Game Over

By Derek Hart

Something went terribly wrong. Seemingly normal people suddenly were so aggressive, even violent. They took to the streets, protesting everything, which led to massive riots. Law enforcement was hard pressed to contain this inexpiable breakdown in society.
For Rob Larson and Brian Baron, it was just another evening at the neighborhood liquor store. People were coming and going, picking up a six-pack of their favorite beer or a bottle of inexpensive vodka. What a pleasant surprise it was, when a beautiful young Latina woman walked into the store to purchase a small bottle of tequila for a recipe. Along with her 5-year-old daughter Lizabeth, Arianna Delgado was a hard-working single mother, who also attended college part-time.
This was a magical reunion for Rob, who hasn’t seen Arianna for several years. However, events conspired to throw these four people together for simple survival. In the midst of a wonderful conversation, all hell broke loose. Wild-eyed neighbors crashed through the doors and windows of the store, completely out-of-control.
This is a story of what happens when complete social breakdown occurs. Without any rational explanation, typical American citizens were rioting, destroying public and private property, assaulting police officers, and taking to the streets. These people are not only angry, but they’re violently opposing everything and everyone around them. Our heroes take shelter in a vacated office building, hoping to wait out the drama, until help can arrive.
Yet this scary situation was not without its profound mysteries. This wasn’t simply a case of social disobedience, because scores of people were dropping dead in the midst of marching and chanting. Why do some remain unaffected, while others self-destruct? The authorities have no explanation and the media was clueless, often adding to the hysteria with fake news. Yet one reoccurring rumor keeps cropping up. This meltdown was predicated by a nationwide cell phone call from outside the United States. There’s no way to prove it, but when Hawaii is destroyed by some unknown force, things get real. Was there really a pandemic virus released into the atmosphere?
There were clues, of course, to what set all this in motion. Our central characters discover a world turned upside down. One of the greatest countries in the world ceases to exist, as the death toll mounts into the hundreds of millions. Yet this phenomenon sweeps other nations aside like dominoes. The dwindling population is hurled into darkness and despair.
Join our intrepid group as they band together with others, to eke out an existence amidst anarchy and deprivation. Eventually numbering more than 90 survivors, these everyday Americans seek answers, while striving to improve their meager existence. Unfortunately, there are others bent on ravaging the countryside, committing foul acts of murder, rape and taking slaves. Battle lines are drawn and while Rob and Arianna fall deeply in love, the world around them is in rapid decline.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Derek Hart
• Release date: Jun 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463234501

Derek Hart

Derek Hart is the prolific author of 28 action and adventure novels, known for their historical accuracy, while still maintaining a high level of entertainment. Romance is also a vital part of Derek Hart's trademark style and his novels generally appeal to men and women alike. Mr. Hart authored Secret of the Dragon's Eye, his first novel aimed at all age groups, which met with instant success and outstanding reviews. The author has since followed with Secret of the Dragon's Breath, Secret of the Dragon's Claw, Secret of the Dragon's Scales and Secret of the Dragon's Teeth. The final volume of the 6-episode series, Secret of the Dragon's Wings, will be available in November of 2018. He has since started a new series, post-apocalyptic in nature, with Minerva's Shield and Nike's Chariot. The third installment, Apollo's Plague came out in November 2017. Abandoned was published in March 2018 and Game Over premiered in June 2018. List of published books: Secret of the Dragon’s Eye Secret of the Dragon’s Breath Secret of the Dragon’s Claw Secret of the Dragon’s Scales Secret of the Dragon’s Teeth Secret of the Dragon’s Wings Claws of the Raven Danger Cruise Favor for FDR Crooked Cross Factor Tracks of the Predator For Love or Honor Bound Tales of the Yellow Silk Element of Surprise Seas Aflame Ice Flotilla High Altitude Low Opening Tangles of Truth Shadows in Replay Flag of Her Choosing Tidal Trap Dangerous (Poetry) Executive Firepower The CARLA Conspiracy The Wreckchasers Minerva's Shield Nike's Chariot Apollo's Plague Abandoned Game Over Mercury's Wings Before the Dead Walked Books coming soon: The Samuel Clemens Affair Pearl and Topaz By the Moon Darkly Broadmoor Manor Neptune's Trident Operation Sovereign Primary Weapon Saturn's Fire Tails of Thaddeus Enchanted Mesa Eagle Blue Last Guidon Excess Baggage Container Carta Codex Shipwreckers Romeo Tango The 5x5 Gang Desert Salvage

