Feeding Frenzy

Chapter 44

 Johnson shook his head as he watched Ford storm away. He never thought Ford would risk his life for a girl in a million years. He watched as Ford's tough walls broke down around Evey. It was endearing to watch, but unfortunately, it had to happen when the world had gone to shit.

No one said a word as they watched Ford march to his death. Joey stayed in Fiona's arms, sucking on his thumb. He rested his head against her shoulder. How could he look so innocent while they were in this horrifying situation? Fiona's eyes widened as she switched her gaze from Ford to Johnson.

"We can't let him go," she said in a harsh whisper.

"We can't turn around," Johnson said. "We have to keep going toward the hospital."

"Evey and Gomez could not have gone far," Anjo said. "We could get them."

"It may be too late," Johnson said.

Fiona chewed on her lip as she cast her eyes on the puddles. She understood what Johnson was saying. Gomez must have already killed Evey. He had said many negative things and even placed a gun in Evey's face, but did he have the capability to kill her? Could he do it?

"We don't know that," Fiona said. "She could be alive."

"I hope she kills him," Roger said.

Fiona and Anjo's jaws dropped as they looked at Roger. The priest had said nothing negative since they left the military base. He refused to carry weapons and kill any of the Infected. Roger shrugged when he looked at their shocked expressions.

"What can I say?" he asked. "I don't like the man."

Screams and shrieks echoed through the tunnel. Fiona held her breath and tightened her hold on Joey. Anjo held the knife in front of him and spun around because he had no idea what direction the shrill noises were coming from.

"We need to keep moving," Johnson said.

"We're not going back for Evey?" Fiona asked.

Johnson closed his eyes for a moment before shaking his head. He turned and took the light off the group. He took a deep breath before motioning for the group to move forward. Anjo stepped beside him, and Johnson passed the flashlight to him.

"Hold it," he told Anjo. "I need my hands free to kill anything in front of us. Don't let me down."

Anjo swallowed past the lump forming in his throat. The weight of the light was heavy in his hands.

"Let's go," Johnson said.

The group moved forward. Forcing themselves to move ahead, no one mentioned Evey or Ford. Fiona wondered if she would ever see Evey again. She had known her since Evey was an infant. She saw Evey almost every day until Evey moved away for university. The thought that she was murdered - not eaten by Infected - made her stomach twist.

A chorus of screeches came from in front of the group. Johnson stopped. He held his hand out in front of Anjo and stopped the group.

Was it safe to go further? How many were there? They could not see in the dark, and the light only attracted attention.

"What do we do?" Anjo asked.

"How far are we from the hospital?" Fiona asked.

"It should not be much further," Johnson said.

The shrieking became louder as the Infected approached. A series of screams came until silence fell over the tunnel. Only the sound of their breathing and the dripping water filled the air. They stood in silence, unsure if they should move.