Paradise (Aftershock Series Book 1)

by Michael R. Watson

  Surprising to Davis, Gant remained seated and unmoved. Davis’ smile faded and then quickly returned as he extended his hand over the desk. “Do we have a deal?”

  Gant didn’t reach for the governor’s hand, a blatant and obvious act of rejection. Davis lowered his hand. “It’s a very generous offer, Governor, but if I’m ordered to take the valley, no incentive is necessary.”

  Davis was baffled and becoming angry, his face beginning to turn red. “Then you’re refusing my offer?”

  “It’s not my intention to upset you, Governor. I just want to assure you that as long as I am here, you can count on me to do my duty.”

  “I appreciate your candor and your loyalty, Master Gant,” said Davis, baffled and upset at Gant’s unenthusiastic reaction to his well intentioned offer. “I’ll let you know when Damon returns and what he found.” Davis pretended to go back to paperwork on his desk, which Gant took to be his dismissal. The office had taken on a chilly quality, a distinct contrast to when he had first entered.

  * * *

  Each day, Gant anticipated Damon’s return. And he could see the stress affecting each member of his family. If they waited until he returned to make their escape, it would most likely be too late. Having never seen it personally, Gant was convinced the valley existed and knew that once Damon returned he would be ordered to take it for the governor. So, they had to leave before Damon got back, but not before they were ready.

  Unfortunately, things weren’t going as planned. Adam and Aaron had been reassigned to work in another area of the compound and hadn’t had the opportunity to copy the all-important key. Without access to the underground passageways, he began to contemplate option B. He had free reign outside the walls, but for his family to accompany him the reasoning would have to be plausible and not out of the ordinary. He concluded the most reasonable way would be to have the appearance of a family outing. Sunday was two days away. It was the one day of the week when most of the Guard were given free time. It would be the perfect time to take such a ride. He told Donna and his sons of the new plan. They wouldn’t be able to take much with them, only the bare essentials. But at the same time, they needed to bring enough food and water, inconspicuously, for a long journey. He asked his family to start saving things like bread from their meals. They’d have to conceal it in their clothing.

  Saturday evening, after the evening meal in the dining hall, the family joined together at the familiar picnic table in the central courtyard. Gant had noticed a change in the attitudes of his family over the last few day, an excitement and anticipation in their voices. It reminded him of a time years ago when getting ready for a vacation. But now, a serious question needed to be asked one last time.

  “Since tomorrow is the day we’ve been waiting for, I need to know if any of you has changed your mind about leaving and I need you to be completely honest. I won’t ask again. I promise.”

  Each of them exchanged looks. Donna spoke up, “We’re all ready to go, Daniel.” Gant received a nod of agreement from both boys who for once seemed to be taking the decision seriously.

  “Okay then, we’ll leave tomorrow morning as planned. We’ll meet for breakfast at 8:00 like we always do, then casually make our way to a buggy I’ll have waiting near the gate.” Seeing concern in their faces, Gant attempted to reassure them again, “It’s going to be alright. We’ve taken these kinds of outings before. There’s no reason for anyone to be suspicious.” He saw Adam and Aaron force a weak, but unconvincing smile. “After breakfast you’ll have time to go to your living quarters and gather up your food and water. Hide it as best as you can and we’ll meet you at the gate. Now, try to get a good night’s rest. You’re going to need it.”

  * * *

  In the dining hall they all sat together at one of the long community tables. There was chatter all around from the other diners, but the Gant’s were silent. Gant noticed Adam and Aaron were just picking at their food.

  “Better eat up, boys,” said their dad. He could have explained why, but he didn’t trust prying ears around them.

  “I don’t feel so good,” explained Adam.

  “Me either,” said Aaron.

  “You’ll be alright. It’s just nerves,” said Gant.

