The Condemned

by Claire Jolliff

  Many of the flies had followed them but in an effort to clear the room of those that had remained Beriael had torn down the board that covered the small window in that room. Slowly, they were making their way back to freedom now that the promise of a free meal had been removed.

  Leci hoped that the open window would also help to dissipate the smell a little but she wasn’t so sure that it would.

  The thin mattress had needed getting rid of too, the fluids leaking from the decaying body had soaked through it and it was completely unsalvageable. Amato had broken up the wooden bed frame and tossed the pieces to one side of the small fireplace to be used as kindling later on. Other than the small cabinet and the ragged old rug, the room was now bare.

  Whilst the men had worked the girls had stayed outside, away from the mess and smell. Morgan had tended to the horses, which she seemed to have become rather fond of, while Alecia had sat quietly and mulled. The situation they found themselves in was, of course, a good one, really, all things considered. Some old coot had lived and died here in such isolation that his death had gone completely unnoticed. Leci was just going to assume it had been a man, the gender of the body had been impossible to discern but somehow, to her, he felt like a he.

  Essentially, it implied that staying here long term may even be a possibility. If so few people frequented the area that looters had not yet found the cabin and stripped it bare, or wild animals gotten to the body and helped to dispose of it, giving nature’s own slow process a helping hand, then maybe the four of them could stay here for weeks, years and never be found. Leci wasn’t sure why this disturbed her. Maybe it was the idea of taking advantage of the natural passing of some innocent old guy, maybe it was the idea of settling.

  She’d never been one for that.

  Maybe it was the thought of spending the rest of her life in one place when she’d spent so long fighting against just that... who knew?

  All she did know was that she was anxious about the whole thing but couldn’t quite put her finger on the reason why.

  Not that it mattered how she felt anyway, Amato had decided that the place was safe for now and so they would be spending at least a little of their time here. She just didn’t want to go back in there until every sign of the body was gone.

  She looked up as Bitsy sat down beside her, bumped shoulders in a friendly manner and gave Leci a quick squeeze as though she knew she needed the contact for support.

  ‘Kinda gross, huh?’

  ‘Tell me about it.’ Leci wrinkled her nose. ‘I seen a lotta shit but that’s gotta be one of the worst. Kinda feel sorry for the poor guy too, I mean, he spent his life out here alone and then he died all alone too? What kind of life is that?’ She looked at Bitsy questioningly and the other woman shrugged gently.

  ‘If it’s what he wanted I don’t see the harm. If he was happy living alone it makes sense he would've wanted to die alone, don’tcha think?’

  Leci considered this thoughtfully and eventually nodded.

  ‘I guess so, it doesn’t seem as horrible when you put it like that.’

  They fell into a comfortable silence, watching the horses grazing for a while, Leci struggling to fight the wave of emotion that was threatening to overcome her. Finally, she gave up trying and just embraced Morgan tightly in a fierce hug.

  ‘Thank you.’

  Bitsy seemed surprised but not shocked and she returned the hug.

  ‘It’s what friends do, Leci.’

  The two shared a warm smile and then Alecia went back to scanning the surrounding area. It really was very nice here, she had no reason to be so worried, was probably just feeling icky from what she had seen in there.

  ‘So, you think we’ll be safe here?’ She asked.

  ‘I reckon we’ll be as safe here as we could be anywhere else. It’s about the best thing we could’ve found and we’re not hurting anyone to keep our own asses out of sight, that’s gotta be a bonus.’

  ‘I’d say it’s just about perfect.’ Amato’s voice made them both jump as he came up behind them.

  Leci looked over her shoulder at him. He wasn’t looking at them but seemed to be busy assessing the land.

  ‘Quiet, secluded, no one around, not even any real reason to find a town. The old guy probably lived off whatever grew or any animals he caught, there’s plenty around here to keep you alive and off the radar.’

  ‘So... What? We’re just moving in?’ Leci asked.

  Amato looked at her and shrugged.

  ‘I don’t see why not, do you have a better plan?’

  She shook her head.

  She didn’t, it was a good plan. They would be comfortable and secure here and while she knew that staying away from society was the best option for all of them, she was just having a little trouble accepting that for now. Bitsy’s assessment of the situation had been a kind one but it still upset Leci to think of dying all alone like that and nobody even knowing or caring that you had gone.

  ‘What was in the other room? The door next to the...’ She trailed off, didn’t want to think about what had been in there.

  Amato joined them, sitting down on the other side of Alecia, sandwiching her between the two of them. He picked up a stick from the forest floor and toyed with it idly.

  ‘Another room, bigger than the little one. It’s got another bed in it, a nice big one. Everything in there is covered in dust, don’t look as though the door has been opened in years.’

  ‘You reckon we’re safe to pull off a few more of those boards? Let some light into the place? It’s kinda creepy, all dingy like that.’

  He nodded and Leci was relieved.

  Somehow she felt the place would seem less foreboding with a bit of light to chase away some of the shadows.

  ‘So, where are you gonna sleep?’ Bitsy asked Amato with a grin.

  ‘I’m gonna kick Ber out and share with you, pretty lady.’ He joked with a wink.

