Monochrome (14 page)

She opened her eyes and was happy to see she was wearing bright sneakers, black stretch pants and her favorite yellow, long-sleeved running shirt, under her scarf. It wasn’t cool. It was nothingness, no warm breeze, no chirping birds, only a dull copper tang mixed with stagnant city air. But she knew it grew bitter cold at night, and she wasn’t going to be caught off guard. Her head still pounded with boiling energy, and she itched to run: from Ishmael, from his betrayal, from her worthlessness, even from her anger. If she ran fast and far enough, maybe she’d run right into the border, or over the edge.

Ishmael saw her stop ahead of him and slowed his jog, thinking she’d come to her senses. But when he saw her outfit shift, his heart fell. He raced to catch up with her, yelling at her to wait for him, but she was running again and at a much more impressive pace.

Her rage fueled her speed. She doubled her pace and glanced behind her. Ishmael was still following, but his pace was lagging. Losing people was her specialty. Once her mind was made to run away, no one could catch her.
I want to leave him behind, right?
She continued her pace, not answering her own question because the answer might stifle her determination. He called out to her, but she didn’t hear him.

Her muscles warmed to her pace and sped her onwards. The buildings in the city grew sparse. Her heart thumped and her breathing fell into an old rhythm. No matter the situation, it always felt good to run. She sensed her anger, sadness, fear and frustration fall away with every drop of sweat.

Ahead, she saw an open area leading into more dense woods, but now there was no glassy path to follow, no mopey blond whose sculpted back tensed at every sound. She shook Ishmael from her mind, slowed her run to a trot and stopped at the edge of the city, the blue expanse of grass now before her. She closed her eyes and willed the black path to reveal itself. She opened her eyes to find blue grass and navy trees ahead, no path in sight. “Shit!” She stomped in vexation.

Just then, she heard the crunch of footsteps behind her and she spun around, ready to tell Ishmael to back off, but her words caught in her throat. Fear made her heart race and chilled her warm blood. Two men stalked towards her from the edges of the city. Abigail backed up a few steps, onto the tinny grass field.

She recognized the men by Ishmael’s description and the glimpse she caught of them in the bar her first night in Monochrome. They quickened their pace to meet her.

The tan man spoke to the black-haired man, in a mocking, syrupy voice. “Well, Geoff, today’s your lucky day. She gave Ishmael the slip. Can’t say I blame her.”

GEOFF SET
HIS
black eyes on Abigail. “He’ll come after this one. They’ve made it this far, which means he has a soft spot for her. Hell, he and I didn’t make it through most of two days without tiring of each other. And he’s been extra careful with her. Paying for himself, fighting off bartenders and attackers…”

He noticed her surprise. “Yes, Abigail. We’ve been trailing you. Heard all about the trouble you’ve been through. Seems you can’t shake trouble, huh? Probably because Ishmael
is
trouble.” He closed the distance between them, and she backed away, preparing to run.

The tan man, Eric, shook his head. “You don’t want to run, baby.”

She stood her ground. “Oh yeah, why not? You think you could catch me?”

He laughed. “Feisty, huh? I
know
I’d catch you. It’s my job to catch people.” He stopped smiling. “And if I have to run to get you, you’ll pay extra.” She kept her face a stoic mask.

Geoff strutted towards her, his shaggy black hair falling into his face. “You’re gonna need to come with us.”

She backed up again. “I don’t think I will.”

Geoff studied his fingernails. “How about this. You come with me, and Eric, here,” he motioned to the brunette, “won’t stab Ishmael when he comes this way.”

He examined Abigail’s face and found terror waiting behind her eyes. “Uh huh. That’s what I thought. You aren’t with him, but you don’t want him dead, do you? If you run, his death is on you.”

Her brain was atoms slamming against protons, all explosion and no logic. She thought of him rushing into the bathroom to save her from the Traders, angry eyes blazing as he smashed her attacker’s head into the ground, the crack of skull on tile not tempering his rage. She pictured him quoting obscure poetry with a boyish grin, child-like wonder putting a kick in his step.

