Fury Rising Read Online Free Page A

load of bull,” Colin said. “I can be loyal to the right people. Give me a chance. You won’t regret it. I’m giving you Aries.”
    “You can’t offer me what I already have.”
    Colin paused. “You don’t have her. I saw her this morning, right before I left.” That wasn’t quite the truth. He’d snuck past her tent and seen the shadow of her sleeping body. For a brief moment, he’d pictured the expression on her face if she knew of what he was about to do. But he hadn’t actually seen her, had he? That sleeping form could have been anyone. No, he’d know if Aries was gone. The whole camp would be in tears. They were a bunch of sappy suckers.
    “She’s as good as mine.” Leon leaned forward. I know where Aries is, stupid boy. I’ve known all this time.”
    Colin’s hands were trembling. He clamped them tightly together, hoping Leon wouldn’t notice. “I don’t believe you.”
    Leon put his empty cup down. “I already had the information you just gave me.”
    “Then why haven’t you raided the place?”
    “You want to join our side and already you’re questioning my actions?” Leon picked up a napkin and wiped his fingers. His voice was oddly calm, as if he was discussing the weather. “I have my reasons. They don’t concern you. And I don’t think I have much use for you.” He nodded towards his apes that moved around until they were on each side of Colin. One of them put a big hand on Colin’s shoulder, squeezing hard enough to send sharp pain down his entire arm.
    “You are a terrible negotiator,” Leon said. “You have no idea how it works. You were so eager to give her up, you didn’t think about what it might cost you. If it had been me, I would have kept it to myself as long as possible. I would have waited until I’d proven that I’m worth keeping around. But to go and spill the beans instantly, you rendered yourself useless.”
    All those ideas of living in the lap of luxury faded in an instant. Colin knew he’d have to do some quick thinking if he was going to get out of there. Screw the tough guy routine, he needed to change his character quickly.
    “I can give you others,” he said, hating that his voice suddenly went up several octaves. “I know a doctor. And a girl who was studying to be a nurse. Hell, I know a plumber. I can get you these people.”
    The room grew silent as Leon looked him straight in the eyes. The Bagger behind him clenched down harder on his shoulder. Colin slouched down, trying to escape the hand, but he couldn’t.
    “Oh come now,” Leon said. “We both know you’re lying.”
    “I’m not.” Colin was nearly crying now. He couldn’t think, not with all that pain shooting down his arm. If only the guy would let go of him long enough to think of a way out of the situation. “Call off your goon.”
    “No, I don’t think so,” Leon said. He stood up, brushing off his pants and straightening his tie. “It’s been a pleasure, Colin, but that’s all it is. I wish you luck on your next journey.” He turned and headed towards the door, pausing before he touched the handle. “Take him outside. I don’t want blood on my couch.”
    As the Baggers hauled him out of his seat, Colin screamed for the first time. It wouldn’t be his last.
    Game over.
     

Mason
     
    “Your friend is here.”
    Mason looked up. Karen sat down next to him, pushing aside the bowl of porridge he’d been eating. Mason glanced past her, checking the front gates. He hadn’t heard anyone being brought in. Such things were often broadcast loudly, the Baggers liked to make a scene when they captured fresh meat. It was meant to cause more anxiety. Less hope. It worked.
    “Which friend?”
    “One of the guys.”
    “Be more specific.”
    “I think his name is Colin?”
    The instant relief he felt was quickly replaced with panic. Every day he watched the gates, worrying that when they opened, he’d see them bringing in Aries, Michael or Clementine. Maybe even Daniel. The