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Grady eyed the guard towers and imagined Frankin and himself getting shot to pieces inside the cab of the tow truck. They were sitting ducks and he knew it.
Over Franklin's objections, Grady did a brave and likely stupid thing. He pulled the keys out of the ignition, stepped out of the tow truck, and started kicking gore and walker parts out of the wheel wells and bull bar, clearing the ventilation grill as best as he could.
Grady turned and waved the set of keys over his head as he called out to the guard tower and the female voice it concealed.
"Lady, this here tow truck IS a weapon. Now if yer mad about me runnin' down goonies in yer yard we can replace 'em them. Hell there's hunnerts of them around here we can rustle up some more. We just need a place to fix my buddy's truck and get goin'. Won't ya'll let us in from the shitstorm a little while and maybe we can work out a trade." At that, Grady knocked some walker ooze off a tool compartment door and lifted out an ammo crate and set it on the ground in front of the tow truck.
Ignoring Franklin's glare and being cursed as a "sellout," Grady pulled his M4A1 rifle out of the back seat along with four bottles of wine. He set these in a pile on the ground with the ammo crate, and crowned the pile with his key ring.
"An M4 fully automatic machine gun, 400 rounds of ammo, four bottles of Hermann Missouri's finest wines and my truck. I'm disarmed. My buddy in the truck, well, he isn't. My cards are on the table. Won't ya'll come on out here in the road and let's negotiate."
Holly just stood there for a second, wondering if she should give them the benefit of the doubt and take the risk. Even do she held a clear advantage, she knew the others would string her high if she went aggressive on them, plus a fair trade with these could spread the word to others that these strangers might visit that sunrise were fair-traders and who could argue with that. Finally an idea came to mind, one safe and with luck right up there ally.
" OK, lock all your stuff into your truck and that includes your weapons." Her eyes never flinched as she stared down at the strangers,"You can keep a knife each, we will let you in for a talk and if you still want to trade after are that, we'll let you take your truck in or if you want to go you can go with no strings attached."
It was the wine that had taken Holly's interest, she had never been a wine drinker, even after everything that had happened and yet that didn't matter as if they had a good year, she knew she'd get a good trade out of it.
Holly climbed down from the gate tower and turned to Raylen.
" Let's get the these geese together Raylen," at this present moment there was two groups. The ones with the baby and these at the gate," Get the leader of the group with the baby out hear now. It's time he knew the deal."
Those she saved still had a bill to pay in Holly's book and that wasn't going to be cheap. In her view it was there fault her pickup took so much damage.
Post by Raylen Newberry on Nov 1, 2016 8:14:09 GMT -5
Raylen held his pistol as he listened to holly and the man on the other side of the gate, he knew if holly let these men in with their weapons, He would be the first to go if they had bad intentions, He sighed in relief as he heard the man say he was unarmed, he was willing to comply, Raylen hated confrontation, he knew Holly wasn't happy about having Raylen as her wing man if something went wrong and expected her to give him orders just to get rid of him, once she had climbed down the watch tower and gave him orders he jumped, he felt ashamed as he left her and Ralse to deal with that man, he felt like a coward, never the less he listened and walked over to the house and looked between Ethan and Ashley
Even though Holly meant Jon, Raylen thought she was talking about Ethan, Raylen put his pistol in his holster as he bent over and grabbed a bag that was once used for crops and held it open in front of him "Hey you gotta come with me, and uhh she's gonna want you to give up your weapons, just a precaution" Ethan nodded as he stood up and careful not to drop Sarah he used his left hand to reach around his waist and clicked the belt and it came loose, he then put it in the bag, Ashley a little more hesitant than Ethan did the same, Ashley followed behind Ethan as he followed Raylen back to where the others were
Aria Screamed as she pushed one last time, and he was here, it was a boy, He grabbed a cloth that was on the couch and began cleaning him 'My beautiful baby boy' Marcus thought as he dropped the rag and held him, Jon looked at the two and felt like shit, he shouldn't even be here, he should just get Ashley and leave, if Marcus and Jon are to continue this battle over a girl of all things, it was gonna get someone hurt or killed, this place was a chance at a fresh start, Jon then walked out the door and see'n that the others were gathered by the gate, he walked over to the gate and stood by Ashley "Were not leaving, im gonna give it a try, its a chance at a fresh start"
Ashley wouldn't have left anyways, she was done taking orders from Jon, and if he left, she would hate it but she would stay and hope that he would decide to stay with her, and if not, then what could she do? right?
