His wife must have been waiting close by, perhaps watching from a window. She stepped out, a pistol tucked into her belt at her hip. She was tall and strong-looking, moving with a confident stride.
“I see we have guests.” She latched the door behind her. Little Rod’s face appeared, pressed to the windowpane to their left. Cam repressed a grin. Already, the youngster was impossible not to like. What a firecracker. He understood how Little Rod had won Robin’s heart in a short time.
They did a quick round of introductions. Amanda shook their hands with a firm grip and looked them in the eye—not what Cam had expected from a woman subjugated by the Slains since the beginning. She must be made of stern and unyielding stuff.
“Why don’t you read this aloud?” said Rod, handing her the envelope from the Walkers.
Amanda raised her eyebrows in inquiry.
“It’s from Robin and Kory Walker.”
No trace of expression crossed her face as she slit the envelope and removed the contents. A single sheet of paper, one side covered in handwriting.
Dear Friends,
At this, Amanda looked up. “Friends might be an exaggeration, but I appreciate our names not being on a letter that could get us killed.” She skimmed ahead, not speaking at first. Then, she continued aloud.
We hope this note finds you well. From what we understand, you are looking for a change. I doubt it will be easy to leave your current situation without a fight. Are you prepared to work with us to escape? We could use your help to get our mutual neighbors off our backs. We understand this is dangerous work, and your boss is no fool. If things fail, he might come after you. If the worst happens, we are prepared to offer sanctuary to you and your children.
We believe if he’s removed from leadership, xTerra will be left alone to rebuild society our way. That’s all we want. You are welcome to join us, or continue to live where you have settled, in peace. Your new neighbors, who have brought this message, have our full trust and would be excellent allies if you decide to stay in your new home.
Sincerely,
R and K
P.S. Any news about my sister would be appreciated. While not close, I’ve never wished her harm. RW
“Who’s Robin’s sister?” Lissa clapped a hand over her mouth. She must not have meant to interrupt, but in her surprise, the words had popped out. Cam kissed her temple.
Amanda folded the letter and stuck it in her pocket. “Shelby’s married to my brother John. She’s the most vindictive, manipulative, sneaky bitch I’ve had the misfortune to live with. Too bad Robin didn’t strangle her before she left.”
“So, a lot like my mother then,” Cam’s faint smile felt more like a grimace.
Lissa said, “Robin’s not like that at all.”
Amanda shrugged. “Shelby and I have a strained relationship. My favorite part of living here is leaving her far behind.”
That said a lot, considering they’d also left John Slains.
Amanda wasn’t finished. “Do the Walkers have the authority to make this deal for xTerra? Fat lot of good it does us if we help and then xTerra denies all knowledge of this letter. We’d be sticking our necks out.” She refolded the paper.
Cam nodded, his throat dry. “Robin’s uncle is captain of our Watch, and Kory is his right-hand man. They’re all friends with the new mayor and the Council. If you help, we’ll all do our best to protect you and your children.”
“The way I see it,” said Rod. “No matter your assurances, I’m not sure we’d be welcome in xTerra. After eight years, there’s a lot of bad blood.”
“Are you talking about the ambushes outside our gates?” said Cam, laying the issues on the table. Best to be clear. “My brother’s body left as a warning.” He couldn’t keep some bite from his voice.
“Among other things,” said Rod, “we’ve killed a few of your people. Not us directly,” he waved at his wife, “but the Slains. Who’s going to believe I changed sides?”
“That’s why this is perfect,” said Lissa. “They’ll never see it coming.”
Rod nodded slowly, as though weighing his options. He glanced at his wife, who gave an almost imperceptible nod. “Only if you’re on board. We’re talking about assassinating your brother.”
Amanda’s eyes darkened, and her lips flattened. “He isn’t my brother anymore. Not after his plans for my daughter. Marrying her off to her horrid first cousin, who will rape her at the first opportunity. John’s a lying narcissist and a scourge. He deserves to die for several heinous acts he’s committed in the name of his new world order.” For the first time, her emotions seemed to get the better of her, and she turned her face away.
Rod put his hand on his wife’s shoulder. He faced Cam. “I can disrupt John’s plans. I can even get him out of the compound if you have someone who can take him out. I wouldn’t make it out alive if I shot him myself, and there’s no one else I’d trust to be involved. Most of his men are fanatically loyal and think he can do no wrong. He’s becoming a king.”
“xTerra has a trained sniper,” said Cam, releasing a breath. Dave’s skills wouldn’t go to waste. “We’ll need your help to get him somewhere vulnerable. If you get him out of his stronghold, we’ll take care of the rest.”
