Paradise (Aftershock Series Book 1)

by Michael R. Watson

  “We can’t just sit here. We have to do something. And it’s not going to change anything by waiting on the others.”

  “Then let’s go. Maybe when they see us coming they’ll tuck their tails and run away.”

  They whipped their horses into a full gallop, intent on saving Gant and his family. He’d been more than their leader, he’d looked out for them and they owed him for making their jobs bearable. There had been times when they had been ordered to do things for the governor that had turned their stomachs. Gant had helped them to see the big picture and get through it, to cope for their families sake.

  * * *

  Ryder didn’t hear another shot, but he saw the dust cloud behind them, coming their way. The riders seemed to be slowing with the dust cloud settling. He recognized the tan uniforms.

  “We’ll never outrun them,” admitted Darby. “And there’s too many of them.”

  “I know. So, what do you suggest?” asked Ryder.

  Darby paused while he ran through their options in his mind. “Why don’t we just leave them here? We don’t owe them anything and the buggy can’t go where we can. Besides, it’s them the Guard are after.”

  Ryder didn’t like the idea of deserting them and by their reaction neither did the Gants. Ryder needed to decide and to be quick about it. The Guard was getting closer. “Sorry, but I have to agree with my friend. We’re going to let the Guard have you back.” Ryder and his companions turned to ride away.

  “Wait!” shouted Gant, his dream slipping away.

  They stopped and Ryder turned back. “What?”

  “Let me talk to them. We don’t want to go back,” pleaded Gant. “We can’t go back.”

  Ryder was still suspicious of Gant’s intentions. Was this another ruse to find the way to the valley for the governor? Just more deceit?

  “We’ll be one-half mile down the trail. If you can convince them to let you go, then you can catch up. Of course you realize that by doing so, you’ll be labeling yourself as a traitor to the Guard and the governor.

  “We’d already accepted that,” said Gant.

  “We’ll give you half an hour. If you haven’t convinced them by then, you’re not going to. I don’t suspect we’ll see you again.”

  “We have to go!” urged Darby, watching as the Guard continued to close the gap.

  All four riders turned and raced away. Gant and his family jumped down from the buggy, waiting for the guards to arrive.

  When the Guard saw the kidnappers ride away, leaving the Gants in the middle of the trail, apparently unharmed, there were exclamations of victory throughout their ranks. They had successfully saved their mentor and leader. As they stopped abruptly behind the buggy, their cloud of dust followed, covering everyone there. The entire Guard unit jumped down from their horses, all smiles, rushing up to check on the condition of the family.

  “Are you all right?” asked the leader, Jason. “We were afraid the kidnappers might do something drastic when they saw us.”

  Daniel and Donna exchanged glances. They weren’t being captured, they were being rescued. “We’re fine.” Gant should have said thank you, but he couldn’t. He would have preferred they hadn’t pursued them at all.

  “We’re so glad to find all of you all right,” said Jason. “After we rest we can head back. Everyone is going to be so glad to see you. Especially Governor Davis.”

  This was not the encounter Gant had envisioned.

  Jason sensed something was wrong. Donna and the boys didn’t appear happy or thankful, but almost disappointed. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  Gant wasn’t going to prolong the news, coming right out with it, “We’re not going back.”

  The men broke out in laughter. He was joking and it wouldn’t be the first time.

  “I’m serious. We’ve decided to leave Sector 4.” Gant wasn’t smiling.

  The laughter died away and grins were replaced by frowns of confusion.

  “What about the kidnappers?” one rider asked.

  “They weren’t kidnappers, they were our escorts,” explained Gant, “to a better place, where we intend to start a new life.”

  “You’re not serious, are you?” asked another man, unbelief in his voice.

  The other team of riders rode up, also glad to see Gant and his family were safe. They too became confused when informed of Gant’s announcement.

