Infection

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

Gwen kept casting side glances at Jarett, warily observing his demeanour and what he did, as the two of them crouch-walked through the kitchen of the burger joint, which was currently empty. She still didn’t trust him, after seeing how he brutally killed the guard, and how old was he? Probably the same age as her, and yet he could be so much more violent.

The kitchen didn’t seem like one of a fast food restaurant. Surgical knives and syringes lay on the shiny, metallic tables around. There were no obvious kitchen utensils or anything lying around. Sounds came from outside the kitchen, sounding like several people, engaged in conversation or just walking around outside.

“What’re you planning to do?” Gwen whispered to Jarett. She didn’t ask him before, but was now starting to doubt what he could actually accomplish. After all, he was just a teenager like her. And she was now starting to chide herself mentally, by following a suicidal punk on such a dangerous situation. He was actually planning to save people from a group of armed lunatics? She gave herself a mental kick in the ass for being so silly to come along without being told of the entire ‘plan’. After all, he had only briefly told her about how he planned to gain entry into the building. What happens inside, he didn’t say, and she felt like an ass that she hadn’t asked him either.

He didn’t reply, but kept edging closer to the door. Gwen followed behind closely, deciding that it was too late to back out now. The two of them came to the two silver swinging doors which led out to the counters of the burger joint. Jarett held the rifle firmly with one hand, then reached into his backpack with his other and drew out a dark cylindrical item.

At first glance, Gwen didn’t realise what it was –

– Jarett suddenly pulled out a ring from the cylinder with his mouth, and Gwen realised that he had held a grenade. “Cover your ears!” He warned harshly.

“Where did you –” Gwen began in shock, but Jarett had kicked the doors open slightly and threw the grenade outside. Gwen instinctively covered her ears with her hands and shut her eyes.

There was a loud explosion that went off with a great light and a terrific bang, and numerous people outside became stunned by the flashbang. All parties outside had been momentarily blinded and deafened.

Jarett kicked the door open and rushed out, shooting everyone who carried a rifle or appeared to be part of the group of madmen, as he dashed toward the storage room at the opposing end. Gwen paced behind him, avoiding the sights around her; large, fresh blood stains, mutilated body parts…

Jarett kicked the storage door open and glanced around quickly. Several hostages were bleeding or dead. In a corner was Ralph, who clutched his arm and looked completely pale. Gwen rushed over to him.

“Ralph! Ralph…” She shook him anxiously, praying that he was still alive.

Ralph slowly came to, and glanced at Gwen with bloodshot eyes. They were completely red and swollen.

“Damn it.” Jarett cursed. Gwen turned and saw that he was crouched at two other males, who appeared unconscious… or dead. Gwen turned her attention back to Ralph.

“What happened?” She held him tightly.

“Get… out… of… here…” Ralph strained to speak, his body shivering.

Gwen urgently tried to pull him to his feet. “Yeah. We’re getting out of here. Quick, get up…”

Ralph stayed put. “No… As in… you leave… now…”