by Jon Cronshaw
“What about you, kid?” Abel asks, turning to David.
David squirms and rubs the back of his neck. “I don't know. What are you doing?”
“Going to get back on the road, head back home.”
“Why don't you stay here?” David asks, looking down. “With us?”
“You planning on staying, kid?”
David nods. “I was thinking about it, but—”
“But nothing, kid. You’ll have a better life here than anything I can offer you.”
Sis leans forward. “You didn't answer.”
Abel shakes his head. “I don't know.” He glances over to the wizard. “I spent time around that Alf guy before. It won't end well.”
“You can still stay,” David says.
“Honestly, kid, this place isn't for me—not to live, anyway.”
David takes in a stilted breath. “I'll miss you.”
“I'll be back. You know that.”
David looks away, wiping his eyes. “You sure you're okay with it?”
Abel pats David’s back and swallows. “It's fine, kid,” he manages. “Make sure you look out for Sis.” He gets to his feet and downs the rest of his drink, wiping his mouth as he places the cup on a nearby table.
“Where are you going?” David asks.
“Just getting some air, kid.” He moves through the crowd, looking over to Big Ned dancing with his shirt off. Shouldering his way through the door, he goes out into the cold and leans against the wall. He looks up at the moon, tears filling his eyes. “Damn it,” he mutters.
“Hey,” a soft voice says.
Abel looks around, wiping a sleeve across his eyes. “Hey, Sal.”
“You okay?”
“Getting some air.”
Sal nods and stands next him, leaning against the wall. She reaches down and takes his hand. “It's pretty wild in there.”
Abel sighs. “Yep.”
“Have you thought any more about staying?”
“Yep.”
“And?”
Abel shrugs. “Can't stay here. If I do, things will only get bad with Alf.”
“You’ve spoken to David and Sis?”
“Yep. I'm going to miss the kid.” He squeezes his eyes shut, biting his bottom lip. “Both of them.”
Sal rests her head on his shoulder. “I don't think I can stay here either.”
“Of course you can. They need you here.”
“They'll find a way. They don't need me.”
Abel turns to her. “Where are you going to go?”
“I was thinking about what you said about redemption, about finding forgiveness. I know the only way I can do that is if I go home.”
“Home? This is your home.”
“I mean before I came here. I need to go back to the protected zone.” She looks Abel in the eyes. “I want you to come with me.”
Abel shakes his head and blinks. “What are you on about, Sal?”
Sal regards him for several seconds then raises her eyebrows. “You really don't know, do you?”
THE END
Author’s Note
Thank you so much for making it this far through my Wasteland series. As a new author it’s heartening to think that you have not only taken a chance on my work, but have made it this far.
I outlined this book in May, 2017. It was the morning after the Manchester Arena Bombing and I watched the news unable to comprehend what had happened. It was beyond horrible to think that someone could kill innocent children.
I live an hour from Manchester and have been to the arena countless time with friends and family to watch bands and entertainment events. Being so close to home and being the father of a five-year-old boy, the whole think broke my heart and I cried.
Angry and frustrated, I grabbed a pen and notepad and went to my local pub. All I had for the book was the title and the cover, so I focused all the negative emotions into creating something positive.
You can now keep up to date with my work in a number of ways. The best way is through my newsletter, which I usually send a couple of times a month. There you’ll find out about new release, have the chance to win exclusive prizes, and every now and then I’ll send you a free short story. Go to http://www.tinyurl.com/getmyprequel and claim your free copy of the series prequel, Addict of the Wasteland.
In October 2017, I started making an audio journal of my writing life and releasing them as podcasts. On the show I talk about writing and what’s inspired me over the week, and also answer questions from listeners about my work and life. You can find Jon Cronshaw’s Author Diary on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Libsyn, and YouTube, or wherever else you get your podcasts. So, if you have any questions, please do get in touch at [email protected].
If you’ve enjoyed my series, please help to spread the word by leaving a review on Amazon. I’ve had some really nice reviews for my previous books and it’s given me the motivation to carry on writing about Abel’s adventures.
Thank you,
Jon Ctonshaw, 2017
Find Jon online
Amazon. amazon.com/author/joncronshaw
Facebook. facebook.com/joncronshawauthor
Twitter. @jlcronshaw
Website. joncronshaw.com
Email: [email protected]
Search for Jon Cronshaw’s Author Diary podcast on iTunes, Podcast Addict, or Libsyn to follow the ups and downs of his writing journey.
Acknowledgements: Wizard of the Wasteland
First and foremost, I need to thank my wife Claire for her constant love and support. And to my friends and family, thank you for putting up with me rambling on about stories, especially Laura Marconi-Cox, Emily Cronshaw, Colin Cox, and Russell Evans.
As a new independent author, I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity shown to me by other indie authors. Thanks to the Knights, members of the 20 Books group, the SPF community, , Why Aren’t You Writing, and the Isle of Skye Post-Apocalyptic Book Club.
Thanks to my beta readers, Baileigh Higgins, Tim Ricketts, Tamera Curtis, Terrye Toombs, Michelle Sewell, Anne Muir, Julia Vee, Elizabeth Kay, Vanessa Measom, Kathy Cilley, Cora Burke, and Burt Walker.
I’m sure you’ll agree that Clarissa Yeo of Yocla Designs did an amazing job with the cover.
The story was edited by Kelly Hartigan at Xterraweb.com.
Acknowledgements: Knight of the Wasteland
I’m indebted to the direct and indirect support I’ve received from my family and friends, especially from my wife, Claire.
Russell Evans, you’ve been a great friend for years, and I thank you for making me a better storyteller. Colin and Laura, you’re both awesome...but you already knew that.
Thanks to all my fellow authors who’ve supported me and offered their advice, especially everyone at Why Aren’t You Writing.
Thanks to my beta readers, Baileigh Higgins, Tim Ricketts, Tamera Curtis, Terrye Toombs, Michelle Sewell, Anne Muir, Julia Vee, Elizabeth Kay, Vanessa Measom, Kathy Cilley, Cora Burke, and Burt Walker.
Clarissa Yeo surpassed herself with the cover art for this book. The work was edited by Kelly Hartigan at Xterraweb.com and proofread by Claire Cronshaw.
Acknowledgements: King of the Wasteland
Thank you to everyone who made this work possible. Especially to my family and friends who’ve supported me in countless ways.
I’ve got a great team of people helping me get this books to the highest standard I can, so thank you to all my Beta readers and ARC team, you guys rock!
I also want to thank the members of the Why Aren’t You Writing, 20 Books, Sci-fi Roundtable, and Authors of the Apocalypse groups for their support. Sometimes writing books can be a lonely business, so having that kind of support means a great deal.
I need to give special shout-outs to author Paul Teague who has been championing my work on his podcast over the past year, and to Mike Kraus who’s taken time out of his busy schedule to offer me advice and support.
Clarissa Yao at Yocla Designs continues
to impress me with her amazing covers.
Claire at CC Editing has done an amazing job with the editing.