  One of the other diners turned around to see who was talking. Gant wasn’t surprised. Another case of prying ears. “Turn around and mind your own business!” he voiced loudly for all the surrounding diners to hear. Several, including the nosy one, got up with their trays and moved to other seats. Gant’s identity, out of uniform and on his day off, was unmistakable and an imposing figure anyway.

  “Donna, you feeling okay?” he asked.

  She nodded her head as she stood and grabbed her tray. “Let’s do this,” she announced matter-of-factly with determination.

  * * *

  The buggy was waiting at the gate as Gant had instructed. As was the case on every Sunday, he allowed skeleton crews to rotate on and off duty, giving his men more time with their families. He had already informed the guard at the gate of his intention for the day, just in case someone, like the governor, asked. Gant was proud of his family, behaving just as though it was any other outing.

  A mile from the compound Adam let out a “Yeah!” His brother echoed the sentiment.

  “Feeling better?” asked their dad, both he and Donna smiling at the reaction. “You might want to hold onto your excitement for a little longer, at least until we’re out of sight. We’re not out of danger just yet.”

  It was good to get away from the confines of the compound, but Donna always felt sad too when she saw the destroyed remains of homes and abandoned cars on both sides of the trail, only a reminder of what once had been. Sadly, some of the cars showed evidence of once being lived in.

  Five miles from the Sector 4 compound Gant stopped the buggy in the middle of the trail and turned to face his sons and wife.

  “I said I’d never ask again, but I’m going to mention it.” He paused. “We still have time to go back. As far as anyone back there knows, we are just on another Sunday outing. We can turn around and go back and no one will be the wiser. Any second thoughts?”

  “How many more times are you going to ask us, Dad?” asked Aaron.

  “Yeah, Dad, we said we wanted to go, so, let’s go,” said Adam, exasperated.

  Donna smiled and pointed down the trail. Gant flicked the reins and they continued on their journey to Paradise.

  * * *

  Chapter 18

  It was just past midday when Gant pulled back hard on the reins, bringing the buggy to an abrupt stop.

  “What’s wrong?” asked Donna.

  Gant kept his eyes on the trail ahead. “I’m not sure. There appears to be a rider coming this way.” He squinted, straining his eyes to see through the heat waves.

  “I see him, too,” announced Adam.

  Gant flicked the reins and they began to move forward again, now at a somewhat slower pace than before. The rider was getting closer.

  He cursed under his breath. “I was afraid this might happen,” said Gant.

  “What?” asked Donna.

  “I think it’s Damon, on his way back to make his report. Nothing’s changed. We’re still just on a Sunday outing. Just act normal. He’ll notice if anything seems out of the ordinary.”

  As the rider came close, Gant stopped the buggy. Damon smiled as he rode up beside them and stopped.

  “Lovely day for a ride,” commented Damon. “Hope you’re enjoying your Sunday. This is Sunday, isn’t it? I’ve lost track of time.” He looked directly at Donna. “Good to see you ma’am.” Then looking at their sons. “And your boys have really grown.” He and Gant had been under the governor’s direction since the beginning, but they’d never been close, and they’d never be friends. Suspicious by nature, he kept it cordial, all the time wondering why Gant and his family were so far out.

  “It is a nice day. How was your trip?” asked Gant, already knowing the answer.

  “
Very good,” answered Damon. “You’ll be happy to know everything Taylor said was true. You’ll probably be sent back there very soon.”

  It was then that Gant realized Taylor wasn’t with him.

  “I’m glad to hear it. By the way, where is Taylor?”

  “I’m afraid he had an unfortunate accident and didn’t make it.”

  Gant suspected what had happened and wasn’t surprised. Taylor had served his purpose and hadn’t been needed any more. Taylor had been a thorn in Gant’s side, but he hadn’t necessarily wanted him dead, just for him to go away. “Sorry to hear that.”

  “You’re kind of a long way out aren’t you?” asked Damon.

  “Not really. We’ll probably be turning back soon though,” replied Gant.

