John lowered his rifle and breathed heavily. He turned around to find Haley sitting on the ground, shaking like a leaf. He cautiously took the rifle from her hands and set it aside, then pulled her to stand up. He placed his hands on her shoulders, getting her to look at him.
“Haley, you did good,” he tried to reassure her. “In fact, for your first hunt, you did great.”
“I missed.”
“You didn’t miss. You hit him. It would’ve been a clean kill shot if he hadn’t moved at the last second. It happens.”
As the adrenalin dump hit her, Haley started to sob and John pulled her into a hug. “Shh, it’s okay, Haley, it’s okay.” When her tears subsided, John pushed her to arm’s length and said, “Come on, there’s still work to be done.” He picked up both rifles and handed them to her. “Reload these while I dress out our prizes.”
Haley wiped her tears away and grinned, knowing what he asked her to do was a big responsibility and her heart swelled with pride that he trusted her with the job.
***
An hour later, John parked the truck as close to the mess tent as he could get.
“Haley, go get Seth, please.” She scampered away to do his bidding. When she disappeared into the tent John frowned, knowing she was getting too attached to him, and not in a good way.
Relying on John’s confidence for the morning hunt, Seth had a few of the guys dig a pit and build a fire. It would take hours for the pigs to cook. With John’s help he skinned the young pigs and stuffed them with oranges from the orchard they had found. The heavenly scent of roasting pig soon wafted throughout the compound.
CHAPTER NINE
“That was the best dinner I’ve had in months,” Vivian said with a satisfied sigh. The long wooden tables had held platters piled high with juicy roasted pork, more sliced oranges, and bowls of a simple macaroni salad. “Did Haley really shoot one of those pigs?”
“Yes she did,” John said. “She keeps this up and she’ll be a very valuable member of someone’s team.” The inference wasn’t lost on Hank though he said nothing. “How about a nightcap?”
Although alcohol wasn’t common in the FEMA camps, John and Hank both enjoyed a shot at the end of the day and it was another one of those restrictions that Hank was loose on, as long it didn’t interfere with John’s productivity.
“Count me in,” Vivian said when they approached John’s motorhome.
The three friends sat around the table chatting, sipping a shot of bourbon, and discussing the events of the day and upcoming possibilities.
“The first of your new team and some equipment should be arriving in the next day or two, Vivian. You’ll have lots to do getting everyone settled and in place,” Hank said. “Once they’re here, we’re going to pack up and head west. From what I’ve been able to glean, it’s a mess out there, worse than here.”
“You’re leaving so soon?” Vivian said in dismay.
“There’s no real reason for us to stay any longer. With your new crew here, you won’t be alone. I’m pleased headquarters has let you retain your position, however, they are also adamant about us moving on.” Hank downed the last sip in his glass and stood. “Time for me to get some sleep. See you both in the morning. I hear it’s pork sandwiches for breakfast.”
He chuckled on the way out.
Vivian stood to leave. “I guess I should take that as my cue to leave too.” Instinctively, John’s manners kicked in and he stood also.
“I’m sorry we won’t get to know each other better,” she said. The longing in her eyes was unmistakable and she moved to John for a hug.
John closed his eyes and remembered how Allexa felt in his arms during their post-massage hugs. His arms responded to the memories and tightened slightly around Vivian. She sighed and pressed her body against his. After a moment, she slowly pulled her face away from his neck and brushed her lips across his.
***
Haley left the group of younger admirers to seek out John. She stopped a few feet from his trailer and saw them through the glass window of the door. She turned and ran, hot, jealous tears streaming down her flushed cheeks.
He’s MINE! she screamed inside her head.
***
John’s mind was still focused on Allexa and he briefly returned the kiss with the passion he’d kept suppressed, fueling Vivian’s advances, then abruptly pushed her away, holding her at arms’ length.
“John, what’s wrong?” she asked softly.
“This is wrong.”
“It didn’t feel wrong a moment ago.” She smiled at him and tried to move closer.
“No.” He brushed past her to the door and opened it. “Leave, Vivian. Now.”
“But—”
“Get out!” Guilt and anger were fighting for control of John’s heart.
CHAPTER TEN
John burst into Hank’s quarters early the next morning. The sun was starting to rise, staining the eastern sky a dull orange.
“Hank, we need to talk.”
“What’s the matter?” Hank asked. John was always calm and quiet. Obviously he was very distraught over something.
“How soon are we pulling out?”
“We can’t leave until Vivian gets her replacements, why?”
“Then you need to find something for me to do away from the camp, preferably by myself.”
“Why?”
John stopped his erratic movements, his hands clenching and unclenching. “Vivian made a pass at me after you left last night.”
“That’s a problem? She’s a beautiful woman.” Hank chuckled, leaning back in his chair.
“This isn’t funny. I could easily have bed her last night, but I’m not into one-night stands and I have someone at home.”
“Alex?”
“Allexa,” John corrected him.
“John, sit down and have a cup of coffee. Let’s talk about this.” Hank couldn’t have his right-hand man this upset.
