Modern Rituals by J.S. Leonard

Author:J.S. Leonard
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Thriller
Publisher: boy meets universe
Published: 2015-01-22T13:00:00+00:00

10

Colette gasped and burrowed her head into James’ chest.

The four stood before Anthony’s body, bathed in red emergency light.

“I think I’m going to be sick,” James said.

Olivia approached the body.

“Whatever did this was strong,” she said. “That lever isn’t exactly sharp, yet it was pushed through his chest, piercing the left pulmonary—er, lung. This was a horrible way to die.”

“I’m still getting used to how calm you are in these situations,” James said.

“We need to get back to the classroom and find Tomas,” Keto said.

“Agreed,” James said. “The sooner we get out of here, the better. We still don’t know where that thing is.”

They headed up and into the multipurpose room, then to the skybridge stairs. As they reached the second floor, Colette stopped them in front of the bridge doors.

“What is it?” James said.

“I thought I heard something,” she said.

They listened. Silence.

Colette shrugged, and James pushed through the doors and led the group onto the bridge connected to the classroom building. They kept low, staying out of sight.

A voice—male—shouted from elsewhere in the building.

“Um…okay, now, I heard that,” James said, signaling them to stop.

“Help! Anyone!” The voice echoed in the distance.

“I don’t recognize that voice—it’s definitely not Tomas or Horace,” Olivia said.

“Should we help him? That thing might be out there,” Colette said.

James leaned over the side rail in the voice’s direction.

“Is anyone here? Anyone?” The man yelled.

“Man, we can’t just leave him out there,” James said. It sounds like he’s getting closer.”

“I think it best we regroup. We don’t know this person’s intentions,” Keto said.

“True—but maybe they can help us,” James said. “Keto, can you accompany Olivia and Colette back to the room? I’ll go after this guy.”

“If that is what you want, we will await your return,” Keto said.

“James, I’m coming with you,” Olivia said.

“You sure? Could be dangerous,” James said.

“I’m not much for waiting around,” she said. “Let’s go.” She turned to Keto and Colette. “See you back at the classroom.”

“Be careful,” Colette said.

James watched as Colette and Keto continued across the bridge, then he and Olivia backtracked into the multipurpose room, descended the stairs and exited the front doors. The shouts originated beyond the classroom building, past a clump of small offices—further still, in a field or even beyond the forest’s edge. They pursued the faint cries.

“Help! Anyone! Dear God, where am I?”

They rounded the last of the smaller structures. A high-fenced basketball court stood before them, and James immediately made eye contact with a man standing beneath a hoop.

“Thank God! Someone!”

The man ran to them. Olivia and James braced themselves.

James noted his attire. It was casual—even stylish. The man’s features sharpened as he jogged their way. He oozed charisma. Tanned, square-jawed and well-proportioned—James had seen his type before on Abercrombie billboards. He gave them a half-cocked smile through which gleamed pearly white teeth.

“Thank God!” he said again. “I’ve been searching for hours.”

James turned sideways and held up his hand.

“Whoa, there. Who are you?”

The man slowed and kept a comfortable distance.

“My name is Trevor. I’m lost—I have no idea how I got here.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.