A NATION DIVIDED - THE SECOND CIVIL WAR (The Second Civil War - BOOK I 1)

by Marshall Huffman

  “Then what the hell. We are in better shape now than we will be after they come in and confiscate our weapons. We know when and we know what the objective is. Now is the time to stand and fight,” one of the women in the group said.

  “I don’t disagree. I just want to make sure you understand the repercussions. Once the first bullet leaves the barrel it can’t be taken back. It will hit the fan and it will hit hard,” the General replied.

  It was quiet in the room as people were thinking over all that had been said. It would be much easier to just give in and find another way of fighting. Armed conflict means dead on both sides, a Civil War right here on American soil.

  After a few minutes, Bob said, “General are you willing to take this on as the leader?”

  “God forgive me but yes, I am.”

  “Then we had better get started,” Carl said.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  “We want to go over this with you one more time,” Special Agent Waters said.

  “Ah Christ. We have done this at least twenty times.”

  “Then this will make twenty-one. Where will you be standing?”

  “On the third step of the Capital Building.”

  “What will you have on?”

  “Blue pants, blue and white checkered shirt and a wind breaker.”

  “Zipped?”

  “Yes, at first.”

  “Then?”

  “I wait until the car with the President comes to a stop. The car right behind that one will carry the Secretary of State. Once both cars are stopped, the President will wait for the Secretary of State to get along side of him. They will stop and wave to the crowd.”

  “Then what happens?” the Agent asked.

  “As they start up the steps, I will unzip my coat. When they get to the second step I pull my gun and start to aim at them. Before I can shoot, you will yell, ‘gun’. I will turn slightly. You will shoot and the gel cap will strike me in the chest. It will explode on contact splattering blood. At the same time I will press the button on the trigger that sends the signal to the squibs that will explode out my back. I drop the gun and fall to the ground. You rush over and grab the gun.”

  “Okay, then I bend down and you whisper in my ear and then die. I take off my jacket and put it over your face. Then we wait for the EMT to come and take you away.”

  “Got it. I change clothes in the ambulance. Get my two million dollars and you take me to the jet that will fly me to Caracas.”

  “Look, the important thing to keep in mind is that people will get all of this on camera or cell phones. It has to look real. The most critical aspect is when I shoot you. It has to look real. Don’t over play it,” the Agent warned.

  “I got it. We rehearsed this enough times that I can do it in my sleep.”

  “Okay. You need to be here at 6:00 p.m. so we can get you wired and ready. I’ll have all of the necessary passes to get you into place. Agent B and I will make sure you get to where you need to go if anything crops up.”

  “You just get me in the right location, I’ll do my part,” the man said.

  ***

  “Everything is set?” Hanna asked.

  They were sitting in the Oval Office with Secret Service Agent Waters and Lakeland.

  “Yes. He has been through the rehearsal twenty-two times. We did a walk through just yesterday. He understands his part, at least he thinks he does,” Agent Waters replied.

  “You know a thousand cameras will be on you the second this starts,” the President said.

  “Yes sir. We have rehearsed it while others took pictures to make sure we didn’t leave any loopholes. It looks good from every perspective. We even had someone on the roof with a telephoto lens taking movies and pictures. It should go directly as planned.”

  “It had better Agent Waters. There can be no margin for error.”

  “Ms. Cole, this has inherent risk no matter what but this is the plan I was given to carry out. I will do it to the best of my ability but no plan is without some risk. I cannot give you a one hundred percent chance of success but I am reasonably certain our chances are ninety-five percent that it will go off without a hitch.”

  “That’s the best we can ask for Agents,” the President said.

  Cole was about to speak up but then thought better of it.

  “He will have his ‘Lifetime Member NRA Card’ on him?”

  “Absolutely. Along with a membership card for the Newberry Gun Club.”

  “Excellent. Alright Agent Waters. Thank you for your report,” the President said and stood and shook his and Lakeland’s hands.

  Once they were out of the room the President said, “I guess it’s not too late to call this off.”

  “I don’t see how we can. Agent Waters is right, there is always a chance of something going wrong but what other option do we have? You can’t march into the Capital Building and just try to do a tap dance. You have nothing to tell the American people that will help them to calm down. In fact it would probably only make things worse.”

  “Geez. Talk about a rock and a hard place,” the President said.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Brigadier General Joel Adams sat and tried to reconstruct just how things had come to this point. He decided it was a culmination of many individual events that had brought them to this point.

  The moral decay that had been going on since the 60s, the ‘Me’ Generation, Generation X and New Boomers had each taken a slice out of the values America had once stood for. Now the country would suffer unbelievable hardship with a Civil War looming in the near future. Was there a way to stop all of the madness, he wondered. Was it too late?

  They were questions that he alone could not answer. Joel Adams had been a military man for most of his life. He had served during the Vietnam War and saw what happens when a nation becomes divided. Riots, people getting hurt, the government no longer trusted, and families divided. While Iraq and Afghanistan did not help to bring the country together, even after the events of 9/11, at least the strife of the 60s was averted.

