"Jaden was the only one left inside," Garrett said, as he nodded towards their new captive restrained in the corner. Not that he needed much restraint, given his condition. He was still recovering from the flare gun injuries. "It would seem, that it wasn't just our plan that was deviated from. Jaden's people left the whole palace unguarded when they chased after Bruce and Susan. The bulk of them were already back at their headquarters or transporting supplied they'd already taken. We just have to make sure they don't get back in, that we don’t make the same mistakes they did."
"That won't be a problem," Susan said. "Bruce and I have some ideas we'd like to share with you, to make this place more secure. How many people do you we have here now?"
"Looks like we have thirty or forty," Holly said. "I think that should be enough of a force, to secure the place and keep others out. Plus, we found a stash of weapons they left behind. I suspect they had plans to make this a fallback position in case things went wrong at their main headquarters."
Sam chimed in. "They know we're armed now, so they'll have to think twice about coming after us." Sam saw Bruce about to say something, but continued on. "I know everyone is on high alert right now, but we’ve got to make sure we maintain that same vigilance. We can’t let people get complacent over the coming weeks or months. This isn’t a short-term thing." Bruce nodded in approval, acknowledge that Sam had touched on the same point he was going to make.
"The one issue that's really outstanding here, is what we do with our new friend Jaden?" Garrett said.
"Gary who had been sitting quietly, spoke up. "I've got a few ideas. Based on how this punk and his goons treated us while we are captive, I think I'd like to return the favor. With interest. Any ideas?" Sam looked directly at Susan and Bruce.
Susan and Bruce both shook their heads and walked away. They'd had their say, and there was plenty of work yet to be done securing the place. It was clear that vengeance wasn’t something they were comfortable talking about.
"I'm thinking, that maybe payback shouldn't be on the top of our list," Holly said as Veronica nodded in agreement. "I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to discuss options for dealing with Jaden later. Our priority is getting this place secured with establishing a routine for everyone." She paused for a moment. "At the very least, he remains a bargaining chip with the other side. We don’t know how they’re going to react to all this."
"I agree," said Sam. "Even though they left him here unguarded, I'm convinced it had nothing to do with a lack of loyalty or respect for the man. He doesn't seem like the kind to be abandoned by his people." Sam looked over at Jaden, who appeared to be disinterested in their conversation. "Whether that's motivated by fear or respect, I haven't quite figured out yet."
Garrett and Holly excused themselves and headed off to the upper levels of the Y, supposedly to scout around. Well out of earshot from the others, they both knew it was time to talk about other priorities.
Holly surveyed their surroundings. "It’s a good place for a new home, for however long they have to be here." She could see that Garrett wasn’t paying attention, so she shifted the conversation to what she knew he wanted to discuss. "Maybe it's a little early to tell the others, but I think we both know this isn't where we want to be."
Garrett made eye contact. "It's only been a few days, but it's a conversation we're going to have to have eventually. No matter how awkward it is. Once things are more established, and everybody's more comfortable with their new home we’ll let them know." Holly nodded in agreement. "Then, it'll be time for Becky. The question remains though, who comes with us, and who stays?"
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If you liked Destination Ruin, you'll love these other books by Norman Christof:
EMP Survivors Series
Destination Lost
Destination Ruin
Destination Found (coming soon)
America's Sunset
America's Sunset
Coming Home
Final Days
Parables From The Apocalypse
Endings
Revealed
Mutation
Awakening
Rising
THANK YOU FOR READING!
Norman Christof
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