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“Nope” Rick sot And, I have to say, we’ve gotten pretty good at winging it so far, so I think we can do it here, too Now co up here”

Jane nodded, took a deep breath and followed Rick out and down the hall to the stairs, trying to put on a brave face in spite of the pit of nauseating fear that was roiling in her gut

Chapter 11

The Waters’ Homestead

Outside Ellisville, VA

A series of cloudy, overcast id The lake shi sun, unhindered by even the hint of a cloud, rose swiftly in the sky A light breeze sent a shiver through the trees, disrupting the hint of war everyone that even with the occasional warm day, it was still autumn

Frost crunched lightly underfoot as three figures slowly h the yard outside the Waters’ holoves, they each carried a rifle at the ready They swept their weapons from side to side in slow, lazy arcs as they scanned the trees and buildings, searching for any signs of life orupon uide their steps The silent search and patrol around the perie of the forest surrounding the property took about twenty h when it started, there was a relaxed atmosphere by the end

“Looks clear”

“Yep No sign of anyone”

“Anyone alive, you mean”

Dianne shivered slightly, though not because of the cold Tina’s morbid assessment reminded her that, while the property looked to be clear of any intruders, there were still ravel driveway

“Yeah, thanks for that relanced over at Mark as she replied to Tina, watching as he took a few steps toward one of the bodies “Mark, don’t get too close, okay?”

Mark didn’t turn, either ignoring her or too wrapped up in what he was seeing to have heard her

“Mark!” She shouted at him and he jumped, whirled around and took several quick breaths

“What, mom?!”