by Hunt, Jack
It was a perfect headshot.
His skull disappeared in a burst of red mist.
Startled, the horses around them took off, leaving the other one open, confused and…
Pop.
Another round echoed as Colby ended his world.
He pulled back for a second, then brought the gun around and through the scope eyed goatee and Jeb who were farther out in the field. The echo of gunshots had caught goatee’s attention. He was smarter than the others. He had Jeb climb up into the front of the saddle and he twisted the horse around and made his way back using Jeb as a human shield. “Stan. Vern!” He yelled out his two friends’ names until he saw their lifeless bodies. A conversation occurred between him and Jeb and the next thing Colby saw through the scope was him bringing up a handgun to Jeb’s head.
“Put down your rifle. You hear me!?”
No more was said as his horse trotted toward the barn.
As much as Colby tried to get the guy in the crosshair, he couldn’t. He kept moving behind Jeb. He couldn’t remain where he was without being seen. Instead, he opted for the higher ground. Maybe, he could get a clear shot of his head. Colby hurried inside the barn, ascended the ladder, and made his way toward the far door. He got down on his belly, keeping the barrel inside to avoid being spotted.
“I’ll shoot him. I will. Lay down your weapon.”
“Do as he says,” Jeb bellowed. The guy had gotten Jeb to speak on his behalf. He was worried. “Listen to him.”
Colby peered through the scope, waiting to get a bead on him.
“C’mon. C’mon,” he muttered.
The rider turned just enough that Colby could squeeze the trigger without hitting Jeb. The round struck him in the shoulder and caused the horse to rise on its rear hooves. Jeb held on to the reins but goatee came off the back, hitting the ground. Not wasting a second, Colby took another shot, this time striking the man in the temple.
And just like that, it was over.
Silence dominated.
Colby made his way down, expecting Jeb to be grateful but he was far from it.
“I told you not to come out. No matter what happened.”
“They dragged Jenna out.”
Jeb looked off toward the house. “Carol? Jenna!”
A voice in the distance replied and then Carol emerged from the tree line. Colby stood there looking down at the man he’d shot. He didn’t feel horrified by his actions. He felt nothing. It was as if he was already comfortable with killing. He turned to see a tearful Carol hug Jeb. He crouched beside the man and turned his head from side to side.
In an instant, a flashback flared up.
Someone striking him. Boots kicking him. His body being dragged out of a room, down a hallway of a house, and thrown off a porch onto slick mud. He hadn’t seen the attack coming. That’s how they got him. In the dead of night. While he was sleeping. Rain fell heavy, followed by a scream, a dog barking. A round erupting. Then it was gone.
“Hey. Hey!” an angry voice said.
Like that he was back, hearing Jeb hurrying over to him.
“Where is Jenna?”
“Uh.” It took a moment to snap back to the present. “In the crawl space.”
Jeb told Carol and she took off to find her.
Colby rose to his feet.
“You shouldn’t have done this! Oh God, you shouldn’t have done this,” Jeb said, staring around at the bodies, a hand going over the back of his head.
“What did you expect me to do… let them take Jenna?”
“I could have handled it. Okay! You don’t know what we’re dealing with or what the repercussions will be because of this.”
“Yeah, well how about you tell me?” He kicked the dead guy. “He mentioned someone called Spider. Who is he?”
“You don’t want to know.”
“It’s him, isn’t it? The one with the tattoo.”
Jeb nodded.
“So you do know him. Take me to him.”
Jeb shook his head, looking down at the man. “No. I can’t do that.”
Colby frowned. “Why not? And why didn’t you tell me you knew him?”
There was a pause.
“Huh? Jeb!”
Jeb snapped out of his trance-like state, lifting his eyes to him.
“Because he’s my son.”
FIVE
Dan Wilder
Humboldt, California
Humboldt County Correctional Facility was a hellhole. Overcrowding had been an issue for decades. Every jail in the country suffered from it, and his county was no exception. Throw in the fear of a virus spreading and the CDCR had found a way to begin doing early release of prisoners.
He planned to use that loophole.
Entering the facility that morning, he walked by inmates who scowled.
Even though there would always be those who acted tough and said doing time was a walk in the park because they were indoors and being fed three times a day, he knew that was a façade — the truth was most couldn’t wait to get out. He knew Nancy Strickland fell into that category and he would use that to his advantage.
Dan shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he waited at a table in the visiting area. He heard the clanging of jail cells, the angry sounds of women kicking and pounding on cell doors inside the six-story facility. It was horrendous. No one could get used to this, especially his correctional officers who had to put up with it for 12 hours a day.
The jail was full of everyone from public drunks through to murderers.
Two generators had been allocated to the prison to keep certain aspects of the place running but he knew it wouldn’t last. The responsibility of what they would do with the inmates weighed heavily on his shoulders.
Dan drummed his fingers on the table, his thoughts circling between his wife and what was on the agenda for the day. He glanced up at the sound of someone entering.
