Liberating Barriers

Liberating Barriers Page 12

by Roman Shepp

  Matthias set Tara down on the ground. She ran all the way to Jane, who was waiting for her with open arms. Saeed had a grim look on his face.

  “Ah, Saeed. So happy to see you again. You know, it was quite a surprise for us to find that you had escaped. That was a mistake. Get back in the box and we won’t have to hurt you again.”

  “No,” Saeed said. Matthias narrowed his eyes at him. Matthias was not a man accustomed to having his authority disputed.

  “What did you say?” Matthias gasped.

  “I said no! If you want to get me in that box, you’ll have to drag me in there,” he said. Matthias clenched his jaw, then his mouth twisted into a smile.

  “So be it,” Matthias said, and marched forward.

  Everyone around them gasped. Saeed met the challenge without hesitation, moving forward to bring hell. Matthias knew this would be an easy fight. Saeed had been in the box all night. Even if he hadn’t been, Matthias could wipe the floor with him. Saeed was a weak man. That was clear from just one look at him.

  Matthias swung lazily with his right hand, expecting to connect with Saeed’s head. But Saeed dodged and fired back with a few quick jabs of his own straight into Matthias’ gut. Matthias had not been expecting that and, with a surprised look, he cradled his aching stomach. Saeed did not waste any time and rained a flurry of blows down upon Matthias’ jaw. Matthias growled and groaned. Saeed’s fists pummeled him into a stupor. Matthias groped out at him, but Saeed managed to dodge every blow. He was a slippery one, and stronger than he looked. He left Matthias on the ground, heaving for breath.

  “I’m not going to get in that box ever again,” Saeed said defiantly.

  “Looks like your dog’s bark is worse than his bite,” Frank muttered to Hugo.

  To Matthias’ dismay, Hugo laughed along with Frank. Matthias pushed himself up, ready to go after Saeed again. Matthias wasn’t about to be defeated so easily, but before he could go after Saeed, Hugo placed his hand on Matthias’ shoulder.

  “I think you’ve had your fun for today,” Hugo said.

  Matthias seethed with anger. He’d lost face with everyone around him, and it felt as though he was losing his place in the community. Frank had put him on edge, which wasn’t supposed to happen. It was supposed to be the other way around. Matthias looked the others in the eye and saw disappointment and pity in their gazes. He was supposed to lead them eventually, but that couldn’t happen if they didn’t look upon him with respect.

  In a rage, Matthias stormed back to Natasha.

  “This is all madness!” he yelled.

  “What’s happened?” Natasha asked.

  “That husband of yours has thrown everything into chaos. How am I supposed to do what I need to do when he’s there whispering into Hugo’s ear?! He will regret the day he met me. How dare he ridicule me after that stubborn man dared to fight back against me. I would have had him if Hugo had let the fight continue, but he was too busy listening to Frank to make any difference. He is not going to get away with this. You know I don’t like to hold your past against you, but how could you marry a man like him?”

  “Because I’ve always been attracted to strong men, Matthias. I’ve always been attracted to winners, not whiners who blame others for their own problems.”

  She skulked away. Matthias slammed his fist into the wall, a dark cloud swirling around his head. Everything was slipping away. This was not the way it was supposed to happen.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jane watched everything with great interest. At first, she feared for Saeed, convinced that the hulking brute called Matthias easily would have defeated him. She should remember not to count Saeed out before he’d been given a chance to fight. One of the most tenacious men she’d ever met, it was easy to forget that only a short time ago Saeed had been fighting for his life in the city. Fighting for all their lives.

  “I thought you were a goner,” Jane said as Saeed returned to her side, chest heaving, holding his hands together.

  “Me too. I knew I had to get in his face early. If he’d have hit me with one of his punches, I never would have stood a chance. I got lucky this time, especially since he was ordered away. I don’t think I could have gone much longer,” he said.

