Solar Plexus

by Victor Zugg

  Fully loaded, they were about to inch around the unit when gunfire opened up from the north side of the roof and rounds started pinging against the air conditioner. Some rounds passed through the unit above Sam and Chet’s head. They ducked lower. Then more gunfire opened up from the south edge of the roof. Sam and Chet were pinned. The gunfire was so fierce there was no way they could get any shots off.

  “This is not how I imagined this going,” Chet yelled over the gunfire.

  Sam glanced back. The door to the roof was still standing open. “Let’s slide back through that door. The concrete door frame will give us better cover.”

  Chet motioned for Sam to go first.

  Sam wiggled himself backward, staying as low as possible, and used the two dead gang members as cover. Once he was back inside, he jumped to his feet and was able to dart his head back and forth to get a better idea of from where the gunfire was coming. He brought his rifle up and started returning fire.

  Chet slid himself backward through the doorway and stood up against the opposite frame which meant he’d have to shoot left handed to keep from exposing his body. He switched the rifle to his left hand, brought the barrel up, and started firing.

  There appeared to be two gang members on the north edge and two more on the south edge. All four were behind air conditioning units and all four were aiming at Sam and Chet.

  Suddenly, Sam saw Tiff crawl out to the far north edge of the roof. She had no cover. But she did have an excellent firing angle on two of the gang members. Sam stopped firing. An instant later, Tiff began blasting away until both gang members were down. Sam heard several more bursts of gunfire from the south edge. And then all firing stopped.

  Sam and Chet eased forward, rifles shouldered. Sam went left; Chet went right. They each met Tiff and Elliot in the middle. The roof was clear.

  “Anybody hurt?” Elliot asked.

  Sam looked at Chet. He wasn’t bleeding any more than he was before. “We’re okay.”

  “I suggest two of us watch the doors for any unwelcomed company,” Elliot said.

  Chet and Tiff each moved back to their respective doors. Sam joined Elliot on the south side of the roof edge and looked out on the compound. A contingent of about eight gang members had made their way into the north side of the compound and had taken cover behind various items of equipment. They were firing on the guardsmen who were barricaded inside the open hangar. A larger contingent of gang members was advancing from the runway side of the compound toward the hangar. The guard was reduced to using small arms since they were cut off from the fifty caliber mounted Hummers parked on the tarmac.

  Elliot pointed to the south contingent of gang members. “I say we take out those guys from behind and then commandeer one of the mounted Hummers.”

  Sam looked at Elliot. “Is that the best you got?”

  Elliot perused the landscape for a few seconds before answering. “Yep.”

  “We better get moving then. Chet and I will meet you in the lobby.”

  Elliot nodded and dashed toward the east stairwell. Sam joined Chet and filled him in on the plan as they carefully made their way down the west stairs. Sam and Chet stopped at their room and grabbed several boxes of 9mm and then continued to the lobby. Elliot and Tiff were waiting. They all four took a few minutes to load up their sidearm magazines with 9mm and top off their rifle magazines. They then stepped through the front doors after checking the outside.

  There was no opposition as they made their way through the hotel parking lot, out the main drive, and onto Airport Loop Road. They spread out in single file as they hurried down the road toward the hole in the fence.

  “So, we just pour through the fence?” Chet asked Sam in a whisper. “We’ll be sitting ducks.”

  “From what we saw from the hotel roof, they are mostly bunched up behind some barriers at the north edge of the tarmac about fifty yards west of the hole. If we can make it through the fence, we should have a good firing angle on their position.”

  “I say two of us continue down the road and come in from the west,” Chet said.

  Elliot and Tiff were stopped at the hole when Sam and Chet jogged up.

  “How about if you two hold up here for a couple of minutes,” Sam whispered to Elliot and Tiff. “Chet and I will climb the fence further down and we’ll have them in a crossfire.”

  Elliot and Tiff nodded. Elliot held up two fingers and then pointed for Sam and Chet to proceed. Sam and Chet took off at a low trot being ever vigilant for stray gangbangers.

