Families First: A Post Apocalyptic Next-World Series Volume 4 Hard Roads Read online

  FAMILIES FIRST

  HARD ROADS

  A POST-APOCALYPTIC

  NEXT-WORLD

  BOOK SERIES

  VOLUME 4

  LANCE K. EWING

  Families First ~ Hard Roads

  A Post-Apocalyptic

  Next-World Book Series

  Volume 4

  Copyright © 2020 by Lance K. Ewing

  The characters and events in this book are fictitious.

  Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental

  and not intended by the author.

  All rights reserved. The scanning, uploading and distribution

  of this book without permission is a theft of the author’s intellectual property.

  If you would like permission to use material from the book

  (other than for review purposes), please contact [email protected].

  www.lancekewingauthor.com

  Thank you for your support of authors’ rights.

  ISBNs: 978-1-7350305-1-7 (Kindle)

  978-1-7350305-0-0 (trade paperback)

  First Kindle edition: May 2020

  First paperback edition: June 2020

  Printed in the United States of America

  Dedication

  To my wife, Hannah, our three awesome crazy boys,

  Hudson, Jax and Hendrix,

  and to my mom, Shareen, for her tireless editing.

  To the readers who took a chance on a new author

  without knowing if there would be a second volume.

  Thank you to all readers who left honest reviews on Amazon,

  Goodreads and Audible, making this continued series possible.

  Foreword

  Recap of Volumes One, Two and Three

  In Volumes One, Two and Three of Families First ~ Post-Apocalyptic Next-World Series, we were introduced to a cast of characters spanning multiple locations across the United States, all with diverse points of view and hardships to overcome.

  We learn that North Korea dropped an EMP in the center of the United States, knocking out power to all states, except Hawaii, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. With no electricity, food or running water, and few working vehicles, the country is instantly reduced to the hardships of days long gone. It’s every family for themselves in this new and hostile world.

  Lance and Joy, along with their children, like-minded friends and neighbors, embark on their journey, headed to Saddle Ranch in the Colorado Rocky Mountains by way of Raton Pass, New Mexico.

  The first leg of the trek to Raton Pass would prove more difficult than they could ever imagine, plagued with injuries and losses along the way. Relying on faith, and loyal to the group, they soldier on and finally arrive at their destination.

  Vlad is transferred to a FEMA camp, and eventually to Trinidad, for surgery following a life-threatening injury.

  The sons of Lance and Joy each face hardships and potentially catastrophic situations.

  Former McKinney police officer, Mike, proves to be a hindrance to the group as well as an invaluable help when safety is on the line.

  Lonnie and Jake keep everything running as smoothly as possible.

  Joy, Nancy and Tina earn MVPs of the first leg of the trip.

  Mac, on Saddle Ranch, falls in love with a beautiful medical doctor, but the relationship is complicated from the very start.

  Crossover has begun between the communities of Saddle Ranch, led by John, and The West, led by Samuel.

  David and the Jenkins family in Raton, New Mexico, suffer a devastating loss after an accident involving mistaken identity.

  James and Janice, in Weston, Colorado, start their new family, taking in a young orphaned boy named Billy. With both James and Jason in new town government posts, they try to remain neutral as the Sheriff and Judge passively battle for control of the town.

  It is clear to all that Ronna is working with the US Military, and always has been.

  Volume Three finds our main group held up at Raton Pass longer than they had planned, but their assistance will prove invaluable to David Jenkins and The Raton Pass Militia.

  The battle for control of the town of Weston, Colorado, heats up, with both the Sheriff and Judge vying for the allegiance of the town Mayor, James VanFleet.

  On Saddle Ranch in Loveland, Colorado, old foes unexpectedly turn into allies and the security detail is gutted and put back together, piece by piece, for the imminent battle for control of the pristine Valley.

  The Colonel takes a shine to Lance’s group and forges a friendship with the always-boisterous and joking Vlad that may prove life-saving for many others. As they learn new information about Ronna’s and Baker’s intentions, they become more concerned with getting to Saddle Ranch in a timely manner.

  * * * *

  Dear Reader,

  If this is your first look at my Families First series, please consider reading Volumes One, Two and Three first. This is a planned series of 6-8 volumes, depending of course on you, the reader. I am working hard on Volume Four.

