End Days Super Boxset (71 page)

“Where can we get some?” Mila said, taking his suggestion at face value.

“There are a few ranches around Clarkson,” the sheriff said. He then hung his head and sighed. “But Arthur’s gang slaughtered a lot of livestock. The horses too.”

“That’s terrible…” Mila said, covering her mouth.

The mention of Arthur aroused Carlos’s anger all over again. “When do we attack?” he asked. “I mean, what’s our strategy?”

“We go into town early. Take ’em by surprise,” the sheriff said.

“I’m certain Arthur expects us back,” Mila said. “But he may not have counted on it being this soon.”

“I’m gonna put a bullet right between his eyes,” Carlos said.

The sheriff turned his head. “I reckon a lot of people feel the same way.”

They came upon the muddy dirt road leading up the mountain and to the camp. Visibility up the mountain was severely limited—more so than the road there, as the headlights no longer worked. None of their cars had working bulbs, even though almost everything else ran okay. Carlos grabbed some ChemLights from his backpack and offered to lead the way.

“Sure thing,” the sheriff said.

Mila moved over as Carlos got out. He announced to the large group of weary travelers that they were close, and several of them sighed, saying “At last.”

“I can’t thank you enough for this,” Mila reiterated to the sheriff.

He nodded in acknowledgement. “You get us into town, past those damn walls you say he’s built up, and we’ll take it from there.”

“I can fight,” Mila said. “This is my battle too.”

Steering through the bumpy terrain, he looked at her, impressed. “Well, aren’t you the original badass.”

Mila laughed then felt more focused than ever. She had tossed her doubts aside and wanted only to get Rob, reclaim their town, and restore peace and wellbeing to herself and those hundreds of others. Was that too much to ask?

The Clarkson fighters arrived at the camp after an exhausting slosh up the soggy dirt road that led to their temporary sanctuary. Mila had lost track of the time, but judging from the look of the camp, it was late. No one was outside. All the cabins had their thick curtains drawn. There was no guard on site or in the tower—a clear sign of the fracture in their normally cohesive group.

“So this is where y’all been holding up, huh?” the sheriff said.

“That’s right,” Mila said. She wondered if anyone had heard the car coming, but nobody came outside.

He slowed the car to a halt near a platform and benches, looking around and admiring what he could see in the darkness. Mila got out of the car as Carlos headed immediately to his cabin. She needed to get everyone on the same page as quickly as possible. Brad, Ashlee, Peter and Krystal, Elliott and Reba—she knew that they would most likely opt out. Most of them wanted to leave the camp altogether. If there was any chance she could convince them to stay and fight, she would. Her morale had lifted greatly in recruiting the sheriff and his people to their cause. She hoped her friends would feel the same way.

Carlos walked out of his cabin with Mayra, who looked as if she had just been woken. They went right to Peter’s cabin, and Carlos could be heard knocking on the door. A feeling of panic hit Mila as the deal she had made with Peter concerning the Buick resurfaced. It was brave of Carlos to handle it first thing. There were other cars. There might even be hope to recover their own. Already, the others were settling in.

The sheriff stepped out of his Buick and went over to his people, who were looking for dry ground to unpack their sleeping bags. “Great job so far,” he said.

Mila glanced over to her cabin. “I can fit a bunch you in my place. As many as possible.” She thought of Josh and Kelly, not wanting to wake them. But she knew she had to at least see them.

“What are you talking about?” Peter’s voice could be heard yelling in the distance.

Great,
she thought.
It’s starting already.

Carlos had wasted no time telling Peter about the deal, wanting to get it over with. Now Peter was huffing over, approaching Mila.

“What does he mean, you bargained my car away?” Peter asked. He had tossed a jacket over his striped pajamas. The commotion had brought Brad and Ashlee out of their cabin. Peter stopped dead in his tracks when he noticed the large, mingling group behind Mila.

“Whoa,” he said. “What’s this? Who are these people?”

