Chapter 15

Aidan, Jackson, Boris and Shae were driving along the road to Jackson’s parents, and the safe zone. They were not talking much, still too shocked after the experience earlier that day. Boris was questioning them about details about the mob of people who had been chasing them, analyzing the situation thoroughly. His conclusion was that either people had gone a bit more mad than usual, or this was the zombie apocalypse. This did not cheer the others up.

Driving on a deserted road had its upsides. By the pace Aidan was holding up they would arrive in no time. Unfortunately, they ran into a bit of problem. First, they got a flat tire.

“Can you believe it, a flat tire?! I have never gotten a flat tire before!” Aidan complained, while the others watched him change the tire. Boris would have helped, but he was really consumed in his drawing. Being chased by zombies (or mad men) had really inspired him a lot!

“At least you had a spare one.” Shae said

“Of course I did. Do you think I would go on a long trip without bringing an extra tire?” Aidan asked, not expecting an answer

“Well, most people consider the emergency tire enough.” Jackson said

“Luckily for us, I am not most people.” Aidan said. “You can never be too careful.”

“Spoken like a true… I… can’t come up with anything that fits.” Jackson said

“Pragmatist?” Shae suggested

“Well-prepared-for-the-zombie-apocalypse-man.” Boris said. “I don’t think there’s a word for it. Yet…”

“Done.” Aidan said. “Let’s go.”

They were off again. The extra tire was actually one of Aidan’s summer tires, and not at all suitable for winter driving. Therefore he had to drive much slower from then on. But they had made a good distance before, so they would not arrive overly late anyhow.

At least that’s what they though. Until they ran into a police car. The policeman driving the car seemed a bit surprised to see other traffic. At first it seemed like he would let them pass, but then he signaled to them to stop. Reluctantly Aidan was forced to admit that his car could never out speed a police car, especially with the summer tire on. He stopped and lowered the window.

Two policemen stepped out of the car and walked up to them. One of them started inspecting the car, while the other started speaking to them.

“Hello there.” He said

“Hi.” Aidan answered

“I see you are on your way somewhere.”

“Yes. We’re going to the safe zone up north.” Aidan said

The policeman instantly noticed his accent, even though he did his best to hide it.

“I hear you are from our dear neighboring country… And so is your car.”

“Yes. That’s correct.”

“Did you recently arrive in this country?”

“Sir that depends upon the definition of ‘recently’ – I have been here for about a fortnight.” Aidan responded politely

“Then you are aware that there is a curfew.” The policeman said, it was not a question

“Yes sir.”

“Then why are you out driving?”

“As I said, we are going to the safe-zone to the north of here. My friends are going home to their families, and offered me to join.”

“Are you also aware that all foreigners were recommended to leave the country last week, before the curfew became effective?”

“Yes of course. I merely decided against it.” Aidan said with a smile

“Why?” The policeman did not return the smile

“Because, these are my friends. If they are in danger, I could not abandon them for anything in the world.”

“Speak for yourself.” Boris muttered in the backseat

“Excuse me?” The policeman said, looking at Boris

Shae elbowed Boris very hard in the ribs.

“I said that it goes both ways. We would do the same for you my friend!”

The other policeman drew the first one to the side and talked a bit to him. After a minute or so he went back to the car, while the first one said to Aidan: “You are free to continue. But if I see you again I will arrest you all. Oh and by the way, don’t be so sure they’ll let you into the safe-zone. It’s safe for a reason.”

“Jerk.” Jackson said. “Let’s go before he notices the tire and stop us for that.”

They went on their way again and soon arrived at Jackson’s parents. They were thrilled to see their son and greeted them all warmly, asking about the past few weeks and cooking them dinner. They were safe, for now.