The Lingering Read Online Free PDF

wife, and if the reports were true, she would soon follow their five unfortunate children down the same path.
    He rubbed a weary hand across his temples, and returned to his work. He still had much to do before he received The Queen and her party. The instructions she had sent on before her were very specific, and it would take all of his political skill to ensure they passed the house. But pass them they must.
    He turned at the sound of a knock at the door.
    “Enter.”
    His butler, Mathews, entered. “Prime Minister,” he said with a bow. “The Queen’s carriage has arrived, as has Sir Bexley’s. Might I suggest I prepare the library for your visitors?”
    Sir Robert got to his feet once more. “The library would suit our meeting admirably. I know The Queen is awfully fond of the cook’s shortbread. Maybe you could arrange for some with our tea.”
    Mathews bowed low. “Of course sir. I have already taken the liberty of suggesting the cook make a fresh batch.”
    Peel bounded by him and said, “Good man.”
     
    Victoria sat in a large, red leather chair. Bexley, Bartholomew and Peel stood around her with cup and saucer in hand.
    “Your Majesty, may I offer you another piece of shortbread?”
    The Queen smiled charmingly, and tipped her head. “That would be delightful. You really must get your cook to give her recipe to my staff.”
    He passed her a silver platter and she took a slice of the scrumptious treat.
    “Now, gentlemen, as good as this shortbread is, I feel it is time for some work. Dr Bartholomew, would you kindly explain your latest findings to the Prime Minister.”
    Bartholomew placed his cup and saucer down, then pulled a number of papers from the briefcase at his side and handed them to Peel.
    “Here are all the details of my findings, Prime Minister. But if you wish, I can give you a summary of them now.”
    Peel took the papers and headed for a writing desk in the corner of the room. “Please Doctor, continue.”
    Bartholomew straightened and placed his right hand in his waistcoat. “As I outlined to you a day ago, it is my conjecture that we all carry The Lingering in one form or another. I myself have witnessed two people, whom were previously untouched by the disease, pass from this world. To my astonishment, they then returned from the dead.
    “I decided to contact other places of healing to corroborate my suspicions. Every hospital I communicated with confirmed that they had similar experiences. Regrettably, it would seem we are all doomed to linger this earth until our bodies simply turn to dust. However, I fear it may take decades of decay before The Lingerers find peace, for the disease seems to sustain the body throughout it’s slow decomposition. But if that is God’s will, then who are we to judge?”
    He shook his head sadly and dabbed at his eyes. All in the room averted their gaze from his uncalled for show of emotion.
    Bartholomew looked at those around him, and felt ashamed of his loss of composure.
    “I apologize; it has been a rather harrowing week. Now, where was I? Ah yes, as you know, we previously dealt with The Lingering by dispatching them with a blow, or shot to the head. I can vouch for how terribly destructive this is to the poor soul administering the final remedy. I myself have dispatched over a hundred Lingerers, and God will judge me for it one day. This cannot be our permanent solution, especially considering most of The Lingering are docile and harmless.”
    Peel approached Bartholomew. “Harmless you say? Why I saw one of those things rip apart a guardsmen at my very door. My dear sir, they are far from harmless.”
    Bexley raised his hand in objection to the Prime Minister’s remark. “Of course those of The Lingering whom have feasted on flesh must still be dealt with this way. Nevertheless, I really must stress The Lingering only become violent once they have the scent, or taste, of blood. I have seen Rupert here herding dozens of them quietly into