“Please, relax,” Mila said, fanning her hand. “I’ll explain everything in a minute.”

Carlos came toward them, with Brad and Ashlee trying to keep up with Carlos’s long strides.

“What is this?” Brad asked. “Who are all these people?”

“Looks like you brought the whole town back with you,” Ashlee said, looking around in wonderment as the Clarkson crew unpacked.

“They’re from Clarkson, and they’re here to help,” Carlos said.

“Help with what?” Ashlee asked.

“Help us take back Nyack,” Mila said. “We’re invading the town tomorrow and ending this once and for all.”

It was a surprisingly bright morning in downtown Nyack. Light frost was on the ground, and smoke trails from small fires everywhere drifted throughout the town like ghosts. A ceremony was in the works above the steps of Town Hall. Many people were already up and moving, preparing for the day’s events. A newly constructed wooden stage was being carried by several men and placed at the top of the stairs. Rows of chairs had been placed at the bottom of the steps, empty for the time being. It was an important day, for Arthur intended to solidify his questioned leadership of the town and their defeat of the outsiders.

By celebrating their survival against the odds, he hoped to bring the town together, united against further attacks from the outside world. A world that he was convinced was out to get them.

Arthur watched the ceremony setup from the second-story window of his office. He had taken a liking to his tan fatigues and beret, but that morning he was wearing a suit and tie.

For Arthur, today was a dream come true. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding it, he was finally mayor. No one could take that away from him.

“How do I look, Larry?” he asked while straightening his tie.

“Just fine. Remind me why we’re doing this again?” Larry asked.

Jerome and Dwayne were in the room as well, sitting across from Arthur’s desk, looking bored.

Not paying attention, Jerome said, “Need to find me a good woman. Sick of this shit.”

“You and me both,” Dwayne agreed.

Arthur turned from the window and looked at his men, disappointed. “Where’s your spirit?” he asked. “Today is an important day for Tartarus. We’re going to declare our own independence and sovereignty. We’re going to celebrate our recent victory. And most important of all, we’re going to announce expansion into neighboring counties. You gentlemen play your cards right, and you could be mayors of your own towns someday.”

“These people just want a way to stay warm,” Larry said.

“And they want food,” Dwayne added.

“I’ve got both avenues covered,” Arthur said, leaning on the back of his leather office chair. “I’ve got a shop crew examining those cars to figure out why they still work. There has to be something in their design, similar to our two cargo trucks. That could be the key in getting the heat back on in this town too.”

“I’ll save them the trouble,” Dwayne said, tilting his head back and yawning. “They’re old.”

“I understand that, Dwayne,” Arthur said. “But we need the specifics. We can learn and rebuild. Make this town functional again.”

“And the food?” Larry asked.

“Everyone who attends the ceremony will be given a healthy food ration from our private stock. That should keep them happy for the day.”

“But
everyone
is required to attend,” Larry added.

“Yes,” Arthur said, fastening his cufflinks. “So make sure that happens.”

Someone knocked at the door. Arthur looked up and signaled to Larry. “See who it is, please.”

Larry walked across the carpet and opened the door a crack. Reverend Phelps peeked in.

“What do you want?” Larry asked.

“Hello. I came to see the mayor,” Phelps said.

Larry opened the door fully to see a line of people outside the office, all the way down the hall.

“You’ve got visitors,” he called to Arthur.

Arthur waved Phelps in and told Larry to close the door. He sighed and looked up at the ceiling. “This early, and I’ve already got a line outside. The trials of being a mayor!”

Townspeople often gathered outside his office first thing in the morning for personal requests, complaints, food, supplies, and a litany of other requests. His newly established “open-door policy” was starting to have its consequences.

“How can I help you, Pastor?” Arthur asked as his men eyed Phelps suspiciously.

“Good morning, Mr. Mayor. I just wanted to let you know that the guards transported Mr. Parker to the building.”