Book preview

Game Over

A Novel

by

Derek Hart

Copyright © 2018 Derek Hart

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, places, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Published by Derek Hart at Smashwords

This book is available in print at most online retailers.

Cover designed by David M. Burke

Table of Contents

Dedication

Foreword

13 Steps to Prepare for Civil Unrest

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Prologue

Chapter 1 Just Like Any Other Day

Chapter 2 Emergency Supply Run

Chapter 3 Vital Contact

Chapter 4 Unexpected Guests

Chapter 5 Old Friends Meet Again

Chapter 6 Changing the Odds

Chapter 7 Sunshine Senior Living Center

Chapter 8 Master Plan

Chapter 9 Extending Their Reach

Chapter 10 Seasons Change

Chapter 11 Reinforcements Finally Arrive

Chapter 12 Civic Improvements

Chapter 13 Recovery Teams

Chapter 14 Hunter’s Trace

Chapter 15 Death in the Family

Chapter 16 Required Training

Chapter 17 Should We Stay or Should We Go?

Chapter 18 Reconnaissance in Force

Chapter 19 Not Exactly the Promised Land

Chapter 20 New Explorers

Chapter 21 We’re Not Going Any Further

Chapter 22 New Horizons

Epilogue Parting Was Sweet Sorrow

Connect with Derek Hart

Dedication

This book is dedicated to Randall Howe

Foreword

In the movie Aliens, Private William Hudson (Bill Paxton) shouts,

Game over, man! Game over.

13 Steps to Help You Prepare for Civil Unrest

1. Ensure that your basic preparations and backup supplies are in order. This includes an adequate supply of food, water, and sanitation supplies. Two weeks is the bare minimum. Three months or more is much better.

2. Take stock of your first aid kit and medical supplies, including necessary prescription drugs. Medical supplies, remedies, and prescription drugs will likely be in short supply if there is civil unrest or collapse.

3. Learn homesteading skills and self-sufficiency skills regardless of whether you are living in an apartment, condo, house, farm, or ranch. Anything you can grow yourself or make yourself will put you way ahead.

4. Inventory the security features of your home to determine weaknesses that need to be strengthened. Are you prepared to paint over the windows to prevent light leakage, cut down trees to improve fields of fire and erect barriers, can you barricade doorways, or set lethal traps to protect your family and home?

5. Set up a personal self-defense system. If you own a firearm, apply for a concealed weapons permit, stock up on ammo and practice shooting at the range. Invest in pepper sprays, billy clubs, sling shots, bows and arrows, tomahawks, swords, or any other edged weapon you can get your hands on. Think of unique tools that will give you an advantage against the bad guys, such as a chain saw, axes, nail guns, and industrial staplers.

6. Form a community of like-minded people that will band together for protection and safety during times of chaos. This is going to be tough, because trust will be an issue when your back is up against the wall. Talk about these topics beforehand, so you can weed out the right-wing nut-jobs or the left-wing snowflakes. You need people who can put aside their political or religious affiliations in preference for common sense.

7. Stockpile cash in small bills. In a massive and chaotic riot situation, ATMs and banks are likely to be inaccessible, closed, or inoperable. 1-ounce silver bars are good too. Inventory any valuable metals, such as jewelry, silverware and collectibles. Purchasing some of these items now is planning ahead, a woefully missing aspect of most American planning.

