Immurement: The Undergrounders Series Book One (A Young Adult Science Fiction Dystopian Novel) (31 page)

“Pack up your gear if you’re coming," I say. “Only those who voted
yes
are bound to go.”

Big Ed rises heavily to his feet. “That’s it, then. Will you be leaving the dog?”

My chest tightens like he’s hit me with a sledgehammer.

The crepe-like skin around his eyes fans into a smile. “Let me guess. He voted
yes
.”

I steal a glance at Tucker curled up asleep against Sven’s chest—dogcatcher turned nap snatcher overnight. “Yeah, he’s discovered he has a thing for clones after all.”
Maybe we both do.

Big Ed chuckles. “Guess they really do have a scent then.”

I lay a hand on his arm. “Jakob—” I begin, telepathically willing him to understand what I’m about to ask.

He turns back to me, a bemused look in his eyes. “You’re taking the dog and leaving the boy?”

“Not by choice. You heard him.”

Big Ed pulls at his beard. “You have my word nothing will happen to him, just like I have Sven’s word that nothing will happen to you.”

I give him a nod of thanks. My head’s spinning so fast it feels like it might gyrate right off my body. Maybe this isn’t really happening. None of it—the stupid vote—the decision to throw down the gauntlet that’s divided the Council and driven a cosmic-sized wedge between Jakob and me—left me in the protective custody of a clone who stirs up something inside me I’ve yet to unravel.

Big Ed grips my shoulders and stares into my eyes like he’s searching for something. “Godspeed,” he says, his voice husky with emotion.

I give him an awkward grin. How fast would that be exactly? Speed of light? Right now, I’d rather make time stand still. So I never have to return to the Craniopolis and face my demons.

Big Ed claps me on the back, then turns away, his eyes moist beneath the rim of his hat.

I watch him ruffle the fur on Tucker’s neck with his stocky fingers and then lumber over to the ladder that leads to the main tunnel.

My heart beats in short, ragged bursts. We leave tomorrow night at midnight. Only half the Council is with us—but I can hope for Godspeed. After all, the sun still rises.

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