Read Scavengers: July for Free Online Page A

he composed himself and started climbing up the ladder, trying not to look down at the zombies, heading for the building. The only good thing was the weather: sunny and warm, as if it were a regular, lovely summer in the countryside. Fortunately, there were metal rungs for climbing to the top of the triangular roof. He sighed, feeling at least a portion of his fears diminishing as he looked around at the thick forests and lake he used to swim in as a little boy. In front of him, about 70 feet away he saw the roof of the stables.
    He looked down to make sure Ira was following him. He just hoped the topic of the drawings would never come up again. He felt a surge of relief at the sight of the other man climbing over the edge of the roof in swift movements.
    “Go towards the stable” he commanded, quickly reaching the top of the roof and straddling it for support. James’ creamy shirt was creased and dirty and he knew he looked tired, but he still managed a gentle smile at Ira. He could feel they were closer to reaching their goal. Even if the zombies entered the building now, it would be for the better as they were heading for the barn and stable buildings anyway. Carefully, he moved along the rooftop, trying not to injure his hands or rip the pants on the metal sheets that covered the surface. Finally, he reached the edge and stopped, swallowing slightly.
    “Don’t move,” Ira warned him and moved to put both of his legs on one side. Without a word, he lowered himself along the descending surface and slowly reached one leg over to a chimney. It was frightening to watch, but he managed to safely squat on the flat place beneath it. The man sighed, looking up at James with a sly smile. “Weird feeling, that ‘ard bulge between ya thighs, eh?”
    James’ lips parted as he didn’t know what to say for a moment, but he didn’t move either, just sitting there on the top of the roof looking downwards. He wasn’t sure if he could be as dexterous as Ira. “It’s not funny,” he muttered in the end, flatly.
    “Did I say it was?” asked the other man fishing a thick rope out of the harness he wore. He encircled the chimney three times before starting to form a knot. “Why, would you prefer something else?”
    James simply stared at him, not knowing if he should feel offended or... what was Ira implying actually? “No, the rooftop is fine...” he said in the end, knowing it was stupid by the time he finished saying it.
    Ira’s face lit up in an amused smile and he shook his head. “You still need to let it go,” he said, sitting on the edge of the flat place around the chimney, and placing his feet on the descending plates between him and James. “Now slide down. I’ll catch you.”
    James took a deep breath, feeling strange goosebumps, but hearing the growling noises from the windows helped him make up his mind. He did exactly as Ira told him, hoping for the best. The other man spread his muscled arms broadly and leaned forward, following his every move with dark eyes. James grabbed at his hands desperately as soon as he was close enough to do so. He felt a pair of strong arms over his ribcage, securing him in place. Ira looked straight into his eyes, now exceptionally close, their legs touching. A wave of heat flew through James’ body.
    “Thank you,” he muttered finally, not moving an inch. He felt embarrassed by the improper thoughts that filled his mind when he was so close to the former sailor. The man sighed, stroking one of his arms lightly.
    “When you were researchin' those perverted pages,” he murmured, leaning even closer to James, “did it ever make you wonder ‘ow it would feel?” His voice sounded as calm and gentle as the soft afternoon sun James felt on his cheek.
    “No!” he said instantly, though didn’t move away. This man was really something else. “I mean... I can see why you would be mocking my choice of study.”
    “That’ no mocking,” Ira protested immediately, “Just