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Chapter 2:

Nightfall had just arrived as Cedar, Luca and Andy made it back to the townhouse where Miguel, Benji and Charlie were lounging around the living room.

"Who's this?". Miguel asked, looking up at Andy whilst giving his niece and nephew side hugs.

"My Uncle Andy". Luca muttered as he crossed over into the living room to hang out with Benji and Charlie.

Miguel nodded and gave Andy a light fist bump as a greeting. "It's nice to meet you, we've been taking good care of Luca".

Andy grinned. "Yeah I heard, I'm sorry about your brother".

Miguel frowned before composing himself. "So how'd you get separated from Luca?".

"Mind if I sit down?". Andy asked, gesturing towards the open arm chair in the living room.

Miguel and Cedar followed Andy into the living room, making themselves comfortable for what was sure to be an awkward conversation.

"I'm going upstairs". Luca tried to say, rolling his eyes and sitting back down in defeat when Miguel shot him a look.

Once everyone was settled Andy started to fidget with his hands as he spoke. "I've been taking care of Luca on my own since he was two years old".

"His mother was infected right?, But where's his father?". Charlie cut in softly.

Andy shrugged. "The last I saw him was when he gave Luca over to me - How'd you know my sister in law was infected?".

"We ran into Lance a couple years ago, I guess he was lying about shooting you". Luca piped up.

"He tried to". Andy admitted with a sigh. "I was trying to get supplies for us when he ambushed me".

"You were deaf at that time though, how'd you hear him?". Cedar asked.

"My hearing was coming back at that point, anyways, I let him chase me through the woods until I lost him, then I got lost myself". Andy went on.

"That's why you didn't come back...So you really didn't mean to leave me". Luca said softly as the realization kicked in.

"I just couldn't find my way back, that's all". Andy replied softly.

Luca took a moment to process the conversation before crossing over to his uncle and snuggling into his side, clearly asking for comfort, which Andy happily gave.

Miguel smiled as everyone got up from their seats. "Well you're welcome to stay with us".

Andy nodded appreciatively. "How long do you guys plan on staying here?".

Miguel shrugged. "I don't know, I'll decide in the morning".

"And who put you in charge?". Cedar asked playfully.

 "Little shit". Miguel mumbled with an amused shake of his head once Cedar had gone upstairs to get some sleep.

Later that night Miguel sat out on the porch watching a few walkers roam around the quiet street. He was about to head inside before a figure standing across the street caught his eye.

When he rubbed his eyes and looked up the figure had vanished, Miguel shook himself and tip-toed back into the quiet house, locking the door securely behind him as he headed to bed.

The next morning the group packed up their things and Miguel led the way to the almost three day trek towards Portland, Oregon.

As they walked his mind kept wandering to who that mysterious person was and what they wanted.

Miguel knew how many enemies his brother had made over the years so there was just no telling what dangers the group would face.

When they arrived in Portland Cedar was horrified to see that almost every spare inch of the homes and buildings were marked with the Resurrection brand.

"Jesus". Andy muttered, looking around in horror.

"Maybe we shouldn't have come here". Benji said, holding Charlie's hand for comfort.

"Let's get out of the city, we'll have less chances of getting caught that way". Miguel decided.

Unbeknown to the group, their every move was being tracked by hidden cameras in the streetlights as the mysterious person from a few nights previous watched them with a sly smirk upon their face.