WWIV_The Last Finders Read online

  Wayne made his way slowly through the group, commanding the attention of each person he passed. “It was okay, for the first couple of years. Then people decided it wasn’t worth crap. I mean come on. Criminals broke into banks and stole it by the bushel basket. They started passing it out like it was their own. And all of a sudden, we all realized it was garbage. Couldn’t eat it, barely burns; hell, even the pigs turn their noses up at it.” He strolled further back and whispered to Jerry. The other man nodded quickly and left the room.

  “See, we need seeds, we need fresh water, we need land. Clothes, food, shelter? Yeah, we need those, too. What we don’t need is a bunch of worthless junk from a gaggle of idiot finders. So many of your kind come in here every year.” Wayne stood next to Wilson again. “And they all want to take advantage of me. Take advantage of my generosity. They think I’m stupid. Do you think I’m stupid, Wilson?”

  Wilson stood frozen. They had seeds, but they needed them. They were the good seeds – heirloom seeds. Nervously, he peeked at his open bag before turning his attention back to Wayne.

  “No, sir,” he answered. “I’m, we’re just trying to do a trade.” Wayne rubbed his chin while staring at the weary traveler.

  “Good. I’m glad we cleared that up.” Wayne returned to his chair, sat, and picked up his papers. “Now, if you can’t do any better than that, collect your crap and get out of here. I’ve got a lot to accomplish today.”

  Sharon rushed his desk. Wayne looked up, almost startled.

  “Please, sir,” she begged. “Please, there must be something we can do. We aren’t really asking for much, are we?” Wayne’s narrowed his steely gaze. “Maybe we can work it off. Help with planting or something.”

  Slowly, Wayne rose from his chair again. “I don’t need help now. I need help in the future. This community will need help in the future. Ten, 20, 30 years from now is when the help is needed. And that’s what you are trying to steal from me right now.”

  Judy came forward to join Sharon at the front of Wayne’s desk. She trembled as she began. “We’re not trying to steal anything from you, sir. We just don’t want Miranda’s future to be predetermined, that’s all.”

  Wayne smiled. “You traded me. You stood here yesterday and traded me fair and square. I gave you a month’s worth of food. I gave you the time and efforts of my people. I gave you a good, safe night’s sleep in a community where you knew no harm would sneak in during the night. If you can’t make that even, young lady, well, this isn’t going to work.”

  “But we didn’t know everything,” Judy begged. “We didn’t know what her future would be. If we had known…maybe we wouldn’t have been so eager to do the trade. You understand that, right?”

  Wayne shook his head. “I understood everything. I understood what you gave me and what I gave you in return. I understood you didn’t bat an eye at the deal. I understand now you want to go back on your deal. You,” he pointed at Judy and then Sharon, “you don’t seem to understand the situation.”

  Behind the scene at the desk, Jerry returned with three armed men. Wilson turned and frowned at the development. He shot Tiny a quick glare and Tiny snuck a peek as well. He frowned back at Wilson. Jerry eased the door closed and the four armed enforcers took their spots at the back of the room.

  A satisfied Wayne Randall refocused his attention on the group. He laughed slightly as he stood tall – as tall as a short man can at least.

  “Let me explain this one more time, nice and slow for you all,” Wayne said, smirking evilly. “Either I’m not saying the right words or you’re not listening. So, let’s clear this up. The boys are mine. The girl is mine. They’ll do as I say from here on out. Until the day I die, or they die.” He pushed his chair away with the backs of his legs and came to the side of the desk where he could be closer to the four.

  “You made a deal and I made a deal. It’s that simple really. Maybe you’re upset with the future Miranda has, but I don’t really care. As soon as I know she’s ready, she’ll have a boyfriend. That boyfriend will serve one purpose and one purpose only: to make her with child. Now, maybe she’ll like this young man, maybe she won’t. I don’t care. We need children here. Not a bunch of teen romance and angst. She’ll learn. But remember this: no matter how miserable you may assume her life here to be, it beats the hell out of a life on the road with any of you.” Judy raised her small hands to her face, covering her shock. Sharon’s mouth hung agape, unable to hide her disgust.

  “You can’t do this to her! She’s only a child.” Tears streaked Judy’s cheeks as she tried one last time to change Wayne’s mind.

