Read Online Fall of the Mortals (Book 1) by Ken Bush - Free Book Online Page A

flipping through the channels on a remote control trying to find a station.
    “You’re going the wrong way,” said Tommy in frustration.
    “No, I’m not!” said Chris.
    “You don’t know what you’re doing!”
    “Shut up!” hollered Chris.
    Shaun sluggishly walked by them.
    “Will you guys knock it off?” blared Shaun.
    “He won’t let me find the channel!” Tommy hollered.
    “What channel?” asked Shaun.
    “The government. There’s other people out there,” said Chris.
    “Where?” asked Shaun intensely.
    “I don’t know. This little jerk-off made me lose the channel,” said Chris.
    “I found the channel first and then he took it out of my hands!” hollered Tommy.
    “Both of you stop it!” said Shaun, taking the remote from Chris and flipping through the channels.
    It was no use.  There was nothing but snow on every channel.
    “What else did they say, Tommy?” asked Shaun, trying not to be irritated.
    “A final gathering.”
    “What else?” asked Shaun.
    “Um. Come to D.C. before it’s too late?” Tommy guessed.
    Shaun’s face sunk.
    “Tell me, Tommy. What else?” Shaun asked with high interest.
    “Major cities will be first,” said Tommy.
    “Oh no,” said Shaun, his voice wracked with worry.
     “What?” asked Chris, becoming worried seeing Shaun so troubled.
    “This isn’t good,” said Shaun tossing Chris the remote.
    “What?” Chris asked intensely.
    “Just find that channel again!” Shaun blared before he left the room.
     
    ***
     
    Harold and Betty sat at the dining room table. Shaun came in and sat down. They could tell he was anxious about something.
    “Problem, Shaun?” asked Harold.
    “We got to get out of here,” answered Shaun. “Like now.”
    “We’re aware of that. Did something happen?” asked Betty.
    “The government is gathering the last of the people in D.C.”
    “What?” said Harold.
    “Where did you hear this?” asked Betty.
    “Government broadcast on TV,” said Shaun.
    “That’s great,” said Harold.
    “No. There’s more,” said Shaun.
    “Tell us,” said Betty.
    “After the gathering, they’re nuking the major cities,” said Shaun. “You can bet L.A. will be first to go.”
    Betty and Harold looked at each other, troubled. Harold got up from the table and looked out a window.  He was overwhelmed with stress but he tried to hide it. He stared at the downtown buildings of L.A. as if all hope was lost. He knew there was no way they would make it out of there in time to escape a nuclear explosion and evade the vampires at the same time. There was no vehicle that could transport everyone. There was no road they could take that wasn’t congested with stalled traffic. They needed an airplane and a pilot.
    “Harold?” Betty asked.
    “I’m not going anywhere,” said Harold, turning around and looking at them sadly.
    He sat back down. Betty began to feel worried. Her eyes were distressed. Her hands shook.
    “What are you saying?” she asked, trying not to be frustrated.
    “There ain’t no way we gonna make it outta here alive, woman,” said Harold.
    “If I found a vehicle, would you come with us?” asked Shaun.
    “And go where, Shaun? Vegas?” blared Harold. “They’ll be dropping bombs there too.”
    “I know how you’re feeling,” said Shaun.
    “Yeah? There ain’t nowhere to go but the damn ocean, son,” Harold blurted in defeat. “We’re a fallen race is what we are. Over and out.”
    Shaun left the room. He was grieved having to tell Betty and Harold the horrible news. It was the first time he ever saw Harold shaken up about anything. Until then, it seemed like there was nothing that bothered Harold, he was always able to take it. It was first time he saw Harold grip a horrible reality and not be able to do anything about it. That was Harold. The caring Dad. The loving father. Now he was just another distraught survivor.
     
    ***
     
    Shaun came out the exit doors of the tower, sat on his motorcycle and