Hangman's Army: Lake Of Sins, #3

by L. S. O'Dea

“But...but.”

  “No buts, Trinity.” Hugh’s voice was no longer teasing. “You wanted a war and you got one. Jason will send his soldiers and we have to be ready. All these lives are now in our hands. Many will die, but it won’t be because I didn’t do everything I could to prevent it and that includes having them trained by the best.”

  His words warmed her belly at the same time that they sent a chill down her spine. She’d be equally to blame for their deaths. She didn’t want this. It was too much responsibility. Her fear must have shown on her face for Hugh took her hand again, after a quick glance over her shoulder.

  “It’ll be okay. You’ll do great and remember that most of Jason’s soldiers have never seen a real battle.”

  “But they’ve been trained, right?”

  “Yes, but not in forest warfare. Jason’s soldiers are city Guards. His commanding officers don’t know the forest. No one in his army knows the woods. With you and our collective knowledge we have an advantage and that’s how we’ll win this war.”

  CHAPTER 59: JETHRO

  JETHRO KNOCKED ON THE door. His ceremonial robes felt heavy and hot against his skin. He’d met Jason, the Supreme Almighty before at Conguise’s house, but this was an official summons. It probably had to do with the Producer Camps. He still hadn’t sent anyone to the Warehouse District. He’d reported that the sickness in the camps had kept him from sending anyone to slaughter because he didn’t want to risk selling tainted meat. The Supreme Almighty had obviously not believed the story because he’d sent one of his soldiers, Captain Calvin Folgrant, for a tour of the camps. Folgrant must’ve reported back that the sickness was mild. Jethro had taken the captain to all the homes where Producers were ill. Of course, the stupid creatures had pretended to feel great. He’d hoped that Folgrant had seen through that pretense.

  “You may enter,” said a male voice from behind the door.

  He straightened his robe. It felt heavier now than it had a few minutes ago. He would’ve thought that stripping a family of their business and home would be a private, unofficial affair but lately he’d realized that he’d been wrong about many things. He wasn’t sure how he’d tell his Mom and Kim that they were losing their home, but they’d survive. He’d find work doing something. He didn’t care what. He’d do whatever he had to do in order to take care of his family. His father would’ve wanted that.

  He opened the door and stepped inside. Jason was seated behind a large desk. Captain Folgrant sat to Jason’s left and Conguise to his right. A slight wave of relief washed through him at the sight of the professor. At least he had one friend in the room.

  “Come forward,” said Jason, his face grave.

  He moved across the room, stopping a few feet from the desk.

  The Supreme Almighty sighed. “Something needs to be done about your family’s business.”

  He nodded as his stomach roiled. He would not throw up. He was stronger than that. He didn’t want to be stuck running the camps like his father had been, but he didn’t want to lose them either. He wouldn’t admit that he didn’t like the thought of the Producers being sent to the Warehouse District. Yes, he ate meat. Craved it sometimes, but he didn’t want to be responsible for killing that meat.

  “Cal has reported his findings.” The Supreme Almighty looked at the captain. “Summarize for him.”

  Captain Folgrant was middle aged and fit with hair so gray that Jethro couldn’t distinguish the original color, but he wasn’t the brightest Almighty.

  “I’ve never seen camps so filthy and overrun,” said Cal, a superior tone to his voice.

  Jethro stiffened. It was one thing to have his family’s business insulted by the Supreme Almighty and quite another to have this dimwit do it.

  “I can’t blame your Producers for escaping,” said Cal.

  “How did you know about the escapes? I was going to report it today.” He wasn’t, but that didn’t matter. He’d known when he’d found the hole. He’d gone back to the camp alone that night and had been told who’d escaped. He’d been planning on reporting that the young Producers had succumbed to the sickness. Good thing he hadn’t sent that message.

  “Cal did a count at your camps. He’s an expert with numbers. You were missing six from the East Side Producer Camp.” Jason studied Jethro. “That was part of Cal’s mission. He also reported that the sickness is true.”

