Read Online Hellspawn Odyssey by Ricky Fleet, Christina Hargis Smith - Free Book Online

her aid to help her stand. She cursed them under her breath and stood up, waiting while the rest of the group collected their belongings and loaded them into the crippled vehicle.
    “We have to take it slow, preserve the rubber for as long as possible, keep your eyes open for a suitable replacement,” John told them as they started the Rover and van. Kurt nodded in understanding.
    They drove out of the marina, past the raised homes and the clubhouse that was surrounded by the zombies. One final glance at the possible hiding place and they were gone, turning awkwardly onto the main Thorney Road. The rumbling of the flattened rubber was a constant companion as they cruised at ten miles an hour back towards Emsworth with heavy hearts. No one spoke while they all scoured the driveways and side roads for a large enough means of transportation. None were suitable ; they would have to leave far too many provisions behind.
    “Dad, look!” Sam said and pointed at the cars they were looking at, all of them had flat tyres, slash marks were visible in the morning light.
    “What the hell is going on?” Kurt asked himself. The sudden braking of the Land Rover caught his attention and he stopped before climbing out. John was stood in the road, looking at the junction they would need to drive through, yet it was clear this wasn’t going to be possible. Since the previous day, a barricade of cars had been set up, two deep and blocking the whole exit. Several dead were trying to get through to the group, only the metal vehicle bodies were stopping them getting past. Fury surged through Kurt and he made to run and destroy them, to destroy anything that would lessen the throbbing hatred he felt in his mind and heart. John caught him by the arm, recognising the look.
    “Together, calmly, ok?” John said quietly, talking out the crowbar and waiting a few seconds while the fire dimmed in Kurt’s eyes a little.
    They climbed over the first row of cars as the zombies were stretching out in desperation to reach their breakfast. Swift blows shattered the skulls and the cadavers lay fully dead, spreading pools of green ichor running from the cars shiny paintwork onto the black tarmac.
    “Looks like we go on foot,” Kurt said and ducked instinctively as a large rock seemed to loom out of nowhere and go arcing over his head, smashing through a windscreen by his side. Before they had time to get a bead on the location of the thrower, the mad wailing of the car alarm sounded, ripping through the silent morning.
    “Who the hell threw that?” John called over the din.
    “Fuck knows; I think it came from over there. Shit!” Kurt pointed, looking around and seeing the walking corpses as they streamed from gardens, roads and pavements towards them.
    “Grab the bug out bags, leave the rest!” John shouted at the rest of the survivors who were looking around in terror, momentarily scared stiff, which Kurt always thought was an exaggeration. Sprinting back, he shouted again and they finally came round, shouldering the rucksacks he proffered from the rear doors.
    “What about the suitcases?” Braiden shouted, croaky voice breaking.
    “Too heavy, no time!” Kurt answered bitterly, they were leaving so much behind but life was paramount. Honey was barking and howling in tune with the alarm and the only reason they hadn’t been overrun was the temporary roadblock. Dozens were banging on the vehicle bodywork, with even more joining them by the second.
    “Ok, this way!” John shouted to be heard and they moved off between two houses. John kicked the gate open, crowbar raised in case of attack although the way was clear. They followed his lead and Kurt pulled up the rear, closing the gate and standing two heavy plant pots in front of it to buy them some time.
    The garden was surrounded by brick walls six feet high, the trees were shedding their leaves in beautiful yellows, oranges, and browns, ready for the coming winter. A barbecue was exposed and