by Hunt, Jack
“Maybe you should shut the hell up and let Ted speak!” a middle-aged man with a bald head rose to his feet and bellowed.
“I should what?” The man jabbed his finger. “Are you going to make me? Huh? Come on!” He charged over to confront the man and all hell broke loose. Fists flew and six other people tried to intervene but one of them got thumped in the face. The few officers there to provide security rushed in but only ended up getting mauled. It took another four people, including Rayna to restore order.
“Look, we understand your frustration but you need to be realistic about the situation that is before us. So I’m going to lay it out for you all. There is a good chance the power is not coming back up, which means we either work together or you leave the town. It’s a simple as that. We have minimal vehicles, less than twenty people, some of whom I might add are volunteers involved in protecting and maintaining the peace. In fact most of them are out there right now in freezing cold weather because they want to help. None of them are paid. None of them are being treated any better than you. However, the difference between them and you is that those volunteers understand that the only way to survive this is to work together. So what’s it going to be?” Ted asked.
Some guy got up and flipped him the bird and kicked a chair on the way out. Another grumbled under his breath, folded his arms and shook his head. As strange as it might have seemed, there would always be those who thought that the government and life owed them something while others didn't. No matter what the situation was some couldn’t wrap their head around the fact that the infrastructure had been hamstrung by the power outage and that meant a drastic and immediate reduction in services provided. Jobs that were once given only to those that proved themselves were now being offered freely — the problem was few wanted to take them. It was dangerous; there was no pay or even fringe benefits. It was interesting to see who would roll up their sleeves and willingly help and who would stand back and expect to be waited on.
Rayna didn’t know Ted that well. Like the previous chief he kept to himself and the only times she’d seen him was at community events.
“If you have any questions, please see me after. If you’re interested in helping, we are creating a list. All we ask is that you tell us if you’ve had any military or hunting experience. Preference will be given to those who know how to use a firearm, however we could really use anyone who has proven communication skills. I can’t guarantee you anything and it will mean long hours but there will be the satisfaction of knowing you are helping this community. We currently need those who are willing to hunt for food.”
“I’ll hunt but I will want a larger portion,” James Bolton said.
“We can discuss that.”
“There’s no discussion involved. If you want me onboard, you’ve got me but those are my terms.”
“People, this is not about setting up terms. We aren’t trading here.”
“Of course we are. If you can’t pay me money, then I will want payment another way. I set the terms.”
Ted narrowed his eyes. “See me after please.”
Over the next few minutes questions were answered and some fears about raiders were relieved as Ted presented new ideas.
“Currently we have a lot of the elderly at the Olympic Center. If you don’t wish to stay at home and you have a gas or solar generator, it’s probably best you head for the center but be sure to bring the generator with you. There is already a strain on our current resources and with no food or fuel being delivered our supplies are dwindling by the day.”
After half an hour they concluded the meeting and many of those in attendance signed up to help out while the rest began streaming out complaining. In the crowd Rayna singled out Jill and crossed the room to speak with her before she left.
“Jill!”
She looked at her out the corner of her eye and acted as if she hadn’t heard. Rayna cut her off before she left.
“We need to talk.”
“There is nothing to talk about.”
“Of course there is. You hardly said a word to me inside the bunker.”
She pursed her lips and looked past Rayna, not even wanting to look her in the eye.
“Please. We’ve been friends for a long time. All I want is five minutes of your time to explain as I’m guessing Gary didn’t.”
Her eyes lifted and then she nodded. “Outside.”
They moved away from the crowd and exited the building. Outside it was freezing cold. The temperature had dropped again. They huddled in an area out of the wind. Rayna pulled her hood up and stuck her hands in her pockets.
“Nothing happened between me and Gary. Now I know you don’t want to hear it, but he came on to me, not the other way around.”
“He wouldn’t do that,” Jill said, shaking her head.
“Then you don’t know him enough.”
She was quick to react to that. “I’ve been married to him for over twelve years. I think I know my own husband.”
“We all have our secrets.”
“Not Gary. He’s an open book.”
“In his job, maybe, but he’s not been honest with you. Did you even talk to him?”
“When did I have the time?”
Rayna frowned. “In the shelter?”
“Yeah, like we were going to have that discussion there.”
“I’ll be completely frank with you, Jill. After Elliot left, Gary would visit to check in and see that I was okay. His visits started to become more frequent. In no way did I lead him on.”
“So you didn’t have sex? Is that what you’re saying?”
“No. God no. I would never do that to you or Elliot.”
“Did you kiss him?”
Rayna breathed in deeply. “He kissed me, and I pushed away and told him I was not interested.”
She scrutinized her. “You didn’t allow it even once?”
There it was, the question that she had hoped she wouldn’t ask.
“There was one time but—”
Without missing a beat Jill slapped her across the face. Rayna touched her cheek, which was stinging. It felt even worse with the freezing wind nipping at it. “I guess I deserve that except you didn’t allow me to finish.” She paused for a second to see if Jill was going to react again. “The second time he tried to kiss me I had a lot to drink, I was alone. But I swear as your friend, Jill, I pushed him away after and told him I didn’t want him coming around anymore. That I couldn’t do it because of you and more specifically because of Elliot.”
