LAW Box Set: Books 1-3 (Life After War Book 0)

by Angela White

  Adrian’s Eagles screamed in triumph…and then in warning.

  “Look out!”

  Standing outside the rest stop doors, Angela felt someone behind her and realized at the last minute she wasn’t picking up anything but blackness from their thoughts.

  Fear shoved into her brain and she followed her training, drawing as she spun.

  “If I cannot have you, bruja, neither will they!”

  “Kill him!” Adrian shouted, unable to get a clear shot with Angela in his line of fire.

  Bang!

  “No!”

  Bang!

  Cesar pulled the trigger with an elated sneer of happiness.

  The bullet slammed into Angela’s chest, knocking her backward as she fired. She saw it plunge into his stomach as she hit the mud, and realized he would get a second shot.

  Bang!

  Bang!

  Cesar’s face twisted and the pistol fell from his grip. Around them, the cicadas fell silent.

  Cynthia lowered her new gun as the evil man sank to his knees, blood streaming from his wounds. She had still been inside, forgotten in the chaos. Her bullet had gotten him from the rear, while Adrian hit him from the front.

  I’m one of them now. The reporter didn’t stop the surprised tears as Cesar’s body fell forward and smacked onto the concrete.

  End of Book 2

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  Notes from the author

  Hello Blurry Reader!

  Once again, I didn’t want to cut it where I did. However, there are still 100+ pages of aftermath and there just wasn’t room for them here. I hope you liked this edition of Life After War. The next book takes us toward Arkansas, where Adrian’s personal mystery begins to unravel.

  Did you know you can leave me a comment on Facebook? I honestly read them! I love hearing from readers. You ladies and gentlemen are to me, what the Eagles are to Adrian–Everything.

  And by the way, thanks. About half way through this book, I was nervous. The story wasn’t flowing right, the ending was in choppy segments, and the bad reviews on book one’s editing were dragging me into the fiery depths of hell. By page 800, I was overwhelmed, wondering how I’d get it all in ‘book’ form. At the point that I pasted the ending into the file, I had 185,000 words, 990 pages, and Writer’s Shake.

  Let me tell you a little about the Shakes. It’s not an official illness, but it should be. It’s when you stare at the words without a clue as to how to wrangle them into submission. You’re exhausted, more drained than even after the best orgasm of your life, and yet, there’s this whole other mountain to climb. But it’s a labor of love and you struggle to your feet, swaying, reaching out for support from the one source that’s kept you going so far–your readers.

  They respond with a kindness you never really thought would happen, shoving your dreams into vivid clarity. They love your work! They’ve fallen into a passionate affair with your world and they yearn for more. They email you and leave wonderful comments on your website. They tell people about you, send pictures of themselves wearing Safe Haven dog tags, and in the midst of your dreams coming true, you realize that you’re shaking.

  Why? Because you still haven’t managed to climb that other mountain and all those delightful people are now waiting…and waiting…and waiting. The longer it takes to get to the top, the harder you shake. By the summit, your gut is one big Prevacid and no one in your household will even walk by the door where you’re working for fear of being decapitated. The pizza delivery boy knows your card # by heart and all you can think about is how nice it was to be asleep a lifetime ago.

  The Shakes are unpleasant. Non-writers often assume authors spend a few hours a day writing and the rest goofing off. It’s only that cushy when your last name is infamous and I am nowhere near that. This stress is one small downside of my new life, never worked harder on anything, never been more proud. That driving force, those shakes, pushed me into a place where I can stand in safety, knowing the final result is one I’m honored to share.

  Adrian’s Eagles was finished for me, on All Fool’s Day, 2012. I heard the door shut when Cynthia pulled that trigger and I shut it gently, but I didn’t bother with the lock. We’ll be returning to Safe Haven and its magic…only next time, I’ll have the memory of this feeling to lean on when I shake.

  I love you guys, I hope you know that. If the world really does end, we’ll start our own Haven! Lol. Thank you for your purchase, and for gifting me with your time.

  It’s been my honor,

  Angie

  On a more personal note, I would also like to thank the great people who beta-read for me, hosted me on their sites and blogs, and offered their services to me. It was an honor to work with those Eagles.

  Have you explored my website yet? Here are just some of the fun features:

  Readers can now vote in the Safe Haven Mandatory Camp Votes

  Readers can help pick book covers

  Listen to a Safe Haven CB call

  Read deleted scenes from each book

  Browse the modern merchandise

  Download free chapters

  Read raw, unpublished works

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  Enjoy the free weekly LAW Wednesday blog posts

  You can also contact me and leave comments for myself and everyone else to view. Please stop by. Everyone is welcome.

