Matt and Larry ran from the house toward a gathering around the flag pole. The shooting had stopped. When Matt jogged up to the crowd, it parted to allow him to pass.
The yard was filled with the adult residents of the camp, while the children peaked from windows and doorways. Everyone stared at Jenkins and Maggie. Jenkins held a handgun by the barrel while Maggie stared at Roy and Billings, both lying dead in the gravel and sand.
“They didn’t deserve to live. That bastard raped my daughter and Mary. Roy killed my husband, and his sons knew what he was doing to those children. They are all as disgusting as Billings.” She took a breath and turned to walk toward the camper.
“Aren’t you going to stop her?” Screamed one of the boys.
Matt kicked the young man and ordered. “Shut up, or I’ll be shooting you. Your fate is still undecided. You watched and didn’t help those kids.” Matt took a breath. “Maggie saved me the trouble and hopefully got some measure of peace from the killing your old man and that bastard. Lord knows, she needs it.”
Suddenly the wives burst from the trailer and past the guard. When he tried to stop them, Matt shook his head not to bother. The crones stood staring at the bodies.
“What are we going to do with the rest of them?” Jenkins asked.
Matt looked around then ordered. “Everyone get busy doing what you need to be doing.” He turned to Jenkins. “Put the bodies in the back of that bus. Then bring those two dipshits and the wives. We’re giving them a chance to live but not here. I’m going to talk to Maggie, and her daughters.” Matt crossed the yard to the trailer that Maggie had entered. He knocked on the door, and a timid voice called out for him to enter. The four girls were sitting at the table staring at Maggie who sat quietly on a small couch crying.
“If you want me to leave, I’ll understand. Please don’t make the girls leave. They’re safe here, and I won’t be able to protect them.”
“No one is asking you to leave,” Matt answered. “I want to know about the boys. Did they take part in shooting your husband and the girl’s families? Simple question. All I need is a yes or no answer.”
Maggie looked up and took a deep breath. “No.”
Matt reached out and covered Maggie’s clenched hands. “You’re safe here, and you’re welcome to stay or go. It’s your choice. We work hard and try to help each other. If that suits you, this can be your home.”
“Thank you,” Maggie whispered.
“Take the time you need to get settled. Talk to Jasper and Joan about clothes, shoes, whatever you need. We have three meals a day at the food truck. Just watch for the crowd.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Maggie whispered.
“Nothing to say. Just know you and the girls are safe.” Matt rose and cleared his throat. “I’ve got things to do.” He crossed the room and stepped out into the morning sunshine. The bodies had been removed. Jenkins and two men guarded the two young men now seated on the ground in front of the women’s camper.
Jenkins turned around and slammed his fist against the door. “Get out here now.”
The four women came outside looking even more browbeaten then before. Finally, a crone with tightly bound gray hair at the back of her head looked up.
“What are you going to do with my sons?”
“The six of you stood by and watched while those men murdered people and raped children. Maggie said none of you took part, so I’m inclined to let you live.” All six faces brightened until Matt continued. “But not here.”
“But we…” The woman began.
Matt interrupted. “You will be given ten gallons of gas in the bus. It has enough food and water loaded for three days. You will be driven away from here, and when my men leave, you can go any direction you want but do not come back here. We will give you no weapons, you can learn to fend for yourself or not. Frankly, I don’t care.”
“But…”
“No buts.” Matt continued. “You’ll be alive when we leave you. The rest is up to you.” You have ten minutes to get whatever you want to take from the camper. Limit it to what you can carry out in one trip. No food. Only clothes.” Matt turned to Jenkins when the preacher’s women had been dismissed. “Take three men and one of the trucks with the extended cab. Make sure the bus has what I promised. Put ten gallons of gas in the tank. That’s all. No maps, no guns. Blindfold them and leave them as far from here as you dare. If you can, do a little backtracking and make a few circles so they can’t stumble back here by dark. Before you leave them, loosen the rope on the old women. She can untie the rest when she works her way lose.”
“I got a place in mind. It’s on the far side of Kerrville.” Jenkins answered. “Might be a little hairy getting there and back, but they won’t be coming back.”
Charlotte Hoaks. . . .(C. A. Hoaks) 