Hornet's Nest: A Post Apocalyptic EMP Survival Fiction Series (The Blackout Series Book 5)

by Bobby Akart

  Colton returned to the parlor with a rolled-up piece of copy paper in his hand. His face was red with anger.

  “Colt, honey, what’s wrong?” asked Madison.

  He hesitated and then handed her the paper. He reported the news about Junior’s men. “As predicted, a two-vehicle scout team was sent in their direction, asking questions. They handed this out to everyone they saw.”

  Madison gasped. “She’s wearing a nurse’s uniform. Is it …? Please, NO!”

  “Beau confirmed it,” he replied. “That’s Nurse Sutton from the hospital who treated Alex. They executed her in town last night.”

  Madison began crying and Colton held his wife to give her comfort. Rhoda took the paper and studied the image.

  “Animals,” she mumbled. “What’s the point of killing this woman? She was just doing her job.”

  Beau entered the room and stood in the large entry. “Junior’s men have been handing this out and telling everyone that Nurse Sutton was guilty of harboring a fugitive. They’re trying to frighten people into giving up the Rymans. Heck, all of us—me, the girls, and the Tiger Resistance.”

  “Beau’s right,” said Colton. “By violently murdering an innocent woman for the whole town to see, Junior intends to flush us all out by turning the public against us.”

  “It won’t work,” said Beau defiantly. “The town will stand with us.”

  Colton shook his head and addressed Beau. “I’m sorry, Beau. It will work. Maybe not with everyone, but a few frightened souls will begin to talk to save their own lives or gain favor. This type of display will turn public opinion against us.”

  Everyone in the room stared silently into space, ignoring the tea and doughnuts. The silence was broken by a voice in the foyer. It was Alex.

  “This has to end.”

  Beau swirled around and took to Alex’s side, helping her by supporting her weight as she walked into the parlor.

  “Honey,” said Madison, who leapt to her feet, “you need your rest. You shouldn’t be on your feet.”

  “I’m fine, Mom,” said Alex. “Besides, I could make out a few words of your conversation anyway. You know how when you’re trying to sleep, you can hear a TV in the other room but only bits and pieces of what’s said. You strain to hear the words, which keeps you from sleeping. It was the same thing here. Plus, I heard the word doughnuts.” Alex managed a laugh.

  Colton stood and prepared the sofa for Alex. “Come sit here, Allie-Cat. How about a little hot tea and a doughnut? That would be okay, right, Maddie?”

  Before her mother could respond, Alex replied, “It doesn’t matter if she says no, Daddy. I’m havin’ a doughnut and y’all are gonna tell me what’s goin’ on. Don’t sugarcoat it—the information anyway. Extra sugar on the doughnut, if you don’t mind.”

  Alex’s joke, especially in her weakened state, relieved the tension in the room and gave everyone a reason to feel good. She had recovered, mostly, and she came out of her concussed condition fighting mad.

  She chomped on a doughnut as she was brought up to speed. When Beau and Colton had finished the update, Alex finished off her second doughnut. Her appetite was back, which Colton knew was a good sign.

  “What day is it?” asked Alex.

  “Wednesday,” replied Madison. “Five days after the attack.”

  “Today’s the first day you’ve heard from Junior?” asked Alex.

  “Yes,” replied Colton. “What are you thinkin’?”

  Alex stood with the help of Beau. “Mom, Dad, we’ve got to get home. We’ve got to get ready.”

  “Alex, you need more rest,” said Madison. “You can’t travel across the river like this.”

  Colton nodded and tried to encourage Alex to sit back down. She pulled away and stood taller.

  “Please, trust me on this,” insisted Alex. “I’ve seen these people up close and personal. They will not stand for the disrespect we’ve shown them. I’m surprised they haven’t done something already. Seriously, we’ve got to get back to Shiloh Ranch.”

  “Colton?” questioned Madison.

  “If she feels up to traveling, it would be better for us to bring Jake and Stubby up to speed and work out a plan. If trouble is brewing, we don’t want to return right in the middle of it.”

