The Dead and the Restless (Completed with undergoing editing)

Chapter Nine (Edited.)

A/N: Dedication to MyCalmInsanity for the current cover as of 6/1/14

"Who are you?" Liam asked, keeping his voice steady as the man held the gun to his head. I had my machete in hand, but I didn't think a close combat weapon would be good in this situation. I instantly regretted leaving the gun behind.

"My name is Walter," The man said. He was older, probably in his early fifties, due to the wrinkles on his face and the thick glasses he wore. He had on a plaid, button up shirt and some dirty jeans. He didn't look like a bad guy, but then again, none of them usually do. "Please, I mean no harm."

"Really?" Liam asked sarcastically. "The barrel to the back of my head says otherwise."

"It's a precaution," Walter said, sounding a little annoyed. I wish Liam would shut up. This man obviously wasn't playing any games if he decided to say hello with a 9mm, and I didn't think Liam trying his patience would get him far. "Now, weapons down."

Liam bent down to the floor, staring at me the whole time as he set the crossbow on the floor. He should have looked away though, because the man might have had no idea if I had a weapon, come back towards me, and I could have taken him. But no, instead the man smiled at me.

"You too, blondie," he said. "Both of your hands in the air, too."

What was it with people and giving me nicknames?

I discarded my machete to the side, but I kept my hunting knife secure on the side of my jeans. Liam moved to stand up, but the man pressed the gun harder to the back of his head.

"Stay on your knees," the man demanded. "Toss the crossbow to the side."

Reluctantly, Liam did as the man said. This was looking bad for us, and I wondered what would happen if we were both killed right here. What would the rest of the group do? What would Darlene do without the antibiotics? When would they go looking for us?

I was so caught up in thinking, I didn't even realize that I had said the group, as if I belonged to them.

"You," Walter said, nudging Liam. "Out in the hall. Now."

"No way," Liam said. "I'm not leaving her alone in here."

Walter scoffed.

"Please," he frowned. "I'm not going to touch her. But if you do not do what I say, I won't hesitate to shoot."

I could see the inner conflict in Liam's eyes. He didn't know what to do. I could feel my heart beginning to race. When people didn't know what to do, they usually did something stupid.

"Just go," I said toward Liam. "Just go."

Liam gave me a strangled look, but proceeded to move out toward the door. I sighed, even more pissed at myself for not bringing the gun. Liam moved out into the hallway as Walter requested, and I craned my neck until he was completely out of sight. Then, Walter moved back into the medicine room and shut the door, locking Liam out and trapping me inside with him.

I felt my whole body go rigid as the gun moved onto me.

"What's your name?" He asked me, as if we were having a calm, civilized conversation. Not a second after he said that, I heard Liam slamming his hand on the door, yelling countless threats. Walter just ignored it. "He's a real idiot. If he keep's yelling, I'll kill you and the infected will get him."

I knew for a fact he was right about the second one, but I hoped the first one was just a bluff.

"Liam, stop, you'll get us both killed," I yelled toward the door, not taking my chances. The noises stopped after I yelled. I looked back at the man, clearing my throat before I spoke. "Lease. My name is Lease."