed and she stood up.

"You're always going somewhere Tal," she said. "It's Christmas Eve, stay here," she said picking a piece of cellophane plastic off his shoulder. He looked at her realizing she wanted him to stay with her like a normal couple would. He cocked his head and smiled.

Slowly he bent down and cupped her cheek with one hand while he kissed her. It was caring and gentle and soft. She had just put her arms around his shoulders when somewhere in the house a clock beeped signaling midnight. "Merry Christmas babe," he whispered. She smiled and he picked her up. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he carried her back to their bedroom. Gently he put her down on the bed savoring every second of their closeness.

 

Chapter 68- Home​

As soon as he was sure Chicago was asleep Tallahassee slipped out of the bed. By some miracle he managed to get out of the house without notice. He was actually confident he could get what he wanted and be back before the others woke up. He'd seen the item, but hadn't had the courage to get it.

Chicago woke up when her bedroom door flew open. "It's Christmas!" Little Rock cheered. Chicago rolled over refusing to admit morning could have arrived. "Come on guys get up!" the kid insisted shaking the whole bed.

"Okay, okay," Chicago groaned. Tallahassee just rolled over and buried his head under a pillow, which Little Rock promptly pulled of the bed.

"Tallahassee! Get up!" she snapped.

"No!" he replied pulling the cover up over his head. Little Rock immediately sprang up on the bed and began jumping. "No! No! Stop!" he groaned.

"Up!" she commanded. He groaned something from under the sheets.

"I'll get him up baby, we'll be right out," Chicago said desperate to get the jumping to stop before she was thrown out of the bed or Little Rock killed Tallahassee. Little Rock made a reluctant retreat and Chicago could hear the others in the house suffering the same rude awakening.

Chicago rolled out of the bed and Tallahassee grabbed her pillow putting it over his face. She stood before the mirror brushing her hair out before pinning it back into a bun again. "Babe you should probably get up, if your not careful you'll smother yourself to death," she said. He murmured something under the pillow. "Or the little one might come back," she added.

"Okay," he sighed throwing the pillow away. She sat down on the edge of the bed and kissed him lightly.

"Come on," she said nuzzling her nose against his. Tallahassee got up and together they went out. Little Rock was already passing out the gifts. Sorting them all into piles beside who they were addressed to. Chicago seated herself next to Tallahassee on the couch as he put his arm around her.

The gift opening lasted all day. One by one they all took turns tearing away the paper and smiling at what was revealed. Chicago lost track of all the gifts people received. Books and practical things for dad, booze and cigarettes for Summer, Little Rock got a whole bunch of art and photography tools. Wichita and Columbus both got a mess of clothes. Tallahassee got the younger man a hat and proclaimed he was a man much to the amusement of the rest of the group. The only ones who didn't exchange gifts were Tallahassee and Chicago. Somehow there was an unspoken agreement that it would just be too much.

Real trouble took the house when the Nerf guns were unwrapped. Chicago later found out that it had been a collaboration between Phoenix and Tallahassee to get every dart shooting device under the sun and play war with each other. Little Rock squealed as they both pulled out concealed weapons of dart destruction and put down a barrage of foam. Anyone who didn't want to be beaten half to death with the toys had to retreat to the kitchen as the house delved into madness.

Chicago didn't want the day to end. Everything was too perfect. She and Rita went to the kitchen and started to prepare the meal constantly griping about the lack of eggs milk cheese and every other fresh ingredient that wasn't frozen.

The food had barely hit the table when a light flashed in the sky outside. Everyone froze as the red glimmer fell and faded. The spirit of Christmas was snuffed out and suddenly they were all in Zombieland again. "Flare," Phoenix said absentmindedly rubbing the new scar that he wore around his neck.

"Zombie's don't use flairs," Dad muttered.

"Neither does Anarchy," Summer said quietly. Everyone waited motionless and silent until another flair went up.

"Someone's in trouble," Columbus said.

"We should get out of here," Wichita said putting her hand on her sister's shoulder, old habits die hard. Chicago smirked; the dark haired girl was defiantly still one of the colder members of the group. Then again she was one of the few of them who had always been fighting for survival.

Chicago's heart skipped a beat when a blood curdling scream faintly pierced the air. "Real trouble," Phoenix said raising from his seat.

"Where are you going?" Rita asked.

"I'm gonna go check it out," he said.

"No!" she protested grabbing her brothers arm.

"The rest of you better pack up. Rita you go with them," he said pulling his arm away from her as he hurriedly grabbed his things.

"Why are you going?" Summer muttered under her breath. He turned looking at her sharply.

"I'm a cop, I help people, unlike you," he said unable to hold back a bit of venom.

"I saved your ass didn't I?" she retorted. He froze and looked away knowing she had him beat. He looked around and another scream rang out in the distance.

"Come on let's go!" he said clapping his hands as he decided to change the subject.

"Hold on," Chicago called as he started to march for the door. She pulled her belt on and grabbed a pump shotgun. "I'll come with you," she said. Tallahassee finally perked up. He'd been eating the rather dry and freezer burned turkey until she had spoken.

"Whoa!" he said through a mouthful. "No," he said.

"Tal," she sighed looking at him. "Grow up." He rolled his eyes and stood.

"Pack up guys. Me and Chicago and wonder cop will check out the flares," he sighed wiping the grease on his pants.

"You heard the man lets go!" Phoenix snapped getting everyone moving. Before they knew it Chicago and the boys were heading strait for the sound of dying screams and zombies. Luckily or unluckily as it may have been the sounds were within walking distance.

They arrived taking a good look at the carnage. A minivan was wrapped around a street pole, still alight with fire. Zombies were swarming a nearby house. "Okay so they crash there, and run for shelter in the house. Maybe they're still alive," Phoenix assessed as they hid in some bushes.

"Do you find it weird running towards the sound of panic?" Chicago asked.

"Not at all," he replied dryly.

"Well, if we're going to do this," Tallahassee pulled out a semiautomatic machine gun, "lets do it right."

"And fast too, more will be on their way," Chicago added. The three of them quickly ran out and dispatched the zombies in their way. Phoenix kicked the door in and led the way.

"They're dead," he said popping a zombie who was munching on a freshly deceased lady. The man was still holding onto life when Tallahassee wrestled the zombie off of him. The cowboy pitied the man as he stooped beside him. Chicago went to the woman's side. "I'm gonna clear the house," Phoenix said before disappearing down the hallway.

Chicago went to Tallahassee's side to see if she could help comfort the dying man. He was desperately trying to say something, but neither of them could make it out before he passed on.

Phoenix surveyed each room, swinging his gun in front of him sweeping the entire area like his hundreds of hours of training had taught him. He kicked the door to the last bedroom in and stepped inside. Nothing was there and he lowered his gun listening to the silence. He felt bad he had been to late, but was already forgiving himself when he heard as slight rustle.

Instinctively he raised his gun and moved towards a closet where the sound had originated. In one fast motion he jerked the door open expecting a zombie. Instead there was nothing but clothes. He looked downward and just barely caught the end of a foot disappearing into a pile of blankets.

Phoenix bent down, his gun still at the ready, but he put it away when he saw the scared face of a blue eyed little girl. "Hey there," he said trying to be friendly. She looked terrified and drew away as he moved towards her. "Oh, no no no, don't be scared. I'm your friend," he said unsure of if it was true. Her cheeks were stained with tears. "You're hiding huh?" he asked. She nodded slowly. He rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, wiping some sweat away.

"Can you tell me your name?" he asked. She looked at him silently with great big doe eyes. He eased forward a little, she couldn't be more than six or seven years old. "Are you hurt?" he asked in a voice he only reserved for children. She didn't respond again. He let out a sigh wishing he didn't have to ask because he feared the answer. "Did anyone bite you?" he asked and mimed biting himself. She looked at him for a moment, still petrified, before shaking her head no ever so slightly. Phoenix felt a wash of relief. He didn't want to shoot a little girl.

"What's your name?" he asked again, but she refused to speak. Gunfire from the rest of the house startled him reminding Phoenix he didn't have all the time in the world to talk her out. He looked back at her and saw fresh tears forming. "You don't have to be afraid," he said. "I'm here to help you." She looked at him with a mistrusting gaze. Phoenix offered his hand to the child who drew back further.

"Come on," he said pouching his hand further towards her. "I won't hurt you I promise," he said with the utmost sincerity.

"Phoenix lets go!" Chicago shouted as more and more zombies arrived from the rest of the neighbor hood.

The girl must have sensed that Phoenix was telling the truth because very slowly she reached out and took his hand. He smiled gently and helped her out of the closet before picking her up in one arm.

"Now, we're going to go out," he said looking at her. "My friends are waiting on us, and you'll want to look around, but just look at me okay? Only look at me, do you understand?" he asked. She nodded her head and he carried her down the hall and into the living room, about halfway through he decided the risk was too great and he stowed his gun. Using his free hand he pulled the girls head down against his shoulder, holding her protectively so she couldn't see what he assumed to be her parents on the floor.

"Oh, my God," Chicago exclaimed seeing the child.

"She's okay," Phoenix said not stopping. Tallahassee was in the doorway keeping the zombies at bay. Together they escaped onto the street and cut through some back yards until at last they were relatively safe. Fences just threw zombies for a loop.

"Is she bit?" Tallahassee panted. Phoenix shook his head. The girl was clinging to him refusing to lift her face from his neck. Chicago looked back over her shoulder.

"We should get back to the others," she said. The boys agreed and they trudged in a roundabout way so as not to lead the undead back to the house. When they arrived at the back door the rest of the crew seemed elated.

"Well?" Columbus asked anxiously. Chicago and Tallahassee parted so Phoenix could carry in the little girl. Instantly everyone crowded around to see, even Summer came in for a peek.

"Hey, hey guys, back off! You're scaring her," Phoenix snapped aggressively. Chicago smiled as Rita offered to take the baby and the child clung to Phoenix refusing to let go. "Guess she doesn't want you," he laughed slightly

"What are we doing then?" Wichita asked. Chicago bit her lip and looked at Tallahassee.

"I think it would be smart to stay the night here, we can leave when it gets daylight outside," Columbus said. Chicago rolled her cheek across the inside of her cheek.

"Zombies aren't to thick and we are pretty fortified here," she nodded.

"Well then," Tallahassee sighed picking at the now cold turkey. "Who gets first watch?"

"Not me," said Columbus and Wichita together.

"Not me!" Little Rock said.

"I'm not doing it," Summer added. Dad just shook his head. Tallahassee looked at the remaining people.

"I'm gonna see if I can put her to bed," Phoenix said carrying the girl in his arms off. Chicago smiled.

"I'll only take it if you stay up with me," Chicago smiled.

Phoenix took the girl to his bedroom and gently put her in the bed as he pulled the sheets back. "There you go," he grunted. Her eyes still showed terror and a fresh layer of tears. "There you are," he repeated pulling the covers up over her. She clutched them protectively to her chin. "You still won't tell me your name?" he asked gently. She shook her head. "I'm gonna have to make one up," he said raising an eyebrow with a crooked smile. The girl didn't buy it. "No? Well maybe tomorrow, you're probably tired now. Are you sleepy?" he asked. She shook her head, but her half lidded eyes betrayed her,

Phoenix watched the girl's eyes get droopy and he got up to leave. She stopped him though, grabbing his arm and holding him back. "You want me to stay?" he asked. She nodded slightly. "Okay," he sighed sitting back down on the bed's edge. "You know, the people downstairs are your friends too. There isn't anyone here who will hurt you," he said, but he wasn't sure if she heard it or not. The little girl closed her eyes still holding onto his sleeve. After a half an hour he removed himself from her clutch and slipped out of the room.

Chicago and Tallahassee were sitting on the couch taking turns trying to hit a target with a Nerf gun. "She's asleep," Phoenix said sitting down in an armchair.

"Did you get her name?" Chicago asked for no reason.

"Nah, she hasn't made a peep," Phoenix said as he rubbed his hands together. "She's probably still just in shock," he added.

"What are you going to call her then?" Chicago asked. He shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Nana," he replied. Chicago smiled. Tallahassee remained unmoved as usual.

"We're clear that she's your problem right?" he asked. Phoenix looked sharply at him.

"Yeah. I know, and unlike you I have a smidgen of compassion so I don't mind," he said. "We find a haven and we dump her there, end of story." Tallahassee laughed.

"Like that's actually an option," he smirked.

"Come on man, I know you would have done the same," Phoenix shook his head.

"Oh you just called him on his bullshit!" Chicago laughed. Tallahassee didn't seem too amused.

"You don't think I would have left the kid?" Tallahassee asked stern faced.