  Wayne shot Judy a perplexed expression and grinned. “Of course I can. She’s mine now. Mine to do with as I see fit.” He reached out and wiped a tear off Judy’s cheek. She turned away in disgust. “You know the old saying; ‘finders keepers, losers weepers’.”

  The group stood frozen in place, the true evil of the man on full display for them. They shivered with shock. Wilson stepped between the women and stared at Wayne, one last time.

  “I got seeds,” he said. “Good seeds. Heirloom seeds.” Wayne’s face lit up.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Wayne stared at Wilson. “Of course you do. I knew you had more. Knew you were hiding something from me, something decent. Something valuable.” He returned to the back of his desk and signaled to Wilson. “Well, get ‘em out. Show me what you got.”

  Kneeling next to his bag, Wilson dug deep, searching for the foil container. His eyes flashed wide as his hand snagged the bag. Setting the five-pound bag of sweet corn seeds on Wayne’s desk, Wilson grinned.

  “Not a huge quantity, but enough for a good start. Plant them this year and you’ll have four times that amount next year,” Wilson stated, watching as Wayne examined the seed package.

  Wayne’s eyebrows rose. “This is good, a very good start,” he said while nodding. He looked up at Wilson. “You got more, right?”

  Wilson frowned. “Nah, that’s it.”

  Now Wayne frowned. “Five pounds ain’t much, ya know. It’ll take years to get enough for a decent harvest. Come on, those are deep bags. Dig.”

  Wilson shook his head slightly, biting the corner of his lower lip. “Really, that’s all,” he said. Something flashed in Wayne’s eyes. Wilson stared harder at him, watching as Wayne nodded to the back of the room.

  “My men here,” he pointed as three of the four came forward, “will help you search. Something tells me you’re holding out on me.” One of the armed men grabbed Tiny’s bag and ripped the zipper open and poured the entire bag’s contents onto an open spot by the windows. Another guard made his presence felt, training his weapon on the group.

  Tiny made a slight move to retrieve something from the pile. Wayne grinned. “Ah, just stay where you were, big guy,” he chuckled. “That way no one will mistake your movement for hostile. We’d hate to have to shoot any of you.”

  Judy reached out and pulled Tiny back between her and Sharon. Tiny looked down in shame. He’d failed at protecting his assigned bag. Wilson recognized the shame on his face as Sharon patted his arm. There was really nothing they could do.

  Wilson took a step at Wayne, anger filling his tired eyes. “You’re gonna lift our stuff? I didn’t take you for a thief.” His voice sounded every bit as angry as his face showed Wayne.

  “Don’t use that roadie finder slang on me,” Wayne shot back. “We don’t talk like that here. And no one is stealing anything. We’re just looking to see what you may have to make a fair trade for those kids.” Wayne’s sadistic grin made Wilson’s stomach turn. “Just trying to help you out, friend.”

  Wayne strolled over to the pile from Tiny’s bag. With his foot, he kicked the loose items around to see what may be hiding.

  “Not a lot here really,” Wayne said. The toe of his shoe split open a bag of peas, spilling them around the pile. He looked up at Tiny. “Sorry about that. Didn’t mean to do that. But I saved you grief by pointing out an obviously
flawed container.”

  Wayne stepped through the pile, slowly heading towards Tiny. His left foot came down on the semi-open bag and squished the contents. He looked down and grinned at the mess. Then, just for fun, he stepped on another bag of food and ground it under his foot. Wilson made a quick move to stop him, but was met by the point of a rifle barrel to his chest. He scowled at the evil master.

  Wayne turned and faced Wilson. “You got something to say, road slime?”

  Wilson knew better than to answer. The cold, dead eyes of his antagonist showed his cruel ways.

  “You don’t need to destroy our food,” Wilson said, almost apologetically. “We’ll just pick up and shove off. It’s pretty clear we’re done here.” Wilson bent to begin to clean up, but Wayne stepped in his way.

  “I didn’t say I was finished yet,” Wayne said coldly. “Haven’t looked in your bag yet. Maybe you’re holding out on old Wayne.”

  Wilson looked at his group and shrugged. “Mine’s about the same,” he said softly.

