Lost Roads (Benny Imura 7)

Gutsy and her friends stood apart, clustered together in a sad and angry silence. Spider knelt down and began petting Sombra, who whined softly.

The Chess Players, Captain Ledger, and Sam Imura were clustered around a desk, poring over maps to try and determine the exact location of Site B. Morton, who was no soldier, had only a general idea of where it might be.

“It could be here, here, or maybe here,” suggested Mr. Urrea, pointing to spots that were within a day’s wagon ride from the destroyed base.

“Could be farther out if they’re using jeeps,” said Ledger. One of the surprising things Morton told them was that the base had a large number of functioning vehicles. Jeeps, Humvees, and trucks of various sizes. The fact that no one in town had ever seen one suggested that the vehicles were used carefully, and never close to New Alamo. “That increases their operational range; and Collins did leave here on a quad.”

Gutsy came over and said, “I don’t think it’s that far away. When Collins and her Rat Catchers came to the cemetery, they were on a wagon—no jeeps or any of that stuff. And if they switched to something with a motor after they left, I’d have heard it. Sound travels forever out in the Broken Lands.”

“Maybe there’s another tunnel entrance out there,” said Benny. “Somewhere closer to the cemetery. And one big enough for a wagon and horses.”

“A tunnel to where, though?” asked Nix. “To the base that was destroyed? Or to this Site B place?”

“Unknown at this time,” said Ledger.

Sam tapped a couple of spots with an emphatic finger. “These two places line up with rumors I’ve been hearing about weapons caches. They’re both within half a day’s ride on horseback, and I think we should try them first. Collins said that the Raggedy Man is coming with his army, and I’m not sure we could stop even a small attack, let alone a massive assault. Whether we find Collins or not, we need those guns.”

“More important,” said Ford, “if that Site B place is of a decent size, and if it’s well hidden and well protected, then we might be able to evacuate everyone there.”

“The ravagers destroyed the main base,” countered Urrea, “and that was protected.”

“Sure, but maybe that was a sneak attack. We wouldn’t be surprised.”

“I like it,” said Ledger. “It’s better than staying here. Besides, I’m not all that keen on making any kind of last stand in a place called ‘Alamo,’ you dig?”

“Well, speaking of ambushes,” said Urrea, “if Bess Collins gets there first—or is already there—wouldn’t she be expecting us? Wouldn’t she be preparing to defend that place herself?”

“I wish you hadn’t said that,” muttered Ford.

“No, he’s right,” Ledger told him. “But she’s one person. More scientist than soldier. Sam and I have some experience with infiltrating hidden bases.”

“A bit,” said Sam, giving a rare smile.

“We still need the chemicals for the drug,” said Nix.

Ledger nodded. “Let’s hope that one of these spots is Site B. It’ll be one-stop shopping.”

“When do you want to leave?” asked Gutsy.

Ledger smiled. “Thanks, kid, but you’re not going. None of you are. This is for me and Sam to do.”

“Hey, what just a darn minute—” began Alethea, but Ledger held up a hand.

“Just listen. If Site B is the kind of facility I suspect it is, then we need to come at it quick and quiet. We can’t hit it with a frontal assault. Even if we won, we’d take losses doing it. Sam and I will head out first thing tomorrow.”

“Why wait?” asked Ford.

“We need time to get there and scout the location. We’ll have to go most of the way on horseback and then walk in the last couple of miles. All of that’s going to take time, and there isn’t enough of today left,” said Ledger.

“I don’t like it,” groused Urrea.

“You don’t have to like it, brother. You just have to accept it.”

Sam nodded. “Before we go, I think Joe and I should walk the town with Karen and give what advice we can on how to fortify. We know some dirty tricks.”

“Yup,” said Ledger. He turned to Ford and Urrea. “And you two old farts can make yourself useful preparing food and supplies for a possible evacuation. Benny, Nix, Chong, and Lilah can help. They’ve been through enough conflicts to have good ideas. Listen to them. And as for you three,” he added, looking at Gutsy and her friends, “you know the town and the people. Spread the word. Get them ready. Be smart. Don’t panic anyone, but also don’t soft-sell this. If the Night Army hits before we get back, New Alamo will fall. Be ready to get out. That means taking a lot of supplies into the tunnel. Maybe stocking some in that car wash at the entrance. Oh, and make sure people have carts, strollers, anything with wheels. That’ll make it easier to take more food and water. Be sure those things are in good shape. Grease the wheels. You know what to do.” He directed this last to Gutsy, who nodded.

“And one more thing,” said the soldier. “There has to be someone in this town who used to work on cars. Find them and see if they can figure out how to repair the quads.”