"No I don't. I may not know you boss, but I know a good man when I see one," Phoenix replied. Tallahassee cracked a smile.

"Well, you're half right. I wouldn't leave a kid, but that doesn't make me a good man," Tallahassee chuckled.

"Modesty, another trait of a good man. Chicago you better pin him down fast," Phoenix laughed. Chicago gave a smile and put her hand on Tallahassee's leg.

"If I pin him down that'll ruin him," she said.

"We're more alike than I thought brother," Phoenix smiled.

"Is that so?" Tallahassee asked sounding unconvinced.

"Yeah, never grow up, never get tied down," Phoenix said.

"And how would an enterprising gentlemen know something like that?" Tallahassee asked. Chicago worried that the conversation was going south.

"I tried it," Phoenix answered like it was easy.

"You tried what?" Summer asked slinking into the room.

"Share your cigarettes and I'll let you know," he said quickly. She flipped him one just as fast as he had asked for it. "I tried being married, apparently I wasn't good at it," he said as he lit the cigarette.

"Didn't know you smoked," Chicago said.

"I quit a while back," he replied taking a hit. "But every dog has his day right?"

"She left you huh?" Tallahassee asked seeming to still be mulling over Phoenix's marital status.

"Yep. I loved her," he sighed, "I loved her and she took off along with everything I had worked my ass off for," he said. Tallahassee was quiet. "You know, the funny thing is, I don't know what went wrong," Phoenix chuckled.

"And you laugh about it?" Summer asked seeming genuinely confused.

"What else can I do?" he said with a crooked smile. "Hell, I got over it after a while," he sighed. Chicago looked at Tallahassee.

"Did you like it though? Being married?" he asked seeming oddly sentimental.

"I liked my girlfriend, I put a ring on her finger and she turned into a monster… but I liked being a dad," he said. Chicago's heart fell, and she saw Tallahassee's face change briefly before he gathered up his mask again.

"Boy or girl?" he asked barely able to keep his cool. Phoenix took a long drag.

"Girl," he said letting out a breath of smoke.

"That explains the kid," Summer said. Chicago wanted to beat her upside the head for her cruelty. A parent losing their child is the greatest pain a human can experience.

"Hey, I said I liked being a dad, that doesn't mean I was good at it. It's probably better that Lisa took her when she left… I would have only fucked her up," he said. Tallahassee was oddly silent.

"Maybe we are alike," he said finally. Phoenix looked confused. Tallahassee took out his wallet and showed the picture of Buck. Phoenix took it and nodded respectfully.

"His mom's eyes I'd bet," he said. Tallahassee nodded slightly.

"At least when she took off she left him," he said. Phoenix rubbed out the cigarette and took out his wallet. He opened it and took out a picture of himself with his wife and daughter. The others looked at the picture.

"She's beautiful," Chicago said.

"I stopped my life so I could be with them. Settled down for five years, when she left I took up the chase again," he said as they handed the photo back. "I didn't think I wanted a kid, but the second I held her, I was in love," he said fondly.

"I know," Tallahassee said. Phoenix looked like he was close to tears and suddenly he stood up.

"But fuck it all," he said putting his wallet away. "That's why people like use don't tame down, we weren't made for it," he sighed. "Sooner or later you gotta chose between holding a baby and holding a gun, or a drink, or a cigarette," he said. Tallahassee nodded. "Zombies are a gift, no rules, no more problems," he added.

"Easy to believe that," Summer smirked.

"Look I'll pawn off the kid as soon as I can," Phoenix sighed running his hand over his face wiping all the emotional baggage away.

"Pretty well adjusted for such a jaded bastard," Summer pushed. Phoenix turned to her in no mood to fight.

"Nah, it's just called finding a way to keep your shit together, I'm sure you heard of it," he said. She narrowed her eyes. "Goodnight guys," he said.

"Hey, one more question… if it had been up to you, would you have been holding the baby or the gun?" Tallahassee asked. Phoenix stopped.

"I try not to think about it… the second I chose I'm gonna lose a part of myself," he said.

"Well you just set yourself up to die then," Summer said. "If you really think you're going to find someone to take a baby off your hands."

"Well what would you have done if you had found her? Would you have left her?" He spat.

"I don't know," Summer shrugged, "I would have never gone looking in the first place." Phoenix took a couple swift steps towards her.

"Maybe I just became a father all over again tonight… but you know what? If that's the card life dealt me… I'll find a way to make it work. What else have I got to do anyway?" he said in a strained whisper.

"You think pushing forward in a shit life is really worth it?" she snapped.

"A hell of a lot better than ending up a sad fucker like yourself," he replied.

"Guys, cool it," Chicago said fearing and impending fight.

"At least I'm not so goddamn afraid that I don't try," he said.

"You think I'm afraid?" she spat.

"I know you're afraid. I can see it every time you look at us. You have a bunch of good people who could care about you and all you can think of is yourself. You're afraid of trusting someone and putting them in a position to screw you over," he said looking her right in the eyes.

"Hey!" Tallahassee snapped. "It's Christmas, both of you cut this shit," he commanded.

"I may owe you my life, but I can't trust you," Phoenix said.

"Hey!" Tallahassee snapped again.

"Right, sorry boss," Phoenix said turning to leave again. As soon as he was gone Summer turned to Tallahassee and Chicago.

"He's a problem," she said.

"He's a problem?" Chicago asked sarcastically.

"We're already dragging a bunch of dead weight. Sure let's add a baby on top of it," Summer snapped. She looked at Tallahassee who just put his hands up.

"I gave up on the weight load a while ago," he said. Summer looked back at Chicago.

"I know… But what do you want? If you feel like putting a bullet in the head of the only humans left alive, you go right ahead. I won't stop you," she said calling Summers bluff. "Get over yourself. When the shit hits the fan you have my permission to run off and save your own ass… Don't feel bad about leaving us," she added. Summer nodded.

"Count on it," she said.

"Then why are you here at all? I'm not twisting your arm to stay. I know you don't give a shit about us," Chicago asked as Summer started to walk away. The younger woman stopped.

"I'm here because I get free sleep and a ride… you're right I don't give a fuck about any of you," she said.

"There's the truth I've been waiting for," Tallahassee laughed from the couch. Chicago just gave Summer a disgusted glare. A part of her hoped the girl was lying even though she didn't know why.

"Good night," Summer spat.

"Merry Christmas," Chicago replied. Summer paused then moved on.

"How fucked up is it that we have to fight on Christmas?" Tallahassee asked.

"I don't know baby," Chicago shrugged sitting on his lap.

"You know, that was interesting about Phoenix," he said.

"Interesting?" Chicago repeated.

"Well you know… how he…" Tallahassee trailed off.

"How similar your stories are?" she finished. He shook his head.

"You're judging a book by it's cover and throwing us in the same category… I don't think we're alike," he said.

"At the core it is… you're both fathers… don't tell me that doesn't mean you have something in common," she smiled gently. "You'll give him a little more respect won't you?" she asked. Tallahassee looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Yeah," he nodded. She sighed and gave a soft smile.

"I'm not going to say anything more about the kid… because I know I would have done the same if I were him… I think any of us would," she said. Tallahassee nodded.

"If we lose Summer?" he asked. Chicago shrugged.

"If she leaves she leaves. One less problem I suppose," Chicago said. Tallahassee nodded again.

"You know what?" he smiled putting his arm around her. "Despite all the drama, this is home," he said. She cocked her head.

"Here?" she asked. The house was far from perfect.

"No, you guys… You and the kids… Phoenix and Rita too, all of you are home now," he said. She smiled running her hand down he side of his face.

"I feel that way too," she whispered.

"Yep, one big fucked up family," he sighed resting his forehead against hers.

 

Chapter 69- Far From Okay
​

Chicago couldn't stand to sit still so she busied herself packing what they could take with them into suitcases and duffle bags. "Would you lease sit down?" Tallahassee sighed sounding half awake from his spot on the couch.

"No, we need to be ready to leave. God only knows when those fuckers are going to show up," Chicago replied. Tallahassee gave another long and exasperated sigh before raising himself from the couch and nonchalantly slipping the box from his pocket onto a tree branch. He moved around behind the couch and stretched his back.

"Hey, babe I think you missed one," he said pointing to the box in the tree. Chicago picked it up and checked the tag. When she saw her name she looked at him suspiciously. "Go on," he smiled, Chicago removed the blue star paper from it and opened the black velvet box.

Inside the box there was a heart shaped pendant on a gold chain. She smiled at the pretty little trinket. "Thank you," she said moving to hug him.

"You missed the most important part," he said. She looked back at the heart. Upon closer inspection it turned out to be a locket. She opened it and couldn't help but start to cry. "I love you," he whispered reading the inscription. She let him put the locket around her neck and turned hugging him tight. He'd finally said it. He had finally secured her hopes with three little words.

"I love you too," she whispered. Tallahassee swayed back and forth a little with her in his arms. "Do you want your Christmas present?" she asked.

"You didn't have to get me anything," he replied.

"Wait right here," she said before unlocking the front door and slipping into the darkness. Tallahassee waited patiently until she returned. "Come on out," she said. He went to the door and had to stifle a shout of joy when he saw the Cadillac Escalade in the driveway.

"Chicago, you sweet wonderful woman!" He said in a loud whisper and he ran out to look at what was surely his new baby. "Oh I got my Caddy back!" he cheered.

"Read for part two?" she asked. He looked over his shoulder.

"There's a part two?" he asked.

"I have hidden the keys somewhere on my person," she winked. His tongue nearly hit the ground as he followed her back in the house.

Phoenix was asleep in a pile of blankets on the floor next to Rita because they had surrendered the bed to the little girl. He woke up to a gentle tap on his shoulder and rolled over seeing Nana stooping beside them. "Hey," he groaned looking at his watch. She had the same terrified look as when he had found her. Phoenix was starting to worry that her face was frozen that way. "Hey what's up?" he asked rolling over.

She didn't speak a word to him as she got under the covers beside him and curled up. Phoenix looked over at Rita, but his sister was still sleeping undisturbed. Nana didn't move any more and fell asleep without any fuss For a few moments he was uncomfortable with the girl at his side, but slowly he let himself relax and drift away.

He didn't have a chance to start dreaming though before Nana woke him up again. "Wha-!" he snorted jerking awake. She was standing beside him. "What? What's wrong?" he asked. She was doing the unmistakable 'potty dance' and he sighed. "What? What you gotta go to the bathroom?" he asked. She nodded. "Shit," he sighed resting his head back on the pillow. "Okay, okay," he grunted getting up. "Okay lets go," he grumbled taking her hand and leading her to the bathroom down the hall.

He pushed it open sill dragging his feet. "Shit!" he hissed snapping the door shut when he saw the mess inside. Thinking fast all of a suddenly he looked down at Nana. "Someone's in there," he said. "Why don't you use the one right through here, okay?" he said pushing. "Wait for me right here in the hall when you're done okay?"

She nodded before scampering off to do her thing. He wiped his mouth and went into the bathroom. "Summer? Summer! Come on," he said stooping beside her where she was sprawled on the floor. Blood and broken glass littered the floor. Frantically he searched her for a pulse. "Summer?" he repeated taking her face in his hands and making her look at him. "Summer, come on wake up!" he snapped patting her to get her around. "Come on don't do this to me," he muttered looking at her wrists that were still oozing blood.

"Phoenix?" she murmured.

"Yeah, yeah it's me, come on keep talking," he said ripping the fabric shower curtain to stop the bleeding.

"No! Don't touch me," she snapped trying to get him off. He held her firmly and in her weakened state it didn't take much to hold her still.

"Jesus Christ," he said wrapping her wrists carefully. "We have one fight and you're ready to kill yourself," he smirked.

"Fuck off," she rasped.

"There now I know you're okay," he smiled, happy that her normal hostility was still at large. Carefully he helped her up so that she was sitting against the tub.

"Leave me alone," she repeated.

"You're drunk," he said smelling the alcohol on her.

"Only a little," she replied with a shit-faced grin.

"Okay, well stay right here and don't move," he said getting up.

"No!" she objected and he looked back. "Don't tell the others," she said. His jaw hung open because he couldn't believe she cared at all.

"We need to get Dad to look at the cuts," he said

"No don't!" she insisted and he took his hand off the knob. Summer wiped the back of her bloody hand across her forehead. "I don't want everyone to know how weak I am," she said sounding like she might cry. To see her so open about her thought process confused Phoenix and he decided to honor her wish. "Suicide is the cowards way out… and I've manages to fuck it up twice now," she said as a single tear found it's way down her cheek. He bit his lip.

