A Powerless World | Book 4 | Outlive The Darkness Hunt, Jack (feel good novels .txt) 📖

He looked out and screwed his face up as if he was trying to figure out the answer to a hard equation. “I probably would advise against saying that when asked why you killed innocents.” The truck pulled away but instead of losing her cool she just stared. “So where does Asher come into all of this? I’m sure he was a little pissed when he found out that he was going to be sharing the bed with Boone.”

She picked at her teeth.

“He’s not in charge. He’s overseeing one of the wards as before. I would also like you to help, not in the same capacity but I think you can still be a valuable member of this community.”

Johnson nodded. “So where next? Your personal torture chamber? Or are you feeling a little frisky?”

She never answered but it soon became clear when they arrived at his house.

“Oh, home sweet home. Am I free to go?”

“You can go. Whether you are free is up to you. Think about my offer.”

He got out and closed the door and she brought the window down. “Oh, and Johnson, if you are lying to me…”

“I got it.” He slapped the side of his face a few times and smirked. As the truck rolled away, the smile vanished and a bitter knot formed in his stomach. He wasn’t stupid. He knew she wasn’t going to let him move freely without being monitored. Within minutes of entering his home, he looked out to see two cops sitting in a military truck out front. No doubt they were told to keep an eye on him.

He changed out of his clothes into civilian gear and looked out again.

They were still there, fifteen minutes later. Would they knock on the door every thirty minutes? If they thought they could follow him, they had another thing coming. He ventured into his backyard and hopped over the fence into a heavily wooded area and set off for Dan Wilder’s home in the south end.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Promises could make or destroy a community.

When the idea to close off Eureka from the rest of Humboldt was set in motion, it came on the back of a promise — a promise to protect and safeguard the lives of residents. In order to fulfill that promise, those who willingly entered or stayed within the confines of the city had to follow one rule: they were to relinquish all weapons. The reasoning was three-fold. One — now that the city was fenced off and heavily guarded, there wasn’t a need for locals to carry. This would also ensure that if anyone lost their marbles and turned on a neighbor, they wouldn’t have the means to inflict mass damage before help could arrive. Two — it would provide a sense of normality to those who didn’t want to see their neighbors walking around with a rifle in hand. Three — only a select group of trusted individuals would have access to the weapons for patrolling, hunting and making supply runs.

It was a toss-up for many, a breaking point for those who refused to give up a right they believed was guaranteed by the Constitution. The right to bear arms. This led to many not entering, and even more exiting.

For those that remained, it was tolerated even if it was still questioned.

Dan Wilder knew this better than anyone. It was the one rule that had led to so many people mistrusting him. “You’re right. When Evans put forward the need to collect weapons, it was Rachel Brohan who finally convinced me to agree. She was also the one that got the rest of the council on board with it. I was vehemently against it. I knew it would be the straw that broke the camel’s back but they wouldn’t listen. They said it was the beginning of a new era of protection, the way forward for Eureka and because the militia was handling security, there wasn’t a need for people to carry.” He lifted his eyes to Johnson. “What do the rest of the council have to say about this new relationship with Boone?”

“I’m not sure they know, or have a say in the matter. Anyone who objects would be dealt with the same as any common dissident.”

Alicia was quick to chime in. “The people of Eureka won’t stand for it.”

“Without weapons they don’t have a say in the matter. All firearms are being stored in the armory. Once word gets out about Boone, it will be too late. And I’m sure Rachel has given thought to what she would tell them.”

“And if anyone resists, they will be exiled from the community or shot,” Lily added.

“Probably,” Johnson replied. “Look, all I know is that unless we can rally together, the chance of turning the tide will be lost. Together we can fight back.”

“Rally?” Lily said. “We need to get out of here.”

She rose to her feet and paced.

Dan tried to get her to calm down. “Lily, please.”

“No, this is insane. Fighting? How do you fight with no weapons? And we’re only a few.”

“No, there are others,” Johnson said. “Not everyone in this community agreed with the change of authority. There are many that are wary especially after Evans attempted to take over. What they need to hear is the truth.”

“And you think they will listen to you? Or Dan? They don’t trust either of you anymore.”

“But they might listen to you,” Alicia said.

“She’s right,” Dan said. “Lily, your ties in this community are strong. You know which ones were against me stepping down. These are the same people that support Johnson.”

She folded her arms, fear getting the better of her. “No. You know what they will do to us if they find out. No, the best thing we can do is to leave now.”

“It’s too late. The wheels are in motion.” Johnson shifted from one foot to the next. “Colby is returning tonight. They all are. And they’re banking on us