“Jim Davidson. He was a pastor at a church I once attended and works for a non-profit ministry. He’s an outdoorsman who hunts and fishes.”
“Who else?”
“Drew Thompson. Drew worked at the legislature for the Speaker of the House.”
Bob cocked an eyebrow. “What does he bring to the table?”
Joshua cringed. “I’m not going to leave him out to dry. Hopefully, my best friend Perry and his wife will be joining us.”
“Hopefully?”
Joshua fought back a tear. “They were here Thursday night when the bomb went off in Raleigh. Unfortunately, their two children were supposed to be in downtown Raleigh. Perry and Caroline left to go look for their kids, and we have not seen or heard from them since.”
“Hmmm. Who else?”
“Let’s see. We have a Marine veteran who makes his living as a firearms instructor--”
“Excellent!” Bob grinned broadly.
“Assuming Perry and Caroline make it we have someone who works in finance, a computer software engineer, a nurse, a teacher, a business consultant, someone who works in IT and a former deputy sheriff.”
“How well do you know these people?”
“Some better than others, but I believe everyone on the list is trustworthy and will do their part. There will be some kids in the group as well.”
Bob audibly groaned at Joshua’s mention of children. “Everyone in the group needs to have clear instructions tomorrow. We don’t need to draw attention to ourselves. We must get from here to the mountains as quietly as possible. And when we get there, we need to remain as off the grid as possible. That means discipline. And with that said, we need to be prepared to defend ourselves if necessary.”
“I agree,” Joshua said. “Can you take the lead on organizing travel logistics for tomorrow?”
“Affirmative,” Bob said. “Make sure everyone who shows up tomorrow has a full tank of gas and that their cell phones are fully charged.”
“Will do. I’ll email or text everyone when I get into the house.”
“Negative! No email or text! They are too easy to monitor. We don’t know who we can trust, therefore we must remain below radar as much as possible. Call them, from a landline if you have one. Additionally, instruct everyone to turn off their GPS devices and the GPS functions on their phones. They do need to bring their phones and have them fully charged, but should use them for emergency purposes only from this point forward.”
“Will do, but half of these people will be lost without their GPS.”
“Well, it’s time they grow up and learn how to use a stinking map.” Bob blew a puff of cigar smoke in the air. “If they can’t get there without a GPS that may be a sign that we don’t need ‘em holding us back.”
A lot of people are going to be in for a dose of culture shock when they meet Bob tomorrow, Joshua thought. “By the way, don’t forget that Thomas will be here at 5:00. I hope you can stick around and meet him.”
“Affirmative.”
“Also, what time will you be here tomorrow morning?”
“With your permission, we will sleep here tonight. Martin and I have everything we need and will pitch our tents out here by the barn.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Joshua chuckled. “That’s fine. I’m going in to check on Rebecca, run this list by her, see what else we need to pack and then start making calls. Do you need anything from me?”
“Negative. Martin and I will handle packing your large items. We will let you know if we need additional information.”
“Yes, sir!” Kane agreed.
Inside, it was immediately evident that Rebecca had been hard at work. The living area floor was covered in boxes, several of which contained canned goods. Others were filled to the brim with clothes, dishes and utensils.
“Wow, you’ve been busy!”
Rebecca wiped her brow as she looked up from her seat among the sea of boxes. “I’ve gotten a lot done. If we have to make this move, I want it to feel like home when we get wherever we’re going. Trying to pack everything we’ll need. What have you guys been up to? They seem like interesting characters.”
“They’re definitely interesting.” Joshua chuckled. “We’ll need them. Bob helped me make a list of things everyone should bring, and now I have to call everyone and share the list. Now he and his friend Kane are getting some of our large items ready to go.” Joshua looked over the boxes. “Let’s make sure we take some pictures and personal items with us. That will help it feel a little like home.”
“Already working on it,” Rebecca said as Joshua picked up an empty box and started toward his office. “What are you going to put in that?”
