by Warren Ray
“Listen, guys, this is going to be a big waiting game, we might not see anything here for quite some time. We just have to be patient and stay out of sight. We can’t risk engaging anyone. So, keep your heads down and the radios on.”
Everyone began loading up in their assigned vehicles and Meeks gave the girls a pair of night vision binoculars.
“Wait till dark to pull these out,” said Meeks.
Reese took the styrene case. “C’mon Meeks, this isn’t our first rodeo.”
“Don’t worry about us,” said Amber.
“I normally don’t, but damn it’s weird being in charge, I can’t help myself.”
“Makes you appreciate Cole,” said Amber.
“Man, does it ever. I don’t know how he did it.”
“Does it,” interrupted Reese. “He’ll be back.”
“I sure as hell hope so. Being in charge of a football team is one thing but this…”
“Whole new ballgame,” smiled Amber.
“Yeah and that’s an understatement.”
Meeks gave them both a hug before getting into the squad car where Taylor sat in the driver’s seat. The older man gave Meeks a curt nod before letting off the brake. They snaked their way toward Interstate 94 and out onto Lapeer Connector, which was the last exit before entering Canada. They were able to get off that road and head through the giant parking lot of an abandoned home improvement store. Behind the store was a large wooded area that bordered the interstate. The area was out of the way of any residential homes, which is what he wanted. He didn’t dare take the chance that none of them were occupied. Now was not the time to be making new friends.
Taylor pulled through the empty parking lot and into the woods stopping beside a small creek. Meeks was satisfied this was where they would wait to ambush the cops if they came this way. That they were coming at all was a big assumption he was making. Meeks wouldn’t rest easy for the remainder of the day not knowing for sure.
He got out of the squad car and the eight men on his team began trudging through the trees and up on the interstate. They noticed a couple of buildings sitting alongside the side of the interstate and guessed they were for state trucks.
Meeks looked at Taylor. “What ya think?”
“Got a nice high roof, and it’s, what, a hundred feet from the road.”
Meeks waited for Hadley and Hollis to catch up. “What do ya think, Hollis?”
“Oh, it’s perfect.”
“Let’s go see if there’s a ladder inside,” said Meeks.
The four of them walked over to the building and looked inside where they found several big dump trucks. Meeks looked at Taylor and flicked his eyebrows.
“Whatcha thinking?” asked Taylor.
“Badger, these big ole snowplow trucks will be just the ticket to jam up the road a bit. Make these two lane roads into one lane.”
“I like your thinking,” said Taylor, as he took the butt of his M4 and broke the glass on the door. He reached in and turned the handle. “Shall we?”
“We shall,” laughed Meeks.
“Hell, I can drive anything in here,” said Hollis a former over the road truck driver.
Meeks stepped into the office and found the keys inside a box attached to the wall. He grabbed the keys and handed them to Hollis who began matching them up. As soon as he started the first one, Meeks and Taylor opened the garage doors. Over the next thirty minutes, they pulled four trucks out onto the interstate and parked them in pairs on each side of the road blocking one lane. Meeks loved the idea so much he ran over and jumped into one of the cabs. He liked how high they sat and how the big side mirrors gave you a great view to the rear. He took another quick glance in the mirror as he thought he had noticed something moving in the distance. He snapped his head back and the blood drained from his face. Four National Police vehicles were coming around the bend.
Chapter 54
Sarnia Ontario
After pulling down the inner layer of drywall, Burns was beginning to tear at the outer wall when the garage door opened. Sweat formed on Scar’s forehead when he realized they had drywall lying on the floor and needed to hide it.
Scar and Bassett fell to the floor to begin scooping up the larger pieces and Bassett stacked them in the opposite corner. He also caught the smaller pieces as Scar flung them over. Nordell opened one of the cots and rushed it over to the stack of drywall. Burns grabbed another cot and sat down on it, almost hiding the hole in the wall.
They heard someone unlocking the door. Scar gave a quick inspection and motioned Bassett to get over by Burns to help him hide the hole. As the door began to open, Scar rushed over to stand in front of it.
He was surprised to find Sergeant Wilson at the door. “Hey perfect timing, I’ve got to go to the bathroom.”
“Mister Scarborough, you think you can hold on for a minute?”
Scar stood six inches over the smaller Wilson and could be intimidating if he wanted to. Right now he wanted to and glared angrily at Wilson. He didn’t want him to enter the room and stood his ground.
“I can do that, but only if you explain why we’re being held here.”
Wilson backed up a little. “I understand how upset you must be, but I can explain it to you and your men.”
“Then let’s do it out here, I’m sick and tired of this room,” said Scar, shifting his big body a few more inches forward.
“Okay, have it your way. What about your men?”
“Trust me, you don’t want them out here, they’re even more pissed than I am.”
“Come over here,” said Wilson.
Scar walked toward the table the guards had set up and noticed Wilson had come alone in his personal car. He couldn’t wait to hear what the man had to say.
