The Swamp

by Yates, R

  He turned and looked and found her naked, they reached for each other, coming together for a kiss, but a scream from the ocean drew them up short. Sam turned to see Joseph and all of his followers emerging from the surf.

  They turned and tried to run, but the crazies were already on them. Joseph approached Rebecca as she was held by two naked, blood covered men. “She is mine.” He said and drew a hunting knife from his belt, “if I can’t have her…”

  He turned to her and pulled the knife across her throat, opening her. Her blood sprayed from the slash in her throat, spraying Sam as he watched. Helplessly, he struggled against the men holding him. Her eyes met his and he could see the terror, even as the slowly closed.

  Rick set up, again covered in cold sweat, looking wildly around for the danger from the dream.

  “Dude, chill out, it was just a dream.” Mike said to him from the next cage. “Bad dream?”

  “Yes,” Sam said as he calmed down, “every night for a while now.”

  “We all get them,” Mike said, “consequence of the new world. Go back to sleep, and try to hold it down.”

  “I don’t think I could go back to sleep if I tried.” Sam said, but was wrong. He fell asleep quickly, and thankfully, had no dreams.

  Chapter 13

  The following morning, Sam was awaked by the sounds of chains in the distance. He sat up and saw a filthy woman working the lock on the cell of one of the other prisoners. It was one of the ones down towards the end that never talked. As soon as the door was unlocked, he lunged at it, knocking the woman down and running for the tree line.

  He had almost made it when the report of a rifle cracked from the house, dropping the man to the ground. The sound had made Sam jump, and woke Mike, who leaped to his feet and grabbed the chains, watching in horror.

  The man tried to rise back to his feet, but another shot brought him down, this time for good. Sam looked to the house to see Joe standing there with a rifle to his shoulder. There was no smile on his face for the first time, just a look of annoyance, as if the man had interrupted him from a nap.

  Sam looked back to the prone man, and saw that several of Joe’s followers had reached him. A young girl reached down and grabbed his hair and pulled his head up, another used a large kitchen knife to saw into his throat. She didn’t stop until his head was cleanly severed, working the knife through muscle and tendon, and eventually the bones themselves were hacked through. Sam had seen men die, but this was different, he turned and vomited into his slop bucket. Luckily his stomach was already empty, so he just got off a few dry heaves. He lay down on his side, the taste of bile in his mouth, and kept his back to the woman as the strung the man to the tree and did their work. Sam could see Mike from this position, and Mike never looked away, he just sat there and watched.

  The woman finished their work quickly, and all too soon the smell of cooking meat reached the cages. Sam and Mike exchanged glances, and in that look agreed that they had to get out of here.

  They sat as close as possible and discussed options. They had no idea how to get out of the cages yet, but they knew they would have to get everyone out when they did. Mike renewed his vow of vengeance against the man who held sway over their lives, and vowed to take as many people with him as he could. This time, Sam didn’t argue with him.

  Eventually the table was set, and the prayer offered, and the crazies began eating. The feast was much smaller this time, as only about twenty people remained. Two chucks of meat that looked like hams were all that were brought out. They were again brought plates of food but refused to eat, but this time mike held his temper.

  Joe made his daily visit shortly after.” Mr. Richard, How are you doing on this fine afternoon?” Sam returned the question with a glare, but didn’t say anything.

  Joe turned to Mike. “I wish you would eat something, you have to keep your strength up.”

  “You eat it!” mike spat, “I will never eat another human being, you sick fuck.”

  “No thank you, believe it or not, I am a vegetarian.” Joe smiled as he said this and moved on to Rebecca’s cage.

  “Ms. Rebecca, I see you have decided to not eat yet again that makes over a week, doesn’t it? You can’t all starve yourselves, I want you to be healthy when you see the light and join us.”

  “I will never join you, you might as well kill me now you piece of shit” snapped Rebecca.

