Chapter 19: The Convoy

The radio woke them at first light, and Corin had it in his hand before Jessa opened her eyes.

His arm was still across her waist, and his voice was rough with sleep.

"Go ahead, Emmett."

"Six vehicles on the valley road," Emmett said. "Four trucks and two black SUVs. No plates. They're doing forty."

"Halcyon?"

"There's a logo on the lead truck. Same one as on the saw."

Jessa was already pulling on her jeans.

Corin caught her wrist, kissed the inside of it once, and let her go.

They were on the wall in three minutes.

Rhys stood at the gate with binoculars, and he did not look at Corin, but he handed him a rifle.

"The bridge," Rhys said. "Emmett?"

"Wired last night. Eight charges, remote. I can drop the middle span when the second truck's on it."

"Do it when I say."

"Yes, sir."

Jethro leaned over the wall with a crate of something heavy and a grin that Jessa did not like.

"What's in that?" she asked.

"Flares and frag grenades. I wanted to throw your milkshakes, but you've got them locked up."

"Jethro."

"I'm kidding. Mostly." He patted the crate. "I did think about it."

The convoy came into the valley in a gray line and slowed at the stone bridge.

The first SUV crossed.

The first truck followed, and then the second.

"Now," Rhys said.

Emmett pressed a button on his laptop.

The middle of the bridge went up in a white flash, and the second truck pitched sideways into the river with its wheels still turning.

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