  Bits laughed and reached across Leci to thump him playfully on the arm.

  ‘I dunno though.’ He answered more seriously this time.

  ‘I’ll take the couch and Leci can steal some of the extra blankets and shit and get comfy on the floor in the empty room.’

  ‘Nu-uh, no way. Not a chance. I’m not sleeping in there. I’ll take the couch. You can sleep in the stinky dead guy room.’ Leci held her hands up and shook her head to emphasize her point.

  ‘I don’t want some pissed off ghost coming after me for stealin’ his bed.’

  Bitsy was laughing again and Amato looked amused.

  ‘You believe in spirits Leci?’ He asked.

  She nodded quickly.

  ‘Damn straight I do. If I believe in dead people standing back up again and carryin’ on like nothin’ happened and if I believe in mind reading and all that shit I don’t see why it’s such a big deal to be a little freaked out thinkin some dead dude might not be too happy about us taking over his home.’

  ‘Aw, don’t you worry there Princess.’ Amato ruffled her hair as he stood back up. ‘I won’t let the big bad ghosts come get you.’ He laughed and headed back into the cabin, shaking his head.

  Leci picked up the stick he had been playing with and tossed it after him half-heartedly.

  ‘Come on.’ Bitsy stood, brushed the dirt and twigs from the seat of her pants and then held out a hand to help Leci up. ‘Let’s go see if we can rustle up something to eat, they’re probably hungry after all that work, I know I am and I’ve done fuck all.’

  Leci took the hand and the two of them headed inside.

  One wall of the main cabin area was fitted with shelves that seemed fairly well stocked with tins. Nothing perishable remained, mould and maggots had rendered anything that had been opened or uncovered completely inedible, but with what they had brought with them and the supplies inside they should be able to put together something close to a feast.

  #

  Leci stood with her hands on her hips, surveying the meal on the table. She had to admit to bein
g pretty damn pleased with herself. She and Morgan had done a good job with what limited supplies they had had.

  The door to the cabin stood wide open, every board had been ripped down to try and give the place a good airing. The smell was still there, Leci had a feeling it would never be gone entirely, but she no longer had to struggle to keep from bringing back whatever was in her stomach.

  Setting a fire in the stove seemed to have helped a little, the smell of burning wood was quite nicely masking the scent of rotted flesh and giving a more homely atmosphere to the cabin.

  They had searched through the cans of food that were stored on the shelves. Some had no labels on them and some were badly dented but most were in good condition. They had opened a few of the unlabeled ones but had mostly been disappointed; one tin of small carrots, one tin of something unnameable that smelled almost as bad as the body had, two of the ones they opened were empty except for small piles of ash like powder, as though the contents had simply disintegrated over time. The dented ones were no more use, the girls quickly learned that if the exterior of the tin was damaged then something on the inside would’ve corrupted the contents long ago and left a slimy reddish coloured mess on the inside.

  Still, many of the labelled ones proved fruitful and Leci couldn’t help admitting that the cabin was truly a find. It was like hitting the jackpot and as she began to feel more comfortable working alongside Bitsy to create something as close to an edible meal as possible for the four of them she found herself enjoying it and looking forward to the days ahead.

  She had found a large tin with a picture of a dog on it and Morgan had told her that the writing above the animal said ‘Dog Meat in Gravy’. Leci wasn’t sure she had ever eaten dog before but there was a first time for everything and so she had punctured the tin with her knife, draining the contents into one of the metal containers they had found stored inside a cupboard along with some crude eating utensils.

  The dog meat didn’t smell too bad at all, the gravy looked thin and watery and there were green things floating in it, but the chunks of meat looked passable enough, they had a pleasing, meaty aroma to them that was actually quite mouth watering.

  Around the rear of the cabin, Beriael had found a barrel that was just under halfway filled with scummy, green looking water. Morgan had filled the cooking pot and brought it back in, they had boiled it over the stove until it looked relatively clean and had poured in a range of tinned vegetables; peas, carrots, corn, tomatoes, and beans to create a broth that didn’t look too unappetising. From their own supplies they had salvaged some strips of dried meat, a few lumps of cheese, almost a full loaf of bread, and three rather bruised apples.

  The highlight of the meal though, without a doubt, had to be the two bottles of homemade Gin that Bitsy had found hidden away behind the pans. The four of them seemed to be slipping into a celebratory mood, finally letting it sink in that they had found freedom and that things were looking positive for it not being snatched away. Letting down their hair and enjoying it while they could only seemed fitting and the cabin seemed to be very accommodating in respect to that.

  Leci couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen such a spread. She was particularly looking forward to trying the dog meat, it sounded interesting if nothing else.

  The men had gone for a quick scout around the area but they both seemed so amused at the thought of the women preparing a meal for them that they hadn’t been gone for very long and had spent most of their time stood watching, laughing, and offering unhelpful comments.

  Leci found herself pleased that the two of them seemed to be getting on so well and she was glad she had chosen not to rock the boat by revealing the truth to Beriael, it would have done no good to any of them, and she gave herself silent praise for her restraint. Perhaps it was a sign that she was ready to start acting her age.

