by Warren Ray
She tried not to think about those ten days too much, but found it difficult at times, like today, when she stood in front of them and felt the urge to have a crack at them. She knew she’d struggle with it for a long time. However, she was an optimist and knew she’d eventually put it behind her, but what worried her the most was how it might affect future relationships and whether she’d even be able to have a normal one. Her next relationship would be much different from any past boyfriends. She had only a couple through high school and had dated sporadically since then. After the war started, all the boys left to join the fight, which put an end to any kind of a social life.
She grabbed a bottle of water, took a large gulp, and laughed again thinking how nervous she had been expressing her feelings to Cole. No amount of intense gunfights compared to the passionate matters of the heart, at least not for her, because she was different now, she just didn’t know in what way. It was scary not knowing if a normal relationship with a guy was even possible. Perhaps this was one of the reasons she was attracted to Cole. He understood what she was going through and knew to be patient with her, which was something she needed more than anything else.
Her attraction to Cole started out as admiration during the battle in the sandpit. The heat of action snapped her out of a daze from the party house. Initially, Cole didn’t want her to stay and fight but relented when he saw her seriousness. She knew then that he understood her. It was the first time in ten days a man had given her any kind of respect. She didn’t know it at the time, but he saved her by giving her a purpose.
Since then, her admiration had grown to a secret attraction as they shared life and death experiences together. His bravery and leadership was addictive, as was his humility and confidence. She kept her feelings hidden because she feared rejection and how it might look going after an older man.
It wasn’t until the second bullet that she changed her mind. Until then, never once did she not feel safe with him there, always believing they’d come out alive no matter how bad the situation. He proved that time and time again. The second bullet challenged that belief when she saw the worried look in his eyes and for the first time, she wasn’t sure if they’d survive. The shadow of death had hung over her and whispered to wait no more, so she decided to set aside what others might think. They all lived perilous lives where you could die any second, so why wait and why care.
She leaned back on her pillow, looked up at the ceiling, and smiled because for the first time in months she was happy and excited at the prospect of a good relationship. It surprised her at how pure the goodness felt, as opposed to the empty, fleeting pleasure, of vengeance.
Chapter 29
Winters was deep in thought over Reese when Elliott approached the old pickup truck. He hadn’t moved since she left him.
Elliott banged on the side of the truck, which startled Winters.
“Hey, you alright?” asked Elliott
“Oh, hey. Yeah, I’m good.”
“You look like you just came out of La-La Land.”
“I think I did.”
Elliott raised an eyebrow.
“I’ll tell ya about it later. So what’s up?”
“You said something about some target practicing today.”
“Yes, I think I’m up for that. Be some good therapy, I think.”
He hopped out of the truck glad Elliott had come to find him. He needed something to get his mind off Reese. He was already dwelling on her, which took his thoughts off more important matters. A good firefight would put an end to that nonsense.
“Let’s go find those sniper rifles and head up to the overpass Eddie is guarding.”
Elliott broke out in a big smile.
They walked into the hospital, which had turned into their headquarters because it had everything they needed. It was very similar to the dormitory they stayed in back at South Bend, with a common area, a cafeteria, and plenty of empty rooms with beds. The small and dedicated medical staff was an added bonus.
They found Bassett and Burns in the cafeteria getting something to eat. Because they hadn’t gone to Ohio with Scar and Meeks, they had been able to turn in earlier.
“I’ve got a better place in mind,” said Bassett, responding to Winters’ suggestion they go up to the overpass.
“Oh?”
“Only, if you’re up for more of a challenge.”
“How big of a challenge?”
“Oh, it’s not too bad, not more than a hundred yards.”
“I’m listening.”
“There’s an old barn over on Knight Road, which runs parallel to the interstate, and has a nice wide-open view of the interstate in both directions.”
“Elliott, you got your map on you?”
Elliott grabbed his map and spread it out on the table. They all looked down and Bassett pointed it out.
“Of course, once we start shooting, they’ll probably want a piece of us and will more than likely try to flank us by coming around on Ann Arbor. We can meet then down here on Willis Road.”
Winters studied the map and began to think they might be able to do more than just target practice. “Or we could set up a little ambush on Ann Arbor.”
“I like your thinking, Captain,” said Bassett. “Might as well set ‘em up and take ‘em out.”
Winters looked at his watch and wondered if he should wake up Scar and Meeks up.
“How long have Scar and Meeks been sleeping.”
“Long enough, Captain,” smiled Elliott. “They won’t want to miss this.”
“Alright then, let’s get them up.” Winters turned to Bassett. “How many men do ya think, Corporal?”
“If we’re going to do it right, at least a hundred.”
“Do we have that many available?” asked Winters, knowing some of the men were posted on their perimeter.
“Shouldn’t be a problem,” said Bassett. “We got a lot more volunteers out there now than before.”
“Okay, let’s put it together then. We’ll leave in one hour,” ordered Winters.