  Joel had certainly seen his fair share of action. He was a young Captain when he was first sent to Nam. While he thought he was prepared to face the challenges, he soon learned how wrong he was. The most disturbing of all was not only how the war was being waged but where it was being waged from. How could those sitting on their butts back in Washington even begin to think they knew what the men on the line faced.

  Within six months of seeing men getting killed and wounded for absolutely no good reason, he became discouraged. He made it his mission to protect the men under his command as best he could. Being nothing more than a Captain, it was impossible at times.

  No one was more amazed than he was when he was promoted to major while serving in the Central Highlands. It was more a lack of qualified officers than his performance he surmised. Nevertheless, it gave him more authority which he turned into saving more American lives by skirting orders.

  Wounded while serving with the 7/15th at the Pleiku A.O. he received the Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal. After his recovery from RPG fragments, he was assigned to FSB Illingsworth as CO. On March 31st, 1970 a fierce and deadly fight took place. The battle raged through the night and into April 1st. In the early morning hours, the 272 2nd NVA Regiment attacked the base. It was costly for the Viet Cong, losing over two hundred men but the Americans paid a heavy price as well. Twenty-five soldiers died and another 54 were wounded in vicious fighting. Major Adams was one of the wounded, having been hit by a round from an Ak-47 in the thigh. He refused treatment and continued to direct the defense of the base. He was on the last Medavac out after the fighting had ended.

  He was awarded his 2nd Purple Heart and the Silver Star for his gallantry during the siege. He was sent to the 71st Evac Hospital where he was operated on. He spent six weeks in recovery before he was rotated back to the US. Upon his return he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special War
fare Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

  During Desert Shield he was assigned to the 18th FA Brigade XVIII Corps. While war is never easy, compared to Vietnam, it was a walk in the park. Dangers existed but nothing like in the boonies of Nam. The soldiers had measurable objectives and the forces were directed from the fighting line, not back in the White House. Adams was again promoted to a full bird Colonel.

  He remained a Colonel until just a year before he retired. He thought his chances of making General were all but over. While he still did not fully understand it, he found that he was promoted to Brigadier General. Even though the Army put pressure on him to stay during the upcoming Desert Storm campaign. Having enough of fighting he resigned his commission. He was done with all wars, or so he thought.

  Now here he was, standing on the brink of a potential Civil War. He sat at his desk after returning from the meeting with a glass of Scotch. He usually savored the earthy peat flavor of single malt Scotch but tonight he found little pleasure in the taste. He set the glass on the desk and placed his palms against his eyes. How? Why? Can’t someone stop the madness? How did we become such a divided nation? Haven’t we been warned about that for the last 250 years? What the hell is wrong with us? He wanted to shout “STOP IT,” but there was no one to hear.

  He unfolded the map they had worked on with the location of the forty-seven militia units. They had worked out a chain of command and assigned various leaders to their positions. A skirmish line and the tactics they intended to use had been meticulously gone over and responsibilities assigned.

  This had to be a surprise hit and run fight they had decided, until they could actually form a real fighting army. The only way this could succeed was for much of the military and private citizens to join their cause. It would take time but they had to keep attacking and falling back to buy the time they would need. It would be Vietnam all over only this time they would be the Viet Cong. They would have to choose their fights carefully. They would use the most basic guerilla warfare. They would fight when the time was right and fade into the general population during the rest of the time. Viet Cong by night, American workers during the day.

  He shook his head and finished his drink. For the first time he was glad his wife of thirty years was with the Lord. He would not want her to see what was coming next.

  “Damn,” he said and folded the map up. He stood and turned off the desk light. There was nothing more he could do tonight.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  “Are you all set?” Agent Lakeland asked.

  “Got everything. Membership cards, fake I.D., and the gun.”

  “Do we need to go over this one more time?”

  “God no. I’ve got it okay? I know what I need to do.”

  “Okay but remember there is no margin for error.”

  “Yeah, yeah. You have said that a million times. I get it.”

  “Agent Waters, are you satisfied?”

  “If he hasn’t got it by now it’s too late. We are less than twelve hours away from the actual event taking place.”

  “Nothing from the White House?”

  “Not a word.”

  “Then I guess it is on,” he turned back to the man.

  “Leave your car at the airport lot. I will be the one to pick you up. I’ll make sure you get through security and to the right place. Make sure you spot Agent Waters and know exactly where he is.”

  “Relax. I know the drill. I’ll be waiting for you to come get me. I’ll check the location of Waters as soon as I get to the steps.”

  “Stay out of sight until tomorrow then. No unnecessary risk.”

  “I’m not about to risk my two million bucks. You can be sure of that.”

  “Good. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Agent Lakeland said.

  Lakeland waited until he was gone before speaking again.

  “He is a squirrel but I think he will be fine.”

  “Not real bright but that’s a good thing. If he was real smart this would be a lot harder,” Waters replied.

  “I wonder if the handlers for Oswald had this conversation the night before the Kennedy assassination.”

  “I’m sure they were just as worried as we are. That turned out like they wanted, so will this.”

