Isolation , Jones, Nathan [top 20 books to read TXT] 📗

with Gorstrom bringing in the town and camp leaders? There was only one reason he could think of, and it didn't bode well for Darby and Starr and the others.

“I'm sorry, you were misinformed,” Bruce said politely. “They lived here for a while, but not anymore.”

The soldiers exchanged glances, as if they thought they were dealing with uncooperative people. Which Nick supposed wasn't completely inaccurate; he noticed Bruce hadn't been forthcoming about where they'd gone.

“I'm sorry, sir, I can't take your word on that,” the corporal said. “Is this your property?” Bruce nodded. “Then I'm afraid I have to ask you to allow us to search the premises.”

“On what grounds?” the older man demanded. “Why are you looking for them, and do you even have a warrant?”

The noncom sighed and reached into his pocket, pulling out a folded pace of paper bearing actual typed font along with an official looking seal. “I have a signed order from Administrator Gorstrom.”

Bruce took the paper and perused it, brows furrowed. “Well that's all well and good, young man, but I wasn't aware the administrator was an official judge or certified law enforcement.”

The corporal scowled. “She's not. But until we can get decent police forces in all the surviving towns, along with a proper court system and actual judges, this is the best we can do.” He paused, giving them both a stern look. “As for why we're looking for them, I'm going to go out on a limb and say you already know. We've been sent to arrest them on charges of arson.”

Nick bit back a curse, doing his best to keep his expression neutral.

What was he supposed to say about that? He couldn't exactly insist his friends were innocent, not when he strongly suspected they weren't. Besides, a team of soldiers assigned to make the arrest probably weren't going to care much about extenuating circumstances anyway.

“Well I don't know anything about that,” Bruce said. “But they're not here. If taking a look around will satisfy you of that, knock yourselves out.” His voice hardened. “Just remember you're my guests.”

“Of course,” the soldier said, looking apologetic in spite of his purpose for being there. “I'm Corporal Preston, United States Army. We'll be as quick as possible.”

“Fine.” Bruce turned away, motioning towards the house. “Should we start inside?”

Nick kept his friend company as the older man led the soldiers through a tour of the house. He was vaguely aware of Gen ushering Billy out the door, both of them wide-eyed, and Winn emerging from the kitchen to find out what was going on, then tagging along with the group.

Preston and his people looked distinctly uncomfortable about being here searching the house of citizens. Nick wondered if the soldiers were imagining their own parents or grandparents going through something like this; either way, they were polite and kept their promise about keeping the search brief.

Even so, they didn't shirk their duty. They checked every room, and briefly investigated hiding places. Then Preston led the way back outside and strode towards the row of dugouts in the next lot.

Nick quickened his step to walk beside the man, shooting a reassuring glance at Ellie, who held Ricky and Tallie in her arms next to Hal, who was similarly comforting and protecting his siblings. She looked more angry than worried, and he was half afraid she was going to confront the corporal.

Thankfully, she kept her silence as the soldiers searched the dugouts, which didn't take long considering they were all one room with no real hiding places.

“This alleged arson, was it during the trouble with Jay?” Nick asked as Preston ducked back out of the dugout Charlie shared with his son, the last one in the row. The man paused and gave him an appraising look, and Nick steeled himself for a conversation he didn't want to have.

But he had a responsibility here.

After a few seconds the noncom nodded curtly. “That's right. Specifically, half of the houses in Wensbrook being burned to the ground. Administrator Gorstrom visited the place this morning as part of her investigation. I was there as well, and witnessed the destruction.”

Nick took a deep breath. “Well Chet and Ben were under my command at that time, so I'd like to speak to Gorstrom on their behalf.”

Preston's eyes narrowed. “Are you saying you ordered them to burn down those houses?”

“No, I have no knowledge of what happened in Wensbrook. But Chet and Ben are good men, and they have a right to a fair trial and proper legal defense.”

“Of course, and they'll get it. But they're still under arrest.” The corporal gave him a borderline unfriendly look. “What's your name, sir?”

“Nick Statton.”

The soldiers exchanged glances. “Then we can kill two birds with one stone by having you come with us,” Preston said.

Gen, who'd been following a polite distance behind with Ellie and a few others, gasped in alarm. “Is he under arrest too?” she demanded. “For what? He hasn't done anything!”

The corporal relaxed his stern demeanor slightly. “Not to my knowledge, ma'am. Administrator Gorstrom wishes to speak to him.” He arched an eyebrow at Nick. “I guess you can speak on behalf of your friends at the same time, if you want.”

Nick had a bad feeling about this, but he wasn't sure what exactly he could do about it now. So he gave Gen a reassuring smile and stepped forward, squaring his shoulders. “All right, let's go.”

“Not so fast,” the soldier said. “First you need to tell us where your buddies are so we can bring them in, too.”

Scrud. Well, Nick was only willing to go along so far, and betraying Chet and Ben wasn't part of that. “I fully intend to cooperate, but I'm not turning my friends over to extrajudicial-”

“Extrajudicial?” the corporal snapped, patience finally fraying. “We have a mandate from the President himself to restore law and order, and keep the peace.”

“How does arresting two good men for defending themselves during a conflict that ended almost a month ago help keep the