Jill narrowed her eyes. “Have you told Elliot?”
“No.”
She scoffed. “And yet you have the nerve to tell me that I should chat with my husband?”
“You should if you value your marriage.”
She stabbed her finger in Rayna’s face. “Don’t you dare talk to me about marriage values!”
“Jill, I know you’re pissed, but I didn’t want it and every time he has tried to show affection I have pushed him away.”
“Has? You mean he’s continued?”
“Attempted I think is a better word.”
Jill crossed her arms and shook her head in disbelief. “I’ve done everything for him. It’s because I can’t give him kids, that’s why.”
“It’s not, Jill.”
“Oh so he told you?”
She sighed and looked toward the entrance. Several people had stepped out and were lighting cigarettes. They glanced over and she turned her back.
“In a roundabout way.”
“And what way would that be?”
“That’s not for me to say.”
“If you’re truly my friend, you will tell me.”
She dipped her chin. There was no easy way to say it without making her feel bad.
“Tell me!” she said raising her voice and getting the attention of the few outside.
“I can’t. You need to hear it from him.” She’d already stirred up the pot. If she told Jill what Gary had said, it would
have devastated her. Although he loved his wife, he’d come to view her as not much more than a friend. He was no longer attracted to her. There was no way Rayna was going to tell her that.
Jill looked away. “Don’t ever come over to our house again, and if you see me on the street, don’t speak to me.”
“Jill.”
She turned and hurried away, and Rayna was sure she heard her cry.
“Mom?” Lily said from behind her. Rayna turned to find her standing nearby.
“How long have you been there?”
“A minute or two.”
“What did you hear?”
“What?”
Rayna reached down and in a chaotic state of mind took hold of her daughter by the arms. “What did you hear?”
Lily cowered. “I didn’t hear anything. You’re scaring me, Mom.”
Rayna released her and backed up a little. In all honesty she was afraid of her kids finding out. Afraid that Elliot would discover it and then treat her the way Jill had. She’d just got him back. She shook her head despondently. “Go get your brother and let’s go.”
“He’s not with you?”
“Stop playing, Lily. Get Evan and let’s leave.”
“I thought he was with you. That’s why I came out.”
Confused, Rayna hurried back into the town hall and began calling his name. “Evan?” There were only four people inside one of whom was Ted Murphy. He noticed her concern and walked over.
“Rayna, everything okay?”
“My son, I can’t seem to find him.”
“Well, I’m sure he hasn’t gone far. It’s too damn cold out. What’s his name?”
“Evan.”
“Okay, I’ll check the bathroom and have a couple of the officers look outside.”
“Evan!”
Panic sank in as her worst fear took hold. She’d done everything she could to protect the kids and now this? She dashed into the different offices calling his name while Lily did the same. Already feeling overwhelmed by her talk with Jill she couldn’t hold back the tears from streaking her face. “Evan!”
Their voices echoed as five people tried to locate him.
When he emerged from a back room with a look of surprise on his face, she felt a wave of relief hit her, while at the same time anger welled up. “Where have you been?”
“I was just…”
She didn’t care. All that mattered was he was back.
The sudden realization of the situation bore down on her; another reminder that they were living in dangerous times and that meant nowhere was safe.
Chapter 14
Jesse was certain he would die in those godforsaken woods. The steady staccato of gunfire continued for what felt like an hour but was probably closer to thirty minutes. After witnessing the death of one of the attackers he’d waited until they began pursuing Damon before he broke away from the water’s edge and changed position. When he reached the dead guy on the ground, he tucked his Glock into his waistband and scooped up the man’s AR-15 along with extra ammo. He yanked the magazine and checked it, then made sure there was a round in the chamber before joining the fight.
They may have been outnumbered but if he could offer additional support, maybe Damon would have a better chance of taking them out. He knew his shooting accuracy was shit, and despite the few lessons he’d learned from Elliot while in the bunker he still felt wet behind the ears. Jesse sprinted from one tree to the next and opened fire. Once his pals knew they were taking fire from the south and the west the gunfire stopped. He saw movement between the trees then heard the sound of boots growing distant. It was hard to tell if it was them or Damon. He squinted into the darkness shivering. His fingers were almost numb from the cold.
“Damon?” he yelled then moved position again hoping to God that he wasn’t dead. He pressed his body against a tree and fired off another round. He was just about to dart to another when a hand clamped over his mouth pulling him to the ground. As he turned to face his attacker, Damon’s face came into view. He put a finger up to his lips to get him to be quiet. They remained there for several minutes until there was nothing but the sounds of the forest.
Without saying a word Damon pointed to a cluster of boulders. Staying low they made their way over and remained there for another five minutes before Damon went to check if they were gone. He returned a minute later.
“I think we’re in the clear. It’s okay.”