  On the west end of the tarmac, directly across from the guard hangar, stood a parking lot and a smaller hangar. The parking lot contained several abandoned vehicles. A fence continued down the west side of the tarmac in front of the smaller hanger and the parking lot. Climbing the fence at the corner of the road and the parking lot would leave Sam and Chet exposed at the top of the fence, but only for a second. They could quickly drop down and take cover behind the equipment and supply containers stored in that corner.

  Just as Sam and Chet reached the corner and were trying to decide how best to climb the fence, gunfire erupted from Elliot and Tiff’s position. The two minutes were apparently up. Sam and Chet took advantage of the distraction to scamper over the fence and work their way through the equipment to a forward firing position.

  When they made it to the final piece of equipment, an aircraft dolly, Sam had a clear view of the entire battle scene. The gang members at the north and south ends of the tarmac had the guard pinned down inside the hangar. Numerous guard soldiers were sprawled on the tarmac in front of their hangar.

  “They must have caught them by surprise,” Sam whispered to Chet.

  “Payback for their last encounter.”

  Sam also saw that the field hospital building was riddled with bullet holes. The building was constructed of thin plywood so the rounds would have gone straight through. Sam thought about Jeffries.

  The smaller group of gang members had turned their full focus to Elliot and Tiff when they started firing. The backs of the gang were to Sam and Chet but they were mostly protected by concrete barriers and a few pieces of equipment. Sam and Chet did not have a clear shot.

  “Elliot and Tiff’s ammo won’t last forever,” Chet said. “We need to move.”

  By moving, Chet meant running across a fifty-yard area of the tarmac that would leave them completely exposed should the gang notice their approach. They would also be seen by the gang members on the south side of the tarmac. The range would be well over two hundred yards but easily doable with rifles.

  Sam thought about how Chet, being an army grunt, was apparently more comfortable rushing machine gun positions. Sam, not so much.

  Chet pointed to the fence running along the north end of the tarmac. “Stay to the fence so we avoid Elliot and Tiff’s fire. Move fast and stay low.”

  Sam just nodded.

  “Got to go now,” Chet said, as he turned and took off across the tarmac with his rifle shouldered.

  Sam was right on his heels. Elliot and Tiff obviously saw Chet and Sam rushing forward because they paused their firing for a few seconds, long enough for Chet and Sam to cover the distance. They quickly ran up on the gang members who still had their backs turned to Chet and Sam. At point blank range, Sam and Chet opened fire and caught the gang members completely by surprise. All eight of them were down and out in a matter of seconds.

  Elliot and Tiff took off running to join them and slid to a stop as rounds from the south gang members pinged off the equipment.

  Tiff got to a crouch behind one of the concrete barriers within shouting distance of Sam and Chet. “We can occupy two Hummers,” Tiff said, as she pointed to Sam. “You and Elliot drive. Chet and I can shoot.”

  Sam and Chet nodded and then Sam looked at the Hummers parked fifty yards away. They would be completely exposed to gunfire, but given the distance, it would take a lucky shot to do any damage. Elliot motioned, and all four took off running for the nearest mounted Hummer. Sa
m could hear rounds buzz by. Several hit the surrounding tarmac. Finally, all four slammed into the side of a Hummer.

  Chet slung the door open and checked the turret. “This one’s loaded,” he said as he crawled in.

  Elliot and Tiff ran to the next Hummer and crawled in. Elliot slid behind the wheel while Tiff scrunched up into the turret and loaded the fifty. “Loaded!” she yelled.

  Chet did the same with his fifty as Sam started the vehicle.

  “Ready?” Sam yelled.

  “Go!” Chet replied.

  Sam shifted the truck into gear and stomped on the gas. The Hummer lurched and then sped away heading directly for the gang members on the south side. Rounds from the gang started pinging off the truck but Sam kept barreling forward. Sam glanced to the side and saw that Elliot and Tiff’s truck was keeping pace.

  Suddenly, both fifty caliber machine guns opened up—loud and continuous. Most of the hot brass spewed far out to the right of the Hummer but a few rained down and bounced around the cockpit near Sam. He drove straight for the gang.

