The Carnage Trilogy (Book 1): The Carnage [Unbending, Unyielding, Unforgiving]

by Birch, Matthew

  Footsteps get closer.

  Getting up, I move towards the window before it can ruin this room any more than it already has. I was enjoying the warmth. I am not letting this window ruin things for me!

  I freeze. A shadow is there. I can't tell what it is, but someone or something’s shadow is standing there. I watch it carefully. Is it watching me?

  It moves.

  Rushing to the window, I rip the curtains apart to see who the perpetrator is. A shadow moves swiftly before disappearing altogether. I want to raise the alarm, but I can't be sure it was anything.

  Whatever that was is gone.

  Chapter 30 - Home is where the heart is

  Maya

  The makeshift bed Cody created could be more comfortable...

  I really shouldn't be a bitch. Complaining isn't the right thing to do, considering all the hard work Cody has done around here pretty much single-handedly; I am in no place to be judging his obligation. Turning onto my side, I bury my head into the hard pillow and pull the cover up to my eyes. It's so cold tonight. All I want right now is to rest. All the dark clouds above have a distinctive scheme in mind when droplets of water pitter patter the ground. They remain gentle at first but begin getting heavier as time goes on. The wind picks up, creating a chilly breeze that only becomes worse with the growing stride of the ensuing heavy rainfall. Each water droplet turns into a terrifying bomb. No way am I sleeping tonight. A torrent of water is coming, but my expectations are turned on their head when a fine, dense mist hits us head on instead, battering us gently, but drenching us even faster than the heavy rain. The shelter is playing its part for now; its battle to keep me dry is being waged.

  Officer Wilson and Davis go into the little shelters they have. The other Officer, Gavin Miller if I am correct? (I only just started learning their first names) He is in the watchtower at the moment and it won't be long before he switches out. Why am I out here despite everything I've been through? Well, we are switching between shifts tonight because that is the job. I and Ed don't get much more special treatment than the great meals and medical help we got. It was too generous but stopped too soon, ending just as immediately as it began. The Officers have been getting pretty riled up lately. With so many injured or ill, there are just too many jobs to be filled and the weight of it all was dropped on them. I understand how they feel; it's not difficult to see from their point of view. I and Ed only got back three days ago, and the world is even messier than before. Sighing, I pull the covers completely above my head now. Patrick hasn't had the freedom of choice lately. He either gives into the Officers demands for equal work or he loses three of his own followers. I'm not sure what to do anymore. Patrick's leadership is being twisted under pressure. He himself is being tested, and I am not sure it won't be long till he breaks.

  The exhausted groaning of Ben reminds me I am not alone out here. Ben can't even walk, and yet here he is beside me on the other spare bed. Wrapped up in two blankets with a lantern beside him, I made sure to give him as much of the light and warmth as I could, whether it's making an impact or not, I don't know. At least it's the thought that counts. Ben's groans of pain become a yawn, and I swear he edges closer to falling asleep. I mumble from underneath the covers, "I can't keep waking you up buddy" He groans in response, probably the most dignified our 'talking' has been tonight.

  "It's alright, I woke him up" Great, now he's here too.

  I sigh, really not wanting to deal with this right now. We haven't spoken really since we got back. Staying in the shelter of my covers doesn’t last. Wearily, I lean up and see Ed dash underneath the protection of the large tent head. He’s looking better than I remember. What difference it’s made. I am happy to see him well at least. Better question is, what is he doing out here? He truly is crazy. "Ed?" I whisper. My voice is hoarse. Coughing a little bit to clear my clogged throat, I try again. "Ed?" I keep my tone cold and distant as normal, deeper and bored as well. Ugh, what am I doing? How can I be this way around him anymore? The need to open up and be closer to him is there in my heart. I can feel it buzzing away. I know I shouldn't, he will only die like everyone else. I can't take any more pain than I already have. It will pile up more and more until I burst. Something always goes wrong.

