Machines of the Dead: A Zombie Apocalypse (Volume 1) by David Bernstein

Author:David Bernstein [Bernstein, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Zombie, Horror
ISBN: 9781475233865
Amazon: 1475233868
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2012-04-21T12:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

“There’s a keypad lock on the door,” Jack yelled to the others, over the sound of gunfire.

“Well, you better figure it out,” Maria shouted back, firing off a three round burst. She exchanged weapons with Zaun, who speedily loaded a fresh magazine into the gun he was handed.

“I was hoping you could help with that,” Jack said.

“Me? You forget who you’re talking to? I’m as low on the totem pole as it gets around here.”

“What’s Reynolds’ birthday?”

Another three round burst.

Maria shook her head. “No idea.”

“Are you nuts?” Zaun asked Jack. “You think that old trick will work?”

“Go check his desk; his computer,” Maria suggested, firing off another burst. “Maybe he wrote it down somewhere.”

Jack doubted it, but went around to Reynolds’ mahogany desk anyway. The computer was on, but Jack didn’t think the code would be on it. He started pulling out drawers, rifling through them, finding numerous papers, a letter opener, tacks, scissors, but no code. When he was done, papers lay everywhere and the drawers rested on the floor.

Frustrated, Jack kicked one of the drawers, sending it into the wall.

It was over. They were screwed. He picked up the leather-backed chair and tossed it over the desk.

“I take it you didn’t find the code?” Zaun said.

Jack was tired. He needed to sit. Taking a step back, he collided with the wall, then slid down it to the floor. His body felt heavy. So, so heavy. It was difficult holding his head up. He’d put all their lives at risk. It was his idea to go ahead and try to escape. He was the leader, whether they liked it or not. Kevin was dead, and soon they would be too, but not before the bots ate them up, draining their bodies of everything.

Reynolds had won.

Jack’s sadness turned to anger. Grinding his teeth, he said, “No,” then pounded on the floor with his hands. Standing up, he looked around. He didn’t know what to do. Without the code, it was only a matter of time before they were overtaken, captured, or killed.

“They’re getting closer, Jack,” Maria yelled.

The room went red.

He stood, grabbed the desk and heaved it onto its front, grunting as he did so. Looking at the desk, he saw a small white rectangle attached to the underside of one of the drawer slots. He grabbed the object. It was a keycard. A backup master? Turning the card over, he almost shouted with glee. Four numbers, written in black magic marker stared back at him.

With card in hand, Jack bolted back to the escape hatch and using a shaky finger, punched in the numbers. After the last key was pressed, the red light went off, the green one came on, and the door clicked open. Grabbing the handle, Jack pulled and opened the door.

Damp, cool air, swept over him, supplying a welcomed chill. He turned around and yelled to Zaun and Maria. She fired a few more bursts before the two of them ran over to him. As they stepped inside the tunnel, Jack saw armed men enter the office.

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