“Mrs. Thomas?” the leader called out, after seeing her peeking past her son.
“Yes?”
“May I have a word with you?” he asked, taking a small step forward. Chris stood his ground, refusing to let the man past, puffing out his chest as a warning.
The man smiled, amused at and admiring the boy’s courage. He stepped back to where he had been.
Sarah stepped through the tent flap placing herself between the men and her son. She would protect her children no matter what. Chris didn’t like her making herself vulnerable and he started to say so. It was his job now to protect his mom and sister. His mother gave him a familiar look, stopping him from objecting. He wouldn’t argue with her.
“Who are you and what do you want?” she asked.
“Forgive me. My name is Counselor Damon and I’d like to talk to you about Mr. Grey here.” Grey stepped out from behind the guards to where he could be seen better. “It’s my understanding you have refused his services. Is that correct?”
“We don’t need his kind of help!” blurted Chris, pointing at Grey. The two guards moved in next to Damon in a protective posture.
“Mrs. Thomas?” he asked again, wanting an answer.
“That’s right,” she confirmed in an evenly controlled voice. “I tried to explain to Mr. Grey we could take care of ourselves.”
“I do wish you’d reconsider. Mr. Grey is only offering this service as part of the governor’s program and it’s been working quite well for the last two years. I assure you that with his help you’ll find it much easier to cope since your husband left.”
“He didn’t leave! He was taken away!” shouted Cindy from behind her mother.
“I think we’re coping just fine,” said Sarah. “As you can see, I’m not alone. I have my son and daughter to help out.”
“But you must be able to see the benefits of having a man around to provide protection for you and your children. Mr. Grey could even be a father figure.”
“Father figure?!” Her voice began to give away her increasing anger. “No, we don’t need his kind of help. I told Mr. Grey and now I’m telling you ‘no thank you’ as politely as I can. We’ll be fine.”
“There’s no reason to be upset. I’d like you to think over what I’ve said. I know your family’s safety is a very big concern. We’ll be back in a few days for your final answer.”
“But ...,” started Grey, but stopped when Damon shot him a dagger-like look.
“I’ve already given you my ...,” began Sarah, no longer trying to conceal her frustration and anger.
“Don’t be too hasty, Mrs. Thomas,” warned Damon, cutting her off. “There is something else you should keep in mind. Your son here, Christopher isn’t it, may not be around much longer since he’s turned fourteen. I happen to know he’s been identified as a prime candidate for the governor’s Guard. He could be called to serve at any time and when it happens he’ll be expected to reside inside the compound in the Guard housing.” He paused. “And then there’s little Cindy. She’s already twelve and very pretty. It’s possible she could be taken at any time for training for the governor’s personal staff. Then what would happen, Mrs. Thomas? You would be all alone and almost forty.” Cindy held tightly to her mother’s arm.
Sarah knew what he was trying to do. She had no intention of falling for his tactics or accepting Grey’s services. She was reasonably sure he was bluffing, a tactic he probably used successfully on a regular basis. He had planted a seed though, one she would think about continually over the next few days. There was always a slight chance he wasn’t bluffing. As counselor, it was within his power to do just as he said.
“I’ll worry about it when the time comes,” she answered defiantly.
The two groups stood observing each other with an awkward silence. At an apparent impasse, there seemed to be nothing to add.
“Very well, Mrs. Thomas. But, I will be back in a few days. Think about what I’ve said. Good day, ma’am.”
After having his say, Counselor Damon and the others turned and walked away, Mr. Grey obviously upset, his face now a bright red, arguing his case to Damon. The counselor lifted a hand for him to stop, resulting in his immediate silence.
“What are we going to do?” asked Cindy.
“I don’t know. We’ll think of something.”
“What if we just left this place?” asked Chris.
“And where do you suggest we go?” Sarah asked sharply, frustration in her voice. She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry.” She paused. “I wish your father was still here. But the reality is he’s gone and he’ll never be back. We’ll have to figure something out on our own.”
* * *
I had held my tongue over the last couple of weeks, not saying any more about leaving to Samuel. I had decided to put the matter on the back burner at least until the wheat harvest was completed. Then, with or without his blessing, I was going.
During the harvest, I helped collect the grain and was given the job to oversee storing it away. Jill was asked to take a break from the school to help with the inventory.
“Are you still leaving after harvest?” she asked. “It’s almost over.”
He looked around to see if anyone was listening, even though he expected word had already spread about his intent.
“Yes. I have to. I’ll go crazy if I don’t do something. And I can’t bear the thought of my family having to provide for themselves back there when we could all be here together.”
“I understand,” she said, sounding a bit sad. “I hope you make it there and back safely.”
I had become aware of her attachment to me, undoubtedly a result of my watching over her, making sure she was safe. Unfortunately, I began to feel she might be expecting more than a brotherly love.
