General Population Read Online Free PDF

that does not require the involvement of the overseer. If you would, please vacate so that my men can perform the necessary inspection."
    "Minor? You call this minor? There is a man lying dead in the street!"
    "Yes, it is unfortunate. He will receive full honors. I assure you we will handle all arrangements."
    Maddix was red with fury. "I don't fucking care about any arrangements! How the fuck did a zombie end up in town? Aren't your people wearing their scarabs?"
    "That is yet to be determined, and will get to the bottom of this. Now if you wouldn't mind …"
    A team of constables had already surrounded the body of the constable and the attacking zombie, but Maddix was determined to check for the man's scarab. It was the only form of protection the constables had to ward off the residents of Malevolent. They were crafted into he shape of badges so that the constables would remember to wear them as part of their uniforms.
    "Take off, Benbrook! We can handle this. We don't need you poking around acting all high-and-mighty." The constable’s arrogance almost matched Larouche.
    Ignoring the man, Maddix inspected the body. Two dead bodies in one day were about all he cared to look at. Even though he was dead, the body continued to rot due to the zombie infection. Something about it caused the cells to decay rapidly, which was why no one ever saw a 'fresh' zombie. Maddix rolled him over onto his back, the wounded arm splayed across his chest. It smelled vile, but Maddix covered his face and pulled the blood soaked arm off his chest. The scarab was right where it was supposed to be, pinned to his jacket.
    "What in the—" Maddix couldn't get the word out before the firm grip of Javier pulled him to his feet.
    "I beg your pardon, Overseer!" Javier's voice trembled. "We've dealt with this before, and we know what we are doing!"
    "What do you mean before?"
    "W-what I m-mean is," Javier stuttered as he spoke, "we've been trained to handle this kind of thing."
    "You're so full of shit, Larouche! Have there been other attacks?"
    Maddix glanced at the other constables who wouldn't look him in the eyes. Something did happen.  
    "There have been a few isolated incidents with some of the undead strolling in from the forest. We immediately dispatched them, and I had the bodies burned per protocol. Just as we will handle this one."
    "I'm supposed to know about everything that goes on in here, that's how it works, Javier!"
    Javier snickered and started to walk away.
    "Dammit, Larouche. You may not like it but I'm still the overseer here, and I need to document everything that goes on. That's all outlined in the pact. You do remember how it's supposed to work, right?" Maddix never liked throwing his weight around, but part of him was enjoying this moment. "Now if there are zombies walking around attacking your men, or anybody for that matter, I need to know about it!"
    Javier's eyes went wide. "And do what? Scribble it into your pathetic journals … for what purpose? Let me be frank, monsieur. You are an ancient relic, a worthless figurehead of a forgotten era. You neither have any control or resources to deal with this kind of thing. Now my friendly advice to you is to go home, write in your precious diaries, and stay out of constable affairs. We are the enforcers of law and order; you are a pathetic record-keeper. Good day, monsieur!”  
    Every part of Maddix wanted to unload a fury of punches into Javier's face, but he knew he had few allies at that moment. The constables surrounded him with their arms folded, just waiting for him to make a mistake. It took a lot for him to swallow his pride, but he found the temperance in himself to do so and walked away.

CHAPTER THREE

    When Tara Cherane did research, she always did the most thorough job she could. There were stacks of books in different piles on the table, each with several bookmarks labeled for later reference. Piles of paper with notes on them were scattered all over the library.