  Madison studied Alex and then returned her attention to Colton. “Let’s get our things together, but what about Miss Rhoda. I feel terrible about leaving her here without protection. Maybe Beau can stay for a while?”

  “I suppose I could …” started Beau before being interrupted by Alex.

  “Mom, we’ll work that out here in a few minutes,” said Alex. “You and Daddy get us started and I’ll meet you at the boat. Beau will bring me down, won’t you, Beau?”

  “Of course,” he replied.

  Colton and Madison left the room to pack their things, but Colton stayed within earshot. He sensed that Alex was trying to get rid of them for some reason.

  Rhoda cleared out the china and leftover doughnuts and Alex began to speak.

  “Beau, can you round up the girls and bring them here?” asked Alex. “We need to have a real frank discussion.”

  “Sure.” Beau immediately hit the front door in search of as many of his classmates and friends that he could find. Within a few minutes, Alex was surrounded in the parlor by well-wishers.

  Colton watched from across the foyer. Alex had full command of the room as the group looked to her for inspiration and guidance. During the conversation, Alex passed along her strength and experience. She secured the trust of the displaced women of Savannah. Her final words before the girls exited to leave Alex and Beau alone to say their good-byes brought tears to Colton’s eyes.

  “This difficult situation can’t stop you. Obstacles can’t stop you. Even other people can’t stop you. The only one who stops you from taking back your home is yourself. I’ve learned that the only difference between winning and losing is not quitting. I’m not a quitter and neither are you guys. We’ll fight this battle together, and we’ll win!”

  Chapter 16

  4:30 a.m., November 6

  Cherry Mansion

  Savannah

  The afternoon meetings between Ma and Junior had grown to include Bill Cherry and Junior’s senior deputies. Junior was proud to display his leadership abilities in front of Ma, not realizing that she was using this as a tool to keep him on a tighter leash. Junior would never admit that he’d potentially screwed things up over this obsession with this family from Nashville, but the reality was the Durhams’ firm grip on the town was close to imploding.

  Junior was afraid of losing control of the town, but also the respect of his men. They needed another boost of confidence like their attack on Adamsville. He was anxious to lay out his plan for the ranchers of West Hardin County. And, although he never admitted it out loud, Junior was obsessed with the girl. There was something about her. Once he touched her and smelled her, he coveted her that much more. In fact, he hadn’t felt the need to visit any of the town’s brothels since that night.

  “We’ve been looking for a reason to advance into West Hardin County,” said Cherry. “Those ranchers have cattle to feed us and provide us dairy products. They have rich farmland, which we can cultivate. I’ll betcha those rich suckers have gold and silver buried all over the place. We’ve got one of those metal detectors, don’t we, Junior?”

  “We sure do,” replied Junior. “We busted into the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Field Office and picked up a number of goodies, including the metal detector and some mighty fine weapons.”

  “That gun safe was a bugger, wasn’t it, Junior?” chimed in one of the deputies.

  “That it was,” said Junior. “At least all of the electronics inside still worked even though their stash of cash is now worthless.”

  “Whadya reckon the TBI needed with all those greenbacks?” asked Cherry.

  “Bribes, I guess?” surmised Junior. “Probably both incoming and outgoing.” Everyone laughed.<
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  Ma got down to business. “Are you confident in your search to the south?”

  “We are, Ma,” replied Junior. “Nothing has changed down that way except for a few fallen trees across the roads. The farmers all said they’d been harassed by folks coming up from Mississippi, so they blocked the roads to prevent vehicle access.”

  “Do you believe them?” asked Ma.

  “I do,” replied Junior. “Most of our confiscated vehicles from the south had Mississippi tags. It would make sense that the refugees would peel off a few side roads to see what they could find. I can’t blame the farmers for what they did.”

  “What about to the north of town, toward Clifton and Decatur County?” asked Ma.

  “That’s on tomorrow’s agenda,” replied Junior. “Bill has good coverage on the roads leading in from the other parts of town. I’ll need to take more men as we search the north. But we can cover it in a day.”

