She focused on his face and then pursed her lips, as though holding back tears.
Jeff lowered his head and kissed her on her lips. He could feel her body relax as he did. Physical contact could always perform miracles.
***
Steven stared at his ankle which looked significantly better. The last time he had seen it out of the cast it had been twisted. Now, it was swollen, but not deformed. He gave a low snort as he remembered the bloody tapir. He had no idea a tapir, of all animals, could be capable of such an act of aggression. He guessed all animals instinctively defend and protect. With a lick of his lips, he remembered the taste of the woman’s blood. It was totally different to tapir blood. It was amazing blood could be so powerful.
A part of him equated human blood to Chateaubriand, whereas tapir blood would be more like stewing beef. He recalled the rush. When he started to feed on that woman a force surged through his body. The effect on his foot had been near enough instant. He never believed in magic, but he guessed there were a lot of things he could not understand. The events of the past year spoke for themselves.
Outside, the sky thundered. He made his way over to the window, leaned against the swollen wooden frame, and watched the rain. It was torrential. He wondered about the woman in the park. Would she be okay? Would she survive? More importantly, was she looking for him?
He was proud of the fact he had been able to stop. Somehow, he had heard her heartbeat and known. He would not kill, stubborn to the end. Over the past hour he had come to a decision. If they would not take him back to England, he would escape. He knew he was not completely healed, but at least he could now walk unaided.
It was confusing.
Deep down he knew his grandparents had his best interests at heart. He had no idea why Emily was there. She was not exactly doing anything to help.
The truth was he wanted to stay a little longer. He wanted to learn. He had so much to learn. His dream of returning to England and continuing with his old life had changed. He wanted to do it right. If Caitlin remembered him, or even allowed him back into her life, he would have to start from scratch. He resolved to find out as much as possible before he opted to brave the real world again. The last thing he wanted was to cause Caitlin any harm and now he knew that was exactly what he could do.
***
Emily could not understand the tangled web forming in her gut. She could not keep still. In a ball on the floor she rocked back and forth. Every now and again she paused and stared at the night sky. The dark called as her thoughts raced in confusion. She was out now. She was free. It was what she wanted, wasn’t it? Steven had given her an excuse to leave. Even if she had planted the seed, they had trusted her to look out for Steven. Her parents trusted her. Could she betray them again? She had helped to build the community. Did it matter? Probably not, most of the people in the community would be glad to see her go. Wouldn’t they?
Yet, she wanted to hold on to the idea that she could protect Steven, that she could help him return to his former life. She gritted her teeth, who was she kidding? He did not need her.
She longed to kill.
The fact she had managed to resist so far was incredible. Her lack of self-control was embarrassing. Had she really tried as hard as she could in the past? Perhaps, if she’d had more faith in her self-control she would have been able to lead a reasonably normal life with her husband and child. It would have taken a few years before they noticed she did not age.
The thoughts tormented her. Only one thing could interrupt them. The pull she was now unable to resist. She had tried, but she could not fight the hunger. The image of the defenceless woman swam in her mind.
No-one would notice if she slipped out. It was the most humane thing to do.
***
The sky was pale blue and completely clear, not a single wisp of a cloud in sight. The advent of daybreak brought life seething to the surface as the sun rose over the horizon. It had a direct hit on Steven’s face. He put his hand to his forehead and squinted. He had been awake for a while, restless. Curtains would be a welcome addition to the room. In daylight, the room left much to be desired.
He could not believe he had slept on the floor. It was hard, cold and filthy. To top it all, his stomach growled. It needed food, proper food. Visions of an English breakfast swirled in his mind and he salivated at the thought. Sausages, bacon, eggs, hash browns, baked beans, toast covered in real butter – if only.
Resigned, he stretched his arms above his head. His body ached. The floorboard made a loud noise as he moved. He fidgeted as he made his way down the hall. Inside, the bathroom was filthy but he was not in a position to complain even though the toilet did not flush. He turned on the tap with some foolish hope. Nothing happened. No water – just what he needed. He had never been the self-conscious type, but basic hygiene was something he had learnt to take for granted over the years. At least the community had a waterfall. Surely, they would not stay in this dump for too long?
Out in the hall, he cut his losses and made his way downstairs. The ground floor of the house looked totally different in the morning light. There was no furniture, but a faint discoloration of paintwork on the walls indicated the presence of large paintings at some point in the past. With a touch of fresh paint, furniture and basic appliances the house had potential.
In the kitchen, Judith and Jeff bustled over the table. Emily sat on the floor. On the worktop was fresh bread, butter, jam and a carton of orange juice. They all looked at him.
‘There he is,’ Jeff exclaimed. ‘Are you hungry?’
‘As always,’ Steven replied. It dawned on him that they must have been up very early. ‘Can I help myself?’
‘Of course,’ Judith answered. She stepped back with a slice of bread smeared in jam and a glass filled with juice.
Steven wondered when they had gone shopping. ‘Thanks, I needed this,’ he said, as he picked up a slice of bread, hastily buttered it and devoured it in a couple of bites.
Emily was lost in thought. Even though he did not know her that well he was not stupid, something was up.
