Edge of Instinct: Rabids Book 1

by Amy Cook

  “You know how to ride one of these?” His tone made it pretty clear that he already knew the answer to that.

  “Not really,” she admitted, her cheeks heating.

  “Got someone to teach ya?” He eyed her doubtfully, and he had every right to do so. She really had no idea how to ride one, and would likely kill herself just getting it out of the lot. She silently shook her head no.

  “Trial and error on a motorcycle is a bit of a dangerous bet, don’t ya think, honey?” A car horn on the street blared loudly, startling her. She pulled at the hood of the sweater, carefully surveying their surroundings. All it would take is one nosy bystander recognizing her, seeing her standing in this parking lot and conversing with the ‘enemy’. Malinda would come tearing home with hell’s vengeance on her heels before Amiel stepped foot outside the front gates.

  “I like to live dangerously, I guess,” she replied lamely, distracted with the prospect of being caught. She was making lots of dangerous bets today. The man grunted noncommittally, arms folding in a solid bar of muscle over his chest. For an older man, he was definitely fit and not just a little intimidating when he wanted to be.

  “Motorcycles are expensive.”

  “I’ve got plenty of money.” Amiel’s chin rose defensively when she saw his look of doubt. “Money isn’t an issue.”

  “Then why not buy a car? Plenty round here to choose from that’ll suit your purpose just fine I’d wager.” He motioned to all the car dealerships surrounding his. She bit her lip, not entirely eager to give away too much detail.

  “Cars aren’t exactly what I need right now.” Her eyes shifted nervously to the sign above his shop. He twisted at the hip, staring up at his own sign. When he turned back to her, his gaze had turned suspicious.

  “Lookin’ to travel Outside then?”

  “Yes.”

  “My travel services don’t come cheap, neither. Train station’s just a few blocks that a way.” He motioned over his shoulder with a thumb. The firm statement was obviously meant to put her off. Too bad she didn’t have that option. She swallowed hard.

  “I was hoping for something a little more…clandestine, than a train.”

  “Who ya on the run from?” His question was blunt and gruff. Jaw clenching, Amiel tried to keep her emotions in check.

  “I’m not running from anyone.” She took a step back, his question activating an unconscious need to glance around for prying eyes. That one furtive glance gave her away faster than anything she could have said. She was proving to be a complete failure at this game of subterfuge.

  “You’re either on the run, or here to spy for your mama. So which is it?” Her jaw dropped wide. She hadn’t considered the possibility that he would recognize her much less think she was on some devious mission on her mother’s behalf.

  “My mother?” Amiel tried to play dumb, feeling like a trapped animal.

  “Y’all didn’t really think that disguise would work on me did ya? I ain’t stupid.” Maybe not, but apparently Amiel was. She thought her disguise had been adequate, but if Biker Man could recognize her so easily, how many other people had? She pulled off her over sized glasses, and sheepishly met his eyes.

  “I…I just came into some money of my own, and thought I’d buy myself something nice…” He cut her off immediately, eyes shifting to harbor a kindling of anger.

  “No use lyin’ about it, I can see it in your eyes. I’ve had teenagers, and I seen that look before. You’re up to something you think ya shouldn’t be. I don’t got much use for liars, so let’s have the truth of it.” She swallowed heavily, staring up at this imposing man, trapped in her own efforts of secrecy. There’d be no lying to Biker Man. If anything, it would only hurt her chances.

  “I swear I’m not a spy. And the disguise wasn’t meant for you,” she whispered dejectedly. He regarded her for a long silent moment, weighing her words. Finally seeming to approve of what he saw, he grunted knowingly.

  “Runnin’,” he replied factually.

  “Running,” she admitted in defeat. “Am I really that transparent?”

  “Why else would you be packin’ a duffel stuffed to the gills, hell bent on getting’ yourself killed on a bike that y’all ain’t got no business bein’ on? Sides, ain’t nobody in their right mind gonna wear a sweater like that this time of year, unless they’re tryin’ to hide who they are.” Amiel’s shoulders sagged. His eyes were like diamonds; they were no longer angry, but they cut through her, digging for the truth and refusing to take anything less. Turning back to the bike, she ran a hand longingly down its polished length, fighting the rising panic in her chest.

