Banished To Ipswich

Chapter 12

The whispers grow stronger. New students have, by Thanksgiving, a throughout understanding of the happenings of last spring. It's said that 311 is haunted, that Chase Collin's figure can be seen at the clearing where the barn used to be. Most of all there's questions about Caleb Denvers and Sarah Wenham. What if they killed him, then hid the body where the firefighters didn't find it, and then came back for it? What if it did burn to ashes in that barn?

Even if they aren't there anymore everyone knows that they hear it. The accusations. The whole town gets a bit uncomfortable, because there's no proof, just rumors, but then again where is Chase? The two graduates was the last ones to see him.

The whole group gets pulled in. Murmurs in between customers, glances. No one says anything out loud, but it's there, lingering.

During the winter break Bailey visits the apartment more frequently. She can't be there all the time, but she takes the bus in every day, and occasionally stays the night. They help her with projects, long nights with coffee induced with stronger things.

It is surprising how little the teachers notice. Or maybe they are just discreet, good at finding the empty streets from the bus station to Lance's flat. Maybe the teachers are at home snugly in a blanket as Bailey walks through the falling snow, freezing about her legs.

Their gathering isn't left unwanted. In ankle high snow they walk to their thrones, opening hard liquor to warm their shaking bodies. Smoke blowing from their lips as they talk, laughing at each other and themselves. The Sons of Ipswich have gotten the word around as possible manslaughters. Their parents walk the grocery store with tightly pressed lips, unwilling to speak to anyone who dares bring it up. They make snow angels, and then kick them to bits.