Chapter 28 Cam
The half hour at the side of the highway, enduring the barrage of massive chunks of hail while the vehicle rocked in the heavy winds, had been the longest stretch of time Cam had endured, including the days without water when he’d fractured his ankle.
He and Dave had hunkered down, hands over their ears, sitting on the floor while they waited out the tornado, the funnels touching down and spinning away.
Cam remained thankful they’d been spared the worst.
When they resumed their journey, Dave returned to watching, but no Slains vehicles followed. Not yet. With Rod’s involvement in the attempted shooting, they’d surely be headed this way, but they would have fared worse in their jeeps with the tops down. It was just a matter of time.
Thankfully, Fort Robinson had also been spared, though from the destruction of the grounds and other buildings, it had been a near thing.
Cam had been fearful that with all that risk and he’d have lost Lissa to the storm too.
Since his return, he couldn’t stop holding and touching her, as much to reassure himself she was fine as to be supportive.
In a matter of minutes, Amanda packed a bag with a couple of changes of clothing for herself and her children.
Without a word, she climbed into her truck, and the kids clambered in after her.
While he was relieved that she hadn’t argued, her silence was alarming.
She must be holding in her pain to spare her children.
Both vehicles drove to the bottom of Lissa’s driveway, bumping up the bottom section until they could hide them.
He quickly slashed several thick evergreen branches, which he, Dave, and Lissa wrestled into position over both cars before their small group hiked up to the house. Best to get off the roads.
Amanda declined Lissa’s offer to stay in her comfortable room on the floor or couch, opting instead to seek other rooms on the ground floor.
Dave took an upstairs room. “I’ll keep watch,” he said, carrying his rifle case and spotting scope.
His footsteps faded as he headed up, taking the stairs two at a time.
He would need to find a room with a view.
Cam exhaled, his first in hours, or so it seemed.
It was only a remote possibility they’d be discovered here tonight.
Unless the Slains had the manpower to comb the area thoroughly, which was unlikely.
There were so many directions Amanda could have fled.
They might guess xTerra had been behind the assassination attempt and concentrate their attention there once they found Fort Robinson empty.
Still, this might be a good place to lie low to regroup.
The adults met that night once the children were asleep, agreeing that staying here for a few days was the best idea because once the Slains couldn’t find Amanda, they’d be scouring the roads. They needed to decide if they would make a new plan or retreat.
Early the next morning, Cam awoke to a soft knock on Lissa’s door, the one leading into the kitchen. A glance out the window confirmed the sun was up, though judging by the pale morning light, sunrise had just passed. He threw on a pair of pants while Lissa slid into the bathroom to dress.
“Coming.” He finger-combed his hair before answering the door.
To his surprise, it wasn’t Amanda or Dave, but Daisy and Little Rod, who clutched two folded sheets of paper in his small hand.
“Come in,” Cam said, opening the door wider. Behind him, Lissa emerged.
“Where’s your mother?” she said, speaking softly.
Cam’s stomach dropped as Rod handed him the paper. The little boy’s eyes were impossible to read. The first letter was addressed to Robin. He passed this page to Lissa without reading it. His name and Lissa’s were on the other, scrawled in capitals. He flipped it open and read aloud.
Dear Cam and Lissa,
I know Rod. He wasn’t armed when he spoke to John, and that was foolish.
If you’re feeling guilty, stop. If I had to guess, I’d say my husband was trying one more time to defuse the situation with xTerra and John wouldn’t listen.
My brother hears only what he wants, and most people are too afraid to argue.
He thinks he’s always right, and it’s given him a God complex.
Several times over the years, Rod suggested pulling back and being happy with the territory already under control.
He may also have tried to release Daisy from the betrothal to Bobby.
Either of these could have set John off.
I don’t blame our involvement with your plan for Rod’s death. I blame my brother.
We’re in a mess now. My brother won’t stop, and he’ll be coming for me next.
I’ve gone to make this right. I’ll return if I’m able, but I said my goodbyes last night.
The kids know I’ve gone to avenge their father.
I’m also doing this to give them a better life than being hunted by their uncle.
If I don’t make it, they want to live with Robin.
I don’t know her well, but she’ll be good to them.
I could tell that much, and she won’t turn them away.
