Darkness Falls (Book 1): Rise of the Fallen by Martin W. Francis

a lot of work and the right tools. Parking the RV I glanced in the driver’s side mirror noticing there was an automotive shop across the street. The main door to the business was wide open. As I speculated the possibility of there being a torch handy at the shop I saw two Fallen wearing mechanic uniforms streak out of the open doorway. I dropped the key to the ignition into the floorboard. Within seconds they came up on the RV. One attempted to break into the rear side door which was laughable since I had reinforced it with a steel bar and multiple locks years ago being paranoid someone would break in while I was soundly sleeping. The other Fallen pulled himself up onto the hood intently gawking inside at what it assumed would be its next meal. It banged on the glass extremely hard making small cracks that were rapidly spreading. A gun shot was fired off from somewhere outside. The creature on the hood slumped over falling off after losing a large chunk of its skull. A second shot rang out dropping the other Fallen a second later. Not positive they were completely dead I waited a minute before opening my door.
    “Hello? Not sure who just saved my bacon, but it is much appreciated.”
    “Up here son. You are more than welcome. The names Jerod Wilkins. I’m Robert’s father, proprietor of this here shop.”
    Looking up I saw an elderly black gentleman with white hair staring down at me. He held a sniper rifle at the ready and was obviously a damn fine shot with it.
    “Pleasure to make your acquaintance Jerod. You can call me Rye, short for Ryan. Is Robert around? Have some business I would like to discuss with the both of you.”
    “Sad to say I had to put him down a few days ago.” The jubilant smile he had been expressing quickly faded away.” What kind of business you have in mind? I take it that you came to a gun shop because you need a gun or some ammunition right?”
    “Well, yes and no. You think we might talk in person. It’s kind of awkward talking up to you. Plus I don’t completely feel safe from whatever may still be lurking around down here even with you being a crack shot. I promise not to have any weapons present or cause any trouble.”
    His smile found its way back “Sounds like you’re pretty good at negotiating. Better put on my bargaining hat before you come up.” He stepped out of sight for a moment. When he returned he was wearing a dark brown cowboy hat with what appeared to be a gold Texas Ranger’s badge on the front. He tossed down a rope ladder for me to climb up.
    At the top of the ladder he gave reached out his hand. He grasped my outstretched hand with a tight grip pulling me the rest of the way up. I was now the one smiling. “Quite the bargaining hat if I ever saw one. How many years did you serve?”  
    “Twenty years with the Rangers. Not much I haven’t seen. Well, that is until this plague came along anyway. Would you like some tea while we discuss business?”
    “Tea would be wonderful! Don’t suppose you have any sugar?”
    “Of course, it’s not tea without sugar unless you’re diabetic of course.” Jerod pulled out two cups and a box of sugar cubes which he dumped the entire contents into the pitcher of nearby tea. He stirred it thoroughly before pouring each of us a cup which we both gulped down enthusiastically. “So what did you mean earlier by yes and no? Usually it’s one or the other.”
    “Truth be told I currently have plenty of guns and ammunition to get by for a while. However it is always best to be prepared for the worst. Although I could probably eventually find another gun shop that hasn’t been completely looted finding supplies for free, I would prefer to deal with another human when the chance allows. It is after all a rare thing these days. Plus it honestly still feels like stealing to me even though no one else is around to assert claim to nearly anything.”
    “You kind of make it hard to bargain when I can’t match free prices. I’m