by Robert Boren
“We’re gonna win,” Trevor said. “We’ll beat the enemy. It’ll be a long, bloody affair, worse than anybody thinks now, but people have finally woken up.”
“I wish I had your optimism,” Matt said.
“I’m with Trevor,” Angel said. “The media has been protecting the image of these folks for a while, and they’ve been getting away with murder. Obviously people know the truth now.”
Ji-Ho looked at the group. “He right, it will be long and bloody, and the enemy won’t be the biggest problem. Wait until you live under martial law. Very bad. Trust me. See before.”
“I’m still not buying the UN story,” Matt said.
Ji-Ho whipped his head around. “UN? Who say that?”
“Gus, the guy we just took the phone call with,” Trevor said.
“Who Gus?”
“Combat range instructor,” Matt said. “We took our lever guns to the shooting range and used them in the combat pistol range.”
Ji-Ho laughed. “They let you do that?”
“They did,” Trevor said. “Gus is a cool dude.”
“If he right about UN, we got big problem,” Ji-Ho said. “This Gus call just to tell about that?”
“No, he was recruiting,” Trevor said. “Partisans. South Bay Chapter. He wants to make us core members.”
Ji-Ho’s face lit up. “I have training and equipment. Maybe I join too. For sure if UN show nasty face here.” He spat on the floor.
“Uncle!” Kaylee said. She went to the kitchen and fetched a paper towel to wipe the spit off the hardwood floor. Matt, Trevor, and Jamie looked at each other and snickered.
“This is getting way out of hand,” Emma said.
“When join?” Ji-Ho asked.
“Gus said to live under martial law for a few days,” Seth said. “Then we can decide.”
“Good, smart,” Ji-Ho said. “You boys protect your girls. Seth, Matt. UN forces rape locals. Happen over and over. Trust me.”
“You’re scaring me, uncle,” Kaylee said.
“I sorry, but should be scared,” Ji-Ho said. “Never get in position where you alone with one or two UN Peacekeeper. Never never.”
***
“Can we go to bed now?” Morgan asked. “I’m exhausted.”
“Sure,” Robbie said. He looked at Gil and Justin. “You guys can turn the TV off when you’re done.”
Steve came up the stairs. “Where are the glasses? We need some water.”
“Cupboard to the left of the sink,” Robbie said.
“Wearing each other out again?” Justin asked.
Steve shook his head no. “We’ve just been cuddling and talking,” Steve said.
Morgan chuckled. “She’s probably sore.”
“Yeah, you probably are too,” Steve said with a twinkle in his eye.
Morgan’s face turned red. “Guess I asked for that one.”
“It’s all good,” Steve said.
“Hey, Steve, is Katie really broken up with her boyfriend?” Gil asked. “Justin wants to know.”
“Shut up,” Justin said.
Steve snickered. “Actually she is, and she even asked about Justin.”
“No she didn’t,” Justin said.
“Yeah, she did,” Steve said. “All kidding aside, if you want her, don’t hesitate. Go get her. I know it’s scary. I was afraid to go after Colleen, but it’s the best thing I ever did. Trust me.”
“He’s right,” Morgan said.
“Okay, okay, I’ll call her in the morning,” Justin said. “Where’s she staying?”
“She’s still crashing with her bestie in Hermosa,” Steve said. “Talked to her about an hour ago. She’s probably still up. Always been a night person. I’ll text you her number when I go back downstairs.”
“How’s Colleen doing?” Morgan asked.
“She’s still scared, but better than she was,” Steve said. “What happened on the news?”
“The President gave a decent speech for once,” Robbie said. “Oh, and we blew up North Korea’s missiles before they could fire them. Then the North Korean army swarmed across the DMZ and surrendered.”
“Really?” Steve asked. “Good, I’ll tell Colleen. That’ll make her feel better.”
“Yeah,” Gil said. “It was beautiful. They even fragged their officers on the way over.”
