Next World Series | Vol. 5 | Families First [Homecoming]
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FAMILIES FIRST HOMECOMING
A POST-APOCALYPTIC
NEXT-WORLD
BOOK SERIES
Volume 5
LANCE K EWING
Families First ~ Homecoming
A Post-Apocalyptic
Next-World Book Series
Volume 5
Copyright © 2020 by Lance K. Ewing
The characters and events in this book are fictitious.
Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental
and not intended by the author.
All rights reserved. The scanning, uploading and distribution
of this book without permission is a theft of the author’s intellectual property.
If you would like permission to use material from the book
(other than for review purposes), please contact lance@lancekewingauthor.com.
www.lancekewingauthor.com
Thank you for your support of authors’ rights.
ISBNs: 978-1-7350305-2-4 (Kindle)
978-1-7350305-3-1 (trade paperback)
First Kindle edition: October 2020
First paperback edition: October 2020
Printed in the United States of America
DEDICATION
To my wife, Hannah, our three awesome crazy boys,
Hudson, Jax and Hendrix,
and to my mom, Shareen, for her tireless editing.
To the readers who took a chance on a new author
without knowing if there would be a second volume.
Thank you to all readers who left honest reviews on Amazon and
Goodreads, making this continued series possible.
To all my Beta readers, thank you for your contributions and support: Chris S., Judy R., Larry R., Pam W., David E.
Foreword
Recap of Volumes One, Two, Three & Four
In Volumes One, Two and Three of Families First ~ Post-Apocalyptic Next-World Series, we were introduced to a cast of characters spanning multiple locations across the United States, all with diverse points of view and hardships to overcome.
We learned that North Korea dropped an EMP in the center of the United States, knocking out power to all states except Hawaii, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. With no electricity, food or running water, and few working vehicles, the country is instantly reduced to the hardships of days long gone. It’s every family for themselves in this new and hostile world.
Lance and Joy, along with their children, like-minded friends and neighbors, embark on their journey, headed to Saddle Ranch in the Colorado Rocky Mountains by way of Raton Pass, on the Colorado/New Mexico border.
The first leg of the trek to Raton Pass would prove more difficult than they could ever imagine, plagued with injuries and losses along the way. Relying on faith, and loyal to the group, they soldier on and finally arrive at their destination.
Vlad is transferred to a FEMA camp, and eventually to Trinidad, Colorado, for surgery following a life-threatening injury.
The sons of Lance and Joy each face hardships and potentially catastrophic situations.
Former McKinney police officer, Mike, proves to be a hindrance to the group as well as an invaluable help when safety is on the line.
Lonnie and Jake keep everything running as smoothly as possible.
Joy, Nancy and Tina earn MVPs on the first leg of the trip.
Mac, on Saddle Ranch, falls in love with a beautiful medical doctor, but the relationship is complicated from the very start.
Crossover has begun between the communities of Saddle Ranch, led by John, and The West, led by Samuel.
David and the Jenkins family in Raton, New Mexico, suffer a devastating loss after an accident involving mistaken identity.
James and Janice, in Weston, Colorado, start their new family, taking in a young orphaned boy named Billy. With both James and Jason in new town government posts, they try to remain neutral as the Sheriff and Judge passively battle for control of the town.
It is clear to all that Ronna is working with the US Military, and always has been.
Volume Three finds our main group held up at Raton Pass longer than they had planned, but their assistance will prove invaluable to David Jenkins and the Raton Pass Militia.
The battle for control of the town of Weston, Colorado, heats up, with both the Sheriff and Judge vying for the allegiance of the town Mayor, James VanFleet.
On Saddle Ranch in Loveland, Colorado, old foes unexpectedly turn into allies and the security detail is gutted and put back together, piece by piece, for the imminent battle for control of the pristine Valley.
The Colonel takes a shine to Lance’s group and forges a friendship with the always-boisterous and joking Vlad that may prove life-saving for many others. As they learn new information about Ronna’s and Baker’s intentions, they become more concerned with getting to Saddle Ranch in a timely manner.
Volume four continues with James VanFleet being shot and subsequently paralyzed from the waist down, but that won’t keep him from his family or his town’s responsibilities. The rivalry between Sheriff Johnson and Judge Lowry is heating up, and the only thing they agree on lately is that one of them has to go. With the death-defying show right around the corner, the Sheriff becomes distracted, and even his girlfriend Kate thinks he is becoming increasingly irrational.
Mac and Cory, on Saddle Ranch, have their hands full with Ralph once again, but they aim to make this the last run-in. They have bigger fish to fry and need the entire Valley focused on the threat that is literally walking towards them.
