“Amethyst must have been right,” Tony said. “They must have fled. If there were any still around, they’d be charging in here by now.”
“We should do the same then.” Clark started forward. “I don’t want to be stuck down here if that flashlight goes out. Who knows how long the batteries are good for.”
Side by side, they walked out of the main chamber and headed back down the tunnel. Jennifer squeezed Tony’s hand and stifled a sob when they found Susan’s remains, but otherwise, they walked in silence and stared straight ahead. It wasn’t until they found Wade’s mangled body that they stopped.
“Sorry about your friend,” Tony said, staring down at Wade’s corpse.
“It’s okay,” Jennifer sighed. “I’m more worried about you.”
“Me?”
“Yes. Are you okay?”
“Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?”
Jennifer paused. “Well, what Amethyst said back there. What he made you do. I just wondered if you were okay?”
“Haven’t felt better.” He gave her a wink, then turned to Clark. “You still up for a trip to Vegas?”
Clark grinned. “You’re damn right I am.”
“Good. You can buy the first round then. Come on, Jennifer. We’re going to Vegas.”
And with that, the three of them continued on their way. Without Ruby or Josel to guide them, they got lost several times. They went slowly at first, until they confirmed that there were no Clickers or Dark Ones left in the tunnels. At least, no living ones. They did stumble over several dead creatures in the dark. The corpses were already beginning to stink, fouling the air in the caverns. It was a long time before they reached the exit, and they stopped several times to rest. When they finally got outside, the sun was shining. Birds sang overhead. A warm, salty breeze buffeted them as they stood amidst the destruction.
Tony inhaled, breathing deep, and closed his eyes. “God, that sun feels good.”
“It does,” Jennifer agreed. “I could lay down right here and go to sleep.”
“There will be time for that later,” Clark said. “All the time in the world. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives,” Clark said.
“Ya know,” Tony replied, “I once shot a motherfucker for saying that.”