by Hunt, Jack
“Most don’t know their own let alone their sibling’s.”
“We’re a close family.”
He only knew it because it wasn’t the first time Lincoln had needed blood. He’d been shot by a Strickland four years ago and had come close to losing his life then. While most took their injured to hospital, his parents were in the habit of dealing with matters themselves. Hospitals were a last resort. Hospitals raised questions and brought in police and both were things they avoided. Instead, they had an uncle with medical experience. He wasn’t specialized in anything. It was basic, stuff he’d learned from his time in the army as a medic. She zipped up her bag and turned to walk out.
“Well, aren’t you going to treat him?”
“Of course, but he needs blood, antibiotics. I don’t carry that with me. I need to collect it.”
As she was walking out he followed her. “You have it at your house?”
“No. I only carry the basics. We don’t deal with blood transfusions here. We’ll need to get some blood from the clinic.”
“This isn’t the clinic?”
“The larger one in town.”
They continued walking. She didn’t slow. Jessie fell in step.
“It’s still functioning?”
“For now.”
She pressed ahead, saying little more.
“You think he’ll survive, doc?” Jessie asked as he followed her back to her house.
“I can’t guarantee you anything but I will try my best. If you want to come with us you ride in the back.” She pointed to a 1979 GMC K25. “Otherwise, stay and I will be back in twenty minutes.”
He hollered at Dylan and Zeke who were outside the clinic. “I’ll be back soon.” He hopped in the rear. Chloe fired up the truck. Her son rode in the passenger side, though he kept his handgun on him through the rear window at all times to ensure their safety.
Chapter Two
Humboldt County, California
Garberville Cemetery was hidden away in the west end of Locust Street. The only indication of its existence was a steel pole flying an American flag.
Out of sight, out of mind was the town’s motto.
The tiny pasture dotted with gravestones was framed by redwoods. A babbling stream could be heard amid the rustling leaves of the trees. It was peaceful. Colby crouched in front of a grassy mound that contained Skye Strickland. He inserted some wildflowers into a small steel vase that was built into the grave.
He heard movement behind him.
Nearby, Alicia and Kane waited, giving him as long as he needed.
He’d often thought about this moment and how he would feel.
It wasn’t the same. Seeing the headstone for the first time felt strange, almost surreal, as had returning to Humboldt. He’d never imagined he would step foot inside the county again, not after that night, not after losing her, not after what Jessie had done. Colby cleared away crumpled brown leaves and dirt and cleaned up the headstone with a bottle of water and a cloth.
Death had haunted Colby since he was young. Although he’d grown up with it, witnessed murder multiple times, it never got easy. Society tiptoed around the issue. Religions made up stories about it. Mediums profited from it. Rarely was it discussed and yet everyone would one day experience it. It was the great unknown. The very mention of it conjured images of beauty and horror in his mind. He’d grappled with the uncertainty, spent his life living on the cusp of life and death, hoping that whenever it was his time to go, he wouldn’t go in fear as many a person did, but that he would slide into it no different than entering a warm bath.
He rose. He talked to Skye as if she was right there. As if she could hear him. Mostly it was a long-overdue apology. Apologizing for his family. Apologizing that he hadn’t done more.
Ten, maybe twenty minutes passed before Alicia brought Kane over. Initially, she said nothing but simply sidled up beside him. Kane sniffed the mound of grass, then looked up at him as if sensing he wasn’t okay. Colby ran a hand over the dog’s head and Kane licked his palm. He took a deep breath and let it out. “Ten years. It’s gone by so fast.” He shook his head as the memories hit him hard. He could tell Alicia wanted to know what happened but out of courtesy had never asked. He’d told her very little about his family or the feud that had carried over from one generation to the next. Mostly, it was because he was unsure if she would stay once she knew. “They hold a festival every year here in Garberville called Reggae on the River. We met there. Before that day I hadn’t seen her around town. Hell, not even in the county. I’d seen a number of the Strickland family but not her. I found out later she was homeschooled. The few times she was allowed to go into town, I wasn’t around. She was younger than me by a couple of years. The festival was meant to be her big moment of freedom, her coming of age, I guess you can say.”
“They let her go by herself?”
“Oh, hell no. She was with family and they kept a close eye on her.” A warm smile formed. “God, she was beautiful. She stood out like a daisy. A rare wildflower. That’s what she was. Wild. You know I’d heard folks talk about…” he trailed off.
“Love?” Alicia asked.
“That’s it, but... I always thought it was crap.” He chuckled. “But I swear the day I laid eyes on her…” He sucked in his gums. “Well, I just had to know.”
“So how did you get around her family?”
“I rolled out the Riker charm…”
“Yeah, and what’s that look like?”
“I started a fight.”
Alicia stifled a laugh. “You started a fight?”
“Well, not me. My brothers…”
Alicia pursed her lips as she tried to contain her amusement. “Oh, is that so, Colby Riker? And let me guess. In this commotion, you just so happened to… sweep in and bring her to a place of safety? Would that be right?”
He nodded, a grin forming. “Something like that. By the time the crowd dispersed, I at least had a name, and she had mine.”
