Virgo's Vice

by Trish Jackson

  I realize we don’t have a flashlight and I hope we won’t be thought of as prey by a leopard or other predator or whoever is killing us off, one by one.

  Chapter 42

  Billy watched Trip head away from them until he was swallowed up by the long grass and bushes.

  Lexie blew out a long breath. “I thought he was gonna do something to hurt you, It would have been the perfect time, with you being hardly able to walk.”

  “Maybe he’s not all bad, Lex. Everyone has to have some goodness in them.”

  “Not him. He’s pure evil. He’s probably too tired right now. Please promise me you’ll watch your back.”

  “Come on, let’s go,” he said. “Help me up, and I’m gonna have to lean on your shoulder.”

  It was long after dark by the time they made it into camp.

  “You should sit,” Lexie said. “I’ll get us some water. Jake’s bowl is almost empty too and he’s licking the bottom.”

  Billy was glad to oblige. He held onto her while he sank down onto one of the logs. He couldn’t bend his knee it was so swollen. He had to stick the leg out in front of him. The pain was killing him, and it had taken all his control not to complain about it on the long walk home. Lexie had given him support though. He didn’t know what he would have done without her. She had said maybe she would marry him. Maybe wasn’t “yes,” but it was a start.

  He heard her talking to someone inside the shelter. It must be Jared.

  The others were a short distance away near the water bags. He could hear the mumble of their voices but not the words.

  Lexie came stomping out of the shelter. “One of the cameras is gone,” she said. “It was outside the shelter hooked to the charger, and that’s gone too.”

  Billy cocked an eyebrow at Rodriguez.

  “Hey, whoa. No. No, it wasn’t me. I don’t know anything about a camera. I mean, yeah I was the only one in camp, but why would I hide the camera?”

  Lexie had her hands on her hips and she glared at Rodriguez. Then she turned to Trip and opened her mouth to say something, seemed to change her mind, and headed back into the shelter.

  It hurt like hell for Billy to bend his knee, and he wondered if anything was broken, or if it was just the ligaments that were damaged. He rubbed his shoulder. He had scrapes and bruises all over him but it was amazing he wasn’t more badly injured considering the tumble he had taken down that hillside. It had seemed like it was happening in slow motion as he fell and bumped into rocks on his way down and bounced off them. All he could think about at the time was that Lexie was okay. It was such a relief when he heard her calling him.

  Rodriguez stared at Billy for a few seconds. “You believe me about the camera, right? I don’t even remember seeing it out there.”

  Billy shook his head. “I know. You wouldn’t have any reason to move it. It’s probably around here some place. Maybe someone moved it into a sunnier spot so the charger would work better. Something like that, anyhow.” He grunted and drew his leg up with his hands.

  “You look like you made out better than Jared,” Rodriguez said. “I can see it hurts, though. Did Maria give you anything for the pain?” He shook his head. “This is bad, man. I don’t know what to think. I feel so helpless.” He turned and stirred something in a pot on the fire.

  It didn’t smell all that great, but Billy realized now that he was hungry.

  “What’s cooking?” He hadn’t asked for any pain medication because he had checked the first-aid kit previously and he knew it was not well-stocked. Dockery had probably planned to bring a paramedic with him, who would come with extra supplies. They would need a medic in a game like this.

  Rodriguez didn’t turn around. “Corn, and some sort of weed. I’m not the best cook in the world, but I guess they needed Faith to help the wounded. I wish I could have caught more birds, but I think they got spooked yesterday. Any news of Dockery?”

  “No,” Billy said. “Jared was able to connect with the pilot’s office, but his call either broke up too badly or the woman who answered the phone didn’t understand what he was saying.”

  “And let me guess. The phone is history.”

  The sweet smell of pipe tobacco told Billy Trip had come back and was standing behind him in his usual place, leaning against the big tree a little way from the fire. “It’s strange the way Dockery just abandoned us,” he said.

