The Rat Collector: A Dystopian Thriller (Age of End Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

Horace out. Rupert returned to the podium. “Sorry about that. They will make sure Horace gets home safely. Now, where was I? Oh right. Did anyone see anything strange last night?”
    A hand popped up near the back of the room. A red haired girl in her early twenties rose from her seat and spoke in a full voice. “I saw something.”
    Rumbles in the crowd started building up again. “Okay everybody,” Rupert said. “Let the girl talk. Go ahead Ella.”
    “As you all know, I live across from Martha and Patrick. I have a clear view of their cabin from my window. Last night, I awoke and saw a figure. It was too dark to see from a distance, but the figure was tall and slender. I could tell that much. He entered their cabin, and when he came back out, he was carrying a body.” She slowly dropped her head with sorrow, and then raised it up again. “I thought it was just a dream, so I didn’t think much of it, but now I know it was real. Dreams are never so vivid.”
    “Thank you, Ella. I will speak with you later. Did anyone else see anything? It is extremely important that we have as much information as possible” There was no response. “If you do see anything, don’t hesitate to come find me. That concludes our meeting. You’re free to go. Volunteers come see me.”
    The crowd cleared out. Rupert informed the volunteers and sent them home to rest before their shift. He then turned to Ella. “I hope you don’t mind helping us.”
    “Not at all. I want to help.”
    “Your mother doesn’t mind?
    “Don’t worry about her. She’ll be fine.”
    “Good. To tell you the truth, we really have no information. There was nothing in either of the cabins. No footprints. Nothing. It looked like they just vaporized. But you can confirm that’s not true. They were taken, or at least Patrick was. I assume the same thing happened to Alan.”
    Vince watched as Rupert and Ella discussed the details of the kidnapping or lack thereof. Neither of them had a clue what they were up against, but Vince did. People were beginning to panic, and the lack of answers only made things worse. He decided it was time they knew what he did. “Rupert, I have something important to tell you.”
    Ella looked down at Vince. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Ella.”
    He reached up and firmly shook her hand. “I’m Vince. Nice to meet you.”
    “This is the man I found in the mountains,” Rupert said.
    A look of excitement jumped across her face. “Oh yeah! The lucky survivor. You’re recovering well. From what I hear, you were in pretty bad condition.”
    “Yes, I’m feeling much better. Thank you.”
    “So what is it?” Rupert asked. “What do you want to tell me?”
    “I know who’s kidnapping your people. His name is Saul. He is a very dangerous man.” Vince paused. “It’s quite a long story. Let’s go back to your cabin, and I’ll tell you from the beginning.”
    They returned to Rupert’s cabin and dished out bowls of chili. Gathered around the fireplace, Vince began his story.

TEN
    Many years ago…
     
    THE WOODS NEAR Rodin were gorgeous. A hidden paradise. The sunlight peeked through the branches, creating a collage of light and shadow on the ground. Critters scurried about. Squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, birds. The woods were teeming with life.
    Two boys, both twelve years old, stood on the branches of a tall tree. They raced to the top, hopping from one to another. One of the boys pushed off with his feet and soared through the air, arms extended forward. He stretched the tips of his fingers, ready to grab the next branch, but missed and plunged to the ground. He rolled onto his back and looked up with embarrassment. The other boy carefully stepped up to touch the top branch. He raised his arms up in the air to celebrate his victory. Vince had won the race.
    They both heard a distant voice, “Vincent! Saul! Time to come in! Dinner’s ready!”
    “Okay, Mother!” Vince yelled from the top of the tree.