Lance and group are teaming up to help David and the Raton Pass Militia defend the mountain against only a small part of Baker’s group. They are counting on the Colonel’s help if things go badly, but there are no guarantees in this Next-World. Either way, they have outstayed their welcome and are back on the road to Saddle Ranch. Every town and pit stop they go through is an opportunity to help those most in need, even when it puts the group at risk.
* * * *
Dear Reader,
If this is your first look at my Families First series, please consider reading Volumes One, Two, Three and Four first. This is a planned series of 6-8 volumes, depending of course on you, the reader. I am working hard on Volume Six.
Thank you for purchasing and, most of all, for reading the first four books in the series. In this day of Internet publishing, I realize you have many other choices in this genre, and I am honored you would spend your money and time with me. As writers, we now more than ever are judged by our reviews online. If you enjoyed this book, please leave an honest review on Amazon.
For those of you interested in this series, please consider keeping in touch by visiting my website at lancekewingauthor.com for upcoming books and projects, as well as weekly updates on what I am up to. I will not distribute your e-mail anywhere.
In return for your e-mail, I will forward you my Quick Guide e-book (free of charge and not available for sale) with more information on the characters of Families First, including their backstories, much of which you will not find in any of the volumes.
Lance K Ewing
Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Good family approved reading
Really enjoyed all four books! Good character developments with some surprises that I didn’t see coming. Enjoyable read that will be read again.
5.0 out of 5 stars What a story
This is the 4th of this series and all have been so well written, flowing seamlessly one into the other. A quick recap at the beginning, in case you need a refresher, is nice. Now I have to wait till the next release for an
swers to the cliffhangers! Hopefully soon!
5.0 out of 5 stars Action and great characters
I have really enjoyed this series. The characters are really well developed and lots of action and suspense—I can’t wait for the next book!
5.0 out of 5 stars Review
The plot gets thicker. What will happen with the Judge? James and Jason are trying to be neutral. Maybe they can get support from the townsfolk. Lance and his group still have not reached their destination. David and his group are at peace for the moment. Will the Military be able to stop the groups from taking over the Ranch and the Valley? Looking forward to the next book. Love the references to the songs and the movies in the dialogues. Love the humor as well in the story.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story
What a great story—well thought out and keeps you on the edge of your seat!
5.0 out of 5 stars Providing for your own is essential
Greatly enjoyed the perspective and the energy of this story. So many values and virtues are on display. Good read.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very comfortable and believable stories!
These books are so much more than 5 stars! I have books 1 and 2 and am just beginning number 3. I can hardly wait to find out what happens to Lance, Joy and their adorable boys. All the characters feel like I’ve known them for years. Very comfortable reads of an uncomfortable but highly likely subject. Keep them coming, Lance. They are wonderful books!
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!
This has been by far one of the best post-apocalyptic series I’ve read. Families First was like reading about your own neighborhood and hoping it would turn out the same way. Kudos to Mr. Ewing!
5.0 out of 5 stars I’m there with the characters in the storyline!
I have read many apocalyptic books from a number of authors and find Mr. Ewing’s writing style to be as well developed as some of the best writers. His ability to keep the storyline moving along at a pace that has you flipping pages as fast as you can read is phenomenal!
After reading all 3 of the books so far within a week, I can hardly wait for the next book! The storyline is realistic with the struggles people will face when the SHTF, but not gory with in-depth details. The characters’ personalities are real and complex, revealing the types of internal struggles expected when blending them together. He uses their personality differences to enhance the dynamics of the groups in very realistic ways that keep the reader intrigued.
For heaven’s sake! Read this series!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous series, can’t wait for the next book!
I love this series, Families First. What a great theme. Families are not always about blood but include friends who would die protecting each other. A must-read!
* * * * * * *
Chapter One
Weston, Colorado
Judge Lowry stood still, arms at his side. He clutched the first pistol he had owned, purchased only days before. The instructions from the lead deputy surrounded him like a cloud of smoke, dulling his senses. Everything before him slowed as the commands seemed to come from miles away.
“Drop the weapon and lie facedown on the ground,” came the command again.
This time the Judge dropped the pistol and slowly crouched over, lowering himself to his knees.
“Now, hands behind your back, sir,” called the lead deputy.
Doing as instructed, Judge Lowry succumbed to arrest.
“What are the charges?” he spat out as his wrists were tightly cuffed. “I have rights, you know,” he continued, as his voice grew louder and angrier. “You deputies all took my moonshine gladly, and this is how you repay me? I’ll have your necks in a noose by week’s end, all of you!” he yelled.
“Let’s put him in the back,” called out the lead man, “and don’t talk to him. This thing is between him and the Sheriff, and nobody else.”
Judge Lowry kept mostly quiet on the way back to town, after asking a few unanswered questions.
