A few people held up babies as if someone inside the Bunker would reach down, pluck the poor kid from their hands, and find a place inside where it stood a healthier chance at life. The sad thing was, they were right. While it was pretty much unbearable inside the Bunker, it sure beats what the rest of the world faced outside.
If only I could help one of them. No, if only I could help everyone. But it was all I could do to take care of Joe and me.
Turning, I sighed and climbed back down to the ground floor.
As I moved through the corridor, something clanged behind me.
Chapter Two
Anxiety zipped down my spine, and I darted a look over my shoulder. Overhead, a solitary fluoro buzzed, giving off next to no light. Would it kill them to replace a bulb every now and then?
Damned creepy Bunker.
I sped up, my treds smacking the worn tiles. The sound was faint, but I swore footsteps followed. My throat tightened, making my breathing wheeze. Images of Tiff’s flesh-eating snakes ambushed my brain. They slithered behind me. Seeking my blood. If I didn’t escape, they’d take me down.
“Leeesssha.”
My heart flipped in my chest. I whirled, backpedaling. Not watching where I was going, I ran into the wall, jarring my arm. A shadow stabbed across the floor from the other corridor.
Hell, there was someone following me. Panic took over. I whirled and ran. They kept pace, just out of sight. Get me to my room. Please.
“I see you.” A deep chuckle rang out in the hall. “Now, I’ll catch you.”
Who was it? Why were they doing this to me? My head spun as I hyperventilated.
A right at the intersection.
Down the next hall.
Around a corner.
Dead end.
Trapped.
My gasp rang out. Adrenalin shot through my veins, dragging my heart along with it. I snapped my head around, but there was nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide.
I backed against the wall, determined to stand up to whatever came next. My knife. I’d put it in my pocket this morning. I reached for it—
“Hey.” Riley, a team leader and paramedic, strolled into view, a half-smile on his face. I was studying medicine, and he taught some of my classes. He continued toward me, his treds a shhh-shhh-shhh on the tiles.
“You okay?” He glanced around with his brow creasing. “What’s going on?”
“I thought I saw…” Leaning sideways, I peered past him, but there was nothing there. Per usual. Stress must be making my imagination run wild.
“What?” he asked.
Shoving my hair out of my eyes, I slumped against the wall. Maybe there hadn’t been anyone there, or Riley had scared whoever it was away. It was about time someone patrolled the halls.
He gripped my wrist. “You’re a mess.”
That was obvious.
Maintaining his hold, he pulled a tissue from his pocket and blotted at my face.
“Umm, yeah.” I yanked on my arm, but he wouldn’t let go. My laugh burst out jittery. “My brother’s alone in our room. I’ve got to get back.”
He grinned. “You’ve got time to talk to me, don’t you, babe?”
My heart plummeted. Babe. That sleazy nickname Unknown Sender used.
I locked my eyes on his. Sapphire ice. The heat in them raked through my belly. “You’re sick, you know that?”
Confusion filled his features for a split second before he shook his head. He laughed, low, deep, and husky. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t play dumb.” I tried for brave, but my voice cracked. “You’re the one who keeps sending me those messages.”
“You’re right. No more games.” The heat of his breath slithered across my face. Minty. It should have been pleasant, but it made me shudder instead. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Couldn’t wait to find you. I want to share something with you.”
Did he think I wanted to hear anything he had to say? I wrenched from his grip. Slamming past him, I darted down the hall.
“Come back,” he called out, stretching out to grab me. “You’re…aww, shit. Lesha, stop. You know we’re going to be together.”
Not if I had any say in it. Turning the corner, I raced to the end and slammed into someone coming from the other direction.
“Hey.” Malik Romero, our starship’s youngest military escort, steadied me, his rich mahogany gaze narrowed on mine. “What’s wrong?”
Gripping the front of his uniform, I glanced over my shoulder. Riley strode into view with fury blazing on his face. Leaning against the wall, he crossed his arms on his chest.
I sucked in a deep breath before releasing it through trembling lips. My body shook and my heart kept leaping around in my chest. “Nothing.” Pulling away from Malik, I fled down the hall.
