by Jake Aaron
Marsh anticipated his question, “They arrived by drones. There were three, they tell me.”
Brock: “And where did they come from?”
“I don’t rightly know. Oh, I’ve asked often enough without a response, so I don’t ask anymore, Brock. By the way, good job here. I’m going to ask you to stay on with our patient 'til he’s fully recovered. I know the Denton group needs Zeke back as soon as possible. I have another hot potato after this, so Zeke and I will head back tonight. That means Zeke and I will be trying to get some much needed shut-eye this afternoon.”
Marsh could tell Brock was considering asking why he didn’t have the modern equipment and drugs for John’s surgery, almost two weeks ago. He wasn’t sure, but the Benefactor’s capabilities seemed to be ramping up. Measured in drone activity alone, the Benefactor was doing more for Marsh’s people.
Brock’s open mouth closed, never broached that question. It would be useless, he felt. Marsh was the ultimate stonewaller.
*****
Zeke elected to drive after Marsh confessed he got no sleep in the afternoon. East of Stevensville, the dirt road looked somewhat familiar to Zeke through his night vision goggles. They made a good team: Marsh’s snoring kept Zeke from falling asleep. And, when road hazards became more frequent, Zeke’s abrupt swerving woke Marsh for an extra set of eyes.
Nearing Denton, as they danced around the obstacles on the highway created by abandoned vehicles, Zeke broached a subject carefully. “Marsh, did you notice that the hurricane fence around the group back there was like the one around the B & B and the Denton house?”
Zeke was surprised at Marsh’s frankness: “I did.” What Marsh didn’t say was that the one around his compound was also very similar. Marsh went on, “Not too surprising to have one supplier out here in rural Montana. I also noticed all three residences are sequestered. But that’s common in rural country. And the answer to your next question is that the other two sites under my jurisdiction are sequestered and have similar fences.”
Zeke’s mind had already made that inductive leap. He smiled. “Marsh, I’d like to find out more about the Benefactor. You know I’m loyal to you, and that’s why I’m asking you first. Would it be all right with you if I try to find out more from him?”
Marsh drawled, “You know if we were in a standard bureaucracy like your military or police, the answer would be hell no. But we’re not, so I guess I’d like to know what you think you’ll accomplish.”
“I’ll tell you the truth, Marsh. I don’t rightly know.” Rightly wasn’t in Zeke’s vocabulary.
“You're not mocking me now, are you, Zeke?” Marsh laughed more than Zeke had ever seen before.
“I have too much respect for you to do that, Marsh. I was trying to establish rapport, and it fell on its face. I apologize.”
“It’s okay, Zeke. You're one of the few in my gaggles that I know I can trust. Had a friend back in Hamilton years ago. He made it through four hellish years at Annapolis. He summarized the key to life as cooperate and graduate. I think, if we keep that in mind, we’ll all make it. I’d like to see everyone of you cross the finish line, happy and in good health. Cooperate and graduate!”
“Sounds like a good plan, Marsh.”
“It does. Unfortunately, there are always the ones who know better, your Sondras and your Brocks. You know, yours truly has tried the direct approach to find out more about the Benefactor many times. As smart as you are, maybe you can figure out some clever indirect approach. Let me know how it goes. And tell the Benefactor what a good job I’m doing while you're at it, will you, Zeke?”
“I’ll do that ... right after I ask for a raise.”
“You crack me up, Zeke. Oh yeah, the Benefactor told me your group got three hours of power this afternoon instead of just two. The condition for the electricity to come back on was Brock’s doing what was asked. I asked whether three hours was the new norm. No reply to that.”
