The Virus Within: Third Wave (Book 2)

Chapter 65

When we reached the next Stronghold, the truck in front of us spoke with the people coming out. It also gave the men in the truck behind us – whom I was studiously ignoring – a chance to gawk at me from a closer distance.

It only took the lead truck about fifteen seconds to be waved in, which was almost a record for how fast we'd been welcomed into any Stronghold so far.

Daniel parked beside the vehicle we were following, and we all got out. The guys from the truck behind us kept sneaking glances at me. The ones from the truck ahead stared at me in confusion, recognizing me as part of our group, but still unable to figure out how I had appeared so far away from the Stronghold.

The leader of this Stronghold came forward with an almost desperate expression. "They said you had a cure. Will it work if they are already sneezing or have turned into a zombie?"

"For those sneezing, if we get to them in time, yes," Nina replied. "If they turned, it really depends on what they became. If they're sane, it works, alth-"

He interrupted desperately, "What about regular zombies?" He wrung his hands together, clearly in distress.

"I'm sorry," Nina said softly. "I've never seen the cure work on a regular zombie. Their body just goes comatose since the human mind is gone. If one managed to remain in control, there's a good chance it would work, but I've never heard of a regular zombie managing that."

The man squeezed his eyes closed and took a deep breath. The two from the truck behind us also looked sad, probably thinking about the Runner back home. A woman put a comforting hand on the man's shoulder.

Another man said, "Sorry, it's been a rough week. We lost over fifty people, and all of them turned into regular zombies. Four are still sneezing though. Can you help them?"

"We'll try, but it's best if we get there as soon as possible. Where are they?"

He pointed to some holiday trailers outside the fence. "They're in the trailers."

"Let's go then," Nina replied as she began walking.

"Do you need anything?" the man asked, quickly walking alongside her.

"I have everything right here." Nina gestured to the supply bag hanging over her shoulder.

Since the rest of my group followed them, I tagged along as well. The leader remained behind, still trying to get his emotions under control.

To my annoyance, the two men from the rear truck also trailed behind us. The other half of our escort headed in a different direction, sending perplexed looks at their comrades. It still must not have occurred to them that I might be the Nightstalker.

As we approached the holiday trailers, I could hear at least two different people sneezing, so they were still human. No growls or snarls came from the other trailers, so I assumed we had arrived in time for them as well.

Other than Daniel, everyone began putting on their face masks. Just to mess with the minds of the far-too-curious men following, I also put mine on.

Our guide called the four people outside, all of whom emerged from their trailer with masks and confused gazes. Nina went forward to talk to them about the cure and serum, and Daniel went with her to see which ones might need both drugs.

From the corner of my eye, I watched as the man from the forest slowly edged closer to me. I wasn't the only one to notice though. Nicky yawned before taking a step to the side and pointedly stomping the heel of her shoe on his foot. We had been near the back of the crowd, so the locals and the majority of our group didn't notice.