"I'm gonna put Nana back to bed… then I'll come back and we'll get you cleaned up okay?" he asked as if he were speaking to a child. He washed the blood off his hands as Summer rolled her eyes and gave a tight laugh. Phoenix slipped from the room and collected Nana leading her back to his bedroom and tucking her in beside Rita.

"Go to sleep, I'll be right back," he said. The girl nodded, silent as ever.

Phoenix opened the bathroom door and sighed. "You know, we got a chance a lot of people didn't," he said firmly. Summer seemed amused by his statement.

"A chance?" she asked working him over with her red eyes. "What chance? Sooner or later those things will get each and every one of us… and you know it."

"Zombies are symbolic you know," he said stooping beside her again and checking her wrists. Mentally Phoenix thanked god for his gift of being able to make anything sound believable. She shook her head. "They are. They represent death and inevitability. You know death has been around for as long as we have… it's just a little harder not to think about it all the time now, that's all," he said.

"You're so full of shit," she whispered. He smirked before regaining sight of his goal.

"Okay, lets get you out of here and I'll clean up this mess," he sighed moving to help her, but she pushed him away. Summer got to her feet and swayed a little before falling. Phoenix caught her and rolled his eyes because she was out cold. Picking her up in his arms he carried her across the hall to Tallahassee and Chicago's empty room. He put her on the bed gently and went back to the bathroom.

As fast as he could he mopped up the blood with towels. Shoving the bloody rags and the broken glass into a trashcan he tossed the whole mess in a closet and called it good.

Phoenix went through the living room where Tallahassee and Chicago were snuggling on the couch. "Hey, Summer is sleeping in your room," he said casually as he went into the kitchen.

"That's fine," Chicago replied. Phoenix barely heard her as he dug out some supplies from the medical bag before retreating back to the bedroom. The two on the couch never even looked at him.

He slipped back into the bedroom where Summer was sleeping and quickly put a better wrap on both her wrists, though the bleeding had stopped all together. Moving as fast as his sleep-deprived body could go he wiggled her into the bed a little better and threw the covers over her.

Just as Phoenix was almost back out the door her voice stopped him. "Thank you," she said. He sighed and took his hand from the door.

"Can I ask a question? What got you so fucked up?" he asked not wanting to show her too much sympathy. She only laughed.

"I don't even remember anymore," she said. "What fucked you up?" she asked. He smiled and shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Could have been a lot of things," he said. She nodded.

"You know… help me out because I've always wondered… why would anyone want to be a cop?" she asked. He furrowed his brow because she sounded sincere instead of sinister. "Did you just want to protect people?" she asked.

"Yeah… I wanted to protect people. I wanted to help good people… then I got out there and realized that it is hard to find someone worth saving, but it's really easy to find someone worth destroying," he said moving to stand beside the bed.

"What do you see when you look at me?" she asked. He licked his lips as he thought.

"I see someone who had their whole fucking world spun round just like the rest of us," he said with a slight shrug.

"No, I mean am I worth destroying?" she asked. Phoenix repressed his initial response and shook his head.

"You saved my ass… you're worth saving," he said.

"I saved you because you were an asset," she admitted. He smirked and crouched beside the bed.

"It'd serve you better to lie and say you did it out of kindness… or you could tell the real reason. I know you did it because I'm good looking," he said with a crooked smile. She laughed and shoved his shoulder a little.

"In your dreams," she said.

"Nah, not even then baby," he smirked. "You're not my type."

"Yeah, we're on different sides of the fence," she said.

"In just about every way," he nodded. "So can I trust you to stay here and not kill yourself?" he asked.

"I owe you now don't I?" she asked.

"Nah, we're good," he shook his head. She wasn't listening though. Her half working mind was completely fixated on his lips. She grabbed him and kissed him without anymore pause.

Phoenix tried to remain calm and waited patiently for her to finish. "You need to get some rest," he said gently brushing her bangs away and removing himself from her reach. She didn't say anything more as he went.

"You okay?" Chicago asked as Phoenix went to the kitchen for a drink.

"Okay wouldn't be the word I would use, but whatever," he shrugged. She looked at Tal with a 'what does that mean?' look and the cowboy just shrugged. Phoenix stomped back through muttering in Spanish and the two on the couch just left it alone.

 

Chapter 70- The Kicker Part One​

The next morning was the typical bleary Sunday (as far as everyone could tell) morning. Phoenix was the first to get up because Nana had to go again. The flush of the toilet seemed to rouse the others and slowly the house woke up.

"Breakfast first then we can take off," Chicago sighed as she sluggishly helped Rita fix pancakes. Tallahassee and Phoenix were seated side by side and both were looking more like zombies each moment.

"How long has it been since you two slept?" Wichita asked as she pulled up a chair.

"Over forty eight hours," Tallahassee yawned. "I'm sleeping in the car," he added.

"I don't know… how long since the outbreak started?" Phoenix sighed.

"Where's Summer?" Columbus asked noting that the druggie was missing.

"Sleeping," Phoenix said as he rested his head on the table. Nana was seated beside him staring despondently at the wood.

"So do you have a name?" Chicago asked as she set pancakes in front of the kid. The girl didn't reply. "Still not talking huh?" Chicago asked.

"Not a word, not a sound or a peep," Phoenix said sitting up again as his sister pushed a plate in front of him.

"Maybe she is a mute. Anyone know sign?" Columbus asked. Tallahassee nodded.

"Yeah I know a little," he said before shooting the bird at Columbus and laughing.

"Really funny," the younger man muttered.

"Aren't you hungry?" Rita asked gently trying to get Nana to eat. The girl just shook her head. Phoenix was in no mood to fight the child and left her alone, so Nana went hungry.

The rest of the group made ready to leave as Nana set at the table motionless. Little Rock passed by and quickly took some paper and colored pencils from her bag, offering them to Nana with a friendly smile before getting back to work.

Hesitantly Nana took the pencils up and started to color. The rest of the group quickly split the supplies between the truck and the Caddy. Phoenix passed by Nana as he grabbed the medical bag. He glanced at the paper and stopped when he saw her art. "A graveyard?" he asked. She nodded not looking up at him. "So you do understand what's happening, don't you?" he sighed unable to not ask the question. She nodded again this time looking at him with her sad eyes. "Don't worry… we'll keep you safe now," he said unable to think of anything more comforting. She looked away seeming unmoved.

The team finished packing up and Phoenix got Summer up out of her room. Hustling her outside he put her in the truck while strategically placing himself and Nana in the Caddy with Chicago and Tallahassee. He didn't want another incident, on the off chance that it hadn't been booze or blood loss talking the night before.

The ride was quiet in the Caddy. Both Tallahassee and Phoenix were asleep before they hit the highway leaving Chicago alone to deal with Nana. For a long time she didn't want to risk further scaring the child so she just kept quiet. Nana was content to switch between drawing and looking out the window. Finally Chicago was so bored she couldn't take it.

"Can you tell me how old you are sweetie?" she asked looking at the girl through the rearview window. The child looked right back at her for a very long while before holding up her fingers. "Seven?" Chicago asked smiling. "Getting old aren't we?" She joked. The girl didn't seem amused and Chicago wiped the silly grin off of her own face.

In the other car things weren't much better. Summer was in the very back of the truck amongst the luggage still feeling shitty from her escapade the night before. She also was intensely focused on keeping her jacket sleeves pulled down over the bandages on her wrists.

The girls were talking of silly mundane things with Rita, while Dad sat reading in the passenger. Columbus was nearly asleep behind the wheel he had gotten so bored of listening. He wasn't even really sure why he was so annoyed with hearing the same things hashed over again and again.

By the time the first rest stop came around he was almost ready to go mad and pulled over. Chicago had been following in the Caddy and pulled over. "Something wrong?" she asked rolling down the window.

"I'm going stir crazy I need to have a walk," he replied. She looked around. The truck stop was empty enough.

"Okay," she replied. Tallahassee woke up in the seat next to her.

"Wha' happening?" he groaned.

"A break," she replied unbuckling her seatbelt.

"Where are we?" he asked pushing his hat out of his eyes.

"How the fuck should I know?" she sighed.

"Tired?" he asked as she snapped at him. She shook her head.

"Only a little," she replied. He smirked and she got out of the car. When Tallahassee's door closed Phoenix woke up. Nana was looking expectantly at him. He wiped a trail of drool from his mouth and squinted looking around.

"Where are we?" he asked. She shook her head. He rotated his shoulders and took out his gun. "Stay right here. I'm gonna check it out then you can get out okay?" he sighed before opening his door and getting out.

Inside the building the others were already poking around. "Hey are we clear in here?" he asked lazily.

"Looks like," Wichita replied. They all jumped though when a crackly voice broke the silence. Tallahassee found a radio behind the desk where some one would have normally been sitting bored.

"Hello?" he asked holding down the button on the receiver.

"Charlie?" some one on the other end asked.

"No, this isn't Charlie," Tallahassee replied looking up at the others.

"Oh," the voice sounded confused.

"Where are you?" Tallahassee asked.

"We're up the road about two hundred miles. How did you get a hold of Charlie's radio fella?" the voice asked.

"Well, we just found it at a truck stop… no sign of Charlie," Tallahassee said.

"Well he's been living at the stop for a while now. We are on our way to pick him up because his rig busted," the man said. Tallahassee looked out the front and nodded.

"Yeah, it's still here," he said.

"Well, where are my manners? My name is Kicker," the man said.

"Nice to meet you Kicker, name's Tallahassee," Tallahassee replied. Chicago smirked because she could tell that they were both down home kinda boys.

"You need a lift brother? I've been gathering up a load of people in my rig," the man said.

"No, we got our own wheels," Tallahassee shook his head.

"Suit yourself, but we're still gonna come on by if you don't mind," the man said.

"Fine by us and we'll see if we can find Charlie," Tallahassee said.

"Thanks man. Over and out," Kicker replied. Tallahassee put the radio down.

"Who the fuck is Charlie?" Summer snapped as she came in attempting to light her cigarette. The question was soon answered though as the door to the men's bathroom burst open and a zombie tackled her. Everyone took aim, but feared hitting Summer.

"No! Hey, come here you fucker!" Phoenix said instinctively grabbing Charlie and tearing the large trucker zombie away from her. Charlie tried to maul Phoenix, but the cop quickly popped the zombie in the head. "You okay?" he asked bending down to help Summer up.

"Yeah, yeah," she said trying to play it off. He practically lifted her up to her feet.

"You sure?" he asked.

"I told you I'm fuckin' fine," she snapped pushing him away. He looked hurt and took a step back letting her have her space.

"I thought you cleared this place?" he snapped looking at Columbus.

"That's rule three… beware of bathrooms… deceptive," he said nervously. Phoenix rolled his eyes.

"I'm gonna go get Nana, could you please make sure this place is safe?" he sighed.

"No place is safe, just safer," Chicago said. Phoenix shot her a crooked gin and ignored her. Outside he opened the door. "Okay baby girl lets go," he said then his stomach dropped because the car was empty. "Nana?" he called looking around. "Come on I don't like this game," he said nervously looking through the car then under it.

Starting to get panicked her ran inside. "Shit! I lost the kid," he exclaimed.

"And I thought I was a bad dad," Dad mumbled.

"It's not fucking funny! Help me find her!" Phoenix snapped.

"Relax. How far could she have gotten?" Summer said trying to be even about the situation.

"You want me to relax with a world full of cannibal freaks out there?" He snapped running for the back door. Outside he looked both ways, but it was just a filling station for trucks and it was empty. "Nana!" he shouted. His voice echoed forever and Tallahassee's hand came down over his mouth.

"Calm down. You want to draw the zombies? 'Cause if you do please keep yelling," he said.

"Sorry sorry," Phoenix muttered with his eyes still scanning the area nervously.

The entire crew split up and searched the very small rest stop, but made no progress until Wichita and Chicago started to search the truck out front. A small sniffling sound was coming from inside the cab.

"How the fuck did she manage to get in there?" Wichita marveled looking at the huge steps up into the cab. Chicago shrugged and opened the door. Nana huddled in the back as the older women got into the driver and passenger seats.

"Hey there," Chicago said as she shut the door. Both of them sat sideways in the seats so they could look back into the cab where Nana was sitting in a tiny mattress. The girl just glared at them with red eyes.

"You know, you have Phoenix in a panic," Wichita smiled. The girl looked at the sheets below her. The smiled faded.

"Look, Nana, I know you must miss your parents… but I think it will help if you talk to us about it," Chicago said gently. The girl shook her head. Chicago and Wichita exchanged glanced.

"We're both really sorry for what happened… and we want you to know that all of us are here for you. We can't ever replace your family and please don't feel like we are trying to, but we want to protect you," Wichita said in a surprisingly gentle voice. Chicago sometimes forgot the extreme compassion Wichita seemed to have.

