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the wound.”
    Johnny laughed, “Best place for that will be down my throat!” His laugh turned into a cough. He grimaced and clenched his teeth. “I tell you, this arm though, it bloody hurts. He took a fair bite. Think I might need a doc, Mac.”
    Gaz nodded enthusiastically, “He’s right Mac, think you can get a doc?”
    Mac motioned to Gaz to follow him as he walked round the other side of the bar, out of sight of Johnny.
    “Look, Gaz, keep an eye on him. There’s any funny business, use that,” he pointed down to the fire extinguisher.
    “Mac? What do you mean?”
    “I mean, whack him round the head with it.”
    Gaz looked at Mac, his eyes wide open. “You think he might turn into one of those things, like that fella did?”
    Mac nodded. “I do. Now listen. I’m going to go down Marshall’s farm, it’s only a mile or so, so should be back within the hour, if not sooner. My missus and that girl are locked in my room. Keep it that way.
    “Watch Johnny like a hawk. He’s probably got that virus now. So if he starts acting funny, keep your distance, and get round here, get that fire extinguisher and knock him out.”
    Gaz stared at Johnny.
    “Do you understand, Gaz? It’s very important.”
    “Ok… yes. I do. Watch Johnny, any funny business, then hit him on the head.”
    “Good lad. Now,” Mac pulled out an ice bucket from under that bar and filled it from the fridge. “Bring this out, so Johnny don’t ask what we been up to.”
    They walked back out to the bar.
    “I’ll see you two in a bit. Careful with that whiskey, Johnny, that’s the expensive stuff.” He winked at Johnny. “Lock the door behind me Gaz, don’t let anyone in except me.”

Chapter 5
     
    Once outside the pub and walking quickly down the country road that led to the Marshall’s farm, Mac felt exposed. He looked at his mobile phone, still no signal. He didn’t think that the phone line would be working at the farm, but it was worth a try. If he couldn’t get help soon, then Johnny was a gonner, he was sure of that.
    He could see the farm on the crest of the hill, and he quickened his pace. He was nervous, and scanned his surroundings as he walked. Every tree, every lamp post, every hedge was now a potential hiding place for one of those things. Maybe the one that got Ed was still hanging around.
    He jumped as a pheasant took off from a nearby hedgerow. It powered low across the field, its wings making an eerie whistling sound that further unsettled Mac.
    He started into a quick jog and was soon breathing heavily and sweating. He couldn’t remember that last time he had ran anywhere. He was just passed sixty and he owned a pub, why would he need to run anywhere?
    Smoke still rose from Frome, a few plumes as before, one very black. Well, if there’s no fire brigade around, thought Mac
    Maybe there’s no police around, or army, or anyone. Maybe this is it.
    Mac forced his thoughts to stop. You’ll go mad son, thinking like that. Get yourself together, get to the farm and get some help.
    Soon enough, Mac reached the driveway of the farm. A few hundred yards down the path and he would be at the farm. He took one last look around him. He could see the A-road from here. It looked like a huge car park - nothing was moving. Hundreds of cars in a higgledy piggledy line like a child’s game. He heard a car horn in the distance, it’s deep constant sound cutting through the country air.
    Mac got the front door of the farmhouse, it was open.
    “Hello?” he called in, surprised as his voice jumped an octave. He cleared his throat and said again, “Hello?”
    Nothing. He stepped in carefully. Before him a large hallway led to the kitchen, with open doors to the left and right. A staircase led upstairs.
    Mac peered to his sides and quickly walked past the open doors, into the kitchen. On the large table in the middle of the room sat a picnic basket, full of tins and bottles of water. Another box sat next to it - tablets,