Last time on, Lovin' in the Apocalypse!
Kelsey gives Tom a reason to love guard duty as Rachel continues to find sexual gratification in their sneaking around. Meanwhile, the days are much darker at the hotel as the past haunts the struggling survivors. Ghosts and demons close in and the only way out is bloody.
Will Kelsey finally get the sex she's been begging for? Will the survivors encounter the dangerous man stalking their group? Winter is coming fast, what will our heroes do to protect their own? Find out now!
Chapter 8: Back in Shack
Tom laid on the bed, snoring softly as he slept the previous day's guard shift off. Rachel smiled as she looked at him, feeling good and at peace with their lives. Sure, she would trade anything to get back to what had been before but she could also see a decent life in this place. Tom was good to her and his faithfulness was far beyond anything she should expect in this world. Rachel knew that the bond they shared was more rare now than it ever was before. Hell, the chances of a couple even surviving the infected this long together is about impossible.
Rachel quietly closed the door to their shack and made her way to the center hub. The morning sky was bright and the warmth coming off the sun was invigorating. She waved and smiled at the people she passed, sometimes able to attach a name to a face. There seemed to be a happy energy in the camp this morning. People were grouped together and chatting excitedly. The other survivors in line at the rations counter all were equally upbeat. She would have asked what was going on but she saw no one familiar enough to strike up casual conversion with.
An older woman with grey streaks in her black hair sat on a stool behind a counter. Rachel knew this woman, her name was Rosa and she was one of the council members. Rosa was smiling and making light conversations with the people. She possessed a grandmother vibe but one of the old world types. She could be sweet and inviting but there was an edge to the woman that could slice deep. Rachel waved and smiled at Rosa as she stepped up to the counter.
"Good morning, Rosa."
"Buenos dΓas. How are you settling in? Cameron says you and Tom have been quite a good addition to the scouting teams." Rosa reached over and lifted one of the full drawstring polyester bags.
"Oh, did he?" Rachel's stomach fluttered at the thought of Cameron talking about her. "It's really nice here. Settling in has been easier than I expected, honestly."
Rosa handed Rachel the bag of food. It would have some locally grown vegetables and a chuck of random meat, already cooked and wrapped up. There would be enough food for her and Tom to eat for a couple days if they ate sparingly. "That's good to hear, we're glad to have you. Oh and don't get too excited but, our farmers seem to think we're going to get a lot of wheat this year. If we're lucky, we'll have bread soon."
Rachel's jaw dropped. "Bread? Are you serious?"
Rosa's eyes sparkled as she smiled. "Deadly serious. I'll be happy when they start the corn but for now, bread is good too."
Rachel left the line and decided to check on the message board. She felt bad about missing the last guard cycle and was determined to end up on the next one. She forgot all about the guard list when she saw Cameron standing near one of the trucks and talking to Gregg. She hurried over to the two men.
"Hey! How's it going?" Rachel beamed at Cameron who looked happy to see her as well.
"Good morning! We were just talking about the Deterrent team's mission. Some plan about hanging up church bells to replace fireworks." Cameron looked just as well dressed and handsome as ever. His hair and beard were so neat, it looked as if it was trimmed daily.
"Better long term." Gregg said. The usually sullen man looked like he was in a good mood. He was more relaxed and free with his smiles. "You can't keep the fireworks ready to use in a hurry and dry too. We have to set it up every time the camp is attacked. Shit is too chaotic when that happens and it takes too long to get them going."
"Sounds like a good idea to me." Rachel said. "Although, the firework show was pretty nice."
Gregg chuckled through his nose. He was about to say something when his eyes widened slightly. "So yeah, better get going. The team will be waiting." Gregg popped open the truck and got inside quickly. The truck engine coughed to life and Gregg moved towards the front gate.
Rachel was puzzled by his sudden escape. "That was weird."
"What was weird?"
Rachel's stomach dropped as she recognized the voice. Kelsey just walked up behind them. She tried to sound casual and to make her face stay neutral. "Gregg just moved like something bit him. Good morning Kelsey."
"Hey." Kelsey gave her father a hug while maintaining eye contact with Rachel. She did look a little smug. Rachel's heart began to beat faster.
"What's up, baby?" Cameron returned the hug tightly.
"Just walking around." Kelsey looked like she was trying to fake being bored. "Thought I'd try to find something fun to do."
"Well, you better have it while you can. Hopefully, team 5 will be back today. Then we can take the trucks to get the stuff we found."
"Awesome!" Kelsey smiled up at Cameron. "I could use some fresh air."