Grady didn't like disarming himself to the strangers within the walls, but relished how uncomfortable the situation made Franklin, the control freak without control. He wasn't trying to betray his friend, he just didn't subscribe to the dishonest way Franklin wanted to play things out. Grady hoped running down all those walkers outside the walls earned some goodwill. Regardless, if he and Franklin did make it inside this place, at least Franklin would be disarmed. And a disarmed Franklin is a safer Franklin.
"We're gonna leave our guns in the truck," Grady said as he loaded the items he dragged out back in the truck. "There's no reason to bullshit these people. Remember what happened at the hospital..."
"Christ Grady, is that what this is about?"
Franklin joined Grady back at the front of the truck, after hesitantly putting his pistol under the seat.
Grady reached into his pocket, withdrew his pipe and soon a blue-gray plume of sick-sweet marijuana smoke wafted up towards the guard tower.
This is not how things should be.. Franklin was horrified that Grady had irrecoverably disintegrated any tactical advantage to getting inside those walls. How many people were inside this place? 20? 200? And Grady non-chalantly just offers them a machine gun and ammunition. At least they didn't have their guns, yet.
Franklin kept his hand on the hilt of the machete hanging from his belt as he waited for someone to greet them at the gate.
Leaning over to speak in Grady's ear, Franklin said "Let me do the talking, dumbass."
Holly stood at the gate waiting for the guard in the tower to give the all clear to open it, while she waited she turned to Ashley and Jon. From a gut feel she sensed they were no danger, plus having no ammo was a bonus and a pregnant woman given birth also reinforced the view they were no threat.
" I know for a fact your out of ammo, so I'll give you five minutes to hand over your guns, that's me be nice." Her tone was firm but non hostile," When we have your weapons we'll start looking in to getting you all freshened up. That's of course if you want to stay, other wise you can leave now and part ways.
Holly wasn't born yesterday, there was a good chance they hadn't seen a friendly face in a while and for her to get what's owed she'd have to be nice by not scaring them off, once settled she'd remind them and get them to do a job as simple payment. But for now she played nice. " Fact is, I blame you for the damage on my truck," Her tone remained friendly," But I'll let that pass for now, we will need to get you to meet Sean before any arrangements are made and remember any hostile action will be met with force. So take care of your friend, Marcella will help you with water and also check the ladies for bites. "
With that her attention turned to the gate,
" Raylen, stand at a distance, give yourself room if they try to make a run for you."
Holly opened the gate, just enough for her to look out to make sure they were unarmed and playing by the rules.
" If you try anything, you'll be dead before you even get of a shot," her eyes shifted from one to the other," Step in and we'll talk about some trade." She stepped a side and with her hand showed them the way in.
Franklin kept his hand on the hilt of his machete as he passed through the gate, and Grady followed. Franklin took note of the small woman's British accent and her threat,then examined what he could see of the layout of the place.
From a strategic standpoint, Franklin wasn't impressed. With all the tall houses and windmills within the walls, the guard towers wouldn't have a clear vantage point for a shooter to take down anyone inside the walls using the buildings for cover. Had Franklin smuggled in his pistol he could have taken out British girl and ran for cover before anyone in the gate tower reacted, and set up an ambush for anyone who dared try to flush him out. From there it was hostages, or house to house fighting. Franklin estimated that five armed people working in coordination could take and hold this complex, and from the mismatched and patchwork repairs to the walls, it seemed perhaps someone had before. Perhaps even the current inhabitants. Whatever the case, the current layout was....naive.
