The Tower: The Divide, #2

By Tommy Clark

After the destruction of Sanctuary, the group continues on in search of a place they can call home. They need a place to prepare for the upcoming winter, but they want a place they can build more. 
The group fights to survive. With encounters from unexpected visitors, the past coming back to haunt them, and the group forced to divide, all of which proves to be a challenge.
An unusual chain of events scatters the group across a small area of the Divide. Some wind up in protected communities while others are left to fight off the dangers of the Divide on their own. This book will introduce more of the Divide and delve into some of the darker parts of human nature. Some of the people they meet want a better world for all, some want a better world for themselves and a select few, and others adapt to the evil and a gruesome reality that makes living in the Divide even more dangerous.
All the characters must face some revelations about their circumstances or their emotions. Stuart must face the fact that he is not as cold and shut off as he pretends to be. Coach must deal with the family he inherited and try to somehow keep them together. Ariana must deal with her past secrets and the consequences once they are brought to light.
Kim and Sophie are both forced to grow up some more in a short time. Kim needs to reign in her jealousy of those around her, which forces her to address her true feelings about living alone in the Divide and Malcolm. 
The history of the Divide begins to unfold in the sequel to Cataclysm. 
Will the group ever find a safe place? Will they find each other? Will America start to rebuild? What secrets will come to light as the group presses on?
In The Tower, the world just got a lot bigger and this small group has to stand together or be swallowed up.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tommy Clark
• Release date: Oct 2, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386140504

Book preview

Prologue

The fire was nice that night. With the fall approaching, the nights were beginning to be too cool for comfort. After returning to the school to gather anything not taken north, the party continued their travels. They headed east until the fuel ran out. After they took in their surroundings, it seemed like as good a place as any to spend the night.

Maggie ran a line of paracord between a couple of trees before tossing a tarp over it, creating a makeshift shelter. When it was tied in place, she laid out a couple of pallets and ushered the boys down into them. She lay with them in the shelter and were all fast asleep. Sitting just a few feet away, Coach sharpened a knife on his diamond block. He checked the blade for burrs. Satisfied, he undid his belt and took the knife to it. Taylor and Ariana took the pot from dinner down to a nearby creek to clean it out.

Everyone else had made a simple pallet near the fire. Of those around the fire, all were as quick to sleep as Kim and the boys except three. Jeremy listened in on Stuart and Malcolm as they spoke of their days in Sanctuary-and about the Gauntlet.

I never did thank you for coming back for me. Stuart said rubbing his wrist. The pain was still there from his encounters in the Gauntlet.

You would have done the same for me. Malcolm smiled. To tell you the truth, it wasn’t the plan to get captured again.

Oh, just a happy accident, huh? Stuart smiled too. They shared a quick chuckle. It worked out though.

I suppose. I sure wish Conrad hadn’t lost his life-or Brandon. Malcolm said while he prodded the fire, shifting the logs and turning the coals up so that the under log could catch.

Stuart agreed, Me too. With any luck, we did enough damage that Sanctuary will not hurt anyone ever again.

Did you see the vehicles driving off? Malcolm had been wanting to ask that for days now.

I did.

Do you think it was... Malcolm left the rest unsaid. Understanding where he was going, Stuart nodded.

I have no doubt that my father, as resourceful as that man is, managed to get away unscathed.

Do you think he’s done with you at least?

I don’t know. I’m sure that Sanctuary is far from done. If anything, we have managed to paint a larger target on our backs.

Is that why we are running?

Partially. Stuart seemed to want to say more, but instead, he rested his gaze on the fire focusing on the bright red coals contrast against the blackness of the engulfing night.

I guess I should turn in for the night. Malcolm stood and stretched the knots out of his back and shoulders before he slid into his pallet near Kim.

Good night. Stuart said absently.

Jeremy stood and began pulling electronic components out of his pack. I better check in and figure out my marching orders.

You’re heading out? Stuart inspected the electronics. It seemed to be a ham radio with portable antenna and battery supply.