“I’m sorry about all of this, but you must realize that you are wanted men and there are people who want to turn you over to the US National Police for the reward money.”
“So, you brought us here?” asked Scar.
“For your own protection.”
The man was lying so Scar decided to play along not wanting to raise any alarm. “Our own protection?”
“Yes, you see we weren’t the only ones to find you. Last night, in that restaurant you caught the attention of others. I have informants that told me they were lying in wait for you.”
“Which is why we’re here?” asked Scar in a thankful tone.
“Yes. We’ve got corrupt cops on the force, hell even some of the judges have been bought. Ever since your country fell, you Americans aren’t the only ones having problems. Had I not gotten you out of there, you’d be in some American jail right now. It’s why we didn’t book you; I didn’t want you in the system. As of right now, I’ve got everyone confused about your whereabouts.”
“So, why not just let us go?”
“There are too many people looking for you. They even found your canoe and my informants tell me they’re waiting for you on the other side of the river as well.”
Scar had to hand it to Wilson for coming up with a convincing story. What he couldn’t understand was why he was here telling him this.
“How many know where we are?”
“It’s just five of us.”
The answer made Scar realize why he was telling him this. He didn’t want them to give his guards any trouble because he was sorely lacking in manpower. He wasn’t about to bring in more help as he had no intention of splitting the money with more people.
“Did you call my friend, General Standish?”
“That’s the good news. He told me to hang onto you guys and that he’d be sending his right-hand man down to get you guys to safety with all the supplies that you’d need.”
Scar decided to have a little fun and made up a fake name. “Oh wow! So, Major Peabody will be coming. How soon?”
“He said the good Major should be here by late morning.”
Scar fought to control his facial expressions. “That’s good news. Sergeant, I can’t thank you
enough.”
“Hey, it’s my honor. I love America and want to see her back where she stood before.”
Scar wanted to grab him by the throat and give it a good squeeze. Instead, he gave him a big fake smile. “So, by morning then.”
“Yep. Just hang out. I know these aren’t the greatest accommodations, but we’ve got you in here for your own protection. My men will keep you safe till morning.”
Scar extended his hand and gave him a convincing shake. He continued to play the fool and waved at Wilson as he got back into his car. Scar then headed back to the room.
“Major Peabody,” said Burns, in a humorous tone, “nice one.”
“The guy thinks I’m an idiot,” said Scar shaking his head.
“So, the exchange is in the morning then?” asked Bassett.
“That’s what I’m thinking.”
“Okay, so nothing changes,” said Nordell.
After Wilson drove back out of the warehouse, Burns moved the cot away from the wall and continued to scrape away the outer drywall. As they removed the pieces faint sounds from the video game became louder giving them confidence their so-called protectors had let their guard down. After removing the final pieces, Nordell fashioned four metal clubs out of the torn up cot and handed one to each of them.
Bassett grabbed onto the makeshift weapon wishing it was his tactical tomahawk. He stretched his legs and twisted around to get ready. He then slipped between the studs and waited for the rest to follow. Bassett peeked around the corner. His prey was enthralled in a video game not knowing they were about to become his video game.
Chapter 55
Port Huron Michigan
Meeks was sitting inside one of the four big snowplow trucks to check out the strategic positioning when he noticed four National Police vehicles coming their way. His heart quickened as he grabbed his radio.
“Everyone hit the deck, hit the deck.”
Without questioning the order, everyone fell to the ground just as the vehicles came around the bend. Meeks pulled out his Sig Sauer 9mm and lowered his head just enough to watch the approaching vehicles slow down as they closed in on the two trucks sitting in the fast lane. He waited until they passed before looking up to see how many were in the cars. It looked like the three squad cars were full. He couldn’t be sure but suspected the paddy wagon had a passenger, which added up to fourteen cops.
Meeks let out a big sigh of relief because they gotten there just in time. Thank God they got these trucks moved before they came through, otherwise, the cops would be suspicious if they saw something different about the road when they were coming back.
Amber had been right guessing these bastards would come through Port Huron. He assumed a cunning grin because, now, they knew their numbers. Fourteen cops wouldn’t be a problem and the paddy wagon would make it easier because they would know what not to shoot at.
Meeks waited until they were out of sight before hopping out of the truck and running across the road. He began to laugh excitedly as he approached Taylor, who was picking himself up off the ground. “Damn that was close.”
“A little too close,” grumbled Taylor. “We need better spotters don’t cha think?”
“They should have been there by now. But, no matter, now we know they’ll be coming this way for sure.”
“Did you get a look at their numbers?”
“Yeah, I figure no more than fourteen.”
“We better let everyone know,” suggested Taylor.
Meeks walked back to the building where Hollis and Hadley had erected a ladder. He swung his rifle onto his back and began to climb up to the roof for a better radio signal. He looked around and liked the wide-open view. He pulled out his radio and keyed the button.
“Listen up, Detroit just passed us. I say again, Detroit just passed us, over.”
The various teams began responding back.
“Amber and Reese copy,” said Amber into the radio.