  Joe was surprised by this, but recovered his smile quickly. “These men are rubbing off on you in a way that does not suit a lady. How about as a show of good Christian charity I provide the three of you with something else to eat, just this one time.” He waved a hand to call over a nearby woman. “Take these plates away and bring these three some corn and some of that bread Sister Sue baked last night, The other three seemed to have already finished off their food so they should be fine. They look thirsty as well my dear.”

  She scuttled off to do as instructed and soon returned with plates loaded down with ears of roast corn and slices of bread, another woman followed with bowls of water. They slid these into the cages, and the sight of them made Sam’s stomach growl. He looked to Mike and Rebecca, but neither made a move towards the food, so he didn’t either.

  After an uncomfortable minute, Joe shrugged. “I guess you three want to be alone to eat, Have a good day and may god bless you.” He then walked off back to the house. They watched as he went inside and closed the door.

  Mikes voice broke the silence, “You think it’s safe?”

  “I don’t see why not.” Rebecca said and moved to the plate and crammed a chunk of bread into her mouth. With that they all ate. five minutes later, no food was to be found and only a few heavily chewed cobs remained. Sam felt as if he had eaten an entire thanksgiving meal instead of just some bread and a few ears of corn.

  They discussed possibilities for the rest of the day. What they needed was something to pop the tie wires that held the chain link to the frame, or something that they could use to remove the screws that held the frame to the posts. They had neither.

  “Rebecca,” Sam called softly, “how long do the hunting parties stay out.”

  “I’ve only seen them go out and come back once and I’ve been here 9 days, so I’d guess at least a week. Why?”

  “We have to make our move before they get back, it will be a lot easier to sneak out of here with just these few.” Sam answered, “And we have a better chance if there are less people to send out after us.”

  Mike nodded his head as Sam spoke, “Yes, which means we have to get out of here in the next three days. We will be too late if we have to wait for them to come back and then leave again. I bet we will hardly be able to stand. I don’t think the reverend Joe will be feeling that Christian charity again. Especially when he realizes it won’t help him get into Rebecca’s pants.”

  “It’s always the religious ones.” Rebecca said.

  “Maybe I should turn the tower into a cult if I get back.” Sam joked.

  “The Temple of Gozer and his prophet, Vigo” Joked Mike right back, reference the old movie.

  “Those were two separate movies, dork” replied Rebecca, laughing along, “How about the Church of the Holy Romero, seems more fitting.”

  Sam chuckled and did a decent impression of Joe’s deep southern accent, “And behold, the lord did rise in the great holy city of Pittsburg, and said unto his prophet, ‘Savini, go forth unto the land and create the living dead, so my people may learn to prosper when I bring my wrath’. And Savini doth respond, ‘yep boss’.”

  They all laughed, the thought of escape and the full bellies lightening the mood despite their situation. They continued to joke around until well after the other prisoners and captors had gone to bed before deciding to get to sleep themselves.

  After they had calmed down, Sam laid there unable to get to sleep. The feeling of dread that had been pushed away by the evening’s mirth had returned with a vengeance. He starred up at the sky and the stars for what felt like hours
, thinking about his family, where they all were and what they were doing. He wondered if they were safe, and at least as happy as can be expected. He glanced over at Mike and saw his chest slowly rise and fall, deep in sleep.

  When he turned to Rebecca, her eyes were awake and looking back at him. She smiled a thin smile at him, and he returned his own back at her. She slid as close to the bars as she could, and snaked her arm out through the small opening, he did they same and their hands met.

  Her hand felt surprisingly warm, and the human contact made his heart leap. They lay there, hands clasped and were finally able to go to sleep.

  He didn’t know if it was the afternoon’s joviality or the full bellies, or Rebecca’s hand in his but his sleep was not interrupted by the nightmares that night.

