by Jack Hunt
“It’s better this way. If he thinks we’re together, maybe he’ll use that against us.”
“You are aware he may have already spoken to Damon and the others. They may have told him.”
“If they did, so be it, but I’m not going to make his job any easier.”
“How did we end up here?” she said looking around, shaking her head. Elliot placed his hands on top of hers and gave them a squeeze, making sure the guard couldn’t see. “We’ll be fine.”
“And if we’re not? What happens if you die out there today?”
“Then you’ll go on. Like you always have. Take the kids and get to the water. Find a boat and stay away from the mainland and head for Mexico, Canada, anywhere but here.”
She shook her head. “Not without you.”
“Rayna, you did it before.”
“But I didn’t like it.”
He smiled. “You’re stronger than you think.”
Elliot was aware it could all go belly-up today. There was only so much they could control and this had the potential to get out of hand.
The forest was silent that morning. Mack felt excitement swirling in the pit of his stomach. He’d hardly slept that night. High up in the trees he used his high-powered binoculars to see if anyone was approaching. He got back on the long-range two-way radio to each of his men who were positioned three miles out. “Brent, come in.”
It crackled. “Go ahead.”
“Any sign?”
“Nothing. It’s quiet on this end.”
Each of his closest guys were positioned around the camp to the north, west, east and south. Last night he’d already sent out twenty-five people to do reconnaissance on the compound. According to the boxes, the two-way radios were meant to allow for up to thirty to fifty miles but that wasn’t accurate. The terrain could affect the reach. Long before the EMP he already owned one set, and several repeaters that extended the range of the devices. One of the first things he did when the lights went out was to break into a store in Dallas and pick up some more. Although they could work off batteries; solar, wind or even water power could recharge them. He’d positioned the repeaters in various spots throughout the forest, from five to ten miles apart.
Ray was in the group near the compound.
“Ray? What have we got?”
He came over the line. “We’ve got some activity. I’ve seen John Shelby but not Frank. Not sure what they’re up to.”
“And Elliot?’
“Nothing.”
He nodded and was going to check in with Tatum when he came over the line. “All is good here on the west side.”
“Okay guys, listen up. Chances are he’s not going to come in one way. Once we get the word from Ray, we’ll have a better idea but for now just keep your eyes peeled. Who knows what this asshole has planned.”
Mack pulled out a cigarette and lit it. He felt confident about the day even though he knew others in the camp had reservations. It was one thing to protect the camp from one or two people and quite another to prepare for war against a hundred or more. But the way he saw it, they had the element of surprise unless Elliot told them they were in the trees. It was amazing how quickly they adapted to a new way of living. Mack turned to his right at the sound of boots approaching. Clive made his way down.
“Morning.”
He gave a nod and went back to leaning over the edge and watching ash float to the ground.
“Thought you could use some coffee,” Clive said.
He’d brought two cups and handed one to him.
“Thanks.” He took it and continued looking out, his mind preoccupied by the day ahead. With Ray on the outside of the compound at least they wouldn’t be caught off-guard.
“Any word?” Clive asked.
“Nothing so far.” He took a sip. “Tell me, Clive. How well do you know Elliot and Rayna?”
“They were my neighbors for over twelve years. We lived on the same street. My daughter worked with Rayna at the museum. They’re good people.”
“Then why didn’t you go with them when they left?”
He let out a lungful of air and took a sip of coffee. “It’s like hell out there, Mack. It took us close to two weeks to make it down here and we had our hearts set on the compound. Besides at some point you have to put your roots down somewhere and you all seem to have carved out something that works here.”
“Then why didn’t he see it?” Mack asked.
“Elliot thinks differently. Besides, he suffered with PTSD for years. I mean some of the shit he must have seen over in the Middle East. No wonder he turned his nose up when you tortured that guy.”
“Why didn’t he tell me that?”
“He doesn’t like to talk about it. I only found out through Jesse.”
“You think he’ll stay after this?” Mack asked.
“I wouldn’t bank on it. But we will.”
Mack nodded and slapped him on the back. “Well don’t go getting too comfy. When this is over there might not be anything to come back to.” He walked off.
“Hey Mack?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for everything.”
“You’re welcome.”
An hour later Frank stood before every resident in the compound. He glanced at his watch and looked towards the sky as the last of them streamed into the clearing. Murmurs spread throughout. He was standing on a platform with a megaphone in his hand. He flipped it on and brought it to his lips.
“Listen up, everyone. I know there are those of you who have concerns about today but you have nothing to worry about. The fact that any of us have lasted seven months since the EMP is a miracle in itself. Those of you who were here a few weeks ago will remember the attack on the compound and how quickly it ended.” He paused and glanced at his brother. He wanted him to be reminded of how at every step of the way they had succeeded. Today would be no different. Lives would be lost but so much would be gained. “When you are out there, you have one job and that is to protect the woman or man on your left and right. If you all do that, you will breeze through their defenses like a hot knife through butter.”
