Outliers 15C Sam

 Outliers 15C Sam

Alan Scott was sitting on the front porch sipping tea while bundled in a heavy blanket.  He was reading some reports when he heard someone running towards him. It wasn’t like they were sprinting, but the steady pounding of feet on pavement.  He looked West and there was Dee making her way towards his porch.

Alan just raised his hand in salutation.  He didn’t want to get up, it was just too cold for that. 

Dee raised her hand as she approached, then slowed and stood at the street facing Alan’s house.

“Yes.” Alan said.  Dee wasn’t in town much and since she had her sweats and hood on, that meant that she probably ran all the way to town.  

Dee hesitated.

“You ran all the way here, you might as well come up.” Alan said.

“Dank you.” Dee responded and slowed her jogging in place to a walk.  She came up on the porch and sat in the chair Alan was pointing at. “Sorry, I disturb your morning.”

“Just let me finish my tea before you start.” Alan said.

“Okay.” Dee shook her head yes.

“I’m kidding.” Alan said laughing, “What brings you to town?” 

“Trouble. I tink.” Dee said.

Alan Sat up, “Oh?”

“Yeah.  Two days ago your man.. Smit came.” Dee explained.

“One of the inspections guys?” Alan asks.

“Yay, dat one.” Dee said, “Well, dings were going gut unit he met Paul.  Paul didn’t like him at all.” 

“Did he find something on the site?” Alan asked.

“It, was at de farm. And it was something stupid.  Or dat wat Paul say.” Dee was trying not to be complaining or defensive.

“Your farm?” Alan asked.

“Yes.” Dee said, then continued, “Den, he looked at Billy’s stuff and well.  Dat didn’t go gut.”

“You mean Billy and Jessup’s operation?” Alan asked.

“Yes.” Dee said.  You could tell she wanted to say more, but was hesitant.

“What about it?” Alan had to ask.

“Not sure, but Jessup got mad enough to pull a knife on Smit.” Dee explained.

Now Alan was at full attention, “What!” 

“Day are gut men.  I don’t know why day don’t like about Smit, but day really don’t like him.” Dee explained.

Alan sat there a while.  He knew all of these men personally.  They were not men to take things sitting down, but this.  This was not what he expected from them.  He would have Mike look into this.  “Dee, don’t do anything.  Don’t say anything to your brother or Billy.  I’m going to do some poking around and I don’t need them doing the same.”

Dee said, “Thank-you.  I knew you would help.” 

“Dee, how is it that you’ve lived in America most of your life but you still have your accent where your brother does not?”

Dee looked at Alan strangely.  Then said, “I guess because I was goot at sports and people accepted me the way I was.  My brotter was not.  He was smart.  But he had to be more than that, so he worked on being a typical American.”

“That’s a shame.  I like your accent.  Listen. I can’t promise anything, but we will look into this and see if there is some merit to your brother’s dislike.  He’s a good man that wants to do right for himself and his people.” Alan stated.

Dee nodded her head at his compliment on her accent and for his help. “Gut.” 

“Are you going to run all the way home?” Alan asked.

“Oh, ya.  It only six miles.” Dee said as she got up.  She started jogging in place to

warm up a little, then ran down the steps and off to the west.  She waved as she left.

Alan waved back.  Now all he needed was to find a discrete way to investigate one of his 

own people.  He couldn’t do it openly as that would undermine Sam’s authority.  But then again, anyone in authority should be able to withstand some scrutiny.  Then Alan thought that he should look over Sam’s records and see if that showed any patterns on what he might be up to.  Again he needed to do it quietly so that if he did find something and Sam found out that he was under investigation, he just might destroy any evidence.  First he needed more tea.  Then he had to go and work at the school next as he promised his wife that he would fix some lamps that were blown out.  

Later that day he was at the commons and went into the council room.  There was no one in.  He looked at the computer and decided to look up a few of the reports that Sam had filed.  As he looked them over he noticed that some of the jobs were weeks old. That he had red tagged at least six for what could have been handled on the spot.  He noted their names and addresses.  Then he looked further.  He noticed that the jobs had dates on them, but the inspections did not.  So there was no telling how long it was between inspections.  Or if there was any repeat inspections.  This just could be sloppy note taking.  He would have to bring up these little issues during the quarterly review, which was just next month.  That was some good timing.  So, he could do his investigation and chalk it up to the review process.  That worked.  With that decided he needed to find his way to Mike’s place.  He knew Mike and Kan were putting the finishing touches on a new multiple seated transport.  One that had electric assist and could carry up to eight people.  They wanted them for the security teams and for  harvest times.  Something that could transport people from one field to the next quickly.  At this point, everyone just walked or had to ride the wagons with the loads, which was limited.  