January 18
During a morning break, Zeke went to his bedroom. His cell phone would not turn on. He walked into the empty foyer outside his bedroom. He looked at an overhead security camera and mouthed the words: “Benefactor, I would like to send you a message on my smartphone.” The phone sprang to life. As he reentered his bedroom, he remembered he still had the text about stopping Sondra. He used the reply function to send a brief text:
Benefactor, would like to talk to you about my ideas for improving your situation. Zeke
The immediate text reply shocked him:
I will text you tomorrow about this. The Benefactor
Zeke could barely contain himself. Just getting by in the new subsistence-level world had become all that he could expect. This small morsel of hope tasted like success. If nothing else, the directionality was correct. He felt ecstatic. Little things matter, he thought.
Emerging from the bathroom still combing her blonde locks, Keala could tell Zeke had some sort of good news by the spring in his step. “So?” she asked.
“Not much,” he whispered, “I’ll tell you later.”
As Zeke went downstairs, he thought about how the Benefactor had read his lips using the camera. The caterer’s words had keyed him: security cameras all over the place. He might learn more tomorrow.
*****
At 1 PM, everyone cheered when the electricity turned on once more. Zeke saw the initial frenzy and reminded his team, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint!”
Susan counseled against expecting three hours of electricity: “If it was a lagniappe, we should not necessarily expect it again.” Zeke nodded at Susan for helping manage expectations.
The group adjusted to a less frenzied pace for filling pots and anything that could hold water. Everyone was also getting in a warm bath with their extra time. While Zeke had managed to work in daily shaving, the other Denton men shaved their beards for the first time this year. That inspired the women to be less “European.”
After several days of not shaving following the momentous party, Zeke had begun using a razor for several reasons. One, Marsh's clean-shaved face gave him an aura of authority. He wanted that air about himself as the Denton leader. Two, that old ritual of civilization boosted his morale.
In all, the newfound efficiency also gave them time to be more creative when the electricity went off. Susan found books on Native American medicine in the ranch’s extensive library. She resolved to collect bitterroot plants in the springtime. Chokecherries held the prospect of providing more vitamin C. Meanwhile, Jed and Karen began planning what seeds they needed for a large garden. Cody and John found useful items in the barn. Joan started looking at training backups for certain skill sets in the group. In particular, no one knew how to cook for everyone like Karen. Karen began training her alternates. Likewise, the hunter-gatherers shared their knowledge. It was desirable that everyone learn to hunt and fish.
As a result, supper was a very uplifting experience. The inspired group discussed important ideas that would mean a better life for all. While there were only two hours of electricity, everyone was happy with what they got.
*****
In their bedroom, Zeke asked, “Everything all right?” He could tell Keala wasn’t her usual upbeat self.
“You caught me. I hate to admit it, but I’m feeling a little glum. I think it’s the weather. So many overcast days. You know, flying place to place in my old job broke up that kind of monotony.”
“It’s not just you. SAD, seasonal affective disorder, has a large biological component," Zeke answered sympathetically. "Very notable in the northern climes in the winter due to lack of sunshine. Vitamin D deficiency is part of it. In fact, I’m sure getting into sunnier cities in the winter helped me out — places like Helena and Butte. Marsh brought us some vitamin D. Have you been taking it?”
“No, Zeke, I didn’t think I needed to.”
“Well, shall we get you going on that? I’ll go downstairs and bring you back several pills after I brighten your mood. Here goes: ‘A rabbi,
a flight attendant, and an industrial engineer walk into a bar …’”
“No! No! No! Just get the vitamin D. I hate those jokes!”
Zeke smiled. “At least, it made me laugh — and you. You’re not so glum. Be right back!”
January 19
Zeke woke to an incoming text:
What do you have in mind? The Benefactor
Zeke remembered he had tried to pique the Benefactor’s self-interest — and he had no doubt that the Benefactor had one.
Zeke texted back:
I would like to speak with you on the phone. I have too much new information for a text. Zeke
He waited and waited. Nothing.
Keala tried to lift his spirits. “You know, there seems to be a twenty-four hour cycle with the Benefactor for some reason. Tomorrow’s a new day!”
“What if it’s not?” he pouted, defying his maturity.