“It’s not okay. They have Maggie,” Jesse said rising to his feet determined to pursue them. Damon grasped him by his jacket.
“And they won’t hurt her.”
“You don’t know that,” he said shrugging him off.
“Yes I do. They had no intention of killing us tonight.”
“Uh, yes they did.”
“If they did, you would be dead by now. They want her. They want leverage. That’s why they took Sara to begin with.”
“Who cares?”
Damon grabbed him again.
“If you go after them now you’ll just wind up dead.”
Jesse paced back and forth, trying to get a grip on the situation.
“We’ll grab our stuff and head back to Keene, find my old man. He’ll be able to help.”
“Help? We don’t have time for a family reunion, Damon.”
“Jesse, we need to get a vehicle, and head back to Lake Placid and get Elliot and Gary involved.”
“There’s no time for that.”
“It’s a forty-minute drive, there and back.”
“Yeah, and in that time she could die.”
“You’re not listening. They won’t kill her. They need her as leverage. They’re down one man and that little chat I had with them back at the tavern was all about recruiting others. That’s why they’ve retreated. They can’t afford to lose any more.” He trudged off and Jesse followed. They made their way back to Devin’s lifeless body. Damon crouched and went through his pockets. They were empty.
“Did you know him well?” Jesse asked.
“Yeah. We went to school with each other. Damn shame.” He shook his head and returned to the campsite. Jesse scooped up his coat and held it for a second thinking about Maggie. She was probably scared out of her mind. He glanced at Damon. He might have thought he knew what his pals were like, but that was before law and order went out the window.
“How long did they know Sara?” Jesse asked.
“Since she was a kid.”
“And yet they shot her?”
“Magnus shot her. He’s a different breed.”
“Well that’s comforting to know. I’m sure Maggie is in good hands then,” he said before kicking an empty MRE bag into the fire. He couldn’t hide his frustration and he was tired of confronting people who had nothing better to do than kill others. He was beginning to think that he should have stayed in New York, at least there he didn’t have to think about anyone else but himself. In the short time he’d known Maggie he’d come to view her as more than just a friend.
“Cole won’t let him harm her.”
“Oh no of course he won’t because he did a stellar job of protecting Sara.”
“That was different.”
“Was it? Or are you just too blind to the fact that your pals are lunatics?”
“Just grab your shit and let’s get out of here. We have a lot of ground to cover.”
Jesse scooped up the bag and stuffed it with the tarp, water canteen and knife. After putting his coat back on he slipped his arms through the straps and put it behind his back. Damon yawned, went down to the edge of the pond and splashed some water over his eyes.
“You might wanna do the same.”
“I’m fine.”
“I’m exhausted,” Damon replied.
“Then we sleep. If you’re right, we don’t have anything to worry about.” Jesse said, trying to gauge Damon’s reaction. Did he even give a shit about Maggie?
Damon continued. “We’ll freeze to death out here.”
Je
sse stopped following him and stared at him. “What? You said we were camping out here for the night, now you change your mind?”
“I didn’t know it was going to get this cold, alright?”
The temperature had dropped and there was an awful wind blowing through the trees. It cut through his coat chilling him to the bone. New York winters were brutal at the best of times but this was insane. Damon started to jog. “Come on, it will keep you warm. We’ll get there sooner.”
“How far is it?”
“By foot? Less than two hours.”
“Are you serious?”
“About jogging or the time it’s gonna take?”
“Both.”
He nodded and pressed on. Jesse picked up the pace thinking about what was going on with Maggie.
* * *
Back at the tavern, Magnus was enraged. “We had them right there.”
“Yeah and you would have probably died there. I told you before we went out that it was a stupid idea. It’s too dark and if these temperatures drop any further, we’d freeze to death.”
Sawyer was busy tossing logs of wood into the fireplace while Tyron stood by the window gazing out.
“I swear you ever pull that shit again I’ll…” Magnus began to say.
“You’ll what?” Cole said bringing out his gun tapping it against his leg. He’d had enough of his shit. In fact he was at his breaking point and more than ready to kill him if he had to send a message to the other two. He was beginning to think that was the only way through this now. Not trading. Not negotiating. Just doing whatever was necessary.
He hopped over the bar and pulled out a twenty-year-old bottle of malt and cracked it open. He just needed something to take off the edge. He didn’t bother pouring himself a glass, he knocked it back straight from the bottle then set it on the counter and glared at Magnus. Back in the Sentinel Wilderness, Magnus would have stayed if he hadn’t threatened to leave him there. That was his problem, he didn’t know when to choose his battles. He was like a wild dog that knew only one thing and that would eventually get him killed. It was part of the reason he’d hired him in the first place. Unlike the others he hadn’t known Magnus since he was a kid. He’d been introduced to him through Sawyer. Their relationship had always been tumultuous. Maybe it was because the others knew where Cole was coming from, or perhaps he didn’t like to follow. His drug business had taught him that some people in the world were leaders, and the rest were followers. There really wasn’t any in-between. Sure, some might say they weren’t followers but their actions always revealed the truth.