by Cliff Deane
Poor Darren didn’t know what to do, so he just tried to look mean. This was something that did not come easy for Gus’ son. Still, he tried.
“Okay, okay, please, can you let me go after you fix up my wound?”
Levi smiled his most sincere smile and said, “Tyrell, of course, we can. Now, answer the question.”
“His name is Arnold Elmore, but folks calls him King Bull.”
“Thank you, now, how many followers does His Highness have, and then tell me about him.”
Speaking Elmore’s name broke through Tyrell’s final wall of resistance, and his story flowed like water.
He told how Elmore recruited anyone who would do his bidding for safety, drugs, booze, and women. How this gang of forty, who called themselves, The Four, had ridden into Windsor, shot anyone who was in a position of authority, or made the slightest complaint, in thought, word or deed, about anything these murdering rapists wanted to do, and they wanted a lot. If one of the gang wanted a man’s wife or daughter, he just took her and made the man watch, while tied to a chair. After he finished, he would cut the man’s throat.
He also gave up information on the headquarters location, and the bars they frequented.
When he had finished his horror story, Tyrell said, “That’s all I know. Now, will you please fix me up so I can get as far away from here as I can?”
Levi looked shocked at Tyrell, and said, “No, Tee, why would we do that?”
Tyrell began to panic and said, “But you promised to help me and let me go if I answered your questions. I kept my end of the bargain, now help me.”
“Oh, Tee, Tee, Tee, there was never any bargain. You asked if we could help you and if we could set you free. I told you that yes we could. Tee, we could do both of those things, but we did not say we would do either of them. Remember you asked if we could, not if we would.”
Tee began screaming something about lying bastards, when Gus said to SSgt Carter, “Sergeant, let’s end his pain; hang him high.”
“Yes, sir.”
Katie and Levi went to their tent to discuss Katie’s reaction to Tyrell. Katie, can you tell me what happened out there?”
Hanging her head and trying not to cry, she said, “I’m not sure I do know, Dad. Suddenly he became all of the men who did things to me; all rolled into one. I wanted to kill him, but not close up. I wanted to do it from a long way off and through a scope. That way he would not have any idea the bullet was coming. I know, it’s crazy, but up so close I just wanted you to protect me from him, and all the rest, like you did the day you saved me.
I’m sorry, Dad, I know I’ve let you down, but please don’t give up on me, or even think for a second that when things get rough that I would freeze up.
Can you forgive me, please?”
Katie was right next to tears that became a flood when Levi said, “Honey, there is nothing to forgive, and I don’t want you to worry about how I feel about you. I love you, and nothing can change that.
I also know that you would never freeze up in combat because you have had that opportunity and came through with flying colors. Now, come on over here and give your old Dad a big hug.”
Katie was immediately in his arms and squeezing his neck so hard he thought he would choke.
With her head buried in his neck she blubbered out, “Daddy, I like being Kate, but sometimes I’m only thirteen, and I want to be your Katie, kinda’ like right now.”
“Oh, sweetie, I love it when you are my little girl, so don’t you ever try to hide wanting to be Katie, instead of Kate. I love you both. It is just so sad that the world has taken away your chance to be my Katie Bug full-time for the next couple of years; but the world is what it is, and you are destined to become the next Xena, the Warrior Princess.”
“Oh, Daddy, that’s just silly. There’s no way I could ever fill out her costume, not to mention the fact that it’s like really a stupid uniform. I like ours much better.”
“Okay, okay, not Xena, huh, oh, wait, I’ve got it, Joan of Arc, well, without the being burned at the stake part.”
Katie looked confused as she wiped the tears from her eyes, “Joan of the Park, what did she do?”
“Oh, boy, we need to find some history books for you to read. What say we do that and we’ll read them together and talk about what we’ve read?”
Katie was giggling now and said, “That sounds like fun; let’s do it.”
Levi watched his Katie slowly mature back to Kate; he thought that terribly sad.
◎
18 April 0800
Crew Camp
Outside of Windsor
Levi’s bunch came to think of themselves as the crew, and after ending Tee’s crimes, they met for a tactical meeting
SSgt Tim Carter said, “I honestly would not have believed that we would run into trouble so close to the ROA border.”
Gus looked at Levi and said, “Old buddy, I told you it was crazy outside your ROA borders.”
Levi looked at everyone present and said, “Well, we have to start somewhere, so why not here?”
Darren jumped in with, “But sir, there are forty of them, and well, I guess you know there are only six of us, right?”
Gus said, “Wrong, son, now there are only thirty-eight and don’t forget, we have surprise on our side, and besides that’s less than seven to one. My guess is that these are the best odds we’ll face anywhere. I doubt if anyone out here controls a real town with less than forty, or so.
Don’t worry; first, we whittle them down just a bit, then we get some locals to help. I’ll bet they would be very happy to pitch in after what Tee told us the bad guys are doing. I say we execute ‘em, every last one of them.”
Levi looked around the table and said, “Gus is right, these are not bad odds, well considering how smart we are, and that we are such terrific shots; they don’t stand a chance in Hell.