  A man from the second team, Travis, made his way forward until he was facing Gant. “Is it true?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  Travis turned his back to Gant, facing the other men. “We were ordered by the governor to find Gant and bring him back and that’s exactly what we should do. Personally, I don’t care if he comes back or not, but we have our orders. I’m sure the governor would especially like to see him now that we know he’s a traitor.”

  “No!” shouted Jason. “If Master Gant goes back, it’ll be his decision. We owe him that much. And I don’t want there to be any more talk about him being a traitor.”

  “If you turn on your own people and go to the other side, you’re a traitor!” shouted Travis, loud enough for all to hear.

  Jason faced Gant to talk to him directly, “No one needs to know anything about your decision to leave. As far as everyone else back at Sector 4 knows you were kidnapped and we were able to rescue you. Just come back with us and everything will be just like it was before. No one here will say anything different.”

  “I… or we appreciate the gesture, Jason, but we’ve made up our minds,” said Gant. “We believe there is something better out here.”

  Travis had always been gung-ho with a chip on his shoulder, although no one knew the reason why. His fellow guards had learned over time to keep their distance. He had made it clear early on he wasn’t interested in making friends. His aggressive bullying had earned him a reputation with the citizens too, avoiding contact whenever possible. He was the one member of the Guard who actually enjoyed handing out punishment when it was called for.

  “I don’t know why you’re even discussing it,” said Travis, “we’re taking them back with us because that’s what the governor wants.

  “No,” said Jason, calmly this time, “it’s up to them and they’ve made their decision.”

  Travis pulled his pistol and pointed it at Gant. “He’s going back. Who else is with me?” he asked, looking for support from the surrounding guards.

  There was silence from the others and then Travis felt a gun in his side. He looked down at it. “What are you doing?” he asked Jason. “I’ll report you for this!”

  Jason took the pistol from Travis’s hand. “Report me for what? It’s your word against all of ours. Who do you think the governor is going to believe? It’s a shame we couldn’t find Gant or his family. The kidnappers didn’t leave a trace.”

  Travis couldn’t believe his ears. “You’re going to side with a traitor against one of your own? Then you’re a traitor too!”

  Jason backhanded Travis with him stumbling and falling to the ground. Travis’s face turned a bright red, not from being struck but from the rage that was building.

  “You were warned. I told you I didn’t want to hear that word again. And what we’re doing is siding with friends,” replied Jason who then turned to Gant.

  “Thank you,” said Gant, shaking Jason’s hand, “from all of us. If I was able, I’d ask all of you to go with me. Maybe someday I’ll be able to.”

  “Don’t worry about us, we’ll be fine. But keep in mind, the governor may send us back out to look for you again.”

  Travis refused to listen to another word as he picked himself up off the ground and stormed off yelling over his shoulder, “We’ll see who the governor believes!”

  Some of the men looked at Jason for direction as Travis strode hastily past them to his horse.

  “Stop him!” he ordered.

  Immediately, the men nearest Travis grabbed him, refusing to let go as he tried to fight free.

  “You better go
now,” Jason told Gant.

  Gant looked toward Travis.

  “Don’t worry about him,” said Jason. “If we can’t convince him to go along, he might have an accident before we get back.” He paused. “I hope everything works out for you and your family. God bless.”

  Gant remembered Ryder had given him half an hour before they would leave. Time was running out. He had his family load back into the buggy, gave Jason and the others a smile and a nod, then drove away.

  Donna had witnessed first-hand how much his men admired and respected her husband, willing to go out on a limb for him. It gave her a sense of pride. She could also see how it was affecting him. “You’re very lucky to have friends like them,” she said.

  “I never wanted to get them involved. I owe those men.”

  “Maybe you’ll have the opportunity to repay them.”

  “That would be nice. But first, I’m going to get you and the boys to the valley.”

  * * *

  Chapter 20

  Gant thought he could hear church bells begin to ring over and over in the near distance. He pulled back on the reins and stopped to silence the noise of the horse and buggy. His mind hadn’t been playing tricks on him, they were church bells. A broad smile appeared across his face. They were close.

