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

“I don’t think they killed Skye because of that.”

Derek leaned forward. “Brother. Either way, she’s picked her path and it’s with a Riker. She’s tainted. Now listen to me. If we do it this way, no one will know it’s us. We go planting these bodies and father or Martha will put two and two together but this… no… this could work, Seth.”

He gave it some thought then bounced up out of the chair.

“I don’t know.”

“Trust me.”

He stared into his eyes then nodded. “All right. Let’s do it.”

A wide grin spread on Derek’s face as they exited out the back of the house to seek out the militia.

All the supplies were now kept where most wouldn’t even attempt to raid or destroy them — the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. The mistake that moron had made was thinking that no one would attempt to steal from the mall with police standing watch outside. It was a rookie mistake. There had been many missions in Iraq where his unit had to infiltrate enemy territory without being seen. Setting the mall ablaze had been the easiest mission they’d ever accomplished. Captain Evans stood in the large room that was filled from floor to ceiling with boxes full of supplies. They were burning through it faster than they could bring it in. There were just too many mouths to feed.

“At this rate, this will be gone in the next few days. We’ve got to approach this another way,” Elijah said.

“It works for now,” Benjamin replied.

“Yeah but each time we go out we risk being seen.”

“So what did you have in mind?”

“Look, we’ve handed out a lot of supplies. Why make our job any harder than it needs to be? These people already trust us. More people are leaving for FEMA camps by the day. They’re only now taking record of what homes are empty and who’s stayed. So I say we kill two birds with one stone. We reduce the number of mouths and take back what’s been given. The cops will think the supplies were stolen from homes by raiders and that we’re still bringing more in but…”

“It will be the same supplies we just gave out.” He smiled and patted him on the shoulder. “Recycling. I like that. That’s why we work well together, Elijah. Great minds think alike.”

Benjamin had originally come up with the idea of looting homes in other towns under the guise they were getting supplies from abandoned delivery trucks. He knew that would only work for so long. It was time-consuming. Dangerous work. And he hadn’t banked on Jessie showing up in Trinity County, nor did he imagine that people would go outside of the county if all their needs were being met inside. All it would take was one person to realize what they were doing and the gig would be up. They had a lot more to do before anyone could know where the supplies were coming from.

“Captain.”

Benjamin looked over his shoulder to see Davis, one of his guys, approaching. “Some guy wants to speak to you. Says it’s important.”

“Take a name. I’m busy.”

“Says he has information regarding weapons in Eureka.”

“Of course he does. We’re still collecting them. Just take a name.”

“He told me to tell you Jessie Riker is carrying and residing here.”

Benjamin cast a sideways glance at Elijah and he cocked his head with a curious expression. They headed out to the main lobby where a ratty-looking blond fella with patchy facial hair was waiting. He was alone and staring at awards in a glass cabinet. They’d been given to the cops for helping local businesses, and Little League groups in the community.

“Can I help you?” Benjamin asked.

The guy didn’t turn, he just continued to stare. “Crazy, isn’t it. To think that the world might not go back to the way it used to be.” He turned with a smile. “Actually, it’s me who can help you. I’ve heard you have had some problems with the Rikers, is that right?”

“Maybe. Who are you?”

“I’d prefer not to say. Think of me as… a friend. Would I be right in saying that you have a new rule that any residents of Eureka who wish to receive supplies or stay in the city must first relinquish all firearms for use by law enforcement and militia?”

“You would be right.”

“And what if I knew someone who has a firearm in their possession? Two residents? And one of them is a Riker. Jessie Riker to be specific.”

“It could be helpful. What do you want?”

“Nothing. Just to see what is good for one is good for all. That’s fair, right?”

Benjamin nodded, eyeing him with suspicion.

The stranger continued. “Plus, you might be able to get your hands on a lot more firepower too. You see, it’s come to my attention that the Rikers are known to have an arsenal of weapons stashed away in different places in the county along with a hefty amount of gold. Gold still has value, doesn’t it?”

That piqued his interest even more. Benjamin got closer to the individual. He sized him up. “And where would you have come across this kind of information?”

The stranger tapped one of his cauliflower ears. He was a scrapper and had been in more than one fight. “I like to keep my ear to the ground. Now would you like that address?”

Chapter Thirteen

After making love, Jessie and Nina stared up at the ceiling, hot, sweaty, and satisfied. “It feels good to have put it out there. No more hiding the truth. They’ll just have to deal with it,” she said, rolling over and placing her head on his chest and running her fingers down his chest and abdomen. “Don’t you think so?”

He didn’t reply. He was lost in thought.

“Jessie,” she said, lifting her head to meet his gaze.

“Yeah. Yeah, of course.”

“You don’t sound certain.”

He shrugged. “What do you expect me to say? I told them.”

“I don’t know, maybe be a little happier, I guess?