The Seventh

By Charlie D. Solomon

A science fiction story with many twists and turns.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Aug 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9781543919493

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Chapter One

Waking up

Dart awakened to the sound of a phone ringing. He reached for it and saw the number belonging to his friend Mike.

What’s up Mike? What time is it? Dart asked sleepily. He listened for a moment, blew out a slow breath, and said, Okay, I’ll see you there.

Dart sat up and reached for his morning cigarette. He stared out the bedroom window with sleep still in his eyes. The sun didn’t shine very brightly through the second story window of this project apartment, but he was grateful for what little light did filter through. The warmth the sun offered reminded him every morning that things could be a whole lot worse. After all, he could be back in that hole they called a shelter.

Dart knew how lucky he was to have close family who cared and who had taken him in, despite their busy lives. Never once had they made him feel like an inconvenience. Yes, he was fortunate. The truth was, his sister Stacy and her fiancé James did not have to take him in after their parent’s sudden death. They already had a lot on their plate with raising his niece, Ahava. As it happened, he and Ahava were sharing the same room. Lucky for me she’s only three and doesn’t seem to mind.

Dart’s sister and her fiancé had been forced to postpone their wedding but were cautious to never mention the extra unexpected expenses. Dart was forever thankful to them and wanted to pay them back for all the love they had so generously shown him. He wondered how he could possibly earn enough money to do that, He knew there was only one way- and that way came with serious risk.

Dart took a deep breath; time to face the day. He clamored to his feet, stepped out into the hall, and was met by his niece racing up to him with her arms spread wide, eagerly screaming his name. Dart reached down and lifted her up.

Good morning Ahava, he said with a smile on his face.

Good morning Uncle.

Dart carried his niece into the kitchen where his sister was preparing breakfast. He placed Ahava in her high chair and sat down at the table next to Stacy’s fiancée, James.

Do you have any plans today, Dart? James asked. Plans that might involve you filling out some job applications? You need a summer job and you need to start saving some money for your first semester of college."

Stacy set coffee cups down in front of them and joined the conversation. I agree, Dart. Time to start bringing in some money. When I was in college, I worked two jobs and survived on Ramen noodles and Nutrigrain bars.

Yeah, I was thinking about meeting up with Mike and kind of double teaming the situation.

James looked at Stacy and rolled his eyes. Mike, huh?

Yeah, Mike. You know, like for support and motivation that kind of thing, responded Dart, slightly annoyed that he needed to justify his plans.

Well, I’m telling you this from my own experience, James said. My first semester, I was about as unprepared as a young man could be. I couldn’t afford to pay for my books much less have a social life. Hell, I couldn’t even afford to go to the movies or eat out with my friends. The struggle is real, Dart. Dart hung his head. He didn’t like the direction their conversation was taking so he picked up his fork and started shoveling food in his mouth.

Do you want to try chewing some of that food, Dart? Stacy said sarcastically.

Well, you guys got me all motivated and shit with all this lecturing. I want to hurry up and get an early start, responded Dart with his own brand of sarcasm. Dart grabbed a slice of toast and stood up Thanks for breakfast. I’ll see you all later.

Hey, be careful out there! shouted James.

Always, muttered Dart, under his breath.

Dart quickly hopped on a train. The train was a good way to get around a crowded city, but he was sickened by the stench; it made him nauseated every time he rode the train. Dart could not help but feel uncomfortable surrounded by frustrated and impatient passengers. As he approached his stop, a feeling of anxiety filled his heart. Dart was anxious to get out of this metal tube. The train doors opened and an angry face stared at him. Dart tried not to make eye contact with the man as he exited the train cart. He walked down 59th street and waved at Mike.

Hey, what’s up Mike?

Not much. What’s good, you got the stuff? replied Mike in his cool, calm, collected way.

Yeah I got it. Who’s this?

This is my boy Devon.

Devon leaned forward, extending his hand towards Dart for a shake. Hey bro. Mike told me a lot about you. Mike and I go way back and I just wanted to know if I could get in on this business opportunity. Honesty, I am willing to help you guys out in any way I can.

Dart stared skeptically at Devon, eyeing his greasy hair and shifting gaze. Dart did not think that this looked like a guy he could trust. Wow, Mike you couldn’t mentioned this before? Dart asked, annoyed.

Well, it just happened. I mean, we were all chilling, drinking beers, and I told him what I was about to do and he wanted to know if he could get down. He’s a cool dude, reliable. I have known the guy since we were kids.

Dart paused, still looking at Devon and silently cursing Mike in his mind. He hated when Mike did stuff like this. After a few moments, Dart finally spoke.

All right, it’s cool. Let’s just get on with this. Where we going to break this up at? Tammy’s mom is at work so I was thinking about stopping by there.

Cool.

As they turned to walk down the street, Mike bumped into a stranger—a rough looking guy in his late forties or early fifties. The man had a leathery face thick neck and smelled like cheap whiskey. Mike quickly muttered an apology, slightly annoyed that he had run into the guy. Before Mike could finish his sentence, the guy aggressively interrupted him. Watch your step kid!

Mike stared at the man, confused about what was going on. In what felt like seconds, the stranger glared back at Mike and shoved him. Dart impulsively balled up his fist as he lunge forward, hitting the man fast and hard. Mike joined in, lifting his right leg and kicking the stranger in the chest, The stranger lost his balance, falling to the ground, barely catching himself with his hands. Crawling on all fours, the man reached for his waistband and pulled out a gun. Mike ran towards the guy, in an attempt to kick the gun out of his hand. Mike’s kick missed the guy’s gun by only inches. Terrified of what might happen next, Mike, Dart and Devon sprinted down the street. The whole time they were running, the boys heard gun shots sounding loud behind them. Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang. It sounded like they were escaping a war zone. Turning into an alley, Dart shouted, Man that was close, as he peered over at Devon and Mike. Devon suddenly turned to Mike and yelled, you’re bleeding! Mike said nothing in response, slowly taking off his jacket and shirt, to reveal three bullet holes in his back. His faced turned pale, and Mike fell, stumbling to the ground, landing momentary on his knees, and then falling on his face.

Quick, call an ambulance! Dart yelled,