Trent and Kit looked at each other and nodded yes.
“Well, since I’ve been turned into ranch hand and a baby makin’ machine, I’d like to have a little input.”
“Sorry ’bout that darlin’ didn’t mean ta do that,” Trent said.
“I’m only kiddin’ you two, but I’m learnin’ things that’s new.”
“One thing we ain’t learned is yor momma’s answer,” Trent said, looking over at Kit.
“If you two are really sure ’bout marriage…then do it, but I’m not promisin’ nothin’ else. I can’t say for sure I wanna leave here and go to Sante Fe. I think it’s good to dream and plan, but I’m not sure I’m up to doin’ what Trent thinks I can do. Did ya decide when this marriage should take place?”
“No, Kit, we didn’t talk ’bout a date, ’cause I needed to know if you’d approve,” Trent replied.
“Alright, I say it’s okay. Now, you two need to give this more thought and make some concrete plans.”
“Wait, wait, just a minute, I gotta make this official,” he said, reaching in his pocket.
Trent stood and took out a small box and presented it to Haylee. She opened it, and found a sparkling engagement ring.
“Oh, Trent, it’s beautiful!” She said hugging and kissing him. “I must put it on now!”
“Pretty sure of yourself, weren’t ya,” Kit remarked to Trent.
“No ma’am, the jeweler said, if it all fell through, I could return it,” Trent chuckled.
“Is there anymore wine?” Kit asked.
“’bout nuff for a glass for the three of us,” Trent answered.
“Then get it, we must have a toast,” Kit said.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The next morning, Trent began loading his streamlined cab with ammunition, his scope fitted AR-15, six loaded magazines, 12-gauge shotgun and converted tackle-box full of “foster” type slugs. He also put on board extra 9mm and .45 ammunition rounds for his handguns. He always carried his survival knife. This time he added light body armor and night vision goggles binoculars. He looked down at his cowboy boots and smiled. He went back into the house, broke out his military boots, and slipped into them.
As usual, he was hungry so he walked down the hill to the restaurant to see Haylee and get a hearty breakfast. His stool was open at the counter. She smiled glowingly as he sat down.
“Good morning, Trent, let me show you my engagement ring. My boyfriend, fiancé, gave this to me last night. Pretty fancy, huh? “She said proudly, holding out her ring.
“I’d say, do I know this fella?”
“Yes, you do, and he’s the most handsome man in the world!”
“If he looks like that, I’m ’fraid I don’t know ’em, but he’s shor got good taste in rings and women!”
“Too bad you don’t know ’em, ’cause you can’t imagine what you’re missin’. You’re not jealous, are you?”
“No, no, no, I’m happy as a hog in slop for both of ya. Haylee-Girl, ya know I did come in here to eat, don’t ya?”
“Customers, they’re all the same, get me somethin’ to eat, while they ogle my rear end when I put in the order.”
“That sounds purdy good ta me, lookin’, eatin’, and ogle ’n.”
“Oh well, let me put in your order, I can see you’re not interested.”
“I’m interested, just waitin’ to watch you walk back to place my order,” he said with a smile.
“Men, they’re all the same, food and sex!” She exclaimed, head held high, and briskly walked away.
While she was gone, Trent sat there smiling to himself about how fortunate he was to have met the love of his life. When she did return, she began splaying his food over the counter.
“Trenton Willobee, I can’t understand how one human being can eat as much as you do! Look at it! Really! Two biscuits immersed, practically drowned, in sausage gravy, three eggs over easy, four slices of crisp bacon, two slices of wheat toast, not to mention black coffee or the apple pie you’ll order before you’re done. If you ever get married, I can’t imagine how a woman could put up with this!”
“Well, now, Haylee-Girl, since everbody in here now knows what I’m eatin, ya think maybe somebody might wanna help me pay for it?”
“Highly doubt it, ’cause most of my customers don’t wanna go home broke!” She giggled.
