by Alia Hess
Sasha’s heart ached and he squeezed his eyes shut.
“He told me what happened. He told me he tried to stop it.”
Mikhail slammed Sasha against the wall, rattling framed photos. “That is not what happen! Dr. Krupin tell everyone it was Sasha’s idea only!”
Sasha’s eyes flew open. “What? No! Dr. Krupin do it! That is why I left Priyut! I felt so bad about everything that I had to leave. And I am really sorry, Mikhail. I am sorry about your family. I wish I did better. Wish I stopped Krupin fast enough. I swear. I wish I could go back and try again and do it right.”
Mikhail snarled, gripping Sasha’s coat tightly. “I don’t believe you for second! You always doing things you were not supposed to do. I think you kill everyone in world just for fun. You sick bastard!” He balled a fist and struck Sasha in the nose. Sasha gasped, a hot stream of blood gushing down his face and pain coursing behind his eyes. “You killed Irina’s mom, too!”
“Irina’s mom was junkie. She was killing herself alr—”
Mikhail hit him again, and his nose emitted a crunch.
“I’m sorry, Mikhail—”
His fist struck Sasha in the lip and his mouth filled with blood.
Mikhail scowled. “You probably burned down Priyut too, huh? You know how many people died?”
Sasha blinked, bleary-eyed and overwhelmed with pain. He swallowed blood and held a hand to his nose. “What? Somebody burn down Priyut?”
Mikhail pulled back a fist. “Like you don’t already know that.”
Corvin pushed his way between Sasha and Mikhail’s fist. A huge, angry grin spread across his face, his voice cheery. “I think it would be best if you don’t hit Sasha again.”
“What you going to do about it, skinny man? You look like little bit of wind going to blow you over.”
Sasha sagged against the wall, his shirt growing soggy with blood. “You should go, Corvin. I deserve it after what happen. Don’t want you to get hurt.”
Mikhail chuckled. “Finally, Sasha say something smart. Get out of here, skinny man, before I beat you too.”
Corvin let out a laugh that turned Sasha’s insides to ice. “I’m going to give you three seconds to get your hands off of him.”
“This some kind of joke?” Mikhail said. “How about I give you three seconds before I break those nice teeth?”
Corvin’s grin grew even bigger. “Let him go.”
Sasha wiped blood on his coat and groaned. “Corvin, don’t. I deserve—”
“Time’s up.” Corvin snatched a fork off the end table and plunged it into Mikhail’s fist. Mikhail howled in pain and released his grip on Sasha’s coat.
Sasha slid down the wall. “Holy shit, Corvin!”
Corvin hauled Sasha up by the arm and pulled him from the house. They stumbled down the stairs, hurrying along the gravel path.
Sasha spat blood. “I can’t believe you stabbed Mikhail!”
“He’ll get over it.”
“You should have just left me there. I am mass murderer.”
“Don’t talk like that.”
Through Sasha’s tears of pain, a redheaded woman materialized on the road ahead. He slowed.
“Come on, Sasha. We need to get out of here.”
“It’s Irina,” Sasha said, his nasally words thicker than normal. He waved frantically. “Irina!”
Irina dropped her shopping bag, potatoes rolling out onto the ground. “Sasha?” She ran to him and put her hands on his face, saying in Russian, “What happened to you?”
“Your boyfriend happened. Hurry over here into the trees before he decides to come out and pound me some more.”
Her eyes widened as she followed Sasha and Corvin behind a tall bush. “Misha did this?”
“He thinks releasing the virus was all my idea. And he thinks I burned down Priyut. What the hell happened?”
“I know Dr. Krupin was the one who released the virus. And I don’t know who burned down Priyut.” She frowned and switched to American, glancing at Corvin. “But we keep seeing graffiti that say, ‘Sasha is watching.’ Which is really creepy. Did you do that?”
Sasha wiped blood from his lips. “No. I sort of have cult that worships me and the drones. But I have not talked to those people in long time. If they burned down Priyut, I did not tell them to do it!”
“A lot of people died. And rest took the trucks, the drones, the food, everything they could get before it burn. And no one knows what happened to the doctors. Mikhail said they weren’t really getting along after virus release. I think Dr. Krupin started fire, but who knows… God, your face, Sasha. I think I should kick Misha out for this.”