  Wayne nodded to Jerry to grab the second large bag. Carrying next to the spot where Tiny’s contents lay, Jerry dumped Wilson’s bag and sifted through the contents by hand. Food, clothing, several personal items and a small box were the only finds.

  Opening the box, Jerry grinned at Wayne. “Silver. Not a lot, but I’d say enough to keep things interesting.” Jerry rose and handed the find to Wayne.

  Wayne stared at the silver and shook his head. “Why do you feel the need to lie to me? Haven’t I been honest with you thus far? Decent in trades?” he said, trying to evoke some kind of decency or fairness in his tone.

  Jerry picked up the empty bag and shook it. Something seemed to catch his attention in the bottom. Digging deep, he pulled the last two items from the bowels of the sack. His eyes narrowed as he studied them carefully, all the while Wayne kept his steely gaze fixed on Wilson. Jerry slammed the items onto Wayne’s desk, making both men jump.

  Sharon and Judy both gasped at the discovery. Tiny’s mouth tightened. Wilson returned the Captain’s glare, showing no emotion. He knew what had just been placed on the desk. Wayne turned his head slightly and looked down. A small smile formed on his lips as he took in the new discovery.

  Reaching for it, he began. “Well, well, well. Why didn’t you tell me about this?” He held the handgun up for Wilson to see. “And shells. Well, you come prepared.”

  “Forgot about that,” Wilson replied softly. “Gonna use that up north to try and kill a deer. If it works.” He flashed Wayne a quick half-smile and went back to his casual pose.

  Wayne studied the gun carefully. “Well, this should kill deer just fine, Wilson. Just dandy.” He turned the gun over and read the markings on the barrel. “Forty caliber, Smith and Wesson. This is nice. Almost the best thing you’ve brought me so far. And a case of shells? What a bonus.” Wayne nodded appreciatively at the specimen.

  “Jerry?” Wayne called out. “We don’t have many 40’s around Eau Claire, do we?”

  Jerry shook his head. “No boss, but I think we got a bunch of ammo for the gun.”

  Wayne smiled up at Wilson. “See, I knew you’d have something special.” Wayne popped the clip out and stared in wonderment. “It’s not even loaded. What good does a gun do you if it’s not loaded, son?”

  Wilson’s face twitched. “Don’t really know much about handguns. Never had one back on the farm. Only rifles. I’m not even sure how to work it all yet. Thought I’d figure it out as we went further north.” Wilson let out a small breath through pursed lips as he finished.

  “So, you don’t want to trade this?” Wilson’s head shook no. “Can’t blame you,” Wayne continued. “Fine firearm like this doesn’t come along but once or twice a lifetime.” Wayne patted Wilson’s chest. “That’s okay; I couldn’t give you all the kids for something like this anyway.” Wayne thought for a moment. “But I should show you how to use it at least. I’ve got some experience.”

  Wilson shook his head. “No, that ain’t really necessary, Captain. I’m sure once we get out in the open, I can figure it out. Shouldn’t be too much to it.” Wilson nervously stared at the gun.

  “It’s not a problem, really,” Wayne said, setting the gun on the desk and opening the box of shells. “First thing you got to do is get about a half dozen of these out.” Wayne paused and lifted one of the shiny brass bullets for both men to see. He whistled. “That is some fine ammo. I’m surprised to see it in such good shape. It’s really pristine.” He glanced at Wilson as he grabbed five more shells.

  “Next, you got to pop this clip here.” He turned the gun sideways so Wilson could watch him carefully pull on the clip release. “Then, slide these babies into the clip like so.” He held the clip up for Wilson’s inspection. “You got this so far?”

  “Yeah,” Wilson answered quickly. “So far, so good.”

  Wayne stared at the younger man.

  “Good.” Wayne said. “Now, these next two steps are really important, so pay close attention.” Wilson moved closer to Wayne as he slid the clip into the gun and snapped it into place. “Make sure it snaps every time. Otherwise, it might fall out.” Wayne laughed and poked at Wilson’s side. “That’d be embarrassing. Even in front of a deer. Right, Jerry?”

