TexaGo Gas Station

Thursday, September 24th, 1998
...9:37 PM

Speeding down the interstate and merging onto Stone Ville Road, Isabella 'Bella' Knight's black motorcycle chugged along as amber light cascaded through the layer of furs and pine that flanked either side of the leather clad motorist from the street lamps as the cool night air rushed past her. Her bright blue eyes were tired from seeing the constant greenery, now darkness that fluttered past her and her Harley Softail. It was also rather odd, for the past few hours, there had been no traffic coming from the Raccoon direction of the road. It wasn't that uncommon for a seasoned traveler like Bella, but it stuck out and was noticeable like one of those stupid signs you'd see on the side of the road-



-a cherub faced kid with a sneer, pissing with his ass hanging out! Who the fuck made those?? Better yet- WHY DO they keep making them?!

She'd been through Raccoon City countless times, as it was the traditional Illinois pitstop her family took when travelling to Uncle Gary's; but the last time she was 17. Sure, it was probably cheaper in the long run and better to fly to Uncle Gary's, the man lived in Dryfield, Nevada! But her parents loved to road trip, and so did she. They would stop off in Raccoon and then resume in the morning or they'd stay an extra night for supplies and the like. She was thinking of doing the same, given the Mojave Desert was still gonna be there no matter how long she stayed in Raccoon.

Besides... my ass is sore, and I need to stretch out my legs! She thought at the prospect of stopping in the city. She heard there was some sort of convention going on at the Clock Tower, and this was on top of the College Football Season, or was it High School...? She mentally shrugged, the prospect of stopping by Emmys for some burgs and fries before swinging over to the Clock Tower felt exciting enough for her to shift the Harley Softtail into high gear and fly towards the fork in the road.

---



Bella pulled up the visor of her red helmet, her crystal blue orbs shifting as she looked upon the sign in front of her. If she continued on Stone Ville Road, she'd be able to take a more direct route into Raccoon City whilst able to see it all- the mountains, Victory Lake, the Raccoon Dam, the forest and the city itself in the distance.

However, she wanted to take the longer route into the city, in spite of the greenery surrounding her growing 'stale', she enjoyed the forest ambiance and wanted to see if the old 'witches hut' down the road was still there. Her father used to tease her as a kid about that place, which likely as her Uncle Gary put it, 'was some forgotten hunter's blind' rather than some forest hag's place of residency.

At the same time, a gas station was along that same path, she could make out the 'TexaGo' logo in the distance, and given she had no traffic to influence her decisions, she kicked down the kickstand and sat there for a moment or two to analyze her options.

She looked down at her gas, she had enough to get into Raccoon and around the city, but it would probably be wise to stop now and refuel, walk around, have a smoke and maybe buy something to nibble on that didn't taste like sawdust and stale, melted chocolate. It would also let her reevaluate her decision of either going the more direct 'detour' or the less direct and preferred route- if only to satiate her childhood curiosity. She could also just, ignore both options and simply ride into town and get a proper, greasier meal and maybe a beer.

"Hmm... Decisions decisions..." hummed Bella, leaning over her handlebars.



Bella continued to debate her options, the detour path seemed like a fun option and a moment to really take in the city, as the gas station looked lonely and abandoned from here. That was till she saw a big old truck, like the kind you see on safari's parked up front. It was the first vehicle she'd seen in nearly forty minutes, so it lifted her spirits somewhat and helped make up her mind. I feel less like the last gal on earth at least, and may as well top my gas off and replace these stale granola bars! Bella determined, and nonchalantly kicked the stand upward with her heel before driving the Softail towards the TexaGo.

