by Bobby Akart
After voicing their appreciation and issuing promises to come back when things settle down, the group of five hit the trail and continued their trek toward the U.S. border. Both horses and riders were rejuvenated as they made good time with full bellies and hearts filled with hope.
They were provided two tents large enough to sleep in, additional water bottles, and several cigarette lighters. The group was now relatively set for shelter and water, and with ammunition for their rifles, they could hunt for food. Now, their biggest challenge was to stay out of harm’s way.
The folks in Nanton had provided the group some advice on the upcoming towns along Route 2, which led due south to the border town of Carway. Their most likely point of trouble would be the bridge crossing at Oldman River just north of Fort Macleod.
Rumors had spread that some of Fort Macleod’s less savory characters had commandeered the bridge and were exacting a hefty toll from those attempting to cross. The town’s motto of small town, big heart had been replaced with give me what you got, no arguments.
This was only the group’s third day of travel, and they weren’t ready to duke it out with a bunch of local thugs. After some discussion, it was agreed the group would stop early for the night just south of Woodhouse. They’d made good time that day, and it was a good idea to rest their horses. The group planned on breaking camp before dawn in order to arrive at Fort Macleod near daybreak.
Palmer studied the map with Pacheco while Cooper and Riley got the fire going. Morales volunteered for horse-feeding duty.
The fire was roaring now, as the group made no effort to hide their location from prying eyes. They hadn’t seen a house nor human for miles. They camped near a shallow lake, which had thawed thanks to warming temperatures. Morales was pleased that the watering was easy as he allowed the horses to drink thirstily without concern of bacteria. Nothing could live in this cold water, he surmised.
Everyone settled around the campfire, where they enjoyed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches made by the folks in Nanton. Palmer laid out her proposed route, having taken on the unofficial title of navigator.
“If we veer off Route 2 at Mud Lake, we can take this back road due south to a railroad bridge crossing a half mile west of the bridge where the thugs are hanging out. I’m thinkin’ we walk the horses across one at a time so it doesn’t attract any attention. They’ll just think it’s a local crossing into town using a shortcut.”
“Sounds like a plan,” said Cooper. “We’ll turn in soon, and I’ll wake everyone up around two in the morning.”
Riley, the notorious late sleeper, groaned. “Maybe we don’t need to do that. I mean, they don’t care about some old railroad bridge.”
“You never know, Riley,” said Palmer, who was best suited to control her brother. She’d always followed her momma’s lead in that respect. “You can handle one early morning. After that, we should have a good clean ride to the border.”
“All right,” he acquiesced. “Hey, are you gonna finish that sandwich?”
Palmer laughed and volunteered the last quarter of the PB and J.
“Let me see the map,” directed Cooper. “Sure enough, it’s called Old Man River.”
“Crazy, right?” said Palmer. “Just like the song.”
Cooper studied the map closely for a moment in the dim light, realized the name of the river was Oldman, not Old Man, but shrugged off the misnomer. He reached behind him to retrieve his backpack. He pulled out a harmonica given to him by Pops when he was ten years old.
“Yup, just like the song,” muttered Cooper, who was about to play before another groan was emitted by Riley.
“You ain’t gonna go all Brokeback Mountain on us, are you, Coop? Seriously, are you gonna play that thing?”
“I am, and you’re gonna like it,” said Cooper with a laugh.
With near perfect melody and scale, Cooper played the instrument as darkness fell upon them. The smooth sounds flowed across the snowy fields for miles. For those few minutes, the group forgot about the long trip that lay before them and the dangers they’d face.
Chapter 36
November 28
Sinmi-do, North Korea
Her face was beautiful with soft features, and her smile forced him to let down his guard. Sook, as she called herself, tucked her hair behind her ears and reached for his forehead. Initially, Duncan flinched, and she stopped. Then her smile grew wider and he relaxed. She placed her hand on his forehead, feeling his temperature, and then lovingly pushed his hair to the side.
She whispered to him, “Much better. Welcome back.”
Duncan opened his mouth and tried to speak, but he broke into a coughing fit.
Sook patted him on the chest. “Shhhh. I’ll get you some water.”
She reached behind her and retrieved a small plastic water bottle with a straw protruding from the lid. Duncan saw that it was marked with lines indicating the volume of fluids contained in the bottle. It appeared to be from a medical facility.
She allowed him to take a sip. “Slowly. Not too much.”
His mouth was dry, and the water provided welcome relief. Duncan began to move his arms under the covers. If he had been unconscious, how had he been receiving nourishment? He shifted his eyes away from this angelic caretaker and looked to his left. An intravenous fluids line was draped from a bag hanging from the ceiling. A steady drip of fluids poured through the lines.
He turned back to Sook and whispered, “Thank you. Where am I?”
“Safe,” she replied. “You are in our home. In Sinmi-do village.”
“What happened?” Duncan managed to ask the question before experiencing another coughing fit. Sook was quick to provide him water, which he took in too quickly, causing him to cough again.