  Jethro’s knees wavered. It was wrong but he was thankful for the illness sweeping through the camps. “We’re buying medicine as we can afford it, but now, you understand why we can’t send anyone to the Warehouse District.”

  “You need to cull them,” said Cal. “The sickness is only going to spread with the camps in that condition.”

  “We can’t afford to do that.” He wasn’t going to kill the Producers for no reason, sending them to slaughter for consumption was bad enough.

  “You can’t afford not to,” said Cal.

  “Enough,” said Conguise. “That isn’t why we’re here. Jason, please get on with this. There’s no sense berating the boy over things for which he wasn’t responsible.”

  “Jethro may have just returned from school but it’s time he proves his worth.” The Supreme Almighty was angry, but his focus was on Conguise.

  The two Almightys stared at each other for several moments as if in a silent battle of wills. Conguise lowered his eyes a fraction and then looked back at Jethro. His heart sank. Whatever his fate, it’d been decided and he had no one on his side.

  Jason rubbed his chin for a moment. “As I said, something has to be done about your family business.”

  He was pretty sure his face was turning white because his blood seemed to be rushing from his body. They’d force him to cull the camps. He gritted his teeth. He’d accept his fate. It was his heritage. As he tried to convince himself that it was an honorable living, every cell in his body rebelled. He saw his future—year after year of making the Harvest List, visiting the camps, overseeing the slaughter. He should escape into the forest, find Little One and beg her forgiveness. The death of his father hadn’t been her fault or his, but it’d been easier to stay away from her if he blamed her. His dad would be disappointed in him for being attracted to someone from another class. It was bad enough that Kim had been in a relationship with Jackson, but both of Benedictine Remore’s children wanting someone from another class was too much. He couldn’t dishonor his father that way. He’d failed to save his dad the Night of the Trackers; he wouldn’t fail him again.

  “Before I decide if you should step into your father’s shoes,” said Jason

  He glanced up. There was still hope.

  Jason looked at Conguise and Cal again. “We want to see how you do in the field.”

  He frowned. He didn’t know how to grow crops. They had Producers for that.

  “You’re to assist me in capturing your escaped Producers.” Cal stood, glancing at the other two Almightys. “Then, if you’re useful in that task”—he looked at Jethro as if that was highly unlikely—“you’ll assist me in capturing the other escaped Producers, House Servants and Guards.”

  “There were escapes at the other camps?” He fought a grin. He hadn’t expected that. He’d thought the escapes from his camp were because it was Trinity’s home.

  “Yes. Several of the camps in the area lost Producers the same day as”—Jason’s face reddened—“the shelter robberies.”

  He almost snorted. Robbery? Hardly. The freeing of the Servants and Guards from all the shelters hadn’t surprised him. It was smart and unexpected, but the freeing of the Producers too, now that was a stroke of genius. They were going to have a difficult time catching Hugh and his followers, especially with soldiers like Cal in charge. It’d be fun to watch and he was going to have a front row seat. His life had just become a lot more interesting. “When should I report for duty?”

  “Duty? You’re not joining the army. You’re assisting me with the capture of your property.” Cal sent a smirk over his shoulder at Jason
and Conguise. “Don’t worry about the battles and war. I’m sure you won’t be with us when we capture the fugitives.”

  He kept his face impassive. He’d been sneered at by kids his entire life. He knew how to handle bullies. “Of course. I’m sorry.” He glanced at Conguise who was clearly amused and then stared directly at Cal. “It’s an honor and privilege to be asked to participate. Thank you for assisting me with this. If my father were alive, he would’ve known how to capture the escapees, but I have no knowledge of such things and look forward to learning.” He was laying it on pretty thick but the captain didn’t seem to notice.

  “Great,” said Jason, as amused as Conguise. “Cal, when are you leaving?”