  Eagle Teams

  Level Seven

  Kyle, Chris, Daryl, Billy, Shawn, Morgan, Theo, Crone, Denny, Angela (Level One)

  Level Six

  Neil, Jeremy, Daniel, Greg, Wade, Ben, Steven, Jim, Jake

  Level Four

  Zack, Lee, Allan, Frank, Donald, Ozzie, Brandon, Pete, Simon

  Level Four

  Seth, Jeff, Rusty, Jack, Ryan, Bruce, Tommy, Joey, Robert

  Level Two

  Kevin, Ray, Alex, Dexter, Logan, Scott, Francis, Whitney, Josh

  Level One

  Marc, Jax, Paul, Quinn, Shane, Dwayne, George, Howard, Bobby

  Rookies

  Tucker, Anderson *A number of camp members are also under consideration.

  Deleted Scene

  “What’s going on?”

  Seth shrugged at her question. “We’re not sure. Kenn hasn’t checked in.”

  Angela immediately sent the witch out to search. When she stopped, so did Seth, saying, “We need to–”

  “It’s all right.” Adrian came through the fog and the man retreated.

  “They’re hiding in a cornfield off a highway. Bikes, gunshots…screams.”

  The witch’s voice sounded ominous in the thick fog and Adrian’s hand slid to his gun for comfort.

  “They’re coming this way.”

  “Can you send a message? Tell him there’s a distraction coming, to dig in.”

  She shut her lids as Adrian gave Seth instructions. The guard w
as gone an instant later.

  “The slavers found their vehicles, but with all the darkness and fog they can’t find…”

  Adrian frowned, waiting.

  “They’re too close, too loud. Kenn’s pinned down.”

  “It’s a go, Boss.”

  Adrian pushed the button on the mike in response to the radio call. “Now.”

  Seconds later, there was a shrieking whistle and a dull thud as a rocket launched, barreling east. It exploded over the dark landscape and a shower of purple stars lit up behind the fog like a magic show.

  “Another. Two more after that, thirty seconds apart.”

  The shriek came again, whistling though the night before filling the sky in gold and blue showers of light.

  “They’ve changed directions. The Eagles are circling around.”

  “Tell them to meet us on the road.”

  Fireworks exploded again, drawing more people, and Rick crouched lower as he pushed the button on the mike.

  “It’s a trick. You’ll know what I mean if you’re hunting hard enough for the rat in the corn.”

  There was a double click in response.

  Rick quickly put the channel to where it had been and got out of the unmanned Com truck. He faded into the fog a second later.

  The traitor had heard Angela’s words while roaming under the cover of the weather, and when the teenager running the radio stepped away for a better view of the fireworks, Rick had seized the chance to help the slavers.

  He now entered the shower camper, nodding to a guard who was already using one of the stalls. He needed Cesar to hurry up before he blew his own cover with Neil’s murder. A few more times of having to witness him and Samantha together might be enough to send him into a rage that would only end in blood.

  “What’s going on out there?” Morgan asked.

  Rick pulled off his shirt. “Fireworks to the east. No alarm sounded yet.”

  The Eagle continued his shower and Rick was careful to have a casual conversation that would be remembered later and provide an uncontested alibi.

  Character Profiles

  Cesar Castro Diaz

  Age: 43

  Eyes: Black

  Height: 5'10”

  Weight: 195 lbs.

  Birthday: 1/4/70

  Gold Front Tooth, Kinked, black curls, two missing fingers on left hand.

  Before war: Infamous Mexican Guerilla Captain

  After war: Leader of an invading army.

  Quote: “I will have the witch! Nothing will stop me when I come for her!”

  Cesar was raised by one of Mexico’s most ruthless men. Bred to be a warrior in his father’s army, he is a hardened man who labored his way up the ranks through violence and manipulation. The number of Americans he is rumored to have killed before the war is over two hundred. A month after the war, it was a thousand.

  Right after the Apocalypse, Cesar took a large group of men to the US border to rescue friends and family in Arizona and New Mexico detention centers. When he encountered no resistance, he seized the opportunity, invading. The vile man intends to keep anyone from rebuilding and hopes to seed the country with as many bastards as he can, leaving America an occupied land.

  Samantha Moore

  Age: 28

  Height: 5’7”

  Weight: 125 lbs.

  12/24/84

  Seattle EPA worker, Doesn’t fear death, only pain, Craves morphine after doing self-surgery, Had a pass to a bunker for saving the President’s life

  Quote: “There’s a storm coming.”

  FBI Notes

  Marker identified. Subject can predict weather with a 98% accuracy rate. Has been used twice. Should be kept close enough to be useful. No termination orders are expected unless an anti-government attitude develops.

  Strengths

  Will do whatever she has to, no matter how ugly it gets.

  Incredibly strong.

  Weaknesses

  Too forgiving. She often ignores flaws that most people wouldn’t.

  Had so little contact with the outside world that she always feels like an outcast.

