by Shepp, Roman
“Nobody is that selfless. Nobody except Carol,” Quentin said, sitting beside Tony. The two men looked out toward the river. Quentin's hands still were tied behind his back. Tony was surprised that, as yet, Quentin hadn't made more of an effort to break free.
“She was someone special?”
“The most special person in the world. She was the only one who was able to keep my mind clear,” Quentin said. He winced, clamping his eyes shut. His entire body began shaking. Groot began barking. Tony pushed himself back, afraid that the monster inside the man would emerge again and take over.
“Keep thinking of Carol Quentin. Think about what she'd want you to do. She chose to walk beside you in life. She must have seen some good in you.”
Quentin struggled to break free of the restraints, struggled so much that his face turned red. The mask was still smooth and emotionless, covering half his face.
“I'm a prisoner,” Quentin said, looking up at Tony, who was standing over him with his bat in his hands. Groot was by his side, teeth bared, ready to keep Quentin under control if need be. Quentin stopped struggling. Tony lowered the bat.
“You're a victim, but I can't allow anyone else to be hurt. Besides, if I stay beside you long enough, then I might be able to remind you of your humanity. If Carol could see it, then so can I. Maybe the only person who can't see it is you.”
As Tony looked at Quentin he gazed into the man's eyes and wondered if he had started to see a transformation take place. Tony wasn't about to give up on Quentin, even though Quentin's list of crimes was lengthy. But if Tony was to be a hero, then he must try his best with Quentin, and maybe the memories of Carol held the key. For a while longer they sat by the river, looking at the water rushing by. It was entirely peaceful, idyllic even, and for a time Tony could forget that the world was in the state it was in, but only for a moment.
Chapter Ten
Jane was utterly dumbstruck having just seen Natasha walk off with another man. Anger burned inside her for what Natasha had said to her. That look she gave Jane made her feel completely worthless. Probably because Natasha was right. Jane had forsaken her friends and had been tempted by the man she despised. The thought of being with Frank sickened her, and yet she seemed unable to break free from the hold he had over her heart. If only Tony were there, perhaps then she would be able to find the strength she needed to resist Frank. But Tony was dead. The world she knew was dead. What use was there to be anything other than what she was before? At least if she was with Frank she wouldn't have to worry about anything. All she would have to do is follow him.
Seeing how quickly Natasha had moved on filled Jane with envy. Jane always had assumed Natasha would be the type of woman who never would get over Frank, who would mourn until her dying day. Funny how the tables had turned, she thought to herself. It was Jane who had had the hard time continuing. Whenever she'd met Natasha, and from what Frank had told her, Jane always had assumed Natasha was a meek woman, always following Frank and being the dutiful wife. It seemed as though she had more steel than either Jane or Frank had given her credit for.
“I can't believe she'd go and betray me like that,” Frank said, face ashen with the prospect of his wife having forgotten about him.
In their relationship Frank had been the one with the power. Natasha had wrested it away. So had Jane, for a time, when she had smashed him over the head with that award trophy and fled through the city. In those intervening weeks, surely a couple of months had passed at least, Jane had begun a new journey, but it only had led her back to the place she despised the most.
“You were the one who betrayed her first,” Jane said bitterly.
Regret for the part she had played in the whole façade swam through her body. All through the affair Jane had placated her doubts by telling herself that Frank and Natasha weren't really in love. She convinced herself that it all was a sham and they were just two people living separate lives who couldn't get divorced because of the kids and political reasons. She'd also told herself that the marriage was toxic anyway, and that it was doomed even before she had come along. All this time she had managed to persuade herself that she wasn't responsible for any of the misery experienced by Frank's family. The only thing she had been responsible for was creating happiness for the two of them.
That illusion quickly had been dispelled by the look of betrayal in Natasha's eyes. In another life perhaps the two of them could have become friends. They had plenty in common after all, both having had their lives twisted in the vicious web of Frank's heart. Perhaps if Jane had come alone they could have bonded, sharing their hatred of Frank, but Jane had arrived with Frank. Natasha had no reason to feel anything toward Jane aside from spite.
“Shut up,” Frank said.
Jane cast her gaze to the ground. Being confronted by Natasha reminded her how vile Frank could be, and how her mind had been so desperate to latch onto survival that she was willing to forsake everyone else. She thought about Phil, still locked in that cell. They all had resolved to work together, and even if Rosa had broken that promise first, it still didn't mean Jane was excused in doing so as well. Now they all were splintered. At that point it didn't seem so strange that the world had fallen apart so quickly. Bonds that had held people together could be broken so easily, and everyone was out for themselves. Jane always had thought of herself as better than other people. However, when it came down to it she was just as bad as anyone else they had encountered so far in this post-apocalyptic world. Maybe being with Frank was the fate she deserved.
After Matthias and Natasha left them, Frank and Jane were left alone for only a moment before someone else approached, a thin man walking with his hands clasped behind his back. His face reminded Jane of a bird's. His beady black eyes darted about the horizon, a hooked nose pointed in front of him, and he walked so smoothly toward them it almost seemed as if he was flying.