In the morning.

I wish you the best with your travels. Stuart said and stood to shake Jeremy’s hand.

Taking his hand, Jeremy said, You know, I think that you check out, and if you should ever want to, there is an option for you to join the New World Army.

Thank you, but no thanks. I don’t see myself as the military type.

Jeremy collected the remainder of his radio gear. He started to walk away, then stopped.

Stuart, we are on the cusp of something big. There will be a time, a time real soon where you will have to choose which side you are on. Jeremy added. Not waiting for a response, he disappeared through the woods.

Jeremy was not aware of just how right he was. Stuart had thought about that very thing for some time. He had heard rumors of how the government was laying the groundwork for a comeback. They were planning a rebirth that would allow them the ability to fight against the Russian invasion. Honestly, Stuart felt that the world as they knew it was gone and it would be a long journey getting back to that. He didn’t think it would happen in the next twenty or so years. It wouldn’t happen in his lifetime.

Still, with people like Jeremy, who have faith that there were things that could be done, perhaps the government had a chance.

Stuart chuckled silently. Could he truly see himself as a military man? His father would have something to say about that for sure. There would surely be a lot of responsibility that he would not tolerate well. With the troubles of the camp and crop and the following days in Butler, he had enough of a hard time to help keep his own group safe. That is why they had recently taken the opportunity to separate from their previous group.

After the encounter and demolish of Sanctuary, the remainder of the group was on their way north. When Stuart and the others discussed their situation, they had chosen to go their own way to keep their group small. Becoming a member of any military would put him in the same role he had fought to avoid, which was that of the leader.

Chapter 1

The following morning the group woke with the light. After a heated discussion as to what they could carry and what had to be left behind or hidden away, the group loaded their packs. The group loaded their packs with mostly food, but they made sure to take the multipurpose survival gear, a rifle, and sidearm apiece. Taylor's foot was feeling better. He was still recovering from the bear trap incident. He was lucky that the trap didn't take his foot off. He was playing it safe, keeping one of the crutches, in case the pain returned.

Where are we heading? John asked, adjusting the straps of his pack as he walked. His leg still gave him a bit of trouble after taking the bullet during their attack on Sanctuary. Upon further investigation of the wound, they discovered that the bullet hit the meat exiting the back and fortunately missed all vital points. The wound had been healing well. He was a large man with an equal amount of pride. He didn’t let on that the wound hurt any more than he had to.

We just need to find shelter-someplace with structure. The nights are beginning to cool, and they will be unbearable soon enough. Stuart said as he kept his gaze straight ahead. He found a rhythm and maintained it. The others-for the most part-seemed to keep up as well. With the kids, they made frequent stops. It was fine though, it gave Stuart the time to scout ahead and plan out their next move. They traveled along the main highways to get a feel for where they were, but they branched out along the smaller two-lanes whenever they could. They moved along for the entire day, not encountering anyone or anything of use. Stuart took the group along a gravel road to avoid a local town. The night was beginning to set in-and the air carried a bite. If they were going to find a campsite before dark, they would have to locate a place soon. It was all too quiet; everyone focusing on walking. Suddenly, Coach called out to the group, Check that out. Coach was pointing up along the road.

As the others approached, they could see what he was speaking of. Everyone stopped along the gravel road, looking back into the overgrowth off the road. A small shack stood there-shack being a better term than the structure deserved. Nearby, there was an old outhouse. The grass was tall and a tree in the yard had succumbed to a lightning storm, split in half the tree both reached for the stars and stretched out along the yard.

I've seen worse. Taylor offered. He lay down his pack and pulled free the small tree saw. Coach and Stuart slipped around the building giving it a quick inspection. After they checked the inside of the building, Stuart confirmed that it was clear and that they were safe to set up camp.

The fire was built in the backyard using the downed limbs from the tree. The outhouse was cleared of spider webs and high grass.

That is nice, Maggie offered, no using the trees tonight.

