Free Tainted Reality (The Rememdium Series Book 2) by Ashley Fontainne

I’m exhausted and you’re dancin’ on my last nerve, which is thinner than one of those wispy hairs on your head.”
    Jane shooed Reed to the side and examined Regina’s ugly gash with careful, tender movements. “You two haven’t changed one bit since high school. Still goin’ at each other like two feral cats. Reed? Don’t you have someone else to rescue—or annoy? I’ve got a lot of work to do here and don’t need her gettin' excited. I need her to hold still. Using a sewing kit as instruments will take a lot of concentration on my end. Oh, and probably a bit of pain on yours, Chief. Don’t shoot me when the stingin' starts.”
    The smug look on Regina’s face made Reed laugh. She winked, acknowledging all was forgiven, and then sank into the lawn chaise Reed set up for her earlier. They both knew the banter stemmed from Reed’s deep-seated worry about her health and safety.
    Satisfied his sister was in good hands, Reed left the makeshift triage area near the pharmacy counter and headed toward the center of the store. The whispering voices of so many people converged together like the collective cheers at a football game. Wincing at the loud noise, Reed picked up his pace. If they were to stay safe and hidden, at least long enough for the military to leave, the decibel level needed to be taken down several notches.
    Motion from his right caught Reed’s attention. His muscles tensed until he realized the form was Regina’s secret love interest, Kyle Pender.
    “How’s the patient? Wait, let me guess: non-cooperative?”
    “That’s puttin' it mildly, Kyle. You know Regina—she’s a pistol. Harder to handle than a slippery hog. Why you decided to take on the challenge of datin’ her, I have no idea.”
    Kyle’s eyes widened for a split second then he nodded. “No doubt. Tougher than a wild razorback, too. Wasn’t aware she told you about us.”
    Reed stopped just shy of earshot of the passel of citizens. “She didn’t. I’m just perceptive.”
    “Hmm, sort of like she is. Guess you’re happy Jane’s safe.”
    A grim smile tugged at the corner of Reed’s lips. “Small town livin’. Gotta love it.”
    “With all the shit hittin’ the fan, I must admit I’m glad we ain’t in a big city. I don’t even want to imagine how tough others like us got it, tryin’ to control thousands upon thousands of people.”
    Reed snorted. “At the rate things are progressin' here, I wonder if there are even thousands left to corral.”
    Instead of answering, Kyle turned his attention to the throng of residents in front of them. “I’m surprised our little group is semi-calm. I figured once they arrived here, they’d flip.”
    Following Kyle’s gaze, Reed said, “They’re still in shock, Kyle. Right now, they’re simply glad to be alive. When reality sinks in, they’ll freak.”
    Kyle blew out a huff of air. “Doin' my best to make sure that won’t happen. I sent Bailey and Allsop to the front of the store a roll of black plastic and instructions to cover up the glass doors. For a while, that will keep the visual of dismembered neighbors hidden. The glass will keep out the foul stench from their remains, at least temporarily. While Jane is fixin' up Parker, we should probably take care of the others in automotive and the six I bagged in pet care. They’ll start stinkin’ soon if we don’t.”
    “Agree, however, where in the world should we put their remains? The proper thing to do would be to bury them, but that’s too risky. No tellin’ how many more are lurkin’ outside.”
    Kyle rubbed his unshaven chin. “I know it’s morbid, but I was thinkin’ put them in the dumpster outside and burn them? The heat would kill any remainin’ contagion, don’t you think?”
    Reed chewed on his lower lip while considering the options. Unfortunately, no plan was perfect. “We still don’t know what’s causin’ all this, so I’m a bit concerned about burnin’ bodies. What if the heat doesn’t