Doomsday Rewind: My Ex Gets What's Coming

I called the real estate agent right away.

"I need to rent a place immediately. I need to sign the lease and move in today," I said, my voice hurried but clear.

"Ma'am, that's really short notice. We usually need at least 24 hours to schedule a showing."

I let the right amount of tremor and desperation creep into my voice. "My fiance cheated on me, and I need to move out immediately. Money isn't an issue. I can pay any additional fees."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line. "Alright, I can see what I can do. Do you have any specific requirements?"

"I want the vacant third-floor unit at 1247 Maple Street."

"How do you know that unit is available for rent?"

I told a flawless lie. "I noticed it when I passed by earlier. There was a "For Rent" sign on the door. Please contact the landlord immediately. I need to sign the lease within the hour."

…

An hour later, I stood inside the vacant apartment. The view couldn't have been better. I had a clear line of sight to Leo's place.

The landlord, Sarah Olsen, was a military veteran in her 40s, with cropped hair, sharp eyes, and faded military tattoos running down her arms. She sized me up like she was still on duty.

I got straight to the point and pulled up the transfer. "I'll pay six months up front."

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "So, you met a cheating jerk?"

I held her gaze and caught the concern there. I decided to warn her.

"Something worse than a cheating jerk. Sarah, if you trust me, secure your doors and windows today and stock up on food and water. Things could go very wrong tomorrow."

She frowned. Her instincts, honed by military service, kept her from dismissing my words outright. "What do you mean?"

My tone stayed sincere and firm. "I can't say much more than that, but trust me or don't. It's your call. I have seen certain… signs. If you trust me, do what I said."

Sarah went quiet for a few seconds, then nodded slowly. "I've seen too much war and too many disasters. I know when to listen to a stranger's warning."

After the lease was signed, I immediately contacted a 24-hour physical security contractor.

"I need emergency service. I need you to install the best security doors you have and bulletproof glass today."

"Ma'am, that will require an additional emergency service fee, and the installation of bulletproof glass—"

I cut him off. "Money isn't an issue. I want the best protection. I want the strongest locks and privacy film. I want a clear view outside, and I don't want anyone looking in.

Rapid keyboard tapping came through the line. "Alright. We'll be on site within three hours. The total cost will be approximately 25 thousand dollars. Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. Start immediately."

I also contacted a professional surveillance systems company and requested high-definition cameras and listening devices.

"I need equipment that can monitor the building across from me. The video has to be clear, and the audio has to be clean."

"Ma'am, there are privacy laws—"

I lied again. "This is for a property I own, so it's completely legal. I suspect illegal activity is happening there."

Just then, another call came in. The screen flashed the number for the "remodeling contractor" Leo had lined up.

"Ms. Covey, are you available to sign the contract now?"

I sounded exhausted. "I'm sorry, something urgent came up. I have to run out and deal with a bank card issue. I'll call you back in about an hour. Is that okay?"

"Of course. No problem."

After I hung up, I let out a cold, humorless laugh. Time was tight, but everything was going exactly the way I wanted it.

Leo and Jessica thought they were hunting a lamb. They didn't realize the lamb had already turned into a wolf, hungry and vengeful, working off a plan that couldn't fail.

I stared out the window, imagining the look on their faces by this time tomorrow, when the zombie outbreak would hit.

They would be desperate and terrified, and they would regret everything. But it would already be too late by then.

The remodeling contractor called again. "Ms. Covey, are you available right now?"

I checked my watch. Workers from the security contractor were about to arrive.

"I'm sorry. Give me another hour. I'm tied up right now."