The Undead Adventures of Chas (Book 4): Next Gen Read online

  One inch.

  Two inches.

  Three.

  Suddenly, her free leg connected with something solid, and she managed to launch herself upward with a strong kick. The fingers clutching her boot fell away, and she was free as Alvarez drove off, putting distance between them and the horde.

  A few miles further, he pulled over, and she climbed into the backseat with a grunt of relief. “Man, that was close.”

  “Too close,” Alvarez agreed.

  “Yeah, this whole trip has been nothing but a disaster. It’s been a week, and we’re nowhere near Washington,” Julia said, reaching for a bottle of water and disinfectant.

  “Cheer up,” Sanchez said. “It could be worse.”

  “How? First, the truck broke down, then we had to take a huge detour because of the blocked highway, and now the tire burst. What more could go wrong?” Julia asked.

  “Easy. We could be dead already,” Sanchez said with a perfectly straight face.

  Julia sighed. “I know, but I’m worried about all the people in the safe zone. The barricade won’t last forever, and neither will their food.”

  “Have faith, chica. Everything will be fine,” Sanchez said.

  “I hope you’re right, Sanchez,” Julia said as she lay back in her seat, thinking of Chas and her friends. “I really hope so.”

  Chapter 3

  When they got back to the base, Chas climbed out of the truck with supreme reluctance. Not even the guns she’d found would be enough to mollify Lieutenant Stokes, and she knew it. Dean and Vanessa threw her sympathetic looks before running off, leaving her to face the music alone.

  “Some friends they are,” she muttered, though she couldn’t blame them. She’d do the same if she were in their shoes. Lieutenant Stokes was a force to be reckoned with, her grandfather’s right-hand man, and in overall command of both the supply runs and their fighting forces.

  Dragging her feet, she walked over to the waiting Stokes, and his expression was every bit as thunderous as she’d imagined it would be. “I’m glad to see you decided to grace us with your presence, Chasity.”

  “It’s Chas,” she replied, hating the sound of her full name on his lips. “And I almost didn’t make it, thanks to you.”

  He smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You put the entire mission at risk when you decided to go off on your own. You can be grateful I didn’t leave your butt behind to become zombie chow.”

  Chas bristled and opened her mouth, but Vanessa’s stern warnings jumped to mind, and she closed her lips again. Instead, she stared at her boots, focusing on the bits of mud that clung to the worn toes.

  Lieutenant Stokes sighed. “Chas, I don’t want to be the bad guy here. God knows, I respect your grandfather too much for that. He knows how to handle a large group of people, how to ration and stockpile, plan and defend. It’s the only reason I defer to his authority and why I don’t pull rank on him as an enlisted officer.”

  “Yeah, I know. I’m sorry,” Chas mumbled.

  “Are you?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Look, I know you’ve been through a lot. More than most kids your age could be expected to go through.”

  “But, that’s just it. I’m not a kid anymore. I’ve killed zombies, defended the safe zone from them, escaped from the same safe zone while it was surrounded by them, made it all the way here, warned Grumps, and I’m still here. We did that. My friends and I.”

  “I realize that, and you’re right. You’re not kids anymore. But you’re not adults, either, and like it or not, you still have a lot to learn. That’s where I come in.”

  “But why?” Chas burst out. “I can look after myself.”

  “Everybody needs someone, Chasity.”

  “It’s Chas.”

  “You have to understand, this is not just about you. I have to consider the safety and welfare of everyone, not just one stubborn teen who thinks she knows better.”

  Chas bit on her lower lip. Stokes was right. She knew it. So was Vanessa. But, she couldn’t help feeling the way she did. Ignored, marginalized…tolerated. “I’m sorry, Sir. It won’t happen again.”

  Stokes stared at her for a few seconds before his face hardened. “Sorry isn’t good enough. You need to learn discipline. Five laps around the park, a hundred sit-ups, and no supper.”

  Her head jerked up, and she stared at him. “What? You’re kidding. I said, I’m sorry.”

  He shook his head. “If only I believed you.”

