The Virus Within: Third Wave (Book 2)

Chapter 42

After a long glare, the man grumbled, "Fine. We'll give you a short tour and some food. But the truck stays out here."

I wasn't sure if I should be relieved he had finally given in or dismayed that we were about to enter a place that wasn't very welcoming. As we got out of the truck, the gate was cracked open just enough for us to walk through in single file.

Daniel carried Nina's bag of supplies in one hand, possibly so the guards assumed he was less of a threat than if his hands were empty. Considering their lack of recognition when Ironwind was mentioned, I bet they assume Daniel is a Runner. For all their caution, all it took was one assumption for them to wildly underestimate how big of a potential threat we really are. They must not be this uptight normally, or they wouldn't make such mistakes.

As we walked through the gate, I could clearly see the majority of the people waiting on the other side did, indeed, have guns. With a hand signal from the leader, six of them came closer while the rest dispersed. Each of those six people had swords, although two also carried guns.

Had Daniel been a Runner – or even a Nightstalker – this would have been a sufficient precaution for a place uneasy about sane zombies. Against a Nightstalker and a Terror at such close range, not so much. Perhaps it's best if they don't realize exactly what they just invited inside.

"We can go this way." The leader promptly turned and began walking, leaving us to trail behind with the six guards.

I crossed my arms and glowered at the fence, wishing I'd had the good sense to remain in the truck. Enough people were infected in this place that I didn't bother trying to count them. If they were as friendly as the leader in front of us, then I was ready to send Daniel inside to sniff the bedsheets.

The man didn't say anything and barely even glanced back at us, making no effort at a conversation. I didn't care if he wanted to be silent, but the blatant, unwelcoming cold shoulder was beginning to feel like an insult. My instincts didn't like insults, even insinuated ones.

Daniel sniffed the air and pointed. "I can smell someone infected nearby, if you wish to go in that direction."

Without a word, the man altered his path. The sounds of children playing grew louder, and as we rounded a building, we found almost thirty young kids playing on playground equipment. Several adults were in attendance, looking after the daycare.

When Daniel continued toward them, the leader stopped and growled, "Where do you think you're going?"

Daniel paused and looked back, ignoring how the two guards pointed their guns at his feet in warning. "At least two of the children are infected. If you want me to point them out, I'd have to get closer, but that's completely up to you."

I suspected he added the last part due to how touchy the man was, although his reaction wasn't surprising. Children were fiercely protected in this day and age, especially when a stranger – a zombie yet – made a beeline for them.

With tense shoulders and a rigid stance, the man stared at him for a long time. The guards waited, also on edge and ready to act on whatever the leader decided. The tension rose, and this reminded me far too much of when I had been ambushed in the first Stronghold I had visited.

I subtly eyed up the two gun-holders as the gears in my mind whirled, although I had no idea how Daniel and I could get Nina and Nicky out safely. We were too deep inside the Stronghold. The guards by the gates also had rifles and almost certainly knew how to use them.

With gritted teeth, the man said, "You may walk up to the edge of the sand, but no closer. If you harm any of them, you're dead."

"I'd never harm a child," Daniel said with a frown, insulted by the insinuation, which didn't appease the leader much.