Helios Beginnings (The Helios Chronicles #0.5) by Tawa M. Witko Read Free Book Online Page B

around as far as Riley was concerned. Andrew’s breathing hitched and he swore that his vein actually started to pulse just knowing the drug was so close. Riley handed the bag to Andrew who quickly brought out his kit. He was trying hard to get everything set up but his hands were trembling.
    “You need some help?” Riley asked but Andrew shook his head frantically.
    “Nah, I can do it, man. I’m good.”
    Riley nodded and left the room, giving Andrew some privacy to do his thing. Andrew took a few deep breaths and concentrated hard on steadying his shaking hands. After a few seconds he was able to get everything together. The minute the Heroin hit his system his heart stopped racing and his breathing steadied. He could hear talking and movement around him, but he didn’t pay attention to any of it. His eyes closed as a sense of warmth and peace washed over him.
    ~*~
    Andrew shifted his backpack to his other shoulder. He felt in his pocket. The crumpled wad of cash was small. He was almost out of money again. He let out an exacerbated breath knowing what he would have to do and fairly soon. His stomach grumbled. He hadn’t eaten in a few days and was starting to feel it. His body felt tired and weak. It was hard to imagine that a twenty-one year old could feel so old, but he did.
    He crossed the street and slipped into the alley behind the restaurant. He carefully started sifting through the top of the trash bin, trying to find something edible. Most restaurants just tossed out the food their patrons didn’t eat and often times Andrew could find enough scraps to tide him over. There was a blare of music as the door opened and the busboy walked out with a large bag in his hand.
    “Hey, buddy, you…”
    Andrew quickly started to walk away with his head down. He had no desire to converse with anyone and certainly didn’t want to see the pitiful look people always gave him.
    “Hold on, man,” the bus boy shouted after him.
    Andrew tightened his weathered jacket around his body as he exited the alley. He looked up and down the street and then towards the sky. The clouds were dark indicating that it would likely rain by evening. Andrew looked to the ground, deciding. He shoved his hand in his pocket and could tell as he wrapped his long fingers around the cash that it wasn’t enough to get a room for the night. With a sigh he headed in the direction of the nearest shelter.
    After a few short blocks, he stood across the street from the large building. There was a line forming outside already. Most shelters didn’t allow people inside during the day. This particular one would allow people in at six pm. They always offered food, so the line was generally long. He crossed the street quickly and took his place next to a man in tattered clothes. He was leaning against the wall.
    “Did they say how many they were letting in tonight?” Andrew asked casually.
    The man shook his head, but didn’t respond further. Andrew removed his backpack and took a seat, looking up in the sky once again. He only hoped that the rain would hold off until he could actually get inside. He glanced at the man beside him. He was older and smelled badly of alcohol, urine and body odor. Andrew pulled up the collar of his jacket and lowered his head, effectively blocking out most of the stench. Nothing could block it out completely.
    “Hey, get moving,” he heard as someone nudged his shoe.
    Andrew blinked a few times and realized that the line was moving forward. He rose quickly, knowing that others would shove past him if he didn’t. He kept his head down as he continued to walk slowly forward until he was inside the foyer of the building.
    “Name?”
    Andrew hesitated.
    “Sir, I need a name before you can stay here,” the woman said in a gentler tone.
    “If he doesn’t want it…”
    “Andrew,” he said, interrupting the man several paces behind him. “Walker,” he finished, using his mother’s maiden name.
    She nodded at him and