The Black Tide I: Remnants (Tides of Blood)

by Baileigh Higgins

  “Why would they do that?”

  “It's a message.”

  “Who's it from?” she asked, flopping down on the bed. “What does it say?”

  “I don't know.” I sat down next to her and unwrapped the paper, smoothing it out before squinting at the spidery handwriting. ‘Red, if you get this, don’t stay. Not safe. Go to our place.’

  It was signed ‘B’.

  My stomach dropped and the message fluttered to the ground. It couldn’t be. Not him. But...the handwriting. The nickname. He was the only one who ever called me that.

  Can it be?

  I was instantly inundated by a flood of memories: The way his cheeks dimpled when he smiled, stolen kisses in the gym and sticky notes on my desk. The way his blue eyes darkened with pain when I broke it off, showing up on his doorstep out of the blue and returning to a red cross spray painted on the front of his house. Most of all, I remembered the photo of us stuck to his bedroom mirror. The same photo that now nestled inside my jean pocket. Before I’d left his house, I’d gone back for it, unable to resist.

  Lexi tugged at my arm. “Ava? What’s wrong?”

  I looked at her, blinking away sudden tears. “It’s him,” I said, clearing my throat when the words wouldn’t come out. “It’s him.”

  “Who?”

  “Brian.”

  ***

  Fourteen hours later, we were hunkered down behind a bush waiting for a patrol to pass. Lexi’s sweaty hand squirmed within mine, her pale features hidden behind the scarf wrapped around the lower half of her face.

  After receiving Brian’s cryptic message, it had felt like a giant weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Not only had he survived, but we had a place to go and someone to help us. The future seemed a little brighter at that moment despite everything that had happened.

  I’d sorted through our supplies, redistributing it evenly. Thanks to Jacob, we had a few days worth of food but packing everything we needed, proved challenging as Lexi couldn’t carry much. We also needed to be able to move fast in the event of being spotted and in the end, I’d had to leave everything but the bare minimum.

  Afterward, we whiled away the long hours until nightfall before setting off. We were lucky, finding the way clear for the most part. Our current position on the edge of town had taken twenty minutes to reach and I could almost taste freedom.

  “Come on,” I whispered once the patrol had passed. We dashed across the road into the veldt, picking our way through the shrubbery. The lights of Riebeeckstad grew dimmer behind us as we wound our way through the trees, navigating with a single flashlight.

  I didn’t want to lose sight of town completely as the plan was to circle around the outer edge until I could head in the direction of Welkom. The last thing we needed was to get lost.

  “Do you know where we’re going?” Lexi asked as if on cue.

  “Sort of,” I grumbled, readjusting the straps on my shoulders.

  “What?”

  “I’ve never walked there before, okay? Brian and I used to go on his motorbike.” Silence met my irritable reply and I focused on keeping my footing over the rough terrain. “Watch your step.”

  Two and a half hours later we reached the outskirts of Welkom, and I decided to pause for a break. “Let’s rest for a minute, Lexi.”

  With a relieved sigh she dumped her backpack and a small carry-on, flopping down on the ground without further ado. I followed, sitting down on an old tree stump before digging out a water bottle.

  “I’m hungry,” Lexi said after taking a few swallows.

  “I know, sweet pea, but it’ll have to wait.”

  Her shoulders slumped. “How much farther is it?”

  “I’m not sure,” I admitted. “It depends on what we encounter along the way. Hopefully, it won’t take more than an hour.”

  If we don’t get caught, I added silently. I had no idea what the situation in Welkom was. I’d assumed it mirrored ours but I could be wrong. It was much larger for one thing and there had to be more troops stationed there. Dismissing my morbid thoughts, I rose to my feet. “Come on, sweet pea. The sooner we get there the better.”

  She groaned, every move exaggerated and slow. I bit my lip, refraining from commenting. I could well imagine how tired she must be. I was exhausted myself. The straps of my backpack and duffel bag dug into my skin which was already chafed raw.

  “Not much further now,” I said, not sure for whose benefit the hollow statement was.

