Saving Humanity Series (Book 2): Edge of Humanity

by Sinclair, Pembroke

  Caleb sighed. His life sure had a way of turning out like he didn’t plan. Maybe it was foolish for him to think of an escape plan because he knew it wouldn’t work out. Nothing had so far. Perhaps this time he would just wait and see how things played out. Maybe spontaneity would be his friend.

  The sun sank quickly below the pointy crags of the mountains and covered the group in shadow, sending a chill over Caleb’s body. This time he knew he didn’t imagine the coolness. So much uncertainty lay before him. So many questions. His thoughts drifted back to True and Venger, and he wondered if they sent anyone to follow him. It would be a lot to hope they had. After all, his presence brought about destruction and ridiculously large, rotting, killing machines. Not to mention Caleb. Venger had reacted violently to his bite; what would the others do if/when they saw it? But what if Venger had been incapacitated enough to be unable to make decisions? If True were in charge, Caleb might have reason to hope. She seemed kind and caring and had tried to stop him from giving himself up.

  But not overly hard.

  Caleb frowned. He hadn’t exactly been nice to her, and once the RBZs left, they could get back to their lives. No, it was too much to hope someone cared.

  Caleb’s gaze drifted to his arm, and he ran his fingertips over the bite. The skin felt leathery beneath his touch, the pain completely gone. It looked like the wound had been with him for years instead of a few weeks. It was surreal. Weeks didn’t even seem right—almost like it had been less time. But it was hard for him to tell. Everything since he received the video mushed together in a blur of fear, adrenaline, nightmares, and the need to survive.

  The RBZs’ pace slowed as they left the road and headed into the rock outcroppings of the mountains. Both creatures climbed over the obstacles with a precision baffling to Caleb. He’d seen regulars get tripped up by cracks in the sidewalks or curbs, but the RBZs navigated the uneven terrain like professional hikers—like the living. He shuddered.

  It’s a good thing these creatures don’t exist in large numbers and can be controlled. Otherwise, they would pose a huge threat to the world.

  Caleb imagined what it would have been like if he would have had to face RBZs instead of regulars, and every scenario ended with him dead, along with the entire human population. It was hard enough to kill zombies because the only way to put them down permanently was to destroy the brain—and the human head was a small target to aim for. Sure, RBZs had larger heads, but if bullets couldn’t penetrate their skulls, humans would have no chance.

  The zombies slowed to walk. The mountain surrounded the group on all sides. Cliffs towered in front of and behind Caleb, and they stood on a ledge surrounded by boulders. Turning sideways, the creature carrying Samuel repositioned the human’s limp body over its head and slid between the rocks. The creature carrying Caleb followed. Space was tight; barely an inch existed between the rocks and the undead’s body. It had to hold Caleb out behind it to squeeze through. If Caleb thought he had a chance, he would attempt to pry the creature’s fingers loose, but once he got free, there was nowhere to go. Caleb knew he couldn’t match the creature’s speed on the uneven terrain, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to risk falling and hurting himself.

  The group shimmied through the rocks for a while—long enough for Caleb to feel claustrophobic. Sweat beaded on his skin, and his breathing came in rasps. The desire to be free of the confines of the boulders overwhelmed him, causing a scream to lodge in his throat. He squeezed his eyes shut and imagined being back in the desert surrounded by sunlight. The scrape of the RBZs’ bodies on rock, a dry, hollow sound, made it hard to hang on to the illusion. It made it hard for him to forget where he was. With his eyes closed, he imagined the rocks slamming together and squishing him. He couldn’t do anything to stop it because he’d never see it coming. Just when he thought he would jump out of his skin, a cool breeze touched his face. He opened his eyes to look upon an open expanse of dirt leading to a cave. The mountain rose around him in points, keeping him sealed off from the rest of the world, but at least he wasn’t wedged between two boulders anymore.

