Free Running Wild by Kristen Middleton

asked.
    He released a ragged breath. “I did. She said your sister’s in some kind of coma. Allie woke up once and was acting very erratic, so they had to subdue her by putting her to sleep. Now she’s in a coma again and hasn’t woken up.”
    “Oh, poor Allie,” I whispered. “Is there anything they can do for her?”
    “Well, I guess there is some kind of experimental drug, but the scientist who was working on it is missing. They aren’t sure if he’s alive or what the hell is going on.”
    “Did he get the vaccine?”
    “No, he didn’t. In fact he was against the vaccine from the very beginning. That’s why he initially began experimenting with some of the components in the drug, to find something that might counteract any negative effects the vaccine created.”
    “Great, and now he’s missing?”
    “Yes. They’re searching for him, though. He has an underground bomb shelter located somewhere in Atlanta, but he was always secretive about its location. The good news is that he was still alive when the zombies started waking up. Unfortunately, nobody’s heard from him since.”
    “God, I hope he’s still alive and they can locate him.”
    “Me too and we aren’t the only ones. I guess the facility where the CDC is located is getting bombarded with survivors and their family members needing help.”
    “I’m sure they’ll figure something out.”
    “Hope so.”
    “Dad…can I call mom?”
    I just wanted to hear the sound of her voice, to know she was really alive and not just a voice in my dreams.
    “Sorry honey, maybe later. The cell phone she’s been using is being shared by a number of people, so calls are limited.  Your mom told me to tell you she loves you very much and to stay safe. Don’t take any risky chances. She wants both of you girls alive,” his voice cracked. “So do I.”
    “I’ll do the best I can,” I answered.
    Dad cleared his throat. “Call me when you get to Nashville and we’ll meet you somewhere, safe. Also, thank that couple for me too. I owe them, big time.”
    “Okay,” I said. “Dad, can I talk to Bryce really quickly?”
    He paused. “Well, he’s driving the other vehicle right now. He gave me his cell phone to use, just in case you called.”
    “Oh, okay. Um, who’s driving with him in the van?” I asked, biting the side of my lip. I know it was petty, but the thought of Eva being anywhere near Bryce still irritated me.
    “Let’s see…Eva, Paige, Kylie, and Kristie,” he answered then snorted. “I think there’s a romance brewing in the mist.”
    My heart thumped loudly in my chest. “What…what do you mean?”
    “Well… Eva and Bryce. She follows him around like a puppy dog and if I didn’t know it any better, he’s eating up all the adoration. Every time I turn around she has her hands on him and they’re laughing.”
    I closed my eyes and tried not to throw up all over Henry’s backseat.
    ~~~
    We sat in silence as we drove the next several miles to find edible food. Eventually, we came to a truck-stop diner called “Gramma’s Grub”.  Although there were a few cars in the parking lot, it looked pretty uninhabited.
    “This place use to serve the best steak and eggs,” sighed Henry as he shut off the ignition. “It’s surely a shame that I’ll probably never get to enjoy another meal here or tease one of those purdy little waitresses. Yessiree, the owner sure knew how to keep his customer’s happy.”
    Mary’s eyebrows raised and she punched him playfully on the arm. “Purdy waitresses huh? I thought you were saving yourself for me, Old Timer.”
    He turned to her with such a startled look, that I thought he may have filled his Depends. When he eventually composed himself, he let out a deep raspy chuckle. “Mary,” he said clearing his throat. “I just love it when you talk dirty, my little puddin’.”
    Mary laughed heartily and patted him on the back. “Hen, you better stop. You’re going to make me pee my pants and I