RecruitZ (Afterworld Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

body.
    Still refusing to look up, I saw that the floor was sawdust. The air was heavy and unpleasant to breathe. I moved my arm up to my nose and began breathing into the crook of my elbow before looking up. A sudden crashing of metal got my attention, and I looked up to see a horrifying sight.
    There were rows and rows of chain-link kennels, completely enclosed. Each one contained a single zombie. The kennel directly in front of me was shaking violently as the zombie’s fingers wrapped around the links. It pressed its face against the fencing, etching brand new marks into its decomposing flesh.
    I looked away but not fast enough. The creature’s tongue was hanging out of its mouth, and it was difficult not to vomit as the bile rose up in my throat. I was looking at someone’s father or husband who was now being exploited for profit.
    “Let’s get going. I want you to meet Brad.” Brenda’s words brought me back to reality and into the role I needed to play.
    I glanced behind me at the zombie who was still mesmerized by my presence and noticed its tattered suit and polished work shoes. We walked along the side of the building. A metal wall was on my right. The never-ending stock of zombies was to my left.
    There was an office in the corner that we were walking toward. I couldn’t imagine how anyone could possibly stay inside these walls with these creatures, but as I got closer I noticed the office had thick bulletproof glass, and a door leading directly to the outside. The blinds were closed on all the windows but one, and I at least understood that. I guess that made it better.
    Wait! No! That didn’t make it better—ever! I wouldn’t want to look out to see a flock of the undead, staring back at me. Who did that?
    Brenda rang a buzzer near the door and a guy hurriedly opened it up.
    “Right on time,” he said, bringing her into his arms and letting go quickly once he saw me.
    “Who do we have here?” he asked, quirking his lip slightly.
    “I’m Rebekah,” I said, extending my hand.
    “Nice to meet you. If Brenda didn’t tell you, I’m Brad.” He ushered us into his small office and closed the door, locking it. He took a seat behind his desk and joined his fingers together. He was wearing a sweater and jeans, and, if he held any other profession in the world, might be considered good looking with his brown eyes and shaggy, blonde hair.
    “So, what brings you here to check out the goods?” he asked.
    “Uh. Just new to everything,” I said, looking over at Brenda cautiously. “I’m not totally convinced that this is the hobby for me.”
    The guy started laughing and leaned back in his chair. The entire wall behind him had an arsenal of automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns.
    “It can take some getting used to. That’s for sure.” He shook his head and put his weight on his elbows.
    “It doesn’t look like you’re totally used to everything with that amount of weaponry behind you,” I said, pointing at the wall.
    “I just stack the odds in my favor.” He smiled. “Now what can I help you with?”
    “Who do we have tonight that you feel certain about letting her place her money on?” Brenda asked.
    “What bracket’s she in?” he asked.
    Brenda looked at me and raised her brows. “Well?”
    “What are the options?” I asked. “What’s the least amount of money?”
    “The entry fee is five-hundred, but I told you I’d knock it in half for you. The lowest wager is two-hundred and fifty, but the return just won’t be there,” Brenda said. “I don’t recommend it.”
    “Of course you don’t.” Using Brenda’s technique, I reached into my bra and grabbed the cash and threw it on the desk. “I only brought seven hundred so that should cover my entry fee and then place the rest where it needs to be.”
    “That puts you in the base bracket, but your return will be solid. I’ll make sure of it,” Brad said. “Wanna see the fighter you’ll be betting on?”
    “Sure,” I