“That would be a first. Something to celebrate as well — a unique occurrence — no tomorrow. On second thought, if there is not a tomorrow … ” She laughed at her own capacity for feeling good. It was a welcome return to her old self. Maybe the vitamin D helped.
Zeke hit her gently with a pillow. “Humbug!” He smiled.
Keala kissed him. “I think there’ll be a tomorrow.”
Zeke kissed her back. He complimented her, “You know I envy your emotional maturity.”
“Then stop envying,” she said with a wink.
Later, at lunch, Zeke tried to act upbeat. Only Keala could tell he was still down.
As the group readied buckets and pails for the expected electricity to power the well’s water pump, Zeke gave Keala a weak smile. “I know the sun will come out tomorrow.”
“I know someone who believes it won’t,” Keala said sympathetically.
“I hate cheerful people! They ruin my day,” he said to mock himself.
“That’s the spirit, Zeke!” she kidded back.
Verbalizing his mood helped. So did the activity of filling containers from the frost-free pump beginning at 1 PM.
*****
Marsh was checking on Ted and June’s family at the bison ranch. The Benefactor had instructed Marsh to begin negotiations with the rancher for meat to go to the various groups.
As Marsh sipped his coffee in the kitchen, younger son Andy ran into the house. “There’s a guy coming onto our property. Colter stopped him. He’s by the old tree swing.”
Armed with rifles, Marsh and Ted followed Andy to the man. The man was weary of holding his arms in the air. They had fallen to 45 degrees and were shaking.
“I’m not here to hurt anybody. Can I put my arms down now? The kid said he’d shoot me if I dropped them any more. I’m about to faint!” the man complained.
Marsh took charge, “Not 'til I search you. Lock your hands behind your neck. On your knees! Who are you?"
“I’m Milton. Used to live in Hamilton.” His raspy voice was weak.
Marsh: “Milton Kendrick, You son-of-a-gun! Relax! Stand up. Let’s talk. I didn’t recognize you behind all that stubble. Didn’t recognize you without your signature Pendleton vest either. What are you doing out of jail?” Marsh seemed amused at the circumstances.
“On the third day of no power, the warden at Deer Lodge let a few of us go. He knew I wasn’t a threat to anyone …”
Marsh finished for the gravelly-voiced man. “And you were wrongly imprisoned in the first place. I’m not making fun. A lot of us in Hamilton knew your character. We knew you didn’t steal the money.” He turned to Ted, “I’ll vouch for him. I’ve got some goodies in the saddlebag I’m supposed to entice you with, Ted. Let’s find out what Milt has been up to over some bourbon, coffee, and peanuts.”
After proper introductions inside the ranch house, Milt eagerly attacked the one ounce of bison steak in front of him.
“Milt, you can have more later. I just don’t want you getting sick. You’ve been without food for a long time!” June said. “Hold off on that whiskey until you get some food in your belly!” She poured him more water in hope of easing his raspy voice.
“Thanks, June. This is marvelous!”
Milt kept his gaze on his plate until he finished the steak. Then he went on to discuss his saga. “And that’s how I got here,” he concluded. He sipped the bourbon, adding: “Best steak I’ve ever had!”
Marsh: “Well, Milt, I appreciate your sharing that with us. The deterioration of our old way of life seems to be consistent all around us. No end in sight. If there’s a positive here, it looks like a CPA also learned to be a medical technician. That’s admirable.” He paused. “If you will excuse me, I’m going to check on my horse.”
Out of everyone’s view, Marsh texted the Benefactor:
Recommend addition of Milton Kendrick to group at Denton Ranch. Has some medical skills. Intelligent. Think his criminal record is based on wrongful conviction. Marsh
In less than a minute, he received a text:
Take him to Denton. Definitely wrongfully convicted. I expunged records. The Benefactor
That’s pretty cool, Marsh thought. He whimsically wondered, now I wonder if the Benefactor could make me king of England.
*****
Mid-afternoon Marsh introduced Milt to the Denton crew as a paramedic.
