Pandemic (Book 4): Insurrection

by Kersey, Christine

“Uh…” the man began.

  Moffit smiled as he glanced at Derrick. “Don’t worry. Mr. Citizen here’s not going to be around much longer. It’s okay if he hears your report.”

  Derrick’s heart lurched. Sounded like the governor was planning on killing him that night.

  The need to escape just went from a fond wish to a necessity.

  “Okay,” the man said. “Someone’s out there. Two of our men are dead and two are missing.”

  It was Jeff and Chris and Matt. It had to be. Who else would try something so brazen on the very night Derrick had been turned in?

  Squashing the smile that pushed hard against the corners of his mouth, Derrick focused on the conversation.

  Moffit frowned deeply, then he stood abruptly.

  Startled, Derrick recoiled. Was Moffit going to shoot him then and there?

  “Get him up,” Moffit said to the man to Derrick’s right. Moffit stared hard at Derrick and tucked his gun into the back of his waistband.

  A hand gripped Derrick’s arm and he got to his feet.

  “Those your people out there?” Moffit asked. “Killing more of my men?”

  Of course it is. Derrick shook his head. “I doubt it. They have no idea I’m here.”

  Moffit scowled, then motioned with his chin for the man whose hand was clamped around Derrick’s upper arm to lead Derrick out of the room.

  “Where are you taking me?” Derrick asked as he shuffled forward. He could slam into the guy leading him, but the shackles were a real liability. If he ended up on the ground, Moffit could easily shoot him. And even if he stayed upright he wouldn’t be able to run.

  Instead, he slowly made his way out of Moffit’s office.

  “You’ll see soon enough,” Moffit said from behind him.

  Another security man joined them. Perfect. Derrick berated himself for not at least trying when it was just him and Moffit. If Moffit was going to shoot him anyway, why not take the chance of getting away?

  As they shuffled down a hallway, Derrick could see that they were in a house. A very large house. Was this where Moffit had lived before? Or had he taken over someone else’s house when society had collapsed? Didn’t matter, but he wouldn’t put it past the guy to take any advantage he could.

  They reached a grand foyer with soaring ceilings. The closed front door stood right in front of them.

  What was Moffit going to do?

  Derrick braced himself for whatever was to come.

  Chapter 35

  Matt

  The Governor’s front door opened. Matt shrank back against the house he was hiding beside, which was across the street. Jessica and Cleo were right beside him. Jeff and Chris were hiding near another house a short distance away.

  Two security men were stationed on the wide front porch, but they stood behind thick columns, presumably to keep them out of range of snipers.

  A moment later Derrick came into view.

  Matt’s eyes widened.

  “It’s Derrick,” Jessica whispered.

  With his eyes riveted to the scene unfolding in front of him, he nodded as he reached over and put his hand on Jessica’s arm to let her know he heard her. Then, with a quick glance at her, he put a finger to his lips. She nodded her understanding.

  His gaze shot back to Derrick. In the glow of the porch light, Matt saw that he wore handcuffs on his wrists and shackles on his ankles. Then a man appeared directly behind him holding a gun to his head.

  Who was that? He was wearing a suit, not a security uniform.

  Trying to decipher what was happening, Matt squinted.

  “Whoever’s out there,” the man holding the gun shouted, “hear me now. I am the Governor and you will do as I say. Drop your weapons and come out with your hands high in the air or I will shoot your friend.”

  Matt’s lips curled into a scowl, but quickly changed to a frown. With Jeff and Chris too far away to communicate with, Matt didn’t know what he should do. How many security men were left? Would Moffit really shoot Derrick? He had no doubt that Jeff and Chris weren’t about to give up their weapons or reveal themselves.

  Jessica tapped him on the arm. He turned to her. She gave him a look asking What should we do? He shook his head and shrugged. She bit her lip, her eyebrows bunching.

  “Come on now!” Moffit shouted. “You don’t want your friend dead, do you?”

  “Don’t come out!” Derrick yelled. “He’s gonna shoot me anyway!”

