“That was too easy. I’m sure the soldiers heard us and knew what we were doing. Why didn’t anyone try to stop us?” I asked him.
“Every soldier in that camp feels responsible for Ashley’s disappearance. Each of us let our guard down, and now she’s gone. They can’t come with us, but they won’t keep us from getting her back.”
With my cheek pressed against his back, I nodded.
I shouldn’t have let her go.
My throat constricted. Squeezing my eyes closed against the guilt I felt, I reminded myself that Ashley didn’t need me to turn into some sniveling, regret-encrusted weakling. She needed me to be a strong and courageous warrior who would march into the enemy’s camp and retrieve her.
“We’ll rescue her,” Connor said over his shoulder. He tapped Paint’s sides with his heels, springing the horse into a gallop.
I fully understood the meaning behind his message. Either we’d save Ashley, or we’d die trying. Considering the implications of death made me squeeze Connor even tighter. There were so many things I wanted to do before I died, and I couldn’t—in good conscience—neglect the words I’d put off for so long. Leaning against his back, I vowed to summon my courage and tell him how I felt before we ran off and got ourselves killed.
Jeff followed as we raced up the Pilchuck River until it crossed the Granite Falls-Pilchuck Road. According to the map, the road would take us right through the town, so we left the riverbank and climbed onto pavement.
As we distanced ourselves from the river, an eerie silence engulfed the land. Connor’s back tensed against me, and I pulled away from him enough to scan the area for threats, but didn’t see anything. He reined Paint to a fast walk as trees and foliage fell away to large fenced-in yards and razed buildings. The clop-clop of the horses’ hooves shattered the quiet, announcing our presence to the world. Connor led Paint to the side of the road, where the grass would muffle the sounds of our arrival.
Throughout our ride, my mind kept drifting back to Braden. I replayed our conversations in my head, making mental notes of the way he’d reacted to everything we’d talked about. Although I knew the kid had issues, I could have sworn I’d been getting through to him.
If I’d been getting through, would he really have taken Ash? And, who killed Shortridge? How could I be so wrong about the kid?
Then I thought about the last time I saw Braden. He had thanked me, and then paused as if he wanted to say more, but couldn’t.
Was he trying to warn me? Did he want to say goodbye? Maybe I did get through to him…
Connor turned Paint down a gravel driveway. It wound between a few rows of trees before ending in a circular driveway. A cobblestone path led away from the driveway, through a set of marble pillars. The path pressed on, inviting guests to walk between a second set of pillars that stood on either side of an arched, double-door entry way. To the left of the pillars was an attached three-car garage. To the right, giant windows wrapped around the two story home, exposing it to the trees. Every inch of the home not covered in windows was wrapped in Tyvek.
“Where are we?” I asked.
“A client was building this house,” Connor replied, reining Paint to a stop on the path between the pillars. He dismounted and peeked in the nearest window. Since I didn’t know what he sought, I stayed on the horse and shrugged at Jeff.
“What’s the plan?” Jeff asked, leading his horse to where Connor stood.
“We’re almost to town,” Connor replied, turning away from the house and facing Jeff. “Any idea where that sick psycho would take her?”
Jeff rubbed his chin for a moment. “The major likes to make a show of it. He usually goes for irony or drama. Or both. Libby, does your map show buildings?”
“No, just roads,” I replied.
“My client was using settlement money to build,” Connor said. “Before we took his case to court, I spent some time in and around town, checking out the safety issues he reported at the quarries. I’m relatively familiar with the area, and if I knew what the major was looking for, I could probably tell you where it is.”
Jeff tapped his forehead. “Think coliseum or theatre. The bigger and brighter, the better. If we were in Seattle, he’d be at the Seahawks stadium. If we were in Portland, it would probably be the Rose Garden.”
“Granite Falls doesn’t have anything like that,” Connor replied. He started pacing in front of the garage. “Granite Falls is better known for what’s outside of town: the quarries, some waterfalls and the ice caves.”
Jeff shook his head. “No, he’d want something in town. He’s pulling you into this trap, so he’s not going to hide it from you. What’s the biggest building here?”
“They’ve got some nice houses in the area. The City Hall is downtown, but it’s not very big.”
“What about a school?” I asked. Both men turned to face me and I got the distinct feeling they had forgotten I was even there. I tried not to let that bug me as I plunged ahead. “I grew up in a small town and the biggest building we had was the high school. All the town’s major functions were held there.”
Jeff looked to Connor. “He’d love the irony in taking his kids back to school.”
“Libby, you’re a genius.” Connor laughed. “The Granite Falls High School is a beautiful building, built only a few years ago. I would bet money that’s where he is.”
I slid down from Paint’s back and plucked the map out of my pocket. “All right. Can you show us where it is?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Connor
CONNOR STOOD BEHIND Liberty, eying the map in her hand.
“This is where we are,” he said, pointing just south of the town. “The school is on Burn Road, between Quarry and Jordan. We should tie the horses up here, and leave them and our supplies behind so we can sneak in. Maybe if we take a couple of these side streets, we’ll be able to avoid their notice for a while.”