* * *
Sheriff Johnson made a point to not be at the jailhouse when the Judge arrived. He wanted to give him some stew time before having to answer questions. After talking with his girlfriend, the Sheriff was sure he had made the right decision.
“It was going to be him or you,” she told him. “If his secretary hadn’t told me about his trip to see James,” she continued, “we would already be at a disadvantage.”
“Why would she do that?” he asked, surprised. “She betrayed Judge Lowry’s trust after all these years?”
“Well, it’s like this,” she said. “You see things in front of you, whether good or bad, and act accordingly. Maybe someone says something you don’t like and you lock them up, or you get an idea for, let’s say, a wheelchair and you go full throttle to get it done. Does that sound right?”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
“We’ve been dating now for three years, two months, and twelve days—right?”
“Um, I don’t know, but it sounds right,” replied the Sheriff.
“It is, and I always knew you and the Judge were going to have it out eventually, so I’ve been a friend to her the whole time. See, I’m a planner and a plotter; I always have been.”
“But you couldn’t have seen this coming—the power failure, I mean,” he said.
“That’s true, but now it just makes the decision even easier. How long are you going to make him wait in the cell?” his girlfriend asked.
“Overnight, I guess. I want to see if he talks to any of my deputies.”
“How will you know?” she queried.
“Ken will tell me. He’s my eyes and ears in there, and he believes he’s about to go free.”
“Is he?”
“We’ll see. We will see.”
* * * *
Judge Lowry had calmed down, and he didn’t ask even one of the dozens of questions he wanted to.
“Where’s the Sheriff, and when will he be here?” were the only ones he would voice aloud.
“Last open cell, Judge,” said the lead deputy. “Unless, of course, you want to share one with Richard? No, no…I didn’t think so. Eat your dinners, and the Sheriff will see you all in the morning.”
Judge Lowry spent the first part of the night plotting his revenge and the second half accepting his defeat. He would broker a deal of sorts with his old friend. Surely, it’s still possible, he thought. The other jail mates didn’t dare speak to or about him, each still hoping for a chance, however slim, of walking out of jail alive. Only Ken listened intently, as he always did now, for anything that may help the Sheriff.
* * * *
“I hear you’re going to be jumping my courthouse,” called out Judge Lowry at first light.
“Yes, sir, that’s the plan,” Ken replied quickly.
“And I’ll be fighting the skinny boy across the hall,” interjected Richard. “Unless, of course, the Sheriff puts the three of us in the arena together.”
“Screw you,” came the call from James’ shooter, and “I don’t think so” from the Judge.
“It would make it interesting is all I know,” replied Richard, laughing and feeling more confident every minute.
“That may not be a bad idea,” said Sheriff Johnson, quietly slipping into the jailhouse.
“We need to talk and right now,” called out Judge Lowry, unable to see him yet.
“Oh, we will in good time, old friend. I just don’t have all the charges on you yet.”
“What charges? I was just going for a drive when your boys started in on me.”
“A drive to where?”
The Judge was silent as Sheriff Johnson continued. “Maybe a drive out to the VanFleet ranch?”
“Who told you that?” the Judge asked angrily.
“Why, your secretary, of course. Who else knew?”
“Why would she do that, after all the years we worked together?” asked the Judge.
“You didn’t work together. She worked for you, just like I did. But my girlfriend s
et her straight, and me too. Now I just need to figure out the best use for a defunct courthouse. Maybe a gymnasium of sorts for the schoolhouse or a new office for the Mayor,” he said, sliding breakfast trays under each cell.
“I run that courthouse!” screamed the Judge, seeing where this was heading. “I make the rules for it and this town.”
“Not anymore, old friend…not anymore. And besides, now you are eating up all my food.”
“Keep your crappy food,” he spat, throwing the full tray through the cell bars. It crashed onto the floor with a bang.
“I’m not so sure that was a good idea,” said Ken after the Sheriff left the building. “He keeps a clean jailhouse, and he does it himself.”
* * * *
Sheriff Johnson walked home with a grin he couldn’t wipe off his face.
“What do I do with him now?” the Sheriff asked his girlfriend.
“Let me think on it… We have all the time in the world,” she replied.
* * * *
Sheriff Johnson decided to check on Ken. He wanted to see if the Judge had said anything important in his cell and if there had been any progress on James’ chair.
“You won’t be seeing the Judge here anytime soon,” he told the shop owner without elaborating.
“What about the chair his guy Cam is working on?” asked the shop owner.
“How close is it to being done?” asked the Sheriff.
“A week at best, but more likely it will be two or three. He gets in late and cuts out early, and sometimes he doesn’t make it in here at all.”
“Okay. Let the old-timer finish it; we will still beat him fair and square and present ours first. Right, Ken?” he called out.