“Slowly. You have many questions. Do not speak. I will answer.”
Duncan smiled and looked to the man standing. He nodded, but Chae’s wrinkled, worn face returned his gaze without emotion.
Sook began to recount the events to Duncan. “Four days past, Father and I were fishing in the river. As we paddled upstream, we saw your body wedged against a fallen tree. You were unconscious and very, very cold. Almost dead.”
Duncan interrupted. “Your English is excellent.”
“Yes, thank you. When I was a young girl, I traveled our country with United Nations. I learned English. With you, I can practice and make it more better.”
Duncan managed a laugh. “It is very good, Sook. My name is Duncan.”
Sook frowned as she studied his face. Something was wrong.
She spun around in her chair and reached for his phony German passport. She showed it to him. “Are you not Hans?” she asked skeptically.
He’d forgotten all about his cover to get into the country. Duncan had to make another decision. This family had cared for him, and now he could destroy the rapport they’d established. He opted to tell the truth.
“No, my name is Duncan. I am an American.”
Sook studied the passport and compared the photo to Duncan’s face. “You are a spy.”
“No, um, yes,” he said. “I was here with the United Nations, but I could not come into the country as an American.”
Still unsure of his response, Sook nodded and set the passport back on the table. “The soldiers have been looking for you. My father, mother, and sisters helped hide you. I am a nurse. I have access to medicine and supplies. You’ve been in a coma.”
Duncan was relieved that the conversation continued. He needed to regain his strength, and that required the family’s continued help.
“What about my friend?” he asked.
“The man from the South? The soldiers told us he is dead. I am sorry.”
Duncan closed his eyes and grimaced. He’d known the answer to that question before he asked it, but if the miracle of this family could save him, perhaps there was a glimmer of hope for Park.
He regained his composure and asked, “Are they still looking for me?”
�
��No,” she replied. “But we must be careful. Something is happening.”
“What?”
“The soldiers are preparing for war.”
Chapter 37
November 28
The Governor’s Mansion
Austin, Texas
After an hour-long reception in the large dining room, everyone was encouraged to settle down as Governor Burnett began her address. Her plan was twofold. Make a Texas-centric patriotic speech followed by one-on-one conversations with the most important Texans on the invitation list. She was also pleased that Secretary Gregg asked to be present. He was very well respected in the state and would provide comfort to those who might raise concerns about Washington retaliating.
“Ladies and gentlemen, first let me thank you for accepting my invitation to come this afternoon.”
“It’s not like we had a choice,” quipped one of her largest donors. “You sent the cops to my front door and scared the bejesus out of my missus!”
The room burst into laughter, including Major, who knew the feeling.
“Well, I do apologize for that,” the governor continued. “Important decisions are about to be made, and you all are my most trusted friends and confidants from around the state. I trust the people in this room with my life.”
The group shouted words of encouragement and provided the governor a thumbs-up. The atmosphere in the mansion was beginning to feel like a campaign rally. A charismatic leader like Governor Burnett had that effect on people.
She continued. “Nearly two hundred years ago, winds of change swept across Texas. Our first settlers made camp near the San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers with plans to make a life for themselves and their families. With the aid of a small cannon provided to these first Texans by the Mexican government, they fought off furious Comanche attacks.
“However, the relationship between the settlers and the Mexican government soured, an order to disarm these Texas settlers was given, and they demanded the return of the cannon. At this point, the cannon was worthless as a piece of artillery, mostly making a loud noise and a puff of smoke when it was fired. But it had become an important symbol of the settlers’ resolve to protect their land from anyone who threatened it.
“Matters escalated and the Mexican forces dispatched a hundred men to take back the cannon. When they arrived, they sought a peaceful resolution, but the Texans remained strong. After a day, both sides were at a standoff as a thick fog blanketed the area. When the fog lifted, the Mexican commander was shocked at what he saw.”
“Fashioned out of a white wedding dress donated by the daughter of the small colony’s founder, the outline of a star was created above a crude drawing of the cannon in question. The handwritten words were written as bold as the challenge that it made—Come And Take It.
“The first Texans immediately took the fight to the much larger Mexican forces. Following their commander’s orders, the Mexicans quickly retreated from the battle, which later became known as the Lexington of Texas, referring, of course, to the first shots fought in America’s fight for independence.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today, Texas finds itself at a crossroads, just as it has six times during its storied history. God has provided us an incredible gift that has insulated Texans from the demise afflicting the rest of the United States. However, God’s good graces can only be accepted and used for the good of all Texans because we have prepared for this eventuality.
“One unheeding administration after another has failed to protect the American people from this type of attack. Texas, on the other hand, foresaw the possibilities, took steps to protect our people, and now we stand alone as other states experience despair.
“My fellow Texans, just like the Mexican army was coming for our first settlers’ cannon, Washington is coming for our resources. They have designs on our oil and gas. They want to redistribute our food and supplies. They want to inundate our state with outsiders who have no home, no resources, and most likely, very little to offer.