‘Are we going to check on that woman today?’ Steven asked, after he had washed a second slice down with some juice.
‘No,’ Emily snapped. She flicked her hair back, smiled and continued. ‘There is no need to make her suffer further by going to see her.’
It sounded forced.
Steven frowned. Why did he have to have such a strange mother? ‘She would not have to see us.’
‘I’ll go and check on her then.’ She rose and started to walk to the entrance.
Jeff raised his hands in the air. ‘You do that Emily and make sure you tell us what you see.’
Steven suspected Jeff was wary so it surprised him to see him let her go so easily.
‘Great, I’ll head off now.’ Her juice remained in her cup, untouched.
Once Emily had left Steven voiced his concern. ‘What’s up with her?’ he asked, as he prepared another slice of bread.
‘Nothing for you to worry about,’ Judith said, her expression kind. ‘Emily is just Emily. Sometimes you just have to let her go.’ It sounded like she was speaking to herself.
Jeff made his way over and sat on the floor next to Steven. ‘Now that Emily has gone we can talk to you about your future. I have to be honest, as much as I love my daughter I know she has to return to the community. She cannot live out here. She did it once and could not cope. She can be of no help to you if she starts to lose control.’
‘So, go back then. I can take care of myself.’ Steven pulled a poker face.
‘Can you really?’ Judith narrowed her eyes. ‘You don’t know much about what you can handle if you’re honest.’
It was time to take the defensive. ‘Maybe, but I have proved to you that I’m not a killer.’
‘You might be able to control yourself now, but will you later on? You can’t be sure of it.’ Jeff paused and then looked to Judith.
Steven continued,
‘I know I have a lot to learn, but I can’t go back. I just can’t.’
What Jeff said next left him dumbfounded.
‘We have decided to take you back to England ourselves. We would like to see our hometown again and we are prepared to keep an eye on you until we are sure that you are under control.’
Steven raised his eyebrows and could not withhold a smile, ‘Really?’
‘Really,’ Judith repeated, a smile made its way across her face.
Steven narrowed his eyes. ‘And how are you so sure that you will not be tempted?’
‘We are not sure, in the same way you are, but we both managed to resist last night and are prepared to try. We also have other ways to help ourselves. The truth is if we’d helped Emily when she was younger she might have stood a chance. Now, I doubt she can resist. You did notice how erratically she was behaving?’ Judith sighed.
Steven wondered what other ways Judith was referring to but he decided to let it drop. He was curious about Emily. ‘She resisted last night, didn’t she?’
‘Unfortunately she didn’t, I heard her go out in the night. And the signs this morning indicate that she fed. She looks different, couldn’t you tell?’ Judith asked.
‘She seemed guilty about something that’s for sure, but,’ Steven paused and felt sick. ‘The woman – did she kill the woman?’
‘We don’t know for definite, but it’s likely,’ Jeff admitted, his shoulders dropped.
‘All because of me,’ Steven said, his eyes fixed on the knife. ‘Will she come back?’
‘We don’t know,’ they both admitted simultaneously.
Jeff put his hand on Steven’s shoulder. ‘Don’t worry, if she doesn’t come back we will find her.’
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Chapter 6
Deception
Emily savoured the remnants of blood left in her mouth and licked her lips. It was official she was a monster, nothing but a ruthless killer. She had disposed of the body in a familiar crypt she had used in the past. It was unlikely there would be a thorough search for a homeless woman but it was better to be safe, no-one would look there. The woman had been so easy to kill, they all were. She had found her soaked to the bone, lost and disorientated. As far as she was concerned, she had done the woman a favour by taking her out of her misery.
The woman had welcomed her as though she was seeing an angel. Emily was an angel, an angel of death. A series of faces flooded through her mind, strangers she had killed for her satisfaction. She had never been able to control herself. The only exception had been Steven’s father, Paul. Her abstinence had come at a price. So many lives had been lost to enable her to live with Paul. It had been a selfish decision on her part. Either way she could not regret having experienced true love, even though short lived.
When she came up with the plan to take Steven out of the community her ultimate aim was to escape. The question was when and how? Her parents had no idea what she was capable of. No-one knew. Now, out in the open she was free to lead a new life, they could not stop her. She wondered if the time had finally come. Was she free to go? Would they follow? Steven had made it clear he was indifferent towards her. He did not love her and certainly did not look upon her as a mother. Would it be better if she left and let her parents look after him? The only thing stopping her was her irrational nature. She was a killer. She deserved to live a life of exile in the Amazon. She should curb her bloodlust.
Emily had never been very good at doing what she should.
The questions continued to play in her mind as she drank the cup of coffee in the tiny cafeteria. She could see the locals watching her, as though evaluating her presence. She certainly did not look like a backpacker. Yet, a female of her age, alone, in a place she did not belong, left her vulnerable. Her features marked her out as European, her skin would always be too pale no matter how much she caught the sun. The only reason they had left her so far was the fact that she spoke perfect Portuguese. As if reading her mind, the waiter came up to her again and asked if he could get her anything else. Emily looked up, smiled and declined a refill. She took out the correct change and got ready to wander the streets. She needed to think, to plan.
