The Reduction

CHAPTER TEN

James

    The bright lights and the smell of sewers flooded Jame's senses.  His feet were burning in his boots from walking so much. His eyelids felt like there were anchors pulling them down. His head was filled with so much pressure, he felt that his eyes would pop out.

He glanced back down at the crumpled-up piece of paper in his hand and checked the address again for the twentieth time. It hadn't changed since the last time he checked it five minutes ago.

It was past curfew so the city was surprisingly quiet, other than the occasional police car strolling through the streets looking for wonderers. James knew that the curfew was strict enough to land him in jail so he stuck to the shadows of the alleys. Sometimes he had to run long distances before finding the comfort of the darkness.

James felt oddly at home even though he hasn't been to the city in two years. As he swiftly ran down the exposed sidewalk, he heard a small tap behind him. His heart jumped causing him to run full speed into an alley nearby and squat behind an abandoned couch.

James was used to being out after curfew and sneaking around the city. He would do it all the time before he went to the Community, allowing him to navigate his way around the city better than anyone. However, he wasn't up to date on the new police posts, making a lot of room for error.

Every month the government would switch up each officer post to try and confuse those out after curfew. Because it's been a while since he was back, James had no idea where any of the posts were.

James waited a while to listen for the sound of a police car wheel rolling past the pavement. After a few moments of silence, he checked his watch.

It was almost time to meet the man on the little piece of paper but James had a couple more blocks to go. He got antsy in fear that he would be too late.

In total silence, James adjusted his backpack and slowly made his way towards the street lamp near the sidewalk. He peaked his head out cautiously from the shadows to scan the area. All seemed calm so he swiftly made a break for a set of shops about a street down.

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James' footsteps boomed on the pavement as he ran towards the address on the small paper. As he neared the door he quickly and quietly slowed down. Nostalgia hit him as he soon realized it was an old tattoo shop near his neighborhood. He had gotten some of his first tattoos at this shop.

A dog barking in the distance made him jump and he decided to go into the shop as fast as possible. As he yanked the doorknob, the door opened effortlessly displaying a big room full of darkness waiting to consume James.

He bolted inside and pulled the door closed behind him, exhaling the breath he was holding. All at once, he was devoured by complete darkness. James got goosebumps as he heard a small lighter flick. Suddenly a corner in the back of the room was illuminated with a small yellow flame. The shadow of a man projected on the wall behind him.

"You a wanderer?" He mumbled, barely audible for James to hear.