Chapter 37 - Hunters From The West (1/2)
As he strolled into the house, it was clear to see from the items tossed around that whoever had lived there had packed in a hurry before clearing out. As he strolled around the house, he was impressed with its space and yet it's ability to keep the undead out. It was built for survival and comfort, something that was not seen that often these days. He knew the moment he set eyes on the small compound that this was the place they were looking for. It seemed like just the getaway that the people they were looking for would use. Someone smart enough to have an exit plan from Denver would no doubt have a hideaway to get to so they wouldn't have to be on the road that long. If they had driven straight here from the slaughtered check point, it would have taken less than two days. It took the Californian Independent Army a little longer to track this place down, and it was already cleared out. The man was in the kitchen, checking out the coffee machine when a soldier walked into the room and saluted him.
”At ease,” the man replied without even looking. He could hear the sound the boy's arm made and knew what he had done. ”Report.”
”We found some tracks, and they look quite similar to the ones left by the convoy that ambushed our men,” the soldier replied, ”It's a little snowed over, but we can still make them out. I think it's been at least a month since anyone was here.”
”In what direction are the tracks leading?” the man asked.
”They appear to head East, General.” The boy replied.
The General stopped fiddling with the coffee machine and looked back at the young man. ”East? Are you sure?”
”Our trackers are pretty sure about it, Sir.” The boy confirmed. ”The Convoy appears to have moved east.”
”That's surprising,” the General said, ”I would have traveled north to avoid the undead. They're either not as experienced with moving across the lands, or they had a specific destination in mind when they departed.”
”Why are we following them, Sir?” the boy asked his superior.
”We are following them because I said so,” The General sniped back.
The General walked closer to the young man. ”Did you know anyone at the check point that was ambushed, soldier?”
”No Sir!” the boy replied without making eye contact.
”Regardless if you do or not,” The General said as he stepped closer, ”No one kills our people in such a brutal fashion without consequences! If you take out any member of the Californian army, you will pay for it!”
”Yes Sir!” the boy called out. ”We will make them pay!”
”Go fetch the Sergeant.” The General ordered.
”Yes Sir!” The boy said before running out to comply with his orders.
As the General was waiting for the Sergeant to return, he returned to the coffee machine and began to set it up. He stood there and patiently waited as the machine slowly made the pot of coffee before him. It was about half finished when the Sergeant reported to him as ordered.
”You called for me, General?” The Sergeant asked.
”I did,” the General replied, ”This place is quite interesting, isn't it?”
”Is that so?” The General said, still watching the coffee machine. ”Explain.”
”There are not many windows,” The Sergeant started, ”And the ones that are present can also be sealed off.”
”That's pretty handy if you want to keep the dead out.” The General suggested.
”Well, you don't have to keep them closed to do that.” The Sergeant continued, ”The windows that are here are rather thick. I'd even say they're bulletproof. Whoever was living here was well stocked and was ready for almost anything.”
”What is the confusing part then?” The General asked.
”There are only two exits,” The Sergeant answered, ”One in the garage and the front entrance.”
”That is incorrect, Sergeant.” The General retorted. ”There are three exits.”
”Where is the third?” The Sergeant asked.