The Eden Projects (Book I)

Chapter 16. The Rat King.

Kasper had chosen wrong. And now it was far too late to turn back.

"Wow." The man, assumably Malcolm, kicked at the grass, flattening it where he stood. "All the way from Redside, huh, I gotta know, what'chu boys doing so far from home?"

"We're just passing through." Archer spoke clearly.

Kasper couldn't bear looking up. Facing the decision that led them here. We should have left. He studied the mans boots. Army? Definitely. Military grade combat boots, they were a sandy tan, stained with mud and wear. Though he couldn't figure out if Malcolm was their sole owner. Years ago, you could tell a lot about a person by the shoes they wore, now, they all wore similar duds.

"Kinda weird place to be 'passing through' wouldn't you say? You do know what a peninsula is right? Are you planning to stay nearby?"

"A pens-what?" Zak questioned.

Something jingled as the dog trotted back into view, he was being led by a girl who bounded over and behind them, where their car had crashed.

"Well, you just crossed into my turf. Which means..." He stepped to the side of Zak, looking past him. "All that stuff in your car, it's ours now."

Zak lurched forward, trying to get to his feet. "What?!?"

"I'll let you keep your food-" Malcolm stopped in front of Kasper. "-oh, you don't have any? What're you guys thinking? You travel without anything to give us locals?"

"Traveling- light." Zak was shoved down aggressively. "Easier that way... take what you want." He pulled away from the man behind him. "Snakey piece of scum-" Zak spat in Malcolms direction and was quickly met with a punch to the face for talking back.

"Talk again smart mouth, see what happens."

From his reaction, Kasper gleaned two things. One, they were each guarded, and these people were incredibly loyal to Malcolm. Kasper leaned back, feeling the knees of the guard behind him. Confirming his assumption. The knees shoved him forward again. "Sorry." He apologized as the commotion spun Malcolm around. The dog moved past and joined the girl at the car. They were unloading everything. I'm forgetting something.

"What's your deal? Don't have anything to add like your buddy there?" 

"No." Kasper said quietly. 

Zak scrambled to get closer as Malcolm slapped the bill of Kaspers hat. Knocking it clean off. He felt the grip on his shoulder release quickly.

"OH SH- he's infected?!?" Malcolm stepped back grabbing his gun from the holster.

"No no no it's not what you think!" Zak scooted forward bucking against his captor. "That's just his hair- it grows like that-"

The knee Kasper had felt before slammed into his back. His face meeting the grass with a crinkly thud. He rolled to the side to get a look at their captors. Malcolm didn't look anywhere near as aggressive as he sounded. His squared jaw perfectly held a mischievous grin. This man was a thief. In every way. Zak was right. Snake. The edges of his lips were drawn into a dimple on each side. Angular notched brows were set into a confused frown, pinching at his steely blue eyes. Where did he come from. Sharp angles pulled into his nose. The basic M.O of anyone from a Rim that Kasper could remember. Someone who had been through, fought through, and was puked out by life. Still, there was a softness to him. He's acting???

"HEY! Just take our shit and go!" Zak scooted and was quickly pulled back. "Let- me- go!"

"Zak, quiet!" Kasper shouted back at him.