by Ray Wench
Mark waited until the man had his back squared to him before moving. His first few steps were slow, but he could be seen at any moment, so he broke into a run.
The soldier by the door spotted Mark as he closed on his partner. He spun, aimed his rifle, but didn’t shoot. His partner tensed, but was too late to stop Mark’s attack.
Mark slapped the gun barrel across the top of the man’s head more to stun him than knock him out. “Drop the rifle. Don’t make me shoot.”
The other soldier advanced on Mark with the rifle at eye level. He was shouting for help as he did.
“Stop or I’ll shoot him.”
The man kept coming. A blur from behind struck the armed man. He staggered and the rifle fired, sending a round over Mark’s head. Bobby and the shooter went down in a rolling mass of legs and arms. The soldier Mark held, turned, grabbed Mark’s gun arm, and forced it up. He stepped close to Mark and flipped him over his hip.
Mark was airborne and knew the next move would be to snap the gun from his hand. There was not much he could do about it so he let the gun go. The man was unprepared for that and juggled the gun trying to grasp it. Mark landed hard on his back, but kicked both legs into the man’s knees.
The force of the kicks swept the man’s legs backward. He missed the gun and fell toward Mark. Mark sat up and drove a fist into the soldier’s chin. His head snapped back and he landed as a dead weight.
Mark rolled him onto his back to deliver another punch, but saw the man was already out. He turned his attention to where Bobby and his opponent were still rolling. Neither man could gain an advantage.
Finding his gun, Mark stepped into the fray and pressed the barrel against the soldier’s head. He froze but remained tense. “I’ll tell you what I told the other man. I’m not a killer, but if you make me, I will shoot. Roll off him and sit still.”
The man complied. Bobby stood up wiping his mouth on his sleeve.
“Was there a car inside?” Mark asked.
“Yeah, three.”
“Watch them.”
Mark went toward the door. Down the road, four more soldiers were in view. Mark estimated he had three or four minutes. He ran inside and looked over the choices. One was a newer pickup truck, one a newer minivan. The last vehicle was an older pickup truck. That one would offer the best chance to hot wire.
He jumped in the front seat, forced the column open, and started tearing at the wires. He brushed something out of his face: a lanyard attached to the key in the ignition. With a silent prayer, he started the truck. He ran to the garage door and tried to open it, but it wouldn’t budge. Finding the manual release he popped it and shoved the door upward.
“Bobby,” he called and drove the truck into the open.
Bobby backed away from his captives. By the time he reached the truck, the four soldiers were taking shots at them. Before Bobby’s door closed, Mark had the truck moving.
A thud drew Mark’s attention to the truck bed. The captive soldier was not giving up. He jumped into the bed. He stood to reach the cab, but Mark rammed the pedal down and the truck shot forward. The man lost his balance and pitched over the sidewall.
The wheels threw gravel in a shower as they reached the road. A bullet punctured the rear window. Bobby and Mark ducked. More rounds pounded into the body. Mark spun the wheel and sped west.
They would have the advantage for a while, but with the two-way radios and assorted vehicles the army had, they were a long way from safe.
Forty-Nine
At the first cross street, Mark turned south, away from where he wanted to go. No sense in drawing pursuit toward the family, even though that was where help would be.
He made another quick turn and pulled over. Mark got out, and using the butt of his handgun, smashed the brake lights. Without headlights the going would be slower, but it would be very hard for anyone to spot them from a distance.
They rode in silence. Mark continued in a one block west, one block south pattern until he had not only lost any pursuit, but was lost himself. In the darkness without being able to see any landmarks, he had no idea where they were.
Mark drove west for several more miles, before turning the truck north. When he reached Airport Highway, he stopped. Now he knew where he was. There were headlights in the far distance to the right. He put the truck into reverse and turned around.
He continued west another two miles and tried the crossing again. This time there was no sign of activity on the road. The truck jumped across Airport Highway, west of the town of Swanton, and down the side road. Mark varied the route until he was closing in on the farmhouse.
Mark stopped the truck behind a ranch house and shut down the engine. He popped the bulb out of the dome light and stepped outside. Sitting on the rear bumper he kept vigil on the road. There was no one following. Mark was as sure as he could be that they hadn’t been spotted, but he wasn’t about to take the chance with everyone’s safety.
The passenger door opened, and Bobby joined his father. They faced each other in an awkward silence, and then Mark stood, opened his arms, and father and son embraced in a tear-filled emotional moment. After a while, Mark pushed his son back at arm’s length to look at him.
“We went to the house,” Bobby said.
Mark’s throat thickened. Thoughts of his wife and youngest son came to him. On the verge of a massive emotional display, he looked away and breathed in deep. Now wasn’t the time. Clearing his throat, he said, “If you … I thought you might … You saw the message?”
“Yeah.” His voice caught. “On Mom’s and Ben’s graves.” He fought back the sob. “How, how did they …”
“The disease, or whatever it was, took them.” Mark felt control slipping away then. “I thought you and your sister were dead too. I can’t believe you’re here.” He reached for his son and pulled him close. The two hugged again. Mark wiped his eyes and let go to resume watching the road.