  Matt’s eyes widened as he stared at Derrick.

  “Shut up!” Moffit said loudly enough for Matt to hear.

  “We have to do something,” Jessica whispered beside him. Cleo whined softly.

  That’s when Matt caught movement off to the left of the governor’s house—from the same direction Jeff and Chris had been hiding. Had to be one or both of them. Matt smiled, relieved that they had a plan. He just wished he knew what it was so that he could help, but since he couldn’t, he was rendered a spectator.

  The governor’s house was well lit. Matt realized it wouldn’t take long for Jeff and Chris to be revealed. And with the two security officers stationed behind the columns, Jeff and Chris would be easy targets.

  I need to create a distraction.

  “Stay here,” Matt whispered to Jessica.

  Her eyes went wide. “Where are you going?”

  He just shook his head, his lips clamped shut, then he tucked his gun into the back of his waistband and pulled his t-shirt over it. Next, he raised his hands in the air and stepped out from behind the house. He was still in shadow. No one had noticed him.

  “I give up,” Matt shouted.

  He heard a gasp come from Jessica. He prayed she would stay hidden.

  All eyes shot to Matt, including the two security officers, who were poking their heads around the columns, their pistols pointed at Matt.

  Feeling uncomfortably exposed, Matt stayed in place, desperately hoping they wouldn’t open fire, because if they did, he was dead.

  Keeping his gaze steady on Moffit and Derrick, Matt used his peripheral vision to track Jeff and Chris, which was when he saw a figure on the left that had to be Jeff and another figure on the right that must be Chris. Looked like they’d split up and Chris had gone around the back of the house. It was up to Matt to keep all eyes pointed forward.

  “Turn around,” one of the security men called out.

  Hating the idea of turning his back on these guys, Matt shouted, “Let my friend go.”

  “Don’t make me tell you again,” the man said.

  Jaw clenched, Matt slowly turned his back.

  “Now,” the man said, “lift your shirt.”

  He should have left his gun with Jessica, because when he lifted his shirt he would reveal that he was armed, that he hadn’t followed their directions. Would they shoot him without giving him a chance to disarm?

  Stressed, but confident that Jeff and Chris would take advantage of the distraction, Matt ever so slowly lowered his hands and reached for his t-shirt.

  That’s when all hell broke loose.

  Chapter 36

  Derrick

  What is Matt doing? Trying to get himself killed?

  Derrick appreciated Matt trying to save him, but it was futile. The governor was out for blood. He didn’t care whose. Derrick’s only hope was that Matt wasn’t alone and that he was following a plan.

  Bracing himself for whatever was to come next, Derrick tried to lean out of the doorway so he could better see what was happening. The governor was still well inside the house, which kept Derrick inside as well. All he could see was Matt standing with his hands up and his back to them across the street and the two security men hiding behind the wide porch columns.

  Eyes sweeping the area, Derrick tried to catch any movement that would indicate Jeff or Chris or whoever had come was nearby. Then, despite his deep concern that the governor would get a shot off that would end his life, Derrick smiled ever so slightly. His friends were good at this, and if they were o
ut there—and he had to assume that they were—even he wouldn’t be able to spot them.

  “Lift your shirt,” one of the security men shouted to Matt.

  Matt moved ridiculously slow. Obviously trying to buy time. His hands reached the edge of his shirt. All eyes were glued to him.

  A gunshot sounded incredibly close, immediately followed by another. Both security men fell.

  Derrick didn’t hesitate. He slammed his head back, smashing it into the governor’s face.

  Moffit cried out, his gun clattering to the floor.

  Derrick spun around as best he could with the shackles on his ankles, then dropped into a crouch, his cuffed hands reaching for the gun. It was out of reach. Propelling himself awkwardly to the side, he grabbed the gun and swept it around the room. A security man bolted into the room, his eyes wide as he looked around. Derrick didn’t give the man a chance to evaluate, shooting him in the chest before his eyes had reached him.