  “I need to get out of town. Now,” she muttered quietly.

  “Y’all runnin’ from the law, honey?” Despite the content of his question, it felt less like suspicion and more like a sort of fatherly concern.

  “No, sir. Well, at least not until my mother finds me gone.” His eyes suddenly glittered with what she was surprised to realize was humor.

  “I’ll be hanged, girl, but if I had a mama like Malinda Hilden, I’d be on the run, too. That woman’s wound tighter than a politician’s backside!” Amiel’s eyebrows shot upward in surprise, a startled laugh escaping her lips. He grinned and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Let’s finish talkin’ inside. The way y’all keep lookin’ round like that, your heads liable to fly clear off.”

  She quickly followed him inside the shop, eager to be away from the public eye. Inside she sunk into a comfy chair near the business desk, knotted shoulders relaxing. At least they were, until twin menacing barks rang through the empty spaces. Amiel sprang to squat in the chair, a strange nervous energy coursing through her as two large Dobermans clattered in from a back room. One moved to crouch behind her, the other jumping onto the desk in front. Saliva dripped from its jowls as it growled inches from her face. Her heart tripped in her chest, speeding forward with an almost burning intensity. She felt as though she should do something, anything to protect herself, yet had no idea where to begin. Her eyes tracked nervously toward Biker Man who stood at the door, eyes scrutinizing her carefully with that suspicious gleam back in their depths. Clearing his throat, he shut the door and flipped the ‘open’ sign to ‘closed’.

  “Back down!” With his authoritative command the dogs immediately ducked their heads, loping to his side in submission. Though she noticed they kept baleful glares marked on her at all times, spines stiff enough the short hairs still stood on end.

  “Gotta excuse the mutts. They keep the shop safe when I ain’t around, but they don’t got the best manners,” he said with a mischievous smile, ignoring her current fight or flight stance. His return to an easy manner seemed to drain the nervous energy from her muscles, and like magic the dogs also relaxed. Clearing his throat, Biker Man seated himself behind the desk, propping his feet up on it and waited for her to sit too. Cheeks flushing she slowly lowered herself to sit properly in the chair, one eye still fixed on the dogs.

  “Alright, honey, down to business. Your ma bein’ who she is, I gotta make sure I’m legally covered before we even start talkin’ deals. How old are ya?”

  “Eighteen.”

  “Don’t suppose ya got some kinda proof of that?” She quickly pulled out her identification card.

  “I just turned two months ago.” He nodded, tapping her license on his desk as he watched her with that intense stare of his. It was like he thought he could read her whole mind if he just stared long enough.

  “Why my business?” Amiel pushed the hood back and grabbed a strand of hair that had come loose, twisting it nervously as she watched him, debating.

  “You were at my brother’s funeral.” This statement seemed to surprise the man. He nodded silently. “Why?”

  “I wanted to pay my respects. From what I hear, he was a good man, fightin’ the good fight. I ain’t got nothin’ but the utmost respect for the men and women puttin’ their lives on the line for us every day. Don’t matter who their parents are.” Amie
l swallowed hard against the tears.

  “Thank you.” The words came out in a strangled whisper. Biker guy nodded.

  “Sure.” His statement was simple, but not dismissive. He had shown up for Jaron’s funeral, despite the welcome he had to know he’d receive. He hadn’t known Jaron, just rumors and a job title. But it was enough for this man. That had to say something about his character, right? Amiel stepped forward with her plan.

  “In response to your question; quite simply my mother has her hands in everything. If I stepped foot in a train station she’d know before my ticket was purchased. Which kind of goes against what I’m trying to accomplish here.”

  “And what’s that, exactly?”

  “Freedom.” The statement was simple enough, but it seemed to strike a particular chord with Biker Man.

  “Freedom from your ma. That’s all you’re lookin’ for?” She nodded. He watched her in a way that told her he didn’t entirely believe her. “So you’re lookin’ for more than my hogs. You’re lookin’ for safe conduct across the Vasts to another city. Yeah?”

