A Powerless World | Book 3 | Defend The Homestead

by Hunt, Jack

  Entering the home with Johnson, he was taken into the living room where the bodies were laid out side by side, white sheets covering them. Patches of blood had soaked through, blossoming outward. One of the officers pulled back the sheets and Dan turned his face away. It was horrific.

  He gestured for the officer to cover them up and then instructed them to take the bodies to a graveyard for burial. The sooner they were underground, the better.

  “Who found them?” Dan asked.

  “A neighbor.”

  “Have any family members in the community come forward?”

  “No one, sir,” the officer replied.

  “Any neighbors say they heard or saw anything?”

  “We are still collecting statements.”

  “Okay.” He walked back out into the night.

  “Do you want to see the others?” Johnson asked.

  “No.” He exhaled hard and looked at the faces of locals who had no clue what had transpired inside that home. Surely someone would have heard the gunfire. He didn’t want to point the finger at the Native American community as the county already had a dark history with the different tribes, but he couldn’t imagine who else would go to the trouble to do this. It seemed personal, specific, and though he didn’t want to believe it, Evans had made a valid point. The land had once belonged to the tribes. They were here long before settlers landed on the shores of Humboldt Bay back in the 1850s.

  “How do you want to handle this?” Johnson asked.

  “Get the word out to the officers and volunteers to begin informing everyone of their options.”

  “And those that refuse?”

  “As you said, it’s not mandatory but if they want access to food, water, medicine, or fuel from our supplies, they will need to be living and helping inside the city of Eureka.”

  He turned to head back to the truck.

  “And you? What are your plans?”

  “To speak with Colby Riker.”

  Johnson made his way around to the driver’s side while Dan got in and contemplated the immense challenge before him. He told Johnson not to say anything to Evans just in case they took matters into their own hands. So far they had shown restraint but he was beginning to wonder how long that would last, especially in light of them losing several of their men. No, this would need to be handled with some diplomacy. He hadn’t been in office long enough to establish a rapport with the tribal community so he’d need an ace in his back pocket.

  Chapter Nine

  Colby scooped scrambled eggs into his mouth while his aunt Hazel puttered around the kitchen, preparing coffee. “Do you want a hand?” Alicia asked.

  “No, I’m fine, dear. You tuck in before it goes cold.”

  “I don’t mind.”

  “The offer is appreciated and noted, but I’m good. If you want to help, maybe later you can give me a hand with the laundry.”

  “Hazel, are you sure?”

  Hazel laughed. “Where did you say you found this one again?”

  Alicia looked over at Colby and he waved her off. “Hospitality is her strength, don’t fight her on it.” For as long as he’d known his aunt, she was the kind of woman that preferred to do things herself. She didn’t take offense like some folks did or keep a record of wrongs. She gave and gave but had a hard time receiving. It was very different from his mother who would take everything and then still expect more.

  “You know, Colby, if you don’t take Alicia up there, she’ll make her way down here and you know fireworks erupt when she and I go at it.”

  After getting back from Merced County two weeks ago, his memory had returned. In some ways he wished the part about his family hadn’t but it was still there, lingering at the back of his mind in all its ugliness. Out of courtesy to his mother he’d gone with his brothers to his father’s gravesite for a second funeral ceremony. It wasn’t much — a few words were spoken by him and then it was over. She’d stared at him the whole time. Her cold demeanor made him wonder if she even cared that he was dead.

  To save Alicia from it, he’d asked Hazel if she could stay with her. That’s when Hazel had offered the room. He took her up on the offer immediately. The thought of getting sucked back into the hell of family drama was too much, besides, he still hadn’t decided if he was going to stay or not. “If we meet, it will be in town.”

  “I don’t mind,” Alicia said.

  “I do,” he added, downing the last scoop.

  Hazel approached the table and refilled their cups with coffee. She placed a hand on Alicia’s shoulder. “Trust Colby on this one.”

  “What is it about her?”

