Winter Apocalypse: Zombie Crusade V by J.W. Vohs, Sandra Vohs Page A

of the ship’s twin diesel engines muffled the sound of the infected as they escaped from their confinement in search of additional food. The alleged Army sergeant who seemed to be in charge kept his gun trained on the frightened pilots as he ordered the other two soldiers in the wheelhouse to go investigate the situation. After hearing distant screams and more gunfire, the lone officer locked the door and ordered the civilians to cut the engines. When one of the pilots questioned the wisdom of shutting off the engines and slowing down the voyage, he was pistol-whipped in reply. The injured man’s counterpart accommodated the officer and spared his friend further harm for the moment.       
     
     
    Right on time, Father O’Brien watched the Canadian boat approach through the growing darkness. He and Brittany had NVGs on, and they both could see who they assumed was Rocky standing at the bow to greet them. He was also wearing some sort of night-vision, and he waved when he noticed the two Americans watching him. Roberto had just returned from setting up the trip wire alarms and now deftly grabbed the rope Marilyn tossed to him. He tied the trim yacht to one of the nearby pylons as O’Brien scurried down to the pier to hold out a welcoming hand to the lovely young woman he’d grown so fond of over the past few weeks. She accepted the old priest’s help with no hesitation and immediately enveloped him in an enthusiastic embrace. Rocky followed his girlfriend ashore, while the captain hung back in the cabin with a gun in his hand.
    As soon as Father O’Brien could maneuver himself free of the bear hug, he pulled back and happily exclaimed, “Hello, Marilyn!”
    She laughed the same infectious laugh that had warmed the old man’s heart over the radio. “My name is Carolyn, Father, and it’s my pleasure to finally meet you.”
    O’Brien was momentarily distracted by the Canadian beauty’s exuberance and familiarity, but he recovered quickly enough to hold out his hand to Rocky.  “You, sir, are a lucky man.”
    “I know it, Father. And for the record, my name is Robbie, but as nicknames go I can live with Rocky if that’s how you think of me.”
    Brittany called out from the boat, “We’ve got our cabin blacked out if you’d like to come inside for some coffee.”
    Carolyn raised her eyebrows, and O’Brien explained. “She just means that the lights are off or the windows are blacked out so we won’t be visible to anybody or anything that looks this way. You all should do the same.”
    Robbie nodded. “I think we’re on the same page. I’m going to see if I can fetch our so-called Mayor.” He looked at Carolyn to gauge her comfort level—he hadn’t lost sight of the fact that they really didn’t know these people.
    Carolyn patted Robbie’s arm reassuringly. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to talk to Father O’Brien alone for a minute anyway.” She smiled and gave her boyfriend a playful push toward their yacht. “Try to convince Michael to be friendly for a change.”
    The priest held out his arm to Carolyn and led her aboard his boat. He told Brittany to stay on deck and watch for the other two Canadians. “When you see them, be a good hostess and direct them this way. And tell Roberto to let us know if he sees or hears anything at all.” He turned to Carolyn.  “I’ll introduce you to our official pilot, Bruce Bowen, inside. That was Brittany, a remarkable young lady—she can do just about anything. Roberto is on guard duty—he’s amazing as well. I’ve been truly blessed to have their support.” 
    As soon as the cabin door was closed, O’Brien motioned to Bruce. “Carolyn, this is Bruce. Bruce, this is Marilyn, the one I told you about, but her real name is Carolyn. If you don’t mind, I’d like a few minutes alone with her before her friends join us.”
    Bruce made a slight bow and kissed Carolyn’s hand. “I look forward to talking with you soon.” He winked at Father