  “Maybe we could ride back together?” proposed Damon.

  “Thanks, but I think we’ll go a little further before we turn back. We still have the rest of the day and like you said, “It’s a lovely day for a ride.”

  Damon looked over each one individually and suspiciously. He smiled slyly. “Well, then I guess I’ll see you back there later.”

  “Sounds good,” said Gant, as he flicked the horse into motion.

  Damon sat stationary in the saddle as he watched them ride away.

  “Do you think he suspected anything?” asked Donna when they were out of earshot.

  “I don’t know,” answered Daniel. “Maybe we should pick up the pace just a little.”

  * * *

  Damon arrived at the front gate around suppertime. Tired and sore from all the time in the saddle, he opted to go to his living quarters first, before reporting to the governor. He knew how anxious Davis was to hear from him, but he needed to clean up first and relax just a moment. He washed away the dust and grime from his face and neck. The cool water on the back of his neck felt so good. He stared into the polished metal mirror, pleased at what he saw. His eyes closed momentarily as he braced himself against the basin.

  There were three loud knocks on his door. “Counselor! Are you in there?” Someone yelled from the hallway.

  Damon snapped awake, evidently having nodded off on his feet. It took only an instant for him to gather his senses.

  “Yes. What do you want?”

  “The governor would like to see you!” the person shouted.

  Irritated by the interruption, Damon walked to the door and flung it open. A young guard was standing nervously in front of him.

  “I’m sorry, sir,” he apologized. “The governor received word you were back.”

  Damon could see the young man was in distress. “I’ll be right there.”

  “Yes, sir.” Then he saluted, even though it wasn’t necessary, and waited.

  Damon could tell there was something else on his mind. “Yes, what is it?”

  “May I accompany you, sir?”

  Damon couldn’t resist a hint of a smile. The young man was obviously following orders. “Sure. Wait out here.” He changed into clothes more appropriate to his position, approving once again of his slightly distorted image in the mirror. He took a deep breath and walked out the door. “Let’s go,” he said to the young guard.

  The governor was pacing in his office when Damon arrived.

  “I’ve got it from here,” Damon told the guard, who nodded and then turned and left.

  Damon knocked and waited for permission to enter. He had worked under the governor since the beginning, but such acts of decorum were still expected. Davis stopped pacing when he saw it was his long-time counselor.

  “Come in, come in,” said Davis impatiently. “Where have you been? I heard you came through the gate an hour ago.”

  “I wanted to make myself presentable, sir.”

  “You know I’ve been waiting for your report.”

  “I’m sorry, Governor. I should have come directly to you. Would you like to hear my report now?”

  The governor glared at him. “Of course I want to hear it!” yelled Davis. “What did you find? Was Taylor telling the truth?”

  “It was everything he claimed it was with trees, crop fields, garden plots, a small lake, livestock, and people.”

  The governor’s eyes gleamed, looking over Damon’s head as though he was picturing it in his mind. A broad smile spread across his face. After several moments had passed he realized Damon was staring at him.

  “Was it heavily fortified? Were you discovered?” asked Davis.

  “There was only one sentry and he never saw us.”

  “Then Taylor was telling the truth about that, too. Where is Taylor?”

  “I’m afraid he won’t be coming back.” He made no attempt to explain.

  Davis detected a smirk on Damon’s face, dropping the subject. Taylor had already served his purpose.

  “As far as I can tell, Governor, our only resistance will be from the Raiders, if they should interfere again.”

  “This time it’ll be different,” said Davis. “This time we’ll be expecting them. Would you ask Master Gant to join us?”

  “I don’t believe he’s here right now. I met him and his family on the trail today on my way back.”

  The governor’s face showed concern. “Where were they going?”

  “Just out for a Sunday ride is what they said,” Damon said, implying it may not have been the truth.

  “Don’t you believe them?” asked the governor.

  “I don’t guess I have any reason not to.”

