Red Queen: Skies of Freedom by Reynolds R.F

Author:Reynolds, R.F.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

The outpost was small, and from a distance, reminded Rhett of an old frontier town by its profile and layout. It was a cool, dark night. Everything seemed still, and nothing seemed out of place. As they approached the outpost jail, which was at the edge of the settlement, they slowed down the auto carriage to quiet their approach. Rhett was wondering why he was here. Maybe Hahli was just shorthanded. This was sort of like piracy, Rhett thought, and maybe Hahli saw an opportunity for free skilled labor. If you could call pirating “skilled labor”.

They stopped the auto carriage about fifty meters away from the jail, still off-road and semi-concealed behind some brush. As a group, they got out, adjusted the scarves over their mouths and noses, and headed for the jail, guns in hand. They formed a single-file line, Rhett in the back, and they skulked around the side of the building as they headed for the front door.

Once they had formed up against the wall next to the front door, Boss looked back at the other three and gave a sharp nod. They stormed their way through the door and filed in, guns raised. Rhett brought up the rear. His eyes scanned the room for motion and other people. His group had their weapons aimed at two men in the pale olive Union deputies’ uniforms who sat behind the counter. One was a thin, younger man with a mop of hair while his partner was older, filled out around the middle, and had a wispy, tenuous comb-over. Their hands were already raised, and they were trading furtive glances amongst the intruders. For a moment, the scene was quiet besides the sound of the radio in the background. Rhett could smell the stale coffee they were drinking to stay awake during their night shift. Nobody moved.

Boss spoke, lowering his voice and making an effort to conceal his accent, “Who has the keys?”

The deputies didn’t respond. Boss repeated the question. It became clear the deputies weren’t keen on cooperating, but it was also obvious they had to cooperate, as they were caught off guard and outnumbered.

Rhett’s leader spoke again, “Last chance for keys or I take them.” He pulled the hammer back on his Mule.

At that, the older deputy to the right made a tiny wave of his hand to indicate he had the keys. Boss nodded at him, and the deputy reached down with one hand. For a moment, his hand was out of sight beneath the counter and the jangling of a key ring carried throughout the room. The deputy raised the hand in slow motion, now holding the keyring. At this, Boss shot a look to Baldy to his left, who holstered his pistol and went around the counter to collect the keys.

With the keyring, Baldy opened the door to the back area of the jail, where the prisoners must be kept. Boss lowered his pistol and followed the Baldy into the back to retrieve their man from lockup.

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