Nancy was strong-armed into the room by a deputy. She wore handcuffs and dark attire with a white T-shirt. A smug grin spread when she entered.
Dan swallowed his nervousness, trying to remain composed, professional.
At thirty-three, Nancy looked twice her age, with wiry hair pulled back, dark bags under her eyes, and pitted skin that had been destroyed by meth. Unlike many of her kin, marijuana wasn’t her choice. Heck, it might have done her good. No, she’d gotten hooked on the hard stuff. It was sad to see as he remembered how attractive she looked in her early teens, long before life had gotten its hands on her and dragged her down.
“Dan Wilder. Should I call you sheriff? Congratulations,” she said, taking a seat across from him. A waft of bad odor hit him and he turned his nose away to avoid gagging. If what he had in mind was to work, he had to go out on a limb.
“You look well, Nancy.”
She snorted, an expression of disbelief. Her eyes scanned the room.
He pointed to the items before her. “I brought you some coffee and cigarettes.”
He slid them closer. The deputy stood nearby, observing, mindful, ready to step in. “Uncuff her.”
“You sure?”
“Go on.”
The lock clinked, and Nancy rubbed her wrists.
Her eyebrows shot up as she removed a cancer stick and stuck it in her lips.
“Wow. Don’t I feel special,” she said sarcastically. “Do I get a conjugal visit too?”
“Not today.”
“No, you leave it to these assholes,” she said, glancing over her shoulder. “While you look the other way.”
Dan said nothing. The personal jab. The attack on his character. The desire to bring him down a few pegs before they got started, he’d expected it.
Hands clasped together in front of him, he waited as she lit the end, inhaled, and blew a cloud out her nostrils. All the while she studied him.
“So, how are you, Nancy? Still working in the kitchen?”
She tapped ash into an ashtray and nodded, studying him. Her gaze made him feel uncomfortable.
She was the back-line cook, making all the meals for inmates. Many inside wanted to be on kitchen duty. It was a coveted position because it allowed them to have as much coffee as they wanted, and as caffeine was the only drug permitted in there, most took advantage of it.
“How many work under you?”
She chuckled. “You didn’t come down here to talk about that, so how about we sidestep the pretentious bullshit and get to the point? What do you want, Dan? Because I’ve got things to do.”
He nodded. “How would you like to get out of here today?”
She smiled, flashing those sickly-looking teeth. Did she think he was joking? She was in the thick of a three-year sentence for the possession of stolen property. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen these walls. Before that it was drugs, and before that aggravated assault. Because of heavy drug use and overcrowding, she’d managed to elude long-term incarceration by agreeing to attend Humboldt Recovery Center for 90 days. It didn’t last. On her first cigarette break, she’d made a run for it.
Four months later she was back inside.
“If you’re talking about SWAP, I already tried. My assault charge has kept me out of that. And besides, from what I hear, those who are part of your little release program have skipped town.” She took another hard pull on the cigarette and blew the smoke in his direction before grinning.
“No. I mean out. No parole. No probation.”
“I already have that coming to me.”
It was called a terminal sentence.
Dan looked around. The penny hadn’t fallen yet. He leaned forward. “I think I’m not making this clear enough. You would get out today and be free to go about your business.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Under the CDCR program?”
“No. Just me letting you go.”
She took a sip of her coffee, a frown forming. He figured any inmate would jump at the chance. Not her. Strickland's were generally smart. They knew nothing came for free in life and there were always strings attached.
After setting her cup down she replied, “And why would you do that?”
“Because I can.” He took a deep breath. “I’m not sure how much information has made its way inside but we are dealing with an EMP. An attack on the country that has taken down the grid, vehicles, computers, phones — you name it, bye-bye. It’s gone. No idea when it will come up again or if it will ever, and that presents many problems, however, it also offers opportunities. Like the one I’m offering you.”
“And if the power came up tomorrow?”
“They would see some changes on your medical profile allowing you to go free under the CDCR program.”
“But I’m perfectly healthy.”
“Of course you are. But they wouldn’t know that.”
She took two fast puffs. “Did Hank put you up to this?”
“No.”
“So you’re doing this because you’re family?”
He tilted his head to one side. “Yes. If you like.”
Nancy leaned back in her seat and looked across the room at a correctional officer. “Again. Why would you do that? And don’t give me some crap about a program or bloodline. You might be connected to our family but you gave up the right to be a part of it when you opted to don that uniform.”
Dan appreciated how blunt she was. Too many people weren’t direct.
“Well, I’m glad you understand that the career decision wasn’t to serve the purpose of the family.” He drummed his fingers against the table. “I was looking at your visitor history. No one from your family has been in to see you in the past year. Why is that, Nancy?”
She shrugged, continuing to smoke until it was just a nub, at which point she lit another using the dying embers from the last.
“Could it be because of what happened ten years ago?”
“What do you know about that?”
“Oh, I know a lot about Skye and Colby. The arguments. It was the first of its kind. Certainly unsettled a few people on both sides.”