“Perfect,” Arthur said while patting his hair and studying his reflection in the window.

“Would you like them sent in? Perhaps we can all have a one-on-one,” Phelps said.

“Certainly. But first, I want to make sure that we’re clear on what you’re saying this morning. I want everything to go perfectly.”

“Yes. I’ve got it all up here,” Phelps said, pointing to his head.

Arthur turned around. Various conversations could be heard coming from the hall. He told Phelps, “You will speak of your vision of a true leader. And I think you know the rest.”

“Of course, Mr. Mayor.”

Arthur approached the pastor and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Do this, and I’ll hold up my end of the bargain. Just remember,” he said, pointing. “Upon their release, your people aren’t to speak of this town to anyone. If they betray my trust, they will suffer the consequences.”

Phelps nodded with enthusiasm. “They understand that.”

“And of course, if they choose to live here, that’s fine by me as well. I did, after all, relocate them from their cells to a nice town home.”

“And they’re deeply grateful” Phelps said.

Arthur slapped him on the back. “Just tell me what they decide at the end of the day. Go ahead send Mr. Parker to me.”

“Right away, Mr. Mayor,” Phelps said, turning to the door. As he opened it, outside conversation spilled into the room. Once shut, the room went quiet again.

“You’re not really going to let them leave, are you?” Larry asked.

Arthur laughed. “Of course not. He’ll understand later. I just need him on point right now.”

A knock came at the door again. Larry went to open it and saw a burly, gray-bearded guard standing there with Rob, who was zip-tied at the wrists.

“Your boy’s here,” Larry said.

“Splendid, please come in,” Arthur said.

The guard pushed Rob in past Larry and made it halfway in himself before Arthur stopped him.

“Go ahead and help with setup, Isaac. Rob will be fine.”

The guard nodded and left the office. Arthur’s men stared Rob down as he stood in front of the desk, wearing a dark-blue sweater and jeans.

“You look spiffy, Rob. Glad you got a chance to get cleaned up. I hope the new clothes are a good fit.”

“It works,” Rob said.

Arthur’s men kept their eyes locked on both him and Rob, adding to the tension in the air. Arthur had had enough of their suspicions and waved the men away.

“Give us a minute, will you?”

Larry, Dwayne, and Jerome looked at each other but didn’t move.

Arthur’s tone grew sharper. “I don’t need babysitters. Get out of here! I’ll call you when I need you.”

Dwayne and Jerome reluctantly rose from their chairs and followed Larry outside the office. The door shut as Arthur looked to Rob, waiting a minute before speaking to him.

“I was told that you’re willing to work with us.”

“That’s right,” Rob said.

Arthur stopped and examined him keenly. “Can you tell me what the deciding factor was?”

Rob shrugged and looked past Arthur, out the window overlooking the town. “Seemed like the right thing to do.”

“Yes. It is.” Arthur spun around and looked at him hard. “But if I know you at all, Rob, you’re looking for an out. And I must say, I don’t blame you. I’ve taken you from your family. I’ve caused you a lot of harm.”

“I’m not in any kind of position to make demands.”

Arthur nodded. “I’m glad you can see that. But it doesn’t change the fact that you cannot be fully trusted. At least for a while.”

As Arthur turned away, with his back turned toward him, Rob stuck his hand in his right pocket and felt the knife.

“I understand.”

He carefully pulled out the closed switchblade. He listened for noises out in the hall and signs of any possible intrusions. It was probably the only chance he would have that day to do something. He stopped as Arthur turned to face him.

“I’m going to introduce you as a reformed man. Or at least a man seeking redemption. The pastor will help with that. You know a lot of people in this town better than I do, I imagine. And they know you. I’m sure you have your share of supporters, despite a majority who hate your guts.”

“No doubt,” Rob said.

Arthur turned again to face the window, almost as though giving Rob the signal. Almost as though he wanted to die. Rob pulled the knife out fully, when the door suddenly swung open and a man walked in sounding rushed.