"Do you understand sweetie?" Chicago asked. The girl seemed to sag as she looked up at them. Slowly she shook her head, but it wasn't saying no, she was saying she didn't want it.

"You know the man in there… the one that saved you… he lost his daughter," Wichita said on an impulse. The girl's eyes widened for a moment, but she covered it quickly. For a moment Chicago thought Nana was going to speak, but she closed her little pink lips in a defiant stony stare.

Chicago couldn't get over the fact that Nana was seven. No doubt the girl was young, but even for seven she was small. It almost made Chicago cry that something so fragile and innocent had to go through such pain.

"I don't want you to feel trapped, but its important you listen to us okay?" Chicago suggested gently. Nana looked at her with a new face, one that let Chicago know the words were hitting home. "We only want to help."

After a moment of complete silence Wichita held out her hand. "Come on. We better get back in there," she said. Nana didn't take her hand, but she did get up and go with the girls back inside where Phoenix immediately took her shoulders.

"Don't you ever do that again!" he said firmly. She looked at him with impassive eyes and he let go.

"Are we staying here tonight or not?" Summer asked.

"Well… Kicker and his crew are coming," Tallahassee shrugged.

"Yeah, but we don't know anything about them," Columbus countered. Little Rock was busy frisking Charlie who's corpse was still prone on the floor.

"True," Wichita nodded. Tallahassee bit his lip and looked at Phoenix and Nana.

"Yeah, but I was thinking… if they are friendly, it might be an opportunity," he said trying not to give anything away too much. Little Rock stood up holding a large ring of keys. Rita stepped aside as Little Rock moved.

"What's behind door number one," she mumbled as she went to the office door and started trying keys.

"We could fortify ourselves in here… it's not a bad place… if they're not friendly them we can shoot 'em down before they get in, no problem," Chicago reasoned.

"Not to mention the storm that's coming," Dad said. Everyone looked at him. "I trust my joints more than any radar and all signs point to something big coming," he elaborated.

"All in favor of staying here?" Wichita asked taking control. Nearly everyone said 'aye' except for Columbus and Nana.

"Bingo," Little Rock sighed pushing the door open. Inside there wasn't much. A desk a small TV with rabbit ears on top and a rolling chair was about it. She turned around disappointed.

"All right, lets get to work," Tallahassee nodded.

 

Chapter 71- The Kicker Part Two​

The group locked up the truck stop from the inside out without much trouble. They parked the cars out back close to the doors and brought in the guns and sleeping bags. Tallahassee and Little Rock had busted up the vending machines that were on the side of the building and a feat of junk food began as soon as they had secured all the doors.

Sure enough a storm did come and there was no sign of Kicker by the time night fell. Most of the evening passed while they all played cards. Chicago curled up next to Tallahassee and wrote several chapters in her books. She had to write down all the laughs they had trying to teach Rita how to play poker.

Summer was quiet in her own little corner. She had a shotgun and a bottle of wine, each in a hand, as she stared out a lookout hole into the storm. Phoenix was also quiet, but his was out of exhaustion.

Eventually they all went to sleep to the sound of the water on the roof. Columbus and Wichita claimed the little office for themselves. Tallahassee didn't argue the point only because he was too tired to be able to enjoy a private room with Chicago. He fell asleep as soon as he stretched out kicked his boots off and placed his hat on the floor beside himself.

Chicago paced the floor for a while looking at the flock sleeping on the floor. She only stopped when Summer gave her a cold glare. "Will you please stop fucking doing that?" She snapped.

"Am I making you nervous?" Chicago replied.

"Just a little," Summer huffed. Chicago rolled her eyes and laid down beside Tallahassee.

Phoenix woke up when he felt Nana get up and move away. He opened his eyes looking in the dim light as she disappeared into the ladies restroom. He laid awake contemplating if he should go with her until Summer's voice came to him in a whisper.

"Shouldn't you go with her?" she asked.

"Why?" he replied.

"I don't know… you're the parent not me," she shrugged.

"I already told you, I make a shitty father," he sighed. "And a shitty husband, and a shitty lover and a shitty friend… you know it would be easier to think of things I actually can do," he said sadly.

"Nah, you make a good friend," she said with surprising softness. He looked at her through the dim light. She held up her arm and pulled down her sleep to show the bandages. "You saved me and you didn't tell anyone," she whispered. He smiled lightly.

"Don't mention it," he said.

"I'm not gonna," she replied returning to her normal surly self. He couldn't help but laugh slightly. He liked predictable people. They made life easy. "But thanks all the same," she added.

"You're welcome," he sighed rolling over. As hard as he tried though, he couldn't get back to sleep. Getting up he tried to avoid Summers smug gaze as he went to the ladies bathroom and gently rapped on the door. "Nana? Nana, you okay in there?" he asked pushing the door open a little. It seemed stupid because he knew she wouldn't answer. "I'm coming in okay?" he sighed entering.

The girl was sitting against the far wall holding her knees against her chest with the flashlight sitting on its end irradiating the tiled room. Phoenix couldn't help but notice how clean the bathroom was, then again, how many female truckers could have come around. He cringed, there were his damn stereotypes again. "You need anything?" he asked. She shook her head. He shifted on his feet unsure of what else he could say. "Maybe you should come back to bed. You can't be comfortable in here," he said. She shook her head again. "No? Okay," he sighed and turned his back.

"It's not fair," Nana's small voice resonated through the silence. Phoenix turned around to make sure he had really heard her.

"Excuse me?" he breathed.

"It's not fair… why did this happen?" she said looking straight ahead at the floor. He swallowed and took a cautious step forward.

"May I sit?" he asked. She shrugged and scooted over making room for him so he wouldn't hit his head on the sink. Phoenix sat down beside her, stretching his legs out in front of himself.

"I don't understand it… first grandma, now mommy and daddy," she said with a slight tremble in her voice.

"No, it's not fair," he agreed wringing his hands together.

"Daddy said that the people who get sick and go crazy, are going to get better," she said. Phoenix swallowed hard. He'd never been good with talking to his kid. For some reason no matter how hard he tried he couldn't articulate anything correctly. Now it was even more difficult because it wasn't even his kid.

"It's possible I guess," he nodded. She shook her head.

"Why do grown-ups lie? I heard on the radio that there's no medicine," she said sounding like she was trying not to sob. His chest felt tight.

"I guess we lie because we want to protect you," he said addressing the easier of the two subjects she had brought up.

"They told me it's wrong to lie," she sighed. He ran his hand through his hair. Neither one of them could look at the other as they spoke.

"Yeah, I know," he said.

"I don't know what to do," she said in a voice just above a whisper. Nana could barely speak her throat was so tight. He sighed resting his head against the wall.

"Me either Baby Girl," he said. It took a moment to realize he had called her his pet name for his own daughter. It had just slipped out.

"The water ran out… we were going to papaws," she said in a shuddering breath. "Now they're gone," she added as tears started to roll down her cheeks. Phoenix took a deep breath trying not to cry himself.

"We're going to protect you," he said.

"But why? Monsters aren't real. I'm not afraid. It's just a bad dream and I'm going to wake up," she said drawing in deep breaths.

"It's okay to be afraid," he said looking at her. She shook her head wiping her tears away.

"I'm too old, I'm almost eight," she said. He couldn't help but crack a small smile. "And I'm on my own," she added with her best attempt at a strong voice.

"Eight years old huh?" he asked. She nodded slightly. He shrugged a little. "Well you're doing better than me then. I'm way older than you and I still get scared," he said. She looked at him and their eyes met for the first time.

"No you don't," she said. He nodded his head.

"Yeah I do, honest. I'm a police officer and I still get scared sometimes," he said.

"You're a policeman?" she asked. He nodded again and pulled out his badge. It had become habit for him to keep it close. Handing it over Phoenix sighed.

"See?" Nana examined the badge.

"What happens if the sick people don't get better?" she asked seeming to regain some calm.

"Well," he shook his head a little, "I guess we'll just learn to live with them," he said lamely. Nana's brows furrowed.

"The others said that you lost your daughter," she said softly. Phoenix almost lost his tongue as he gritted his teeth.

"Yeah," he replied quickly.

"Did she get sick?" Nana asked. He shook his head.

"No, my and wife and I had a fight. They left," he sighed.

"That's what happened to my real daddy," she said. Phoenix looked away from her. "It was just mommy and me for a long time," she said seeming reflective. "Then I got a new daddy and… they promised we would be together forever," she said.

"Well, you know, things don't always happen like you think they will… sometimes life takes a turn and you just have to go with it," he said gently. Tears were falling down her face again.

"I know, I can do it. All on my own," she said drawing in a shuddery breath. He hesitated before placing his arm around her and drawing her against him. She didn't resist any and he felt her hand take hold of his shirt.

"You aren't on your own… I'm not trying to replace your parents, none of us are, but uh… you know, we can watch out for you for a while," he said struggling to find the right words. Nana was still holding his badge.

"They told me to trust policemen," she said. He laughed lightly.

"Right, unlike telling you not to lie, that's a good rule," he said.

"Phoenix, why do you call me Nana?" she asked. He sighed smiling.

"It's a very diluted way of saying the name 'Grace' in Spanish," he replied.

"You speak Spanish?" she asked.

"I'm from Columbia," he nodded.

"Columbia?" she shook her head.

"It's a country farther south than Mexico," he explained patiently.

"So what country is Dora from?" she asked. Phoenix really couldn't help but laugh.

"You know, I don't know," he smiled.

"I never really liked that show," she sighed.

"Me either, I could teach you better Spanish," he said taking a deep breath.

"Will you?" she asked.

"Sure," he replied. "But in the morning, right now we should get some sleep," he said. They got up and returned to the rest of the group. As she fell asleep Phoenix felt a little better. He couldn't help but love her immediately. Against ever bit of reason he had in his body he loved her like his own already.

Chicago woke up to Summer shaking her shoulder. "Kicker and his rig just pulled in," Summer waking Tallahassee as well. Soon everyone was awake and ready for whatever would come next.

Phoenix bit his lip as the trucker got out of the cab. He hated stereotypes with a passion yet the man running in through the rain embodied a stereotypical trucker. He had a big mountain man beard and easily weighed two times as much as Tallahassee. He carried a shotgun and as he approached the door he put it over his shoulder holding up his other hand in a friendly gesture.

"I got five others," he said through the door. Chicago looked at Tallahassee who shrugged.

"Don't let him in, he looks like sasquatch," Columbus said earning a few laughs. Tallahassee opened the door and it seemed like he'd done it solely to annoy the younger man.

Not long after the trucker's whole posse had piled out of the semi and into the truck stop. Two ladies, one with a young son, and two other men of the trucker variety. Not many stayed up for very long. Summer sat up still watching out into the storm. Tallahassee and Columbus stayed awake as well talking to Kicker.

They gave him the news about Charlie and he filled them in on where he had been and what the state of each place was, though it was the same everywhere, dead. The trucker informed them that he and his crew were going east to a government-sanctioned safe zone they had heard about. Tallahassee and Columbus both doubted the places existence, but said nothing about it. Tallahassee was the one to bring up the real reason they had let Kicker in. "Hey, how many are you able to hold?" he asked.

"Plenty," Kicker replied eating a Payday.

"Well, we picked up a little one a few days back. I was wondering if you'd mind taking her," Tallahassee said cutting right to the heart of the matter. Kicker looked at Nana sleeping beside Phoenix and shrugged.

"Sure," he said scratching his beard.

"Really?" Columbus asked unable to believe anyone would agree to taking a child.

"Yeah, Suzy can look after her, she makes a wonderful mother, just look at little Jr. over there," he said. Both the guys followed Kickers gaze to the young boy who had been busy coloring on the walls with markers he had brought.

"Yeah and exemplary kid," Columbus muttered under his breath. Not much more was said after that and everyone grabbed some shuteye.

 

Chapter 72- I Don't Know ​

The next morning Chicago and her crew shared a breakfast of dry cereal with Kicker and his people. It never ceased to amaze her what sort of mundane conversations were carried on during the zombie apocalypse. Worst of all was the fact that it was still raining outside.

After breakfast Tallahassee pulled Phoenix aside in the office. "Good news," he said.

"What?" Phoenix asked.

"They agreed to take the kid off our hands," Tallahassee smiled. Phoenix tried to mask the immediate internal panic he felt.

"Really?" he managed to choke out. Tallahassee nodded seeming proud. "That's great man," Phoenix said. Tallahassee was completely oblivious to Phoenix banging his head against the wall when he left.

