Chapter 173 The Return to Haven Camp
The ersennal rostion in wholesale markers always moved faster than in regr stores.
Some store’s had already begun stocking winter apparel.
That stroke of luck meant this massive haul of clothing would go a long way in helping many women stay warm through the winter months.
The third floor held men’s clothing. The fourth and fifth: upscale women’s fashion and children’s wear.
There were also lingerie and pajama shops, clustered in a designated area.
Transporting everything turned out to be easier than expected.
Clothes still on racks were simply rolled out in whole units. As for the loose items, they were bundled up in bedsheets—once used as makeshift disys outside storefronts–and hauled away inrge, bulging bundles.
Short skirts and shorts, long skirts and pants, tees and long sleeves, dresses, trench coats, padded jackets, and full sets of autumn and winter gear–everything was moved out in massive batches.
By the time the ground floor had been stripped clean, it was nearly five o’clock.
“We’ll stay overnight at Haven Camp ande back to finish tomorrow,” Lucas decided without hesitation.
Nighttime was no time to be moving. It was far too dangerous. ording to their original n, Lucas had agreed to include Haven Camp in the operation on one condition: they would offer his team a ce to stay for the night.
The clothing depot was far from Kl Camp. A round trip in one day wasn’t an option–they’d be stuck outside after dark for sure.
“Sounds great! I’ve had everything set up at camp for a while now, just waiting for you guys to arrive!” Wolfe said with a grin that had finally returned to his face.
Theresa arched an eyebrow when she heard they were heading back to Wolfe’s camp. “Fine. Let’s go.”
With the depot’s entire first floor emptied, everyone returned to their vehicles and rolled out.
They’d be back the next morning to finish the job.
After half an hour on the road, they returned to the ce where they’d first met up.
Wolfe’s truck led the way. From her seat in the middle of the convoy, Theresa began to recognize andscape she’d known all too well in her previous life.
The convoy climbed toward a mountainside industrial zone surrounded by residential buildings.
The perimeter of the settlement was lined with sharpened wooden stakes, each one wrapped tightly in thorn–covered vines. It formed a makeshift barrier meant to hold off zombies.
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Guards patrolled the fence every thirty feet. When they saw the convoy approaching, they immediately moved to open arge iron gate across the road and waved them through.
On the other side was an open lot in front of a factory building, now crowded with people.
Everyone had gathered to wee Wolfe and his team back.
This was the early phase of Haven Camp, which now housed just over two hundred people. Aside from the scavengers still out on runs, most of them were present.
The camp had originally formed from a caravan of survivors flecing the city. Most had escaped in family units<b>. </b>
The poption spanned every age–nursing infants, elderly grandparents in their eighties–an incredibly diverse,plicated group.
Nearly every household had its burdens: children, the elderly, or both.
Wolfe, on the other hand, had been a top–tier sales manager before the copse. He lived in apany- provided dormitory, along with several subordinates. At the start of the apocalypse, he’d been dealt <i>a </i>winning hand.
In a world where strength ruled, Wolfe had an undeniable edge.
Most other families were weighed down by responsibility, taking care of children or elders. Even the men who might’ve been stronger or more capable than Wolfe had no desire to step forward into danger when their loved ones depended on them.
That’s how Wolfe, with his slick charm and practiced friendliness, along with a capable, loyal crew, naturally rose to power in the camp.
And to top it off, he was a water–based ability user.
His grip on Haven Camp only tightened over time. His people grew more dominant, while the rest of the camp remained divided and scattered.
Wolfe’s men strutted around like kings, bullying orphaned girls and seizing others‘ supplies as if it were
routine.
Later on, they didn’t even bother hiding the murders.
Most kept their heads down and mouths shut for the sake of their families. Anger and fear lived side by side, but resistance was rare.
The only saving grace was that Haven Camp’splex makeup forced Wolfe to maintain some semnce of order. He had to rein his men in just enough to preserve the illusion of peace.
So, to survive here, they either joined Wolfe’s side… or they fought back, hard–like Tyger did.
The only way to win was to be stronger, louder, and more ruthless.
Otherwise<b>, </b>they were just prey.
Theresa had clearly chosén Tyger’s path: fierce, unyielding defiance.
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Chapter 173 The Return to Haven Camp
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Because no matter how bad she got, she still saw herself as human. She refused <i>to </i>cross the line that turned people into beasts like Wolfe and his crew.
She would never, ever align herself with them.
“Mr. Keaton, wee to Haven Camp,” Wolfe said as he stepped out of the truck. “Let’s give them a warm wee, everyone!”
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