Free MZS: Philadelphia (Metropolitan Zombie Survivors Book 3) by K. D. McAdams

already feel like old friends.
    I’m so scared for Tucker. Being stuck in that Humvee surrounded by zombies must be terrifying. Even if he is physically safe and comfortable, the mental abuse must be horrendous.
    Terri does not concern me as much. Getting blackout drunk when she held a critical navigation role pisses me off. She gives me the impression that she’s fine holed up all alone somewhere. In fact, she’s probably still passed out and unaware of what is going on.
    “Ready?” Patrick asks.
    The honest answer from me is no. My breathing has just recovered and I could use another five minutes. I haven’t had to kill any of these things yet and I wouldn’t mind putting it off for another day, but if we are outnumbered and overwhelmed I may not have that luxury.
    “I’m going to take Todd and find some cover. I’ll help out when he’s secure,” I explain to Patrick.
    “Hang back a little and let us clear the doorway before you come in,” he says, nodding in response. “Me, Cupcake, then new guy. Got it?”
    Nods all around. It looks like new guy wants to say something, probably remind us of his name. Thankfully he stays quiet.
    Patrick holds up his hand and counts with his fingers; 1…2…3.
    The door flies open and Patrick and Cupcake explode through it. New guy hesitates but then steps in, his head swiveling so fast I’m afraid it will fall off.
    All three men disappear from view. I focus my listening but hear nothing. The seconds inch past in what feels like complete silence. Not knowing what they see or are faced with makes my anxiety grow.
    Breathe, I actually have to remind myself.
    “All clear.” Patrick pops his head into the doorway and smiles out at me.
    I push Todd through the door and then follow him in.
    It’s a virtual oasis. No. It’s an actual oasis. Large, comfortable-looking couches, pergolas with fine fabrics gently billowing in the breeze and a long fully-stocked bar greet us in silence.
    My eyes survey the space. I don’t know what I’m searching for at first. Soon I realize that I’m looking for blood, bodies and gore. There is none. This area is clean and appears to have never witnessed the horror that is the undead.
    Finally, we can relax.
    New guy is standing in the middle of the floor. He’s between Patrick and Cupcake, but looks like he’s confused about what to do.
    Patrick walks around the perimeter. He’s pushing aside the blowing fabric and checking then rechecking space behind couches. He’s not yet completely confident that the place is clear and safe.
    Cupcake is behind the bar. He is busy doing something, but I can’t see what it is. As much as I could use a stiff drink, I don’t believe that it’s a priority. Food, and maybe something to barricade the door, is what I want most right now.
    Carefully I steer Todd over to the nearest couch. He sinks down into the cushions and lays back. I watch his eyes close and something resembling relief comes over his face.
    “Todd, can I take him from you?”
    A slight shake of the head is his only response. He’s not ready to give up Jaden’s body yet.
    The scene is confusing for me. I’ve never thought long about someone having his or her head blown off, but if I ever did, it was not like this. There is equally too much head left to say the body is headless but too little left to say the head is intact. What is not confusing is the amount of blood—there is so much blood.
    New guy has placed his gun on the bar and is now retracing Patrick’s steps. It can’t hurt to be extra-sure we aren’t going to get attacked, but he should keep his weapon with him. His actions are tentative, but I’m sure with time they will become more fluid and confident.
    “Any word from Tucker?” I ask over to the bar.
    “Crickets,” Cupcake says. “But I haven’t heard a gunshot since we’ve been up here. Hopefully that’s a good sign.” He places his phone on the bar and returns to his work.
    Patrick makes his way to the edge