Chapter 12: The Nursing Home
Firearms held strong appeal for Guillermo.
Caesar asked strangely, "The military bases stationed in Atlanta have lots of firearms."
"Among them are armored vehicles, even tanks."
"Why don't you go to the military bases and pick up some guns?"
Guillermo took a deep breath, looked back at the other members of his team, and pointed at them.
"Look at them. I'm their boss."
"Whether they can survive depends entirely on me. In other words, I have to bear responsibility for their lives."
"The military base has guns and cannons—I know that. But I won't risk their lives, gamble that they can all get out unscathed."
Caesar didn't comment on this.
Because this was the apocalypse. The apocalypse wasn't a game. It wouldn't force you to develop and expand your power, but the apocalypse would make you encounter one unbeatable enemy after another.
Caesar would never place his hope in enemy mercy, so he absolutely wouldn't stop developing and advancing because of risk.
Of course, Caesar would charge at the front.
Beth's pickup was completely destroyed—the engine wouldn't start, and the body was severely damaged.
Caesar got into the pickup, grabbed the walkie-talkie, and said to Merle, "Follow them, keep some distance."
"Got it, boss." Merle nodded and scratched his head. "What a fucked-up day."
Opening the walkie-talkie, Caesar called out.
"Rip, Rip. This is Caesar, can you hear me?"
"Boss, I can hear you. You guys still haven't left the city?"
"I found a group. Beth and Jimmy's grandfather should be at their base. The base is at the nursing home next to Peachtree Street. Get over here quick."
"Okay, boss, I'll be right there."
Rip's excited voice came through the walkie-talkie.
Caesar smiled and looked at Merle. "Being able to find family and friends in the apocalypse is already incredibly fortunate."
Merle thought of Daryl and silently agreed.
Caesar's pickup was sandwiched in the middle of Guillermo's convoy, slowly traveling through Atlanta's streets.
Guillermo's vehicle led the way. They were very familiar with Atlanta, having figured out which streets had fewer walkers and which streets were clear.
Soon, the convoy's speed decreased.
Guillermo in the front vehicle rolled down his window and waved at an alley entrance.
The alley was spacious, wide enough for two vehicles to enter side by side. Originally it had been closed off with military wire mesh; now Guillermo's team had reinforced it with steel plates.
Welding marks covered it—you couldn't see any trace of the previous wire mesh. The steel plates were very thick, giving a solid sense of security.
The wire mesh had wheels underneath. They simply pushed it open from one side.
Several burly men walked out from inside, each covered in multiple tattoos, holding firearms, looking fierce and evil.
Merle leaned back in his seat. "Boss, these guys don't look like good people!"
"You scared?" Caesar glanced at Merle, speaking calmly.
Merle scoffed. "Me, scared of these people?"
Before Merle could explain, the pickup followed the convoy into the alley.
The alley was deep. The surrounding buildings looked like they'd been abandoned for a long time, covered in vines. Through gaps you could see the old walls.
After driving in for a while, they finally reached an open area—cracked cement ground covered with many leaves.
Caesar got out of the car. Guillermo walked over and waved to a subordinate beside him. "Come, help them drive the car into the garage."
The subordinate immediately stepped forward, wanting to take the keys.
Caesar raised his hand. "That won't be necessary."
"Merle, drive it in. Don't get out."
Caesar patted the car door, instructing Merle in the driver's seat.
Caesar stood together with Guillermo. Disappointment flashed in Guillermo's eyes.
They didn't let his subordinate drive after all.
If his subordinate had gotten in the car—
Forget emptying everything in the car, just taking some small items, figuring out how much supplies were in the car to facilitate compensation negotiations—all would have benefited him greatly.
Caesar looked at Guillermo thoughtfully, caught the disappointment in his eyes, and immediately became vigilant.
Sure enough, eyeing my supplies.
Guillermo realized his slip, hid his thoughts, and smiled while making an inviting gesture. "Come on, I'll take you inside for a look."
Guillermo led Caesar on a tour of the nursing home.
The nursing home's location was very secluded, also converted from factory buildings and other structures. The exterior looked very rough and unkempt.
The nursing home's front section was the factory building. Many vehicles were parked inside, with many burly men standing around.
Seeing Caesar walk over, they stood up and puffed out their chests, making themselves look more fierce.
"Philip is a nursing home caregiver. His family is also inside the nursing home."
"After the apocalypse, most of the nursing home caregivers ran away. Only Philip stayed. I'm the nursing home security guard."
Guillermo was very candid about his previous job, speaking frankly.
"They're all family members of the nursing home's elderly. When the apocalypse happened, they wanted to come take care of the old people and just stayed. So they chose me as their leader."
Guillermo's expression held some helplessness. He did feel burdened by this position—the strong sense of responsibility often pressed down on him until he couldn't breathe.
As they spoke, the two arrived at the back of the nursing home.
The back was the actual nursing home building, with many care rooms for the elderly to live in.
There was even a garden where plants grew vigorously, all very well maintained.
Guillermo led Caesar into the small building at the back.
As soon as he entered, Caesar saw blonde-haired Beth and Jimmy's grandfather with his white hair, sitting in a wheelchair.
"Hey, asshole."
Beth turned her head and teased with a smile.
She ran two steps and jumped into a hug with Caesar, sighing contentedly. "Long time no see."
Caesar released Beth and replied with a smile. "Long time no see. Rip misses you a lot—drinks at night often."
"Of course. Sister's charm goes without saying—I've got him completely whipped." Beth tossed her hair, her locks flying as her spirit shone through.
Caesar walked to Jimmy's grandfather's wheelchair and crouched down. "Grandpa Jimmy, I brought Jimmy out to find you."
"Thank you for taking care of my grandson. Thank you." Grandpa Jimmy's aged hand gripped Caesar's, his eyes full of gratitude.
"Where's Jimmy?"
After thanking Caesar, Grandpa Jimmy couldn't help but ask.
Caesar smiled, took the walkie-talkie from his waist, and handed it to Grandpa Jimmy. "He'll be here soon. You can use this to talk to him."
Grandpa Jimmy took the walkie-talkie and started fiddling with it.
But no matter how he fiddled, he couldn't even turn on the walkie-talkie. Beth had to step forward to help.
"Shall we continue talking?"
Guillermo had tactfully not interrupted earlier. Only now did he step forward to speak to Caesar.