Dead Before Sunrise: Amber's Story (18 +) Mature content (sample)

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"I can't believe how brazen they're getting in such a short span of time," stated Amber.

"True. The small bands are coming out more often in the light," said Stephen.

Amber held the walkie-talkie to her mouth, then asked, "What's holding you up? Over."

"I wonder if it's because the generation horde is bigger?" probed Amber while she waited for a response.

"Most likely. Can't defend against it," answered Stephen.

A noise came, then Joseph finally responded, "A bathroom break."

"Well, let's clean the store out," said Amber.

Amber started to walk away but abruptly halted then continued, "Get the baby supplies. I'm getting stuff for myself."

While Amber took her helmet off, the vehicle group pulled up. The girl ran for Amber, and she smiled down at the girl.

"Nice to get that helmet off. When we get done, we'll get clothes for you," said Amber, and the girl nodded.

They walked off with Amber's arm around the young girl's shoulders.

"We'll get L-carts and totes to store the supplies," commanded Amber as the men walked behind them.

"We can do that, just one thing. What's an L-cart?" asked Zachary.

Amber giggled then answered, "I forgot you don't know. They're metal bars on wheels that are in the shape of a sideways L."

"We'll get it done," commented Zachary, then they departed.

When the two of them were done with the supplies, they walked to the shoe department. Amber walked through the aisles slowly as she looked for the right pair of shoes.

"These boots are for you," reported Amber.

As they proceeded from the department, Amber had a cart of shoes. When they arrived up front, Amber grabbed blue bags and put the boxes in them. So her treasures were hidden from prying eyes.

"Make sure Stephen doesn't see these," expressed Amber.

"Okay. I'll put the bags in the truck," said Joseph.

Amber turned and informed the girl as Stephen joined them, "I have a surprise. S'mores, a dinner, and drinks. We deserve a real break."

The two of them helped Amber bag the personalized supplies she wanted as they went from aisle to aisle.

"I'll be back. I want some items," related Stephen.

As they passed an aisle, the girl tugged on Amber's jacket then pointed, and Amber nodded her head with a smile.

"That's a good ideal snack-cakes," remarked Amber.

As they ambled up to the group at the front of the store, Amber stared at a young man then asked, "Zach, did you get the weapons?"

"Yes. I'm glad you knew about the electric jack. They made it easy to get the food and juices in the backroom. We're just waiting on Stephen now," responded Zachary.

"Put these where they're easy to find," ordered Amber.

Soon Amber picked the girl up and placed her on the stallion. She patted the girl's leg. When Stephen approached, he helped her mount the steed. Afterward, he mounted his mare.

"You'll like the surprise," stated Stephen.

"You men load it up," ordered Stephen, then they withdrew from the building.

"I didn't realize how late it got. This isn't good," related Amber.

Immediately Amber circled her stud around in front of the group. Soon she faced them.

"We need to be extra careful. The night is imminent," declared Amber.

On occasion, they can make out the sound of whistles coming from different directions. They rode the horses beside the first vehicle at a snail's pace while they examined all sides. As they proceeded down the street, Amber took the crossbow off the horn. With a wary eye, she aimed the crossbow everywhere she gazed. The whistles persisted. Her stallion hopped on his hind legs as a flash ran in the shadows.