Living Amongst The Dead

Chapter 14

Morning came before I knew it. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and got up. All the other sleeping bags were empty so I headed for the lounge room.

Ben and Max were sitting on the floor, studying what looked like a map. "Morning Susan." Said Calem as he walked through the front door. "I just took Coco for a walk. It was so cool, she knows all sorts of tricks!" Coco padded in behind Calem and bounded straight towards me.

I reached my hand down to stroke the dog's head then decided to make conversation. "What are you two looking at?" I asked as I pointed to the carefully drawn map.

Max was first to reply. "We need more weapons. Bullets, guns and anything that we can use to defend ourselves with. We're thinking of doing a trip today."

Ben nodded then added, "We especially need to stock up on bullets, but before we decide anything we should have some breakfast."

We all headed to the kitchen were Gina had prepared a meal of bread and baked beans. We all sat down to eat and discussed who was going on the trip to get the weapons.

"I think Susan, Ben and I should go." Ned said as he finished his food. "And Coco of course." I didn't mind the idea of me going. I didn't have any idea where we were going to get the weapons so I decided to ask about that.

"Where are we going to get the supplies?" I asked no one in particular. It was Gina who answered. "There's this little town nearby, about two hour's drive from here. It has a shooting ranch, some cabins and a forest nearby. It's where we go to get supplies and stuff."

"Why can't I come?" Calem questioned, his mouth full of beans. "I can help too." Ned looked at me before he answered Calem. "You can come as long as Susan says it's fine."

Calem was looking at me with pleading eyes and ever since I'd rescued him we'd been together so I didn't see a problem with him tagging along.

"OK, Calem can come." Calem got to his feet and high fived Ben and Max. "As long as he-" I was interrupted by Calem who repeated what I'd taught him in the city. "I know, I know. Don't panic, stay focused and be brave." I nodded my head and glanced at Ben, who was smiling at me.

"That's some good advice." Said Max, taking our plates to the sink. "You should listen to it Cal." I liked how Max had given Calem that nickname and he didn't seem to mind either.

The next half hour was a blur. Turns out Ned and the others had two trucks and once we had everything we needed in the vehicles, we were ready to go.

"Well," said Gina, wiping sweat from her forehead, "Now that Calem's going, I guess Max can tag along as well. He was only going to stay to keep Calem company while I prepared dinner but seeing as Calem's going, you can go too." She said then nodded to Max. "Dinner will be ready when you come home."

Gina waved us a goodbye and wished us a safe trip then she went into the cabin, shutting the door behind her.