“A few books I don’t want to leave behind.”
“Books?” she quizzed him. “Won’t those just take up space that could be used for things we need to take with us?”
“I think we’ll need some of these,” Joshua responded without further explanation. Before he made it down the hall he stopped, closed his eyes and took a deep, heavy breath. “Umm, were you able to get up with Perry and Caroline?”
“No.” Rebecca solemnly answered.
Joshua shook his head. His stomach tightened into knots as he walked to his office. He began putting books he felt were worth taking into the box: The Bible. The Art of War. The Boy Scout Handbook. Pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution. Books on leadership. Biographies of George Washington, Winston Churchill and Ronald Reagan. Robert’s Rules of Order. A survivalist handbook he had purchased a few years earlier out of morbid curiosity, and which now seemed eerily relevant. Joshua retrieved his Rotary “Past President” pin and a coin which bore the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self,” which he had always sought to uphold while in public life.
After packing the books Joshua took a seat in his office chair, pulled out his smartphone and silently stared at it for a moment. A lump formed in his throat as he dialed Perry’s number but got a fast busy signal. “Network is down,” he muttered to himself. The call went through on his landline. Please pick up. It went straight to voice mail.
Joshua left a long-winded message: “Hey, Perry. Rebecca and I are worried about you guys. Please let us know how you’re doing and what you’ve found out about Charlie and Allie. We’re getting organized and are still planning to meet here tomorrow morning at 8:00 to travel to a secure location. I hope you two can be here and go with us. We need you, and we miss you guys already. If you can make it, please come prepared to leave here for good. Bring any weapons and ammunition you have, matches, cooking utensils, sleeping bags, clothes, non-perishable food, tools – anything you can think of that we might need. As far as getting ready, bring as much cash as you can, and anything that we could use to barter for other things we need. Oh, and have a full tank of gas.” Joshua paused for a moment, then choked up. “Perry, I really do hope we see you guys tomorrow.”
He hung up the phone and sat silently for a moment before realizing Rebecca was standing in the doorway.
“I take it Perry didn’t answer?” she asked.
“Nope.” He cleared his throat and fought back a tear before turning to face her. “Becca, we’ve lost our sense of security, we’re losing our farm, and I’m worried that I’ve lost my best friend.”
Rebecca walked over and hugged him for what seemed like an eternity. “You’ve still got me.” She leaned over and kissed him. “You need to make the rest of your calls, and I need to finish packing.” He nodded and dialed the next number.
***
The sun was already dropping toward the western horizon when Thomas turned into the driveway from the main road. Joshua and Reagan walked out to the barn to greet him. Bob emerged through the barn doors just as Thomas parked his Suburban.
“Thomas, good to see you,” Joshua said. “This is Bob Kendall. Bob will be coordinating the logistics of our trip.”
“Hey man, nice to meet you.” Thomas extended his hand.
Bob shook Thomas’ hand. “Likewise.” In typical no-nonsens
e Bob Kendall fashion, he dispensed with the pleasantries and got down to business. “Do you have a map of the property with you?”
“Yeah, let me get it out of the truck.”
Thomas retrieved the rolled-up maps and handed them to Bob, who immediately unrolled them and spread them out on the hood of the Suburban.
“Where is the property boundary?” Bob asked.
Thomas outlined the borders of his land.
Bob continued, “Mr. Winston said you were keeping a portion for your house. Where is it?”
Thomas used his toothpick to point out the area where his cabin was located.
“What are the routes in and out?”
“We have one road in at this point, right here.”
“We will need a backup emergency exit. Where will livestock be kept?”
Thomas shrugged. “Hadn’t thought about that.”
Bob grimaced. “We need a plan, as that will be part of our food source. What are your power sources?”
“We are connected through the TVA, and I know some folks who work up at the dam.”
“Good. Do you have a security plan?”
Thomas shook his head. “Hadn’t thought about that either.”
