Oblivion

by Karolyn Cairns

  ~ ~ ~

  Lindsay groaned as she raised her head, feeling dazed as she realized she lay on a sidewalk. It was as dark as pitch and she could hardly see her hand in front of her face. She moved and realized she must have survived the accident somehow. Nothing felt broken as she slowly got up, stumbling slightly.

  “Whoa there, little lady, take it easy,” a voice warned her. She felt a strong grip on her arm and looked up. A black man of medium build held her arm to steady her. He was grinning at her now, his brown eyes scanning her face for signs she heard him. “I saw ya come in when I was on my way home. Figures I’d find one of you guys. Lucky me.”

  “Where am I?” she asked groggily and regarded the black man with growing awareness as she took in the dark fatigues and the fact he was armed to the teeth. “I think I need to use the phone.”

  “Oh, not that crap again,” the man grumbled and led her off the walkway and began leading her away at a brisk walk. “First thing outta anybody’s mouth when they wake up down here is always wantin’ to use the dang phone! Ain’t no phones here, baby doll.”

  Lindsay looked at him with growing awareness now. From Jace’s description, she would have known him anywhere. A sense of sadness and excitement combined to know where she was. She had to be sure.

  “Where am I” she asked as she followed him down the road, a sense of elation filling her with every step she took.

  “First, the name’s Merrick,” he told her as he looked up and down the road, looking around warily. “We gotta get off the street before them spooks come lookin’ for ya. What’s your name, little gal?”

  “It’s Lindsay Morgan,” she replied as she tried to keep up with his long-legged stride.

  He stopped and grinned down at her then. “Welcome to Oblivion, Lindsay Morgan.”