“There’s also the matter about Haley,” John said, sitting heavily on the bench seat.
“Haley? What about her?”
“She’s getting too attached to me, and I think it’s turned…romantic in her mind.”
Hank was stunned. “You’re telling me you’ve got two lovely women chasing you and that’s a problem?”
“Hank, if you’re not going to take me seriously, then as soon as my six months are up, I’m gone!” Angered by Hank’s attitude, John stormed out, slamming the flimsy door on his way out.
***
Few people were up at that hour. Without refugees to tend to, there was little to do and most everyone took advantage of the lull and slept in. John slipped inside the mess tent knowing Seth would be up and making coffee for the early risers.
He handed the cook his empty thermos. “Can I get a couple of sandwiches? I’ll be out scouting most of the day.” It wasn’t really a lie. It wasn’t really the truth either.
“Looking for more pigs? That was a great treat, John, and I want to thank you again. The dinner last night really boosted the morale around here,” Seth said. He wrapped half a dozen sandwiches and placed them in a soft-sided cooler with a strap. He knew John had a big appetite.
“If I see something worth hunting I’ll be sure to bring it back for you,” John replied. He wasn’t angry with Seth and wouldn’t take his disappointment in himself out on the man.
He chose a pickup with a full tank of gas and headed out, not sure of where he was going. He followed a back road north and east for an hour, caught US-27 until it intersected with US-19, and he headed north with no real destination in mind, stopping occasionally when a picturesque view caught his attention, hoping it would ease his troubled mind. The paved roads were empty and the quiet suited his mood. After a few hours of wandering he pulled over under a copse of trees and ate two of the pork sandwiches.
The heat of the day, a full stomach, and the fact he had slept fitfully the night before, left John peacefully groggy and he closed his eyes.
***
A subtle vibration woke John from his brief nap. In the distance he could see a number of vehicles heading his direction. As they got closer the numbers increased and so did the vibration, telling him the trucks were heavily loaded. He sat on the hood of his truck in the shade, shotgun across his lap, the Beretta cleaned and secure in his recently acquired holster, extra magazines in his back pocket.
The lead Humvee stopped fifty yards from him. Two uniformed men got out, AR-15s in hand.
“Set your weapon down,” the lead soldier demanded. “We are under martial law and civilians are not allowed guns.”
“You must be my convoy,” John said, sliding off the truck, ignoring the demand. He immediately assessed the situation and decided he was their new escort.
“You were sent?” Sgt. Thom Walker asked, confused.
“In a manner of speaking. We’re expecting you. And I’m not a civilian, I’m with FEMA, the Gator Garrison. John Tiggs.” John casually walked forward and stopped ten feet away. “Commander Jarrett will be pleased there are so many of you. The entire Tallahassee camp was lost, including all personnel, save for the commander… and a cat.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen Jarrett. How is he?” Sgt. Walker asked, maintaining eye contact with John.
John went still. Either this was a trap or a test. He was betting on the latter. “Well, Sergeant, I doubt Vivian would like being referred to as a he, and I sure wouldn’t say that to her face.”
Sgt. Walker smiled. “I would never do that, Mr. Tiggs, and I’m now reassured you are who you say you are. How far are we?” They lowered their rifles and moved under the shade of the tree.
“On a straight drive, I’d say three hours or less,” John said. “This is a good place for a break if your men want to stretch their legs. The road ahead is clear, but hot and boring,”
***
“Mind if I ride along with you, Mr. Tiggs?” Sgt. Walker asked. “You can give me a rundown on what’s going on and what to expect.”
“I’ll tell you what I can, Sergeant, although I’m sure Hank and Vivian would rather do the debriefing. I’d like to know what’s going on in the rest of the country. I’ve been here for the last five months evacuating people and shooting alligators, so I’m kinda out of the news-loop,” John replied, putting the truck in gear and taking the lead.
***
Hank wandered into the mess tent. “Seth, have you seen John?”
“He was here about an hour ago. Said he was going scouting and took a thermos of coffee, a six pack of water, some sandwiches, and left in one of the pickups,” Seth answered. “He seemed in a foul mood.”
“If you see Haley, tell her to report to the command center.” As Hank made his way to the mobile building, he ran into Vivian. “You,” he pointed at her, “I want you in my office in ten minutes!” He turned and walked away.
***
“Until your new crew shows up, you are under my command, got that?” he said harshly.
“What’s this about, Hank?” Vivian asked.
There was a knock on the door and Haley peeked in. “You wanted to see me, sir?”
“Come in and sit down.” Hank looked at the two women across from him. “Have either of you seen John this morning?” They both shook their heads. “Vivian, when was the last time you saw him?”
“Last night, when the three of us were together.”
“That’s a lie! You were with him after that!” Haley cried. “I saw him kiss you after the commander left!”
“What you saw was me kissing him,” Vivian said, glaring at the young girl. “Thirty seconds later he shoved me out the door. I’m glad no one saw that. The rejection was humiliating.”