  Ryder rode back to them. “Let’s go. We’re almost there.”

  Gant looked at Donna who was silently sobbing, tears streaming down her cheeks. He wrapped his huge burly arm around her and pulled her close. Gant looked to the back seat. His sons were asleep again in the most uncomfortable and awkward looking positions.

  “Boys! Wake up! We’re here!” he shouted.

  Adam and Aaron awoke, slowly stretching their tired and stiff muscles as they sat up.

  “I don’t see anything,” complained Adam.

  “Yeah, Dad, me either. Are you messin’ with us?” asked Aaron.

  “Hear those bells? That’s where we’re going,” answered their mom.

  Ryder waited for them to start moving again while the others rode ahead. Gant flicked the reins and they once again began to move. He noticed the other riders had disappeared from sight. Ryder, who was now riding beside them, saw the puzzled look on their faces and smiled. It amused him every time he saw that same look from newcomers.

  “You’re about to see something truly amazing,” said Ryder. Since he’d left to see what the rest of the world had to offer, he’d had a deeper appreciation for what he’d had at the valley.

  Suddenly, the flat, sandy, desolate plain opened wide to reveal a luscious green valley with trees, grass, fields, and even a small lake.

  Ryder realized he hadn’t been fishing since leaving and he missed being able to relax. He loved coming back. Ryder led them down the switchback trail into the valley.

  As they neared the bottom Gant and his family had a better view of what laid below the canopy of the trees, revealing neat rows of small houses and a small crowd of people coming toward them. The people were of all ages, young and old. Seeing folks with gray hair caused Gant and Donna to wonder about their own parents. Once the devastation of the quakes had started, they had lost touch, not knowing what had happened to them.

  Everything Gant could see far exceeded what he had expected. He was overjoyed to see Samuel, his old friend, leading the group of people toward them. He brought the buggy to a stop and jumped down, grabbing Samuel’s hand and shaking it enthusiastically. “Thank you for inviting us, Samuel.”

  Samuel pulled him close for a huge hug. “I’m glad you changed your mind. You and your family are welcome in Paradise.”

  Gant had never heard anyone refer to the valley as that before, but saw how appropriate it was. He couldn’t help but smile at their good fortune. Gant introduced Donna and the boys and Samuel introduced Emma. Several of the others were introduced, but they were so overwhelmed at the welcome, they didn’t remember any of their names.

  Initially, the crowd had been eager to meet the new family, but as murmurs spread through the crowd their attitude took on a chill and people began to turn away to return to their houses. Samuel noticed the change as did Gant and his family.

  “Please, don’t be shy. Come and welcome these new members to our community,” encouraged Samuel.

  “Why is he here?” I yelled from the back of the crowd. “It’s Master Gant from Sector 4,” informing the others.

  The smiles on Gant’s and Donna’s faces faded away. He hadn’t known whether he would be recognized by the people in the valley or not, but he had hoped he’d be given the chance to start over without being judged too harshly. Without knowing the outcome, he’d felt the rewards would be worth taking the chance. Evidently, his reputation had preceded him. Unfortunately, now here, some had recognized him and had chosen to voice their displeasure. In a matter of minutes everyone in the crowd knew who he was, and he wasn’t welcome. A murmur from the crowd grew into a rumble.

  “He shouldn’t be here,” I shouted.

  Samuel held up both hands high into the air to silence the crowd. As the rumble died away, Samuel climbed up into the buggy so everyone could see him. “Wait!” Some who had begun to walk away turned around, recognizing his voice.

  “Is this any way to treat our new neighbors?” asked Samuel. “I happen to know some of you have pasts you’d just as soon forget. And you were accepted.” There were a few individuals who looked sheepishly at the ground.

  I made my way to the front of the crowd. “I don’t know about anyone else, but I know he shouldn’t be here. Not after the things he’s done.”

