Read Online A Shepherd's Calling (What Comes After Book 2) by Peter Carrier - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Peter Carrier
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rounded up a whole mess a freaks and led 'em right to our front door? You did that on purpose ? Led a mob of man-eating monsters to where you knew people lived? You planned the whole thing out but somehow missed that the guy you came looking for was in the same building ?” In his rage, Toby's accent was thick and his voice grew louder with every word. His tirade started in a quiet, almost conspiratorial tone and ended in a near shout.
Vargas maintained eye contact with Tom, made an exaggerated sigh. When he spoke, it was slowly, softly; placating. “Again, Mr. DuPuis, I apologize for any danger you may have been placed in. It's possible we missed your arrival, especially if it coincided with beginning of the execution phase of our operation. There is no excuse for that lapse in awareness. Please, forgive the oversight and know that I am deeply sorry for it.”
While the Major said this, two more marines moved swiftly through the doorway: the large Sergeant and a lanky, dark-skinned fellow. Neither ran, but both took quick steps into the room, the Sergeant breaking right while the other man moved off to the left. Like Davis and the marine still stationed at the door, these two held their weapons ready but not pointed at anyone. Some combination of their appearance and growing proximity convinced Toby against continuing his outburst. Still fuming, he was now shaking in silence.
The officer seemed to draw strength from the presence of his men. Gone was even a trace of softness and placation when he said, “Allow me to be clear, Mr. DuPuis. My orders involve bringing you to Quebec as quickly and safely as possible. If you choose to join us, I will gladly offer the last M.R.E. to feed you, give up my seat in the truck that you are afforded protection and speed on the return trip and if necessary, I will step in front of a ghoul or take a bullet in your place. Any of these men will do the same, if and when those sacrifices become necessary.” If the Major's voice lacked softness before, it now became steel, with hardness in his eyes to match. “Something I will not allow is for a known enemy of humanity to threaten the success of the mission or endanger the lives of the men involved in it. I will take whatever actions I deem necessary to prevent that danger from coming to pass. Do we have an understanding, Mr. DuPuis?”
The Shepherd nodded. “As long as you remember that you answer to a higher power, both in this life and the next, I completely agree with you. I expect you to act as you see fit: in the bests interests of your men and mission.” He gestured to his small group. “These people are all in my care until they or I choose otherwise. You have a vested interest in the safety of your people, just as I have for these people. I expect each of us to protect our own.”
The two marines had closed to within a couple of yards of where Tom and the major were having their exchange. This close, Tom thought Dettweiler was about the same size as Rujuan. Possibly bigger. It was difficult to tell while the man was wearing his load-bearing equipment, armor, weapons and other gear. Eyeing the weapon the large man carried, Tom couldn't help but wonder, What is it with big guys and shotguns?
The Sergeant spoke in his baritone. “Everything alright, Major?”
The officer watched Tom for a few seconds before replying. When the Shepherd said nothing more, Vargas nodded. “Just ironing out some details. The last one being this: while I have no objection to escorting those with you to Quebec, I cannot vouch for their safety once we reach the city.”
“ Why is that?” Tom was not altogether surprised. Since the feeling of confrontation was ebbing, he let himself become more intellectually driven instead of remaining primed to react physically.
For the first time he was aware of, Tom saw the Major acknowledge one of his companions. Though it was only a flitting glance, the officer looked at Janessa and then Toby. “Some in
Vargas maintained eye contact with Tom, made an exaggerated sigh. When he spoke, it was slowly, softly; placating. “Again, Mr. DuPuis, I apologize for any danger you may have been placed in. It's possible we missed your arrival, especially if it coincided with beginning of the execution phase of our operation. There is no excuse for that lapse in awareness. Please, forgive the oversight and know that I am deeply sorry for it.”
While the Major said this, two more marines moved swiftly through the doorway: the large Sergeant and a lanky, dark-skinned fellow. Neither ran, but both took quick steps into the room, the Sergeant breaking right while the other man moved off to the left. Like Davis and the marine still stationed at the door, these two held their weapons ready but not pointed at anyone. Some combination of their appearance and growing proximity convinced Toby against continuing his outburst. Still fuming, he was now shaking in silence.
The officer seemed to draw strength from the presence of his men. Gone was even a trace of softness and placation when he said, “Allow me to be clear, Mr. DuPuis. My orders involve bringing you to Quebec as quickly and safely as possible. If you choose to join us, I will gladly offer the last M.R.E. to feed you, give up my seat in the truck that you are afforded protection and speed on the return trip and if necessary, I will step in front of a ghoul or take a bullet in your place. Any of these men will do the same, if and when those sacrifices become necessary.” If the Major's voice lacked softness before, it now became steel, with hardness in his eyes to match. “Something I will not allow is for a known enemy of humanity to threaten the success of the mission or endanger the lives of the men involved in it. I will take whatever actions I deem necessary to prevent that danger from coming to pass. Do we have an understanding, Mr. DuPuis?”
The Shepherd nodded. “As long as you remember that you answer to a higher power, both in this life and the next, I completely agree with you. I expect you to act as you see fit: in the bests interests of your men and mission.” He gestured to his small group. “These people are all in my care until they or I choose otherwise. You have a vested interest in the safety of your people, just as I have for these people. I expect each of us to protect our own.”
The two marines had closed to within a couple of yards of where Tom and the major were having their exchange. This close, Tom thought Dettweiler was about the same size as Rujuan. Possibly bigger. It was difficult to tell while the man was wearing his load-bearing equipment, armor, weapons and other gear. Eyeing the weapon the large man carried, Tom couldn't help but wonder, What is it with big guys and shotguns?
The Sergeant spoke in his baritone. “Everything alright, Major?”
The officer watched Tom for a few seconds before replying. When the Shepherd said nothing more, Vargas nodded. “Just ironing out some details. The last one being this: while I have no objection to escorting those with you to Quebec, I cannot vouch for their safety once we reach the city.”
“ Why is that?” Tom was not altogether surprised. Since the feeling of confrontation was ebbing, he let himself become more intellectually driven instead of remaining primed to react physically.
For the first time he was aware of, Tom saw the Major acknowledge one of his companions. Though it was only a flitting glance, the officer looked at Janessa and then Toby. “Some in
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