She remembered every touch, every joke, and every encouraging word he gave her. She remembered the tilt of his eyes, the thunder of unvoiced longing when she gifted him a simple pin. She remembered the corny but beautiful dream he gave her to keep her from feeling defeated. She remembered his rain-forest eyes, earnestly pleading, when he tried to tell her how much she meant to him.

Shit. You’re an idiot for leaving him, Abigail. Why can’t you just think things through logically, for once? If he dies because of your temper, you’ll never forgive yourself.
She moved towards Geoff, stepping firmly to keep her knees from wobbling.

“If I come with you, you’ll leave him be?” Her quivering voice betrayed her feelings.

“We won’t kill him.”

She swallowed. “Okay. I’ll go with you.”

Eric’s smile didn’t reach his cold eyes. He winked at Geoff. “How sweet. Didn’t think it was possible anyone might give a shit for that depressing half-wit, but I guess weirder things have happened.”

Abigail whirred from Geoff and marched to Eric, whose cocky smirk widened. He apparently thought she was giving herself up. She stopped in front of him and shoved him with all her might. He fell backwards onto the ground, knocking his head on the sharp grass.

“I don’t want to hear your poison. Ishmael is worth a thousand of you.”

Geoff crossed to Abigail and slapped her with the back of his hand, across her already bruised cheek.

Abigail’s head reeled but she stayed standing. “If you pull something again, you’ll regret it. Got it?” She felt her hands tingle with adrenaline. Gauging her opponent’s slender build and skinny arms, she knew she was capable of hurting him.

That’s what her adrenaline did. It made her scary strong and very unpredictable. She’d won many an uneven scrap because of it. But she also knew she might not be able to fight them both. Plus, if she wasn’t successful in getting away, they might kill Ishmael. So she pushed her ire down and nodded in agreement.

Geoff cleared his throat. “Good. Now, you’re gonna wait with me and Eric.” He motioned to Eric who was dusting himself off and glaring at Abigail. “In the woods over there. We’re gonna have to gag you, so you can’t call out to Ishmael when he comes this way, which he will.”

Geoff slung a Midwestern accent, not thick, but his words came out in a slight twang. If she didn’t hate him so much right now, she might wonder if he’d lived anywhere near where she grew up.

Abigail shook her head. “You’re wasting your time. Ishmael doesn’t care about me. He let me go without a fight.”

Eric laughed a cold, slick laugh. “She thinks we’re idiots, Geoff.” Geoff loosened a bandanna around his arm and motioned for her to come to him. She stood in front of him, a defiant set to her eyes.

He moved behind her and brought the gag over her head and into her mouth. As he tied it tight, he whispered in her ear, raising chills on her skin. “Do everything we say or we’ll take it out on Ishmael. No calling out, no fighting, okay? I don’t want to hurt you. I really don’t.” She wanted to say so much, but she just nodded.

“Good. I’m gonna tie your hands, too. I hear you can fight.” She set her chin stubbornly.
You’d better hope you never have to find out.

Eric waved to Geoff. “Hurry up. We have to find cover. I think I see the man of the hour in the distance.”

Geoff finished tying Abigail’s hands with what felt like another bandanna and nudged her forward with his shoulder. “After you.”

Geoff sat her down behind a wide tree. Eric sat next to her and played with her hair, amused at her annoyed discomfort.

Geoff stood watch for Ishmael, and whispered to Eric to keep Abigail from warning him as he approached. Eric reached in his pocket and brought out a switch blade. He flicked it open near Abigail’s face and laughed when she didn’t flinch.

“You’re tough. But how tough?” He brushed the sharp knife against her cheek. She felt a drop of blood run down her face, but she made no attempt to move despite the swift searing pain. “Pretty impressive.” He laughed darkly. It felt like a nick from a razor, the burn from the blade soon dulled, leaving only an ache.