---

The amber light of the street lamps continued to shine down upon the dark, deserted backroad. The light catching off Bella's bike as she rolled the shiny black motorcycle right along a vacant pair of gas tanks just opposite of that aforementioned truck:



Bella glanced it over as she applied her kickstand once again and cut the engine of the rumbling Harley Softail, killing the lights and taking a moment to lean back and relax a moment. "Almost there..." she mumbled to herself, her blue eyes glancing back over to the truck. She noted it was parked where diesel was offered over petroleum, and also made a note of the huge exhaust pipe jutting from the hood. The hell do you need something like that for? The Australian bush? Bella mentally commented. She didn't see its owner but could see a weapon rack through the windows behind the passenger and driver's seat, with a big rifle hanging off it:



It had a scope and a curved magazine. Ruger Mini-14, a hunter then I suppose? She thought. Whoever owned the vehicle would have gotten along well with her Uncle Gary, he was something of a gun enthusiast to put it lightly. Bella was pretty sure if her Aunt didn't pass away, she'd have left him by now for his love of guns. Hmm, I bet $20 that the person who owns that truck looks like your typical redneck survivalist type. ZZ Top Beard. Flannel. Camouflage. Or denim coveralls. Probably crazy eyed, with a Viet Nam Veteran or trucker cap. Your stereotypical 'deliverance' type.

The woman snickered at the thought as she slid off the side of her bike, swinging one of her long, slender legs around as she disembarked.  



The tall, lithe and dark-haired Bella Knight pulled off her red and black helmet. Her medium long, silky raven black hair drifted down from its confinement and splayed across the back of her neck. She sets the helmet down on the seat and begins the boring process of filling up the half-drained tank. She used one hand to unzip her riding suit down to her collar bone, while the other pumped the gasoline into the tank. It felt nice to feel the cool night wind on her warm cheeks. Her bright, crystal blue eyes danced as she scanned her surroundings, and parted stray raven bangs from her left eye.



She could see that the station was surrounded by dense woodland. The sign and pole it hung off of was brown and red with heavy rust. Similarly, the partly sheet metal walls of the station were also patched with rust. Only a singular large window with a neon sign read: "OPEN" with the 'O' being unlit. A few posters for your typical brand name cigarette companies were on display as well, including one she didn't recognize called 'Lone Wolf Cigarettes'. There was also a neon light reading 'COLD BEER' in an upper corner. Beyond what was obscured by advertisements, store hours and gas & diesel prices, she couldn't see into the store due to the shutter like blinds being half closed. Bella could only make out your typical white metal or plastic shelving units seen in every other convenience store or gas station in America through the glass door.

Bella was looking at said door when she saw a figure approach behind it. The door swung outwards, the 'ding-dong' of a robotic greeting bell pinged, and the 'We're Open!' sign hanging off its peg swung as the figure's form shambled out into the flickering lights under the pump station. He was big and burly, with a greying beard, green flannel shirt, camouflage pants and a red 'Raccoon Sharks' baseball cap on his head. Ugh... reality can be so depressing. I'd have rather seen a DiCaprio look alike or someone handsome after all this travelling... Sighed the woman internally as she continued to pump gas, turning her attention back to the pump meter itself. Would it kill to have some fun? She thought, before she heard a meaty 'plop' from beyond the pump towards the direction of the store's entryway.

On the ground, the big man lay, face down! "Holy shit!" Spat Bella, quickly stopping what she was doing and headed over to the fallen man, pausing part way when she noticed the...

...the amount of blood which began pooling under the man's chest! "Hah!" gasped the raven haired beauty, who looked around now in a panic! She didn't see anything but darkness and the light of the road and city beyond the trees! What the fuck is going on, why is he bleeding? Is there a robbery going on? Some sort of fucking psycho killer on the loose?! Bella's mind raced as she quickly put one hand to the grip of her combat knife hanging off her belt:



Still, it did little to make her feel confident enough to take on a robber or psycho murderer! Against her own judgment, Isabella cautiously approached the fallen man. She tapped his shoulder, and he grunted, so he was still alive but sounded like he was in intense pain. "Sir... sir, what happened? Why are you bleeding? Can you hear me?" She asked, feeling butterflies in her stomach. I shouldn't be here... She told herself, but ignored the flight response as she tried to flip him over!