Steve smiled and went into the kitchen to get the glasses of water.
“You ready?” Morgan asked.
“Yeah,” Robbie said. They went into the bedroom.
“We don’t have to turn on the TV in here, do we?” Morgan asked.
“No, of course not,” Robbie said. “You can have the bathroom first if you want.”
She giggled, then looked him in the eyes before she pulled her top off over her head. “I think we’re beyond that now, don’t you? There’s two sinks in there.”
Robbie chuckled. “Sorry, I guess that was dumb.”
“Yeah, it was,” she said as she continued to undress. Robbie breathed in quickly as he watched her.
“My God, you’re so beautiful,” Robbie said.
She approached him, reaching up to touch his cheek. “You can have me again, but not for too long, okay? I’m so tired.”
“Let’s just wait until morning,” Robbie said. “I’m tired too.” He undressed and went to the bed.
“How come you didn’t mention me to your parents earlier?” she asked as she came back out.
“My mom gets a little weird about it,” Robbie said. “She’s got enough to worry about.”
“You’re not a momma’s boy, are you?” Morgan asked.
“No,” Robbie said. “Not even a little bit. Just considerate. I’ll tell her soon enough.”
“Think she’ll like me?” Morgan asked as she climbed into bed.
“Yes,” Robbie said. “You two will get along fine, but it takes her a while to decide.”
“Uh oh, nobody’s good enough for her little angel, eh?”
Robbie laughed. “Yeah, pretty much.”
“Don’t worry about it,” she said. “My dad’s the same way. You think Justin will really go after Steve’s sister?”
“Hard to tell,” Robbie said. “I hope so. Katie’s a nice woman.”
“What does she look like?”
“A little like Steve,” Robbie said, “but in a good way.”
They settled next to each other, spooning.
“When are your parents coming home?”
Robbie sighed. “I think it’ll be a while. They can’t cross the California border now, and that’s not going to change any time soon.”
“Is it safer where they are?”
“Don’t know,” Robbie said. “I’m worried about them.”
“I can tell,” Morgan said, pushing herself against him harder. “I feel so safe with you.”
The front door opened.
“Hear that?” Robbie asked.
“Yeah,” Morgan said, holding her breath. “Should we be worried?”
A car started. Robbie turned to her and smiled. “That’s Justin’s car. He’s going to see Katie.”
“Think so?”
“Yeah,” Robbie said. “Has to be him. He was the last person to come home, remember? The rest of us were blocked in.”
“Hope it goes well for him,” she said.
“Me too,” Robbie said. He felt sleep pulling on him. Then he heard Morgan’s breathing change as she drifted off. Blissful thoughts surrounded him like a warm blanket. She’s mine.
***
Governor Sable sat at his massive desk, head in his hands. He’d had a throbbing headache all day. He stood, his rail-thin body making him look even older than his seventy-eight years. There was a soft knock at the door.
“It’s open,” he said. His secretary came in. She was a handsome black woman of about fifty, dressed to the nines, but looking weary.
“Sir, why aren’t you in the residence?”
“I could ask you the same question,” he said. �
��It’s late.”
“Too much to do,” she said, “but I’m a lot younger than you, remember.”
“You don’t have to go home, Jennifer. You could sleep in the residence.”
She chuckled, flashing him a smile. “That ship sailed long ago. Let’s not try another voyage now.”
“I meant just to sleep,” Sable said. “Really. No pressure. I know it’s over.”
The phone on Jennifer’s desk rang. She looked at the clock. “Who could that be?” She rushed out the door and picked up the receiver. “Sir, it’s that Saladin character.”
“All right, I’ll take it at my desk,” Sable said, moving back to his chair.
“Line three,” she said.
Sable picked up the receiver and punched the button. “Governor Sable.”
“Sorry to bother you so late, sir,” Saladin said. “I’m worried about Chief Smith.”
“You sound upset,” Sable said. “What’s wrong?”