* * *
It was sunrise of the day following the last tally of the wheat harvest and I was ready to go. I had already made preparations the night before, packing enough food and water to get me started on my journey. I was counting on finding water along the way by looking for working windmills. I met Paul, Gary, and Jill at Town Hall for breakfast. Emma was still preparing our meals until we were permanently settled in. We sat in silence around the end of the large table. When we were done, they followed me back to the small shack Samuel had assigned to me, watching as I slipped my backpack on, adjusting the weight on my shoulders until it felt comfortable. In one of the pockets was a simple head-covering I’d made out of an old t-shirt to protect me from the scorching sun. I’d pull it out once I got on the trail.
I was glad they had come to see me off. Dan was a no-show, which wasn’t surprising. But I was a little surprised when neither Samuel nor any of the other townspeople had come. I was relatively sure everyone in Paradise knew I was leaving. News typically traveled fast in a small community. Perhaps my leaving had upset some of the townspeople somehow. There was no guarantee I’d make it to Sector 4 or get back. Actually, there was the distinct possibility I wouldn’t make it at all. But, I was determined to stick to my plan to bring my family back here, and with Samuel’s permission, stay and make this our home. I refused to consider any other option. My friends walked with me to the foot of the trail leading out of the valley. No one had much to say. Everything had already been said when they had tried to talk me out of it.
I was surprised and pleased to see Samuel and Levi standing next to a horse and wagon at the edge of town.
“What are you doing here?” I asked. “Did you change your mind about letting me and my family return?”
Samuel ignored the question. “You’re not going alone. Levi’s going with you. He’ll make sure you get there and back safely. It’ll be up to you though to get your family.”
I couldn’t help breaking out into a smile. “Then we can come back?” I asked again, looking for a definite confirmation.
“The sooner you leave the sooner you’ll be back,” he stated, matter-of-factly. I guess I wasn’t going to get a direct answer, but I g
ot the message.
Samuel’s gesture took a huge weight off my shoulders. There had been a lot of ifs floating around in my mind over this trip. With Levi along, my chances of pulling it off successfully had just increased tenfold.
To help even further, in an attempt to hasten our return, Samuel was providing a wagon, already loaded with food and water, not only for Levi and myself, but enough for my family too. There appeared to be concern in Samuel’s eyes. I knew he didn’t want me to go and was probably questioning whether he was doing the right thing by helping me. If things went horribly wrong, not only would I not be back, but he could lose a son as well, and of far less importance, but still important resources to the community, a horse and wagon too.
“We’ll be back as soon as possible,” I said, in hopes of re-assuring him. “Don’t worry and thank you.”
“I’m not worried,” he said. “Just make sure you’re back in time for the corn harvest.” He forced a slight grin.
Levi had already climbed up onto the wagon seat. “We need to go,” he said.
This was going to be a long and silent trip. The short time I had been around Levi, I had never heard him say more than half a dozen words in a row at any one time. Perhaps I could get him to open up on the trip. I was grateful for his coming, regardless. Whether it was voluntary or not, I had no idea. If I had to guess, it was probably Samuel’s idea. Maybe the subject would come up.
I threw my pack into the back and climbed up beside him.
“Be careful,” said Jill with a warm flirtatious smile as she stepped back.
Levi gave the reins a flick and the wagon began to move toward the trail that would take us out of the valley, back to the wasteland above. I exchanged a last wave with my friends. I turned back around, facing forward, with a sense of satisfaction at finally beginning the long anticipated trip. I knew without a doubt I was going to see my family again. We couldn’t get there fast enough.
* * *
Sarah, Cindy, and Chris spent another long, hot, and tiring day in the fields. Cindy worked alongside her mother as Chris had done with his father, learning from their parents so they would be able to take their place some day. Sarah’s job during the growing season was to continually weed the fields, as many of the women did. Each was responsible for one row at a time under the watchful eye of a guard. Chris’s father had been one of the men who maintained the irrigation system for the corn and garden plots. For the last two weeks they had been busy with the wheat harvest. Without any modern agricultural equipment, due to a lack of gasoline or diesel, the work was either performed by hand or by horse-drawn implements. Either way, it was a slow process. The long thin stalks of wheat were collected and delivered to the threshing shed where the grains of wheat could be separated out. The entire process was labor intensive with few breaks allowed by the governor’s Guard.
The three returned to their tent, sweaty, filthy, and exhausted. The guards had been especially demanding today, pushing to finish the harvest. It had been rumored they wagered on the amount of grain their group collected each day. The workers could tell when certain guards had lost by being driven even harder the next day. One good thing had come out of it today. They had finished.
As they washed up at a small metal basin in front of the tent, Counselor Damon approached again with his Guard escort of two and Mr. Grey, just as he had promised.
Chris started to go and meet them. Sarah grabbed him by the arm.
“Chris, don’t.” It was all she had to say for him to stop.
Damon was all smiles, in a sleazy, over-friendly way. “Mrs. Thomas, I told you I’d be back. I do hope you’ve changed your mind since we last spoke.” It was more of a question than a statement and he waited for her response.
“Nothing has changed. We don’t need or want anyone’s assistance. But thank you anyway.” She could be just as persistent as he could. She saw something in Damon’s eyes change. They seemed to go black as his smile disappeared.