  Jerry smiled and nodded emphatically for all to see, an evil glimmer in his eyes as he enjoyed the spectacle unfolding before him. Even his three henchmen enjoyed Wayne’s humor. “Okay,” Wayne continued. “So now you got a gun almost ready to go. Not quite though. You gotta get a bullet in the chamber. Otherwise,” he pulled the trigger several times, “the gun just clicks. And trust me, that doesn’t kill deer either.” Wilson smiled and followed Wayne carefully, but cautiously.

  “Now, to get one in the chamber, you just pull back on the slide.” Wayne pulled on the rear top half of the gun. Part of the gun slid back and a bullet popped out of the clip and into the chamber as Wayne slid the mechanism forward. “Now you’re ready to roll.”

  Wilson nodded appreciatively. “I gotta make sure the safety’s on, right?”

  Wayne’s face lit up. “Absolutely. Safety first, always. Here’s the safety on the side.” Wayne pushed a lever back and forth, showing Wilson how it worked. “Always make sure the safety is on any time you have that thing loaded.”

  Wilson stepped back as Wayne laid the gun on his desk. “Okay, I think I got all that. Thanks.”

  Wayne smiled. “No problem. Just remember all the steps or you’re going to be a terrible hunter. Won’t kill any deer if you forget any of that.” Wayne nodded, Wilson nodded, everyone in the room nodded – except Jerry. A wry grin crossed his face as he watched the Captain from mid-room.

  “You know,” Wayne went, sitting back on the corner of his desk. “I didn’t think you were a group of illiterates when we first met.” He shrugged slightly, his eyes going from person to person. “Suppose I was wrong though.”

  “What?” Wilson asked. Judy tried to interrupt, but Wayne gave her a quick smile and continued.

  “You know, a group of dummies. Can’t read or write at all.” Wayne’s expression saddened.

  Wilson smiled quickly. “Well, me and Tiny can read, but just a little. Not any big words. Tiny knows how to write some, but not like Judy and Sharon. Heck, Judy can read anything.” Wilson cast a quick glance at a somber Judy.

  “Oh.” Wayne frowned. “That’s a little different then.” He stared at his hands before letting his eyes come back to Wilson. “I would have thought you’d seen the sign on the road in. I mean, they’re on every road into the community. Big, plain as day. Can’t miss them.” Now he stared at Judy.

  Judy’s eyes narrowed as she looked over to Sharon. Sharon stepped forward half a step. “Yeah, we saw the sign,” she answered tersely.

  Wayne looked perplexed. “So you saw the part about no guns allowed in the community?” Wayne asked. “Except ours, of course.”

  Sharon nodded slightly, looking at Wilson. He picked up on her glance.

  “Oh ye
ah,” Wilson started apologetically. “That’s why we left the gun in the bag, on the bottom. Not even loaded. Didn’t want to offend you.”

  Wayne nodded appreciatively. “Well, that’s nice. That’s really good.” He stood and picked up the black matte fireman again, staring at it. “It’s just, well, we have rules for a reason here.” Wilson’s eye popped open for a split second, his eyes glued on the gun.

  “And we understand. If that means you have to keep the gun,” Wilson said, pointing at the weapon. “I get it. We all get it.”

  Wayne smiled broadly. “Well, that’s much better. I really appreciate that, Wilson.” He began to pace around the group of finders, smiling at each. “You see, guns are dangerous. They’re the darnedest things. Some people, like Wilson here, aren’t always sure how to use them properly.” Wayne stopped in front of Wilson and stared at the gun. “Don’t even know if the safety’s on or not, right”?

  Wilson nodded nervously at the man. Wayne returned a polite smile. He held the weapon up for Wilson’s inspection.

  “Safety on or not?” Wayne asked. Wilson leaned in closer.

  “I think it is,” Wilson replied.

  Shock crossed Wayne’s face. “Really, you sure?” Wilson leaned closer.

  The gun exploded in Wilson’s face. Everyone in the room jumped at the loud sound. Judy rushed into Tiny’s arms for protection. Sharon stared wide-mouthed at Wayne. The armed men in the rear raised their weapons. Wilson began to sway as his hands rapidly rose to his throat. He gasped once, then twice before anyone noticed the blood squirting from his neck. Finally, almost in slow motion, he fell backwards to the floor, directly in front of his group. Crimson pulsed between his fingers. His group stared in shock at the scene before them.