8. Accumulate goods for barter. When the shelves are empty or the stores are closed, you may need to call on others for the supplies you need, but did not anticipate. Have something to barter. Spirits (including beer, wine and good old Jack Daniels) are always wise choices, as are candles, batteries, food, sanitation supplies, and first aid items. If you can plant a garden or raise chickens, the resulting fresh eggs and home-grown vegetables are worth their weight in gold. Extra ammunition can also give you a huge advantage when trading for things you need.

9. Don’t forget about children, the elderly, and your pets. In a riot situation or complete shutdown of society, they may become fearful and panic. Stow away some toys, games, or amusements that will aid and comfort them. Special treats for animals can calm a frightened pet, while a surprise package of chocolate-chip cookies will delight scared people, regardless of age.

10. Invest in a reference library of how-to books, equipment and repair manuals, and wilderness or military survival guides. Don’t forget to include fiction as well as non-fiction, plus reading materials suitable for a variety of different ages. Puzzles are awesome for entertainment and can help stimulate the mind for problem-solving.

11. Acquire battery-operated or rechargeable communication equipment, so you can keep in touch with family members and the outside world. This may include an emergency radio, a shortwave scanner, a HAM radio or walkie-talkies, though their range is limited. Your gear will do you no good if you don’t know how to use it. If it’s too complicated, create a cheat sheet or find something simpler to use. Practice often!

12. Develop a family emergency plan so that everyone knows what to do and where to meet in the event the worst happens. Unfortunately, many of us will be at work, in school, or out-of-town. It is vital that family members can count on each other sticking to plan, no matter how long it takes to get from point A to point B. I’d rather see you later than not at all.

13. Keep a level head and keep your mouth shut.

Preface

When the game is over, what happens next?

Do we put the pieces back into the box or do we reflect on the outcome? Do we merely respawn somewhere else, or get mad and hurl the controller across the room? Do we switch games or perhaps fiddle with the options, to make the playing field more even? Do we give up on the home team and become a fair-weather fan?

At the start of life’s game, you had no control over whom you were or your environment. By the end of the game that becomes true again. Your past decisions drastically shape where you end up and if you’re happy, healthy, and fulfilled – or not. But in your final days there’s far less you can do about it.

So how much control do you really think you have?

Are events spiraling towards a finish with or without your consent or your active participation?

When is the game really over?

It ain’t over till the fat lady sings is a colloquialism which is often used as a truism. It means that one shouldn’t presume to know the outcome of an event which is still in progress. More specifically, the phrase is used when a situation is, or appears to be, nearing its conclusion.

Even when the game appears to be over, never give up.

Never

Give

Up

No matter what.

Contrary to popular belief, this book is not intended to be a guide for post-apocalyptic behavior, but since you’ve brought it up...

Thank you to Jim Rogers, legendary investor and Wall Street expert, who was willing to answer some of the author’s questions via email. His view of the next economic crash was sobering and troubling. Certain indicators align with his prediction of the worst financial calamity in history, which certainly could bring about the end of society as we know it.

The author also wishes to acknowledge the assistance from Dr. Jonathan Quick, who is the chair of the Global Health Council. He recently stated that the next pandemic virus will be the most diabolical, hardest-to-control, and fastest-spreading potential viral mass killer known to humankind. With just a few charts, graphs, and pages of data, he provided Derek Hart with startling details of the coming scourge.

Finally, it was an impressive coup on the author’s part to get in touch with Reginald DesRoches, the world’s foremost expert on civil engineering during hurricanes and earthquakes. He teaches at Georgia Tech’s School of Civil Engineering and, by default, has become outspoken regarding climate change and the violent increase in weather-related catastrophes. Derek Hart would like to thank him for his wonderful responses via an email interview, which provided the author with alarming scientific facts regarding the coming tidal and oceanic changes across this planet which, one day, will flood most of the coastline around the world.

It’s always wise to point out any single individual who created the impetus or catalyst, and then planted the seed that germinated in the author’s warped little mind. In this case, depending on your perspective, Randall Howe aptly earned the blame, or the praise, for this novel’s inspiration.