“I probably deserve a lot worse.”
Corvin peered around the bush and made a “wrap it up” gesture to Sasha, frowning.
Sasha’s heart clenched as he stared into Irina’s green eyes and switched back to Russian. “Why are you even with that asshole? I know I wasn’t the greatest guy, but Mikhail? You can do better than him.” He shook his head. “It’s not my business. I just wanted to come here to see you, and show you that I’m not the awful jerk I used to be. And apologize to you one last time.” His heart sang as he visualized drawing a hard black line across Irina’s name on his creased and folded apology list.
That’s it. I’m done. No more baggage weighing me down from my old life.
“I’m going to the Islands. Going to see Owl and Trav. Remember them?” He grinned painfully through his split lip. “I have a girl I’m madly in love with and we’re going to get married. I’ve got friends now. I’m happy.”
Irina blinked and a tear ran down her cheek. She wiped it away. “That’s great, Sasha. I’m glad things are better for you. I knew there was a good guy in there somewhere. I miss you sometimes.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe I just said that out loud.”
Sasha smiled weakly.
“You guys should get out of here. Misha isn’t fun to be around when he’s angry. He’s not even really my boyfriend. He just needed somewhere to stay after the fire, and well…” She shrugged. “Listen, I have to go now. Thanks for stopping by to see me. I’m sorry about Mikhail. But there are a lot of people from the facility living here now, and they all blame you for the virus and fire. You need to leave. I don’t want to see something else happen to you.” Irina put her arms around Sasha and he squeezed her tight. “Congratulations on getting married. I’m really happy for you.”
“Thanks. I’ll be on Nis if you ever decide to visit. I know you can’t resist me for long, baby.”
Irina chuckled. “Shut up, idiot.”
Corvin peeked around the bush. “He’s coming out. Reunion’s over. Come on.”
Sasha waved to Irina, then followed Corvin through the trees, weaving through several alleys and stopping behind a market, his face throbbing. Corvin stared at him. “You look like shit. Your nose is broken. I know Dusty is a badass, but you can’t let her see you like this.”
Sasha groaned. “You can fix for me?”
“Yeah, but it’s going to hurt. Sit down.”
He slid down the wall and sighed. Corvin squatted before him, then placed his fingers on either side of Sasha’s nose, dark eyes studying him. “Ready?”
Sasha balled his fists and shut his eyes. Corvin squeezed Sasha’s nose and quickly dragged his fingers down. A bolt of pain shot through his nose and his eyes watered. He pushed his head against the wall, emitting a stream of Russian curses.
Corvin stood up. “I’ll be right back.”
“Wait…” Sasha moaned as Corvin trotted out of the alley.
He slid down the wall, laying on his back on cobblestones and staring into the twilight above, weighed down by the pain in his face and the gravity of what his hesitation had done to the world.
After a few minutes, Corvin returned with a cloth sack. He soaked a handkerchief with water and handed it to Sasha as he sat up.
“Thanks.” Sasha wiped his face.
Corvin took a large glass bottle f
rom the bag and held it out.
“I don’t drink anymore. You know that,” Sasha said.
“I think you need it. I won’t tell Dewbell.”
Sasha sighed and took the bottle, taking a long pull. His chest filled with fire and he handed it back.
Corvin clutched the bottle, then frowned and bit his lip. “Y’know, when I was with the highwaymen…” He looked away and sucked in a breath. “They did things to me—you saw some of it. The cigarette burns, razor scars…” Corvin took a drink. “But they made me… do things to people too. Innocent people. That was the worst part.”
Sasha cringed. “That sounds horrible.”
Corvin opened his mouth, then closed it again. He trailed his finger through the dirt, creating a furrow, then brushed his hand on his pants. “I felt like you. Thought that I wasn’t worth saving because of the things I’d done. Because I know that those people I tortured didn’t blame the highwaymen for the things I did. They blamed me. They didn’t know I didn’t want to do them, just that I did.” He put a hand on Sasha’s shoulder, staring at him with wet eyes. “I know you want to give up. But you can’t. Don’t let yourself fall into that pit of self-loathing. Don’t do it. You’ll never get out. I was stuck like that for a long time, and—let’s face it—I’m never going to be the guy I was before the highwaymen. Just like you’ll never be the guy you were before that doctor dropped the virus.”