Okay, here’s what I think we should do. First, we secure this area, ‘cause there are not many forests amid all of this farmland, other than for windbreaks.
Tim, I would like for you and Kevin to recon the areas where these bad boys hang out. I want you back in forty-eight hours, complete with info and strip maps.
Second; we slip in during the night after they have all been tucked into bed before we establish shooting platforms. We will probably have to infiltrate the town and use buildings to shoot. We’ll know for sure when our fearless scouts return.
Third; we establish a kill zone to reduce their numbers by, at least twelve. So, unless we see, at least twelve in the street, at the same time, we hold fire. Is everybody clear on this?”
Everyone around the jeep trailer, which was their meeting space, responded in the affirmative.
“Tim, you and Kate will man the SAW.”
Kevin’s eyes briefly flashed, but Kate had something to say about that plan. She said, “Dad, it’s not that I’m not comfortable with Tim’s ability, but he needs me like a desert needs more sand. Can’t I be with you?”
Gus interjected, “Levi, I think Kate has a point. I would suggest that you put Darren with Tim as a backup in the event he needs to take over the SAW. Kate is too good of a shot to potentially lose her ability as a Sniper.”
Levi thought for a long second before saying, “All right, I agree, she is a damned fine shot. Okay, Darren, you’re with Tim, and Kate is with me.”
This news pleased Darren, but Kev would have preferred a little different change to this plan.
“Good; Fourth; escape routes. We don’t want anyone trapped inside a building by these bastards
Fifth; depending on the situation we contact locals and enlist their help. We loan them a few weapons and plan a strategy to get them into the action.
Sixth; upon mission completion, we account for all of our loaned weapons and then give the bad boy weapons to the town. Hopefully, this will give them the firepower needed to stave off any future attacks.
So, whadaya think?”
The basic plan s
eemed plausible and would be firmed up upon the return of the scouts.
“When do we leave, sir?” asked SSgt Tim Carter.
“You are released from duty today to get some rest, and then depart at 2300 hours, tonight.”
“Roger that, sir.”
The remainder of the day was spent in fortifying their perimeter in case Mr. Elmore sent more of his troops to find out what had happened to his first two morons.
Additional wire, with tin cans and a few loose rocks in them, were stretched a full 360°around the perimeter.
Six claymore mines were placed on the most likely avenues of approach. Tripwires connected to grenades were placed to fill in the areas not covered by the claymores. Since the use of flares would disrupt the Night Vision Goggles (NVG), the flares remained packed away.
Four foxholes with log frontages were dug as primary fighting positions. By 1500 hours the job was complete, and everyone was exhausted. Levi took the first watch allowing everyone else to get some rest.
Due to personnel restrictions, only one guard was to be awake at all times.
◎
18 April 1000
The Four HQ
Suffolk, VA
Arnold Elmore, aka, King Bull was furious when his two morons did not return with a prisoner. He said, “Those chicken-shit bastards jumped ship and ran off with one of our precious pickups.
I cannot believe that those two were scared off by a family of just six people. They were sitting ducks, and those pussies must have just run away.”
He was speaking to Demon, his number two. Demon, I want you to pick five guys and finish the job. No one comes uninvited into our territory without paying the price. Kill everyone but the girl and bring their shit back here.”
Demon looked unhappy as he hated night missions when he could be drinking and getting some “trim.” He said, “Sure thing, Boss, I got this.
You got anything else for me right now?”
King Bull smiled a crooked, black-toothed grin at Demon and said, “I know, Demon, but who else can I trust to do the job right. Come on, don’t be mad; tell ya’ what, you get the second crack at the new chick. Okay?”
“Yeah Boss sounds good. I’ll get the guys sobered up and ready for tonight. I think we’ll head out around midnight tonight and hit while they’re asleep at, say 1:30.”
Elmore smiled and said, “Good plan, Demon, do what needs doin’. I got nothin’ else for right now. Good hunting my friend.”
“Okay, Boss, I’ll see ya’ in the morning.”
◎
19 April 0045
On the road to Windsor, VA
Simms signaled back to Kevin to hurry forward to join up. Ten seconds later they could both see the lights of a truck moving slowly up the road.
The scouts split up, each to a differing side of the road. Within seconds they had decided to attack the truck if it was filled with armed men.
Kevin ran twenty-five yards forward from the oncoming truck. If Tim opened fire, then Kevin would take out the driver and anyone else in the cab; then focus on whoever was still alive in the back of the truck.
Their night visions goggles (NVG) would come in handy this night.
Just before the truck entered the ambush kill zone, the driver pulled over to the side of the road, less than fifty feet from Tim’s position.
Two men exited the cab of the truck and ordered the four men in the truck’s bed to dismount. After all four men were on the ground, the leader huddled everyone up for a last minute briefing.
Tim Carter could clearly see that these were not the Welcome Wagon, and as he watched one of the men turned directly toward him.
What Tim saw shook him to the marrow of his bones. The man’s entire face was covered with the tattoo of a demon, complete with inked blood dripping from the corners of his mouth, and horns engraved in his bald head, set off with inked green scales.
It took Tim several seconds to regain his composure, and he knew that these men were a part of The Four.