The author is exceedingly grateful to Lupita Martinez, Joe Cressaty, Randall Howe, Dimiter Kolev, Jodi Roth, David Burke, Luben Jelezarov, Anthony Schell, Raymond Bell, Karis Coido, Dave Renar, and Mark Collins for their profound and much appreciated impact on this story. Perhaps they’re not aware of how much they influence the author, but they should be, because it’s right here in print.

When the shit hits the fan, as it undoubtedly will one day, remember who your friends are. During these tumultuous times, it’s easy to get wrapped up in politics, religion, or other trivialities. Instead, trust in love and friendship, because in the end, nothing else really matters.

Cover art by David M. Burke

Introduction

APOCALYPSE

A·poc·a·lypse

əˈpäkəˌlips/

Noun

1. The complete and final destruction of the world, especially as described in the biblical book of Revelation.

2. An event involving destruction or damage on an awesome or catastrophic scale.

Origin: Old English, via Old French and ecclesiastical Latin from Greek apokalupsis, from apokaluptein, to uncover, reveal, from apo-un+ kaluptein - to cover.

Pay attention, if you will.

Prologue

It happened so fast. Nobody was sure what triggered certain events. At least nobody still alive knew what actually caused the end.

Later, we were told it all started with a nuclear attack on Hawaii. That turned out to be a bald-faced lie. It started way before then.

No matter what the cause, most of civilization came to an abrupt end.

There was some speculation by certain military personnel that the catalyst was introduced with a simple viral-chemical agent released into the atmosphere. At a prearranged time, the activation sequence was induced by an electronic signal to the brain through our cell phones. After that, it simply escalated out-of-control.

No nuclear missiles ever reached the continental United States, yet millions of Americans died anyway. The death toll around the world reached into the billions.

There were lots of excuses, of course, but nothing to substantiate the wild and unfounded rumors. Most of the stories were pretty far-fetched and eventually became nothing more than urban legends.

Now that was a joke too.

There weren’t enough people left alive to hear some stupid explanation for why so many people had died in the first place!

The surviving population dwindled down to next to nothing.

In fact, it’s been months since anybody has seen another living human being.

We’ve become quite wary of anything that moves.

Sometimes they’re not human at all, but only emaciated shells of their former selves. They gasp and wheeze, before coughing away what remains of their lungs. Eventually they die too.

It’s sad.

Was it really that easy to wipe out most of civilization?

Whatever started it, it eventually brought about the end of humankind. We agreed it would have been better to fight zombies, but we weren’t that lucky. Instead, it seemed like death sought its victims randomly.

You’re probably wondering how we survived.

That’s a really good question, but we haven’t got the slightest idea, except that most of us weren’t using our cell phones at the preordained time.

We must have been immune to whatever it was that killed so many. Maybe it was the bottle of tequila we all shared that first night. Unfortunately, that doesn’t explain why some lived and others didn’t.

Whatever happened that day was catastrophic.

In the beginning it seemed like any other day…

Chapter 1

Just Like Any Other Day

It was 9:45 p.m. on Friday night, August 10th. The store would close at 11:00 p.m. The two employees on duty were busy with last minute duties before closing.

It was a classic neighborhood liquor store with a good reputation and a loyal clientele. The rainbow neon OPEN sign flickered for a moment, as another satisfied customer departed, carrying a 12-pack of cold beer. The busy strip mall was winding down, the flow of traffic ebbing away to a trickle.

The evening rush was over and now it was just the regulars who would wander in to get their favorite booze. Retired from the regular workforce, part-timer Robert Larson was busy fronting the shelves and wine racks, while his collegiate coworker, Brian Baron, pulled stock from upstairs to fill open slots in displays.

This was the nightly ritual.

Brass bells chimed as the front door opened again.

Rob looked up from his straightening duties and nearly choked with surprise.

A strikingly beautiful young Latina woman walked in. She held onto the hand of an adorable little girl, but paused while looking around.

Rob immediately hustled up to the front from where he had been working, covering the distance in record time. He made a beeline straight for the new arrival.

Arianna Delgado? Rob asked, only superficially confident he had identified the latest customer accurately.

