Land of Tomorrow (Book 1): Glimmer of Hope

by Ryan King

  That simple scrap of paper made everything real. He broke down and cried for the first time over the loss of his sister. Then his grief gave way to consuming rage and anger. He knew he should not think this way, but he embraced the hate and violence that welled within him. It felt better than the emptiness and pain.

  Brazen very carefully picked up all the money and placed it back into the envelope, just as carefully he folded up the piece of paper and placed it in his wallet. He knew where it came from. Only one person in the world ever called him Bro.

  Brazen took the money and deposited all but $500 into Noni’s savings account. He then went to a pawn store and bought a snub-nosed .38 caliber pistol and fifty rounds of ammunition. With no clear idea what he was going to do just yet, Brazen used the thinking skills from the best technical school in the world and put his brilliant mind to deadly use.

  It was not too difficult to find the thugs involved. Chino, Two Tone, and Jams were part of the 15th Street Posse, a group with connections to larger gangs on the east coast. Brazen stalked each of them carefully and patiently. It was surprisingly easy. He walked up to each when they were alone on the street, and with no words or fanfare, shot them in the head and kept going. The last thing he expected to feel was nothing.

  Killing the three directly responsible was not enough. He continued killing Posse members until it was rare to see them alone, and most thought rival gangs were to blame. Although there were plenty of Posse members to kill, Brazen decided that maybe if he could kill the gang leader, the man who called him ‘Bro’, then possibly he could go on with his life. Maybe that empty feeling in his chest would be filled. The Posse leader, Jaden, was once Brazen’s best friend, but there was a gulf between them now that could not be bridged.

  The Posse was deathly afraid of nighttime attacks, but they felt safe during the day, especially in public places. Brazen realized could get Jaden if he really wanted, but there would be no walking away. Brazen decided he could live with those terms.

  Paducah Sun Newspaper - Thursday, July 14th

  Brazen Killing in Mall Food Court

  On Wednesday, a lone male walked into the Food Court Area of 100 Oaks Mall and shot to death Jaden Brown, age twenty-two of Paducah, Kentucky. Witnesses claim an individual approached Brown and three of his acquaintances before reportedly pulling a pistol and shooting Brown in the chest. The assailant then kicked a wounded Brown over in his chair and emptied the other five shots into Brown's body. Witnesses say the assailant then tossed the gun away and sat down to wait for the police to arrive. The motive for the shooting is unknown at this time, but authorities suspect illegal drugs are involved.

  The authorities took one suspect into custody. Timothy Walker, twenty-two years old of Paducah, Kentucky who was arrested at the scene.

  Civic officials denounced this brazen attack as the latest in over a dozen unsolved murders in Paducah in the last two months.

  Jaden Brown is survived by his mother Tonya Brown and grandmother Ester Liggins.

  The subsequent trial took into account his loss and grief, and the judge only sentenced him to fifteen years. His lawyer thought he might only serve five with good behavior. Brazen didn’t care. The one thing he had not factored into his careful consideration was Noni. He soon suspected that his actions were more painful to her than the death of his sister.

  In a year's time, the false rumors of his association with smaller gangs led from his protection in prison to his leadership. Various gang members followed him around and watched his back and did not resent his total lack of acknowledgement of their existence. Over time Brazen began to come out of his shell and started to exert influence. Although he felt confident in his damnation, he was not without a conscience.

  Within two years, Brazen controlled a large network of smaller gangs known as Brothers for Life, a play on words in prison since many of the gang members were serving life sentences.

  By the third year, Brazen’s leadership extended beyond the prison walls. He stopped drug sales, prostitution, and violent crimes and turned the gangs’ illegal activity towards extortion, robbery, and violence against other gangs.

  In his fourth year, he blocked Noni from visitation. He could operate without pain and without considering what he had lost …except during Noni's visits.

  She came every week and talked to him as if nothing had ever happened. "I love you, Timmy. I pray for you every night." Yet, Brazen could see she was dying a little each time she entered within those grey walls, which to her represented failure in so many ways. Eventually, Brazen could take it no longer and told her to never come back. She ignored him and kept coming. He finally convinced the guards to prevent her from visiting him due to health concerns for the old lady caused by the stress of the prison. The guards complied, and Brazen never saw Noni again. In less than a year, she was dead. Noni reminded him of who he had once been and who he had hoped to be. Such thoughts could not be borne.

  The lawyer was right and Brazen was placed on parole at the five year mark based on good behavior and the education program he helped set up within the prison. He wanted out of the prison, but wasn’t exactly sure where he wanted to do or be. Going back to finish at MIT was now out of the question, so without thought, he drifted back home.

  At first, Brazen tried to live a legitimate life of some sort, but he supposed he simply wasn’t strong enough. He accepted the role thrust upon him as leader of the Brothers. He continued his plan for getting away from crimes that carried severe prison sentences and attracted police attention, instead focusing on other activities. The one area where the Brothers remained violent was towards other gangs who did not accept Brazen's leadership or rules.