A poker tournament flared up after all the topics of conversation had burned out. Summer dozed as everyone cheered the players. Nana and Little Rock were busy trying to keep away from the little boy who continued to be a complete menace. Nana continued her silence towards anyone but Phoenix. She whispered into his ear only when it was completely essential, which wasn't often.

Chicago sat with her feet propped up on the desk journaling the arrival of Kicker and his people. Tallahassee accused everyone of cheating on every play he lost, and Chicago had to hold back her laughter because he was right. Columbus was sitting behind the older man signaling the others, at risk of his own life.

Summer couldn't take it any longer and got up from her sleeping bag. She didn't announce that she had cigarettes because she suspected Kicker and his people of needing them pretty bad. Slipping out the back into the rain sighed.

There was a small over hang so she could stay dry and sit on a bench, but she froze when she saw the bench was occupied. "Can I have one?" Phoenix asked miserably. She moved over and sat down beside him handing one over.

"I thought you didn't smoke," she said handing the lighter over.

"I only smoke when I have to," he shrugged.

"What constitutes that?" She smirked lighting up her own. He took his in-between his fingers shaking his head.

"When I'm dead tired and want to kill everything I see," he said in a short tone.

"Is that it?" she smiled calling him on his bluff. He sighed taking another hit. "What's wrong with you today?" she asked. He stood up shaking his head.

"Nothing," he said.

"What happened in the bathroom last night? Is that what's up?" she asked pressing forward.

"Yes, No!" he answered quickly and paced out into the rain taking another hit.

"I'm not going to drop it until you tell me," she said crossing her legs. He looked at her sharply.

"Look, will you just back the fuck off okay?" Phoenix snapped. She looked at him with her normal even face.

"The kids fucking you over huh?" she sighed. He looked at her and she watched as he became soaked. Phoenix took one last hit off of the cigarette before dropping it. Normally Summer would have given him hell for wasting so much, but today she let it slide.

"Only a little," he said sitting back down with a sigh.

"How so," she asked clinically. He rolled his eyes and ran his hands through his wet hair spiking it up.

"Tallahassee got Kicker to agree to take Nana," he said. Summer nodded.

"I suspected," she said before taking another hit. "You don't want to give her up?"

"No I don't," he shook his head saying the words just above the rains sound.

"So your little plan of letting her go went south?" she asked raising an eyebrow.

"I don't want her to go with those people. Have you even looked at them? They have no idea what they are doing!" he said resting his head in his hands.

"If they made it this far they know what they're doing," she replied.

"Yeah, but driving that truck, fuel is and issue and sooner or later they will fuck up and get eaten when they run out of gas," he snapped standing up again.

"You just don't want to give her up," she said.

"And what if I fucking don't?" he snapped,

"I'll do my best to understand why. I'm not knocking it man," she said. He froze.

"Qué?" he reverted back to Spanish he was so surprised.

"If you want to keep the kid fine. I don't see how it can make anything worse," she sighed. He cocked his head to the side.

"Are you Summer?" he asked. She scowled at him.

"I'm trying to be nice here asshole," she snapped. He put his hands up. "Anyway, just tell the others," she said. He shook his head.

"That's the problem… I can't, I promised that this was temporary," he said. She rolled her eyes. "I just… I don't want to give her up… and I don't want to fuck her up… and I don't want to fuck her over," he sighed.

"If you keep her?" Summer asked.

"I fucker her up… and possibly over too in the long run," he said listing them in his fingers.

"And if she goes with Kicker?" Summer took a hit.

"I give her up… I fuck her over because she will die," he said miserably.

"You don't know that," Summer shrugged.

"I don't think those guys have EVER been trained in handling a firearm!" he argued standing up again.

"So? Neither have any of us. You're the only one who has," Summer reasoned.

"I know, I know… I just… I don't like these guys," he shook his head. She stood up and put her hand on his shoulder.

"So stand up for your sorry fucking ass. You don't strike me as a push over," she said.

"Do you think she's better off with me?" he asked sounding completely honest. Summer took a moment to think.

"I think because you care enough to consider this and ask that question she definitely is," she replied. He nodded a little. "How much can you fuck her up anyways?" she added. He laughed a little.

"The dead are walking, I guess not much," he sighed.

"Do you gonna keep her then?" she asked. He shook his head slightly.

"I don't know," he said.

 

Chapter 73- Baby Girl
​

"Baby Girl I need to talk to you," Phoenix said in the evening as the rain started to let up. Nana got up from where she had been playing a muted game of go fish with Little Rock.

Phoenix closed the door to the office and sighed. "Look, I know I said you could hang with us for a while," he began.

"You're making me go with Kicker?" she asked. He sighed rubbing his hand over his face.

"I really think it will be best," he said.

"Why?" she asked as tears became visible in her eyes.

"Because you'll be safer," he said. She didn't reply. "Please don't do this to me," he added.

"I don't want to go with them," she said softly.

"You'll be a lot safer with them though. They're going to a safe zone. We're not," he tried to rationalize his thoughts. She shook her head. "I'm sorry Nana, it's not up for discussion. You have to go with them," he said as firmly as he could. She didn't say anything more until he reached for the doorknob.

"You just don't want me," she said in a voice that barely was as loud as a whisper. He froze.

"No, no, you have no idea. I'd love to keep you around, but I'm trying to do what's best for you… and I'm not it," he said before opening the door and escaping out into the other room before she could release any other emotional bomb shells.

Nana refused to come out of the office for the rest of the evening. In the late hours of the night Kicker was the one that made the call while all the others slept. "Well," he said scratching his chest like an ape. "I believe it's about time for us to hit the road," he said.

"Now?" Tallahassee asked groggily.

"I like driving at night better," Kicker replied. Tallahassee shrugged.

"Suit yourself man," he replied rolling over in his sleeping bag. Kicker and his people started to load up the semi again. Chicago and the kids helped where they could, but there wasn't that much to do. Summer sat like a fly on the wall watching the happening as if it was a movie. She watched Phoenix waiting to see what he would do.

Phoenix pushed the door to the office open and leaned against the doorframe. "Time to go," he said looking at his shoes. She stood up and he picked her up into his arms. Phoenix had backed a bag for her to take and as he walked towards the front he slung it over his shoulder. "They're going to take good care of you I promise," he said softly. She refused to speak.

The rain has slowed to a drizzle as he walked over the wet gravel of the parking lot. The back of the semi was open and one of the women stood with open arms waiting for Phoenix to hand Nana up.

"I guess this is goodbye," he said slowly. She cupped her hands and whispered into his ear.

"Please let me stay. I promise I'll be good," she said. He set her down and took her shoulder. She had a look of true desperation.

"Aw, baby, you know that's not it. I know you'd be good. I just think you'll be safer with them… I just can't take care of you," he said fighting to keep his own emotions down. She leaned in close and whispered to him again.

"Phoenix I'm afraid," she admitted.

"Baby Girl, Baby Girl, don't be afraid," he said hugging her. "Here, hold onto this," he said handing her his badge. "It always helped me," he added. She looked at him with teary eyes.

"Please," she whispered one more time. He hugged her.

"You'll be okay I promise," he whispered and picked her up. Phoenix was about to hand her over to the waiting woman, he really was, but something inside of him couldn't allow it. "Shit," he sighed under his breath. "Hey, never mind. I can't saddle you with her. She's my responsibility," he said to the lady who shrugged and closed the trucks gate looking less than heart broken.

Nana hugged Phoenix. "Thank you," she whispered.

"Oh you won't be thanking me the first time I embarrass you," he shrugged trying to play off the moment as he carried her back inside.

"What's she still doing here?" Chicago asked. Phoenix looked between his friends and Nana.

"Chicago she's gotta stay with us," he said preparing for an argument. Chicago gave a knowing smile.

"Okay," she replied simply.

"What will Boss say when he wakes up?" Phoenix asked still fearing what Tallahassee might say. Chicago looked over her shoulder and shrugged.

"What can he say? Don't worry about it. If I say Nana can stay, she can stay," Chicago smiled wiping Nana's damp hair out of her face. "You can stay as long as you want Sweetie," she said gently. Nana gave a weak smile.

Summer had started to approach the newly christened father when the first shot rang out outside. Everyone was on their feet and ready to fight in seconds. Kicker busted in through the back door and everyone turned on their heels. He'd been out back raiding the vending machines again to get every Skittle out before he left.

"Kicker?" Tallahassee asked still groggy. Kicked didn't reply, instead he charged. Summer was the first one to shoot and put him down with three shots. Everyone else just looked at the corpse.

Nana buried her face in Phoenix, and he rocked her gently in an effort to comfort her. "It's okay," he whispered softly while he held tight to his gun with his free hand.

Columbus cautiously went towards the front and looked out into the darkness. "Nothing out there," he said in a whisper.

"Get the stuff and head for the cars," Chicago replied not wanting to take any chances. Everything was too late though because the front windows broke and the barricades started to flux under the force of god only knew how many undead freaks. Everyone opened fire, but the results were poor.

"Out the back! Let's go!" Tallahassee commanded. Rita ran for the back door but stopped when she saw the mob outside.

"Where did all these fuckers come from?" Summer hissed as she shot into the crowd.

"What do we do?" Wichita asked looking around.

"Everyone in the office," Little Rock said.

"No, we'll be trapped," Dad argued. They didn't have time to further discuss the problem though because the front barricade let go all together and zombies stared to flood in. As an act of preservation everyone squeezed into the office and they locked the door then jammed the desk up in front of it.

"Now what?" Columbus panted.

"The vents," Phoenix said spotting the air vents on the ceiling. Dad and Tallahassee were leaning against the door in an attempt to keep the mob out.

"Not a chance in hell that'll work," Summer said.

"You have a better idea?" Phoenix snapped setting Nana down and grabbing the rolling chair. He stood on it but couldn't reach. "Shit," he snapped.

"Give me a boost I can reach," Chicago said. Phoenix got off the chair and licked his hands together. Even Summer watched in wonder as Chicago balanced on his shoulders.

"So glad all the fucking gymnastics paid off," Chicago grunted as she pulled the vent grid loose. "Little more and I can get in," she said. Phoenix gave a strangled sigh.

"You're pushing it," he grunted extending his hands so she could get a little extra reach. Chicago managed to squeeze herself into the vent.

"Jesus Christ this is tight," she said. "Not a chance in hell that you're gonna fit in here Tal," she said.

"That's nice babe," Tallahassee grunted as he pushed against the door with all his weight.

"Shit, it gets narrower up ahead too. Phoenix this isn't going to work," Chicago said before dropping back out of the vent. Everyone gave a few dejected sighs.

"Now what?" Summer asked. Phoenix looked around.

"I- I dunno," he sighed.

"What if I go?" Little Rock asks.

"What happens once you're out?" Chicago shook her head. Little Rock shrugged.

"Open the door… The frame will bottle neck them and we can take them one at a time," Phoenix suggested.

"Suicide," Dad objected.

"Open the fucking door," Phoenix snapped taking out his sword.

"Phoenix no," Columbus shook his head. Everyone started to yell at once after that.

"What do you mean no?" Phoenix shouted.

"Listen!" Wichita said holding up a hand. Everyone went quiet and all fell into dead silence. Tal let his weight off the door a little.

"Did they forget about us?" he asked. Chicago shook her head.

"They know we're trapped," she said. "They know we'll come out eventually."

 

Chapter 74- Ever Done It Before?​

It had been four hours and the one time Tallahassee had been foolish enough to crack the door open the horde was indeed waiting outside. They only barely managed to get it shut again.

Everyone was sitting in a circle on the floor waiting to die. "You think the others in the truck got away?" Columbus asked.

"Maybe," Wichita sighed. Summer paced around relentlessly like a tiger.

"I will not fucking die here," she muttered over and over. Phoenix just held onto Nana while he looked up at the ceiling. Chicago fumbled with her rings on her fingers as she wracked her brain for a way out of the mess they were in.

Tallahassee stood up all of a sudden. "Well… no use in denying we're stuck and we're at a disadvantage when it comes to fire power. We have to hit them head on. No out thinking monsters that don't think. We'll put the girls up in the vent and open the door," he said as if it was decided. Everyone looked at him sadly until Chicago joined him.

"He's right. Better we try now, then later when we're even more dehydrated," she nodded.

"We cannot do that," Columbus argued.

"Then come up with a better plan Columbo," Tallahassee sighed. The younger man flushed and shook his head. "Come on lets just get through this okay?" he said in his most encouraging voice.

"Okay, let me go first, a sword doesn't need reloading," Phoenix sighed. The quickly put Little Rock and Nana up in the vent and cleared the door.

"On three," Wichita said. "one… two…" she never had time to say three because the sound of an air horn came muffled through the door.

"What was that?" Rita asked stepping forward. Chicago put her ear against the door and it came again. The horn blew at infreqiont intervals with varying lengths.