  Chapter 14

  Sam awoke the same way. The early morning sun was just starting to break through the trees as he reluctantly let go of her hands. Rebecca lay there asleep, she looked almost angelic in the morning light, despite the dirt that streaked her face. Sam stood and stretched.

  “Good morning lover boy,” said a mocking voice. Sam turned to see Mike sitting cross legged and watching him with a giant grin on his face. “Did we sleep well?”

  “Can it.” Sam said, as he felt a flush creep up his face “You jealous?”

  “You bet, stud muffin, Can we sleep holding hands tonight?” Mike’s joy was obvious.

  “What happened to ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ soldier boy?” Sam joked back.

  “Oh they repealed that we can wear all the pink camo we want now a days!”

  They both laughed at that. Sam finished stretching and asked, “Have any ideas last night?”

  “Nothing that was feasible, you? Other than about Rebecca I mean.” Mike responded, once again poking Sam.

  “Quiet or she will hear you. I am a married man after all.” Sam said, the thought of his wife bringing the mood down.

  “Maybe,” Mike said studying him, “But how long has it been? Working on three months since you last spoke to her? We don’t know how much time we have left. Hell, any of us could be lunch by this time tomorrow. That’s something I learned during my time in the military.”

  Sam thought on his words for a few seconds, “I’m sure you are right, and maybe one day…” was all Sam could say.

  “Well anyway,” Mike changed the subject, “On a lighter note, we are still held captive by cannibals’ intent on eating us for Sunday supper. Let’s tackle that first.”

  “That’s something we can agree on.” Sam said, and looked around the compound. He spied Joe on the porch, leaning on his cane. He was glaring directly at Sam and his eyes looked angry.

  “He looks pissed,” commented Mike, “Id say he saw you and her holding hands this morning.”

  “I am not his,” Rebecca’s voice surprised them, they didn’t know she had woken up “He can get as mad as he wants.

  “Exactly right,” agreed Mike, “You know that, I know that, and Sam knows that, but this guy isn’t accustomed to being told no. Sam has better watch his back.”

  The thought sent a cold chill down his spine. The man on the porch continued to stair daggers at Sam for another fifteen minutes before turning and going back inside. His absence didn’t improve Sam’s nervousness.

  Finally Mike spoke, “Aw, don’t worry about it, I will protect you.”

  “Well thank you,” Sam eyed the tough chain holding them back, “I feel much better now.”

  Around noon the congregation had their meal. Joe again led the prayer: “Our Heavenly father. We thank you for the food that you continue to provide for us. Thank you for the safety you provide. Please lord save us from the traitors and jezebels of this world who torment us day and night. Please dear God bring your mighty wrath down on those who oppose us. Please watch over our friends in the fields who forage for us even now. In God’s name, we pray, amen.” And then to the gathered mass, “eat, my friends, that it nourishes you in Gods eyes.”

  Sam couldn’t help but notice Joe had locked eyes with him through the entire prayer, the threat was obvious. Joseph didn’t come over to talk to the prisoners that day, but he did yell across to them “Big Feast planned for the day after tomorrow, my friends.” He said it with that smile on his face, that big psychotic smile.

  “Ok guys, I want you to eat me.” Sam said seriously. “When they bring you plates of me, eat it and use that energy to get the hell out of here.”

  “Sam, you aren’t being eaten, I won’t let that happen.” Mike said, and for a second, Sam was able to believe it, but then shook his head.

  “I don’t think anyone can change it at this point.” Sam said sadly. “But I damn sure hope I give them gas!”

  No one said anything for awhile, all lost in their own separate thoughts. Eventually Rebecca broke the silence. “Maybe I should go call him down and just join his stupid cult.”

  “Why ever would you do that?” Mike asked, truly puzzled.

  “Maybe if I give in to him, He will let you two go.”

  “Not a chance,” Sam insisted “You do that and he will still kill me and Mike.”

  “He’s right Rebecca, There’s nothing you can do at this point, and we aren’t dealing with a sane man here.” Mike confirmed.

