Evolution by Cody Toye Read Free Book Online Page A

in front of our face. The darkness overtook the light completely and nightfall was upon us. We failed.
    “Now what?” I spoke concerned for all our well beings.
    “Nothing. We keep walking. If we are caught asleep in the open we are dead.”
    Those words cut deep. Like a large sharp knife tearing into a block of cheese, the thought of being dead cut me deeply.
    I grabbed her hand and laced my fingers in between hers. I felt her body jerk in surprise and a gasp escape her lips. I half expected her to pull away, but for now, the simple act of holding my hand must have comforted her. I could hear the large echoing slaps of Boomers shoes against the highway and see the occasional firefly light our way, but nothing more.
    *~*~*
    Chapter 9
    The first blast was almost holy. Jedd felt a warm sense of justice wash through him as he watched bits of green matter spray upon the cave. He reloaded his rifle and waited, not quite brave enough to venture too far out of his former prison. The loud boom from his gun followed by the nasty wet explosion of his foe was sure to draw attention.  Jedd walked slowly, not daring to lower the tip for an instance.
    The putrid smell of death enveloped his naval cavities causing his gag reflex to react. Many people he once considered mostly friendly lay half eaten upon the cavern floor. Before the creature could finish his screech of terror, Jedd squeezed the trigger and watched the body fling against the wall and twitch. A smile spread across his sadistic face.
    He made it past the first hallway and dared entering the mess hall. Dozens of corpses lay motionless, a true testament to the horrific events that took place. He pulled his shirt up over his nose trying to alleviate the smell. Off in the corner he could see three baboons finishing off their own dinner. Nasty chewing sounds and sprays of blood came from the trio. He could see his reflection in the crimson pool that lay all around him. Jedd felt sick.
    His shoes left prints in the sticky pools as he tried to catch the monsters by surprise. His actions were in vein. They curled their blood soaked lips and snarled menacingly. Charging full force at him, the baboons had one thing on their mind. Fresh meat.
    Jedd hesitated for a brief moment, startled at the reaction. He watched them gain ground before squeezing the trigger. The bullet ripped through them like a hammer through glass. Their bodies decorated the floor, a mental trophy for the scorned man.
    Barrel still at the ready, he cautiously trudged ever closer to the stockpile of food, praying that the canned goods were still intact. He could feel his stomach growl in anticipation. As he marched past the bodies and started to lower his weapon he caught himself marveling at the bizarre nature of human survival.
    So much death and decay lay upon the room. Blood and carnage, rotting corpses, and stench that would curdle the strongest stomach. Yet his desire to find food outweighed it all. His appetite was still intact.
    He slides his hand across the counter, clearing away all the debris in one swoop. The plates shattered to the ground, the empty cans echoed in the cave, and the pans rattled upon impact. He did not care.
    “Let them come!”
    His eyes darted back and forth for a brief moment before he laid his weapon upon the counter. Jedd started searching the racks, something, anything to eat! He slung dishes and tossed empty tin cans, till he finally spotted three unopened containers of spinach.
    Just my luck. Spinach. I hate spinach. He slammed then to the counter and searched for a can open, anxious to open them and feast properly for the first time in weeks. He opened each drawer and tossed the contents to the ground. After ten grueling minutes he found what he was searching for.
    The tiny metal wheel slowly sliced against the lid, bringing dinner ever closer. In the background he could hear them coming closer, could hear the wildlife coming to get him. Jedd did not care. He ripped the lid