It was Donnie who suggested Rich switch his focus from perfecting his serum to creating a cure. At first, Rich didn’t agree. Who cared about the deaths of a few homeless? Fewer bums on the street, was his feeling. If he could eliminate the reaction that created zombie cells, he’d end up with a cure for death itself.
Then the reports filtered in. The people Rich had injected with his serum returned to their street corners, but instead of panhandling, they began attacking motorists. Those bitten by zombies caught a virus that changed them, as well. The city grew unsafe; more and more people were attacked, killed, and came back to feed on the living. On their friends and family. On strangers. Soon the laboratory seemed the only safe haven in the face of the outbreak.
Then Donnie got bit.
I