  “That’s a loaded question,” he replied. Before she could probe deeper, the rumble of an engine mixed with the sound of horses’ hooves caught his attention. Hazel went to the window and looked out.

  “Now what does he want?”

  “Who is it?”

  “Sheriff Dan Wilder.”

  Colby got up and wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin, and headed outside. Alicia followed but was gestured to take a seat on the rocker with Hazel. There were at least six men, Dan and the same officer he’d seen at the cemetery along with four armed militia. “I thought I made myself clear,” Colby said.

  “That you did, except things have taken a turn for the worst.” He jerked a hand over his shoulder. “Militia. They’re assisting us with ensuring the new changes in town occur without a hitch.”

  “Like what?”

  One of the militia, a fair-haired individual with a careless attitude, chuckled, his eyes roaming the property, not even making eye contact. Colby glanced at him. “Something amusing?”

  “Everything is. And FYI,” he turned his head, “you can address me as Captain Benjamin Evans.”

  Who was this egotistical prick?

  Before he could respond, Deputy Johnson chimed in. “Your brother Jessie. Have you seen him around?”

  Colby didn’t reply. He was sensing this visit wasn’t out of courtesy or concern for their wellbeing. Each of the armed soldiers had their finger ready on the trigger as if they were expecting things to escalate.

  “What are you doing here, Dan?”

  “There have been a series of attacks on communities in Humboldt. Scalpings. These are the same ones that have occurred outside in Trinity County. We believe the same people are responsible, and they are making their way through our county now and will likely show up soon in Eureka. Now your brother Jessie said that you know the Wiyot Tribe, is that right?”

  “I know someone in it. Yeah. Why?”

  Dan nodded and looked back over his shoulder at the captain.

  “Are you suggesting they are responsible?” Colby asked.

  “We’re not pointing the finger but we can’t rule anyone out and the way it looks…”

  He snorted. “So people are scalped and you immediately jump to it being the Native American community?”

  “If the boot fits,” Captain Evans said.

  Colby scowled at him. “The Wiyot Tribe are peaceful. They believe in healing and prayer, not scalping people.”

  “Yeah, and what about all the other tribes?” Evans added.

  There were five spread throughout Humboldt.

  Dan put a hand back. “Captain, please.”

  “Come on, sheriff. What are we doing here? Let’s get to the point. We have a lot of people to see.”

  “Look, I’ll cut to the chase. I haven’t been in office long enough to establish a good rapport with the tribes in this county. The mayor is dead, and well, if you know them, it would help if you spoke to them.”

  “You want me to go and ask if they’ve been scalping people? Are you serious?”

  “Deadly,” Evans chimed in again. He was beginning to get on Colby’s last nerve. Evans dismounted from the horse and slowly made his way over to join the sheriff. He puffed out his chest like he ruled the roost. His eyes scanned Colby as if he was sizing him up.

  “Dan, if all you want is to have me
speak with the tribe, why is this fool here?” Colby looked at Evans then back at Dan.

  Evans stepped a little closer, attempting to intimidate him. “I’m here to make sure folks like your family and the Stricklands don’t get in the way, you understand,” he said, poking a finger at him.

  Colby narrowed his eyes and without missing a beat replied, “I would strongly advise you don’t do that again.”

  Evans chuckled and stepped away, turning his attention to Alicia and Hazel on the porch. Dan lifted a hand to try and reel in the situation. “Look, Colby, I can go over to the reservation and speak with them but out of courtesy and respect for you as a fellow lawman, I’m giving you the chance to do it. To help out. I told you, no one gets a free ride.”

  “A fellow lawman? Is that what he is?” Evans asked, eyeing Alicia. Colby noticed. He didn’t like the way he was looking at her. He’d seen that look in the eyes of officers who thought they could use their position to get what they wanted.

  “And to tell me that, it took six of you?” Colby asked.

  “Of course not. I’m not just here about that.”

  “Allow me, sheriff,” Johnson said, stepping forward. “With a surge of attacks, a decrease in law enforcement officers, and minimal supplies, we are having to make some changes. Anyone who wishes to continue to get supplies will be required to live inside the boundaries of Eureka.”

