FO4 | Book 1: Bombs on Monday Morning ✔️

Ch 21: Suspense

Deacon walked us out.

"Hope you didn't mind the reception. When you tango with the Institute, you gotta be careful when someone new gets on the dance floor."

I shrugged. "What's done is done."

"We ain't the type that needs coddlin'," said Hancock.

"A healthy attitude. But it's all good now. I vouched for you. Nobody got shot. Still, I would consider it a close personal favor if you didn't sell us out to the Institute. Thanks."

"Why vouch for me at all?" I asked.

"In our little outfit, it's my job to know things. And with everything you've done, it's pretty clear you're capable. A dangerous enemy. And I'm betting a valuable ally."

My eyes narrowed as we walked through the long hall and back into the main church. "So why the trust? You can't just be taking it all on faith."

"I don't know if we can trust you, but I hope we can. We just survived one hell of a crisis. So we may just be a teeny, weeny bit desperate for new members. If everything was sunshine and bottlecaps, we'd probably play a longer 'getting to know you' game. But we don't have that luxury."

"Really? Is that all? I recall you saying you 'know me,' even though we've never met before. You even knew about my photosensitivity. You've been spying on me, haven't you?"

"You just don't give up." He smirked. "All right, I have a short list of people I think would be a good fit for our family. You piqued my interest, so maybe I asked around. Did my homework. If you hadn't found us, there's a chance I would have found you instead. Thanks for saving me the trip."

We entered the main church room and took a seat on some old pews that looked sturdy enough to sit on. Then I held my hand out to him for a formal handshake.

"Consider this our official meeting, then. Gwen."

"Deacon." He shook my head firmly.

Hancock also extended his hand to Deacon. Instead of shying away from his Ghoulism, Deacon took his hand in a hearty handshake.

"John Hancock. Sorry for the mistrust earlier."

"No offense taken. I've heard all about you, Mayor Hancock."

"Not all good things, I hope."

"Oh, no, don't you worry about that. Though I hate to say you wouldn't be a good fit for our little group. Sorry I couldn't extend the invitation."

"I ain't one for joinin' clubs anyways."

Deacon returned his attention to me, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. "Dez wants me to make you a 'tourist.' That's what we call someone who helps out with the odd job here or there. What a waste... I'm just going to come out and say this: the Railroad needs you."

"You sure about that? Desdemona didn't seem to care."

"She's just thinking of the time and manpower it would take to train you. And if you were some hick from the 'burbs that didn't know your ass from a rocket launcher, she'd be right. But I'm betting someone like you just needs a few pointers and a target."

"I'm not sure. I've got a lot on my plate already."

"I'll tell you the game plan, then you decide. I got a job. Too big for me. Just perfect for the two of us. You help me out, we turn a few heads, and Dez invites you into the fold. Then, if you get into a bind and need some help, your buddies in the Railroad got your back."

I thought on all he said for a moment. The Minutemen were still young, and we didn't have many allies. It wasn't that I didn't have confidence in Preston's ability to gather people to the cause; I was more worried about the many dangers we faced in the Commonwealth alone — the Institute being one of them.