Sasha took another long swig from the bottle, unsure if his lightheadedness was from the moonshine or Corvin setting his nose. He rubbed his face and nodded. “Never thought you would tell me this stuff about you.”
Corvin shrugged, looking at the ground. “I see some of myself in you right now, I guess. Just don’t expect me to bare my soul to you all the time. That stuff is reserved for Dewbell.” He forced a smile. “And anyway, you have so much to look forward to. Don’t think about the things you can’t change. We’ll be to Nis soon. See Owl. And you’re going to get married! And Sasha, Dusty is going to look ravishing. Seriously. I’ve been working out some sketches for her dress. And for your suit too.”
“You’re making my suit?”
“Of course! I’m thinking a brilliant cobalt with a saffron bow tie. That will really bring out those gold flecks in your blue eyes.”
Sasha chuckled.
Corvin stood and helped him up. “Now what do you say we get out of this dirty alley, hmm?”
“Do I look better now?”
He grinned. “Not really. But your nose isn’t crooked anymore. I think it would be best to keep driving tonight. Get out of this town.”
“I don’t think I can drive like this. And not after moonshine too.”
“I’ll drive.”
“You know how?”
“I used to own a motorcycle. Didn’t drive it a lot—I much preferred the relaxing nature of the rickshaws. But I can drive us.”
Sasha laughed and shook his head.
Corvin popped a piece of gum in his mouth. “What’s so funny?”
“You are escorting your escorts.”
“Yeah. Maybe you guys will have to pay me.”
Sasha walked through town, downing the bottle of moonshine. He stumbled and Corvin steadied him.
“You okay?”
“Should not be drinking. You are bad influence. But my face don’t hurt too much now. Thanks, Corvin. You are good friend.”
Corvin scoffed, looking amused. “Stay out here while I get the others. I’ll only be a second.”
They stood before a small cafe. Corvin disappeared through the door. Sasha wiped his nose and frowned at the empty moonshine bottle. He dropped it and leaned against the wall.
Every time I come to Burr I get drunk and get beat up… That stupid Mikhail. That Neanderthal. How dare he worm his way into Irina’s bed. God… I feel sick. Maybe I should rescue her. March back to her house right now and scoop her up. Take her with me to Nis.
Sasha pushed off the wall, trying to remember where she lived. He took a few steps, then stopped.
But there won’t be room in the truck. Maybe I can squeeze in the back with all the ladies. That would be fun. Nice and cozy. And Dusty can—Dusty. I’m with Dusty. She’s going to be my wife. I’m not the same guy I used to be when I came here in the past. And Irina made her own choices. I can’t do anything for her.
He shook his swimming head and leaned back against the cafe wall.
Dusty hurried out the entrance. A strange noise came from her throat and her mouth sagged open. Tears welled in her eyes. She threw her arms around Sasha, pressing her face to his bloody coat.
He blew his nose into Corvin’s handkerchief and rubbed Dusty’s head. “I’m okay, baby. I will be okay.”
“What happened?” Gentlewave stood near Corvin, Dewbell clutching his arm.
“Sasha’s not real popular around here anymore, apparently,” Corvin replied. “We should go.”
Corvin, Dewbell, and Gentlewave turned for the road. Sasha tried to follow, but Dusty wouldn’t let go, her arms wrapped tightly around him. She whimpered into his chest and when he tried to gently remove her arms, she squeezed tighter.
Gentlewave pulled at Dusty’s arm. “Come on, Dusty. You can sit with him in the truck. Corvin said he can drive. But we need to start walking.”
“No!” Dusty sobbed, clinging to Sasha.
“I’m okay, baby. My beautiful Dusty. I am going to marry you so hard.”
Dusty looked up. “Are you drunk?”
Sasha touched his nose. “Yes, but don’t get mad at Corvin. Is my fault.”
Dewbell scowled at Corvin and he shirked away. “I just gave him some for the pain. I didn’t know he was going to drink the whole bottle.”