"He...lp..." He grunted, as she tried to push him on his side, but he was just too heavy for her lithe frame. "Sir? Sir, please, is there someone dangerous in the store? SIR!" She called to him, shaking him vigorously. All he could do was wheeze, and she noticed the keys in his hand with a hanging folding knife key charm. Totally the owner of the Ruger... She noted, before going against her bitter and better judgment. "Hold on," she stood up. "I'll call an ambulance, just hang on!" she shouted, and hurried into the store!

---

Bella was not having fun, and rather be stretching her long legs and wiggling her hips to some cute guy than suddenly play hero to Bleeding Bill outside, but she wasn't heartless, and she didn't want to see someone she could help die! She panted as she had a quick look about the place. Just as she had expected from what little she could see outside; the place wasn't that remarkable on the inside.

White linoleum flooring that made her boots click as she walked, shelves filled with various convenience goods- chips, condiments, the like. She saw medicine and even birth prevention items such as condoms which had no use for her right now. I don't think tampons can cover this kind of bleeding damage, but I'll find something to stop the bleeding... if I can even get him to roll onto his back! She thought, feeling hopeless and stressed!

She then noticed how empty the shop felt. She looked over towards the cash register and saw that no one was manning the till. Where the hell is everybody? This guy isn't the owner of the shop too, is he? Bella thought and continued to look around the isles, further cementing her lamentation and that Big Bill was probably the victim of some smash and grab robbery! However, she noticed the register was shut and that there seemed to be no indication of a struggle. Blood splotched the floor to the outside, where she just entered, and seemed to lead towards the rest rooms.

Seriously, I'm not liking this... The blue-eyed beauty thought to herself, as she wandered over to the register. "Hello..?" She called out softly, looking around. Not many places a gas station attendant could run off to... but there was a slightly open door to the far right leading into a back room she made a note of.

Her bright blue orbs also noticed a small wall safe just behind the counter as well. Curious, she looked about and was astonished to see no form of security. That isn't very safe... she thought, and looked back down at the safe. She could tell from here, that it was one of those cheap kind, a simple lock... but it too didn't have any signs of being forced open or attempted to be cracked. "Hello?! Dammit, I gotta find a phone!" She hissed, and began quickly checking the corners of the station, before finding a payphone near an isle advertising for fishing equipment. "Bingo!" She quickly made her way to it and lifted the receiver from the hook, but quickly noticed the lack of a dial tone. "No...nonononono!!" She spat, raising it to her ear, confirming it! "What the fuck man?!" She screamed, the receiver cradled between her neck and shoulder, her right hand holding the base for support as her left hand's fingers jabbed at the bar to see if it was some other issue, constantly clicking the hangup switch, but couldn't even hear a buzz from the phone!

It was dead.

"Fuck..." she groaned, dropping the phone on the hook and turned away in an aggressive manner. She felt scared, isolated... she needed to get this guy to the hospital, but she didn't know where that was exactly right now and didn't think she'd have the strength to lift him up to try! "Damn it!" She slammed her fist into the wall in desperation!

Bella's baby blues locked onto the door marked with 'staff only' the one that was slightly ajar. Someone was definitely in here with her! Shit... I should've left when I had the chance! Damn it! Ugh... I've made it this far... She thought, gulping as she unbuttoned the leather strap securing the combat knife that bounced against her left thigh and hip. The raven haired beauty cautiously began to walk towards the register again, eyes fixated on the 'Staff Only' door as she slowly drew out the long combat knife from its brown leather sheath. It felt weird drawing it out in public, but she wasn't going to let 'social graces' get in the way of her survival!

Cautiously, she made her way towards the staff room's door, reaching out with her other hand, gripping the knife in her right in a tight reverse grip!