  Davis looked at Damon with a puzzled expression, but decided not to pursue it. He trusted Master Gant.

  “Well, let me know when he gets back. I’d like to talk to both of you. We have plans to make.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The governor, initially upset at Damon for not coming to him immediately, became cordial once again. He had received the good news he had been hoping for. All was forgiven. Things were about to change in a major way.

  “Have you eaten yet?” he asked.

  “Not yet, sir.”

  “Tell the kitchen I said to prepare you a nice thick, juicy steak. You deserve it for doing such a fine job.”

  “Thank you, sir. And I’ll bring Gant with me as soon as he returns.” Inside, Damon was fuming from being rewarded like an obedient dog by the condescending oaf. He didn’t need his permission to have anything he wanted from the kitchen.

  * * *

  Damon had sent word to the guard at the front gate to notify him immediately on Master Gant’s return. The sun had set some two hours earlier and there still hadn’t been any sign of Gant or his family. He expected to be summoned by a displeased governor at any moment, sure the governor was growing impatient.

  Damon went to Gant’s living quarters, calling past the privacy curtain, and after receiving no reply, went in. No one was there and nothing looked out of the ordinary, nothing to indicate anything suspicious. He went to the front gate where a different guard from earlier stood watch. The guard had been made aware of the order left with the previous guard. Gant and his family had not returned. Damon cursed. It was time to report Gant’s absence to Governor Davis before being summoned. He hoped Davis would appreciate the gesture.

  The governor was at his desk, as he almost always was, when Damon entered his doorway. Davis immediately jumped up and shot around his desk. “It’s about time you two showed up!” Then as Damon entered his office, Davis noticed that he was alone. “Where’s Master Gant?”

  “He hasn’t returned yet.”

  The governor’s jaw dropped as he pulled out his father’s wind-up pocket watch and checked the time. Master Gant played a major role in Davis’ plans, from keeping order to motivating the workers to handing out the governor’s justice. And now, more than ever, his abilities were necessary to claim the valley. Without Gant, his entire scheme and future plans were in jeopardy.

  “Something must have gone wrong. Send the Guard to search for him. They could have broken down or been attacked by Raiders. Gant should have known better.”

  “It’s
dark, sir. It’ll be almost impossible to see anything until morning.”

  “They could be in trouble. So, do as I said and send a squad of the Guard to search for them now. Understand?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  As Damon left, Governor Davis plopped back down into his large leather over-stuffed chair, tired and dejected. He opened the lower right-hand drawer of his desk and removed a never-opened bottle of scotch. He’d been saving the rare treat for a very different occasion, one of celebration, but at this moment it seemed appropriate.

  * * *

  Gant drove the buggy through the night. He was amused and amazed at how easily his boys had been able to sleep sitting up in the back as they bounced along the rough trail. Donna had stayed awake and alert, watching for anything out of the ordinary while keeping her husband company. They stopped briefly a couple of times to water the horse and let it rest. He had found a couple of windmills not far off the trail by following the sound of ungreased squeaky bearings. Only one was pumping water, the other one was either dry or something was wrong inside the well. Perhaps another victim of the earthquakes. Animal tracks surrounded the working well. It appeared there were still some cattle around, along with deer and an assortment of smaller animals. It was an oasis worth remembering in the wasteland.

  Most landowners were long gone, leaving when their homes had been destroyed by the quakes. A few, however, had stuck it out, living in one-room shacks or tents, trying to survive by living off the land. Without gasoline or diesel, their tractors were no more than eerie metal sculptures in the over-grown fields. However, some had planted small gardens near some of the windmills. These survivors were a sturdy bunch, the ones you had to watch out for. They were naturally suspicious of strangers, liked to be left alone, and were very protective of what little they had left. Gant had been cautious when approaching these places. Any owners still around would likely play it safe and shoot first at anyone they considered to be a threat, whether they were or not.