“As your governor and someone who dearly loves Texas, I cannot stand idly by and watch our resources decimated by a swarm of locusts. For that reason, I’m calling a special session of the legislature tomorrow to formally introduce, vote and pass a declaration of secession. It is time to restore the Republic of Texas.”
Before she’d finished the last statement, Governor Marion Burnett received her answer. Everyone cheered, some more wildly than others, such as Major, who showed the appropriate respect by applauding but instantly considered the ramifications of secession.
Prior to Governor Burnett’s speech, Major had learned the details of the border closings and understood the need. He didn’t want thousands of people roaming around his ranch trying to kill his cattle or steal his chickens, or worse.
What he didn’t hear from the governor was any attempt to negotiate or compromise with the president. His first reaction was that the governor was using this as an opportunity to advance her dream—secession and formation of the Republic of Texas.
The governor continued. “Now, I know y’all have a lot of questions, and I didn’t drag all of you up here just to hear me talk. As Texans whose roots run deep into our history, I need you to help our state through this transition by being advocates to your families, friends, and neighbors. Tell them to be patient with us as we form a new government. And, above all, let them know that we are taking measures to protect them from the hordes who are gathering at our border, or any form of retaliation ordered by Washington.
“Please, take some time to discuss this among yourselves. I will be available to speak with you, as are key members of my team. Also, as our special guest, all of you will recognize Secretary of Defense Montgomery Gregg. Monty, unlike most of our friends in Washington, is actually here to help.
“Thank you, everyone, and God bless the Republic of Texas!”
The cheering began again, and Major made small talk with several of the ranchers he recognized from other parts of the state. As they conversed and uniformly sang the praises of Governor Burnett’s actions, Major drifted away and thought of Duncan. He wondered to himself whether the Secretary of Defense might be able to learn of his whereabouts.
Major moseyed through the crowd to the group that surrounded Secretary Gregg and his associate, a man who introduced himself as Billy Yancey. Soon, it was his turn to speak privately with the former general and his friend.
“Mr. Secretary, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” started Major. “My name is Duncan Armstrong, but folks call me Major due to my service as commander of Company C of the Texas Rangers in Lubbock. I was wondering if you could help me.”
Secretary Gregg’s face turned ashen. His eyes darted to Yancey and then back to Major’s again. Thus far, he hadn’t said a word in response to Major.
Feeling somewhat uncomfortable, Major continued. “Anyway, sir, I wondered if you could help calm the fears of two loving parents. Our son Duncan is out there somewhere. We have no way to get in contact with him, much less find him. Is there any way you could locate him? You know, to make sure he’s okay. Again, his name is Duncan Armstrong and he works for the CIA.”
Chapter 38
November 28
The Armstrong Ranch
Borden County, Texas
It was approaching nine in the evening when Major returned to the ranch. He’d fallen asleep in the back of the cruiser after exchanging stories with one of the troopers. His father had been a field lieutenant at Company C during Major’s tenure in Lubbock. The young man’s father had been instrumental in manning a felony fugitive team made up of Texas Rangers and tactical support personnel. Like Major’s ancestor John Armstrong, who made a name for himself as Leander McNelly’s Bulldog, Company C had an excellent track record of tracking and capturing fugitives.
He offered to find the men a place to sleep for the night in the ranch house, but they insisted upon getting home to their own families. Lucy brewed a pot of strong, black coffee and sent them on their way with the
hot brew to stimulate them. A bag of cinnamon swirl toast for the road made their day.
As they waved goodbye from the front porch, the two paused to stare at the night sky. More than half of the moon was visible, and the stars seemed to shine exceptionally brightly.
“There’s nothing like a Texas sky at night,” said Lucy in a whisper. “In a way, it’s sad to think about what’s happening in the rest of the country. I doubt they can enjoy this. We were very fortunate, Major.”
Major hesitated before speaking. While the men were waiting for their coffee, he and Lucy hadn’t had a chance to discuss the meeting. He was anxious to tell her, although he was uncertain of her reaction. Truth be told, he wasn’t a hundred percent certain he was okay with the decisions made this afternoon concerning the fate of Texas.
“Let’s go inside,” he began. “A lot happened in Austin that will change the course of Texas and our nation.”
While Major got comfortable, Lucy fixed them a mug of coffee and a piece of cinnamon swirl bread. She spread some softened butter across the top for extra flavor. When she returned, Major had settled on the hearth in front of the fire. The warmth helped his aching back, which was sore from the six hundred miles of travel.
He dipped his bread in the hot brew and took a bite. Nothing like it, he thought to himself before he began.
“Lucy, Marion has done several things that we were unaware of. She has dispatched law enforcement to every major road leading into Texas and sealed our borders. With the help of Kregg Deur, she’s recruited deputies along the border towns to assist in the effort. Essentially, Texas has closed itself off from the rest of the country.”