The Grave: A Zombie Novel Read Online Free Page B

do I sound like? Anyway, have you seen Will yet? I was rather hoping he would be here so I could introduce him to...”
    “Did someone mention my name?”
    Will put a hand on Kelly’s shoulder and she shrieked in surprise. Nobody noticed over the noise of the room and she greeted Will with a bear hug. He was wearing a tuxedo, like most men at the fundraiser, and he looked fresh and clean. He was a little over six feet tall and at twenty-nine, still had a shockingly full head of hair.
    “Will, you made it!”
    “Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said as Kelly released him. “I got home, unpacked, packed again, and here I am. I’ve gotta say, this tie is not my thing.” Will fiddled with it, trying to loosen the button beneath the tie. “Feels like I can’t breathe in the damn thing.”
    “Let me,” said Suzy. Will stood still as Suzy laced her fingers behind his collar and loosened his tie. She kept her eyes focused on his neck, knowing he was looking at her.
    “How you doin’ Suzy Q?” said Will, giving her a kiss on the cheek as she stepped back. He ran his fingers around his collar, pleased he could breathe more easily now. He had christened her Suzy Q shortly after meeting her. He had a passion for old rock music, very old, and Suzy reminded him of Suzy Quatro. They looked completely different, but there was a certain confidence, a swagger about them, that they both shared. He didn’t know if Suzy had figured it out yet, but she certainly hadn’t picked up on it.
    “See, you just needed a woman’s touch,” said Kelly, amused.
    “Good to see you, Will, it’s been a while,” said Suzy. She couldn’t help but admire him. He certainly knew how to wear a suit and with a good shave, he smarted up well. She was more used to seeing him in combat boots and trek shirts. Like Kelly, he spent most of his time travelling and avoided office functions when possible. He had itchy feet; that was how Kelly put it.
    “ Too long,” said Will. “I just got back from the GC.”
    “The where now?” said Suzy.
    “Grand Canyon. Sorry, I forgot. You New Yorkers don’t go further than the Hudson, do you.”
    “Smart ass.” Suzy shook her head and laughed.
    “L ook I’ve got to get moving. The First Lady will be here any moment. I’d better get out there and put on my best smile. How do I look?” Kelly patted her hair and struck a pose for Will to see her new dress.
    “Great,” said Will. “Knock ‘ em dead.”
    Kelly left and Will took a Snickers bar out of his pocket. He unwrapped it and took a huge bite.
    “ Holy cow, Will. What are you doing?” said Suzy in a firm but quiet voice. She looked around conspiratorially, but nobody had noticed them.
    “Oh sorry,” said Will. He held the bar out to her. “You want some?”
    “No, thank you. That’s not what I...never mind.” Suzy stared at him amazed as he shrugged his shoulders and continued eating.
    “What? I’m hungry,” he said between mouthfuls as he shoved the empty wrapper back into his pocket.
    Suzy wanted him to tell him off, and say he was embarrassing her, but all she could do was think how much she wanted to kiss him.
    Will brushed the chocolate crumbs from his lips and took Suzy’s hand. “Come on, let’s go.”
    “Where?” Suzy felt a flush of excitement and grasped his hand in hers.
    “The Yankees, where do you think? The First Lady just arrived, see?”
    Will pointed and Suzy saw Kelly walking alongside the First Lady. She wore a sparkling deep blue dress and she was flanked on either side by men wearing dark suits. They were not museum staff or waiters.
    Will led Suzy through the throng of people who were all clamouring to see the new arrival. There had been some doubt and gossip as to whether she would show up, but now she was here, the excitement level in the room went up another notch. Will tried gently to push past the A-listers and celebrities toward Kelly, but as he got closer, the crowd became thicker.
    “Let’s