Oh, why hello. She reacted nicely, somewhat taken aback by his enthusiastic approach. Still, she flashed him a wonderfully friendly smile.

He offered his hand. It’s so good to see you again.

She shook his warmly. It’s good to see you too. I didn’t know you worked here.

I left Target several years ago, Larson said. Is this Lizabeth?

The little girl, perhaps four years old, skirted around behind her mother and only dared to sneak a peek out from behind one shapely leg. She firmly held onto her Piglet stuffed animal.

Arianna knelt down next to her daughter and pulled Lizabeth out to face the man.

Lizzy, this is Rob. What do you say?

Larson was amazed that Arianna remembered his name. After all, it had been awhile since they had last seen each other.

Immediately dropping to his knees to be on Lizabeth’s level, he held out his hand and smiled. Hello, Lizzy. It’s so nice to meet you.

Lizzy was coy and shyly tried to retreat, but there was nowhere to go because her route was blocked by her mother’s outstretched arms.

Who’s that in your hand? Rob asked.

Piglet, Lizabeth managed to say, backing away.

Arianna looked at Rob apologetically. I’m sorry she’s being so difficult.

Larson shook his head. Don’t be silly. I’m a stranger and Lizabeth is just being careful, which is wise. She doesn’t know who I am and therefore I might be dangerous.

Arianna turned her daughter around to face her, so she could look the little girl in the eye. Now Lizzy, Rob Larson is a very nice man. He once helped mommy after I lost my job and was in the car accident.

Lizabeth looked over at the man and a tiny smile broke out on her face. Then she waved. It was an itsy-bitsy, pinky-finger wave, but nonetheless, it was delivered with affection.

Larson laughed with delight. You are as cute as a button. Then he waved back, duplicating the baby-finger delivery.

It was right then that a miraculous thing happened.

Lizabeth broke away from her mother’s grasp and vaulted into Rob’s arms, which he barely lifted in time to catch her. He was the recipient of an incredibly vibrant hug.

Looking over the little girl’s shoulder, he caught Arianna’s eye. Her expression was one of surprise and something else. A serious evaluation was underway and there was no doubt that Lizabeth’s mother was conducting a heartfelt appraisal of what had just happened.

Rob felt he should take control of the situation by changing the focus. He stood up; Lizabeth still cradled in his arms and asked, So what brings you to our fine establishment?

For some reason, Arianna blushed. I was looking for a small bottle of tequila for a recipe.

Well, follow me and I’ll show you our selection.

Lizabeth wrapped her arms tightly around Larson’s neck as he walked down the aisle to the section labeled TEQUILA.

This is the smallest bottle we carry, unless you mean the airplane size? he said. I don’t know how much you needed for the dish you’re preparing.

Just a couple of ounces, I think, Arianna replied. I’m trying out a new steak fajita recipe and it called for tequila, but I didn’t have any in the house.

It seemed like a lot of information and she gave the impression of being a bit winded after her explanation. She was almost panting, as if something was upsetting her normal behavior.

Perhaps it was some disturbing news of late. He was aware that she was a single mother, making it on her own. However, he also knew Arianna was independent, strong-willed, intelligent, and highly motivated. That spoke volumes in his mind.

I bet it will be delicious, he said. I love steak anything.

Lizabeth made no attempt to let go of her hold, so Arianna picked up the bottle Larson had pointed out. This should do.

They slowly walked back towards the checkout counter. Rob prayed no other customer would come in and interrupt them. He was enjoying this immensely.

Where are you working now? Rob asked, hoping he wasn’t prying too much.

I’m a medical assistant at Capstone Urgent Care, she responded with pride. I’m also attending Perimeter University, majoring in medical assisting.

That’s awesome. Do you like the work?

Oh yes, very much, she beamed and then frowned. However, this is the first night I’ve had off in weeks, so I wanted to cook a nice dinner and spend quality time with my princess.

