Alex peered through the entry door, trying to make anything out. What was that? He thought, startled as he saw what looked like a shadowy figure slinking down the hall. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end as his senses went into overdrive. Alex opened the door to the building and slowly entered his eyes scanning where he thought he saw the figure. I swear it was down near my apartment door, he slowly approached his door.

  As Alex went to open his door he realized it was unlocked. Ok, now I know someone was here. I definitely locked my door this morning. Alex took a deep breath before swinging his door open and charging in holding his scooter like a battering ram. “Who's in here?!” he yelled. No one answered. Alex walked through his apartment checking everywhere someone could hide, but no one was there.

  “I am losing my mind!” he said, shaking his head as he walked back to his door and locked it, putting the scooter against it. He scanned his living room and noticed some of his stuff was moved. He walked over to where he had put a couple of figurines that were now on their sides. Someone was definitely here, but why? He thought as he stood them back up. He looked around some more and found other objects on their side or moved slightly.

  “What is going on? Why was someone in my apartment?” he asked out loud. Alex looked around for a bit longer and found nothing else out of place. “I have to get ready and meet the others,” he headed to his bathroom to shower and change. Before leaving he sprinkled some of the dirt from the container in the living room around the door. Just in case, he thought as he made sure to lock his door before heading over to Reshma’s.

  Alex knocked at the door and when Reshma opened it he was hit with a delicious aroma that made his stomach growl. “Oh man, what are you making?” he drooled as he walked in.

  “Ah, yes that would be the roasted chicken you are smelling,” Reshma smiled as he patted him on the back. “Come join us on the patio.”

  “You have a patio?” Alex asked, stunned.

  “Well I am a lead here and was one of the first so this building and building two were built a little bigger. I have 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a patio. I think initially we were meant to share but then they started adding more buildings!” he chuckled.

  “Wow, this is way bigger than my apartment,” Alex uttered astounded. He followed Reshma to the patio where Siddiq and Evalyn were talking while sipping on sangrias.

  “Alex! Isn't this nice? You and I got chump rooms compared to this one huh?” Siddiq laughed, holding his glass up towards Alex.

  “Yea, I would say so,” Alex answered as he sat on the chair next to him. “Is Zayd not coming?”

  “I invited him but he didn't answer. I even went to his apartment. Nothing,” Siddiq said quietly.

  “Yes, I am not sure what is going on with him. Hopefully tomorrow he will be feeling better and let us know,” Reshma added as he poured a drink for Alex.

  “Thank you. Speaking of tomorrow. I spoke to Emily about our lab and she said she will look into it and let either you or me know what she finds. Also, I have seven other teams I have to meet up with over the next few days so I most likely won't be back with you guys until after that. She said I may get a couple more since reviews aren't completely over also.” Alex finished and took a sip of the drink, his eyebrows shot up in delight.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  “Right?!” Siddiq smiled, wiggling his brows. The group continued talking while Reshma cooked. After a while Reshma called them in to eat. He had set his dining area up and they all sat down drooling at the feast before them. The table had a beautiful roasted chicken, a dish of macaroni and cheese, roasted potatoes, cheddar biscuits and a dish of roasted vegetables.

  “Oh my, I can't wait!” Siddiq salivated as his eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. “I mean the rec center food court is cool and all but a home cooked meal hits different!” The others nodded in agreement.

  “Well it is the least I could do. It has been wonderful to work with you all and get to where we are. Here is to more experiments together and to hopefully saving the planet! Dig in.” Reshma smiled as everyone fixed their plates. The team ate and laughed and ate some more. Afterwards they went back to the patio to digest.

  Alex stretched, “This was really nice. I haven't had a home cooked meal like that since my parents passed away.”

  Reshma reached out and patted Alex on the shoulder, “I am glad I could do this for you. For all of you.”

  Alex smiled and rubbed his stomach, “I hate to be the party pooper but I have to go and get some rest. I have to start meeting with these other teams tomorrow. I will try to swing by the lab though, in between meetings, if possible.”

  “I am with Alex. I need to go also. Not for any reason other than I need to pass out and let this food coma take me,” Siddiq yawned. The others laughed and stood up.

  “I will stay and help you clean up, Reshma,” Evalyn smiled coyly at him.

  “I would appreciate that, Evalyn,” Reshma said, returning her smile.

  Siddiq and Alex thanked Reshma again and said their farewells as they headed to their apartments. “Dude, are they like..?” Siddiq asked, looking at Alex his eyes wide.

  “I think so. This isn't the first time I have noticed something like that with them,” Alex chuckled.

  “I mean, good on them, I guess,” he shuddered. “It’s just, like, they are the lab mom and dad.” Alex laughed harder at that. “As long as they are happy, I guess. Anyways, see you later man. Hey, if you have time though, we should go to the arcade.”

  “Sounds good, I’ll let you know when I’m free,” Alex waved and turned towards his building. As he walked he looked up and stared at the night sky. So beautiful out here, not as much light pollution as back home, he thought. BAM! Alex collided into a wall. Only it wasn't a wall, it was the large frame of General Dempsey.

  “Mr. Moorez,” he said, his hot breath etched with the stink of a cigar.

  “Oh, I am so sorry sir. I was just admiring the night sky. I should have been more careful,” Alex replied.

  “Oh no need to apologize son, I just figured you more of a ground guy then a stargazer,” his tone was cold, matching the beady eyes leering into Alex’s as he puffed his cigar.

  “Is there something I can help you with?” Alex returned his stare not backing down. I don't know what this guy's deal is with me.

  “I was just on my way back to my room, enjoying this fine cigar as I walked. Have you found out who you need to be working with? The list will most likely be added to over the next few days but there should be some you can start with,” he attempted to smile but it did not reach his eyes.

  “Uh, yes, I have a list of seven to meet with and Emily already told me she would contact me if more were added,” Alex replied as he started to walk around the large form of the general.

  “Yes, Emily is a good worker. Very good at her job,” he said dismissively. His eyes continued to scan Alex.

  “Right, if that is all I am just going to head on to my apartment. Good night sir,” Alex said and he continued on his way. He felt the general’s eyes on him all the way to his building. As he reached the door he looked back to see the general's large form still standing there. The red glow of the cigar in his mouth illuminating his eyes as the smoke plumed above him. He lifted a hand and waved at Alex. Alex nodded in return, his brows furrowed. Then the voice whispered in his head as he closed the door behind him, the General still standing and watching where he left him. Careful!