Beyond him lay the community, and as he approached, Jane scanned the area. This was the place they had been warned about. Jane wanted to know just how much danger they were in. The surprising thing, to her at least, was everyone seemed completely at peace. People walked around calling out to one another in a friendly manner. There were tents and cabins dotted all around the field, with some crops being nurtured at the periphery of the camp. The sun shone down, and it seemed hard to believe this could be a place of such animosity. It was so far from her expectations, in fact, that she wondered if reports of this place had been mistaken. Martha and Belinda hadn't exactly been in the most stable state of mind after all. Had this all been a mistake? Was paradise right under their noses? It almost was absurd, how close they had been to this place. They could have stayed together as a group and come here in safety. With all of these people around there's no way the masked man would have been able to wreak havoc the way he had done in the bunker. They would have been safe. They would have been together. Tony still would be alive.
“I was told we had some new guests,” Hugo said. “Welcome to the community. My name is Hugo. Apologies for the generic name. I have been trying to decide on something more permanent, but people around here have been calling it the community for longer than I've been here. It's become something of a tradition. I think people like it because it shows our independence, how we're not aligned with any governments or creeds. We are our own people, trying to make the best world possible.”
“And what do you think the best world possible is?” Jane asked tersely, trying to mask the hostility in her voice. Something about Hugo set alarm bells ringing in her mind. There was a shifty look in his eyes. Something about him reminded her of Frank, which just made her skin crawl even more.
“Well, as you know, we are in terrible times. The world has fallen apart. We've heard some terrible stories from people just like you,” he began.
“You mean people you kidnap?” Jane said, meeting Hugo's eyes. The corners of his mouth twitched.
“Let the man talk, Jane,” Frank scolded, then proceeded to introduce the t
wo of them properly.
Hugo inclined his head toward Frank. “It's okay. I understand that you must feel somewhat disoriented at the moment. I apologize if you feel we mistreated you. Sometimes the scout parties can be a little heavy-handed, but there are people who have fought back. We try being as calm as possible. We want this to be a haven for people, a place where they can feel safe. Many people have come to us by choice, and they've all been welcomed into the community and are now productive members. As I hope the two of you will be.”
“You didn't actually answer my question,” Jane said. Frank glared at her once again.
“Again, my apologies, people often say that I can get a bit long-winded. It's quite simple really. We want the whole world to be like this place. We have heard so many stories of people struggling, of the world tearing itself apart, and I only can wonder why? Why are people so quick to turn on each other when, as you can see, people can get along just fine? All we want is to spread our message of peace and to show the people of America that there is another way. They don't have to give into their hatred and fear. They can quite happily be a part of our community, and when we're all one community we're not likely to hurt each other, are we?”
“Depends on the community,” Jane said under her breath.
“That all sounds rather fascinating, and a very good way to look at the world,” Frank said. Jane rolled her eyes. Trust him to try ingratiating himself with the leader of this community.
“Thank you. I can see you're a perceptive man. Indeed, we believe the world has spent too long dividing us into different groups. The rich, the poor, Democrats, Republicans, Christians, atheists, Americans, Mexicans, they're just different groups of the same people. We're all humans, and we should be focused on what we have in common instead of our differences, especially in times like these. It truly has hardened my heart to hear how we have been treating each other in this time of crisis. Everyone is trying to look out for themselves, when the only way to true trust and progress is to look out for other people.”
Jane was surprised how true Hugo's words rang to her. Could it be possible that she agreed with the man who was supposed to be her enemy?
“It's funny you should mention Democrats and Republicans because I am a politician myself. I know you may not think too highly of us, but you can't have a world without politics, especially not when there are so many people looking for guidance.”
“Oh, I do not begrudge you for making a career in politics. I thought about doing so myself once, but there was another path I had to walk. Do you think you could be of use to me?”
“I know it. I don't know what your grand plans are, but I only can assume you want to move back into the city at some point?” Frank said. Hugo nodded.
“Well then,” Frank continued, “you're going to need someone who is used to rallying people to a cause, and who can explain things to them clearly. In my career I've learned a lot about the way people think, and you're going to need someone like me. I have great respect for what you've built here. It seems as though it's running quite well, but when you get to the city it'll be a different matter entirely. The more people you encounter, the more complicated things will be. I can help you with all that, and Jane can too. She's been with me for a long time now and we make quite a team,” he said, smiling at her. Jane shook her head slightly.
“Well, it would seem as though the two of you have come along at just the right time. I find the whole arena of politics fascinating. I'd love to pick your brains, both your brains,” Hugo said. Frank had no hesitation in accepting, and the two men walked away. They seemed surprised when Jane didn't move.
“What are you waiting for?” Frank asked.
“I can't go,” Jane said.
