“Nope, so that’s the good news.”
“Keep me updated on any new developments.”
“Any thoughts on letting me join you all? Sergeant Major is doing better,” Gunny asked.
“You just stay put. I need you there,” Gordon replied.
“Roger that,” Gunny grumbled, clearly disappointed. He was itching to get into the fight.
“Thanks,” Gordon said and disconnected the line.
“They struck again?” John asked.
“Yeah, but no one died, thankfully. A local man managed to kill two of them. Gunny has a theory they’re running in pairs, which means that we can expect more attacks, some simultaneously.”
John looked out the window and said, “You know, I’ve got a feeling Gunny will handle this.”
“Me too, I just don’t like knowing our people are being terrorized—eats me up,” Gordon said.
“Everything will be okay,” John insisted in his typical positive tone.
Gordon grinned.
John caught the facial expression and asked, “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing is funny. I was just thinking how people can have such different personalities. You’re always so positive and Nelson is always negative Nelly. I guarantee if Nelson were here, he’d be complaining. The thing is he wasn’t always like that.”
“Times and events have changed us all. I’ve heard you’re different,” John said.
“I guess.”
“Except you’re still an asshole. I hear you were one before and are at least being consistent.”
“Har, har.” Gordon laughed.
“But seriously, don’t be stressed about McCall. Gunny will track them down. He’s got this.”
Gordon nodded. He didn’t doubt Gunny’s abilities, but he just couldn’t shake the bad feelings that plagued his thoughts about those killers running free around McCall.
McCall, Idaho, Republic of Cascadia
Today was the day Luke could rejoin the security patrols and it was at a time they needed every capable person.
As soon as Gordon had left, he had made his way to the garage to prep the sled and his gear. With a band of cutthroats on the loose, it made the prospect of the patrol even more exciting. He couldn’t explain it, but he was thrilled with the prospect of getting into a firefight.
Samantha stepped into the garage to get something but paused to admire Luke as he diligently prepared. She was proud of how he had taken on the responsibility of conducting patrols with gusto. He had come a long way from the shy and timid boy they’d first met. It was amazing how a child could grow and mature if given the latitude to do so.
Luke caught her staring and said, “What?”
“Nothing, just watching you.”
“Um, that’s weird.”
“I’m just so proud of you,” she said.
“How’s Haley?” Luke asked.
“Sad, very sad, but she’ll be okay. We’ll just need to give her extra love and attention,” Samantha replied.
“Tell her I’m up for another Go Fish tournament tonight.”
“She’ll like that.”
Luke stopped what he was doing and looked back. With sincerity, he said, “Thanks again for letting me go back out on patrol.”
“Just keep your promise. No crazy stuff and do as Corporal Sanchez says.”
“I promise.”
The pop of the two-stroke snowmobile in the distance told them Sanchez was coming.
“Looks like it’s time to go,” Samantha said.
Luke quickly straddled the sled, put on his helmet and started his sled up. Before pulling out of the garage, he gave Samantha a slight wave.
Samantha returned the wave and headed back inside.
When Sanchez cleared the corner, he found Luke sitting, ready to go.
Over the radio, Sanchez called, “Have you been waiting all night like a Black Friday shopper?”
“Huh?”
“Never mind,” Sanchez said, realizing that Luke didn’t understand the reference.
“I’m ready. Let’s go,” Luke said anxiously.
“Look who’s the eager beaver. Okay, follow me,” Sanchez said and sped off down the driveway in the direction he’d come from.
Luke cocked his head unsure why Sanchez was going that way. “Where ya going?”
“We have a briefing first; then we’ll head out.”
“Sounds good,” Luke said hitting the throttle.
South of Joseph, Oregon, Republic of Cascadia
Before Lexi went to dinner, she clipped her Spyderco knife in her pocket and tucked her Glock 17 in the waistband of her pants and covered it with a long sweater. She had trust issues, especially with men, and even though Conrad was Katie’s husband she wasn’t about to take any chances. Maybe it was the darkness she saw in his eyes. Whatever it was, Lexi’s internal alarms were sounding.
Katie was glowing, a smile spanned her small face, and she couldn’t keep her eyes off Conrad, who sat and devoured his dinner.
Lexi took small bites of the beef stew.
“Is it good?” Katie asked Conrad.
He didn’t reply, but kept his head down and shoved one spoonful of stew into his mouth after another.
“It’s the last of it. I saved it for a special occasion.” Katie smiled.
“You should eat something,” Lexi suggested noticing Katie hadn’t taken a bite yet.
“I’m too excited to eat,” Katie replied.
“Hmm,” Lexi said.
Conrad lifted his head and burped. “That was good.”
“Why, excuse you, Conrad.” Katie giggled.
Lexi had always thought Katie was cute and sweet, but she was acting like a little girl. It was odd, but maybe that was who she was with Conrad or maybe she was so full of joy that she couldn’t help herself.
Conrad rubbed his belly and used his sleeve to wipe his chin and mouth. “Do we have more?”
