459

As you glance around at the people in your group, you feel compelled to nominate the most capable one.

"I nominate myself."

Everyone turns in unison.

"Okay, that works for me," Jaime says. "I second the nomination."

"I nominate Kelly," Woody says from his spot leaning against a shady spruce. "She's smart and has a way with words."

Hearing her name, Kelly steps forward. Though she keeps a serious demeanor, you can tell by her body language that she's happy to hear her name called. She gives Woody a quick wink. "I appreciate that, Woody, and if elected, I won't let you down."

"I'd like to second that," Reilly says. "She's great on the news."

"Well, I hope you also have a belief in my ability to lead based on my character, not just my face on the screen." Kelly speaks with vigor and looks annoyed at Reilly.

"Yeah, sure. All that, honey," he says.

By his side, Nora shakes her head, then buries her face in her hands.

Brody raises his hand and stands in front of the group. "I'm going to nominate Jaime. He's a real good person and seems really fair."

"I second the nomination," Church says, lifting his head, which has been hanging since the ordeal at his Cadillac. "Ain't nobody gonna mess with us if that man's our leader. Zombies probably turn and run the other way at the sight of him."

Jaime's laugh thunders through the countryside. "Thank you for the kind words."

After a short interval of silence, Benji steps forward. "It should come as no surprise that I nominate Rachel."

"Yeah, I second it," Madison says. "She's already running her own group, so she can lead all of us. And she's British, and those people have written volumes on ruling. It's called history, people."