The Long Fall of Night: The Long Fall of Night Book 1 Read Online Free Page B

his lab partner. His mind reeled with possibilities, none of which he could dispute or shoot down. It sounded like a bad sci-fi novel, taking something proven harmless and giving it a sinister twist. But in a way, it was beautiful in its simplicity.
    Human dependence on networks, computers, phones, the Internet, and indeed, the currents living in the walls of every building had exploded in the last few decades. Everything relied on electricity, from access to currency to distribution of food, sanitation of water, and the basic structure of society.
    God, if Ash is right, we’re royally screwed, even if it’s just New York City. Elliot rounded the corner where he’d seen Ash disappear.
    “I want to go with you!” he called to the retreating figure, scampering after him.
    Ash made an impatient noise, but he waited.
    “I know you think I’m clueless here, but I can help you,” he said as he reached Ash. “I need to get somewhere I can call my parents. You’re not the only one with family, ya know. They’ll be worried about me.” If they even knew, from their cruise in the Mediterranean.
    “Okay, you can help me. Can you hunt?”
    Elliot shook his head. “I can learn,” he promised.
    “So I guess you don’t know how to field-dress a deer or gut a fish?” Ash asked, sounding mildly disappointed. Elliot again shook his head, feeling inadequate. “Ever shot a gun?” Again, a no. “Can you cook or start a fire? What about hot-wire a car?”
    “I can learn all of that,” he promised. “Except hotwiring a car. I already have one.”
    Ash stopped abruptly. “You have a car? What kind?”
    “Audi A5. Are you going to object if it’s a clunker?” It was a sore spot for him, one of the myriad ways his parents shoved their agenda down his throat. But he didn’t go into any of that. If Ash wanted the car, he wasn’t above practically giving the damn thing away.
    Ash ignored his jibe. “How much gas have you got?”
    “Full tank. Why?” Since I never drive it.
    Ash stalked him like a panther, grace and danger personified. A thrill tap-danced up Elliot’s spine, making his dick want to wave hello again.
    “Trying to figure out how long we have before we have to stop to steal more. It’ll be dangerous.”
    Elliot rolled his eyes. “If you’re right, it’s more dangerous to stay here. Where does your sister live?”
    “Upstate. About four hours away. Keys,” Ash demanded, holding out his hand.
    “Who says you get to drive?” It was an idiot thing to say, considering Elliot was in no position to fulfill the bluff. But it made him seem normal, so he went with it. He’d already made himself look stupid to Ash twice that evening, something he strove never to do in the hopes Ash would see him as more than a friend with benefits.
    Ash shrugged. “I’m driving. Your car with you in it or someone else’s alone makes no difference to me. Make up your mind. You’re wasting time.”
    “Okay, okay,” Elliot grumbled, fishing his keys from his pocket but keeping them close to his body when Ash reached for them. “You can drive, but it’s parked in my building’s garage, so we need a cab anyway. If we’re going to my building, I want to grab a few things.”
    Ash was silent for a beat before dipping his head in acquiescence. “Well, we can’t take the subway. Lead the way.”
    Elliot honestly thought he’d say no, they didn’t have time. As they backtracked to the engineering institute for a better chance to catch a cab, he took in their surroundings. His heart galloped and he was a little giddy. My father will have my head for this. The few people on the street paid them no mind, too wrapped up in their own situations. Many of them were looking at their cellphones in confusion, either waving them around, hoping a signal would light up the screens, or simply cursing their lack of usefulness.
    He shivered, wishing he had his things from their lab class instead of darting after Ash, abandoning his jacket