The Smoky Corridor

90

“Hurry!” said Malik. “I saw Azalea! Something’s wrong with her … and … and … I really think there is some kind of zombie down here!”

Zack heard toenails clicking against wood.

Zipper started grumbling.

Zack felt hot breath on the back of his neck.

He swallowed hard.

Malik was trembling too much to raise his flashlight.

“Is somebody behind me, Malik?”

Malik nodded.

Zack heard another growl.

Deep. Rumbling. Full of phlegm.

It wasn’t Zipper.

Slowly, very slowly, he turned around to see who or what was breathing down his neck.