They all went in different directions to get ready for the impending attack. Bassett would get the weapons together and notify Eddie, and the others guarding the interstate, of their plans. Elliott would get Scar and Meeks up and then go gather the men they would need.
Winters left the cafeteria hoping not to run into Reese. He took a round about way just to make sure. He shook his head knowing he was already avoiding the situation. Dealing with affairs of the heart was not his forte, but he didn’t want to hurt her either. He made his way outside and decided to go find Nordell. He laughed to himself thinking he’d rather deal with a crazy Marine than a crazy girl. Of course, he meant crazy affectionately in regards to Reese, not Nordell, because he was sure the Marine was crazy.
He found the Gunnery Sergeant talking with Mayor Simpson in his office. Perfect timing thought Winters, as he wanted to see how things were going for the mayor and to find out who else might have known about the stragglers. The two men looked up when Winters knocked lightly on the open door.
“Captain, please come in,” said Simpson.
Simpson got up and shook Winters’ hand. He then shuffled over to the door and shut it. “No sense in making it easy for our mysterious spy.”
“I filled the mayor in on what happened last night,” said Nordell.
“Yes, that was really something you were involved in,” said Simpson as he slowly made his way back to his desk. “Thank you so much for what you did.”
“We just happened upon it. We were just lucky,” said Winters.
“We were,” said Nordell. “Those poor bastards on Hanover Road, not so much.”
Mayor Simpson shook his head. “I’ve tried convincing everyone, but some just won’t listen to reason. It breaks my heart to think about Danny Miller and his family.”
“You knew the man?” asked Winters.
“Oh yes, I knew all of them over there, even the little girl you rescued, Nicole. I can’t imagine wha
t she went through.”
Winters wondered if the old mayor was going to hold up much longer. The poor guy probably knew every single person killed this week. He was born and raised here and had been the mayor for fifteen years.
“You would have been proud of her, sir. She helped out quite a bit and was very brave.”
This seemed to help the old man a little bit, as his eyes brightened up over the comment.
“Gunny, have you had a chance to talk about the spy?”
“We were just going over that when you came in.”
“And?”
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t much of a secret about the stragglers. Lot’s of gossip going around about everything.”
“Does everyone know about the families we took out last night?”
“It’s getting around, but what is not, is how we did it.”
“Good. I wasn’t expecting to keep it a secret, but if we can keep our exit strategy under wraps, all the better.”
“Agreed. What about tonight?” asked Nordell.
“If it looks good, then yes. It’ll be easier with our shiny new vehicles,” said Winters referring to the police vans and cruisers they confiscated last night. He wasn’t sure if Simpson knew about the cars and would have preferred he didn’t. Nordell gave him a slight nod indicating he did not. “We’re going out for some target practice here in about an hour if you want to join us.”
Nordell’s face lit up. “I’m always up for target practice.”
“We should get going then.”
Chapter 30
The men gathered in the hospital parking lot to prepare for the assault. Nordell got together with Bassett and planned the areas he thought would be ideal for ambush sites.
Winters stood off to the side admiring the retired Marine’s knowledge. The man knew war and war strategies. His suggestions on driving more Jijis into the ambush were brilliant. Bassett also liked what he was suggesting and kept nodding seeing no reason to interfere with Nordell’s battle plan.
When they finished planning, Nordell looked at Winters for approval, which was awkward. “Gunny, this is your expertise and it shows.” Again, Winters didn’t want to insult him but didn’t want to come across as patronizing either. The man may not have the bigger picture in mind, but he certainly put together a heck of an operation.
Winters got into Elliott’s SUV and was surprised to see Amber sitting in the back. “You sure you want to hang with us?”
“I do keep asking myself that?”
Elliott turned to Winters. “I think she’s a glutton for punishment.”
“I’m starting to wonder,” laughed Winters.
“Someone’s got to keep you two out of trouble.”
Meeks approached their Ford Explorer. Winters pushed the window button and lowered the glass.
“Mind if I come with you guys?”
“Not at all.”
Meeks jumped in the back with Amber and gave her a fist bump. “I wanna test out my sharp shooting skills.”
Winters knew he would rather be with Scar and the others at the ambush sites. However, the way he was gimping with his leg, he knew that was impossible. Meeks had taken himself out of the main action, but not out of the game. He didn’t want to admit it and Winters wouldn’t call him on it.
Winters feared his men were getting too beat up but were too proud to own up to it. They were no spring chickens and it took longer for them to recover than when they were younger. It was a hard reality to face up to, especially when so many still depended upon you. However, what they lacked in youth they made up for in sheer bravado and mental toughness. They were not going to allow their injuries to completely prevent them from continuing to fight. Meeks was a good example of this, as was Reese, who with two gunshot wounds contributed today and more than likely would be back in no time at all. Winters thought Nate would be back with them soon too. It wouldn’t matter how bad the pain was, his abundance of energy wouldn’t allow him to sit around too long.
Winters turned to Meeks. “Sounds like we got ourselves a competition then.”