“Lesha, wait.” Malik caught up and walked beside me.
I wiped the sweat off my face with the back of my hand.
He peered over his shoulder. “What went on back there?”
No need to turn to see what drew his eye. The intensity of Riley’s gaze raked furrows down my back.
“You’re upset. Did he do something to you?” Anger tightened Malik’s features. “Hell, I can tell by your face he did. You want to press charges?”
Absolutely not. Riley was going to Stellar 3. After today, I’d never see him again.
Besides, if I pressed charges, they could put our departure passes on hold while they investigated. Until we were in stasis, it was never too late for this to fall apart.
The thought of Riley making a stink—and he could, because he was a team leader and I had no one to stand up for me now that Mom was gone—filled me with so much fear, I worried I'd explode. Lately, it was all I could do to hold it together for Joe. “Let it go. Please.”
Malik’s jaw clenched, highlighting the dark stubble on his cheeks. “If something went on back there…If he hurt you. Well, I’ll handle him.”
He could do it, too. After winning medals in a war on the other side of the world, he’d made Special Ops, and they only took the toughest. I appreciated his help, but I would deal with this all on my own. If my uncle couldn’t beat me down, neither could Riley.
We reached my room, and I paused before opening the door. “Thanks. I appreciate your help back there.”
He patted my shoulder. “You’re welcome.”
I nodded and stepped inside. Malik’s concerned eyes remained locked on mine as the door slid closed.
Joe sat on the bed, his backpack where I’d left it, his gaze fixed on the televid screen.
Cartoons. Again. My anxiety morphed into anger, shoving past my control to the point it consumed me.
“What are you doing?” I hauled his partly filled bag off the floor and shook it. “Shut off the televid and finish packing. A few clothes, maybe? Your stuffed rabbit? How about that gaming unit you love so much? Just dump any-damned-thing into your bag, would you?”
His lower lip quivered, and his eyes filled.
Sucker punched in the gut. Way to be like my uncle. My anger left me as fast as it had risen, replaced by overwhelming shame.
“I’m sorry. Jeez, Joe, I’m sorry.” I tried to hug him but he shirked away, tucking his rabbit close to his chin.
I whirled on my treds and fled to the bathroom, and the door banged shut behind me. I leaned against it, my heart tied in a knot. I hadn’t meant to yell at my brother. I loved him. More than anyone else in the world.
We just needed to get to Dad on Eris. Then everything would be better. I’d repeated this litany in my mind for months, ever since Mom died and my uncle stepped forward to say he could take care of us. When his greedy gaze had locked on me, I’d shuddered.
Since we were leaving Earth and my uncle was not, the courts had thankfully emancipated me and given me temporary custody of Joe.
My wrist com chimed, and I glared at it. Another freakin’ message.
Great seeing you, babe. Let’s do it again real soon.
Horro
r fragmented my mind, and the exposed cracks overflowed with my fear of Riley. My legs shook so badly I couldn’t remain on my feet. I tumbled to the floor and locked my knees to my chest. Afraid Joe would hear my sobs, I shoved my fist against my mouth.
I remained on the floor until a warning came through on my wrist com, telling me it was past the time to go.
Scrambling to my feet, I clicked the switch, bathing the room in artificial light. My calves bumped the toilet while my thighs hit the sink.
I ran a washcloth under the faucet and dropped it into the basin with a wet smack. Hauling my durasuit down, I almost fell while hitching my feet through the legs. I rubbed the cool cloth over my neck and chest, creating a trail of shivering tears that drizzled down my belly.
Lifting the peach durasuit I’d put aside earlier, I pulled it on and zipped it to my chin. I retrieved the switchblade Dad had given me before he left and tossed my dirty clothing down the chute.
My puffy eyes stared back at me in the mirror, and my lower lip trembled. The booming thud of my pulse echoed around me.
Before tucking it into my pocket, I clicked the button and my blade sprang free. This puny thing was me and Joe’s sole protection. I didn’t dare lose it.
A bang in the room made me jump, and my knife slipped from my hand.
It clattered around the basin with a slasher’s rage.
