Borders: A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller (Aftershock Series Book 3) Read online

  Peck cracked the main entrance door open and peeked outside. It was still as quiet as a church yard and not a soul in sight. He walked back to the gate in the same manner as he’d entered, just like he belonged. There had been an area past Tent City where the horses and livestock had been kept. That would be a good place to look for the Guard’s horses.

  ***

  Jake headed for Governor Grayson as Morgan had instructed, talking to himself as he walked. Morgan said everything would be fine. He hadn’t been convinced, but the more he repeated Morgan’s words, the less nervous he became. He approached the five men sitting around a campfire. Their conversation came to a stop when they became aware of him.

  “Excuse me, I’m looking for Governor Grayson.”

  “I’m Charles Grayson,” he said while standing. “How can I help you?”

  “I understand you are offering a bounty for Davis and his counselor”

  “I am.” He looked at the others who were smiling. There had been others interested in collecting the bounty, but none had realized how hard it would be to collect.

  “And what are you offering?”

  “Come, have a seat. We can discuss it,” invited Grayson. The others shifted to make room.

  “No thanks. I’d rather stand.” He was more comfortable keeping a little distance between them, nervous enough as it was. And if he needed to make a quick retreat, it would be easier from where he was.

  “So, what are you offering?” repeated Jake.

  Grayson sat back down on the log seat. “It’s negotiable. I’ll make it worth your effort.”

  “No money. It’s essentially worthless now. Only supplies,” blurted Jake.

  “Okay. That can be arranged.”

  “And a wagon to carry them in,” added Jake.

  “Fine. We can work all that out when you bring them in,” explained Grayson, still smiling. “And I wish you the best of luck.”

  “We already have them both and not far from here,” said Jake.

  Everyone around the campfire lost their smiles and stood, not sure they had heard right. Grayson stepped toward the man, who took a step back. “Did you say you have them? Davis and Damon?”

  “Yeah.”

  “What about Peck?” asked Daniel.

  Jake had hoped they wouldn’t ask. “He slipped away. He’s around here somewhere.”

  Daniel looked in all directions around them as a reflex, not really expecting to see him.

  “Peck’s not my primary concern,” said Grayson. “Davis and Damon are the ones I really want. Where are they?”

  “Nearby,” Jake replied. “And the supplies?”

  “Yes, yes,” Grayson said impatiently. “That won’t be a problem, and a wagon. Now, will you take me to them?”

  “Not so fast. The details haven’t been worked out yet. How do we know we can trust you to pay up?”

  “Because I’m the chief governor and I give you my word,” he insisted, slightly offended.

  Jake sneered. “As trustworthy as your Governor Davis?”

  Daniel and Ryder moved to Grayson’s side for support.

  “Okay,” conceded Grayson. “You’re in control. How do we do this?”

  “First of all, I’m not the one in control,” said Jake. “I’m just a little fish. The man you need to talk to is with Davis and Damon right now. If you’ll stay here, I’ll tell him you’ve agreed to the supplies and I’ll bring him and the prisoners here so you can work it all out. Of course, it’s getting late. If you’d rather wait until …”

  “Now, please, if you don’t mind,” stated Grayson with a hint of restrained sarcasm. He didn’t want to wait any longer to get his hands on them. He didn’t want to risk them getting away again.

  ***

  When the man had left, the five re-assembled and sat around the campfire.

  “What do you think?” asked John. “Do you suppose he really does have them?”

  “I don’t think he would have risked coming here if he didn’t,” replied Daniel.

  Ryder abruptly stood. “I’m not going to wait to find out. I’m going to follow him and see for myself.”

  He disappeared into the darkness before they could try to talk him out of it. Obviously not wanting to be seen, he set off in a different direction to follow the man on a parallel course. None of them had any doubts about whether Ryder knew what he was doing.

