“It’s all about perception,” replied Lex. “Besides, I don’t want the body sliding out of the chair while I’m interrogating him.”
A few minutes later, Lieutenant Sawyer returned with one of the prisoners. He forced him down into a chair at the far end of the tent and nodded for Lex to begin.
“What is this?” asked the prisoner. From where he sat all he could see was the back of his comrade, tied to a chair at the far end of the tent, with Lex and Major Conrad standing on either side.
“This is an interrogation,” answered Sawyer, “and your next.”
“My name is Lieutenant Sasha Razin,” said the prisoner, “and torture is against the Geneva Convention.”
“Be quiet, it’ll be your turn soon enough,” said Sawyer, stuffing a piece of cloth into Sasha’s mouth and taping it shut.
Lex patiently began to walk in a circle around the dead soldier tied to the chair, his hands clasped behind his back. He started with simple questions. “What’s your name soldier?”
When the soldier didn’t reply, Lex slapped him viscously across the mouth. The blow was so strong that the dead soldiers head snapped to the side and then drooped down again.
“What direction were you headed in?” asked Lex.
The soldier remained silent and Lex slapped him again, even harder than before. “What is your mission soldier?”
When the soldier made no response, Lex punched him in the face. The sound from the man’s nose crunching beneath his fist could be heard at the far end of tent. “I know you think you’re tough,” said Lex, as he continued to walk in circles around the man, “but you’re not tough enough, of that I assure you. You will tell me what I want to know! What’s your name soldier?”
Once again, no answer was given. This time Lex began pounding on the man’s face with his fists, one punch after another, until the dead soldier tumbled to the floor, chair and all. Lex bent down and lifted the man upright. “Oh,” he said, tearing tape from the soldier’s mouth, “no wonder you weren’t saying anything, you couldn’t talk. So I’ll ask you one more time, where were you headed?”
When no answer was given, Lex withdrew a large hunting knife and held it up so that Sasha could see it clearly. He turned the blade in his hand so that light reflected off of the serrated edge. Lex glanced at Sasha at the far end of the tent and grinned, as the Russian’s eyes widened with fear.
“Alright,” began Lex, once again circling the dead soldier, “if you don’t wanna talk, I’ll cut off one of your fingers for each question that goes unanswered. Now, what is your mission?” When no answer came, Lex immediately replaced the tape across the dead soldier’s mouth and began slicing through his thumb. Using the jagged portion of the blade he chopped through the bone and tossed the severed thumb on the floor at Sasha’s feet.
“How many men are in your unit?” Again no answer, so Lex removed a finger and tossed it on the floor next to the severed thumb. Blood oozed from the opening and Sasha began to struggle, desperately trying to free himself from the restraints that held him secure. Lt. Sawyer placed his hand on the prisoner’s shoulder, reminding him that there was no chance of an escape.
“Where were you headed?” asked Lex, followed by the removal of another finger.
“Where are you coming from?” Still no answer and yet another finger chopped off.
“What kind of information were you looking for?” When the soldier made no response, Lex removed the man’s last finger from his right hand and added it to the pile of severed digits at Sasha’s feet. The Russian Lieutenant looked down at the stack of fingers in disgust. He felt the urge to puke, but knew that if he did while his mouth was gagged he’d have no choice but to swallow the vomit.
“If you don’t start talking soon you’re gonna look like a freak from a horror show,” taunted Lex. “What’s your commanding officer’s name and rank?”
Silence filled the air and Lex began the painstaking task of sawing through the dead soldier’s wrist. It took him a few minutes to slice through the bone, but once the hand was completed severed he added it to the pile of limbs. Lex continued to question the dead soldier until there weren’t any fingers or hands left to remove, and then he started on the prisoner’s toes and feet. By the time he was finished with the interrogation, the pile at Sasha’s feet had grown considerably.
