Page 34 of Resurgent

Then—Creep by Radiohead suddenly erupts from Matt’s phone, forgotten on the charger, the familiar song slicing through the silence and putting us both instantly on edge.

The screen goes dark as the song halts abruptly just as Matt makes it to the kitchen counter. He’s barely lifting when the song begins playing again.

‘Captain Asshole’ flashes across the screen, and Matt answers with a grin.

"Well, if it isn't everyone's favorite overly—"

"Where are you?" The words explode through the speaker, sharp and demanding.

Matt's smile disappears.

"We just finished working out."

"Inside?"

"We are now. Why?"

"Lock every door."

The hair on the back of my neck stands up, and Matt straightens.

"...Korr?"

"I said lock every fucking door. NOW!"

I don't think, my feet moving before I can tell them to.

By the time Matt says, "Lee—" I'm already across the kitchen toward the back entrance.

Deadbolt—clicked. Handle checked twice.

Windows—closed and latched.

Front door—secured by Mattey.

Behind me, Korr keeps talking, "There was another attack."

My hand freezes on the now partially closed curtain.

"...Another?" Matt asks.

"Animal."

"Where?" Matt asks quietly.

"About half a mile outside of the gates"

“Who?” I demand.

"He's Charlie Company, but I can't tell you who yet. He’s alive," Korr continues. "Barely."

I close my eyes. Not again.

"We're tracking it now."

"We?" Matt asks.

"Myself, Lorenson, three Vanguard who happened to be here meeting with Dean Stevens when another recruit reported seeing an abandoned car parked on the side of the road on their way back from lunch." His voice is calm now, and I realize it’s not from a lack of urgency, but to keep us from worrying.