  The Brothers set up a system borrowed from the Italian Mafia where they demanded protection money from the inhabitants of neighborhoods, but in return made them the safest in the city. Brazen severely punished any of his people who were impolite or rude to any of the people under their care. The Brothers were also fiercely protective and Brazen often told them to think of themselves as sheepdogs protecting their flock from the wolves.

  Brazen was too honest to try to fool himself into thinking he was a good man doing good work for society. He could accept that they took a scourge on honest people and at least controlled it. That work became even more important after N-Day when the world turned upside down.

  Many said the Brothers were lifesavers. They protected the citizens under their care while gathering food, water, and needed medical care. The Brothers continued to accept the “payment” for protection, but in other forms such as gasoline. This payment, in the end, caused all the problems.

  The city demanded taxes, but did not provide anything in return. They could point to the electricity, but that ran regardless and was at best an unreliable commodity. The police and National Guard got more serious and attempted to force their way into the Brothers’ areas, but were pushed back. Three of Brazen’s men were shot along with six police and National Guard troops. Word reached Brazen just this morning that one of the policemen died. Brazen knew he was losing control and wasn’t sure how to regain it.

  His thoughts were interrupted by the approach of someone from behind him. He knew his men would let no one sneak up on him, so he remained at ease; but looked around nevertheless. It was Pastor Lancourt, much older now, but still filled with that formidable presence.

  “Timothy,” stated Lancourt with a genuine smile. “It is a blessing to see you in this place. I have missed you, my son.” Lancourt’s embrace took Brazen by total surprise. He had expected many reactions from this man, but affection was not one of them. Lancourt continued on, “How are you doing?”

  With most people this question was simply a cursory passing question, not really requiring an honest answer, but Brazen knew Lancourt wanted the truth. Brazen quickly looked around to make sure none of his men were close enough to hear and whispered, “Lost, I think. Things got out of control. I didn’t want any of it to happen and now I’m not sure how to
fix it.”

  Lancourt nodded, “I know son. Your sister’s loss and your grandmother’s death were a tragedy, but neither were your fault.”

  Brazen sucked in his breath in surprise and sudden anger, “That’s not what I’m talking about and you know it!”

  “Is it not?” asked Lancourt. “Seems to me that ever since your sister’s death you have been searching for something to fill that hole in your heart, but you have been searching in all the wrong places.”

  Brazen was nodding his head, “I know where you're headed preacher, but it’s not going to work on me.”

  “What’s not going to work on you?”

  “Your…” Brazen searched for words, “Jesus talk about love and forgiveness and redemption. My fate was sealed long ago. You don’t know everything I’ve done. If you did, you would know my sins are unforgivable.” As Brazen said these words he nearly choked on them. He hadn’t meant to verbalize his greatest belief and fear, but it was now out there.

  Lancourt looked at Brazen for a long moment before speaking. “Son, I want you to listen to me. Have I ever in your entire life lied to you about anything?”

  “No,” said Brazen.

  “Well, I’m not going to start now, but there are some things you need to hear. I need you to listen to me very carefully.” Lancourt waved his hand dismissively. “After that you can go do whatever you decide to do.”

  Brazen wouldn’t have listened to such talk from many men, but he owed Pastor Lancourt much and swallowed his pride. “Okay, shoot.”

  Lancourt smiled, “Alright, I will. First of all, the only unforgivable sins are the ones you refuse to confess. God is eternally merciful. The only sins he can’t forgive are the ones you will not let go of.”

  Brazen’s resentment welled up in him at this, but Lancourt continued on. “Second, I’m going to pray for you to let go of those sins every day until either I die or you die.”

  “I wish you wouldn’t do that,” said Brazen.

  “I know you do,” said Lancourt immediately. “That’s your pride talking. You want to hold onto your sins and wallow in them. But it’s not right and it’s not going to bring back what you’ve lost. I’m going to pray for you and there is nothing you can do to stop me.”

  Brazen started to get up, but Lancourt pushed him back down forcefully, surprising Brazen with the old man’s strength. “And third, there is no fate. There is only the decisions we make and God’s will. Fate is a cop-out. You’re better than that. Take control of you own life now. It’s never too late, I promise you.”

  There was silence between them for several moments before Lancourt spoke again. “God still loves you, son, and wants the best for you. And so do I.”

  Lancourt stood and kissed the top of Brazen’s bowed head, before he turned and walked away leaving Brazen to his troubled thoughts.

  Chapter 6 – Only One

  “You want what?” asked Nathan, suddenly less distracted. He looked at Sergeant Major Luke Carter and then at both David and Joshua who were standing with him in Nathan’s office. Up to that moment, the day was actually been going pretty well for once.

  Carter repeated his request without the slightest trace of emotion. “I want to conduct a long range reconnaissance to the south just as you directed, but I want Joshua and David here to lead it.”

  Nathan looked at his boys in turn. He had heard about how well they were performing as trainers for Carter and was not really surprised. He saw Joshua’s worried but hopeful look and David’s defiant and proud one and decided to steer clear of the obvious issue of the boys’ age. The Sergeant Major certainly had a reason for coming to him with such a request. He thought he should probably hear him out.

  “Let’s hear it,” said Nathan, “Tell me why.”

  “Dad, listen,” began Joshua.

