The Grace Series (Book 2): Tainted Grace by M. Lauryl Lewis Read Free Book Online

around the globe.  No rhyme or reason.  Then the power started to go out.  The dead came, and kept coming. Most of us have lost a lot of loved ones.”
    Nathan’s eyes took on a sorrowful look as he recalled Day One.  He hung his head, and shook it side to side slowly.
    Bill took a drink of water to wash down a bite of fish, and then picked up on their story.  “Jack and I left the city together, figuring high-tailing it to the hills made the most sense.  We came across Nathan next, when we stopped at a small country grocery store hoping to find some supplies.”
    “I was working that day, and had just opened the doors for business,” explained Nathan.  “I had no idea anything was going on until these two guys came in packing guns.  Scared the shit out of me, thinking they were there to rob the store.”
    Bill ran a hand over the black beard that covered his chin.  I noted traces of gray speckling it on the outer edges.  “He didn’t believe us, just told us to take whatever we wanted.  So, we began packing stuff into our truck and begged young Nate here to come with us.  We hoped we could save him.  He refused, of course.”
    Nathan made a noise that could almost pass for a laugh.  “Ya, until I saw one of the dead walking on the street out front.  That asshole was missing an arm and half of his face.  I didn’t realize he was actually dead at first.  I thought maybe he was on drugs and hurt, so I went out to see if I could help him.”
    “Dumb shit,” mumbled Bill. Nathan rolled his eyes.
    “The fucker came after me, pardon my language ladies,” said Nathan.  “He was slow, shuffling, and making the most God-awful sounds.  By the time my instincts told me to run, he was within arm’s reach.  Jack shot him square between the eyes before he actually touched me.”
    “Nathan was in shock.  We were afraid the gunshot would attract more of them, so threw the last couple of items we had gathered from the store into the back of the truck, shoved Nathan into the cab, and were on our way.”
    “Sounds pretty familiar,” I said.  “Boggs and I met up with Gus at a gas station, also stocking up on things we thought might come in handy. We were attacked there too, but there was more than one.”
    “From there we just kept driving, eventually meeting up with others,” said Nathan.  “None of us seemed any better informed than each other.”
    I looked at the table and noticed the food was nearly gone.  I yawned, the day’s events having taken their toll on me.
    “Zo, you should go get some sleep,” said Boggs.  “It’s been a long day.”
    “I can stay up and keep watch with you,” I said, yawning again.
    “It’s ok, Zoe,” interrupted Gus.  “I’ll take the first shift with Emilie.  You and Boggs can go catch fifty winks.  Gentlemen, we’re shy on beds but you’re more than welcome to camp out on the loveseats in the living room, or the floor.  We have extra blankets.”
    “Mighty kind of you,” said Bill.  “I think keeping watch tonight is a good idea, in light of what’s happened here. Nathan and I are more than happy to help out.”
    Gus stood up, his chair making a loud scraping noise as it slid out from behind him.  He held his hand out to Bill, who mirrored the gesture, and they shook hands.   “Perhaps one of you should sleep while the other stays up for the first shift?” asked Gus.
    “That’d work.  It’d also give us a chance to discuss options - joining resources or staying separate.  Stuff like that,” said Nathan softly.
    “Em, go ahead and sleep.  I’ll wake Boggs for the next shift and join you when I come up in a few hours.  Susan, you can go ahead and sleep through too.  There’s enough of us men to tackle security.”  Gus smiled.  I think he liked being in charge.
    “Susan, if you want you can sleep with me so Bill or Nathan can have your bed,” said Emilie.
    “Sure,” said Gus.  “I’ll kick you out when I wake Boggs and