Dead To US: Episode 6: Infected States Of America, #6

By Aaliyah Abdul

It all began when City Morrisseau and Alex Little dared to leave their isolated reservation in search for news about the virus slowly killing their friends and loved ones.

What the two found on their journey would change their lives, and divide their friendship.

Now, the two young men find themselves cornered once again by members of a private military sent to quarantine the virus and its deadly spawn.

The life of the youngest survivor could put an end to the contagion. But is Alex willing to forsake the world in order to preserve that life?

Choices will be made, secrets will be revealed in the final episode of Dead To US: Infected States of America.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aaliyah Abdul
• Release date: Jul 3, 2014
• ISBN: 9781501491771

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 VI: MADISON

ONE

Before the outbreak...

Gadeston, North Dakota

Madison cringed as the doctor walked up to her with the syringe. Tears swelled up in the corner of her round eyes. Mommy...? she sobbed.

Linda rubbed the child’s shoulder, gently. It’s alright, Madison. Doctor Stafford is just going to give you a quick shot. It’s not going to hurt.

Madison blinked away tears, unsure if she believed her mother. The needle the doctor held seemed as thick as a crayon to her. She was sure it was going to hurt.

Why do I have to get a quick shot, mommy?

Madison, we’ve been over this. You need a shot so that you don’t get sick. You know, just like the parents of your little friend, Billy?

The flu seems to have hit this area earlier and earlier every year, Stafford said, filling the syringe. Though I think a few of my colleagues have come down with something worse.

Billy’s not my friend anymore, Madison frowned.

Now why do you say that? her mother asked, distracting the child as Stafford wiped Madison's arm with a cotton ball.

He took my markers and pulled my hair.

He wouldn’t be my friend anymore either, if he did that to me, Linda said. She watched the doctor insert the needle into Madison’s arm, but the child was too upset about her kindergarten classmate to notice. Did you get your markers back?

Miss Wright found them...in the potty! I don’t ever want to see that Billy Kruger again.

You know what I think, Madison? Stafford asked, setting the needle aside. I think Billy likes you.

Well, I don’t like him!

That’s my baby girl. Linda collected the six year old and held her in her arms. She kissed her on the cheek. Teach those bad boys to respect a little lady.

Are we leaving? Madison asked, puzzled. I didn’t get my quick shot yet.

Stafford smiled. I just gave it to you, Madison.

You did?

Yes he did. And you took it like the big girl you are, Linda said. Thank you, doctor Stafford. Say thank you, Madison.

Thank you, doctor Stafford, Madison waved.

You’re welcome. Go easy on Billy now, Madison.

Nuh-unh! Madison shook her head. Not gonna happen.

As Linda carried her daughter out of the clinic, her cell phone buzzed. She retrieved the phone from her jeans and checked the number. It was her father, George. What does he want?

Because of her past addiction to heroin, the two of them hadn’t the best father-daughter relationship. But once she realized she was pregnant, Linda sought rehab and straightened out her life. Things had improved for her, but George had his doubts. He made it clear on several occasions that he didn’t trust his granddaughter in her care, and that Madison would be better off living in Bismarck with him.

Linda thought differently.

What? she answered with a tone.

Hello Linda? an unfamiliar female voice said.

Who’s this?

You don’t know me, but my name’s Joanne Cook; I live next door to your father.

What’s wrong? Why are you using his phone?

He told me not to call you, but I thought, since you’re his daughter, you need to know. Your father is in the hospital.

Linda’s heart sank. What..? Why?

He caught that terrible flu that’s been going around. The doctors think it hit him hard because of his age. A lot of people on our block have gotten sick.

Is he going to be okay? How serious is it?

Well, I called the hospital earlier. They told me he was in intensive care.

Which hospital is he in?

Who’s sick? Madison asked. Linda dismissed her question. She opened the passenger door, and Madison climbed inside the car.

St. Junes. Do you have the number?

No but I...I can look it up. Linda tossed her purse onto the dashboard and entered the vehicle. Thank you for calling me.

You’re welcome, dear. I’m praying for your father. I hope he recovers soon.

Is someone sick? Madison asked, curiously.

Linda dabbed tears from her eyes, and smiled through her pain. She couldn’t let her daughter see her crying. Madison had a better relationship with George than Linda. Linda wanted to spare her the pain of knowing his condition.

"I’ll tell you later, Madison. Let’s go get some ice