"Charge!" Thomas roared.
He didn't give them time to think. He fired his mag-lite like a projectile, smashing it into the face of the first infected—a bellhop.
Kofi and Jengo opened fire. BRAP-BRAP-BRAP.
The corridor became a tunnel of noise and muzzle flashes. The smell of cordite mixed with the coppery stench of blood.
The group surged forward. Maggie screamed as a hand grabbed her ankle, but Lucas was there. He stomped on the arm with his boot, then brought the salt-sock down onto the creature's head. The salt crusted over the creature's eyes, blinding it, causing it to recoil in confusion.
"Go! Go!" Lucas yelled, dragging his mother up.
They fought their way through the kitchen. It was a slaughterhouse. Food was scattered everywhere. The floor was slick with black fluid.
They reached the heavy steel doors that led to the garage.
"My card!" Sterling yelled, fumbling with his keycard. He swiped it.
ACCESS DENIED.
"It's locked down!" Sterling screamed.
"Move!" Thomas shoved him aside. He pulled a tactical knife from his boot and jammed it into the electronic lock, twisting until the sparks flew. He kicked the door.
It didn't budge.
"They've engaged the mag-locks!" Jengo shouted. "We're trapped!"
The infected were pouring into the kitchen from the dining hall. A sea of snapping teeth and grasping hands.
"The dumbwaiter!" Lucas shouted, pointing to a large service elevator used for laundry. "It goes to the garage!"
It was a gamble. But it was the only one they had.
They piled into the metal cage. Kofi and Jengo fired into the hallway, holding back the tide as Thomas slammed the gate shut and hit the button for B2.
The lift lurched downward, leaving the screams behind.