“Corvin is good guy. My hero. He rescued me from Mikhail. And fix my nose, and make it straight like supposed to be. And he give me pep talk to not feel depressed. Don’t be mad at him, Dewbell.”
Corvin looked at his shoes, chewing on his lip.
Dusty wiped her eyes and grabbed Sasha’s arm as they started walking. “Your face looks really bad. I’ll clean you up when we get to the truck.”
“You going to be my nurse, baby? I like sound of that. Sexy.”
Dusty sniffled and nodded.
When they reached the truck, Corvin took the wheel, Gentlewave sliding into the passenger’s seat. Sasha sat next to Dewbell, Dusty in his lap. She wiped his face with a wet cloth as Corvin pulled onto the road. Her petite hands stroked his jaw and he shut his eyes, leaning his head against the seat. The road’s vibration and her soft warmth pressed against him lulled him to sleep.
Sasha sat in the grass, clutching Dusty’s hand as Dewbell stitched his split lip. A glimpse into the truck’s side mirror had confirmed that he looked as awful as he felt; his eyes were swollen and cheeks a dark purple.
Beyond the meadow, the blue and red clay buildings of Conch spread along the coastline, palm trees crowding the spaces between. The ocean lay beyond as a beryl smear under the pale blue sky.
Corvin lay in a sleeping bag among the tall meadow grass, snoring loudly. Gentlewave—who claimed he wasn’t at all tired—slept against the wheel of the truck, arms folded and his chin on his chest.
Dewbell snipped the suture thread and sat back.
“Oh, that hurt, baby.”
Dewbell frowned and nodded. She kissed Sasha’s cheek gently.
“Thanks, though. You guys all fixing me up great. You fix my lip, and Corvin fix my nose. Going to look better in no time.”
Dusty rubbed his hand. “Is there something for me to fix?”
Sasha grinned awkwardly. “Oh, I got part for you, baby. Don’t worry. It’s not broken, but… need some attention.”
Dewbell smacked his arm and smiled. Dusty laughed. “That part of you always needs attention.”
“Sorry. I like your lovin’ too much.” He gave a chuckle, but it was forced, Mikhail’s accusations from the night before still running through his mind. A tear fell from his eye and he wiped it quickly away.
Dusty frowned. “Sasha? You okay?”
“Yeah, uh, just… my face hurts, you know? I’m fine.”
Both women stared at him in concern and he looked at the grass. He didn’t want to think about the virus and everyone dead. He didn’t want to think about it being his fault. Bursting into tears while he talked to Owl and Trav with the drone had been one thing, but doing it with all his friends nearby would be worse.
“So,” he said, not looking up, “I bet truck would sell for lot of money, but with Corvin’s escort payment, we already got lots, so what you think we should do with it? Let somebody else take it if they know how to drive? Because, really, I don’t care what happens to it. I just want to think about life ahead of me. Don’t want to think about this truck, or cult weirdos painting my name on stuff. We going to see Owl and Trav, build house, and get married. Then happy ever after, yeah? For everybody.” He looked at Dewbell. “You still going to live alone when we get there? Or you and Corvin going to shack up?”
Dewbell smiled and took Sasha’s tablet.
“That’s probably true. He was really great help yesterday, though. I was just going to let Mikhail beat me.”
Sasha smiled weakly.
Dusty chuckled. “I think you told all of us that you loved us at least twice last night.”
Sasha shrugged. “Well, it’s true.”
Several passenger ships to the Pearlollan Islands were scheduled to stop in Conch throughout the day. They opted for the afternoon ship to give Corvin and Gentlewave time to sleep.
Sasha walked along a warped boardwalk near the beach, hands stuffed into the pockets of his trousers. Dusty walked beside him, her arm hooked through his. Small shops and food vendors ran along one side of the boardwalk, the zesty aroma of exotic spices and sauces drifting through open doorways. Tall wooden torches lined the walkway, and blown glass ocean floats hung in nets from shop awnings.
To the other side, the teal expanse of roisterous water stretched to the horizon, sea birds wheeling above. White foam kicked against the gold strand and tangles of shiny, wet kelp floated at the water’s edge. Many people, most of them Islanders, lounged in the sand and swam in the water.