The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

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Chapter 32

“That’s not how it works,” Beatrice said firmly. “Without you, we wouldn’t have gotten those supplies. And even if we had, we wouldn’t have made it back with them.”

Hughie and Beatrice wouldn’t back down. Nicole had no choice but to accept something.

In the end, she took a couple of packs of pasta, some solid fuel tablets, and a bit of dried vegetables. No matter what they said, she refused to take anything more.

After she left, Hughie turned to Beatrice. “The guy from 1801 might seem cold, but he’s solid. People are watching us now. We need to stick together. And today, without him, we would’ve lost everything.

Beatrice nodded. “Maybe we should bring them something. Make it official, you know? That way, we can look out for each other later.”

Hughie packed up five pounds of rice and went to knock on Zeph’s door.

Nicole stood on the balcony, watching the inflatable raft drift away from the building. Six men sat on it, each holding a stick like a weapon.

People from nearby buildings were clearly eyeing them, tempted to rush over and take it. But once they saw the weapons, most hesitated.

A knock sounded behind her. It was Zeph and the couple.

“You know where we can find propane?”

Nicole did. She had even been there before. “I’ve got a rough idea. But that area’s low ground. They evacuated it before the typhoon hit. If there’s anything left, it’s probably underwater.”

Most people in the complex used natural gas. Hardly anyone kept propane tanks at home.

And those camping gas cans and fuel tablets didn’t last long. Even if you found food, you couldn’t cook it without a

fire.

Nicole had plenty in her storage space, but there was no way to explain that without raising suspicion.

“There are a few takeout spots near the entrance,” she said. “I’ve seen them using propane tanks. Maybe we can grab some from there.”

Hughie leaned in right away. “Food’s not even our biggest problem right now. We should try, but we’ve got to move fast. Once everyone else figures it out, there won’t be anything left.”

Zeph didn’t object.

They were all on the same page.

As Beatrice stepped out, Zeph frowned. “If everyone leaves, what if someone breaks in?”

That was a real concern.

Sometimes, the real danger wasn’t out front; it was people stabbing you in the back.

They talked it over again. In the end, each household would send one person. Beatrice would stay behind with Poppy to watch the place. Zeph would provide the assault boat and fuel.

Poppy looked a little scared of Beatrice, but she still nodded bravely. “Zeph, you and Nicole come back soon.”

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Chapter 32

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Zeph ruffled her hair, his voice softening. “We will.”

While the rest of the building rushed out to grab food, the 18th floor moved at a different time, heading out to find propane tanks.

Hughie was already thinking ahead. If they found extra, they could trade it for food later.

The moment the assault boat engine roared to life, it drew attention.

A few desperate people actually tried to rush them, but the boat shot forward so quickly that they were left choking on spray, unable to keep up.

The takeout spots were all submerged, but with landmarks nearby, they weren’t hard to locate.

Nicole pulled out a portable diving mask and a waterproof headlamp.

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