Zero Cell ✓

Chapter 2

The growing night was silent as Alex sped down the highway. Twilight had scattered across the sky, leaving nothing but early-rising glimmering stars. The rough protruding hills, with tall and dense forests, surrounded him; they glowed faintly as the sun's rays faded. He glanced up, spotting more and more bright dots coming into view. It was a dazzling sight, and his dark green eyes needed something new to stare at. An hour on the road was getting to be dull.

Thank God the road's empty, Alex thought.

A road without traffic was a blessing, especially since Alex liked to speed when riding. But despite that, it was odd. The two-fifteen was notably a crowded highway; most people would've been off work by now. He sighed as his stomach grumbled a bit. Alex silently cursed, knowing he should've stopped and rested at that old diner. Though he did eat beforehand, riding the motorcycle always caused hunger. Maybe it was due to the bike's rumbling or the frosty air against his face.

I'll stop by a convenience store and buy something. When's the next exit?

Alex slowed his speed to a reasonable sixty-five. The frosty wind flicked his short hair, kneading it in many directions. He took a deep breath, sucking in the fresh scent of damp dead grass that wafted through the wind. However, that inhalation also caused him to open his mouth and yawn. He shook his head, trying to stay awake, but his strained eyes could barely last. He then tugged at his handle, speeding a bit more as he passed a bright green ramp sign that said Riverlands, one mile.

That place.

He hadn't considered it, but going through that city would easily cut his time by thirty minutes. He'd ride it to the coast and reach Banks City in no time. Zoey would be happy if I'd arrived earlier than expected. And I could get some sleep.

Alex slowed his speed even further. It'd already taken him an hour to get here, even without traffic. But those reports in the media about aggressive people also sparked in his mind. If they were true, there could be problems.

What am I thinking? I don't even have to step off my bike, he reminded himself. Besides, it was nighttime—he could run through the stoplights if he had to. Not to mention, Eric's a deputy—I can easily get out of any trouble. Alex grinned, shifted into high gear, and sped toward Riverlands.

Eventually, the small town's lights came into view over the canopy of dense forests. It was a majestic sight; the glistening skyline blended with the stars spectacularly, appearing as a colorful painting for his eyes to see. Alex wished he could dance among them. But he soon returned his focus to the road. The vibrations from the roaring motorcycle rumbled through Alex's body. He loved going fast, feeling the adrenaline as gusts of wind brushed past his skinny body and frosted up his exposed neck. But, as he drove off of the exit ramp and down onto Short Street, he noticed something unusual.

It was utterly empty, void of any night dwellers. Aside from the few cars parked on the side of the road, there were no people. What the hell's up with this place? First the freeway, now here? Alex groaned. But something else unnerved him, causing his body to shake. A disgusting smell wafted in the air. It was rancid, like an animal that had died and cooked in the sun.

What the hell? Alex gagged. It was overwhelming for his senses; he had to pull over. Warm bile slowly rose in his throat as saliva flooded his mouth. He quickly swallowed it back down. Eric would be more than pissed if his expensive helmet became a vomit bag. Alex slowed his roll and drove into the closest building on the right. Without warning, he pulled off his helmet, breathing deeply. Though the smell still lingered, it wasn't as bad.

His stomach muscles ached, legs wobbling, as he suppressed the desire to vomit. He blinked slowly; his eyelids felt full of lead. The night barely arrived, but he was already tired. Trying not to puke while acclimating to the rancid odor was challenging. It's like college all over again when you have that awful hangover. He didn't want to think about how embarrassing it was to get wasted and then spend the following day by the toilet while Eric rubbed his back. It was worse when they laughed...