She set the bottle down on the countertop. Rob handed Lizabeth back to her mother, so he could ring up the sale. He seriously contemplated letting her have the bottle of tequila for no charge and paying for it later himself, but decided to just include a preferred customer discount instead.

Arianna seemed agitated, as she looked out the window at the parking lot.

Are you okay? Rob asked with concern.

Have you been watching the news? she asked, her voice quivering. It’s horrible. The urgent care center has been slammed with incoming patients hurt during all these demonstrations. I admit I’m a little afraid.

Yes. I keep wondering what’s really going on.

Arianna nodded, but now there was fear in her eyes.

He reached over the counter and gently squeezed her wrist. Everything will be okay. Just drive straight home after this.

His calm voice and warm touch did wonders.

Arianna acted much more in control.

You’re right, Mommy, Lizabeth said. He is a nice man.

Both Arianna and Rob smiled and laughed a little.

It was so wonderful to see you again, Larson said, hoping he wasn’t coming on too strong. He had always been attracted to her, right from the start. Let me know if you need anything.

There was the difference in age, however, which kept him from seriously contemplating any kind of serious relationship. He was old enough to be her father. Or maybe even her grandfather.

It was good to see you again too, Rob, she said, never taking her eyes from his.

The mutual chemical attraction had always been quite strong.

It was right then that Brian Baron wheeled in his handcart stacked with cardboard cases of various spirits. He saw Rob was helping one customer at the counter.

I see it was busy while I was gone, Brian said sarcastically.

Wheeeoooooooooooooooo!

A shrill shriek suddenly wailed in the night. The local air raid sirens were going off.

What the fuck? Brian wondered.

Mommy, what’s that awful noise? Lizabeth asked, clasping her little hands over her ears.

The blaring horn was ominous and foreboding. Its menacing pitch deepened. Over and over the ill-omened blast resonated through the chilly night air, shattering the peace.

The horrible banshee wail, rising and falling in pitch, vaguely resembled the sound of a wolf howl so humans had supposedly evolved to instinctively fear it. The modulation, frequency, and tone all hit that part of Rob’s brain that responded emotionally to sound. That siren signaled danger because it was activating those emotional pathways that told Rob to get the hell out of there.

Something was terribly wrong and he guessed it had nothing to do with bad weather.

We must go! he declared.

What? Arianna reacted with dread.

Do you trust me? Rob asked calmly, looking her straight in the eye, while holding out his hand.

She nodded slowly, taking his outstretched fingers.

He gently but firmly pulled her with him, making a point to smile at Lizabeth. He wanted to wipe away the little girl’s tears.

Crash!

Without any warning, the entire length of storefront picture windows shattered inwards, showering the people inside with deadly glass shards. Rob instinctively sheltered Arianna and Lizabeth with his body. Fortunately, none of the pieces hurt them.

Spinning around, Larson ushered his charges down the main aisle, making them duck behind the tall, heavy champagne shelf and in front of the back wall.

Stay right here, he commanded. Don’t move. I’ll be right back.

He gave Arianna an intense look and she understood his unspoken warning.

The front door gave way with the rush of an angry crowd. They looked crazed, savagely out-of-control, and mad with anger and fear. Something was clearly wrong with them because they were porcupined with slivers of glass as if it was no big deal.

Rob shouted at Brian, Throw bottles at them, for Christ’s sake!

Baron grinned grimly and picked up two vodka 1.75 handles, flinging them at the open front door. One bottle hit one of the intruders right in the head, knocking him out. The bottles shattered, soaking the intruders.

Larson burst through the back door, heading straight for his car. He popped the trunk and lifted out his padded blue gun bag. He had been at the Norcross Gun Club the day before with his son, but forgot to take the firearms inside to clean them.

Was it providence?

Was it coincidence?

Or was it just plain dumb luck?

Who cares? Larson growled to himself, as he dashed back inside.

Unzipping the bag with one hand, Rob extracted one Colt 1911 .45 automatic and slipped a full magazine in place. He chambered a round and actually charged into the main part of the store, gun firing. His aim was surprisingly accurate, as he hit just about all the uninvited interlopers. Blood splattered on the cigar humidor and front counter.

