Patient Zero

Chapter Forty-Two

Claymont, Delaware / Tuesday, June 30; 6:26 P.M.

THE CHILDREN WERE huddled into a pack inside the cage, their eyes wide, their mouths trembling. I could see some of them weeping but they made no sound, though whether it was terror of the walkers or threats from the guards that stilled their tongues I couldn’t tell.

I pulled back and handed the mirror to the others, making them each take a fast look.

I mouthed the words “we need prisoners,” but I don’t know if any of them were able to process the thought. Top, the only man among us who had kids of his own, had the most murderous expression I’d ever seen on a human face.

I held up three fingers and everyone got set, Ollie and Skip on the left flank, Bunny and Top with me. I counted down fast.

“Go!” I snarled, and we rushed into the room.