Edge of Fear: An EMP Post-Apocalyptic Survival Prepper Series (American Fallout Book 3) Alex Gunwick (free reads .txt) 📖

“Hmm. We should make that a priority. We need to know all the potential entrances and exits if we’re going to be safe in this place.” Luke looked toward the empty hall, no doubt contemplating the logistic issues presented by the bunker’s design.

“Definitely.”

Derek led them down the last passage, directly across from the entryway. “These are the living quarters.”

They emerged into a circular hall that curved off to the left and right. Two corridors branched off on either side. He took the left hall and continued past common area rooms.

“There are bunks down each of these halls, six rooms in total.” He pointed to a door on the interior wall of the circular hall. “In there’s a communal bathroom with a couple of toilets, sinks, and two shower stalls. I’d hold off on the showers, though. I haven’t been able to locate the water purification system. However, I’m fairly sure there is one somewhere. Maybe behind one of those locked doors.”

“That will be our first priority. We have some water, but a large-scale water source will make life a hell of a lot better,” Luke said.

“No. Our first priority is getting the Wrights.” Derek and Luke turned to Liz, both shocked at the sound of her voice.

“Honey, we—”

“Just stop. Look at all this space.” Liz gestured around. “This place can easily hold more of us. I won’t leave them out there for those crazy fucking cult members to abuse. We have a duty to help the good people left in this world. And you know they’re good people.”

“We haven’t even taken stock of the food stores yet. We don’t know how many people this place can support, or for how long,” Luke said.

“I don’t care. We can find more food. Hell, the Wrights were farmers before they retired. They can help us grow more food. I won’t turn my back on them, not after they’ve been so good to us. If you and Derek don’t go get them, I’ll do it myself.”

“They didn’t want to go after the cult members,” Luke said. “We don’t know if we can trust them to help defend this place.”

“You’re being ridiculous,” Liz huffed. “They have been with us, sharing their resources, from the beginning. If no one finds out about this place, then we have nothing to worry about. I can’t leave them out there to fend for themselves. It’s not right. I refuse to let them be killed.”

“Yeah,” Kyle said. “It’s not cool that we left them out there. The Wrights are smart. They know how to fish and hunt. They also have extra stuff at their house they can bring with them.”

“What do you think?” Luke asked Derek.

“Well …” Derek rubbed the back of his neck. “There are pros and cons on each side. Based on how much dry food I saw, we should easily be able to support the six of us for a year.”

“Will that be long enough?” Luke asked.

“Hell if I know.” Derek shrugged. “But if they have skills we can use, then it might be worth keeping them alive.”

“It’s the right thing to do,” Liz insisted. “I’m going to get them before it gets dark. Come or don’t come. I don’t care.”

She stomped down the hall.

“Guess we ought to get moving if we’re going to get back before dark,” Luke said.

Derek nodded. It was a tough choice, and they didn’t have enough information to make an informed decision. However, if they did have valuable skills, it would be better to keep them alive. If they didn’t, they’d just be a drain on the supplies. Only time would tell.

Luke walked toward the Wrights’ cabin while Derek followed. They’d managed to convince Liz and Kyle to stay in the shelter while Luke and Derek went to get the Wrights.

“You sure this is a good idea?” Derek asked.

“I honestly don’t know,” Luke admitted.

“I figured you’d put up more of a fight.”

“When Liz makes up her mind on something, there’s really no use arguing. I mean, sometimes I might be able to sway her if it’s something minor, but she’s a stubborn woman.”

“Normally, that’s a good trait to have. I admire that about her. But bringing them in might be costing us valuable resources,” Derek said.

The Wrights’ cabin was in sight, but Luke stopped and turned back to face him. “You’re right. Winter is coming, and we don’t know how long the supplies in the bunker will last us. We don’t even know what’s still usable. For all we know, half of that stuff could be trash. But Liz might be right about this. Edwin and Sandy aren’t exactly dead weight. They have their cabin stocked up, so they’ll bring a lot of their own supplies. When spring finally comes, their farming knowledge will be crucial for long-term survival. Plus, Edwin is a HAM radio guy, so that could prove useful. They could be great allies at a time like this.”

“I guess we’ll see.” Derek looked at him doubtfully, but he seemed to be warming up to the idea that the Wrights might be more than just a drain on resources.

Luke knocked on the Wrights’ door. Sandy answered it.

“You’re just in time for dinner. Please, come in.” She stepped aside, ushering them into the small cabin.

Luke stepped past her into the den, where Edwin was sitting in an overstuffed armchair next to a roaring fire.

“Luke, my boy. Come on in, take a seat. How are we? Holding up okay?” Edwin’s warm, open face made Luke smile.

“Yeah, I’m doing all right. A lot going on to distract me.”

“Yes, I suppose there is.”

Sandy sat on the arm of Edwin’s chair. “Where are Liz and Kyle? Back at the cabin?”

Luke looked over at Derek, who stood next to the fireplace with his arms crossed.

“Well, actually, that’s what we came here to talk to you about. We’re moving, and we want you to come with us,” Luke said.

Sandy and Edwin looked