  Thank you for purchasing and, most of all, for reading the first three books in the series. In this day of Internet publishing, I realize you have many other choices in this genre, and I am honored you would spend your money and time with me. As writers, we now, more than ever, are judged by our reviews online. If you enjoyed this book, please leave an honest review on Amazon.

  For those of you interested in this series, please consider keeping in touch by visiting my website at lancekewingauthor.com for upcoming books and projects, as well as weekly updates on what I am up to. I will not distribute your e-mail anywhere and will only contact you in reply to a question you may have or to let you know of an upcoming volume or series I am about to release.

  In return for your e-mail, I will forward you my Quick Guide e-book (free of charge and not available for sale) with more information on the characters of Families First, including their backstories, much of which you will not find in any of the volumes.

  Lance K. Ewing

  Reviews

  Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2020

  Anyone who has been fortunate enough to read Lance Ewing’s first 2 novels, Families First, Volumes 1 and 2, will be thrilled to delve into Volume 3—Second Wind. The people you have gotten to know in the first two Volumes continue their journey through the profound life changes brought on by an event that not many people may have suspected would occur in their lives on this planet.

  Who would have known, as we read books 1 and 2, that our own life/earth changes were just around the corner? Lance Ewing’s book is not only fascinating, it is also a good look into how people can go on, and what is truly important in our lives—in deference to what has gone before.

  I recommend this book for everyone who loves adventure, expansion of ideas, and being on the journey of life.

  5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!

  Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2020

  Wow! This has been by far one of the best post-apocalyptic series I’ve read. Families First was like reading about your own neighborhood and hoping it would turn out the same way. Kudos to Mr. Ewing!

  5.0 out of 5 stars Another great novel

  Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2020

  These stories just keep getting better. If I was in the apocalypse, would definitely want Mike on my side. Love the characters and their families and faith. It is one difficult situation after another. And the group does not always win. It is real and heartbreaking at times.

  5.0 out of 5 stars Can
’t wait for Volume 4

  Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2020

  Been a while since I have been engrossed in a good book series! Families First is awesome and a page-turner.

  5.0 out of 5 stars I’m there with the characters in the storyline!

  Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2020

  I have read many apocalyptic books from a number of authors and find Mr. Ewing’s writing style to be as well developed as some of the best writers. His ability to keep the storyline moving along at a pace that has you flipping pages as fast as you can read is phenomenal!

  After reading all 3 of the books so far within a week, I can hardly wait for the next book!

  The storyline is realistic, with the struggles people will face when the SHTF, but not gory with in-depth details. The characters’ personalities are real and complex, revealing the types of internal struggles expected when blending them together. He uses their personality differences to enhance the dynamics of the groups in very realistic ways that keeps the reader intrigued.

  For heaven’s sake! Read this series!!

  5.0 out of 5 stars Another Hard Trek Westward

  Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2020

  The various friends and families are getting closer to their destinations and the blended family on the Second Chances Ranch are getting closer to a showdown with the corrupt Sheriff or Judge, or maybe both. In any case, they may have to stand up for their principles or die for them. The caravan that left Texas is at the halfway point and this whole story is getting more and more interesting. Mike still seems to be a loose cannon but Beatrice declares him to be a slayer of bad men and protector of innocence.

  5.0 out of 5 stars Great Series!

  Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2020

  Having just finished this, the third book in the series, I’m sad. Now I have to wait for the fourth book! I’ve enjoyed all three of the first three books. Good story about good people in both blood and bad situations. I look forward to the fourth book and hope it comes out soon!

  5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous series, can’t wait for the next book!

  Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2020

  I love this series, Families First; what a great theme. Families are not always about blood, but include friends who would die protecting each other. A must read!

  5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous!

  Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2020

  I’ve read the first book in the series and almost finished the second one. The third is on my Kindle. These books are so good. I find myself thinking about the characters even when I am not reading the book. The characters are well defined. Enough action to keep me happy. I will read every fiction book this author writes. Can’t wait for #4.

  5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent

  Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2020

  Loved this second book of the series. Hope the next installment is ready quickly. I really appreciate that there is very little language or sexual content. The family is everything and the group incorporates others rapidly. Recommend this series for any young people interested in post-apocalyptic fiction.

  HALL OF FAME TOP 10 REVIEWER

  5.0 out of 5 stars ~~~Outstanding continuation~~

  Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2019

  This one is a five-star read for me. Am more familiar with the characters now. Individuals (as well as the group) encounter more problems, and new situations arise to keep the interest of the And, I love the fact that this group and the individuals have faith in God which never wavers... Just outstanding.