“Why aren’t you coming with us?” a young man shouted out from the crowd. Frank knew one of them would ask. It was a given. But he was prepared for that.
“What you are fighting for is what is found inside this compound. It’s not just food, water, electricity, alcohol, tobacco or anything material. This place stands for freedom and above all things, this place cannot be compromised, and that’s why my men will be here. Besides, do you want your children and the elderly out there? Who will protect them?” He let that question linger knowing they would fill in the blanks. “We will,” he said for any of those who were a little slow.
“Then who will lead us?” a woman asked.
Others voiced their concern about going in alone and it didn’t take long for the crowd to get louder. Frank had to get this under control before it was too late.
“Samuel Hayes, my second in command.”
Samuel looked at him and Frank could tell he didn’t buy it. He didn’t need to, but the crowd did. They stared at him as Frank urged him to come up and join him. Samuel pushed through the crowd and some of the newcomers who hadn’t met him looked on with curiosity. Frank placed his arm around him. The crowd stared on. Frank handed the megaphone to him and gave a nod. Samuel looked a little hesitant at first but then he brought it to his mouth and over the course of the next five minutes he put their fears to rest in ways Frank never could have — at least not at this time. Once he was done he handed back the megaphone and Frank patted him on the back and leaned in. “Well done, I knew you had it in you.”
The people bought into it, hook, line and sinker. Samuel had a way with words and watching him speak to the group only cemented his trust in him. With that said he told them to move out and watched as he guided them towards the gate where they would be instructed on where they would find weapons a short distance from the compound, stored in the b
ack of an abandoned truck covered by a large tarp. Frank wasn’t stupid. Handing out weapons inside the compound wasn’t happening. He controlled it all.
Frank then turned to Elliot. “You’re up.”
Elliot jerked his head for Rayna to follow but Frank took hold of her. “No. She stays here. Call it collateral but I like to hedge my bets.”
He looked hesitant for a second but not long enough to make Frank think that she was anything but a friend. “No problem,” he replied as if he didn’t care. However, inside he was a state. This was exactly why he didn’t want her going in with him.
Chapter 19
Over two hundred people marched out of those gates with Elliot and Samuel leading the way. The large group filled up the road, chattering among themselves like a rowdy mob. It was a mixed bag. Some spoke out against Shelby while others came to his defense, believing he had done no wrong and that this was all for their benefit. They’d been given directions to an old truck nestled in the woods a mile from the compound. Damon, Jesse, Maggie and Brianna elbowed their way to the front to speak with Elliot. It would be the first time they’d spoken since getting separated.
Elliot was about to get into conversation with Samuel about the way things were structured inside the walls when Damon jogged up and slapped him on the back.
“And we meet again.”
Elliot turned, smiled and gave each of them a hug.
“Thought I wouldn’t see you again,” Jesse said.
“Likewise,” he replied.
“What the hell were you thinking heading in by yourself?” Maggie said in her usual mothering tone.
“I wasn’t alone, Rayna went with me and I still regret letting her.”
“Letting her?” Maggie asked then laughed. “You don’t let her do anything. She walks to the beat of her own drum.”
“That she does.”
Samuel turned to Elliot and extended a hand. “Heard a lot about you.”
“Good things, I hope?”
Samuel smirked. “Of course.”
Elliot tossed a glance over his shoulder. “Once we are out of sight of the compound we need to speak to these people. I figure they need to hear the truth and perhaps that will change their mind.”
“We can’t,” Samuel said.
“And why not?”
Samuels looked back and his gaze washed over all the faces as he continued walking. “While Shelby said his men are all in the compound, I don’t believe him. I think he has one or two among this group. It’s the only way he can guarantee they will go through with what has been asked of them. He has my brother, and many others inside. They’re collateral. If we don’t do what he wants they’ll die and the only way he can be sure that we have done it is if we bring back the head of Mack.”
Elliot looked at the people. “Okay, so you’ve been in there since the start. You’d recognize them, wouldn’t you?”
“There were forty-six of them when they entered, my brother killed five and I didn’t see all of them. The compound is a big place, Elliot. They are spread out. I generally only see around ten of Shelby’s closest men, the rest man the walls and towers and keep an eye on our people.”
“Your people. Right.” His mind was churning over what to do. “So then you would recognize your own?”
“Of course.”
“If you’re right and he sent some of his men in they would need to be able to communicate.” He glanced over his shoulder. “That means one or two of these people would have a two-way long-distance radio on them.”
Damon interjected. “Or maybe they don’t. Would you take the risk of giving your men a radio and being found out? Nah, I don’t buy it. They are probably runners. At the first sign of people deserting they will either be the ones to shoot or they will break off from the group and head back.”
Elliot shook his head and balled his fist. “Shit! This was not how I saw this playing out.”
“Let me guess, you thought you were going to waltz in and ask for our freedom?”
“Something along those lines.”
“Yeah, well Shelby is one step ahead of everyone,” Samuel said.