There was a sudden flash of movement from the woman's right as a tall and bulky figure rushed her! Bella, being well trained in CQC thanks to her Uncle Gary, brought up her knife and slashed into the forearm of the assailant in green! "ARRGH!!" A loud shriek emanated from the flash of green and when she struck again with her blade in a wide swiping manner another, much larger figure pulled the smaller blur in green backwards and brought up his big black rifle's stock to block her blade!



The man then used his weapon as a lever, applying weight to the barrel end to launch the knife from her hands! He then grabbed the neck of the stock and the aluminum barrel before slamming the butt of the weapon into Bella's stomach! Keeled over, he grabbed her, only to struggle with his rifle which she now grabbed! "Fucker!" Cursed the individual swinging Bella around like a carousel, knocking her into one of the displays, its contents spilling out beneath him! All the while someone was screaming out in pain. Another blur in green entered and raised his gun, but the one tangoing with Bella shouted: "STAND DOWN!"

Bella may have released her grip at this point, either registering the voice or simply because the larger man was more trained and stronger in comparison, but at that point the gun slid out from her hands and she stumbled backwards! The gun fell to the floor with a loud clatter, lost in the chaos as a bright light filled her eyes instead. Arms held out to cover her face as the individual drew his side arm instead, blinding her with the underbarrel surefire flashlight attachment:



Arms held out, the figure behind the gun grabbed her arm, only to be struck in the face by her gloved palm! The man reacted by wrapping her arm around her back and kicking out her knee, forcing her swiftly and powerfully to the ground! "Grab her!" He commanded, but felt her butt her head into his face making him wince, he let go for a moment and she was able to get back up swinging out her long leg in a roundhouse kick which he blocked with his right arm, before lifting her leg up with both of his arms from underneath! Bella's world went topsy turvy as her full weight was forced onto her upper back! He heard her yelp, but then nudged the woman onto her chest, placing his size 13 onto the small of her back. She tried to look up at him, but he shined the light of his Beretta M9A1 onto her face, obscuring his own appearance for a moment. The man seemed to hesitate, his eyes scanning her over for...something. What? She wouldn't know... However, he lowered the gun soon after and revealed himself to her:


Resident Evil 2 - The Daredevil Four [EXTENDED] Music



The man was in military woodland fatigues and battle dress uniform, a camouflaged PASGT vest and ballistic helmet, and wore olive drab fingerless gloves. Multi-colored grease paint was smeared across his face, leaving very little uncovered. He had a headset under the helmet, with a mic extending over his mouth, and had heavy duty goggles wrapped around the upper half of his helmet. His thick black boot rested on her back till he brought his knee to her back and leaned close. "Don't you fucking move." His voice wasn't raised, but his command was stern and final as he flicked on his radio and unzipped one of the pouches on his vest. "Ramirez! Tend to Wilson's injuries, STAT!" He barked as he tapped into his radio.

"Ground Patrol Zero-Eight Squad Leader Sergeant Masterson to REDFOX, preliminary sweep of the target location is complete. Encountered two hostiles, both civilians; one neutralized the other detained." He spoke, holding the earpiece with his left hand as he kept his knee on Bella's back, holstering his side arm and grabbed her wrists and forced them behind her! As the woman struggled, he manages to wrap zip ties around her wrists and snap them together! He began patting her over, the woman feeling the soldier's hands getting rather intimate with her curves as he then patted down and checked her fanny pack. He soon found her wallet and checked her ID. "Detained Civie is one 'Knight, Isabella', Female, Caucasian, age 23, 5'9, resident of Maine," he explained. "Female combatant appears to show no signs of infection, put up one hell of a fight though. She's been disarmed and secured. How should we proceed? Over." Masterson paused. The voice of Private Wilson carried throughout the room, the soldier was holding his forearm that had been slashed in the tussle with the biker woman.

"Crazy bitch nearly took my Goddamn arm off! Fuckin' Christ!" Whined the man, as Ramirez, the soldier who was about to shoot Bella but did not, tended to Wilson's injuries.

