by L. S. O'Dea
“I’ll help him sober up, sir, and then we’ll set out,” said Indy. “How many other troops are you sending?”
“All of them.” Jason stood. “Come to Cal’s camp with your Guards.”
“When?” He wasn’t going to do this. He was done fighting this war.
“You’re in no condition today, so I guess tomorrow will have to do.” Jason glanced at the bedroom. “Send them home and get a good night’s rest.”
“Are the others already there?” He needed as much information as he could get.
“A couple of groups, but most are being assembled. It’ll be a day or so but I want you to train the troops on the forest. Most have never set foot outside of the city.”
“Of course.”
As soon as Jason left, he placed the bottle on the table and dropped his head into his hands.
Indy took the bottle into the kitchen and returned with a jug of water. “Here.”
He took the water and drank. “I need you to go to Townsend’s and tell him what’s happening. He needs to warn Hugh.”
“So, we’re working for the other side now?”
He hesitated. He trusted Indy, but he was asking the Guard to turn traitor. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. You shouldn’t be involved, but please don’t say—”
“I don’t care.” Indy grinned. “I only want to know what side I’m on. It’s a good thing to keep straight in this war business.”
The breath eased from his lungs. He didn’t want to think of Indy reporting him to the authorities. The Guard was the only friend he had left. He stood. “We’re working for ourselves now and no one else.”
“You’re throwing your career and possibly your life away only for yourself?” Indy’s tone was disbelieving.
“My sister is out there. They’ll kill everyone. They won’t care who it is.”
“And it has nothing to do with Trinity.”
“Don’t be an ass. Of course it does. It has to do with all of them.”
“The truth will set you free.” Indy laughed and headed for the door.
“This truth is going to get me killed.” He yelled after the Guard.
CHAPTER 50: JETHRO
JETHRO TRAVELED AS fast as he could to the Warehouse District. He had to dismiss his Guards and free the prisoners. He didn’t want any other Guard implicated in what he was about to do. There were a few who’d probably join him but he couldn’t take the chance that they might warn the authorities, not with weapons on the way.
Thankfully, Indy had been using his mom’s carriage to run errands. Getting there on foot would’ve been possible but in his condition, it would’ve taken awhile. His head spun from all the alcohol he’d drank as he hopped out of the carriage, stumbling a few paces before catching his balance. The sound of fighting spilled from the doors and he raced inside.
He’d left twenty of his Guards to watch over the prisoners and they were fighting a group of...everything. There were Producers, Guards and House Servants. He skidded to a halt. And a Tracker. A Guard rushed toward him and without thinking his arm flew out punching the Guard in the face and knocking him down. He charged forward to help one of his Guards who was being attacked by a Producer and three House Servants. It was the same Producer he’d captured with Trinity.
He jumped on the Producer’s back, wrapping his arm around the male’s neck. The Producer flung his arms, smacking Jethro upside the head. His ears rang from the blow, but he tightened his grip, squeezing the Producer’s throat. Another moment or two and the male would be down. The giant’s arms flailed and then he fell. Jethro rolled to the side and staggered to his feet. He swung at one of the House Servants but the damn thing was fast and he was still groggy from drink. The Servant slashed him across his chest, ripping his shirt. A thin trickle of blood formed on his skin. Somehow, he knew the Servant was coming at him again even though he was staring at his chest. He reached out and captured the Servant around the neck. He stared into the Servant’s eyes as the male struggled in his grasp. He needed to let go soon or the Servant would die, but he didn’t want to let go. It wasn’t smart. This creature had attacked him. It’d do it again and even if it didn’t, he really, really wanted to kill it. He could tear out its throat. There would be blood - a lot of blood. His stomach rumbled. He was hungry. He dropped his hand, stumbling backward. The Servant crumpled to the ground, coughing. Where had that thought come from? He didn’t eat House Servants. He spun around and came face to face with Jackson.
