Dead To US: Episode 5: Infected States Of America, #5

By Aaliyah Abdul

Following the deadly events of episode four, one of the survivors discover the government's plans for quarantining the ravenous undead spilling out from the infected states of America. He takes matters into his own hands, leaving a trail of death in his wake.

Winter and despair go hand in hand in the ravened state of North Dakota.

There's only one episode left until the thrilling conclusion to Dead To US. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aaliyah Abdul
• Release date: May 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781498976893

Aaliyah Abdul

As a fan of the zombie and horror genres, I've made it my goal as a writer to craft interesting and unforgettable stories and realistic characters. To the reader(s), thank you for joining me on this endeavor. I hope you enjoy the ride.

Book preview

EPISODE V: ELLIOTT

ONE

Flashback

His feet were a size too small, but the dark leather boots were apart of the SubRosa’s uniform; City had no other choice but to wear them. He laced them up, constantly checking over his shoulder for unwanted company.

Several anxious minutes had passed and there was still no sign of Nicholas or sounds of gunfire. City wasn’t sure if he should consider it as a good sign or not, but he couldn’t wait a minute longer. Jacy was the only family he had left; he had to keep him safe.

Tucking the uniform into his pants, City glanced down at the unconscious SubRosa. The pair of long johns the man wore wasn’t going to keep Jack Frost at bay. Then again, why should he care what happened to the man?

SubRosa was responsible for horrific crimes, including mass murder. God only knew what else they had done. The Nero Virus might not be as out of control as it was now, if not for the people SubRosa worked for.

He deserved what ever came to him. Right?

City looked back at the man. The harder he tried to ignore the man, the more his fate gnawed at City's conscious.

Who am I kidding?

With a dejected sigh City gathered his shirt and jacket and began clothing the soldier. He cursed his weak heart under his breath. Why couldn't he be more like Alex or Nicholas? Walking away from the SubRosa would be easy for people like them.

As he shoved the SubRosa's arm into a sleeve, the man sprung up and wrapped his fingers around City’s throat.

Consumed with rage, the SubRosa's python-like grip felt as cold as his green beady eyes. The SubRosa said nothing as he tightened his hold. City stared into his unwavering gaze. The SubRosa didn't seem completely there. The lights were on, but there was no one home.

Was he acting on some animal instinct to kill? To survive?

City struggled to free himself from the SubRosa’s deadly grasp, but his hold was unrelenting. His heart thumped in his ears as he writhed beneath the SubRosa’s clutches.

It would be so easy to let go, to stop fighting. His sister, his home, his horse, they were all taken from him. In a few short years he would suffer the same fate as those infected by the Nero Virus. Why not let it end here?

But Jacy.

If something happened to Jacy...

No. No. Casey would never forgive me. I’d never forgive myself.

As his vision slowly dimmed, City reached desperately for the combat knife strapped to his leg. The air grew silent as City drove the knife between the SubRosa’s eyes, killing him instantly.

Rolling the lifeless body off himself, City attempted to cough the soreness in his throat away. It wasn’t until he was on his feet, gazing down at the knife protruding from the SubRosa’s forehead, that City realized what he had done.

I killed a man.

I killed a man to survive.

That thought freed his conscious of any guilt. But as he removed the knife from the corpse, City hoped he would never have to kill again.

End flashback

TWO  

City drew a small, crooked path on the table with the combat knife.

His thoughts were lost in a daze as he followed the carved path over and over again. Days had passed, yet there were still no sign of SubRosa, or Alex Little. After what happened to Casey, seeing Alex again would be too soon for City. 

Through his unfocused gaze City envisioned his sister’s last, painful moments as she was at the mercy of someone she trusted. His heart sunk at the thought of how terrified and helpless she must have felt.

If Piper wasn’t there, if she wasn’t in Alex’s home, City was certain Casey would still be alive today.

City absentmindedly drove the knife deeper into the wood, his animosity toward Alex churned beneath the surface.

Why are you sad? Madison asked, yanking City from his thoughts.

City paused. I’m not sad.

Madison cocked her head to the side, curiously trying to meet his gaze. You look sad. Everybody looks sad. Is it because Alex isn’t back yet?

City lowered the knife to the table. No, it’s not because of Alex.

I’m getting sad too. He should be back by now. What’s he doing? Do you know?

I really don’t care what he’s doing.

City raised his gaze and stared blankly into Madison’s eyes. She looked at him perplexed, her round eyes questioning the tone of his response. The child grew attached to Alex in a short amount of time. His way with children was a trait that attracted single mothers like Casey to him.

He and Alex were close friends the day they met Madison. But now Madison knew something had changed.

Sensing her concern, City shifted his attention to the paper Madison held behind her back. You’ve been doing some more drawing?

Oh.. Madison said, realizing she was still holding the piece of paper. It’s nothing.

May I see it?

If you want to, Madison said, hesitantly, as she handed City the drawing. You probably won’t like it.

What makes you think that? City asked, but as he focused on Madison’s doodle, the reason was clear.

It’s a picture of you, me, and Alex, Madison smiled. We’re making pancakes.

The child’s portrayal of them wasn’t the best, but it was detailed enough to warrant City’s angered gaze. He placed the drawing face down on the table. It’s nice.

You didn’t like it, Madison said, disappointed.

Did I say that?

Madison dropped her shoulders and spun around. Can I go outside now?

Maybe later.

Maybe later. Maybe later, Madison repeated. "You