  It turned out that the streets of Welkom were far easier to navigate than my own town. Not only was the power out, resulting in a uniform darkness blanketing the area but not once did I spot a patrol.

  Are the lot in Riebeeckstad more zealous than here? I doubted that. More likely, the army lacked the manpower to patrol such a large area, focusing instead on the denser population around the center.

  I trudged ahead, each step heavier than the last punctuated by shooting pains lancing through my shoulders. Lexi lagged and several times I had to stop and wait for her to catch up. I didn’t dare stop for another rest, though. We’d never get going again.

  “Ava, my feet hurt.”

  “Not far now, sweetie. I promise.”

  “That’s what you said hours ago.”

  “This time it’s true.” And it was. We’d carved a path around the edge of town, skirting the suburbs. Now we neared our destination. Flamingo Pan.

  The thought spurred me on. “Come on, Lexi. It’s right ahead.”

  We sped up, hastening to the dirt road that led in between a tall stand of reeds and grass. Mud squelched beneath our boots and the glint of water in front beckoned to us. The smell of murky water filled my nostrils, a hint of sewage and rotting fish adding to the bouquet.

  While it used to be an oasis once, a place where fishermen could camp for a few days and relax, neglect and failing infrastructure had taken its toll. Still, it was a safe place to hide, especially ‘our spot’ which was at the far end and very secluded. Difficult to reach too.

  Navigating mostly by instinct, I followed the dirt track that led around the dam and up to a stand of trees. Inside a small clearing, I stopped, dropping my bags with a sense of overwhelming relief.

  “We’re here.”

  Lexi stopped, casting her eyes around though the night didn’t allow for much visibility. “This is it?”

  I grinned, amused by the disappointment in her voice. “Yup, home sweet home.”

  “This was your spot? What did you do here?”

  “Um, we camped and stuff,” I hedged, not able to tell her the truth. That Brian and I had come here for some ‘alone time’ away from the parents.

  “Where will we sleep?”

  “On the ground, sweetie. It’ll be fun.” I tried to sound cheerful but the idea didn’t appeal to me either. Not that we had a choice. “Well, let’s get everything sorted out then.”

  I squatted down, unzipping the duffel bag and pulling out two blankets. Next, I looked for the can opener and a fork, fumbling around in the dark with the flashlight clenched between my teeth.

  “Ava, what’s this?”

  My head whipped around and I saw Lexi standing next to a large shape that I’d initially assumed to be a bush or a tree stump.

  “What?” I asked, walking over. I shone the light on the mystery object and sucked in a surprised breath. “Oh, wow. Brian, you’re a lifesaver.”

  Piled on the ground in a neat pile, was all the camping equipment we’d need to make life comfortable for a while. Pinned to a canvas tent was another note.

  ‘Red, if you made it this far it means you found my note and that you’re still alive. I’ll try to come back here every few days to check if you made it. Wait for me. B.’

  I bent down, picked up a lamp and switched it on. Its golden glow lit the clearing, dispelling the shadows and with them, some of my anxiety too. Picking up the tent, I set about pitching it with Lexi’s help.

  Unrolling the thin foam mattress provided, I
made up a bed for us. We crawled inside and after a quick supper of canned fish, snuggled up in our blankets. Lexi fell asleep in an instant, her warm body curled next to mine. I lay on my back, staring at the canvas ceiling while listening to the symphony of frogs and crickets outside.

  My mind whirled, a jumble of confused thoughts and feelings making themselves known. Grief for Andy, anger for his mother, sorrow for Jacob, hatred for Lloyd and….what for Brian?

  My mind cast back over the past few weeks, a series of images flashing before my eyes. A note fluttering on a school gate, a column of black smoke rising from amidst a mob, a gurney carrying Mr. Smith’s body and a calloused hand pressed to my lips during the night followed by a gunshot.

  I’d killed a man, lost a father, witnessed the torturous death of a lover, and now lay longing for the arms of another.

  I had changed.

  Would I recognize myself if I looked in a mirror?

  Would Brian?