Chapter Three
When I left the bathroom, Joe was fastening his bag. A tiny head poked from the top. The creature and I squeaked in unison.
“What’s that?” I stumbled against the doorjamb, the sharp edge digging into my hip.
“A mouse. He wants to come with us.”
“A mouse.” Leave it to Joe to adopt another stray. It had taken me a month to find a home for the feral kitten he’d tamed after we’d moved in.
Easing toward him, I dropped my knife into my pocket. “You can’t take a pet into outer space. We’ll be in stasis.” My anxiety spiked at the reminder we’d be frozen for years. “Your mouse has to stay here.”
He nuzzled the creature against his cheek. “Please? He’s my friend.”
I stroked Joe’s hair, hoping he could read the apology in my touch. “I know he is. But there’s no room in your stasis unit.” They’d reluctantly let us bring a bag. Pets? Forget it. “They’ll take him from you and toss him outside.” Or worse. Maybe stomp him under their tred. Or eat him, for all I knew. Food was scarce.
Joe smeared his tears across his face with his arm. “How will he live without me? I’ve fed him and kept him safe since I found him.” No wonder we’d gone through so many meal bars during the past month.
My throat squeezing tight, I sat beside my brother. “How about we leave him here with one of your friends? They’ll take care of him, then pass him to someone else when it’s their turn to fly. That way, he’ll always have a home.”
Joe stroked the mouse’s back. “I guess so.”
I wrapped my arms around him. “I’m sorry.” For making him leave his pet. For yelling. For so much more than I could say.
Being strong for both of us sucked. Sometimes, I just wanted to be a kid, not a teenager trying to raise her younger brother.
“Dad left. Mommy died.” His chest shook. “Why do I have to lose everyone I love?”
We arranged for someone to watch Joe’s mouse. A short time after that, Tiff arrived at our door looking way more cheery than she should. Smooth skin, bright eyes, and not a hair out of place. She wore a dark blue durasuit that fastened on the side, leaving a smooth, V-neck front. A popular style. I preferred pastels in the front-zip variety. The garment hugged my chin and kept wandering eyes away. Mostly.
We stepped out into the hall, and I stood there staring into the tiny room Joe and I had shared during the months since Mom died.
“Sounds weird to feel this way when we’re going somewhere better,” Tiff said, putting her arm around my shoulders and tugging me near. “But I get it.” She sniffed and blinked fast. “I did the same thing, stared into my room like it was my best friend. I couldn’t quite push the button to close the door.” Her arm tightened on my shoulders. “But I’ve got you and Trey, my best friends. I’m glad we’re sharing this journey together.”
“Eris,” I sighed. “Am I crazy to feel sad about leaving?”
“We’ve lived here all our lives. Sure, the planet’s dying, and everyone’s talking about how wonderful the colony will be compared to trying to survive here, but still…” She shrugged and her voice came out in a creaky rush. “This place is home.”
“Yeah.” I could barely swallow past the lump in my throat.
Joe leaned against the wall, holding his rabbit up to his face, watching us. Looking for reassurance from me, most likely. I’d give it to him because it was the only thing I had left to share.
“You ready to go, kiddo?” I asked, injecting enthusiasm into my words. Sometimes, if you pretended hard enough, you actually fooled yourself.
He nodded, though his gaze flicked to the room.
I pushed the button, and we remained motionless as the door glided closed.
After drawing in a shuddering breath, I pressed for a smile. “Let’s go.”
We jogged to the transport hub and paused at the top of the tram station stairwell.
Tiff grabbed my hand and squeezed. “Despite all that nervous shit, this is freakin’ exciting.” Her mossy eyes gleamed. “Come on!” She hauled me toward the lower level.
Giggling, I snatched up Joe’s hand as I stumbled by.
Years ago, when the government took over some Boston area doomsday bunkers for the Relocation Project, they’d connected them to an antique subway and retrofitted them with hover trams. We waited on the platform for the next northbound tram to arrive. A damp, musty mix of antique building and mold lingered in the air, irritating my sinuses.
“Ah, Lesha,” someone said from behind me. “Nice to see you.”
I turned. “Jay. How are you?”