"Grow up man, you've cut yourself worse shaving." Ramirez shook his head as he grabbed the medkit from his waist bag, washing the wound out with water from his canteen before applying disinfectant. The Private hissed, and Ramirez continued to tease the young man. "Big baby, my little girl's tougher than you."

"Fuck you man, ouch!!"

The dragging sound started up again as another man exited the Staff Room, dragging the body of a gas station attendant. He was pale, very pale. His eyes white, hair greasy. He looked like he died hours ago, and had bite marks on his upper shoulder. The man dragging the body was also dressed like the rest of them, and when he slid the body of the deceased worker beside Bella turned to his superior.



These guys were professional soldiers, straight out of the United States Army's 75th Ranger Regiment who were aiding a number of other Special Forces groups within Raccoon City, but they had no insignia, no patches to indicate who they were on their person.


Save the Sergeant, they were all armed with selectfire M16A2 Rifles in standard configurations with a large flashlight taped to the side of the forestocks and 30 round magazines. Masterson's was equipped with an M203 Grenade Launching unit graphed to the custom foregrip with a flashlight also clipped on the side.  

At least two of them had dropleg holsters with Beretta M9A1 standard issue handguns with surefire flashlight attachments equipped to the fore end of their handgun's frames:



Masterson looked down at Bella, checking her neck by peeling back the collar of her riding suit, pocketing her wallet for the time being as he awaited orders from REDFOX. The new face looked down at Bella with a raised brow, then back to Sgt. Masterson. "So, this was what all that noise was, huh? She get the best of ya, Sarge?" the man smirked, chewing gum as he winked down at the woman.

Masterson wiped his jaw, feeling a coppery taste in his mouth. "Shut up, Maverick." He told the cocky army pilot. He looked back down at Bella, and stared at her coldly. Maverik snickered. "Where's Faboskay? Don't tell me he's still in the shitter!" Maverick chuckled, turning to face the restrooms.

Bella was still aching and dazed. Everything had become a panic driven and blinding blur before she had been thoroughly sorted by the likes of God damn G.I. Joe!



She was still catching her breath, the blow to her stomach still ached as did everything else. She lay there, one cheek resting upon the linoleum floor wishing she had made better life choices as the soldiers kept piling into the room. Damn, camouflage is legit- they're dressed completely in green and my dopey ass couldn't see them amid this bland, white interior! She thought sarcastically. She could tell they were army from their look and lingo, and grew up around her Uncle Gary long enough to know a thing or two about the gear they were wearing and weapons they were lugging. However, right now... she feels as though Uncle Gary's lessons in self defense may have landed her in more trouble. "Look... I'm sorry, I-" she started, before the body Maverick dragged fell beside her. She turned to face it, and her eyes went big with shock! "Jesus Christ...! What the fuck are you guys doing?! Aren't you supposed to be 'the good guys'?? Did you shoot that guy outside too?!" She spat, looking up fiercely at the Sergeant. Oh God, what the hell have I landed myself into? Are these guys really Army? No... wait, what the hell?! The Army doesn't operate on US Soil unless its an executive order, but these aren't your typical weekend warriors either! They're carrying legit firepower, and I don't even see nametags on their uniforms! Oh fuck me and the horse I rode in on, what the fucking hell is going on?! Mentally stressed the disarmed, zip tied beauty! She wriggled with a little more urgency as she began to feel worried about what would become of her. Oh fuck ohhhh fuck, this...this can't be fucking happening to me! How the hell was I supposed to predict this?? I should have just taken the more 'scenic' route across the Dam!! Bella shivered with fear!

"Understood Ground Patrol 08. Sounds like a feisty one. If she shows no sign of exposure, detain and deliver to the exclusion zone for questioning. Your orders are a priority, however. If she's a threat to the mission, neutralize her immediately. With this in mind, you are free to do as you see fit with this matter, Sergeant. REDFOX over and out." Replied the woman behind his earpiece. Unbeknownst to Bella, REDFOX had her own mission that needed to be carried out by the nearby dam... so had she gone that direction, she would be in REDFOX's hands and in a very different position- the kind with a bullet between the eyes.

