Paradise (Aftershock Series Book 1)

by Michael R. Watson

  “Let me show you where you’ll be staying temporarily,” said Samuel.

  Gant and Donna exchanged looks, reading each other’s minds. “We’re too excited to rest,” said Gant. “We want to see everything.”

  “Sure,” said Samuel, understanding their excitement and just as anxious to show them.

  Gant had tried to describe the valley to Donna and his sons just as it had been described to him, but none of what he’d heard had done it justice. They were overwhelmed with all the valley had to offer, bombarding Samuel with rapid-fire questions on their guided tour. The boys, growing up in the prison-wall environment for the last five years, had forgotten how much better it was to be in the outdoors, free and unconfined. They hadn’t been allowed outside the compound walls unless accompanied by their dad. And here, the air had no lingering foul stale odors. They breathed in deeply. This had been a good decision.

  When the tour was over, Samuel led them back to Town Hall where they would be staying in the same upstairs room where John and the others had stayed when they’d first arrived. Finding the cots inviting, Adam and Aaron were soon asleep, not a surprise to their parents. Gant and Donna were too excited to even try. They stayed late, sitting on the front porch, talking about their expectations and dreams for their new life. Eventually, they too grew tired, moved back upstairs, and fell asleep seconds after laying their heads down.

  * * *

  The Guard returned to Sector 4, after an understanding had been reached with Travis that there would be no trouble from him with no mention of seeing Gant and his family. And in return for his silence he wouldn’t be beaten to a pulp and he’d be allowed to return to his duties without repercussions.

  Jason pulled aside a few of the men and asked them to spread the word to keep an eye on Travis. None of them knew him well enough to trust him completely. He had always kept to himself. They had to at least consider the possibility he would turn on them. But as Jason had explained, it was his word against all of theirs. However, it would be best if a confrontation in front of the governor and the counselor could be avoided altogether.

  After taking care of his horse, Travis headed straight for his living quarters. He could sense watchful eyes following him. He entered his room, waited, and then peeked into the hallway. Empty, he crept toward the governor’s office. Two of the guards stepped out into his path. He lowered his shoulder and hit the gap between them, knocking them aside. He went through a doorway, slamming and locking the door behind him. He stopped long enough to smirk at them through the door’s reinforced window glass. The guards pounded on the door trying to make enough of a commotion for someone to notice and come to their aid.

  Successful, heads popped out of several living quarter doorways as Travis ran by. Tentatively, one of the clueless individuals rushed to the door and unlocked it. The pursuing guards burst through the door, rushing past the other onlookers, continuing the pursuit. Travis was almost to the governor’s office.

  “Travis! Stop!” one of the guards shouted.

  He ignored their hail, bursting into Davis’ office.

  Damon and the governor had been listening to Jason give his report on their rescue mission.

  “What’s the meaning of this?” demanded Governor Davis, extremely irritated.

  Out of breath, Travis blurted out, “I have news for you, Governor. I…”

  Damon held up his hand to stop him from saying any more. “We are hearing all the news we need to hear from Captain Hale.”

  “Captain? But, sirs, whatever Jason has told you is a lie.”

  The two guards appeared abruptly at the door. “We’re sorry he’s disturbed your meeting, sirs. We’ll take him away immediately.” They gave Jason a look of apology as they grabbed Travis and began dragging him out.

  In desperation, as Travis was almost out the door, “We found Gant!” he blurted.

  Davis and Damon then gave him their full attention. “Hold him right there!” ordered Davis. He walked up close to Travis, glaring into his eyes. “What did you say?”

  “We caught up to Gant and his family.” He paused, still slightly out of breath. “But Gant didn’t want to come back, so he let them go,” said Travis, pointing to Jason.

  Davis looked at Jason with an expression that demanded an explanation.

  “I don’t know what he’s trying to pull,” replied Jason. “Ask any member of the search party and they’ll tell you the same story I’ve just reported to you.”

  “A story and that’s all it is,” said Travis. “Gant is on his way to the valley right now and he’s not coming back. He was never kidnapped. He betrayed you! He’s a traitor!”

  Davis slammed his hand down on his desk and yelled, “Stop!” He didn’t want to hear any more against Gant.

  “You can’t believe him,” said Jason, sensing they were beginning to.

  “If he’s lying, why would he come to me with this?” asked Davis, not wanting it to be true.

  “I have no idea, sir,” claimed Jason.

  “You two,” with Damon directing his question to the guards, “Were you on the search team?”

  “Yes, Counselor,” they said in unison.”

  “And did you find Gant?”

  “No,” one of them said as the other shook his head.

  “They’re lying!” screamed Travis.

  Damon looked at Davis and shrugged. Neither knew who to believe. They couldn’t understand why either Jason or Travis would lie, but one of them was. Could they take the chance to ignore Travis? There was too much at stake to brush it aside. “Come here and sit down,” said Damon as he directed Travis to a chair in the corner. “You other men are dismissed.”

  Jason wasn’t sure the dismissal included him until Damon motioned for him to leave too. Jason and the two guards exchanged looks, fear flashing through their minds. If the governor and Damon chose to believe Travis, the future of all the guards in the search party would be in jeopardy. Their only prayer was that the governor would believe the many over the one.