  Jane agreed. Saeed looked incredibly exhausted. His eyes were sunken. The stress of surviving in this world had taken its toll. Then again, Jane wondered how bad she looked. It had been a while since she had looked at herself in the mirror, and she was in no hurry to do so anytime soon.

  There was a hush around the community as people were impressed that Saeed had managed to hold his own against Matthias, but with Hugo and Frank things were different. Saeed had violated the community’s rules, and their plan to hide him in plain sight hadn’t worked out at all. He may have defeated Matthias, but it had cost Saeed his privacy. Tara still was shaken after being manhandled by Matthias, and as far as Jane was concerned the man could go hang himself. The kind of person who would treat a child that way shouldn’t deserve to be a part of any kind of community, as far as Jane was concerned.

  She just was tending to Tara when she realized that all eyes were on her and Saeed. Hugo and Frank walked up to them.

  “Well, it seems as though you gave Matthias something to think about,” Hugo said. Jane scowled at him. She didn’t like the look on his or Frank’s face.

  “I’m not going back in that box,” Saeed said, his entire body standing rigid. He moved to stand in front of Tara, wanting to protect the young girl. Jane put her arms around Tara’s shoulders, wishing that she could shelter Tara from this evil place and these evil men, but the world showed no mercy for anyone, not even children.

  “Oh, I can see that. I’m not a malicious man, Saeed. I believe you’ve learned your lesson and you’re quite aware now of what we’re capable of doing. If you go against our wishes again, we’ll have no choice but to deal out more drastic measures. But I’d like to talk with you both. So, please follow me.”

  Hugo made it clear that the two of them had no choice. Jane glanced toward Saeed. They nodded at each other and stayed close as they walked toward Hugo’s office. Jane took note of all the people standing around, talking about under their breath. Was there a chance they would be inspired by Saeed’s defiance? Was there still hope they could see that what Hugo was proposing was wrong and rebel against him?

  Jane kept a tight hold on Tara, worried for the three of them. Hugo had all the cards at the moment. If he wanted, he could turn around and order them to be strung up, and despite all of Saeed’s viciousness and Jane’s pent-up rage, the two of them would not be able to fight off an entire army. There had to be another way for them to get out of this situation. All they needed was time. Time to talk to these people and convince them that Hugo’s way was not the right way.

  “Now then, let’s get down to business. I’m a pragmatic man, and clearly the three of you are resourceful. I have to admit that I didn’t anticipate Tara’s involvement in this scheme, but it’s clear that the three of you have a bond that is hard to break. The two of you already have rejected my offer to join us, but I’m going to make it once again.”

  Both Jane and Saeed simultaneously went to reject him out of hand, but Hugo held up a hand to silence them.

  “I know what you’re going to say. You think I’m making a mistake and I’m not going to get away with it and all that jazz. Well, that may be the case, but if so, you’re only prolonging all our suffering. You see, I can’t very well bring you along if you’re only going to be sowing discord among my people. I can’t very well just let you run away either. There is one flaw in the system of our community, and that is what do we do with prisoners?

  “I simply do not have the manpower or the energy to keep you locked away, and I don’t think that’s beneficial to any of us when you have so many skills that could come in handy. What I’d like to see happen is that you work wi
th me. You don’t even have to buy into the vision of the camp if you don’t want to do so, but just consider what life could be like if you worked to keep these people safe. You could have a home here. Tara could go to school. You wouldn’t be in any danger and you’d actually have a purpose. I assure you that you will find this place to be a welcome home. People have lived here for decades and have been very happy. Surely it is better than the alternative.”

  “And what is the alternative exactly?” Jane asked.

  “I have a question too,” Saeed said. “What did you do with Martha and Belinda?”

  Hugo tapped his finger against his lips. “That would be the alternative Jane was asking about. Those two women were disposed of. We gave them a chance at life. Although, given their frailties, I don’t believe they would have survived. They were thrown into the river.”

  “So, you drowned them,” Saeed said. Jane observed that he was barely able to hold himself back.