She had made a mistake in leaving the cage with Frank in the first place. Her entire life had been riddled with mistakes when it came to Frank, and she wasn't about to make another one now. This Hugo was bad news, and the last thing she wanted was to be involved with was the leader of a strange cult, and actually help him in his plans when she was supposed to be working to stop him.
“What are you talking about?” Frank said.
“You know why I can't go, Frank. I made a mistake many years ago by throwing myself in with you, and I've regretted it ever since. I need to make my own way. This world is supposed to be a new beginning for all of us, so the last thing I want is to make the same mistakes again.”
“Such a shame. Such a waste,” Hugo said.
Frank glared at her. He'd already been betrayed once by Natasha. Now he was being betrayed by the other woman in his life.
“You have to watch out for her, Hugo,” Frank said. “She's liable to mess things up. I wouldn't trust her. Do you have a jail or something you can throw her in?”
Jane was aghast. “What are you saying?!”
“I don't have a cell, no, but there is a place we can put her. I always can ensure there is someone to watch over her, if you think it is indeed required,” Hugo said, arching an eyebrow.
“Unfortunately, it is. I thought I could trust her once. I thought she had changed, but it seems she's the same old little backstabber. It's best that we just leave her to herself, if that's what she truly wants,” he said.
“As you wish,” Hugo said, and gestured for another man to come up to Jane and lead her away to a tent. Jane tried protesting, calling out to Hugo and Frank, but neither of them paid her any attention. She was alone again, just like Phil had been.
As she was led away, Jane cursed herself for ever thinking she could trust Frank. She should have been stronger and resisted his lure, but she had been weak, and now she was paying the price.
“Do you really have to put me in here?” she asked.
“It'll just be for a little while. I'm sure you'll be able to walk around soon, once Hugo gives the all clear. It's just a precaution he has with some of the new arrivals to make sure they're not going to be any trouble. Especially given what happened last night.”
“What do you mean? What happened last night?”
“Oh, it was terrible. It was right in the middle of the night. The new guy, I can't remember his name, helped two women out of the boxes. I don't know what he was thinking.”
“What boxes? What women?”
“The boxes are what we use for punishment. Trust me, you do not want to be put in one of those boxes. Anyone who gets put in one of those has done something pretty damn serious. Some people were talking about moving them into the middle of the community to remind people why we have to be careful when we let newcomers in. You seem nice and all, but just be patient and you'll get your chance to live like the rest of us.”
Jane had many more questions, but the man left before she could ask them. The tent she was in was more of a marquee. There was plenty of room to move around, and a soft breeze fluttered in through the openings. It wasn't that secure, and she easily could escape if she wanted to do so. The only problem she had was that people would be looking for her. That, and she didn't know where she was going to go.
Hearing about the boxes and the man and women inside made Jane wonder. A man and two women. Could it be Saeed and the others? But what about Tara? No, it probably was too far-fetched. The chances of them all reuniting again here was beyond preposterous. She never would see any of them again, especially not Phil and Rosa, who she had run away from. No, she was alone, and she had to face that fact. Somehow, she would have to find a way out of here using her own resources and her own talents. It would take time, especially with Frank putting himself in a position of power, but she would find a way to help these people. It was time for her to stop moping and to honor Tony's memory by being the best person she could be. The person Tony would have wanted her to be.
And at some point, she would confront Natasha and apologize for her actions as well. It was the least she could do for that woman after all the strife and agony she had been through.
After waiting in her tent for a couple of hours, Jane was distracted by so
me noises outside. She moved to one side of the tent and peered through an open flap and a soft breeze fluttered through the openings. People were gathering in the middle of the field. Then she saw that a box was being carried by four strapping men. The box looked small from where Jane was sitting, and she didn't envy the person who was inside. Jane's heart sank as she realized that she very well could be in there if Frank whispered the idea in Hugo's ear, and being in that box was a far worse punishment than being in that cage.
Jane began to panic. Sweat beaded on her temples and her breath became more frantic. The thought of being placed in that box was too much to handle, and she started to back away. She needed to be free. She needed to escape this place before it was too late. All the forces were against her, and she remembered what it was to be alone, just like that first night. That first night, when she had been running away from Frank, one bare foot, the city burning around her. It wouldn't happen again. It couldn't happen again. She had to be free.
Then the crowd parted, and the box was set down. Jane was losing her mind, but the sight of the box opening helped her focus. She stared as the three men leaned down and opened the box. The procedure had a ritualistic quality to it, almost a reverence. Everyone was quiet. After a couple of moments Jane realized she was holding her breath. The four men lifted the lid and reached in, pulling out the man inside. An arm appeared, then another, then a lolling head.
“This is what happens when you break away from our unity! This is what happens when you are alone!” Matthias cried from another direction. Jane looked at the majestic man as his voice boomed around the community.
“If you are selfish and don't think about the good of the community, this is what happens. I pity this man because he was not able to see the good of this place. I hope he changes his ways. See him now in his pain and be reminded of why we live the way we do. His suffering is a reminder to us all of the compassion we share for each other, and the bonds that shall remain unbroken.”
