Outcasts

by Craig MacLachlan

  But she knew Morgan, and that the darkness of the basement would be her refuge. The place she would create a plan. One she would follow to the end, even if it meant her end.

  Skylar’s only hope would be convincing Morgan of a better, safer plan.

  She called Haley, who answered on the first ring.

  “Skye!”

  “Are you alone?”

  “My parents are at work. I . . . I don’t want to be here alone. The bad man is here, I know he is, Skye!”

  The bad man. That’s what had Skylar said in the closet before she was taken. It was who she had always been afraid of.

  “Where are you now?”

  “In our favorite spot.”

  “You can come out. Haley, you’re not in danger.”

  “H-How do you know?”

  “Morgan and I know. We’re all safe for now.”

  “No. I’m not leaving until you get here. I need to tell you everything, what I did!”

  “What did you do?” she asked.

  “I tore it apart. I ate it like a rib. Nibbled it like corn on the cob. Skye, if I leave, I don’t know if I can stop myself.”

  Taking the camera, she ran downstairs.

  “I’ll be there.” She looked at the time and it was nearing her meeting with Trevor. “Can you hold out for—”

  “I crave . . .”

  A low growl sounded and the line went dead.

  She tried calling back but was transferred to Haley’s voicemail. Her friend had reached a tipping point, one Skylar had hoped would never happen. Haley’s feral life was her weakness. She yearned for it often but managed to control it. Skylar couldn’t lose her, wouldn’t lose her. Not now, not to the bad man screwing with their lives.

  Opening the basement door, she peered into the blackness below.

  “Morgan. I need you.” She waited for a response. “Morgan, please?”

  “Whens this is over, Skye, when we finish this, there is no rooms for me in your world. No place for me in your pack.”

  “What are you trying to say, Morgan?” She asked, already knowing the answer.

  “Skye,” Morgan paused. “I want to go home,” her voice was somber, full of sadness. “Leave me alone!” Morgan’s tone became deep and menacing.

  Skylar gently closed the door, locked it. Emptiness and failure filled her.

  Morgan was lost to her.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Using her spare key, Skylar started up the winding staircase inside Haley’s house to the third floor.

  She’d always admired the beauty of the home. The old Victorian house looked different than any other house in the neighborhood. She and Haley had even discovered secret compartments and rooms over the years. Hide and seek was their favorite game, as well as racing one another using the dumbwaiters.

  The third floor was one large room, but a quarter the size of the other floors. The ceilings were angled, the floorboards creaked, and she always had the feeling she was being watched. Skylar didn’t believe in ghosts, but Haley did. Going to the corner where a wall jutted out, Skylar sank to her knees.

  Pushing on a wall, she waited for the sound.

  Click!

  The secret door swung outward. Crawling inside, she pulled the door shut. In the dim light, she moved along on her hands and knees until she came to a tiny room. Crawling inside, there was enough room to stand, but she continued crawling to Haley, huddled in a corner.

  Her friend held a blue blanket and shivered as if it were the dead of winter. At first, Skylar thought Haley’s lips and chin were covered in ketchup, but she quickly realized the truth. Skylar wrapped her arms around Haley. On the floor lay a baby deer leg. The skin and meat had been ripped off. Only the white bone and black hoof remained.

  “Will you come with me?” Skylar asked, and Haley nodded in agreement.

  They made their way through the house, Haley jumping at every sound. In Haley’s room, the tiny deer carving rested next to Hailey’s pillow and Skylar noted a nightlight had been turned on inside the opened closet, illuminating a black box and a blue blanket. Skylar placed the deer leg inside the black box. For a brief moment, she thought she saw the slightest hint of red on the back of the closet wall. Touching it, she slid her finger downward—or tried to. The wall felt sticky and her skin kept catching on the paint. She tried a different section of the wall and her finger slid easily.

  Stumped, she moved onto more important tasks. Taking the box and blanket, she grabbed the deer carving and she and Haley left the house.

