Chapter 3: Kitchen Trouble

Gregory Cross
Friday 6, February 2015
22:04 Hours
Phoenix, Arizona

He awoke after hearing what could have been a crash, or simply a figment of his imagination. It had been about half an hour before the intoxicating smell and walking dead made everyone cower within the airport's hotel, though, it seemed it would be unimportant. Joshua had tried to make everyone calm down, but it didn't work, specially when the only thing keeping you safe from the weird creatures is a six inch bullet-resistant door. The people eventually calmed down, when they realized the dead weren't bright, and didn't seem to be able to break through. Joshua, Greg and Jane took a room on the second floor and proceeded to rest, fearing they needed to keep their energies up in case anything were to happen. But, Greg awoke, and quickly, he headed downstairs. Along the way, he took a long, striped umbrella with red and white lines.

Slowly he headed for the bottom floor, where he saw a few of the infected things walking around behind the door, but the noise he heard suddenly repeated again. It was a bang, similar to a tray slamming against some flat surface. Spinning around, Greg headed for the kitchen, from where the sound was coming from. The lights began to flicker and suddenly turned off. Greg instantly hugged the wall as he moved onward, now extremely worried about whatever it was that was ahead.

A sudden shuffle of feet made him stop dead on his tracks and he rose the umbrella parallel to his chest. A clatter startled him and a shadowy figure dashed past him and he tried to keep up, but his fear was evident when the figure opened the door and ran out, evading those infected beyond. Greg advanced, trying to force the door closed, but the infected were already entering, so he backed away, umbrella at the ready, but there were several of them. A screech from behind made him turn to spot a girl, about ten, running into the kitchen. Cursing, Greg followed, knowing he had to keep her protected.

She stumbled to a halt as a tall woman stumbled towards her. A trail of white foam and black toxins dripping from the woman's broken jaw as she shuffled straight for the girl, her eyes blankly staring. The girl curled up, when Greg arrived and pushed the woman back. He struggled with the woman and he cringed as he realized some of the others were approaching from behind. The girl was practically holding on to him for dear life, but he smiled in relief as Joshua called for him. In an instant, Joshua dashed in and shot a bullet into each of the infected's heads.

"Are you alright?" Joshua asked, looking around to ensure there are none left.

"I'm fine." Greg said, looking at the girl: "Are you okay, little miss?"

"I-I-I'm fine." She said, and walked off.

"What ARE those things?" Greg asked.

"I'm not sure." Joshua answered. Whatever they are, we need to get out of here before we end up like that."

"Joshua, we've got to get that girl and everyone else out of here." Greg said as the two headed back to the lobby. A group of men had managed to close the door. "I know it's risky with the thousands out there, but if we don't-"

"Greg." Joshua said, placing his hand on Greg's shoulder. "As much as I know you're right, we can't do anything so risky. You, Jane and I are used to dangerous situations and having to move around quickly, but we can't just leave with everyone. Most won't survive."

"You mean you can leave this place anytime you wish for it?"

Turning, Joshua and Greg spotted a group of people had arrived at the lobby. Among them, four seniors; three babies and two kids (Leonard an the girl Greg had saved.) A long, drawn out silence surrounded them, as Joshua, remembering his military training, said:

"Yes, I can." He glanced at Jane. "And I've got a plan."