"What the fuck is that?" Summer asked.

"Will you watch your mouth?" Phoenix snapped.

"Everyone shut up!" Tallahassee commanded. Hey all listened. The horn continued.

"What are they doing?" Columbus breathed.

"Morse code," Dad said. Phoenix listened with a mew ear.

"R… E….T…R….Q?....P….F?" he translated. "Been a while since I did that," he added.

"Re? Okay, TRQPF….. TRAPPED! Trapped!" Chicago said figuring it out.

"We're trapped," Tallahassee nodded.

"So they're alive out there then," Phoenix nodded.

"What's happening?" Little Rock asked poking her head out of the vent.

"The others are alive," Wichita said.

"We need something to talk back with," Summer said.

"Just use the guns," Tallahassee said.

"Sure, but how are you going to make one longer than the other?" Dad said. Tallahassee looked embarrassed for not picking up on the problem.

"I'll go up to the roof and have a look," Little Rock said.

"What?" Wichita replied alarmed.

"I can get up there and figure out what our options are. Just give me a moment," she explained. Wichita looked apprehensive but nodded. They heard Little Rock crawl off.

"Nana, why don't you come down baby," Phoenix said. When he received no response he sighed. "She went with Little Rock, of course," he muttered trying not to be alarmed.

"Go back," Little Rock ordered, but Nana refused. They found their way to the rood and opened the door crawling out onto the wet gravel of the roof. Little Rock brushed her hair out of her eyes before running to the side where the semi was. To her relief two people were on the top. "Hey!" she shouted waving her arms. The man with the airhorn looked in her direction.

"Hey!" he replied.

"How many are left?" she asked.

"Just us," he said then looked at the little boy who was sitting beside him. "He's been bit," the man added. Nana ran up standing beside Little Rock. The older girl bit her lip. She knew the man was just trying to not scare the little boy. "How many are alive in there?" the man asked.

"Nine of us," she replied.

"Can you get to your cars?" the man asked. Little Rock shook her head.

"I don't know yet, they're around back," she replied. "Just hang on, we'll come back," Little Rock called before running to the opposite side of the roof. She looked at the zombie on the ground. "Maybe fifteen," she muttered. Nana looked over the edge too. "Okay," Little Rock said with determination. "nana, go back downstairs and tell the others that I'm going to get the Caddy, drive it inside pick them up, then we can get the people on top of the trailer," She said. Nana started to go then Little Rock called out again. "And when Tal complains about me scratching the paint, tell him I'm not above leaving his ass." Nana disappeared back down into the vents.

"It's been too long," Phoenix and Wichita were both nervously pacing and watching the vent. Suddenly they heard the patter of someone crawling in Nana dropped through the hole, more by accident than anything and Phoenix caught her.

"Where's my sister?" Wichita immediately asked. Nana whispered to Phoenix.

"She say's little Rock is going to get the Caddy drive in and pick us up, then we're going to get the people on the semi," he said.

"Not my Caddy," Tallahassee whined. Nana whispered into Phoenix's ear again.

"She also says that Little Rock told her to tell you that she's not above leaving your ass," Phoenix couldn't help but grin.

"Okay okay okay," Little Rock chanted trying to get herself ready to jump down onto the overhang so she could hit the ground without breaking anything.

"Shit!" Tallahassee exclaimed.

"What?" Columbus asked.

"Keys," Tallahassee said holding up the keys to the Caddy.

Little Rock grunted as she hit the ground. She got up and sprinted to the Caddy. She only realized her mistake as she threw herself against the door and it was locked. "No," she managed to say before looking behind herself at the horde that was ready to eat her.

"Open the fucking door," Wichita screamed trying to get at the door. Columbus grabbed her holding his crazed girlfriend back. "No! No! Open the door!" she shouted.

"Calm down!" Tallahassee shouted.

"Please Wichita you need to calm down," Columbus grunted holding her back.

"That's my sister out there!" she shouted. Wichita doubled in craziness when gunfire came from outside. "Let me go!" she shouted. The fire was panicked and scattered. Then it came to an abrupt stop.

None of them had ever seen Wichita so destroyed. She fell apart and sunk to the ground sobbing. Columbus tried to console her. "I'm sure she's fine, she probably is hiding now," he whispered as Wichita bawled.

"What now?" Dad asked. Summer looked around the room.

"Give me the keys, I'll try," she said. Everyone looked at her with surprise. "I'll see if I can fit," she said. Tallahassee reluctantly handed them over. "Nana, with me. If you stay you're going to earn your keep," Summer smiled.

"No, she is not going back up there," Phoenix objected.

"Yes she is. Don't worry I'll look after her," Summer replied. Chicago helped get Summer up into the vent then looked at Phoenix. He looked at Nana.

"You're choice," he said. She looked around the room and nodded. He sighed but honored her wish and helped get her up in the vent with Summer. His heart sank as he heard them crawl off.

Rita was trying to calm Wichita alongside Columbus, but nothing was stopping the girl's wails. Chicago went to Tallahassee's side and took his hand in hers. She tried to keep a stony face, but the prospect of Little Rock not coming back was destroying them both on the inside. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

It took a bit of wiggling, but Summer and Nana made it to the roof. "Little Rock?" Summer called. "Little Rock?" she screamed again. There was no answer over the sound of the zombies and Summer pushed herself to continue with her mission. She went to the side of the roof facing the cars. There was no sign of Little Rock, just the Caddy and truck, both sitting empty.

"Hey!" a new voice came. Summer turned around and saw a man on top of the semi. She ran to the side getting closer.

"Did you see her?" Summer shouted desperately.

"Who?" he replied. Her heart sank.

"No one, never mind," Summer shook her head.

"I'm going to get the car, we'll pick you up," she said. "It is just you?"

"Yes, now," he said.

"Okay, just hang on," Summer called before running back to the side with the cars. "Damn it," she muttered looking at all the zombies.

"Too many," Nana said quietly.

"So you speak now?" Summer said dryly. The girl gave her a serious glare. "Here, call your daddy tell him we're having a problem," Summer said.

"He's not my Daddy," Nana replied.

"Fine, call the man that's keeping you alive, please," Summer sighed pulling out her cigarettes.

"I don't know his number," Nana said. Summer sighed and took the phone.

"You're going to have to learn to be less useless," she muttered. Nana's eyes started to get watery.

"Why are you so mean?" she asked.

"Because life is a bitch, get used to it," Summer replied as the phone rang. Nana let a few tears roll down her face. "Phoenix?" Summer sighed

"Yeah," he replied.

"We've hit a snag. I can't get to the cars. Too many fucking zombies," she said.

"Please don't talk like that around Nana," he replied.

"Come on man, we're all about to die and that's what you're thinking about?" Summer snapped.

"We are not going to die!" he shouted back at her. "So what can we do to work the problem?" he asked.

"I don't know," she replied. "By the way has anyone tried calling Little Rocks phone?" she asked.

"Yeah, no answer," he replied. "Hey put Nana on," he added. Summer handed over the phone. "How you doing up there honey?" he asked.

"Fine," she replied curtly watching Summer light up.

"If you want to come back downstairs you can," he said. "It's okay to leave Summer," he added.

"No, I want to be useful," Nana replied.

"Okay, be careful up there," he said.

"Bye," she replied. "What now?" Nana asked joining Summer back at the edge.

"See those gas pumps?" Summer asked. Nana looked through the darkness. "If we can find a way to blow some barrels or something, maybe we can clear a way for the others to get outside," Summer shrugged.

"We'll never make it that far," Nana said feeling fear well up in her stomach.

"We might," Summer shrugged again taking a hit. "If we make it to the car, we can drive around to the pumps. I'll fight them off while you fill the cans. We throw the cans inside and light the up. If the others survive the blast they can get out," Summer said trying to plan it all out.

"I don't know how," Nana said putting a hitch in the plan.

"Okay, well…. Maybe you can keep 'em off and I'll fill the cans," Summer suggested.

"I don't know how," Nana repeated.

"Oh come on, these are the options kid. I can't do both," Summer said. "What can you do?" Nana stared at the undead mass underneath of them for a long while.

"I can run… fast," she said. Summer looked at her.

"You realize that Phoenix will kill me if I use you as live bait," she said.

"I can do it," Nana said. Summer looked down weighing the options. She shook her head.

"No, no, it's to risky," she said finally.

"Then what do we do?" Nana asked again.

"I don't know," Summer shook her head. "We need to blow something up and thin the heard. Get to the car and pick the others up," Summer listed the priorities again. He phone rang and she answered it. "Hello?"

"Not to rush you or anything, but we're having a bit of a situation. The door is starting to break. We can't hold them much longer," Phoenix said over noise in the background.

"Okay, Okay we're working on it," Summer said before hanging up again.

"Hey! What's the news?" the man on the semi called. She looked over at him.

"We're fucked," she replied. "Our friends are trapped inside in the office and we can't get to the car."

"Anything I can do to help?" he asked.

"Not unless you have some sort of an explosive," she replied sarcastically.

"I'm sitting on top of one. We have a little propane grill. Light the tank and it'll make a nice explosion I bet," he said.

"Can you get to it?" she asked.

"Give me a minute," he replied. They watched as he carefully managed to get into the trailer through a hole cut in side. A few minutes later he crawled back out with the tank. "Okay, now what? You're crazy if you thing I can toss this thing all the way over," he said. Summer flicked her cigarette stub away.

"Just keep it for a moment," she said as her phone rang again.

"Hello?" she asked.

"Where the fuck are you? We're about to be mauled!" Phoenix exclaimed.

"Get everyone away from the door. We're going to blow those fuckers out of there," she said.

"What? Whoa wait! You're going to kill us! What are you doing?" he exclaimed.

"I'm not going to tell you again. Get away from the fucking door," Summer said.

"No! Do not blow this place you'll kill us all!" he objected.

"We don't have a choice, get away from the door put the desk up against it and cover yourselves up," she said.

"Cover ourselves with what?" he exclaimed.

"Please just trust me!" She exclaimed. Phoenix stopped arguing.

"Okay fine, but if you get us killed I am so coming back to haunt your ass," he said.

"I promise this will work," she said then hung up. Nana pulled at Summers sleeve.

"Will this work?" she asked.

"I hope so," Summer replied.

"Have you ever done it before?" the child asked.

"No," Summer replied.

"Then how do you know?" she asked.

"I don't," Summer replied.

 

Chapter 75- Not A Good Night​

The explosion was a lot better than Summer had expected. She panicked a little because all she could think of was Phoenix and the others trapped inside. Then the roof caved beneath her feet and she had to focus on her own problem. Summer pushed Nana hard and the girl skidded away onto a part of the roof that held it's shape while Summer fell down into the flames below.

The semi tipped over sending the man on top to the ground. The Zombies were equally scattered though. Burning carcasses littered the inside of the ruined building and the new zombies that came in from outside quickly caught fire as they marched right through the flames.

Summer sat up feeling the intense heat all over her body. She wasn't sure what hurt and what didn't as she stood pushing through the mental fog. She stumbled towards the door that was splintered and broken, but still on the hinges. "Please be alive," she panted feeling like she couldn't breath. She shot a few zombies before beating on the door. "Guys!" she screamed. "Chicago! Tallahassee!" she shouted coughing as smoke filled her lungs.

"Summer?" Nana called. Summer looked up at the hole in the roof she couldn't see her, but she could hear the girl.

"Nana? Nana, get off the roof!" she shouted though being strangled by the smoke.

"Hey! Anyone in here?" the man from the semi called.

"Here!" Summer shouted still beating on the door. He arrived beside her.

"Come on we gotta go this place is coming down!" he shouted above the roar of the fire around them.

"No! They're in there!" she shouted just before the door gave way and the others came out. "Thank god," she gasped.

"Come on!" Tallahassee shouted leading the way through the flames. Everyone ran through the thickening smoke. They were almost to the door when one of the zombies grabbed Dad's ankle and sank it's teeth in. He screamed and fell down. Columbus and Rita grabbed the older man and drug him outside.

"Where's Nana?" Phoenix asked above the pandemonium.

"Still on the roof," Summer said.

"No I'm not," Nana said from on top of the over hang. She jumped and Phoenix caught her.

"We gotta go!" Tallahassee said. "Summer keys!" he urged. She dug in her pockets and handed them over.

Chicago didn't move so fast though. She felt time stand still as she looked around. The light of the blaze seemed to stop the worlds rotation and everywhere she looked she saw hopelessness. Columbus and Rita were trying to deal with Dad. Wichita was still crying out for her sister. Summer looked like she was hurt pretty bad. Tallahassee and the man from Kicker's group were trying to start the trucks. Everyone was hurt. Everyone was bleeding. The undead were still coming. Crawling towards them on fire still. She raised her gun and put a few more down. Then she went to Columbus.

