Page 3 of Zombie

I heard the echo of distant footsteps growing closer. Two short men in suits walked on either side of a slightly taller man. I recognized him as the person who had taken my photo. All three men had shaved heads and dark eyes.

“Oh good, you're awake,” the taller man said.

Stay calm, I thought to myself as my heart rate began to quicken.

When I didn’t respond, a sinister smile spread across his face. “A pretty thing like you should know better than to walk home in the dark alone.”

I clenched my jaw, acutely aware of my defenselessness.

“What do you want from me?” I bit out, hating the tremble in my voice.

The man let out a laugh. “Oh, sweet girl, there are some fun things I can think of; however, I am more interested in the person you work for.”

Great, just fucking fantastic. I loved Kade to death, but he was part of a dangerous world. Being associated with him had its costs and I never thought I’d be an active part of them.

“Then what do you need me for?” I snapped.

Before my drug-filled mind could process what was happening, the man stepped forward and swung his fist at my cheek. Pain shot through my head, cascading down my jaw. My glasses hung crooked across my face. I held back tears as I felt my eyes water. I wouldn’t give this deranged man the satisfaction of knowing he was hurting me.

“Watch your tone with me, girl,” he boomed.

My body went rigid at his shouting, a sick feeling rising in my stomach.

“W-who are you? What do you want?” I stammered.

The man let out a dark laugh. “I am Stefanos, and what I want is very simple.”

“Is that so?” I asked as my mind reeled.

Stefanos crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Your boss owes me for fucking with my business.”

“What does that have to do with me?” I couldn’t help but voice the question in my head.

“Because I know his weak spots, and you, my dear, are one of them. Know thy enemy.” He pointed to his temple.

One lone tear fell down my cheek. Stefanos smirked.

Surely by now the team would be looking for me. Right?

Anger bubbled up inside me once more, eclipsing my fear. How dare this man speak of Kade as if he knew him?

“He will tear you limb from limb,” I bit out.

Stefanos’ face went red with rage before he kicked me in the stomach, knocking the chair to the ground. A small cry escaped my lips as pain radiated throughout my body.

“I’d like to see him try, girl! He’s not here, now is he?”

I kept quiet, but my silence only spurred him on. He kicked me three times while I stayed bound to the chair, helpless. Soon, my vision tunneled as I slipped into unconsciousness.

FOUR

LENNIE

I woke to men yelling and gunshots ringing out through the warehouse. My head and ribs pounded as I lay on my side, still bound to the chair.

I heard voices shouting in Spanish, followed by a sharp cry, then silence. I tensed as I saw a behemoth figure walking my way, but recognition dawned on me as the man came into focus. It was Bohdi, Kade’s third in command.

I tried to call to him before a coughing fit consumed me.