Not that Franklin had four more men or the guns to pull it off, but perhaps acquiring a gun or smuggling one in wouldn't be hard either. Fighting with knives is not something people are naturally inclined to do without risk of hurting themselves or being disarmed, especially without military or law enforcement hand to hand training. This place was....ripe.
Franklin extended his hand to the young British woman, noting the stark contrast of how clean and well-groomed she was compared to the dirt and grime that covered both Grady and himself. In this Apocalyptic age, her relative cleanliness was a flashing neon sign that would read "I live in comfort in a place not far from here" to any raider that encountered her outside these walls. Of course, to her, Grady and Franklin likely looked like raiders. She would be correct.
No sooner had Holly let them in, did Franklin give her the chills, his eyes straight way scouted the compound and god only knew what he saw. She had seen enough of this new world to know when someone could be trusted or if they looked a bit shady and she only wished she had noticed signs sooner. As for Amos, he came across more open and someone she'd be willing to do business with. A smirk rose to the side of her mouth at his comment, plus at getting attention. It had been awhile.
" Ain't you a riot, " the smirk turned into a full smile enjoying the attention from Amos," You'd want to get back to your books if you think a comment like that's going to win me over. Is that your best ?"
As her attention turned back to Franklin, her face became serious again and she watched his every move. She could only hold fate that the guard tower would prove how good a shot he was if needed be. Not showing it Holly felt like a sucker by letting them in, she had been too focused on the wine and gun to think things through.
"So let's trade," she held a cold stare, " Let's also cut the small talk, as I couldn't give a fuck about your names. Were here to trade and not share life stories. Cause trust me, any heart breaking moment you had I can beat you with."
Post by Raylen Newberry on Nov 8, 2016 12:47:02 GMT -5
As the gate opened Raylen stepped back, he had his hand on the grip of the pistol, he didn't think the old guy was dangerous, he was more creepy looking then anything, but his friend gave him an uneasy feeling, Ray didn't like him, he reached his hand out to shake holly's hand and he heard his voice, faint but barely audible "I'm Franklin. This is Grady." Raylen took the half of the cigarette that was in his ear then put it in his mouth before grabbing his lighter and inhaling the smoke as he held it up to the Cigarette, "Dang girl. Yer momma know you're out this late?"
This guy is a fucking creep, Raylen knew holly wouldn't even dare to mess around with this guy, and its fucking weird that he would even try to elicit a flirtatious comment, and while Raylen hid it fairly well, he couldn't help but notice holly's beauty every time he seen her, He couldn't help but be angered by the man's comment, He wasn't sure if he still even had a chance with her, They barely know each other, but Raylen couldn't stop thinking about her since he got here, then when she gave him that look when he first arrived he knew he had a chance and he lived on that for a while until he bitched out and ditched her back in town, he felt pathetic and cowardly, he just wanted to make it up to her, prove himself, that he's worthy of her affection, he just wished he knew how...
"Don't mind Grady here, little lady," Franklin snarked. "He's not seen a woman that shaves her armpits in a while. No razor burn huh. Silky smooth. Hot water and soap, maybe some lotion? Mints on the pillow? Yeah, heartbreaking."
Franklin put his extended hand back on the hilt of his machete.
Franklin twisted his verbal knife a little more. "Someone in charge around here?"
Grady watched as Franklin sized up the British woman and the boy. Franklin didn't scare easy, perhaps the British woman didn't either. The boy kept his distance, lighting a cigarette.
"Hey kid," Grady tried to keep the meet and greet de-escalated. "Trade ya a bottle of wine for a coupla cigarettes."
