Among the countless pickup trucks, the Dodge Tyrannosaurus stands out as a premier choice.
Though Madison modestly claimed that his car was inexpensive, Gavin had witnessed him boast about his selection more than once within the team.
Moreover, Texas boasts its own unique farm ecology and cowboy culture.
As the first state in the United States to adopt large-scale farming, pickup trucks—renowned for their convenience and durability—have long been favored by Texas farmers since the dawn of the automobile.
Within the Dallas Cowboys, Gavin is a local legend, a cornerstone of the franchise, and the most celebrated figure in Major League Football history, his fame eclipsing that of the governor.
He needs do nothing more to endear himself to the Cowboys' fanbase; they already hold him in high regard.
Yet Madison, hailing from Chicago, likely harbors ambitions of fully integrating into the team, even contemplating retirement here after acclimating to the Cowboys' culture.
Thus, in his second year with the team, following their first championship victory, this fellow began acquiring various pickup trucks and vocally expressing his affection for them in public to win over the Texas cowboys.
I must admit, many of the cowboys in Texas believe this fellow possesses at least a trace of cowboy spirit.
Of course, many others still jest that he is better suited to cotton-picking.
In any case, Gavin was certain it was an excellent vehicle, perfectly adapted to the rugged Texas terrain and the apocalyptic ambiance of the future.
But...
Gavin furrowed his brow and pointed toward the distant Dodge T-Rex, whispering to Madison.
"You have a fantastic vehicle, but it's parked... a bit far from the parking lot exit."
As he finished, Gavin gestured toward the left side of the parking area.
Just about thirty meters to the left and behind the helicopter crash site stood a Hummer.
Gavin continued, "It seems to me that the Humvee, likely utilized by security personnel, would be a far better choice for us. It's parked right next to the exit."
"Once we start it, we'll need only to turn left for seven or eight meters to get out of the parking lot and onto the road leading out of the manor."
"Dammit!"
At Gavin's words, Madison couldn't help but curse, then rubbed his scalp in frustration and said, "That's the Tyrannosaurus Rex I modified just six months ago!"
"So it compares to the life you've cherished for over twenty years?" Gavin patted his shoulder, offering half-hearted comfort.
Madison nodded helplessly after a brief silence. "You win. So, next, we need to lure those zombies away, right? Using the bottles we have?"
"Exactly." Gavin raised the empty bottle in his hand. "Those zombies are too fast. If we encounter them head-on, survival is unlikely."
"We may be quicker than they are, but our stamina likely pales in comparison."
"Of course, this is merely speculation, but I doubt anyone wishes to engage in a long-distance race with zombies, risking their lives."
"If they were as slow as they are in *The Walking Dead*, I'd have a hundred ways to handle them. But for now, our only option is to lure them."
"I'm going to throw a bottle across the right side of the parking lot to try and draw them away from the helicopter."
"If they follow the sound and linger near where the bottle lands, we'll head back to your room and continue guiding the zombies to the manor's rear."
"If all goes well, we'll proceed to the other end of the villa and throw more bottles to lure them as far from the parking lot as possible."
"We are inside, and they are outside. We're fortunate. Thanks to the helicopter, Old Mac!"
After speaking, Gavin patted Old Mac's shoulder once more.
Old Mac nodded gravely. "I knew you always had a plan!"
Even though it was a simple scheme, Madison began to feel reassured.
As he relaxed, Gavin pulled two car keys from his pocket.
"It's not over yet, man. Once we start the car, there's a high chance the zombies will be attracted by the engine noise again."
"I'm not one for taking risks. I don't want to gamble on whether they can hear us."
"So I took a closer look, and the two keys in the boss's room were indeed for his regular vehicles. He hadn't tossed them in the garage."
"Look to your right, and you'll see those two cars parked together, right at the farthest point on the right side of the parking lot."
"If we're chased by zombies as we leave, perhaps we can use the lights and unlocking sounds of these two cars to distract them, even if only slightly."