“Dad, how did you know Becca and I were there?”
Mark shook his head. “I didn’t. I had no idea you two were even alive let alone held hostage. How long were you there?”
“Just a day. But if you didn’t know we were there, why were you there?”
“I was looking for a member of our community. I think those men captured him. I guess I was wrong though, since he wasn’t in there with you.”
Bobby said, “What did he look like? He wasn’t Hispanic, was he?”
“Yes, his name is Juan. Did you see him?”
“There was a Hispanic man in the room when we were brought in. I never got his name. The guards took him out after a while. When they brought him back, he was in bad shape. When I got back, the other people told me Becca had escaped and one of the guards had taken Juan to get some medical attention.”
Mark drew in a long breath. “That means I’m gonna have to go back to get him. First things first, though. I have to get you to safety and make sure the others arrived.” Suddenly very anxious to get home, Mark said, “I think we’re safe. Let’s get moving.”
Fifty
They drove to a farmhouse. Mark flashed his headlights twice.
From the garage, a flashlight blinked twice. Mark drove up the driveway, past the house and parked. By the time Mark and Bobby were on the ground, they were swarmed by people racing from every building.
Bobby was surprised at how many of people there were. Young, old, male, and female, there had to be close to thirty members of the community. Each one carried a weapon of some sort.
A sudden force struck him from behind. Two legs wrapped tightly around his waist.
“Guess, who?” Becca said.
Bobby staggered forward.
“I’m so glad to see you, little brother. I was worried about you, you asshole. You didn’t say anything. When we reached the truck and I turned around, you were gone. Myron said he saw you go after daddy. You should’ve told me. Anyway, I’m glad you’re here.”
She released him and pushed rudely past everyon
e talking to her father. Once in the clear she rushed Mark and crushed him with her embrace. “I never thought you were dead. I always knew we’d find you.”
Mark returned the hug. He looked up to see Lynn watching them. She wiped tears from her eyes and gave him a smile. He was a father again. He reached an arm out for his son to join them. He pulled him close too.
The community watched silently. Then Mark saw Juan’s wife. Her shoulders slumped forward and her chest heaved as large tears rolled down her face. Two women went to hug and comfort her. Mark’s elation evaporated. There were still important things to do.
Releasing his kids seemed to be the signal for everyone to talk at once. He raised his hands to quiet them.
“I’m sorry, Maria. I didn’t see Juan. But my kids said he was there. I’m going back tomorrow to find him and bring him home.”
Maria’s eyes closed and she cried. Several of the women rushed to comfort her. They led her to the house.
Lynn came forward. “Lincoln filled us in on what you found. Are these soldiers going to be a threat like … like before?”
“I don’t know, Lynn. I get the feeling there’s something else going on here. From what I gathered from Becca and Bobby, the soldiers were looking for someone who killed several of their men.” To the group, Mark said, “Did anyone have any run-ins with men dressed in uniforms?”
He looked around, but no one responded.
“I’m not here to judge, but if something happened, it would be helpful knowing about it. These people are angry and want revenge. I’m not so sure we’d be any different about it.”
Still no one offered any comments.
“Okay, for everyone’s safety, I think you should all stay here until we can assess the situation. If they’re a threat, it’s better if we all stand together.”
Brandford said, “I have to get my family.”
Two others said the same.
Mark frowned and gritted his teeth. Why hadn’t they been smart enough to bring everyone with them? They knew a threat existed. Now others would be at risk to help them. In a controlled voice, he said, “Okay, we need volunteers to ride shotgun with each of you.” Hands shot up without hesitation. “Go now.”
Lynn said, “Wait. Caleb, go get the radios.”
Caleb ran inside the house. When he returned, he held new two-way radios still in their packs.
“How many of them did you get?” Mark said.
“Six sets. Three sets have a longer range.”
“Okay, you three take the long range ones. Leave their mates here. We’ll have someone monitoring each one. Report in when you get to your houses and when you’re leaving there.
With radios in hand, the three teams drove off.
“Caleb, split the other packs up among the other families. Do you know how they work?”
“I’m pretty sure.”
“Okay,” Mark said, “help them understand how to use them. Everyone else, get inside. We’ll take turns on guard duty until the morning. Lincoln, would you take care of setting a two-hour guard rotation?”
“You got it.”
Mark lowered his head and stared at the ground as everyone around him moved. There was so much to do, and if the past was any indication, not nearly enough time.
Fifty-One
“Becca, you, Bobby, and you two,” Mark pointed to the other rescued couple, “come with me.”
He walked into the garage and toward a workbench. He pulled a stool out and sat. Until then, he hadn’t realized how exhausted he was. As the others gathered around, Mark said, “I need some intel on the base. Who was there first?”
Bobby said, “They were there before us,” with a nod in the couple’s direction.
Mark extended a hand. “I’m Mark. I appreciate you helping my daughter escape.”
