by Robert Boren
Brendan looked over at the Zapata base, still smoking. There was a firefight going on, with a barge and a cutter off shore pouring fire at the vehicles driving onto the base.
“I see the battle going on. We’re a mile away. Still have SMAW rockets. Need help? Over.”
“Where did you get rockets? Over.”
“Chauncey. Over.”
“Yes, attack if you can, but get away afterwards. Very few boats left. Over and out.”
“Getting us into trouble again,” Juan Carlos said. “Load the SMAW and get up front. We’re going in hot.”
“Roger that,” Brendan said, picking up the launcher and pushing a rocket into place. “I’m loaded.”
Juan Carlos pointed the boat towards the cutter first, flooring the engine.
“This is great, dude,” Brendan said. “They are concentrating on the shoreline, and they can’t hear us above the gunfire.”
“Get ready,” Juan Carlos shouted. “I’ll cut the engine right when we get there.”
“Don’t bother, man. I can hold it fine like this, as long as we don’t hit any chop.”
“Good,” Juan Carlos said as they raced towards the boats.
“Got you,” Brendan said, pulling the trigger. The rocket flew towards the back of the cutter, hitting the stern and blowing the back half of the boat off. Brendan reloaded.
“Hit that barge, then we’ll finish both of them off, dude.”
“Way ahead of you,” Brendan said, firing the rocket, reloading before it struck the target.
“Direct hit!” Juan Carlos shouted as the barge exploded.
“Keep us going towards that cutter,” Brendan said. “Needs another shot.”
“On it,” Juan Carlos said. He made a sweeping turn back towards it, and Brendan fired, the rocket hitting the boat broadside, exploding the midsection. It sank right away, men screaming and diving off.
“One more for the barge,” Brendan said, loading and firing another rocket. It hit the smoking hulk of the barge and exploded, touching off the gasoline tanks, making a huge fireball.
“Yes!” Juan Carlos shouted, shaking his fist. “Burn baby burn!”
“I’m getting on the gun,” Brendan said, getting to his feet and aiming the starboard side gun. He opened fire, hitting as many men in the water as he could, then firing on the enemy fighters rushing to the dock. The DPS and Texas National Guard vehicles flooded into place and opened fire, clearing the dock and rushing into the ruins of the headquarters building.
“We’re done,” Juan Carlos said. “I’m getting back on the radio. Stay on the gun, and keep an eye out on the Mexican side, just in case.”
“Yeah,” Brendan said. He fired more rounds at the men in the water who were swimming towards the dock.
“DPS, come in. Over.”
“Boat 18? Over.”
“Yeah, it’s Gonzales. Over.”
“How’d you do? Over.”
“Barge and cutter sank. DPS and Texas National Guard ground forces taking the base. Over.”
“Stay sharp. There are four more cutters and who knows how many barges on the water. Over.”
“Where should we go? To the dock at Zapata? Over.”
“Negative. Can you make it to OPEC Creek? Over.”
“Probably, as long as the patch I put on the fuel line holds. Over.”
“Give it a try. We need to preserve the boats. We’ve set up a field headquarters at OPEC. They can repair the fuel line and resupply you. Over.”
“Okay, we’re on our way. Over.”
“Where is Chauncey’s body? Over.”
“On the deck. Over.”
“Okay, Gonzales, see you soon. Over and out.”
“What the hell is going on?” Brendan said. “Where’s the damn air support?”
“I smell the Feds, dude,” Juan Carlos said. They headed to OPEC full bore.
Chapter 3 – Westward
Kelly sipped coffee, one hand on the wheel of his truck. Brenda was nestled next to him in the middle, Junior sitting against the passenger side door.
“Which way we going again?” Junior asked.
“Through Fredericksburg,” Kelly said.
“Isn’t that where the cop’s parents got killed?” Brenda asked. “Maybe we should go a different way.”
“She’s got a point, Kelly,” Junior said.
“My phone wasn’t hacked,” she said. “Should I look at the GPS?”
“Yeah, honey, go for it,” Kelly said. Junior snickered.
“What’s so funny?” Brenda asked.