As he visualized the route they would have to travel, he couldn’t deny the impossibility of their rescue mission. They had no intel and limited weapons and ammo. He leaned closer to Liberty, drawing strength from her presence, and accepted that the best case scenario of any plan he could concoct would end in his death so she and Ashley could survive. He held her hand and wished he had time to put the ring in his pocket on her finger.
Determined to save Ashley first, Connor’s mind kept running scenarios. They’d somehow get past the unknown number of guards, and do reconnaissance on the school. As soon as they found out where Ashley was being kept, they’d go in with guns blazing and…. and probably die horribly. The major knew who Connor was, and this time he’d be ready for him. There’d be no creeping past security and no Boom to come in and blow the place up. The major wouldn’t have lured Connor to Granite Falls if he wasn’t prepared to take him down.
Feeling defeated, Connor sighed. “You guys don’t have to do this.”
“I’m pretty sure we’ve already had this discussion,” Liberty replied.
“Yes, but let’s be real about the situation. I have no idea what we’re up against. There could be a thousand Progression soldiers waiting for us just inside this town.”
“I know.”
“We’re going in blind with almost no resources.”
“I know,” she said again.
“Look,” Connor growled. “Nothing but death is waiting for me in that town. I would like you to live. Please? For me?”
She looked up at Connor, eyes bright and full of fire, and asked, “Where is your faith, Connor?”
“Faith? Against assault rifles? Do you have any idea what thirty rounds per magazine will do to your faith?”
She took a deep breath and stepped back. For a moment, Connor thought she would keep stepping. He wished she would mount Paint and ride south until she caught up with the Army. Boom would see her safely to the fort, where she could live out the rest of her days in peace.
At least until the Progression comes and levels the fort.
; Even if Liberty walked away now, nothing would guarantee she’d even make it to Boom’s platoon, much less survive the next Progression attack. Safety was just an illusion that had been shattered the moment the economy fell. There was no “safety” anymore.
Liberty turned and handed Jeff the map. “Can I please have a moment alone with Connor?” she asked him.
“Yeah, of course.” Jeff replied. “Just yell if you need me.”
He turned and walked around the house.
Liberty watched him go. When he disappeared from sight, she slid in front of Connor and put her hands on his chest. Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears. Connor felt the weight of his rebuke and wished he could apologize for the reality check he’d given her. Truthfully, though, she needed to know what she was getting into.
He pushed a stray curl behind her ear and let his hand linger there.
“It’s my fault they took Ashley,” Liberty whispered.
Connor tried to object, but she shushed him.
“No, it is. I never should have let her go to breakfast with Kylee and Braden. Speaking of which, I’m seriously stumped about Braden. Connor, I swear I was getting through to that kid.”
Connor frowned. “I thought you were, too.”
“He thanked me before he left.”
“He did?” Connor asked.
Liberty nodded. “Said it was for teaching him how to play Blackjack, but it wasn’t. He tried to warn me, and I totally missed it.”
Connor considered this new information for a moment before asking, “Do you think Braden wants out of the Progression?”
“Yes. I don’t know. Maybe I just want him to want out? It feels like… I feel like we’re missing something. My heart keeps telling me that we’re not too late to help the Progression kids. We just need to figure out the way.” She looked away and blinked back tears.
Overwhelmed by her passion, Connor leaned forward, wanting more of this crazy woman who refused to give up hope. “I love you.” he whispered.
She turned back to face him, and his lips landed on hers. His intention had been to just give her a quick peck, but she grabbed the sides of his vest and pulled him into her, deepening the kiss. Heat blossomed in Connor’s chest, spreading through his veins as the kiss continued. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close.
Liberty broke contact. Then she leaned her head against his chest.
“I know,” she replied. “I love you, too.”
Connor breathed deeply, and allowed himself to enjoy the moment. She loved him, and her admission finally opened the door he’d been trying to unlock. If they had a chance of living through this, things would change between them. He’d be able to pursue her fully, without fear of scaring her off. He’d marry her.
If only we could get through this alive.
Liberty looked at him like she wanted to say more. He stared into her eyes and waited, knowing from past experience that if he waited long enough she would.
“I love you,” she said again, this time with a smile. “And I need you to trust me.”
Wondering what she was up to, he answered, “I do trust you.”
“Have you ever seen the movie ‘The Princess Bride’?” she asked.
“Long ago. Why?”
“There was a scene in the Fire Swamp, where Wesley was attacked by giant rats and Buttercup just gasped and sat there, helpless. Do you remember the scene?”
Feeling a little lost and confused, Connor answered, “Vaguely.”
“The last guy I dated… we watched that movie together, and I asked him why Buttercup didn’t pick up the sword and kill the rat. He told me Wesley had to be the ultimate hero and save her, which he couldn’t do if Buttercup could take care of herself. I broke up with him that day. You need to understand something. I will never be your Princess Buttercup. I will pick up that damn sword and kill whatever rat threatens you. But those kids… they’re not rats.”
“Okay. Where are you going with this?”
Liberty’s smile widened. “This thing is hopeless, right? No way we can survive it?”
