Free Escape The 1st Omnibus: WTF Books 1-3 by W.J. Lundy

should just get out here. I think we’re better off on our own,” snapped Turner.
    Junayd glared at the insult and turned to walk back to the cars. Brad quickly jumped from the bed of the truck and walked over to Junayd. “Junayd, if you get us safely back to the customs compound, I will open my doors to your people. We’re all in this fight together now,” Brad said, extending his hand.
    “Agreed,” said Junayd, briefly touching his hand to his heart before grasping Brad’s in a tight handshake that quickly turned into a hug.
    The ride back to the compound was quiet and uneventful. The vehicles pulled into a narrow ravine that twisted around and behind the customs compound. The large truck lurched to a stop and the small man dropped the tailgate of the truck. The men jumped out, stretched, and looked around. “Go through that hole in the fence,” said Junayd, pointing. “If you go through and follow the fence until it ends, you will see the railroad track that will lead you back.”
    “How do you know that?” asked Brad.
    “My cousin and I have been raiding and smuggling things from this customs yard for years. We only asked your permission to stay here to be polite,” Junayd said, giving Turner a cold stare. “We have plenty of work fighting those things in the city; we really do not need to be bothered with fighting Americans also. Get back to your warehouse and prepare your men. We will be at your gates shortly after the sun sets.”
    “Why not wait till tomorrow? You know they are more dangerous at night,” asked Brad.
    “More dangerous? Yes, but also more predictable. We will use distractions to move the packs where we want them while we deliver the people to you. Be ready for them,” Junayd said as he turned and walked back to his car. Shutting the doors, the engines started and the vehicles drove back down the ravine.
    Sean walked by and patted Brad on the shoulder; a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by Turner. “You did good Brad, now let’s get back to the hooch,” said Sean as he stepped to the hole in the fence, gesturing for the men to go through.
    They made their way back to the warehouse and received a warm welcome from the waiting men. Brad briefed them on what had happened and that they were about to receive guests. Sean and a couple of the soldiers cleared the warehouse next door so that it could be set up as lodging for the incoming civilians. Brad took Sergeant Turner on a tour of the compound and helped his men settle into the building. They were more than happy to see the flush toilets and running water. Brad got Cole started on preparing the evening meal and then he told them all to get some rest. As Brad was leaving, Turner called him over.
    “You’ve done well here, Brad, and you did good getting these men here safely. I just want you to know that I won’t step on your toes,” said Turner. “It seems the world has gone to shit quickly. I don’t know where that leaves the military, but I am a platoon sergeant and it’s going to stay that way. However, I think you have proven yourself, and you should be the acting lieutenant until we come up with something different.”
    Brad grinned. “I appreciate the gesture, Sergeant, but I don’t think you have the authority to give battlefield commissions,” he laughed.
    “Yeah, you’re probably right, but this is the best I got, Brad. It allows me to save face, and will keep the men from getting caught up in a power struggle,” responded Turner.
    “Well then, sounds good to me. I have work to do, Sergeant, we can talk again later,” said Brad.
    “Okay buddy; and how ‘bout you drop the ‘sergeant’ shit? We can catch up after I grab some shut eye.”
    Brad walked outside the warehouse door; he bumped into Sean heading back in the other direction. He explained what had just happened with Turner.
    “Well damn, I didn’t think the guy had it in him, but I think it was the right decision. I was afraid we wouldn’t be able