Home Is Your Heartbeat ('Home Is' Book Two - Daryl Dixon)

Chapter 47 - Rocket Man (Elton John)

NATE

"NOOOO...."

I let off round after round at the Walkers who were surrounding Maggie. The ladder had fallen from underneath her. And now she was clinging to the lookout platform by her fingertips.

Trying desperately to claw her way upwards.

The air is full of dust and soot but it isn't slowing the Un-Dead down. They just keep sliding through the gap in the wall, tumbling over the debris in a never-ending tide.

When a hand touched my shoulder I spun around. Barely managed to stop my picket from piercing Father Gabriel's ear.

Don't know if it was the result of his near-death at my hands....or the chomping horde steadily closing in on us? That fed the abject terror on his face.

"Nate, we must go now. Please...."

I only began moving after seeing Maggie clamber onto the platform and collapse in exhaustion. She's safe....for now.

"Come on"  I grabbed Gabriel's hand and hauled him along behind me, puncturing heads as we went.

My pistols are kaput, there's no time to reload. And my rifle is useless in such close quarters.

But he can still use it?

Making sure the safety was on, I thrust it into his hands. Motioning for him to swing it like a club.

We ploughed our way over the grass to the street. Just in time to see Morgan and Carol turn a corner and run away from us.

Jorge waved wildly to me from the Infirmary porch. Where he, Leo and G were firing shots into the herd. But as I turned to sprint in his direction, the dead billowed out between us.

Spinning around again I hear a rattle. Caught a glimpse of Eugene's face, before Rosie and Tara tugged the garage roller door down. Crushing the head of a Walker as it closed.

Seconds before we were surrounded, I noticed them.

Carl was running hell for leather ahead of Rick and Mich, who had Deanna propped up between them. Jessie frantically gestured them into her house.

She has Juju in her arms....she has Juju....  😮‍💨

Gabriel and I didn't even blink before taking off after them. Nearly got myself a broken nose, though. When Rick almost slammed the door shut in my face.

"Deanna's injured...."  He pushed me towards the stairs.

I slung her arm around my shoulders and started dragging her upwards. As gently as I possibly could.

"Go and protect the children, leave me here. That's an order, dear!"

Her grey and sweaty face flopped against my neck.

"Deanna? My Mum tried raising me to be polite and respectful. But, as you're well aware by now....she made a right old pig's ear of that. So, please excuse me when I say to you...."

First landing ✔️. Now, only eight more steps to go.

"Fuck that order crap, Congresswoman Monroe! We all know that I can barely listen to suggestions, let alone follow...."

I kick open the first door I come across. Then carefully lay her down on what must be Ron's bed.

Don't think it was the loss of blood and light-headedness that made her eyes roll in my direction?