Read Online Decay (Book 1): Civilization by Linus Locke - Free Book Online Page B

had fallen in love with him months back, but he explained to her that it couldn’t happen like that. He told her he would keep her safe, and soon she would find love. Although it was not exactly what she was looking for, she knew that she could trust this great man with her life. “What’s that?” Emalynn pointed off toward a small building with some kind of plant growing out of the window.
    Bradley had been so concerned with finding the signal by the hills that he wasn’t even paying attention to the city anymore. That plant was not there yesterday he was pretty sure. If it had been then it sure was not there the day before. He stared at it for a long time before Emalynn had spoken up.
    “I think it is a tomato plant,” she said excitedly. “We were growing them this semester in Ag class.”
    “Why would there be a tomato plant sticking out the window of a building?” he asked more to himself than to her. His eyes squinted and his head cocked to the side slightly. “There must be someone there. I don’t really know much about plants, but it seems strange to me that one has survived this long on its own. I need to go there tonight.”
    “What if it is just a coincidence? What if there is someone over there and they are hostile? What if you don’t make it back? What if—”
    Bradley cut her off there by placing his hand on her face and staring into the depths of her brown eyes. With the lack of water, dirt had managed to build up in the wrinkles on his knuckles and under his fingernails.  She too was slightly dirty, yet her beauty couldn’t be marred by it.
    “I have to go Emalynn. It could be any of the possibilities you can think of, but it could also be our ticket to salvation. Besides, the fiends are thinning out again, so as long as something else doesn’t happen to stir them up I can make my way through just fine.”
    Together Bradley and Emalynn sat and watched out the window. They split the little food that was left, and the wheels turned in Bradley’s head as he planned his move to the other building. The streets were as clear of the undead as they would be, so he knew he could make it in a straight shot. Now he only hoped there was a way in. When the plant was pulled back into the window they both smiled. It wasn’t necessarily a sign for help, but it was a sure sign that someone was indeed there.
     
     
    The sun was rising higher over the city. There was still plenty of sunlight left in the day, yet he wanted to move as soon as he could. Depending on how long it took to make his way there, he might not make it back until late in the afternoon. Without street lights the town became very dark at night. Bradley knew how well he could see in the dark, but he had no clue about the fiends.
    “What do I do if you don’t make it back?” Emalynn asked. She had been crying despite this not being the first time he has set out into the city. Her eyes were red, and her dirty cheeks still wet with tears even after being wiped away.
    “I will be back for you. I promise.”
    “What if Roger comes out?” The fear in this question froze Bradley in place. He had not thought about Roger. Emalynn panicked as she sensed his hesitation.
    “He doesn’t know that I’m leaving. We haven’t seen him in days. If it will make you feel safe you are welcome to hide anywhere you can. I will call for you when I return.”
    His chance to move was quickly passing by, yet Emalynn wrapped her arms around him tightly. He could feel her body against his, and all the love she possessed washed over him. He wanted to stay with her forever. There was someone better for her out there than him, and he knew it. He kissed the smooth skin on her forehead, looked into her brown eyes, and said, “I’ll find you a place to live outside of this hell. You will find peace and happiness there.”
    “I want my peace and happiness with you,” Emalynn replied.
    Bradley’s heart felt as if it would beat out of his chest. He loved her, and