Hunters entire body writhed and squirmed.The side of his head was partly gone. A creature, like some monstrous melding of insect and eel, protruded from Hunters shoulder and as they stood there rooted in horror it took a vicious bite of Hunters flesh.Taylor was suddenly gone.Dekkas face was grim, her eyes wet.I tried . . . , Hunter said. He held up his hands, mimicked pressing them against his head. It didnt work.I can do it, Sam said softly.Im scared, Hunter said.I know.Its cause I killed Harry. God has to punish me. I tried to be good but Im bad.No, Hunter, Sam said gently. You paid your dues. You fed the kids. Youre a good guy.Im a good hunter.The best.I dont know whats happening. Whats happening, Sam?Its just the FAYZ, Hunter, Sam said.Can the angels find me here so I can go to heaven?Sam didnt answer. It was Dekka who spoke. Do you still remember any prayers, Hunter?The insectlike creature was almost completely emerged from Hunters shoulder. Legs were becoming visible. It had wings folded against its body. It looked like a gigantic ant, or wasp, but silver and brass and covered with a sheen of slime.It was emerging like a chicken breaking out of an egg. Being born. And as the creature was born, it fed on Hunters numbed body.Jerky movements beneath Hunters shirt testified to more of the larvae emerging.Do you remember now I lay me down to sleep? Dekka asked.Now I lay me down to sleep, Hunter said. I pray the Lord my soul to keep.Sam raised his hands, palms out.If I should dieTwin beams of light hit Hunters chest and face. His shirt caught fire. Flesh melted. He was dead before he could feel anything.Sam played the light up and down Hunters body. The smell was sickening. Jack wanted to look away, but how could he?Sudden darkness as Sam terminated the light.Sam lowered his hands to his side.They stood there in the darkness. Jack breathed through his mouth, trying not to smell the burned flesh.Then they heard a sound. Many sounds.Sam raised his hands and pale light glowed.Hunter was all but gone.The things that had been inside him were still there.
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About Michael Grant, Plague
Michael Grant, Plague.