“Damn girl, you called that one right,” said Reese.
“Well, I had a fifty-fifty shot.”
“Oh, c’mon, stop being modest. You were right and the boys know it.”
“I suppose they do now, don’t they,” snickered Amber.
Reese flicked some strands of hair the wind blew across her face. She and Amber sat on a park bench that sat alongside the walkway bordering the river. She looked across the water into Canada. “I wonder what it’s like over there.”
“Definitely more normal than this side of the border,” said Amber.
“Our next-door neighbors had crossed over and we never saw them again. Ever since then, I always wondered. I suppose it can’t be much different than being in Winnipeg.”
“I couldn’t say. I never left the base. Did you?” asked Amber,
“You know, neither did I. I never even thought about it. Hell, we had everything we needed and they kept us pretty busy with all the training.”
Amber turned to her. “Yes. They. Did. I thought I was in shape when I played college softball, but man did they wear me out.”
Reese laughed. “Right, I mean c’mon, I ran track and field not that long ago and I could barely keep up with that instructor.”
Amber sighed. “He was in good shape.”
“Ooooh was he ever, hmm hmm.”
“He was definitely a hottie.”
Reese grabbed Amber’s arm. “And he was British…oooh I loved his accent.”
“Yeah, even when he was yelling at us.”
“Right!” laughed Reese.
“Okay enough of that,” said Amber standing up, “c’mon, it’s getting dark. We should get our night vision gear on.”
Amber swung her Colt M4 around to her chest while Reese grabbed her red crutch and they began to walk back across the field to the garage and their supplies. They dug into the food and ate while waiting for it to get dark. Reese remarked how different the other side of the river looked with all the lights on. She walked out of the garage and looked around for any lights on their side. Not a single light was on. She rested her hands on the rifle hanging from her shoulders staring at the desolate skyline. It was a depressing sight and a bit on the scary side to see no sign of life. It was the same in Jackson, but there were people still about, which seems like a small thing but it made a big difference.
Chapter 56
On The Road To Winnipeg
After telling the girls they go to Canada, Winters was able to get an update from Finley’s mom. Debbie stated her daughter was in pain and her fever was still high even after taking the antibiotics that Stacy had. The former paramedic had said the antibiotics were probably too old to be effective and was glad to hear about plans to take her to Canada. She volunteered to go with them and look after her as best as she could. With Stacy and her son, Finley’s mom, sister, and the two girls, there would be eight people going, which meant two vehicles.
Both Collette and Laney volunteered to help Winters find a suitable van to accommodate Finley and to find some extra gas cans. They took Billy Gamble’s Ford Crew Cab and drove back into town. The first thing they needed to do was get the bulldozer out of the way. Winters had no idea how to operate it and asked Mike Grant to find someone who did.
It took nearly an hour before someone moved the bulldozer so volunteers could begin to fill their vehicles. They had come up with a newer passenger van and a pickup truck that had a tank in the back with a pump handle. It had been used as a farm truck to fuel the tractors out in the fields.
After getting food supplies and water, they headed back to the hideout with Collette driving the van. Winters hurried everyone together, loaded the sleeping patient into the back of the van, and handed the keys to Stacey.
Winters gave Ashley and Kaitlyn a big hug and wished them well before getting into the pickup truck. He started it and they began the long journey to Winnipeg. He was excited with anticipation of seeing Sadie. It had been only a couple of weeks since he’d last seen her, but with everything he’d been through
it seemed like months. He looked over at his passengers, Laney and Collette, and was glad they were along. All three of the girls had been a big help in more ways than they knew. Not only did they help last night, but they lifted his spirits as well.
He tapped the steering wheel thinking about Sadie and couldn’t help but break out in a grin. This attracted the attention of Laney, who sat next to him on the bench seat.
“Is there something you want to share?”
Winters turned to her. “What?”
“You’re smiling and I thought maybe you wanted to share.”
“I was?”
“Yes, you were.”
“Give it up, Cole,” ordered Collette.
“I’m just excited to be going to Winnipeg is all.”
Laney grabbed Winters’ arm. “Is there a girl you want to tell us about?”
Winters cocked his head back.
“I knew it,” said an excited Laney. “You have a girlfriend. Tell us about her.”
“It’s not what you think?”
“C’mon Cole, don’t hold out on us,” implored Collette leaning forward.
“I’m telling you, it’s not what you think.”
“But it is a girl?” asked Laney.
“Yes, it is, but she’s not my girlfriend. She’s more of an adopted daughter. Her name is Sadie, and she’s eleven.”
“Oh, darn,” said a disappointed Laney. “I thought maybe you had, like, a girlfriend.”
“Well, I do actually, but she’s not in Canada.”
Laney straightened up. “Yes, I love it. Tell us all about her, what’s her name?”
“Her name is Reese, and she’s a very special person.”
“Is she pretty?” asked Laney.
The joy on his face was obvious. “Oh yeah, she’s quite pretty.”
“You’re in love with her!” speculated Collette. “I can see it written all over ya.”