by Robert Boren
“You and your clan have done a lot of damage,” Agent Williams said as he pulled the cap off the needle. He stuck it into the IV node below the drip sack and emptied it. “Nighty night. Sweet dreams.”
Agent Williams capped the syringe and put it back in his pocket as Scott looked at him in wide-eyed terror. They locked eyes for another second, and Agent Williams left the room.
“We’re done in there,” Agent Williams said to the two officers.
“You get anything out of him?” the cop on the right asked.
“Nah,” Agent Williams said. “He won’t survive the night. He couldn’t talk for the last few minutes. Nothing but wheezing.”
“Think he had any accomplices alive?” the other cop asked.
“No,” Agent Williams said. “I think the older woman they found dead out there was his last accomplice.”
“What about the teenager?”
“He was retarded. Had the mind of a ten year old,” Agent Williams said. “We got the records from the center he escaped from.”
There was commotion down the hall, and a doctor and nurse ran past them, rushing through the doors, frantically working on Scott.
“Like I said. Talk to you officers later.”
Ted and Malcolm were chatting on the walkway just outside the door of the hospital when Agent Williams sauntered out.
“Night night time?” Ted asked.
“Yeah,” Agent Williams said. “You think there were others?”
“Involved with this last set of murders? No,” Malcolm said. “There are more clan members, but they’re not closely related to this branch. Michigan and Alabama, maybe Louisiana.”
“You gonna be on their tail?” Agent Williams asked.
“Sure, but no hurry,” Malcolm said. “Heard from George a little while ago. We’ve got a country to save, gentlemen.”
“Mind if I tag along?” Agent Williams asked.
“Hell no, love to have you,” Malcolm said. “Let’s go collect Gabe and Dobie and be on our way.”
***
Gabe sat next to Sue on the veranda of her restaurant. It was late, the park quiet. Sue was still nervous. Every time she heard a coach door open or a twig snap, she scanned the area, eyes full of terror.
“Who’s that coming?” she asked, watching a dark figure walking a big dog towards them.
“That’s Dobie and Duchess,” Gabe said, smiling. “Got news, Dobie?”
“Yeah,” he said. “Scotty’s toast.”
“He’s dead?” Sue asked.
“He’s dead,” Dobie said. “Died in the hospital right after our friends interviewed him.”
Gabe snickered. “Wonder if he had any help?”
“Nobody’s saying,” Dobie said. “They want to take off tonight. Something’s starting up back home.”
“Tonight, huh?” he asked. “I’m good with that if I don’t have to drive the rental car back. We’ll need to trade off in your truck.”
“Yeah,” Dobie said.
“You’re leaving already?” Sue asked, looking sad.
“If my friends need me, yeah,” Gabe said. “Can I come back when this is over?”
“I’d love that,” Sue said. “Wish I could go with you, but I’ve got the park and all.”
“I know,” Gabe said. “Never would have left mine, if there wasn’t a tank and a bunch of enemy troops heading towards us.”
“I’ll leave you two alone,” Dobie said. “They’ll be back here in about twenty minutes.”
“Okay, thanks, Dobie,” Gabe said.
“He’s a good friend, isn’t he,” Sue asked.
“Oh, I never told you, did I?” Gabe said. “He’s my nephew. The only family I have left, I’m afraid.”
“Really? Should have guessed that.”
Gabe smiled at her as he studied her eyes. “You’re so beautiful.”
“Oh, stop it,” she said, face flushing.
“No, really,” he said. “I want you in my life. Do you have any feelings like that?”
She moved closer to him, putting her arms around him, kissing him on the mouth.
“Does that answer your question?” she asked, eyes soft on his. “It will be complicated, though. You have a park too, don’t you?”
He laughed. “I’m probably the proud owner of a big crater. And by the way, we’ve got another couple in the same situation. Two parks. They’ll figure it out. I think we can too, but we’ll have time. We’re only starting to court now, after all.”
She smiled at him. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
“Here come my friends,” Gabe said, watching Malcolm’s Jeep Unlimited drive through the gate. “I best be going, but can I have another kiss first?”
