Brushfire Plague: Reckoning

by R. P. Ruggiero

  Calvin raised his hand, “Can you back up a bit? Who is Van Welton?”

  Julianne proceeded to explain to the rest of the group the suspicious Chinese investments billionaire Karl Van Welton had made just prior to the outbreak of the Brushfire Plague. She told them how she had spent the last few days doing further research into Van Welton and a few other names of prominent men she had met during her work at Admonitus.

  “Were the others invested like Van Welton?” Calvin asked when she had finished the overview.

  “Not exactly like him. Van Welton went all in on China. Most of the others had investments in other countries.”

  “Like where?”

  “Africa, mostly. Some in New Zealand and Australia,” she answered.

  “Well, those countries were also less affected than everyone else. Africa was barely hit at all, especially sub-Saharan,” Dranko added.

  Julianne nodded, “Yeah, I know. I knew the plan was always to not release it in Africa, Australia, or New Zealand. We knew they’d get some secondary exposure, but not primary impact.”

  “Why?” Buck leaned in and asked a question.

  “Africa was easy. They produced hardly any greenhouse gas emissions…”

  “So, they didn’t commit the sin, so they shouldn’t suffer,” he reasoned.

  She nodded, eyes downcast.

  Angela leaned heavily back in her chair and placed her hands behind her head, “Wow, you guys really were playing God!”

  Buck ignored her, “And what about Australia and New Zealand?”

  “Well, like every other industrial country, they certainly contributed to the problem of climate chaos. So, we didn’t spare them for that. We spared them because they have already been hit hard with droughts and it’s going to get worse in the coming years.”

  “Because of their proximity to the pole?” Buck asked, intently interested.

  “Yes. The effects of the planet heating up are most pronounced near the poles.” Julianne then stopped a moment, confused. “Buck, most people don’t know that…” Her voice trailed off in the unasked question.

  Buck smiled, “I might just be a fry cook from a two-bit town in central Oregon, but it doesn’t mean I’m dumb. I paid attention to global warming long before it became trendy with the liberals.”

  “Why?” Several people asked at once.

  Buck became agitated, moving in his seat and rubbing his hands together. He stood up, pushing the chair back quickly, and eyes fixed on the table, “I don’t know. I’ve never talked about it much. I guess you’d say I’m a true conservative. I think conserving the planet makes a ton of sense and flipping Mother Nature off is pretty damn stupid.” His voice had risen to a loud crescendo before he finished. When he did, he looked up and saw the group all looking at him in wonder. He waved his hands, “Hey, don’t you get me wrong. I also think it’s damn stupid for the liberals to try to take our guns away and tear up the Constitution and I would punch every single pompous ass from Hollywood driving their Prius and trying to tell me how to live right in their damned face.” Once again, his voice was filled with passion. He thrust his hand into his shirt pocket, grabbed a pack of cigarettes, and then stormed outside.

  The table sat in silence for a pregnant pause.

  “He’s one of a kind,” Cooper intoned. “Especially nowadays.” The others nodded either in agreement or in lingering surprise.

  “So, what do you make of it?” Dranko asked, turning the attention back to Julianne’s investigation.

  “Well, it could just be that those who had insider knowledge of Brushfire Plague switched their investments to make a big profit off of it,” she said, unconvinced.

  “And, what else could it be?” He continued.

  “I don’t want to think about it,” she said, folding her head into her hands and resting it on the table.

  “Have you made any connections to other investors or the government?” Dranko pressed on.

  “Not yet. The trail gets murky, but I’m still digging.” Her voice barely rose above a murmur and the others had to lean in, straining to hear her.

  Cooper clenched his fists, blood rising in his temples, “Yes, please do so.” His stomach tightened. I need to know why Elena died. The uncertainty gnawed at him like a lazy rat nibbling a worn rope.

  “Did you see any news about the states that seceded from the US?” Cooper asked, anxious for updates.

  Julianne’s face fell, “The President is talking fire and brimstone toward the Patriotic American States, but so far there has been no military moves to speak of. In fact, dozens of counties in eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, and northern Colorado have officially petitioned the PAS to join them!”