With an underhanded fling, Larson tossed the bag to Brian.

There’s another .45 in there, he shouted, while herding Arianna and Lizabeth to the relative safety of the rear section of the store.

Brian freed the Colt Commander and slid a magazine into place, slinging the gun bag over his shoulder. He joined Larson in the back, firing as he went.

The looting crowd had hesitated when bullets were introduced into the equation. Now, however, whatever was driving this group to act in a wildly irrational manner, once again kicked in, as more rioters surged through the gap.

Let’s get the hell out of here, Brian suggested. Let the police deal with this.

Larson agreed.

Baron snagged two handles of bourbon as he passed. These are just in case we need something to settle our nerves.

Rob chuckled. "Good thinking.

What about my car? Arianna asked.

You’re parked out front, right? he asked, trying to remain calm.

She nodded.

Do you really want to deal with all those crazy people?

She shook her head. Poor Lizabeth was terrified.

We’ll come back for it tomorrow, once things have settled down, he suggested. Get in everybody.

I’ll drive, you shoot, Rob told Brian.

Arianna huddled in the back seat with her daughter, desperately hoping to quiet her daughter’s sobs.

Larson started the car and hurriedly backed up. It was only then that he realized there was a throng of people running towards them. He looked in the rearview mirror.

There was nothing else he could do.

He engaged the door locks.

Punching the accelerator, the Honda Civic slammed into the crowd.

Crunch!

It was the sound of automobile hitting flesh and breaking bones.

There were cries of pain as bodies were flung aside like bowling pins.

Arianna slumped over her daughter and prayed the seatbelts would do some good.

Rob spun the steering wheel, keeping his foot down on the gas pedal as he shifted into drive. The car plowed through the people, some more were hit, while others jumped out of the way.

Or so they thought.

Rob was pissed.

These people were endangering him and his passengers. There was no mercy in his actions. He pinned several unfortunates against the big green garbage dumpster out back, but felt no pity as the front bumper severed their legs.

Blood sprayed and the screams echoed in everyone’s ears.

Shifting back into reverse, Larson backed down the alley that ran along the side of the building.

Brian lowered the window.

Blam, blam.

Brian dropped the two men who had stepped in front of the moving car.

Don’t waste bullets, Larson shouted over the din. I would have just run them over. It’s a red car, you know.

It was sick humor, but Rob was in no mood to be politically correct.

He spun the wheel madly, shifting into low before cutting across the parking lot of the restaurant next door. Heading to their left on the wrong side of the road, Rob barely avoided a collision before swinging back over to the correct lanes.

All his passengers let out a loud sigh of relief.

The car he missed slammed into the front of the liquor store, plowing inside, scattering bottles into the air. It was a horrendous sound of breaking glass and shattering storefront.

Sorry about that, Larson uttered. I just wanted to get going without worrying about traffic signals or which side of the street I was on.

Nobody argued with him or contested his reasoning.

At the next intersection, the traffic lights were blinking red in both directions, but Rob ignored them and only slowed down long enough to make sure he wasn’t going to get in an accident. He wanted to turn right, but throngs of people blocked that route. There were houses burning, up and down the street, with overturned cars and fire engines overrun with fanatics. So Larson floored it again, eventually reaching 70 miles-per-hour.

He looked in the rearview mirror at Arianna.

His voice, full of compassion, asked, Are you two okay?

She nodded and tried to smile. What’s happening?

Both Brian and Rob shrugged, as if they had rehearsed the synchronized motion of their shoulders their entire lives.

I’ll turn on the radio and see if we can find out what the hell is going on, Baron said.

The air raid sirens were still splitting the night with that horrible eerie sound.

A recorded voice interrupted their thoughts.

"This is the emergency broadcast system on all channels. Please stay in your homes or places of business. Do not travel unless it is absolutely necessary. You will be arrested if you are considered dangerous and marshal law has been declared. A state of emergency now exists."

Brian looked at Rob. Holy shit, that sure sounds bad.