  “You’re going?” asked Cherry. “I’m not sure it’s a good thing for you to leave town.”

  “Why not, Bill?” Junior exploded. “Can’t you handle it?” Cherry was not pleased that Junior had moved into the mansion. Over the last several days, Junior had gained the ear of his mother to Cherry’s exclusion. Junior had seen Cherry attempt to flex his muscles a couple of times in the last two days.

  “Of course I can handle it,” replied Cherry. “It’s just we don’t know for certain how the town will react to the execution of that nurse. There could be an uprising.”

  Ma raised her hand and stopped rocking. She spoke in an eerily calm voice. “Now, Bill, don’t be dramatic. There ain’t gonna be an uprising while Junior is gone. Besides, you’ve got all the men at your disposal, with weapons, to shut ’er down. Junior will make sure we’re covered on all sides before we head across the river.”

  Junior smirked at Cherry. You’re done, buster. Don’t be surprised if you disappear soon.

  “Out of setbacks come opportunities,” said Junior. “Winter will be setting in very soon and we need additional food sources. Why should these ranchers hog all the hogs and cattle for themselves, right? I think it’s time to spread the wealth around, don’t you think?”

  “Heck yeah!” shouted one deputy.

  “A nice rare steak sounds good to me too!” said another.

  Ma began rocking slowly and raised her hand to quieten the jubilation over a victory not yet won.

  “Gentlemen, don’t forget that the ranchers have a different kinda mind-set,” Ma began. “They’re independent, self-reliant, and used to taking care of themselves.”

  Cherry spoke up and added, “Ma’s right. If it were up to them, there wouldn’t be a dang government.”

  “What’s that got to do with us taking them out?” asked Junior, incredulous that Cherry had the nerve to speak again.

  “Just keep in mind that their resistance will be born out of love of farm and family, not fear,” replied Cherry.

  “Bill’s right,” said Ma. “We need to focus here on a strategy that accomplishes two goals. First, we want to flush out this family that’s tormented all of y’all since they rolled into town. Second, we need to tamp down any attempts by the ranchers to resist our authority. You never know, they might give these people up to maintain the peaceful coexistence we’ve enjoyed since the solar storm.”

  “Are you saying we should make a deal with them?” asked Junior.

  “Maybe,” replied Ma. “You’ll know their attitude when the party starts, so to speak.”

  “Would you like me to approach them, Ma?” asked Cherry. “Like an emissary?”

  Junior roared with laughter. “Ambassador Cherry, just what we need!”

  “It’s not a terrible idea, Junior,” said Cherry. “Let me approach them as if I’m not totally on board with all of this.” Cherry gestured, sweeping his arms from the bridge across town and back to the river.

  “A double agent.” Junior laughed. “Great idea. And what happens when they offer you a bottle of wine and a juicy steak? Are you gonna be a turncoat on us? Your family has a history of that, you know.”

  Cherry’s face grew red with anger and he balled up his fists. Junior knew Cherry wouldn’t dare swing on him, but his hostility was showing. Junior would definitely have Wild Bill Cherry disappear, sooner rather than later, perhaps.

  “Enough!” shouted Ma. “Bill’s got a point. Tomorrow. One-day offer only. Spread the word among the ranchers to give up the fugitives by the end of the day tomorrow or all bets are off.”

  “But, Ma,” whined Junior, “it ain’t gonna work.”

  “It may not, but nothing is gonna happen until you check North Hardin County. Now, all of you make your arrangements and leave me be. I got a few more minutes of sunset to enjoy and y’all have all given me a headache.”

  “Okay, Ma,” said Junior as he provided her a rare showing of affection and patted her on the shoulder. As he was the last to leave, she stopped him.

  “Junior, there’s one more thing. Send some of the boys down to the high school and make sure no one is hanging out down there. If you find any, bring them to me. Also, fetch me the most recent copy of the Hardin County High School yearbook. What did they call it?”

  “Tiger Tales,” replied Junior. “Why?”

