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JACKSON RAN TO the carriage and stopped. “Cack, good to see you. How’s your mate and baby,” he asked as he hopped into the conveyance.
The Grunt smiled and motioned with his hands. Jackson had no idea what Cack was trying to say and it didn’t matter.
“We need to get to the Council Building as quickly as possible.”
“Wait.” Travis raced toward him. “Where are you going? What’s going on?” He glanced over his shoulder at where they were dragging Jethro away. “What did he say?”
“They’re bringing out the weapons.” He slapped the side of the carriage.
“I’m going with you.” Travis started to climb in with him.
“No.” He put his hand out, stopping the young Producer. There were too many of them in danger as it was. All the teams, once their areas were secured were to meet at the Council Building. “You’ll slow the carriage down.” It wasn’t the real reason, but it was true. “Take the team and go back to base camp. Tell Sue what’s going on. If this doesn’t go well, they’ll be coming for us in the forest. You need to hide.”
Travis stepped back, nodding. “Jackson...it was an honor working with you...getting to know you.”
“You too.” He swallowed around a lump in his throat as his heart slammed against his chest. He held out his hand and they shook. He turned away. “Let’s go,” he ordered Cack.
The Grunt stood there, staring at him, eyes wide with fear.
“If you don’t want to go, I understand.” He jumped out of the carriage and walked up to Cack. “I should’ve told you what was going on before I ordered you to take me there. I’m sorry.” He started to unhook the harness but Cack slapped his wrist. “Ouch!” He shook his hand.
Cack hit his own chest and then Jackson’s chest. Jackson stumbled back a couple of steps and tried not to wince. The damn Grunt was strong. Cack tipped his head at the carriage and then pulled forward.
“You’re going to take me to the Council Building?”
Cack nodded, his eyes still frightened but now, there was also determination in them.
“Thank you.” He hopped into the carriage and Cack started moving.
Something large hit the top. Cack glanced over his shoulder and then raced forward. Jackson peered out the window. Sikka sat on the top of the carriage.
“I go too.” The Tracker crouched toward the front, looming over Cack.
Cack ran faster, his eyes darting to the Tracker.
“Move back. You’re scaring the Grunt. We’ll all die if he crashes.”
Sikka smiled showing her large, white teeth. “I no die. I jump.” But she did move to the rear of the carriage where Cack couldn’t see her.
“She’s a friend, Cack,” he yelled. “She won’t kill anyone on our side.” He glanced up at Sikka. She shrugged. Well, it was a good enough lie, since the Grunt slowed down a little, still moving fast but no longer wild.
They took back roads and alleys and were nearing the Council Building, when he heard it. Gunfire.
“Faster, Cack! They’ve released the weapons!”
The Grunt picked up his pace but he was already covered in sweat and breathing heavy. They raced around a corner and into chaos. Bodies lay in the street—Producers, House Servants, Stockers, Almightys, Guards and even an Avion or two. Some he recognized, some he didn’t. Others ran, trying to hide from the bullets. Most of the shots came from near the Council Building. That meant they hadn’t had time to distribute the weapons, which was good, but the AC was getting hit hard.
Cack slowed down, not sure where to go amidst the chaos and gunfire. A House Servant darted around their carriage. He’d been with Hugh’s group.
“Where’s Hugh and Trinity?” yelled Jackson.
The Servant paused. “Jackson! Don’t know about Trinity but last time I saw him, Hugh was in front of the Council Building.”
“Of course he is.” That was right in the center of the gunfire.