Brain Storm by Cat Gilbert (ebook reader computer .txt) 📕

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WHAT SEEMED LIKE an eternity later, I was flopped onto the ground behind some bushes. The feeling was beginning to come back into my limbs, and although I was a long way from moving around, I definitely felt the impact. My abductor suddenly loomed over me, grabbed my chin and turned my face to look at him.

“Stay here and stay quiet,” he ordered, and then he and Jonas disappeared beyond the brush. Trinity crawled over, and curling into a ball, huddled close to me, shivering.

She was going into shock. Even in my confused state, I knew enough first aid to realize that but there was nothing I could do to help her. At least, for the time being, we seemed to be safe. I concentrated on trying to move and found, much to my relief, that with a lot of effort, I could move my arms and legs. The more I moved them, the easier it became, and within minutes, I managed to roll over. Using my elbows to drag myself, I managed to move enough to see through the bushes just in time to catch the sight of flames erupting from what was once my kitchen window. I watched in disbelief as, within seconds, the whole condo was engulfed, lit up like a beacon in the night.

My involuntary gasp alerted Trinity, and she crawled over to join me. Turning to look at her, I could see flecks of blood on her face reflecting the firelight and the tears in her eyes.

“What is going on?” she whispered, her eyes on the flames.

I didn’t bother to answer, as the scream of the fire alarms suddenly tore through the night and I found my attention focused on the exit doors, willing my neighbors out of the building. It seemed an eternity before the doors finally opened, and people began making their way out to safety.

The sound of sirens joined with the fire alarms and the wash of blue and red lights against the buildings announced the arrival of police and fire crews. We watched in silence as the police attempted to sort out the distraught homeowners that were now pouring into the parking lot as the fire took hold and began to spread.

Movement caught my eye at the back of the building, and I held my breath as two bodies separated from the crowd and started to make their way in our direction. Blankets covering their heads, I couldn’t be sure that it was Jonas and company, and decided to play it safe. Motioning to Trinity, we backed into the bushes as far as possible and waited. The two stopped on the far side of the bushes and stood watching the fire for a moment.

“It looks clear. Put these on and cover up your heads,” the man ordered, dropping the blankets to us. “Taylor, can you walk?”

“I have no idea,” I replied automatically, thrilled that I could form words again. Talking was one thing, walking something else altogether. The way my legs felt, I was pretty sure I would nose plant as soon as I tried, but was more than willing to give it a go.

“Trinity, help her up and see if you can keep her standing. It can’t look like anyone has been injured, or we’ll invite help we don’t want.”

I managed to get into a sitting position, and we covered ourselves as much as we could with the blankets. Looking into Trinity’s eyes, I could see the doubt and fear that I was sure was mirrored in my own. She nodded at me and together we began to rise. We somehow got to a standing position, but that was as far as my legs were willing to go. Teetering on what felt like a pair of stilts, I clung to Trinity for support.

“She can’t walk,” Trinity’s voice trembled. “What do I do?”

Within seconds, my abductor was around the bushes and pulled me into his side. With his arm around my waist, he took my weight off my legs and started moving slowly forward. Trinity followed him and before long, we became a group of displaced survivors, joining others as we moved through the parking lot.

“Do you have a plan, or are you just going to drag me around all night?” I asked none too nicely. “If you squeeze me any tighter, I won’t be able to breathe.”

“Would you rather I let you fall on the ground?” He had a point, but still, I needed some down time. It felt like my ribs were being crushed. “We’re headed to my van, but we have to go slow to not draw attention. If we run, someone might get suspicious.” He said it like he was talking to a two-year-old.

“Really?” I gasped, my patience and air running thin. “Then I’m going to need to stop for a minute to get some air.”

He paused and turned me into his chest, putting both arms around me. He smelled of smoke and sweat, but he was a solid surface, and my nerves were shot more than I wanted to admit. I watched the firemen over his shoulder as they geared up to enter the building, looking for anyone still inside,