“Honey. You two are turning into an old married couple before my eyes.”
“Oh, please,” Brenda said as she looked at her phone. “Almost dawn.”
“Yeah, we’ll have light pretty quick. I’m gonna have to pull over in the next town and check the wheel bearings on the trailer. Feels a little gritty.”
“They shot?” Junior asked.
“I don’t think so, but they might be a little dry. This trailer hasn’t moved for about six years.”
“Tires might be suspect too,” Junior said.
“Could be,” Kelly said. “What’s the next town, honey?”
Brenda giggled. “You know, I actually kinda like that.”
“Told you,” Junior said. “When you getting hitched?”
“Been there, done that,” Brenda said.
“One step at a time,” Kelly said, resting his hand on Brenda’s leg. She glanced over at him, soft smile on her face.
“You’d consider it?” she asked.
He smiled back at her but didn’t say a word. Junior snickered again.
“Shut up, Junior,” Brenda said. “It’s gonna be hard to avoid Fredericksburg if we want to go west on Interstate 10. We’d have to go way south on Highway 281.”
“What’s way south?” Junior asked.
“All the way down to State Road 473,” she said. “Ever been on that road? We’d be on it a long time going west.”
Junior laughed. “Oh, yeah, the old Farm to Market road. If I was with the Islamists, I’d love to catch somebody there. Dozens of great places for an ambush.”
“What’s the alternative?” Kelly asked.
“Stay on Highway 290 as it turns north through Johnson City,” she said. “We’re getting close to there now. Then west through Fredericksburg, and on to I-10.”
“Hmmm,” Kelly said. “I’d rather run into these creeps on 290 or I-10 than on the Farm to Market road.”
Brenda sighed. “I agree. We’re only about twenty minutes from Johnson City. Think you can wait that long on the bearings?”
“Yeah,” Kelly said. “I’ve been driving under fifty-five most of the way. Maybe I’ll get new tires there too, just in case. They got anybody selling stuff like that?”
“I’ll take a look,” Brenda said.
“Wonder where the rest of the guys are?” Junior asked.
“Good question,” Kelly said. “Wish we all had cellphones.”
“We should buy new ones when we’re in town,” Brenda said.
“Yeah, I was thinking either that or a GPS unit for the truck,” Kelly said.
“GPS unit might be better,” Junior said. “Don’t think they can hack that, and they’re hands-free.”
“Here’s a place – big RV dealership with gas station and repair bays. Just off Main Street a few blocks.”
“Main Street?” Kelly asked.
“Main Street is Highway 290,” Brenda said. “They got a diner next door. We can get a bite while we’re there.”
“Yeah, I could use some pancakes,” Junior said.
“And more coffee,” Kelly said. “The thermos is about empty.”
They drove along for another few miles, seeing more and more buildings as the town got closer. Soon they were in the town, traffic slowing as people rushed to work.
“What time is it?” Kelly asked. Brenda looked at her phone.
“Almost eight,” she said. “See that street with the lig
ht coming up? Turn right.”
“Okay,” Kelly said, slowing down. He made the turn and saw the big RV dealership on his left. “Don’t think they’re open yet.”
“The diner is,” Junior said. “See it? Just past the lot.”
Kelly drove onto the RV lot and pulled next to the door. “Says they open at nine. Gives us an hour for breakfast. I’m gonna park over there, see?” He pointed to some long angled RV parking places.
“Perfect,” Brenda said.
“Look at those used motor homes over there,” Junior said. “I’m gonna check them out when they open.”
“You in the market?” Kelly asked.
“Seems like a good time,” Junior said.
Kelly parked and they walked to the diner. It was busy, but they got a table. Brenda rushed to the women’s room.
“You really got her hornswoggled,” Junior said, sliding into the booth across from Kelly. He laughed.
“I think it’s the other way around,” Kelly said. “Nice feeling.”
“She’s got a temper.”
“I know,” Kelly said, picking up a menu. “Don’t care.”
“You don’t care now,” he said. “I must admit that I’m a little jealous, though.”