  “It’s unbelievable,” Cooper exclaimed.

  “Not really,” Buck intoned.

  Cooper looked up at him, “Say more.”

  “Well, those states and areas had very different politics than the rest of the country. With the Federal Government so weakened, it only makes sense that some might seize the opportunity. In fact, I think we’ll see more secession movements arise very soon.”

  Cooper digested what he had said, “I think you’re right. And, with the United States facing nuclear attack now, that would sweeten the pot to get the hell out.”

  “Exactly,” Dranko said.

  “You men should really learn not to interrupt a woman,” Julianne admonished them.

  “What are you talking about,” Dranko asked.

  “You didn’t let me finish. You are both right and wrong. More states are going to secede. In fact, it’s already happened.”

  “What,” the men exclaimed as one.

  Julianne was grimacing, “Texas announced its secession last night. The Lone Star rises again. There are rumors of other states, cities, and areas that may secede.”

  “How’d we miss that?” Dranko exclaimed.

  “Maybe you’ve been busy,” Julianne offered. Her smug smile revealed she was happy to have been one step ahead of Dranko on this issue. He glared back at her, but worried lines appeared across his brow.

  The group spent the rest of the night discussing what it all meant that the United States was falling apart all around them. Finally, they turned to discussing the work to be done tomorrow.

  **********

  They woke up early and settled into an easy routine. Freddie and Angela made the familiar breakfast of boiled oats, once again leavened with dehydrated apples. They still had coffee and Dranko brewed it strong.

  “While we have it, we might as well run it full strength,” he commented as he poured a round of cups for the adults.

  “In that case, can I have a Grande?” Calvin’s joke brought a smattering of chuckles and lamented stares at their eight ounce cups. There would be no seconds.

  “I’ll get right on that, after I make Cooper’s double low-fat latte with soy milk and no whip,” Dranko said, pouring. The laughter swelled.

  Cooper returned a cocked grin, “To hell with you. You know darn well I only like my coffee one way: simple and black.”

  “Just like I like my women…” Calvin’s retort earned him a roomful of laughter and a playful punch in the shoulder from Angela.

  “I’m not only offended by your racism, Calvin, I’ll confess to some disappointment,” she said with an amused tone and winking at him. He returned an upraised eyebrow as they fell into easy laughter.

  Cooper inhaled the aroma before he took his first sip. He liked the pungent smoky smell that Dranko’s coffee held. When this is gone, I’m going to miss it. As he swirled the hot liquid in his mouth, savoring it, his thoughts turned dark. I miss much more than this already. The caress of the woman I loved. The easy innocence of Jake. Being bored!

  He noticed the silence surrounding him. Looking around, the others were lost in thought, too. Dranko looked worried. Julianne’s eyes were red and moist, as she fought back tears. Calvin’s jaw was firm, eyes closed, and the muscles in his face tight. Freddie’s back was to Cooper, but it lo
oked like he was staring out the window. Angela had a coy smile as her eyes danced surveying the others, as well. Jake caught Cooper’s eyes. Sadness consumed his son’s eyes for a brief moment, before he forced it away and mustered a weak smile for his father. He looked back at Jake, eyes full of sympathy. Jake gave him an understanding nod before walking to the window and looking out. Cooper mused at the enormity of what could pass between two people in a simple glance.

  The thoughtful quiet lasted for a few moments before they clustered around the table to eat their breakfast. While they ate, Dranko reviewed everyone’s assignments for the day, to their annoyance. Breakfast was finished as rapidly as they could eat. Jake and Cooper cleared the dishes and washed them quickly, before anything could dry. He hated washing dishes in cold water, but they were conserving their fuel. Each person had been assigned a cup, plate, bowl, and silverware to minimize any unnecessary sharing of germs.

  “Let’s work until two. Then, let’s gather before some of us have to leave for the meeting at three,” Dranko instructed as they left the cabin to their respective tasks for the day.

