Monochrome

by H. M. Jones

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.”

  He glared at Ishmael. “Think hard, man. I know you don’t give a shit about anyone but yourself, but try to remember. It was an expensive day.”

  Ishmael’s eyes brimmed with tears. “Your little girl’s first word.”

  Geoff nodded. “What was that, by the way? I can’t remember for some reason.”

  Ishmael barely breathed the word. He whispered. “Dada.”

  Abigail fumbled with the knot at her wrists and felt it give a little.

  Geoff scoffed at Ishmael. “Oh, was that difficult for you to remember? So sorry. Can you remember the way my girl looked when she said it? How it made me feel? Because I can’t.”

  Geoff’s expression was now a mixture of anger, pain and triumph over Ishmael’s defeat. Abigail pulled at the loosened section of bandana and felt blood returning to her wrists. She wriggled them out of the now loosened bandana. Pins and needles prodded her fingers. She opened and closed them several times, to shoo the pain away.

  She reached behind Ishmael and felt him jump a little at her touch, but he understood what she was attempting and didn’t glance her way. Instead, his watery eyes were locked on Geoff’s.

  Ishmael cleared his throat and spoke in a fervent appeal. “Geoff, if I could take back how I acted, I would. I know you know how it feels now, to think you may have to give up the remainder of your last good memories. Please accept my apology. I’m sorry. I didn’t have any currency to help pay, and I didn’t want to give more.”

  It was plain to see Ishmael meant what he said. His voice was heavy with grief and the knowledge he did something terrible to the man in front of him for his own preservation.

  Geoff’s face softened for a moment, but Eric, sick of listening, cut in. “Don’t let him get to you, Geoff. This guy has led a lot of people to desperation. He’s good at pretending sorry. It’s sort of his job—to get his Lead to trust him, and to screw them over. He’s had a lot of practice fucking up people’s lives.”

  Eric nudged Abigail with his foot. “You’d be wise to hear what I’m saying, beautiful.”

  Abigail worked to untie Ishmael’s bonds with her freed right hand, but responded to Eric. “I’ll take my chances.” Ishmael gripped the fingers of her right hand in appreciation. She continued to untie his knot, her heart beating arrhythmically.

  Eric knelt by Geoff. “I’m the one who helped you, man. I’m the one who sat up with you that night and listened.”

  Geoff patted Eric on his shoulder. “Don’t worry. I know.”

  Eric gestured to Ishmael. “So take it back, Geoff. You deserve it.” Geoff watched Ishmael again, this time with steel in his gaze. “I gave up a yellow memory for you, Ishmael. I’m gonna need a gold to call it even.”

  Ishmael’s eyes grew wide. “A gold isn’t a fair trade. What are you, a Roamer?”

  Geoff shrugged. “Interest. And I need one from both of
you.”

  Ishmael shook his head. “Two yellows. From me. Abby isn’t a part of this.”

  “I’m not negotiating, Ishmael, and she is very much a part of this. You see, I’m a little jealous of how you treat her. You never treated me so good.”

  Abigail’s hands shook. She knew she didn’t want to have to give a gold memory, the lesser memories were taking enough of a toll on her. She also knew Ishmael’s great memories were even fewer. She worked to loosen the knot on his wrist, and almost forgot herself when she felt the fabric grow limp around his hands. She grinned at Ishmael, who never took his eyes from Geoff’s.

  But Eric caught the grin. “Now what reason do you have to smile, beautiful?” He asked, kneeling in front of her.

  Abigail grinned again. “Come closer and I’ll tell you.”

  “Are you flirting with me?”

  Abigail shrugged, pretending her hands were still tied. “Come closer and you’ll find out.”

  Eric placed his hands on her thighs, uncomfortably high, assuming she was going to kick him, and leaned in close to her face. “Well, are you?”

  She quickly brought her hands from behind her and smacked her palms with all her strength against his ears. He cried out and fell back, clutching his head. Ishmael was paying close attention to her movements and took advantage of the surprise to launch himself at Geoff, who was caught gawking at Abigail and Eric.

  She stood and prepared herself for Eric to recover while Ishmael was busy fending off Geoff. Eric quickly collected himself. He stood, unsteadily, and pulled his knife out of his pocket. He rushed at her, with the knife open and held out.

  She stood her ground and waited until the last minute, then moved quickly aside. He brushed her arm as he ran past her, and she pushed his knife arm away from her. He twisted and was thrown off balance, losing his knife.

  Abigail heard Geoff and Ishmael struggle behind her, but knew she must focus on Eric if they were to get out of this. Eric grunted and rolled over. His head was bloody from hitting it on the rocky ground when he landed. His knife was a foot from his body; he grasped for it in vain. She was ready, and kicked it away from his hand. She bent down, picked up the knife and pointed it at the still-disoriented man. “Don’t move.”