  “Meet me tomorrow morning at your camp. We’ll start then.” Cal walked to the door and stopped. He reached inside his shirt pocket and pulled out a list. He handed it to Jethro. “Pack a bag. We may be in the forest for a few days.”

  He perused the list—rope, canteen, change of clothes, food, blanket, knife, etc. “Thank you. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  As soon as Cal left, Jason said, “Sit down, my boy.”

  Conguise stood moving his chair to the front of the desk, so Jethro did the same with Cal’s vacated seat.

  “You can take off the robe.” Jason shrugged out of his, draping it across the back of his chair. “Damn hot, those things.”

  Conguise also removed his, folding it neatly and placing it on a corner of the desk. Jethro folded his too, although he wanted to toss it into the fire that flickered across the room. He wasn’t made for robes and society. He was happier outside in the open, always had been. He sat, placing the garment on the floor next to him. Conguise eyed it for a moment, frowning but remaining silent.

  Jason walked to the liquor cabinet, filled three glasses, handed one to each of the other two and tossed back his entire drink. “Ah.” He went back to the liquor cabinet but this time he brought the bottle with him. “Anyone?”

  “No, thank you. I have to be up early tomorrow.” Jethro took a sip. It was good and he was tempted to have a couple but it wouldn’t be worth the headache in the morning.

  “About that.” Jason’s eyes met Conguise’s for a second. “Cal is not completely aware of what we expect from you.”

  “Oh.” He glanced at the professor who was watching him closely.

  “No,” said Jason. “We’re under no assumptions that capturing Hugh and his lower-class companions will be easy. The forest is their domain. We’ll be fighting and living in enemy territory.”

  Jason was right. The Guards and Servants were much more adept at forest life than Almightys. “But your soldiers are Guards.” Only the commanding officers were Almightys in the Protective Services.

  “That’s true,” said Jason. “But we haven’t fought a war in some time. We train but that’s not the same as the real thing.”

  He took another sip. He wasn’t sure what this had to do with him.

  “Cal thinks this war will be cut and dry. Over before it starts. Cal is short sighted.” Jason finished his drink and poured another. “We want you to watch Cal and learn whatever you can from him.”

  Jethro’s skin prickled. His instincts screamed that this was a trap, but he couldn’t flee. “Why?” He was surprised that his voice was steady.

  “Soon, we’ll be giving you your own soldiers to lead.” Jason held up his glass for a toast.

  Conguise frowned but moved forward with his drink. Jethro hesitated and then leaned in too. They tapped glasses and all took a drink.

  “Thank you.” He paused. “I appreciate it. I do, but—”

  “We know you have no experience,” said Conguise, speaking for the first time. “But, I’m sure that you’ll adapt to the forest and fighting like you took to all sports. You’ll learn fast and excel.”

  “I...I...don’t know. Fighting and battles are different than swimming and track.”

  “You’ll do fine.” Jason took a large gulp of his drink.

  “But what if I don’t?”

  Jason’s face hardened as his eyes went first to Conguise and then to Jethro. “Then we’ve all failed.”

  “No. Then we’ve moved too quickly,” said Conguise. “He can’t be expected to perform with no training.”

  “That’s exactly what is expected,” said Jason. “What was promised.”

  Jethro wasn’t following this conversation. He looked at his empty glass. He wasn’t drunk. There hadn’t been that much in there and his head felt fine.

  “We’re getting ahead of ourselves,” said Conguise, his tone calmer now. “Jethro, go and learn the art of war. Cal may be shortsighted about this conflict but he’s one of our best leaders. You’ll learn a lot and if you don’t,”—his eyes went to Jason—“we’ll have another conversation.”

  Jason tipped his newly filled glass in agreement.

  Jethro hesitated. He had to ask. “What if I don’t want to lead an army?” Catching his escaped Producers was one thing. He wasn’t going to hurt them and their parents were worried, but waging war against Jackson, Hugh and Trinity...He wasn’t ready for that. He didn’t agree with everything they did and stood for, but he didn’t want to capture or kill any of them.

