His Property

by Allison West

  * * *

  Behind them, the door clicked, and the redhaired guard entered the hall. He shut the door, a black case in his left hand.

  James slipped his fingers away, withdrawing his hand and body. Aria felt cold and strangely exposed, though she wore the same scrubs as earlier.

  With the gun still clenched in her grasp, she lifted the weapon, having no choice but to threaten Roger's life in exchange for their escape. "What's that?" she asked, nodding toward the rectangular black housing in his grip. It was no more than a few inches deep. Could it house a bomb or weapon of some kind to destroy them?

  "Take it," the guard said, handing it to James. "I don't have access to the cure, but there's a handful of syringes to be used weekly to ease your suffering. It will buy you time until you can pay for the cure or find your own solution to survive." The guard stared at Aria, his eyes squinting, and he took a tentative step closer. "I'm trying to help you."

  "Why?" She didn't lower her weapon, but her hand shook and she prayed he didn't notice.

  "Does it matter?" he asked, tilting his head slightly to the side. "Your eyes," Roger said. "They're different."

  The dye Hailey injected must have begun to wear off. "What's in the syringes?"

  "I don't know. There are men in this city who are experimenting with their own cures. I can't tell you if they work or not, but Hailey will be able to help." He stared at the barrel, as if he was remembering a romance or long lost loved one. "Your friend probably wouldn't have been infected if our claimers hadn't dragged him off the street." Roger's bottom lip frowned, pouting slightly. "We should only be bringing in those who are sick, not every sapphire in the city."

  Roger walked up to the keypad on the opposite door, toward the exit. He punched in a new code, which shut off the alarm and unlocked the door. "You have thirty seconds to get through the hall and exit the building."

  "Thank you," Aria said, grabbing James by the arm and leading him with her out of the containment corridor and through the halls. The guard station was empty. Was that why Roger said they had thirty seconds? She refused to slow. James stayed right on her heels, and she shoved her way through the doors and outside.

  The light outside shined bright, and James paused, squinting and pulling her back.

  "We can't stop." They weren't off the premises yet. "James, come on!" She dropped his hold, long enough to dig the keys from her pocket. "There's a car just around the corner. We're almost there."

  She gripped his hand, again, pulling him with her. His head bent down, his eyes trained on the asphalt. She led him to the car, unlocked the doors, and pushed him inside. Shutting the door, she started the engine and pushed the button for the vehicle to drive them back to Hailey.

  "Buckle in," Aria said.

  His hands shook, and she put the gun down beside her, helping secure the safety belt around his hips. She fastened her own, before the car jolted forward, guiding them away from the facility. She watched out the back window. No one emerged from the building. Had they truly made a clean escape, or would the claimers be after them once again?

  Chapter 4

  The car drove them back to Hailey's location. Aria had never gotten the opportunity for driving lessons. James had a car; he had showed it to her once and let her borrow it, what felt like a lifetime ago, to venture to the market before their trip across the Pacific. His car had been very similar in that it had driven itself. Though, at the time, James had come with her to ensure she arrived safely, but he'd waited in the car while she did their shopping. He was, after all, a wanted man with a bounty on his head. She doubted that had changed.

  What would become of them now? James was pale, and his skin perspired as he hung his head forward. Was he going to be sick?

  "Warn me if you're going to vomit."

  He didn't answer, and so she rested a hand on his back. His fever had increased, burning through his clothes as Aria touched him. She reached for the container the guard had provided her. She had to trust the stranger.

  Aria flipped open the lid and found a half-dozen syringes filled with liquid. She grabbed the nearest one, removed the cover for the needle and tapped the side, releasing the air bubbles as she squirted a tiny amount through the metal tip.

  "I'll be quick," she said, assuring James as best she could that even if it hurt, it wouldn't last. He was tough; she had no doubt he'd lie and tell her it was nothing, even if it burned. His breathing labored, and sweat trickled down to the floor as she injected the serum into his arm. Once she finished, Aria shut the container. In seven days, he'd need another shot. That gave him six weeks to live. Her bottom lip trembled, but she wouldn't allow herself to think about it like that, like a countdown to the end.

  The car slowed and turned into a garage. She recognized the building from earlier.

  "Where are we?" he asked. The flush on his cheeks had vanished. His eyes were clearer, brighter than just a few minutes ago. He was still breathing heavily, and she imagined it was a result of the temporary antidote coursing through his veins, forcing his heart to work faster to pump it to every part of his body.

  "I met this girl, Hailey, after you were taken. She leant me the car. I owe it to her, along with the gun." The car parked itself in an empty space, and the doors unlocked. Aria unbuckled herself, climbing out with the container in her hand. "You coming?"

  James stood and winced. It took him a minute to recover.

  Aria exhaled a nervous breath. Would he be okay? She reached for his arm, making sure he was steady as she shut the car door behind them and headed inside the building.

  "Well, well, well," Hailey said, greeting them as they entered the building. "Didn't think I'd see you back here. Did Roger help you out?" Hailey asked.

  "Yes. How did you know?" Aria asked, stunned.

  "He's my brother."

  "He told me he didn't believe the gun was loaded," Aria said.