Joan: “It is great to have someone medical in the group. We have a new addition who can really use your help. She’s been in a daze ever since she got here. She’s situated on the couch in the living room by the fire. We take shifts watching her.”
Milt said with his gravelly voice, “Take me to her. I’ll see what I can do.”
Karen interjected, “First let’s get you cleaned up. Jed will get you some soap, warm water, and clean clothes.”
Minutes later a clean-shaven, gaunt Milt came downstairs from his new room looking like a different man. He followed Jed to the patient. Milt tried to hide his shock. As he examined the redhead, his mind raced. It can’t be, he thought. Is this another of life’s cruel jokes — or an opportunity for justice? It was Julia Hawkins — bitch of the universe! He would never forgive her. He counseled himself to be calm. He couldn’t afford to give away his knowledge of her or her name. When he killed her, there should be no connection to him.
Keala broke his thoughts of vengeance, “How is she?”
“Other than the head trauma, in good shape,” Milt said. “The contusion on her head points to possible brain damage. The skull seems to be intact. Keep her on her back, head slightly elevated; and continue what you’ve been doing. I’d like to be on the first shift tonight.”
Milt masterfully conveyed the Dr. Jekyll image. Inside, he was Mr. Hyde.
January 20
When Zeke was dressing in the morning, his cell phone announced an incoming call.
“Hello, this is Zeke.”
“Good morning, Zeke. This is the Benefactor, as you call me. How are you this morning?”
“I am well and very happy to hear from you,” Zeke answered. The voice sounded feminine, he thought. He placed the accent from somewhere in mid-America, or perhaps Canada.
“I am pleased to talk with you as well. Are we alone?”
Keala finished dressing, waved at Zeke with a smile, and exited the room.
Zeke: “We are now. Keala just left.”
The voice went on, “I understand you have some things you wish to discuss with me, Zeke."
“I do. I know that five sites of roughly ten people each support your operations, in this area anyway. I have some ideas on how we can make those perform better. And, the more you tell me about your overall operations, the more I think I can help you.”
“I know your expertise,” the voice went on. “That’s why I picked you. I have been impressed with what you have done so far and I am more impressed with the initiative you have shown in asking to speak to me. If you are available tomorrow, we can discuss more. I have just learned of several emergencies that require my full attention.”
“I will make myself availabl
e tomorrow.” Zeke tagged on a rushed afterthought, “Could we make it a face-to-face meeting next time? I mean over the phone, of course.”
The voice answered without hesitation, “Of course, I’ll call you on Face Up tomorrow. Do you have the app?”
“I don’t …”
“No worries,” the Benefactor cut him off, “I will install it on your cell. Say hi to that charming flight attendant for me.”
Days ago I would have wondered how the Benefactor knew details about his roommate, Zeke self-analyzed. Against the new norm, this does not surprise me.
*****
Zeke whispered, “Follow me!” as he headed back from outside chores. He led Keala into the Faraday cage silo.
“How did your discussion with the Benefactor go?” she asked.
“We got cut short by some emergencies on her end,” Zeke said.
“Her?”
Zeke, “Yes, her. Definitely sounded female. Kind of a neutral accent, announcer-like. I couldn’t really pin it down. Very fluent. Flawless.”
“So, our Benefactor is not a bastard, but a …”
“Does it matter, Keala?” he smiled. “She acts with authority, that’s for sure. As we’ve suspected, also seems to have remote access to my cell phone, at the very least. She seemed to know who you are. Asked me to ‘say hi to that charming flight attendant for me.’”
“She seems a good judge of people! Zeke, I’ll be more careful about what I say at all times.”
Zeke understood Keala’s tactful implied message: Zeke, you watch it, too.
*****
Marsh arrived before noon. He brought raw bison steaks, spaghetti, marinara sauce, salt, savor salt, pepper, and ground coffee. “I’d like to join you for lunch if you don’t mind. Nothing like inviting myself over, is there?”