For that reason and many others, no one bothered to bury him. Instead, he was dragged into the redwoods and left for the wild animals to feast upon. Zeke returned there a few days later to find his body gone. A few fragments of clothing left behind, the only sign that animals had taken him.
Johnson retained his position as sheriff. The community welcomed him back. The council or what remained of it, those who refused to side with Rachel, formed a new agreement that month whereby no one person would ever decide what was right for the town. That decision would be left to the people as a whole. How that would play out was yet to be seen. Colby knew it would bring its own set of challenges. But now, he felt they were ready to handle them.
In honor of Dan Wilder’s life, and sacrifice, the people of Eureka created a bench that overlooked the bay. Etched into a plaque were the words: In Honor of Dan Wilder. His date of birth and death below that. It was a fitting gesture to a life given to the service of others.
Days turned into weeks as they helped clean up the town, rebuild and see Eureka restored to what it was before the battle. Weapons were returned to locals, the fences torn down and guard houses dismantled. The only trace of what had taken place was Dan’s bench and a tree planted in Fort Humboldt. Around it, colorful stones painted with the names of the fallen, with one at the center that read: In dedication to the community of Humboldt. We won’t forget your sacrifice.
Restoring the town was easy, rebuilding the lives of those inside, a challenge.
It would take years to erase the memory of that night, for it wasn’t just Boone’s men they had to stand against, it was neighbors, business owners, parents, ordinary people that were known to them all. Time, of course, would heal and eventually they would smile again.
As the summer rolled into fall, and the colors changed from green to golden browns and neon yellows, residents began to show signs of healing. Fewer people talked about that night. Those who did, spoke of it as the day that freed them instead of the night that robbed the county.
“Colby. You in?” Alicia asked.
Kane’s paws clattered on the hardwood floor as she made her way up. He was bounding around like a lunatic. When she entered the bedroom, Colby had a suitcase on the bed, open and filled with his clothes. “What’s this?”
“I figured it was time.”
“To move back to the farm?”
He smiled. “No. You remember my grandfather’s cabin?”
“By Upper Klamath Lake. Yeah.”
“You still want to go?”
They’d talked about it many times since the event but instead of hounding him, she’d backed off, given him room and told him she was more than willing to stay if he wanted to.
“Does your family know?”
“Already talked to them. Already said my goodbyes.”
“What did they say?”
“See you in the summer.”
“No wonder your mother gave me such a strong hug and apologized for what she said.”
He laughed. Colby turned into her and brought both hands up to her face. “You were right. About so many things.”
“Colby, are you sure? Because I’m fine with staying here.”
“I know you are. Look, I’ve done so many bad things in my life, Alicia. I thought going to L.A., joining the police would change that but… well, staying here only reminds me.”
“We’ve all stepped off the path, Colby. Just some are willing to admit it.”
“I think I lost the path a long time ago.”
“You and me both. So we’ll find it again. Together this time.”
He nodded. “Yeah. Sure.”
“Well let’s get cracking. This bag won’t pack itself.”
It didn’t take them long to gather what they needed for the trip. They filled up a 1975 Jeep that Johnson had given him. He was there to say his goodbyes as they loaded up that afternoon. “You ever decide to return. Come see me. A job will always be here for you.”
“Thanks, Johnson.”
“And you, my dear. Keep a strong leash on him. Those Rikers are wild ones.”
He gave her a big hug as Colby loaded the last of their belongings into the back of the Jeep. “By the way, Colby. Rumors are the power is on in different parts of the country. Looks like we might be back up on our feet sooner than we thought.”
“That’s good news. Then again, you know how long it takes to get anything done in Humboldt.” Colby winked and put his aviator sunglasses on. “Kane. Let’s go.” Kane bounded out of the house, and jumped up into the back.
“Till we meet again,” Johnson said.
“Hopefully it will be under better conditions.”
Colby honked the horn and did a U-turn and peeled out. The wind blew Alicia’s dark hair around her face as they made their way out onto Highway 101 heading north. He felt a renewed sense of hope as he exited the city. He turned the radio on and tuned into a station. News of America rising from the ashes was on the lips of many. Was it possible that life would one day return
