Read Online See Me by Susan Hatler - Free Book Online Page B

go all too fast, given that I had to lean against the wall for balance.
    It strode into the kitchen, pulled open the refrigerator door, then picked up a milk carton and began guzzling.
    Such a pig.
    I glared at it. “I don’t know what planet you’re from, but on Earth we use a glass.”
    “On Earth?” It laughed, then grabbed a stack of cheese slices. “Where do you think I’m from? Jupiter?”
    Like I needed to be mocked by this thing.
    I narrowed my eyes. “For your information, the government is sending UFOs into other galaxies. Maybe you hitched a ride back. Or something.”
    I couldn’t believe I’d just said that.
    “Are you for real?” It peeled the plastic off a cheese slice, folded it several times, and seemed to swallow it without chewing.
    “Nice manners,” I scoffed.
    “Thanks.” It smiled, shook its head, then burst out laughing. “Other galaxies . . .”
    I sighed. Were we back on that again?
    Since it hadn’t indicated any desire to kill me, I figured I should try to coax some information out of it—anything I could use to help Owen. “Where are you from?”
    “San Francisco.” It folded another slice of cheese. “Lots of extra terrestrials there.”
    “San Francisco?” I asked, ignoring its smart remark. The City was less than an hour away. I’d been there a zillion times, but there had never been anything in the Chronicle about zombie attacks. “Are you saying you were created there?”
    It chuckled, then tossed the plastic wrappers on the counter.
    “We do have a garbage can, you know.” I tightened my fists behind my back. “You zombied my body, my friend’s body, and keep scarfing down my food. Considering all of that, it’s particularly ungrateful to laugh at me when I’m just trying to figure out why you’re here. Maybe I should go get a minister, after all. He could exorcise you back to San Francisco or wherever you’re really from.”
    “You’re cute.” He smirked, folded another piece of cheese, then shoved it into his mouth.
    Gritting my teeth, I stormed from the room, then paced the entryway. Cute? This zombie was completely infuriating. Threatening it made me very brave or really stupid. Either way, I hadn’t gotten any new information or any closer to rescuing poor Owen, who had to be scared silly right now.
    I glanced up at the ceiling. “Sorry, Owen. I feel bad that it took your body. But I won’t abandon you.” I sighed, hoping he could hear me. “Although, if you hadn’t tied my wrists together I’d probably be more useful right now.”
    My fingers were turning numb, so I had a right to point that out.
    “Amy?” The zombie called from the kitchen.
    Did it think we were on a first name basis? How annoying.
    Wrists throbbing, I stormed back into the kitchen and shot daggers with my eyes. “Look, you . . . whatever you are, don’t even think about hurting me or you will pay dearly. Just grab the orange-handled scissors from the drawer behind you and cut these shoelaces off.”
    The corner of its mouth tipped up. “Did you just insult me, threaten me, then ask for a favor?”
    My lips twisted to the right. “Just do it.”
    It tilted its head. “Not until you say please.”
    “Owen tied my arms behind my back because he thought I might be possessed, which is your fault.” I stepped forward, pleading with my eyes since I could barely feel my hands anymore. “These laces are tight and they hurt, so the least you can do is cut them off without making me beg.”
    “Fine.” It pulled open the drawer, fished out the scissors, then made a circular motion with its finger. “Turn around.”
    For a moment, I wondered if turning my back on an armed zombie was a good idea. . . .
    Trying to swallow my fear, I lifted my lashes. “You’re not going to hurt me. Are you?”
    “No, Amy.” Its voice held an edge of sadness. Then it stepped behind me, wrapped its fingers gently around one of my wrists and bent down. “He’s got these knotted pretty good,