  Two more security men entered the room, but before Derrick had a chance to shoot, gunshots came from the doorway behind him, taking the security men out. With a quick glance, he smiled when he saw Jeff standing there with Chris watching his six.

  “How many are there?” Jeff asked.

  “Not sure.”

  “You broke my nose,” the governor cried out as blood leaked between the fingers he held to his face. Then Moffit’s eyes darted to Jeff, before opening wide. “Hey! You’re the other one. John Doe.”

  Jeff chuckled. “That’s me.”

  “Don’t shoot!” a man cried out as he entered the room with his hands in the air.

  Both Jeff and Derrick turned their attention to the man. It was the same man the governor had asked to look up Tony Webb in the database. The governor’s aide. Jeff quickly searched him, but didn’t find any weapons.

  “Sit there,” Jeff told the man, who obeyed without comment. With a single nod at Derrick, Jeff turned, and with gun leading, headed into the depths of the house.

  Matt and Jessica burst into the house moments later with Cleo right beside them. “You okay?”

  Derrick grinned. “Thanks to you, yes.” He got to his feet and faced his friend. “Nice move earlier.”

  “Scared me half to death,” Jessica said as she ran her fingers through her hair.

  “Important thing is,” Matt said, “it worked.”

  The front door stood open with Chris keeping watch on the porch.

  “Is someone going to help me?” Moffit asked from the floor.

  Derrick rolled his eyes at the governor, then looked at his aide, who was scowling at the governor and shaking his head. Interesting.

  Jeff came back into the room. “All clear, but we should get going.” He looked at Moffit, whose white shirt was stained with blood. “What do you want to do with him?”

  With a nod at Jeff and Matt, he said, “Get him to his feet, will you?” He turned to Jessica. “See if you can find keys for these things.” He held up his cuffed wrists then pointed at his ankles.

  Jeff and Matt each took one of Moffit’s arms and yanked him to his feet.

  “No need to be so rough,” Moffit said with a voice that said he knew he was no longer in charge.

  Jessica searched first one security man and then another, coming up with the needed keys. She released Derrick’s restraints. “Thanks.” Derrick rubbed his wrists, then turned to Moffit. He could so easily shoot him and end this, but he wasn’t the kind of man to kill someone who was completely helpless. Instead, he faced the governor and said, “I’m placing you under citizen’s arrest for treason for failing to keep your oath to protect and defend the Constitution.”

  “You have no right,” Moffit growled.

  The aide stood. “Actually, he does. And I’m a witness to what he claims.”

  Moffit turned to the man with fury in his eyes. “I never trusted you.”

  This was an unexpected turn of events. Derrick smiled as he yanked Moffit’s arms behind his back and placed him in cuffs.

  “We got company,” Chris shouted as he came in from the porch and slammed the front door. “Several cars just pulled up.”

  Moffit laughed. “That’s the end of your motley crew.”

  The aide went to a window and pulled back the curtain, then turned to Derrick with a smile. “It’s okay. I can talk to them.”

  The adrenaline that had been starting to recede came surging back. “Who is it?”

  “The Lieutenant Governor and his security detail.” The aide’s smile grew. “He’s going to be pleased with Moffit’s arrest. He’s been against all of Moffit’s decrees.”

  “Shut up, traitor!” Moffit shouted.

  Jeff backhanded him. “Pipe down.”

  Moffit’s shoulders sagged.

  Derrick stared at the governor’s aide, evaluating whether he was being truthful. His gut told him that he was. “What’s happening out there?”

  The aide looked again. “They’re spreading out with their guns drawn.”

  Crap! They’d obviously seen the bodies outside.

  The aide looked to Derrick for direction. Derrick and his team had their guns drawn and at the ready. Derrick grimaced. “We need to talk to someone in authority. Can you make that happen?”

  The aide nodded.

  With Moffit between them, Jeff and Matt moved him into an adjoining room. Chris and Jessica followed. Derrick moved to the side of the door. He nodded at the aide.

  The aide pulled the door open, and with hands raised, stepped onto the porch. “Don’t shoot. It’s me. Ed Parker. Governor Moffit’s aide.”

