by Warren Ray
“So, why not just let us go?”
“There are too many people looking for you. They even found your canoe and my informants tell me they’re waiting for you on the other side of the river as well.”
Scar had to hand it to Wilson for coming up with a convincing story. What he couldn’t understand was why he was here telling him this.
“How many know where we are?”
“It’s just five of us.”
The answer made Scar realize why he was telling him this. He didn’t want them to give his guards any trouble because he was sorely lacking in manpower. He wasn’t about to bring in more help as he had no intention of splitting the money with more people.
“Did you call my friend, General Standish?”
“That’s the good news. He told me to hang onto you guys and that he’d be sending his right-hand man down to get you guys to safety with all the supplies that you’d need.”
Scar decided to have a little fun and made up a fake name. “Oh wow! So, Major Peabody will be coming. How soon?”
“He said the good Major should be here by late morning.”
Scar fought to control his facial expressions. “That’s good news. Sergeant, I can’t thank you enough.”
“Hey, it’s my honor. I love America and want to see her back where she stood before.”
Scar wanted to grab him by the throat and give it a good squeeze. Instead, he gave him a big fake smile. “So, by morning then.”
“Yep. Just hang out. I know these aren’t the greatest accommodations, but we’ve got you in here for your own protection. My men will keep you safe till morning.”
Scar extended his hand and gave him a convincing shake. He continued to play the fool and waved at Wilson as he got back into his car. Scar then headed back to the room.
“Major Peabody,” said Burns, in a humorous tone, “nice one.”
“The guy thinks I’m an idiot,” said Scar shaking his head.
“So, the exchange is in the morning then?” asked Bassett.
“That’s what I’m thinking.”
“Okay, so nothing changes,” said Nordell.
After Wilson drove back out of the warehouse, Burns moved the cot away from the wall and continued to scrape away the outer drywall. As they removed the pieces faint sounds from the video game became louder giving them confidence their so-called protectors had let their guard down. After removing the final pieces, Nordell fashioned four metal clubs out of the torn up cot and handed one to each of them.
Bassett grabbed onto the makeshift weapon wishing it was his tactical tomahawk. He stretched his legs and twisted around to get ready. He then slipped between the studs and waited for the rest to follow. Bassett peeked around the corner. His prey was enthralled in a video game not knowing they were about to become his video game.
Chapter 55
Port Huron Michigan
Meeks was sitting inside one of the four big snowplow trucks to check out the strategic positioning when he noticed four National Police vehicles coming their way. His heart quickened as he grabbed his radio.
“Everyone hit the deck, hit the deck.”
Without questioning the order, everyone fell to the ground just as the vehicles came around the bend. Meeks pulled out his Sig Sauer 9mm and lowered his head just enough to watch the approaching vehicles slow down as they closed in on the two trucks sitting in the fast lane. He waited until they passed before looking up to see how many were in the cars. It looked like the three squad cars were full. He couldn’t be sure but suspected the paddy wagon had a passenger, which added up to fourteen cops.
Meeks let out a big sigh of relief because they gotten there just in time. Thank God they got these trucks moved before they came through, otherwise, the cops would be suspicious if they saw something different about the road when they were coming back.
Amber had been right guessing these bastards would come through Port Huron. He assumed a cunning grin because, now, they knew their numbers. Fourteen cops wouldn’t be a problem and the paddy wagon would make it easier because they would know what not to shoot at.
Meeks waited until they were out of sight before hopping out of the truck and running across the road. He began to laugh excitedly as he approached Taylor, who was picking himself up off the ground. “Damn that was close.”
“A little too close,” grumbled Taylor. “We need better spotters don’t cha think?”
“They should have been there by now. But, no matter, now we know they’ll be coming this way for sure.”
“Did you get a look at their numbers?”
“Yeah, I figure no more than fourteen.”
“We better let everyone know,” suggested Taylor.
Meeks walked back to the building where Hollis and Hadley had erected a ladder. He swung his rifle onto his back and began to climb up to the roof for a better radio signal. He looked around and liked the wide-open view. He pulled out his radio and keyed the button.
“Listen up, Detroit just passed us. I say again, Detroit just passed us, over.”
The various teams began responding back.
“Amber and Reese copy,” said Amber into the radio.
“Damn girl, you called that one right,” said Reese.
“Well, I had a fifty-fifty shot.”
“Oh, c’mon, stop being modest. You were right and the boys know it.”
“I suppose they do now, don’t they,” snickered Amber.
Reese flicked some strands of hair the wind blew across her face. She and Amber sat on a park bench that sat alongside the walkway bordering the river. She looked across the water into Canada. “I wonder what it’s like over there.”
“Definitely more normal than this side of the border,” said Amber.
“Our next-door neighbors had crossed over and we never saw them again. Ever since then, I always wondered. I suppose it can’t be much different than being in Winnipeg.”
“I couldn’t say. I never left the base. Did you?” asked Amber,
“You know, neither did I. I never even thought about it. Hell, we had everything we needed and they kept us pretty busy with all the training.”
