Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven Sneak Peek (Patreon)

You trail after Brody, stepping out into the open, with Madison lagging a few paces behind. As you navigate through the parking lot, you stay alert, scanning for any sight of the man and the young girl hidden behind the van.

"That's far enough," a rough voice shouts from behind the van. You spot the muzzle of a rifle jutting out ominously. "I ain't lookin' for trouble, but I won't shy from protecting myself. Trust me, you don't wanna push it."

The three of you instantly halt, paralyzed. Madison's voice drifts to you, a hushed whisper, "Told you so."

Brody is the first to regain his voice. "We don't mean you any harm. We were just scavenging around these shops and saw you near our ride. This area is cleared out, no infected in sight. You're welcome to scrounge up anything useful for you and your kid."

A faint murmur reaches your ears, the little girl whispering something to the man, too quiet for you to catch her words. His response is clear though, "I told you to go before we left. Hold on a sec."

As he emerges from behind the van, you get your first real look at him. The man looks weathered, life's harsh realities carved deep into his features. A scar mars his cheek and forearms, a bruise stands out on his neck, and his dark brown hair is slicked back rigidly.

The young girl takes a cautious peek, before she steps out, positioning herself directly behind him.

"She has to pee. I'm going to take her to that lady's clothing store. No one should follow us," he says.

"You really don't have to worry about us," Brody says.

The man doesn't offer a response. Instead, he guides the young girl around the van and starts weaving through the parked cars. Inexplicably, Brody decides to tail them.

"Brody, get back here," Madison hisses. "He told us not to follow."

"Just curious is all," Brody retorts, continuing his pursuit along the row of vehicles in the parking lot, all the while maintaining a safe gap between him and the man and girl.