  Cooper fell into the work with abandon. His stiff muscles loosened quickly as he set to it. He welcomed the distraction that the work provided. Everyone with a task, the sound advice echoed. Cooper knew there was more to it than that. Knowing that being fed depends on their callouses and sweat is a powerful motivation. He marveled at how no one complained about the work, especially since most of them were not used to manual labor.

  He worked his rows, hoeing and then seeding. He was surprised when Jake tapped him on the shoulder.

  “It’s two o’clock.” His voice was full of dread. Cooper gave him a reassuring pat on the head as they walked back to the shed to turn in their tools. Buck was at the ready for cleaning.

  While others made lunch, Cooper, Dranko, Calvin, and Angela made ready to leave. They did so in silence, readying their weapons, donning body armor if they had it, fastening their gear, and checking one another’s preparations.

  “We are getting far too good at this,” Cooper’s attempted joke fell flat amid the tension strangling the room.

  Those heading off gulped down a few mouthfuls of the beans and rice that had been prepared. Dranko had approved adding scant chunks of preserved turkey meat from his stores. To Cooper, it tasted like desert sand going down his throat. He knew it wasn’t the food, but the stress robbing him of its taste and texture. His stomach was tight and he didn’t feel like eating. He handed his leftovers to Jake, who spurned it.

  “Eat up, damn it!” Cooper barked and immediately regretted it. I am too keyed up for my own good. He apologized to him as Jake fell into sullen compliance. He grimaced with each mouthful.

  “It’s time,” Dranko said.

  Those leaving were wished a round of “good lucks” and hugs or handshakes. The four of them got into the Jeep, as Dranko cranked the engine to life. The others were arrayed on the porch, waving to them. As Dranko began inching backward, Jake broke from the group and ran towards them.

  “I love you, dad!” His frantic yell reached Cooper’s ears as a muted cry, muffled by the closed windows. Cooper smiled and waved to his son.

  If he had known what was about to happen, he would have stopped the Jeep, gotten out, grabbed his son in a bear’s embrace and never let him go.

  Chapter Twelve

  The Jeep growled onward toward the center of town. The plan was essentially the same as before. Miles and two bodyguards would have the meeting with Hodges while two carloads of others would park nearby and listen in on the hand held radios. Cooper felt better that he was now in a vehicle with those he knew well and trusted. The grip of the FAL rifle gave him comfort. Surrounded by the stress of uncertainty, the firm familiar grip was reassuring. Cooper reviewed their plan in the event the meeting turned violent, as much to relieve the pressure as anything else.

  Dranko parked in the designated place, different than the other day, but still where they could see the meeting location. They were ten minutes early and the seconds ticked by.

  Miles’ truck pulled up right at three o’clock. He and his two men piled out, forming a loose triangle so they could observe all approaches.

  “You there,” the radio squelched.

  Dranko and the other group returned their call signs and fell silent once more. Time slowed even further. Minutes crawled. Cooper constantly checked his watch, growing more anxious with each passing second.

  At five minutes past, Miles came back over the radio, “How much more time do we give him?”

  Cooper took the radio from Dranko, “No more than ten minutes longer.”

  “Roger that. Agreed.”

  They resumed their uneasy wait. Cooper’s skin crawled and his throat tightened. Blood rushed into his head as adrenaline flooded his body.

  “This ain’t right.”

  Dranko nodded, “I don’t like it, neither.”

  “Maybe he’s just hit traffic,” Angela joked, without affect.

  Cooper balled his fists and gritted his teeth. He was reaching for the radio to tell Miles it was time to go when the Escalade pulled into the store’s parking lot. Cooper exhaled. He watched Hodges and two lieutenants leave the large SUV and move into positions opposite Miles and his men.

  “My apologies for being late,” Hodges said without elaborating.

  Miles greeted him with stony silence. Cooper was impressed. He saw Hodges shift his weight. Uncomfortable. That’s good.

  “So, what is your answer?”