  “You believe that what they did was right?” Conguise frowned.

  “No. Guards and Servants can’t run free. It isn’t safe.” The areas that had been controlled by the Servants and Guards were the most dangerous in the city.

  “Then what’s your problem?” Jason’s tone was no longer friendly.

  “Is it because of that Guard who used to belong to you?” Conguise studied him.

  Jethro tightened his jaw to keep from betraying any emotion. The professor knew him well and was good at spotting his lies. “No. He betrayed us.”

  “Your sister especially.” Jason’s tone was sly.

  “Those were rumors. Lies.” Kim had no idea what she’d done to their family when she’d had relations with Jackson. He’d gotten into many fights in college defending her name.

  “Of course.” Jason’s eyes were amused.

  “Then why don’t you want to lead an army?” asked Conguise.

  Because Mom and Kim will never forgive me. Because I don’t want to fight my old friends. “I may be terrible at it and lead soldiers to their death.” That was the best he could come up with and it was partially true.

  “We have plenty of Guards. Don’t worry about a few deaths. All leaders lose some at first.” Jason took another drink.

  Jethro didn’t move. Conguise was still watching him. He couldn’t let the professor know that Jason’s statement had turned his stomach, making him want to punch the Supreme Almighty in the throat until the man could never take another sip of alcohol.

  “We are a bit short on Guards now,” said Conguise.

  “You’re right. Damn Hugh Truent,” said Jason. “I should’ve killed him in court. I could’ve ordered a gun removed from storage and court-martialed him as soon as the verdict was read.”

  “Jethro, we won’t give you an army to lead unless we feel you’ll do well. We’ll have reports from Cal to guide us in your progress.” Conguise smiled. “Trust me. Cal isn’t one to praise anyone but himself so we’ll be informed about every mistake you make.”

  The tension eased from his shoulders a bit. He may be able to get out of this after all.

  “But if you fail”—Jason’s eyes were on Conguise again—“there will be questions that need answers and programs that get cut.”

  “He will not fail.” Conguise looked at him. “Will you, my boy?”

  It was clear. The time had come for him to choose. His old friends or the man who had helped him walk and had been there for him these last years like a father. His real dad would be proud to have his son in the military. It was a step up from running Producer Camps. “I won’t fail you, Professor.”

  See what happens next in Betrayed:

  https://books2read.com/u/4AgnKo

  Thanks for reading Lake of Sins: Han
gman’s Army. I hope you enjoyed the story.

  If you liked the story, please leave a review on any of the other ebook vendors. You can find the links on my website: www.lsodea.com

  See what happens next in Betrayed: Lake Of Sins Book 4 and, check out my other books. An excerpt from Chimera Chronicles: Rise of the River Man. Both are right after the Characters section on the next page.

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  CHARACTERS

  Adam: A young, male Producer, House Servant and Almighty. Trinity’s younger brother who was taken when he was three for a special “List”. Tim and Millie’s son.

  Afar: A middle-aged, male House Servant. Is owned by Professor Conguise and works as a butler.

  Allied Classes: Name of the rebels.

  Almighty: The ruling class. They are between five and six feet tall. Generally, have dark hair and white skin.

  Arthur: very young, male Producer, House Servant and Almighty. Son to Tim and Millie. Brother to Trinity.

  Avions: Small, winged creatures about the size of a loaf of bread. They have feathers and beak but can speak. They are typically very gossipy.

  Barney: An elderly, male House Servant. Tim’s father and Trinity’s grandfather.

  Bell: A Lead Producer. He belongs to the Remore family and lives in one of their encampments. He is the father of Mirabelle.

  Benedictine Remore: A middle aged, male Almighty. He ran the Producer encampment where Trinity lived and the Handler and Tracker camps. Wife Martha. He is the father to Jethro and Kim.