Free Omega Virus (Book 2): Revisited by D. Manuel Mendonca Page B

sinking deeper into her body as she crosses the threshold. A foul odor invades her nostrils causing her to drop the flashlight as she starts to dry heave off in the corner.
                  “You alright?” Fanny asks.
                  “Yeah, the smell just got to me,” Hope replies through the huffing and puffing. “What was that anyway?”
                  Fanny turns her head finding the flashlight resting on the ground, the beam pointing at a male body decomposing off in the corner. His head is detached from his body, his black suit ripped, teeth and claw marks all over his body.
                  “This isn’t right,” Fanny says turning the body over revealing the front side of the priest’s body revealing more marks.
                  “What isn’t?” Hope asks trying not to look at the body.
                  “This body looks almost fresh,” Fanny answers, “If this body was killed years ago it would be decomposed by now.”
                  “What does that mean?” Hope asks slightly befuddled.
                  “I’m not sure. Maybe it doesn’t mean anything, but it just seems strange,” Fanny replies gathering the flashlight and handing it back to Hope, “Do you know how long it takes a body to decompose?”
                  “No?” Hope replies unsure, “why?”
                  “I think this is a fresh body,” Fanny answers.
                  “That means there are those…things around here,” Hope says backing into a filing cabinet knocking over an assortment of items.
                  “You’re missing the big picture,” Fanny says with a smile, “that means there are others around. People, like us!”
                  “Wait that means there is a place to hide for the night,” Hope says catching up.
                  “Exactly. We need to find the others!” Fanny says with a hint of excitement in her voice.
                  “I don’t think that will be a problem,” Hope says turning her friend around.
                  Karen, John and Sarah are on their knees just outside the door. Two shadowy figures can be seen behind them only their silhouettes can be made out.
                  “What are you doing here?” A deep booming voice questions.
                  Hope and Fanny raise their hands peacefully, their weapons dropped to the ground.
                  “We don’t mean you any harm,” Fanny replies. “We are just looking for a place to rest.”
                  “You have invaded our sanctuary and now request safe haven?” The voice asks angrily.
                  “Yes please,” Hope gulps.
                  Whispering sounds come from the doorway as the group waits anxiously for an answer.
                  “We will take one of you to our leader,” The voice calls out, “they will decide your fate.”
                  “What about the others?” Fanny asks.
                  “They will wait here,” The voice answers, “now choose one to come with us.”
                  Fanny goes to step forward but she is stopped when Hope speaks up first, “I will.”
                  “What are you doing?” Fanny asks pulling her back.
                  “I’m taking charge,” Hope replies, “this is my choice, let me do it.”
                  Fanny warily removes her hand before letting out an exasperating sigh, “please be safe.”
                  “I’ll be fine. But just in case,” She bends down and picks up her sword and hands it to her friend.
                  “No. that’s yours,” Fanny says pushing it away.
                  “I know. I just want you to guard it until I get back,” She