Ash: Book One in the Rising Ash Saga Read Online Free PDF Page A

step gingerly back over the bench to get back inside. We would have to build the fire inside the stove in order to cook the food, but the metal walls would keep it contained, easily managed.
                  I arrive in the kitchen to find Rachel had produced a collection of wraps waiting to roast once we got the fire going. She and Marcus stand over the counter covering each in foil to tuck them into the coals for roasting.
                  Marcus helps build the base, carefully placing the small branches underneath the larger logs. His eyes light up when I produce a lighter out of my pocket. I always carry several as these are one of the items incredibly easy to find. Within minutes, the fire blazes inside the confines of the large industrial sized oven.
                  Rachel uses a pair of large tongs to place the wraps into the heat. They turn out pretty good though we have to be careful not to burn our fingertips when opening them. She had managed to find, among the stash some cans of refried beans, some tomato sauce and a collection of starchy vegetables, corn, mashed potato flakes, mixed and wrapped into the soft tortillas. It makes for a filling, high protein meal.
                  “These taste good,” I say between mouthfuls.
                  “Don't sound so surprised,” she replies.
                  Marcus peels away the aluminum before each enthusiastic bite. I watch him, wondering when he last had a hot meal. We eat in silence. I can see their faces becoming more relaxed with the knowledge of our safety even if it is temporary.  
     
     

Three
     
                  Marcus picks the lower level of the stainless steel rolling table as the place he wants to sleep. I place the leftover garbage in the corner before I head back to the main part of the restaurant to finish securing the perimeter while Rachel tucks Marcus in. In the looming silence of the oncoming night, I hear her sing to him. She has found a pile of clean aprons and table cloths to build a small nest for him. The fire, now nothing more than glowing embers, would be enough to keep us warm until morning.
                  Rachel joins me after a few moments, pushing quietly through the swinging door from the kitchen.
                  “Need some help?” she asks.
                  “I'm nearly finished, I think.”
                  All of the furniture is pushed against the windows, creating a semblance of a wall around us. The only thing that might be a threat to us would be a large herd, but I can detect them from a long distance. We can take measures for safety should that happen.
                  “Looks good,” she says glancing around the room.
                  All of the tables had been moved out of the center, pushed over on edge along the perimeter. The restaurant looks strangely bare. I sit down on the small staircase leading from the bar area down to the empty center. Rachel sits down next to me.
                  “How's Marcus doing?” I ask.
                  “He's sleeping now. I've never seen him go out so fast. We've had a hard road lately. I'm glad he is safe for tonight.”
                  “That's good.”
                  “How long have you been out there?” she asks.
                  “I don't know. A long time I think.” I glance over. She is watching me with intensity behind her expression, lips pursed, eyebrows drawn together. “I um... I can't remember a lot of things.” I tap on the side of my head with my fingertip. “It comes and goes. It's been this way for as long as I know.”
                  “What happened?” she asks. “I mean before. What was your life? How did you end up alone?”
                  “That's one of the things gone. I have a few flashes, but that's about