A New Dawn: The Districts, #3

By Orion Gaudio

This is Book Three of The Districts 

Nick gains access to the store where Jenna is being held. They leave and head north in an attempt to track down Anthony and make him pay for what he did. 

Wheeler and his four men assault the District Four bunker. The mission comes with a heavy price to Wheeler and everyone else inside the bunker. 

Sutherland does whatever it takes to make his way back to the Air Force base. 

What little is left of the United States is crumbling as people scramble for the last of the supplies no matter the cost. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outfox Digital Publishing
• Release date: Oct 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516356874

Book preview

1

Nathan rolled over in bed and kissed the back of Sandra’s neck. He smiled and put his arm over her as he pressed his nose against the back of her head and smelled her hair. He still couldn’t believe everything that had happened.

He had gone to let her know it was clear and had followed through on the promise to himself... he told Sandra he loved her and she jumped into his arms. She had professed her love for him and they had kissed. It was more than Nathan could ever have hoped for after all years they had been apart. Nathan had admitted that he felt something for her before he left, but he knew they were both young and their age difference seemed significant then.

Sandra stretched and rolled over. She looked into his kind eyes and smiled. Nathan leaned forward and planted a kiss on her forehead.

I love you.

I love you, too.

Sandra smiled. She was happier than she ever thought possible given the current state of the world.

How did you sleep? he said.

Good… you?

Good, Nathan said, smiling back at her.

He hadn’t slept that great, but he was still feeling euphoric and didn’t want to ruin the moment. He hadn’t had a decent night of sleep since the attack and he had a feeling it would be a while before he actually slept through the night again.

The smile faded from her face and was replaced by a look of worry.

What’s wrong? Nathan said.

Oh… nothing really. I… I was just thinking about those men, from yesterday.

What about them?

Do you… do you think they’ll come back?

Nathan knew they would, but he paused as he tried to decide if he should tell Sandra. He wanted to keep her safe… he just wasn’t sure what the best way to do that was.

I… yes. I think they will probably be back.

She nodded and bit her lip. Nathan kissed her again on the forehead and put his arm around her waist.

But, he said, I’m going to get that fence done, hopefully by tomorrow, and we should be able to defend ourselves. I don’t think it’ll come to that… if they see we have a fence they should be dissuaded, but just in case.

Sandra closed her eyes and moved her head so it was resting against his chest. Nathan moved his arm to her neck and he held her. He wanted the moment to last forever. He never wanted to leave that bed.

Nathan was happier than he had been in years and the only thing that prompted him to get out of bed was the fence. He had to get it done… it was his duty and he couldn’t even think about what would happen if those men came back before he finished it.

I should get up, he said.

Awww. Are you sure?

Yeah… I need to go find some fencing supplies.

Can’t I maybe… persuade you to stay in bed a little longer?

Nathan laughed as Sandra pulled her head back and winked at him. He couldn’t believe how adorable she was. He leaned forward and kissed her.

I would love that, he said, but…

I know… I get it. You don’t have to say anything.

He kissed her again. She pushed her hands against his chest and giggled.

Go on… you’re supposed to be building me a fence.

He shook his head and got out of bed. It felt good to laugh… to have something to live for. It made sense that when the attacked happened his first thought was of Sandra. She was the one person in the world he wanted to be with when it was coming to an end, but now… now he was going to do everything in his power to keep them safe.

Yes Ma’am.

She laughed and pulled the covers over her head. Nathan got dressed and ripped the covers off of her. She squealed in response.

Now, he said, why don’t you go plant some vegetables. Your man is going to need food if he’s going to be building you things.

How about I make you some breakfast first?

Nathan smiled as she held out her hand. He took it in his and pulled her out of bed and into his arms. He looked down at her and finally forced himself to let her go before he changed his mind and pulled her back into bed. They got dressed and headed downstairs.

Can you get the wood stove going while I get some eggs? Sandra said.

Of course.

