by Dawn, M. K.
Sloan studied the young girl’s face. All her features indicated that she was indeed terrified but something about her eyes had Sloan second guessing.
“We don’t want to hand you over,” Archer assured her. “But we need to know who we’re up against. They have two of our people—”
“People you exiled!” Mia shouted. “I have done nothing wrong. You can’t send me back! I’d die before I ever let them get their hands on me again!”
Archer closed his eyes for a second, clearly upset. He was a protector of the innocent, so she could only imagine what must be going through his head. “What will they do if we don’t hand you over?”
“I’m the least of your worries. Eli is dead. How do you think that’s going to go over when he finds out?”
“You tell us. What if we explain the situation?” Sloan suggested. “How understanding will he be?”
Mia wiped a tear from her face. “There’s nothing you can say. Turn me over and you may get one of your people back or he may kill them both. You can never be sure.”
“Then, we lie,” Britney said. “Tell David that Eli died during the infested attack. Or lie and say they are both dead. He can’t fault us for that.”
Mia snorted. “You don’t know David and how cruel he can be.”
“It’s worth a try.” Britney folded her arms over her chest. “Unless you have a better idea?”
Mia averted her eyes. “There’s nothing you can do.”
Axel slammed his fist against the table. “Fuck! What do we do? Leave Jerry and Barbara in the hands of the lunatic?”
Sloan’s heart sank. “We can’t.”
Archer paced the room. “What will happen if we do nothing? Never respond, cut all communication?”
“You can’t be serious?” Britney cried out. “They’ll kill them like Mia said. I know I’m the one that sent them away but never, in a million years, would I have wished this on them.”
“Hold on, Britney,” Archer said. “We’re going to do something, but first, we need to know what lengths they will go to get what they want.”
“We know exactly what they’re capable of!” Britney yelled.
“Brit,” Axel took her hand, “take a deep breath and let’s see where Archer is going with this.”
“Fine.” Britney settled back into her seat.
“We’re all scared, Brit, but we have to find a way to figure this out without giving in to their demands. The only way to do that is to study our enemy and formulate a plan.”
“Enemy?” Sloan repeated. The word sounded so ominous.
“Okay, Mia.” Archer knelt beside her. “If we don’t comply with their demands, even going as far as ignoring them, what are they capable of? Not to Jerry and Barbara, they’ve made that quite clear, but to this town.”
“They have nothing,” Mia said.
Archer furrowed his brow. “Nothing as in weapons?”
“Nothing besides knives, baseball bats, and stuff like that. They have guns but no ammo.”
“Why carry the guns then?” Britney asked.
“It’s all for show,” Mia said. “An intimidation factor.”
Archer’s shoulders relaxed. “That’s good. Really good. We can work with that. There’s no way they’ll risk breaking in here with such little weaponry. No way they can take over.”
Everyone relaxed a little which meant she must have been the only one who consider the possibility that Mia could be lying.
“Do you know how many people David would have watching Jerry and Barbara?” Axel asked.
Mia studied his face for a moment. “No. Why?”
Archer’s eyes sparkled. “Is there anything else you can tell us, Mia? Anything else that might help?”
She shook her head. “Not that I can think of. I wasn’t exactly part of the inner circle. What are you planning?”
Archer stood and held open the dining room door. “Why don’t you head back to your camper?”
“Oh...” Mia stuttered, “are you sure...”
“You’ll be safe there,” Axel reassured her. “We can provide a couple of armed guards if that will make you feel better?”
“No!” Mia said louder than expected. “I mean, that’s not necessary. It’s more important that you focus on keeping the town safe. I can take care of myself. Just...don’t do anything stupid. They’re already angry that Eli and I escaped and will be even more so when they find out Eli is dead.”
“We can take care of ourselves.” Archer smiled. “And we won’t let them take you back. We take care of our own.”
Mia bit her bottom lip. “Thank you. Promise me you’ll be careful.”
“We won’t do anything without careful consideration and planning.”
Archer closed the door behind Mia and addressed the Council. “The way I see it, there is only one way out of this. A couple of us will need to sneak into their camp and rescue Jerry and Barbara. We bring them back here and, if what Mia told us is correct, they won’t be able to do a damn thing about it.”
“Are we sure that’s the best course of action?” Terrance asked. “With everything that has happened, the cut fence and broken water line, the bullet that killed Jesus. Who’s to say it wasn’t these people?”
“Plus, it sounds like someone has been feeding them information,” Britney added. “We have no idea how much they know about the inner workin’s of the farm.”
“All valid points, but it still doesn’t change the fact that Jerry and Barbara are in immediate danger. I can’t, in good conscious, turn over Mia over to them. It’s not right. And Eli’s dead. Our supplies are limited. We don’t have anything to barter. I think this is our best option.”
“Agreed,” Axel said. “A very small, two-person rescue mission.”
“You volunteering?” Archer asked with a smirk.
“Hell ya.”
Britney rolled her eyes but said nothing.
“Everyone else,” Archer said, “initiate the emergency evacuation protocol. Present it as a drill, but I want to be prepared in case shit starts hitting the fan. Everyone who is comfortable carrying a weapon needs to do so. We leave nothing up to chance.”