  Placing the items in the trunk, Skylar joined Haley inside the car. She felt so bad for her friend and rubbed her shoulders and then played with her hair. Haley’s expression remained the same as when Skylar had found her.

  “You’re safe now.”

  Haley only stuttered and grunted.

  “Shh, it’s okay. Take your time.”

  “I . . . I pretended to sleep, but . . . I think he knew I was awake. The breath stunk. No smell, only a bear. If you were there you would have known who—”

  “Haley, we can talk about this later.”

  Haley shook her head. “A razor or something in my . . . my hair. It tickled my throat but . . . I could feel sh-sharpness. I thought . . . Oh, Skye . . .” Haley began sobbing and Skylar embraced her. “I didn’t open my eyes until morning, even though I could sense light from somewhere in my room. The closet door was open and . . . and the nightlight was on . . .” Haley paused. “My favorite blue blankie was wrapped around something—the black box. Oh, my favorite blue blankie. I haven’t seen it since—”

  “I know.”

  “The deer leg was inside it, Skye!” Haley erupted with emotion, startling Skylar. “On the wall above the night light . . .” Haley quieted and Skylar ran her hands through her hair.

  “You don’t need—”

  “The message . . . you didn’t see it because I erased the words. The words telling me to open the box and devour my snack or else my mom would die.” Haley tensed so stiffly she was like a rock.

  “I’m happy you erased it.”

  “With my . . . with my . . . my tongue! I erased it with my tongue!” Haley rocked back and forth.

  “Oh Hales,” Skylar said, solemnly.

  “The hunger—the craving—filled me. I opened the box and unwrapped my snack. I licked it and smelled it and ran on all fours with it between my teeth to the spot where you found me.” Haley broke down and Skylar didn’t know how to console her friend.

  “Morgan and I are going to end this,” Skylar said, trying to offer hope, but leaving out the fact that this Father had a plan of his own for all of them.

  “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist, I tried for you.”

  “I know you did, and I thank you. I love you.”

  Silence filled the car and Skylar headed in the direction of the railroad swing outside of town. Turning onto a gravel road, she drove until a metal gate blocked her from going any further. She parked next to a familiar motorcycle.

  “I dealt with the same temptations, you know.”

  “The chipmunk blood?”

  “Yes, and much more.” Skylar decided not to elaborate.

  “Did you eat one?” Haley asked. “I’m not that strong.”

  “No. And yes, you are, Haley, just in different ways. I won’t lose you.”

  “But I loved it. It’s all I can think about. All I can taste and smell. I want more. I want to run in the woods and . . .” Haley paused, staring out the window.

  “I know you do. I’m here for you.”

  “I’ve always wanted that life back, you know. When we found Morgan, I could have run off with her. Lived with her, wild and free again.”

  “But you didn’t. I’ve always wondered why.”

  “Because I love you, Skye, and I can’t live without both you and Morgan. I knew you wouldn’t go back, so I did things your way.”

  Skylar understood that Haley would have to make that life-changing decision sooner than later if Morg
an made good on her promise to return to the wild. Yet, Skylar knew the only way to save Haley was through Morgan. Morgan would have to be the one to keep Haley from returning to the wild. But, would Morgan be willing to give Haley to Skylar?

  “Did you hear anything besides breathing?” Skylar asked not wanting her to know about the video.

  “Nothing,” she answered. “Sorry.”

  “Will you be okay if I leave you here for a while?”

  “Do you have a chain and ankle cuff for me?” Haley lightly laughed.

  “Afraid not, but I can do you one better.” Skylar cracked the windows an inch.

  “What are you up to?”

  “Locking you inside.” She exited the car. “If you open a door the alarm will sound, and I’ll come.”

  Pushing a button on the remote, the doors locked. Pressing another, the alarm beeped and it was set. Skylar wagged the keys and Haley grinned.

  “Cool, Skye. I am feeling a bit better.”

  “I’ll be back with some answers. Trevor owes me that much.” She began walking off.