Mae Campbell wrote:"Understood Ground Patrol 08. Sounds like a feisty one. If she shows no sign of exposure, detain and deliver to the exclusion zone for questioning. Your orders are a priority, however. If she's a threat to the mission, neutralize her immediately. With this in mind, you are free to do as you see fit with this matter, Sergeant. REDFOX over and out."

To this, Masterson replied: "Acknowledged. Ground Patrol 08 over and out." he looked the woman below him over with his faded blue eyes. She looks like my daughter... but she could be infected with whatever this science fiction disease is. Had I not seen the result of the infection with my own eyes... I'd have told REDFOX to stick her orders up her ass. He thought grimly, as he debated Isabella Knight's fate.

All the while, Specialist Maverick half leaned the forend of his M16 against his shoulder as he approached the bathroom. "Hey! Private Faboskay! You're missing out on the action! What the hell you doin' in there, jerkin' off?" teased the man as he walked up to the door.

Nightshade90 wrote:
She was still catching her breath, the blow to her stomach still ached as did everything else. She lay there, one cheek resting upon the linoleum floor wishing she had made better life choices as the soldiers kept piling into the room. Damn, camouflage is legit- they're dressed completely in green and my dopey ass couldn't see them amid this bland, white interior! She thought sarcastically. She could tell they were army from their look and lingo, and grew up around her Uncle Gary long enough to know a thing or two about the gear they were wearing and weapons they were lugging. However, right now... she feels as though Uncle Gary's lessons in self defense may have landed her in more trouble. "Look... I'm sorry, I-" she started, before the body Maverick dragged fell beside her. She turned to face it, and her eyes went big with shock! "Jesus Christ...! What the fuck are you guys doing?! Aren't you supposed to be 'the good guys'?? Did you shoot that guy outside too?!" She spat, looking up fiercely at the Sergeant.

Masterson looked into her big blue eyes, could see the hate in them. He didn't like any of this himself, he was proud to be a Ranger, but this... this was not what he expected when he joined the military 20 years ago.

Nightshade90 wrote:"...Did you shoot that guy outside too?!"

The words dawned on him suddenly, as he furrowed his brow at her. He thought at first she may have been trying to buy herself more time, she looked smart, and looked like she knew he was debating her fate. However, as he forced himself to look away to keep himself from getting attached he blinked. Sweat dripped down the grease painted face and neck of the Sgt. Masterson, his eyes noting a blood trail that lead out the gas station that couldn't have been from Wilson's injuries. "What 'guy'?" He asked the woman, seeing nothing past the glass window but a red stain on the asphalt...



His eyes then shifted from the left to the right as the hairs across his arms raised, gooseflesh running down his entire back as he followed the blood trail from the doorway to...

"-MAVERICK!" Shouted Masterson, drawing his handgun forcing himself off the woman's back much to her disapproval but he didn't register the discomfort as he had to act quickly! However-

---

Specialist Maverick pushed open the doorway to the mens room. Fluorescent light illuminated a grotesque scene. Private Faboskay's lifeless eyes glaring up at the ceiling as he lay sprawled in one corner of the single stall in the room. The dingy tile floor, walls and ceiling were coated with an intense shade of crimson. Maverick's smile faded as he saw the private twitching there, half of his neck ripped out by the base, his thin moustache covered in a mix of blood and grease paint. Maverick's attention had focused entirely on the dying Private whose uniform was stained red with his own blood, he did not notice the smaller woman painted in blood half hidden around the door jam!



"RAGHHH!!" the zombified woman screamed hungrily, her faded white eyes locked on Maverick's as she brought her crimson painted mouth to his neck!

