Page 71 of Wonder

Chess cranes his head. “I can’t see anyone. You?”

I shake my head—

The shot rings out. Both of us duck as I throw my hands over my head. “The fuck?”

“Down,” Chess hisses. “They’re shooting at us. Climb down the other side!”

Clearly we’re not allowed to take a little rest break. Another shot rings out, whistling past my ear as I swing my legs over the edge.

Another.

I jolt, my body slamming into the bushes.

And I fall back, into nothing but air as Chess shouts something I don’t catch.

This is going to—

30 – Alyss

Ikeep my hand on the wall as I turn another corner.

These passages are endless. I feel as if I’ve been walking for days. And there’s no sign of any of the others.

Pausing, I frown. That noise… it sounds familiar.

Almost like aticking.

I keep going, following that noise until I turn into a new passageway. When I pause to listen, I can still hear the ticking.

But… my body stiffens. There’s something else, too. The soft tread of footsteps against the ground. Whoever it is, they’re trying to stay quiet.

Casually, I glance over my shoulder.

Nothing behind me.

I take a few more steps.

He steps out in front of me, smile gleaming. “There you are. I’ve been looking for you.”

I pause, taking him in. The short, balding man grins at me. “I’m Bruce.”

He bounces back on his feet. “You’re very difficult to get alone, you know. Always one of the others following you around.”

I spread my feet out. “And why would you need to get me alone?”

His smile shows me stained teeth. “For a chat.”

Sure, asshole.

I take a step back. “I’m not feeling in the mood for a conversation.”

“Don’t be like that.” He follows me, full of over-inflated ego and something darker, something that makes my skin crawl as his eyes drop to take in my dress, lingering on my legs. “Everyone else gets a go. Seems only fair I get a turn.”

I’m not a fucking merry-go-round.

Stopping, I pretend to actually consider his offer. My head tilts to the side. “You know, I don’t think I’m in the mood for rapist cunts today, Bruce. So… I’m going to say no.”

I widen my stance. Brace.