Wake the Dead 2 (Wake The Dead Series) by Gary F. Vanucci Read Free Book Online Page B

digging.”
    “Sounds good. I’ll help get that started before I start helping with the digging. And I assume we have a ladder here?” Alex asked, scooping a handful of dried cereal into his mouth. Kelly nodded and Selina stared at him and smiled, particularly happy that his plan was being utilized.
    The group went immediately to work, gathering the supplies they would need to begin digging in the trench below. They set up the ladder to climb into and out of the trench, steadied against the castle side.
    Alex followed Kelly to an agreed-upon spot above the trench on the outer walkway where they would begin their work of securing a post. Once they stabilized the post, they would tie rope to it as well as around the waist of those working in the trench in case something happened. Alex and Kelly discussed this at length as they worked, agreeing that it was a precautionary measure as they dug further into the ground that separated the trench from the river. As the earth weakened around that area, the trench might unexpectedly fill with water and anyone below would get caught in the current of onrushing water and possibly drown.
    “Once we get the post in, I’ll start plans on a makeshift flotation device,” Kelly explained, jamming the tip of a shovel into the ground.
    “A boat , you mean? ‘ Flotation device !’” Alex echoed mockingly, laughing at Kelly’s attempt at using formal diction. “How many shovels we got?”
    “A half dozen at least. We’ve stocked up on tools and supplies whenever we could. That was the first thing Nick had us get from the SuperMart.”
    “Makes sense. Food and tools. And fuel, eh?”
    “Yeah, we’ll need more fuel for sure now. Especially before winter hits,” Kelly explained with a grunt, continuing to dig away the earth.
    “Once we get this done, I’ll start getting the supplies together for the bombs,” Alex mentioned, pulling on a pair of gloves.
    “I’ll let you in on a little secret,” Kelly said with a wink. “Nick has some dynamite that he’s been saving up.”
    “Well, if we can use them in this case, I’ll only have to make one bomb to set the dynamite off,” Alex said with a wry grin stamped upon his face. “Think he’ll be okay with that?”
    “No idea. Best to ask him when we finish this up.”
    The two men quickly had the hole dug, using a post-hole digger, and the post was buried in the ground within the hour. Alex excused himself and headed into the castle to find Nick. He ran past the Great Hall, the only room other than the bathroom that he had seen, and continued down the halls calling his name.
    At the back end of the castle at the very end was another open area, which was where Alex found Nick. He was by himself, pacing back and forth with his arms behind his back in a contemplative way. He clearly had a lot on his mind.
    “Penny for your thoughts?”
    “Well, a penny has even less value than it did before the world went to hell. But, if you must know, I’m concerned about making it through another winter with these undead monstrosities roaming about.”
    “You mean in the condition they’re in, right? Fast and scary as shit, like they were in the beginning?”
    “Yes sir,” Nick admitted. “That does not improve humanity’s chances at surviving this thing.”
    “I thought you were ‘Mr. Positive’?” he asked, using air quotes.
    “I am. Don’t mistake my concern for negativity. It’s just worry. These…friends look to me to make the decisions and I gotta say…it’s getting’ old. Just between you and me, all right? I’ll do it as long as I am able,” he said frankly, which took Alex off guard. He never would have expected this from the man, but he was human after all.
    “Well, I wanted to ask if I could make use of those dynamite sticks you have. It will save us weeks of digging and, more importantly, will keep everyone safe. I don’t think we want anyone in that trench when the levee breaks.”
    “I disagree. Don’t you