I was out of the van before it stopped rolling. “Lane?”
The kid grabbed the hood and bent over, breathing hard. Blood streaked the front of his shirt.
“Are you alright? What’s going on?”
“My dad,” he sobbed, between breaths.
That told me exactly what had happened.
“Turned?”
Lane nodded. “He locked himself in the garage first.” Tears ran down his face. “Thought he was going to be able to keep us safe.” His voice cracked, “Then he started trying to break the door.”
A headache pulsed behind my eyes again. “What about your sisters?”
“They’re with Mr. and Mrs. Carter next door. They aren’t sick, and so far neither are the girls.” He hung his head.
“Do you want me to take care of your dad?” I didn’t want the boy to have to do it.
His head snapped up, “Kill him?”
“He’s already dead, son.” I went to lay my hand on his shoulder, but he stepped back quickly.
"No, I can’t let you do that," Lane said, wiping his nose on his sleeve. “What if there’s a cure? I heard on the radio that the military is setting up camps. Maybe there are doctors who can help.”
I wanted to protest and tell him there was no way that was going to happen, and I couldn’t imagine a more dangerous place than a military camp with so many people. But the boy looked like he’d reached his limit, and I didn’t want to crush the hope in his eyes.
Maybe I’d reached my limit, too.
Ben leaned halfway out the window. “Unless he wants us to take care of his dad, we need to leave.”
I frowned at him.
“I need to get my daughter,” Ben growled out. “Now.”
I turned to Lane, “Do you want to get your sisters and come with us?”
“The hell you say,” Ben snarled. “I don’t have enough supplies to support the whole town of Ashford.”
Lane shook his head immediately. “I’m staying here for now. We have plenty of food, and the girls will be more comfortable.”
Good kid.
“Why did you flag us down?” Adrian leaned forward so he could see Lane.
“I wanted to find out what’s happening in town. It was chaos when I passed through on my way home. Since then, everything has quieted down. Your van is the first I’ve seen in hours.” He turned to me, “I did try to get help for all of you, but everyone was either sick or busy with their families.”
“I have no doubt that you did,” I reassured him.
“Can I get out?” Jonah asked. The boy had been quiet since we’d left the school.
“Why?” I questioned.
“My house is near here.” He climbed out of the van. “Just on the other side of the Carters.”
“I’ll walk him. His house is right there," Lane said, pointing at a blue house.
“You don’t want us to drive you?” I asked as he climbed out of the van. “Make sure it’s safe?
