Here is an excerpt from Part 3 of my Darkness Series on Tales of World War Z
Katie watched, thinking about the run from the hardware store. When Brian explained to Katie that he had transportation she didn’t think it would be a motorcycle. The air rushing past her as Brian had made his way to the suburbs felt nice but to see the devastation that was left in the wake of the darkness wasn’t and it caused her heart to sink. She wondered and not for the first time, if they could ever be the same again; with parades, picnics and Monday night matinees at the theatre. Katie turns around to see Helga frolicking in the tall grass behind the porch attempting to catch gnats buzzing above her head. She smiles as she begins biting her nails, right arm crossed and under the other, obviously discontent with her surroundings but more or less happy to see Helga having fun. She turns back to Brian and notices he’s stopped prying and now has his ear to the door. Katie bends down so she’s closer to Brian.
“What’s wrong?” She asks in a worried whisper.
“Eh, thought I heard a noise.” He responds as he moves the crowbar back and grabs the shotgun.
Inside The House – Salvation
I can hear the noise clearly as I open the door; a long low creak explodes from the old hinge as I nudge it open. Again, a small mistake that could cost me my life but I’m too worried to notice. I look straight; the French style front doors with glass windows are just in front of me. The noise has stopped but I know it isn’t coming from there. Rifle in front of me I start a right hand turn into the hallway bringing the rear doors into the M4’s view. I creep closer and hear something that I hadn’t heard in ages; a voice, a woman’s voice at that.
“What’s wrong?” It asks.
There’s an indistinct shuffle and another voice, a mans. I lie and wait, it could be some other survivor, maybe they found me, and maybe they’re going to try and take what I have, to kill me. Sweat begins to form on my brow, my hands becoming wet as I grip the rifle tighter, afraid it may slip.
“Come on, let’s go.” I hear the mans voice, clear and distinct if a bit older.
“No, wait!” I say aloud. I immediately curse myself for talking before thinking, it could cost me dearly.
“We’re just leaving, we don’t want any trouble.” I hear the man say. The woman speaks again, and more shuffling can be heard.
“Please, we just need a place to stay, we’re so tired.” The woman says, this voice sounds young and slightly seductive.
“Dammit girl, get back.” I hear more shuffling as the man speaks. “Like I said we didn’t mean you any…” I stop him in mid sentence.
“Look, you sound alright. I’m alright too. How many of you are there?” I ask, the name Brian ringing a bell in my head.
“Two.” The girl answers. “Well, actually three, we have a cat.” I can hear a sigh and picture the man shaking his head.
“Look, I’m here by myself, I’ve been here for over a month and mean you no harm as well. I… I have food.” I say, again wanting to kick my own ass for jumping the gun, again.
“What’s your name son?” The man asks.
“Doug.” I say. “Douglas Hill to be exact. And you?” The sweat starts dripping onto the floor as I wait for his response.
“Names Brian and this is Katie.” He says.
“Brian what?” Wanting to know for sure, my heart racing still.
“Gren, Brian Gren.”
“Hold on.” I say. “Let me open this door.”