  Lieutenant Stokes turned his back and walked away, leaving Chas alone in the gathering dusk. A rumble ran across the heavens, and a cool breeze stirred the leaves on the branches. It was about to rain. “Great. Now I’m going to get wet too.”

  With a hanging head, she made her way to the enclosed park where the inhabitants of the base got their exercise. It was placed across from the church where Grumps originally settled his followers. After securing the neighboring buildings and barricading the streets, he’d expanded the base to include almost the entire block including the park.

  Ever since they’d arrived, it had been a mad rush to secure more weapons, ammunition, food, and medical supplies. While she, Vanessa, and Dean often went out on supply runs, Emily spent most of her time in the infirmary learning to treat patients. Chas had a good idea she’d become a doctor or scientist one day.

  As for Vanessa and Dean, their relationship was growing stronger by the day, and they’d both settled into Lieutenant Stokes’ command with relative ease. That left Chas, feeling more and more like an outsider. Without really acknowledging it, she was growing more resentful by the day. I’m the outsider now. The one who doesn’t fit anywhere.

  They just didn’t get it. She’d done so much, and come so far, why should she listen to some trumped up soldier just because he was older than her? Older didn’t always mean wiser.

  “Well, let’s get this over with,” Chas grumbled as she pushed her aching muscles into a jog. She was still sore from her run earlier, and her leg burned where the coyote had chomped her. “Thanks a lot, Lieutenant Stokes.”

  Chapter 4

  Chas ignored the guards posted on the walls as she jogged. They’d witnessed the encounter with Stokes and were no doubt laughing their heads off at her humiliating defeat. Instead, she focused on putting one foot ahead of the other until she caught her second wind. She’d done three laps when she was joined by a familiar face.

  Anke.

  The girl had recovered well from her injuries in the car crash, a sprained wrist, bruised ribs, and six stitches to close a gash on her head. They’d become friends since then, and often trained together. At least, she doesn’t ignore me like the rest do.

  Anke settled in beside her, and together they ran the final two laps. It started raining half-way through, and the soft drizzle soaked them both to the skin. After Chas did the required sit-ups, they sought shelter beneath a tree.

  “How’s it going?” Anke asked.

  Chas shrugged. “So, so.”

  “Want an apple?” Anke said, producing the fruit from her pocket. “I heard about your punishment. No supper, huh?”

  Chas accepted the apple with a grateful smile. “You know Stokes.”

  “He’s a tough one,” Anke agreed.

  A few minutes passed in silence while Chas ate the fruit, musing that neither Vanessa nor Emily was here to support her. She tossed the apple core away. “Thanks, that was kind of you.”

  “What are friends for?”

  “We are friends, aren’t we?” Chas mused. “Even though we barely know each other.”

  “The apocalypse makes for strange bedfellows,” Anke agreed. “Especially, when you have no one else.”

  “I never asked before, but what happened to you?” Chas asked.

  Anke shrugged. “My parents got sick after going to a friend’s barbeque. The tainted meat, you know?”

  Chas nodded.

  “They started acting real weird. The strangest moment for me was when my dad grabbed raw steak from the freezer and ate it.” Anke shuddered. “He looked like a monster with the blood dribbling down his chin.”

  “That must have been awful for you,” Chas said.

  “Yeah, but the worst was when my mom attacked my brother. She took a chunk out of his arm. I shoved her away and ran with him to my room, locking us in.”

  “What happened then?”

  “We sat there for a day. By that time, my brother was also sick. Then the soldiers arrived, and you know what they did to infected.”

  Chas didn’t have to ask. She knew. She’d seen it happen when the soldiers killed Andrew’s infected parents and him by mistake. “Even your brother? They killed him?”

  “He’s gone.” Anke looked away. “I swore to protect him, Chas, and I failed. When he was born, I was so proud to be a big sister, and now he’s gone. They’re all gone.”

  “I’m sorry,” Chas said, feeling the inadequacy of her words. She still had her family. Grumps, Lala, Vivienne. They were all still alive.