  “He’s awesome, really he is!” Haley said. “I’m sorry for the heat . . .”

  Skylar wasn’t able to hear the last bit of Haley’s comment, but she got the gist. She traveled along the gravel road for nearly a quarter of a mile, ending at the Tamarack River where the remnants of an old bridge sat on each side of the water. The black railroad bridge was just upstream. She could see two thick ropes attached to steel beams. The swing’s seat was blocked by trees. Following a trail, she arrived at the bridge.

  She saw Trevor sitting on a concrete block wearing his black leather jacket. Maneuvering around the fire pits, she stood next to him.

  Oh God—she didn’t have a way to plug her nose.

  Neither spoke. She had so many questions, but her mouth wouldn’t let the words out. She shuffled her feet and Trevor rubbed his hands together. He may have helped Haley, but she was still unsure of his true intentions. She wanted to trust him, believe he was not a part of anything, but he must know something.

  Trevor held out his hand.

  Skylar took it and his touch sent shockwaves through her body. He led her along the river and underneath the bridge. The swing’s seat dangled a foot above the river.

  He removed his jacket but keep his shirt on as he stripped down to a pair of shorts.

  Skylar could only stare in awe.

  “Ready?” he asked.

  “For what?” she asked, nervous with apprehension.

  Trevor gave her a smile, jumped into the river, and swam to the swing.

  There was no way she was going strip to her underwear. Her shirt and pants would have to do if she were going to follow him.

  He climbed onto the swing and patted the empty spot.

  “Coming?”

  Skylar placed her cell phone and keys on Trevor’s jacket. With her shoes off, she stepped into the water. It was much colder than she’d expected. She wanted to complain but didn’t want to appear weak.

  Gathering her willpower, she dove into the river.

  It was like being stabbed with thousands of needles. Submerged, she flipped upside down and water flooded her nose. Righting herself, she broke the water’s surface. She choked.

  “Hey, you okay?” Trevor asked, trying not to laugh at her.

  He helped her onto the swing, and their feet dangled together in the water, their feet touching. If Trevor was releasing a scent, her nose had become so plugged she couldn’t smell it.

  Disgusting, yet perfect, in a way.

  “I’m on your side. All of you.”

  “Is he your dad?”

  “No. I was stolen, just like the three of you were.” Trevor gripped the rope tight and she sensed his unsettledness.

  “Have you been helping him? I need to know the truth.”

  “Not anymore. I won’t. I’m done.”

  “Who is he?”

  “I don’t know. He always wears black glasses—”

  “And a red bandana and thick leather all over his body? Dresses like a bear?”

  “Sometimes he only covers his face. A grizzly to be exact . . . wait, how do you know?”

  “I don’t have to tell you anything. Do you know how scared I was, still am? And my friends? We don’t deserve this. How could you?”

  “I’m sorry, Skylar. Look, if it helps, I never wrote the letters. I never killed anything. I only delivered them but he took over when I wouldn’t obey. He calls himself The Father. I refused to get close to you on his terms. I’m so sorry. My real family—he threatened them.” Trevor paused and looked into her eyes. “It’s been so hard to resist you, Skylar.”

  Skylar shoved him and turned away.

  “I want to know. Who is The Father?”

  “I can’t tell you that, Skylar, because I don’t know. He’s never allowed me to see his face or hear his true voice.”

  “Screw you, Trevor! I know that you know who he really is! He ruined our lives. And now, he’s ruined any chance we had at normal lives. You helped him. Why would you do that to us? I don’t even want to know you!”

  They sat for several moments in silence. Skylar wanted to leave, but she didn’t. A part of her understood that Trevor was forced to do The Father’s will.

  “I was like you, once. I was even part of your pack for a very short time before the three of you were fully converted to being wild.”

  Skylar couldn’t believe what he was telling her.

  “Look, I have most of the answers you’re looking for. You and I, we had a connection. It’s what caused your pack to be separated. It’s what led to everything.”

