Sherrie ‘Sharp-Shooter’'s Arc

Chapter 12 of 13

Her father was sitting at the table when she walked in. He looked up from his coffee and nodded. She told him the tunnel was down and the route was finished. He asked if anyone saw her and she said no. He set down his cup and said the Ravens would know by morning but they wouldn't have proof. She drove to the trade post at first light. The old clock tower stood over the main building, its rusty face showing the same time it had for years. She'd been coming here since she was twelve, watching her father negotiate with traders and settle disputes. Now the yard was full and none of them were waiting for him. A convoy from the western settlements had arrived overnight. Six trucks lined up along the fence, their drivers standing in a cluster near the loading dock. When she stepped out of her truck, the lead driver walked straight to her. He said they'd heard about the northern route and wanted to talk terms on the southern pass. She named her rate and he didn't argue. He said they'd been trying to reach her father for a week but couldn't get through, so they came here hoping to find her instead. The second truck in the line caught her eye. Red paint flaking off blue metal, the kind of delivery vehicle that used to run food before the collapse. She'd seen one like it in her father's old photos but never intact. The driver saw her looking and said it was part of the payment. His boss wanted exclusive rights on three runs a month and figured the truck would prove he was serious. She walked over and ran her hand along the hood. The metal was solid under the rust. Her father had spent thirty years building relationships that let him move goods through this territory. She'd destroyed his best route three hours ago and traders were already lining up to work with her instead of him. She told the driver she'd take the deal.