Free The Rat Collector: A Dystopian Thriller (Age of End Book 1) by Chris Yee Page A

question,” she said. “Why is Saul so dangerous? You seemed like really good friends. What changed?”
    Vince stared deep into the crackling fireplace. “Everything changed.”

EIGHTEEN
    Five years went by in Rodin…
     
    NOT MUCH HAD changed in the town of Rodin. Mr. and Mrs. Vigo lived in their quiet house. It was a peaceful town with friendly neighbors. Mr. Vigo went hunting in the woods every day. He butchered the meat and prepared them for sale in his own meat shop, Vigo’s Meats . Mrs. Vigo spent most of her days looking after the shop, selling the meat to local customers. Occasionally, they traveled to other parts of the Pugg, but most of their business was done in the heart of Rodin.
    The day was ending as they closed the shop. He washed his hands and cleaned up while she counted the day’s profit. She placed the money into the lockbox under the front counter. Business had been slow for the past few days, giving her time to plan her son’s upcoming birthday. In three days, he would turn seventeen. She was planning a surprise party. There were a number of things she needed to do before the big day. Invitations to neighbors and classmates had already been sent. Now, she needed to focus on the final stages of planning. “Honey,” she called, “I’m going over to talk with Mrs. Shepherd,” she lowered her voice to a half whisper, “about the you-know-what .”
    “Darling, the boy isn’t here. You don’t need to whisper in riddles.”
    “I’m just being careful. You never know who’s listening. I want to make sure everything is perfect.”
    “I’m sure it will be,” he replied. “You are really outdoing yourself with all of this planning.”
    “Well, our Vincent deserves it. He’s a good boy.”
    Vince entered through the front door carrying a large bag full of raw meat. “Hi, Father. I have more deer meat.”
    “Excellent, son. You’ve been a lot of help around here.”
    “I like hunting. It’s fun.”
    “Good. Soon you will be doing all of the hunting. I’m getting too old to go out every day.”
    His mother walked to the front door and waved to both of them. “Bye. I should be back before dinner.”
    “Where are you going?” Vince asked.
    “Just for a walk.”
    She walked down the stone trail to the road. As she strolled along the side, she came across two lawmen. She recognized one of them: Law Chief Darren, head of Rodin law enforcement. His tall, chiseled figure conveyed strong authority. Next to him was a shorter, much younger man, whom she did not recognize. They both wore lawmen uniforms: simple brown vests over a plain black shirt. Stitched in the corner of their vest was the town crest. A large tortoise climbing a pyramid. The words Live Free Forever wereprinted underneath. Their trousers were loose and baggy. Fine leather straps were wrapped around their waists, equipped with a holster for their batons. They wore wide-brimmed hats, tilted down to block the sun. A silver star was mounted on Law Chief Darren’s hat.
    As she passed, Darren tipped his hat, “Good evening Mrs. Vigo.”
    She nodded in return, “And to you Law Chief. On your daily patrol?”
    “Yes, ma’am. I’m showing Manny here the patrol route. It’s his first day.” Manny tipped his hat as well. She responded with another nod. “What brings you outside at this hour?” Darren asked. “You should be home sharing a meal with your family right about now.” He gazed up at the sky. “Though I suppose this is fine weather for an evening stroll.”
    “Yes. It is quite nice out tonight. Although, that’s not why I’m out. I’m off to visit Mrs. Shepherd, to make the final plans for my son’s birthday.”
    “Oh yes, of course! How old is little Vincent turning?”
    “Seventeen.” she answered.
    “I guess he’s not so little anymore.”
    “I know; they grow so fast.”
    “They sure do.”
    “Are you coming to the party. You’re more than welcome.”
    “I’d love to, but I’ll be on duty.