Grey, waiting behind the guards, uttered one syllable, but with one quick glance from Damon, closed his mouth and let his eyes drift to the ground. Sarah got the feeling Grey had already been warned about any outburst.
“Now that the wheat harvest is over, I have also come to give you your voucher for your share of the grain.” He pulled out a small notebook and wrote in it, tearing a slip of paper out and handing it to her. “You may pick up a portion or all of it whenever you like.”
She took the paper. A puzzled look appeared on her face as she studied it with disbelief. “What is this?”
“It’s your payment, of course,” he replied matter-of-factly.
“This isn’t nearly enough. I have two children to feed and support.”
“Don’t you remember? I told you if you refused Mr. Grey’s services, Christopher and Cindy could be going to start their new training, and that’s exactly what we’ve decided to do. So, that leaves only yourself to care for and the amount there should be more than enough for you to get by on. And you needn’t worry about your children, I will personally see to it they’re well taken care of.”
Cindy’s grip on her mother’s arm tightened. Christopher for the first time took a step backwards, closer to his mother.
“You can’t do this!” Sarah shouted through gritted teeth, her voice trembling. There were no tears of sadness, only frustration and outrage. A few of her neighbors poked their heads out of their tents to see what all the commotion was about. At seeing the counselor and his guards, they retreated back inside, minding their own business, but mostly to avoid drawing attention to themselves.
“Children, go inside!” instructed Sarah.
“That won’t do any good, Mrs. Thomas. They can’t escape us. Of course, if you were willing to change your mind about Mr. Grey, I have the authority to leave them here with you for a while longer and I can increase the amount on the voucher. What do you say, Mrs. Thomas?”
He had a smug smile that infuriated Sarah. She fought to keep from telling Counselor Damon exactly what she thought, but the consequences were too high.
He remained silent, waiting for her reply. He knew he had her right where he wanted her, allowing her a moment to realize it and accept it.
Cindy and Chris remained standing next to their mother. “Go inside like I told you!” she snapped. She realized immediately what she had done, regretting it. They had never seen her like this before. They were worried. “I’m sorry,” she told them both.
“We’re not going anywhere!” stated Chris. “Don’t do it, Mom,” he pleaded.
“They’re going to separate us,” she said softly with resolve, turning to look directly into the eyes of her children. She gave them each a kiss before turning around to face Damon.
“What exactly am I expected to do?” Sarah asked.
Damon produced a large toothy smile, as did Grey from behind. “Now, that’s more like it. Can we go inside to talk about it in a civilized and private manner?” he asked, stepping toward the tent entrance, followed by his escort and Grey.
Sarah stepped directly into his path. “Just you,” she said with determination in her eyes. “This is still my home, and I won’t have them in there.”
Grey, his face turning red with anger, pushed his way past one of the guards. “I have every right to be present for this. It involves me you know.”
With a nod from Damon, one of the guards struck Grey in his gut, dropping him to his knees gasping for air.
“That’ll be fine, Mrs. Thomas,” he agreed as he followed her in. He turned to his guards. “I should be out shortly. Please keep Mr. Grey comfortable and outside.” Both of the men nodded and responded with a “Yes, sir.”
Sarah directed Damon to a simple, wooden chair and sat across from him on the ground. Cindy and Chris kneeled by her side.
Damon was hesitant to start, eyeing her children. “I think this is a matter better discussed between adults,” subtly hinting she should have the children leave.
“Just tell m
e what’s expected and I’ll tell you if it’s acceptable,” she said.
He smiled and snickered. “Mrs. Thomas, I’m afraid you still don’t quite understand your situation. This is not a negotiation. I’m here to tell you how it’s going to be.”
Sarah remained calm, showing remarkable restraint, not wanting Cindy or Chris to see her lose her composure again. However, Chris was another matter. His frame had become rigid and his face was twisted into an undeniable expression of disgust. He remained by his mother’s side. Damon noticed Chris’ expression, but remained unconcerned. Sarah waited patiently for Damon to continue.
“Mr. Grey will watch over you and your children during the evening hours in return for a portion of your allotment. I will determine what the amount will be and I’ll deduct it directly from your share along with your taxes. You will not be responsible for payment of any kind to Mr. Grey. I will take care of it myself. However, I’m sure he’d appreciate the occasional meal.” He paused. “You should know, some women have found the arrangement to be very beneficial.”
“I can assure you, that will not be the case here. I don’t want him setting foot inside this tent,” she said.
“That is entirely your prerogative, Mrs. Thomas. This is going to work out very well for both of us. I will explain the arrangement to Mr. Grey. And if there are any matters you feel should be reported, please feel free to contact my office. I think that concludes our business.”
“I believe you were going to fill out another voucher,” she mentioned, handing him back the previous one.
He tore it in half and pulled out his notebook, filling out a new one and handing it to her. “Satisfied?” he asked.
It was still less than she felt it should have been, but the conditions were better than she had expected and she would be able to keep her children with her. She nodded.
He pulled another paper out of his coat pocket. “Then, I need you to sign this document to show you have agreed to Mr. Grey’s services.”
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