The Rotten Core: A Jake Pettman Thriller Book 4 by Wes Markin

Author:Wes Markin [Markin, Wes]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dark Heart Publishing
Published: 2022-01-30T16:00:00+00:00

Corrie held Marston’s hand as they entered the dwelling.

Concerned about a reaction, Merithew didn’t lead; he followed instead. It seemed he was right to be cautious.

After seeing the unconscious girl, Corrie turned, wide eyed. “By the soul of Althea. We’re leaving.” She pushed Marston toward the exit, but Merithew was already blocking it now, and the boy simply bounced off the leader’s large body and into his mother’s arms.

Merithew closed the dwelling door behind him, turned, and locked it. He slipped the key into his pocket.

“She would be ashamed of you,” Corrie said. “Althea would be ashamed of you.”

Merithew didn’t immediately turn back. The words struck a blow. It took him a couple seconds to absorb it.

“Let us out,” Corrie said. “I want no part of this viciousness.”

Merithew turned. He took a deep breath and looked between mother and son.

Both trembled, although it was only Marston who appeared terrified; Corrie shook with anger. “Do the elders know about this?” Corrie asked.

Merithew nodded.

“How is this the way?”

“We have to adapt. And this is the way, now.”

She shook her head.

“I’m sorry, Corrie. This is why it would have been best for Sumner to come. He knows. He appreciates the situation we are in.”

Her face paled. “I don’t believe this―”

“Corrie. It’s very important that you start to believe. I brought you here, in Sumner’s absence, to ensure your son Marston will do what he is expected to do.”

“Which is?” she snarled.

He nodded at the bed. “She sleeps. She will feel nothing.”

“I was led to believe they were willing!”

“And you believe it is so easy to find those willing to grow the population of a community that no one understands and most fear?”

“Is it any wonder that people fear us? Look at what’s happening here.”

“These actions remain in the dark. In the silence.”

“How? You don’t think she will tell?”

Merithew looked away.

Corrie gasped. “No, on Althea’s soul, no.”

“This has to be the way, Corrie. It is flourish or fade and die. With every new generation, fertility deteriorates. It is the curse of Mossbark. It cannot be the curse of the Nucleus. We will build toward a brighter and larger future. I cannot―”

“This is not what we are.”

“Corrie,” Marston said. “Mother … please. I am willing.”

She spun on her son. “Marson. You will listen to―”

“I am fourteen. I am old enough to support the Nucleus.”

She grabbed his collar. “This is not right.”

Merithew stepped forward and put a large hand on Corrie’s shoulder. “I brought you here to be a soothing influence if your son was anxious or hesitant. It seems I made the wrong call. Sumner and Marston are both understanding of the crisis facing our world; it is you who question my judgment and the judgment of the other elders in the Nucleus.”

“I question it alright!” Corrie hissed, releasing her son’s collar and shrugging off Merithew’s hand.

“But you know what happens if you question our ways?”

“Please,” Marston said to her. “This is my decision. Please do not put our family in danger.”

“Your son is wise beyond his years.

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