The Infinity Bridge

Part 2

4.

Sam suppressed his terror as he dove for the smart-phone. A bright green beam flashed within inches of his head. A plume of flame erupted from the concrete of the wall.

His hands grasped the phone and he dodged back as another beam melted a hole in the car window. If one of those hits the petrol tank we’re done for, he thought.

The Pinstripe Man’s face was wax-pale as Sam ducked back behind the car. Wisps of smoke twisted from his mouth like ethereal snakes. He pressed the smart-phone urgently into the Man’s hand.

Sam could hear footsteps echoing across the car park as the Pinstripe Man pressed the screen. They were slow and steady, as if their assailant knew that they would have no chance to flee. Panic gripped Sam’s throat and the temptation to look around the car bonnet was intense.

The footsteps were nearing. Bile rose into Sam’s mouth. A shadow fell across the floor.

A flash of purple light illuminated the air around Sam. His skin felt as if a million ants were running across it. In an instant all the lights in the car park went out, plunging it into gloom. A loud clang sounded from the car and a figure rolled from the bonnet and onto the floor.

The figure had a shaven head and a black leather jacket. His eyes were open and unseeing. They were steely grey. He had cracked the concrete floor where he had fallen.

‘EMP,’ the Pinstripe Man croaked. ‘It’ll keep... him out... for a few minutes.’

‘Who is he? What were those green beams?’ Sam’s whole body shook.

‘He’s... like an android. Beams... are his weapon. Bio-energy... look, I haven’t long... you need to go.’

‘I’ll call the police... an ambulance,’ Sam said. He pulled out his phone. It had no power.

‘No... no hospital. I’ll be dead... before... they come.’ He coughed and smoke puffed from his mouth, along with chunks of soot.

‘And... no police. Can’t trust... the Hidden... watching. The knights betrayed.’

‘I don’t understand.’ Sam’s eyes were fixed on the unconscious android. ‘This is mad.’

‘This is... reality, Sam. Madness is... when people deny it. Go... take my... phone.’

He pressed the device into Sam’s tremulous hand. The screen was dull. The Pinstripe Man coughed once more and then his head lolled back.

He was dead.

Sam stood and looked at the devastation around him. Smoke poured from holes in the car park floor and the car he had taken cover behind. Baz and his friends were slumped on the floor, drooling but breathing. The body of the Pinstripe Man lay next to the recumbent android. Sam’s hand shook as he reached out to touch the android. Its skin was rubbery and cold. He pressed more firmly, and then whipped back his hand.