Darkness Falls (Book 1): Rise of the Fallen by Martin W. Francis Page A

their memories and learning curve is unpredictable. We need to figure out a plan. Going straight in guns blazing is obviously not going to work.”
    Everyone stood around for several minutes thinking. Jessie was the first to come up with a strategy.
    “Two groups. One is a distraction to lure away as many as possible. Has to be something to get them really riled up. Something that drives their primal instincts to follow. The other group will be the rescue party.”

“From what we have learned the last couple months they are attracted to light, sound, and whatever flesh they can feed off of.” I knew I was stating the obvious, but hoped it sparked some ideas among the group.
    Kurt suggested grenades and an arsenal of bullets. Dan suggested we set some of the buildings on fire. Sam said we should just use ourselves as bait. Jessie found the answer after hearing everyone else’s ideas.
    “Dan gave me an idea. Well kind of. We use a firetruck with the lights and siren blaring to lead them away. Plus those riding on the truck will technically be bait also. Just to make sure we can tie raw meat all over the thing with fishing line or paracord if you think it will help. Perhaps a few Molotov cocktails for the party.”
    “Best plan I’ve heard. Dan take your brothers and see if you can round up some meat from somewhere. If you can’t find any in the next fifteen minutes just head back here. Jerod and Amy stay here and keep an eye on things. Jessie you’re with me. Let’s go get a firetruck.”
    I knew there was a firehouse about five blocks away. Inside we found a few Fallen lingering about in off duty fireman attire. Quickly putting them down, we got the main garage door open before hoping into the firetruck. It did not take long for Jessie to figure out how to operate the vehicle. We arrived back at the bookstore before Dan’s group which wasn’t far behind. The brothers were carrying smelly thawed hamburger meat, large chunks of brisket, and a case of bottled beer they found at a fast food joint not far away. After prepping the truck I decided Jerod and I would be the recuse team. The rest could lure the Fallen away in the firetruck. Jessie wasn’t thrilled to not be joining us on the rescue party but operating the truck was more complicated than the rest could quickly learn. Turning the truck around and backing up as close as she felt was safe the smell of the meat attracted several of the Fallen . Jessie flipped on the lights and siren which got the attention of the majority that hadn’t noticed them yet. They hurriedly moved towards the firetruck. Several got close enough to actually yank on a few of the chunks of meat before she began driving forward at a slow pace. Every time the Fallen caught up she sped up a little while slowly leading them away. Kurt and Sam began throwing homemade Molotov cocktails once they were a couple block away. Dan was shooting the ones that got to close while giving Amy a few brotherly pointers at using the gun she was firing. Jerod and I made our way to the alley behind the electronic store. Once directly behind it I peeked through the fencing. I saw that there were about eight Fallen still lingering about near the ladder. I told Jerod who climbed up onto the roof of the truck. He took them out using a single shot for each one without missing. I jumped over the fence taking up guard position with an assault rifle. I knew Jerod would cover us if necessary. The teenagers hurried down the ladder. The boys climbed the fence effortlessly, but we had to assist the girl from both sides to get over it.
    Just as I made it over a large group had exited the electronic store making their way around to the alley. They started pushing on the fence just as I hopped into the truck. We took off flying down the alley. A few blocks away I used a walkie talkie to contact the others. I had told Jessie to turn the sirens off after a few minutes so they could listen for me. Dan answered saying they were