Free OUTNUMBERED volume 1: A Zombie Apocalypse Series by Robert Schobernd

calmly waiting while she let my questions roll off. I wondered why she was so calm, but then I noticed the fire in her eyes. She was pissed.
    Kira moved closer and stood toe-to-toe with me. She stared back as hard as I was glaring at her. "I request a meeting of the full membership immediately at the compound. Everyone in this group is bound to silence until the meeting commences. No talking by anyone, and we remain as a group, no one wanders off." She looked around to scan the crowd. "There are nine of us here, and I request we remain separated from the others in the compound until and during the meeting."
    I didn't know what the hell was happening and was thoroughly confused by Kira's actions. Where was she going with this? It was apparent she thought she knew something the rest of us weren't aware of.
    Kira spoke again, "I also request Connie be escorted to the compound by two people, each one holding one of her hands securely."
    Connie screamed, "Bitch! What are you doing? Tom, don't listen to her, this is silly."
    Kira's stance and demands impressed me, so I agreed without knowing any details. "Kira's request is granted. John and Martin will confine Connie's hands while we return to the compound." Connie's struggles were for naught, and her curses slid away and dried up, even though none of us could yet grasp what was happening. What was Kira up to? What was going on between her and Connie? I knew Connie detested Kira, but I couldn't imagine how that impacted Kira's going to the lake.
    As we led the way back to the compound, Kira walked close to me and spoke softly. I leaned in and listened intently. I hadn't guessed where this dilemma was headed and was shocked at her disclosure. I didn't like the implications of Kira's revelations, but I was obliged to hear her out. When we arrived at our base, I took Shane aside, and we spoke before Shane nodded thoughtfully and then left the group.
     
    Our entire population was summoned to the dining hall. People rearranged tables and chairs until they formed a rough half circle. Kira instructed Martin and John to search Connie and wear gloves to handle everything they found. I nodded my approval, knowing now where we were headed. I dreaded her suspicions and hoped for all of the member's sake Kira was wrong. We were supposed to be a tight group and this event would blow that ideal all to hell.
    As the search was being conducted against Connie's objections, Kira spoke to the assemblage, "This morning I was relieved at eight from the midnight shift guard duty at the southeast tower. After five hours of sleep, I shot targets and then did a strenuous one hour workout. I was hot and sweaty, so I took a shower. Afterward I dressed and put my gear back on. Connie rushed to me when I was near door nine. She appeared highly agitated and concerned about Tom. She said he'd been acting strange, and he'd told her he was going to walk to the lake to check something. She said she tried to stop him, but he left with only his sidearm and said he'd be fine, and he'd be right back. She pointed and said he'd left his rifle in the rack near the exit door. I know his M14 and recognized it sitting there."
    Connie screamed, "Liar, that didn't happen. Tom, stop her."
    John was searching Connie and frowned as he stopped momentarily and stared at her. He laid seven .45 caliber rounds on the table and then removed five more from Connie's pocket as she struggled.  Martin scooped them into a plastic bag and took possession of the evidence. John said to the crowd, "Kira's Glock 41 magazine holds thirteen .45 caliber rounds. Connie has twelve .45 caliber rounds in her pocket. She shoots a .40 caliber G23."
    Kira ignored Connie's last outburst. "I had my Glock on my utility belt and grabbed my AK from the rack. I told Connie to get help before I ran out the door to follow Tom to the lake." She paused and surveyed the entire group as they listened greedily. "Did Connie approach anyone to follow me and Tom?" The