Alan walked up to the shop and Kan and Mike were looking at some drawings.  The vehicle was all but assembled, so why were they looking at the drawings again? Kan was shaking his head no.  As Alan got closer he heard Mike say, “If you don’t reinforce this, It’ll break in the first week.”

Kan shook his head again, “Not a chance, this is a flex point and I put a hole right there to allow the stress to travel past it, Trust me, It’ll hold.” 

Mike relented but added, “I’m going to put Joe’s boy in this thing.” 

Kan shot back, “I’ll ride this myself.  You pick the road.” 

“Deal.” Mike responded.

“Boys.  How’s the collaboration?” Alan asked.

Mike shot first, “Kan is trying his fancy shit again.” 

Kan just rolled his eyes, “It’ll hold.”

Alan looked at Kan, “Can I borrow Mike a second.” 

Kan just turned, “You can take him with you.” 

Mike faked like he was wounded. But walked away.

Alan and Mike regrouped outside the shop, “What’s up?” Mike asked.

Alan got close and asked, “If I needed to know what’s going on, you know what's really going on out there, who would you ask?”

“Rumors, arguments, what?” Mike asked.

“Well, about the inspectors.” Alan asked.

“Oh, that.  I can tell you they’re not anyone’s favorite.” Mike said.

“I never thought they would be, but how are they doing?” Alan asked.

“Well everyone's grumbling, which we knew would happen, but other than that.  I really haven’t asked.” Mike said.

“Ask.” Alan shot back.

“What up?” Mike asked again.

“I don’t really know, but I got a visit from Dee.” Alan said.

“And she got a visit from an inspector.” Mike finished his sentence.

“Not exactly.” Alan hesitated, then decided to fill Mike in, “Jessup pulled a knife on Sam.”

“Oh!” Mike thought about that, “SHIT!” 

“Yeah.” Alan added.

Mike walked away then turned to Alan, “He’s rock solid.” Mike looked up then added, “God, I’d put my life in his hands any day.” 

“Yeah.” Alan 

“We can’t…
“No.”

“Okay.” Mike was pacing now.  “I gota guy.” 

“For what?” Alan asked.

“He can check things out quietly.” Mike said. He looked Alan in the eyes, “Now for

scuttlebutt, see Rose at the commons.  She knows all the good stuff.  Just wait till she goes on break, she sneaks out back and takes a few hits.  She’s a good kid, just, the job is so beneath her, she’s bored.”

“Got it.” Alan said not liking that one of the sweetest young girls he knew felt that way 

about working at the commons.  We all can’t have the dream jobs we thought about as kids.  They went to the way side with the system that fell apart just a decade ago.   Alan looked at Mike who was still pacing, “Tread lightly.” 

  “Yeah.” Mike looked at Alan, “You know if I had to choose…” 

“Yeah.” Alan didn’t need to know the rest.  Jessup was one of his best scouts.  They had a great history. “Let's see what he can find, say three days.”

Mike thought about it, “Make it a week.”

“Do I want to know who?” Alan asked.

“Sure, It’s Doug.” Mike said.
“The APC guy?” Alan asked.

“Yeah.  The guy that just about had your job.” Mike responded.

“I said quietly.” Alan stated.

“Relax.  He takes a few guys out, gets them drunk on that moonshine he makes, asks a few questions and they don’t remember a thing by morning.” Mike said jovially. 

“Really!” 

“No, but don’t worry, he’s the right man for the job.” Mike stated.

“Okay.” They walked around the corner to see Kan jumping up and down on the seat of the vehicle they were working on.  The springs and frame protested under the assault, but they held. Kan had a huge smile on his face, “See!  It holds.” 

Mike just hung his head, “I concede.” 

Kan jumped down, “Alan, want a ride home?” 

“Sure.” Alan got in the front passenger seat.  There was a set of pedals for him and he put his feet in and started turning the sprockets. Kan did the same.  Then he grabbed the wheel and pulled a lever in slowly.  The vehicle moved forward smoothly.  

It was a week later and Alan was in the commons.  He had gone to the council room and Sam was sitting at the computer. He wasn’t typing, he was just looking at it.

“Sam.” Alan said.

Sam looked up, “Oh, sorry didn’t know anyone else was here.”

“Is everything okay?” Alan asked.

“Oh, yeah.  Great…” Sam said, “Just thinking about my last inspection.”

“Did everything go okay?” Alan asked.

“Yeah.” Sam said.

Alan thought that there had to be more. If everything went okay, then you just put “No Findings” and close out the file.  He didn’t want to but he felt compelled, “Is there anything else?” 

Sam just sat there then said, “They don’t like me.” 

“I warned you that that would be a part of the job.” Alan stated.

“No, it’s more than that.” Sam said. “It’s not like I was a popular guy before, but now…’

Alan thought he might learn something, “What do you mean?”

“Well.. I walk into the commons and people stare, but they won’t talk to me.  Oh, they say hi, but then it’s like they run or walk quickly away.” Sam explained.

