by Hunt, Jack
“Must feel good,” Lukeman said holding his cup at chest level.
“That it does, Lukeman. Finally, back at the helm where I’m meant to be.” He shot him a sideways glance. “I told you. Stick with me and you won’t be eating scraps from the table.”
“Let’s hope not.”
“You still doubt me?”
Lukeman chuckled. “Don’t you think it was a little too easy?”
“I told you. The war that you are waging won’t be won with this,” he said pulling his handgun from the holster. “This is nothing but a tool, a means of completing what you have already done here,” he said tapping the side of his temple with the barrel. “You’ve got to know how to break these people down mentally.”
“And you think that’s what you did?”
“I don’t think. I know,” he muttered looking out again. It seemed almost too good to be true. How many years had he walked these streets, taking crap from the law, enduring the sneers and chuckles of self-righteous residents who thought their shit didn’t stink? Now who was laughing?
“I think you underestimate the militia.”
“Do I?” he said. “Or do you mean, you did?”
Lukeman looked as if he wasn’t impressed but he was.
Bennington returned to surveying the town with admiration. This was all him. His work. His doing. Sure the manpower of the military had been helpful but had it not been for him, they would still be butting up against the unmoving force of Maine Militia. He took a few more sips then tossed the last dregs of coffee over the side of the vessel. “Understand this, colonel. I may not have your military training or experience of war but I know how these people think. Multiple times I was arrested and every time I found loopholes in the law. You see, you always have to be one step ahead. I haven’t forgotten about the militia. Once I find out where they went, you can have your fun but my focus is on the people of this town.”
He patted the colonel on the shoulder in a manner that made him seem small, an insignificant part of his overall plan. “Castine is just the tip but it’s very significant. Once word spreads of what we achieved, other towns opposing FEMA will either follow suit or buckle. Then I think you’ll come around to my way of thinking.”
Bennington went to walk away and the colonel asked, “Which is?”
“What I already discussed with you. The future. It’s not in FEMA camps, or in trying to revive a dead government but in creating a new one, a new way of thinking where we sit at the table and decide the fate of others.”
The colonel nodded. “You know how long I have served this country?”
“Too long,” Bennington replied. “And what do you have to show for it? You still ask how high when these nobodies say jump. The same ones who have no blood on their hands but you do. The same ones that haven’t felt the sting of war but bark their orders from their ivory towers, their command posts of luxury. No. They know nothing of the sacrifice you or your men have made. And what is your reward?” He got up close to Lukeman. “The knowledge that you have served your country. Let’s face it, Lukeman, you are just a face in a uniform, another patriot who will be replaced by another. A number who they praise up on the way in but spit out on the way out. You know it’s true.”
“You know nothing of war.”
“Do I? And yet I’ve achieved in days what you have failed to do in months. Tell me. Do I know nothing?”
Bennington relished his exchange with a man that few talked back to. He was used to giving orders, having people stand at attention and yet he could see that he didn’t give two shits about that, and it burned him. It burned him to know that Bennington was right. Still. He needed a man like this at his side. More specifically he needed the men out there and Lukeman had already done the hard work of getting them to trust him. “It’s not for a lack of skill or experience, colonel, that wars are lost but ineptitude of those behind decisions. With your tactical experience and my mind, there is no hurdle we can’t overcome, but the decision on who you stand beside is up to you. Harris doesn’t respect you. But me. I know a man who deserves more when I see it.”
It was clear Lukeman was mulling it over.
Bennington didn’t expect him to agree or fall in line immediately.
Little steps. It was all about small successes.
And as it stood they had just achieved a massive one.
“But of course I couldn’t have done it without you,” Bennington was quick to say. Flattery even if it was undeserved was the highest form of praise. The truth was he could have taken Castine without the military, it would have just taken longer.
Lukeman smiled as Bennington walked back into the ship and went to speak with Landon. He had a strong feeling he knew more than he was telling and he intended to get it out of him one way or another. He passed by several soldiers who looked relieved to be taking a break from the camp. Harris had more than enough soldiers, especially with the visit from Brooke, that’s why the timing of this couldn’t be any better. He fully planned on getting as much as he could done over the next few days while he had Harris’ support.
“Enjoying yourself, guys?”
“Beats the camp.”
“Don’t get too comfortable.”
Lukeman walked in and they immediately jumped to attention, dropping their plates of food. He felt a twinge of excitement at the thought of commanding the same attention. Small steps, small steps, he told himself as he walked out and made his way down to the lower levels of the ship.
There were two soldiers posted outside his quarters.
He gave a nod and they opened the door.
Inside Landon was laid back on a hard bed with his arms behind his head.
“Comfortable?” Bennington asked. He was taking a different approach with Landon than he had with Sam and Carl. That had been personal. His hate for them went far deeper than obstructing.
“You could use a few pillows in here but besides that, yes.” Landon swung his feet to the floor. Bennington closed the door behind him and took out a protein bar from his pocket and tossed it to him.
