A Powerless World | Book 3 | Defend The Homestead Hunt, Jack (read my book TXT) 📖

the property, not even making eye contact. Colby glanced at him. “Something amusing?”

“Everything is. And FYI,” he turned his head, “you can address me as Captain Benjamin Evans.”

Who was this egotistical prick?

Before he could respond, Deputy Johnson chimed in. “Your brother Jessie. Have you seen him around?”

Colby didn’t reply. He was sensing this visit wasn’t out of courtesy or concern for their wellbeing. Each of the armed soldiers had their finger ready on the trigger as if they were expecting things to escalate.

“What are you doing here, Dan?”

“There have been a series of attacks on communities in Humboldt. Scalpings. These are the same ones that have occurred outside in Trinity County. We believe the same people are responsible, and they are making their way through our county now and will likely show up soon in Eureka. Now your brother Jessie said that you know the Wiyot Tribe, is that right?”

“I know someone in it. Yeah. Why?”

Dan nodded and looked back over his shoulder at the captain.

“Are you suggesting they are responsible?” Colby asked.

“We’re not pointing the finger but we can’t rule anyone out and the way it looks…”

He snorted. “So people are scalped and you immediately jump to it being the Native American community?”

“If the boot fits,” Captain Evans said.

Colby scowled at him. “The Wiyot Tribe are peaceful. They believe in healing and prayer, not scalping people.”

“Yeah, and what about all the other tribes?” Evans added.

There were five spread throughout Humboldt.

Dan put a hand back. “Captain, please.”

“Come on, sheriff. What are we doing here? Let’s get to the point. We have a lot of people to see.”

“Look, I’ll cut to the chase. I haven’t been in office long enough to establish a good rapport with the tribes in this county. The mayor is dead, and well, if you know them, it would help if you spoke to them.”

“You want me to go and ask if they’ve been scalping people? Are you serious?”

“Deadly,” Evans chimed in again. He was beginning to get on Colby’s last nerve. Evans dismounted from the horse and slowly made his way over to join the sheriff. He puffed out his chest like he ruled the roost. His eyes scanned Colby as if he was sizing him up.

“Dan, if all you want is to have me speak with the tribe, why is this fool here?” Colby looked at Evans then back at Dan.

Evans stepped a little closer, attempting to intimidate him. “I’m here to make sure folks like your family and the Stricklands don’t get in the way, you understand,” he said, poking a finger at him.

Colby narrowed his eyes and without missing a beat replied, “I would strongly advise you don’t do that again.”

Evans chuckled and stepped away, turning his attention to Alicia and Hazel on the porch. Dan lifted a hand to try and reel in the situation. “Look, Colby, I can go over to the reservation and speak with them but out of courtesy and respect for you as a fellow lawman, I’m giving you the chance to do it. To help out. I told you, no one gets a free ride.”

“A fellow lawman? Is that what he is?” Evans asked, eyeing Alicia. Colby noticed. He didn’t like the way he was looking at her. He’d seen that look in the eyes of officers who thought they could use their position to get what they wanted.

“And to tell me that, it took six of you?” Colby asked.

“Of course not. I’m not just here about that.”

“Allow me, sheriff,” Johnson said, stepping forward. “With a surge of attacks, a decrease in law enforcement officers, and minimal supplies, we are having to make some changes. Anyone who wishes to continue to get supplies will be required to live inside the boundaries of Eureka.”

“And if not?”

Johnson was quick to reply. “Then it’s on to the FEMA camp or fending for yourself.”

“Hmm. Is that so?”

Dan nodded. “I’m sorry, Colby, but the noose is tightening.”

“Don’t be sorry for anything, sheriff,” Evans added. “The rules are clear.”

“And let me guess, those rules were your idea.” Colby shot him a glance.

Evans didn’t reply, he was still eyeing Alicia. Staring at her, making her feel uncomfortable. “You want to reel in your lap dog, Dan? I don’t care for him drooling on this property.”

Evans flashed him a sneer and looked as if he was about to say something when Dan chimed in. “Let’s not take this in the wrong direction, Colby. Just let us know. What’s it going to be?”

“You want an answer now?” Hazel asked, rising from her seat.

“Sure do,” Evans replied.

Dan shifted awkwardly from one foot to the next. “What Deputy Johnson means is that due to the recent attacks we can’t afford to hold off on this any longer. I would like to be able to offer longer to think it over but I’m afraid that luxury doesn’t exist. We need to know who is with us.”

“And who is against us,” Evans said, taking the liberty of adding that even if Dan wasn’t about to say it.

Colby smiled and shook his head. “And if we decided to leave here and enter the city?”

“Then you would be given a house. There are plenty. Thousands left the city, so accommodation wouldn’t be a problem. You also wouldn’t see an interruption in getting supplies.”

“Rations, you mean.”

“We’re doing the best we can with what little we can get.”

“And where are you getting all these supplies, might I ask? From what I’ve seen journeying up from L.A., there aren’t too many towns or cities that are abundant with supplies. Most businesses have been looted and any other supplies have been taken by FEMA for use in the camps.”

Dan opened his mouth to reply but before he did, Evans turned and answered that. “Let me answer that, sheriff. Yours is not to ask how, mountain boy, but to say thank you and how can I serve?”

Colby brought a hand up to his jaw and stifled a laugh. “Mountain boy?” His hand slipped back to the Glock