Beyond Death (Book 2): Apocalypse Read Free Page B

as well. Then, he leaned over to click back on the radio lest anyone else try to talk or scream or puke. He rolled down his window for some much needed fresh air as the radio crackled to life. Before, he’d kept them closed as a precaution, but now they were going over one hundred miles per hour, and he couldn’t drive and wretch himself.
    Lucas followed suit with his window as the women cracked the big side windows.
    This time, a woman’s voice reported the latest. “Many cities are reporting that they will be turning off their water. Gather some before that happens. They want to preserve their current housed supplies. Fear of contamination of some water sources have put fear into those whose job it is to run the water supply companies.  Gas is going to be turned off as well, but the reason hasn’t been given, nor has the time. Our sources of news are dwindling, as you can imagine. Please stay calm. The government is promising help to those who need it. Sit tight.”
    Chase looked down at his own gas gauge.
    “Shit!” he growled.
    “What?” Lucas asked. “What part of that news got to you?”
    “No, she just made me remember to check the gas gauge. We’re out. I don’t even know how we are still moving,” he adds.
    Almost as if the van had heard him and understood, it started to choke and coast. Chase brought it to a safe stop, scanning the surrounding area.
    “Out of gas,” he said to those staring at him from the back. “Looks like the coast is clear.”
    Doors opened quickly and they all jumped out. He was sure the vomit smell was worse back there. He hadn’t heard movement from Richard since, and he feared the worst. That vomit didn’t even smell human.
    He stood beside the van, putting off the inevitability of checking on Richard. Dax said nothing with his gun at his side, his face up toward the sky.
    White fluffy clouds floated through the clear blue sky as if nothing bad had happened.
    “Does anyone know where a gas station is around here?” Chase asked.

Chapter Five
    “I know of a gas station less than a mile away,” Dax offered. “You could cut through the trees over there and get there faster.”
    Chase walked around and opened up the back of the van. Richard lay there, quiet for the moment, but still alive. His eyes zeroed in on Jayda. She squirmed beside Chase. Tears misted her eyes as she rang her hands. A tough broad, when she got sad or upset, it had always unwound something in Chase.
    “Okay. I’ll grab the gas can and go,” Chase said. Turning to Jayda, he proposed, “Maybe you should come with me. It’s not that far, and I’m just not sure about Richard. I’m afraid to leave you here. Probably selfish, but I am.”
    “No, I’d rather go with you,” she sniffed.
    When they started to walk away together, Richard started yelling again, only at about half the volume he’d had earlier. “See! I knew it. You two can’t even wait until I’m dead to show off.”
    “Shut up, man,” Lucas said. “I know it’s not even possible.”
    “Don’t bother yourself,” Chase said to Lucas.
    “No, don’t bother,” Richard said as if it had made sense to him. “Leave with my wife!”
    “Get over it man,” Chase said as he turned again to walk away.
    “So, I’ll just stay here and watch over the crazy guy,” Dax stated loudly. “Maybe I can flag down a car for some gas while I’m at it.”
    “Yeah, sure. Good luck with all of that,” Chase laughed.
    * * * * *
    “I have a surprise for you,” Dax heard Lucas say to Sherri.
    Dax watched as Lucas pulled a theater-sized box out of his pocket. The kid presented it to an all-smiles Sherri.
    “I found it on the back of a shelf. You said it was your favorite,” the kid continued.
    “It is. Thank you. Not going to save it either. I’m eating it right now. Want some?” she offered.
    “Well, it’s not my favorite, but I wouldn’t mind sharing some if you’re willing?” Lucas replied.
    “Oh, shit,” Dax said as he turned