It was a simple time with simple needs. No more were there convenient stores along their route or restaurants and diners to grab dinner. For these few people, the thought of an outhouse was the approximation of a five-star hotel.

With the fire started and many of the group huddling around it, Stuart and Taylor crept out into the field behind the house. They rummaged through the high grass looking for remains of produce on the formerly farmed land. Finally, in the distance across the field, they saw the tall green stalks. The retrieved several corn stalks each. Upon returning to camp, the corn was shucked and placed in a large pot of water. As the corn cooked, Coach had an idea. Remembering the seafood boils when he was a kid, he withdrew a few potatoes from his pack, diced them up with his knife, and tossed them in the water. Then, some dried meats that were among the packs were added. Some wild onion was found and sliced into the pot to add some flavor.

They ate well that night. It was the first truly good night they had since leaving Sanctuary. Ever since, they had been making haste and no one took time to relax and let their mind wander, but this night seemed to be just what everyone needed. Coach, leaving his guitar behind, opted to sing instead. He sang a soft Neil Young song.

After dinner, the group settled down and found their pallets. Malcolm sat beside Coach for a while longer. They discussed the past couple of months and how well Coach felt Malcolm did.

I have to say, you did better than I was expecting. Coach smiled.

Thanks, I guess. Malcolm didn’t know if it was a compliment or a slight jab. He chose to take it as the compliment.

In the junkyard, you showed me that you would fit in well with us. I just wanted to tell you that. I think you will do well in The Divide.

That means a lot. Thank you, Coach. Malcolm added. He couldn’t help but smile. He was proud of himself looking back. He almost couldn’t remember his life before Coach, before Stuart, before Kim. He glanced over at her pallet. She was sitting on her sleeping bag, laughing at something Clayton had said.

Clayton.

Malcolm still had his reservations about that dynamic. Malcolm wondered if there was still something there between Kim and Clayton. He wondered if he and Kim would find happiness? Or if they even could?

Lost in thought, Malcolm didn’t notice Coach’s gaze on him. I don’t think you have anything to worry about there. Malcolm startled at Coach’s voice.

Changing the subject, Malcolm said, Do you think we can find another place to live?

I believe so. Stuart is nothing if not resourceful. With that, Coach stood, saying, "I think we need to get some sleep. We have to keep moving tomorrow.

Okay. Good night. Malcolm stood and turned in the direction of the outhouse deciding to take advantage of it while it was there. Over his shoulder, he heard Coach state, Kim, we have a long day ahead of us. Make sure to get some sleep.

I’ll be fine. She scoffed.

Okay, well good night. Coach went silent.

We need to find a place soon. Stuart said. He was stirring some instant coffee into his metal cup. It was bitter and tasted off, but it was still coffee-and a nice treat occasionally. He chose to wake early to think on their current situation. He was shocked to see that Malcolm was already awake and working on the fire.

Malcolm had managed to pick up on a few of the skills taught to him by Coach and Stuart. He still struggled on the moving silently through the woods and aiming his firearm, but he could start his own fire using his feral rod and knife. He could use the coals from the previous night’s fire to get it going again. He could smoke meats and set snares. All-in-all, he felt pretty good about his progress. When Stuart woke, Malcolm grabbed his cup and poured the hot water into it. He then poured some into his own.

We do. Malcolm agreed. Any ideas on what might work?

We don’t have many of us, so we need to find someplace small-someplace we can defend. Stuart took a sip of his coffee, swooning at the taste. Looking around at everyone still tucked tightly in their sleeping bags, Stuart's heart sank. We need to get everyone settled soon. We need to start collecting food if we are going to make it through the winter.

I don't think a spot in the woods is going to work through this winter. It was one thing when we had the campers and RVs. Coach said. We won't have enough time to build a sturdy shelter.

I'm open to ideas. Stuart announced as she sat his pack down, taking a canteen free to take a draw of water.

What about this town just a mile or so back? It couldn't have been too big. Taylor gestured over his shoulder with a thumb.