“He rejected you?” Haley said with a grin. “Good, because he’s mine!”
Hank leaned forward. “What John is, Miss Hanson, is your friend, nothing more. He’s more than twice your age, so he will never be anything else. Do you understand me? I’ll not have you distracting or upsetting my team, or I’ll send you packing. Now go see Sam for reassignment. You’re off John’s team as of right now.”
Haley ran out the door before they could see her tears.
“Where is John?” Vivian asked.
“I don’t know, but I want you to back off, Commander.” Hank looked toward the door then back. “The same goes for you. I’ll not have you upsetting him. John’s work is too dangerous for him to be distracted by unwanted advances, Vivian. Do I make myself clear?”
***
Vivian walked slowly back to her quarters, thinking about what Hank had said. She knew he was right. Even she herself discouraged relationships in her crews. Abruptly, she turned to look for Haley.
***
“Haley, can we talk?” Vivian asked gently when she found the girl sitting alone at a table that had been placed in the shade under a tree.
“What do you want?” Haley asked sullenly.
Vivian sat down across from her. “Hank chewed me a new one over this,” she started. “I have never thrown myself at a man like that before, there’s just something about John that stirs me…like he does you, right?” Haley nodded without looking up. “You know, if you go west with them, seeing John every day will tear you apart.” Haley looked at her through dark, tear spiked lashes and nodded again. “Then don’t go. Stay here. I have a proposition for you. How would you like to be my new PA?”
“PA?” Haley perked up. “You mean your personal assistant?”
“I know Hank’s camp has only twenty-five regular staff because it’s mobile. I run a bigger camp, and I lost over a hundred workers to that flu, including my PA, and I need one to keep me focused. It will be busy here. I know you’re smart and you learn quickly. What do you say?”
“I guess that would solve everyone’s problem wouldn’t it?”
“It would, and you need to look the part so let’s start with doing something about restyling your hair.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Hank thought that breaking camp was more time consuming than setting up. They were almost done though. Alongside the road the convoy had come in on two nights earlier sat an impressive number of vehicles, all for twenty-five people. He knew those numbers would grow once they took on refugees again. The semi that was equipped with the latrines, showers, and laundry was first in line, followed by the equally large semi that held the refugee tents and cots. Tables and chairs for the dining facilities, as well as the tents for cooking, eating, and the medic were in there too. Next was the water tanker that would be refilled as soon as they found a potable source, and the diesel fuel tanker. The six motorhomes that were used by the senior staff and the two pickup trucks were last in line at the moment and would be replaced by the two transports and empty school buses. The food truck, a large delivery van that held all edible supplies and the kitchen equipment, was the last to break down and the first to be set up. It would take its place at the front of the line, right behind the lead truck, when they were ready to move.
“Are we ready to button-up the command center and hook it up to its semi-tractor?” John asked.
“Yes, as soon as the generator is hitched up to the heavy duty pickup and moved out of the way,” Sam told him.
“I think we’ve done this in record time.” John smiled. Knowing they were about to get on the road again had him optimistic.
***
“Sgt. Walker, please have a seat,” Vivian said to the new arrival. “Your men have done a remarkable job at setting up quickly. They’re to be commended.”
“Thank you, Commander Jarrett, they’re a well-trained group,” he said. “And if I may be candid, I think they are all anxious and appreciative to have some in-field experience.”
“Speaking of in-field experience,” she went on, “I’ve found it best to be a bit less formal among the higher ranks. In private, I prefer first names, Thom, so you can call me Vivian. In public though, especially in front of your troops, as Commander or Captain Jarrett, whichever you feel more appropriate.”
“Captain?”
“Weren’t you briefed that I hold the rank of captain in the army?”
“No, ma’am, I wasn’t.”
“I think as commander of the post though, I outrank myself,” she chuckled. “Also, even though she doesn’t have any military experience and no rank, my personal assistant, Haley Hanson, is to be treated with the respect that I would be treated with, understood?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“If I’m not available, seek her out and I will get your messages and be disturbed if it’s urgent,” Vivian said. “If it’s top secret, however, save it for me. I will redact it and inform her with what she will need to know.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“All this ‘yes, ma’am’ is giving me a headache.” She sighed. “Come on, Commander Coulter is getting ready to leave.”
***
John waited impatiently beside his aging motorhome. As before, he brought up the rear, though this time it was as second in command. John’s biggest concern was that Haley would ask to ride with him, although he hadn’t seen much of her the past two days. His walkie squawked.
“John, we’re ready to leave. Come to Jarrett’s command center for a few goodbyes.” Hank disconnected abruptly.
John made his way to the area of activity and stood beside Hank, who was smiling like the Cheshire Cat.
“I want to thank everyone who made my loss here more bearable, especially John Tiggs,” Vivian said. “He found me half dead and brought me back.” She looked at him and smiled. “And I hate to do this to you John, but I’m taking from you another of your successes. I’ve hired Haley as my new PA, so she won’t be going with you.”
John was stunned.
The Journal (Book 6): Martial Law Page 5