The Kid: A story of survival by N.C. Reed

Author:N.C. Reed [Reed, N.C.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2014-08-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

Zack was gone before the others woke, and Jarred decided not to mention that he had been there. He couldn’t blame Rick Bells for not knowing the kid was there, since he moved like a ghost. As far as he could see, there was nothing to be gained by it, so he presented the meat like he had found it at the edge of the camp.

“I wonder what he wants from us?” Angela Bottoms just had to snark, even as she ate the food the boy had provided.

“Nothing,” Jarred shrugged. “We don’t have anything. He obviously doesn’t need us, or anyone else, to survive. But we do need him, and he knows it.”

“Why do we need a killer?” William Bottoms piped in, also while stuffing his face with the food Zack had left for them.

“You’re eating one of the reasons,” Jarred replied calmly. “Could you have provided this meal for us, Will? I couldn’t have. Haven’t got the faintest idea where even to start. I’ve never shot a bow, a gun, never hunted, hell, I don’t even know what plants are safe to eat if they aren’t on a tree.”

“He’s still a killer. A murderer. He should be held accountable for what he did,” Bottoms sniffed.

“You’re a jackass, Bottoms,” Rick Bell observed softly. “A clueless one at that. Those three men would have killed us, and done worse for the women. All he did was take out the trash, as far as I’m concerned. And if we were more like him, we would still be in our homes, instead of freezing our asses off out here in the boonies.” He stood abruptly and left the hut. Several others stirred as if to follow.

“I’m going on wood detail again,” Jarred spoke before anyone else could escape. “We need to make sure we’ve got enough for the night. I’m also going to look for water. The snow is almost gone, and may disappear completely if today is warm as yesterday afternoon was.” Others nodded, speaking up to claim chores for themselves as well.

“I’m going with you,” Pam said firmly, and Jarred nodded.

“I think we’ll just keep the fire going,” William Bottoms said airily.

“You’ll work like the rest of us, Will,” Jarred informed him. “We all have to work at what we can if we’re going to survive. That includes you two. If Angela want’s to mind the fire, she can watch the children, too. They should stay close to the fire, anyway. We don’t want them getting sick.”

“I thought you didn’t want to be in charge,” Angela sneered.

“I also don’t want to do your share of keeping us alive,” Jarred said flatly. “And I won’t, either. You want to eat, and be warm, you work.” He paused, and then smiled grimly. “We can always put it to a vote, I guess. Wonder how everyone would vote?”

Neither Bottoms replied, but their flushed faces were evidence of their anger. William stomped angrily out of the hut, while Angela simply sat near the fire and sulked.

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