The Walking Dead: Blood

Chapter 43: Trust

Chapter 43: Trust

I felt Christa's hand on my shoulder. "Lee. What's going on?"

I turned around. "I saw someone standing there by the fence, watching us."

"A walker?" She asked.

"No." I answered. "Too fast. Took off like a bat out of hell when I spotted him."

"Was it a man or a woman?"

"A man, I think. What does it matter?"

"I'm wondering if it's the same guy who's been following us. The guy on the radio."

I glanced back at the fence. "I think it probably was." Kenny and Ben emerged from the house. "Kenny?"

"I'm fine, just..." He wiped his eyes. "I'm fine. What's all the ruckus?"

"Lee saw someone watching us from outside." Christa answered.

"What?" Kenny's eyes widened. "Who?"

"I can't be sure." I announced. "They ran off before I could get a good look."

"I don't like this one bit..." Ben mumbled. "Not one bit."

"Me either." Christa added. "Walkers are one thing. But the thought of someone out there actually stalking us..."

"All right, that's it!" Kenny shouted. "We've stuck around here for long enough. Time to get back on track. Time to get down to the river. Time to find a boat."

Christa looked towards the house. "I don't think Omid's well enough to move yet."

"Well he'd better get ready, because I'm going down to River Street right now to find a boat. And the moment she's ready to go, we're moving out."

"I'm not sure if it's safe yet." I said.

"Why the hell not?" Kenny asked. "The walker's have cleared out of the streets."

"That's not all I'm worried about."

Kenny waved his arms violently. "So you're saying we should just hunker down here and let whoever's out there keep us boxed in? No thanks."

Christa put herself between us. "I hate to say it, but Kenny's right. Omid's not in great shape to move, and there's no way he's going to get better without meds or a doctor."

"Alright." I said. "I'll go down to the river to scope out a boat with Kenny. We need to get Omid ready to move."

"What about me?" Ben asked.

"You'll stay here with the group." Kenny answered him. "You'll only slow us down."

"Wait!" Clementine tugged on my shoulder. "Can't I come? We're getting really close to where my parents are! My mom and dad can't be far now. Maybe we can look for them on the way to the river!"

"Clem, honey." I knelt down to her. "I think it would be best for you to stay here with Ben. You need to watch out for Omid and Christa. Help them get ready to move out."

"You said I'm supposed to always stay close to you." She complained.

"I know." I ran my hand over my head. "It's just this once. Sometimes we all have to put aside what we want for the good of the group. Hey, don't worry. I'll be back before you know it. Okay?"

She walked back inside, hanging her head. Christa followed her. "Okay..."

"Daylight's burning." Kenny patted me on the back. "I'm gonna go grab my gear and we'll head out."

He left me with no one in the yard except Ben. "So you're just gonna leave me on the bench here?" He asked.

"That's not how it is, Ben." I told him. "I need you to stay here and protect Clementine."

"I can do that."

"Well just so we're clear." I pulled his ear to me. "Anything or anyone tries to get in this house, you shoot 'em. Don't even think twice about it. Understand?"

He laughed. "I've got no problem shooting walkers."

I had let him go, but I pulled him back it. "Did you hear what I said? Anything or ANYONE."