Amber turned to her. “Yes. They. Did. I thought I was in shape when I played college softball, but man did they wear me out.”
Reese laughed. “Right, I mean c’mon, I ran track and field not that long ago and I could barely keep up with that instructor.”
Amber sighed. “He was in good shape.”
“Ooooh was he ever, hmm hmm.”
“He was definitely a hottie.”
Reese grabbed Amber’s arm. “And he was British…oooh I loved his accent.”
“Yeah, even when he was yelling at us.”
“Right!” laughed Reese.
“Okay enough of that,” said Amber standing up, “c’mon, it’s getting dark. We should get our night vision gear on.”
Amber swung her Colt M-4 around to her chest while Reese grabbed her red crutch and they began to walk back across the field to the garage and their supplies. They dug into the food and ate while waiting for it to get dark. Reese remarked how different the other side of the river looked with all the lights on. She walked out of the garage and looked around for any lights on their side. Not a single light was on. She rested her hands on the rifle hanging from her shoulders staring at the desolate skyline. It was a depressing sight and a bit on the scary side to see no sign of life. It was the same in Jackson, but there were people still about, which seems like a small thing but it made a big difference.
Chapter 56
On The Road To Winnipeg
After telling the girls they go to Canada, Winters was able to get an update from Finley’s mom. Debbie stated her daughter was in pain and her fever was still high even after taking the antibiotics that Stacy had. The former paramedic had said the antibiotics were probably too old to be effective and was glad to hear about plans to take her to Canada. She volunteered to go with them and look after her as best as she could. W
ith Stacy and her son, Finley’s mom, sister, and the two girls, there would be eight people going, which meant two vehicles.
Both Collette and Laney volunteered to help Winters find a suitable van to accommodate Finley and to find some extra gas cans. They took Billy Gamble’s Ford Crew Cab and drove back into town. The first thing they needed to do was get the bulldozer out of the way. Winters had no idea how to operate it and asked Mike Grant to find someone who did.
It took nearly an hour before someone moved the bulldozer so volunteers could begin to fill their vehicles. They had come up with a newer passenger van and a pickup truck that had a tank in the back with a pump handle. It had been used as a farm truck to fuel the tractors out in the fields.
After getting food supplies and water, they headed back to the hideout with Collette driving the van. Winters hurried everyone together, loaded the sleeping patient into the back of the van, and handed the keys to Stacey.
Winters gave Ashley and Kaitlyn a big hug and wished them well before getting into the pickup truck. He started it and they began the long journey to Winnipeg. He was excited with anticipation of seeing Sadie. It had been only a couple of weeks since he’d last seen her, but with everything he’d been through it seemed like months. He looked over at his passengers, Laney and Collette, and was glad they were along. All three of the girls had been a big help in more ways than they knew. Not only did they help last night, but they lifted his spirits as well.
He tapped the steering wheel thinking about Sadie and couldn’t help but break out in a grin. This attracted the attention of Laney, who sat next to him on the bench seat.
“Is there something you want to share?”
Winters turned to her. “What?”
“You’re smiling and I thought maybe you wanted to share.”
“I was?”
“Yes, you were.”
“Give it up, Cole,” said Collette.
“I’m just excited to be going to Winnipeg is all.”
Laney grabbed Winters’ arm. “Is there a girl you want to tell us about?”
Winters cocked his head back.
“I knew it,” said an excited Laney. “You have a girlfriend. Tell us about her.”
“It’s not what you think?”
“C’mon Cole, don’t hold out on us,” said Collette leaning forward.
“I’m telling you, it’s not what you think.”
“But it is a girl?” asked Laney.
“Yes, it is, but she’s not my girlfriend. She’s more of an adopted daughter. Her name is Sadie, and she’s eleven.”
“Oh, darn,” said a disappointed Laney. “I thought maybe you had, like, a girlfriend.”
“Well, I do actually, but she’s not in Canada.”
Laney straightened up. “Yes, I love it. Tell us all about her, what’s her name?”
“Her name is Reese, and she’s a very special person.”
“Is she pretty?” asked Laney.
The joy on his face was obvious. “Oh yeah, she’s quite pretty.”
“You’re in love with her!” said Collette. “I can see it written all over ya.”
Winters flinched.
“He is,” laughed Laney.
“No, it’s just that it’s complicated,” protested Winters.
“Why’s that?” asked Laney.
Winters wasn’t sure about telling them that Reese was only a couple of years older than they were. It was odd, impractical, and not acceptable to most people in society, but how do you control a mutual attraction, especially in these trying times.
“C’mon Cole, you have to tell us, we’re on a road trip and that’s the rules of a road,” said Collette.
“It’s just that she’s a little younger than me.”
“How much younger?” asked Laney.
Winters hesitated for a moment. “Well, she’s twenty.”
“Twenty! Cole Winters, you are a stud,” shouted Laney, grabbing his arm again and shaking it.
“Wow,” said Collette wide eyed, “you are a stud muffin.”
“How did you meet her?” asked Laney.
