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be enough to save us this time.
     
     
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
    6
     
     
     
     
    The gang of miscreants is gathering outside the exit in a huddled group. Not attempting to climb to us. Instead, they’re waiting for our inevitable attempt to flee from the bus.
    Our options are limited to say the least. We can either descend into the menacing band of monsteroids or stay on board and somehow try to overcome the other three. The outcome of the latter, I’m sure, will simply result in more swarming onto the bus so I can dismiss that as a choice.
    I realize it ’s my turn to grow a pair and give Emma a genuine chance of escaping. If I hurl myself into the group I might be able to make a big enough gap in the crowd for her to follow me and make a run for it.
    “My turn,” I announce in my bravest voice possible.
    I glance quickly in her direction, not letting our eyes make contact as I’d rather she doesn’t see the watery fear building up in mine.
    I return my attention to outside the door and pick a spot to bombard with my torso.
    “Follow me and run away as fast as you can,” I shout as I ready myself to jump.
    I go for it , but find myself needing to grab hold of the door frame as an unexpected impact knocks me backwards.
    Mangled bodies are sent flying in every direction. A huge, shiny 4x4 jeep with bull bars on the bumper has rammed into the group, decapitating some and pinning others against the side of the bus.
    I don ’t recognise the vehicle, but as the passenger window rolls down I hear a familiar voice, over the howls of annoyance and pain emanating from around us.
    “ You fancy moving your arse there mate.” Shawn has finally decided to make an appearance.
    “ With pleasure,” I respond grabbing Emma’s hand and pulling her with me as I jump into the open trailer part of the jeep.
    Once were safely aboard, Shawn floors the accelerator and the jeep lurches into life. We hold on for dear life as we get bounced around the back as Shawn powers away from the bus leaving a furious looking Toma standing in the doorway.
    When we ’re a safe enough distance away, he pulls up and lets us in.
    “ New friend?” he greets as we pile into the front seat.
    “New wheels ?” I answer. He grins with a wry smile.
    “ Yea but it’s only a loaner. It suits me huh?”
    ”Oh to a tee,” I say mockingly. He gives me the finger as he grins.
    I make all the necessary introductions.
    “About time you got yourself a girlfriend.” I blush profusely.
    He locks the doors before I can reply and starts driving again. He continues, “We have to keep moving. It draws their attention if we stay in one spot too long.”
    Their attention ? He seems to know more about what’s going on than we do.
    “So do you have any idea what ’s happening?” I question.
    “To put it simply , it seems there’s been some sort of outbreak, and we poor saps are stuck slap bang in the middle of it. This shit seems to take control of ya and turns you into some sort of friggin’ zombie, like your friends back there on the bus,” is his unbelievable reply. Unbelievable yes, but it certainly would explain everything that’s been happening. But how did this all come about?
    As if he was reading my mind, Shawn suggests, “Turn on the radio, and it will explain everything in more detail.”
    I oblige and twist the volume button, but there’s only static, the same as the radio at Emma’s apartment.
    “There no reception ,” I argue.
    “ Tune it to the 89.6 frequency. It’s a government emergency broadcast.”
    I tune it in and sure enough there ’s a reception. A clear voiced man is speaking. I recognize it as being our president’s voice. He must be safely sheltered away somewhere with our other government officials. Standard protocol in a disaster situation I presume.
    “How did you know to tune it in to that frequency?” I question.
    “Earlier when I couldn ’t get a signal I just did an auto scan and the radio locked on to it.