I agree. Maggie offered her two cents. The group became a cacophony of suggestions, agreements, and discord. Finally, Stuart raised his hands and called over the group.

Whoa. When the group quieted he continued, This is a big decision. Whatever choice we make, we will all have to live with it. Now, all in favor of going into town and looking for a place there, raise your hand. Taylor, Coach, Maggie, Ariana, John and Clayton raised their hands.

All in favor of keeping out of the town? Stuart said, raising his own hand. Kim and Malcolm joined him. We will go into the town. Keep the formation tight. Stay alert.

The group formed up and turned their direction. They walked cautiously in the direction of town. The sign was rusted, but they could make out the distance, one mile. That mile was quiet. As they approached the town, Stuart spread out from the group taking the right side of the two-lane road that ran through the town. For a while, the street was skirted with homes and mom-and-pop shops. The grass was unkempt, and the buildings were dilapidated. There was absolutely no sign of life. Stopping in at a small general store, they spread out to look for food. They did find several dozen cans of spinach and Hominy.

Better than nothing. Taylor shrugged when Ariana showed the cans. They placed them in their packs and kept on. The remainder of the store had nothing of use except the small home needs section where they found scissors, razors, playing cards, and dice.

Returning to the street, they spread out and continued their trek through town. They didn’t want to take any chances as they continued farther into the town. After a long hour of listening and watching for any signs of movement, the group continued. They came across a small parking lot, clear of all cars. A Motel stood in good shape-all things considered. The first room on the left had the door kicked in, some graffiti covered the exterior of the building. The second floor looked relatively similar, green vines growing along the banister. The roof seemed to be in decent shape except at the far-right end where a tree leaned against the building and rested heavily on the roof. A single red Geo Metro sat in the parking lot near the road. Its windows were all busted out and the hood was dented.

What do you think? Stuart asked the group.

I think it has potential. Coach offered.

There is room to spread out. Maggie offered. She looked down at the boys, poking each other. As if recognizing that she was looking at them, both boys stopped and looked up at her.

Let's take a look. Stuart asserted as he set his pack down and raised his pistol. Coach and Taylor fell into their respective places. Everyone keep a lookout.

Come on. Kim helped the boys out of the parking lot and off behind some nearby bushes. Kim and Ariana followed them. Taking direction from Stuart, John and Malcolm worked around the back side of the small motel. It was quiet. There was no movement to speak of.

Do you hear that? Malcolm asked.

John shrugged, Hear what?

Water. Malcolm replied and separated some brush to see a small creek that ran through behind the motel. It was most likely some draining system used to keep the streets from flooding.

We could dig that deeper to collect water. John smiled.

I'd be willing to bet that it leads to a larger creek or lake, too. Malcolm offered. They returned to the front where Stuart and Coach were just entering another room. The office door had been smashed open-Malcolm assumed to gather the room keys. they were already down several doors. After just a few minutes, all the rooms were cleared. There was no evidence of anyone throughout.

Malcolm and John shared their findings of the creek in the back.

I think we can make this work. Stuart offered.

Of course, we can. Coach reached out and took Maggie in his arms. She lay her head against his chest. To Coach, this motel couldn't have come at a better time. He wanted to find someplace to protect his family.

This will do nicely, he thought.

Chapter 2

This tree is tough-must've been recently when it fell, it still seems pretty alive." Coach called down from the roof. He had a small hatchet out and was taking apart the smaller limbs and tossing them down to the pavement where Malcolm and Taylor were waiting to collect them and stack them against the side of the building. Taylor had a small folding saw that he used to cut the limbs down further before Malcolm would take them and stack them up with the others.

Can you tell if it did much damage? Taylor called up.

'It's still too hard to tell. I can see some shingle damage, but it is still early. I can’t tell if there is any structural damage. Coach hefted a large chunk of tree to the edge. Watch out! he called before letting the limb fall. Malcolm stepped back a ways to give the limb time to fall. It crashed hard onto the pavement, cracking the limb in two. You alright?!"