  23

  Chapter 22

  Three days after our arrival, the little clearing had changed to resemble a squatter camp. The four-man tent took center stage in the middle, furnished with the foam mattress, blankets, and our personal stuff. A washing line hung between two trees, wet clothes flapping in the breeze while I sat on a tree stump next to the fire stirring a bubbling mixture of baked beans, rice, and corn. A utility box filled with our food and kitchen stuff provided another seat, a bucket served as a washbasin and a ring of stones with a grid constituted our stove.

  I dared not cook during the day for fear of the smoke being seen so reserved it for night time only. Our camping spot was well hidden and surrounded by thick brush and trees, so I didn't worry too much about the light being spotted. Still, the chances of being discovered remained, instilling a sense of watchfulness in me and my eyes constantly roved around the perimeter.

  Lexi sat next to me, drawing pictures in the dirt with a stick, her eyes darting to the pot every few seconds. “When can we eat?” came the inevitable question.

  “Soon. The rice is almost cooked.”

  She sighed, drawing a sad face on the ground while I stared at the fire, trying to ignore my own clamoring stomach. We didn’t have a lot of food so I’d placed us on a strict rationing schedule, hoping Brian would show up before we ran out. I didn't want to contemplate what would happen if he didn't.

  It’s been three days. Where is he?

  After reading his note, I’d anticipated Brian’s arrival with painful eagerness, only to be disappointed as time went by with no sign of him. I couldn’t help but be consumed by morbid thoughts. Had something happened to him? Has he been delayed? Captured? Killed?

  I lifted a spoonful of stew to my lips, blowing on it before taking a tentative bite. The savory taste hit my tongue and my stomach cramped, saliva flooding my mouth. Even with no seasoning, it tasted delicious to my starved senses.

  Lexi stared up at me, impatience stamped on her features. “Well?”

  I pretended to think about it, my face scrunched up in indecision. “I don’t know. I’m not sure. Maybe.” I shook my head. “Nope, not ready. Maybe another hour.”

  Lexi groaned. “Really?” Her eyes spotted the smile lurking at the corners of my mouth and she slapped me on the arm. “Liar. It’s ready, isn’t it?”

  “Okay, okay. We can eat. Where are the plates?”

  “Seems I’m just in time for dinner,” a voice called from the edge of the clearing.

  My head whipped around. I crouched down, right hand flying to the but of my gun but the voice was familiar and I paused. My eyes picked out Brian’s form amongst the slender tree trunks and I relaxed, placing a shaky hand on my chest where my heart thumped loudly as I straightened up.

  He's changed, I thought as he stepped into the light, my stomach lurching at the sight. His hair had been cut close to the scalp, highlighting his electric blue eyes and strong jaw while his shoulders had broadened, his body moving with confident ease.

  “Brian!” Lexi cried, crossing the open space between them in a mad dash, throwing herself into his arms. She seemed even more excited to see him than I was. But then, she’d always been fond of Brian and had sulked for days when we broke up.

  I watched as he swung her into the air, hugging her close before putting her down again. His gaze lifted and our eyes locked. Time slowed. Neither of us said a word. He stepped forward and my attention shifted to his clothes. I took in the mask hanging carelessly underneath his chin, the camouflage uniform, the gloves, and boots.

  Army.

  I stiffened, instinctively moving away from him.

  Brian froze at my reaction, a perplexed frown marring his forehead. “What’s wrong?”

  “You’re with them.” I pointed at his uniform.

  Lexi let go of his hand, drawing closer to me, eyes darting back and forth. Her happy smile fell away, replaced by a puzzled look.

  Brian raised his hands. “Yes. I’m with the army now. I was conscripted after my parents died from the Black Tide.”

  Pain flashed across his face at the memory. Something within me longed to reach out and comfort him. Yet, I kept my distance. Reaching out a hand to Lexi, I drew her to my side.

  His lips thinned. “I’m not the enemy, Ava. I’m on your side.”

  “How do I know that? The people you’re working for are hunting me. If they find me, they’ll kill me.”

