by Hunt, Jack
Rumors over local radio had circled of multiple raids on safe zones headed up by the military, a huge array of arrests and pockets of society receiving power again. How much truth there was in that was to be seen as they’d yet to see power restored on the West Coast.
So much had taken place since the night of the attack.
The discovery of Elisha and Sophie alive but injured only strengthened Alex and Garcia’s bond, as they understood how close they’d come to death.
Sophie and Alex had sat down for a long talk to discuss their future, and the change in their relationship. Although they wouldn’t reconcile their marriage, they reconciled as friends, and for both that was enough. The upside to it all was that her near brush with death had shown her that she wasn’t ready to jump into another relationship, at least not yet. She wanted to know what it was like to stand on her own two feet and just be a mother, a friend, a survivor.
For weeks after, they’d all survived in tents at Pine Point Campground on the east side, an area that offered mooring for boats, fishing for food, and the ability to go back and forth to Jodi’s property.
And, back and forth they went, multiple times. The families who’d survived chipped in, working tirelessly to sift through the ashes of outbuildings and the main house, searching for anything that could be salvaged before the rebuilding process began. It was an arduous task but rewarding in its own way.
Jodi was determined to hang on to the property and see it rise from the ashes, a testament to the lives lost and a symbol of strength for those that survived.
Jodi stepped forward and cut a ceremonial ribbon placed in front of the two-story structure, which was set back from the blackened remains of a once-thriving forest. Danny had carved into a wooden plaque the names of those that had fallen.
After she gave a small talk, they enjoyed a BBQ of smoked fish and wild game. Seeing people smile again even if it was marred by tragedy felt good.
But not everyone saw the good in what had happened.
Alex turned to see Elisha looking downcast.
He didn’t need to ask why, he knew, they all did.
Unable to reconcile the role he’d played in the chain of events that led to the attack, Liam had left the group in the days following. He’d just upped and vanished in the night. Where he went was anyone’s guess but he’d left a note of apology behind and had specifically instructed Elisha not to find him. It wasn’t just Shaun who’d been affected but everyone in one way or another.
Alex put his arm around his daughter’s shoulder and brought her in close for a hug. “Maybe one day he’ll return.”
“No he won’t.”
She believed he’d gone off like a wounded animal not to lick his wounds but bring an end to his pain. Was it possible? Sure, they’d seen it all since the bombing of America, but deep down, Alex couldn’t help but feel that Liam was out there, watching them from afar.
As a cold breeze snapped at their ears, the rumble of vehicles could be heard. They soon rolled into view, most were low-riders, flashy, eye-catching. The sudden arrival was met by fear as the group went from light conversation to preparing for a fight. “It’s okay,” Garcia said raising a hand. “It’s Marco.”
“Why’s he here?” Sophie asked.
Garcia glanced at her but broke away as the cars came to a standstill and his friend got out of a cherry-red vehicle. Alex expected some kind of confrontation, some loud words exchanged, but instead the two embraced, smiled and Garcia pointed back to the others. They hadn’t seen the Norteños since the night of the attack. Alex figured Garcia had made some kind of agreement.
What that was would shock them all.
“This is an old friend of mine,” he said introducing them. “I’m heading back with him today.”
“What?” Sophie asked, her brow furrowing.
“I’m leaving.”
It caught them off guard.
“But you can’t leave,” Elisha said. “We just…” she trailed off, swallowing hard.
“I made a promise. He delivered. Now I must live up to my end of it.”
“And that was?” Sophie asked folding her arms. Alex observed those waiting by their vehicles. They were smoking, talking among themselves, and looking over.
“They helped us, now I’m off to help them.”
“But… what about us?” Sophie asked with a look of desperation. It was clear she still had strong feelings for him.
Garcia smiled and looked at Alex then took hold of Sophie by the arms. “Sophie, you are a strong woman. I’ve enjoyed our time together, but I will always be from the opposite side of the tracks. You deserve better. Trust me. Be with your family, hold on to them.”
“And what if you’re my family?” she asked.
Garcia looked backed at the twenty-odd Norteños. “Then come with me.”
“But my daughter. My…” She looked at Alex.
“Family,” Garcia said. “You know your blood, as do I.” He looked at Marco. “Take care, Sophie.” And with that he kissed her on the cheek, hugged her, and ran his hand through her hair. He thanked all of them before parting ways and returning to Marco. They watched as he got into the passenger side, gave a final wave and left. Within minutes all that remained was a plume of dust. Sophie breathed in deeply and wiped a tear from her eye as Elisha gave her a reassuring hug and told her it would be okay.
Alex looked off toward the dirt road that led out of Mendocino Resort. They’d crossed paths with so many good people, strong people, damaged people. Ryan, Liam, Garcia, all of them had been united under the strangest of circumstances. They had fought, argued, and bled, and now had gone their separate ways — pulled away by responsibility, guilt, and loyalty.
Different backgrounds, different ages, different views but in so many ways the same. Each one had left an imprint on their lives — saved them, and brought them together. Maybe one day they would see each other again.
As Alex turned back to his family, his marriage vows came back to him. For better or worse. Alex slung an arm around Sophie and Elisha as they returned to the remaining survivors, alive, and stronger for it.
THANK YOU FOR READING
If you enjoyed that series, please take a second now to leave a review on this book and the first two. Even a few words is really appreciated. Thanks kindly, Jack.
A Plea
Thank you for reading As Our World Burns: Cyber Apocalypse Series Book 3. If you enjoyed the book, I would really appreciate it if you would consider leaving a review. Without reviews, an author’s books are virtually invisible on the retail sites. It also lets me know what you liked. It also motivates me to write more books. You can leave a review by visiting the book’s page. I would greatly appreciate it. It only takes a couple of seconds.
Thank you — Jack Hunt
Readers Team
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About the Author
Jack Hunt is the International Bestselling Author of over forty novels. Jack lives on the East coast of North America. If you haven’t joined Jack Hunt’s Private Facebook Group you can request to join by clicking here now. This gives readers a way to chat with Jack, see cover reveals, and stay updated on upcoming releases. There is also his main facebook page below if you want to browse.
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