"You have to leave me," Dad said.

"No!" Columbus objected.

"You don't have a choice! I'm infected there is nothing we can do now," Dad said keeping a strong voice.

"We don't know that! We don't know that there's not a cure!" Columbus shouted. "Rita get ice from over there!" Columbus said holding his father's bite. Rita stood and ran over to an icebox that was on the outside of the rest stop. One side of it was charred black and the painted polar bears on the outside were melted and smeared as she opened the lid.

Rita jumped back when something moved inside. "Little Rock!" she exclaimed helping the girl out of the icebox. Wichita's head shot up and she sprinted to her sister locking into a tight embrace.

"You have to go son," Dad said.

"I'm not leaving you!" Columbus shouted.

"Son," Dad objected firmly capturing Columbus's attention. "You have to go with them. Go and be safe," he said.

"No!" Columbus shook his head.

"I'm so proud of you," Dad said. "You're smart, and I know you're going to make it through this. I love you so much, but you have to go," Dad said pulling Columbus down for a hug.

Phoenix hustled Nana Summer and Rita to the cars. Wichita and Little Rock also jumped in the trucks. Leaving Chicago and Columbus alone.

"Dad… I can't," Columbus was at a loss for words.

"You can do it son. You have to. Go on. All you need to remember is that I am so proud of the man you've grown into," Dad said. Columbus took a deep breath.

"Are you sure?" he asked. Dad nodded.

"Go on. Go take care of your family now. You and Wichita have my blessing," he smiled. Columbus stood up.

"I love you dad," he said before walking away. Chicago stood alone beside Dad.

"Can I ask a favor?" he sighed.

"Do you want me to do it?" She asked already knowing what he would want from her.

"Would you?" he said softly. She nodded and exchanged her clip for the one in her pocket. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever," he murmured watching his son move away. Chicago leveled the gun and looked away as she squeezed the trigger.

Columbus never looked back. He just felt cold as he got in the back seat of the Caddy beside Wichita. Chicago climbed in the back seat of the truck. Both vehicles pulled away. Leaving the wretched place behind.

They drove south into the desert until it was midday. The man driving, Denver, at last declared that they should pull over at the next place they found. "Here," Chicago said pointing to a tiny motel just after they passed a road sign welcoming them to Kino pop. 400.

"Where are we?" Rita asked.

"Dunno," Denver replied with his mild southern drawl. The trucks pulled in and everyone got out.

Tallahassee went onto the office and retrieved the keys to the rooms. He handed them out and everyone took a room. There were only two zombies lurking around and Phoenix quickly took care of them. They then discovered that all the rooms were joined by double doors. They all unlocked the doors and linked all six of the rooms together.

In an hours time everyone was settled in. "The kids are asleep. Rita's staying with them," Phoenix said coming into the designated 'living room' where the others were all lounging about. He sighed and sat down on the bed next to Summer, who winced at the movement, but tried to hide it.

No one spoke for a long while, then Chicago broke the silence. "Well, I guess we should talk about this," she sighed.

"There's nothing to say," Columbus said coldly.

"No, not about him. All we can say is we're sorry," she said shaking her head. "I think we need to address the fact that we need to get our shit together," she said. Everyone listened intently. "We need to get organized. Only one of us has had any training. That's fine, and truth be told I don't think it would do any good anyway, because fighting zombies is a bit different than fighting humans. What we need to do is start acting like pros though. Everyone needs to always have a side arm, everyone needs to have a rifle, and everyone should have a survival pack. Water, lighter ammo, whatever we need to ensure that everyone can stand on their own, at least for a little while. I mean we need to start being ready all the time," Chicago said.

"I agree," Phoenix nodded.

"Great fine, we all need to start packing, anything we didn't already know? Summer sighed.

"What's your problem?" Tallahassee snapped.

"Well I just don't like listening to her like she's some great strategist. We're tired, we're hurt, and we're lucky to be alive. I'm in no mood to hear her pontificate," she Summer replied.

"Oh I'm the strategist? Who was the one blowing up buildings while people were still inside?" Chicago fired back.

"I saved your sorry ass didn't I?" Summer replied. Denver watched the argument like it was a tennis match from his seat by the window.

"Yeah, you also blew it half to hell!" Chicago snapped.

"At least you were on the ground. I was on the roof!" Summer responded.

"Both of you cut it out!" Columbus snapped standing up. "I am tired, I'm hurt, my Dad just died and I am REALLY in no mood to listen to your shit. We have enough problems outside and we don't need any on the inside. I understand all of you have trust issues, but you need to get over it and act like normal-ass people! I mean fuck me!" he ranted. Tallahassee smiled because when the boy got worked up he always used the same line.

"In case it hasn't occurred to you yet, normal waved bye-bye a while ago," Summer hissed.

"I don't care! So help me next one to start a fight on purpose is going to get tossed to the zombies," Columbus replied.

"And I suppose you think you can enforce that threat?" She asked getting up in his face. Tallahassee stepped in.

"Maybe he can't but I can," he said dangerously. Summer didn't have a choice, but to back down. With one last killing glare she stormed out of the room to her own and slammed the door closed.

"Charming little group you got here," Denver chuckled. Chicago looked at the man sizing him up for the first time really. She'd just ignored him before. He was middle aged with blond hair and blue eyes. His face had an air of kindness about it.

"We're not normally this volatile, most days we only jab at each other behind each other's backs," Wichita said. He shrugged.

"We had the same problem in the semi," he said.

"I thought tragedy and disaster was supposed to bring people closer?" Columbus muttered.

"Total myth. People fall apart," Phoenix shook his head.

"So, where are ya'll heading?" Denver asked.

"Colorado," Tallahassee said.

"Better re-think that my friend. Lots of them went up into the mountains to hide. Apparently someone who went along was already infected. Not long after they were all dead... ish. Hills are swarming with them," Denver said sadly. Tallahassee looked a little dejected. "I was lucky to get out."

"Where were you heading?" Chicago asked.

"Supposedly there's a safe zone in the east," Denver said.

"And you really believe that?" Phoenix asked.

"No, but any chance that I have to meet up with my buddies," he shrugged.

"You're looking for someone?" Wichita asked.

"Yeah, some friends from the army," he said.

"You served?" Phoenix narrowed his eyes.

"Yeah, they pay for collage, and I already know you're a cop," Denver replied with a good-natured smile.

"How'd you know that?" Phoenix smiled.

"A man carries himself different once he's a cop, or an army man, you just learn to spot them," he replied. "So anyway… thanks again for saving me," he said.

"You saved us it sounds like. Without that tank we'd all be dead right now," Chicago said. He shrugged it off.

"If you don't mind, I think I'll crash for a while, get off later after some sleep," Denver said.

"You're welcome to stay," Columbus said.

"Nah, a man's gotta find his own way you know, but thanks," Denver said. "Goodnight," he added before going off to his own room. The remaining few looked around at each other.

"Everyone go get some sleep okay?" Tallahassee said.

"I'm gonna go check on miss moody over there," Phoenix sighed heading for Summer's room.

"Goodnight kids," Chicago said as she and Tallahassee retired to their own room.

"Goodnight," Wichita replied. Columbus leaned back on the bed.

"It's not night, and it's a hell of a long way from good," he sighed. She leaned back curling up beside him.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too," his voice cracked a little as he whispered the words back.

 

Chapter 76- Door Number One ​

Phoenix entered the room without knocking and found Summer sitting on the edge of the bed struggling to take her shirt off. "Hey!" She exclaimed startled to see him standing in the dim corner of the room. "Ever heard of knocking?"

"Sorry," he said. She had the curtains drawn and the light from outside filtered through them making the room a soft yellow, like light off of gold. "I just came to check on you," he said.

"Well thanks, but I'm fine," she said curtly. He watched her wince as she tried again to get her shirt off.

"Where are you hurt?" he asked. She stopped with an annoyed sigh and rolled her eyes.

"I did fall through a roof you know, cut me a break," she snapped.

"I wasn't attacking you, I just asked a question," he said as non-aggressively as he possibly could manage. "Jesus, you're defensive," he added coming a step closer.

"Okay, now that was an attack," she said with a sly smile. He smirked.

"Maybe, but it's the truth," he shrugged. She took another breath and tried one more time to get her shirt off. "Would you like some help?" he asked after watching her struggle around for a moment. She stopped and he could tell that's he hated it so he just went ahead. Gently he helped her out of it. She hissed a little lowering her arm gingerly.

Even in the low light he could see her injuries. She had a huge bruise on her ribs and one her shoulder. A few burns decorated her arms as well. His eyes fell on her cuts again.

"Took a hell of a beating," he said casually. She took a deep breath.

"Not the worst I've had," she shrugged. He couldn't help but laugh and she glared at him.

"I'm sorry," he said. "That was just so cliché," he chuckled. She rolled her eyes and he sat down on the bed. "Can you move it at all?" he asked. She looked at him with a puzzled look. "Your arm," he clarified.

"I just jammed it when I fell," she said.

"Do you mind?" he asked moving to touch her. She shook her head and he gently touched her shoulder. "I don't think anything's broken," he said.

"I told you I just jammed it," she said.

"You know you pissed Chicago off pretty bad back there," he sighed.

"She can suck it," Summer said shortly. He smiled.

"Can I ask you something? Do you care at all about these people?" he asked looking at her.

"Would I have bothered getting you out of there if I hadn't?" she replied. "I had the keys. I could have gotten out all by myself," she said. He smirked.

"You know the terrible thing about us being stuck together?" he sighed looking at his hands.

"What?" she replied.

"We know all the dirty little things about each other… and I can't look at you without thinking about all my flaws," he said. She nodded.

"Me too… but I'm almost glad at the same time because I know you're one of the toughest bastards to walk the earth," she smirked. He smiled and looked at her.

"I feel the same way… Summer… I need to ask you something, because today made me think… if shit goes wrong, and something happens to me, will you look after Nana?" he asked. She stood up.

"Hey, look, Phoenix I respect you, and I'm glad you're around, but that does not make us friends. You know how I work," she said seriously.

"Yeah I do know how you work, and that's why I don't trust anyone else," he said.

"Well, you know damn well that Chicago will look after the little brat when you die," she said.

"Oh, lets examine that word choice," he said throwing his hands in the air. "When I die?" he laughed falling back on the bed.

"Yeah, because a trend I noticed in hero cops, they always die," she said seriously.

"You know, you are so afraid of trusting someone you say things you don't mean," he sat up again. "And for what? What would be so damn bad about admitting that we have each other's back?"

"I got no problem admitting that. I have a problem when you're trying to make me into your dedicated little partner for life," she snapped.

"That's what you think I'm trying to do?" he asked with his crooked smile.

"I swear to god get the goofy grin off your face before I hit you!" she snapped. He couldn't help but smile.

"I don't want you as a partner or anything… you know what, forget it, you're right. Nana's a lot better off with Chicago," he said. Summer sighed.

"Phoenix," she said stopping him. "You know I would," she said. He looked back.

"Would what?" he asked.

"I'd watch the little brat… I don't like owning up to the fact that I'm that soft though," she said.

"Nana said you told her life is a bitch," he said. Summer laughed.

"At least you know I won't lie to her," she smiled. He took a step getting very close to her.

"Don't say you'll watch her unless you mean it. I had a bitch rob me of my little girl before, I'm not going to let it happen again," he said seriously. Summer looked at him unsure of how to respond.

"I won't play mommy… not while you're alive not when you're dead, but you know I'll fight. I'll fight to protect either one of you," she said.

"Now why would you fight to save me?" he asked. She gave him a long look.

"I like you Phoenix," she said simply. He acted on instinct and leaned in kissing her.

"I like you too," he whispered before starting to leave again.

"Hey," she said stopping him. "Stay here tonight."

 

Chapter 77- Door Number Two ​

Chicago and Tallahassee were both silent for a long time after they closed the door and crawled into bed. She curled up as close as possible and put her arm across his chest. He sighed long and loud.

"It was no ones fault," He said finally. "Just bad luck."

"I know," she replied.

"You're just thinking about Columbus?" Tallahassee breathed.

"Yeah, he's all on his own now," she said.

"Nah, he's got us. That's not alone," Tallahassee replied.

"Yeah, but it's not the same either. We're not exactly model parents," she smiled.

"Well maybe not you," he chuckled back.

"Oh yeah, I forget sometimes, I don't punch him nearly enough to be a good mother," she laughed.

"Well, it's typical. I am the father after all and you're the softie mother… What a fucked up family," he laughed.