She stood up, pulling up on him, and they fell into a tight embrace, kissing passionately.
“You better stay alive,” she said.
“Well, I’ve got more to live for than ever, you know,” Gabe said. “See you soon.”
He walked towards Dobie’s fifth wheel as she watched, tears in her eyes.
Chapter 2 – Montana Bound
Rosie woke with a start as the iron door creaked open. It was early morning. Two guards came in the door, pistols pointed at them. A man with a food cart followed. He left it, the guards backing out behind him, guns still on them. The iron door slammed with a clank.
“Food,” Rosie said as Jeb and Dick sat up.
“Well, it smells good,” Jeb said. “Guess I should be a little nicer so they don’t cut it off.”
“Why?” Dick asked, chuckling. “I’m better when I’m lighter.”
“I’m still healing,” Jeb said.
“Yeah, okay, good point,” Dick said.
The three got their food and ate.
“How we get out of here?” Rosie asked.
“I’m sure our people are working on that now,” Jeb said.
“More than just your people,” Dick said. “Ned probably knows where these idiots are holding us already.”
“Who’s Ned?” Jeb asked.
“My brother. We were both in Special Forces. He’s still in. I retired and got elected Sheriff in northern Missouri.”
“Should we make plans?” Jeb whispered.
“No, we should get stronger and be ready,” Dick said. “We should start walking the cell, so we don’t get out of shape.”
“I need to do that anyway,” Jeb said. “Supposed to be doing rehab. I remember the exercises they wanted me to do.”
“What you mean be ready?” Rosie asked.
“We’ve got two groups that are gonna try to spring us,” Ned said. “We need to join the fun when it starts up. There will be an opportunity to surprise them. Just wait.”
“Maybe they’ll join forces,” Jeb said.
“They will,” Dick said. “I know General Hogan. He’s an old friend of my brother and me. I’m sure they’re already talking.”
“They might hit home base while George and others attack,” Rosie said. “I worry for Jasmine.”
“I know, honey,” Jeb said, putting his arm around her shoulder. “We have lots of people at the park, so don’t worry. They won’t send everybody here.”
“Yeah, this operation won’t be about numbers,” Dick said.
***
Frank and Jane were just getting up. It was a bright morning.
“This sounds more like a real RV Park,” Frank said as he walked into the kitchen. “So many people out there. Even some kids.”
“I know,” Jane said, walking out. Lucy was prancing around. “Want me to take her?”
“I’ll go too, but let’s get coffee and take it,” Frank said.
“Sounds great,” Jane said. She carried her shoes to the couch and sat, putting them on. Frank switched on the coffee maker.
“As soon as we get back, I want to call Sarah,” Frank said. “I’m pretty worried about her.”
“You think they could find her?” Jane asked.
“Maybe,” Frank said. “Daan has some
hackers on his team. He’s no slouch himself. At least Sarah got married pretty quickly after she moved to Boise, and she never rented there. That’ll help. They might end up wasting time looking for her in Portland.”
“Hope so,” Jane said, worried look on her face. Frank handed her a cup of coffee and then got himself a cup.
They walked down the steps, following the dog outside. It was still early. No people up and around yet. There was a chill in air, even with the bright sun.
“What’s it gonna be like when winter comes?” Jane asked as they strolled.
“Good question,” Frank said. “I’m a SoCal boy, remember. Never lived through real winters.”
“Morning,” Kurt said as he stepped out of his coach. “Getting a little chilly.”
“You ever been here during the winter?” Frank asked him.
“Yeah, once,” he said. “There’s places I’d rather be. We still have a couple months before it starts to turn. You guys going to the clubhouse?”
“Not right away,” Jane said. “We need to get our daughter on the phone.”
“We’ll show up when the away team gets back,” Frank said. “There will be a lot to discuss.”
“Yeah,” Kurt said. “Talk to you later.” He went back inside his coach. Mary waved to them from the window as they walked by.
