The Virus Within: Third Wave (Book 2)

Chapter 72

"I'm going to see if I can track down this Cynthia lady," I said as we left the dining hall.

Jess looked torn. "I'd offer to come, but I want to show Nina what we've done in the lab. It shouldn't take me long."

I also knew how much Nina could talk if she was curious, so I said, "After I drop Liz off, I'm going for a nap. I'll come find you once I wake up. How's that sound?"

A smile spread across her face. "That'll work perfectly. Thank you!"

When she took a step forward, I shook my head. "No more hugs today. Although if you know where Cynthia can be found, I'd appreciate that information."

Jess scratched her head sheepishly.

With a smile, Nina replied, "Cynthia is usually at the daycare. That's the small house with the picket fence and all the toys in the backyard."

Now I knew which place she was referring to. "Thanks."

"Well, that was easy," Nicky said. "I'll come with you two. Let's go."

I refrained from rolling my eyes as she skipped ahead. How hard would it be to convince this daycare lady that Nicky was just an oversized child and leave her there for a while?

"Unless someone needs something," Daniel told the others, "I'll go for a quick patrol, then come see how you're doing in the lab. Luke, I assume you're fine with giving John and Logan a tour?"

"I'd be delighted," Luke replied.

"Come on, Liz," I said as the gang broke into smaller groups. "We're going to introduce you to someone."

The child grabbed my hand and walked beside me. Almost everyone who saw her did a double-take, startled to see me holding hands with a child, then blinked in shock when they recognized her.

"Look at the kitty!" Liz pointed. "Can we go pet it?"

"I don't think you'll get close."

"Why not?"

Nicky stopped beside her. "Kitties don't like zombies. In fact, most animals don't. People who hang out with zombies usually can't pet many animals."

"Can I try?" Liz looked at her pleadingly.

Nicky easily caved beneath her big, brown eyes. "I don't see why not, but if I can't get close to a cat, then I doubt you will be able to."

Taking that as permission, Liz let go of my hand and walked over to the cat. The cat calmly watched her approach, but when she got closer, it sniffed the air. The ears flattened, and with a suspicious look, the cat darted under a truck and out of sight.

Liz slowly came back. "Animals won't like me anymore?" She was having a hard time accepting this latest change.

"You aren't a zombie, so some will let you get close," Nicky said thoughtfully. "Let me think for a moment. Horses and sheep are a no-go. Goats don't seem to care. Chickens and turkeys are oblivious to smell, although turkeys are just evil... Hmmm..."

Liz watched Nicky with a hopeful expression.

Nicky perked up. "Oh! I know! You played with Chloe on our first trip, so she'll probably let you pet her again. Most dogs won't let you close, but some will, and Chloe traveled with Trinity for a long time." Nicky turned to me. "The hunting and gathering groups often return to drop off whatever they collected at lunch. Can you smell if Chloe is still around?"

I sighed in resignation before taking a deep breath. "She's nearby. Probably with Ben, if I had to guess."

"Which direction?"