The Serpent and the Crow

Book 3: Chapter Six

Edgar propped up against a workbench in the shed, cutting through his tied wrist. He scattered the broken computer chair across the floor. He made quick work of setting himself free.

He realized he had to make a run for it. So, he packed his Ford Ranger with what he needed to live life as a fugitive once more. Ed was about to mount the driver's seat when he had an epiphany.

Edgar stumbled out of the work shed with a backpack with cylindrical canisters arranged in a tight configuration. Ed lit the end of his flamethrower and went to work on the marijuana crops. Isle by Isle, or row by row, he walked through the fields searing each plant. Although the crops were extensive, he felt the strong crosswind would carry the fire across the rest of the plants.

He stood there while a puddle of sweat. Coughing and spluttering from the soot inhalation. He watched the inferno spread. He had to get out before the firestorm reached the dirt roads, preventing his escape. It was no surprise that the marijuana inhalation was influencing his mind. He assumed he saw Wade's wife and the kid holding hands in the blaze.

He landed in the truck, ready to step on that accelerator. But, from what he saw from the video; Wade needed his help. Edgar was facing serious charges, and a stack of them, and yet he thought about his brother. He pummelled the steering wheel for being so stupid, to even think of Wade. He got out of the truck and shouldered the flame thrower again.

Edgar swung open two steel hatches. He stood there staring into the darkness below him. His employer had cautioned him to never open these doors. They thought it would be a great access way that was not on the city planning maps. Tunnels used by many thieves, drug dealers, and low-life scumbags.

Edgar heard they discovered something that had spooked them to the core. Edgar thought it was a bunch of horseshit. An excuse to keep nosy good-doers rummaging through whatever they hid down there.

Edgar descended the metal stairs. The light from his flamethrower illuminated the cavern walls. He had a lot to atone for, but perhaps he could at least make up for the shortcomings he had with his brother. He just hoped Wade was still alive so he could redeem himself.