The Infinity Bridge

Part 4

8.

Sam pushed Nick out of the way and shoved the bedroom window open. Rain pelted against the pair as Sam turned to Nick.

‘Out of the window, now.’

Nick’s mouth was lolling and he blinked at Sam in confusion.

‘Nick, snap out of it. Go now, or we’re both dead.’

The yell jolted Nick out of his inertia. He clambered onto the window sill. The roof of the kitchen formed a slope below the bedroom window. Nick eased out and began to slide down the slick roof.

The sound of footsteps coming up the stairs was echoing through the house. Damn it, I haven’t got time to get out, Sam thought. He grasped the katana and ran into the recess behind the bedroom door.

The android strode into the room, a strange pistol in his hand. He advanced directly to the open window and took aim.

Sam felt sick; he had only one chance at this.

He lunged forwards with a cry and swung the katana into the android’s shoulder. The razor sharp edge sliced deep into the artificial flesh. There was a grind of metal against metal. Grease spattered over Sam. The android’s pistol discharged and a green beam blasted into the window frame. The explosion sent them both stumbling and half the wall fell out into the night air.

The android swung its fist into Sam’s chest. The impact knocked him across the room and into the wall. Sam gasped for breath; it felt as though his ribs had propelled through his backbone.

The android stood next to the large hole in the wall, the katana still jutting from his shoulder. The explosion had ripped open a hole in his jacket. A rush of terror surged through Sam.

Inside the hole the skin had shredded like damp paper. Sam could see a cavity of glittering brass cogs and wheels. They whirred and twirled in continual motion, slick with yellowy grease and oil.

The android silently levelled his pistol. Sam closed his eyes and waited for the shot.

A low thrum was audible above the howl of the wind, followed by a clang. Sam peered through half-open eyes and saw the android laying face down on the carpet. A crossbow bolt jutted from his back of his neck.

Sam hurtled across the room and out of the hole in the wall. Stone and plaster were scattered across the kitchen roof, and the pieces dug into his back as he slid down. He twisted as he reached the bottom edge and tried to lower himself onto the ground. The tiles were too slick and his hands slipped. He landed on the lawn below with a soggy thump.

‘Sam, over here,’ Nick shouted. He crouched behind the cars.

Every inch of Sam’s body ached as he staggered to his feet. Where on earth had that crossbow bolt come from? He looked back at the house.