  “Not entirely. If that happens, then perhaps they weren’t meant to be in this world at all.”

  “You really can’t expect us to take you up on your offer,” Jane said, trying not to think of Belinda and Martha drowning, their cries for help being suffocated by the foamy water, eventually sinking below the surface without any hope for escape. More death. Would Jane ever be free of the Grim Reaper?

  “I can, and I would imagine it is the most logical choice. What kind of life do you have waiting for you? Of course you could live and ferret out a life for yourself, but you’d always be running from something. We’ve all heard the stories about the city. So, we know going back there is an option, and it’s hardly likely you’d find another place like this, is it? No, I am sure that your best option is to join us and offer your skills to the community, just like everyone else here has.”

  “Then you’ll have to toss me in the river. Just kill me,” Saeed said. “I don’t care how much respect you say you have for me, I’m never going to join this place. One day, people will see you for what you are. One day, these people will rise up and you’ll be left with nothing.”

  Frank laughed. “Always so dramatic,” he said. “I really don’t know where you people get it from. Let’s just get this over with. Saeed, you might be stupid enough to refuse this offer, but I know you better, Jane. You’re a survivor. You’ll make the right choice. Come and join me again. You should know by now that you belong to me.”

  His words were like poison seeping through her mind. Jane tilted her head to one side, trying to resist the temptation. Frank’s cackling filled her head. Memories of sharing the same bed with him pervaded her mind. Was she always destined to follow him wherever he led? Was she always going to be tethered to him? She’d already left Phil. Could she do the same to Saeed and Tara?

  No.

  No.

  She wasn’t going to do that.

  She wasn’t going to be that type of person.

  She wanted to be able to look Tara in the eyes, to have the little girl’s respect. She wanted Saeed to know that he wasn’t alone in this world. She wanted to honor Tony’s memory. For all Saeed had been through he still hadn’t broken, and Jane vowed to be that strong too.

  “I can’t do that, Frank. You know I can’t.”

  “You’ve done it before. Don’t be stupid, Jane. You’ve seen the way the world is. You know that this is the only way. If you want a shot at a decent life, sometimes you have to compromise on the things you believe in. There’s no shame in that. It’s just the way the world works. Sometimes there are more important things than ideals and principles.”

  “I know someone who would disagree with you, Frank, and I’d rather listen to him than you. I’ve seen heroes in this world. I’ve seen people put themselves through hell to do the right thing and protect others.” At this she glanced toward Saeed, “and I want to be one of them. Hugo, you might think you’re in the right here, but you’re wrong, and we’ll find a way to stop you. We won’t let you lead these people to their deaths. We won’t let you keep treating them this way. You can do anything you like to us, but you won’t be able to break us.”

  Hugo sighed. “And with that you have sealed your fate,” he said, shaking his head.

  Frank rolled his eyes and put his hands on his hips, looking disappointed. Jane felt good, though. It felt as though she had made the right decision. It seemed like the natural thing to do, quite the opposite of when she had left Phil in the cage. This didn’t make up for that, but hopefully she would be given the opportunity to do so later, if they could escape the clutches of this community. Jane didn’t know exactly what Hugo had in store for them, but it wouldn’t be pretty.

  Before any of them could do anything else, the door swung open and Matthias stood there, a picture of rage. His entire body exuded festering energy. His eyes were white and wild. Two fists as heavy as clubs hung by his side. Jane felt her throat tighten, but Matthias didn’t seem concerned with her or Saeed. His sights were set firmly on Hugo.

  “Oh, look, the dog is back, just what we need,” Frank muttered.

  “Shut up,” Matthias barked, then strode up to Hugo, towering above the man. “When are we attacking?”

  “I’ve told you before, Matthias, when the time is ready. You know as well as I do that we need to be patient. There are other things we must consider before we move out. Things have to be perfect. We have waited this long, we can wait a little longer. Frank has been giving me valuable insight about some of the things we are likely to encounter in the city. It is best that we are prepared thoroughly. I thought you knew this? Do not let your scuffle earlier cloud your mind. Every one of us makes mistakes.”