  “And if not?”

  Johnson was quick to reply. “Then it’s on to the FEMA camp or fending for yourself.”

  “Hmm. Is that so?”

  Dan nodded. “I’m sorry, Colby, but the noose is tightening.”

  “Don’t be sorry for anything, sheriff,” Evans added. “The rules are clear.”

  “And let me guess, those rules were your idea.” Colby shot him a glance.

  Evans didn’t reply, he was still eyeing Alicia. Staring at her, making her feel uncomfortable. “You want to reel in your lap dog, Dan? I don’t care for him drooling on this property.”

  Evans flashed him a sneer and looked as if he was about to say something when Dan chimed in. “Let’s not take this in the wrong direction, Colby. Just let us know. What’s it going to be?”

  “You want an answer now?” Hazel asked, rising from her seat.

  “Sure do,” Evans replied.

  Dan shifted awkwardly from one foot to the next. “What Deputy Johnson means is that due to the recent attacks we can’t afford to hold off on this any longer. I would like to be able to offer longer to think it over but I’m afraid that luxury doesn’t exist. We need to know who is with us.”

  “And who is against us,” Evans said, taking the liberty of adding that even if Dan wasn’t about to say it.

  Colby smiled and shook his head. “And if we decided to leave here and enter the city?”

  “Then you would be given a house. There are plenty. Thousands left the city, so accommodation wouldn’t be a problem. You also wouldn’t see an interruption in getting supplies.”

  “Rations, you mean.”

  “We’re doing the best we can with what little we can get.”

  “And where are you getting all these supplies, might I ask? From what I’ve seen journeying up from L.A., there aren’t too many towns or cities that are abundant with supplies. Most businesses have been looted and any other supplies have been taken by FEMA for use in the camps.”

  Dan opened his mouth to reply but before he did, Evans turned and answered that. “Let me answer that, sheriff. Yours is not to ask how, mountain boy, but to say thank you and how can I serve?”

  Colby brought a hand up to his jaw and stifled a laugh. “Mountain boy?” His hand slipped back to the Glock tucked in his waistband. He wasn’t going to shoot him, that would have been foolish surrounded by armed militia. Besides, he’d heard more derogative terms than that in his time as a cop, but he wanted something to be clear.

  Before he grabbed the grip, he felt Hazel stop him by placing her arm around his waist. “Dan. If you want an answer. The answer is no. We won’t be moving. So you can be on your way.” She looked at the captain. “And as for you, I would appreciate some respect,” she said.

  Evans hocked spit on the ground then wiped his lips with his forearm. “Respect goes two ways, lady, and you have to be in a position to earn it. How about you swing by my place tonight?”

  “You sonofabitch!” Colby said, taking a step forward.

  Dan was quick to get in between. “All right, all right,” he said, noticing the tension building. “Look, Colby, give it some thought. Either way, I would appreciate it if you dropped by the reservation. If it’s not them, maybe they know who might be responsible.” He tipped his hat. “You have a good day.”

  As he went to walk away, Evans piped up. “I think you forgot something, sheriff.”

  Dan stopped and looked back.

  The captain added, “The firearms.”

  “Firearms?” Hazel asked.

  “Yes. We’re collecting them.”

  Dan hurried over. “No, we agreed it’s only for those entering the city.”

  “No. It includes everyone in the county.”

  “Captain, a word please.”

  Evans stared at Colby with a deadpan expression. The captain walked a short distance away, so they were out of earshot. Colby watched them get into a heated exchange before Evans got back on his horse, tossed him a dirty look, and rode off.

  Dan returned, shuffling like a sorry excuse of a man. “I’m sorry about that. Um. You’ll have to forgive the captain. He can get hotheaded and he has some of his own ideas for the county.”

  “Seems so. Are you trying to get folks to give up their firearms, Dan?” Colby asked. “Because if you are, be prepared to get blood on your hands.”