  Taking a seat and pointing at the blue cap on his head, Ed says, "Found this" before posing majestically. Fighting back the slight smile on my face is, useless. Ed winks at me. "Knew I'd get a smile out of you"

  "Why are you outside this time of night in the rain when you could be resting peacefully in a secure place where you won't die?" I find myself asking him. I don't understand and I want to understand. Because in all fairness, if he came out of here to try something with me then I am going to punch him, I don't care how hard. Regardless, I make space for him and provide him a seat next to me on the bed.

  Ed leans forward, "What did you do for a living?" Ed's eyes flash with the interest of my past. Now, does he want the truth or the lie? I could tell him the lie that I worked at a pet shop. Simple as there’s nothing to it. Doesn't explain me but most people buy it. I doubt he would accept that as the truth but with enough convincing, I am sure he will. Oh, and I did work at a pet shop for a little bit! So it's not a complete lie. The reality is I have been working in the military for a long time now. I've done things no other person would ever do. I have been to hell and back and no one will ever know that. "I was in the air force," I say anyway. Ed's eyes sparkle. "Whoa, what did you have to do?"

  Going quiet, my persona breaks. I see his face change as he sees my own change. Looks of guilt and sadness all over me, my lip even trembles as so many different thoughts flow through my mind about my past... "I don't want to talk about it okay?"

  And, instead of prying - Ed actually knew to back off and give me space. He nods and says he understands. Wasn't expecting him to be so considerate all of a sudden, like the child is gone and this sudden serious Ed is there. As if he just knew that I'd been through terrible things on instinct. He understood me better than anyone else in a single moment. When I had to tell Patrick, he basically forced the information out of me.

  Officer Gavin Miller (Remembered the name!) passes by and taps Ben's forehead as he goes. With a very gentle, quiet, under the breath, "Fuck off" Ben proceeds to toss the double wrapped blankets off him before throwing his legs over the side of the bed. He seems almost drunk, maybe even dead. Though I think I am stretching it a bit far with that. Ed and I stare helplessly as Ben; the once chirpy, out-going guy slowly stands on two feet. He wobbles, struggling to maintain balance with his newfound temporary disability. Ben glances at us. Lumpy bags of coal under his eyes that twitch tiredly. His poor foot has made little improvement.

  "I'm gonna be going now... Good to see ya Ed" He tries so hard to, be cheerful, I guess? It's hard to tell anymore. Ed nods. "We'll switch in an hour yeah?" Ben directs his question at me. "Yes," My tone is drab and dull. Furthering my cause of keeping the disguise right now in the worst of times to do it, it's mentally draining!

  "Hey, Ben, I'll take your next shift. Go sleep in my bed, mate" Taken aback by this sudden selflessness Ed has. Ben raises a hand, maybe as if to protest before realising. He doesn't have to do this shift and can go to bed and rest like he should have in the first place. Ben doesn't argue. Frankly, he chooses to pat Ed on the back, yawn, and indolently go back to the ranger station. I wait till Ben is out of earshot. "That was unlike you Ed?"

  Ed shrugs his shoulders. "He needed it"

  "Yeah, and you needed it too..." I lean into him on purpose, pressing against his right arm to get a pained rise out of him. Not even flinching, Ed just leans forward lightly, his lips next to my ears. "Don't even try it. It's numb as fuck right now! They have been numbing it for days” I can't help but laugh at the weird way he spoke, but he gets a laugh out of me no less. Reality dawns on me soon afterwards. I still have to do my shift. So I pull the covers back and leave my safe zone. "You shouldn't even be out here... So I'll take first shift"

&nb
sp; Ed shoots up onto his feet, stepping right in front of me, he moves close, and our faces are inches away from the other. I feel myself fluster slightly. I can't find the words. We're so close... He better not try anything though. I swear to god if he-

  So, he takes the blue cap he has on his head, off his head... And plops it on mine? He has given me his hat that sits lopsided on my head. What the-

  "Lemme' help you out there" Then he adjusts it into the right place and I-

  I can't stop the rush of pink that flood my cheeks. "Thanks..." I say reluctantly. Why is he being like this? Does he want something? He isn't getting anything from me. We'd be too close otherwise and I can't do that...