Sloan fought back the tears burning her eyes. She didn’t like that Archer and Axel would be leaving the farm alone. They were acting as if this plan was simple. Rescue the prisoners and with nothing left to hold over the farm, the Children of the Apocalypse would leave.
She hoped they were right, but feared this group of wanders desired more than a couple of runaway teens.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Britney paced the living room floor, unable to sit still. “They’ve been gone too long.”
Sloan put down the book she’d taken up reading an hour ago. “It’s only been an hour and a half.”
“You don’t consider that too long?” Britney peeked out the front curtain into the moonless night. It was nearly two in the morning and even though she was exhausted, she couldn’t bring herself to sleep.
“Archer said they weren’t going to rush. That they would take their time in order to minimize confrontation.”
Britney leaned against the wall and sighed. “This is all my fault.”
“No, it’s not.”
“If I wasn’t so damn stubborn and forced Jerry and Barbara to leave, David wouldn’t have anything to use against us.”
“On the other hand, if Jerry and Barbara would have complied like the rest of the town, they wouldn’t have been in the position to be taken.”
Britney closed her eyes, trying in sheer desperation to get a sense of what Axel might be feeling. “I don’t like this.”
“None of us do.”
“I have a really bad feelin’ somethin’ is wrong.”
Sloan joined her at the window and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “It’s easy to interpret worry as something more. You’re scared for their safety, so am I. But we can’t sense what’s happening with them.”
Britney narrowed her eyes. “How did you kno
w that’s what I was thinkin’?”
“Because I’m your sister, and our entire lives, I have always been the rational one while you’ve always tried to convince me that you had some crazy sixth sense.”
Britney leaned into her sister’s embrace. “I’ve been right before, you know.”
“Not more than you’ve been wrong.”
Britney chuckled. “I think we were born in the wrong order. You are way better at big sister than I am.”
“That’s not true,” Sloan said. “When Mom died, then Dad, I couldn’t have done the things you did, sacrificed all that you did. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
“You would have stepped up if you were in my shoes.”
Sloan sighed. “I’m not so sure about that. You’re the protector of the family. The caregiver. We’re alive because you care so much about others. Don’t forget that. After everything that’s happened, most people would have given up on humanity. But not you. You found a way, and it’s inspiring.”
Britney wiggled out of her arms. “Please stop. You’re freakin’ me out even more. I have to do somethin’ to get my mind off everythin’.”
“Like what?” Sloan asked.
“I don’t know.” Britney tapped her foot. “Let’s go over the evacuation plan again. Do you think we’re ready?”
“Well,” Sloan crossed her arms, “we have packed all the working vehicles with supplies and filled them all with gas. Everyone has been reminded where to meet in town if we get separated. People are armed and many have taken up watch around the farm. Are we forgetting anything?’
Britney shook her head. “No. I can’t think of anythin’ else.”
Sloan settled back on the couch. “Do you really think we might have to leave?”
“I don’t know. Maybe we’re being paranoid, but I don’t want to take any chances. I’d rather unpack than have to leave without being prepared.”
Sloan eased off the couch and pulled back the curtain. “How long have they been gone?”
“Nearly two hours.” Britney’s heart thrashed. If Sloan was starting to get nervous maybe she wasn’t being paranoid after all.
“They took their walkie-talkies,” Sloan said. “Do you think we should try to reach them?”
“They said they would have them turned off until the job is done. Plus, I wouldn’t want to call and give away their position.”
“So, all that’s left to do is sit here and wait. I’m not sure how much more of that I can take.”
Britney hated the fear in Sloan’s voice. It’s funny how quickly the tables had turned. “I know it sucks but like you said earlier, they haven’t been gone that long.”
“These things take time,” Sloan said. “Taking it slow is a good thing and means they are being cautious.”
“Exactly.” Britney forced herself from the window and took a seat on the couch. “Waitin’ by the window isn’t goin’ to get them back any faster.” She patted the seat next to her. “Sit. It’s late, and we should try and get some rest.”
Sloan grabbed her book from the table and settled under a blanket. “Will you be able to sleep?”
Britney hadn’t even noticed how tired she was until a yawn tugged at her lips. “I’m not sure if I even want to try.”
“What if we sleep in shifts,” Sloan suggested. “Close your eyes and rest. I’ll wake you in a couple of hours or when they get back.”
Britney couldn’t remember the last time she got any sort of measurable sleep. “I guess if you’re sure. I can take the first shift if you want me to. You’ve been up a lot taking care of Rainey.”
Sloan patted her book. “I had just gotten to a good part and am anxious to find out what happens next. Plus, I need to pop downstairs and check on Rainey and make sure Evelyn is okay staying with her a little while longer.”
“Okay, but if anythin’ changes, wake me up right away.”
“I will. Now sleep.”
Britney pulled the quilt up to her neck and laid her head on the square pillow. “Wake me in an hour.”
“Or two.” Sloan opened her book, ending the conversation.
Britney’s eyes drooped, and before she had a chance to give sleep a second thought, she was out.