"Of course, we may not need them. After all, the Hummer is in an excellent position."
"We can exit the parking lot in less than two seconds. Those filthy bastards won't catch up to a pickup truck with at least 800 horsepower!"
"Well said, but how do you know those two cars are the boss's? There's more than one Rolls-Royce in the parking lot."
"Because there was only one Rolls-Royce parked next to the Corvette."
Upon hearing this, Madison pursed his lips excitedly.
Gavin's assurance bolstered his confidence. He clenched his fist and joyfully punched Gavin's chest. "I'm so lucky to have you, man. Whether it's a championship or an escape plan, I can always find a way by following you. You're a genius, Gavin!"
After speaking, Madison turned and gazed eagerly at the Hummer near the parking lot exit.
While watching, he reached out to Gavin and said, "Give me the keys to the Hummer. I'll drive, and you can rest in the car."
"I don't miss my Tyrannosaurus Rex at all now. It's a fine vehicle, but it's not meant for me. We're not a match."
"Now I'm a Hummer enthusiast. I support Hummer in the election! It doesn't matter if a fool occupies that seat; at least being in a vehicle is useful."
After voicing this, Madison continued to extend his hand expectantly.
And Gavin...
He shrugged without expression. "How could I possibly have the keys to a Hummer? I already mentioned it might belong to a security guard. Do you think I was inclined to ignore the Victoria's Secret Angels to get close to the security guards before tonight?"
"So what's the plan, Boss? We can't even proceed with the core of the plan. Without the key, how are we supposed to drive that car? With our iron will!"
Madison felt himself reaching a breaking point.
Gavin gave Madison a strange look and replied, "Cut it out, Old Mac. There are no police or media watching us right now. You can just steal a car!"
After saying this, Gavin nudged Madison's elbow encouragingly and looked at him with an uplifting expression.
Faced with Gavin's gaze, Madison was momentarily taken aback, then said in disbelief, "Wait, Gavin, what impression do you have of me?"
"I'm a football player. I went to college. What makes you think I'd steal a car? I've never done anything like that!"
"Really?"
Hearing this, Gavin immediately rolled his eyes. "Tsk tsk, you kid from the streets of Chicago. While you were out on the streets, I was still managing bullfighting on my farm..."
"I… Damn Chicago!"
Madison was momentarily speechless, even his features twisted in confusion.
After a long pause, he finally responded weakly, "I'm so sorry I didn't turn to crime, Gavin."
"But that's not important, right? Let's discuss our new plan. I actually have a pretty deep connection with the Tyrannosaurus Rex."
"It cost me at least $300,000, and it has a fantastic stereo and engine that I modified. I love them."
As those words fell, Madison squatted there, turning his head away, not wanting to see Gavin's face.
Gavin regarded the parking lot in silence for a moment before saying, "Okay, the T-Rex is indeed a nice car, but unfortunately, it's parked in the middle of the lot, at least fifty meters from the exit."
"If I want to drive it to the exit, I must maneuver around two corners quickly and avoid other cars that have been hit by zombies and are in disarray."
"From this side, although the parking arrangements have changed, at least they haven't completely obstructed the T-Rex."
"Of course, the most important thing is that we have no other choice!"
"etc!"
After hearing Gavin's words, Madison couldn't help but interrupt him with questions.
"Why haven't you mentioned your car? Where is your Aston Martin? Is it closer to the exit?"
"Even without the key, that vehicle should have fingerprint recognition, right? That's incredibly high-tech!"
"hehe…"
In response to Madison's inquiry, Gavin fell silent for a moment. He then raised his hand and rested it on the door handle leading to the outside stairs, staring at the garden and parking lot beyond the door as he spoke.
"My car does have fingerprint unlocking, and it is indeed closer to the exit. We truly do not need car keys, but the unfortunate news is that we never need them."
"If you want to remind me of my misfortune, just look at that damn helicopter."
"Examine the burning ruins below it closely. Could it possibly have another name?"
"It's a f**king Aston Martin!"
(End of this chapter)