“You’ll get over it,” Kelly said. “Here she comes.”
“What were you two talking about?” Brenda asked as she slid in next to Kelly.
“Nothing,” Kelly said. “Just boy talk, you know.”
Junior snickered, and Brenda rolled her eyes.
“I hope this wasn’t a mistake.”
“It won’t be,” Kelly said, slipping his arm around her shoulders. She leaned against him.
The waitress walked over and took their order, then scurried away. They chatted and enjoyed breakfast, waiting for the RV dealership to open.
“Getting tired, sweetie?” Kelly asked.
“A little,” she said. “Maybe we ought to find a place to camp before it gets too late. Catch up on sleep.”
“It’s sweetie now?” Junior asked.
“Junior, am I gonna have to listen to this forever?” Brenda asked.
“Oh, I’m just teasing,” Junior said. “I’m happy for you two. Really.”
“Look, the dealership’s opening,” Kelly said, pointing out the window.
“Good,” Brenda said. “Why don’t you two go ahead, and I’ll settle up.”
“Need some dough?” Kelly asked.
“Nah, we’re good. Grabbed plenty of cash on the way out of the bar last night. The place is half mine, you know.”
“Okay, thanks,” Kelly said. Brenda slid out of the booth and let Kelly out. He and Junior walked out the door, crossing onto the RV dealership parking lot. Brenda watched them for a moment, her eyes on Kelly’s confident stride.
“He’s mine,” she whispered to herself.
“You all done?” the waitress asked.
“Yes,” she said. The waitress handed her the check.
“Thanks.” Brenda left a tip on the table and walked to the register. An older woman was running the register.
“Everything okay?” she asked.
“Very good,” Brenda said. “Is there a cellphone store in town?”
“Yeah, all the major carries have stores, a little further down on Main Street. Probably don’t open until ten, though.”
“Thanks,” Brenda said. She left, meeting Kelly as he headed to the rig.
“Hey, Brenda,” Kelly said.
“They gonna take care of you?” she asked.
“Yeah, they suggested new tires because of their age, and they’ll check the bearings. I think it’s good idea. They’ll fill the propane tanks for us too.”
“Good,” Brenda said. “Where’s Junior?”
“He’s talking to a salesman about that motor home over there.” He pointed to an old Winnebago Brave.
“I remember those,” Brenda said. “Looks kinda old. We ain’t gonna be helping him with a breakdown every few miles, I hope.”
“Junior is pretty careful when there’s money involved,” Kelly said.
“He’s got money?” Brenda asked. “He should spend it on clothes.”
Kelly chuckled. “He’s set pretty well. Out-lived his brother and sister, and neither of them had heirs. He got a big chunk of cash from the sale of his dad’s ranch.”
They got into the truck, and Kelly drove to the service building, backing the trailer into a bay as the mechanic guided him.
“I talked to the cashier about cell phones. She said there’s places further down Main Street.”
“Good,” Kelly said. “You want to sleep a little? I’m gonna watch the mechanic. You can lay down in here.”
“I’ll try,” Brenda said. “Don’t you get too tired. We really should find somewhere close by to rest.”
“I’ll ask the folks here if there’s good places, okay?”
“Okay,” she said. He left the cab, and she laid down. The mechanic already had the first wheel off.
“Good thing you stopped when you did,” he said. “This bearing was way too dry. Would’ve lost it if you kept going.”
“I was afraid of that. Will they be okay with new grease, or should I change them out?”
“If it were me, I’d change them out just to be sure. It’s not very expensive, and it’s quick.”
“Let’s do it then,” Kelly said. “I want this to be reliable.”
“Nice trailer,” he said. “How’s the inside?”
“Getting a little tired, but it’s usable,” Kelly said. “I replaced the fridge fairly recently. The air conditioner could be better.”
“We sell those,” the mechanic said. “They’re not cheap, though.”
“How much?” Kelly asked.
“Just a sec,” he said. “Got to take a look. Hey Rudy, get over here and change these wheel bearings, okay? Oh, and pull that power line over and plug it into the trailer.”