  “It’s okay. I ran away from the soldiers that day and survived on my own until I found you.” Anke smiled. “At least, I’ve got you now.”

  “Of course, you do. Friends,” Chas said.

  “Friends,” Anke echoed.

  A rumble of thunder passed overhead, and the rain fell harder, pattering on the ground until it drowned out all other sounds.

  “I guess we should go in,” Chas said with a shiver. “We’ll get sick if we don’t dry off.”

  It was the kind of thing her grandmother would say, and suddenly, she missed Lala more than ever. I wish she were here with me, safe and sound. All of them. Mom, Vanessa’s foster mom…everyone.

  “Do you feel like going on an adventure?” Anke asked out of the
blue.

  “Huh?” Chas stared at her like she’d grown a second head.

  “Yeah, an adventure.” Anke nodded her head eagerly. “Something fun.”

  “What do you mean exactly?” Chas asked with caution, trying to ignore the frisson of excitement that unfurled in her belly.

  “I thought we could check out the safe zone,” Anke said.

  “We?”

  “Yeah, you and me. We make a good team. Besides, you’re the only one I know of that can hotwire a car.”

  “I nearly got us killed last time. I was lucky I got that car going at all,” Chas protested.

  “So? You did it, didn’t you? This time there won’t be any zombies chasing us,” Anke replied.

  “When?”

  “Tonight, when everyone’s gone to bed. They don’t watch the vehicles,” Anke said. “Plus, I know a way out. I’ve already arranged it. We won’t get caught.”

  “You want to sneak out in the middle of the night, steal a car, and visit the safe zone? Just like that?” Chas asked with disbelief. “You’re crazy.”

  “Why?” Anke asked. “Don’t you want to know if you’re family is safe?”

  “We can’t get in. The zombies⁠—”

  “Yes, I know about the zombies, but we can at least make sure they haven’t broken through the barrier.”

  “But, we know they haven’t. We’d have heard if they had, so why go on this…this adventure of yours?” Chas said.

  Anke shrugged. “I’m bored, and it could be fun.”

  “Fun? You’d go to all that risk for fun?” Chas said, shaking her head. “I’m sorry, but I’m out.”

  “Please, Chas. Just think about it. Maybe we see something the adults missed. Something that can save the people in the safe zone. I mean, it’s not so safe anymore, is it?”

  “No, but Grumps and the others are working on a plan,” Chas said.

  “Are they? Really?”

  “What are you saying? That they’d abandon those people?” Chas said with growing anger. “My grandfather would never do that. Never!”

  “That’s not what I meant. I just think they’re waiting for Alvarez and his party to return with help, but what if they don’t? Or what if they’re too late? It’s been a week already.”

  Chas stared at Anke, a million things running through her mind. Many of the things Anke had said, she’d thought of already. What if Alvarez and Julia didn’t make it back on time. Or at all. Did Grumps have a plan B? “I’m sure my grandfather and Stokes will think of something.”

  “Maybe, but we’re smart too. I’m sure we can figure something out. We just need to look at the terrain, that’s all,” Anke urged.

  “What if they do catch us?” Chas said. “They’ll ground us. Lock us up.”

  “If we’re careful, we’ll be back before dawn. Aren’t you tired of doing nothing but stupid supply runs while the adults get to do all the good stuff?” Anke said, folding her arms and lifting her chin in the air. “I looked after myself for weeks after my parents died. I was alone all that time, fighting zombies, scrounging for food, looking after myself. I don’t need these people to tell me what to do, and neither do you. We’re survivors. Fighters.”

  “I know, but it’s too dangerous. Anything could go wrong,” Chas said.

  “That’s part of the adventure, isn’t it?”

  Chas gazed out into the park, the trees blurred by the falling rain. The sun had set, and night had fallen, thick and heavy. The seed of doubt she’d carried all along now blossomed beneath Anke’s words. What if help didn’t arrive in time? What if the safe zone fell and everyone died when they could’ve come up with a plan. Her and Anke. All it would take is a quick look, right?

  “Come on, Chas. You know you want to,” Anke said. “What if you and your friends never snuck out of the safe zone? You took a risk then. A big one that worked out.”

