Wormwood Dawn (Episode III) Read Online Free

eyes. Dan squinted, turning his head.
    “Are you trying to be a smart-ass, son?” the cop asked. “I know what’s going on. It doesn’t excuse anyone from breaking the law.”
    “Um…”
    “Where did you get this vehicle, sir?”
    “We bought it,” Dan said. “From some Arabs.”
    He heard Jake snicker in the back seat.
    “Sir,” the cop said; his tone much harsher. “Please step out of the car.”
    Dan pressed the window button. “Go fuck yourself,” he said as the window raised.
    The cop reared back his flashlight to bash the window, reaching for his gun with his other hand. Dan leaned toward the middle of the cab, putting the Hummer in gear and stomping on the gas. The tires squealed just as the flashlight bounced harmlessly off the window, and the Hummer shot forward at top speed. Shots sounded behind them, and the impact of several bullets rang out. They too bounced off harmlessly.
    “What the fuck, man?” Drew said. “Is that guy fucking nuts?”
    “He’s following us,” Jake said. “Punch it.”
    Dan saw the flashing lights behind him as they gained on the Hummer. He stepped on the gas, pulling away, but the car kept up.
    “Jesus, man,” Jake said. “He’s got a score to settle or something. Maybe you should have been nicer.”
    “Fuck that cop,” Dan said. “We got shit to do.”
    Dan gripped the wheel tightly, keeping his eyes on the rear-view mirror. The cop was gaining on them fast, and Dan had to come up with a plan to lose him. Ahead, the reflective green exit sign caught his attention. They would be going over route 39, where there would be a concrete guard rail. Maybe he could smash the cop into it. He let off the gas just enough for the cop to catch up somewhat, keeping a steady pace so as not to lose him or allow him to get too close.
    “What are you doing?” Drew asked.
    “Just wait,” Dan said, eyeing the edge of the guardrail as it came into view ahead. As the cop clipped his back bumper, he swerved to the left and let off the gas. The cop car shot up, coming parallel, and Dan swerved back to the right. The two vehicles smashed together, and Dan cut the wheel hard, driving the cop into the concrete. Sparks flew as the car’s side panels scraped against the rail, and Dan gritted his teeth in satisfaction.
    “Slam him again,” Jake urged him on.
    Dan cut the wheel right again, driving the cop car tighter against the concrete. Then, there was a bang as the cop hit the signpost, and the Hummer was jolted. Dan swerved to straighten out, watching the rear-view mirror as the cop car spun out; flipping over repeatedly, and skidding to a stop on its roof.
    “Have a good evening, officer,” Dan said, grinning.
    “Nice work, man!” Jake said, patting him on the shoulder.
    Drew laughed, raising his beer in respect. “Good show, sir,” he said.
    “I hope he’s ok,” Dan said.
    “Well,” Jake said. “If he followed the law I’m sure he was wearing his seatbelt.”
    Dan chuckled, feeling a wave of confidence flowing through him. Or maybe it was the excitement. He couldn’t tell which, and he didn’t really care.

Chapter Three
    Rural King was located at the second intersection in town. Dan turned into the shopping center, where there was also a grocery store, a few fast food restaurants, and a gas station. They could likely get everything they needed in this one stop, even the medical supplies.
    The parking lot was half full of abandoned cars parked randomly about. Most of the windows of the businesses were smashed, and the stores had obviously been looted. Some of the buildings were partially burnt and smashed in, and bricks and other building materials were scattered around the pavement.
    “Doesn’t look much different,” Dan joked as he navigated through the maze of cars.
    “This would be a good time to turn your lights on,” Jake said. “We don’t need any baddies sneaking up on us.”
    Dan agreed, clicking on his lights as they entered the main lot. There