The End is Near

Chapter Nineteen

~Cassie's POV~

     Keith slowly opens the gate, the creaking of the metal the only sound filling the quiet. We all share a look before starting forward, keeping watch for anything to come running. I turn, closing the gate behind us, and scan the group, making sure they all got back into their cars. Turning back to the old building, we walk to the door, opening it quietly. I enter first, looking around at the first floor. It's an open floor, with everything in sight. When I find no walkers in sight, I slowly walk in, Keith and Karson close behind. Together, we search the bottom floor, peeking around corners, and always keeping our weapons raised.

     It's when we get to the second level that we find trouble. I walk up the stairs slowly, quietly, and turn the corner cautiously, only to be turn and run. I don't get far though. A large, strong hand grabs the back of my jacket and pulls me back. I'm spun around to face a tall, menacing man holding a knife to my throat. I hold my hands up, dropping my weapons. I know when I'm beat.

     "We mean no harm, we saw this place and didn't know anyone was here. We'll leave if you'll let us." His eyes narrow, observing me.

     "How many of you are there?" He asks, his voice gruff. I narrow my eyes, wondering if I should let him know about the rest of my group that are outside. "No lying." He adds, seeming to know why I hesitated. I sigh, counting everyone in my head.

     "There are nineteen of us, counting the three of us." Nodding my head back towards where I know Keith and Karson are. They would have run up here as soon as I had been grabbed. The man nods.

     "Why did you come here?"

     "We needed supplies." I answer.

     "How do I know you're not dangerous?" I raise an eyebrow at his question.

     "If I wanted to kill you, you'd be dead already." He raises an eyebrow in disbelief.

     "She really could man, I wouldn't doubt her." Keith speaks up from behind me. I knew they were there.

     "I want to speak to the leader, alone."

     "I'm the leader, what do you want to talk about?" I ask, smirking up at him. His eyes widen in surprise.

     "I will talk when those two are out of the building and with the rest of your group." I turn to Keith and Karson, motioning for them to go. They shake their heads, walking towards me.

     "Cassie, are you crazy? We need to get out of here. This man is dangerous." Keith insists, putting his hands on my shoulders.

     "So am I Keith." I say quietly, shame coating my voice. I never wanted to be this way, the world turned me into this. Keith's eyes soften and he takes a small step closer to me. I look up at him, getting lost in his chocolate brown eyes.

     "You could die." He whispers, desperation starting to leak into his voice. I smile, ignoring Karson's sharp intake of breath behind him.

     "I've never been afraid of death, Keith, I've only been afraid of not trying." I whisper, taking my knife out of my sheath and slipping it into his. His eyes search mine, fear leaking into them. I lean up on my tip toes and put my mouth next to his ear. "Just to remember me if I don't come back." I whisper quietly to him. Then, leaning back, I kiss his cheek, right on the corner of his mouth and pull myself away from him. I gently push him towards the stairs with Karson and turn, not wanting to watch him leave. "Tell the group what I told you, Keith." I say back to him, knowing he'll understand what I mean. Then I walk to the man watching us with narrowed eyes. He leads me up another set of stairs to a room that overlooks the gate. I look outside, watching as Keith and Karson open the gate and walk through, stopping once to look back at the building. The rest of my group exit their cars and crowd them, most likely asking where I was. I take a deep breath and turn back to the man. "What do you want to talk about?" I ask, my voice emotionless.