  “That was not a mistake. I would have ended him if I had been allowed to continue.”

  “Perhaps,” Hugo said, which only seemed to make Matthias more angry.

  “The time for waiting is over, Hugo. We must move. We must move NOW!” his voice thundered through the room, making Jane flinch. She could tell that Tara was scared, and vowed that she would keep Tara safe, no matter what.

  In the blink of an eye Matthias lunged forward and put his hands around Hugo’s throat, lifting him off the floor. Jane raised an eyebrow at the strength he displayed. Saeed had indeed been very fortunate earlier. Even Hugo seemed shocked, eyes bulging.

  “Soon, Matthias, soon,” Hugo gurgled, hands flailing at Matthias’ body. Frank turned and ran away, disappearing outside. Typical of the man, Jane thought.

  “Looks like your new friend doesn’t have the stomach for these things,” Matthias said, grinning darkly. He let Hugo fall to the floor. The man clutched at his throat, gasping for air. “I knew you should have been careful of him. I can’t believe you let someone like him into your inner circle, Hugo. Usually you’re more cautious than that. You’ve made some errors in judgment. I can’t help but think that you have been compromised.”

  “He had information,” Hugo said haltingly, struggling for every word.

  “He had nothing except a silver tongue. I’m tired of this, Hugo. I’m tired of waiting. I’m tired of playing second fiddle to a man who doesn’t do anything but talk! It’s time I take matters into my own hands,” he said, and promptly grabbed Hugo by the scruff of his neck.

  Jane ushered Tara off to one side then she and Saeed went to try getting Matthias off Hugo. With one swipe of his arm Matthias brushed them aside, although his attention was now off Hugo. When he turned around, Jane saw how crazed the man was, and she trembled with fear.

  Matthias stormed out of the room and went outside, breaking anything that was within his reach. Jane kneeled down to Hugo to help him up.

  “You have to stop him,” Hugo said, his voice still hoarse.

  “I barely managed to hold my own last time. I can’t do anything,” Saeed said.

  “This is what you’ve created, Hugo. Th
is is what you’ve pushed him to do. This is the community you’ve created. I’m guessing it doesn’t seem like such a good idea now?” Jane said.

  Hugo didn’t have an answer for her. Jane ran to the door and looked outside. Matthias looked like a titan as he tore his way through the community, upending tables, smashing tents, roaring like a wild animal. The rest of the community was in awe of his display of brute strength. Some people ran toward him to try stopping him from destroying things, but he pushed them away easily, and others cowered, running away in panic.

  “It’s happening again, just like in the city,” Jane gasped, for it was the same, albeit on a much smaller scale. She went to run out with Saeed to help them, but Hugo stopped them.

  “There’s no sense trying to do anything heroic,” he said, regaining some of his composure. “You won’t be able to stop him or stop others from trying to save the community.”

  “We have to try,” Jane said.

  “People are devoted to me, to this community. They’re willing to die for it. How are you going to get them to do otherwise?” he asked. Jane didn’t have an answer for him, but deep inside she knew he was right.

  “We should go, Saeed.”

  “But what about the others? The ones who haven’t done anything wrong?”

  “What are we supposed to do? We can’t very well drag them away, can we? This is our chance to get out of here before anything else happens.”

  Saeed looked longingly outside at the madman who was destroying the community.

  “I hate feeling like there’s nothing we can do,” he said.

  “There’s nothing we can do at the moment, but if we leave now, we can come back. We can make a plan. Rosa and Phil still are out there, Saeed. We can go find them and figure out what to do about all this whole mess!”

  Saeed nodded. Jane didn’t even think about taking Hugo with them. She looked outside and saw Matthias on the other side of the field. This was their best chance, even though it felt as though she was abandoning everyone again. She’d already left Tony, then she’d left Phil, now she was leaving these people. But she would come back for them. She’d make everything right.

 

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