“Why you so hard on me? I just might have to tell your boyfriend ’bout this,” he said solemnly with a serious look.
“You can do just that at about five-fifteen this afternoon.”
“I know where to find ’em,” Trent smiled. “Hey woman, mah food’s gittin’ cold after all this here jawbonin’. I gotta git to eatin’.”
“Serves ya right, I’ll see ya later,” Haylee winked.
Trent decided to call Creet one more time and make sure everything was still on.
“Creet, this is Willobee, just wanted to check in with ya.”
“We’re about to get underway here. You good to go?” Creet asked.
“Actually, there’s one thing I need ya ta do for me. I’m writin’ a letter to my girlfriend that I’m gonna leave on the table here at the house. Her name’s Haylee Harper. If somethin’ should go wrong, will you make sure somebody ’ill give it to ’er? I mean can ya leave some kinda note just in case. See, we got engaged last night, and she don’t know nothin’ ’bout what I been doin’.”
“You’re engaged?! Congratulations! When’s the date?”
“We ain’t decided that yet.”
“Willobee, I completely understand how you’re feelin’ right now, but you and I are gonna be okay. Having said that, I’ll make sure your letter will be delivered. Good enough?”
“Yeah, that’s good nuff. When I was in Special Ops me ’n guys promised each other stuff like that. I never asked, I guess you gotta girlfriend or even a wife to worry ’bout,” Trent said.
“Like I said, Willobee, I know how ya feel. I have a wife and two boys, nine and seven.”
“Guess that means we both better git back home,” Trent chuckled.
Haylee was knocking at his door right after five o’clock. She came in and gave him a hug and big kiss.
“Don’t think we better be startin’ nothin’. Ole Kit ’ll be after me with ’er cane.”
“I won’t stay long, but I had to see ya before you left.”
“How’d you know I’d be leavin’?
“Trent, I think I’ve gotten to know ya better ’n ya know or think.”
“I told ya before, you scare me girl,” he said with a big smile.
“This trip to New Mexico have anything to do with the property you plan to buy?” She asked.
“No, this is work stuff I gotta do.”
“How long will ya be gone?”
“Three, four days at most.”
“Don’t keep me waitin’ too long, I might get a rovin’ eye,” she giggled.
“Don’t think I gotta be worryin’ ’bout that, ’cause I know ya better ’n you think. That crick runs both ways.”
“Leavin’ in the mornin’?”
“Yep, a little after five.”
“You are gonna call me?”
“Do trees have branches? Course I’ll be callin’, ’cause I’m gonna be missin’ ya.”
“Trent, I thought ’bout somethin’ today I don’t have.”
“What’s that?” He asked.
“It’s customary for two people who’re gonna get married to have a picture of each other, and I don’t have one of ya.”
“Hang on just a sec, I think I got a rodeo picture of ’bout ten year ago. Let me check in this here drawer,” he said, rummaging through his dresser. “Ah, here it is! Ya might have to trim it if you wanna put it in your wallet.”
“I ain’t got one of you,” he said.
“You have now,” she said retrieving a photo from her purse. Momma took it when I graduated from community college. That was a while ago, too.”
He looked at the picture, then her. “I didn’t know some women git purdier as they git older, but boy you shor have!”
“Well, if you gonna make a claim like that, I’ll have to say, you sure look a lot more handsome now than you do in this picture, but it does look great,” she smiled adoringly.
“Guess we can say that older must be better,” he laughed, “and before I forgit, here’s a key to mah place,” he said, handing it to her.
“Why do I need a key?” She asked.
“While I’m gone, if ya need anything I got, just come git it.”
After Haylee left, Trent got on his computer and created bills of lading and pickup information that were similar to his legitimate ones in case he was questioned about any load he was to pick up. He knew a lot of the personnel at most inspection stations, but he did not want to run into a rookie who might give him too much scrutiny. His hope was that since he was deadhead, he wouldn’t even have to stop because of bypass and Drivewyze App.