Geoff shushed Eric from where he stood. “Ishmael’s headed this way. Keep it down. And there’s no need to draw blood. She’s not fighting.”

Eric glared at him, but put the knife back in his pocket. “Looks like we’ll have to play more later.” He whispered in her ear.

She ignored him, but scooted away, trying to watch for Ishmael. Eric grabbed the crook of her arm and pulled her close to him. “Don’t worry, Abigail. We can keep our promises. We won’t kill him.” He kissed her cheek where he cut her and licked the blood off his lips. “We might maim him, but we won’t kill him.”

“Abby!” Ishmael called in desperation.
Don’t, Ishmael. Don’t act like you care. They will use it.

She struggled against Eric’s hold when Ishmael called out. His voice was very close. Geoff moved behind the tree and pointed at her. “You make a peep and Eric stabs him. Remember?” She stopped squirming, but a frustrated tear ran down her cheek.

She knew Geoff was going to hurt him and she was helpless to stop it. “Abby! Come on! I’m sorry!” Ishmael called out, his voice just ahead of them. Her eyes filled with tears as she saw Geoff pick a slate black rock off the ground.

“Abby! Please! I’m sorry!” Ishmael was right on top of them now. Geoff braced himself, but Abigail couldn’t be still any longer. It was not in her personality to sit and wait helplessly. It was the only perk of her instability. She could fight.

She pulled her arm away from Eric with all her might and launched herself at Geoff’s back, as he braced himself to attack Ishmael. She clumsily knocked into him, and fell to the ground, unable to use her tied hands. Geoff fell forward, his balance off-kilter. He dropped the rock as he stumbled.

“What the…” Abigail heard Ishmael’s surprise as Geoff scrambled in front of him, reaching for the rock in vain. Eric kicked her solidly in the side, and she coughed brokenly over her gag.

Ishmael spun towards her grunts. “Abby!” Geoff used the distraction to grab the rock and tackle Ishmael. She screamed and got to her knees, trying to reach him.

Eric came up behind her and pushed her down. He sat on her back, straddling her to keep her from moving. “Don’t move, bitch, or I’ll tell Geoff to kill him.” She stopped struggling and watched as Geoff rolled on top of Ishmael and held the rock above his head, ready to strike.

But Ishmael was no rookie fighter. He arched his back, throwing Geoff off balance. Geoff tumbled to the ground and lost the rock once again. Ishmael grabbed him from behind, twisted him around and punched him in the stomach. He fell to the ground with a grunt.

Ishmael stood and kicked him in the ribs. Eric pulled his knife out of his pocket and put it to Abigail’s throat. “Enough! You kick him again, and I’ll cut her throat!”

She felt her blood gather around the edge of Eric’s sharp knife, and silently urged Ishmael to look away from it. Now wasn’t a good time for him to be getting woozy.

Ishmael raised his hands and backed away from Geoff. “Don’t hurt her, Eric. I give up. You guys wanted
me
, right? Here I am. I promise I won’t fight anymore. Just let her go. She won’t go with you willingly. You won’t convince her to stay, so she’s not worth your time.”

He was breathless, but Abigail heard the concern in his voice.
Don’t, Ishmael. Don’t show them you care. Please.
She tried to will him to hear her silent pleas
.
All the same, her heart fluttered when she realized she was wrong to mistrust him. The ache in his voice resounded in her body, a pleasant echo. She’d been so wrong to leave him.

Geoff stood, wiping blood from his mouth. “You won’t fight anymore or we’ll kill her. There will be no other negotiating from you.”

Ishmael nodded in consent. “Fine. Please take the knife away. You’re cutting her.” Eric lifted the knife from her neck and cut the gag from her mouth.

She breathed deeply and chocked out, “Run, Ishmael! Just go!”

Ishmael made no attempt to leave, instead he moved towards Abigail, concern written into the lines on his face.