  Jason had his two friends spread a warning to the other men. Their stories had to agree if asked. If they’d only listened to their gut, they would have dealt with Travis on the trail, and there would be nothing to worry about now. Travis had always been a loner and hard to get along with. No one would have missed him and no one would have ever suspected them of letting Gant go his own way. Now, some were having second thoughts, afraid their actions could have deadly consequences affecting their families. If everyone stayed strong and united, there was nothing to worry about. But if the unthinkable happened, heads would roll, literally.

  * * *

  The next morning Jason was summoned from his living quarters to the governor’s office. His wife looked at him apprehensively. He had told her everything. He owed her that much. Whatever was going to happen was about to happen. The wondering would soon be over. She gave him a kiss and a lingering hug.

  Two members of the Guard escorted him as though he was under arrest. He found it odd he didn’t recognize either one of them. When he arrived, the two guards took up positions outside the office on both sides of the door. Governor Davis and Counselor Damon were waiting. Travis was there too with a smug smile, an unmistakable indication of how the evening had gone.

  “Come in and have a seat,” invited a smiling and cordial Damon, directing him to a chair directly in front of the governor’s desk.

  As Jason took a seat, so did the governor, sitting back in his chair, arms crossed, silent and expressionless. Damon stood by his side.

  “Since we have no way of knowing who to believe concerning Master Gant, we’ve had to make a very difficult decision. Even if he,” Damon pointed to Travis, “is lying. We can’t ignore the possibility he’s telling the truth and the conspiracy it would suggest. Either way, we must assume Gant will not be returning.” He paused. “Therefore, changes are in order. So, as of this moment, Mr. Travis Peck, is now Master Peck. However, if it turns out Master Gant and his family were abduc
ted, and we confirm it, Master Peck will suffer a most horrible and public death.”

  Jason couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Somehow, Travis had swayed them in his direction.

  “And you, Jason Hale, will no longer hold the rank of captain, but you’ll be allowed to remain a member of the Guard with your former rank of Sergeant under the command of Master Peck.”

  “May I ask why you believe him over the word of the entire search party?” asked Jason.

  “The governor doesn’t have to justify his decisions, Mr. Hale,” stated Counselor Damon. “But if you’d like to file a formal complaint, I’d be glad to give you the proper forms.”

  Jason remained silent, shaking his head slightly. He could predict how unbearable it was going to be, Travis giving him every undesirable task that came along, but he was thankful his family wouldn’t have to suffer for his mistake. He began to argue his case, but Damon held up his hand, not wanting to hear it. If he had tried to plead his case, he would have only been digging his hole deeper.

  “Along with his new command,” continued Damon, “Master Peck has a few ideas for making improvements. Of those, security and manpower will be a priority with personnel receiving a complete makeover. Any member of the Guard who disagrees with the changes will be allowed to resign and take up residence back in Tent City where they were found. Appropriate jobs will be assigned at Master Pecks discretion. Is that understood?”

  There was no point in saying anything. They had already made their decision and had already begun to implement the changes. Travis remained quiet in his chair, maintaining a smug smile of satisfaction. He must have been very convincing, thought Jason.

  “You may go,” said Damon.

  After Jason had left the office, Damon walked over to Travis, leaned down and placed his hands on the arms of the chair, looking directly into Travis’ eyes. “If I find out you have lied to us, I’ll put the noose around your neck myself.”

  The smile on Travis’ face never waivered. “That’s not going to be necessary.”

  “And let me give you a little advice, whether you’re telling the truth or not, you should probably watch your back from here on out since you just turned it against the entire Guard. I’d start replacing them with men you can trust, if there are any.”

  “I’ve already begun.”

  * * *

  Chapter 21

  Early the next morning there was a knock at Samuel’s door. He was surprised to find a small group from the community gathered around his front porch.

  “It must be important for all of you to be here so early,” he commented, trying to lighten the mood after seeing their serious faces. “What can I do for you?”

  Carl, a long-time resident, spoke up reluctantly, “We’ve been talking … and we don’t want a man like Gant living here.” There were murmurs and nods of agreement from the group. “We’ve heard he’s done terrible things and we think he’ll bring trouble with him. Please, don’t let him stay.”

  Samuel’s ever-present smile disappeared, upset that they had such closed minds. “I’m disappointed in all of you? Don’t you believe a person deserves a second chance?”

  “Of course we do,” said Carl. “It’s just that … he’s Master Gant. The stories they tell about him are horrible. We’re sorry, Samuel, but we don’t feel safe with him here.”

  “I’m sorry, too,” said Samuel with a sigh. “Sorry you feel that way, but you’re entitled to your opinion. This is your community. Give me some time to come up with a solution. He and his family can’t go back.”

  “We’re not demanding you do anything, we’re asking,” clarified Carl. “We don’t want anything to happen to any of them. But even if he doesn’t pose a direct threat, danger follows a man like that. What if the Guard comes looking for him? Samuel, he’s putting us all at risk. Take all the time you need to figure something out, but keep in mind, the chances of something bad happening increases the longer he’s here.” As they left as a group, Samuel overheard them plan to meet again later to talk further about the Gants. He shook his head in disbelief and sadness.

