End of the Line (Book 2): Stuck in the Middle by Lara Frater Read Free Book Online Page A

anything.
                  “I was in fact only using the bathroom, James. Sometimes even a Princess’ needs more than 5 minutes.”
                  “Try to save your shits for later.” Jim rarely got angry but usually when he was, Grace set him off.
                  Grace scowled and left the room.
                  “How’s Keith?” Jim asked me while we waited for Dena.
                  “I’m checking on him after I use the bathroom. I think he’s trustworthy. I don’t think he’ll be trouble.” Bring trouble maybe, if the hunters found us.
                  “I’m glad. We can use an extra hand in the spring. Maybe he’ll have time to rest and be okay by then.”
                  “I hope so.” I thought about our conversation last night. I hated keeping this secret.
                  “What’s the matter, Annemarie,” he said and smiled. “You look distracted.”
                  “It’s nothing. It’s cold and I’m not looking forward be cooped up on this boat for the next three months.”
                  “I’m going to try to think of entertainment. Charades? I spy something with my little eyes, it’s blue and goes on forever.”
                  I laughed and when I did, Brie cracked up.
                  “Besides we can still make trips on mild days.”
                  “I hope so.”
                  “Are you sure you’re okay?”
                  I shrugged. I wanted to tell him. Everyone trusted Jim but he wouldn’t keep the secret if the pressure was on. “Who’s okay in this world?”
                  “No one.”
                  Dena came out of the bathroom, no flush. It’s mellow. Jim went in.
                  “Damn it, Dena!” he yelled. Or maybe not.
     
                  After I used the bathroom, I headed to the crew quarters to check on Keith but found him in the salon with Tanya. I guess he knocked. Then I realized I forgot again to lock him again last night. Tanya raised her eyes to me. I think I was in trouble, but she would let me have it when we’re alone.
                  The left over chili was on the table and the smoke coming off them indicated Mike had reheated it. There was also a carafe of coffee on the table, an opened can of condensed milk and a box of sugar packets. I grabbed a mug and took it over to the table. I didn’t feel like eating, I would, but I wanted coffee.
                  I poured some, added the condensed milk and sugar, and then sat next to Keith. He looked cleaner than he did yesterday so I guess Jim told him about showering.
                  “Feeling better?” I asked, as I took a sip of the nasty coffee. The sugar and milk didn’t help.
                  “Much,” he said, his voice still low. “The shower was amazing-- ” He looked at Tanya. “Thank you for allowing me more than the allotted time.”
                  “Just this once,” she said, “but now on 2 minutes four times a week or five minutes twice a week.”
                  I can imagine he hadn’t done much showering unless it rained. He was pretty stinky when we found him, but none of us, except maybe Grace, smelled like roses.
                  Then the outside bell began rang. Tanya stood up. This meant whoever was on watch had seen something.
                  Tanya already had her boots on, so she grabbed a jacket and headed above deck.
                  “What’s going on?” Keith asked.
                  “Something out there,” I explained. “Most likely a zombie.”
                  “In the ocean?”
                  I didn’t respond. I got my boots on and grabbed my coat.