“Jethro.” The Guard’s eyes were resigned.
“Let my Guards go,” he said. Jackson was mostly healed, but he could still smell the faint scent of torn flesh.
“I can’t do that.”
His Guards were losing. They were outnumbered and quite frankly out manned. The Producers and House Servants along with the Guards made a formidable army. The Producers were strong and solid, progressing in a line while the House Servants were fast using the Producers as living shields. “Take me captive but separate me from the others. I need to speak with you.”
Jackson’s eyes narrowed.
“It’s not a trick.” He dropped to his knees and stuck his hands in front of him. “Stand down. That’s an order!”
Jackson grabbed Jethro’s arms, yanking them behind his back. “I have your master. Stop fighting now or he dies along with all of you.”
The sounds of battle slowly ceased as one-by-one Jethro’s Guards surrendered.
“Lock them up.” Jackson jerked Jethro to his feet. “I need to question this one.” He shoved Jethro outside and away from the building. “What do you want to tell me?”
“Promise me you’ll be fair with my Guards. They’re good Guards. They only did as I commanded.”
“Don’t worry about your Guards. Hugh understands their situation and is always fair.”
He snorted. He doubted Hugh would be fair with him, but he was still going to help. He had to. “They’re releasing the weapons.”
Jackson’s face paled. “When?”
“They’ll have the troops ready to send into the forest in a couple of days. You need to warn Hu...the others.”
“Where are the weapons now?”
“I don’t know. I guess at the Council Building. They’d deliver them there from storage and then count and sign them out to each troop.”
“Some of the troops and all the weapons are at the Council Building, right now?” Jackson’s tone was slow and deliberate.
“Yeah, why?”
“Hugh and the others may already be there.”
“You brought the war to the city? You’re not here to free Hugh’s soldiers?” He couldn’t help it. He was impressed. It was what his instincts screamed for him to do in every battle. Take the offensive not the defensive.
“Yeah. This is it. Today, the war will end one way or another.”
“Where’s Kim?” His throat was dry.
“Safe in the forest.”
He shouldn’t ask. He had no right to ask, but he couldn’t stop himself. “Who else is with Hugh?”
“Trinity.” Jackson looked at him with pity.
He jerked free from Jackson’s grasp. “I have to stop her.”
Jackson tackled him. He tossed the Guard off his back and headed for the carriage. Jackson hit him again, grabbing his legs and knocking them out from under him.
“Let me go.” He pushed at the Guard, but Jackson clung to him. “I don’t want to hurt you again.” He tried to pry Jackson’s hands from around his legs.
“I don’t trust you.” Jackson punched him upside the head.
The words hurt worse than the punch. “Too bad. You’re going to have to.”
His fist connected with Jackson’s chin and the Guard’s grip loosened enough for him to scramble to his feet. Another Guard slammed into him, knocking him back to the ground. He punched the Guard and was just getting to his feet when another Guard tackled him. He hit the dirt face first. He roared as he tried to rise. They couldn’t stop him, not
now. He had to save her, but two more Guards landed on him, holding him down. He bucked and fought but he couldn’t get leverage while sprawled in the dirt.
“Lock him up.” Jackson stood over him, panting.
“No. Please. I can help.” He was strong. He could save her.
Jackson studied him a moment and then shook his head. “I can’t trust you.”
He lurched forward, making the Guards struggle. “Don’t do this. I can help.”
“Take him away and lock him with the others.”
The Guards dragged him toward the building, but he managed to get a hold of Jackson’s pant leg. “Please. Take my carriage. Save her.”
“Have someone look at his wounds,” said Jackson as they drug him away.
CHAPTER 51: JACKSON
JACKSON RAN TO the carriage and stopped. “Cack, good to see you. How’s your mate and baby,” he asked as he hopped into the conveyance.
The Grunt smiled and motioned with his hands. Jackson had no idea what Cack was trying to say and it didn’t matter.
“We need to get to the Council Building as quickly as possible.”