  It didn’t take Ryder long to spot the man. He maintained a safe distance, keeping him in view, careful not to make any noise. After about a quarter-mile the man approached a group of a dozen or more around a campfire. He couldn’t make out Davis or Damon, so he hid behind a tree to patiently observe.

  ***

  “I’m going to go and do some looking around myself,” proclaimed Daniel as he also stood. “If Peck is still around here, I want to find him before he can cause any problems. And with most of the community asleep, this is a perfect time to search.”

  “Suppose I can come along?” asked John.

  “I was counting on it. Two sets of eyes are always better than one.”

  Side by side, they headed for the main gate of the compound. As they walked briskly along, they passed by several small quiet camps, probably families, having all turned in for the night. Their fires had burned down with only the orange glow of the coals remaining, flickering brighter when fanned by the light random breeze.

  This late, fewer people would be out, but it wouldn’t necessarily make it any easier to find him. There were a limitless number of dark nooks and crannies in the shadows for Peck to hide in.

  “Where should we look first?” asked John. “He can’t expect to stay here for very long. He’d be recognized.”

  “I’m not sure that would make a difference to these people,” commented Daniel. “They forgave me.”

  “Did they?” asked John. “Remember, you left. And don’t take offense, but the people of Tent City were probably glad to see you go. Who knows how they’d feel if you announced you were coming back.”

  “So, you don’t think they’d welcome him back with open arms?”

  “Are you trying to be funny? The other guards didn’t even like him.”

  They continued to walk together. “Before he leaves,” started Daniel, “he’s going to need supplies. Keep your eyes on each camp. He could be sneaking around, stealing what he needs.”

  They reached the gates of the compound without seeing any sign of him.

  “Think he would have gone inside?” asked John. “There are a lot of places to hide in there.”

  “I don’t think he’d be looking for a place to hide. If he’s in there, it’s for only one reason.”

  “The lower level,” stated John.

  Daniel nodded.

  They walked through the open gates, proceeding to the main entrance, keeping their eyes on the surrounding area. Inside, the entrance foyer and the halls leading to the cell blocks were dimly lit. According to Ryder, some of the people from Tent City had moved in after Davis and Damon had left. There was no movement or sound, those inside evidently asleep in their cells. It amazed both John and Daniel at how trusting and naive these people were. There was no guard or sentry posted for protection.

  They moved toward the steps to the lower level. John let Daniel lead the way. Daniel drew his sidearm. There was a dim glow through the windows of the double doors. Daniel didn’t know if they were left on all the time or if Peck was inside, possibly helping himself to supplies. He peeked through one of the windows, but saw no one. John followed close behind as Daniel pushed the doors open.

  Jeremy stepped out with his sidearm raised, finger on the trigger. “I told you …!” He went silent when he saw it wasn’t Peck returning. He was face to face with his old commander. Recognizing it was Gant with his pistol drawn, a puzzled look came over his face. “Master Gant?” He immediately holstered his gun and held up his hands.

  It took Daniel a second to remember the young guard who’d been under his command. “Jeremy?”
He motioned for him to put his hands down. “Daniel, please.”

  “Yes, sir. It’s good to see you, sir. I didn’t know you were coming back.”

  “Neither did I. What about you? I thought you and the rest of the Guard were going to leave too.”

  “We didn’t have anywhere to go. Some of us have families and we didn’t know where it would be safe. At least here there are supplies and safety in numbers. These good people let us stay to join them in building a new community.”

  Daniel nodded and took a look around.

  “Looking for anything special?” asked Jeremy. “Help yourself, within reason that is,” he said with a smile.

  “We’re good for now, but we are looking for someone,” said Daniel.

  “Peck?” asked Jeremy.

  Daniel and John exchanged looks of satisfaction.

  “That’s right. Then he was here?” asked John.

  “He left about half an hour ago.”

  Daniel was a little perplexed. “Why didn’t you hold him?”

  “He said if I gave him some supplies, he’d leave and never come back. I figured that would be the best for everyone.”