  "That's because the poor bastard thinks I wouldn't have it in me to shoot anyone, including him. I let him believe that; it's easier than knowing the truth." Hailey held out her hand, wanting the weapon back.

  Aria was reluctant to return the pistol. She knew its value. Even so, she didn't want to betray the one person she'd met in Grace who had helped her save James. With a sigh, she dropped the handle gently into Hailey's palm.

  Hailey examined the gun, opened the cylinder to see how many bullets had been fired. "Impressive." She closed the cylinder and shoved the weapon into the back of her pants. Hailey stalked across the foyer, grabbed her bag, and returned it to Aria. "Honestly, I didn't expect you to be back. I'm keeping this," she said, holding a giant dildo in her right hand. It was still in the original packaging.

  Aria's cheeks burned with humiliation. She had purchased it at the market months ago, before their journey across the Pacific, intending to show James, but she had never found the time or the nerve.

  "That's yours?" James asked, glancing at Aria. He looked surprised, and for good reason.

  Hailey cleared her throat, changing the subject. "So what's in the container?"

  "Syringes to extend James life," Aria said. "He's been infected."

  Hailey stepped closer, glancing at the container, holding out her hands to take it. "May I?"

  "Be careful with it," Aria said, clinging to the container. She wasn't willing to let it go, but Hailey could look if she desired.

  The girl nodded. "Let me guess. They want diamonds or jewels, something exotic, in exchange for the cure?"

  "That's right," James said. He looked a lot better than he had earlier. He also seemed much more alert. His eyes were no longer glassy. His color had returned to normal. If Aria hadn't known he was infected, she'd think he was fine.

  "I may know of a way to help you out," Hailey said. She shifted on her feet, looking uncomfortable. "I would need to visit an old acquaintance."

  "Please." Aria didn't know what she could offer her in exchange for helping them, but whatever it was, they'd figure it out.

&nbs
p; James nudged Aria, but she ignored him. What other choice did they have? She would do whatever it took to save his life, even if it meant risking her own.

  Before Hailey led them outside, Aria quickly changed out of the scrubs and into her cargos and t-shirt. She carried a spare outfit for James in her bag as well, allowing him to change too. His pack was long gone. She shoved the container in her knapsack, knowing it would be protected with her carrying it.

  Stepping out from the safe confines of the building, Aria was anxious with the sun overhead, knowing the claimers could find them again. They didn't stay outside for long, and she felt relieved the moment the cover of darkness protected them again as they skirted into the building across the street. From there, they headed downstairs, into an old subway system and tunnels that stretched for miles.

  "Most of our people find shelter below ground and only reach the surface when they need food. Unless you're a wealthy angel. Then you live west and take up residence outside of town. The claimers constantly search the surface and the towers if there's any hint of life."

  "What happens when they find an emerald?" Aria asked. "Do they just let you go?" When the claimers found them, they'd only taken James. She assumed it had to do with the quarantine facility and the sapphires. Why had the world been in hiding, though, if everyone had green eyes from the inoculation?

  "Most, they leave alone, but the people are still afraid that the government will increase the tax or require additional payment for staying disease free."

  James cleared his throat. "You said most."

  "There are a handful of emeralds the claimers hunt for, including me. We're criminals. You should know that, before I lead you into their complex. They're not bad people; they've just made the most they can of their life, given their circumstances."

  "Neither of us are one to judge," Aria said.

  Hailey led them deeper through the tunnel of men sitting beside the abandoned subway line, their feet dangling beside fires along the tracks to keep warm.

  Aria watched with fascination as they skirted through the station, and Hailey dropped onto the tracks. "This way," Hailey said.

  James jumped down, and Aria hesitated before following. Was pairing up with a bunch of criminals a good idea? She didn't have any better suggestions and had no clue how to locate the crew who'd brought them here on the vessel. Would they even be willing to return to Brayleigh with them? He reached for Aria's hand, intertwining their fingers.

  They walked for hours. Aria's feet grew sore and her legs ached. She didn't dare ask how much longer until they reached their destination. Instead, she kept an eye on James, worried about his health.

  "I'm okay." He smiled for Aria, probably attempting to reassure her he felt better.

  She wasn't convinced. After seeing him earlier, she waited for the bad news to strike them again.

  "We're almost there," Hailey said as they approached another station.

  There were fewer people lingering along the tracks. "Do we have to go back outside?" Aria asked. She didn't want to run into claimers.

  "The exit's shut in at this station. There was an oil truck involved in a four-car collision over a decade ago. Turns out, it wasn't so bad for us, keeps the camp a little more secluded. We're set up in the shops that were abandoned. Follow me."

  They climbed back onto the platform, one at a time. The tiled floor was old and covered in dirt and grime, the air thick and musky, from years of being trapped without escape. Music blared and pulsated against the floor. Vibrations echoed against the tunnel walls, bouncing in every direction, making the sound seem even louder.

  Hailey removed a key hidden from beneath her shirt as she hopped over the gate.

  Aria followed, with James right behind her. Where was she taking them? Could they trust her? Aria didn't see another option.