Her demeanor changed. She scrunched up her nose. “If your visit here is to gloat then we are done.”
“I came down here to help you, Nancy. Okay? Now if you don’t want out then that officer over there will be more than happy to escort you back to your cell. But I’ve heard you have crossed a few people in here. People that would like nothing better than to get you alone in a bathroom. Am I right?”
She glared.
Dan cleared his throat. He had her. He could see it in her eyes. She was listening.
“I need you to do something for me once you are out,” he said.
She shook her head, grinding her teeth. It was checkmate and she knew it.
“What do you want?”
“Before I get to that, let me bring you up to speed.” He recounted the death of Ryland Strickland, and Bruce Riker, followed by Luke, Edgar, and Jared. The news hit her hard. As much as she wanted to present herself as having a hard exterior, the loss of family was always a difficult pill to swallow. By her reaction he could tell no one from her family had informed her and he planned to capitalize on that. “I’m surprised Hank or one of the family hasn’t told you already.”
“They never cared.”
“I do,” he said, reaching a hand across and placing it on hers. She withdrew her hand and snarled.
“I might not have their sympathy but I’m not stupid. What is your angle?”
Dan nodded. There was no point pulling the wool over her eyes. “I have a lot to contend with and the last thing I need is a war between our family and the Rikers. I need you to be my eyes and ears.”
She sat back. “You want me to spy on my kin?”
“Yes. They no longer trust me.”
“Can you blame them?” She gave him a disgusted look. “I can’t begin to understand how you can wear that uniform after the way the law has treated us.”
“Save your self-righteous bullshit for someone else,” Dan said. “The Stricklands are not saints. They never have been.”
“Neither are you. Does anyone know about your crimes?”
“No. And it will remain that way if you wish to get out. So look, it’s simple. I release you today, you go home to mom and pop and keep me updated on what’s happening. What you hear. What you see. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Got it?”
“And if I don’t?”
He flashed his pearly whites. “Then you come right back here.”
“Best of luck finding me if the power grid is down.”
“Oh, I have ways. The grid might be down, Nancy, but law and order is very much alive and it will stay that way while I’m at the helm. Believe me. Everyone loves a good underdog story, and this one is mine. You know — how I came back from the worst and turned it all around. And I plan to, but to ensure it all goes off without a hitch, I need someone like yourself on the inside relaying information to me.”
“You know what they would do to me if they found out?”
“I’m sure it can’t be much worse than what the gangs in this prison would if it came to their attention that you were a snitch.”
“You sonofabitch.”
He smiled, feeling at ease before her. One way or another he had her. “So you need to make sure that family of yours doesn’t know it’s you, no matter what. Think about it. Chew it over.” He leaned back in his seat, waiting for an answer. He didn’t think he could stop the two families warring but he could put a dent in their plans. Control of them was control over the county. So much of what occurred around here was because of their reputation and the activity of the two families. If he had any hope of holding the three towns together he needed help both from the Rikers and the Stricklands. He knew she was his way into their family but he’d yet to figure out who would help him with the Rikers. Word had it that Colby was returning. If he could get to him before the Rikers did, there was a chance he could be that person.
Nancy finished her coffee, rubbing her tongue over her yellow-stained teeth. She ran a hand through her ha
ir and looked around at the four walls. She was considering her options. Weighing the pros and cons like anyone might in her situation.
“Full immunity. You ensure my record is clean,” she said. “I don’t want to come back.”
“I guarantee it.”
“And what about the Rikers?”
“What do you mean?”
“What do you plan to do with them? You know it was them who killed my brothers.”
“I have a few things in mind. Leave that to me. There will be justice. I know you think I don’t care about the Stricklands. I do. The Rikers won’t get away with murdering anyone in this county any more than Hank will. Once I’m sure, I will tighten the noose.”
“And bring them here?”
“Maybe.”
“I don’t like it. What you’re doing. Not one bit.”
Dan laughed and glanced at his deputy then back at her. “What is there not to like about freedom, Nancy? Ten minutes from now you can be out of those drab jail clothes, and outside breathing the fresh air and enjoying a fine meal, drinking a beer and embracing your family.” He laid it on thick, getting her to imagine what it would be like. But it only worked in comparison. “Or, you can be moved to the maximum-security unit and be placed inside a confined cell for up to 23 hours a day. You and I know how long people last in there before they lose their minds. I would hate to do that to family.”
“You are a piece of work. I thought my father was bad but you’re just the same.”
A dead-serious expression formed. “No. The difference is, I’m trying to make this county better. Not bring it down like Hank or Martha. And I can assure you, Nancy. As long as I’m wearing this uniform, the feud between the Stricklands and the Rikers will not continue.”
She stared at him, almost confused by his response.
“But you’re one of us.”
“By association, as you so bluntly put it. Once I donned this uniform, I stopped being a part of the family. And so I will act accordingly. The question is, will you?”
Nancy squirmed, considering her helplessness in the face of the options.