  Rodriguez stood up and stretched his shoulders. “You got that right. Does anyone know what happened to the cell phone?”

  “No,” Billy said. “Lexie searched for it while we waited for Trip, but there are so many rocks. It’s like a field of rocks.”

  Lexie came back and handed Billy his mug. He drank it all down and held it out for more.

  “Jared’s in the shelter,” she said. “The morphine’s keeping him sedated. Maria has bandaged his feet and she says she tried to straighten them out as best she could and put disinfectant on them. It’s just as well Lela’s the one who broke her arm. She’s been through a lot of pain before and she seems to be able to handle it. She refused to take the Ibuprofen at first, because she said Jared will be needing it, but Maria persuaded her to take some before she set the bone. You should take some too. You don’t look good.”

  “What about Stretch?”

  “Maria says he might have a broken right collarbone on top of the arm that was dislocated. Either way, he won’t be able to do much with that arm for a while.”

  “How long do you think they’ll be?” Rodriguez asked. “The food is ready.”

  “Good. I’m starved,” Lexie said. “I’ll go check on them and bring our plates.” She made out as if she had forgotten about the camera, but Billy knew she hadn’t. He needed the painkillers but he didn’t want Jared to have to go without, and there was no way of knowing how long they would be stuck out here.

  Lela walked slowly to the fire, Maria and Faith on either side of her. Her arm was bandaged and tied tight against her chest. Stretch had grazes and cuts all down the right side of his face. His arm was also in a sling, made of parachute silk.

  “Do you think Jared will eat?” Rodriguez asked.

  Faith went into the shelter and came back a few minutes later. “I’ll feed him,” she said. “Here’s his plate.”

  After he had eaten the meagre meal, Billy asked Lexie to help him up, and get him to Jared. “Hey, how’re you doing, bro?”

  He couldn’t see Jared’s face in the shadows.

  “I’ll be okay,” Jared said. “But I don’t know if my feet can be saved.” His voice broke a little and Billy knew he was close to tears. He clenched Jared’s hand.

  “You have to stay strong, bro. We’ll get help for you and you’ll be okay. Just stay strong.”

  When he turned to go back to the fire, he noticed tears glistening on Lexie’s cheek.

  She helped him down on his place on the log. “I hate to see you and Jared like this. And the others. It’s been such a horrible day, and the Old Man—I don’t know what to think about him.” Jake thrust his nose under her hand and she rubbed his ears. “Yeah. He abandoned you and all of us, boy. And I told myself I was done crying like a baby.” She swiped at the tears angrily.

  Stretch said, “What are we gonna do? My wounds will heal, but—”

  Lexie shushed him then lowered her voice. “He can hear you,” she said, pointing at the shelter.

  Stretch nodded and spoke quietly. “Any ideas, anyone?”

  “Someone has to go for help,” Trip said.

  He was right. Billy knew he was right, but he was afraid Lexie would volunteer, so he kept quiet. He knew how frightened she was of wild animals, not to mention ‘the monster.’

  “I can go,” Trip said. “Why don’t you come with me, Lexie? Maybe the mutt will sniff out the other people, if there are
any in this godforsaken place.” He banged his pipe on his shoe to loosen the ashes.

  “That would leave only Faith, Maria, and maybe Rodriguez to help Jared get around and also to haul water, to get food, and to chop wood,” Billy said. “I could help some, but it would take me all day to get to the creek and back.”

  Everyone stared at the two women and Rodriguez. Billy held Lexie close.

  “I should go,” Lexie said. “On my own. Trip is needed to get food and haul water. Maria and Faith can help the injured, but they don’t know where to find food. Nor do I. Rodriguez may or may not be able to catch more birds, but you can’t rely on that. I have Jake and I can take care of myself.”