  He let out a relieved breath but didn’t relax. At the mouth of the cave stood a man; he had his hands on his hips, and he stared at the group with narrowed eyes. Something about his gaze left Caleb feeling unsettled, as if the man peered through his soul. His gaze fell on Samuel, and the lines around his eyes and forehead softened. His hands dropped from his waist. He walked up to Samuel, who was once again cradled in the undead’s arm, and gently touched the unconscious boy’s face.

  “What happened?” he asked softly.

  The RBZ grunted.

  “Get him inside.” He waved his hand toward the cave.

  The RBZ stepped forward, and Caleb’s whole body tensed. Despite the small moment of sympathy he had just witnessed the man give Samuel, he knew he didn’t want to go into the cave; he also knew he didn’t have a choice.

  CHAPTER 13

  Cave walls surrounded Caleb. Sickly orange lights spaced evenly across the rock wall cast dark shadows on the floor and ceiling, causing him to see movement which may or may not have actually been there. Scraping echoed from the deep recesses of the cave, as did grunts, squeals, and wheezes. While not overpowering, the consistent scent of decay and death hung in the air. The air was dry and cool, but Caleb’s skin was moist, his hair stood on end. He attempted to swallow, but his mouth had gone dry. His hands rested on the RBZ’s, and his joints ached from squeezing the undead’s flesh.

  The walls narrowed; the shadows grew darker. Caleb’s heart thudded against his ribcage, his breath came in short, shallow bursts. The thought that this dark cave was the last thing he would ever see crossed his mind, causing goosebumps to form on his flesh. Dizziness swept over him. Visions of Jan and Eric floated through his mind’s eye.

  Are you really going to give up and let them down? This is just a bump in the road.

  The voice in the blackness seemed to echo from the cave walls.

  Your chance will come soon enough. Be patient.

  Caleb took a deep breath and held it for several seconds before letting it out slowly. He consciously forced his grip on the RBZ’s flesh to relax. The tendons in his hands popped and strained as he forced his fingers open, and he eventually removed them from their death grip.

  The dimness and closeness of the rock walls still made him uncomfortable but giving in to panic wasn’t going to help anything. The last few days were a good indicator panicking didn’t help anything. He needed to slow down and think things through.

  Be patient. Be smart.

  A bright light drew his attention forward. It spilled into the sickly lit tunnel and piqued his curiosity, giving him something bright to focus on instead of something surrounded by shadow. Whatever light illuminated, more than likely would be his doom, but at least he’d know. His fate would be laid out before him and, even if it were more horrible than he ever imagined, at least he’d have answers. There was a weird comfort in knowing what was coming, no matter how awful. As they stepped closer to it, his eyes watered, causing him to blink rapidly to clear his vision.

  The room opened before him, bathed in sterile, fluorescent light. Tile covered the rock walls, floor, and ceiling. Metal tables, computers, and scientific instruments were organized throughout the room. All traces of cave disappeared into high-tech science. Caleb’s eyes grew wide, his mouth fell open. He had no idea equipment like this existed—he didn’t even know what most of it did. He felt like he’d stepped into a science fiction movie from twenty years in the future. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he would have never believed this place existed. Along with the wonder, Caleb felt these machines could cause him terrible pain and tear him apart. This equipment was going to be used on him, and without knowing what it did, he had no idea how much it would hurt.

  The man who had been at the cave entrance stopped in the middle of the room and clasped his hands behind his back. He turned to face Caleb and the RBZs. In the bright light, Ca
leb saw him in clearly. The man was on the ridiculously thin side, looking almost like a scarecrow instead of a human. His gray and white hair lined the bottom half of his head, leaving the top to reflect the bright lights of the room. His face was long, his chin pointed, and his green eyes were set close to one another. His skin had a translucent quality to it, leading Caleb to assume he didn’t venture into the sun often. It reminded Caleb of the deep cave fish he saw at the zoo. If the man’s eyes had been red—or if he didn’t have any—he would be the human equivalent. He wore black pants and a dark gray turtleneck, which further washed him out.

  “Please place Samuel on the bed.” His voice was soft and slightly gritty, as if he didn’t talk much and his throat was sore from the effort. He nodded to a place across the room, and Caleb’s gaze followed where he indicated.

