Read Online Trudge: Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse by Shawn Chesser - Free Book Online
Authors: Shawn Chesser
Tags: Science-Fiction, Fantasy
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were the kind of black helicopters that Cade used to ride in on the secretive missions that Delta Force frequently undertook. They left Myrtle Beach without a real plan except to somehow reunite with Cade.
Carl was a forty-five year old, bald, divorcee, overweight and a little out of shape. He was also a recovering alcoholic with a great wit and a jaded outlook on life. Being six-foot-four he struck an imposing figure. Around Raven he was a big teddy bear. With Brook, Carl always played the big brother role; he was almost 10 years older than his little sister and overly protective. He had even vetted all of her boyfriends, going so far as to return to his old high school and spy on them without her knowledge. More than one of her suitors did not pass the "Carl" litmus test and were intimidated into finding someone else to date. Carl wasn't sold on Cade at first, upon finding out that he had volunteered to go into harm’s way; his opinion instantly changed 180 degrees. The man was a great father to Raven, Carl’s favorite niece. Brook glowed in his presence. If there was anything he could do to help them find Cade he was all in.
Chapter 16
Day 2 Interstate 84, outside of Portland
The US Army’s moving screen served the two vehicle convoy well. Cade followed about a 1000 yards behind them, Rawley’s vehicle was close behind.
The Troutdale exit would take them to the old highway. Cade saw brake lights flash on up ahead as the military convoy came to a halt. A moment later, as the Sequoia neared the stopped vehicles the military convoy they had been tailing was waved through and pulled away.
There was an Oregon State Police Dodge Charger stopped to the left partially blocking the road. The red and blue lights of the patrol car flashed hypnotically. The trooper wearing the trademark Smokey the bear hat put up his gloved hand. Cade came to a stop, turned off the engine and handed his military identification to the trooper.
The trooper, eyes fixed on Cade, asked "What’s your destination?”
Considering that the trucks were loaded with his camping gear he said “We are headed to Trillium Lake to do some camping; if the sites are all full then we’ll try Timothy Lake.”
“Who are these kids travelling with you?" the lawman asked.
"They’re my neighbor kids, it’s their first time camping.”
“Have you been listening to the radio?” the trooper asked.
“No we’ve been listening to CDs…why what’s up?”
“So…you are not aware that the State of Oregon is currently under a declaration of martial law and that there were deadly viral outbreaks in Portland?”
“I heard about some sick people but honestly I had no idea about the president’s decision. We had been planning this trip for a while. This weekend worked the best for Ike and Leo’s parents. They were going out of town on business and needed someone to watch these two anyway.”
Ike and Leo gave each other the look only a sibling would understand; without words, it said they needed each other and had to stay strong to survive the loss of their parents. Both boys remained stoic during the troopers questioning.
Cade finished by saying “I figured no better time than now. Hopefully this contagion thing will blow over."
Glancing at the ID card the trooper looked at the three of them one at a time, pausing for a tick while locking eyes and said, “I’m going to let you pass. Just remember to drive safe” then looked directly at the boys “and be careful around the water fellas.”
The trooper continued down the line of vehicles that had begun to form behind Cades Sequoia.
Seeing as how the truck was full of guns and ammo Cade couldn’t wait to disengage from the officer and get moving.
Cade watched the trooper in his side mirror, as he slowly walked towards Rawley’s Bronco.
Rawley patiently watched the stop unfold; he removed his sunglasses as the trooper closed the distance with his truck.
The radio on the
Carl was a forty-five year old, bald, divorcee, overweight and a little out of shape. He was also a recovering alcoholic with a great wit and a jaded outlook on life. Being six-foot-four he struck an imposing figure. Around Raven he was a big teddy bear. With Brook, Carl always played the big brother role; he was almost 10 years older than his little sister and overly protective. He had even vetted all of her boyfriends, going so far as to return to his old high school and spy on them without her knowledge. More than one of her suitors did not pass the "Carl" litmus test and were intimidated into finding someone else to date. Carl wasn't sold on Cade at first, upon finding out that he had volunteered to go into harm’s way; his opinion instantly changed 180 degrees. The man was a great father to Raven, Carl’s favorite niece. Brook glowed in his presence. If there was anything he could do to help them find Cade he was all in.
Chapter 16
Day 2 Interstate 84, outside of Portland
The US Army’s moving screen served the two vehicle convoy well. Cade followed about a 1000 yards behind them, Rawley’s vehicle was close behind.
The Troutdale exit would take them to the old highway. Cade saw brake lights flash on up ahead as the military convoy came to a halt. A moment later, as the Sequoia neared the stopped vehicles the military convoy they had been tailing was waved through and pulled away.
There was an Oregon State Police Dodge Charger stopped to the left partially blocking the road. The red and blue lights of the patrol car flashed hypnotically. The trooper wearing the trademark Smokey the bear hat put up his gloved hand. Cade came to a stop, turned off the engine and handed his military identification to the trooper.
The trooper, eyes fixed on Cade, asked "What’s your destination?”
Considering that the trucks were loaded with his camping gear he said “We are headed to Trillium Lake to do some camping; if the sites are all full then we’ll try Timothy Lake.”
“Who are these kids travelling with you?" the lawman asked.
"They’re my neighbor kids, it’s their first time camping.”
“Have you been listening to the radio?” the trooper asked.
“No we’ve been listening to CDs…why what’s up?”
“So…you are not aware that the State of Oregon is currently under a declaration of martial law and that there were deadly viral outbreaks in Portland?”
“I heard about some sick people but honestly I had no idea about the president’s decision. We had been planning this trip for a while. This weekend worked the best for Ike and Leo’s parents. They were going out of town on business and needed someone to watch these two anyway.”
Ike and Leo gave each other the look only a sibling would understand; without words, it said they needed each other and had to stay strong to survive the loss of their parents. Both boys remained stoic during the troopers questioning.
Cade finished by saying “I figured no better time than now. Hopefully this contagion thing will blow over."
Glancing at the ID card the trooper looked at the three of them one at a time, pausing for a tick while locking eyes and said, “I’m going to let you pass. Just remember to drive safe” then looked directly at the boys “and be careful around the water fellas.”
The trooper continued down the line of vehicles that had begun to form behind Cades Sequoia.
Seeing as how the truck was full of guns and ammo Cade couldn’t wait to disengage from the officer and get moving.
Cade watched the trooper in his side mirror, as he slowly walked towards Rawley’s Bronco.
Rawley patiently watched the stop unfold; he removed his sunglasses as the trooper closed the distance with his truck.
The radio on the
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