  “What’s going on in there?” a voice called out. “Is the Governor all right?”

  “Everything’s fine, but I need to speak with Lieutenant Governor Clarke.”

  Silence followed, then, “You may approach.”

  Derrick didn’t like this. He wanted to hear what the aide told Clarke.

  To the aide’s credit, he didn’t give away that Derrick was standing nearby, instead facing front the whole time as he whispered. “Trust me.”

  Derrick didn’t see as he had any other choice.

  Chapter 37

  Derrick

  When the front door closed behind Ed, Derrick felt his chest tighten with worry. What if Ed turned on them and brought the wrath of all the men outside down on them? There was a good chance they would all die. All five of them. The thought brought on a terrible sense of despair.

  It’ll be okay, he told himself. Hard as it was, he had to have faith that it would all work out.

  The minutes ticked by, every one feeling like an eternity. Finally, the knob turned and the door swung open. Standing to the side of the front door, Derrick lifted his gun and pointed it at the space where whomever entered would be in his crosshairs.

  Ed stepped through, closing the door behind him.

  He was alone.

  Somehow that made Derrick feel better, because if he was going to turn on Derrick and his friends, he would never have come back. Right?

  Derrick lowered his gun.

  “Good news,” Ed said with a broad smile. “The new Governor, Governor Clarke, would like to meet you.”

  Slowly nodding, Derrick said, “All right. If he comes inside, I’ll talk to him.”

  “His security detail insists that at least one of them come with him.”

  That was understandable, although Derrick wasn’t thrilled about it. “Unarmed.”

  “Not sure they’ll go for that, but I’ll check.”

  “I have no desire to shoot anyone, I just want to protect my people.”

  “Understood. Give me a minute.”

  Derrick nodded. Ed left.

  With hope filling his chest, Derrick waited. Several minutes passed. Finally, the knob turned again. Derrick lifted his gun.

  The door opened. Ed stepped over the threshold with a smile. “They agreed.”

  Rather astonished, Derrick said, “All right. Let’s do this.”

  Ed stepped back and held the doo
r open. A man who was clearly security stepped through first. He held his hands out to the sides as he eyed Derrick with suspicion. By the look on his face, Derrick knew he was doing this against his best judgement and just following the orders of his boss.

  “Over there,” Derrick said, using his gun to motion where to go. “Keep your hands where I can see them.”

  With a scowl, the man did as he was told. Derrick quickly patted him down, reassuring himself that the man was unarmed. That didn’t mean he wasn’t dangerous, but it was something. And it wasn’t unreasonable for the new State Governor to need protection. It said something that Governor Clarke was willing to meet with Derrick and his team under these circumstances.

  Keeping the security man within his view, Derrick looked at Ed and gave a short nod.

  Ed smiled and turned to whomever was on the porch. “Sir.”

  A man in dress pants and a white shirt with a red tie walked into the room, a cautious smile on his face. Of average height, he wore glasses and was balding. Ed closed the front door. “Governor Clarke,” Ed said, “I’d like to introduce you to Joe Citizen.”

  Clarke stuck his hand out and took a step toward Derrick.

  “No offense,” Derrick said, “but I need to make sure you’re not armed.”

  Clarke chuckled. “Of course.” He raised his hands as Derrick did a quick search. He was clean.

  Derrick tucked his gun into the holster at his hip, then stuck out his own hand. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

  Clarke shook his hand with vigor. “I understand there’s been some excitement this evening.” He glanced at the bodies lying on the ground as he spoke.

  Softly chuckling, Derrick said, “You could say that.”

  “Ed tells me Moffit’s still alive. I’d like to speak to him.”

  “Of course.”

  Derrick swept his hand toward the adjacent room where everyone else was waiting. Clarke and his security man led the way. Ed followed and Derrick took up the rear. He wanted to keep everyone in sight.

  “It’s okay,” Derrick said to Jeff and the others. They looked extremely nervous, but they holstered their weapons.