  Sam saw sparks and splatters of red as fifty caliber rounds shredded equipment and the bodies taking cover behind it. Gang members dropped. Some tried to run. Against the far superior firepower, they didn’t have a chance. Tiff and Chet picked them off one by one until none of them were left standing. Then the machine guns ceased firing.

  ***

  As before, Toothpick caught the entire scene from the top of the Vacation Suites. He lowered his binoculars and dropped his chin to his chest. “The same three,” he said. He looked at the man standing next to him. “Not possible.” Toothpick returned his gaze to the scene below. “Topper, how is this possible?” he yelled. “Three men and a woman scatter our people guarding the rear, take out our people on the Huddle, and then save the day at the compound. Four people.” Toothpick shook his head back and forth as he dropped his chin to his chest.

  Topper stood speechless.

  “Take them all out!” Toothpick grabbed Topper by his lapels. “I want it done tonight.”

  Toothpick released Topper’s lapel and then turned back to the scene. Topper motioned for three men standing nearby to follow him. The four of them marched away.

  ***

  Sam and Chet stepped from the Hummer as Byers, Harvey, and two other men approached. Other guardsmen spread out to attend to the wounded.

  Harvey shook hands with Sam. “Talk about the cavalry. Thanks.” Harvey then shook hands with Chet.

  Sam turned to Byers. “Hope we didn’t screw up your plan, colonel.”

  Byers’ jaw tightened and then relaxed. “Not this time, major.”

  The other two guardsmen stepped forward and shook hands with Sam and Chet. “I think we are all glad you showed up when you did,” one of them said,

  Tiff and Elliot joined the group. Elliot scanned the remaining guard troops.

  “I count maybe fifty guardsmen,” Elliot said. “Where is everybody?

  “Out of over two hundred, this is it,” Lieutenant Harvey said. “Most never came back from patrol. We figure they deserted. They went home to their families when they realized they couldn’t make a dent in what’s going on here.”

  “We’re pulling back tomorrow,” Byers said. “Atlanta is lost.”

  Harvey motioned to the guardsmen sprawled on the tarmac. “We were in the process of packing up when the attack came. We’ll be taking our dead back home to be buried.”

  Sam glanced at Chet and Tiff. “We’ll be heading out tomorrow.”

  Chet and Tiff nodded and then Tiff looked at Elliot. Elliot let out a slow breath but didn’t say anything.

  “I guess we’ll head back to the room and start packing,” Sam said, as he took a step.

  Byers turned to Sam. “Major—“ Sam stopped. “Colonel.”

  “We have more Hummers than we have drivers. Take one of the transport models. We’ll load you up with gas and provisions.”

  “Thank you, colonel. We appreciate that.” He shook hands with Byers who then turned and walked off. Sam turned to Harvey. “By the way, how’s Captain Jeffries?”

  “Still in bed. Infection. I believe he’s doing better today.”

  “Thanks. We’ll stop by and say hello.”

  “I’ll be heading back to Valdosta in the morning if anyone wants to tag along,” Harvey said.

  “Thanks, but we’re headed in the other direction,” Sam said, as he nodded and stepped off with Chet, Tiff, and Elliot toward the hospital. “We’ll see you in the morning,” Sam said, as he glanced over his shoulder back at Harvey.

  Chet pointed to the holes in the wall as they approached the door. “This place was shot to hell.”

  Sam opened the door, and they all stepped in. They immediately notice the debris scattered everywhere, obviously from the bullets flying through the building. They found Jeffries sitting up in bed.

  “How did you survive this?” Sam asked, as he approached Jeffries’ bedside.

  “On the floor,” Jeffries said, as he recognized Sam. “How are you guys doing?”

  “Having our share of fun,” Chet answered.

  “You’re bleeding,” Jeffries said.

  “Just a scratch.”

  “Yeah, my scratch turned into an infection,” Jeffries countered. “Let’s have the doc take a look.”

  Jeffries yelled for the doctor.

  A major wearing a white coat walked over. “Yes, captain. What now?”

  “My friend here is bleeding; please take a look and get him fixed up.”

  “Let’s have a look,” the doctor said, as he took Chet by the arm and marched him into another curtained off area.