  “Yes, sir. If I understand your sign and reputation correctly, you help people travel the less…monitored paths outside of the cities. That’s what I need. If I am ever to be free of her I need to disappear, and it needs to be far away from here.”

  He sighed, running a hand over his face. “Let’s say I help you out. Sell ya that beauty out there, and agree to help ya travel outside the cities. Then what? Y’all ain’t gonna get far when ya crash it a few blocks down the road.” She cringed at the truth of the reality behind those words.

  “I know.” She nibbled her lip. “People can learn how to ride a regular bike easy enough. It can’t be much more complicated than that. Right?” His expression made it clear just how ridiculous she sounded.

  “They’ve got classes for this sorta thing.”

  “I don’t have time to wait for a class.” She hesitated. “Maybe…you could teach me the basics? Just enough to help me get on my way, and I will pay you extra for the help. Then I’ll just figure out the rest as I go,” she quickly reassured him. She shifted uncertainly under his gaze. “I’m a quick learner, I promise.”

  He studied her for a long moment, before leaning back in his chair. “Ain’t really somethin’ I can teach in just a few hours.”

  “I understand, sir, but I really don’t have time for a class. I only have five days at the most before I am discovered missing, and I need to be long gone by then.”

  “It’s dangerous out there, honey. Even for the most experienced of riders. Y’all understand that, right?”

  “Yes, sir,” she replied, her insides quaking.

  “I really don’t think ya do. There are Cutthroats and Rabids, not to mention the landscape itself bein’ dangerous enough to kill ya on its own. It’d be dangerous for you, and it’d be dangerous for me takin’ someone as inexperienced as you.” She looked at her feet. She hadn’t considered the risks he would be taking on, bringing along a girl who had no idea what she was doing. And he hadn’t even heard just how far she wanted to travel yet.

  “I understand. If you could just tell me what I need to do, and maybe give me a few lessons I can go on my own. I won’t ask you to risk yourself on my behalf.”

  “And what kinda man would I be, sendin’ a lil thing like yourself out there to face it alone? Not somethin’ I’d be willin’ to do, either.” She nodded, fighting the tears that burned a threat in her eyes. His fingers smoothed over each side of his impressive mustache several times, eyes turning thoughtful and slightly uncomfortable.

  “Now don’t go getting’ mush-eyed on me girl, let’s just think this through.” she nodded feeling the walls of her plan caving in around her. “Y’all said ya got five days. Is that includin’ what’s left of this one?” She nodded silently. “That would give me less than three days to teach ya and get ya on your way soon enough to have a head start on your ma.” He eyed her carefully, as though sizing her up. He shook his head. “Ain’t lookin’ good, honey.” It wasn’t. Yet the need to run burned so deeply it felt like a caged animal clawing its way to freedom, shredding her from within. No matter Biker Man’s answer, she couldn’t stay. Shoving the tears back, Amiel met his gaze with as much strength of determination as she could. She stood, forcing her legs to stand solid.

  “Thank you for your time, sir. I will simply have to find another way.” He sat forward, eyeing her cautiously.

  “Y’all ain’t experienced on a bike, doubt you’re packin’ the proper food and water supplies, and I’m willin’ to bet y’all ain’t armed neither. Ya won’t get too far with the Rabes and Cuts out in droves like they are, a little runt like yourself all alone out there.” She grimaced at his description of her, earning an apologetic grin. “No offense, honey, but you are just a lil ol’ thing.” She sighed heavily. She really wasn’t that short. At 5’5, she liked to think of herself as average. But to a man of his stature she would definitely seem tiny and there was no use arguing it.

  “I know.”

  “There ain’t no other reputable travel service round here neither, ‘sides the trains or personal convoy,” he added.

  “Yes sir, I’m aware, thank you.”

  He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Still gonna do it, ain’t ya?” His tone left little doubt as to his knowledge of her intent.

  “If there is one thing I have learned from my mother, it’s that nothing is impossible with the proper administration of strength, determination, and perseverance.”

  His eyes widened before he burst into a boominglaugh. “Y’all sure are a piece of work, honey!” She wasn’t quite sure if that was an insult, or a compliment.

  “Desperation is the word I believe, sir.” He grunted in agreement.