Winters thought this was an interesting question. How do you tell the story of releasing a girl from the chains of slavery and then bond with her over the course of a few months? Winters looked over at the girls. They had gotten over their initial giddiness and showed genuine curiosity. It was a long trip so he decided to tell the story from the beginning. For the next couple of hours, he told them everything from the murders at the train station and the Patriot Centers to finding Sadie, rescuing Reese and the other girls from the party-house. He told them about all the battles and how the National Police were involved. Both girls shed tears hearing their dads were not coming home as they both had gone through the Patriot Centers. He had considered candy coating it, but they wanted the truth, so he spelled it out for them. It was a tough truth to swallow, but the war casualties were high, and most everyone in town had resigned themselves to the fact they’d never see their loved ones again.
Hearing about Amber, Reese, and Sadie brought their moods back up, and they wanted to know everything about them. They peppered him with all kinds of questions about what the girls did and how they did it. Who and what kind of girls were they and the battles they fought.
Winters was happy to answer their questions and to observe their fascination with the girls. They couldn’t wait to meet Sadie, and found a special kinship with Reese, as they had a shared a similar experience with her and could relate to what she endured. They found his relationship with her romantic and advised him to take it slow, but not give her up because of any societal norms.
The last part of the story was about Cara, who Collette knew from school, and asked about her. As he told the story, tears streamed down both the girl’s cheeks, which made him react in kind. Winters wiped the tears from his face and paused to regain his composure. When he did, Laney gave him reassuring pats on the arm and asked him to continue. After telling them of all the trials and tribulations, another unexpected release of tension lifted more of the burdensome weight from his shoulders and he let out a deliberate sigh. He finished up by reassuring them it was okay about Cara, because everything happens for a reason.
Chapter 57
Sarnia Ontario
Bassett turned to Burns and asked him if he was ready. After getting an affirming nod, Bassett took in a few deep breaths and sprang around the corner. With each stride, he picked up his pace and closed in on his prey. Neither of the guards saw him until it was too late and then they panicked and tried to go for their weapons. Bassett jumped over the table with his club raised in the air. He landed between them while striking one over the head and continuing the full motion turn and hitting the other in the forehead. Both had time only to yell out in pain before Bassett had knocked them unconscious.
Burns stopped before even reaching the table and watched Bassett in action. He always admired the way the man moved and should have known better than to even try to help. “Need any help there, buddy?”
Bassett looked up. “Nah, I’m good.”
“Hey Gunny, why did you bother with four clubs?” asked Burns.
Nordell shook his head. “Yeah, I can see that was overkill.”
“These are new guys,” said Bassett. “My buddy Quinn isn’t here.”
“C’mon guys, let’s grab their weapons and get the hell out of here,” ordered Scar.
Each cop had a Sig Sauer P229, which was a .40 caliber pistol, and one had a Remington 870 pump-action shotgun, while the other had a Colt C8 carbine with only one full magazine.
Scar handed the pistols to Nordell and Burns, while Bassett took the rifle leaving him the shotgun. It wasn’t much, but he hoped they wouldn’t need much. If they could sneak out of here and find a boat, they’d be able to make it back to their ride, which was full of weapons.
Scar led the men to the door and pushed it open. He looked outside and a pain bolted through his forehead with the realization Wilson had lied. Se
veral vehicles were driving into the parking lot and Scar recognized some as being from Detroit.
Scar closed the door. “Wilson lied. We’re being sold tonight.”
“How many?” asked Bassett.
“Can’t say for sure but it’s a lot more than us.”
Burns motioned to the back. “Let's hit the back door.”
They ran across the hundred-foot cement floor in seconds and reached the door. Burns opened it and took a quick peek. The coast was clear, and he gave the okay just as the garage door began to open. They scooted out the door into a back parking lot full of shipping containers and a couple of dumpsters.
As they ran toward a shipping container, they could hear yelling inside the makeshift prison they had just escaped. Thankfully, there were no streetlights to give away their position. Voices grew louder as the cops came to the back exit of the warehouse. Burns led the way across the parking lot to a shipping container where they hid as the cops came out with flashlights lighting up the area and pointing their way.
Scar’s heart was pounding as he tightened the grip on the shotgun. It was the last weapon he wanted to use as it would give away their position. He looked over at Bassett who nodded knowing what he needed to do. Scar fell to the ground and peeked around the large metal container to take a quick look. A pair of cops charged their way and another pair headed in the opposite direction. Scar raised his hand and signaled there were two cops. Bassett gave him another nod and got down in a squat position.
Scar could make out the cop’s conversation as they closed in on their position. He steadied his breathing as he heard their footsteps. The flashlight beam swung back and forth and Scar pushed his big body up against the shipping container as much as he could. The flashlight beam came around in front of him. He raised the shotgun and came around the corner the same time as Bassett. He threw the butt of the gun against the side of the cop’s face. The blow made a loud crack and the cop’s knees buckled. He delivered another one into the side of his skull knocking him out. Bassett’s victim fell on top of his partner. Nordell picked through their pockets grabbing their pistols and ammo before helping Scar hide them between the containers. He also found a knife, which he handed to Bassett who gave him a big smile upon receiving the gift.