“We’ll hit the classroom on our way out.”
Shouldering my pack, I followed Lucy from the only bedroom I’d ever known. And I couldn’t have been happier. The girls would be in language class, so we headed down the stairs and toward the school hall. Reaching the double doors – there was no need for discretion – Lucy shoved both doors wide open. They smashed into the back walls and every face swung in our direction. Stepping up next to Lucy, I surveyed the other girls. A variety of ages, ethnic backgrounds and cultures stared back at me. The years of turmoil on Earth had lessened many of the things that used to divide people. Now it was more rebel versus gang or militia. That was at least one small positive. Miss Crabbe was furious, hands on her bony old hips at the front of the room.
“What do you two think you are doing? Either come to class or don’t, but I don’t appreciate the interruption.”
“We just needed to let the other girls know something and then we’re gone.” I turned to the room. “Don’t trust Olden. If you trust her, you’re as good as dead. And don’t take her instructions after you graduate from here.”
We had no time to sugar-coat it.
The girls were silent, their expressions saying ‘What the eff?’
The teacher’s eyebrows rose slightly, which for her was a huge display of emotions. “What are you saying?”
“Olden’s room is on the third floor. Lucy and I just came from there and the place is full of money. So much cash she could only have received it from the gangs. We think, instead of giving us directions to the compounds, she sends us off to the gangers.”
Lucy added, “And on a side note, some of the boxes had jewelry and personal items. You should make sure she doesn’t have anything of yours.”
Shock, disbelief, and fear flashed across the silent faces. Then chaos erupted. Chairs went flying as the girls shoved past us to head for the stairs. Angry voices raged as they exited the room. Chrissie paused next to me.
I met her eyes, my lips tilting in a warm grin. “Chrissie, sorry I never had a chance to take you out of the gates.”
She shook her head. “I’ll figure it out, Abbs. I’ve never trusted Olden. Long story for another time, but I was planning on going my own way.”
She waved to her friend, Chandra, who was paused in the doorway. “I can’t leave Chandra, and she’s not ready to take the plunge out on to the streets yet. But good luck out there. I think we’ll see you soon.”
I grasped her hand briefly. She gave it a quick squeeze, before walking out the door.
“Girls! Girls! Stop right now.” Miss Crabbe’s screaming was largely ignored. She spun to face us. “This is completely ridiculous. There’s no way such an operation could happen. Not under the rebels’ notice.”
Lucy scoffed. “Really? And when was the last time someone, other than teachers, who couldn’t care less, actually visited this compound?”
Some of the speech registered with her – probably the part about teachers not caring less. She gave us each a long look before leaving the room.
I turned to Lucy. “Best case scenario, she reports this to someone higher up the rebel chain, and they may do a little investigating.”
She shrugged. “Don’t hold your breath. We’re never going to be a priority to them. But we might have created some trouble for Olden.”
“Hopefully we gave the girls a chance. It’s better than nothing.”
It was time to leave.
There were a few nerves. I was just hoping we lived long enough to enjoy our adventure.
“Do I look like I’m freaking out, Abbs?” Lucy turned her perfectly serene face in my direction.
“Um, no actually, you look very calm.”
She smiled. “Awesome. I was wondering if it showed. A ninja never reveals their emotions.”
“You’re not a ninja.”
“Go rain on someone else’s parade, Grinchiness.”
As we left the room, echoes of smashing objects could be heard in the distance. Music to my ears.
Chapter 4
As we walked out of the compound, the sun was encased by dark ominous clouds, casting the streets in shades of gray. Shrugging my pack higher, I led the way to the alley. We needed to set up base before nightfall. Lucy’s shorter legs struggled with my pace, so I slowed. Still, it only took a few minutes to reach the alley entrance.
Lucy puffed hard. “Damn, I’m unfit. I need to start jogging, if this running-for-our-lives thing continues.”
“Told you escaping the compound was useful. I’m always running for my life.”
We moved along the alley. When we reached the red dumpster, I threw my pack down beside the wall. “We should move this away from the bricks, get in behind it.”
Lucy dropped her pack too. “Abbs, I’m wearing Vuitton runners. One doesn’t move bins in Vuittons.” They were bright purple runners, with large yellow stars on each side.
I shook my head. “Luce, you have two seconds to start moving this dumpster or I am dropping you back to Olden.”