Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts Read Free Book Online Page B

disappeared into the west. The roads were dark; there were no streetlights. Through the twilight she could make out the shapes of people running. They were several blocks away. There were more screams, the sounds of people in agony. One of the shadows stumbled and hit the cement. Others descended on it in a frenzy.
    “They’re attacking that person.”
    “They’ll come after you, too.”
    “What? Can’t we do something? Call the police?”
    “The police can’t stop it. No one can. It’s too late for that.”
    “But—”
    “Enough. I need you to trust me. I know that’s asking for a lot, but you’ll have to take a leap of faith. Let me help you.”
    “Why?”
    “Why not?”
    “That’s not enough of a reason.”
    “We’re beyond reasoning.”
    “That’s not an answer.”
    Daniel frowned at her. Turning on his heels, he walked a few feet away and then promptly came back. “You’re infuriating. Did you know that? Can’t you just stop thinking for one second and let me help?”
    “Why are you telling me all this?”
    “Because I have to tell someone. I can’t keep it inside of me. I may not get a second chance.”
    She almost made a sharp retort but paused. He was scared. Why didn’t she see that before? The wideness of his eyes frightened her too, at least enough to stop talking. Behind her, another scream rang out, loud and angry, almost a weird victory shriek. The group of attackers was getting closer. Howlong before they reached her? She nodded at him, dumbly. She would go along with him for now, while it was still dark and unsafe. She could give him the slip later if she needed to. It might take a few extra hours to get home, but it wasn’t like anyone was going anywhere. Hopefully her parents were at home and waiting for her. Mom had told her they had nothing planned. When she didn’t show up, surely they’d assume she’d contact them as soon as she could, and at least wait for a while before going out to search for her. If only she could call them. Maybe the landlines were still working. She’d have to find a phone and try.
    “Okay.” He reached out and took her hand. “Let’s find you someplace to hide.”
    They checked the grocery store first but quickly agreed that it wasn’t viable. The front doors were caved in, leaving splinters of glass and rubble. Anyone inside was probably dead or trapped. Even if she did manage to crawl in, she might not be able to get back out. The thought was enough to drive her into a panic.
    “There’s not much else here,” he said. “You need someplace with shelter and food. You might be there for a while.”
    “We could try the school,” she offered.
    “Where?”
    “A block away,” she said. “We were headed there. We had rehearsal.
Alice in Wonderland
. Sara was the Queen of Hearts. She was so excited about it.”
    A loud bang made her yelp. Gunshots. The group of attackers had reached the accident. They had circled the bus, outnumbering those too injured to run. Through the dimming light, Aries could see the remaining victims trying to get free. One of the men—the bus driver, she thought but wasn’t too sure—had a gun. He waved it blindly, sending shots into theair. Two men came at him from behind, bringing him to the ground. Even at a distance she could hear the sound as his head smashed into the pavement. Beyond that, the pregnant woman tried to crawl away until she was dragged back by her hair.
    “They’re killing them.”
    Daniel ignored her. “It’s time to go.” He grabbed her arm. “Show me where the school is.”
    “It’s a block over. That way.” She pointed toward the alley behind the grocery store. “But those people need help.”
    “If you try to help them, you’ll die too.”
    The path before them was pitch-black. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out the miniature flashlight Dad gave her to put on her key chain.
    “Here.” She removed it and handed it over. “Maybe this will help.”
    He accepted the tiny