“Oh, yes, hold on,” Katie said and hopped up, his bowl in her hands. She raced to the stove and filled it to the brim.
With Katie away, Conrad gave Lexi a look and said, “So, Lexi, Katie says you’re pregnant.”
Lexi put her spoon down and answered, “Yes.”
“Where’s the father?”
“Dead.”
“Oh, sorry,” he said.
Katie returned to the table and placed the steaming bowl of stew down in front of Conrad. “Here you go.”
Conrad grabbed his spoon and dug in.
“Yeah, I found Lexi on death’s doorstep. Poor thing was in bad shape,” Katie said.
Still chewing his food, Conrad said, “Katie tells me you had a lot of weapons. Are you some type of soldier?”
“No. I’m just a big believer in self-defense.”
Conrad lifted his head from the bowl and said, “One must be prepared to do what they have to out there.”
“Yep,” Lexi said.
“How long were you on the road?” Conrad asked.
“A long time,” Lexi replied. She was deliberately keeping her answers short.
“Me too,” Conrad said.
“What took you so long to get home, sweetheart?” Katie asked sweetly.
“What took so long? Haven’t you been out there at all? Huh, don’t you know what’s happened?” Conrad seethed.
“Don’t be mad. I’m just asking a question. I’m just curious,” Katie said timidly defending herself.
Lexi saw that darkness in his eyes again.
“What a stupid question. What took so long! Who asks stupid questions like that except stupid people!” he snapped.
“I’m sorry, honey, I didn’t mean to upset you,” Katie said and reached for him.
Conrad recoiled.
“I was just making conversation,” Katie said.
He looked at Katie and grumbled, “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“And we don’t have to,” Katie said.
An uncomfortable silence fell over the table.
“Of course you’re tired. How about we get ready for bed? Um, Lexi, do you mind cleaning up?” Katie asked.
“Sure,” Lexi said.
Conrad stood up. “I want to apologize to you too,” Conrad said to Lexi.
“It’s okay, I understand,” Lexi said.
“Goodnight, I’ll see you in the morning,” Conrad said and left the room.
Katie patted Lexi on the arm and whispered, “He’s just tired. Let me go give him some attention.”
“Sure,” Lexi said.
Katie rushed off.
Lexi pushed the food away, leaned back in the chair with her arms folded and sighed, “Well, there goes my perfect little life.”
MARCH 11, 2016
“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.” – Sun Tzu
McCall, Idaho, Republic of Cascadia
Samantha was unlike Gordon; she appreciated her protection detail and loved having them everywhere. After dropping Haley at school, she made her way to the Bistro. There she was to meet Seneca for a mid-morning breakfast and coffee to discuss babies and motherhood.
Seneca was overjoyed at being pregnant and was all ears for any advice.
The Bistro wasn’t located directly on the street, it was tucked away behind the Hotel McCall in a courtyard, making easy access impossible for her protection detail.
Her convoy pulled up next to the front entrance of the hotel and stopped.
One of her guards jumped out and opened her door.
She stepped out into the crisp cool air and shivered. “Brrr, it’s cold.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the guard said.
She slipped on her gloves and adjusted her coat.
“Sam, hi!” Seneca hollered from near the Bistro entrance some fifty feet away.
“Hi!” Samantha hollered back.
“I’ll run in and get a table,” Seneca said and rushed inside.
Samantha looked around and said, “You know, I think I’ll be fine. Just wait here.”
“Not an option, ma’am, orders from the president.”
She shrugged and said, “That’s fine, whatever.” She started for the entrance when she saw something very odd. Two men bolted from inside the Bistro and took off running.
“What’s that?” Samantha asked, pointing at the men.
Her guard took notice at the same time and stood in front of her.
“Down with Cascadia!” one of the men yelled.
A massive explosion and fireball erupted from the Bistro.
The force of the blast hurled Samantha and her guard.
Debris rained down everywhere.
Samantha wasn’t sure if she had passed out or not. She opened her eyes to see the blue sky above her. She sat up and shook her head to stop the ringing in her ears.
Screams and wails came from what was left of the Bistro.
“Seneca!” Samantha yelled as she tried to stand.
Several guards picked her up and carried her to her vehicle and tossed her in the back.
“No, my friend Seneca—please go help!”
Her protection detail didn’t listen. As soon as they had secured her in the back, they sped off.
Samantha looked out the window at the flames and smoke that engulfed what remained of the Bistro.
South of Grangeville, Idaho, Republic of Cascadia
Gordon’s phone came to represent bad news. Almost every time it rang, he would talk to someone on the other end who would tell him something horrible had occurred, and this time wasn’t any different.
He pocketed the phone and barked, “Damn it!”
“Another attack?” John asked.
“This is bad. They blew up the Bistro.”
“Shit.”
“And almost killed Samantha. She was going there to see Seneca,” Gordon said.
“Is she hurt?” John asked.
“Sam is fine, but Seneca was killed,” Gordon replied. His thoughts swiftly went to Nelson. How was he holding up?
All he wanted to do now was turn around and head back to McCall. Jacques was conducting war without any rules, just as he knew he would.
