The New World (Tales at the End of the World #1)

Chapter 17

When the morning came, Morgan woke to an arm secured around her waist. She turned her head to see Nigel still asleep. His messy hair was sprawled out around him as he took deep breaths.

Morgan smiled to herself. She had never slept in the same bed as a boy before. She did not feel nervous at all. When he was asleep, Nigel appeared harmless. Morgan broke out into a smile, but then frowned as her mind turned to Evelyn Wang. Who was she?

Nigel loved her and sounded crushed when bringing her up. If she survived this, Morgan knew Nigel would rather want her. It tore her heart, but she knew that there were no happy endings anymore. There was only survival.

"You're up," Nigel smiled opening his eyes seeing Morgan lying in the bed with him.

"I had no nightmares," Morgan confessed moving closer to him.

He smiled, "I'm glad."

Morgan stretched as she sat up. Nigel was behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Morgan didn't push him away. She sighed out loud.

"What seems to be on your mind?" Nigel asked concerned.

"Nothing," Morgan lied, "Just processing today's agenda. We haven't faced much weather incidents except sinkholes. Let's hope it stays that way."

Nigel made a face as the girl in his arms avoided the question. Had he done something wrong?

About an hour later, everyone had met in the lobby. Morgan stared at Tracy who was tinkering with a piece of fabric while Bill flicked his switch blade and Flint was reading a book. They all greeted Morgan with smiles. While she returned the motion, her eyes remained distant as they normally were.

"Have we located the laboratory?" Morgan asked beginning the meeting.

Flint nodded his head, "Indeed, it is located in the 2nd ring of Beijing. With the power grid gone, that must mean security must also be out. This should able us to sneak in with ease."

Morgan nodded her head liking the report. Today, they would find out who the lady was.

"I wonder what happened to her," Bill thought.

Morgan and Nigel informed the group of their encounter in the tunnels. It puzzled the remainder of the group. If there were survivors, why did they not make their presence known?

After eating, Morgan slid into the back of the vehicle with Nigel and Flint while Tracy and Bill stayed in the front.

In no time, the group exited in front of a grand fifteen story building. It looked like a structure of the future. The complete glass frames and the surprisingly clean grounds.

Morgan walked to a gate taking a glance at the empty gate. With all her might, she kicked the gate open entering the building. Nigel followed behind her.

"This place is massive," Flint exclaimed.

"Alright, Morgan, what are we doing now?" Nigel asked seriously.

"We're going to have to look through every floor and every room. We must leave no surface left unturned."

"This way will be the most efficient," Bill determined, "If Flint takes the first three floors, Tracy will take the next three. After will be myself and then Nigel and Morgan can tackle the remaining floors. Our goal is to finish this before lunch."

"Right," Everyone agreed going their separate ways.

Morgan and Nigel had the longest trek being on the highest floors.

"What seems to be the problem?" Nigel asked Morgan who did not speak to him.

"Nothing," Morgan said, "Are you ready to cross paths with that lady again?"