by John Holt
He sat down in the rocker chair listening to the crickets chirping. Down in the brook he could hear the frogs croaking. Close by an owl hooted. Suddenly a flock of birds flew past making their way back to their nests for the night. He watched as the formation flew overhead. It always amazed him how there was always a leader, and the rest took up position behind. He continued to watch as the birds disappeared behind the tree line. He turned his eyes away, and looked back across the meadow. A light breeze was beginning to blow through the trees, gently rustling the leaves.
It had been a good day. He had finalized his order with Dean. He had arranged the loan. He could now really press on with the repairs to the barn. It was certainly in a bad state, and much of the roof needed renewing. He had asked Ben Johnson, and his two sons, the local carpenters, to deal with that. It was too big a task for him. Better to call in the experts. It wasn’t going to be cheap, he knew that, but Ben was the best there was. He would do a good job, so it would be worth it. At least then he would have somewhere for his winter store.
Thanks to the loan Ben, and his lads, would be there in the morning. That left him free to carry out the repairs to the fencing over on the north field. It wasn’t a big job, just time consuming. He was actually hoping that Ben’s sons might have given him a hand. They were going to be there anyway. They didn’t need to make a special trip.
“Sure, they’ll help,” he decided. “No doubt about it.”
* * *
It was only a small farmstead he had to admit. It was nothing of any real significance. Twenty-five cows, a bull, a couple of goats. Recently he had added a small flock of geese, and some chickens. Not forgetting the two cats, Spot and Fluff, and Scamp, the Border collie. Then there were a couple of fields of crops, and some vegetables. And that was it, no more than thirty or forty acres in total. He wanted to add a couple of horses, just because he liked horses, and for no other reason. His kids were with him supporting him all the way, but he needed to get around his wife for that one.
There were a number of other farmsteads in the area, of a similar size. There was the Cartwright family over to the west. Beyond them was the MacDonald family. Then there was his nearest neighbor, Dave Lennon and his family. Dave was getting on a bit now, but he had four strapping sons to help. Then there was another, much bigger concern, the Lorimer farm, just a mile or so away. It was still fairly small, but it was a farm, a proper farm, a fully working operation that gave employment to a number of people in the valley and the surrounding area.
Clancy had always wanted a farm like that, but it wasn’t to be. He had given up on that idea several years ago. He was now nearing fifty years old, and now he was just content with things as they were. Many times he had thought of selling up, maybe to Lorimer, and moving on, but then had decided against it. It wouldn’t have been worth it, he reasoned. He had to live somewhere didn’t he? Besides he liked it here. His wife liked it, and so did the children.
He poured himself another drink. Supper will be ready soon. On the brow of the hill, beyond, the light from the sun was slowly dipping below the horizon. He looked in the direction of the Ridges. He couldn’t actually see them from where he sat, but he knew the direction in which they lay. He had been thinking a lot about what Cole had said. It was quite a mystery. The Government sets up some kind of compound with restricted access. Nobody knows anything, nobody saying anything. No consultation. It didn’t seem right.
He shivered slightly. Was it the weather, or was it what was happening up there. There was a slight chill in the evening air that much was certain. He looked up at the sky, as the last rays of the sun disappeared. “Red sky at night”, he whispered, “Shepherds delight.” It promised a good day tomorrow. He and his son had planned a little fishing down by the creek. They were really looking forward to it, and were hoping for good weather. There had been some heavy rain during this last week, and the waters were quite high. He stood up and practiced casting an imaginary line. Not bad. He cast another. Not bad at all. Maybe we could take a little look up at the Ridges while we’re about it. Just have a little peek, nothing more. After all it wasn’t too far out of their way, was it? A mile or two, that was all.
He picked up his drink and drained the glass. He looked out towards the meadow once more. He thought of the horses that he wanted. They would look good up there, out in the meadow, silhouetted on the horizon. Yes, they would look very good. Must talk to Nancy, although he had a pretty good idea what she would say. He took one last look as the last of the light disappeared, and then went inside.
* * *
The following day was exactly as Clancy had expected. There was a clear blue sky. Not a cloud in sight, and the sun was shining. Clancy walked through the corridor until he came to his son’s room. He tapped noisily. “Come on Daniel,” he called. “Rise and shine.” There was no response. He tapped again, even louder this time, if that were possible. Still there was no response. He turned the handle, and opened the door. The room was empty. He turned back into the corridor. Standing at the end was his son, all dressed and ready to go.
“The equipment has been checked, and the truck is loaded, sir,” he said, saluting smartly. “I just have our food to arrange, and we can go.”
Clancy looked at the boy for a few moments. He’s probably been up for hours. “Well I better get ready hadn’t I?” he said, as he rushed into his room. “Give me ten minutes,” he called as he shut the door behind him.
“Make it five,” the boy called back.
Fifteen minutes later they were both in the truck, and ready to go. As always Clancy picked up his clip-board. “Final check,” he announced.
“Ready,” his son responded.
“Equipment?” said Clancy.
“All secured, sir.”
“Food?”
“Packed away.”
“First Aid supplies?” said Clancy.
The first aid supplies had been checked, and added to as required. The box was now securely in position.
