Only The Dead Don't Die | Book 4 | Finding Home Popovich, A.D. (any book recommendations txt) 📖

Scarlett just shook her head.

“He’s coming,” Twila argued.

A lucid image of hordes tunneling under the Zones took over. “X-strains are invading the Capitol!” From what the Silver Lady had told her, X-strains had been genetically modified, no doubt spliced with a dash of fury in their DNA.

“Austin is a ways from here—” Dean started.

“No,” Justin cut in. “Last State’s Capitol is in the heart of what used to be the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.”

Dean scratched his bearded chin. “That should keep the Enforcers busy.”

“Scarlett, I don’t understand.” Ella’s eyes went glassy. “Last State was supposed to be our safe haven. Why did we have this undeniable calling to come here?”

Risking everything to get there only to leave, plagued Scarlett constantly. “The Silver Lady explained it this way: The Ancient Ones have or had limited access to the future—the Akashic Records. They knew we were coming here before we did. But the outcome constantly changes with our every action.” She thought about it. “We simply need to project a collective false future to outwit them.” Easier said than done.

“It’s like this sci-fi flick I saw when I was a kid,” Justin said, surprisingly serious. “They knew the world was ending, so they sent a time traveler back in time to change key events. But every time the good guys changed something, the bad guys did something to negate it.”

“Enough of that. I’m more worried ’bout the present,” Dean said with his eyes glued to the Rand McNally map. “Luther should have been here by now.”

“The lodge is so big. It’ll take a while to search every room on every floor,” Ella chirruped optimistically. Since Mateo’s instant recovery, she was back to her sweet self. Did Ella know something they didn’t? According to Shari, Ella had sporadic flashes of insight as well. However, she often forsook her psychic abilities due to her devout Catholic upbringing.

“Scarlett, you mind checking on Luther one last time before we head off?” Dean asked.

Scarlett concentrated on her third eye. A blurry image appeared and then vanished.

“Nothing. Scarlett turned to Twila. “What do you see?” Twila had the strongest Gift of Sight of them all, if only she interpreted it correctly. Still, Mindy had learned to harness the power of her internal Merkaba better than any of them: she would be difficult to detect.

Twila cocked her head as if listening intently. “Ooh, I see a truck. But the truck is disappearing—”

“Guys, I don’t wanna be the jerk here. I mean”—Justin recoiled—“Luther’s like my brother. But—we gotta get to Tent City. Or at least Zhetto. Before the power grid goes down. ’Cause once the lockdown goes into effect, there’s no Zone-hopping.”

Justin had been the only one with the nerve to say what needed to be said. A crash from outside sent everyone to the windows. Scarlett stepped onto the stepladder to pop up through the hatch Dean had left open for fresh air. She clicked on the flashlight and pointed it toward the ruckus. Speechless, Scarlett stepped down back into the bus.

“Luther?” Ella questioned with her lovely eyes.

Scarlett shook her head slowly. “They found us! There’s a rather large horde gathering at the border wall.” It won’t take them long to bust through, electrified fence or not.

“Katy with a Y tricked them as long as she could,” Twila said. “They don’t believe her anymore.”

“Guess that settles it.” Dean hurried to the driver’s seat. “Good thing I warmed up the bus. The air brakes are primed.”

“Everyone, take a seat,” Scarlett said, grabbing Twila’s hand.

“I wanna sit with Ella,” Twila whined.

“Sure.” Scarlett didn’t have the patience to deal with a tantrum.

“Scarlett, you and Justin sit in the bench seat behind me,” Dean said. “Reckon I’ll need all the help I can get.”

“I can drive,” Justin offered.

“Naw, I used to drive ol’ Frank’s skoolie. I need the two of you to use your abilities in case we run into a—situation.” Dean pulled onto the empty street with ease. “This gal’s got pep.”

Zac, my love, wherever you are. Meet us in Tent City. Would he hear her plea? Could he feel her heart breaking just a little bit more than it already had?

“Turn left on—holy shit!” The panic in Justin’s voice snapped her out of self-pity.

A vehicle blinding her with its high-beams approached, weaving across the four-lane road into their lane.

“Hell’s bells! The fella must be drunk. Or on pot. He’s gunning straight for us!” Dean shouted, “Hang on!” He swerved into the oncoming lane. “Fool! Turn off your blasted high beams—can’t see a bloomin’ thing!”

Scarlett cringed and held onto her seat, bracing for impact. But there was none.

“Dude, ultimate near miss,” Justin babbled. “Did you used to play Forza?”

“Haha!” Dean whooped.

A vivid image of Luther suddenly popped into her head. “Stop the bus!” Scarlett shouted. “That’s Luther.”

“For real?” Justin ran to the kitchenette’s window. “I can’t tell. The crash took out the streetlight.”

“If that’s Luther, he’s in trouble.” Dean grabbed his gun. “Any traffic back there?”

“O-M-G, I hope Luther’s okay!” Ella screeched.

“It’s clear,” Justin shouted back.

“Folks, let’s make this quick.” Dean was the first one off the bus.

“Twila, stay with Ella,” was all Scarlett said as she followed Dean with Justin on her heels.

They sprinted to the truck several meters away. She made out the old camper shell in the shadows; it was definitely Zac and Shari’s old truck.

Justin ran past them. “It’s Mindy!” Justin pantomimed like a crazed court jester.

Dean’s jaw dropped. “Naw—”

Jeez Louise! “If Mindy’s driving, where’s Luther?” Scarlett ran faster.

She made it to Mindy. Relief set in when she saw Luther in the passenger’s seat—until she realized he didn’t look all that coherent.

“Good God!” Dean gasped. “Is he all right?”

As usual, Mindy responded with a