  “Alright, alright, sit yourself down girl.” He waited until she slumped back into her chair, relieved that she might not have to find another way out of the city.

  “So ya learn how to ride the bike in that amount of time. What then? Where exactly ya gonna go? Where ya headed? You got plans past the here and now?” He leaned forward, persisting. She toed the duffel on the floor, before voicing her decision.

  “I’d like to go to Texas—Dallas, to be exact.” His back went ramrod straight, eyes wide with something she wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to understand.

  “Texas! Hells bells girl! You’ve got a death wish, ain’t ya? Don’t ya know Texas is right in the pot of ‘em all? It’s real warm down there, just like them Rabes like it. They mash up in there like a buncha rats on fresh meat.” She couldn’t repress the shudder at the visual his words sent flashing through her mind. He frowned, rubbing at his mustache again. “Why Dallas?” She took out Greysen’s business card and slid it toward him. She had nothing to lose, and he’d made it clear he didn’t care for liars.

  “The man that gave me this was my brother’s closest friend before his death. Alexander told me that if I ever needed anything, I could count on his help. But he’s clear in Texas, stationed around the Dallas outskirts. My destination has to be far enough away that my mother can’t easily reach me, and somewhere big enough she can’t easily find me.” She shrugged uncomfortably. “It just seemed like the place to go.” He watched her with those soul searching eyes. She was afraid of the how to get there, but she knew that there was the right place to be. She couldn’t explain it, but Dallas held an unseen pull for Amiel, calling her to it. Besides, the pieces of the puzzle fit, so she felt no need to ignore that pull. It was the perfect place to be in case she needed a friend like Alexander in her corner. But most importantly, and in a way that she wasn’t entirely ready to admit, it would be a way of feeling closer to her lost brother. Amiel once again denied the tears entrance into the world as they threatened to surface and break down the strong front she was trying so desperately to keep in place. Though she never voiced the thoughts, Biker Man seemed to understand her reasoning.

  “Losin’ a loved one ain’t ever easy.” She smiled thinly, taking his
gruff condolences with a sense of appreciation. He sounded like he was personally familiar with the loss of loved ones, and it didn’t feel contrived or forced like it did with everyone else in this town. Given the current plight of the world, it would be hard to believe that he hadn’t lost anyone to the war of Humanity verses the Rabids. Everyone had lost someone. It was a relief to hear true heartfelt condolences. Yet as much of a relief as it was to hear, she hoped he wouldn’t press the matter too fully. Her feelings concerning her brother were still too raw to delve into deeply, no matter how kind and understanding he was on the subject. Again he nodded as though he understood and moved the subject forward.

  “That’s an awful long ways to go, honey, especially for an inexperienced traveler like you.” His eyes shifted to just over her shoulder. Slowly turning around, she realized there was a giant sized map of Texas plastered above her head. She frowned, leaning closer for a better look. Dallas had been circled in red ink. Apparently Biker Man was a fan of Dallas, too. Seeming to sense the direction of her thoughts, he spoke.

  “I’m a Dallas man myself, born and raised. I was actually plannin’ on closin’ business down here and goin’ back there in a few months. Family’s still down there and I don’t like bein’ separated from ‘em.” That was something she could completely understand. It had been tremendously difficult having so much distance between her and Jaron the last seven years. It was funny that Dallas held the key to both of their families. She shifted her attention from the map to the rough biker in front of her, struck by a sudden thought. The man with the key to her salvation just happened to be Texan, born and raised in the one city she wanted to escape to. She laughed in quiet irony, letting her head fall back against the seat. It was all too much. The stress, the exhaustion, the sorrow were all piling on top of each other, and her mad little giggle had taken on a life of its own, refusing to be ignored. The man’s brow quirked, watching her cautiously.

  “Somethin’ funny, honey?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry!” She took a deep breath, trying to get a grip. “I swear I’m not crazy. At least I don’t think I am.” She wiped at a tear running the track of her cheek. “I’ve just had a lot of coincidences and surprises today.” She shrugged. “It feels too easy, yet completely impossible at once. Guess I’m just waiting for the other shoe to fall, is all.”