“Camera?” said Clancy.
“Camera and memory card all stowed, sir,” announced Daniel.
The checklist continued for a few moments more. Then Clancy announced that the checklist had been satisfactorily completed. “Right, Danny boy,” he said. “Now we can go.”
The boy winced. “Don’t call me that,” he said indignantly. He looked out of the window at his mother, and waved. “Wagons roll,” he said.
Clancy switched on the motor, and put the lever into drive. He waved to his wife. Put his foot to the accelerator and slowly pulled away. As he did so she suddenly called out. “Have you got your phone?”
She always asked that same question. “Yes,” he called out. “I have the phone.” Out of earshot he turned towards his son. “We do have the phone don’t we?” he asked.
* * *
As he pulled out from the farm he turned onto the Mount Ross Road, heading due north. There was very little traffic. One or two other cars, and an occasional tractor, and that was about it. He had not been driving for very long when he suddenly heard a car tooting somewhere behind him. He looked through his rear view mirror. Fifty yards behind him he could see a blue sedan swerve violently to avoid colliding with a slower vehicle. The car then shot forward and overtook him, and sped away. “There’s always one,” said Clancy.
“Where’s the fire, bud?” he yelled as he leant out of the window.
Daniel said nothing. He was busy trying to find a decent channel on the radio, one that played his kind of music.
“All right,” Clancy suddenly announced. “I spy something with my little eye.” He paused. Daniel gave a loud audible sigh. Clancy continued undeterred. “Something beginning with … C?”
“Car,” Daniel, who had not even bothered to look up, replied instantly.
“All right, all right,” said Clancy disappointed. “That was only a warm up.” He sat and thought for a few moments. “Okay, I’ve got it this time. I spy something with my little eye.” There was ano
ther pause, and another sigh from Daniel. “Something beginning with … F?”
“Fence,” said Daniel, embarrassed. He still had not looked up.
“Right,” said Clancy beginning to get exasperated. “One more, then it’s your turn. I spy something with my …”
“Dad, Dad,” said Daniel quietly. “Do you mind? I’m not a kid anymore. I’m nearly fifteen.”
Clancy looked at his son. He was quite right. He was no longer the little kid that he used to bounce on his knee. In fact he was quite the young grown up. They grow up too fast. “Sure thing Danny, you’re absolutely right,” he said, the slight catch in his voice quite noticeable. “Who have you got on there anyway?” he asked indicating the radio.
The boy looked up. “Dad,” he said gently. “You wouldn’t know them even if I told you.”
Clancy had to admit that his son was absolutely correct, once again. He decided to forget all ideas of games. Dismiss them from your mind, he told himself. And as for a possible sing along, no way, Hosea.
* * *
The journey continued for a further six miles, largely uneventful. There was very little other traffic around. Clancy concentrated on his driving. Daniel continued listening to his music.
Shortly afterwards they reached the junction where they would normally have turned off towards the creek, and their days fishing. Clancy slowed down as he reached the junction. He looked to the right, and then he looked straight ahead. Then he increased his speed and continued straight ahead towards The Ridges.
As they passed the junction Daniel looked up, and back in the direction of the Creek. “Dad, you missed the turn.”
Clancy explained that he hadn’t missed the turn. He was just making a slight detour. “I want to take a look up at the Ridges, just for a moment or two,” he explained. “We won’t be too long.”
Daniel couldn’t understand why they needed to go to The Ridges, and was disappointed. “But Dad,” he said. “It’ll take forever. What about our fishing?”
“It won’t take too long, it’s only another few miles,” Clancy said. “We’ll still get our fishing, don’t you worry.”
Daniel was far from convinced, but he knew better than argue with Dad. “Okay,” he said reluctantly. “But be as quick as you can.” He then went back to listening to his music.
Clancy looked at his son, and placed his hand on his arm. “Sure thing,” he said. “Can’t we get some decent music on that thing,” indicating the radio and laughing.
Daniel looked up. “What do you mean? That is decent music.”
Clancy merely grunted. He had to admit that it really wasn’t that bad after all. “That rap stuff is a whole lot worse.”
“Did you say something Dad?” Daniel asked, turning the volume down slightly.
“No, son,” Clancy replied. “Nothing important.” Daniel turned the volume up once more.
Three miles further on and they turned off the road, onto the dirt track that went through to The Ridges. It was not long after that they saw the first of the signs. It simply stated “No Entry, United States Government.” As they drew nearer the sign Clancy noticed a car stopped at the side of the road. It was a blue sedan, a Mercury Marauder. It was the same car that he had seen earlier that day speeding along the road. The man in the driver’s seat watched Clancy as he drove by.
A few yards further on Clancy came to a stop. He switched off the engine, and got out of the truck. He walked a little way from the vehicle, and stopped in the middle of the roadway. Clancy could see nothing of any significance. He heard nothing. But he sensed that he was being watched. Suddenly he was aware of somebody standing behind him.
“Hey Mister,” a voice man said. “The sign back there says this is a restricted area. Government thing, you know.” No, Clancy didn’t know, but said nothing. “No un-authorized access,” the man continued. “Out of bounds; no entry; prohibited access. No one goes in without permission. Understand?”