  “That doesn’t mean I’m one of them,” he protested. “Look, it wasn’t like I had a choice. After my dad got sick, it wasn’t long before my mom followed. I tried to care for them. God knows, I did. But by the time the army arrived, they were both pretty far gone.”

  He spread his hands wide. “By some miracle I tested negative and the officer in charge of the patrol told me they’d care for my parents if I signed up. What else was I supposed to do?”

  “What about me? Us?” I asked, indicating Lexi.

  “I’m here to help. Surely you can see that? The message, the camping stuff, and supplies. Does it look like I’m trying to take you in?”

  “No,” I admitted, rubbing a hand across my forehead. “It’s just...I’ve been running and hiding for days now. I don’t know what to think anymore.”

  Brian stepped forward, halting in front of me. “I’d never hurt you, Red. Or Squeaker here either.”

  My mouth quirked at the nicknames, a sense of nostalgia rising within. I smiled and stepped aside, waving a hand at the tree stump that served as a bench. “Well, sit down. We’ve got a lot to talk about.”

  “Thanks. I'll stand,” he replied. He moved closer to the fire, swinging a loaded backpack off his shoulders and dumping it in the dirt. “Why don't you two go ahead and eat?”

  “Do you want some?” I asked.

  “No, I'm okay. They feed us pretty well in the army.” He indicated the mask. “Can I take this off?”

  “That depends.”

  “I'm clean. They test us every time we leave the base.”

  I resisted the urge to comment and dished up, sitting down. The last time I was tested, I was still free and clear, receiving my rations for the week. That was a week ago. I'd been worrying about it ever since after my brief foray into Brian's house. “Do you have any tests with you?”

  “Why?” He studied me, concern settling into his eyes. “Is there a chance...?”

  “I went to your house, looking for help.”

  He blanched.

  “I was careful but...”

  He said nothing, fishing inside his pockets before producing the familiar tubes. “We always carry a few on us. In case.”

  Lexi held out her finger and I performed her test then mine. The three of us settled into a frozen state of watchfulness while waiting for the results, the silence broken only by the singing of crickets and the crackle of the fire.

  A faint line appeared on each.

  Negative.

  I slumped in relief. “Thank God.”

  The mood lightened noticeably and I was able to focus on my foo
d. Shoveling in a huge mouthful, I barely chewed before swallowing and going back in for another bite. Hunger won out over curiosity, and for several seconds the only sounds to be heard were those of my jaws moving. Lexi was no slouch either and after a while, I became aware of the way Brian watched us, a frown between his eyes.

  “What?” I asked, becoming self-conscious.

  “When last did you eat?”

  “Yesterday.” I shoved in another forkful.

  “Why?” he asked. “I left quite a bit of food for you.”

  “I didn't know if you were coming back so I rationed it. We've learned not to take things for granted.”

  “Oh. Makes sense.” Silence then, “I looked for you, you know? After I joined and finished basic training, I swung by your house first chance I got but you were gone.”

  “We had to leave.” I looked up at him. “How did you know to leave that message at our house? Did you know we were there?”

  “It was a gamble. I'd heard you and one other guy had escaped and I thought you might return there at some point.”

  “Why didn't you come inside? Why the rock?”

  “I was on patrol. I couldn't exactly give a good reason for wanting to go to an empty house. So I tossed in the rock when no one was looking.”

  “You scared me half to death. I thought it was soldiers coming to get us.”

  Brian chuckled. “How could they? As far as the army knows, you lived with the Petersons. They didn't know about your old house and I wasn't about to tell them.”

  My mind churned. What about the officer who'd given me permission to move? Why didn't he come forward? And the soldiers who were with him that day? What about them?

  I posed the question to Brian. “I don't know. He could've been transferred. He could have died. Or he forgot. There's a lot going on right now. Besides, not everyone agrees with the army's methods. To most of us, you're just a bunch of trouble-making kids.”

  “Nice to know.”

  “So what happened to you? Why did you leave your home?”

  “It's a long story.”

  “I've got time.”