Chapter Eight: That’s Cutting-Edge Technology
Among the countless pickup trucks, the Dodge T-Rex undoubtedly stands out as a masterpiece.
Although Madison humbly claimed his truck was cheap, Gavin had seen him boasting more than once within the team about his distinctive taste in vehicles.
Moreover, Texas has its own farming ecosystem and cowboy culture.
As the earliest state in the U.S. to embrace large-scale farming, Texas farmers have always favored pickups—vehicles both rugged and practical—since the very inception of the automobile.
Within the Dallas Cowboys, Gavin was a hometown hero, holding the record as the NFL’s all-time greatest, a sports legend whose prestige eclipsed even the governor’s.
He needed no extra effort to win over the Cowboys’ fanbase; they already adored him.
But Madison, originally from Chicago, seemed determined not only to adapt but to fully integrate into the team, perhaps even retire there.
So, in his second year after winning his first championship, he began purchasing various pickups en masse, publicly proclaiming his love for them to connect with the Texan Cowboys.
Admittedly, many Texans believed he at least had the spirit of a cowboy in his blood.
Of course, some Cowboys joked he was better suited for cotton picking.
In any case, Gavin was certain that truck was exceptional—perfectly suited for Texas roads and the apocalyptic tone ahead.
However…
Frowning, Gavin pointed toward the Dodge T-Rex in the distance and quietly said to Madison, “You have a great truck, but its position… it’s a bit too far from the parking lot exit.”
He then shifted his finger to the left side of the parking lot.
About thirty meters just behind and to the left of where the helicopter had crashed, there sat a Hummer.
Gavin continued, “In my opinion, that Hummer—probably used by security—is more suitable for us. It’s parked right next to the parking lot exit.”
“Once we start it, we only need to make a left turn for seven or eight meters to burst out of the lot and onto the road leading away from the estate.”
“Fuck!”
Hearing this, Madison couldn’t help but curse, then rubbed his scalp frustratedly.
“That’s my T-Rex, freshly modified just six months ago!”
“So what’s that compared to your twenty-plus years of life?” Gavin patted his shoulder, offering a half-hearted consolation to the big guy.
After a brief silence, Madison nodded helplessly.
“Alright, you win. So, next, we’re going to lure the zombies away, right? Using the bottles we have?”
“Exactly.”
Gavin waved an empty liquor bottle in his hand.
“Those zombies run too fast. If we confront them head-on, our chances of survival are slim.”
“We might be faster, but our stamina is probably nowhere near theirs.”
“Of course, that’s just speculation, but I doubt anyone wants to gamble their life on outrunning zombies.”
“If they were slow like in The Walking Dead, I’d have a hundred ways to deal with them. But for now, all we can do is lure them out.”
“I plan to throw a bottle toward the right side of the parking lot to try and draw them away from the helicopter.”
“If they do indeed stay near where the bottle lands, we’ll retreat to your room and continue pulling the zombies toward the back of the estate.”
“If all goes well, we’ll move to the far end on the other side of the villa and throw bottles there, drawing them as far from the parking lot as possible.”
“We’ll be inside the house while they’re outside. If we’re lucky, we can thank that helicopter, old Mike!”
Gavin patted Madison’s shoulder again.
Old Mike nodded heavily.
“I knew you always had a plan!”
Even a simple plan was enough to ease Madison’s tension.
As he relaxed, Gavin pulled two car keys from his pocket.
“That’s not all, buddy. Once we start the car, the zombies will likely be drawn to the engine noise again.”
“I don’t like taking chances. I’m not about to bet they won’t hear it.”
“So, I took another look. The two keys from the boss’s room are indeed for his regular cars, not ones he’s dumped in the garage.”
“Look to the right—those two cars are parked together at the deepest part of the parking lot on the right side.”
“If the zombies chase us as we leave, maybe we can use the cars’ lights and unlocking sounds to distract them, even if only a little.”
“Of course, we might not even need that. The Hummer’s position is just too good.”
“We can be out of the lot in under two seconds. Those filthy things have no way to catch a pickup with at least 800 horsepower!”
“Well done. But how do you know those two cars belong to the boss? There’s more than one Rolls-Royce in the lot.”
“Because only one Rolls-Royce happens to be parked right next to the Corvette.”
Hearing this, Madison pursed his lips with renewed confidence.
Gavin’s explanation bolstered him; he clenched his fists and excitedly punched Gavin’s chest.
“Having you is my good fortune, buddy. Whether it’s championships or chances of escape, I always get them following you. You’re a damn genius, Gavin!”
Madison then turned his gaze back to the Hummer near the parking lot exit, excitement shining in his eyes as he reached out his hand.
“Give me the Hummer’s keys. I’ll drive, and you can rest inside.”
“I don’t miss my T-Rex at all right now. It’s a good truck, but it’s just not for me. We’re not meant to be.”
“Now I’m a Hummer man. I’m voting Hummer in the election. Hell, even if the seat’s full of fools, at least the car’s useful.”
He stretched out his hand expectantly.
Gavin, however, just shrugged expressionlessly.
“How could I possibly have the Hummer’s keys? I already said it’s probably a security vehicle. You think I had time tonight to ditch Victoria’s Secret angels and cozy up to security?”
“Then what’s the plan, boss? We can’t even get the core of the plan right. No keys—how are we supposed to start that car? Use our iron will?”
Madison felt like he was about to lose it.
Gavin cast him a sly glance and replied, “Cut it out, old Mike. No cops or media watching us now. You can steal a car!”
With that, Gavin nudged Madison’s elbow and gave him an encouraging look.
Meeting Gavin’s eyes, Madison was stunned for a moment before incredulously asking, “Wait, Gavin, what exactly do you think of me?”
“I’m a player. I went to college. Why would you think I’d steal a car? I damn well never have!”
“Oh, really?”
Gavin immediately rolled his eyes.
“Tsk tsk. A kid raised on Chicago streets, and when you were out there hustling, I was still wrangling cattle on my farm.”
“Fuck Chicago!” Madison was left speechless; his features twisted with frustration.
After a long pause, he finally responded weakly, “I apologize for not taking the criminal path, Gavin.”
“But that doesn’t matter, right? Let’s talk about the new plan. I’m pretty attached to the T-Rex.”
“It cost me at least three hundred grand. The truck’s got an incredible custom sound system and engine mods. I love it to death.”
Saying this, Madison crouched down, turning his head away, unwilling to meet Gavin’s gaze.
Gavin stared silently at the parking lot for a moment before saying, “Alright, the T-Rex is a great truck. Unfortunately, it’s parked right in the center of the lot, at least fifty meters from the exit.”
“To drive it out, we’d have to quickly negotiate two tight turns and dodge other cars wrecked by zombies.”
“From here, although the parking positions have shifted, the T-Rex isn’t completely blocked.”
“Of course, the most important thing—we have no other choice!”
“Wait!”
Madison interrupted, unable to hold back.
“Why haven’t you mentioned your car? Your Aston Martin? Isn’t it closer to the exit?”
“Even without keys, doesn’t it have fingerprint recognition? That’s some damn high tech!”
Heh…
After a brief silence, Gavin raised his hand to the doorknob leading to the outside stairs, gazing out over the garden and parking lot.
“My car does have fingerprint unlock and is closer to the exit. We really don’t need keys. But the bad news is, we’ll never need it again.”
“If you want to remind me how unlucky I am, just look at that damn helicopter.”
“Look closely with your own eyes. See the burning wreckage beneath it? Could it possibly have another name?”
“It’s fucking Aston Martin!”