About twenty-five, Mr. Smythe was our team psychologist.
Tall. Like my dad. A pooch belly. Unlike my dad. He’d told me to call him by his first name whenever I wanted.
“I’m good, good.” He grinned. “You ready for the trip?”
I shrugged and grazed my lower lip with my teeth.
“I’ll see you on Eris, then.” At my nod, he moved off to speak with someone else.
A distant buzz grew until it resounded like a hive of bees. Squeals pierced my ears as the transport craft drew up in front of us, settling against the platform with the groan-filled sigh of a dying beast. Glass doors slid open, and people shoved past us to rush up the stairs. We shuffled forward, packing inside the cars, and I lost Tiff in the crowd.
“Lesha.” Her hand waved in the air, and Joe and I dove through the colorful durasuit sea to her side. She’d sat on a bench seat, and her boyfriend, Trey, sat with two other guys on the one behind hers. I nudged Tiff’s thigh with my knee, and Joe and I dropped down onto the hard seat beside her.
The doors whooshed shut and the hover tram left the station, the electric motor reverberating through my bones as it flew through the tunnels buried deep beneath the city. People swayed with the motion. Bursts of eager conversation filled the air.
Someone moving drew my eye, and I caught Malik easing through the crowd, creating a spot in the aisle beside Trey. When the tram hit a bump, he reached up and grabbed the rail. His uniform sleeve slid down, revealing a tan, muscular forearm. Our gazes met, and he nodded. “Lesha.”
The intensity of his stare lit flames in my cheeks. Flustered, my smile slipped, and I spun to face forward. Why did his attention unsettle me? No doubt, he was cute. Hell, he was way more than cute, enough to make my knees quiver.
I’d noticed him from the moment he was assigned to our group. How could I not? Especially when Tiff kept pointing him out. I’d thought about looking for him in the dining hall or during training, but then I heard he had a girlfriend. I never saw him with anyone, but I didn’t
poach.
Trey leaned forward, propping his arm on the backrest. “You girls excited about the trip?” He faked a shiver. “Hear it’s a bit frosty up there.”
“Ha.” I slapped his arm. Leave it to Tiff’s boyfriend to remind me I’d be suspended in cryo soon. Whenever I thought about sinking into the icy slurry, my body freezing solid, my bones turning to concrete, I shuddered. My dreams had been haunted for weeks. My biggest fear was that my brain wouldn’t work when they finally thawed me out and woke me up. But I couldn’t speak the truth around Joe. I wanted him to feel…I don’t know. Comfortable? If such a thing was possible. “It’s going to be great. I can’t wait.”
Tiff shifted closer to me and kept her voice low. “Did you see? Malik’s standing in the aisle. You could, like, almost reach out and touch him if you wanted.”
Not again. My friend spent too much time trying to fix me up with guys. She seemed to think everyone should be as happy as she was with Trey. A month ago, she’d suggested I go after Riley. Yuck, no way. Others might think he was hot, and he was sure respected by everyone, but he’d always creeped me out. After today, I knew why. Always trust your instincts, Mom always said.
Mom. I missed her. If only…
“Malik’s like, really hot.” A sigh fell from her lips. Biting into my side with her elbow, she whispered. “Talk to him, why don’t you? He seems like a decent guy.”
“I told you. He has a girlfriend.”
“I haven’t seen him with anyone. Maybe the rumor isn’t true?”
“I don’t…”
She took my hand and squeezed. “You are too freakin’ shy but really, if you can’t figure out what to say, you can always talk about the crappy air quality. Works for me every time.”
“Leave it alone,” I muttered, my face hotter than an oven. If he heard her, I’d die. “Please?”
“Okay.” Her eyes softened. “I’m pushing again, aren’t I? I’m sorry. You’re right. Plenty of time to hook up with someone once we reach Eris.” She scooted around on the seat to face Trey. “I was thinking about the different applications of cryogenics that have been used in the past and how they were able to make the breakthroughs we need to use it for our upcoming trip in stasis. We all know liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are…”
Phoenix Arise: YA Sci-fi Thriller (From the Ashes Book 1) Page 2