Connor frowned, wondering why she seemed so happy about their assured demise. “I have been trained to survive, but the major knows what I’m capable of. He’s no fool, so I’m sure he’ll be prepared.”
She pulled away from Connor and started to pace. “So… I have this idea.”
“Yes?”
“It’s completely insane. Seriously, it makes no sense at all, but I know we have to try it.”
She’d whipped up some cockamamie plan that would, no doubt, put her directly in danger. Connor could feel a headache coming on in anticipation of the details. He rubbed at his temples and asked, “This has to do with your dreams doesn’t it?”
She grimaced and nodded.
“Okay, what’s the plan?”
“Before I start, I need to give you one more friendly reminder that we’re all going to die horribly anyway. This is a ‘why the heck not try it?’ type plan.”
“Sounds terrifying.”
“Most definitely the craziest thing I’ve ever considered.” Holding her hand out expectantly, she added, “I’m gonna need that paper Boom gave you.”
* * *
Once Jeff returned Liberty laid out her plan, and she was right, Connor didn’t like it at all.
“So, you’re just going to march up to the door and ask for a conference with the Progression soldiers so you can explain the error of their ways and encourage them all to defect to the Army?” he asked.
“I’m not going to ask for a conference, you’re going to buy me one.”
“The major will never let you get a word in. They’ll break your beautiful neck the minute you start talking.”
“She doesn’t have to speak,” Jeff said. “At least, not at first. When they search her, they’ll find the letter from Fort Lewis. The major always has one of his cronies read things he finds aloud to him. Everyone within earshot will hear it.”
Connor frowned at Jeff, wishing he wouldn’t encourage Liberty’s insanity. “Okay. Then they’ll know about the Army’s offer. What then?”
Liberty put a hand on his arm. “I’ll need you to buy me some alone time with the soldiers. You’ll have to keep the major busy.”
“He’s not dumb enough to leave the safety of the school, so how do you propose I do that?”
Jeff chuckled. “That’s why you treat him like he’s the most intelligent man on the planet, and assure him that we’re all mere mortals, cowering in his high and mighty shadow. Use his vast ego to bait your trap.”
Liberty lit up, smiling at Jeff. “Right. Use his arrogance against him. I like it!”
Connor thought for a moment. “He’ll have guards posted. If I take down enough of them…”
Jeff nodded. “Exactly. Now you see.”
“What about you?” Connor asked Jeff.
“Me? I’m going with Libby.”
Connor blinked. “Come again?”
“I’m walking in there with Libby.”
The idea swished around in Connor’s head while he tried to figure out whether or not he liked it. On one hand, he didn’t trust Jeff. But on the other hand, he knew Jeff would keep Ashley and Liberty safe. Or at least as safe as he could. Best case scenario, Jeff could be trusted, would try to help, and would most likely die alongside them. Worst case scenario, the major’s son would roll over on Connor to save Ashley and Liberty. Since Connor could live with either option, he nodded. “All right.”
“What?” Liberty asked. She turned toward Jeff. “Are you sure? Your dad—”
“Won’t kill me,” Jeff interrupted her, “—He’ll be mad as hell, but he won’t. I’m coming so you won’t have to go in alone.”
“Jeff, you don’t have to do this.”
“I know. But I’m going to.”
“All righty, then. Might as well remove the gear now.” Liberty’s expression melted into an odd mixture of relief and sadness. She undid her holster and held it toward Connor. “Rememb
er when you gave me this? You were such a cocky jerk.”
Connor accepted it and slid it through his belt loops. “Why? Because I pointed out the lack of wisdom in storing your gun in your waistband? Yeah, I was such a jerk that I gave you a present that saved your butt. Probably literally.”
She rolled her eyes and tried to hide a smile. “You’re still a cocky jerk, but I know you’re gonna save my butt again.” Next, she handed him her Sigma.
Connor’s chest tightened, touched by her faith in him. “I still think it’s a bad idea. You’re talking about negotiating with the Progression. They don’t negotiate.”
Liberty cupped his cheek in her hand. “I know, but I have to try. And there’s one more little detail I forgot to mention.”
“Why do I get the feeling this is about to get a lot more complicated?”
“I need you to promise me something.”
He sighed. “Do I get to find out what it is first?”
The side of her mouth turned up into a smirk. “Yes. Please promise me you’ll try not to kill any of the kids.”
“I don’t think you realize what you’re asking. The odds are already stacked against us. These kids are going to be armed and shooting at me, and now you’re telling me I can’t shoot back? This is suicide.”
“No, that’s not what I’m saying. Shoot back all you want. Just try not to kill them.”
“Sometimes they leave me no choice.”
“I know,” she admitted. “But, if at all possible… please?”
“They’re dangerous.”
She nodded. “You’re more dangerous.”
She had a point. Connor looked from Liberty to Jeff. Jeff’s mouth hung open as he stared at Liberty’s back, but when he noticed Connor watching, he closed his mouth and shrugged. Connor wondered if Jeff was having his own second thoughts after the revelation of Liberty’s “no kill” policy.
“Please, Connor,” Liberty said, drawing his attention back to her. “This is important.”
Liberty's Hope (Perseverance Book 2) Page 17