  “It’s out of our hands now. All we can do is follow through,” Lakeland said.

  ***

  Protestors had gathered twenty deep along Independence Avenue, Constitution Avenue, and along 1st Street. The motorcade would take Constitution Avenue until it ran into Pennsylvania Avenue where it would turn right. They would then turn left back onto Constitution and turn right on to 1st Street. Protesters were blocked from entering the Capital Building grounds by both the Metro Police and units from the National Guard. They would be able to see the motorcade but no one would be allowed to cross any of the boundary streets. K-9 units were out in force as well.

  Motorcycles led with six SUVs, three Cadillac limos and three more SUVs following. The SUVs would be followed by six more motorcycles. Secret Service agents and plain clothes police would be scattered among the protesters. Sharpshooters would be on the roofs of the buildings along the route the motorcade would take.

  Promptly at 8:35 p.m. the first motorcycles turned onto Constitution Avenue. Protesters lined the streets with signs indicating their various opinions of the administration.

  “My God. Have you ever seen so many people like this?” the President asked.

  “Unfortunately yes, during the Vietnam war. It was much more unruly in those days. This is mild compared to back then,” Adam Little, head of Homeland Security said.

  “Doesn’t look too tame to me. They look like they are in an ugly mood,” the President said.

  “Yeah, if they would put as much effort into getting a job they wouldn’t be unemployed. You have to ask yourself where do they get the money to travel here and how do they get the time? Nothing is cheap in Washington so where are they staying and eating? It’s hard to feel sorry for them when they don’t have their priorities straight,” Adam said.

  “I guess that is one way to look at it.”

  Just as they turned right on to Pennsylvania Avenue, two men rushed out from the police lines toward the motorcade. They only made it a few feet before several police grabbed them and took them to the ground. The crowd jeered at the police officers but they were able to handcuff the two and lead them off quickly.

  “Jerks,” Adam said as he watched out the back window.

  Just as he said that a brick hit the side of the car.

  “Whoa. This is crazy.”

  “Tell the motorcade to pick up the pace,” the President ordered.

  ***

  “He is almost here. They are on 1st Street,” Waters heard in his ear piece.

  “Copy,” was all he said.

  A few seconds later, lights flashing and sirens blaring the motorcade stopped in front of the Capital Building. Secret Service agents took up their positions.

  “Here we go,” Adams said, “Cole's car is right behind us. Remember to stop and let her catch up.”

  “I’m not an imbecile Adam. I know what I am supposed to do.”

  “Yes sir, sorry sir.”

  “It’s okay. We are all a little nervous,” Quasim said.

  An agent opened the door and the President got out. He could hear jeers and cheers. At least that’s what he wanted to believe.

  “Ready Mr. President?" one of the tall agents asked.

  “Let’s wait for the Secretary of State. We can all walk together.”

  “Yes sir,” he replied. “One is waiting for Three,” the agent said into his lapel microphone.

  Hanna Cole stopped when she got to the President and they shook hands. It was a good photo op for the press that was crowded around the steps to the Capital Building. After a few words, they started up the steps.

  They were on the third step when ‘GUN’ was shouted and then a gunshot rang out. Agents rushed around the President, shoving his head down and
immediately starting him back toward the car. Both the President and Secretary of state were pushed into the back seat of the limo. Agents were swarming everywhere. The limo took off following four motorcycles. They raced down 1st Street and turned right on to Independence Avenue. The limo raced to 3rd Street where it turned right. Lights were flashing as the motorcycles stopped traffic. They turned left on Pennsylvania and raced to the White House.

  ***

  “Gun,” Agent Waters had yelled into his microphone. The man on the third step had unzipped his jacket and was taking out a gun. Agent Waters drew his weapon and fired. The bullet struck the man in the neck and the second one tore into his jaw. He was dead before he reached the ground.

  “Shooter is down,” he said and rushed over to the man. He quickly moved the gun with his foot and reached down to check for a pulse. It was more for show than anything. He could see that a large section of the back of the man’s head was missing.

  Other agents came rushing up, forming a shield around the dead gunman and Agent Waters.

  Agent Lakeland knelt down beside Waters. He checked the man briefly and pulled out his wallet. His driver’s license stated him name as Josh Goodman. He scanned through the billfold quickly. He wanted to make sure Goodman didn’t have anything he shouldn’t.

  The area was quickly cleared and the photographers were herded out of the area. Even the protesters knew something had happened and were mostly quiet.

  ***

  NBC NEWS – We interrupt this program to bring you a special news bulletin from the White House. The camera cut to the Presidential Seal and dais that was lined with microphones. People were shuffling around for a few seconds before Kendra Cox, the White House Spokesperson stood behind the microphones.

  Flashes went off as she got ready to speak.

  “As many of you know, at 8:52 p.m. Eastern Standard Time a gunman made an attempt on either the President of the United States or Secretary of State, Hanna Cole. It appears at this time that he was acting alone. Agent Waters saw the man reach into his jacket and pull out a gun,” she paused briefly, looking out over the audience.