Level Zero by Dan McDowell (debian ebook reader .txt) 📗

“What I was saying was… you got to catch Joe with his pants down… so to speak.”

“You know this how? And if you’re that remorseful and really care about the rest of us, why haven’t you done that already?”

“He already bled me. I can’t. He’s got blind spots. You follow?”

“Really?” Todd asked. “How do you know he has blind spots? He doesn’t seem to miss much as far as I can see. It seems like he’s just there waiting to pounce most of the time.”

“I’ve watched how the other one treats him… and how he squirms.”

“Other one?”

Chris leaned in close and spoke quieter, “Yeah. I don’t know as much about him. He seems to be more of a ‘watch the world go by’ type. He’s never lifted a finger on any of us since I’ve been around. He’s spoken to me a few times… Who knows? The way Creeper Joe acts around him is enough to remind me that Joe has limitations.”

Todd disagreed, shaking his head. “No. I’m sorry. What makes you think this ‘other one’ as you call him won’t jump in front of us and attack if we try to get Joe out of the way?”

“It’s a feeling I have. He’s not happy with Joe. He’s more emotional… and caring. I think he saved my life.”

“An emotional Creeper?”

“I don’t really know what or who he is. He may not be a Creeper. I think he’s watching over us in a way… not looking down on us. There’s a difference.”

“Why is he allowing this to happen?” Todd asked. “As much as you seem to know… are you telling me you’re one too?”

“I don’t think so. It’s only a season. Vengeance is inevitable. Creepers can see a whole hell of a lot, but the thing they want most is the deepest part of the soul. They’ll spend years trying to shape a protégé, only to find out it was all in vain if they’re not careful. I guess that’s what separates ‘em from the demons. It becomes a total waste when they find out God’s in there somewhere protecting their hunt from consumption.”

“Man, there’s an interesting thought. This is terrifying stuff.”

Chris nodded his head. “Yes it is. Let me tell you something else. Joe’s got a supply of blood in the overflow freezer at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been watching him on the cameras for a while. He goes in, gets a load, and pops out like a brand new being every single time.”

Todd scoffed. “I’m sorry. This seems unbelievable, but I guess I’ve got nothing to lose.”

“Do it while you can.” Chris’s eyes glowed.

Time to go. Time to go.

“I think I’m going to turn in for the night,” Todd said. “I’ll check it out in the morning.”

“Just remember,” Chris said, “No fear and no blood.” He motioned toward Todd to move on. “I need some space before I get myself sick. I’ve been getting a little claustrophobic.”

“Got it. Good night.”

CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

A familiar feeling hit TODD ADAMS as he stood in a dark corner of the tunnel, relieving himself. The memory overwhelmed his mind.

He glimpsed the inside of Wasserman’s elaborate suite on the sixth floor, all pointing to an obvious reflection of his pride in it. He looked himself over in the mirror, walking out of the room toward the elevator, and proceeding to the eighth floor. As he got off, he walked past a young Joe and tipped his hat. The eyes of Joe Bonsall glowed uncharacteristically to Wasserman’s recollection. Joe extended his hand.

“Mr. Wasserman, I just want to say thank you for everything. I’m looking forward to the party tonight.”

“As am I… I’ve got to get on. I’ll speak to you later.”

Fragments of the memory seemed jumbled. The memory flashed forward. Joe lunged toward Wasserman as he dropped to the floor in a large ballroom. Joe smiled at him, cutting into his arm and wringing the blood out into a large pitcher taken from a nearby table.

“I know it’s not much… but it’s what you said you needed from me to show me more,” Joe said.

Wasserman faded away as a shadowy figure lurked behind Joe.

“There was no need for this,” the figure said.

The memory ended. Todd collapsed onto the floor of the tunnel, raking his fingers on the ground. He pulled clods of the worn surface beneath his fingernails as he yelled in unspeakable agony.

I can’t… I can’t handle this anymore.

Julie’s voice rang through his head, “Neutralize the worst parts of yourself when you’re out of sorts and capitalize on the very best of yourself when you’re on top of your game…”

He ran through the tunnel in a fit of uncontrollable rage as his anxiety skyrocketed.

“I want out! I want out!”

The Shadow approached Todd as he struggled to remain conscious. His heart pounded as his body temperature rose.

I’m going manic. I’m going manic.

Todd ran toward the overflow freezer, forcing his way in.

If he catches me, he catches me. At least I’ll go out trying.

He threw all the freezer’s contents in the tunnel in frantic frustration. The associated commotion echoed.

Only a matter of time before he’s on the prowl for me.

After emptying all of it into the warm corridor, he turned the stored buckets and containers of blood upside down to pour out and ruin as they thawed.

If he has no supply… he will cry… or kill…

A shriek came down the hallway as Joe’s stutter-stepping footsteps grew louder.

Todd slipped out of sight, running back to the usual spot he retired for the night.

Just play it casual. No one has to assume it was you. There are others in here equally capable.

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

CHRIS WILKERSON watched chaos unfold from the video feed in the control room.

Get rid of him once and for all, Todd. I know you can.

Joe ran through the tunnel, startled by the commotion. Others drifted that direction. Joe ignored them as his attention remained diverted by the unexpected chaos. Chris flipped to the Spring of Life camera.

It’s gone bone dry.

Blood