  Hailey made everything look easy. She was a few inches taller than Aria, which probably made climbing onto the platform and jumping over the gate easier. Aria hid her struggle as best she could, grunting under her breath as she maneuvered herself to keep up with Hailey.

  James didn't say a word; he trailed right behind Aria, looking better than he had since the abduction. Relief flooded her veins, but Aria knew it was only temporary. The virus lay dormant. James would grow sick again.

  There was an abandoned shop on both sides of them. The music came from the store to their left. There was a wooden door, and it looked secure compared to the other broken down establishments with broken windows and missing doors. Most of the tunnel hadn't just been abandoned but looted. The longer she stared at the wooden door, she realized it looked new, out of place for a rickety old establishment.

  What were they hiding back there? With the key in Hailey's hand, she shoved it into the lock and pushed the door open. Aria held her breath, nervous. Were they really going to meet criminals, or had she tried to scare them, because it definitely had worked?

  There was a lingering smell of smoke as they entered through the door. Music blasted from a room in the far back. It looked as though there was a live band playing, entertaining the group. Who, exactly, were these people? What crimes had they committed? Was she stupid for following Hailey?

  The tempo of the music changed. It grew fast and upbeat, lively, as they mixed in with the crowd. Women wore frilly dresses, and men wore anything from jeans to boxers. There was evidently no code of dress for this place. Was it a club? Aria had heard of such pleasures in another era, before the Gem Apocalypse, but this had her baffled.

  As she walked farther into the building, there was a glimmer of metal and a cage, with a woman wearing black leather covering her intimate areas. She gyrated her hips for the men watching. Was this a prison for her, or was she free to come and go as she pleased?

  Another man, an emerald, watched Aria. She glanced away, trying not to lock eyes with him. Maybe he was looking past her at someone else? She wanted that to be the case, but she felt a weird vibe, a creepy feeling crawling on her skin. Was he hoping to dance with her? She wanted nothing to do with him or any other man in this club. They were only here to find a cure for James.

  Hailey grabbed Aria's arm, tugging her through the crowd. There was a back stairwell around the corner, and Hailey stalked upstairs, insisting James and Aria join her.

  The music dulled as they climbed, but the vibration continued to pulse through the floor. Along the wall, there were photographs that appeared surprisingly new affixed to the wall. Giant photographs of women posing tastefully naked. Aria's eyes landed on the photo at the top of the stairs. Though it was dark, she felt certain it was the girl from the cage.

  Aria glanced down the side of the stairwell, where a second cage housed another female dancer. "Is this place a brothel?" Aria asked.

  Hailey laughed. "In a way. We cater to exotic tastes, but that's not why we're here." She quickly clarified her position. "The guy who runs this place has connections. He's your only hope of getting diamonds or an experimental cure."

  At the top of the stairs, Hailey wandered through the hall and to the last door on the right. A faded metal placard read 'Office' that was attached to the left of the door.

  Hailey gave a firm knock. "Victor."

  Aria was surprised he could hear anything above the music.

  "Come in." His accent sounded thick and muddled, making the words slur together and difficult to hear. Hailey opened the door and stepped inside his office. James and Aria stood by the door in the hallway. "Come, come!" Victor said, gesturing them all inside. "What brings you here, Hailey? I thought you left me for good."

  "I could never leave you, darling," Hailey said, gesturing toward James and Aria. "I brought you a little something."

  Victor's eyes locked on Aria, and he held out his hand as if to signal them not to speak. "She's beautiful."

  "I'm not selling them. At least that isn't why we've come, Victor," Hailey said. "James, the sapphire, is infected with the virus. They can't afford the cure."

  Victor pursed his
lips together, looking troubled. "That's a real shame. For a man of his looks and, I imagine, size, I'd pay double my typical rate."

  "Can you help us?" Aria stepped forward, hoping he'd consider their request, without fully thinking about what Victor had said.

  The older gentleman, with thin graying hair, tilted his head slightly to the side. "Come closer," he said, staring at Aria.

  Aria felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny, but she did as he said and took a step closer. At least, there was a desk between them. "You, my dear, have the perfect body." His eyes raked over her clothed form.

  Aria wasn't sure whether to thank him or be offended. "I don't see what my body has to do with saving James' life." At least, she didn't wish to see the connection.

  "Suppose I could procure an experimental cure; there are doctors selling dosages that have been stolen from the quarantine facility. Of course, it will cost something."

  James stepped closer, standing beside Aria. She felt the warmth of his body as they nearly touched. "How much?"

  "Money?" Victor shook his head and laughed. "I don't trade on such antiquated currency. No. I want you both as my subjects for two weeks while I ask around, find what you need."

  "Two weeks?" Aria swallowed the lump in her throat. "What, exactly, do you do with your subjects?" Would she be caged like the brunette downstairs? At least, if James didn't pull through, they'd still have four weeks left together, assuming the cure didn't kill him.

  Victor had a throaty laugh; it was thick and hoarse. He coughed, clearing his throat. "I'm a photographer. Don't look so frightened by the prospect. I'm sure you saw my works of art on the walls when you came inside. I feel confident that having you both as my subjects will offer me enough inspiration to pay for the cure. I'll give you room and board."