“We will take care of that. What are the routes from the property to the lake?”
Thomas showed him.
“How will you decide who lives where on the property?”
“This is my area.” Thomas again pointed to the portion of the tract where his home was located, then to another square. “Joshua and Rebecca will have this cabin. I have another cabin that’s open. Haven’t really thought about it beyond that.”
Joshua interjected, “Everyone is being instructed that they will provide Thomas with some form of compensation for the use of his land. I’ll leave it to him to negotiate the specifics of that with each person or family.”
“Understood.” Bob pointed at a wooded area on the map. “With your permission, Martin and I will set up camp here and our camp will serve as a security watch. I assume handling security for the property will suffice as compensation for the use of your land.”
“Martin?” Thomas twisted the toothpick between his lips. “Who’s that?”
“Martin!” Bob called out. Kane came jogging out of the barn. “Mr. Page, meet Kane Martin.”
“Nice to meet you, sir!” Kane extended his hand.
“You too, man.”
Kane stood silently until Bob said, “Dismissed!” He did a quick about-face and returned to the barn. Thomas looked at Joshua with an expression of combined bewilderment and amusement.
Joshua smirked. “C’mon, let’s take a look in the barn.”
Inside the barn, Joshua’s Silverado was packed to the gills. Kane had loaded the truck with shovels, hoes and rakes, a pickaxe, two machetes, bags of corn, axes and wood splitters, a variety of hand saws, a bush axe, a box of nails, post-hole diggers, chicken wire, heavier wire for the cattle fence and a large toolbox containing hammers and other basic tools. He had also constructed a portable cage large enough to transport the chickens.
“You’ve been hard at work,” Joshua observed.
“Yes, sir!”
“Martin is a workhorse,” Bob said. “One of the hardest working men I’ve ever commanded. Follows orders precisely.”
Thomas flashed another perplexed grin in Joshua’s direction. Joshua chuckled quietly to himself. Oil and water. I hope they can get along.
Suddenly Reagan ran to the barn door, growling and barking at the headlights turning into the driveway.
“Expecting anyone else tonight?” Bob asked.
“Nope.”
“Do you recognize the vehicle?”
Joshua walked to the barn door and studied the silver king-cab F-150 with a camper shell and large box trailer making its way toward the house. “No.”
“Martin!” Bob bellowed. “Unknown vehicle. Observe.”
Kane grabbed his .308 rifle and disappeared out of the back of the barn.
“Bob!” Joshua clenched his teeth. “He’s not going to do anything rash, is he?”
“Martin will not initiate,” Bob calmly replied.
Joshua pursed his lips.
Bob stepped outside and shined a spotlight at the truck. “Identify yourself!”
The lights on the truck went dark, the engine shut off and the door opened. “I’m Drew Thompson. Who are you?”
Bob looked at Joshua.
“Drew’s with us,” Joshua said. “He’s okay.”
“Martin!” Bob called out. “Stand down!”
Out of the corner of his eye Joshua saw a quick movement as Kane lowered his .308 and retreated from his vantage point near the corner of the barn, disappearing into the darkness like a ghost. Bob did an about-face and reentered the barn.
“Those two cats are wound a little tight, ain’t they?” Thomas nodded toward the barn.
Joshua chuckled but did not answer. “Drew, I take it you got a new vehicle?”
Drew was sporting what appeared to be pair of brand new khakis, a light blue dress shirt and green sweater vest, polished brown dress shoes and leather jacket. He was also carrying a dark blue backpack on one shoulder.
“Yes I did. I needed something that would move more cargo than my little car.”
“Looks like you also found a change of clothes. I thought your apartment was destroyed?”
“It was. I still own my parents’ old house in Dunn and had some items in storage there. I went there to get a few things and convinced a friend who owns a used car dealership to trade me this for the ‘Vette.”
Joshua nodded. “Drew, this is Thomas Page. Thomas owns the land where we’ll be going.”