  It was set up similar to a hospital room and like Sanctuary. The creature set Samuel down gently and then delicately arranged Samuel’s limbs into a comfortable position. His breathing was still shallow, his chest barely rising and falling.

  “I think it’s all right to set our guest down now.”

  Caleb turned his attention back to the man and noticed the small smile on his lips. It didn’t seem comfortable there, as if it was a gesture the man didn’t often do and was trying it out to see how it worked, putting Caleb more on edge than at ease. The RBZ set Caleb down but didn’t move too far away. Caleb steadied himself on his feet and held the man in his gaze. So many questions ran through his mind, but he didn’t ask any of them. This wasn’t his show. His host needed to direct the events—at least for the moment. The man’s gaze drifted over Caleb’s head.

  “That will be all for now. I will call you if I need further assistance.”

  The RBZs grunted before turning and lumbering out of the room. Caleb glanced over his shoulder and watched them disappear into the hallway.

  “I was expecting you hours ago.” The man’s voice pulled Caleb’s attention back to him. “I hate having to send out the drones, but I had to ensure your safety.” He stepped to the side of Samuel’s bed and placed his hand on Samuel’s forehead. “What happened?”

  “We had an accident. The truck rolled off the road.”

  Caleb wrestled with how much information he should give this man. If Caleb gave away too much about Sanctuary, this man could easily have it destroyed. He’d sent the RBZs there once. He could easily send them back to finish off the peaceful village. Caleb didn’t owe Venger or True any loyalty, but he also didn’t want to see them needlessly destroyed. He figured it was best to withhold the details. It wasn’t like anyone could call him out on it. Samuel had no idea where he’d been, and the RBZs couldn’t talk.

  “Oh. That’s not good. I’ll have to run some tests to find out what’s wrong with him.”

  He stared at Samuel for several silent moments, gently stroking the teen’s hair. His gaze drifted over Samuel’s unconscious body. Caleb watched him closely, expecting to see some emotion in his features like he had outside, but the man’s expression remained steady. Caleb pulled his gaze from the doctor and let it drift over Samuel. He still looked awful, with bruised, cut skin. Caleb noticed the stitches on Samuel’s forehead, right below the hairline had stopped bleeding. Samuel’s left wrist was wrapped in a cast. He may have looked like death warmed over, but there were signs he had been taken care of and the hope he would recover. A scowl formed on Caleb’s face as the thought drifted through his mind.

  Eventually, the man cleared his throat and looked up. “I apologize for my lack of manners. This was not the state I expected to find either of you in.” He stepped toward Caleb with his hand extended. “I’m Doctor Maudas.”

  Caleb ran the name through his mind, trying to figure out why it sounded so familiar. It clicked when he remembered reading it as the sender of the email the video of Rachel being killed. Caleb’s lip curled in disgust, and he looked at the doctor’s hand like it was covered in acid.

  Dr. Maudas curled his fingers into his palm and pulled his hand back. “Right. Well, I’m sure you’re wondering what is going to happen to you while you’re here.”

  Caleb cocked his head to the side and stared at the doctor’s face. “The thought crossed my mind.”

  “I’m sure you understand I won’t let you leave. You’re far too important, and there’s too much to learn.”

  Caleb shrugged. “That has been brought to my attention on more than one occasion.”

  Dr. Maudas smiled his small, tight smile. “But it doesn’t mean this situation has to be unpleasant, of course. It can be as easy or hard as you make it.”

  Caleb scoffed. “Wow. Sounds like you’re almost giving me a choice.” He narrowed his eyes.

  “We’re going to start simple, Caleb. My goal is not to hurt you but to learn about you. However, I’m prepared to do what I must to find answers. Are you hungry?”

  The thought of food caused Caleb’s stomach to growl. The last thing he’d eaten was breakfast—unless he counted Samuel’s blood, which he didn’t. The thought of the crimson liquid made the salty chocolate taste dance across his tongue, and his mouth watered.