  “Don’t be a fool,” Billy said, “You’re terrified of being alone in the boondocks. How are you gonna find help? You’ll have to sleep in the dark with wild animals and whatever roaming around. How are you gonna handle that? And what about food for you?” His chest had constricted and he was finding it hard to breathe.

  Lexie glanced at Faith. She was sitting very still and it was obvious that Lexie could see she had no intention of volunteering. And Faith didn’t have Jake.

  “I know I’m not the best person, but someone has to go and Trip is needed around here.”

  “No, Lexie. Trip should go. Alone. You and I can help around here. Together we can do all the stuff that’s necessary.”

  Lexie shot a glance at Billy. “I have Jake. Nobody else has a dog, and I know he would protect me. He’ll also be able to help me find other people.”

  “I’ll go, but only if you come with me, Lexie,” Trip said.

  Billy snorted. “That’s just pure selfishness, you sick fuck. You don’t give a shit what happens to Jared, or anyone else around here. Just forget it then. I’ll figure out another way.”

  “I don’t appreciate that accusation,” Trip said. “Lexie and I would be able to get help quicker than anyone else.” He moved closer to Billy.

  Billy pushed himself up onto his feet.

  Lexie put a restraining hand on his arm and pushed herself between him and Trip. “Get away from him,” she said through gritted teeth.

  Jake let out a low growl and bared his teeth in a snarl.

  Trip stepped back. “Keep that mutt away from me or I swear I’ll kick it.”

  Glaring at Trip, Lexie grabbed Jake’s collar and dragged him backward.

  He glanced down at Jake, who was still growling and snarling, and stepped backward, his hands up, palms toward the dog. “Okay. I’m moving away. Just keep him under control.”

  Billy and Lexie stayed by the fire to take the first watch. Maria had bandaged his knee, and it felt a little better with the support, but it still hurt real bad.

  “I don’t believe in coincidence,” Billy said under his breath. “That asshole Trip searched for you, found you, and came on this show to get close to you because he knew you wouldn’t be able to get away from him.”

  Lexie was quiet for a few moments. “Do you really think so?”

  Billy pulled her close to him. She felt so soft and warm and he just wanted to be close to her forever. “I know it. You have to stand up to him, Lex. It’s the only way you’ll ever be free of him. He’ll keep finding ways to get close to you and who knows what he’ll do to you if he gets you alone and you give in to him”

  She leaned into his shoulder. “I’m so scared he’s gonna try to hurt you. You don’t know how terrifying it was . . . when he came into my room.” He could hear her breathing heavily. She was reliving the moment.

  “It’s okay,” he whispered and kissed her head. “You don’t have to think about it now.”

  Billy dragged her face onto his chest and stroked her hair.

  She sucked in a sob. “He was always there. Always wanting to do it and I was trapped.”

  “And all that time your aunt did nothing?”

  “I only told her one time when it first started. She said I was talking nonsense and I was a bad girl and should have my mouth washed out with soap. Then he said he would kill Aunt Jess if I told her or anyone else. I believed him, but I think she must have known something. I don’t know what happened between Aunt Jess and him, but I will never forget that day he was gone. I wanted to ask her where he was, but I couldn’t bring myself to talk about him. She never spoke about it, and he never came back. I remember lying in bed those nights waiting as I had for so many years, bracing myself. Eventually I would fall asleep only to wake up again and listen for those hated footfalls.

  “Then I heard he had been identified as the man who had been accused of molesting a girl, and he was arrested. He was also the prime suspect in the disappearance of another eight-year-old girl, but he had skipped town before the cops could charge him. Her body was found after that, and the cops suspected he was the one who had murdered her, and more than likely molested her.

  “He must have been hiding from the law out here in Africa, and he used the time to have plastic surgery and become Trip Varnes. He was probably trying to find a way to get to me, but when he found out about the show, he saw his opportunity. Is that possible?”

  “Why didn’t you report him then, when you heard about him being arrested?” Billy asked. “You could have been a witness for that other kid.”