Alan didn’t know how to answer that.  

Sam looked at Alan. “They don’t walk away from you.  Hell, you’ve thrown people out of here and yet they want to be around you.” Sam stated.

“Wait.  I never did that on my own and I just want to help people as much as I can, but.” Alan didn’t know what else to say.  This was getting awkward fast.

“But they like you.” Sam said, shaking his head “No.”

“I try to help.” Alan stated again. 

Sam stiffened up, “I’m sorry.  That was weird.  Forget I said anything.” He got up and picked up a small stack of papers, “I Gotta go.”

“Sam.” Alan looked at him, “If you’re having issues, please tell me.” 

“No.  I’m fine.” Sam said as he stuffed the papers in his soft leather briefcase and closed the flap.  His face was a bit red and he was looking for the door.

“Sam.  I’m here if you need anything.” Alan stated.

“I’m good.” Sam said.  He wouldn’t make eye contact with Alan and just left quickly.

Alan sat down at the computer.  Sam had not logged off.  He looked at the file.  There was nothing special and Sam had typed in, “No Findings” so what was that all about?

Mike walked in a few minutes later.  “Was that Sam?”

Alan shook his head “yes.” “I think he knows.”

“Oh yeah.” Mike shook his head yes.

“What do you mean?” Alan asked.

“Well the trades had a meeting and they’re ready to string him up.” Mike said.

“Why didn’t I hear about this?” Alan asked.

“Because you hired him.” Mike stated. “And they have a list.” 

“Of what?” Alan asked.

“Grievances.” Mike stated.

“Against the inspectors.” Alan asked.

Mike just shook his head no, “Against Sam.” He said.

“Well Rose said that she heard that he was extorting things from people so that they would pass their inspections.” Alan said.

“Yeah, that makes sense.” Mike was worried.

Alan looked at his seat on the council, “Any proof?”

“Doug says he has a cellar that he keeps locked.” Mike added.

Alan hung his head. 

Mike waited.  

“It was only supposed to be for a few months, maybe a year.  Then things would return to normal…” Alan didn’t raise his head.

Mike said nothing.

“I don’t know how much longer I can do this.” Alan said as he looked at Mike.

Mike cleared his throat and said,“You’re the strongest guy I know. Hell, Doug told me he was glad you got the job.  He would have bailed in the first six months.” Mike clapped Alan on the back.  “You will fix this and move on.  That’s what you do.” 

“I’m tired.” Alan admitted.

“You just need a win.  That vehicle is doing great and we are going to have four more by next week.  We can have a little parade and show off all the things we’ve done.  We’ll light up the street, have music and break out some beer.  It’ll be a real show of all that we’ve accomplished.” Mike said with as much animation as he could put into his words.

Alan just looked at his seat. “Send the Sheriff to Sam’s.” 

“I’ve already done that.” Mike admitted.

“I’ll go talk to the trades.” Alan said in a low tone.

“Alan. He let you down, this is on him.  Not you.” Mike said.

Alan just shook his head.  He had a part in this and for that he was going to have to apologize and figure out how to fix it.  He thought about having another election, but then, just like the last two, no one would run against him.  It’s not like he was doing such a bang up job, it was just that things were steadily getting better and no one else wanted the job.  “I’ll meet you back here.”

Mike watched Alan leave.  He felt bad for his friend and for the fact that he got Alan into this in the first place.  He was the one that had others write Alan’s name on their ballot.  He was the one that stood up in the assembly and told everyone that he wouldn’t follow anyone else.  Now his friend was in pain.  And yet, he couldn’t let him stop.  Alan had to keep going. They had accomplished so much.  They had power again.  Fuel for the important things and a system that was good for everyone.  Schools, organized work parties that planted food and built things the community needed.  It was his insistence that the Trades have apprenticeships and his library kept everyone from falling into the dark ages.  Hell, they even had a hospital now.  No.  Alan can’t go anywhere, nor can he give up. He needed to show his friend all the great things they have because of the council and him.  

Alan came back into the room, “Wait.  We need to catch him in the act.  No accusations, no wiggle room.”  He looked at the Council Chair, “If we are going to get him, we need to catch him red handed.” 

“Okay.” Mike said and ran off to undo what he put in motion.  None of this could go over the radios.

Outliers is book 8 of the Remnant Series.  Please visit us on Amazon.com to purchase more books in this series.

    Book 1-3: (All in one) Graham Heights. Available in Paperback or kindle 

                Coming Soon.  2nd Addition Graham Heights 

    Book 4: The Grey Abyss.  Available in Paperback or kindle 

    Book 5: Choas.  Coming Summer of 2026

    Book 6: Tarinish and the Obsidian Arrows (In Editing)

    Book 7: Gama (In Editing)

    Book 8: See blog

    Book 9: God of our Fathers

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RA Legg