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

been revered by many cultures since the beginning of mankind. This mysterious alchemy substance went by various names such as mono atomic gold, monatomic gold, Etherium Gold, white gold, ORMUS, and Philosophers’ Stone. Even Mana—The Bread of Life from biblical times.

Even more intriguing, Luther’s aunt was apparently a Lightworker like Shari, waiting to impart her knowledge to rescue humanity from the End Times. According to the Silver Lady, the Galactic Council had strategically positioned Lightworkers decades ago, preparing for this event in humanity’s history. Each obscure piece of the intricate puzzle was safeguarded so no one being, good or evil, could overthrow the Grand Plan to Save Hu-manity.

Hmm, Mindy’s baby didn’t need the tea. Starla must have the New Hu DNA the Silver Lady had told her about. A population dependent upon medications wouldn’t survive long. Survival of the fittest. More like survival of the sickest—where the dead ruled the earth, she reflected sarcastically.

Justin crept onto the bus, sweeping open the drawn blackout curtains that separated the driver’s cockpit from the rest of the bus. “Luther will let us know when the Zs go into slumberland.”

“Here.” Scarlett handed the rewritten list to Dean for his approval when he sat down beside her.

“I’m just saying—I’m grabbing all the disposable diapers I can carry,” Justin declared.

It was no secret Justin hated changing diapers. What did he plan to do when they ran out? He couldn’t exactly fit two years of disposable diapers into his backpack. Although, she wouldn’t put it past him.

“Oh, and paper plates,” Ella said.

Dean scanned the list with his finger. “Allegra, Sudafed . . . Viagra?” He side-eyed Justin.

“Ye-ah,” Justin said. “It’s worth more than gold in Tent City.”

“A valued barter item. Makes sense.” Dean nodded with approval. Twila yawned all the way from her bunk to the table. “Good morning, sleepyhead,” Dean said as she cuddled into his lap.

The bus rocked when Luther stepped inside. “It’s time. The six nimrods casing the rear parking lot just hit the pavement. You want me to take care of them?”

“Naw, the ruckus will alert their fellow hordesmen,” Dean pointed out. “Besides, fresh kills leave a trail for Last State and X-strains to follow.”

Scarlett wasn’t looking forward to a shopping spree. Large buildings took a while to secure. In the early days, she had developed nerves of steel after countless supply runs. Survival had been easier without Twila and babies to stress over.

“We’ve got one shot at this,” Dean said. “So, get in and out as quickly and quietly as possible.”

Justin kissed Ella on the cheek. Her eyes grew rounder in recognition. “Why do you always have to go—”

“No worries.” Justin handed her his Glock and gave her a kissy face.

Ella accepted the gun with a funny fishy face. “Remember the last time you said that?”

“I’ll look out for him,” Luther assured.

“What do you want me to do?” Mindy called out from her bunk.

“You and Twila can help me sort through the dehydrated food buckets for something breakfasty?” Ella said.

Luther rubbed his belly. “That will get me back in a hurry.”

“While you’re at it, clear a path to the rear exit,” Dean added, always thinking.

Dean grabbed the Leatherman from his hunting vest. “This is a dandy of a tool.” He used the scissor tool to cut the list by departments. “Justin, take care of the camping and fishing supplies. Luther, not sure of your size. Why don’t you pick out the men’s clothing? I’m a medium, myself. Justin takes a small. Scarlett, handle the hygiene products, baby supplies, and clothing for you gals. Meanwhile, I’ll commandeer the pharmaceuticals and first-aid supplies. Then, I’ll swing by the tool department for melee weapons and whatnot.”

“I need a bat,” Ella blurted. “I left mine at the safehouse.”

“On it,” Justin said.

Dean stood up and patted down his pockets. “Time to skedaddle.”

Scarlett hugged Twila briefly. “Send me a message if something bad happens.”

“Okay, Mommy.”

They snuck to the store’s loading zone. Luther pointed to the left side of the building where six creepers snored away. They crept to the propped-open door, which meant creepers could be inside. Assume it, she told herself, gripping her bat tighter.

As they entered the store through the employees’ entrance, Dean said, “Logic says to secure the store first. Don’t have time for that. We’ve got ten minutes tops. Which reminds me, whoever comes across any batteries, get what you can.”

The men chose flatbed dollies from the warehouse. She preferred a shopping cart to keep everything from spilling all over the place. They took off with their lists. After snatching a lone cart from the main end aisle, she scanned the aisles for soap and shampoo with the cart rattling the entire way. Why do I always get the bad carts?

She ran down the hair product aisle only to find barren shelves. She noticed a package of men’s razors on the floor partially under the shelf. Just what Dean needed.

“What is that?” Erratic banging had her on edge. She left her cart and crept to the next aisle to check it out.

“Ugh!” A creeper lay spread eagle and repeatedly thrashed its head against the floor. Trying to commit suicide or having a bad dream? She decided not to bash in its head.

She loathed killing creepers, especially now that she understood she was a part of the cosmic mission: healing the sick ones. Had she been committing murder all this time? She couldn’t worry about that now. Karma would catch up to her sooner or later as Shari used to say.

Scarlett ran back for her cart and happened to spot the travel-sized section. Perfect. Not bothering to read the brands, she stuffed mini packages of shampoos, toothpaste, mouthwash, hand sanitizers, soaps, lotions, shaving cream, and more razors into the pillowcase she had brought along.

Based on her cross-country travels,