"EYYAAAAAAAAAAH!!" Maverick screamed, grabbing the woman by her neck, but was forced back in surprise! The zombie shot past him, grabbing the kneeling Ramirez who had turned to the Sargent when he screamed. Ramirez turned to face the blonde woman's black and red teeth as he felt her jaws grip his nose and the side of his face! "ARRRGHH!!" Screamed the man, blood running down his face as he fell to his back! Wilson screamed, trying to back crawl away, but was running into a chest freezer filled with ice cream! "GET HER OFF!! GET HER OFF!!" Screamed Ramirez, as Maverick headed for the door, getting in the way of Sgt. Masterson's line of fire! "Mav! Move!!" Masterson screamed, handgun raised, but pointed it up as Maverick pushed past him! Masterson fell back against a stand, looking bewildered as Maverick pushed through the glass door!

'ding-dong'

"COWARD!" spat Masterson with contempt, turning his gun towards Maverick's back when Ramirez's screams became gurgles! He returned his attention to the fallen pair of soldiers. Ramirez was convulsing, half of his face peeled off by the blonde woman, while Wilson raised his M16 shakily, but his right arm being injured by the knife wound made it harder to steady! The monster seemed to realize this, as she slowly turned her head and her pale eyes to the gauze wrapped around his bleeding arm. Like a shark drawn to the scent of blood, she dove for his forearm! "NOOO!!!" screamed Wilson!



Ratatatatatatatatatatatata-!!

The room boomed with the sound of automatic fire as bullets tore up the wall and into the overhead lights with a louder clash! Bulbs exploded, the light fixture falling out and swinging across the room! The lights flickering constantly between the lights failing and the muzzle flash of Wilson's gun! The wet crunch of his injured arm being bitten, torn apart by this zombified call girl was drowned out by a serenade of screams and gunfire. Masterson tried to aim his pistol down at the woman, the flashes of light irritating his vision, his aim off-

-PING!


Masterson couldn't tell if he even fired with all the chaos that ensued, only realizing he did when he realized he had. His aim, was a tad high... and now Wilson's brain splattered against the dingy pale blue wall and the formerly dingy white surface of the chest freezer he had propped his back on. The man slumped down, eyes vacant, lips agape in a slack expression as the woman continued to rip the man's flesh from his body!

Masterson felt his stomach shrink, killing one of his own didn't sit well, and he'd have felt the same had he shot Maverick without a doubt. All he could do now was adjust his aim, and then check on Ramirez-

'ding-dong'

---

The sound of the electronic bell ping-panned as the man Bella tried to save pushed through the store's doorway and grabbed a hold of Masterson from behind! The pair tussled, Masterson swinging his arms in a panic as the lights finally turned out and the only light was that which spilled through the thin slats of the mostly covered windows and the glass door! The man hissed and moaned like an animal, his eyes vacant as he clawed at Masterson's face, forcing off the Sergeant's helm! The man's dark, crew cut was now visible as he swung his forearm into the creature's face, only for it to latch on and bite! "ARGGGG!!" The man cried, forcing the overweight zombie into the storage displays! One fell over, smashing the line of windows above Bella as she was covered with a variety of convenience store items and broken glass! Thanks to a line of chest freezers, Bella was spared from being crushed by the combined weight of the display and the zombie; the said zombie redneck who now lay atop the display was stunned as he moaned and moved in an eerie, alien manner!

Masterson looked down at his right forearm, blood seeping out the tear in his camouflage jacket! He looked over at Bella, his faded blue eyes looking back at her wide, terrified eyes. This mission was FUBAR from the start... he thought as the zombie call girl dove at him! He dropped his gun in the process,



As he fell back into the staff room with the woman, grabbing her by her hair to keep her pinned to him! "GO!!" he screamed to Bella, given his mission as he saw fit was now over. The woman bit down hard on his shoulder as he grappled with her in the staff room, throwing her against a line of file cabinets as he turned to Bella, and closed the door, turning the deadbolt above with a resonating -click!

Cool air blew into the room from the outside, the metal shutters tapping against the frame and made the overall ambience of the room, combined with the situation at hand... all the more horrifying.