Regress: the Alliance Chronicles, Book One

Chapter 4

Thou shall not believe anything not documented and proven by evidence.

—10 Commandments of Personal Conduct, Thaxton Bible, 2021

Was he kidding? I would not spend the night in some old rat-infested, creepy building.

What the hell? He left me in the dark where anything might jump out at me. Common sense said head home. But the drones in the area made that unrealistic. Something small scurried across my foot. I screamed and ran after Z.

We walked past trash and piles of rubble, stopping at a small office with puke yellow walls and a gray cement floor. An ancient incandescent bulb highlighted the dust covering everything. Old wooden crates and a black metal desk outfitted the room. On top of the desk lay a rough-looking gray bedroll. I wondered if someone slept here.

"What is this place?"

Z clicked off the flashlight. "It used to be some kind of factory."

Cobwebs hung from the doorframe and the corners of the walls. My foot slid on the dirt and crumbs of food covering the floor. The putrid smell of decay lingered in the air. I thought about spiders and rats, which might be living in the building. Of course, the idea of spending the night with a stranger was just as troubling. But I hung out with plenty of dubious types in the Underground. Small, unknown creatures were more of a threat than Z.

"I should get home. My parents will worry about me."

Z sat cross-legged on a crate. "Then call them. Tell them you're staying with a friend. Y'know, it's not safe outside 'till daybreak anyway. You're an easy target for the drones."

I scrunched up my face. "Dang, will you stop saying that!"

I hated when cute guys were irritating, especially the ones who looked like Z. His chiseled features, dark hair, and smoky eyes had a familiar appeal. Even his dangerous vibe contained a déjà vu essence. Too bad I couldn't place where I'd seen him.

It was time to get my head out of the clouds and focus. Z considered me a target. He shouldn't underestimate me though. Being a regular in the Underground made me experienced at taking care of myself.

I kept one eye on him while I called Mom. No answer. "Odd. No one picked up."

"Does your family sit around waiting for you to call?"

"No, they don't."

I brushed off a crate before sitting down. A knot twisted in my stomach while my heart thumped wildly. Conflicting voices in my head screamed at me. One said beware this guy might be a serial killer, sizing me up as his next victim. The other voice wanted to recall where I'd seen Z's full lips and mesmerizing eyes. Especially his eyes. I couldn't figure it out. Z caught me staring, a corner of his mouth lifted.

"Why are you out after curfew?" My stomach tensed. Did I want to know the answer?

"I'm always out. I, uh, live out here." Z leaned his head against a soot-covered wall.

"No way." I moved my purse to my lap. "The New Order got rid of the street people."

"You've been programmed well. We didn't go anywhere."

"The curfews and drone police prevent people from living on the streets."

Z shook his head. "So you fell for the propaganda?"

Great. My luck to be stuck with a smart ass. Z would soon learn I was nobody's pushover. I crossed my arms and stared at him.

"I didn't say I believed anything. I'm merely stating a fact."