***
Steven mulled over the conversation with his grandparents. It was interesting. He accepted them as his grandparents, yet, he had trouble accepting Emily as his mother. She looked too much like a sister. It was hard to accept the truth. How could she be his mother? And was it true that she was a ruthless killer? How many had she killed already? His grandparents could only guess, only Emily could answer for her actions. He had a feeling she would never be that forthcoming.
He looked up at the clouded sky. The rain had started to fall and was beginning to intensify. It would probably turn into another deluge. The day had started out so positive, yet a few hours into the day the weather was unrecognisable. The climate here was so different to back home. It was hot, sticky and humid. He longed for a cool English breeze. He leant his head back and let the rain run over his face. Childishly, he stuck his tongue out and let a few droplets run down his throat. The taste was pure and natural.
‘Are you planning to sit out here all day?’ Judith asked, as she came up behind him. ‘Meditating or can I join you?’
Steven gave a half smile. ‘Not meditating, that’s too much trouble. Take a pew.’ He had heard her. Her footsteps were slower than Emily’s and lighter than Jeff’s. His hearing was so fine tuned. He could make out the subtle differences.
Judith sat next to him. It didn’t look like she minded the rain. She must have been used to it by now. ‘So how are you really doing?’
That was a loaded question. ‘I’m fine.’
‘You’re just like you’re grandfather you know and I’ve known him for years. You don’t fool me for a second.’ Judith paused and gave a low chuckle. ‘What is different about you since the change? You need to tell us about anything that is confusing you. We can help.’
Steven studied the grass and ran his fingers through a few strands. He pulled a few off and played with them. Could he trust her? He didn’t have a lot of choice in who to confide in. ‘I can hear everything around me as clearly as if it were next to us.’
Judith ran her hands through her hair. ‘How far can you hear? Do you have any idea?’
When she lowered her hands he noticed they were really bony, with long fingers. They were very different to his, almost fragile.
‘Not really. In the jungle the sounds were more natural. Here the manmade sounds are magnified to a level I have never experienced before. When I fed off that woman every sound became crisper, clearer. I don’t know how far I can hear.’
‘It’ll be interesting to see your gift develop. The first year is always when things tend to happen.’
Steven dropped the strands of grass, his curiosity sparked. ‘Do you have anything special you can do?’
‘Apart from the fact I don’t age?’ Judith had a hint of a smile on her lips.
Steven smiled. Ironic, was life a big enough gift?
‘All of us have qualities that seem to have become more exaggerated. Some can solve incredible calculations, others have fun learning every language under the sun, and others know how to make the most of the land. I was naturally inquisitive before the attack. After, I guess I became the ultimate problem solver. I love the challenge of figuring out a puzzle. I was the mastermind of the new habitat in the jungle. Jeff and the others were all scientists. There was nothing they could not figure out. We were a dream team. Together we created the security systems, access to the community, lighting, and amenities. Everything you saw for yourself. It was fun to create something out of nothing.’
Steven frowned. ‘No offence intended, you seem nice enough, but don’t you think you ended up making a large prison?’
Judith looked him straight in the eyes. ‘It was necessary. We saw what was happening and how we seemed unable to resist. None of us wanted to become killers. Don’t forget we witnessed
the horrors of the Second World War. We had seen enough bloodshed and death. We did not want to add to the carnage.’
‘So you ran away?’
‘I guess we did,’ Judith said. ‘Do you think we should have stayed?’
Steven thought about the question, torn on the answer. He knew there was no way he would ever understand what they had gone through. Even so, he could not help feeling that human nature never exerted the same effect on different people. ‘It seems a bit strange to make the decision to leave civilisation and create a new home without actually knowing more about what you had become. Would it not have made sense to have waited a while?’
‘Maybe, I don’t know, we were hasty I guess. But then all the children started to change too and what about the fact that we did not age? How could we remain inconspicuous? No, I don’t believe that living away from humanity was a bad decision. The question now is can we ever realistically re-join it?’
‘I’m willing to try,’ Steven added.
‘I know you are,’ Judith sighed. ‘Perhaps we could try. Your mother has to go back to the community, you know that don’t you.’
‘It doesn’t bother me.’
Judith scowled. ‘She is your mother. I know she is an interesting individual.’
Steven suppressed his laughter – that was an understatement.
‘But she is still your mother. You should come to terms with what she did. You would not exist were it not for her recklessness. I do believe she tried to protect you. Besides, you’ve opened up possibilities we had not dared to consider. It’s going to take some time for people to adapt.’
Steven changed tack. ‘Anyway, how are we going to get her to return if she refuses?’
The smile was back. ‘We’ll find a way.’
***
Emily walked around the streets admiring the stunning architecture. It appeared out of place when you considered the Amazon Jungle was just around the corner. Yet, this place had seen electric lighting before many places in Europe, it was prosperous and exclusive. Now, it struggled to compete in the world economy, the mighty fall eventually. Just look at the British Empire, in her lifetime it had gone from having a say over a fifth of the world’s population to having not a lot of say at all.
The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return Page 35