Emperor of a Dead World by Kevin Butler Read Free Book Online Page A

came out. “Man, that truck sure is a mess, what happened?” Blood, puss and body parts covered the front of the truck.
    “I had some trouble getting down the street.”
    “I think that may be an understatement. Any luck finding survivors?”
    “No.”
    “Any beer,” Tyrone smiled.
    “You should have come with me if you wanted groceries.”
    “For a beer I just might do that,” Tyrone said as he headed over to get his garden hose.
    “Seriously,” Brad persisted, “To get out of the truck I need backup.”
    “You’re right, I’m sorry. I should have gone with you but I was tired of killing those disgusting things and I needed a break. Besides, I didn’t really think you would go through with it. I thought you would turn around and come right back. I was ready to have a good laugh.” He pointed his high-pressure nozzle at the truck and turned on the water.
    “Hey watch it,” Brad cried as he jumped back, splattered by repulsive overspray.
    “Sorry,” Tyrone laughed.
    “Anyway,” Brad said as he brushed himself off. “I didn’t get far. I just wanted to check on an old friend.”
    “Old friend or young girl,” Tyrone grinned.
    “Ex-girlfriend,” Brad shrugged. “My mother really liked her so I drove by her house.”
    “You checked on her for your mother,” Tyrone chuckled.
    Brad sighed and turned away, “How about a beer?”
    “You should have picked some up when you were out.”
    “I would have if you had come with me.”
    “Next time I will,” Tyrone said. “I promise.” He turned off the water then threw down the hose and headed inside.
    “I will hold you to that promise,” Brad said as he followed him.
    Tyrone went straight to the refrigerator, grabbed two beers and tossed one to Brad.
    “Thanks and now for that promise. I want to try again tomorrow. I hope to get a little further every day.”
    “You sure cashed in that chip in a hurry.”
    “I didn’t want to give you any time to renege.”
    “I won’t renege. I started thinking about what I would do if you didn’t come back. Then I started thinking, if you didn’t come back it might be because something happened to you. Then I started thinking if something happened to you it would be my fault for not being there to watch your back. Then I started thinking it was easier to go along than it was to sit around with all this guilt.”
    “I am glad you changed your mind,” Brad laughed, “and thank you. I appreciate the thought.”
    “So, where are we heading tomorrow?”
    “Your choice,” Brad shrugged.
    “How about Seven-Eleven,” Tyrone laughed.
    “Just take it easy on the brew,” Brad stated seriously. “I won’t lie. It is dangerous out there.”
    “I think I can handle myself.”
    “I am sure you can.”
    “You still set on going to the Capital?
    “Yes.”
    “How are you planning on doing that?”
    “I need more people. There is safety in numbers.”
    “I knew there was a method to your madness. You plan to build an army. We can call it Brad’s conquest of California.”
    “Call it what you like.”
    “Did you ever read Caesar’s Conquest of Gaul?”
    “I never took you for a reader Tyrone.”
    “I love stories of ancient Rome. I just finished one about the Emperor Julian. You should read it.”
    “Maybe I will.”
    “It truly must have been a glorious time to live.”
    “It was cruel and barbaric.”
    “No not really. They were a cultured people. Besides, we are now living in a time more barbaric than ever.”
    “You are right about that Tyrone. I also agree that this is a war and I don’t intend on losing.” He finished his beer and put the can in the recycle bin.
    “You really are determined to save the world,” Tyrone chuckled.
    “Someone has to do it. Now get some rest soldier. I want an early start tomorrow because I don’t want to be out after dark. It is safer if you can see them coming.”
    “Aye, Aye captain,” Tyrone saluted.
    “That doesn’t sound very Roman to