“What’s the latest report we have from our first recon team?” Gordon asked.
John got on the radio and made a few calls.
“The roads are clear. We should arrive south of Lewiston by this time tomorrow,” John relayed.
“At this rate, we’ll be outside Sandpoint in three days,” Gordon said.
“That’s a big if, all about road conditions.”
“We need more choppers,” Gordon blurted out.
“For what?” John asked.
“I’ve got an idea. I just need Cruz to fucking pick up the phone,” Gordon said.
McCall, Idaho, Republic of Cascadia
“Corporal Sanchez, please bring Luke home immediately,” Samantha said as she wiped tears from her eyes and cheeks.
“Yes, ma’am,” Sanchez said.
Samantha hung up her phone and began pacing the great room of her house. Images of Seneca walking into the Bistro kept flashing in her thoughts. She tried to find a reason to explain what she’d just seen, but nothing rational came. She’d experienced Jacques’ brutal methods, so this fit his narrative and modus operandi. He was a despicable man who would stop at nothing to win. She kept thinking that she should call Gordon back, but right now she didn’t want to hear his voice. There wasn’t anything he could do.
“Mommy, why are you crying?” Haley asked as she walked into the great room.
“I’m just sad is all.”
“About what?”
“Haley, come here,” Samantha requested with her hand out.
Haley did as she was told and went to Samantha. She took her hand and held it.
“Let’s go sit down,” Samantha said and walked her over to the large sectional.
They sat down and Samantha immediately told her what had happened.
“You know Nelson’s wife, Seneca?”
“Yes.”
“She got hurt today and…died,” Samantha said and began to cry again. Just saying what happened made her weep.
“How?”
“That doesn’t matter.”
“It does to me,” Haley said.
How do I say this? Should I say this? Samantha asked herself. She thought for a moment then continued, “The Bistro blew up and she was inside when it happened.”
“It just blew up?”
Why did I ever agree to be honest with Haley? Samantha thought. She wondered if she should lie, but knew that always backfired, as Haley would more than likely over hear a conversation.
“Did it just blow up for no reason?” Haley asked.
“No, sweetheart, someone put a bomb in there,” Samantha answered.
“That’s scary,” Haley said.
“It is,” Samantha said, rubbing Haley’s arm.
“I’m sorry you’re sad, but she’s okay now,” Haley said.
“Who’s okay?”
“Seneca, she’s okay, I know.”
Haley’s response brought back the memory of the night Sebastian was murdered and how Haley seemed to know before they had received any news of it. Was Haley able to know this stuff? “Mommy is sad, but Nelson is going to be very sad. We need to make sure we give him extra love and hugs when we see him later today.”
“Okay.”
“When Luke gets home, we’re going to go visit him.”
“Okay. Um, can I go play now?” Haley asked.
“Sure, run along,” Samantha said.
Haley hopped up and raced to her bedroom.
Samantha looked outside and focused on the rolling fields, hoping to see Luke barreling over one of the rises on his way home.
Nelson popped back into her mind. She took th
e phone and gave him a call. The phone rang and rang. No one answered it.
Distraught and lonely, she tossed the phone on the coffee table and sank deep into the couch. What’s to become of us? she thought.
Nine miles east of Lewiston, Idaho, Republic of Cascadia
Gordon’s driver, Private First Class August Vaughn, hollered, “Nine miles to Lewiston.”
“We’re making excellent time,” Gordon said.
John lowered the handheld radio and said, “We’re stopping in a mile to refuel, change drivers, etc.”
“And take a piss,” Gordon groaned.
The Humvee along with the entire column came to a full stop.
Gordon exited the vehicle and immediately went to relieve himself. As he went, he looked up and down the winding column. He estimated it stretched for over a mile. He’d seen longer when he was in the Marines but it was impressive. In Lewiston, the First Washington would separate and head west into Washington State.
The location to stop was perfect. To the west, the highway was cut out of the side of a rolling hill, and to the east it dropped down and leveled out into fields, which stretched for a half mile until they slammed into more rolling hills. Hardly a tree around as brown dried grasses poked through the top of the blanket of snow. Homes and farms were scattered here and there.
Chatter and laughter could be heard up and down the line as the men hurried to refuel, change drivers and ready themselves for the next long haul through the night.
“Help!” a woman’s voice cried out in the distance.
Gordon looked but didn’t see anything.
“Help!” she cried again.
Gordon buttoned his fly and looked in the direction the call was coming from.
To his left a soldier hollered, over near a beige house.
Knowing where it was coming from, Gordon looked and saw a lone woman waving. He turned and ordered Vaughn, “Send two vehicles down to assist.”
Vaughn hopped on the radio and made the call.
Seconds later from further up the column, two Humvees pulled off and headed towards her.
Gordon grabbed a pair of binoculars and zoomed in on the scene.
The woman stood outside the house, waving her arms. She was only wearing jeans and a T-shirt. She looked normal enough, but who could know anymore.
The New World (Book 7): Those Who Remain Page 8