Chapter 75 - The roaring in the background (1/2)
”Grant!” shouted a voice as we engaged in the little road. We all sprung around and found Alter waving at us. He hurried to meet us. ”You are just leaving like that?” he frowned. ”We thought, we could all stay together,” said Alter lowering his head.
”I'm sorry but this is where we part ways,” Alter blinked and his face twisted with grief, I almost thought he would cry. There were no tears, he would only mimic sadness.
”I don't want that,” he shook his head. Grant crossed the distance separating them in seconds and took him in his arms. Alter hugged Grant back with all his might.
”Then take everyone to the bay. Find a way to cross to the island on the northeast at six hundred kilometers. I'll wait for you,” he pulled away while holding a firm grip on both of his shoulders. Alter nodded one with a smile.
”I promise,” with that he jogged back to the main road and turned for a last wave. He disappeared in the flow of disoriented bystanders. We resumed our walk a little overwhelmed.
After a long moment of silence, Nicolai who was leading the way peeked over his shoulder. Demos trotted next to me his body constantly brushing against my side. Grant closed our procession. The narrow street was deserted bordered with ancient houses, all windows were closed.
”You need special clearance to get on that island. Their security is pretty tight after what happened to their first project,” mumbled Nicolai as he focused back to the road ahead
”Then I'll talk to Doctor Churchhill. I'm sure we can find a way,” Grant sighed clearly irritated. Nicolai slowed to a stop in the middle of the street.
”You can't save everyone, ” he said without facing us. ”Hope is not something natural for us artificial,” his gaze dropped to the pavement.
”I know,” Grant whispered while making the saddest face. I could feel a jab in the heart, something unfamiliar seeped through the link. It hurt so much I had difficulty breathing. Panting I looked up at him. He jolted forward eyes flaring aquamarine.
”I'm sorry, Liliane,” he rubbed my arm to ease the panic attack. Slowly the lump building up in my throat disappeared. What the hell just happened.
-Did you experience it too?
”What...?” I frowned at Demos staring up at us. ”What was that?” I said finally finding my voice. Grant shook his head making his curls fall over his forehead.
”I still need to try,” he turned to Nicolai waiting up ahead for us. I could feel the weight of responsibility in each of this words. It was heavy. It was unbearable. How come Grant was carrying such a burden all this time? This made me forget a little about my own crisis.
The road curved into a sharp turn to the right and a large blue building with a green cross appeared before us. We went straight to the entrance not minding to check the traffic lights as we did. This part was also stripped from all signs of life. From afar we could spot the tall column of smoke where once stood the eighty-eight floors apartment block where I live. The image of Lyla flashed before my eyes with a stab of guilt. It couldn't be true. She was not a terrorist. She was many things but a killer was not one of them.
”Get in,” called Nicolai as he unlocked the front door. Grant slid his hand and the glass panel glided to the side. There was a heavy smell of detergent hanging in the air. I then realized it was the first time I set foot in Grant's workplace. I've desperately tried to shove it out of my mind.
”This way,” Nicolai hurried down the long corridor lit by large overhead tubes. There were smiling people in green meadows on the walls and orange and green plastic chairs along the way. We emerged in what looked like a waiting room. There was a white desk with 'welcome' written in a friendly pale green on the side. They dropped their bags on the floor and scanned the perimeter. no one in sight.
”I haven't realized Adrien was really going to build a hospital for you,” I lowered my eyes ashamed that I've doubted his words. I felt his warm hand squeeze my shoulder.