“Wait.” Travis raced toward him. “Where are you going? What’s going on?” He glanced over his shoulder at where they were dragging Jethro away. “What did he say?”
“They’re bringing out the weapons.” He slapped the side of the carriage.
“I’m going with you.” Travis started to climb in with him.
“No.” He put his hand out, stopping the young Producer. There were too many of them in danger as it was. All the teams, once their areas were secured were to meet at the Council Building. “You’ll slow the carriage down.” It wasn’t the real reason, but it was true. “Take the team and go back to base camp. Tell Sue what’s going on. If this doesn’t go well, they’ll be coming for us in the forest. You need to hide.”
Travis stepped back, nodding. “Jackson...it was an honor working with you...getting to know you.”
“You too.” He swallowed around a lump in his throat as his heart slammed against his chest. He held out his hand and they shook. He turned away. “Let’s go,” he ordered Cack.
The Grunt stood there, staring at him, eyes wide with fear.
“If you don’t want to go, I understand.” He jumped out of the carriage and walked up to Cack. “I should’ve told you what was going on before I ordered you to take me there. I’m sorry.” He started to unhook the harness but Cack slapped his wrist. “Ouch!” He shook his hand.
Cack hit his own chest and then Jackson’s chest. Jackson stumbled back a couple of steps and tried not to wince. The damn Grunt was strong. Cack tipped his head at the carriage and then pulled forward.
“You’re going to take me to the Council Building?”
Cack nodded, his eyes still frightened but now, there was also determination in them.
“Thank you.” He hopped into the carriage and Cack started moving.
Something large hit the top. Cack glanced over his shoulder and then raced forward. Jackson peered out the window. Sikka sat on the top of the carriage.
“I go too.” The Tracker crouched toward the front, looming over Cack.
Cack ran faster, his eyes darting to the Tracker.
“Move back. You’re scaring the Grunt. We’ll all die if he crashes.”
Sikka smiled showing her large, white teeth. “I no die. I jump.” But she did move to the rear of the carriage where Cack couldn’t see her.
“She’s a friend, Cack,” he yelled. “She won’t kill anyone on our side.” He glanced up at Sikka. She shrugged. Well, it was a good enough lie, since the Grunt slowed down a little, still moving fast but no longer wild.
They took back roads and alleys and were nearing the Council Building, when he heard it. Gunfire.
“Faster, Cack! They’ve released the weapons!”
The Grunt picked up his pace but he was already covered in sweat and breathing heavy. They raced around a corner and into chaos. Bodies lay in the street—Producers, House Servants, Stockers, Almightys, Guards and even an Avion or two. Some he recognized, some he didn’t. Others ran, trying to hide from the bullets. Most of the shots came from near the Council Building. That meant they hadn’t had time to distribute the weapons, which was good, but the AC was getting hit hard.
Cack slowed down, not sure where to go amidst the chaos and gunfire. A House Servant darted around their carriage. He’d been with Hugh’s group.
“Where’s Hugh and Trinity?” yelled Jackson.
The Servant paused. “Jackson! Don’t know about Trinity but last time I saw him, Hugh was in front of the Council Building.”
“Of course he is.” That was right in the center of the gunfire.
CHAPTER 52: TRINITY
THEIR ARMY WAS a sight to see and Trinity was glad she was a part of it. They moved as one through the city streets, a few small teams slipping off to cover alleyways and exits. The other teams from the AC met up with them and they all marched together toward the Council Building, a moving sea of diversity.
Hugh led the way, her father to his right. The Producers and Grunts were next, with some Guards, Servants and Stockers mixed in their ranks. The Trackers and Handlers kept to the outskirts of the group as they all flowed forward. Almightys on the streets stopped to stare with open mouths at the sight as Guards and Servants from the city joined their ranks. Avions flew overhead, calling out if someone tried to slip down an alleyway. They weren’t going to let anyone escape and warn the Protective Services. Hugh stopped in front of the Council Building. The Council’s Guards protected the doors.