“I’m losing my patients with you,” said Lex, withdrawing a 9mm Berretta from his waistband and pressing the muzzle of the gun against the dead soldier’s head. “I’m going to ask you one final question and if you don’t answer, I’m going to shoot you in the head. Do you understand? Good. Now, where is your base camp located?”
When no response came from the dead Russian, Lex shot him in the head at point blank. Blood and brains splattered against the wall of the tent, and the dead body slumped forward in the chair. Holstering his weapon, Lex immediately cut the ropes which held the soldier to the chair and using his foot, shoved the body from the chair and onto the floor. He glanced over at Lieutenant Sawyer and signaled for him to bring the other prisoner.
Sawyer did as instructed and forced Sasha down into the blood covered chair and then bound him to it. Before stepping back, he bent down and whispered, “Good luck,” into the Russian’s ear. Sasha’s eyes were wide and his face pale, as he watched Lex wipe the blood from his hunting knife onto Sasha’s shoulder.
“In case you haven’t noticed,” said Lex, “I’m not a very patient man and I don’t like repeating myself. So I’m not gonna ask you twice, hell I’m not even gonna ask you once. You heard the questions I asked your comrade and they’re the same ones I have for you.” Lex rested the razor sharp blade on top of Sasha’s index finger and pressed down hard enough to draw a little blood. “Now, start talking or your fate will mirror his,” he added, nodding towards the dead body lying on the floor next to Sasha. He then ripped the tape from the Russian’s mouth and shouted, “Speak!”
“My name is Lieutenant Sasha Razin,” said the prisoner, his voice shaking in terror. “There were fifteen men in our unit. We are on a reconnaissance mission. Our invasion fleet landed on the coast of California, near the city of San Diego. That is where our command center is located.” The words flooded from the Russian’s mouth, as though he were afraid that Lex would begin cutting before he’d had a chance to answer.
“What about the American civilians, what happened to them?”
“Some fled, but many were killed in battle,” said Sasha hesitantly, afraid that the answer would upset his interrogator and prompt his rage. When he saw the sorrow in Lex’s eyes, he knew immediately that the American must have had someone he cared about in San Diego. “There are thousands of survivors in FEMA camps just outside the city,” he added quickly, not wanting to lose a finger.
“Where?” asked Lex, holding out a map of California. “I want you to show me the exact locations of these camps.” He sliced the rope from one of Sasha’s hands so that the Russian could indicate the positions on the map. Sasha quickly did as instructed and pointed to several spots, his hand shaking in fear.
“Thanks,” said Lex, folding up the map and putting it into his coat pocket. “He’s all yours Major. I think you’ll find him more willing to answer your questions now.”
“I think you’re right,” smiled Major Conrad. “What are your plans?”
“I’m heading for these FEMA camps to see if I can find my mom.”
“But those camps are behind enemy lines,” said Lieutenant Sawyer.
“Yeah, and so is my mother,” replied Lex, even more determined than before. “I intend to find her and bring her back to Clearview.”
At the mention of the name Clearview, Sasha’s eyes widened and he became more alert, listening to every word the Americans said. If they were going to extract information from him, he might as well learn what he could from them as well.
“But she could already be dead,” pointed out Lieutenant Sawyer.
Lex gave Sawyer a dirty look and said, “Then I’ll f
ind her and bury her. Either way I’m going.”
“I respect your decision,” said Major Conrad, “but unfortunately we can’t go with you, you’ll be all alone own behind enemy lines.”
“I’m used to working alone,” said Lex. “Where are you guys headed?”
“My orders are to gather as many civilians as possible and bring them back across the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We’re going to set up a new line of defense, using the mountains as a barrier between us and the enemy.”
“But what about California and the entire western coast?” Asked Cleo. “Is it all being abandoned?”
“I’m afraid so,” replied the Major. “We have no choice ma’am. Most of our soldiers on the front line have already been overrun and the remaining forces are pulling back to the mountain range. At least there we can set up checkpoints at the various passes, and hopefully halt the enemies advance.”
“But surely we have more soldiers that can be pulled from the east coast, don’t we?”
