Survival (21 page)

“We’ve been glued to the TV every day,” Ricky said. “We were so worried. We saw that things were getting under control, but I can’t imagine where everyone will go from here. With so many people dead, all those states in ruins…we’re just grateful you made it back.”

Jenny confirmed his feelings with a nod.

“I thought about you guys every day,” Noah said.

“I knew you’d make it back. I never doubted it for a second.”

The room quieted while everyone sipped their drinks. After a few seconds, Noah’s father cleared his throat.

“I don’t know if this is the time, but Ricky has some news,” he announced.

“James!” Sarah scolded. She placed her hands on her hips, doing her best to feign disgust, but Noah could tell his mother was excited.

“The cat’s out of the bag already,” Ricky said. He looked at his wife, then back at Noah. “Do you want to tell him, or should I?”

Jenny sucked in a breath. After a few seconds, she rubbed her stomach and looked at Noah.

“You’re going to be an uncle,” she said.

Noah burst from his chair, unable to contain himself, hugging everyone in turn. It was as if the room had been waiting for the news. The undercurrent of trepidation slipped away, replaced by a moment of joy.

“We were waiting to tell everyone,” Ricky explained. “And then all of this…”

Noah shrugged. “Thank God I made it back to hear it.”

“Have you picked out a name?” Caddy asked.

“Not yet. We were hoping Noah could help us come up with one.”

Noah leaned forward in his chair. “Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?

“A boy,” Jenny said. “We just found out this week.”

There was a pause while Noah rubbed his chin.

“I don’t think I’d feel right picking out a first name.” The family groaned its displeasure. “But I have an idea for a middle name.”

“Sure,” Ricky said. “Let’s hear it.”

“How about Kendall?”

The room went silent. After a few seconds, all heads bobbed in unison.

“I like it,” Sarah said.

“Me too,” Jenny agreed.

The conversation drifted to talk of first names. Noah remained quiet, saying a silent prayer for his fallen friend, wishing he were here to witness this moment. Things were far from over. There’d be a lot to face in the days ahead. Questions. Mourning. Rebuilding.

But on his way home, Noah had made a promise to himself.

No matter what obstacles marked his future, he’d face them head on. Like his friend had. Like they
all
had.

And above all, he’d never forget.

T.W. PIPERBROOK WAS BORN AND
raised in Connecticut. He is the author of the Contamination series. In addition to writing, the author has spent time as a full-time touring musician, touring across the US, Canada, and Europe.

He now lives with his wife, a son, and the spirit of his Boston Terrier.

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If you have a comment or question about CONTAMINATION, feel free to drop me a line. I love hearing from readers!

Email:
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Contamination Book Five: Survival

Copyright © 2014 by T. W. Piperbrook. All rights reserved.

First Kindle Edition: April 2014

Edited by Amanda Sumner.

Formatted by Polgarus Studio.

Special thanks to Linda Tooch and DeLinda Jiles for your proofreading and critique!

For more information on the author’s work, visit:
http://twpiperbrook.blogspot.com/

Dedicated to the readers of this series. You make it all worthwhile!

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The characters and events portrayed in this book are a work of fiction or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.