Dead Before Sunrise: Amber's Story (18 +) Mature content (sample)

44

As Joseph and his group pulled up to the farmhouse, two men left the vehicles. Immediately they opened the doors on the biggest barn. The vehicles eased through the gates, except for two automobiles. The RV was the last vehicle inside the building. It stopped within the building then the doors shut. The other automobiles made their half-circle in front of the barn within the pasture. They left it opened for the horses. The group started a fire just past the opened pasture doors. The camp was made inside the barn. The party quickly released the horses then placed a dog fence up so the dogs couldn't run from the barn. The foliage and the density of the trees helped with camouflaging the encampment.

"Help me prepare some food for the two groups and get clothes for the women," ordered Jessica.

They hurriedly ran around the camp collecting items the groups would need then packed the belongings. They packed the vehicles up with the things they had collected.

When all was done, the group went back where they last saw Stephen and his men.

"Adam said he would make it easy. I didn't think he would make it this easy. A child could follow his trail. It shouldn't take long to catch up," reported Pete.

They spread a roadmap out and examined it, then Aidan spoke, "Looks like they will hit this road."

"True. We'll split up. Aidan, Pete, and I will walk after Stephen's group. The soldiers will see if they can cut off the people who have the women," ordered Joseph.

"We can do that. We'll give you a walkie-talkie so we can stay in touch," informed a soldier.

"That's smart," replied Aidan.

"Let's head out," commanded Joseph.

As they walked for the woods where Stephen's group ventured, they waved without looking back.

Meanwhile, in the woods. Stephen watched Adams back as the distance between them grew then he glanced back at the young men.

"Adam. Stop. We're losing the boys," commanded Stephen.

Adam glared at the other men then declared, "I can still see the trail. We need to go."

"They need a break. I could use one also," stated Stephen.

When the three young men caught up with Adam and Stephen, they were breathing hard. Ray was breathing the hardest.

"We should go," demanded Adam.

"Let all of us catch our breath," requested Stephen.

"We need to go," affirmed Adam.

"The night approaches quickly. We need to make camp and rest," stated Stephen.

Adam's brow scowled as he looked toward Stephen then at the fading sunlight and said, "You're right. It grows late. Everyone is tired."

"Thank god. I don't think I could go farther," uttered Ray.

"Shut-up, Ray. You're a dumb-ass. You wanted to come. You miss your baby," retorted Davis.

"I may miss her," said Ray, then a small pout went across his face.

"May," countered Davis.

They all laughed at the situation, and at Ray's expense. The group tried relaxing for the night.

The following day, Amber eyed the men that surrounded the women. She began limping and slowed her pace. Soon TJ was close enough beside Amber were she felt his heat, and her leash hung in a loop between them.

"You need to keep up the pace," commanded TJ gently and placed a hand on her back for encouragement.

"I can't, I'm sore," remarked Amber.