“No ma’am, we don’t. All of our forces on the eastern front are bogged down in the Appalachian Mountains trying to hold back the Chinese, many of whom landed in New York.”
“Why New York?” asked Lex.
“New York is the worst state in the Union when it comes to gun laws,” replied Major Conrad. “It’s almost like they knew which States allow citizens the freedom to own firearms and which ones don’t.”
“Why do you say that?” asked Cleo.
“Because,” answered the Major, “most of the enemy landings took place in States that restrict the right to bear arms. The civilians in New York didn’t even have the chance to defend themselves. It’s actually really sad. The last I heard the enemy was still stuck on the other side of the Appalachian Mountains. From what I understand, the gun toting hillbillies of Kentucky and Tennessee put up a hell of a fight. The civilians alone were able to stop the enemies advance and hold the line at the Mountains until the regular army arrived with reinforcements. That’s why we’re planning to use the Sierra Nevada Mountains as a buffer between us and the enemy. After all, it seems to be working on the eastern front.”
“And what about all of the poor souls that are now behind enemy lines?” asked Cleo.
“They’re on their own until we can launch a counter attack. And there’s no telling when that’s gonna be.”
“But what’s to stop them from nuking us again?” pressed Cleo.
“I don’t think they’ll do that again,” answered Major Conrad. “I believe they’ve come to steal our wealth and property and they don’t want to destroy their plunder any more than they have to.”
“Not to mention they’d be nuking their own troops,” added Lt. Sawyer.
The Major turned and looked directly at Lex. “Find your mother if you can and then try to get back across the mountains as fast as possible. If you get cut off and can’t return by the same route, try heading up the coast to Oregon and Washington. We’ve received word that those states, although overrun by the enemy, have been putting up a good fight. You might be able to hook up with some of the resistance fighters.”
“Thanks,” said Lex, shaking the Major’s hand.
“It’s I that should be thanking you,” insisted Major Conrad. “If it weren’t for you and Cleo it’s very likely I’d be dead right now. Or at the very least I’d be tortured for information. Is there anything I can offer you to assist in your endeavor?”
“We’d be grateful if we could help ourselves to some of your ammo, food and water,” said Cleo.
“Of course,” smiled Major Conrad. “Lieutenant Sawyer?”
“Yes sir.”
“See to it that they have whatever they need before leaving.”
“Yes sir.”
“Good luck,” smiled the Major. “I hope we meet again.”
“Thanks,” said Lex, returning the smile, “me too.”
Major Conrad turned and walked over to Sasha to continue the interrogation, while Lex and Cleo followed Lieutenant Sawyer to the supply tent where they loaded up on ammo, food and water.
“Be careful out there,” said Lieutenant Sawyer. “The enemy is not the only danger.”
“What does that bloody mean?” asked Cleo.
“The FEMA camps that you’re looking for were supposed to be guarded by a unit of Blackwater mercenaries.”
“What the bloody hell is the U.S. government using mercenaries for?”
“We’re spread out pretty thin,” answered the Lieutenant. “The truth is we needed their help.”
“I’ve never heard of them,” said Lex. “Are they dangerous?”
“I’ve heard of them mate,” said Cleo. “They’re a bunch of hired thugs who’ll kill or do anything for a paycheck.”
“And the government sent them to protect the people?” asked Lex, anger rising within him.
“I’m afraid so,” answered Sawyer. “Just be careful in case you run into any of them.”
“Thanks for the warning.”
Break Out
World War III – Day Fifteen
FEMA Camp #569, California
Thanks to the information provided by Lt. Sasha Razin, Lex and Cleo now knew the exact location of several FEMA camps. But what they didn’t know was which camp was home to Mrs. Mancini. After an intense study of the map, they agreed that the most logical location was the camp closest to San Diego and set off in that direction.