  "That'll keep ya' covered from the rain a tiny bit"

  "I'll be in the watchtower Ed" I point out with a laugh. Ed sits down on the bed and doesn't respond. He doesn't care. He's just given me his hat. He knows I will be in the guard tower. In case he hasn't realised, it has a roof unless he gave the hat to me for the walk over there unless-

  Did he want to get close to me?

  "Go on then" Ed lies on the bed and rests his hands behind his head. His eyes closed. "O-okay" I stutter and I swear I see him smirk. With a huff, (I know he has won whatever little game he is playing) I grab my personal rifle and with a running start - I rush out into the rain with my arm out to protect my face from the vengeful weather. Tossing my rifle up first and then climbing up into the tower, I shake myself slightly to get rid of some of some of the water. I'm not soaked through or anything. But it is only making me colder. I shiver, my teeth starting to chatter. I pull my yellow and black leather jacket into me in the hopes of protecting the cynical warmth I still have. Kneeling down, I pick up my rifle before taking my duty. My eyes search the mysterious world that crawls with things that want to kill me. I'll be ready for them no matter-

  Why did he give me his hat?

  I will kill any of those fuckers who even consider getting-

  Will you do it for the group or Ed?

  I will protect them-

  The group or Ed...

  'Don't make it personal' I think to myself. I can't focus! Get out of my head! Looking over my shoulder, I see Ed still peacefully resting on the bed. I will never understand him. Yet, I think he understands me better than I do myself...

  Chapter 31 – Who is the thief?

  One week later

  "NO ONE HERE IS A THIEF!"

  "WE WERE LOW ON MEDICINE AS IT IS. NO ONE TAKES ANY WITHOUT MY SAY SO!"

  "SO WHAT IF SOMEONE TOOK SOME! WE ARE ALL ENTITLED TO MEDICINE IF WE OR ANYONE NEEDS IT PATRICK"

  Marcus and Patrick wage a verbal war - both men going back and forth in a vicious cycle of attack and defence. The ongoing argument gets immoral. Two sides are starting to form amidst the chaos. Let me explain the situation, someone has stolen vital medical supplies and Patrick is determined to find out who did the crime while Marcus fights to vindicate whoever did the deed.

  "HALF OF IT IS GONE" Patrick maintains his argument as he states the severity of the situation. Everyone at the ranger station is caught in the crossfire of one corrupt leader, and one soon to be a heroic redeemer. "Then they must've really needed it. What if this person was hurt or ill, but didn't want to cause a fuss huh?" Marcus protests thoughtfully. His argument is difficult to stand by, but he knows that even if anyone did take some. Then they have every right to take it. No one should be refused the right to good health and the medicine to do so. Pacing back and forth, Patrick places his hands behind his head. He Inhales - exhales. Repeat. The fumes don't dissipate as the anger continuously pours out of him.

  Linda latches onto his arm, gripping him and trying to calm him down helplessly. She knows a losing battle when she sees one. While stubborn, she believes Patrick can see past his own prideful blindness at the fact that everyone, literally everyone, is slowly shifting themselves to the side of right. Or better put in simple tongue, the side that benefits them the most. Standing by idly, the crowd of survivors allows Marcus to be their leader and voice. It is Marcus who vouches for them in their time of need. Patrick's followers are lessening with every second.