“He doesn’t have the stomach to get tough with the CHP Commissioners,” Saladin said.
“I don’t want him to get tough with them,” Sable said. “I said I’d get them out of action, and I did. I’m not going to torture them or anything like that.”
“How do you get anything done in this accursed country?” Saladin asked.
Sable took a deep breath, trying to slow his racing heart. “I don’t like that kind of talk, and I don’t have to sit still for it.”
“Perhaps you should talk to the President, then,” Saladin said. “If you stand in the way of our mutual goals, you’ll regret it.”
“That sounded like a threat,” Sable said. “I agree that we need to make some changes to our society. We need to get our gun problem under control. We need to take power and money from the upper classes and spread it around. We need to integrate all our neighborhoods, top to bottom. I’m with you and the President as long as you’re working towards those goals, and martial law in the major population centers will accomplish that. Any rough stuff from you beyond that which has been approved won’t be tolerated. I’ll have you and your people arrested.”
Saladin was silent on the line, but Sable could hear him breathing, faster than normal.
“You still there?” Sable asked.
“Yes,” he said. “Subjugation of the California population won’t work without fear.”
“I don’t want to subjugate the people,” Sable said. “If the President has that in mind, he hasn’t been truthful with me. We want to change the course our society has been taking over the last forty years, but only in ways that are for the people’s own good.”
Saladin chuckled. “Spare me. I think Chief Smith will end up releasing the Commissioners. If he does, I’ll have him killed. If you resist, the President and I will have you killed.”
“What?” Sable’s heart began to pound. “I might release those men myself, and there’s not a damn thing you can do about it. This conversation is over.”
“Have it your way,” Saladin said calmly. “I’ll notify the President of your position on this.”
“Go ahead,” Sable said.
“You serve at the pleasure of the President.”
“Like hell I do,” Sable said. “I serve at the pleasure of California voters.”
“After Friday, there will be no more California voters,” Saladin said.
“What?” Sable asked. “The President has never asked me to be part of something like you’re talking about.”
“Then maybe you aren’t as close to him as you believe you are,” Saladin said.
“I don’t have time for this,” Sable said. “Good bye.” He slammed the receiver down onto the cradle.
“Everything okay, sir?” Jennifer asked as she came into his office.
“I want Saladin blocked,” Sable said as he stood up. “No more phone calls. No more visits. Understand?”
“Yes sir,” she said. “And might I add, good call.”
“Thank you, Jennifer,” he said. “I’ve had enough. Going to bed. The offer still stands. You can stay here tonight if you want to. It’s late.”
She shook her head with a smirk, and went back out the door. “Goodnight, sir.”
Chapter 4 – Bonfire
“Got her hooked up?” Clem asked from the driver’s seat of the mobile artillery piece.
“Yeah, but one of the tires is flat,” Sam said. “It’s not gonna roll easy.”
“Knew that,” Clem said. “This baby has some grunt.” He put the tracked vehicle into gear and started forward, the chain growing taut, the ruined hulk of the UN vehicle moving slowly. Clem drove towards the rear of the clubhouse. “Where do you want me to drop it?”
“Far side, so we can use it for cover from the road,” Sid said.
“Can it be seen from the road if we put it there?” Clem asked.
“We might need to put a little brush around it,” Sam said. “But I like the idea.”
“Okay,” Clem said. He pulled the hulk to that area and shut down the engine. Sid, John, and Sam rushed over to get the chains unhooked.
“Okay, you’re clear,” Sam said.
Clem fired up the engine again and drove it back over to the other side of the clearing behind the clubhouse. He shut it down and climbed off.
“Where we gonna get rid of the body parts?” Sid asked.
“Maybe we should burn them,” Sam said. “They already know where we are, like you guys were saying.”
“I think we’ll be fine doing that,” Sid said. “The wind’s blowing toward the ruined pass anyway. Nobody’s coming from that direction.”