Jane looked at Frank. “I’m really nervous about what the general said. I don’t want you in the middle of this.”
“Don’t worry yet. Let’s see what the plan is.”
They walked along silently for a few minutes.
“Frank, when things settle down I want to visit Sarah. A mother should spend some time with her daughter when she’s pregnant, especially the first time.”
“I know, honey,” Frank said. “We’ll see what we can do.”
“I wish we could call Robbie.”
“Yeah, I’m nervous about him too,” Frank said. They got back to their coach. Jane got out her phone as Frank fed Lucy and Mr. Wonderful.
“I’ll put it on speaker, Frank,” Jane said, sliding into one side of the dinette. Frank joined her on the other side of the table as she hit the contact.
“Sarah?” Jane asked.
“Mom!” Sarah said. “I’m glad you called.”
“You’re on speaker. Dad’s on the line too.”
“Hi, pumpkin,” Frank said.
“Hi, daddy,” she said. “Is everything okay?”
“Hopefully,” Frank said. “There’s somebody after us. There’s a slim possibility that this person might try to find you.”
“Oh, no,” Sarah said.
“Don’t get scared yet,” Frank said. “Did you ever get established in Boise? Ever rent an apartment, or spread your maiden name around in other ways?”
“No,” Sarah said. “Remember, we came here when Portland looked dangerous. I never lived anywhere but my husband’s house. Fell for him pretty quick. I changed my name in a hurry, too.”
“Are there people in Portland who know where you are?” Jane asked.
“Half of my friends moved here,” Sarah said, chuckling. “It feels so much safer.”
“You should call your remaining friends in Portland and ask them not to tell any strangers where you’ve gone,” Frank said. “Just in case.”
“Who’s after you?” Sarah asked.
“Some guy named Daan Mertins,” Frank said.
“Strange name,” she said. “Is he a scary guy?”
“By himself, no, but he’s got some bad folks in the UN and the WTO with him, so he is dangerous.”
“Oh,” she said. “Why’s he after you?”
“He’s the guy who supplied the chips for the Islamists and the militia,” Jane said.
“Oh,” Sarah said. “And you came up with those apps. I’ll bet he doesn’t like you at all.”
“Not much,” Frank said. “Just lie low, and suspect any strangers that show up. I’d ask your friends in Portland to tell you if anybody has been asking about you.”
“Okay, daddy,” she said.
“Enough of that,” Jane said. “How’s the pregnancy going, honey? And the marriage?”
“Both are great, mom,” she said. “Hank is a perfect husband. He treats me like a queen.”
“That’s great, honey,” Frank said.
“I’m past the morning sickness now, too,” she said. “Showing quite a bit, of course, and I feel the extra weight on my back. It’s going to be tough when I’m further along.”
“You getting good care?” Jane asked. “On the vitamins and everything?”
“Yeah, and Hank quit smoking,” she said. “He just got a promotion too, so we’re doing well.”
“Good,” Jane said. “We’re going to visit after things settle down.”
“I’d love to see you,” Sarah said. “The enemy fighters are pretty much done, aren’t they?”
“Yeah, except the bad folks in the UN,” Frank said. “I think the war is getting close to over.”
“We’ve been watching the news about Europe. It’s a big mess over there now, but the good guys are winning.”
“Looks like,” Jane said.
“How about Robbie?” Sarah asked. “I haven’t heard from him for a while.”
“He was heading towards Abilene last time we talked to him,” Frank said. “We can’t call him. We have to wait for him to call us.”
“I worry about him all the time,” Sarah said.
“I know, me too,” Jane said.
“Hey, look, here comes Dobie’s fifth wheel,” Frank said, looking out the kitchen window.
“Who’s that?” Sarah asked.
“One of our people, getting back from a road trip,” Jane said. “We’ve all been waiting on him. We’d probably better go.”
“Okay,” Sarah said. “Love you guys.”
“Love you too, sweetie,” Frank said.
“Love you, honey. We’ll see you soon. Remember what your father said. Check with your friends in Portland.”