“We have you surrounded,” yelled Hugh. “Surrender. We don’t want to fight, but we will.”
She flexed her claws, barely able to keep still. There’d been a few altercations on their march but the Guards had easily been subdued. “This is going better than planned,” she whispered to Gaar.
“Watch, wait.” His face was tense. He tapped his nose.
She tipped back her head and sniffed. There were too many smells. She was surrounded by hundreds of Guards, Producers, Grunts, Stockers and House Servants. “What is it?”
“Not sure. Something is under the scent of the others. Faint.” He inhaled deeply.
She closed her eyes, trying to ignore the familiar scents and then she caught it—a hint of something else. “Wood.”
“Bitter. Musky.” He clasped her arm, his face drawn with fear.
A knot formed in her stomach. Gaar was never scared.
“We have to go.” He pulled her toward the back of the group, shoving the others out of his way.
“What is it?” She stumbled after him.
“Weapons,” he said, as the sounds of whizzing and explosions surrounded them followed by screams of pain.
Their army moved but not as one. They scattered and pushed, breaking Gaar’s hold on her. He was shoved forward with the crowd of frightened creatures scrambling for cover. She stood frozen as the sea of others moved around her.
“Run, Trinity!” Gaar fought the crowd, heading toward her, pushing anyone and everyone out of his way.
She turned toward the Council Building. Dead littered the streets. Their dead. Their soldiers. Their friends. Her eyes searched the bodies for Hugh. More and more creatures fell as they tried unsuccessfully to outrun the bullets. Then the Avions attacked. Birdie led the charge as the winged creatures soared and dove toward the windows, making the Guards with the guns lose focus and buying their soldiers some much needed time. She should run, but she searched for Hugh. Something whizzed by her ear and then something hit her, lifting her up and flopping her over a hard, fuzzy shoulder.
“Mirra, put me down,” she screamed. “I have to find Hugh.”
Mirra ignored her and raced through the crowd toward the alley—toward safety and away from Hugh.
CHAPTER 53: HUGH
HUGH STOOD IN the open street, his nerves on edge. Things were going too smoothly. Before he’d gone to jail, he would’ve figured that
was his due. Now, he knew better. His life was never this easy and when it was, something was wrong. A flash in one of the upper windows drew his gaze. “Guns!” He threw himself on top of Tim, knocking them both to the ground as the first bullets pelted the area.
“What the...” Tim shoved Hugh off him and started to stand.
“They have guns.” He grabbed the Servant’s arm, pulling him back down.
Tim’s eyes widened as he flattened himself on the street. Their soldiers were running for cover. He’d trained them to hold the line if they were attacked but he hadn’t prepared them for this. He’d known that eventually the Council would agree to release the weapons, but not this soon. A bullet hit the road next to him.
“We have to move.”
“Where?” Tim’s voice was incredulous as he curled in a small ball.
“I don’t know.” They were separated from the others. He should’ve grabbed Tim and ran, instead of knocking them both to the ground. It’d cost them their chance to retreat but they could still move forward. “There.”
“Toward the gunfire? That’s your brilliant plan?”
“Do you have a better idea?”
“Staying here and pretending to be dead works for me.”
Another bullet hit the payment a few inches from Hugh’s head. “We won’t have to pretend if we stay here much longer.” He positioned his hands under him, ready to leap and run. “They won’t expect us to come at them.”
“No, they’ll expect us to have common sense.”
“It’s our only chance.” They’d never make it to the others.
“If I die, you’ll pay for this.”
Tim uncurled himself and raced toward the statues at the front of the building. He followed, bullets raining down around them. Good thing the Guards didn’t train often with the weapons. Years ago, his father had been furious when the Council had ordered him to stop his monthly training sessions. The General had argued that the soldiers would lose their skill and thankfully, dear, old dad had been right.