  Nathan cut him off with a look and a point of his finger. “You keep your mouth shut unless I ask you something. This is between the Sergeant Major and I. I’m frankly not even sure why he brought you here.” Nathan gave Carter a hard knowing look as he said this because in fact he did suspect why they were there. “Go on,” he told Carter.

  “Certainly, sir,” said Carter unperturbed. “We must begin the discussion with the importance of the mission. Although we have numerous areas of weakness here, our lack of intelligence prevents us from prioritizing which areas to address first with scarce resources.”

  “I know that part,” said Nathan, “we’ve had conversations of just such matters. I also understand why you want to recon south. Get to the part where you think David and Joshua should take part.”

  “Sir,” said Carter, “let me be clear. I don’t just want them to participate in the recon, I want them to lead it.”

  Nathan opened his mouth to retort and then quickly caught his words. He was again careful about wounding the boys’ pride. He also thought there was something else at play here that he did not quite understand yet. “Why them?” he asked simply.

  “For a variety of reasons, sir,” he answered. “First and most importantly, they are the most qualified men I have under me right now for such a mission. I know they are young, but they have much more practical experience than I did the first time I went into enemy territory. Also, they have been training these men for months and the men respect them. And…” here Carter paused before going on, “if they are to be two of my platoon leaders, I want them to have the experience behind them.”

  “Your what?” asked Nathan.

  “Sir, it’s no secret that you plan to commission me a Captain after this current training class and put me in charge of the central region of the park.” Carter was matter-of-fact. “You’ve asked my commander at Murray State who talked to me about it. If I’m going to be a commander, I need good subordinate leaders. I want these two to be lieutenants under me.”

  Nathan shook his head and blew out a breath. “Sergeant Major don’t you think they need a few more years under their belts first? We both know leadership is a heavy burden. Also won’t folks just say they’re being commissioned only because they’re my sons?”

  Carter smiled slightly for the first time. “Sir, in my experience the only way to obtain leadership experience is to lead. As far as what people think, that’s one reason I want them conducting this mission. No one can question their capabilities if they’re the first to lead such a patrol. All who know them already know better, and those who don’t, soon will after this.”

  “I’m flattered, but are you telling me that of all the men you’ve trained lately that these two are your first choice for platoon leaders?” asked Nathan.

  “Actually, no,” replied Carter, “I have a former SEAL whom I’m making my executive officer, a park service game warden who is going to make a fine platoon leader, and one of those NCO’s from Fort Campbell is going to be my headquarters and support platoon leader. But on a standard company organization that leaves two platoon leader slots open and these two are more than capable and they know their stuff.”

  “I see you’ve given this a lot of thought,” said Nathan, pondering. He would have preferred them to be older, but they were old enough to make their own decisions. David at least would likely go with or without Nathan’s blessing.

  “Boys,” Nathan began and inwardly cringed at the word. They weren’t really boys anymore. “How do you feel about this?”

  “We’re ready,” said Joshua eagerly, “and we’ll be careful.”

  Nathan continued on. “I’m sure the Sergeant Major has talked to you about being a leader, but I’m going to add my two cents’ worth.” He looked at them carefully to ensure he had their attention. “There are three things you need to know about being a leader going in.” Here Nathan held up three fingers and began counting them off, “First, leadership is lonely. You carry the burden alone, not your men. Second, leadership is not fair. You are responsible for everything they do or fail to do. And third,” here Nathan looked hard, “you’re most likely going to have men die under you if you do this
long enough. Make damn sure you did everything possible to prevent it from happening ahead of time so that you know it isn’t your fault when it happens. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir,” both said in unison.

  “So we are good to go?” asked Carter.

  Nathan smiled and shook his head. “Not so fast. Have you ever been in an airborne unit, Sergeant Major?”

  “Of course,” responded Carter. “Lots of them.”

  “Ever been in one where you had brothers in the same unit?” asked Nathan.

  “Can’t say that I have,” answered Carter after some thought.

  “Well I was once,” said Nathan. “At Fort Bragg I was in a company that actually had three brothers in it. They fought like cats and dogs.” Nathan smiled at the memory. “But, the point is, on airborne operations all three couldn’t be on the same plane. Two could, but not all three. Do you know why?”

  Carter nodded, “I guess in case the plane goes down the family doesn’t lose all three sons.”

  “Exactly right,” said Nathan, “and a good policy it is too. So, I’ll agree to the recon, and to the boys leading it, on several conditions. First, I want them fully prepared and briefed with numerous contingency plans. Second, I want to be at the final rehearsals, pre-combat checks, and pre-mission briefs. And finally,” here Nathan paused for a long moment, “only one of them goes on the patrol.”

  They all stared back at him in silence for a moment before David asked, “Which one gets to go?”

  “That’s for the Sergeant Major here to decide, and I’ll stay out of it,” answered Nathan, “The other one can lead the next recon and they can take turns if you like, but I don’t want both of them out at the same time and certainly not on the same mission. That is non-negotiable.”

  Carter nodded, “Understood, sir. I hear you loud and clear. We’ll start planning and let you know what our timeframe looks like.”