  “I think you know it. We know this isn’t about Cooper Adams. We won’t divide ourselves over it. He isn’t ours to give up. I’m hoping we can reach a…”

  “I figured you’d say that,” Hodges said, interrupting him. “The good news is that I don’t want to make this town come to blows over an outsider. Especially not one as irresponsible and unpatriotic as Cooper Adams.” Hodges lingered on the words, drawing out his disdain.

  “So, we have a deal without Cooper?” Elation perked Miles’ words.

  “We do,” Hodges said, extending his hand. Miles took it and the two men shook.

  “I just have one small favor to ask,” Hodges continued.

  “What’s that,” Miles asked warily.

  “Tell Cooper Adams that he’ll want to come and see me on his own accord.”

  Miles laughed, “Oh, I somehow doubt that!”

  Hodges voice was steady, cold, “When you tell him that I have his son, I think…”

  **********

  Cooper didn’t wait to hear the rest.

  “Go!” He shrieked in Dranko’s ear and grabbed the steering wheel, locking it straight ahead.

  Dranko gassed the Jeep, lurching forward. Just as suddenly, he slammed on the brakes. Cooper’s mouth fell open, ready to scream at his friend once again.

  “Look!” Dranko yelled, pointing forward.

  Cooper tore his gaze from Dranko and looked toward the parking lot. Hodges had disappeared and the Escalade was careening away from the parking lot. Already, at least forty men had come spilling out of the store and were deploying into defensive positions.

  “We can’t!” Dranko yelled, his face, inches from his friend’s. Cooper’s eyes were wild, his ears unhearing.

  He began to climb into the driver’s seat, trying to push Dranko out of the Jeep. The two men grappled. Cooper’s muscles strained, emotion making him much stronger than Dranko. He shot out a hand and opened the door. Dranko was halfway out when Cooper caught a flash out of the corner of his eye. The rest happened in slow motion. He got a glimpse of Angela’s tormented face, tears streaming down it, just before the rifle butt smashed into the side of his head. Cooper felt the shock of pain, his vision went white, nausea washed over him and then darkness found him.

  **********

  Cooper awoke, woozy, when they were halfway to the cabin. Dranko clenched the wheel, driving like a man possessed. The tires squealed at the slightest twist in the road. The Jeep would lean precariously to
the side as they did so. Dranko expertly pushed it to its limits.

  Cooper shook his head to clear it.

  “I’m sorry,” Angela said from the backseat, leaning into the front.

  Cooper waved her off dismissively.

  “You woulda got us all killed, brother,” Dranko added in between navigating an S turn.

  “Just get me there,” Cooper seethed.

  “We will get your boy,” Calvin added from the back, his voice matter of fact.

  Cooper looked back at him. The resolution in Calvin’s eyes broke through. It was reassuring. His father had often told him there was no better feeling than knowing someone had your back. Cooper felt it just then. His father had called it solidarity. The military called it camaraderie. Right then, Cooper just called it good.

  “Thank you,” he more mouthed to Calvin than said it.

  Calvin inclined his head.

  Tires belched gravel as they sped up Dranko’s driveway. Cooper was out of the vehicle before it had even slowed appreciably. His rifle was at the ready as he scanned the property. His stomach somersaulted as the thick smell of cordite assaulted his nostrils. No smoke lingered. Gunfire here, but it was

  a bit ago. A figure stumbled out of the shed and Cooper’s rifle was up and aimed in an instant.

  It was Buck. His hands were zip-tied and he staggered. Blood ran down from his scalp and sheathed half of his face in crimson. Cooper lowered his rifle. The door to the cabin had been blown off its hinges. Black burn marks and splintered wood told him that.

  “On my ass,” he commanded Dranko as he moved in a low crouch to the entryway.

  Dranko fell in step behind him, his M4 tightly gripped in his hands.

  Cooper entered the cabin, swinging his rifle to quickly scan the inside. Timothy’s body lay at his feet. His head had caught either the blast from the explosives used on the door or a shotgun shell. There wasn’t much left of it, except the side of it and one perfectly preserved eye.

  “Jake!” Cooper called out.

  Silence.

  He moved over Timothy’s body and proceeded to search the cabin’s main floor and then the basement. Dranko kept watch. Nothing.