“So. What can you tell me about the militia?”
“We on to them now?” Landon asked. He unwrapped the bar and took a huge bite.
“Well you obviously aren’t going to give up the location of Sam and the others but the militia, you don’t owe them anything, Landon.”
“Why the interest? They’re no longer here. They should be the least of your concerns.”
“Because men like that don’t walk away. They’ve killed innocent soldiers.”
“Like you killed innocent residents?” He chuckled. “You’re the pot calling the kettle black.”
“It didn’t have to come to this.”
“And yet it did.”
Bennington remained calm. There was no point losing his cool. He just needed to find a leverage point. The question was, what was his? “Are you aware Max is wanted for murder? He killed two residents.”
“That broke into the house. Yes.”
“No. They were outsiders. I’m speaking about two of my closest friends. Good men. People with families. Kids.”
Landon stopped in mid-chew and locked his gaze on him before continuing. “I’m sure he had his reasons.”
“As do I. And yet you think that doesn’t justify my actions. Why should your son get a free pass?”
Landon continued chewing. “Whatever happened, Bennington. Happened. But what you’re doing now is only dividing this town. You know, when I was hiking the AT, Beth and I came across a town in New York, called Pawling. Now that was an example of what Castine could be if we would work together, not turn on one another. A house divided…”
“Doesn’t stand,” Bennington finished it for him. “I’m well aware of that. And I’m sure there are towns that are faring better than ours but that’s them, not us. Different dynamics. Different people. Different views. Different crimes. There are many factors that come into play.” He leaned back against the wall and put one foot up
, the other out straight, then folded his arms.
Landon finished up the bar and tossed the wrapper. “When can I get some real food?”
“When I get answers.”
“So you’re going to starve me. Is that your plan?”
“Of course not. You speak of order, support and working together but that requires trust, Landon. If you can’t trust me, and I can’t trust you, how can either of us move forward? We are at a stalemate, don’t you agree?”
Landon sighed. “I don’t know where the militia went. Jake said something about returning. If that makes sense. Who knows.”
“Returning. Very good.” He went over to the door and cracked it open and asked one of the soldiers to bring down a plate of hot food, along with water. “See. It’s that easy, Landon. Contrary to the opinions of people in this town, I don’t agree with Harris and what FEMA is doing. Nor do I condone them taking weapons or killing residents but in order for things to change for the better, order must be established, rules must be set up and followed. Anything less and we have chaos and you can see where that has got us.” He took a seat across from Landon and leaned forward feeling as though he’d got his attention. “I think you can play a very significant part in that change. Unlike the others you aren’t tainted by what has happened as you’ve just arrived. Your voice may be exactly what this town needs. What if I gave you that opportunity?”
“You’ve lost me. What opportunity?”
“To be a mouthpiece. To stand beside me. Run this town. Bring about what you have seen in this…” he clicked his fingers searching for the name of the town.
“Pawling,” Landon said.
He jabbed his finger at him. “Bingo! Would you like that?”
“Let me out and I’ll consider it.”
Bennington laughed. It then dawned on him. Maybe releasing him was the best thing he could do. Landon obviously had an unrealistic view of what this town could be. If he could get him to believe that he wanted the same thing perhaps… he turned and looked at him. “Agreed.”
“What?”
“You are free to go. Of course, eat first. Can’t have you going out without a full belly. But I want you to consider it, Landon. Talk with the others. Let them know that I’m not here to wage a war. I want to let bygones be bygones. Lay aside our differences and reach a common ground. Will you help me do that?” He took a deep breath. “For the good of this town.”
Landon narrowed his gaze.
A soldier returned with a tray of food. Bennington got up and took it from him and handed it to Landon. He wanted him to feel as if he had his best interests at heart. “Eat up and then we will talk some more after you speak with the others.”
“You expect them to listen after what you did?”
“To me no, but to you.” He placed a hand on Landon’s shoulder. “Have a little faith. Surely Pawling did.” He flashed a sly grin and exited. “Let’s rebuild, Landon. Start afresh.”
Beth observed the huge number of men from the safety of a rooftop. There were too many. This wasn’t the mountains of North Carolina or a few loose cannons. She stayed low. How do I get at you? Minutes had turned into hours. She’d spent the night moving from one location to the next formulating different ideas but coming up short.
A lack of sleep was beginning to take its toll as she lay there. At some point she even succumbed to the heaviness of her eyes and passed out. It was only the sound of men’s voices that snapped her awake. She looked over the lip of the building and squinted. “Landon?” He was being escorted by soldiers. She watched as he was led down from the ship to the pier and allowed to walk away. “Impossible.” Landon looked over his shoulder a few times at the soldiers. Her gaze bounced from him to the ship where others were watching.
Moving quickly she made her way down to the ground and took up a position near a vehicle. Peering through the glass on one side of a blue sedan she spotted Landon come around the corner and head her way.
