Scavengers: Collection - Books 1-4 (Zombie Gentlemen) (m/m zombie steampunk erotic romance) Read Free Page A

table.
     
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    July 6th, 1893
     
    It was early morning when James arrived at Paddington station, which wasn’t as busy as in the evenings. The massive glass ceiling had an orange tint because of the sunrise. The western side of the building was closed off, as a giant construction was underway. Everything was being increasingly modernized with all the new steam technology available.
    James was on the platform with his closest family. His wife, Katherine was a sweet young woman, with a heart shaped face, big eyes and pouty mouth. Dressed in a copper-colored day gown and matching hat, she walked beside her husband, followed by their 3-year old son, Henry, who observed the lively train station from the height of his nanny’s arms. Five years after the Plague hit, London was still filled with a large number of homeless people. Something no one knew how to handle. Katherine took a stronger hold of James’ arm as they passed some of the beggars who slept on the floor in the main hall of the station. With the other arm, she carefully lifted the hem of her dress to avoid it touching an old, obviously drunk man.
    “I never expected this place to become this shabby!” she breathed, looking at James with a worried expression. “I cannot imagine how the countryside must be! Are you sure you will be all right, darling?” she insisted.
    “I will have to be strong and manage,” he said, seeing Ira in the distant crowd. “Mr. Russell is very experienced in these matters.”
    “But James... are you sure he is not going to take advantage of your lack of experience? Did you get some references from his previous employers?” Katherine asked naively. “From what you have said, he does not strike me as a genuine character...”
    “You need to have faith in us, Katherine,” her husband said, gently touching her arm.
    “Which one is he?” the woman asked, nervously scanning the crowd.
    “That tall man there,” he pointed with his head, not wanting to cause too much muddle. Ira stood with his back to them, in a pair of dark green breeches; strong, thick-soled boots that covered his calves up to the knee; and a yellow shirt with rolled up sleeves. On his back, there was a big rucksack and by his side stood a massive brown leather suitcase, complete with a lock.
    Katherine paled slightly. “Oh, I don’t know, darling... he looks so... ruthless,” she said quietly.
    “One has to be out there, in the country.” James smiled in the direction of his new companion, who had spotted him as well. Without changing his facial expression in the slightest, he nodded and turned to them, exposing the fact that his shirt was only buttoned up halfway.
    “Good morning!” James greeted him cheerfully, letting go of his female companion. “My wife, Katherine, and my son, Henry.” He thought that showing them off to this man might be a good idea. If he intended to kill him, James’ family might move his conscience.
    Ira eyed the aristocrat’s companions calmly, then nodded slightly at the lady. “How d’you do?” he said, taking off a cap he had on for a split second before putting it back on. “Beautiful morning, eh?”
    The woman looked at him, dumbstruck. James knew people did not usually talk to her this way. From the tension around her jaw, he could see that his wife was fighting the urge to confront Ira about his impertinence.
    “What an original accent you have, Mister Russell”, she said instead, smiling with her mouth only. “Is it from the north?”
    Ira shot a quick look at James, then looked at Katherine again. “From ‘ere and there.”
    James was relieved to see the train approach their platform, because it meant they did not have to continue this awkward conversation. “That’s our train! Darling, most of all, do not worry!” he said. “We will be back soon and everything will be back to as it should be.” He kissed her hand and took a step back.
    The nanny took his son’s hand in hers and made a waving