  I am also delighted to read that this author will continue this series... More action to come our way…

  Most highly recommended...and looking forward to the next one in this series.

  * * * *

  Chapter One

  Weston, Colorado

  Sheriff Johnson, still playing around, interviewed his second captive, Richard. So, the councilman said you sucker-punched him and got in a couple of lucky shots when he was down.

  “That’s not true; it was a fair fight, and I’m just stronger than he is.”

  “So,” said the Sheriff, “you were fighting in my town where you know there is zero-tolerance for such business?”

  “Now, wait a minute, Sheriff,” he stammered. “It wasn’t my fault. He was trying to steal my food!”

  “I think you mean my food, don’t you, big guy?” In a quieter voice he added: “I don’t think we even need the Judge’s ruling on you two. What would you like for your last meal?”

  “You mean my next meal, right?” asked the nervous man.

  The Sheriff laughed. “Don’t ever mock the most powerful man in town, gentlemen,” he said, loud enough for both men to hear.

  James and the families headed home with full bellies. The girls sang church hymns, while Danny tried to learn the words.

  Chance let out a low growl two miles from the ranch. “What is it, boy?” asked Janice, as James slowed the truck.

  Looking ahead 50 yards, several tractors and two vehicles were stopped in a country-style traffic jam.

  “What’s going on?” asked Lauren.

  “Probably just someone broke down,” said James, motioning for Jason to follow him.

  “Janice, you’re on cover, just in case,” he added.

  James grabbed his rifle and turned off the radio on his belt, while slowly approaching the vehicles on foot.

  “Slow and easy, Jason, until we know what’s going on here.”

  All eyes were on James as they approached the scene. He recognized a few of his neighbors, no doubt heading home from church, as it had ended just a couple of hours ago.

  “What’s going on here?” asked James. He was now close enough to see the worry in his neighbors’ eyes.

  “That’s far enough,” shouted a man, stepping out from behind the lead tractor, rifle at the ready.

  “That’s a nice truck you got back there, trailer and all,” he added.

  “What’s this about?” James asked sternly.

  “Well, it’s about like this. This here is now our road.” He pointed around to his six or seven men, all armed with rifles. “And we say who crosses and who doesn’t.”

  “This here road,” replied James, “is officially the property of the town of Weston, and I do believe you all are not welcome in our town. I would suggest you give these fine folks their money back, or whatever else you have likely already taken from them, and then you can be on your way back from wherever you came.”

  Janice kept Lauren and the girls low while calling the Sheriff on her radio.

  She relayed only what she could see, as she couldn’t hear the conversation.

  “We’ll be right down. Don’t let your husband be a hero,” he told her.

  Jason was getting nervous, and James didn’t need anything else distracting him.

  “Hands to your sides, and no quick movements,” James whispered to Jason.

  “Take this rifle, Lauren. Stay low and watch the kids,” said Janice.

  “Wait. Where are you going?” she asked nervously.

  “I have to get a message to James and Jason that the Sheriff and his men will be here soon.”

  Messing her hair up, she grabbed a mason jar of moonshine left over from yesterday’s trade days and opened the lid.

  Crawling out of the truck, she zig-zagged her way towards James, occasionally stumbling and slurring her words.

  “What’s goin’ on, Harney? I don’t feel so good, and I want to go home,” she said, loud enough for all to hear.

  The trespassers laughed at her.

  Jason didn’t know what to say, never having seen her like this before.

  James, on the other hand, had seen this little skit a long time ago, back in Chicago. The gang he was about to leave forever had gotten an anonymous tip about him leaving, and Janice had bought him an extra day with this same distraction. The v
ery next morning, they were both on a train headed to Los Angeles.

  Heading straight for her husband, Janice wrapped her arms around him, whispering, “The Sheriff and his men are on their way.” Without another word, she zig-zagged back towards the truck.

  “You ought to keep a better eye on your lady, or she just might get herself in trouble,” said the lead man, getting a laugh out of the others.

  “In fact, I may just take her from you; she seems like a lot of fun.”

  James didn’t answer. He glanced at a red-faced Jason.

  “We’re okay, Jason,” he said quietly. “Just keep calm. Help is on the way.”