The base had assured her, again and again, that every single person who entered would undergo strict background checks.
That promise echoed mockingly in Joy's mind now. Somehow, despite all those assurances, these people had been allowed inside.
Fear wrapped around her chest so tightly that it felt hard to breathe.
Even though the base was heavily guarded, there were no real laws here. No police. No courts. Most people were too busy surviving to care about what happened to their beloved.
Who would, in an apocalypse, even think about helping each other?
That realization struck Joy like a cold blade pressed against her spine.
Then the thug named Joseph suddenly yanked her backward.
His grip was rough, fingers digging painfully into her arm. He leaned close, his breath hot and sour with the stench of stale alcohol and sweat.
A twisted smile stretched across his face, his eyes glowing with a terrifying, feverish red excitement.
