Page 4 of Perfectly Perplexing Zombie

“She’s interested in Wendall? Why?” Muriel leaned heavily against a nearby counter, her hands shaky when she reached for the surface.

“Her reasons are her own,” I hedged, unwilling to confess Wendall’s true importance, even to Priestess Muriel. “Whatisimportant is her concern that Wendall’s fairy blood might further interfere with reanimation. There have been…signs that perhaps the reanimation is faltering.”

Muriel’s ring-covered fingers scrubbed across her worried brow. “King Moony called me a few days ago.”

I raised an eyebrow. “And what did he have to say?”

Choking out a mirthless laugh, Muriel stared at the ceiling, a heavy sigh falling from her lips. “Johnny and King Moony noticed some worrisome physical changes. Spots on Wendall’s skin that do not appear as pristine as when he was freshly risen.”

“Decay?”

“Possibly. I was trying to give Wendall time to contact me on his own, but perhaps I need to be more proactive. It might be a matter of more food. I’ve asked if he needs more, but Wendall has seemed content. Perhaps he’s not eating well. Typical zombies don’t care what they crave. They don’t have the mental capacity to do so. All they know is the desire, the driving force to feed, and what that hunger wants is brains and flesh. Brain tissue mostly. There simply isn’t enough of it to go around, so they settle for other bits and pieces. I’ve given Wendall the most desirable parts, but if he’s not eating it…” She shrugged. “Wendall retained his sense of self, and it’s not a stretch to think he might balk at his new, necessary diet.”

I had not considered such a thing and wondered if Queen Silvidia had. “Do you believe Wendall will be truthful if you ask?”

Muriel’s lips screwed tight. “If he doesn’t, then I’ll force him to. I’m his priestess. I’ve never tried to push my authority onto Wendall. I’ve always tried to respect his individuality, but if needed, I will exert my will to get to the truth.”

“And if it is not the food? If he is eating properly?”

“Then we’ve got a bigger problem.” Muriel appeared thoughtfully forlorn. “My abilities over humans are unquestionable. However, fairy blood, even the smallest hint of it, could change things. For obvious reasons, I’ve never attempted to reanimate fairy flesh.”

“I doubt you’d live long enough to complete the process.”

“Exactly. That’s why I’ve never attempted it,” Muriel answered as if I were a moron. “I’ll contact Wendall today. No, better yet, I’ll make a trip to Dusk and see for myself. I won’t be able to tell if he’s lying over the phone. Those damn electronic devices fuck everything up.”

“Humanity does have a penchant for creating such devices.”

Again, Muriel cackled. “Indeed, they do. But I’ll give them this, some of those devices are damn useful too. You’ve got to give them credit for using what their god gave them. They might be weak, short-lived, and violently self-destructive, but they’re terribly creative regarding how they go about it.”

I didn’t attempt to disagree.

“I’ll use one of those hateful devices to contact you, if that’s agreeable?”

“It is. The sooner, the better. If intervention is needed, it would be best to do so sooner rather than later.”

Muriel’s forlorn look grew more dejected. “I hate to say this, but if his fairy blood is mucking up the process, I’m not certain there is anything more I can do. I don’t want to lose Wendall. I like him. And not just me, but Johnny does too. I’d hazard that everyone at Dusk has a soft spot for the reanimated human. I don’t want to fail him, but in this case, I’m unsure what else can be done.”

Turning, I made my way through the winding labyrinth of Muriel’s home. “Leave that to me,” I cryptically answered while reaching for the door. It wasn’t the option I desired, but it was the one I’d take to please my queen.

ChapterThree

Wendall

“Yo, Wendall.” Johnny knocked on my door. Checking the nearby clock, I noted it was around two in the afternoon. I’d fallen into bed a little after 5:00 a.m. I didn’t have far to travel after work. I lived in a little apartment above the bar. It was simple, but I didn’t need much. A twin bed, galley kitchen, and small bathroom with a stand-up shower worked great for me. I had a fridge to store my food and a small microwave to heat it when I felt like warm brains.

“Just a minute,” I shouted loud enough to carry through the closed door. It was unlocked, and Johnny could have come in if he wanted. Thankfully, my boss respected my privacy.

“You’ve got a visitor, so dress in more than your underwear,” Johnny snickered.

I rolled my eyes, staring down at my boxer briefs. Reaching for a t-shirt and a pair of shorts, I vaguely wondered if I should put something nicer on. I didn’t get visitors except Muriel. Allowing my eyes to slip closed again, I concentrated on the link between us and blew out a sigh of relief.

Muriel was on the other side of the door. My t-shirt and shorts were plenty.

Hurrying, I patted down my bedhead and reached for the knob. Opening the door revealed the decked-out priestess. I’d never seen Muriel look anything but impeccable. A smile lit up my face, and without thought, I leaned forward and threw my arms around her, squeezing tight. Similar in height, I didn’t have to bend down much to cradle this lovely woman.

“Hi, Muriel. It’s good to see you.”

Patting my back, Muriel softly chuckled. “You’re a bit stronger than your skinny white ass looks.”

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