  “And of course you believed him,” said Daniel, a bit disappointed in Jeremy for being so gullible. He could have easily overpowered Peck.

  Jeremy thought he’d done the right thing, so he didn’t try to justify himself. An argument wouldn’t help or change anything. “I gave him a few supplies and he took off. He’s probably long gone by now.”

  “Somehow, I don’t think so,” commented Daniel.

  “If he escaped like that guy said,” speculated John, “then he’s on foot. He won’t leave until he has a horse.”

  “Where are the horses kept now?” Daniel asked Jeremy.

  “Same as when you were here, next to the pen where the livestock is kept, east of Tent City.

  “Thank you,” said Daniel, smiling. Perhaps he’d been too rough on the young man. “I’m glad to see you overseeing these supplies. They’re fortunate to have you here.”

  “Thanks,” said Jeremy.

  They didn’t waste any time rushing back outside. After being reminded by Jeremy, both knew exactly where the livestock and horses were.

  “If we hurry,” said Daniel, as they ran side by side, “we may be able to stop him before he has a chance to pick out a horse and saddle up. He’s not the threat Damon is, but I don’t want him to get away scot-free either.”

  The only sounds in the night were their feet hitting the well-worn dirt path and their labored breathing.

  ***

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Ryder couldn’t identify Davis or Damon among the others from where he was. Carefully, he edged closer, using the high grass and brush for cover. He was afraid to get too close and risk being seen. Slowly, he scanned the surrounding area looking for possible sentries around the camps perimeter. He didn’t see any, but decided it would be pressing his luck to move closer. He looked at the group again, concentrating on each individual figure one by one.

  The man he had followed was talking privately with another man away from the campfire and the others. The ones sitting around the fire were blocked by the few that stood. Unable to tell whether Davis and Damon were with them, he needed to take the risk and move to a different vantage point. Backing away he suddenly felt the muzzle of a gun press against the back of his neck. He’d been right. They had posted a sentry, and he was very good. Ryder had never heard him coming.

  “Move it!” said a forceful woman’s voice as he was stabbed in the back with the gun’s muzzle. Ryder attempted to turn around to get a look at the woman.

  “Keep your eyes forward and move!”

  Ryder slowly rose to his feet and the woman roughly patted him down, finding and removing his pistol. With another poke he was forced out into the open toward the others. It didn’t take long for the group around the campfire to notice them approaching.

  “Check the perimeter!” shouted one of the men. Several branched out to check for more intruders.

  The man who had given the order stood at the edge of the campsite and waited for Ryder to come to him.

  “I found this one spying on us,” reported the woman. “He had this on him,” she said, handing him the gun.

  “He was one of the men with the governor,” said the man he’d followed.

  The apparent leader approached Ryder with an air of authority. “Good work, Carla. I’m Morgan and Jake here you’ve already met,” he said calmly, obviously not fazed by Ryder being there. He motioned for Carla to lower her weapon, then handed Ryder back his pistol. Carla couldn’t believe it, with her eyes becoming wide and her mouth gaping open.

  Ryder placed his gun back into his holster as he nodded an acknowledgement and thank you but said nothing. He’d been caught in the act. There was no reason to deny what he was doing or try to talk his way out of it.

  “That wasn’t necessary,” claimed Morgan, “and a good way to get shot. We just want what’s coming to us in exchange for these two.” He motioned to Davis and Damon sitting by the fire with their hands bound. The two glanced at him only briefly. Their faces were expressionless, as though they’d already accepted their fate. It surprised Ryder to see them this way, especially Damon. He expected him to be more resilient, and to have something up his sleeve no matter what. He didn’t buy his act.

  “I just wanted to make sure you really had them. And, I see you do. So, what now?” asked Ryder.

  “Like I said, we’re only here for the supplies,” stated Morgan, “one way or another.”

