“We should follow them. See where they’re taking them,” I say.
“Medical records … that’s what we’re looking for,” Cole says. “We can’t afford to get sidetracked. Besides, Wilson just increased his army by thousands by offering freedom to the person who turns you in. Now, instead of just guards, every Sinner able to stand will be trying to take you down.”
And he killed the last Sinner who could identify us. He can’t go around just killing people who happen to lay eyes on us. Neither of us say anything for a few seconds. Wilson has changed everything.
“Look,” I say, pausing to gather my thoughts. “Most of those people looked really sick. Maybe they were being taken somewhere that could lead us to information that could help Roméo.” I push myself up and brush off my pants.
Cole removes his hand from my neck.
“Okay, fine. But if it gets too risky we’re turning around.” In that moment, I know something between us has changed because Cole stands aside and motions for me to take the lead. And for the first time in forever, I feel like I might be in control of my destiny.
I slink along the walls of the surrounding buildings, keeping the tail end of the slow march within view. It’s no wonder I don’t see anyone if this is what they’re doing to those who come out during the day. And then I think about Amber and how she almost saw me. She looked like crap. I guess even her plan to bribe the guards eventually fell through.
And then we’re there.
The Commander’s old headquarters, where the transformation center was moved after the revolt, looms overhead to the left of the main gate. The entrance to the video viewing room changed into thick, cement double doors with guards at attention on either side. Cattle chutes line the outside, forming two lines, where people get separated—spouses, children, parents, lovers, and friends—males on one side and females on the other. Then the guards force the Sinners into the building. Creeping into the shadows, I point the entrance out for Cole as Zeus sits by my side.
Watching them separate the Sinners into categories infuriates me. Bile burns in my throat. My hands clench my gun, turning my knuckles white. This is a completely new kind of evil.
Amber’s figure disappears on the right side and through the new, heavy doors. After the Sinners are inside, some of the guards light up cigarettes or laugh and talk together.
What are they doing to those people? What is this place?
It’s like the guards aren’t human. Like Cole said he was in the past—solid and hard, without a conscience. Cole exhales in disgust.
Before I can gather my senses, Zeus darts out of our hiding spot and runs straight across the street.
What the hell?
I’m about to dive after him when Cole practically rips me back into place, his eyes flashing a warning.
“What’re you doing?” I say with anger before checking both ways, making sure the guards haven’t spotted Zeus. They haven’t. Zeus stands, staring at a teenage boy while holding a flat, red ball in his mouth. When the coast is clear, I sprint toward them, despite Cole’s attempt to keep me in place.
The young man’s eyes turn to quarters and his mouth drops open as he stares at Zeus.
“The ball’s my brother’s,” he says in barely a whisper. “Please, don’t hurt me.”
Zeus approaches him and drops the ball at his feet, whining.
Relief washes over the boy’s face as he picks up the ball, never taking his eyes off Zeus.
“Thank you,” he says.
Zeus ambles forward as the boy holds his hand out and gives him a quick lick, and then he nudges him into a dark entryway.
“Okay, you stay safe,” the boy says. He catches sight of me and gives a small smile. “I’m glad you’re here to help us.”
Before I can reply, footsteps come up behind me, and I flip around. I raise my hand to my gun, but it’s only Cole. He curses under his breath, and his movements are rigid as he draws closer.
“Halt!” I hear someone say.
Oh crap.
My eyes meet Cole’s. He gives a darting glance toward the voice and turns back to me. His finger moves to the trigger of his gun, and I know exactly what will happen next. I duck my head, and Zeus covers me with his body. Just then, Cole fires three times.
Cole dashes into the space behind me, using the wall as cover.
“Go!” he shouts.
Zeus and I run together.
More shots ring out. Small spits of dust kick up close to us. I race between buildings, turning left, and then turning right. Zeus trails me, and Cole follows.
“Halt!” the voice shouts again.
But Cole drowns it out with the sound of his gun.