  Chas slowly shook her head, fighting against the temptation to give in. “No, I won’t. I’m sorry.”

  “Fine, have it your way. I’ll find some other way to save them. To save everyone,” Anke said, stomping off into the night.

  Chas stood stock still for several minutes after Anke left, chewing over the conversation they’d had. Was she making a mistake? Was she being a coward? “No. I’m being responsible, that’s all. Like Stokes wanted.”

  With determined strides, Chas made her way to Grumps’ room. She needed reassurance from him. To hear from his own lips that he had a plan. She crossed the street and bypassed the church, entering a neighboring building where her grandfather had set up his quarters. She stopped at her room first, stripping off her wet clothes and towel-drying her hair.

  Neither Vanessa or Emily was to be seen, and she guessed they were having supper. Her stomach growled at the thought, but at least, she’d had the apple. It was better than nothing. “Hope they’re enjoying their full bellies.”

  Chas found Grumps inside his office, pouring over a map. He looked up when she entered and frowned. “There you are.”

  She approached the desk slowly, wondering at his foul mood. “Hi, Grumps. I wanted to ask you something.”

  “Yes?”

  “What happens if Julia and Alvarez don’t come back in time?”

  “What do you mean?” Grumps asked with a frown.

  “It’s been days, and we haven’t heard anything from them.”

  “Delays are to be expected. Besides, we knew we’d lose communication the moment they got out of range of our radios.”

  “Yeah, but do you have a plan for in case they don’t come back? To save Lala and Mom?”

  Grumps looked down at his desk. “We’re working on it. I’m sending out recon teams every single day to look for a way out.”

  “Could I go on one of those recons?” Chas asked. “Maybe all you need is a fresh perspective.”

  “Absolutely not,” Grumps replied in abrupt tones.

  Chas sucked in a breath. “Why not?”

  “Lieutenant Stokes told me what happened today. I’m very disappointed in you, Chasity Martin.”

  Chas’ heart sank into her boots. She knew she was in real trouble when he used her full name like that. “I’m sorry about that, Grumps.”

  “I’m suspending you from all further supply runs until further notice,” Grumps said.

  “What? You can’t do that,” Chas protested, her mouth turning dry with horror.

  His eyebrows lifted. “I can, and I will. You will not leave this base without my express permission.”

  “That’s unfair. What about Vanessa, and Dean?” Hot blood stained her cheeks as anger flooded her veins. He can’t do this to me!

  “They, unlike you, have proven themselves to be responsible young people. They can be relied upon. They follow orders. They are willing to learn. Are you?”

  “Of course, I am. I won’t disobey again. I’m sorry,” Chas cried, desperate to turn his decision around. “Please, Grumps. Don’t ground me.”

  “I’m sorry, Chasity, but you’ve left me no choice. Until you’ve proven to me that I can trust you, you are to remain here. Understood?” Grumps’ voice carried a note of finality, and she knew she’d lost the battle.

  “I understand,” she muttered, before fleeing from the room. Her flying feet carried her to her bed where she lay sobbing at the unfairness of it all.

  After a time, tears gave way to rage, and she pummeled the cushions in frustrated anger. How dared he ground her? After everything she’d done. It wasn’t fair.

  Chas sat upright, wiping the tears from her face. Anke was right. They were survivors. Fighters. And they didn’t deserve to sit on the sidelines. “It’s time to take matters into my own hands.”

  She searched the corridors until she found Anke who eyed her with wary caution. “I’m in. I’ll go with you.”

  “Really?” Anke’s face lightened up with a broad grin.

  “Yes. Grumps grounded me. I’ve got nothing more to lose,” Chas said.

  “What about your friends?”

  “Forget them. They’re responsible young people now. They won’t understand,” Chas said, mimicking Grumps.

  “Okay. Meet me at the parking lot around midnight. Armed, of course,” Anke said.

  “I’ll be there,” Chas replied. Her empty stomach twinged as she turned away. “Oh, bring something to eat, will you? I’m starving.”