Isolation | Book 4 | Holding On Jones, Nathan (best smutty novels txt) 📖

The Mayor's expression darkened, although he glanced warily at the people around them. “I didn't do anything of the sort. Those two are guilty of a serious crime, one which I shouldn't have to remind you kept the war against Wensbrook going when all Jay's people were ready to call it quits. Not to mention they're guilty of assault and battery, too, against Tony Dryden. I only cooperated with the legal authorities.”

He looked around the group meaningfully. “And considering how much Gorstrom knew before she even talked to me, I'm not the only one who was forthcoming with information.”

Some of Ellie's outrage morphed into chagrin at that, since she herself hadn't hesitated to tell the relief administrator what had happened during the fight with Wensbrook when asked. In fact, if Nick was in trouble now then he might largely be there because of Ellie's own testimony.

That stoked her fury again, although not so much at Darby anymore. “Since when does a relief agency or the military have the right to arrest and pass judgment on American citizens?” she snapped.

“The President gave them that authority,” Darby shot back. “Are you saying you're on the side of criminals?”

Ellie shook her head bitterly and split off from the group; she didn't want to waste any more time talking to Darby. Gen and Hal stuck with her, and after a brief hesitation Bruce joined them as well, muttering darkly and shooting angry looks back at the mayor.

Ellie's steps took her back towards the camp she'd just left, to try to find Nick and make sure he'd been released too. And if not, she'd have to find some way to convince the town, the camp, or Gorstrom herself to help him.

Because none of this was right.

✽✽✽

Nick straightened as Corporal Preston tilted his head, listening in his headset.

About time.

The corporal murmured a reply, then motioned curtly. “All right, Statton let's go.”

Trying to hide his trepidation, Nick stood and followed the soldier to Gorstrom's tent. He was feeling less and less confident about his ability to convince the administrator to let his friends go, but he was determined to try.

Gorstrom was waiting for him in the doorway. When he'd seen her previously at a distance she'd seemed cool, composed, and absolutely in control. Now, up close, he saw the obvious tension in her features, a weight of responsibility nearly visibly bowing her shoulders.

He could empathize; he'd only led a relative few people at a time, but he understood the extra burden that came with it. And she was in charge of coordinating dozens of soldiers and relief workers, which had to be far more stressful.

Speaking of the responsibility of leadership, that was probably a good thing to lead with. “I'd like to speak on behalf of Chet and Ben McCleese,” he said as she stepped aside and ushered him to a folding chair in front of her portable desk.

Gorstrom looked a bit taken aback as she settled into her own chair. “You, ah, understand I had my people bring you in because I wanted to speak about you, right?”

Well, that sounded a bit ominous. “Maybe. But I want to talk about them. They're good men, and they don't deserve to be arrested. Ever since I've met them they've done nothing but help others, even at the risk of their own safety. They fought to defend us all against Jay . . . in fact we'd probably still be dealing with his attacks without them, since they're the ones who chased him down and got him to give up.”

She sighed. “Yes, I'm well aware of the nuances of your conflict with Wensbrook. I've spent the last three days taking testimony from everyone involved to get a clear picture of what happened. That's part of why you're here, in fact . . . to get your own testimony.”

The administrator leaned forward, eyes narrowed. “I understand that Jay was the aggressor. I even know that Chester and Benjamin McCleese's house was vandalized by Wensbrook, and they'd also just learned of the Zolos outbreak in the camp, so they believed they had justification.”

“Believed?” Nick demanded incredulously. “It was a war, and everything we were doing to try to defend ourselves wasn't working. They did what they did to protect their loved ones.” He leaned forward intently. “Did you know Chet has a fiancee? They're planning their wedding.”

Gorstrom looked equal parts amused and irritated. “Most criminals have some reason for us to sympathize with them, Mr. Statton.” He opened his mouth, but she spoke over him. “But it doesn't matter. Our nation has been engulfed in chaos for the last few months, and if we're to have any hope of getting past this crisis then law and order must be restored. And the law is clear that just because you've been the victim of a crime, that doesn't give you the right to commit a crime yourself.”

Nick felt his heart sink at her implacable tone. “What's going to happen to them, then?”

“They'll serve a sentence,” she said firmly. Then she paused. “But it won't be prison. Because the rebuilding effort is our highest priority, the President has authorized us to offer leniency to criminals. If they agree to join the rebuilding, they'll receive reduced sentences and enjoy far more comfort and autonomy than most prisoners.”

“But they'll still serve sentences,” Nick stated. “Chet will have to leave his fiancee, they'll both have to leave their aging and Zolos-weakened father. Because they fought to defend Stanberry when a maniac was attacking us.”

“Yes, I'm afraid so.” Gorstrom paused, staring at him keenly. “But right now you should be more worried about yourself.”

He blinked, thoughts juddering to a halt and struggling to switch gears. “Me? Like I told your corporal, I didn't order them to burn down those houses. I didn't even know about it. In fact, I still don't know for sure it was them.”

“Yes, I believe you're telling the truth.” She leaned back in