Alicia nodded, clasping her hands behind her back, a smile spreading.
“And so that was that?”
“Oh no. It took a lot more than that. A few months to be exact. I would tell you about the day I threw up on Hank because she made me so nervous but… I…”
Alicia burst out laughing. “You. Nervous? C’mon.”
Colby looked at her and was struck again by the very thing he’d kept from her, the very thing he had wanted to ignore since he got her bail bond information. “You know, Alicia. There’s been something I’ve been meaning to tell you…”
Before he got the words out, footfalls came from behind them and they turned.
It was Sheriff Dan Wilder, in full uniform, with another officer.
The moment he laid eyes on Alicia, he stopped and his jaw dropped.
“Well… Well, I’ll be damned if you don’t look like her.”
“Excuse me?” Alicia asked, her brow furrowing.
“I knew Colby was back but… uh… who might you be?”
“Alicia Scott.”
“Huh.” Dan broke his gaze and his eyes flicked to Colby. “They say that somewhere in the world everyone has a doppelganger. But you are a dead ringer. Don’t you think?” Alicia glanced at Colby and he dropped his chin ever so slightly before meeting Dan’s gaze. “Your mother said you’d be here. It’s good to see you again.” Dan’s gaze diverted to Alicia again before he extended a hand to him. Colby looked at his hand but didn’t shake it. Dan registered it. “Understandable. I’ll cut to it then. I’ve been meaning to meet with you since I saw you at the meeting a few weeks ago but I’ve had my hands full.”
“Sounds like all the Stricklands have.”
He removed his police hat, and held the brim between both hands, looking slightly nervous. “Well, I can’t speak on their behalf. I’m not here to get into a spat. I was just hoping we could talk.”
“About?”
“The town, you, how you might be of assistance.”
�
��I hear you have enough assistance.”
“Militia are handling other matters.”
“I see.”
“I had something else in mind for you.”
Colby sucked in air. “Kind of bad timing, Dan.”
Dan looked at the grave. “Seems strange to think that it’s been ten years. Well, look, I will just nip it in the bud then, okay? I could use your help keeping things on your family’s side in check.”
“And by that you mean?”
His eyes darted to Alicia. She got the message and went to walk away with Kane when Colby took her wrist. “No, it’s okay. Whatever he needs to say, he can say in front of you.”
“I imagine Martha has brought you up to speed on the events that have transpired since Ryland’s death. With a county this size to deal with, I can’t be spending all our time and resources on mitigating disputes between the Stricklands and your family.”
“My mother has spoken with Hank.”
“I heard, and I can appreciate that, however, that didn’t prevent Ryland from being killed after ten years of peace. So forgive me if I don’t trust whatever agreement your mother makes.”
“Listen, Dan, if you came down here to throw around accusations, then you are going about it the wrong way, asking for my help.”
Dan looked off toward the gates as if he was expecting someone or hoping someone didn’t show up. Colby had given some thought to whether or not Hank or his kin would see him, but after all this time he had to pay his respects to Skye.
“I’m sorry. Maybe I’m wording this wrong. Look. I was informed you were a police officer in L.A. Is that right?”
“Who told you?”
Colby still hadn’t told his family. There was no need. He wasn’t looking for a pat on the back and he surely wouldn’t get one if they knew.
“I’d rather not say. Is it true?”
Colby smiled and tossed his words back. “I’d rather not say.”
Dan smirked. “Come, walk with me. Just a few minutes of your time.” He turned and Colby glanced at Alicia and then he followed him, leaving Alicia with the officer. “When I told my family that I planned on a career in law enforcement, you can imagine their surprise.” They breathed in the fresh air. A flock of starlings broke away from a tree, bursting into the air above them. “So I understand your hesitation in telling family. I also understand your reluctance to trust me but I would like to think I got involved in law enforcement for the same reason you did,” he said, stopping by the stream.
“And what would that be?”
“To bring something good into this world. Am I right?”
Colby shrugged. “You’re not far off.”
“Right now I’m walking a fine line between chaos and order. Hank hates me, your mother doesn’t trust me, and yet as hard as it may be to believe, I’m trying to do some good here, Colby. I’m trying to hold this county together. It’s a tall order under the circumstances, especially when we’ve seen an influx of refugees, people showing up because there have been reports of attacks in other counties. Now I can’t control what happens out there, but it’s only a matter of time before it happens here. So far, we’ve been lucky. We have roadblocks set up in five key areas of the county — Highway 101 to the north and south, 35 and 299 to the east. Of course, we have the bay to the west. We have locals volunteering, county police officers, local police, hunters gathering meat, while militia deals with the collection of other supplies. They also handle evening patrols.” He drew a breath. “What I’m trying to say is that to oversee it all and what is to come, I need to focus on what is important. A generational feud is the last thing this county needs, wouldn’t you agree?”
He studied his face, trying to gauge if he was telling the truth or using his authority to position himself in a way that benefited him. Colby nodded.
“As such, I need someone who can see beyond trivial family issues. Someone who can intervene, turn the tide if pressed, someone who can give me a heads-up if and when something could upset the balance of this community. I would like that to be you.”