  Ryder didn’t like the sound of that. “The chief governor already agreed to the supplies.” He paused. “So, what about me?”

  “You’re coming with us of course.”

  ***

  Daniel grabbed John’s arm, forcing him to stop.

  “What’s wrong?” whispered John. “Did you hear something?”

  “No. The corral is just ahead, so we need to be extra quiet.”

  John nodded agreement. He could already smell the corral and livestock pens.

  The horses were acting skittish. Something or someone was disturbing them. Daniel glanced over at John. Their eyes met. They both knew what it meant. Peck was still there. They cautiously moved forward, stopping every few steps to look through the rails of the corral. Reaching the gate, Daniel unlatched it and slowly began to swing it open. The gate had barely been moved when the hinges gave a cringing squeak. So much for catching Peck by surprise. Like ripping a band-aid off, Daniel jerked the gate open enough for them to get inside the pen.

  Before they could step inside, the horses rushed at them, forcing John and Daniel to leap out of the way. The gate flung wide open with Peck riding toward them, bent low over one of the horses, yelling and kicking it into a gallop. He reined it directly at them in an attempt to run them down. Daniel grabbed John’s arm and pulled him out of the way, barely missing being trampled to death. Peck rode away in the midst of the other horses, turning back with a smile and a salute.

  Daniel pulled his pistol, extended his arm, and aimed. He sighed and lowered his weapon, not able to get a clear shot without the risk of shooting one of the horses.

  “It’s okay,” said John.

  “I’m afraid he’s going to show back up here. And even if he doesn’t, you know he’s going to cause trouble somewhere.”

  “Now that he has a horse, perhaps he’s gone for good.”

  “That would be good for us, but what about the next people he comes across?”

  ***

  Ryder didn’t feel threatened by Morgan. He’d met most of the survival groups near Haven, Paradise, and the surrounding areas. And as long as their borders were respected, they usually weren’t a threat. He’d never run across Morgan or any of his group before, but he had no reason to think he was in any real danger. There were only a few groups that were ruthless scavengers, taking whatever they could from anyone they encountered, using any means necessary. Borders meant nothing
to them. However, most groups were good people, independent and self-sufficient, and didn’t seek out other groups with the sole intent of stealing from them. Ryder had a way of reading people and his gut told him Morgan could be trusted. The man only wanted what was due him.

  “What’s your name?” asked Morgan.

  “Ryder.”

  Morgan looked sideways at him as they led the group, walking side by side. He didn’t see Ryder as a threat either.

  “I’ve heard of you. You’ve done a lot of good for survivors, getting loners and small groups to unite. I’m sure it’s a lot safer for them that way, as long as they stay away from our borders.”

  Ryder thought Morgan may have been paying him a compliment, but didn’t respond. He didn’t feel like making small talk. Out of curiosity, he had to know, “If you don’t mind me asking, how did you catch them?”

  “It wasn’t hard. They came right to us. We didn’t even know they were wanted until Damon volunteered the information.”

  “Why would he do that?”

  Morgan smiled. “He thought we were going to kill them and he needed something to bargain with.”

  “Were you going…to kill them?”

  Morgan continued to smile and shrugged. “Probably.” Ryder didn’t know whether to believe him or not. They continued to walk in silence, accompanied by his entire group, Davis and Damon with their hands bound in front.

  As the group approached the campfire, Morgan instructed everyone to have their weapons ready. They were in potentially hostile territory and he wasn’t taking any chances.

  “That’s not necessary,” said Ryder.

  Morgan smiled.

  When they came into the light of the campfire, Charles and Blake stood. They saw the group’s weapons, making them nervous, but understanding their caution. Even though they were outmanned and outgunned, Blake held his rifle ready to protect his friend. Charles shook his head and Blake lowered the barrel to the ground in a non-threatening stance, but remained ready to use it. Charles stepped forward. He was surprised to see Ryder leading the way with whom he assumed was the group’s leader.