Families First: A Post-Apocalyptic Next-World Series Volume 6 Battle Grounds Lance Ewing (ebook e reader TXT) 📖

old times’ sake, you have 48 hours to decide, and I’ll release her in the morning. If she’s not gone from Weston by week’s end, then...”

“I know, and she will be, one way or another,” replied Ken.

They sat like that, back-to-back, talking about the old days for two more hours.

* * * *

Ken had a lot to think about. He always cared for Kate, but now she was something different, something harder and rough—not around the edges but inside. Like looking at a beautiful apple with a rotten core.

I will let my girlfriend choose, he thought. She has to leave town—not far, maybe just Trinidad or Raton. He wanted her to be happy, and somehow he wanted the same for Kate.

* * * * * * *

Chapter Twenty-eight

Weston, Colorado

James was up early and stretched his stiff back, leaning backward over his chair.

“Rise and shine, Jason,” he called out. “It’s going to be a big day. I can feel it!”

“Yep, I’m up,” he replied, with a stretching yawn that always appeared exaggerated to another person watching. “What’s for breakfast?” he asked casually, giving James confidence he would hold it together a little while longer. “I could go for a sausage and egg biscuit, two hashbrowns, and a large coffee—if you’re taking orders, that is.”

“Coming right up, sir,” chimed in Ken’s girlfriend, playing along. “How many ketchups?” she added.

“As many as you’ve got,” replied James. “Good timing,” he added, as the front door opened and his deputy friend walked down the hall.

“How about some breakfast burritos?” the deputy asked. “I’ve got egg and egg or just plain egg, but they are still hot.”

“Sounds good to me!” said Jason, with the others agreeing.

He delivered the breakfast to James last and whispered, “They’re coming, the good guys, sometime today. Listen for it, and you will know.”

* * * *

Kate and the Judge made it into the jail next.

“I suppose you’re going to need a trial,” she said to James and Jason. “Since both you guys and Judge Lowry are here, I think we can get it done quickly. Don’t you think, Judge?”

“Sure, we can do it right now if you want.”

“I do,” Kate replied, acting not like the Sheriff but a team of lawyers for the prosecution.

James and Jason were brought up to the front jailhouse office.

Kate presented her argument first, spewing mostly lies threaded with some true statements that didn’t matter.

James, having no attorney, appointed himself, as was his right, and he defended both himself and Jason in front of a corrupt Sheriff and Judge, both with plenty to lose. He stated the facts as everyone present knew, but half would never admit to, and closed by asking for immediate release for him and Jason.

Judge Lowry pretended to consider both sides carefully before coming to his decision. After hearing all of the facts, he gave his ruling.

“I’ve been a Judge for quite some time now, and I’ve always ruled decisively. The evidence presented proves beyond a doubt that both James VanFleet and Jason Davis are combatants of this town and pose a clear danger to its law enforcement and citizens alike. My ruling, while certainly unorthodox, is as follows. I sentence each of you to hang from the gallows no later than this coming Saturday or be driven from the town of Weston and its borders on all sides, including your families and friends on the mountain over on Raton Pass, never to return. What say you?”

Jason jumped at the chance to decide but was stopped cold with a look from James.

“My wife and I have built our ranch,” started James, “from nothing but a barren field. I escaped one of the most ruthless gangs in Chicago to get here, and our friends up on the mountain are not a part of this, so we will not bargain with them or our families.”

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like to reconsider?” asked the Sheriff.

“I’m sure.”

“Okay, deputies,” said the Sheriff. “Inspect the hanging platform and report back to me today. While you’re at it, release what’s-her-name back there and make sure she leaves town.”

“Yes, ma’am,” they replied reluctantly, with only the head deputy, James’ friend, knowing the tide would turn sooner than later.

“You both made a mistake that’s hard to come back from,” said James, telling Jason to get up off the floor. “Hanging us won’t bring you peace. The citizens of this town know where you have been and where you are heading. Most know about Mr. Grimes, and memories last longer than the ruling class.”

“Oh great—a civics lesson from the farmer and former gang banger,” said Kate sarcastically. “I don’t care what you... What’s going on?” asked the Sheriff, distracted, looking towards the door as the walls of the jailhouse shook.

“Sounds like a tornado or earthquake!” added Judge Lowry.

The lead deputy, standing next to James, smiled broadly. “That, my former bosses, is the sound of change. The rumble of new hope and the end of tyranny. By the way, I quit!” he announced, loud enough for all to hear. “James, I would be honored to work under your leadership if you’ll have me.”

“Of course, old friend—always and every time.”

“What are they talking about now?” an irritated and confused Sheriff asked the Judge.

He was peering out the front window. “The Military, that’s what,” he responded, shaking his head. “They are here and...”

His voice was drowned out by helicopters, Humvees, and tanks rolling through town, with several stopping just outside the jailhouse.

“You knew about this?!” Kate asked her former deputy, growing more furious by the second.

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied confidently. “Now I’ll ask you both,” he added, nodding to her and Judge Lowry, “to turn, facing the wall, and put your hands behind your backs.”

“I’ll do no such thing!” she said defiantly.