“Stay right there.” Geoff stood, met Ishmael and placed a hand on his chest to keep him from going forward. Eric leaned down, pulled Abigail’s head back and kissed her on the mouth.

Abigail struggled in his hold and spat his kiss into the dirt.

Eric laughed. “I like her spunk. I’m starting to consider a profession in Trade.”

Ishmael clenched his fists. “Don’t fucking touch her again, Eric. You will regret it. I promise.” His voice was granite.

Geoff shoved Ishmael backwards. “You won’t be giving the orders, Ishmael.”

Ishmael kept his eye on Eric who was seated on Abigail’s back still, smiling and playing with his knife. Ishmael was red-faced and furious.

“What do you want, Geoff? Just tell me what you want, so my Lead and I can go.”

Eric laughed his unnaturally smooth laugh again. “We want to play, right Geoff?” He leered at Abigail.

Geoff rolled his eyes and grabbed Ishmael’s arm.

Eric dragged Abigail to an upright position and sat her against the tree again. Geoff tied Ishmael’s hands behind his back and ordered him to sit next to her.

Once next to her, Ishmael’s whole frame slumped. “I’m so sorry, Abby. This is all my fault.”

She put her head on his shoulder, happy he was alive and unhurt, still unhappy with his lies, but too pleased he was unhurt to think on it. “I overreacted.”

He rested his head on hers. “No, you didn’t.”

“Ishmael, I’m still pissed, so don’t argue. I overreacted. I always overreact.”

Ishmael opened his mouth to argue but was interrupted when Geoff and Eric stood in front of them.

“What’s so different about this one, Ishmael?” Geoff asked him. “Why is
she
worth you losing your moons and memories?” He knelt so he was face-to-face with Ishmael. “Why didn’t you throw your future to the wind for me?” He scowled. “Not pretty enough?”

“You gave up, Geoff. She hasn’t. I’ve never led anyone who cared about leaving. Abigail does.”

Geoff shrugged. “If that’s what you have to tell yourself to make life easier. But, just so you know, it’s bullshit. Of course I wanted to leave. Who the fuck wants to stay here? You were too involved in your own pain, your own loss. You didn’t give a shit about me.”

He stood. “Let’s just call this what it is. You think you can nail this one, so you put a little effort in.” Geoff held up his hands, as if warding off an argument. “It’s a solid plan for a lonely guy, but I just can’t stand by and let Abigail think you intended to help after getting what you wanted.”

Ishmael gritted his teeth, but Abigail leaned towards him to whisper in his ear, “Don’t worry about it. They’re trying to piss you off. I know it’s not like that.” He visibly relaxed, and she continued, “Just get them to tell you what they want, okay?”

He nodded and tried to sound patient when he spoke to Geoff. “Alright, you have me here. You have a clear advantage. What do you want from me?”

Abigail picked at the knot on the bandanna tying her hands, attempting to get it free.

“Well, I’ve been thinking about it.” Geoff sat down in front of them, his hands around his knees. “Do you remember the first test you gave me?” Ishmael stiffened. “Yeah, you remember. My wife’s death.”

Geoff scoffed, “Your friend, there, made me relive the moment my wife hemorrhaged after giving birth to our baby girl.”

Abigail’s throat burned, she sat upright and leaned towards Ishmael, whose eyes were red-rimmed and strained.

“Ishmael?” She didn’t know what to say to him or how to feel. Geoff’s black eyes might’ve held something close to pain, but mostly they held anger.

Ishmael cleared his throat. “Geoff…I don’t know what memory is going to come up when I test someone. It’s whatever memory is most prominent at the time.” His voice broke. “I didn’t know…”

Geoff leaned forward. “Shut up.” He whispered through clenched teeth. “Do you remember what happened later? Do you remember the memory I sacrificed to pay for a place to sleep, for
our
food and drinks for the night? I don’t remember the memory, but Eric was good enough to remind me that night at the bar.”