Behind The Gates 4: A Post Apocalyptic Survival Thriller (Collapse of America) by Bobby Akart

Author:Bobby Akart [Akart, Bobby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-05-30T00:00:00+00:00

TWENTY-EIGHT

Wednesday Afternoon

Liza and Judson’s House

The Colony at Malibu

Grayson was the first to peel off from the group, casually walking down the cul-de-sac toward the Pryces’ home. For a while, the meeting had been going remarkably well. Then, unsurprisingly, people who’d taken their lives being spared for granted couldn’t accept the reality of life during a total blackout. A power outage that would likely last for many months. Grayson knew about the studies predicting a drastic die-off of Americans. Ninety percent within twelve months from starvation, disease, and at the hands of their fellow man. Last night alone, the Colony had lost nearly twenty percent of its residents. They weren’t even starving yet.

Grayson’s casual pace allowed Judson and Liza to catch up with him. Judson was concerned by Grayson’s sudden departure.

“You doin’ okay, Grayson?” he asked.

He lowered his head and sighed. “Yeah. Listen, I’m not surprised by any of that. I just hoped for the best. These people have been accustomed to being coddled. Self-reliance is not in their vocabulary. An answer to all their needs is available by a phone call or a click of the mouse.”

“Maybe they’ll come around?” asked Liza, doubtful herself.

Grayson turned to address them. “No. They won’t. Well, maybe when it’s too late.” He stopped for a moment, as Dean and Emmy were walking briskly toward them. Lee and Nicole had stuck around to speak with their volunteers and answer questions.

“Wait up!” said Emmy as she pushed ahead of Dean. He was still sore from last night’s activities.

When Dean joined them, he spoke first. “Okay, I know what everybody is thinking. These people don’t get it.”

Grayson, who was still perturbed, added, “It’s more than that, Dean. They don’t get it, and they’re waiting for someone else to step up and risk their lives to protect them. That burden doesn’t need to be on any of us. Also, I need to say this to you guys in confidence. Okay?

“I admire Lee and Nicole for taking the reins. They’ve underestimated the willingness of these people to join them in their utopian view of life in the Colony, post collapse. Everybody has to be on the same page, or it simply won’t work. Soon, those spending eighteen hours a day patrolling the perimeter will wonder why his immediate neighbors don’t take a shift. Those who get fired upon at the entry gate will wonder why they’re the ones up there every night at three in the morning.

“Finally, consider this. Our group is well armed. We have a variety of weapons and ammunition stock representing at least a few hundred rounds per weapon. Not to mention the guns we’ve acquired along the way.”

Judson pointed toward their house. “I have an idea. It depends on what we find inside. We could make our home livable for all of us. We’ll circle the wagons on this street and not worry about the others.”

Grayson shrugged. He was noncommittal. Dean studied his friend’s face. He believed Grayson had already made up his mind as to what was best.

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