Free Toward the Brink (Book 3) by Craig A. McDonough Page A

sideways, as long as we secure it down firmly.”
    “Good. You know what you’re doing there, so I’ll leave you in charge of that. I’ll go check on the food supplies.” The Tall Man turned, and before any questions were asked, he took Kath by the hand and walked over to Bob.
    “We’re going inside to check on the food preparations. Care to join us?”
    Bob saw the Tall Man wink and understood. “Sure, sure thing. Let me just get a hold of Tom. I have a few things to go over with him.”
    The Tall Man and Kath watched as Bob tapped Tom on the shoulder. Tom wasn’t fully aware of their subterfuge, but he’d had more than enough of this outdoor labor. As much as he believed in egalitarianism, physical work was for a certain breed of men … and he wasn’t one of them. The Tall Man looked on as Bob spoke in a pleasant tone to one of the camouflaged men. Like the Tall Man, Bob had just chosen his site foreman.
    “Okay, we’re good,” Bob said as he and Tom joined the Tall Man and Kath.
    Together, they went only a few feet before the Tall Man whispered into Kath’s ear. She stopped, turned, and called Elliot, who came over right away.
    “Yes, Aunt Kath? What is it?”
    “Elliot, let the soldiers from the transport run the show, okay?” the Tall Man told him when he got close enough.
    “But why? I don’t—”
    “Just smile and nod your head, Elliot … please .”
    Elliot did as he was asked, but it was clear he had no idea why.
    “We’ll explain to you later, but for now, just go along with it.” It was Bob who offered these words of comfort.
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    “ H ow long have you known Chuck?” one of the soldiers asked Elliot when he returned to the group.
    “Met him when this outbreak happened.”
    “So you were there on the ground when it occurred, eh? Amazing,” another said.
    “You better believe we were there, and it wasn’t amazing—it was fucking frightening!” Allan, who was helping with the equipment, let the soldier know in no uncertain terms. He had grown a good deal in the days since he’d fled Twin Falls; living on the edge of death has a way of doing that to a young man. He never would have spoken like that to anyone more than ten years his senior, and definitely not to a soldier, until he’d met the Tall Man, who showed trust and belief in him. Allan was very much a part of the team, and he was proud to show it.
    Tristan parked the Ram as close as he could get to the generator, then called Allan and the others over, ending their conversation.
    “Why don’t you guys give us a hand with the generator, then we’ll give you a hand with the windmill tower,” Tristan suggested.
    “Sounds like a plan!” Allan led the group forward.
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    T hrough the blinds of a side window, two pairs of eyes watched with more than a passing interest.
    “Worked like a charm, my friend,” Bob commented on the sight before him.
    “Yeah. I didn’t think it would take effect so soon, but the proof is right before our eyes. Teamwork.”
    “Do you care to explain what it is you two are talking about?” Kath suspiciously eyed the Tall Man and Bob; she knew they’d been up to something.
    The Tall Man turned to Kath, gave Bob a nod, then led her to the sofa and explained what they were doing.
    “Mr. President, Tom, Chuck … shit! Everyone get over here quick!” It was the voice of a Secret Service agent.
    The Tall Man ran to the kitchen, where the agent’s voice had come from. He felt a knot grow in the pit of his stomach and a lump form in his throat. Ahead of him, the agent stood by the door that led from the kitchen to the cellar.
    “He’s escaped. He fuckin’ escaped!”
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    C hess drove the Hummer from location to location, according to Kath’s notes. There were buses at each location, but each had slashed tires, had been burned, or had otherwise been rendered inoperable.
    “Okay, let’s try the next one. Greyhound Bus services.” Mulhaven was a bit testy. The atmosphere inside the Hummer