Deadlocked 2 by A. R. Wise Page B

and headed my way. Their cries echoed through the dead city as I desperately tried to get the door open. When I found the lock I screamed out in relief, but the first mob was already at my back.
    I flailed at them and took a few wild shots as I opened the door and leapt inside. One of them grabbed my foot. I spun around and took a shot that found its mark just above the creature's nose. Its head jerked back and he fell lifeless to the pavement as I pulled the door shut. The horde swarmed over the Toyota and pounded on the window. They crashed against the rear window as they crawled over the car.
    I pulled out the pen I'd taken from the pharmacy and my hands shook as I took the cap off and searched for the shift release. This was a newer model of Corolla than mine, but I was relieved to find the same release key beside the shifter. I learned this trick from a tow truck driver that helped us out of a parking lot after I lost my keys a few years back. I jammed the pen into the small slit on the plastic cap and pulled it free. Then I used the pen to move the tiny lever beneath to release the shifter so I could put the car into neutral.
    The Toyota lurched forward as the creatures pounded against the back. I dragged myself into the driver's seat as the car started to roll downhill and I put my left foot on the break as I did my best to steer. The zombies chased me for as long as they could, but soon the horde faded in my rearview. I started to laugh hysterically as I pulled off my escape.
    I raced down hill and back into the salvage yard. I hit the brakes slowly to keep from skidding the tires and approached the dead end as quiet as I could. I didn't want Ron to hear me coming.
    I parked the car and slid out of the seat. I didn’t close the door and used the side of the car for support as I timidly walked around it. The door to the dock house was open and there were splintered pieces of wood on the ground around it. It looked like Ron had shot or kicked his way in.
    "Get down from there," said Ron as I staggered through the door. He faced away from me and looked into the rafters at Kim, who sat above, just out of reach. She kicked at his hands as he reached for her. Then she saw me.
    I pressed my finger to my lips to keep her quiet. I raised the pistol and aimed for the back of the fake cop's head.
    "I'll shoot you if I have to," said Ron as he raised his shotgun.
    I pulled the trigger.
    It clicked uselessly.
    Horror gripped me as I tried again with the same result. The gun was out of bullets.
    "What the fuck?" asked Ron as he turned. "Holy mother of God." He staggered back at the sight of me. "Where's Dave?"
    "Probably dead by now."
    "I've gotta hand it to ya," he said and shook his head in admiration. "You're one tough bitch."
    "Put down the gun and come find out just how tough I am."
    He started to laugh. "Honey, you're a stubbed toe away from falling down dead. Do you have any idea what you look like? I can't believe you're still standing."
    "Then come and try to knock me down."
    He thought about it and then raised his shotgun. "Nah, I think I'll just shoot you and get it over with. Then I'll tie your kids up and let them eat each other like I promised. How's that sound?"
    My taunts failed and he raised the shotgun until I could see straight down the double barrels. I was too far away to grab the gun before he could shoot, but my daughter was about to save me.
    Kim screamed out as she jumped down from the rafter and collided with Ron's head. He reeled back and took a shot, but the blast missed me and struck the ceiling. Kim fell to the floor with a loud thud and I lunged forward to grab Ron's arm. My assault knocked him off balance and he stepped onto Kim's back. She cried out in agony as the big man tripped over her braced back and fell to the ground. I fell with him as I kept a tight grip on his arm.
    "Get the fuck off me." He kicked and punched me. I bit into his arm and clawed at his face as we rolled around on the ground.