The Encampment

Chapter 1-1

Chapter 1

Davie kept his eyes closed, waiting until he knew who was shaking his shoulder before reacting. If it was the wrong person, and most of them would be, he’d either defend himself or run like hell if he had to.

“Wake up,” a voice whispered. “It’s a go. Our ride is here.”

“Grey? Damn, what time is it?” Davie whispered back, cautiously easing forward to check what he could see of the dark alley.

“Almost morning, so get your ass in gear.”

“You’re coming too? If not…”

“Yeah. Slade was okay with it.”

Davie quickly rolled up his blanket, lashed it to his battered backpack, then slung the pack over his shoulder. As Grey walked toward the far end of the alley, Davie followed, staying alert for any signs of trouble from punks or cops.

When they reached the street, he saw a dark, battered pickup truck parked at the curb. The second he and Grey appeared, the passenger door swung open. Grey hopped in but Davie hesitated, looking at the driver. He was built like heavyweight boxer with the face to match.

“You waiting for an engraved invitation?” Grey called out softly.

Taking a deep breath, Davie joined them, closing the door but leaving his hand on the handle in case he wanted to bail fast.

“I’m Maddox,” the man said with a smile that softened his battered features. “You must be Davie. Grey told us all about you.”

“He better not have,” Davie muttered, shooting his friend a hard look.

“Okay, he told us enough that we know you need to get out of the city, and why,” Maddox said. “The rest we’ll deal with when we get where we’re going.”

“The rest in nobody’s business,” Davie replied tightly.

“That’s up to you. We won’t pressure you, any more than we do any of the other guys. If you want to change your mind, now’s the time to do it.”

Davie thought for a moment then shook his head. “I’m good—for now.”

Maddox nodded, put the truck in gear, and they took off.

When they drove out of the city, the highway began to ascend into the foothills. Twenty minutes later the road was surrounded on either side by tree-covered mountain slopes.

“Like a damned alley, but nicer…I guess,” Davie commented dourly.

“Much nicer, and safer,” Grey replied, glancing at Maddox. “Right?”

“That’s the idea,” Maddox said as he slowed down then steered the truck onto a narrow, paved road that wound deeper into the mountains.

With nothing to see in the truck’s headlights except pavement and more trees, Davie closed his eyes, thinking back to why he was there in the first place.