Free Emperor of a Dead World by Kevin Butler Page A

and walked forward with his Glock once again tucked into his pants. “I am Brad,” he said as he watched the man.
    Tom appeared nervous. “Hold on,” he said. “What do you want?”
    “We are looking for survivors so we can build a community. We have a safe place.”
    “We have a safe place as well.”
    “I can see that,” Brad smiled. “Is this where you want to stay?”
    “We would like to get together with others,” Tom said as he lowered his arms. “That is why I put up the arrow and the note. My wife was against it but I told her we have to trust someone. The world has enough danger as it is. There is safety in numbers.”
    “I feel the same way,” Brad replied. He then added, “About the sign. You seem to have gotten the directions wrong.”
    “I didn’t know who would come and I needed to protect my family.”
    “I understand and I do not blame you for being cautious. May I come forward?”
    “If you wish,” Tom consented.
    “There are two others in the truck, Tyrone and Rudy. They are both armed.”
    “My wife and son have rifles as well.”
    “I would like to meet your family.”
    “As I said, we are only four. Our supplies are almost gone and we only have a few shells left that we will use to protect ourselves.”
    “I am not here to take what you have. I am here to offer you a chance to join us.” Brad pointed at the truck. “We all e Brad started out alone but now we are three. We have been driving around looking for survivors in hopes of building a community. I hope you feel the same way we do.”
    “Perhaps you should come inside,” Tom said as he pointed. Two creatures were coming toward Brad.
    “Please show me your family first.”
    “What about them,” Tom asked as he motioned toward the creatures.
    When they got within ten feet of Brad, Tyrone stepped out and put his railroad spike through their heads. He then got back into the truck.
    Tom watched in silence.
    “Well,” Brad asked.
    Tom opened the door and his wife stepped out. “This is Mary.”
    “Hello,” Brad said.
    Following his mother, a boy of fourteen stepped out. Behind him was a woman of about seventy.
    “This is my son Tommy and my mother Sara. Please come in.”
    Tyrone and Rudy stepped out of the truck.
    “Stay here,” Tyrone told Rudy. “If anyone shows up, blow the horn. If you hear gunshots, help us if you can. If you don’t see us in half an hour, let your conscience be your guide.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 8
      
     
    Brad and Tyrone followed the others inside then stood by the door and waited in silence as the family nervously watched them.
    “It is just the three of us,” Brad said at last. “We met another man a couple of weeks ago but he is not with us. He came from Arizona and he is looking for his brother. If he finds him he intends on heading home.”
    “This is all of us,” Tom replied. “We know of no one else.”
    “Are you hungry?” Tom’s mother asked. “We do not have much but you are welcome to what we have.”
    Brad did not reply.
    “Please take a seat and have something,” she insisted.
    Brad looked at Tyrone then at Tom but he did not move.
    “Yes, I am sorry,” Tom finally said. “Where are my manners? Please sit down.”
    Brad glanced at Tyrone again.
    “You appear as nervous as us,” Tom smiled.
    Brad looked at Mary; she was still holding her gun. He looked at the boy; he was standing next to his gun.
    “Please put the gun down dear,” Tom requested of his wife when he noticed Brad’s concern.
    “I’m sorry,” she said as she set it down. “I did not even realize I was still holding it.”
    Tom sat at the table and motioned for the others to join him. After they sat down the old woman brought over biscuits and jelly.
    “Is your friend uncomfortable about coming in,” she asked as she set a plate in front of Brad.
    “Yes,” Brad stated plainly.
    “Is it because he is Mexican?”
    Tyrone could not control his laughter. “I