“Okay, let’s do it, and then clean up and chat with Officer Ryan.”
“I’ll take care of it,” Sid said. He walked off, John rushing to catch up.
“Gonna carry them in the Jeep?”
“Got them boxed up,” Sid said. “They shouldn’t leak.”
“Hard to tell which parts went with which other parts,” John said.
“You know what I noticed?” Sid asked.
“What?”
“Two of these guys were northern European. The rest have dark olive skin and black hair. They look kinda middle-eastern to me.”
“Really?” John asked. “You think that means something?”
“Yeah, I think it means that the Islamists and the UN are working together,” Sid said.
“Well that would make sense, I guess,” John said.
They got to Sid’s space and jumped into the Jeep. Yvonne looked out the window, then came through the door. “What are you two up to?”
“Body disposal,” Sid said.
“Don’t get blood in the Jeep,” she said.
“I won’t.”
Sid and John drove to the area next to the road where a row of cardboard boxes were lined up.
“Maybe we should’ve brought some of the others,” John said. “That’s quite a few boxes.”
“Gonna take more than one trip,” Sid said. “Good thing I have the top off the Jeep.”
They loaded as many boxes as they could into the back and then drove to the fire pit next to an amphitheater area.
“They used this since you’ve been here?” John asked.
“Nope,” Sid said. “I heard the prior owner was into amateur theater. Late sixties to late seventies. They put on shows here, then partied afterwards around the fire. Sam’s uncle bought it from them.”
“You want to burn these in the boxes?” John asked.
“Might as well, I guess,” Sid said. “Not like we’re going to use the boxes again.”
John snickered. “Yeah, they’re pretty gross.” The two men carried the boxes over to the large round fire pit and put them in. Sid was looking at something in one of the boxes, and got down closer.
“Hey, look at this,” Sid said, pointing. “That arm. There’s a capsule sticking out of it.”
John got closer and looked. “Yeah, you’re right,”
“Looks like a fairly new incision,” Sid said, look
ing more closely. “Let’s check some of the other arms.”
“Maybe we ought to go get the rest first,” John said.
Sid nodded. “Okay. Let’s go.”
They got in the Jeep and went to fetch the rest of the boxes, getting back to the fire pit in a few minutes.
“Okay, now let’s look,” John said. They rummaged through the boxes. “Crap, look at this torso with the right arm attached. Scar. Same place – upper arm. See it?”
“You think there’s something implanted there too?” Sid asked.
“Only one way to find out,” John said. He pulled out his pocket knife and cut into the flesh next to the scar.
“Find anything?” Sid asked.
“Yep,” John said. “It’s buried pretty deep. Look.” He held the wound open. Sid looked over his shoulder, seeing the capsule within the seeping blood.
“Maybe we ought to show this to Clem and Sam before we light the bodies,” Sid said.
“I want to check for more first,” John said. “This has me interested. Real interested.”
“Maybe we should pull one out and look inside.”
“Yeah, maybe,” John said. “Clem knows about this kinda stuff. He might be able to tell what they are.”
They looked at the rest of the arms.
“So all of the dark-skinned arms had scars. None of the pale arms did.”
“Interesting,” Sid said.
“Want to call Sam?” John asked.
Sid chuckled. “I’m not touching my phone with these hands. Bad enough that I had to touch the Jeep steering wheel. Let’s just go get him.”
John snickered. “Okay, I see your point.”
They got into the Jeep and drove to the clubhouse.
“Sam?” John called out. Clem appeared in the door of the clubhouse.
“He’s in the office. What’s up?”
“Something we want to show you guys,” Sid said.
“Okay, I’ll bring him over,” Clem said. He trotted over to the office.
“Hey, look, it’s Harry,” Sid said, watching him amble over on crutches with Nancy by his side.
“Slow down, you old goat,” Nancy said.
“Hey,” Harry said. He smiled at Sid and John. “How are you guys doing?”