Several days after leaving Major Conrad and his convoy of Marines behind, Lex and Cleo arrived on the outskirts of FAMA Camp # 569. It was late in the day when they arrived and what little light there was would soon be gone. They quickly took up observation positions on opposite ends of the camp, searching for Mrs. Mancini and acquiring intelligence on the enemy’s strength.
Peering through the lens of his binoculars, Lex estimated the number of prisoners to be a little over ten thousand. He counted fifty soldiers wearing Russian uniforms, but only fifteen were on duty at any given time. The rest of them lounged around in their barracks, sleeping, eating and from the sounds of the commotion, playing cards and drinking heavily. On the far side of the camp, Lex could see Cleo hiding behind a cluster or boulders, watching the camp below.
Lex and Cleo were surprised to find such a small contingent of guards. But after a full day of scouting the camp and observing the daily activity, they realized why so few were needed. The prisoners seldom left their barracks and when they did only a few emerged at a time. Those who did venture outside appeared weak and sick. Their eyes were yellow, their skin was pale, and their frail bodies were withered and worn. Every morning the remains of dead prisoners who’d die during the night were carried from the barracks and dumped onto a pile of dead bodies at the far end of the camp, where they remained until the end of the day when the guards burned them.
Lex studied the pile of bodies closely, searching for his mother, but found nothing that resembled her delicate and graceful form. If she was here in this camp, she was still alive. There were several other FEMA camps that the Russian prisoner had mentioned, but none were as close to his mother’s house in San Diego.
A couple of hours after the sun set, Lex folded the binoculars in half and slid them into the pocket of his coat. Everyone in camp had already settled down for the night and there wasn’t much to see. His mind formulated a plan, as he quietly slipped away into the night. When he finally arrived at their predetermined campsite, Cleo had already started a small fire and was in the process of preparing a meal.
Standing in the shadows for a brief moment, Lex watched as Cleo bent over the fire, stirring what smelled like a pot of beans and onions. The firelight dancing on her face illuminated her soft skin and enchanting brown eyes. Lex stood there in the darkness, wondering what he could have possibly done to deserve such a woman.
Cleo glanced up when Lex entered the small encampment, “Hello love,” she said with a smile. “I hope your bloody hungry mate because I prepared a feast.”
“Sounds great,” said Lex,
returning her smile. He seemed distracted.
“What’s the matter?”
“I didn’t see my mom down there, did you?” When they’d arrived at the camp Lex had given Cleo a photograph of his mom so that she could identify her.
“No, I didn’t, but that doesn’t mean she’s not there.”
“No I suppose it doesn’t,” agreed Lex. “Did you see the pile of dead bodies?”
“I bloody well did, but I didn’t see your mum among them. I’m sure she’s alright, if she’s even down there. If you wanna be sure before making our move we could go scout the other camps the Russian mentioned first,” suggested Cleo.
“Those camps are too far away,” answered Lex. “I thought for sure she’d be here. And what if she is here and we leave without knowing?”
“The only way we’re gonna know for sure is if we go down there and take a closer look. However, once we bust into this camp the others will probably be notified within the hour and begin fortifying their security. Trust me love, this is what I do for a living. We’re only gonna get one bloody chance at this, so we’ve gotta make it count.”
“I know,” said Lex, shaking his head. “I just don’t know what to do. Did you notice that the prisoners down there are really sick with something? If my mom is here and we leave to scout other camps she may be dead from the illness by the time we return.”
“That’s true love,” said Cleo, wrapping her arm around Lex’s shoulder in an attempt to console him. “It’s not going to be an easy decision, but it’s one you’re gonna have to make on your own. After all, she’s your mum.”
“My gut tells me that she’s here,” said Lex, after a moment of deep contemplation.
“Well then maybe you should trust it,” suggested Cleo. “Ya know my dad used to say that gut feeling is God’s way of guiding us and helping us to make the right decision. You should always trust your instincts mate.”
“Perhaps you’re right,” said Lex.
“Of course I’m right,” grinned Cleo. “I’m a woman aren’t I? And we’re always right, or didn’t your mum teach you that?”
World War III Page 27