They smiled at each other. Sandra headed outside and Nathan went into the living room. He glanced over at Elise, who was sitting in a chair by the window. He bent down in front of the wood stove and opened the door as he reached for the stack of newspaper.

How are you? he said.

Huh?

Nathan balled up enough paper to get the fire going and put it inside.

I just asked how you were doing.

Oh… sorry. I was just thinking about… things. I’m fine.

Nathan looked over at her and smiled. He could tell she was struggling with something. Sandra and Nathan had already agreed not to pressure her to talk about herself… they knew Elise would talk about it when she was ready. He turned back to the stove and placed some kindling on top of the paper and reached for the box of matches.

The fire was roaring by the time Sandra walking into the living room. Nathan stood up and took the frying pan from her as she tried to juggle a basket of eggs, a bottle of olive oil and a spatula.

Thanks, she said.

He smiled and nodded as he set the pan down on the stove. Sandra poured oil in the pan and handed the bottle to Nathan.

Here, he said, taking the basket from her.

Thank you.

She took two eggs out and cracked them on the edge of the pan as soon as the pan reached temperature.

Elise, Sandra said, are you hungry?

Yeah….

Sandra could tell the young woman was apprehensive about admitting she was hungry.

We have plenty of food… you never have to worry about that.

Elise turned to Sandra and they smiled at each other. Sandra turned back to the wood stove and checked the eggs.

I’ll go get a couple plates, Nathan said, setting the basket with the remaining eggs on the floor.

He came back just in time and Sandra pulled the first two eggs out of the pan. She didn’t mind cooking on the stove, it was a little more work… but it reminded her of when she was a growing up. They never had much money when she was a kid and they didn’t get a stove in the kitchen until she was in high school. She had fond memories of sitting on the couch after coming in from playing in the snow… her mother making hot chocolate on the stove and bringing it over to Sandra after dropping a few mini marshmallows in.

Nathan grabbed two more eggs and cracked them open. Sandra shook her head as she brought herself back to reality.

You OK?

Yeah, she said, I was just thinking.

Nathan put his hand on Sandra’s shoulder as she stood over the pan and watched the eggs. His touch alone made Sandra feel better about everything that had happened.

Sandra took the eggs out of the pan and cooked another round. Once she had cooked eight eggs they headed into the kitchen and Elise followed. Nathan stuck his head out the back door and saw Manuel sitting on the porch.

Manuel, breakfast.

His friend jumped up and hurried inside. They sat down at the table, each with a plate and two eggs. Sandra opened a jar of beets and pulled out three slices before passing them to Nathan.

Sorry, I know canned beets aren’t that exciting.

It’s fine, Nathan said, they’re healthy and they taste good.

They just aren’t exactly breakfast food, Sandra said.

Nathan shook his head and smiled before passing the beets to Manuel.

Where are you going to find fencing supplies?

Nathan had just popped a slice of beet in his mouth and finished chewing before he answered Sandra.

I was going to try Rick’s, the farm supply place where we got the seeds and other stuff.

Do you think there’ll be fencing?

I hope so, Nathan said, nodding as he cut into an egg with his fork.

Sandra turned her attention back to her plate as she finished her first egg. She didn’t like the idea of him heading into town to look for fencing… it was dangerous, but she was well aware there was no point in trying to stop him.

I should get going, Nathan said.

He stood up from the table and carried his empty plate to the counter. He poured himself a glass of water and quickly downed it before moving back to the table. He kissed Sandra on the top of the head, which caused her cheeks to turn red and he headed for the door.

Wait, she said, take the truck.

She stood up from the table and fished the keys out of the junk drawer. She handed them to Nathan, who looked down at them and took a deep breath.

You sure?

Yes… you can’t carry fencing supplies all the way back here. That would be crazy.

He nodded and smiled.

Is Manuel going with you?

Manuel stood up from the table and walked over to the door.

No. I want him to stay here… just in case.

What about the shotgun? Do you want to take that?