Drew and Thomas exchanged pleasantries as the three of them walked into barn.
“Drew, there are two more people I’d like you to meet,” Joshua said. “This is Bob Kendall. Bob is a retired Army Command Sergeant Major who worked at the legislature a few years ago. He left just before you got there. And this is Kane Martin.”
“Nice to meet you.” Drew extended his hand to Bob.
Joshua gritted his teeth when Bob did not return the handshake, instead thumping Drew’s chest. “That sure is a real purty sweater vest you’ve got there, boy,” he said with a sneer reinforced by a derisive laugh from Kane. “You’re too soft for where we’re going. Do you have any idea what you’re going into?”
“Probably not,” Drew admitted without hesitation.
“Didn’t think so.” Bob blew cigar smoke in Drew’s face and turned to walk away. “Joshua, I hope this one won’t drag us down. No weak links!”
Joshua cringed. “Come on, Bob, give the kid a break.”
Joshua grimaced as Bob grunted and walked to the back of the barn, where Kane had resumed working.
“Drew, don’t worry about him,” Joshua said. “He’s just a bit old-school and rough around the edges.”
“Duly noted,” Drew responded dryly. “Mr. Page, may I have a word with you in private?”
“Sure thing, man,” Thomas said. “Let’s go outside.”
Joshua watched curiously as they disappeared through the barn doors. What could Drew want to speak privately with Thomas about? They JUST met. He walked to the back of the barn.
“Bob, please go easy on Drew. He’s a good kid.”
“I saw enough of these political operative types at the legislature to know what they’re all about. He’s just a hack. It only takes one look to tell that boy is soft. He’ll hold us back.”
“Don’t forget you met me at the legislature.”
“That’s different. You were elected by the people, and I could tell from day one that you were there to serve, not advance yourself.”
Joshua shook his head. “Give him a chance. I’m going to go help Rebecca. I’ll see you guys in the morning.”
***
The next morning Joshua turned on the television in their farmhouse one last time. Unsurprisingly, the news anchor was talking about the aftermat
h of the week’s attacks.
All across the country, people are in a state of panic. A line of people wrapped around a grocery store flashed across the screen, followed by empty shelves inside the store. People are buying up everything in stores.
Next, the newscast showed a clip of looters carrying away stolen items in a downtown area. There are countless reports of looting, carjacking and armed robberies. The situation is worse in areas closer to the attacks, where state and local governments and law enforcement agencies have been decimated. Major roads are clogged with people trying to flee the fallout from the blasts. Those medical facilities that are open are overwhelmed with patients, many of whom relied on the now nonexistent federal healthcare plan to pay their doctor bills.
Next came a clip of military vehicles in the streets. President Armando has imposed martial law in the attack zones and other areas where there is unrest. Citizens in those areas are being ordered to remain indoors, surrender any weapons they have and, in some cases, house troops and Homeland Security police. Local officials in many areas have protested, but with most of Congress and the Supreme Court gone there appears to be no one to stand in the President’s way.
“Wow.” Joshua’s nostrils flared. “Unbelievable. Looks like my worst fears about Armando are being realized. It’s a good thing we’re getting out of here.”
“Sounds like it,” Rebecca said. “But do you really think we would have to worry about it here?”
“Sadly, yes.”
Rebecca looked down at the floor and shook her head. “I know you’re probably right, but it’s just all so hard to believe.”
A few minutes later Joshua savored what would likely be the last cup of coffee he would ever drink on the porch at their beloved farmhouse. He closed his eyes and thought of the day he and Rebecca found this tract of land. They had worked together, along with Thomas, to design the house and barn and determine where everything would be placed. This was truly their dream house. No, it was more than that. It was HOME -- where he had planned to spend the rest of his life with Rebecca. This doesn’t seem real, he thought. We’re actually leaving. Is this the right move? He looked at his watch. Everyone will be here within the hour. I can’t believe this is actually happening.
After the Republic Page 6