It was 5:30 in the morning and the sun was just peeking over the mountains when Trent pulled away from his homestead. He stopped briefly on Main street (Route 66) and took a quick look back at his place in Oatman, then slowly proceeded toward Kingman. The drive would take him at least ten hours, with a couple of fill-ups and food, probably eleven. Not only that, but he would have to stop at a few inspections stations and show he was traveling deadhead. He wanted to get to Columbus a little early and get the lay of the land. He especially wanted to locate the overpass where he was to be at midnight and check out the logistics. Trent wanted plenty of time to coordinate with Creet and his people. He also knew, which he dreaded, that he would have to coordinate with Slinger. He kept thinking in theory this all seemed pretty run of the mill, but from his recollections of the Middle East, plan on the worst possible scenario and hope for the best.
As he drove, his thoughts lingered on Haylee despite the gravity of the situation. In a way, he felt he had been dishonest with her, but he couldn’t risk jeopardizing her and her mother’s safety and security. If he had been open about things, she would be worried sick, and in his mind, she didn’t deserve it. He thought about several of his married or engaged brothers in the Middle East and what their wives, children, or fiancées endured. Trent had to go through personal effects of some of his brothers in arms and saw first-hand the trepidation, fear, and sadness expressed in letters, cards, and texts.
He passed by the first inspection station without slowing down. He kept his eyes on his mirrors to see if anyone gave chase. Nothing. He passed by a second station, but within minutes, he saw blue lights and had to pull over. He watched in his mirror as a female officer approached his rig. He rolled down his window as he was thinking aw shit!
“Why didn’t you stop?” She asked.
“Officer, uh, he quickly glanced at her name pendant, Devine”, I was dependin’ on bypass, usin’ mah Drivewyze App, and since I’m deadhead, I didn’t think I needed to,” he replied.
“Get your paper work and get out of the truck,” she said sternly.
“Yes, ma’am, I shorly will,” he said, retrieving license and insurance from the glove box.
“You’re empty?”
“Yes, Officer Devine, I ain’t carryin’ nothin’, yet.”
“Where you bound?” She asked.
“Columbus, New Mexico. Still a fir piece.”
“What did ya say about Columbus? What kind of piece?”
“it’s a fir piece. It’s a long way down the road.”
“Open ’er up,” she said, walking around the rig while making a visual inspection.
“Will do,” he said as he opened the trailer doors.
She peaked in, “Okay, close it up.”
“If ya don’t mind mah askin’, did my App not work?”
“It probably works fine. Our bypass is down right now.”
“Ya think that might be a problem down the road?” He asked.
“Doubt it. Think it was just ours.”
“Good, cause I’m hopin’ to get there before it gits too late.”
“Where’d you say you’re going?”
“Columbus, New Mexico.”
“Oh, yeah, I remember, a fir piece. I would’ve guessed somewhere in the Deep South, not New Mexico,” she said with arrogance and sarcasm as she started to walk away.
“Thank ya, Officer, I better git back on the road,” he said, climbing into the cab.
Wow, this may be more trouble than I figured, he thought, as he pulled out onto the Interstate.
She had actually really pissed him off, but he couldn’t afford to be stupid; although, he just knew she saw him as an ignorant country bumpkin who probably could barely read or write. Trent just smiled to himself, because a lot of people had underestimated him time and again.
After about five hours on the road, he pulled into a truck stop to top off his tanks. While there he got a sandwich and pop to wash it down. Before he got back on the road, he decided to call Haylee, even though he was pretty sure she’d be dealing with a lot of customers, he just wanted to hear her voice.
“I know ya probly jumpin’ ’round in that place like a lizard on a hot road, but just wanted to say I love ya, and I miss ya.”
“Oh, Trent, you’re so full of surprises, I didn’t expect to hear from ya so soon, but I’m real glad you called. Think you can call me later tonight?”
