Free Better Lucky than Good (Records of the Resistance) by Shaun Meehan Page A

relieve his aching back.

CHAPTER THREE
Day 3, 31 Days Post Infection

    Clay had awoken before having opened his eyes. He remained still, attempting to appear as if he was still asleep. Clay had an odd feeling. A feeling as if someone were standing over him. He silently wondered if it could be Melanie, searching through their packs which had been leant against the bed the night before. There was however, another possibility. Which was that there had been a remaining infected whom they had not found last night. Clay felt like a fool. After the beating he took while participating in their previous encounter, he had agreed to end the night's search of the building in favour of getting some rest. He and Mel should have finished clearing the remainder of the building before they had settled in for the day.

    It had been a grievous mistake whose consequences may prove to be fatal. With the world in its current state of disarray, there was no room for foolishness. Clay knew that given their environment, making a first mistake would likely end up being a last. Briefly, he contemplated whether or not this was where his story would end, while considering his next move.

    Melanie stirred in the bed as she laid next to him. Clay felt her foot brush against his, and was now certain that whoever was standing over him wasn't Mel.

    All of his weapons were on the floor at the foot of the bed, draped across his pack. The only exception being his shotgun, which he had leant against the bed directly beside him. Regardless of his armament, Clay knew that he had to make the first move. Reaching for his shotgun would leave him vulnerable, if only for a second and his attacker could capitalize on that moment before he could mount his gun. His best chance was to attack first and attempt to take his opponent to the ground. Hopefully, during the struggle Melanie would wake quickly and in realizing what was transpiring, would come to his aide. He hoped for both his and Melanie's sake, that there was only a single individual now standing over them.

    Clay mentally prepared himself as best he could. The muscles in his back burned from his awkward fall last night during their previous fight. Laying as still as he could, Clay filled his lungs with a single deep breath and threw himself over the edge of the bed. After locating a man to his front, Clay lunged towards him, driving his shoulder into the figure's midsection. Wrapping his arms around the man's thighs, he lifted his opponent into the air as he crashed into him. With momentum on his side, Clay managed a few steps before slamming him down on the floor.

    "ALIVE! ALIVE! I'M ALIVE!" the infected choked, his breath having given out when he hit the floor.

    Clay immediately ceased his attempt to gain the dominant position over his opponent so as to beat him senseless, instead pinning him to the ground.

    "Yup. He's definitely alive..." Mel said, from outside of Clay's vision.

    Clay looked over his shoulder toward where Melanie's voice had projected from, to see her standing overtop of them with her rifle in hand. She was pointing it directly at the unknown man's head. Clay couldn't help but feel a little bit of pride in Melanie as he stood to his feet.

    "How the hell did you get in here?" he asked, looking down at his would be attacker.

    The man's hands were positioned in front of his face as if he were about to defend himself from an incoming blow.  

    "I've been here for weeks! I work here!" he said in a panic stricken voice. "... Or... Formerly worked here."

    Clay looked over to Melanie and gave her a slight wave of his hand. His intention was obvious to her and she lowered her rifle. The man was terrified enough and there was no need to induce any further fear.  

    Clay released an audible sigh and began to rub his forehead.

    "What's your name?" he asked, extending his arm down to the man.

    "Kevin." he replied, while allowing Clay to assist him in getting to his feet.

    "Kevin, I'm Clay.