Fight for Power by Eric Walters Page A

that force would be around one hundred and twenty people, from the overall number you previously divulged.”
    I saw Quinn’s expression flicker. Herb was giving a not-so-subtle message that Quinn had already betrayed his people and given us useful information.
    â€œWhat I want to know is exactly what these buildings contain. I would prefer to spare the stocks of weapons and supplies that have been accumulated,” Herb said.
    â€œBut you want to know which buildings contain the barracks because you don’t plan on sparing those lives,” Quinn said.
    â€œNo, I don’t,” Herb said. “Would you spare them? We need to strike quickly and kill as many people as possible.”
    â€œAnd you expect me to help you do that?”
    â€œThat would be most useful.”
    â€œI’m not helping you. I’m lots of things, but I’m not a traitor.” He was becoming louder, more agitated. This wasn’t working.
    â€œTo be a traitor is better than being a fool. They would kill you in a second to live. I think you should have loyalty to yourself.”
    â€œAnd what does that mean?”
    â€œYour survival is dependent on our survival,” Herb said.
    â€œAre you going to kill me?”
    â€œIf that was our intent, it could be done like that,” Herb said. He leaned forward and pinched the IV line leading into the man’s arm. He then released it. “You’re alive because we believe in life.”
    The man laughed. “And you’re here to ask advice on how to kill my friends.”
    â€œYou’re a fool if you think any of those people are your friends. The only two friends you have are right here in this room with you. We’re the reason you’re alive, the reason you’ll stay alive, and I’m here to ask for information that will help us live and, in doing so, help you live.”
    â€œAnd telling you would be like signing my own death certificate. Once I’ve told you, I have no more value. That’s why you’ve kept me alive, isn’t it?”
    â€œThat’s not how we work,” I said. “You have to believe me.”
    â€œI don’t believe anything either of you two say. You’re no different from us, no different from everybody else trying to survive. Maybe you’re going to kill me, and maybe you’re not, but I’m not going to tell you anything … not anything more!”
    Herb let out a big sigh and slowly got to his feet. I went to do the same, but he placed an arm on my shoulder holding me in place.
    â€œI understand what you’re saying and feeling. Tell you what, I’m going to give you a few minutes to think—”
    â€œA few minutes isn’t going to make a difference!” Quinn spat out.
    â€œHumor me. In the meantime, would you like a cup of coffee?”
    Quinn didn’t answer, but he looked interested. Cups of coffee were getting rarer and rarer, as supplies dwindled.
    â€œI’ll go and get us all a cup,” Herb said. “Adam, I know how you take yours. Quinn, what would you like in yours?”
    â€œUm, two sugars and black, please.”
    â€œJust like I take mine,” Herb said.
    That wasn’t how Herb took his coffee, but I’d learned that Herb didn’t say anything without a reason. He was trying to befriend Quinn by sharing something. How strange, offering a cup of coffee when a few seconds before we were discussing an attack and killing a hundred people.
    â€œAdam, you are armed, correct?” Herb asked.
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œGood, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
    Herb hustled out, leaving us alone. I suddenly felt very vulnerable despite the prisoner being cuffed to the bed and me being armed. I slid my chair slightly away from Quinn.
    â€œDoes he really think I’m going to sell out for a cup of coffee?” he asked.
    â€œI think he just wants a coffee,” I said.
    â€œThe coffee