Redemption // A Zombie Novel #Wattys2016

FIVE: A Terrifying Discovery

Norman Barnes had been walking all day. Together with William, David, Henry, Aron, Cara and Riley, they traveled from the ranch to an asphalt road that had a very cracked pavement. This path would lead them to the Center, the main town that had a very adept population of men and women in different races.

Norman had remembered through the course of their journey last night. He and Daisy had their first attempt at a sexual encounter in a seven-month romantic relationship. He could still feel her lips touch his, the hands caressing his body, and the steamy, nervous laugh of the young, gorgeous woman. The relaxing comfort of her curvy torso, and bony arms embracing him, made him fall into a sweet sleep faster after a day of slaughter and gore.

"How're you holding up?" Henry came by beside him. The thirty-something married man was buffed, had a trimmed beard and goatee, and taller than Norman.

"Good," Norman moaned.

"Missing someone?" said Henry like a tease.

Norman elbowed him. "Jerk," he muttered.

Henry chortled. "Man, it is no secret you and her are a sweet little couple. I mean, Bill knows, right?"

Norman shook his head.

"I know," William replied all of a sudden, while he trekked along with them. Norman wasn't surprised at all. He'd always known everything.

"And what do you think of it?" Henry asked.

"I think I wanna punch the damn guy in the face," the old man growled, then continued, "but no. If my niece can find happiness in him, then why would I bother ruining it."

"That's pretty touching, Bill," Norman said sarcastically.

"I never said I agree of what's happening between you and Daisy," he snapped. "If you hurt her-"

"I won't hurt he-"."

"IF you hurt her, I will let a horde of those bastards tear your heart out. Capiché?"

Norman sighed. "Sure."

"That's my boy," William patted Norman's head a bit too hard, and off he went, passing Riley and Cara who were busy talking in the front of the party. David glanced at the old fellow, then at Norman as he side-walked. He slowed down his gait until Norman was at his right side.

"What's up with you and the old-timer?" David asked in a low voice.

"He knows," Norman whispered.

"Knows about what? Between you and Daisy?"

Norman nodded. He could feel Henry's gaze, slightly smirking at him.

"Of course, he knows, you idiot! You'd think he won't notice your eyes looking at his niece for over seven months of relationship! And fuck, you just slept with her!"

"How do you know about the stares and shit?"

"Don't change the topic. You're looking at her most of the time last night with smiles and crap."