“Mr. Mayor, just about everyone is out there now.”

Rob fumbled to conceal the knife, nearly dropping it. Beads of sweat rose on his forehead.

“Good to hear. Thanks,” Arthur said, turning around.

Rob slid the knife back in his pocket, trying to remain cool and natural.

“If you mention food rations, it magically brings the town together,” Arthur said, looking at Rob.

Rob struggled to crack a smile. “About those prepared food rations…” he began.

“Yes?” Arthur said, leaning closer.

“What are they made of?”

“I don’t know,” Arthur said. “Military-grade stuff in airtight packages. Got them straight off an army truck we seized.”

“I see.”

Arthur smacked his hands together with enthusiasm. “Now let’s go. Your crowd awaits!”

Rob nodded as Arthur led him out of the office. Below the window of the second-story office, over a hundred people had gathered as mandated, eagerly awaiting their rations. It was another spectacle. But at least it gave them something to do.

***

The crowd was in place as Arthur took the stage amid his men, who were positioned throughout the plaza, providing security. Oddly enough, Arthur had managed to assemble a band of trumpet players in the pews. Their rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner was sloppy but earnest. Makeshift flags displaying a red letter T within an oval streamed from light posts down Main Street: the flag of Tartarus. The ceremony was about to begin.

Rob was escorted behind the stage without restraints next to two armed guards. He looked over and saw Phelps and Layish standing together talking near the stage. The pastor noticed Rob first and signaled to Layish, who turned and nodded to Rob with an unfriendly expression. Rob shrugged. What did they want him to do, kill Arthur in broad daylight in front of the entire town? He’d be signing his own death warrant.

“Welcome!” Arthur said to the gathered crowd. They looked worn and apprehensive, there for only one purpose: to get food. Arthur’s men stood guard at positions around the seated audience of over a hundred people and were also scattered throughout Main Street.

“I’m so glad to see you all, and I’m very excited to bring you news of a new day. We gather here to not only plan our collective future together as a strong community, but also to commemorate our strength and survival against overwhelming odds.” He continued his pep talk for several more minutes, his voice booming above the heads of the gathered crowd below. A giant banner hung overhead, strung from one street post to the next, reading, TARTARUS is the Future. And the Future is NOW.

“I know it hasn’t been easy. I know that you have families and personal matters to attend to. I know that you have former lives and occupations to think of. I know that many of you are scared for the future. And I also know that many of you just want your food rations. We’ll get to all that shortly, but first I want to officially mark today as the day when Tartarus becomes an independent municipality free from the corruption of the outside world. The wall we have worked so hard on has become a reality. It is because of this wall that we can now live in relative peace and harmony, free from outside threats.”

Arthur never paused to consider who the real threat to the townspeople was, thought Rob. As far as he was concerned, he was as legitimate a leader as the town had ever had. Most people knew this much, but many were so desperate to live by the scraps thrown to them that they accepted whatever he did and however he did it.

“I’m going to bring Reverend Phelps up here in a minute, but first, I want to introduce someone many of you are all too familiar with.” He spoke with a hint of irony, and a sly grin lit his face.

Arthur turned toward the back of the stage, where Rob waited.

“Help me welcome back our old friend, Rob Parker!”

Forced applause came from the crowd as the guards pushed him on stage. Rob stumbled, and the crowd gasped, but he steadied himself, scowling at the guard, who smirked and gave him one last shove. They let him be then as he walked to the center of the stage and stood next to Arthur, who placed an arm around him.

“With minimal motivation, Rob has promised to turn himself around and dedicate his time and efforts to helping us make it through the winter. Many of you might be familiar with his prepper store, which I’m going to allow Rob to reopen.”

Rob felt inside his pocket again to assure himself that the knife was still there.

“And he would like to share a few words with you today, assuring each and every one of you how together, we can survive anything.”