A young Hispanic man nodded and rushed over. Kelly and the mechanic went inside the trailer to look at the air conditioner.
“Turn it on.”
Kelly switched the electrical on and then adjusted the thermostat to start the air conditioner. The unit came on, and they stood under it as it warmed up.
“Sounds okay,” the mechanic said. “Good and cold. It doesn’t keep up with the demand?”
“Not so well, at least in the summer,” Kelly said.
“It’s probably the insulation. These old trailers aren’t the best for that.”
“Oh,” Kelly said. “Anything I can do about it?”
“Yeah, but it’s a big deal. Got to take the interior walls off and put in more insulation material. You’d be better off getting a better trailer.”
“Okay,” Kelly said. “We’ll see, then. Thanks.”
The men came out, and the mechanic started the second wheel while Rudy finished off the first one.
Junior walked into the bay, twirling keys, grinning ear to ear.
“You did it, didn’t you?” Kelly asked.
“Yep, I’m now the proud owner of an RV,” he said. “Got a good deal, too.”
“You won’t be breaking down on us every five minutes, right? That rig is old.”
“Rebuilt motor and tranny,” Junior said. “I wouldn’t have bought it if not for that.”
“Run good?” Kelly asked.
“Purrs like a kitten,” he said. “How’s it going with the trailer?”
“New tires and bearings,” Kelly said. “Figured it was worth it. We’re gonna be in these rigs for a while.”
“Yeah, I’m looking at that coach out there as my new home,” he said. “Wish I would’ve had her before we left. I could have loaded her up with just about everything I own.”
“We’ll get back there eventually,” Kelly said. “Brenda said there’s a cellphone shop further down Main Street.”
“Good,” Junior said. “At least we’ll be able to talk to each other again. You still thinking about a GPS unit?”
&n
bsp; “Yeah,” Kelly said. “Just in case they can find our phones and hack them somehow.”
“Well, the Brave has a GPS unit mounted on the dash,” Junior said. “Not sure if it works. I’ll try it. They’re washing her right now. Oh, and they sell GPS units in the store, if you want one.”
Brenda got out of the cab.
“Couldn’t sleep?” Kelly asked.
“Nah, too keyed up,” she said. “I checked on RV Parks. You okay with going just a short distance?”
“How short?” Kelly asked.
“Stonewall,” she said. “There’s a nice looking RV Park on Cemetery Road.”
“Hey, I wouldn’t mind that,” Junior said. “I’ll stock up on some stuff here, and hit a grocery store too. Then I can get my rig set up this afternoon and be ready for a nice long drive tomorrow.”
“You bought the rig, didn’t you?” Brenda asked.
“Yep,” he said. “She’s a beauty.”
“Good,” Brenda said. “We should do some grocery shopping too, Kelly.”
“Yeah,” Kelly said. “Wonder if they’ll let us check in a little early? Check-in is usually three in the afternoon.”
“I’ll call them,” Brenda said. “Want me to make reservations for you too, Junior?”
“Yes, please,” he said.
“Okay,” Brenda said, walking away with her phone to her ear.
“I’m going into the store,” Junior said. “Got a 10% discount after buying the rig.”
“Have fun,” Kelly said. “I’ll come find you when the trailer’s done.”
Junior nodded and walked away.
“So, your buddy bought the old Brave, huh?” the mechanic said.
“Yep,” Kelly said. “Hope he made a good choice.”
“He did,” the mechanic said. “Rebuilt that motor myself. Tranny came from a good shop. Friend of the owner. Ought to be pretty bullet-proof.”
“Hope so,” Kelly said. “Or I’ll be fixing her. Junior isn’t mechanically inclined.”
“Trust me, you won’t have problems,” the mechanic said.
“What’s your name, anyway?” Kelly asked. “Mine’s Kelly.”
“Hank,” he said. “Nice to meet you. I’d shake, but you know.” He showed his greasy palm.
Kelly chuckled. “Yeah, packed bearings before. I’ll leave you to this. How long?”
“Oh, another half hour.”
“Good, thanks.” Kelly walked towards Brenda. She was just getting off the phone.