Orpheus: Homecoming (The Orpheus Trilogy Book 2) by Dan DeWitt Page A

2 to stage in the cul-de-sac and hold tight. The zombies scrambled over and beat ineffectively against the vehicles. The occupants of the Jeeps were safely behind reinforced glass. And the Rhinos? Unless the undead had a rocket launcher, they were set. "I know it's going to be real tempting to shoot them or just run them over, but it's not necessary. I want to attract as little attention as possible right now. If more show up, and you think there's any risk, kill them and we'll figure it out later."
    "What about us?" Tino asked over the radio.
    "Let's do a sweep of the perimeter. Head counterclockwise and we'll meet in the back. If you see any hazards ... a big herd of zombies, a downed tree, mud ... anything that may impede your progress, pull back."
    "Copy."
    Zulu One and Two headed in opposite directions. Orpheus eased over the curb and onto the school lawn. The zombies were still massed around the other vehicles. The grass, now nearly knee-high, was the only obvious indicator that it had been abandoned. There was only one broken window, right by the front door, and Orpheus had been there for that. Otherwise, the school had been spared the fate of nearly every other abandoned building he had ever seen. The windows were intact, the walls were free of spray paint, and the grounds were free of the detritus of squatters and partiers.
    "Doesn't look any different than when we left," Rachel said.
    "We should be able to take it back without too much of a problem," Orpheus said. "I'd just be more comfortable if I knew how many are inside, and where." The Jeep drove along the side of the school and passed the external fire escape.
    Ethan said, "Dad, stop for a sec."
    Orpheus brought them to a stop and sat, waiting.
    "The people in this car are four of the five people in the world who have the most experience with the zombies. So here's a stupid question: Has anyone ever seen a zombie just wander up a set of stairs? We've all seen them go up when there was something to chase, but randomly? Never seen it myself."
    "You're suggesting clearing the school from the top down?"
    "Hey, that sounds familiar," Fish added.
    "He's got a point," Rachel said. "We're not sure how many are on the first floor, but we can be reasonably certain that few, if any, are on the second."
    "Let's finish our sweep, and if nothing pops up to make us change our minds, that's the play."
    Nothing that they saw on their reconnaissance made Orpheus think of a better plan. They met up with Zulu 2 at the back of the school. Orpheus put his window down, and Tim did the same. He said, "Nothing much to report. We couldn't really make out if anything is going on inside, though."
    "Neither could we." He filled Zulu 2 in on the proposed plan.
    Tim thought for a second and said, "Nope, I can't say that I've seen any of them go up a set of stairs just for funsies. The plan sounds solid."
    Orpheus addressed the group. "Downsides?"
    German was the first to vocalize his opinion, and his was that he didn't have one. "I'm going to go with the experience on this one. So will he." He pointed to Tino, who nodded.
    "All right." He glanced at his watch. "We're burning daylight." He put his window up, pulled a U-turn, and led Zulu 2 back to the cul-de-sac.
    When the rest of the force came in sight, Orpheus noticed that the amount of zombies had nearly doubled in their absence. The vehicles still weren't in jeopardy, but the zombies could create a problem for him when he breached the school. He looked at Ethan. "Give the order."
    Ethan held the mike to his mouth, then dropped it a few inches. "Are we getting some of this?"
    "No, we're hanging back. Tell the Jeeps to stay sealed up, too."
    "Should we -”
    Orpheus anticipated his son's concern. "The team leaders can handle it."
    "Got it." Ethan cleared his throat and went through the call signs. He ended up with, "Romeos One and Two, engage when ready."
    No movement came from the Rhinos. The team leaders were no doubt going over the