Love Prevails: A Zombie Nightmare Read Free Page B

government by which this village is run and that Bronson character. The real question is: are we better off here with a group or out in the unknown on our own."
    "No, the real question is: are we accepted members of this clan or are we deceived prisoners?" Kara said.              
    "That sounds paranoid. They’ve given us our guns back, so they must trust us," Steve offered. "I don’t think we’re prisoners at this point."                      
    "What can two guns do against fifty? We can’t fight our way out of here. They’re not taking that big a risk by giving us our guns," Kara said.             
    "There is safety in numbers . . . I feel safer in the village than I did on the run. Except . . . I don’t know about Bronson. I didn’t like the way he was looking at me," Jill said softly, gazing at the table. Steve gave her a hug and told her not to worry.             
    "I have to admit that Bronson’s a strange man. He reminds me of a WWF wrestler with his bravado. Have you noticed he has to dominate every conversation? I guess it’s how he feels he must act to maintain authority, ruling through intimidation. He does have some positives. He’s a natural born leader. The battle today was smooth and methodical. These people have learned how to live under this form of government. I think we could too," Keith said.
    "The woman and children are down for the night and there is a minimum of security because of that party. If we have any doubts about staying, then we need to leave now. It’s our best chance to get far enough away before they discover we’re gone. They may not think we’re worth coming after. But I’m not sure what to do. Steve, Jill . . . what do you think?" Kara asked. 
    "I don’t want to do anything rash. There may be more zombies nearby. I’m okay with giving this experiment some more time," Steve said. "I’d hate for us to meet up with a pack of those devils like we did today. I have no doubt the outcome would be different."                  
    "If Steve thinks that’s best, then so do I," Jill added.            
    Keith watched the indecision on his wife’s face through the flickering candlelight. He would take her side whatever she chose.            
    Steve said, "Keith and I are going to the initiation, bond some more with the men. Gain some trust and learn whatever more we can. The beer may loosen their lips. We’ll watch ourselves and if we don’t like what we see, we can leave before sunup."
    "Yeah, good plan. If they get the big head from the beer, by the time they realize we’re gone they won’t have the legs to go after us," Keith said.                       
    "Do you think Jill and I will be safe in the cabin?"                                                                                            
    "You have two shotguns, and the door even has a bolt on it. Don’t let anyone else in but us. I think this is our best plan. Try to get some rest in case you need the energy for the trip."         
    The two men left the cabin and Kara locked the door behind. Keith tested the handle and ensured it was secure.
    Faint strumming of a guitar floated in the air leading the way to the party. Several large fires were burning, and gregarious laughter swelled as they approached. The two stopped to take in the ‘entertainment’ prepared for the nights festivities.
    Three wooden posts stood upright in the ground, set ten feet apart. Across, ten feet away, another three posts. Each post had a writhing member of the living dead tied securely.
    The path between the posts led to another zombie, suspended by individual ropes on each wrist and each ankle. It was a female. Her body hung parallel with the ground three feet above it. She rocked back and forth in her struggle to free