The message was repeated over and over again. Then suddenly there was nothing but static.

Larson went back to concentrating on his driving.

However, as he neared the next major intersection, there were scores of blue flashing lights, red flashing lights, and yellow flashing lights. Temporary barricades had been erected to block their path up ahead.

There was also an enormous mob of people converging on the roadblocks from all four directions. They were hurling rocks and bottles, while shouting unintelligible threats. It was sheer pandemonium and was quickly developing into a full-fledged riot.

Canisters of tear gas went spinning into the crowds, spewing forth dense white clouds, but the chemical deterrent seemed to have little effect. This desperate attack only seemed to aggravate the situation even more.

Rob slowed down and came to a complete stop.

Arianna, where do you live? he asked.

She pointed and replied, On the other side of that intersection.

I was afraid she was going to say that, Brian commented.

Mommy, I want to go home, Lizabeth sobbed. I’m scared.

I know you are, Princess, her mother said. We need to do what Mr. Larson thinks is right.

Her confidence in him was unexpected, but greatly appreciated.

There’s no way we’re going to get through that mess, even if we try to cut across the parking lot at Dick’s, Rob explained to his passengers.

Suddenly the night was ripped apart by gunfire.

They must have broken into Dick’s and grabbed guns, Baron surmised.

The major intersection at Roswell Road and Johnson Ferry Road was quickly turning into a disaster area. Automobiles were ploughing into the barricades or crashing into each other, while the vastly outnumbered police officers were now under fire.

Kaboom!

A mushroom cloud of fire and smoke rose up ahead of them.

The corner BP gas station was now engulfed in flames and while some people were fleeing the chaos, others started attacking each other. Their insane behavior didn’t make any sense.

We’ve got to get the hell out of here right now! Rob exclaimed, while spinning the steering wheel hard to the right. I’m turning in here.

His car hit the upward slant of the driveway hard, almost knocking the steering wheel from Larson’s hand. He immediately spotted another group of people heading straight towards them.

Brian emptied the entire magazine, dropping a bunch of desperate idiots who rushed the car from the shadows.

Nice shooting, but remember, go easy on the ammo, cowboy, Rob cautioned. What’s in that bag is all we’ve got.

Roger that, Brian said. Where to now?

There’s no way we’re going to get anywhere safe with all of this panic around us, Larson answered. Let’s take shelter in that office building.

He pointed to his left.

They had entered Johnson Square Business Park.

Rob drove his Civic right up to the front door, using it to block the entrance from the left. He grabbed the gun bag from Brian.

Out we go, he spurred them to action, as all four of them climbed out to the right. Brian burst through the door, his weapon ready. Larson, on the other hand, felt obligated to look after Arianna and Lizabeth, so he shooed them inside ahead of him.

The sirens still wailed continuously, never letting up.

Squealing tires, crunching metal, and gunshots echoed all across the intersection.

There were horrible screams of terror, suddenly cut short.

Repeated gunfire reverberated amongst the buildings and Arianna flinched every time a shot was fired. Her eyes were wide with fear and poor Lizabeth seemed confused and horrified too. Only her mother’s firm grip kept the little girl from breaking down in hysteria.

With Brian’s help, the two men pushed several pieces of furniture to block the front doors after locking them, then piled chairs high, hoping to barricade the entrance. They split up temporarily, also bolting every downstairs door they came to.

When they met back where Arianna had taken shelter in one corner with her daughter, everybody took hands.

Upstairs! Rob commanded. If we have to defend ourselves, I want the high ground.

Larson picked up Lizzy and wrapped his arm around Arianna’s waist, as the three of them raced up the stairwell to the second floor, with Brian bringing up the rear.

In here, Rob said, opening the first office door and charging inside.

As soon as the light switched on, Larson wished he had made a different choice.

Oof!

The air was knocked out of him as he was suddenly tackled.

Arianna cried out in shock.

Fortunately for Lizabeth, she fell on the carpeted floor, where her mother snagged Lizzy’s outstretched hand and yanked her