  Samuel went inside and sat at the kitchen table. He didn’t know what to do. He was the one to ask Daniel to come, to get him and his family away from the terrible situation they had been in, to start a new life. He couldn’t just tell them they were no longer welcome and he couldn’t just stand by and do nothing when the community was so concerned. He had responsibilities. Rather than go on his usual morning rounds, he decided to stay home to consider his options, something to satisfy both Daniel and the community.

  Emma returned from taking breakfast to the Gants and cleaning up afterward. When she came through the door she immediately sensed something was wrong. She’d never seen him this solemn and asked, “What’s wrong?”

  He told her about the visit he’d had from the committee earlier.

  “You can’t ask them to leave,” she said. “I talked with them this morning. They’re good people.”

  “I know, but what can I do? The community isn’t even willing to give them a chance.”

  “You’ll think of something. You always do.” She smiled and kissed him on top of his head.

  * * *

  After breakfast, Gant and his family went on a discovery tour of their own, making an effort to talk with the people they met, only to be met with silence and a cold shoulder. It was the same everywhere they went, with one exception. Sarah saw them walking side by side down the center of the street, noticing by their posture something wasn’t right. She asked if she could join them, which immediately lifted Donna’s spirit. Sarah did her best to make them all feel welcome with some success in lifting their spirits. When she left them, she could tell she and Donna would be friends.

  When the Gants returned to Town Hall, Samuel was waiting and he didn’t look happy.

  “I need to talk to you and your family, Daniel. Please, won’t you all have a seat.”

  The family exchanged looks of concern as they took seats at the end of the table. “What’s wrong, Samuel?” asked Daniel.

  “I’m sorry, but the people of the community don’t want you living here. I’m sorry, I didn’t consider they would be so unforgiving.”

  “Are you asking us to leave?” asked Donna in disbelief. “You’re the one who asked us to come here. We’ve risked so much.” There was frustration in her voice.

  “This isn’t easy for me, but I have to think about the community.” He paused. “I think I have a solution, if you’re willing to hear it.”

  “I’m not surprised this is happening, just disappointed. I could see this coming,” said Daniel, “after the comments yesterday and the cold reception we’ve been receiving all morning. I suppose we’re at your mercy, Samuel. What ‘solution’ have you come up with?”

  “There’s another valley not far from here offering many of the same features as this one. The main difference is no one else lives there. We only pasture a few head of cattle there. You’d be entirely on your own, which could be a challenge. But then again, you wouldn’t be bothered by anyone, so in that sense it could be a blessing. We’d be glad to help you with your new start and be available whenever you need help. What do you think?”

  “Who else knows about this other valley?” asked Daniel.

  “Only a select few.”

  They all sat quietly for a few moments. “I don’t think I’d like being alone and isolated,” declared Donna, an edge to her voice. “Would any other families be able to go with us?”

  “Anyone can that wants to, but I don’t know of any offhand who would. I’d be glad to ask around for you if you like,” volunteered Samuel. “I’m so sorry it’s come to this. I never would have mentioned coming here if I’d known you’d get this reception.”

  Donna perked up as though she had had a revelation. “I may know of someone who would go with us,” she mentioned.

  Samuel smiled for the first time all day. “Are you thinking of John and Sarah? I saw that you and Sarah see
med to hit it off. They haven’t been here very long either.”

  “I don’t know,” stated Daniel, “John was very vocal against us, especially me, yesterday. I don’t think he’d ever agree to it.”

  “You might be surprised,” replied Samuel. “Do you think you’d be able to work with him?”

  “I’d be willing to try if he is and it would be better than going alone.”

  “Would you like for me to talk to them?” asked Samuel.

  Daniel looked at Donna. She smiled and nodded. “Sure,” he said. “What do we have to lose?”

  * * *

  Samuel decided to wait until noon to go to John and Sarah’s house. He arrived a little before noon, finding Sarah home alone. “John’s not here, Samuel. They’re all at their jobs, but they should be here at any moment for lunch.”

  “Mind if I wait for them?” asked Samuel, “I have something to discuss with all of you.”

  “Is there anything wrong?”

  “No, not at all,” he said, not elaborating. There was an awkward silence.

  “Would you like to wait inside?” she asked.

  “If you don’t mind, it’s so nice out I think I’ll wait out here on the porch.”

  Since Donna and her family had arrived in Paradise, Sarah thought about how fortunate they had been to receive such a warm welcome, in contrast to the one the Gant’s had received. As he sat down on the edge of the porch to wait, Sarah felt she needed to tell him so, “I’d like to thank you, Samuel¸ for taking us in and making us feel welcome.”

  He turned to face her. “It’s been our pleasure, Sarah.” Praise made him uncomfortable. He smiled and turned his back to her.

  * * *

  I saw Samuel sitting on our front porch as we approached the house. I smiled and waved.

  “To what do we owe this pleasure?” I asked.

  “I’d like to talk to you and your family,” said Samuel. And seeing my puzzled expression added, “And, like I told Sarah, no, there’s nothing wrong.”