  Tiff stepped forward to Jeffries. “I hear you’re heading home tomorrow.”

  “That’s what they tell me,” Jeffries said. He pointed to Elliot. “Who’s your friend?”

  Elliot stepped up. “Detective Paul Elliot, Metro PD. I’ve been advising the colonel.”

  “Gangs?” Jeffries asked.

  “Right. Haven’t been much good though. They’ve still managed to take over most of the city.”

  They chatted a few minutes more and then Sam looked around the room. “We need to scoot, where’s Chet?” Sam said. “We’ll be heading out in the morning as well.”

  “Right here,” Chet said, as he stepped out of the curtained area. His arm was bandaged, and he carried a bottle of pills.

  Jeffries looked at Sam. “Transportation?”

  “The colonel was kind enough to give us a Hummer,” Sam replied. “He has more of them than he has drivers.”

  “You guys take care,” Jeffries said.

  “You too,” Sam replied, as he, Chet, Tiff, and Elliot stepped out of the hospital and began walking toward the Huddle.

  “I’ll get the Hummer from Ruby Tuesday’s,” Elliot said.

  Tiff touched his shoulder. “Mind if I tag along.”

  “Not at all.”

  At the driveway for the Huddle, Sam and Chet peeled off while Tiff and Elliot continued walking down the road.

  “I’ll catch up with you guys shortly,” Tiff said.

  Sam waved while he and Chet continued across the Huddle parking lot toward the building.

  “What do you think?” Chet asked.

  “I think we pack up, eat something, and be ready to move out at first light,” Sam replied.

  At the front doors to the Huddle, Sam raised his rifle to his shoulder as he stepped over the dead gang member bodies. “There could be more shitheads around.”

  Chet raised his rifle and followed Sam into the lobby.

  Sam swept his rifle in a wide arc. “Seems clear,” he said, and then lowered his rifle. They proceeded up the stairs.

  CHAPTER 13

  Tiff and Elliot crossed over Taffy Terrace and then entered the La Quinta property. They walked through the parking lot and into the grassy area on the west side of Ruby Tuesday’s, where they left the Hummer. Tiff saw that the Hummer was right where they left it. As they walked through the
grass, Tiff swiveled her head side to side but saw nothing that raised an alarm.

  “I say we head back to the Huddle and eat something,” Tiff said, as they approached the Hummer.

  Elliot reached for the driver’s door handle. “Okay,” Elliot said, as he smiled. “And maybe afterward we can go somewhere.”

  “One of these hotel swimming pools would be nice,” Tiff responded. “I could use a bath.”

  With Tiff standing beside him, Elliot opened the driver’s door. Tiff’s mind didn’t register what she saw. Crunched in front of the seat and under the steering wheel was a man—pointing a large caliber automatic pistol. Before either Tiff or Elliot could move, the man pulled the trigger. Elliot was immediately knocked back from the blast. He stumbled and fell to his knees as the man began crawling out.

  “Paul!” Tiff yelled, as she brought her rifle up.

  Three men with handguns jumped from bushes nearby and started running toward Tiff before she knew what was happening. When the fog cleared in her mind and she realized she was surrounded, she lowered her rifle.

  The man raised his hand to the other three men so they wouldn’t shoot. He finished stepping out of the Hummer and then took Tiff’s rifle and her XDs. He then bent down and removed Elliot’s Glock and picked up his rifle.

  “Hello, detective,” the man said.

  Elliot winced as he looked up at the man. “Hello, Topper.”

  Without concern for what the men might do, Tiff dropped to her knees beside Elliot. She immediately placed her hand on his shoulder where blood oozed. “Paul!” she screamed. Elliot turned his head toward her. His eyes were glazed, but at least he was alive. Tiff got up, ran to the back of the Hummer, and returned with a medkit. She unzipped the bag and retrieved a gauze pack which she tore open. She placed the gauze against his wound and then lifted his shoulder slightly.

  “Looks like the bullet passed through,” She whispered.

  “No shit,” Topper said, as he towered over Tiff and Elliot. “It wasn’t my intention to kill him.”