Dead Wrangler by Justin Coke Read Free Book Online Page B

If James had known the consequences would only fall on Demarco, he wouldn't have cared. But it seemed probable that Andrews' revenge would fall on all of them. It would be even worse if Demarco pulled it off, which was a distinct possibility. Demarco had a genuine talent for violence. These soldiers probably didn't. But somewhere these guys’ friends were polishing their automatic rifles. All the talent in the world wasn't going to overcome that with a claw hammer.
    Demarco's eyes squinted his refusal. He was going for it. If James warned them, Demarco would take his revenge. While he had no foresight, he held a grudge like a fucking elephant. Paralyzed by indecision, James missed the more embarrassing portions of the probing. He was back in his cell before he realized it. He turned, trying to figure out some way to warn them without pissing Demarco off. He couldn't think of anything. Demarco was paranoid; he'd notice if any of those three even looked at him too long.
    The last cage door didn't open.
    "Demarco?" Andrews said.
    "Yeah."
    "The guards warned me about you."
    "Those pussies are scared of their own shadow."
    "They said they sold you a hammer."
    "Bullshit they did."
    "They said you were crazy."
    "Fucking A."
    "They said you'd try to hurt us."
    "Try? Will."
    "See, this is a problem Demarco. You're used to the rest of civilization playing nice with you. Acting like your life has value regardless of what you do with it. You don't think we'll play with your life the way you want to play with ours."
    "Like I said, pussies."
    "What I'm getting at, Demarco, is that times have changed. I'd like to have you. The guards say you are remarkably dangerous. I like that when it comes to killing zombies. But I can't have you plotting on putting a shiv in real people all the time. You can't play these games anymore. You keep being a liability to your fellow man you're going to end up getting cremated with the rest of the useless bodies."
    "Fuck you. I don't take orders and I ain't gonna promise to put up with your bullshit." Demarco snarled back.
    "Don't tell the Devil I didn't give you a chance," Andrews said, and pulled out her pistol. She put two rounds through Demarco's head. She turned to the stunned inmates.
    "This isn't playtime anymore. The human race is facing extinction. All these people who paid taxes to keep you caged no longer have the time, the money, or the inclination to deal with your bullshit. If you won't behave I will put you down. You are either an asset or a liability. Demarco was a liability. I don't give a shit what you did. Keep your nose clean and follow orders and all is forgiven. Become a liability and you'll end up like Demarco."
    All the cell doors opened.
    "I hereby induct you all as members of the Kansas State Militia under the Romero Act of 2013. Your rank is Private, second class. You are hereby under military law. Cowardice, disobedience, theft, and murder are capital crimes. As you can tell, I am not kidding when I say that. I am your Sergeant. Lieutenant Watson is your commanding officer. Your first order is to head to the laundry and get clean clothes. Then the showers, then the cafeteria. After that you will want to outfit your cell. This cell block is your bunk until further notice. Two techs will be here to outfit the cells with electronic keys so you can enter and exit the cell block on your own. Don't hold your breath waiting for them though. You are no longer prisoners, you are soldiers who happen to be bunking in a prison. We will assemble here tomorrow at 0500. Dismissed." Anderson and her hulking companions walked out. For the first time ever, the cell doors were open and both doors of the airlock were open. The inmates, flabbergasted, stared at each other in shock. James was a bit surprised, but right now he had a shower, clean clothes, and lots of food to look forward to. His feet started moving. God bless the Army.
    "Hey, what we gonna do with the body?" Someone shouted after her. She