She bounced up, startling him.
“Holy shit, Beth, you scared the crap out of me.” He looked around. “Where are the others?”
“It’s just me,” she said as they broke into a jog heading south. “The others are safe over on Nautilus Island. You okay?” she asked.
“I’m fine. A little tired.”
“Join the club,” she muttered. “Why did they let you go?”
“To be frank I’m still trying to figure that out, though I have an idea. Look. Have you seen Max?”
“No. He never came back to the house?” she asked.
They hurried along Water Street before the road merged with Pleasant.
He shook his head. “We’ll check there before you leave.”
“I leave?” She asked.
“I can’t go back to the island with you. Not yet.”
“But you just got out.”
He cast a look over his shoulder. “I have work to do and no doubt Bennington is watching.”
“Then I can’t either,” she muttered.
“He hasn’t seen you yet.”
She began to wave her arms and holler “Hey!”
Landon pushed her arms down and gave her a stern look. “What the hell are you doing?”
“What I should have done yesterday. Stayed put! I’m not leaving you again, Landon.”
“You might have to. To find Max. If Bennington get his hands on him whatever hope of getting this town back will be gone. He’ll use him as leverage or worse — hang him as an example to others.”
“But he could have used you as leverage, right? He didn’t.”
“Few care about me. But a kid. A kid who has ties to the militia?”
Beth looked perplexed. “But where would I start? He could be anywhere.”
“The lighthouse, we used to have a fishing boat down there. He went with Eddie. Did he tell anyone?”
“I don’t know. I could ask Sam or Rita.”
“No, Beth, you can’t go back there. If Bennington is up to what I think he is, he’ll be watching. We can’t risk jeopardizing the others.”
“But if I can’t find Max...”
Landon didn’t have all the answers. He was flying by the seat of his pants on this one. “Just try.”
“And you? What are you going to do?”
“Speak to Benjamin Willis.”
“Why don’t I like the sound of that?”
Landon chuckled as he placed a hand on her shoulder and they hurried toward the Manor Inn.
16
The outlook was bleak. Sara gnawed on the side of her thumb, a nervous habit she’d picked up from her mother. She’d sat across from Jake for most of the night, and had managed to get a few hours’ sleep. As daylight shone through the drapes bringing the large bedroom to life, she looked at Jake who was holding up well after the wound to his shoulder. Nearby, Grizzly was sprawled out, occasionally opening an eyelid.
Worry had been the rhythm of the night.
All she could think about was Landon, Max and Beth. Were they okay? Were they alive? She felt so incapable and stricken with fear. She winced as she bit too hard into her skin. “You’ll eat through to the bone if you keep that up,” Jake said.
Her eyes lifted and she allowed herself to smile.
He pawed at his eyes. “What time is it?”
“Just after eight.”
He slung the bedsheets back. “I should get up.”
“No, you need to stay in bed. Rest. You took a bullet to the shoulder,” she said lunging forward and pressing him back. As her hair hung down over his face, they exchanged a moment and she realized and pulled back wrapping her arms around her and walking over to the window.
“You okay?” Jake asked.
She shook her head acknowledging that she wasn’t. “I’m married, Jake.”
She heard him sigh.
“What we shared was… good but I shouldn’t have.”
“You thought he was dead, Sara.”
She gave a nod. “Still. He’s back now and…”
“So that’s it. You’re just going to deny what you feel.”
She groaned. “Jake. It’s complicated.”
“Is it? Seems pretty clear to me.” He paused. “You’re just scared, Sara. Scared that if you tell him the truth, you’ll come off worse for it but is living in a marriage where you feel empty being truthful to yourself?”
“I didn’t say I felt empty.”
“You didn’t say you were happy.”
She groaned. “Uh, Jake. Marriage is more than just happiness. That comes and goes from day to day. The mundane eventually creeps in and then what… because it’s not exciting, I should throw it all out the window? Act like I’m not in love because it doesn’t excite me the way it did when I was single, young and without kids?”
He shifted his body, sat up in bed and ran a hand through his dark hair.
“It’s not about throwing it out the window, it’s about being honest with yourself.” It pained her to admit how attracted she was to him or deny that she had feelings for him as she did. Seven months by his side had unearthed deep-seated feelings. She felt alive again but the second she let herself go there, the thought of her vows to Landon, and all the good times they’d shared, came creeping in. She shook her head and looked out the window at the choppy waves. The sky was a gun-metal, and dark brooding clouds loomed overhead making the day feel even more ominous than it actually was. A flock of herring gulls screeched and wheeled overhead.
“Honest? What does that even mean? Is it me coming up with reasons to justify leaving? Is that honesty?”
“It’s a start.”
She shook her head. “Right now I don’t think any of it matters. What kind of life is this? My home is back in Castine, not here. My home is beside Landon and my kids.”
“You’re living in the past.”
“And you’re wanting me to envision a future that can never be.”