FogRunners

Chapter 1

I jerk my head as I snap awake. The tip of my nose and fingers are freezing, I groan as I stretch my legs out from underneath me and my back makes a loud cracking noise as it moves. The sound of glass smashing followed by the sound of swearing, causing adrenaline to flood my system. I swallow, trying to focus on what is being said. I flinch when the sound of a punch meeting its target fills the abandoned alley way. Every nerve standing on end, I pull my bag onto my back, tightening the straps as my eyes flit around my surroundings, looking for an escape. I don't want to be the next victim. My throat constricts as I realise the only way out, is up. The alleyway doesn't offer much light, only the greenish light that the sick moon gives. I silently curse myself as I step up to the wall and begin feeling around to get a good foot hold. The mens hollers get louder as their footsteps get closer. My panic increases and I force myself to take a breath. In through my nose out through my mouth, wary to keep my breathing silent. A yellow light bobs around at the end of the alley way. I stick my fingers in the groves of the bricks and begin my climb.

My fingers sting and my calves burn as I keep my eyes on the roof. I keep going even as I see the light turn as it reaches the end of the alley way and turn towards me. I ignore them as best I can, continuing to climb. I nearly weep with relief when my fingers grip onto the ledge of the flat roof. I hook my elbows over the ledge, my finger nails scrapping on the hard concrete as I struggle to gain purchase. My blood freezes as a shout fills the air.

"Oi! Jack, look up there!" A gruff voice yells. I frantically kick my legs, pushing myself up and onto the roof. I lay on my back panting heavily as the fear and shock catches up with me. I peer over the edge and make out four figures. Jack is the beast with the flashlight. A pang of jealousy shoots through me. Where did they even GET one of those things. The thing next to him nudges him and points up to the sky.

"Point the light 'ere," He says and I jerk my body away from the edge. The light shines up past me and I suck in a breath.

"You dumb thug! There is nothing there!" I exhale slowly and roll onto all fours. Keeping my body low, I scamper away.

I move quickly and efficiently across the dark roof, keeping an eye out for shards of broken glass or used needles. I don't have time to treat an injury. The roof soon ends and I once again curse myself for being so stupid. There is no where for me to go without the chance of me getting seriously hurt. I am going to have to wait the gang out. My throat constricts tightly and my lungs become heavy. A stifle a cough as I reach into my pocket for my inhaler. Panic floods through me as I struggle to get the awkward shaped object out of my black jeans pocket. As black spots fill the outer edges of my vision, I pull the pump out and fumble to get it to my lips. I breathe in and out as I press the button, wincing slightly as the hiss fills the still night. I fall to my knees and rest my hands on my thighs. I close my eyes and take several deep breaths. Slipping the inhaler into my pocket again, I peer over the edge of the roof and the height makes me dizzy. Why did I have to climb up here? Actually, why did I not search for a better and more secure sleeping place? I think back to the torch they had. That would be so helpful to have! I chew my lip as I find myself walking back where I just came. I look over the edge carefully and see that they have set up a small camp. Jack and another man, short but full of muscle is snoring loudly, Jack still holding the torch in one hand. I smirk. How dumb could they be? Wouldn't you hide something like that? I look at the two other men, one of them has sat down while the other one paces.

"I am just going to shut my eyes for a bit," The one that is sitting down says and the other one turns and glares.

"Well so will I," He says before sitting down next to Jack.

"But Jack told one of us to keep watch,"

"Who in their right mind would come to us?" I roll my eyes.