Tim decided to take the shot as the men were so close while receiving their final briefing. He took a deep breath, released half and with the pad of his forefinger eased back on the trigger until the fire and recoil somewhat startled him. Tim continued to fire on full-auto until all thirty rounds had riddled these six men. This would normally not be his best move, but the image of the demon faced man caused him to almost unconsciously hold back the trigger.
All six men had fallen to the ground, dead from the withering fire of thirty rounds of 7.62 X 51 caliber, NATO ball ammunition. Several rounds actually passed through the first man they hit and slammed into their companions.
Both Tim and Kevin carefully approached the downed gangsters. Upon reaching the fallen, they discovered that there were no survivors. As the Scouts tossed the bodies into the drainage ditch Kevin saw the nametag on the demon’s leather vest; Demon.
Staff Sergeant Tim Carter barely noted the rounds being fired from his silenced weapon. In fact, the loudest noise came from the bolt slamming a new round into the chamber. This engagement went completely unnoticed by anyone other than SSgt Carter and Sgt Simms.
The two sergeants removed all undamaged weapons and ammunition before searching the men for anything of an intelligence nature, before dragging the bodies to the drainage ditch Kevin then put their weapons in the truck bed, while Tim opened the truck’s door and removed the keys. They would take the truck following the completion of their mission.
The remaining two miles were uneventful, and both were worn out, not from the night patrol, but their bodies reclaiming the nor-adrenalin resulting from the ambush.
Finding The Four was easy as their bonfire still put out significant light at 0200. Both men settled in for the night. Carter took the first watch while Simms grabbed some shut eye. Each man stayed alert in one-hour shifts.
◎
19 April, 0900
Observation Point
Outskirts of Windsor
Kevin nudged Tim, bringing him instantly awake. Kev pointed toward the men. Tim could see that a few had begun to rouse from last night’s festivities.
These men weren’t a biker gang; they were simply the dregs of the Earth. Their morning toilette was, well, beyond description
The immediate area consisted of a Motel 7, a gas station, and a liquor store. Oh, yes across the street was a tobacco shop.
Several middle-aged women, dressed only in their underwear were busy preparing food. As Tim looked through his weapons telescopic sight, he could easily see that all of the women carried bad bruises.
Kevin turned his head to Tim and said, “I can’t wait to kill these mother-fuckers.” He was about to say that he didn’t think things could get any worse and of course they did get worse. As they watched, a pickup truck pulled into the parking lot. In the back were five older men. They each wore ankle chains which only allowed a shambling movement. One of the men was purposely tripped as he hopped down onto the pavement. His tormentor laughed and ordered him to get up.
Both men could see that the man had landed on his face and right arm, which they could clearly see from their observation post, was badly broken.
The injured man showed his broken arm to the guard who kicked him, ordering him to get on his feet. Blood was flowing from the poor man’s forehead, torn face, and a broken nose.
Realizing that the man would be worthless in his condition the guard drew his pistol and shot him. Four women were forced to remove the body.
Both Scouts were in a white rage. Kev wanted to start shooting these animals right now, but Tim restrained him and whispered, “I know, Tim, but now is not the time. No, we need to get back to camp tonight and report. Then we can come back in force and kill every one of these monsters.
Did you get a good look at the one who tripped, then shot that poor old man?”
Through gritted teeth and glassy eyes, Kevin said, “Oh, yes, I will not forget that prick. He has only half of one ear, probably from a fight, a scar alo
ng the side of his face, and a spider web tat on his neck. Oh, yeah, I want him.”
◎◎◎
Chapter 4
Odds: 7 to 1, yeah, that’s doable
20 April 0215
Listening Post
Four miles outside of Windsor, VA
Levi and Kate had the LP duty this night and were anxiously awaiting the return of the scouts, Tim and Kevin.
The plan was for the scouts to make their presence known only at fifteen-minute intervals from the top of each hour. At 0215 both Levi and Kate were listening intently when they heard the whispered password; “Double Dog.” To Levi’s dismay and pride, the password was whispered from just behind their foxhole.
Using his night vision monocle, Levi turned to Tim and whispered; “Dare; you stealthy bastard.”
Tim and Kevin climbed down into the foxhole and in whispering tones said, “Sir, both Kevin and I are quite proud to be stealthy bastards, well, not the bastard part, but stealthy. Of course, we did know where the LP is located, so that helped, but we gotcha.”
Levi chuckled and asked if there was anything important he needed to know right now?”
Tim said, “No, sir, I don’t think so.”
Kevin jumped in with, “Well, that is if you don’t think our new pickup truck and the six dead bad guys in the ditch up the road apiece are worthy, then no, sir, Tim’s right; nothing critical that won’t wait til mornin’.”
“Okay, okay,” said Levi, “since they are dead, then I guess I’ll just have to wait until 0800. You can fill us in on the finer details over breakfast; now go get some rest.”
“Yes, sir.”
Kevin added, “Night Kate.”
Kate’s temperature went up a couple of degrees as she blushed a bright red. She was very glad it was dark. Still, she did say, “Night, guys.”