Siren

"Ha, of course I'll keep it secret. But do I have to keep it from Inspector William too, boss?"

Abel nodded as he asked Gavin the question.

Gavin didn't answer right away. He paused, then asked curiously,

"Inspector William?"

With a chuckle, he patted Abel on the shoulder and teased,

"Is that what you all call William? Inspector?"

"Of course, boss. Mr. William's job is a lot like an inspector's. And the first thing Inspector William did when he arrived in the Smoky Mountains yesterday was walk his police dog past every one of us, then check our living quarters."

"That sounds like an inspector's work too, doesn't it?"

Abel spread his hands helplessly as he answered.

Gavin nodded and smiled.

"That's right, Abel. Don't think William is too harsh or cold. I'm the one who asked him to do all that."

"If we let drugs and things like them keep spreading through the wasteland, the few survivors we have left might as well give up looking for a way to survive in the long run."

"So don't blame him. If you're unhappy, grumble about me behind my back instead, kid."

"Oh, and don't stand guard today. Stick with me for the next few days. I might need your help with something."

With that, Gavin let go of Abel and called to the man standing guard with him.

"I'm taking Abel with me, buddy. I'll send you a new partner in a bit."

"Sure thing, boss. You can just make the arrangements. No need to ask me, heh."

The guard gave Gavin a thumbs-up and took a contented sip from his little bottle of beer.

Beer needed no extra chilling in winter; it was cold already, and the man was enjoying every sip.

Gavin wasn't worried that one small bottle