READ A BITE FROM
CRUEL WATERS
His nostrils flared as he breathed. The corner of his mouth lifted in a slight smirk. “Our passengers are stupid rich and they know it. I have found that they are currently losing their humanity and right now it’s every passenger for themselves.”
He shrugged. “Just my observation. Stay close.”
“Sounds interesting.” She eased closer.
“You have no idea.”
He shoved the key into the lock and twisted it, shouldering the heavy door open at the same time.
It was the smell that hit her first.
A rancid stench of body odor and bodily fluids that couldn’t be masked even through the respirator. A small crowd had formed around the exit. Men and women stood in various stages of undress. They didn’t move, and their stillness was unnerving.
They stared at her with cold, calculating gazes, limp hair framing gaunt, expectant faces.
The creepy silence wasn’t what she expected.
One man stepped away from the group. Tall and bald, with a handlebar mustache that didn’t really fit his appearance. He stopped before them, set his feet apart, and leaned on a silver-knobbed dark wood cane.
Gazing down his nose at her, his voice boomed when he spoke.
“I will give you five million cash for a seat on the helicopter when you depart.”
A hint of annoyance skittered through him. Kang stared at BP Theil and snorted.
Desperation bred ignorance.
The crowd closed in around them.
Mrs. C moved to stand beside BP and leaned in, oily strands of stringy hair falling forward against her once-full cheeks. Freckles peppered the bridge of her nose. Min Jae narrowed his eyes. Those were new.
A wide smile spread across her face, displaying two even rows of teeth. He was reminded of a snake when her tongue darted out and skimmed cracked lips.
She slipped past BP and stood just in front of the older man.
“Bryce, be a dear and give me some room.”
Min Jae gripped the epidemiologist’s elbow and tugged her to the side. He dipped his head and whispered, “This showdown…” He sighed. “We don’t want any part of it.”
He eased away, pulling her with him.
“Just a moment, if you will.”
Min Jae stopped cold.
This wasn’t good.