Vicious Memories

Chapter 26

"Bev will serve as our judge today."

My hands were sweating as Bev picked her way through the crowd seated around her, stepping lightly, apologizing at every turn. Her blond braid bounced happily against her shoulder with each stride and she reached up to grab it once she neared the front, as if embarrassed by its actions.

The largest cave in the village's rock formation was huge, a giant air bubble blown by a stone giant when the island had first formed. It was easily five times bigger than the next largest space. The stone walls were smooth, the ceiling hanging several feet overhead jagged, with asymmetric patterns and sharp protrusions. The entrance was rather small and sound echoed sharply. Light from six torches around the circumference of the cave chased back any and all shadows.

An hour ago Neema had been the strongest advocate for transparency, and she stood with me to Gabriel's left. Alice and Scott had both slunk away to the back of the crowd, having no desire to be the center of attention, but I couldn't leave Neema to stand up here alone. Not while thirty fearful faces looked up at us, wondering what horrible tidings they would receive this time.

"I'm afraid it's more bad news that has gathered us here," Gabriel said. "Thank you for coming together on such short notice, I know many of you planned to get an early night's sleep tonight."

"Have you found her?" someone in the crowd asked. I searched for Finn's face in the crowd but couldn't find it.

"No, I'm afraid not," Gabriel said.

The responding silence in the cave - compared to the raging storm outside - had teeth.

"Today," Gabriel continued, "a group of guards went in search of Madeline. Unfortunately they were unable to find her. A few hours inland they split up to cover more ground. The group that went in the direction of the foothills noticed that a group of Strangers was stalking them—"

"Animals!"

"—and they fled further up toward Mount Home, believing themselves outnumbered. Once they had distanced themselves from their pursuers, they found a clearing with some wreckage from our ship. No, don't ask me how it got there, we don't know. But they found this in the wreckage." Gabriel held the black briefcase in his hands. "Within it was as a file detailing part of one villager's past."

At the word "past" a rippling gasp went through the chamber, echoing off the walls like a gust of wind from outside.

"It is that individual's decision to reveal the contents of the file to all of us, because she believes that honesty and openness is the most important thing we can do for each other right now."

Gabriel gestured, and Neema walked slowly forward. She held her head high, her left pant leg rolled up as always, her arms straight at her sides. Gabriel handed her the deflated football and with a visible effort, Neema gathered her will.

"You all know me," she said, "and know that I make no apology for who I am. I like to read books, argue about nonsensical philosophical questions, lead our prayer services, and occasionally spend time alone. You know that I care deeply about each and every one of you."

She set the football on the ground and accepted the cream-colored folder from Gabriel.

"That's why I told Gabriel that I wanted to be honest and open tonight. But I'll also be blunt. This file is a rap sheet, detailing some awful crimes that I committed in my past life. I killed seven people over the course of two years, all of whom were connect to my ex-husband. The information in here doesn't expound upon any motives beyond that one. I can't make any excuses or give any explanations for my actions, because I don't remember them. Even so, in this iteration of my existence I believe that murder is wrong, no matter the circumstances. The daughter that I do remember certainly would not approve of it, and for that reason I am ashamed.