"Two blocks sounds significantly better than thirty meters did earlier."
Ben gave him a look.
"We almost died in those thirty meters."
"Which is exactly why two blocks concerns me."
Penelope adjusted her grip on her machete.
"We're not going back the way we came."
Everyone looked at her.
She pointed toward the alley.
"The zombies followed the noise toward the front of the store. If we circle through the service alleys instead of returning to the main street, we might avoid most of them."
Erik considered the surrounding layout.
"The buildings in this district share rear delivery access."
Killian nodded.
"We stay behind the storefronts until we're parallel with the truck, then cross."
Their decision was made.
No debate.
No unnecessary discussion.
Killian opened the door wider.
"Stay close."
They slipped outside one at a time.
Killian went first.
Penelope followed.
Ben came next, then Kai.
Erik exited last and quietly eased the metal door shut behind him.