"The troubled adopted child played beautifully by Summer, Aunt Rita and Uncle Phoenix, and all of us are just together for a pleasant road trip," Chicago said.

"Maybe if we try real hard we can believe that," he laughed.

"Just shut your eyes and pretend," she replied with a smile. "I can't believe you're okay with this. Having a family."

"Well, I don't give a shit, so long as I have you 'round," he smiled stroking her hair.

"I love you," she said.

"I love you too," he whispered.

"Tal?" she asked.

"Mmm?" he replied closing his eyes.

"Do you want kids?" she asked.

"We already have kids," he replied thinking that she was joking.

"No I mean kids of our own," she whispered. Tallahassee was immediately awake.

"Ho whoa whoa! Kids?" he exclaimed sitting up.

"Yeah you know, Those short little half people. They start out small and grow up big," she said patiently. Tallahassee scooted back resting against the headboard.

"What do we need kids for?" he asked.

"Oh, I don't know, we don't really need them. I was just wondering if you wanted them?" she said.

"Well…. I don't know, do you want them?" he asked realizing he was treading on very dangerous turf.

"Maybe," she shrugged.

"Well babe, I'm not sure that would be the smartest thing, bringing a tiny helpless person, who also is very edible, into the middle of a Zombie shitstorm," he said slowly hoping to defuse the situation.

"Tal, I'm not so afraid of losing something that I won't try to have it," she said. He gave a sad laugh.

"Isn't a chance in hell you can understand what you just said… Look, why are we even talking about this? You don't need kids, you got me," he said with a smile. She folded her arms un-amused by the joke.

"Tal," she shook her head. "I want to find someplace to settle down, and once we do I want to live like a normal person," she said.

"Chicago, things are never going to be normal," he said.

"Well we could sure as hell try," she said. There was an angry silence and she brushed her hair out of her face. "I'm not trying to rush it. I don't mean that we should right now… or maybe at all…. You know, I don't know. I don't know what I'm trying to tell you…. I guess I'm just warning you, that eventually I want to settle down," she said. He sighed licking his lips.

"I thought that was where you were heading with this," he sighed.

"So essentially what you're telling me is you won't," she replied.

"No, babe, I do love you, but I don't think any of the normal relationship rules apply," he shrugged.

"Of course, because on any normal day I wouldn't let a guy fuck me before he said he loved me," she quipped.

"You put way too much on those words," he sighed.

"It's important," she said uncrossing her arms and facing him.

"Well, something's don't need to be said… something's you should just know," he said. Chicago shut up and let a sigh go.

"I know," she whispered. "I know you love me… and I know I'm moving fast, but I'm still operating on the fact that we don't know how much time we have left," she said. "I want to live all of life's sweetest moments before I go," she whispered. He put his hand on her cheek, stroking the pale remains of a scar under her eye with his thumb.

"I know, me too… It's just that kids are a big BIG step," he said.

"That's why I said maybe not today or tomorrow, but eventually," she said.

"Maybe," he said.

"I wanna know that we're more than a fling," she said resting against his shoulder.

"You know we are," he said kissing the top of her head. "I love you."

 

Chapter 78- Door Number Three​

Columbus couldn't sleep. Even after an hour of pillow talk with Wichita. He still couldn't believe how fast it had happened. One minute his father was fine, the next Chicago was blowing his head off.

His hand went to the necklace resting on his chest. The stone on the chain brought no comfort to him. All the Indian magic in the world wouldn't help him now. Columbus rolled over again and his eyes drifted around the room lazily.

Wichita, who he thought was asleep, rolled over and wrapped her arm around him from behind, kissing the back of his neck. "Did I wake you?" he asked.

"No, I was awake," she whispered. He took a deep breath. "It wasn't your fault," she said. Columbus couldn't stop a tear. She hadn't said anything about his father yet. They'd been dancing around it the whole time.

"I know," he said.

"Neither of them… there's just nothing you can do," she said.

"I know," he repeated himself. "I'm just afraid now," he said.

"We're all afraid," she whispered.

"No, I'm not afraid of the zombies… or dying…. I'm afraid of the fact that there's nothing I can do," he whispered back. Columbus rolled over. "Who's it going to be next time? You? Little Rock? Chicago?"

"Don't think like that," Wichita said gently. He shook his head looking deep in her beautiful eyes.

"I spent my whole life looking for you. I'd do anything to keep you safe," he said. She put her hand on his face trying to memorize every detail of him.

"Me too," she replied.

"I love you so much," he said. "I'm just afraid of what happens next," he sighed.

"You know that no matter what happens I'll always love you right?" she whispered.

"I know and I'll always love you too," he replied. Columbus kissed her forehead and sat up. She looked at him as he sat on the edge of the bed, his slim frame hunched over as he held his head in his hands. She knew he was crying. Taking a breath to collect himself he straightened up. "I just don't see hope anymore… we don't have a light at the end of the tunnel anymore. There's no hope, no reason to go on living just so we can die one by one," he said miserably.

Wichita sat up drawing her knees to her chest. She played with the sheets as she spoke. "Yes there is," she said slowly. "Columbus, I thought I was pregnant for a while," she said. He spun around looking at her with red eyes. "I didn't tell you because I wasn't sure… and I was so scared," she said. He couldn't speak he was so stunned. "But at the end, just before I found out that I wasn't… I started to feel happy. I started to feel hopeful, because I knew that we would have a wonderful life," she said.

"Why didn't you tell me?" he managed to stammer.

"I don't know. I didn't want you to be upset," she said. "That's out hope right there, Will. We're a family and we're going to go on living. One day we'll have kids, and then you'll have a brand new reason to keep living," she said.

"My father told me to take care of my family," Columbus said. "What happens if I can't?" he asked.

"You can and you won't be alone. You've changed so much since we met," Wichita whispered hugging him tight. "Everyday you get a little stronger. I love you Columbus. That's the only reason we need," she whispered in his ear. He held onto her tight for a few moments before he let go and kissed her.

"Get some sleep," he said.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"I just need a walk," he said pulling on his shirt and leaving swiftly. Wichita laid back down in the bed and slept fitfully.

 

Chapter 79- Too Much To lose ​

Columbus sat outside in the sun for a long time. Normally he would never stay in the light without sun block for so long, but for some reason he just didn't care. He crawled up onto the hood of the truck and leaned back against the windshield with his gun resting across his lap.

He watched the clouds drift past above his head and contemplated what Wichita had told him. "Please God, a little help is all I'm asking for," he sighed closing his eyes. Columbus didn't mean to fall asleep, but slowly he drifted off.

Columbus woke up to the sound of a door closing. He sat up with a start and followed the sound to its source. Denver was yawning and stretching outside his room before he put his baseball cap on and walked out. He spotted Columbus and approached the younger man.

"What are you doing out here?" he asked. Columbus looked around through the orange light of dusk.

"Nothing, you?" Columbus replied.

"I'm gonna see if I can get that old pick-up going," Denver said. Columbus looked over at the lone truck. It's paint was rusted and chipping. The older man went to the truck and tried the doors first. They were unlocked and he slid into the drivers seat checking the ignition and above the visor. "No keys," he murmured. Columbus approached the truck as Denver scratched around under the seat. "She's old enough I should be able to wire her," he grunted pulling a flash light out. "Bingo, here give me a hand," he said handing over the flashlight to Columbus.

"You done this before?" Columbus asked as Denver opened the hood.

"Once or twice," he smiled. "Shine it right on in there," he said pointing into the trucks innards. Columbus held the flashlight steady. "Sorry about your dad," he said as he started fiddling with the wires.

"Don't worry about it," Columbus said. Denver took his Swiss army knife out and started cutting some of the wires. "Is this safe?" Columbus asked.

"There's a slight chance of electrocution," Denver replied trying to concentrate.

"How slight?" Columbus asked.

"Maybe a bit over 60%" Denver said.

"Fuck that's not slight," Columbus exclaimed.

"Well, lets see," Denver said tapping the wire against the battery. A spark flew and Denver jumped back with a yelp. "Goddamn it!" he shouted shaking his hand.

"You okay man?" Columbus asked.

"Yeah," Denver hissed before sitting down as he held his hand. Columbus turned the flashlight off and sat down beside the near stranger. Denver started to smile as he looked at his reddening hand.

"What?" Columbus asked.

"It's just ironic you know? Every single time. I've wired four cars before… every time I got shocked," he said. Columbus gave a small snort of laughter. "Out of those four, three of them were for girls who had lost their keys," Denver added.

"Tell me that doesn't signify love," Columbus sighed with an amused smile.

"Oh I does," Denver nodded. "And you keep putting your hand back in despite getting bit every time," he smiled.

"Is it worth it?" Columbus asked.

"Couldn't say," Denver shook his head. "I suppose it'd for every man to decide for himself," he said. They sat in silence for a while. "It's beautiful out here," he said looking at the peachy sky.

"It is nice," Columbus nodded. "So did you have any family before the plague?" he asked.

"Yeah, I have a daughter, I'm hoping she's still out there," Denver nodded. "She's probably about your age by now," he sighed. Columbus felt bad for bringing it up. Another broken family. Denver stood up again. "So, Columbus, are you going to tell me the real reason you're out here?" he asked.

Columbus felt a cold chill run up his back. He looked at his feet and sighed. "I don't know if I can handle it," he said. Denver started to fiddle with the wires under the hood again.

"Handle what?" he asked.

"Being here," Columbus said. "I don't know if I can handle having so much to lose," he said. Denver stopped and looked up.

"Boy do you want to know the number one virtue of a man?" he asked standing up straight. Columbus looked back at him evenly. "Loyalty… above all things," Denver said. "If you have a good thing you have to be loyal to it. One-hundred percent. Don't tell me you're thinking of bailing on your friends," he said as he ducked back under the hood. Columbus shrugged.

"I don't know what I'm going to do," he said.

"You need to get your act together. Stick out the bad and wait for the good," Denver said as he played with the wires.

"What good?" Columbus asked.

"You said you're afraid of having so much to lose, well let me tell you, doesn't matter where you go, you'll have something to lose," Denver replied.

"That's why I wasn't thinking of going anywhere," Columbus sighed.

"Gonna blow your head off huh?" Denver asked completely unshaken by the confession. He stood up and faced Columbus square on. "Let me tell you a story. There was once a man, who met a girl and fell in love. He knew he could never take care of her right without a little help so he parked his ass in the military. A decade later he had a bachelor's degree and was married and had a kid. Good life yeah? Things can go to shit real fast. They had another little girl… she was born with tumors in her brain," he said. Columbus felt his chest tighten, but Denver seemed emotionless. "It took eight months for the doctors to finally admit to her parents that there was nothing they could do. Eight months of torture for that little girl… the only eight months she ever had. Her Daddy in all his wisdom fell apart," he said quickly as he leaned against the truck and folded his arms. "He couldn't see how much he still had to lose. How much he still was blessed with… So he took to drinking, and gambling… and boy, he really did it. When his wife and daughter needed him most he was at the craps tables. They hung on for about a year, gave him time enough to park all of them in the poor house, before they finally wised up and left. He didn't see them again for eight years," he said.

Columbus was quiet for a long time. "That was you?" he managed to choke out. Denver nodded.

"I messed up… and it was all because I fooled myself into thinking that there was nothing more to live for. I fooled myself into thinking that because Jessy was gone that I didn't have anything left," he said.

"I'm sorry," Columbus said.

"Don't be, just learn from it. You have got a whole troop in there that loves you… you have a girl that would die for you. I can see it by the way she looks at you. Loyalty, be loyal to them, to her. Part of that loyalty is always just being there," Denver said. Columbus nodded. "After I sobered up, I prayed to god that I would see them again everyday," Denver said. Columbus watched the older man start in on the wires again. "The lord has a funny way of working. I walked into a convenience store as it was being robbed and got shot. I almost died and they called my ex… she brought my daughter and I got to see them both… I think I disappointed them when I pulled through," he said. "They came for a funeral not a reunion."

"What made you realize?" Columbus asked.

"I woke up one morning, all alone, and just started to cry… I'd gambled away my wedding ring the night before. Been sober ever since," Denver said. He closed the hood. "This ain't working," he sighed wiping his forehead.

"We'll get you a truck in town," Columbus sighed.

"Columbus?" Wichita called from the doorway. Both the men turned.

"Having something to lose and dying because of it is easier than having to live with nothing to lose," Denver said softly as he gave Columbus a small push in the back. "Mighty sorry about your dad, mighty happy you got her," he added.

"Thanks for the talk," Columbus said.

"Any time son," Denver shrugged. Columbus went to Wichita and immediately kissed her.

"Come back to bed?" she asked.

"I'm coming."