  “I think it’s time to do a class roll call of those absentee students.”

  Chapter 17

  Early Morning, November 7

  Northwest Hardin County

  “It was nice of John Wyatt to loan us his old Chevy pick-em-up truck,” said Jake as he slid his large frame behind the oversized steering wheel. He fired up the bondo-splotched stepside and popped the clutch. The truck lurched forward and Jake quickly reached for the shifter to move it into second gear. “Three on the tree, baby. It’s been a long time since I’ve driven one of these.”

  Two of Javy’s men perched in the back of the truck struggled to hold on as Jake got comfortable with the clutch and the lack of power steering. Colton gave them a wave in solidarity as they laughed uncontrollably at Jake’s driving. Colton was glad they were having fun.

  Colton unfolded a map of the county and looked at the farms marked by Stubby. There were a total of sixteen, although six key locations on the north side of the county would accomplish their purpose. Those six landowners could notify their neighbors of the meeting scheduled for the ninth at the Shiloh Battlefield Visitor Center at Pittsburg Landing.

  “We’re gonna loop out to the west to avoid being seen by Junior’s men around the bridge,” said Colton. “Besides, there were a lot of fallen trees blocking our route near where we stashed the Wagoneer, God rest her soul.”

  “She did her duty,” added Jake.

  “Sure did,” said Colton. “If the Wagoneer was a horse, she would’ve received a Purple Heart or Medal of Honor, like Teddy Roosevelt’s horse—Little Texas.”

  “How do you know about these things?” asked Jake.

  Colton folded the county map into one big square that isolated the roads north of Highway 64. He pointed toward a side street for Jake to turn on.

  “Make the next right and then head straight up for probably six miles,” said Colton. “We’ll see Russ first.”

  “He’ll be surprised!” exclaimed Jake.

  “He sure will,” said Colton. Then he continued with the story. “Anyway, Little Texas was his horse when he fought the Battle of San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War. Against all odds, Roosevelt led the charge of the Rough Riders and turned back the Spaniards. It was a turning point in the war and Roosevelt received the Medal of Honor and ultimately became President. His horse became famous.”

  The men sat quietly as they observed the countryside. There were few noticeable signs of life. Occasionally, a dog would be seen walking along the side of the road. Most of the cattle owners had moved their herds well off the main streets, protected from the prying eyes of passersby. Life existed, but in rural communities like this one, it had hunkered down.

  Jake cleared his t
hroat then broached a subject that he and Colton hadn’t discussed alone. “Chase means well. He’s very sorry for the pain he’s caused Alex and you guys.”

  Colton’s chin was resting on his fist as he stared out the passenger’s side window. Any animosity that he’d harbored toward Chase had quickly subsided as Alex recovered and they returned to Shiloh Ranch. He and Madison had discussed where the relationship between the two teens would be allowed to go next.

  “Jake, your family, which includes Chase, took us in without hesitation and we’ll always be grateful for that. None of us hold Chase responsible for anything. Do we wish things had gone smoother, without incident? Absolutely. But what the heck can we expect in a screwed-up world like this?”

  “I know, Colton, but still,” replied Jake. “Things are messed up enough without bringing more aggravation on top of our heads. I’ve asked Chase to slow down and consider the consequences of his actions before he does things.”

  “In the heat of battle, which we all agree is coming, that’s not always possible,” said Colton. “The kids have established a rapport and have worked well together in the past. They know each other and neither of us has an issue with that relationship continuing. Seriously, let’s put it behind us.”

  Jake looked his friend in the eye, smiled and nodded. “Fair enough.” He extended his hand to shake Colton’s when he pulled back and swerved to miss a man lying in the road underneath a mangled bicycle. Jake whipped the truck left, and he squealed the tires as he pulled it back to the right to avoid a ditch. Just as he regained control, Javy’s men both tumbled across the bed of the truck.

  “Weapons,” yelled Colton as he grabbed his AR-15 and jumped into the street. Both of Javy’s men took positions behind the protection of the truck fenders and searched the woods for signs of movement.