  Lexie hesitated for a moment before answering. “I don’t think anyone who has never been through something like that could ever understand the . . . the fear and the self-loathing. I told you I had PTSD. I was diagnosed with it, and I took Zoloft pills like they were M&Ms. I couldn’t talk about it to anyone, and I sure wouldn’t ever be able to talk about it in public. I’m only telling you because . . . because he’s here now and I need you to understand.”

  “I’ll take over from you guys now,” Faith said. “You must be tired.” She was standing behind them and Billy wondered how much she had heard. “You need to get some rest with that leg.”

  He held his hand out and Lexie pulled him up. It took all his will power not to shout out in agony, but he couldn’t let her see how much it hurt.

  Jared appeared to be asleep. Lexie helped Billy to bed and lay down beside him. He heard the dog scratch around and settle in his spot under them.

  He didn’t want to fall asleep. He didn’t think he would, with the pain he was suffering. He put his hand into his pocket and felt the three Ibuprofens Maria had insisted he take, slipped them into his mouth and swallowed them.

  The next thing he knew it was dawn and the first few birds were singing. He opened his eyes, and a chill ran through him.

  Lexie wasn’t on the bed beside him.

  Chapter 43

  I’m glad I woke up before Billy. He would have argued about me going for help, but I have to. They need Trip in camp. I mean, what if someone else dies? I shouldn’t think like that, but who would dig the grave? It’s true I am probably the worst person to go for help, because I’m scared of being alone out here in Africa. Or, maybe I’m not as scared as I was. Somehow it’s okay to be heading down the path toward the creek. That’s what Billy said. He said people tend to settle where there’s water and if you follow a creek far enough you always find humans.

  I’m real glad to have Jake with me. I don’t know if I could do this without him. He truly is my best friend at the moment, and I know he’ll protect me if he can. I smile down at him, trotting along beside me. It’s strange how things have worked out. Why have I been spared injury? It should have been Billy. He would have found help by now if he wasn’t injured.

  I reach the creek and I stop to drink from the water bottle I brought with me, tied to my backpack. I also brought my plate and mug, my sweater, Jake’s water bowl and the last of his kibbles. I was so scared someone would wake up and see me leave, but they didn’t. This will give me a good start so if Trip tries to follow me he won’t catch up to me. I have to find someone to help. I j
ust have to. I can’t let him get to me.

  When the water bottle is empty, I won’t have any boiled water. Also, what am I gonna eat? What if I don’t find anyone to help and I can’t find any food? I’m so hungry now. I’d give anything for a bowl of Cheerios. Why did I think of that of all things?

  I take the knife out of my pocket. Everyone had forgotten Lela had the Swiss Army Knife but I remembered, and she was good about handing it over when I told her what I wanted it for. She’s a little strange but I like her and I know she wouldn’t have told anyone I was planning this. It has a compass on it, but I don’t really know which direction to go. I’m just following the creek.

  Courage, Lexie. You can’t be a wimp. The others are relying on you. An image of Billy comes into my head and I find myself smiling. I miss him already and I know he’s gonna be mad when he sees I’m gone, but he’ll understand why I had to do it. I’m doing it for him more than anyone else, but I wouldn’t want Jared to get gangrene either. He’s a decent guy and it would be on my head if I sat there in camp and didn’t try. It’s getting hot. I wipe my brow with the back of my hand. It’s wet with sweat. And still early.

  I wish I had remembered to check out the footage on Mark’s camera last night, but after the rockslide my brain was fuzzy. I guess it’s something to do with the lack of food or shock or something like that. I know whoever killed Mark—it must have been Trip—took my camera and hid it somewhere because he knows there’s something on Mark’s camera that would incriminate him. Only, he doesn’t realize I was using Mark’s camera, and mine was left in camp attached to the charger.

  I showed Billy how to operate the camera and I wonder if he will check back on the film to see if there is any footage of the murders.