Clancy looked back up the hill to where the steel mesh fence started. Understand. No, he certainly did not understand. It didn’t seem right. Not right at all. There was something decidedly strange. The man standing in front of him was not the normal security guard that you might expect with a Government operation. This man had no uniform, and no badge.
Clancy decided not to risk asking for some kind of identity. Something was definitely wrong though. Of that he was absolutely certain. This time last week he had driven right through the road up ahead and back down the other side. Now to get to the other side meant a detour of twenty or more miles. What was going on?
“Just last week I drove straight through here, there weren’t any signs then,” he said.
“Is that right,” said the man. “That’s mighty interesting,” sounding as though it was anything but.
“What’s this all about?” Clancy asked, trying to sound casual.
“Can’t say,” the man replied. “Top secret, you know.” Clancy said nothing. The man then changed his tone, trying to sound friendly. “Where are you heading?” he asked.
“Oh, we’re just going to do a bit of fishing,” said Clancy, pointing over to his son still seated in the truck, listening to the radio, oblivious to what was happening.
The man looked around at the truck, and then turned back to face Clancy. “Not up there you’re not,” said the man pointing up the hill, and laughing.
“No, not up there,” Clancy replied. “Down at the creek.” He pointed back down the hill. “Down there.”
“Oh sure, the creek,” said the man. “Should be all right, I hear that the trout are pretty good there.”
Trout? Not in our creek. Catfish was more likely. “Oh is that right,” Clancy replied. “Well we better get going then.” He looked back at the fence momentarily then turned, and walked back to the truck. “Bye,” he called out. “Have a nice day.”
He got into the truck and reached into the glove compartment. He took out the digital camera, and switched it on. All the while he kept watching the man as he made his way back to his car. As the man reached the car Clancy suddenly saw his chance. He held the camera up to his eye, focused, and took two or three quick photographs. He then placed the camera back into the glove compartment. As he did so he saw the man looking in his direction, and then start to write something into a notepad.
“Daniel,” said Clancy very quietly. “That man in the sedan has just made a note about us. What is going on?”
Daniel was engrossed with his music and said nothing. Clancy looked at his son. “Oh to be young and innocent again, with not a care in the world, except maybe what was going to be the next top of the charts.”
He put the key into the ignition, and started the motor. He gave one last look back at the sedan. The man looked over and waved. Clancy waved back. Then he turned, and drove back down the hill. The boy looked up delighted that, at last, they were on their way.
* * *
Two days later Clancy was back in town. He had made arrangements to meet with Michael Cole, from the Gazette. He wanted to tell him about his visit up at the Ridges. He also wanted to know if Cole had found out anything more.
They had arranged to meet up at Kelly’s bar in Market Square. He arrived at just after three. Cole was already there. As he saw Clancy enter, he stood up and waved. Clancy made his way through the bar, over to the corner booth where Cole was. It was such a nice day they decided to take their drinks outside on to the terrace. Cole called the waiter over, and ordered.
“Haven’t been here for months,” Clancy said. “Generally, it’s far too crowded.” Today was different. It was the middle of the afternoon, and there weren’t many people in the bar.
Shortly after the drinks arrived, and the two men settled down, both anxious to learn what the other had found out. “Well what can you tell me?” asked Clancy. “Have you found out anything?”
“Not much I’m afraid,” Cole answered. “It seems to be some kind of compound although what its purpose is who knows.” He took
a sip of his drink.
“Is that all?” Clancy asked. “Nothing else?”
“Nothing,” Cole replied. “Nothing at all.”
Clancy looked disappointed. He had to admit though that he hadn’t really expected anything different. There was a sudden noise behind him. The waiter had dropped a tray, and a number of glasses fell to the ground, breaking into dozens of pieces. As Clancy looked around he saw something from the corner of his eye. He turned further to get a better view. It was a blue Mercury Marauder just turning the corner. It drove a short distance past the bar, and then stopped. The driver, and the passenger, remained seated in the car.
“Mike,” Clancy said quietly. “Don’t look round, yet. But parked at the corner, behind me, is a blue Mercury Marauder.” Cole immediately turned to see. “Don’t look round, I said,” repeated Clancy.
Cole was mystified. “So what about this Mercury Marauder?” he asked.
Clancy took out his wallet, and took out a small photograph. He placed it on the table in front of Cole. “That is a picture of the driver,” he said quite simply, tapping it several times.
Cole picked up the photograph, and then looked towards the car. It had gone. He looked back at the photograph. “The car’s gone, Bill,” he said. “So what’s the story?”
* * *
Ten minutes later Clancy had told Cole everything that he knew about his visit to the Ridges, and his friend, the driver of the blue Mercury. “Keep the photograph, Mike,” he said. “See if you can find out anything about him, and let me know will you?”
“I’ll let you know don’t worry,” said Cole. He looked at his watch. It was four thirty. He had a meeting to get to. “Sorry but I have to go,” he said as he drained the glass.
The two men agreed to meet up again in a few days time. They got up to leave. In the far corner of the terrace two men were talking. They were watching Clancy very closely.