The Grave: A Zombie Novel Read Online Free

him if he would make an appearance. He is one of our best researchers.”
    “I don’t know why you’re telling me that,” said Suzy as they continued up the stairs. She looked at Kelly and couldn’t help but grin. Kelly winked back at her and they said no more.
    The American Museum of Natural History was buzzing. On the steps outside, photographers waited anxiously, and men in dark suits stood either side of a red carpet. Various dignitaries and celebrities had been entering the museum for the last hour. The majority had made their way through to the Guggenheim Hall where waiters served champagne and hors d’oeuvres. All the directors and employees of the museum were present, talking up the next expedition and exhibits planned in the year ahead.
    K elly, as Associate Director, was due to give a speech in an hour. It was not her favourite part of the job, but she understood its importance to both her own career and the future of the museum. She spent a lot of the year travelling and as much time as possible in her office studying and planning for the next trip. She had asked Suzy to pick out a dress for her to wear because she didn’t have time herself. It had been a year since she had last worn one and hoped it would be another until the next occasion.
    As Kelly and Suzy entered the Hall of Ocean Life, they spied a familiar face. Breaking away from the group of men he had been chatting with, Professor Rasmus came over to them immediately. He had worked at the museum for nearly forty years, which was far longer than anyone else had. What he didn’t know wasn’t worth knowing and Kelly made sure he was well looked after. He would be retiring in a few years and the upcoming trip was to be his last. Kelly wanted to make sure it was a worthwhile venture and that he would enjoy it.
    “Ladies, you look beautiful,” he said beaming as he gave them both a quick kiss.
    “Rasmus, I’ve never seen you look so smart,” said Suzy. “Oh hang on, I don’t mean that you’re usually, you know, well...”
    “Relax dear; you need a glass of champagne.” Rasmus reached over to a passing waiter and grabbed a couple of glasses. He handed one to Kelly and one to Suzy.
    “She’s just nervous,” said Kelly. “We have a VIP here tonight, don’t you know.”
    “The First Lady? Why of course. Suzy, you must just not think about it. Relax and be yourself, my girl.” Rasmus smiled at Suzy who was blushing.
    “ Actually I think she is hoping Will Forrest is going to make an appearance.” Kelly looked at Suzy, trying to make her blush even more.
    “All right, you guys, can it. I swear it’s like being back at school here sometimes. Look, I am a professional. I am here to work and help the museum. Whoever is here is here and whoever is not is not.” Suzy knocked back her champagne and handed the empty glass to Kelly. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have people to see and work to do.” Suzy winked at Kelly, gave Rasmus a peck on the cheek, and then waltzed off in the direction of the main hall where a chamber orchestra was playing.
    “So you all set for tomorrow? You must be looking forward to it immensely. Bags packed? Any last minute hitches?” Rasmus scratched at his white beard, thinking he should really trim it before the flight.
    “Absolutely, you know me, I love it. I have everything planned and organised down to the last, so there had better not be any last minute hitches. If you jinx me, Rasmus, you’re in for it. I don’t know whose bright idea it was to book a flight for eight o’clock in the morning, the day after the museum fundraiser. There are going to be some sore heads on the flight tomorrow.” Kelly sipped her champagne. She was purposefully making herself drink it slowly. She would need a clear head for the speech later and she didn’t want to make a fool of herself in front of the First Lady and five hundred people.
    “I have to thank you, Kelly. I thought I had been on my last field trip, but this