  “But there has to be something we can do,” Rebecca said, her voice almost a pout, “There just has to be.”

  “Don’t give up on him his goose isn’t cooked just yet.” Mike said brightly, and Sam could help but smile at his poor choice of words.

  “You aren’t picturing me as a giant goose now are you, Mike? How hungry are you?” Sam joked, deciding it was time the conversation took a positive turn.

  “Maybe I am, maybe I am not.” Mike said noncommittally.” But would you mind rubbing yourself in butter for me?” Mike was able to keep a straight face.

  “Of great, next you will ask me to shove stuffing up my ass.” Sam responded and Mike laughed.

  In the next cage over, Rebecca sighed loudly at the gallows humor and rolled her eyes, “Why don’t men ever grow up?” she asked no one in particular.

  “Hey don’t feel left out, I’m picturing you in this really nice Mother goose outfit.” He said and made a wolf whistle. Rebecca blushed and made as if to cover herself.

  “Pervert” She yelled at mike.

  The crowd around the house had stopped their work and began to watch them. Several crossed themselves at the loose language they used. One even pulled a heavy crucifix from under her shirt and pointed it in their direction, as if warding off an evil spirit. This of course made the three laugh all the more. Even one of the other prisoners was smiling when Sam looked from cage to cage.

  They continued to joke for awhile, and their spirits were high. It was nice to be able to be with friends who could make you forget your troubles. Sam thought back to his isolation in the beginning, back at the swamp, and compared it to now. Then he had been safe, free, and alone. Now he was the opposite, endangered, trapped, and with friends. He wasn’t sure which he preferred. He wished he had known Mike and Rebecca before all this happened.

  “Do you think we would have been friends in the old world?” he finally asked aloud.

  Mike and Rebecca heard the question, but neither answered for several minutes. It was mike that broke the silence. “No way of telling, I pretty much stuck to my marine buddies. Had you not rescued me from that tree we probably never would have talked if we passed on the street.” Mike said honestly, but added, “I think I would have been the worse off for it.”

  Rebecca, emboldened by Mikes candidness, spoke up, “I was stuck up like all my college friends. No way would I have talked to you old guys!” She said. “But times have changed, I think back to how immature we were back then.”

  “We all do that Rebecca,” Sam said, “just normally not until we are a little older. You got pushed into growing up a lot faster, you didn’t have it easy like us old guys.”

  “Exactly, all we had was A.I.D.S. and the cold
war to worry about when we were growing up back in the 80s,” Mike added, playing off the old guys part of her and Sam’s comments “well that and those pesky dinosaurs.”

  “That’s not what I meant guys, to a 19 year old, you guys are ancient.” She said in defense of herself and immediately regretted it.

  “Wow, now I am ancient,” Sam said in mock outrage, “I think I preferred old!”

  “And what does that make me?” Mike asked, “I guess I’m dirt’s great grandfather.”

  “Stop, you guys know what I mean!” she said

  Sam hunched his back over, and cupped his hand to his ear, “What was that missy? Speak up.” He said in a wizened old man’s voice.

  “Never mind,” she answered in a huff, “I don’t want to be friends after the apocalypse either.” She crossed her arms and starred at them, but eventually broke down and laughed with them.

  They continued the day in pleasant conversation, taking turns picking on each other. But as the day waned, Mike began to grow more withdrawn and quiet. Both Sam and Rebecca asked what the matter was, but he wouldn’t answer and just claimed to be lost in thought.

  Sam knew something was up with him, but just decided to drop the subject. Mike would talk to him about whatever was up in his own time. Sam gave Mike his space and scooted to Rebecca’s side of the cage.

  “So what did you study, you know, back in college?” Sam tried to make conversation.

  “Accounting, believe it or not just about the most useless end of the world training you can get.” She said and rolled her eyes.

  “No.” Sam replied, “Mines worse, far worse.”