“How many lives does a cat sposed to have?”
“Umm…nine?” She replied.
“Ain’t used up one yet!”
“I take that to mean yes,” she giggled.
“Got that right, I’ll call before bedtime,” he said.
“By the way, before you hang up, remember I love and miss you, too.”
“I’ll talk to ya later, sweetheart,” he said and hit the off button.
Trent found a little motel on the outskirts of Columbus to stay while he waited for Slinger. He was somewhat familiar with Columbus because of his past hauling in the area. He had visited the Maquiladora (Free Trade Zone) for Mexican and American companies. His last haul was back in 2014. At that time, there were about 3,000 Maquiladoras which employed more than a million Mexicans who processed, assembled, or manufactured products which could be shipped back into the U.S. without a tariff. American companies worked in tandem with their counterparts across the border. Maquiladoras could get away with environmentally unsound business practices and cheap labor which American companies could not on the U.S. side. As a result, greedy U.S. businesses let them do their dirty work and then receive completed products into the U.S. without being taxed. This was not unusual. Trent had seen this practice employed all along the U.S. Mexico border. He had heard Donald Trump talk about the rottenness of the trade deals American failed leaders had thrust upon the country like NAFTA, which had cost a lot of American jobs to be lost.
He ordered pizza and broke out a bottle of Miller Lite from his cooler, which he made sure he brought along from the house. He sat back and watched television news and waited for his food to arrive. The Dallas police ambush of five police officers was very disturbing, and the story about the FBI director letting Hillary Clinton off regarding her illegal email servers in her Chappaqua, New York home, upon which she stored confidential, secret, and top secret information. As he watched, he thought about what would have happened to him if he had even let one sensitive email fall into the hands of anyone who didn’t have appropriate security clearances. They would’ve court-martialed me, and sent me to Fort Leavenworth without second thought. Shit, If I’d broke the law, I could’ve run for the presidency of the United States!
Trent heard a knock and answered the door for his pizza.
“Thanks, buddy, I ’preciate the
chow,” Trent said as he paid. “By the way how far’s that downtown overpass from here?”
“Only ’bout, a mile or so.”
“Here’s-a extra five for bringin’ the pizza and the info.”
Trent turned to satiating his hunger. He broke out another beer, and dove into his all-meat pizza. He didn’t know whether it was a good or bad, but it was certainly satisfying. When he finished, he decided to call Creet.
“This is Willobee, thought I’d better see how things are goin’.”
“Everything’s coming together quite well.”
“Guess ’bout all the alphabet soup’s gonna be there,” Trent said.
“Not all, but I have to disappoint ya ’bout the FBI. My boss at the DIA, Carter Yack, ordered me to make sure they were involved,” Creet said.
“Does this Yack fella ever watch the news or read a newspaper?” Trent asked.
“Don’t think for a minute he’s not at the top of his game. He’s really a good guy.”
“If you say so. Any other agencies workin’ on this?” Trent asked.
“Willobee, I probably shouldn’t be tellin’ ya these things, but—what the hell! The CIA has some operatives on the ground, and your old friend Dobson from Homeland Security is gonna be on site.”
“This is soundin’ like old home comin’,” Trent chuckled.
“Oh, I forgot to mention that local and state law-enforcement officers and border patrol agents will be backin’ up the operation as well.”
“Hell, with all this manpower, we should be able ta pull this off without too much trouble, but then again, if those diaper-heads git wind of what we’re doin’, we made need all of ’em. Ta tell the truth; I don’t see how they ain’t gonna figure this out. These camel-humpers ain’t stupid, but they sure as hell are real bad guys.”
“I know, Willobee, but we all must be prepared.”
“I hear ya, but I gotta tell ya, I don’t like that the local and state-boys are involved. Too many people knowin’ too much ain’t good.”
“Only their top people are supposed to be in on this,” Creet said.
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