  Kenn Harrison

  Age: 36

  Height: 6’1”

  Weight: 240lbs

  5/30/76

  Decorated Marine, Wide shoulders, Short tempered, Party clown, Beefy hands.

  So why wasn’t Kenn banished for his abuse of Angela before the war?

  Because of Adrian’s rules, he can’t be. He has to do something while in Safe Haven and Adrian tried very hard to remind him of all he’s risking.

  In book 4, Adrian’s Eagles, Kenn snaps, grabbing Angela by the throat in front of not only a tent of Eagles, but also Adrian. You’d think that would be the end of it, but Kenn is once again saved by fate.

  Interrupted by Mother Nature, Kenn’s next action earns him a pass and a possible way to earn his place back.

  If he can let Angela go…and sanction her as an Eagle…and Marc’s legal mate. It’s a lot to ask and may not have been possible without the attempts on Adrian’s life–attempts that Kenn suspected Tonya of.

  Kendle Roberts

  Age: 26

  Height: 5'6

  Weight: 120lbs

  5/20/86

  Very reddish skin, Grayish Blue Eyes, Short Black Spikes.

  FBI Notes

  DNA Marker confirmed. Due to public view, careful termination is being considered. Location: California, Beverly Hills.

  Backstory

  Kendle was an actress before the war came, as were her parents. Star of Survival Challenge, the reality artist wasn’t afraid of anything. Before, when she was supported by her crew, and her father's endless money. After the War, Kendle is alone, everything familiar gone. Adrift on the ocean, and then held captive by Ethan Kraft, the survivalist discovered terror and it was life-changing. She's no longer sure who she is.

  Upon meeting Luke, she regained some of her self-confidence, but it's clear she'll never be who she once was. Before the war, Kendle's only goal was to be noticed for being as good as her parents. Now, only survival matters. Because of Ethan Kraft and the mysterious illness now circling the island, she may not get the chance to recover. Even though she somehow wasn’t infected, the rest of the island, including Luke, is in grave danger.

  Marcus Brady

  Age: 35

  Height: 6’

  Weight: 225 lbs.

  12/13/77

  Broad shoulders, Loner/slightly bitter, Full, pouty lips.

  Quote: “It’s okay to be scared, but you have to think, too.”

  Strengths

  There are few problems he can’t handle if given the time or materials.

  Once his loyalty is given, it is unshakable.

  Weaknesses

  Knows how to be a team player, but his misery often makes him a loner.

  Beyond having another chance with Angie and his son, Marc has no other goals, no vision for his future.

  FBI notes

  DNA marker is inconclusive. Subject shows no signs of mental abilities; however, termination has been recommended due to above average strategy skills. Considered Dangerous.

  Location: New Mexico–Contact case manager for map.

  Adrian Mitchel

  Age: 48

  Hair: Blond

  Eyes: Blue

  Height: 6’

  Weight: 230 lbs.

  Birthday: 7/4/64

  Holsters on both hips, Sun streaked brows, Goatee.

  Adrian has never known love beyond his bond with his mother. He instinctively knows how to be in a relationship, but has never felt the need to try. Until now. From the instant their eyes met, he knew Angela as a kindred and the attraction has only grown. He tries hard not to let it show, though, because the feelings he has for Marc’s woman are a surprise to him, as well.

  Adrian’s bonding with Angela is both sweet and brutal. Through total freedom and trust, he shows her a life she has never dreamed of, a way of living that fulfils her need to atone
as much as her sense of duty. He made her more than she’s ever been and their time together will not be easy to forget. Adrian wants to fight for her, but knows she needs to figure it out for herself and lets her.

  Determined to do the right thing, Adrian concentrates on getting his people toward Arkansas, where a dangerous personal reunion waits for him. Have the choices he’s made cost him a son? Even Angela can’t be sure.

  Rebecca Ann Kelly

  Age: 15

  Height: 5’4’

  Weight: 115lbs

  Green eyes, Cute, flirty, Dimples, Set on being Neil’s mate, Likes danger, thrills, Shoots well for only being 15.

  Becky is just starting to explore her femininity and the hormones encourage her reckless streak. She’s not a bad kid, but her lack of direction makes her dangerous to herself.

  That’s where Rick came in. He can sense it, that few months before she’s a woman, and he knows Neil can, too. Rick likes her, who wouldn’t? But he wants her only because the state trooper does.

  So what does the future hold for Miss Kelly?

  Danger and more angst until she grows up, though, that road may be rough. Becky isn’t sure of her place in Safe Haven. Before the War, she was a cheerleader, popular and flirty, much sought-after. Now, she’s another survivor and she isn’t old enough yet to know how miraculous that is just by itself. I hope she only needs time to grow up, but I’m worried for her…Rick is one of fate’s wildcards.