Free Phase One: Identify (Territory of the Dead) by Rose Wynters Page B

shirts on their backs. Their home, belongings, and even car had to be left behind. We were completely destitute, relying solely upon the kindness of the man driving. 
     
    Jayden leaned close to my ear, his breath tickling my neck. “Did you get a look at the firepower this guy has? I wonder if he's military or a police officer. His shotgun is the Model 887 Nitro Mag, and they are tough. Seriously bad ass, and they never rust. I'm willing to bet that he's using buckshot, based on the way their heads exploded when he hit them. Not to mention, did you see that pistol in his belt holster?”
     
    He waited for me to nod before continuing, “That's a suppressed Ruger 22/45 pistol. The triggers on those are excellent.”
     
    I couldn't think of anything to say back to him. My knowledge of guns was extremely limited, although I now had a new appreciation of them. Thinking quickly, I asked quietly, “Why is it so long?”
     
    Jayden shot me an amused look. “That's the silencer. You couldn't ask for a better pistol to take out one of these zombies, without bringing every other one in the area down on your head.”
     
    I was clueless, but tried to act like I understood. Right now, my concern didn't extend beyond whether or not the gun worked, and making sure we had enough ammo. I was determined to change that, though. At the first opportunity, I was going to learn how to shoot and load any gun I could get my hands on.
     
    It was the only way to survive. Sure we'd used knives on them tonight. That had only worked because the space for them to enter was limited. Out in the open, we'd be overpowered before we knew it. Nobody had a chance unless they had a gun and knew how to use it.
     
    We passed through Main Street, but didn't stop anywhere. I looked everywhere, but didn't see anything indicating any survivors. Kellan took the highway leading out toward the lake. Dad finally spoke up again. “So you have a place out here?”
     
    “I do,” Kellan replied, picking up speed. “And it's a safe one too. Tonight you can shower and rest, without worrying every second about zombies breaking in. Tomorrow we'll talk, and you can decide what you want to do next.”
     
    “Do you live with anybody else?” I think Dad was wondering if he still lived at home. It was kind of an odd question to ask. I really couldn't pinpoint Kellan's age, but I guessed him to be somewhere between the 25 to 35 age range. He was definitely old enough to live on his own. Besides, something about him screamed independence. I couldn't imagine him living at home. 
     
    “No,” he said, his deep voice filled with purpose. “But I hope to change that. I have plenty of room, and I'll be out daily looking for survivors.”
     
    James jumped in. “Have you heard any word about the rest of the country? What about the military?”
     
    Kellan shook his head, his eyes never leaving the dark road. We were on the outskirts of town now, so there weren't any streetlights to help light our way. It was a silent, extremely dark night outside of the vehicle. I felt like we were the only ones left on earth, and from the looks of it, I wasn't wrong.
     
    “I haven't been successful in finding out anything about how bad it is across the country. The cellphones are out, by the way. If you have one, don't count on being able to use it.”
     
    “What about the military?” James pressed, his gaze never leaving his face. “Surely they will be here soon, even if it's a unit from out-of-state.”
     
    Kellan exhaled slowly. “One can always hope. Don't count on it, though. All it would take is one hungry zombie getting on post to wipe out a whole base.”
     
    He glanced at James before continuing. “If you're going to survive this, the first rule you need to learn is never count on anyone but yourself. Never. People make mistakes, and the zombies are fast. They don't need to sleep or eat anything but us. Don't leave your protection in the hands of someone