“I said shut your mouth!” I yell, almost hysterically. The lock doesn’t open and I feel like I’m losing control.
Wreck becomes quiet, lying facedown in the grass. I continue struggling with the collar, but no matter what I do, I can’t open it.
“It’s a tricky lock,” he says calmly, rising to his feet.
“Stay on the ground!” I yell, brandishing the knife.
“Gosh,” he groans, sprawling in the grass again.
I have no idea why he does what I say.
“C’mon, just let me help you,” he raises his head, looking up at me. “I’m real tired of lying here. You have your trophy knife back, so what exactly are you worried about? Are you really so frightened of me?”
“I’m not scared of you,” I lie.
“Why don’t you let me help you then?”
I know I shouldn’t let him get close to me. But I can’t open the lock and am too exhausted to continue trying.
“Fine,” I say. “Get over here and help me. But move very slowly. I swear I’ll slit your throat if you try anything stupid.”
Grinning, Wreck approaches and I feel my legs weaken. I place the blade against his neck, my heart beating so fast I become dizzy.
“You’re safe,” he says calmly, slowly taking the key from my hand.
He turns the key inside the lock, and the collar and chain fall to the ground. But he doesn’t move away, still standing very close and looking directly into my eyes. I hold my breath, squeezing the handle of the knife tighter. He’s only about an inch taller than me.
“Is this how you killed him?” Wreck whispers. “How you slit his throat?”
“Yes,” I answer. “And I’ll happily slit yours, should you try anything.”
“I believe you,” he smiles, obviously getting a kick out of our conversation. “Was there lots of blood?”
“Plenty.”
His eyes flicker.
“You’re amazing,” he says, taking a big step backward.
I lower my knife.
“What now?” I ask. “What plan were you talking about?”
“Let’s return to the village and I’ll explain everything.”
I don’t move, giving him a hard look. Should I really go back to the village?
“C’mon, Kora,” he says. “I promise everything will be all right.”
At first I don’t realize he said my real name, then stare at him in confusion.
“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out your real name?” he laughs. “I spoke with Tanya.”
“You didn’t hurt her, did you?” I ask.
“Why would I hurt her?!” He seems astounded, although I don’t understand why my question would surprise him. “It’s me who got hurt. She bit me and promised to kill me should I lay a hand on you.”
“What?!”
“Relax,” Wreck smiles. “She’s fine. I brought her breakfast. And if you’d be so kind to join me, I’ll feed you too.”
I hesitate another moment before following. We walk side by side, heading back toward the village. I now worry Wreck may try to take my hand or touch me in some other way. But he doesn’t, keeping his hands in his pockets and whistling carelessly. I wonder whether I’m making a deadly mistake by following this guy.
CHAPTER 23
Wreck and I come to a small cabin and he invites me inside, holding the door. I hesitate, wondering whether I’m being careless, before walking in. Inside, it’s poorly lit and sparsely furnished. I see a few old blankets spread out across the floor. There are bags and jars lined against a wall. A single wooden shelf containing knives, animal skulls and a handgun. A creepy place.
“This is where I stay,” Wreck says happily, closing the door.
I stand motionless, prepared to use my knife if I have to.
“Come on in, make yourself at home,” he smiles. “I swear you’re one hundred percent safe. I won’t hurt you. I’m a friend.”
I don’t trust him.
“Why do you want to be my friend?” I ask.
“Because you’re awesome,” he states. “Well, you just wait here. I’ll be right back with some grub.”
He leaves and I breathe out a sigh of relief, finally relaxing. I glance around and my eyes moisten with tears, because the dim light and low ceiling in this shack remind me of home.
Curious, I open one of the jars and discover dried leaves inside. I also check a small bag containing dried flowers. Strange. What does he need this stuff for?
I step closer to the shelf, gazing at the skulls and wondering what sort of animals they were. A cow, a dog, a wolf maybe… I freeze, holding my breath. There’s also a human skull. A scary trophy indeed. I tentatively touch the smooth bone and stare into its empty eye-sockets, feeling uneasy. I’ve never before seen a real human skull. I pick up one of the knives and open it, fingering the long sharp blade.
“Have you already checked out all my stuff?” Wreck asks as he walks in, grinning. “Or should I give you a little more time?”
I hurriedly place the knife back on the shelf and sit down on a blanket.
“You did say to make myself at home,” I say sheepishly.
“I see,” Wreck laughs, plopping down across from me.
He opens a large canvas bag, taking out two metal plates and places them on the floor. He fishes out bread, baked potatoes and a couple of juicy steaks wrapped in foil. My mouth waters, and for a moment I can see myself back in the dining room in the racer training facility. I push away the thought, and begin eating. Over the last several days, Tanya and I survived on nothing but wild berries and frog legs.
“Where did you get all this food?” I ask, chewing.
“From our cook’s kitchen. They prepare meals for all the rangers.”
“You mean… roamers?”
“We call ourselves rangers.