  Beriael was sat on one of the two wooden chairs with Bitsy perched on his lap and Alecia had claimed the other seat. Amato seemed happy to be stood leant against the wall, a metal bowl balanced in his hand.

  It was strange how such a simple thing, the sharing of a meal, could be so... bonding. Leci felt that they were truly becoming a family unit, the breaking of bread together or some soppy notion like that.

  As they sat and ate and talked and drank and laughed she felt herself relaxing more than she had been willing to do so at any other point in the last few days. Maybe it was the security of having somewhere that could potentially offer long-term protection, maybe it was the comfort of having people to finally trust, or maybe it was just the gin.

  Leci felt lightheaded and warm, a little giddy and for the first time in a long, long time, happy.

  With the windows opened up to allow the light into the cabin the place was quite cheerful. She was even able to forget about the body for long periods at a time and when she did go back to dwelling on it she was no longer as nervous or weirded out as she had been. Again, that could’ve just been the booze, but it didn’t matter either way.

  The four of them spent the day doing very little, mostly sat around just enjoying the opportunity for rest and relaxation, the freedom and pleasure of having the opportunity to choose to do nothing.

  As the day waned and the light faded, dusk settling over the forest and bringing with it creeping shadows that began in the corners of the room but slowly made their way towards the centre like elongated black fingers reaching eagerly; Leci kept the fire burning beneath the stove to ward off the chill that had accompanied the deepening night.

  Chapter 18

  Too tempted by the prospect of the large double bed in the room they had claimed as their own, Bitsy and Beriael retired early, leaving the other two curled together comfortably on the couch. Leci thought it was sweet, they’d been together for so long but they still seemed to idolise one another like teenagers in love. It was a testament to them that their relationship had survived everything they had been through. She was happy for them but at the same time felt a mild pang of jealousy, knowing it was unlikely she would ever find something so pure.

  She had no idea what was going on between herself and Amato, they had kissed, true, and she had felt something there, yes, but she wasn’t stupid enough to convince herself that that meant anything. They were both lonely and had been conveniently thrown together. She knew she couldn’t trust anything she thought she might be feeling and that even if she did she would fight against it anyway. She still clung to the conviction that those she allowed herself to love would get themselves killed at some point and leave her alone again with an even wider hole inside.

  She just wasn’t prepared to open herself up to anymore hurt, didn’t want to be vulnerable to the pain of losing someone she cared for, or even to feel the guilt of having let them expose themselves to whatever curse it was she carried around with her.

  Alecia sat sideways on the couch, her back resting against the arm and her legs stretched out casually across Amato’s lap. He had one foot up, tucked beneath his other thigh. One hand rested indifferently on her foot, the other arm was outstretched across the back of the couch as though reaching out to her, but not touching. His body was angled slightly towards her as they talked.

  It was nice, comfortable.

  Leci had a feeling in the pit of her stomach, something fluttery and nervous but coiled and agitated all at the same time. It wasn’t an unpleasant sensation, it was full of anticipation and as his fingers began to trace idle circles nonchalantly around her ankle the sense that something exciting might happen grew.

  ‘So, are you gonna tell me what you really think of this place Leci?’ He asked once they were alone.

  She shrugged, glancing around the cabin quietly. It had grown too dark to see much and without moving from where she was sitting, she lit the candle that still stood in the middle of the small table beside them. It cast a warm glow about the room, chasing away the shadows and adding to the cosiness.

  ‘I kinda like the place, I was a bit freaked out at first but it’s
not so bad, it’s better than most places we could’ve ended up in.’

  He nodded in agreement but was looking at her curiously, like he didn’t quite believe her or as though something was bothering him.

  ‘It surprises me that you felt that way about some old dead guy, I mean, you’ve seen a ton of bodies before, it’s not like death is anything you’re not used to.’

  She felt herself tensing, didn’t really like the way this was going, did they have to be spending their time talking about dead people? She sighed heavily to show her displeasure at the topic but answered him anyway.

  ‘Being forced to look at it every day ain’t the same as just happenin’ to walk in on it when it’s the last thing you expect and besides, I was kinda hopin’ that getting out of that place would mean I didn’t need to deal with it so much anymore.’ She lifted her shoulders slightly in a small shrug. ‘It’s just weird to have it thrown at me and I felt sorry for the guy too. Would you like to go like that? No one caring? No one even knowing? Just left to rot until someone came by to steal your home and happened to find you and toss you into the forest for the animals to finish off...’ She shuddered, now she’d gone and let the whole thing upset her again. She hugged her arms around herself protectively.

  Amato had the good grace to look mildly apologetic for causing her distress and he squeezed her calf briefly. She didn’t comment on the way his hand was slowly working its way higher and higher up her leg, it was kind of cute and charming.

  She knew that he wasn’t shy and so she had to assume he was playing with her, teasing her. She didn’t complain, she was enjoying the game and she joined in, shifting herself slightly so that her foot now rested against his groin, applying slight pressure that he couldn’t really miss, not enough to cause him discomfort but enough to send the signal that she was perfectly aware of what he was doing.