Meeks broke out in a smile. “Oh hell yeah, we do.”
“You boys,” said Amber shaking her head.
“You can get in on this action,” said Meeks.
“Oh, I don’t know, I mean, I’d hate to embarrass ya.”
“Ooohh. Damn girl, you are done for. Done for.”
Winters looked at Amber. “You had to go there, huh?”
Amber nodded while giggling.
“Thankfully, this is not a long drive,” said Winters turning back around.
He pulled out his radio and asked Bassett if they were ready. After getting an affirmative, Elliott led the convoy out of the parking lot to Ann Arbor Drive and Race Drive.
It was at this intersection where they would set up the main ambush since Race Drive went north underneath the interstate and had an off ramp from the interstate exiting right onto it. Nordell wanted to position men along this ramp and at the end where there was high ground. The whole exit to Race Road was long enough to have plenty of Jijis in their cross hairs before they opened fire. The other road off the interstate was Ann Arbor itself, which was about a mile up the street. Everything fed right into this intersection. It was an ideal place to hide and still have an exit.
Elliott stopped at the intersection and they got out of their ride.
Winters and Elliott approached Bassett.
“How do we find this barn?” asked Winters.
Bassett pointed east. “It’s about a mile east of here. You can get on Stull Road here. It dead-ends, but there’s a trail and you can meander your way over there.”
“How do you know this?” asked Elliott.
“I’ve been all over these roads. You’ll find it.”
Winters wasn’t so sure and suggested Bassett take them there.
“Yeah, that’s probably the better idea.”
Bassett jumped back into the Ford Taurus he had stolen last night and led them down the trail and up to the dirt road that came up behind the barn and house.
Bassett waved them off and headed back to the main force.
They started up the dirt road that seemed more like a driveway than a road since it was on private property. They were coming up to a house on the right and Winters had Elliott stop about fifty yards before it. He lowered the glass and a breeze blew through the cab. He leaned out the window but didn’t hear anything except grasshoppers in the tall grass that covered the grounds around the house. He grabbed his binoculars and slowly surveyed the area. The house looked abandoned, but he couldn’t help but wonder if there were any stragglers there. He didn’t think so, as the house wasn’t even a half-mile from the interstate, and then he wondered if any Jijis decided to take advantage of the shelter.
“Whatcha thinking, Captain?” asked Meeks.
“We need to check out this house.”
“You think some stragglers might be in there?”
“I was thinking, Jijis.”
They got out of the SUV, and crept toward the house through the tall grass, while Meeks stayed to guard the truck. They reached the side of the house and looked through the dirty window. Not seeing anything, they slipped around back and peeked through the sliding glass door. Winters didn’t notice anything that set off alarm bells. They reached the other side and not seeing anyone decided to enter the house.
Winters grabbed the doorknob and found it unlocked, so he pushed the door open and slowly walked into the kitchen. A familiar odor immediately hit his nostrils as he and Elliott went inside.
Chapter 31
Washington D.C.
Lawrence Reed was the last person Green expected to walk through his door. He wondered if perhaps he had been too forward with suggestions on what to do with Cara Winters. Maybe Reed was here because he wanted to test him again.
Green got up and greeted his visitor.
“I hope I’m not keeping you from an important luncheon.”
The sinceri
ty of his voice struck Green as odd and harkened back to when they first met. Reed had been quite pleasant that day.
“Not at all, sir. Please, have a seat.”
Green waited for Reed to sit down before taking his own seat.
“What can I do for you?”
“I’ve been thinking about what you suggested we should do with that girl,” said Reed as he slightly moved his head.
Green caught the tick and knew he was lying.
“I think that girl could be of use and wanted to keep you in the loop and get your input.”
Green could tell Reed already made his decision and didn’t want his input. What Green wondered was, why was he bothering with this.
“What are your plans?”
“I’m going to send her to Detroit?”
The hairs on Green’s arms stood straight up knowing what Reed was going to do. He concentrated on controlling his emotions. “And what will she do there?”
“We’re going to use her as bait to bring in Cole Winters.”
This confirmed Green’s suspicion. It was a smart move and would be effective. “Sir, that is a brilliant move. Do you think she’ll be willing to help? I mean she was very distrustful of me and the government.”
“She is willing.”
“Oh?” asked Green. He leaned forward observing Reed for any more poker tells.
“Yes. Yesterday, I had her brought to my office to discuss the situation with her and how she could help. She said I reminded her of her dear grandpa and knew she could trust me.”
Green immediately noticed the slight head movement and the elevated tone in his voice. Green was pleased with himself that he was getting better at recognizing the tells. Of course, it helped he had an unknowing subject sitting in front of him spewing lie after lie. Green studied the man and decided Reed wasn’t scary after all. He was just an old man who thought he was slick. He decided as soon as Reed left, he’d get with Sam and devise a way for the recording to fall into Reed’s lap as soon as possible. Perhaps they could send it to his home in Annapolis, which would be a nice coup de grâce, letting him know that they knew where he lived.