Keep your enemies close and take Ritter

"Alright, listen up!" You announce.

Everyone stops what they're doing and gathers around. Ritter is the last to arrive. You aren't surprised to see he is shirtless, showing off his muscles and prison tattoos, but he has also shaved off his long hair. You glare at him and he winks and blows you a kiss.

"Everyone knows the situation," you say. "The food is almost gone and we're low on medical supplies and ammo. We don't know how long we're going to have to be holed up in here. We have to get more supplies."

"I'll do it," Clara volunteers. "I know my way around the mall-"

You hold up a hand and she stops.

"I appreciate it, Clara," you give her a pat on the shoulder. "I trust you, but this is something I have to handle."

You raise you voice, "That's why I am leaving Clara in charge while I'm gone. Whatever she says is whatever you do."

Clara gives you a nod of thanks.

"Ritter," you say and turn to the burly thug. "You're coming with me."

"What?" Jake asks with surprise. "Take me, I can handle it."

"No," you say. "Ritter knows vehicles. If we have to go beyond the mall then he is the man to make it happen."

"You sure about this, boss?" Clara asks.

"Yeah, you sure?" Ritter mocks her.

"Yes," you reply to the both of them. "Ritter, you may be a greasy thug with no morals, but I think you know you're safe with us and that's more than you'll get off on your own. I'm relying on self-preservation to win out."

"Mmmm," Ritter shrugs as if he's undecided.

"Besides," you continue. "You've just got a knife. Try anything and I'll shoot you dead as the world."

You look back to Jake and Clara.

"Take care of Mika and Dorothy," you say. "If we're not back by tomorrow afternoon then something happened. Don't come looking and don't let Ritter in by himself."

You hug Clara and Mike goodbye and give Ritter one last glare. It takes several minutes to move the barricades blocking the entrance to the mall's basement. As you and Ritter emerge from a long maintenance tunnel the weak light of day is almost enough to blind you.