Free Zombie Rules (Book 4): Destiny by David Achord

Here it comes.
    “We need more cattle, she said plainly. “If you want to work out a trade, I’ll help you set up a power grid system that’ll increase your efficiency and storage capacity.” She pointed at the breaker panel. “You’re going to want a surge protector on that panel. I have all of the equipment you’ll need back at the school, plus, I’ll throw in some additional solar panels we found. They’re used, but they’re the latest generation and in good shape.”
    I rubbed my face as I thought it over. “Beef cattle or dairy cattle?” Her eyes narrowed.
    “There’s a difference?”
    “You might say that. Floyd knows the difference and one of the things he’ll tell you is that dairy cattle require more maintenance. They need milking twice a day, whether you use the milk or not.”
    Tonya frowned. “I didn’t know that.” I didn’t tell her about the cream separator we’d found but weren’t using, otherwise she’d probably want that thrown in with the deal. I continued.
    “There’s a way around it, but I’ll let Floyd explain all that.” I thought for another minute as we walked back outside. The truth of the matter was I had too many cows to keep up with. I looked at the cattle trailer they’d brought with them. “Alright, a dozen head for now. If I like the way y’all are taking care of them, I’ll give you a dozen more in a couple of months.”
    “Sounds agreeable,” she said after a minute and held out her hand. I looked at her stubby outstretched paw. I didn’t want to touch her. Hell, I didn’t like the woman, but I shook on it anyway.
     
    “How’d it go with Floyd?” I asked as we shared a dinner plate.
    “Well, if I had to guess, I’d say he’s smitten with me,” Kelly replied. When I looked at her she giggled. “I caught him staring at my breasts a couple of times.” Once again, I felt that pang of jealously. It irritated me. I thought I had my feelings for her firmly and narrowly defined. But, when she mentioned Floyd ogling her, I found myself staring at them as well. She was wearing a button-down flannel shirt with a few of the buttons seductively left undone. I’ve seen her breasts many times, but even so, her cleavage was very alluring. I forced myself to focus.
    “Did he have anything to say?” She shook her head.
    “Before I had a chance to ask him any direct questions, dumbass Gus invited himself inside and drank most of the coffee while talking about sports.” She rolled her eyes. “Why in the world he thought baseball would interest either of us is beyond me.”
    “It figures,” I muttered.
    “Yeah, he kept me from asking any prying questions, but I think if I can get Floyd alone again he’ll tell me anything I want to know. So anyway, how’d it go with Tonya?”
    “I have reluctantly conceded she knows more than me about electricity and she’s going to help upgrade our power grid. In return, we’re going to give them some cows.”
    “Is it going to be a good deal?” she asked. I nodded between bites.
    “Yeah, we have too many cows for us to handle as it is. Besides, it couldn’t hurt to be nice to them, right?” Kelly expressed her approval by leaning over and kissing me on the cheek, causing me to look down the front of her shirt.
    “I think we got the better deal,” she said. “And as for Floyd, I’ll have him telling me all of their little secrets in no time.” She punctuated her declaration with a cheerful grin.
    “Alright, I have an idea which may help you along.”
    “Oh, yeah? What?”
    “Well, it involves Floyd, you, and me.”

Chapter 8 – Jorge
     
    In truth, I was anxious. Floyd admitted his marksmanship skills were somewhat limited due to his bad arm and Kelly is, well, a girly-girl. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very appreciative of her femininity and I’m not bashing women in general. Hell, Julie and Andie were excellent marksmen, markswomen, sharpshooters, whatever the proper term. Mac was a pretty good shot and I