  Trevor’s words were hard for Skylar to take in. Not only was he supposedly a part of her pack, but his admission that they were the reason the pack was captured seemed far-fetched. At the same time, it fit what Morgan and Haley’s had said—that Trevor was the he Morgan had smelled.

  “If we had a connection, why didn’t you stop sooner?”

  “Because he would make me watch my family and you three suffer and keep me in sorrow and misery. You saw his rage in the window. I admit I had an ulterior motive for helping.” He paused. “I wanted to be near you again. I hoped you would remember me, that my scent would trigger a memory.”

  “Well, I don’t remember, jerk. How could I have ever had a connection with someone like you?” Skylar barked. She wanted to know more but couldn’t drop her guard. “How come you never went to the police or told someone?”

  “I just did. Tell someone that is. And you do remember me, Skylar.”

  Yet, she hadn’t recognized Trevor at all. He was in none of her memories—a stranger. Maybe the hypnosis was the reason, part of her suppressed subconscious. Trevor was right about one thing—she had remembered one particular thing.

  “Your scent. Your stinking odor”.

  “I deserve that.”

  “That’s letting you off easy.”

  “I know your scent as well.”

  “You made me feel foolish that night in your bedroom.”

  “I was trying to keep you safe. Getting close to you was what he wanted. Why else do you think I’m in your old house? In your old room?”

  “Whatever.” She stood, balancing as she climbed the rope. The more she climbed, the easier it became.

  Gripping the other rope, Trevor climbed after her.

  Even though it ticked her off that Trevor had helped The Father, she understood the position he’d been in. He’d explained more than she could have imagined. His life was in danger, yet he was still trying to keep her safe.

  For that, Skylar commended him—and yet, it still stung.

  There were still many mysteries, but she had five days to figure it all out. She wanted to put her anger aside, to learn about Trevor, about them, and their past together.

  Most of all, Skylar needed to know how she’d betrayed her friends.

  Reaching the top of the rope, a long, grated metal sheet ran beneath the railroad tracks. There wasn’t
enough clearance to stand, but she could sit between both ropes. She looked down as Trevor made his way to her.

  She shook the rope. Though she’s tried to suppress her anger, she wanted him to fall, watch him climb back and fall again. It would teach him a lesson, but she didn’t want the guy hurting himself, either.

  “Can I continue?” He asked.

  “I don’t know. Can you?”

  He moved up a few feet and she shook the rope again.

  “Seriously, please?”

  “How does it feel not being in control?” Her own words brought images of chipmunk and blood.

  “I get it. I really do.”

  “Do you?” she shook it again. “Haley was scared senseless all night. She lost control because of you.”

  “No, she didn’t. I’ve been hiding since I took her home. I have no idea what he did last night to any of you. I swear!” Trevor sounded sincere and truthful.

  Skylar didn’t want to alienate herself from the one person who could give her what she wanted. “Come on,” she sighed.

  “Are you sure?”

  She nodded, watching his muscles quiver with each pull on the rope. When he got close, she threatened to shake the rope again but stopped when she saw his body shake with exhaustion.

  “I’m sorry.”

  Skylar scooted sideways and Trevor flopped onto the matted steel next to her. He rolled onto his back and Skylar did as well.

  “About time, dude.”

  “Remind me to never piss you off.”

  “Trevor, don’t ever piss me off,” Skylar said with a grin.

  Colorful graffiti covered the steel structure. A couple of mattresses had been thrown behind them. Skylar cared not to think about their purposes. Her nostrils started to itch. She sniffled, sneezing twice.

  “Gesundheit.”

  “Excuse me.”

  “Bless you.”

  “Ha-ha, you’re so irresistibly hilarious,” she said sarcastically.

  “I used to think so.”

  Skylar’s nose began to clear. “What happened to you? At school?”

  “You happened. Nobody smelled like you. You were—are—so ingrained in me that I can’t be with anybody else. I tried, but it never worked. I screwed up.”