  "Okay, let me put this simply-" Patrick menacingly lowers his hands from the back of his head. Threateningly stepping forward, Patrick makes his move. Advancing slowly, the narrow-eyed man with the growing beard, clawed face and messy, lengthy, greasy hair snarls at Marcus. He makes no words, merely using his body language to form the scariest death glare he can. Marcus stiffens, implanting himself on the ground and not giving into Patrick's almighty death sentence of a stare. For the first time, someone is taking the stand against the man who keeps the order around here. Patrick's rule was fair, but no longer. Marcus wrinkles his nose; his enemy is so close he can taste his redolence breath. He also brushes aside Patrick's feeble attempt to intimidate him. Why should he be scared? Marcus knows he did not take the medicine.

  "You really are stupid, aren't you?" Patrick leans back and scrutinizes all the doubtful faces. Linda loops around her boyfriend to get in-between the two men. Patrick softens for a moment, revealing his weakness. Marcus sees this, taking note of how she affects him. Cold exteriors reappear barely a few moments later. "Move aside" Patrick's distant, demanding tone orders the woman who follows without complaint.

  While the shock of how submissive Linda has become to the crazed man sinks into the on looking crowd. Patrick takes his chance as he stands to dominate for this stage of the argument. "Someone has been stealing from our valuable inventory. Everyone will be routinely searched and checked by Officer Dave Wilson, Max Davis or-" His patronising is halted by Marcus, who is one step ahead as he can already tell Patrick will turn to his three right-hand men without any consideration of them whatsoever, which is a foolish, foolish choice to unknowingly do. As a leader, Patrick should know that sometimes you can't even trust the people closest to you because otherwise, your mistrust could be the mistake that hurts others.

  "And what if they took it huh?" Marcus spits angrily. His opportunity arose before with the mentioning of the Officers, and he cuts the enraged Patrick off to get his low blow of a shot in at the man. Icy, sharp daggers are sent at Marcus in the way of a fierce glare. Patrick knows he has been bested.

  "Get on with your day. I will inspect you all..." Patrick thinks about what he is saying. Marcus has a good point, and he knows that deep down. Knowing he can't rely on the trust of his three Officers’, Patrick finally retreats to the last ditch plan, "I will inspect you all personally"

  Not getting the result he wanted, Marcus throws his hands up in the air. Frustrated, he begins accepting defeat. Turning, Marcus faces the crowd that disperses around the ranger station to avoid being anywhere near the hot-headed men. Having seen how those who take his side run, Marcus mutters distastefully under his breath, "So be it"

  One last time, Marcus glares at Patrick. His respect for the man he looked up to is waning at this point. Misled by Patrick's leadership, Ed is the first to ask how Marcus is doing.

  "How are you-?"

  "There is no reasoning with him Ed," Marcus pushes past him on his warpath towards the ranger station.

  Maya passes Ed, clocking her rifle as she goes back to guard duty. "He'll be okay. Patrick is just at his time of the month" Maya cracks a joke, a small hidden grin on her face that she reserves only for Ed. It's genuine, and the smile that follows after she sees Ed instantly cheer up gives her all the indication she needs. Though the look the two share lasts longer then it should. Ed is in a daze as he adores her behind closed doors. The two mostly go unspoken, keeping to themselves since the events that transpired a week ago. Yet, even now, Maya still has his blue cap sat lop-sided on her head. It means a lot to him that she would hold onto it so tightly. She returns the favour as a joke when he is on guard by throwing it like a Frisbee in the hopes of landing it on his scalp. It acts as a reference to the night he first gave it to her. With the blue cap, there inevitably came minimal teasing from closer members of the group. Marcus, Chloe
and Ben all had their own questions and answers. At one point, the questions become an interrogation. But, it passed eventually. More important things to worry about in the life they are forced to live.

  Linda speedily taps Ed on the shoulder before he can blend into the crowd, "Can I talk to you?" she says weakly. Ed frowns at the deathly pale woman. You can see the life draining from her as the illness she contracted from the infection of her wound gradually eats away at her. Undeviating from its cause to kill Linda, whatever she has won't stop at anything to guarantee she meets her end. "Of course Linda, you can talk to me whenever you want" Ed smiles, giving her the time of day.