I'm fine. Malcolm knelt to pick up some loose sticks.

Can I help? Malcolm stood suddenly to the unexpected voice. It was Sophie, Ariana's oldest daughter. She stood leaning on one leg, her arms crossed in a typical teenage angst. Lucy and the boys are playing with their action figures.

I don't see why not. Taylor offered.

The boys and Lucy were kept in the office area until suitable accommodations could be met. It was obvious that their antics were too much for Sophie. Ariana was in the room beside the boys. She offered to prepare for dinner. She made some noise dragging some stuff up to the room but hadn't been seen for some time. The kids were close enough that the others would hear them if they needed help.

Tell you what, I'll climb up and help Coach to cut stuff, and you two can collect the limbs.

Sounds good. Malcolm wiped sweat from his brow.

Okay. Sophie added.

The task moved much quicker with Taylor above, helping to cut the larger pieces of the tree while Coach worked on the smaller limbs.

So, where did you and your mom come from? Malcolm asked as he hefted a sizeable log over his shoulder.

Nowhere. Sophie shrugged.

It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it.

It’s not that. I’m just not supposed to.

Okay, I get it. You have to be comfortable with your surroundings before you can open up. Malcolm sat the log down hard on the pile before circling the drop zone. Sophie followed. She didn’t say anything else. Focusing on the task, Malcolm left it alone. After all, his mistrust in Stuart almost got both of them killed.

We’re hiding-from the law... Sophie said, in an attempt at a joke. Malcolm took a moment to realize what she was doing. He chuckled.

Winking, Malcolm said, Your secret is safe with me.

Stuart had been walking the streets for several hours now. He checked a couple of houses and was able to find a few canned goods and some pain killers. He tossed them in a large duffel bag that he found along the way. He added several knives-the cheap steel knives often purchased at convenience stores. He figured that even they may serve a purpose. He collected a wool blanket and some fishing gear found in a garage.

After his duffel was nearly full, he decided to tuck it in the trunk of a car so that he could find it later. He continued. He stopped in front of a large building. The sign was torn up and weather left it-like it left most things- damaged and illegible. He could make out the word Clinic. Could his luck be changing? Could he score a good haul in this building?

The front door was glass-and had long since been busted out. Stepping through the door he surveyed the waiting room. A line of chairs sat untouched along the front windows of the room. Cobwebs and dust covered everything in the room. The reception window was torn open, so he slipped through and began his search of the building. The lab and med room was empty-many of the cabinets pried open and the contents taken.

He went room to room, checking for anything useful. He found bandages and gauze among them and stowed them in his pack. He found a crash cart sitting near the nurse’s station. Amazed that it hadn’t been touched, he put away his pistol. Stuart pulled a small pry bar from his pack and jimmied the lock. After a bit of effort, the cart opened. He took its contents of more bandages and gauze. He found a suture kit and some saline solution. Stuffing the items into his bag, he stepped out of the nurse’s station and stood-startled in the hall. Two men stood down the hall-and in the way of his only known exit.

What is it you got there? The first-and youngest of the two said. He was in his thirties and his skin hung loosely on his skull. He had a rough beard and shaggy hair. His t-shirt was light gray-but stained with overuse. The gun was held at elbow level and aimed in Stuart's direction. It was apparent that this man was not a marksman, trained with a gun, or he would know to raise the gun and look down the sights. Stuart shot a glance to his side, in hopes of locating an exit sign or something-anything.

Now, don't think about doing anything stupid, young man. the older man said. His beard was thicker and had long since turned gray. His eyes were sagging and his camo jacket hung from his apparent scrawny form. He had his gun resting against his chest, his other hand held a large machete, draped at his side.

It seemed this place was all too easy, Stuart thought. His gun was tucked in to his belt, having placed it there while working on the cart. could he get to it quick enough? Was there another exit? How fast were these men?

I'd be interested in knowing what you have there in that bag? The older man asked, rubbing the