Post by Raylen Newberry on Nov 9, 2016 8:41:06 GMT -5
Even though Raylen didn't like this guy, he did like his wine, and it's a good first impression "here you can have the rest of this pack, hope you like menthols" he said as he took the pack of smokes out of his pocket and stepped closer standing next to holly he held out the pack towards the old man, he didn't think the guy was a threat, a creep, yes but he isn't no threat, "A little celebration later?" he said looking at holly once the man handed him the bottle, "Names Raylen" he said as he pulled his lighter out and held it out for the man to take
he wondered what the man went through since the outbreak, he reminded Raylen of his father, he didn't sound or look like him at all, but when he tried to come on to holly, that reminded him of something his father would do, Ray's father was the kind of guy who would be a standup member of the community, Charming, funny, always smiling, but behind closed doors he showed a completely different side of him, Ray didn't want to judge this guy, cause you cant judge a book by its cover, but he couldn't help but think that this guy was shady, there was something about him that Raylen didn't like, but never the less, he would atleast try to get to know him
Grady waved off Raylen's offer of a lighter, showing he already had his own lighter in his hand that he'd been using to hit his makeshift marijuana pipe.
"Texas accent, huh?" Grady said of Raylen. "I woulda figured you for her little brother," he said, nodding to the British woman that refused to introduce herself by name. "Menthol's alright by me. Not muh favorite, but better than fuggin three year old tobacco that tastes like someone set a dirty sock on fire."
Grady looked at Franklin sternly as he handed the boy a bottle of Stone Hill Winery sparkling red, as if he was anticipating and countering Franklin's next move.
Grady subtlely shifted his stance to place himself between Franklin and the two at the gate there.
"Now think about what you jus' did, kid. I know the lady here don't want no small talk, but I'm tryin' real hard not to do the easy things. You took your hand off your gun to fumble for your pack of smokes. Wine bottle to the head and then I have your gun and Franklin here has your big sister decapitated before you 'membered how to say 'what the fuck,'" Grady showed his hands to the British woman non-threateningly. "But I'm tryna do the hard stuff, and earnin' trust is the hardest thing. I ain't making no threats, and I appreciate the cigarettes but never, ever, ever let your guard down, kid. There's a lot worse people outside these walls out there that won't break your illusion of security with a lecture."
Grady was already fond of this boy Raylen. Already smoking and drinking at around the same age he himself had started years ago. The world needed more juvenile delinquents, especially this world.
"Now, the fact of the matter is we just need a place to fix Franklin's truck. Water pump, I think. With the parts I could change it out in about three hours, five if there was money to make on labor," Grady winked at the British woman. "And if we can't find the parts maybe I could tow some other car from out there to work on and whoever was drivin' that police truck could raid Franklin's truck for parts."
Grady whitened as he realized he blabbered about following that police truck here. Even Franklin grimaced, already mad that Grady was stoned and running his mouth.
Holly gave off a jolly laugh, taken her hand away from the knife on her belt she snatched Raylen's gun out of his hand and took a few steps back. Keeping her attention on the strangers and dug in to Raylen for a mistake she'd done herself a few times.
" Stranger has a point Raylen," how Raylen saw her was none of her concern, it just helped her blow on steam by getting digs at him," Let alone you never checked the fucking year or if it's real."
With out taken her eyes of the strangers, she quickly did a check on Raylen's gun to make sure it would fire. Given Grady a second of attention she spoke to him directly.
" Personnel I'd be worried about the man in the tower, cause from experience that son of a bitch has a wicked scream," with a devilish smile Holly decided to go a bit more hospitable or to look it," One of us may have an advantage but either way you look at it, the victor will also have a wounded comrade and with lack of health care it wouldn't be a good end for both sides. "
Seconds later Marcella returned on foot at a quick pace, putting the safety on Holly threw the gun to her and straight away the teen caught it as if knowing Holly's move before she did it.
" Raylen pass any gun you still have to Marcella," Holly wasn't doing this out of trust, it was more to keep weapons away from the strangers if they tried anything." Marcella stay your distance, usually rules, shoot first." Without a word Marcella took a few step away and kept the weapon trained on them. The fourteen year old knew the rules, no negotiations and just keep firing.