“I’m Vince. This is Agnes.” Agnes looked as though she would faint at any moment. “I’m just glad it all worked out. And thanks for bringing us along.”
“You’re welcome to stay as long as you want, but just so you understand, we do have some rules, which I can explain later, and everyone is expected to help out. There’s always stuff to do.”
Vince nodded.
“Now, was Juan there before you?”
“Juan? The little Hispanic guy?”
Mark nodded.
“Yeah, said he was there about an hour before we were brought in. Your kids came in several hours later.”
“What can you tell about the base?”
“I’m not sure. What do you want to know?”
“How many people are manning the base?”
“Oh, heck, I wouldn’t have any idea. Looked like twenty or thirty people that I could see. I’m sure there were more inside the buildings.”
“Were you anywhere else other than the room we found you in?”
“First they brought us to a building across from that one. It may have been their command center ‘cause that’s where the officers were. The guard asked what the man in charge wanted to do with us. They decided to put us in that building because it could be secured and guarded with few people.”
“What about trucks and vehicles?”
Vince shrugged. “I saw a bunch, but don’t know how many. I did see the two jets though. They seemed to be working on them, like they were trying to get them ready to fly.”
Mark turned to Becca and Bobby. “What about you two?”
Bobby said, “The two buildings across from us looked like barracks. People were going in and out fairly steadily. One could have been a mess area. I agree with Vince. The smaller one on the end was their headquarters. Inside the first hangar, a lot of people were working on a jet engine. I didn’t see any other jets inside, just the two on the tarmac.”
Becca continued, “There were eight trucks lined up near the fence. I also saw four jeeps, one of which had a mounted machine gun. I’m not sure what they’re trying to do, but they have some serious firepower.”
“Best guess as to numbers.”
Becca frowned and looked at Bobby. “I’d say maybe fifty.”
Bobby nodded. “Yeah, at least.”
“Good. That gives me an idea of what we’re dealing with. Anything else?” Head shakes greeted him until he got to Becca. “What?”
“If you’re going back to find your friend, I’m going with you.”
Bobby added, “Ditto.”
“We’ll talk about that later.”
Fifty-Two
With the farmhouse now bursting at the seams and so many preparations to oversee, Mark couldn’t find the time to sit with his children and have a reunion. By two a.m. he was exhausted. He gave Becca and Bobby a hug, something he had given up believing would ever happen again, and went to bed.
He didn’t remember falling asleep, but a soft knock on the door woke him.
Lynn slipped inside and closed the door. “Are you awake?”
“I am now.” He pushed up on his side. “What’s up?”
Lynn sat on the edge of the bed. Her face glowed in the slim moonlight that slid through the curtain. She was crying.
He sat up. “What is it?” He touched her shoulder.
She shook her head. “Nothing. I’m just so happy for you. I couldn’t imagine the pain you were going through not knowing if they were alive or not, but now …”
He pulled her close and held her. It wasn’t often she allowed any physical contact or emotional display. The ordeal she’d gone through not long ago was still a fresh scar in her memory. Mark had strong feelings for Lynn, but understood and respected her distance.
“Thank you,” he said.
Lynn placed her head against his chest. He stroked her hair. It was the first time she’d allowed Mark to be this close since he’d recovered from his injuries. He couldn’t deny he’d longed to hold her.
She put her hands on his chest and gently pushed free. Her gaze met his. She touched his cheek and then her hand was gone like it had been a light breeze. “I know you have to do whatever
you can to protect this family, but we can’t afford to lose you. I-I can’t afford to lose you. And now that your children have arrived, they don’t want to lose their father. Please be careful.”
“I will.”
Lynn stood and slid to the door.
Mark said, “Lynn.”
She hesitated, but didn’t turn.
“I need you too.”
She nodded and left.
Sleep was a non-starter after that. An hour later, Mark dressed, gathered what he would need, and slid out of the house. Light was the hint of an idea in the eastern sky. He reached the truck, opened the door, and then heard footsteps behind him.
He spun and crouched, a gun in his hand pointed and ready.
The footsteps stopped. “I told you he’d try to sneak away without us,” Bobby said.
Becca replied, “You were right, brother.”
Mark’s heart rate began to slow. A breath of relief released. “What do you think you two are doing?”
“Don’t be dense, Daddy. We’re going with you.” Without waiting for Mark to respond, Becca walked around the truck and climbed in.
“Shame on you, Dad. We just found each other and you’re trying to duck out on us.” Bobby followed his sister inside and closed the door.
Mark stood, mouth open, watching his children. His first reaction was anger. Then the harsh words melted from his mouth and a feeling of pride swept through him. He smiled and got in.
“Okay, but here’s the rules. You follow my lead and do what I say with no argument or delay. There is no room for debate. I have a lot of people to look after, and they rely on me to keep them safe. If you’re going to have a problem with any of that, get out.”
Neither child spoke.
Mark backed out the driveway and drove away from the house. He glanced sideways and saw the smile on Becca’s face. “What are you smiling about?”
“This is going to be fun.”
Mark shook his head. I hope this isn’t a huge mistake.