Read Online Parish by Nicole Murphy - Free Book Online Page B

him!” The priest stumbled, his torch falling from his grip.  It slid down the tiles of the roof and plunged over the side, striking one of the zombie in the head and causing them to ignite.  The human torch continued to moan upward toward the priest, un-phased by his hair, flesh and tattered clothing which was on fire.
                  “We can’t leave him.” Jack shook his head as he watched the manic priest struggle to remain on the roof.
                  “He’s made his choice.  He thinks he got it all figured out, wants to save them lost zombie souls.” Artemis shook his head.  “Those things ain’t got no soul, whatever soul they did have it done flew away already.  They’re dead.  Dead things don’t have a soul.”
                  “He’ll fall eventually, and then he’ll be one of them.” Wade interjected, his voice barely above a whisper.
                  “Look,” Emily held her hand up to stop Artemis from arguing.  “We can’t save everyone.  We also don’t know who anyone is.  You can’t assume everyone is a good person.  We can’t run the risk of surviving these damn zombies just to be killed by some psychopath because they want what meager supplies we have.”
                  “We have a vehicle that is probably the most important thing to have right now.  Someone will want to kill us for it.  We’re safe in here, the people out there aren’t it’s simple.” Jack bent down a bit so he could get a better view of the priest.
                  “Just keep going.” Jack interjected.  No one spoke up to argue.  Artemis sent one last glance back to the man of the cloth before gunning the engine.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
     
    They drove in silence far longer than any in the car had desired.  The only sound permeating the stillness were the sound of the tires on the blacktop and the occasional zombie growl.  Jamie sat despondent, staring out at the scenery as it moved past, Wren had one arm around him and simply chose to stare down at the top of the boys head instead of facing the horrors just outside the window.  Suddenly Artemis slowed down to a crawl, causing every inhabitant of the vehicle to look to him.
                  “Look just up ahead!  That’s military!  I bet the done cleared a safe zone up there!”  Artemis smiled widely as he approached the two soldiers on the road.  He rolled the window down so he could speak with them.
                  “Identify yourself.” One of the soldiers commanded.  He was smeared with dirt and blood, his eyes were bloodshot and he appeared exhausted.
                  “Private first class Artemis Bandeaux.” Artemis replied.
                  “How many in vehicle?” The soldier continued.
                  “Six including me.  I got a family in here, no other military personnel.” Artemis inhaled deeply, seemingly holding his breath.
                  “Where were you stationed when this all went down?” The soldier narrowed his eyes as he peered in through the window trying to get a look at everyone.
                  “I was at St. Katherine’s hospital.” He cleared his throat.  The soldiers’ eyes went wide for a moment.
                  “Has anyone shown signs of extreme violence or do they have a fever?  Has anyone been bit?” The soldier spoke quickly, almost stumbling over the words as they flowed from his mouth.
                  “No sir, we are all just fine in here.  Matter of fact, this lady here is a doctor.” He motioned to Emily with his thumb.
                  “You’re a doctor?” The soldier leaned left to look past Artemis’ bulk to make eye contact with Emily.
                  “Yes, sir, I am.” Emily nodded nervously.  She knew it could be dangerous for