Sitting on the floor in the living room, Mark was waiting for Ray to come together with Daisy and David by the side. Checking the time, he noticed it was almost 12. The door opened and Ray came in with Jacob by his side.
"Mark, everyone agreed to come with you guys to the military camp. We were able to find enough cars for everyone and we are ready," said Ray.
Standing up with David and Daisy, Mark asked, "The bike?"
"One of the people is a retired biker gang member. So we were able to go to his house and get the fastest bike he has."
Mark nodded and said, "Ok, now where is the plan. David will drive the jeep and will lead you guys through the safe routes. I will go alone on a bike to the school and rescue Suzie out of there." telling the jest of the plan.
Hearing him both were shocked and Ray was the first to react, "No Mark. You can not do this alone. Take me with you, you can't risk going into that den alone." shaking his head.
Mark also shook his head and denied it by saying, "No, It's better if I go alone. I have confidence in myself and can get out if anything goes south. Taking another person would keep that in jeopardy." Noticing Mark's resolute expression, Ray knew he won't listen no matter what.
Seeing Ray stay silent, Mark turned towards Jacob and said, "Well, if everything is ready, then let's go. We need to get this done as quickly as possible. We can't stay outside at night." Jacob nodded and everyone made their way outside. Mark clutched his sword, feeling ready to go into the den for his friend.
Going outside the shop, Mark noticed a few people standing having various weapons like rods. He noticed the cars filled with people ready to go to the camp. They made their way towards the Jeep as David and Daisy got inside.
"Be careful out there, David. Don't take any risks. If the way you are taking is blocked then take another route I mapped out. No routes go near the school area, so you should be clear. I will meet you at the area I circled on the map." Said Mark handing over the map to David who sat behind the wheel from outside.
Taking the map from Mark, David opened it and saw ways to go to the camp. He slowly closed it and said, "You should also take care of yourself, Mark."
Mark nodded and said, "We should get this done as quickly as possible. We need to get there before sunsets. With these many people behind us, stopping is not an option. So I will save Suzie as quickly as possible. If we follow the route which I mapped out, it will take us at least 4 hours to reach the camp. So I will try to save Suzie by 2, If by any chance I don't come before 2, you guys continue forward. You should show this ID card to the military guards around there and it will give you access inside." Handing over the military ID, they gave him.
The amount of trust Mark was having on David was surprising to himself too. Mark instinctively knew David's thoughts about him and knew he was trustworthy enough. This was similar to the old general back at camp. He knew he was scheming to make Mark be dented by him so he can ask for things afterward but overall wasn't an evil man.
David looked at Mark. Even though he never had malicious intent towards him and was rather grateful for saving him and his daughter. Mark's trust surprised him. Mark looked at him and said, "Don't look at me like that. If you had any ill intent, I would have killed you long back." and walked away.
David looked at Mark's back and felt uneasy. He silently thought to not go against Mark at any cost and help him. Mark made his way towards Jacob and Ray who stood by the first car behind the jeep.
"As I said before, follow that jeep and David should take you in a safe route with fewer zombies. Even when you face the zombies at places, tell your people to not panic and try to kill them with David." making Ray and Jacob nod.
He turned towards Jacob and asked, "Now, where is the bike?" Jacob simply looked back and Mark followed his line of sight and saw a sports bike by the side of the row to some distance from them. Mark knew this was one fast bike noticing the company name. Mark nodded and said, "Alright then, stay safe." and moved towards the bike.
"Stay safe, Mark. Don't push yourself." sounded Ray from the back. Mark waved his hand and Ray and Jacob got inside their cars.
Reaching the bike, Mark slowly caressed at the slick bike and got on it. He noticed the helmet and wore it. He kept the sword he had tightly wrapped to his back with some tread. Turning the engine on, he raised the accelerator and said, "It seems, I made the right decision to live the life of trill instead of dying." with a crazy smile behind the helmet.