He shook his head. Sandra sighed. She was concerned about him going alone, but she knew he could at least get out of there quickly in the truck if need be. Nathan lowered his head and quickly kissed her before pulling away and heading outside. Manuel and Sandra looked out the open door and watched Nathan disappear into the barn. He backed the truck out a moment later. Nathan waved to them as he put the truck in drive and headed down the driveway.

Sandra turned away. It was hard for her to watch him leave, given their new admitted feelings toward each other. She knew he would be safe and knew he wouldn’t take any risks, but she still worried about him.

Nathan got back in the truck after closing the gate and pulled onto the main road. He was glad to be taking the truck, it would make his job infinitely easier… even though he knew he would have to be cautious because the truck could cause unwanted attention. It was a possibility people would see or hear him and try to take the truck from him. Nathan knew his best course of action would to drive straight there, load up as quickly as possible and find an alternate route back.

As he reached the edge of town he was able to see the destruction that had taken place since he and Manuel had been there. Nathan slowed the truck and came to a stop as he looked to his left. There was a house, many of its belongings were strewn across the lawn, with all the windows smashed out. There was white spray paint across the door, Help, and a read smear across it… which he knew was blood. He shook his head and drove on. Nathan reminded himself to stay focused on his task, he needed to get it done with and get back to the farm as soon as possible.

He focused on the road, trying his hardest to not look at the burned down homes and businesses as he drove, and Nathan reached the farm supply store ten minutes later. Carts were strewn about the parking lot as he pulled up to the front door and parked the truck. Nathan took the keys and locked the truck before heading inside.

It was obvious the store had been looted again since he was there—there was more merchandise on the floor than on the shelves as he walked back to the fencing aisle. Nathan came across a flat hard cart and pushed it to the back of the store. It was as he had suspected, there was still plenty of building materials. Nathan quickly loaded six fence posts. A large panel of wood caught his eye and he stopped to check it out. He had never seen one before, but he realized it was a wood fence panel. It was a square, six feet tall and six feet wide. There were only five left, but it would cut down on the time it took to build the fence. Nathan loaded them all onto the cart and looked for more lumber.

It took Nathan three trips to the truck, but he had cleaned out all of the remaining lumber from the store and supplies he thought he would need. There was a post hole digger, a few hundred galvanized nails, five bags of concrete that each weighed fifty pounds… he hoped it was enough to build the fence, but he wouldn’t be sure until he got started.

Nathan pushed the cart back toward the front of the store and jumped in the truck. He started it and spun the steering wheel while pushing down on the gas. He turned left at the next intersection and then took a right. He knew an alternate route was his best option, even if it might take longer. He glanced down at the gas gauge… there was just over a third of a tank. It was something he would have to address, but not when the back of the truck was full of desperately needed supplies and he was unarmed.

He sighed as he saw the edge of town. Nathan was almost out of there without incident and he would soon be back to Sandra. He couldn’t wait to see her.

2

Anthony walked to the front of the store and looked out. Fred had been gone for a couple of hours already and it shouldn’t have taken him more than a few minutes to go back and retrieve the .38 and check the house for any supplies.

Anthony?

He turned around as Rick walked in his direction with a puzzled look on his face.

Yeah?

It’s Steve… he and his men are loaded up in the truck… they want to take you to go check out the farm.

Anthony frowned. He did want to see it, but he would have preferred to go after he’d gotten rid of Steve. He just didn’t know when that would be since Spencer failed him.

I think I’m gonna take Ned with me. Can you hold the place down until Fred gets back?

Sure.

Anthony nodded. He wanted to have Ned there as a bit of an insurance policy in case Steve, or his men, tried to kill him. It wasn’t exactly a perfect scenario, but Anthony didn’t trust Ned and Fred alone at the store… especially with Beth there.

All right, Anthony said, tell him I’ll be right there. I need to do something real quick.

Rick nodded and

Reviews for A New Dawn

[ruby · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If it wasn't on here and I was only able to read this book I would be upset that it stops as if in the middle be of the story. Besides that it's a good story. I just think too many books are part 1 , 2 ECT. with out ending even remotely.