The Dead Series (Book 2): Dead Is All You Get by Steven Ramirez Read Free Book Online

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    “We’d like to speak to Supervisor Pederman,” I said to the guard at the entrance to the administration building.
    “What’s this concerning?”
    “Tell him we’re ready to talk. He’ll know.”
    The guard radioed someone who escorted us inside and asked us to wait in the foyer. After twenty minutes, another soldier walked us to the principal’s office. Inside, Pederman was waiting, along with Warnick. On the coat rack hung two fresh uniforms in clear garment bags. And on the floor, two shoe boxes.
    “How did you know our decision?” I said.
    Pederman smiled broadly. “Let’s say we were hopeful.”
    “Welcome to the team,” Warnick said. He extended a hand to each of us.
    “We need you to fill out some paperwork,” Pederman said, handing us each an official-looking packet. “Once everything has been processed, we will issue each of you a weapon. We’re fast-tracking the whole thing. I’ll get up to headquarters and make you an appointment with HR. Someone can be onsite tomorrow to take care of the employment contract and go over your benefits package.”
    “No signing bonus?” I said, skimming the paperwork. I totally wasn’t being serious.
    “I’m authorized to offer each of you twenty-five thousand dollars. Of course, it will be grossed up to account for the taxes.”
    Holly’s jaw dropped as she stared at me. “Oh my gosh …”
    “I think you’re going to like working for us,” Pederman said.
    “Can’t wait to get started,” I said. As I’ve explained before, I’m a good liar.
    “Oh, I almost forgot,” Pederman said. “Because of the unusual nature of the events over the last few months, we’ll need to interview both of you and take statements.”
    “You mean, like a deposition?” I said.
    “Sort of. But it’s nothing to worry about. We’re trying to gather all the information we can about what happened. Sooner or later there’s going to be an investigation—and possibly lawsuits. We need to know all the facts.”
    “And we won’t be charged with anything?”
    “No. If it makes you feel any better, Warnick and Springer have vouched for your character. They told us their version, which frankly makes you guys look like heroes. But now we need your statements.”
    “Sure,” I said.
    “Fine with me,” Holly said.

    Walking back, I took in the crisp air. The sky was clear and, other than the sounds of the ATVs patrolling the fences, all was quiet. Far off on the outdoor basketball courts, a group of men and teenage boys was enjoying a pickup game. It all reminded me of how things used to be, before the plague.
    As we reached our trailer, Holly stopped and took my hand. “Dave, thank you for doing this. I mean it.”
    “I get the feeling you really want this.”
    “I do. But not for the reasons you think.”
    “Is this another one of those fly-bys and I’m standing here clueless?”
    “No.” She laughed and laid her hand on my arm. “No, honey. It’s just that, well … I’m pregnant.”

 

    Elation and panic dizzied me. I didn’t know whether to celebrate or mourn. I don’t normally weave—unless I’m drunk. But I felt myself tilting back as Holly reached for my other arm.
    “Easy there, cowboy,” she said.
    We found a shady spot under an oak tree. A squirrel stared at us from halfway up the light brown trunk, chittering and flicking its tail. I had nothing but love for it as I sat and pulled Holly down next to me. No one wanted to be the first to speak, so we did the staring game. After a few seconds I blinked.
    “Aw!” I said. “Come on, do-over.”
    “Forget it.”
    It was surreal, us sitting under that tree, the sun breaking through white billowy clouds, while not fifty yards away two groaning draggers pressed up against the chain link fence, as if eavesdropping. We were between two worlds, it seemed. The sane and the insane. So far, our choices pulled us towards the former. But that other world was never far away.
    Somehow, Greta got out