Tainted Grace Read Online Free PDF Page B

seen any large game in weeks,” added Boggs.
    “They’re scarce now,” said Bill. “This is the first we’ve seen in weeks. They seem to only be at higher elevations now. Like they’ve run as high as they can from the walking dead. I imagine they’ll be gone altogether soon enough,” he sighed.
    “Sounds like we have a lot to talk about,” said Gus. “We can offer hot tea and some basics for now. We have smoked fish, some pasta and canned foods. Hot water for showers if you want to clean up.”
    Bill and Nathan both nodded. “That’d be great,” said Nathan. “I’ll step out and string the deer up to cure if that’s ok.”
    “I’d suggest the shed,” said Gus as he put his hands on his hips. “Seems the Runners prefer live meals, but I’d rather not have it hanging out in the open just to be safe.”
    “Sounds fair enough,” said Nathan. “They seem attracted to blood too, so we bled the deer quite a ways back.”
    “One of us can help you lift it up,” added Boggs. “There’s rope in the shed. If you want to wait I’ll get warm clothes on and go out with you.”
    “Can I help?” asked Susan.
    I looked at her, not understanding. Her cheeks were pink. No one spoke.
    “With the deer…” she clarified.
    Nathan shrugged. “Fine by me,” he said.
    “Sue?” asked Boggs, sounding as dumbfounded as I felt. “You sure you can stomach it?”
    She nodded. I realized she had her eye on Nathan already. I couldn’t blame her. It’s not like options for companionship are varied in an apocalypse.
    “Make sure you dress warm,” said Nathan. “The temperature’s dropping. It’s really cold out there. Just meet me on the porch when you’re ready?”
    “Ok,” she said with a hint of a smile. “Thanks.”
    “Nathan,” said Bill with obvious authority. Nathan looked up at him. “Be careful out there.”
    “You know I always am.” Nathan smiled. I noticed one of his side front teeth was missing. It made me think briefly about how dental care is a thing of the past in this new world. Even with the gap in his teeth, his smile was genuine and kind.
    “He should be ok,” I said quietly.
    Bill looked at me, and then to Gus.
    I realized he must think I was an oddball after saying such a thing. The last thing I wanted to do was explain my telepathic curse to strangers.
    “Boggs will keep them safe,” I added.
    Bill nodded.
    “Ok, let’s get going,” said Boggs, who had returned in warmer clothes, Susan in tow.
     
     
     

CHAPTER 4
     
    Susan, Boggs, and Nathan had spent almost an hour working on the deer. I wondered what could be taking so long. It was exhausting keeping my mental alarm up, worried about their safety. Bill took Gus up on his offer of a shower and Emilie set some fresh clothes out for him. It felt odd having strangers in the cabin, especially since we knew danger lurked nearby and we weren’t entirely sure these men were not responsible. My gut told me they were ok, and in need of our help in some way.
    Boggs had come back inside first, leaving Susan and the new man alone. I asked him if he thought that was smart, leaving her alone with him, somehow feeling protective of Susan. He assured me she was a big girl and just fine. Finally I heard Susan and Nathan join us back inside the cabin. I began working on a meager but hot meal in the kitchen to welcome the two strangers. I set water to boil for pasta that we had salvaged from a bed and breakfast that was closed for the season. I decided on macaroni. I also set a pot of water for tea. I could hear Susan in the background showing Nathan the basics of the cabin. She was showing him to the shower so he could clean up before dinner. As I was at the stove watching for the water to boil, I felt Boggs slip his arms around me. I smiled to myself. He brushed my hair to one side and nestled his nose against my neck lightly. I cringed at the coldness of his skin.
    “You’re freezing!” I startled, my voice high-pitched with