There was a long pause, only the sound of boots pounding asphalt could be heard and the grumbles of people who didn’t want to fight.
“Maybe not,” Damon said. “Harlan mentioned there was a way out that opened up on the northwest side near an old dead oak tree with a red ribbon tied to it. It might be impossible to get to the office from the inside but it’s not impossible to use it to get in.”
They all looked at him.
“You want to break into the compound?”
“Think about it,” Damon said with an air of confidence. “He’s not going to expect people back for several hours, maybe even a day. Once we get in those woods, as long as you two are at the front leading this, chances are no one is going to be paying attention to everyone. They can’t.” He took a deep breath and looked back at the crowd as they got closer to the area where the rifles were stored. “They’ve probably been told to keep an eye on you two but not the rest of us. So I figure if we can break away, and lead some of your group back into the compound through the escape tunnel, we might just be able to get Rayna, the kids and some of the others out. Worst-case scenario we have to fight them. Give me fifty of your people and we’ll handle it from there.”
Elliot laughed. “Seriously, Damon, they’ll notice.”
Damon looked back. “How many are here? Two hundred. Two hundred and twenty? In the heat of battle all that people watch is their own ass. Give me thirty people and we’ll head in and deal with that situation.”
“And what about this situation?” Samuel asked.
“Can’t help you there,” Damon replied. “There is no way around this. People are going to die unless you’re willing to take a risk and tell them they don’t have to fight.”
“If I do that, I stand the chance of those who do turning on the others. This isn’t about whether they want to fight or not. It’s about ensuring the survival of their loved ones back at the compound.”
Maggie shook her head. “No, there has to be another way. We can’t just lead these people to their deaths or jeopardize the lives of Mack’s people.”
“We might not have to,” Elliot said. “Shelby thinks I’m the only one who knows where Mack’s camp is. I told him it was in the northeast region. Like you said, this forest is a vast place, we could get lost. It might actually weed out those among the group who are Shelby’s men.”
Samuel smiled. “I like the sound of that.”
“Right then,” Damon said. “It’s agreed. Samuel, speak to twenty-five people in your group who would be willing to go with us and fight. Give us your best and while Elliot distracts the others, we’ll break off and head to the compound. The oak tree with the red ribbon can’t be that hard to find.”
“It’s not happening,” Samuel said. “They’ll notice.”
“Yeah, he’s right, Damon,” Elliot said.
“Then Jesse, Maggie and I will go.”
Elliot wasn’t going to discuss the utter absurdity of that idea with him because ultimately they had to do something. He looked down at the map of where the truck was located and eyeballed the different signs in the area. “We need to take this second trail coming up. The truck is buried somewhere in the forest, half a mile inside.”
“Don’t you think he was taking a bit of a risk?” Maggie asked. “Anyone could have stolen those rifles.”
“No, he knows this area like the back of his hand,” Samuel said. “We have talked at great length about where the threats are. Most folks in this county don’t head down here unless they are coming for the compound. This road we’re on right now was built specifically for the compound.”
Not far from New Hope Springs, Ray got on the radio to Mack. “We got movement.”
There was static and a crackle before Mack came over the line.
“How many?”
“A lot. Elliot is leading them. They’re
heading east right now. Not sure why but I’ll keep you updated.”
“Hold your position. I’ll have one of our scouts take it from here.”
Ray was crouched down in the trees at the edge of a precipice that overlooked the compound. Behind him twenty-four armed individuals were ready to fight at his command.
“And what do you want us to do in the meantime?” Ray asked.
“Like I said, you are to hold position.”
Upon reaching the truck, which was partially camouflaged with netting and loose pine branches, four of them distributed out the rifles and ammo. How things would progress from here was anyone’s guess. There were a number of disgruntled people among the crowd who’d been itching to get their hands on a weapon so they could snap back at Shelby. As Samuel handed out a rifle he would tell them all the same thing: “Remember your loved ones back in the compound. Don’t do anything stupid.” It was smart, and the best thing he could have said to them. It was one thing to tell them to reconsider, another to bring the face of their wife, their kid, or their sibling to the forefront of their mind. Elliot had told Samuel to scan the faces and see if he could spot anyone he couldn’t recognize, or anything that might stand out to him as looking suspicious. They were convinced Shelby had at least one man among the group. Even though Samuel had earned the respect and trust of Shelby, he also understood that Shelby’s brother John would have told him he needed a little reassurance, something that might give them the heads-up if the group turned.
“How long until we reach the perimeter?” a man’s voice yelled from in the crowd. Elliot tried to see who’d asked but couldn’t get a bead on him.
“We have to go northeast of here.”
He stood in the back of the now-empty truck bed and raised the map to indicate the direction so everyone could see. Of course he wasn’t providing the exact location. The longer he could keep them walking in circles the better. He leaned in to Samuel. “Did you spot who asked?”
Samuel looked out. “Nah, could have been anyone.”
“Is that truck operational?” a woman asked.