As Holly pointed to Marcella she spoke for all to hear,
" That's my girl, trained her myself and hell of a shot for her age," it was a lie, but that was something they didn't need to know," Parts aren't a problem, I look after the vehicles here and I could take a look at your truck for a price. Also a stay over night will also cost you and this is the part in the conversation you tell me what you have to trade."
Franklin was raging mad at Grady, but his face remained expressionless. In a good cop bad cop scenario, Franklin was the bad cop and Grady wasn't a cop at all.
But Grady probably screwed this situation up from the moment he drove after that police truck. As much as he wanted to keep the British woman irate, it wasn't worth the gamble.
"Quite a daycare you're running here, lady. Kid - Raylen, right? In the cab of the tow truck, passenger side under the seat is a Taurus Judge revolver. Five shots, variable ammo, either .410 shotgun or .45 caliber slug. Go get it and you can point a gun at people in need too."
Turning to the British woman, Franklin said, "What you can do and what you will do are two different monkeys. Grady here is an auto mechanic. I was a federal wildlife agent. We're a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll... We can earn our keep. Make runs for you while you're babysitting, whatever. Or, you can just shoot two unarmed men in the face and fuck I dunno, call your maid service. We're telling the truth. We need help. If help ain't here, we'll just go."
Grady continued to enjoy Franklin squirm without options, and to a female and kids with guns no less. If they lived through this, he knew a fist fight with Franklin was coming. But that shit back at the hospital in Jefferson City. They were cooperating. Franklin didn't have to kill those people, but he did anyway. Grady regretted not ditching Franklin when his water pump seized up back in St. Joseph.
"Lady, ma'am. That wine ain't no joke. Don't know what kind of European piss you're used to, but way before the world turned to shit, French grapes turned to shit. Missouri grapes saved European wine, and tastes better too. Even better than that Crapa Valley shit out in California. And I got enough of it to make you think I'm sexy, even before a bath. I got tools and the know how to fix any piece of shit hoopty you point me at and turn it into a race car. Tune ups, full transmission rebuilds, cars are my life. Just need to get fixed up and back on the road. Or this guy fixed up so we can part ways. Motherfucker snores like a bear gettin' punked by a porcupine." Grady hoped the humor would defuse the standoff.
"We got some medical supplies. Both of us can hunt and put meat on the table. Let us stay here and we'll leave you better than you are."
Post by Raylen Newberry on Nov 11, 2016 14:53:54 GMT -5
"Sorry, i forgot, was suppose to keep my distance" he didn't want to give up his gun, he just got it back, Raylen stepped back from the two feeling disappointed in himself, how has he survived all this time? how has me made it by himself, he's constantly making mistakes, fucking up, he's surprised they haven't kicked him out yet, he ignored them as he made his way to his house, he sat on the back porch and popped the cork before taking a drink, Raylen thought Holly was embarrassed of him, he's making them look week, vulnerable, he shouldn't be introducing himself to newcomers, especially sketchy ones like Grady, he trusted Grady, yea the man was a creep, but he was man, just like everyone else trying to make it in this new world, Raylen just didn't know if he trusted his own judgement, he would leave that to holly and Sean as their more experienced
"So what's it gonna be, lady?" Franklin didn't like the situation Grady had put him in. "You gonna have a little kid shoot me?" Franklin glared at the one the British girl had called Marcella. "Well darlin', are you going to shoot me?"
Franklin took a step towards Marcella, a test. "Are you a killer?" Another step. "Look at you. Shaking like a leaf. You ain't gonna do shit. Get that gun off of me before I make you eat it."
Shauna Kelly: That helped, thank you
Oct 4, 2021 14:40:44 GMT -5
Ayita Hunt: dang, January was my last post.. Jeez it's been a hot minute. o7 guys, sorry for the complete disappearance, life got.. a little interesting this year.
Oct 18, 2021 22:34:19 GMT -5