“Balance? You want me to spy on my family?”
“I wouldn’t call it spying. More like caring for their well-being. You don’t have to care about this town, Colby, or me or anyone else, but keeping your family in check would go a long way.”
“That’s all well and good, but it takes two to tango. Who keeps the Stricklands in check — you?”
“I have someone on the inside.”
“Really? And who would that be?”
“I can’t say, just as I wouldn’t say anything about you if you agree.”
Colby chewed it over. “Listen, Dan. My police career is far behind me. I’m not here to hold a badge or be an extension of some kind of law and order. That’s your job. I’m also not here to mediate. I came home to pay my respects to my father and Skye, and be with my family for a short time before I leave.”
“I understand and I appreciate that. However, everyone has a role to play here, Colby. We are faced with unprecedented times, and as such, we need everyone on board, that includes the Rikers. Now they won’t listen to me or anyone in law enforcement but they might listen to you.” He raised his eyebrows.
Colby looked back at Alicia. She was looking over.
“I can’t promise you anything.”
“I understand.”
Dan followed his gaze. “Hank seen her yet?”
“No.”
“Probably best it stays that way. She’s a dead ringer. How did you meet her?”
“She jumped bond.” Colby glanced at him. “I was meant to bring her in.”
“But instead you brought her home.” He smiled. “Worth more than the bond, was she?”
He didn’t bother entertaining that question.
“Is there anything else, Dan?”
“Yeah. Would you be willing to help at one of the checkpoints for a few hours a day? South of Garberville needs some additional support. It would give you a chance to lead by example. I mean, that’s why you became a cop, right?” He was using his former career as a tool to get what he wanted. When he didn’t respond, Dan patted him on the shoulder. “Think it over. Either way, it’s good to see you again, Colby.”
“I would say, likewise, but…”
“I wouldn’t believe it?” Dan asked with a smile. “Maybe it’s time we change that.” He patted him on the arm and began walking away, but then turned back. “Oh, one last thing, we are having a meeting tonight at city hall. We plan on running them every two weeks to keep everyone in the loop. It would be great to see you there. Maybe you could share some ideas. I’m sure you have some, right?” He winked at him and set his hat back on his head and walked over to an ATV. Dan and the other officer got on and peeled out.
Colby turned and looked back at the gravestone.
“What did he want?” Alicia asked.
“What everyone wants now,” he said, then looked at her. “Control.”
Chapter Three
Trinity County, California
Controlling people in an apocalypse was an arduous task. There were no hard and fast rules governing how desperate people should act, or when they should act. No matter what a person’s morals, beliefs, or previous contributions to society had been — all of that could fall by the wayside in the face of a disaster.
The trip to Hayfork Community Health Clinic wouldn’t take long to reach as it was located next to the drugstore which was on the main stretch that ran through the heart of town. He didn’t like leaving his brothers behind after what had happened but the doc said it was easier to bring the blood to Lincoln than to cart him over. Jessie wasn’t sure what she meant until they rolled by the health clinic.
He knocked on the window.
“Hey,” he thumbed over his shoulder. “You drove by it.”
“We don’t keep supplies there anymore,” she replied.
He raised an eyebrow but didn’t question it. Every town had gone through changes since the pow
er grid went down. Some more than others. Stores had closed, numerous buildings had burned down, and supplies, if any existed, were often kept in one location under lock and key. Humboldt County was no exception. Though theirs was now under the watchful eye of the militia.
A month into the event and with no sign of electricity being turned on or communication being restored, rumors had spread of an uptick in looting by raiders. It wasn’t known whether it was gangs or locals, but someone was taking advantage of the moment. In Hayfork, a rural town that if you blinked you’d miss it, they weren’t any different except for one thing. Jessie noticed there was hardly anyone on the streets. “Has there been an evacuation?”
Her son Matthew glanced back but didn’t say anything.
Chloe hung a left onto Brady Road, a narrow two-lane blacktop that wound its way up through undulating landscape. About five minutes later, she veered into a driveway that led up to a one-story home that was shrouded by trees. Outside were two vehicles, a silver BMW SUV, and a Mini Cooper. Both would have been useless now. Anything with a computer chip was fried. As Chloe swung the old GMC truck around behind the vehicles, she didn’t turn off the engine. “Hey, doc, what’s the matter?” Jessie stood up in the back of the truck bed and looked over the cab to get a better view and that’s when he saw what she was staring at. Outside the home, there was a trail of blood as if someone had been shot and dragged or ran back into the house with a severe wound. The main door was partially ajar. He hopped out, rifle at the ready, while they remained in the truck.
It was clear they were like fish out of water.
They might have been packing guns but their reluctance to get out told him volumes. They were afraid, unfamiliar with danger, and hesitant to put themselves in harm’s way. Jessie never batted an eye as he approached the house. He followed the trail of blood which led into the hallway. It was even worse inside.
He waited for a second, listening. There was no sound.
Jessie cast a glance over his shoulder. Chloe had stepped out, but only to beckon him back to the truck. “Jessie. Wait,” Chloe said, shaking her head, cautioning him not to enter.