“I’ll do that right away,” she said. “Bye.”
Jane ended the call. “Let’s eat a quick breakfast before we go over, okay?”
“Yeah, and more coffee,” Frank said.
***
Dobie pulled the fifth wheel into his spot.
“Wow, look at all these coaches,” he said as he shut the engine off.
“Yeah, we have a bunch of new friends,” Gabe said, smiling. They got out of the truck. Dobie let Duchess out of the trailer, and she raced over to Princess, Simon, and Peabody.
Jake rushed over. “I introduced the dogs to all the new folks,” he said. “I think I did it right. They’re behaving well.”
“Good, thanks,” Dobie said, squatting, the four dogs rushing to him, tails wagging, nuzzling. “I’ll take Duchess around to them after we’re set up.”
“Who’s that guy?” Jake asked, nodding over to Malcolm and Ted. They were walking over with Agent Williams.
“That’s the FBI guy we were working with in Ohio,” Gabe said. “Hell of a nice guy. He’s joining us.”
“I’ll get the other dogs introduced to him,” Dobie said.
“Hey, guys,” Malcolm said. “I figured we’d better get our new friend introduced to the Doberman patrol. This is Agent Williams of the FBI.”
“Good to meet you,” Agent Williams said.
“Likewise,” Gabe said. Dobie brought the dogs nearby and introduced him to each.
“Beautiful dogs,” Agent Williams said. “Too bad Officer Shockney couldn’t come along.”
“Officer Shockney?” Jake asked.
“A police officer in Cameron,” Dobie said. “He’s been learning how to work with K-9 units and is training his own dogs. I’ll see him again sometime. We kinda clicked.”
“Good,” Agent Williams said. “He’s good people.”
“Can’t believe how many coaches we have now,” Gabe said. “How many people?”
“Over forty,” Jake said. “Kurt’s been looking around fo
r game. There’s deer not too far. He’ll be taking his bow back there to get us some meat.”
“Really?” Malcolm asked. “Maybe he’d let me tag along.”
“Probably would,” Jake said. “Hopefully we’ll get our other bow hunter back.”
“Jeb,” Dobie said. “Any word on them?”
“Lots of developments there,” Jake said. “The general will fill you in on that.”
“I already know some of it,” Malcolm said. “The general has something in mind for George and me.”
“Yeah,” Jake said. “Heard about Scott on the news this morning.”
“He won’t be bothering us again,” Ted said.
“He got any friends who are gonna come out of the woodwork?” Jake asked.
“Not that I know of,” Malcolm said. “Agent Williams, we’ve got some stuff to show you, and some movies to watch too.”
“Oh, yeah, the dungeon,” Agent Williams said, grinning. “I’d love to take a look.”
“Probably should wait on that,” Jake said. “Here comes the general now.”
“Gentlemen, so glad you’re back,” General Hogan said, smiling as he walked up.
“Great to see you, general,” Malcolm said.
“Who’s this?” he asked, holding his hand out to Agent Williams.
“I’m Agent Williams, FBI,” he said, shaking hands. “It’s an honor, sir.”
“The honor is mine, Agent Williams. There’s food in the clubhouse for you. Have time for a chat over breakfast?”
“Sure,” Ted said.
“Yeah, let’s get started,” Malcolm said.
General Hogan led the three men away.
“Going to be an interesting conversation, I’ll bet,” Jake said. “Surprised he didn’t want you two to tag along.”
“They’re going to plan for a special ops mission,” Dobie said. “I’m not good enough to participate in that, even with my pistols and my dogs.”
“Me neither,” Gabe said.
“Well, I’ll let you guys get set up, and then I’ll take you around to meet the new folks,” Jake said. “Unless you need to sleep right away.”
“I’m beat, but I don’t think I want to crash yet,” Gabe said. “I’d rather stay on a normal schedule.”
“Yeah, me too,” Dobie said.
“Good,” Jake said. “By the way, there are four single women in the group. Three have kids. Probably looking for new father figures.” He grinned. “There’s one I kinda like.”