The World We Burn by Kyla Stone

Author:Kyla Stone [Stone, Kyla]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-21T16:00:00+00:00

36

LENA EASTON

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-EIGHT

“We have to run,” Bradley Underwood said. “Before the cartel slaughters us in our sleep.”

Lena settled into the leather armchair next to the stone fireplace and gazed at the tense faces surrounding her. The fire crackled and popped in the massive hearth, casting flickering shadows across the slate floor.

In the aftermath of the failed ambush yesterday, Jackson had called an emergency town hall meeting. Forty of the town’s leaders had gathered at the Northwoods Inn to decide their next move.

Some sat in overstuffed armchairs, while others stood in a loose circle, their arms crossed, their postures stiff with worry, every face lined with loss and fear.

Bear stretched out at her feet. His snout rested on his paws, his brown eyes alert as he watched the proceedings. Lately, he’d been sleeping with Shiloh, but tonight, the Newfie seemed to sense Lena’s distress and refused to leave her side.

Jackson stood alone in the center of the circle. As sheriff, everyone looked to him for the answer. The twitch in his jaw revealed his frustration and stress. Though he was under tremendous strain, he managed to keep his voice even. “We’re here to discuss the options, consider the pros and cons, and come to a decision together.”

“Like I said, we have to evacuate.” Underwood leaned back, crossed his arms over his chest, and set his mouth in an obstinate line. The ex-sheriff was a stern, imposing black man in his early fifties with a ramrod posture, a shiny bald head, and a clean-shaven jaw. To call Underwood difficult was quite the understatement. “After the FUBAR situation the current sheriff brought down upon our heads, we have no choice but to flee.”

“The current sheriff saved my life and many others,” Lena broke in firmly, loudly enough for everyone to hear. “Let’s not forget that. Jackson, Eli, and our brave fighters defeated Sykes and his convicts. If they hadn’t, several of you in this room would be dead.”

A low rumble of affirmation moved through the room. The committee knew it was true. Underwood could snark and complain all he wanted, but he couldn’t demand his way, not anymore.

She glared at Underwood until he blinked first, his gaze sliding off somewhere to her right, perhaps in embarrassment. He hadn’t fought against Sykes. He’d slunk off somewhere to lick his wounds.

When he spoke again, a bit of the aggression leaked from his voice. He waved a hand vaguely. “Just making a point.”

“Even if we could run, where do you suggest we run to?” Ana Grady asked. “Is there some stronghold I don’t know about? As far as I’m aware, we’re the only sanctuary within hundreds of miles.”

“She’s right,” Jackson said. “Where could we go that’s safer than here? Where we don’t know the strengths and weaknesses of the terrain, where we haven’t built defenses? Where are we going to go that can house and feed over two thousand people?”

Underwood sneered like a recalcitrant schoolboy. “That’s not my problem to figure out. It’s yours, Sheriff.

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