And then it began. A rattling, shrill cry grew in pitch as it echoed across the open fields making it impossible to pinpoint. Jon quickly got to his feet and gripped the metal back in both hands: his knuckles whitening in his harsh grip. Nikkie stood ready, her hammer secured in her left hand as she eyed her surroundings. Leslie fought to calm her shaking. It was not every day that one came face to face with a real living dead. She was an occultist, things like this were the bread and butter of her beliefs, but something like this was too much. This woman had been her neighbor for years. She had not known that the woman became so -- sick. But what was it that Mr. Holland said about her getting sick around the same time as her mom--? She hardly had a moment to think though her feelings, or
