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

some hospitality first,” the man insisted, his voice getting deeper.
    The man who had been moving toward them as he spoke made a lunge for the gas can. Chase’s eyes unfortunately went to Lucas’ gun raising.
    Chase stopped the gun with his hand as he lost the gas can out of the other.
    “You bring your friends back, and you can have it back,” the man said with a polite nod before he turned around and disappeared into the church.
    “What the hell just happened here? Listen Lucas, you can’t just go pointing that gun at the living.”
    “He took our gas. Shouldn’t we shoot to protect what is ours?” he rebutted.
    “It technically wasn’t ours. Some rules should still apply,” he said, softly. “Lets’ double back and get the others.”
    Lucas just nodded and they went back. When they got there, Chase could see the question in Jayda’s tight face as to where the gas can had gone.
    “A preacher at the church caught us. He said we could have gas if we came back and got a bite to eat with them,” Chase offered.
    “Oh, that doesn’t sound suspicious at all?” Dax groaned.
    “I know how it sounds, and the guy was definitely off. But, at this point, what choice do we have?” Chase said, his shoulders slumping even as he tried to catch his breath.
    “I say we go in armed, and…” Dax was cut off by Chase’s glare.
    “We can’t just go around like thieves or looters. These people are still human. Laws still apply. You can’t just go shooting humans because what they need doesn’t suit your needs,” Chase rambled, his words clipped.
    “You wouldn’t even shoot the guy who stole gas from us,” Jayda spat.
    “We never actually had it. We didn’t know what his situation was. Look, we have no choice here. We have to go back to the church and take on whatever they throw at us to get that gas without shedding blood,” Chases said as he turned on his heel to walk back to the church.
    He was scared and relieved at the same time as he heard the group follow him. He didn’t know how he’d gotten to be leader. He’d given up the position long ago for a damn good reason or two.
    By the time they hit the church again, Chase felt like he could fall asleep standing up. The hours were ticking away, and they were running out of time to get to the checkpoint to meet Daniel.
    The preacher met them at the back door.
    “Look, I actually need to ask a favor of you. Then I promise, I will offer you food and drink and give you the gas you need,” he said as he opened the door to welcome them in.
    He led them through an empty room and into the back of the sanctuary. A collective round of gasps came from his group once the sanctuary came into full view.

Chapter Ten
    The sight of church members praying over what appeared to be dead zombies sent a shiver down Chase’s spine. The room smelled, adding insult to injury to the gory sight. The chanting sound of their voices added the horror music needed to fully creep him out. He wanted to back out almost as much as he needed that gas.
    “We’ve had some success in bringing back the spirit or soul of the human back into their body. Granted, this was with those dying. We saved one. So, we are attempting to do the same with these poor souls,” the preacher droned on. “That’s where we need help. We believe in the power of prayer, and of the sheer number of souls adding to that power.”
    “You want us to pray over them?” Jayda asked.
    “Yes. Please. You can have the gas in exchange for a little time with God requesting a miracle for those we have lost. Have you lost anyone? Do you know of any afflicted?” the preacher continued.
    “Sherri lost her husband, but we left him behind,” Jayda said, pointing toward Sherri who had remained gaping at the room. “My husband has the disease, but is still alive in the van.”
    “Bring him, then,” the preacher exclaimed. “Bring him in to be cured.”
    “The van is down the road without gas,” Jayda said.
    Chases