303

You move over to the hanging businessman and stop his body from swinging. You check his pants pockets and find them completely empty, then look through his coat and remove a folded piece of paper and a checkbook. The note is a handwritten message, which reads:

To Whoever finds me, I am sorry I couldn't handle this life anymore but this infection is spreading and soon we will all be food for the zombies. I cannot stand the thought of living in such a world, constantly struggling and fighting for my survival. I tried to call my mother and father but the networks are down.

If you found me, please get in touch with my parents, Arthur and Gene Dobson. I have written a check for $25,000 in my pocket and offer it to you to find them and tell them I am sorry.

Thomas

You look up from the note and spot the body twitching. You fall backward, knocking over an end table which hits the ground with a hard thump. Thomas' eyes open, and he thrashes about, slowly at first, then intensifying to an almost convulsive state. His skin has yellowed, and greenish lesions have formed over all parts of his visible skin. He struggles in mid-air, flailing his arms about but unable to reach you. Slender, hooked fingers claw the air. Blood-stained eyes track your movements.

While he seems securely stuck to the ceiling, you are not sure how long it will take for the cord or ceiling fan to give way, so you back into the hallway, closing the door behind you.

You realize that staying upstairs is a waste of time, and if you want to find Emma and get out of the city, you'll have to make your way downstairs.