Elements of the Undead: Fire (Book One) Read Online Free PDF Page B

screen.
             He returned his attention to the phone. “We’ll be over in a few, Mom.”
    “Okay.” She sounded distracted.
    “What is it, Ma?”
    She paused for a heartbeat, then answered, “There’s someone at the door.”
    Jack’s breath hitched in his throat. “Don’t open it. Lock it and wait for us to get there,” he ordered.
    “I’ll see you soon, dear,” she replied. The line went dead.
    Jack handed the phone to Becka and went to the kitchen to get his keys.  She was still standing there, staring at the television, when he returned. He put his arm around her shoulder. “Becka, honey, we need to go now.”
     
    ~~~
     
    Five minutes later, he was banging on his mother’s front door. “Ma! It’s us! Let us in!”
    The lock snapped loudly, and the door swung open. His mother motioned them through, slamming the door behind them and throwing the deadbolt once they were inside. “Did you see anything?” she asked, peering through the peephole.
    Confused, Jack shook his head. “No. Everything looks normal.”
    “Is that your son?” a man’s voice called out from the next room.
    Jack’s pulse quickened. “Who’s that?”
    His mother waved him off. “Don’t worry. It’s only Mr. Carhart, from next door. He can’t get in touch with his family in Atlanta.”
    She ushered them into the living room where they found Mr. Carhart sitting in an easy chair nursing an enormous glass of scotch. He looked miserable.
    “Where are the girls?” Becka asked immediately.
    Jack’s mom pointed at the ceiling. “Upstairs, napping.”
    “I’m going to go check on them.” Becka looked at Jack with an obvious invitation to join her.
    Jack hesitated, looked at his mom and then back at Becka. “I’ll be right up.”
    “Okay,” Becka said.
    As Becka climbed out of sight, Jack turned to his mother. “Have you heard anything else about what’s going on?”
    She motioned towards the couch. “Yes. But you’re going to want to sit for this…”

Eight
     
    Boise, Idaho
     
    Bump .
    “Welcome to Boise, ladies and gentleman. The time here is ten forty-three AM. The temperature is seventy-eight degrees. We hope you enjoyed your flight and that you choose to fly with us again.”
    Huh?
    “Please remain in your seat with your belts fastened until the aircraft comes to a complete stop.”
    Kevin Salerno opened his eyes and blinked.
    His mouth was gummy and dry, as if someone had stuffed it with damp wool.
    “You must’ve had a long trip,” a voice on his right said. Kevin turned his head, following the sound. Sitting next to him was a middle-aged woman with big hair and a little too much makeup for her age. She held a paperback on her lap with her thumb tucked in to save her place. She looked like she was expecting an answer.
    “Uh huh,” he said noncommittally.
    The plane was still rolling, but Kevin unbuckled his seatbelt anyway. His seatmate gave him a disapproving frown. The plane bumped to a stop, inched forward a few feet, then stopped again. The plane repeated the process twice more before they reached the gate. A chime sounded overhead, and all of the cabin lights flickered to life. The air conditioning kicked in, sending a stream of cool air against his forehead.
    “Long trip,” Kevin offered up to his nosy neighbor.
    The woman smiled. “I’m going to see my grandkids. What about you?”
    Kevin rolled his eyes. Why do people always wait until landing to start talking? Can’t they just leave well enough alone? “Well, I hope you have a good visit,” he said, ignoring her question and fiddling with his seatback.
    She smiled, obviously believing he really gave a shit. “Me, too. Are you here for business or pleasure?”
    “Neither,” he said, offering no explanation.
    She gave him a puzzled look.
    “Look, Miss…”
    “Martha.” She smiled.
    “Martha.” He tried to force a smile, but failed. “I’m sorry, but I’m not very pleasant when I first wake up. I’ve had a really