***
Britney woke, startled by the crack of a walkie-talkie. Beside her, Sloan stirred. For a brief moment, Britney forgot why they were on the couch and not in their beds. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she tried to recall what happened before she fell asleep.
The walkie-talkie crackled again, followed by David’s voice. “Britney? Are you there?”
Britney couldn’t move fast enough, tossing the blankets aside as she threw herself in Sloan’s direction.
She snatched the walkie-talkie from Sloan’s lap. “David? What are you doing on this channel?”
The walkie-talkies they used were not secure; there had never been a need. They never considered the Children of the Apocalypse might have walkie-talkies too.
“My dear Britney,” David cooed, “seems we have a bit of a problem. You see, we captured two of your men breaking into our camp in an attempt to rescue our prisoners. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”
Britney shook Sloan’s shoulder, trying to wake her up.
Sloan jerked awake. “What’s wrong?”
Britney clutched the walkie-talkie in her hand. “Axel and Archer have been captured.”
Sloan’s face paled. “What?’
“Britney,” David called out, “I know you’re there.”
“What have you done with them?” Britney demanded. “I swear to God, if you hurt—”
David chuckled. “They’re alive, but for how long? That’s unclear.”
Tears slid down Britney’s face. “What do you want?”
“I believe I made that abundantly clear. Your people for my people. Though now, it seems we’re a bit uneven.”
Britney’s entire body trembled. She whispered to Sloan, “I don’t know what to do. We have nothing to give them.”
“I think it’s time we meet face to face,” David said. “Say fifteen minutes? Your front yard?”
“There’s no way we are letting you past our gates!”
“Funny how you still believe you are in any position to tell us how this is going to go. See you in fifteen.”
The walkie-talkie slipped from Britney’s hand. She couldn’t put into words the fear consuming her every thought. “What are we going to do?’
The sound of little feet coming down the stairs drew Britney’s attention away from the horrors about to show up on her doorstep.
“Mommy!” Molly yelled, throwing herself into Britney’s lap. “Did you and Auntie Sloan sleep on the couch? Where’s Dad?”
Britney’s eyes met Smith and Angie’s who had both stayed overnight.
As she was about to tell them the condensed version, Smith spoke up. “What can we do?”
“Angie, take the kids to the Hummer out back,” Britney said. The military grade vehicle was the safest they had. “Smith. You need to warn the town. We don’t have long.”
“Mom?” Carson asked. “What’s going on?”
Britney called the boys over. “Listen to me. There are some bad people on their way here.”
Molly’s little chin trembled, but she didn’t have time to coddle them now.
“Angie is going to take you to the big truck, the Hummer. The one that Auntie Sloan and Uncle Archer came in. You are going to hide in there with Angie, no matter what. And when it’s safe, Angie’s going to get you out of here. Do you understand me?”
Carson threw back his shoulders. “I’ll watch out for the twins and keep them safe.”
Britney held back her tears. “I know you will, baby. There are a lot of weapons under the front seat. Most of them are loaded. Stay away from them.”
“You aren’t coming with us?” Molly cried.
Blake took his twin sister’s hand, following the brave front of his older br
other. “It’s okay, Molly. Carson and me will protect you.”
“And Angie,” Britney reminded them. “This will all be over soon, and I’ll see you afterwards, okay? I love you so much. Be brave for me.”
The front door flew open, and Makayla rushed in with Tyler following close behind.
Britney moved Molly onto the couch next to Sloan and stood. “What’s happening?”
“They’re here,” Makayla gasped. “Inside our walls, heading this way.”
Britney waved over Tyler. “Go with Angie. She’s going to hide them in the Hummer.”
Makayla kissed her son on the head and held him tight. “I’ll be there as soon as I can. I have to help Sloan. I love you so much.”
“I love you, too.” Tyler held back the tears in his eyes. “I’ll help with the twins. We’ll be fine.”
Commotion picked up outside.
“Angie, out the back door! Hurry!”
“Come on, babies.” Angie took Molly’s hand as she sobbed.
“Mommy, don’t leave us! Please, Mommy!”
Britney nearly broke down at the sight of Molly’s scared little face but knew that would only make things worse. “I’ll see you soon, baby. I love you so much. I love all of you. Go with Angie! Stay hidden.”
“I’ll guard them with my life,” Angie promised.
“Go.” Britney watched as they hurried toward the back of the house.
The walkie-talkie cracked. “Britney?” David called for her. “Where is your hospitality? Making your guest wait out on the lawn like this? Such a faux pas.”
Britney considered smashing the damn thing with her foot. Too bad that would do nothing to shut him up.
“Everyone grab a gun,” Britney said as she made her way to the front door. “It’s time to give our guests the proper welcome they deserve.”
***
The walk down the porch steps flipped Britney’s stomach. She didn’t know what she expected to see, but what waited for them surpassed her worst fears.
David had arrived with a group of twenty-plus men and women, two she recognized from the tree house. Huddled between them, hands tied behind their backs, were Axel, Archer, Jerry, and Barbara. All were badly bruised, but no more so than Axel and Archer—black and half-swollen eyes, cut and bloody lips and cheeks. Their injuries made them nearly unrecognizable. Each walked with a limp as they struggled to keep upright.