  “I prepared food in anticipation of your arrival. It’s cold by now, but it won’t take much to reheat it.” He gestured with his hand to the part of the room opposite of Samuel’s bed. “Interested?”

  He was, in multiple ways. Not only did he need to keep up his health and strength, but he needed to know the layout of this place.

  “I can always eat.”

  “If you’ll follow me, then.”

  Dr. Maudas turned on his heel and walked in the direction he had previously indicated. Caleb followed him, his gaze sweeping over every inch of the place as he walked. Aside from the equipment in the lab, the cave entrance, and the door they walked toward, Caleb didn’t see anything else of interest. The hopes of a ladder leading to a skylight, or a door partially hidden by equipment had crossed his mind, but he knew it was pointless. Caleb knew better than to believe he’d been brought to an unsecured facility. Dr. Maudas pushed open the metal door with a squeak. Beyond it lay more tiles and fluorescent lighting. This room was an industrialized kitchen with stainless steel everything—countertops, tables, cupboards, stove, fridge, and sinks. A long table with stools affixed to the floor sat in the middle. Dr. Maudas gestured to a stool.

  “Take a seat. I’ll get the food.”

  Caleb sat on the stool to the left of the head of the table. Instantly, the cold drifted through his scrubs as the metal pressed against his butt bones. The doctor closed the large microwave door with a clunk, and the whir of reheating filled the room. Only a few minutes passed before the appliance beeped, and the doctor pulled the plate out with a hot pad. He set it in front of Caleb before grabbing a set of silverware. The scent of ham, green beans, and cheesy potatoes drifted into Caleb’s nostrils, causing his stomach to growl again. Dr. Maudas was back at the microwave heating his plate, and Caleb knew the polite thing to do was wait. Instead, he scooped a heap of potatoes onto his fork and blew on them before shoving them into his mouth. Manners were for civilized people, and since he’d been forced here against his will, he didn’t see any civility in the situation, despite Dr. Maudas’s attempt to maintain the illusion.

  He took a seat across the table from Caleb and delicately placed a napkin in his lap. Picking up his knife and fork, he cut a small piece of ham and gently placed it on his tongue. His lips pursed as he chewed, and a soft sucking sound emitted from his closed mouth. After his meat was thoroughly chewed, he lifted his chin in Caleb’s direction.

  “I find it amazing you were able to come out of the accident unscathed.”

  He placed some beans on his tongue and chewed and chewed and chewed while staring at Caleb, the sound still coming from his mouth. Caleb shoved a hunk of ham into his mouth.

  “I wasn’t unscathed. A concussion for sure and probably some other injuries.” He spoke with his mouth full.

  “Hmmmm. I find it interesting you were able to diag
nose a concussion.” He placed another bite of food in his mouth.

  Caleb shoved more into his mouth also.

  Dr. Maudas swallowed his bite, then set his silverware down and wiped his mouth. “It’s not hard to tell you had assistance, Caleb. I highly doubt you make it a habit of wearing scrubs, yours and Samuel’s injuries have been cleaned up. Samuel has obviously had his wounds stitched up, and his broken bones tended to. While I don’t doubt you have some skills, I do doubt you have professional medical skills.” He sniffed. “I don’t blame you for not revealing who they were, and I’m not going to pry the information from you. It’s inconsequential. What’s important is you are both here now. But I’m also curious to know what they did to help you that they couldn’t do for Samuel.”

  Caleb shoved another bite of food in his mouth and chewed and swallowed before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

  “They didn’t do anything special for me. I wouldn’t let them treat me for fear they’d find out about my immunity. I figured it might cause more problems than it was worth.” He cocked his head to the side and stared at the doctor. “Maybe I didn’t get as hurt as Samuel.”

  “Maybe.” His eyes drifted to the bite mark on Caleb’s arm. “Or maybe it’s something else.”

  Caleb pulled his hands into his lap. “You’re the scientist. I’m sure you’ll do what you can to figure it out.”

  Dr. Maudas picked up his silverware. “I will. I’ll need to start with a blood sample. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated.”

  Caleb chuckled. “There you go again making it sound like I have a choice.”