  “You’re not being fair, John,” said Samuel. “I’ve known Daniel a long time and I can assure you he’s a good man. I wouldn’t have invited him here if he wasn’t.”

  Hearing Samuel admit inviting Gant to Paradise stirred a sound of grumbling from the crowd. They hadn’t known Gant was there by invitation. What had Samuel been thinking? How could he think they would go along with this, without asking them first?

  “Doesn’t everyone deserve a second chance?” continued Samuel, attempting to persuade the crowd to accept them. “He and his family just want a fresh start. Is forgiveness so hard to give? What do you say?” Samuel waited for a response.

  Gant stood silently with his family close by, now apprehensive about their awkward situation.

  Ryder shouted from off to the side while leaning nonchalantly against a tree, “I don’t trust him. He works for Governor Davis. I agree with John, he shouldn’t be here.”

  Samuel started to reply, but Gant asked, “May I speak?”

  Samuel smiled and nodded. He climbed down from the buggy and Gant climbed up. Looking into the faces of the crowd, he could see they’d already made up their minds. Even so, they were all staying to hear what he had to say.

  “Most of you don’t know me, but you’ve heard of me. My name is Daniel Gant. And what was said is partially true, I did work for the governor and I have done some things I’m not proud of, but I’m not going to apologize. Everything I did was so I could take care of my family. But we left all of that behind. Now, I’m asking for a fresh start for me and my family. We’d like a chance to show you we’re good people and that we can contribute to this community. We can’t go back. Our future is in your hands. Please, give us a chance.”

  “Very touching,” commented Ryder, clapping his hands in mock admiration. “It might mean more if your men hadn’t been responsible for the disposal of everyone over forty, like John here.”

  “We were only following orders. I hated it and didn’t always agree with it, but I also understood why it was done, so the young people could survive.” The murmurs began again. “But, I couldn’t be a part of it any more. It’s one of the reasons why we left.”

  “I still don’t think you should be here,” repeated Ryder. “And if you’re allowed to stay, I think it’ll be a big mistake.” He looked at his dad. “But it’s not up to me. You were invited here by my father, and besides, I don’t even live here.”

 
; Sarah joined me at my side. She had been listening from the back. “John, I’d like them to stay,” she whispered. “Samuel let you come back to Sector 4 for us and gave us a chance for a fresh start. Maybe he knows something about Master Gant that we don’t.”

  “It’s not the same thing,” he replied softly, confused by her reasoning.

  “Yes, it is. And if he doesn’t deserve a second chance, his family does.”

  He began to think about what she had just said as Samuel switched places with Gant on the buggy.

  “You’ve all heard my son’s opinion. Is there anyone else who would like to speak up?” There were a lot of looks exchanged between the crowd members, but no one else was willing to speak up.

  “John?” asked Samuel, “How about you? Anything to add?”

  “Yes, there is.” I paused. “It’s been pointed out to me that whatever is decided not only affects Gant but his entire family. And we shouldn’t judge or condemn an entire family by one man’s actions. My wife and I are willing to give them a second chance.”

  Samuel saw a few heads nodding in agreement. Ryder threw his hands into the air and stormed off. It seemed as though there were no further objections to the Gant’s staying.

  Samuel climbed back down. “Well then,” he said to the Gants, smiling, “we need to get you settled in so you can rest up from your long trip. Follow me.”

  Sarah came up to Donna and extended her hand. “My name is Sarah. Welcome. We’re new here too. So, we know some of what you’re going through.”

  Donna threw her arms around Sarah, tears coming to her eyes, while giving her a warm hug. “Thank you!”

  The family collected the few items they’d brought in the buggy. Levi, who had been quietly standing nearby, took the reins to lead the horse and buggy off to the stable. Gant started to object.

  “They’ll be okay,” said Samuel. “Levi will take good care of them. Gant nodded. Samuel took them to the community building where Emma had already prepared a meal. They ate quickly while Samuel and Emma looked on. They’d been hungry, but other things were on their minds.