  He raised a hand and gritted his teeth. “I know. I know. It’s only for those entering the city. It’s meant to prevent any further bloodshed. Look, I know I said we need an answer now but I’d be willing to extend a courtesy to the Riker family, especially if you would be willing to talk to the tribe and the rest of your family.”

  “Scared to go up the mountain, Dan, and speak to them yourself?” Hazel asked. “Or has Hank ordered you not to?”

  “Hank doesn’t tell me anything and if he did, I’d take it all with a grain of salt.” He turned his attention back to Colby. “Can you do that?”

  “If I speak with the Wiyot Tribe, it’s not because of you, Dan. It’s out of courtesy to them to let them know what might be coming their way.”

  Dan nodded and rolled his bottom lip into his mouth then breathed out a heavy sigh. Colby understood the pressure he must have been under trying to maintain order but allowing outsiders, men like Evans, to dictate new rules was a bad idea. “Okay. Well, like I said. Think it over. In the meantime, I wish to pass on my condolences.”

  “You’re a month late,” Hazel said.

  Dan frowned then he clued in. “Not for Bruce. For Lincoln. You are aware, right…?”

  Colby’s eyes widened, and he got this sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.

  “Jessie came by yesterday. Said he was attacked in Trinity County. I figured he would have told you…”

  Before he could finish, Colby made a beeline toward the horses that were tied up in a stable at the side of the home. Hazel wasn’t that far behind him. “Hey, Colby. I’ll keep Alicia here. Tell your mother I’ll be by. I’m sorry, son,” she said.

  Colby untied the tether, mounted the horse, and brought it out. Kane had followed him over. “You can’t come, boy.” He shouted to Alicia, “Can you keep an eye on him for me.”

  “Sure, but Colby…”

  He looked down at her, distracted, grief filling up in his chest, making it hard to breathe. She touched his hand and squeezed it. “Let me come with you.”

  “No, it’s best you stay here.”

  “You keep pushing me to one side. I’ve lost people too. You were there for me back in L.A. Allow me to do the same for you.”

  He nodded. “All r
ight.” He reached a hand down and she took it and he pulled her up onto the back of the horse. “All right, change of plans. Let’s go, Kane,” he said, giving the horse a nudge.

  The horse couldn’t move fast enough. It galloped out of Garberville, across the Alderpoint Bridge, and up into the foothills of the mountain. Kane struggled to keep up with the mare. “Come on, boy!” Colby bellowed. Even if he fell behind he had his scent, and would eventually find them.

  Colby gripped the reins tight and pulled on them to slow the horse as they approached the entrance to the farm. Several of his family were outside as he stopped the horse and climbed off. All eyes fell upon Alicia, mouths widened, gawking.

  “Where is he?” he asked Dylan who dropped down off the porch.

  “Inside with mother.” He placed a hand on Colby’s chest. “Careful, Colby, she’s not herself.” He nodded and walked in, leaving Alicia outside. Inside the home he found his mother sitting beside a bed. Lincoln was there, missing one arm, pale, and in death’s grip.

  He stopped at the doorway as shock took over.

  It was one thing to lose his father, a man who he’d been at odds with for many years, but to lose Lincoln was far harder. His mother turned and got up, tears rolling down her cheeks, and embraced him. Martha sobbed into his chest as he stared at his brother.

  “I’m glad you’re here,” she said.

  He wished he could say the same.

  Chapter Ten

  Captain Evans was fuming. He’d kept his anger in check for the sake of his men but he couldn’t pull the wool over Elijah’s eyes. They’d worked together too long.

  That afternoon he sat across from the sheriff’s empty chair in the city hall office, waiting. Always waiting. That had become the story of his life. He was growing tired of being patient with these imbeciles. He glanced at the clock. Almost an hour. Working with law enforcement was meant to make his job smoother, faster. It wasn’t meant to humiliate him in front of his men or teach him a lesson about etiquette.

  “He’s not coming,” Elijah said. “Let’s go.”