Read Earthbound (The Reach, Book 1) for Free Online

finally understood the truth.
    He was never getting out of here.
    The mug of coffee still sat on the ledge.  As he peered down at it he could see the reflection of the Reach on the surface of the black liquid.  With a cry of rage he lashed out at it, sending it spinning from the ledge, tepid coffee flinging outward into the air as it tumbled toward the street below.  It shattered on the asphalt with a loud pop , and white shards exploded through the air like shrapnel from a hand grenade.
    The fall would kill me , he thought morbidly.  Yes, it probably would.
    His hands gripped the ledge and he leaned out over it.
    Why not?  It’s the only sure way to leave this world.
    His stomach turned as he thought of never seeing Elia again, never hearing her voice .  He glanced over his shoulder and spied the holophone sitting on the coffee table.
    Perhaps he should try one last time to send a message to her.  What if there was a chance she might hear it, even if she could not respond to it?
    It might be worth a shot.
    He stalked over to the table and snatched up the holophone.  It had been turned off for the night to prevent interruptions, and now he flicked the switch to reactivate it.  He picked up a signal right away and navigated to the messenger, clicking on the contact he’d last used for the Sponsor.  A warning popped up, indicating that he would be charged extra creds for off-world communication, and he swiped it away.
    He paused, wishing the right words would come to him.  He felt tears begin to well up in his eyes and the holophone display went blurry.
    Suddenly the phone began to ring.  The noise was so loud and so sudden that Alton started and almost dropped the phone.  He wiped at his eyes and saw the familiar name of the person on the other end of the call.
    He sighed, perturbed, and almost dismissed the call.  Reluctantly, he decided to take it.
    “What is it?” he said.
    “Well, good morning to you, too, Mr. Wilt.”
    “I’m not in the mood for chit-chat,” Alton said.  “If you have something to say, then say it.”
    “What’s going on over there?  I’ve been trying to call you all damn night.  Where were you?”
    “I was busy.”
    “Oh yeah, I can imagine.  Ladies, am I right?”  Alton made no reply.  “Well, I’m glad I caught you, anyhow.  You almost missed out on this one.”
    Alton pinched the bridge of his nose.  “Yes?”
    “I’ve got one for you, finally.  I did it, just like I said I would.”
    “I’m hanging up.”
    “No, wait, buddy!  I’ve got you a ticket!”
    Alton stiffened.  “You what? ”
    “I’ve got a passkey lined up for you.  For real, this time.”
    “Fallon, this had better not be some misguided attempt at humour.”
    “No, man!  It’s not!  It’s legit.”   There was a pause.  “Uh, well, the passkey doesn’t have your name on it or anything.  That’s not within my power.”   He chuckled.  “But the ticket is real and it’s up for grabs.”
    “Very well, you have my interest.”
    “Good, good.  First up , though, Mr. Wilt, I’m gonna need to make sure we’ve got an agreement here.  The deal–”
    “Yes, yes,” Alton snapped.  “You’ll be sent the creds.  The deal stands.  Now give me the details.”
    “Well, all right, let me see here.”   There was a scratching noise as Fallon fiddled with his holophone, and then a few moments later a face appeared on Alton’s screen, a dark-haired man with a narrow jaw and a hard edge to his gaze.  “That’s him.”
    “And you’re sure this passkey isn’t a fake?” Alton demanded.
    “For sure.  Verified official.  But he’s on his way right now.  You’re gonna have to get moving.”
    “What’s the name?”
    “Knile.  Knile Oberend.”
    “And the time of departure?”
    “Sending it through now.  But listen, Mr. Wilt, this guy is wanted by the Enforcers.  He’s not going to be headed up the main elevators.  He’s going to have to find another way up