Please pass along my second letter if the worst happens.
To catch the traitor at xTerra, question Eli Blake.
He’s a long-time friend of John’s and a resident of xTerra.
Blake’s in it up to his teeth but would crack to save his skin.
He should have proof that the former mayor arranged for the supplies to be left in an abandoned mine.
She’s been bribing John to stay away with supplies for years.
One more thing. If anyone asks, Daisy and Rod aren’t Slains. That’s a stigma they don’t deserve to grow up with. They’re Campbells.
Sincerely,
Amanda Campbell
“She needs backup,” said Dave, appearing behind the children. His eyes were bleary and bloodshot, like he hadn’t slept. “She may also lead the Slains on a chase or distract them so some of us can get to xTerra without being cut off.” His eyes flicked to Lissa and the kids.
“Or we need to confirm that she’s successful,” said Cam.
“Or this might never end.” She also might kick up a hornet’s nest and make the situation worse.
One look at the children, and he kept his mouth shut.
He turned to Lissa. “We’re going after Amanda.
Just in case I’m wrong and the Slains decide to search around here, take the kids to xTerra.
” He passed her his pistol. “Shoot if you have to, but I expect many of his people are holed up in Bill protecting their leader. Except those he would have sent to hunt Amanda.”
Lissa shook her head. More in denial than arguing. He squeezed her hand. “You’ve got this. Going back there is temporary, but just in case, pack the cats.”
He looked over the children’s heads at Dave. “I’ll be ready in ten. Get your rifle. I’ll bring breakfast for the road.”
Lissa said, “Come sit down while I get ready.” The kids nodded and climbed onto the couch. Daisy carried the single bag they’d brought from Fort Robinson and put it beside her. Her chin trembled, but she didn’t cry.
Dave nodded and bolted upstairs, while Lissa gathered food and water for their departure.
She harnessed and leashed Mira and Luna, packing them into her emergency cat carrier.
They wouldn’t enjoy the car ride, but if her house was found, she couldn’t chance them being hurt.
She could be at the Outpost in an hour. Bill was further.
“How long ago did your mother leave?” Cam grabbed a T-shirt and pulled it on, then sat to put on socks and shoes.
Little Rod’s voice didn’t waver, his dark brown eyes giving nothing away as he stared at Cam. Tough little guy. “She didn’t sleep and left while it was still dark.” So, perhaps an hour, maybe two, for her head start. Little Rod lifted his chin. “My mom is the bravest.”
Cam ruffled his hair, his throat thick. “She sure is.” Of course, her courage might take her on a suicide mission. “We’ll try to bring her home.”
The kid looked him straight in the eye. “She’s gone, and I don’t think she’s coming back. She’s going to make Uncle John and Aunt Shelby pay for murdering my dad. They’re bad people.”
Cam’s blood ran cold. Lissa shot him a look, heartbreak in her gaze. These poor children.
The group walked down the long driveway to the vehicles together, stowing their belongings into the two remaining UVs.
He wrapped Lissa in his arms, breathing her in, wishing this could already be over.
After this, he would resign from the Watch.
All he wanted was a quiet life at home with Lissa. He wasn’t suited for violence.
“Don’t do anything stupid and rash,” she whispered.
He smoothed her hair and kissed her. “I love you.” He held her gaze, making sure she absorbed his words.
“I love you, too,” she said. “See you later.”
A lump grew in his throat. His Lissa was worth coming home to, but he had to see this mission through. If they could save Amanda and kill John Slains, it would be a good day’s work.
Lissa squeezed him tight and then let him go.
Her voice grew brisk. “Okay, Daisy, you ride up front with me. You’re in charge of the map.
Rod, I don’t have a booster seat, but make sure you fasten your seatbelt.
You’re my spotter. You let me know if you see anyone outside.
” Her eyes looked worried, but she sounded confident.
She gave Cam a final look, and they piled into the vehicle Dave had driven yesterday morning.
“I’ll meet you at xTerra as soon as we can.
” Cam watched as she drove to the road and headed out.
Once they were underway, he and Dave headed for Bill in the hail-dented SUV he’d driven yesterday.
He packed the extra battery. They should have enough charge for there and back to xTerra, but it would be tight.