The afternoon was serene, with a gentle breeze and a warm sun—perfect for rooftop sunbathing, if not for the world's drastic changes.

  On the rooftop, the group gathered in a circle. Vincent pulled out a Manhattan map from his backpack. Despite widespread internet outages, Manhattan's network still held strong. Manuela, using her phone, accessed information on the city's underground drainage system and handed the device to Vincent.

  "Our first task is to lure the zombies away from that dead-end alley, either leading them out or eliminating them. We must ensure they don't breach the barricade of cars into the alley," Vincent explained, his eyes fixed on the map. He then looked up at the group, "After that, we'll head downstairs, exit through a first-floor window, and enter the underground via a nearby sewer entrance."

  "The drainage system has exits on every street. We'll start here. If this street is clear, we'll exit there. If not, we have alternatives nearby," Vincent continued, zooming in and out on the phone's screen, pointing to several locations all within a couple of blocks from their current position.

  "You're planning to retrieve the vehicles, aren't you?" John deduced, his deep voice resonating as he sat cross-legged. Kaitlyn rested her chin on his shoulder, her timid eyes observing the planning session. She had improved since they first met, now daring to make eye contact, though she still refrained from speaking.

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  "Exactly," Vincent nodded, his stubbled face showing signs of wear. At twenty-seven, he was no longer in the prime of youth, edging closer to what one might call middle age.

  "The SUV is expendable, but the truck is crucial. We spent a week reinforcing it—it's sturdy, weighted down, and its cargo hold can withstand bullets from handguns and rifles. Retrieving it won't be too risky," Vincent explained to John, dismissing the earlier tension between them as a natural reaction.

  After detailing the escape plan, Vincent checked his watch, "It's getting late. We need to be out of here before dark."

  Soon, gunfire echoed from the rooftop—AK-47s in the hands of Vincent and Robbie, targeting zombies in the dead-end alley below. The gunshots drew more zombies, but the barricade of cars slowed their advance. Vincent and Robbie swiftly moved to the roof's northeast corner, eliminating the zombies that had breached the barricade.

  They then repositioned to the west side, overlooking the main street where the truck was parked. After a few shots to scatter the zombies, they observed the chaotic scene below.

  "Let's move. Keep it quiet," Vincent instructed, leading the group back inside.

  They navigated the building cautiously, especially near the lower floors, to avoid attracting zombies. On the first floor, they entered a cluttered room—a stark reminder of its former occupant's chaotic life.

  Vincent signaled Robbie to exit first. With military precision, Robbie leaped out the window, landing silently in the alley. His movements were swift and calculated, ensuring minimal noise.

  Vincent watched from the window, ensuring no zombies spotted them. Satisfied with Robbie's execution, he gave a thumbs-up, acknowledging the skill it took to perform such maneuvers unnoticed.

  This chapter sets the stage for a tense and strategic operation, highlighting the group's resourcefulness and the ever-present danger of the zombie-infested streets of

  Manhattan.