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

off their sentences, essentially,” Nick said. “Is that the same for me? You'll put a ball and chain on my ankle and sit me behind a computer for a few years?”

She snorted. “No, we won't be quite that draconic with you. You don't seem like the sort to run off, especially when deep down you know you need to take responsibility for what you've done. We'll basically treat you like any other citizen who's joined the rebuilding efforts. Full autonomy, and we won't publicize why you're there.”

The administrator paused, although she was smiling slightly. “Besides, once you realize how well we're willing to compensate people with useful skills, you won't be counting the days before you can come back to this little town with no utilities and get back to scraping in the dirt for food. As I keep saying, but nobody seems to fully appreciate, resources are plentiful.”

After that she fell silent, giving him a while to think about it.

“What about the other scavengers?” Nick finally said. “I was in charge, I'm the one responsible for anything we did. I don't want them punished for just trying to help.”

To his surprise, Gorstrom's smile became warmer. Although she also shook her head regretfully. “I'm afraid that they made their choices, same as you. Although we'll give them the best offer we can. Even your friends Chet and Ben . . . their situation will be far better than a prison or some work camp, as long as they're cooperative.”

She leaned forward again, but this time earnestly rather than for intimidation. “If I'm being honest, Mr. Statton, from what I've heard of you, and what I've seen in this interview, I think you're a good man, and that your intentions have been good every step of the way. It certainly can't be argued that you've helped a lot of people. Even considering how things turned out with Wensbrook. I very much hope you take my offer.”

“Because if I don't, you'll make good on your threat no matter what you think of me?” Nick asked quietly. Gorstrom's level stare was answer enough, and he grit his teeth. “I'd have to leave my children behind . . . their mother's staying here with her new husband and his family.”

Not to mention if he was going to be as good as a prisoner, no matter what freedom or perks Gorstrom offered, he was hesitant bring Ricky and Tallie along with him. At least not until he could be sure they wouldn't get caught up in his problems.

The relief administrator stood, apparently done trying to convince him. “I'll give you some time to think it over, Mr. Statton,” she said, leading him towards the door. “But consider that this isn't just good for you short term. Your skills will always be in demand, and if you come with us you'll be with us from the beginning, first in line for every opportunity. You can have a prosperous life, a good future for yourself and your family.”

She gave him a tight smile. “If you ask me, that beats the stuffing out of staying here trying to scratch out a subsistence living in a practically nineteenth century environment. You didn't go through years of higher education and even more years of on the job experience for that.”

That was a pretty convincing argument; Nick had spent so long just focusing on getting himself and his loved ones through this disaster, he hadn't given too much thought into just how far their standards of living had fallen.

His kids deserved a better life than that, and if Gorstrom was telling him the truth she was offering him that life. That, and she wasn't giving him much choice in the matter, even if she was giving him time to “think it over”.

“Tell me something, Administrator,” he said at the doorway. “If I'd volunteered to join the rebuilding efforts from the start, and so had the McCleese brothers, would you even have brought any of this up? Gone after us at all?”

Gorstrom smiled thinly. “Pack your things, Mr. Statton, and make whatever arrangements you need to for your departure. We leave tomorrow at noon.”

The next thing he knew the tent's entry flaps were shut firmly behind him, leaving him outside and shaken by just how much everything had changed in the space of a few minutes.

Chapter Eighteen

Resignation

Nick took a deep breath, feeling like he'd just gone through a hurricane. An emotional one, certainly.

What was he going to do?

Well, first things first he needed to go home and make sure his loved ones knew he was okay. He spotted Preston waiting patiently nearby, and the man started forward the moment Nick met his gaze, nodding politely towards the the car they'd come in.

“Let me give you a ride home, sir,” he offered.

Nick was tempted to accept, since to be honest his legs were feeling a bit shaky after what he'd just been through. Besides, the man's tone was more of a command than a request. But then he noticed Gen, Ellie, Hal, and Bruce waiting anxiously for him nearby.

The sight of them immediately lifted his spirits, but also settled a leaden weight in his stomach as he realized he was going to have to break this news to them.

“Thanks,” he told Preston, nodding towards his friends, “but it looks like I've got one already.”

The corporal glanced at them, then shrugged. “Fine. But before you go, I just want to stress how bad an idea it would be to try to run or hide.” Gen was already hurrying forward to meet Nick, and the soldier politely stepped back so he wouldn't disrupt the reunion as he added, “Report to this camp by 11:00 tomorrow morning.”

“Right,” Nick replied numbly.

Then Gen was in his arms, visibly struggling not to cry as she held him tight. “What's going on?” she demanded. “Did you get arrested too? Were you able to help Chet and Ben? Is everything okay?”

Nick felt his shoulders sag in defeat. “Not really,”