Joshua rubbed his hands over the fire, savoring the warmth. “We had no luck at all. How about you guys?”
“Mr. Davidson and I made no progress, sir,” Kane said.
“Nada.” Jack shook his head and gestured toward Thomas.
“Nothing,” Perry said. Caroline nodded in agreement.
“Tommy and I found Drew’s motorcycle abandoned beside the road,” Chuck said. “We scoured it for tracking devices and brought it back here.”
Joshua pursed his lips. “Are you absolutely certain there were no tracking devices?”
“We’re certain,” Caroline interjected. “I double-checked it when they got here.”
“If there was a bug, she would’ve found it.” Perry put his arm around her. “We didn’t find any sign of Drew, but we did get stopped at a Homeland Security checkpoint. They seemed pretty uptight.”
“Especially that tall, angry blonde,” Caroline added.
Joshua looked down and shook his head. Drew’s disappearing acts seemed to have finally come home to roost, just as he and others had feared. At the same time, they owed him. He looked up and made eye contact with Jim. “Good effort, folks. We’ll give it another shot tomorrow. And I hope to pick up some leads tomorrow night.”
“What’s tomorrow night?” Perry asked.
“A little fact-finding mission,” Joshua said. “That’s all for tonight.”
Jack made his way to Joshua as the group dispersed. “Got a minute?”
“Sure.” Joshua gestured for Jack to join him outside of the shelter. “What’s up?”
“John Moore. Something still doesn’t sit right with me about the way that went down.”
“I think we all feel that way,” Joshua said. “He’s probably the last person I would’ve pegged as our mole.”
“I’m talking about the way it ended.”
“What about it?”
“For someone who seemed as hysterical as Ruth, she was a pretty good shot. She put three in his chest in a pretty tight grouping.”
Joshua put his hand on Jack’s shoulder. “She probably just got lucky.”
“That’s not all,” Jack added. “What made her automatically assume John was guilty? She went from calm, loving wife to killing her husband in an instant. That just doesn’t add up.”
Joshua leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Was there more to this than he was seeing? He opened his eyes and shook his head. “Maybe she was already onto him.”
CHAPTER 10
Thursday, November 1, 2018 – 3:45 p.m. – Fontana Dam
The next afternoon, Joshua met Thomas and his wife, Kim, in the clearing outside his cabin. “You guys know what to do, right?”
“Man, we got this.” Thomas twisted a toothpick between his teeth.
“I think Ruth could use a nice dinner to help get her mind off of things,” Kim said with a smile. “We’re glad to host her in our home.”
“Good job,” Joshua said. “And don’t forget, not a word about the fact that we’re leaving the camp tonight. No one needs to know.”
“You got it, man.”
Joshua sat down on the steps and Reagan planted himself beside him, nuzzling his head on Joshua’s leg. He scratched the happy canine’s ears as he watched Thomas and Kim make their way to Ruth’s cabin. Ruth answered the door and appeared to break down into tears almost immediately. Kim embraced her for what seemed like a full minute. Joshua wondered if Ruth was genuinely distraught, or if she was putting on a good show. Time will tell, he thought.
Ruth disappeared into her cabin for a moment before following Thomas and Kim to their Suburban. She climbed into the back seat and waved as the vehicle passed Joshua’s cabin. Joshua returned the wave with his left hand, scratching Reagan’s ears with his right. The dog’s tail thumped loudly against the steps.
Rebecca made her way onto the porch and sat down beside Joshua. “It’s about that time.”
“Yes it is.” He squeezed her hand. “You’re sure you want to go?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She kissed him on the cheek, sending a tingling sensation down his spine. “I’ll put Reagan in the cabin.”
Rebecca lured Reagan into the cabin with a piece of deer meat. She handed Joshua his Beretta 9mm and two magazines upon returning to the porch. “Thought you might need this.” She chambered a round in her .380 and concealed it in a holster under her shirt. “Game time.”
Joshua stroked his fingers through her shoulder-length brown hair. “I knew there was a reason I married you.”
Rebecca slapped him on the leg. “You know I would’ve shot you if you didn’t eventually get around to asking me.”
Thomas’ old, rarely-driven green van made its way into the clearing with Jim at the wheel. Perry and Caroline met Joshua in the clearing, along with Chuck and Sheri Jones. Jack and Kane joined them. Joshua gave hand-sketched maps to Chuck and Perry. He pointed at a spot on one of the maps. “Here’s where we’re going tonight.” He used his finger to trace several routes. “These are the possible routes, marked in order of our preference.” He gave Perry and Chuck hand-held radios he had retrieved from Bob Kendall’s stash of equipment. “Perry, you go ahead of us on the route marked with a one. Chuck, you do the same on route two. If you see any sign of a Homeland Security presence, use your radio to let us know so we can change routes. We’ll be five minutes behind.”
Chuck and Perry nodded. Chuck and Kane took Thomas’ van and made their way down the path toward the road. Perry and Caroline followed in Rebecca’s green Ford Explorer. Joshua took a deep breath as he walked to Bob Kendall’s green Yukon, which had only been started three times in the eight months since Bob’s untimely death. He worried that it wouldn’t cooperate. Here goes nothing, he thought. He was pleasantly surprised when the engine fired up on the first try.
“Jack, you drive.” Joshua pointed toward the driver’s seat.
Joshua and Rebecca climbed into the back seat, and Jim claimed the front passenger side seat. As they waited, Joshua contemplated the fact that all three vehicles happened to be the same color. Joshua was not a superstitious person, but wondered if there might be some divine significance in the fact that all three vehicles were green, a color often used to represent life, renewal and energy.
Five minutes after the first two vehicles had departed, Jack put the Yukon in gear and headed down the path to the road. Tommy Page, Thomas’ 18-year-old son, emerged out of the woods as they passed through the gate and locked it behind them. Jack turned left onto Highway 28 and began the trek down the mountain.
Joshua’s radio crackled to life ten minutes later, and the sound of Chuck’s voice broke radio silence. We’ve turned off of 28 and are headed south toward Robbinsville. Several Homeland Security vehicles parked here.
“Copy that,” Joshua replied.
Perry offered an update as well. Smooth sailing so far on 28.
Five minutes later Perry offered a less optimistic update. Homeland Security checkpoint about a mile past Medlin Branch. Approaching now. Will update you once we pass. Turning radio off.
“Roger that,” Joshua said. He looked at his map, leaned forward and tapped Jack on the shoulder. “In a mile or so you’ll see Little Bear Lane on the right. Turn there.”
Jack nodded, and within a few minutes made the right turn onto a small side road. Within moments he had come to a dead end. “What now?”
Joshua gestured toward a small, clear-cut dirt path. “There.”
“Where will that take us?”
Joshua smirked. “Trust me.”
Jack eased the Yukon on to the dirt path and began winding through the woods. In some places the path was so narrow and precarious that a slight jaunt in either direction would have sent the Yukon tumbling into a gulley. Branches slapped the windows, and Joshua thought some of the bumps were going to jar his teeth out of their sockets.
Perry’s voice came across the radio as the Yukon hit one particularly brutal bump. We’re through. All clear. J
, just a heads-up, they’re looking for you.
Joshua clenched his teeth. “Go on.”
They had your picture and asked if we knew you.
Joshua squeezed Rebecca’s hand. “Copy that. We’re on an alternate route and will rejoin the main track shortly. Continue as planned.”
Fifteen minutes later the path emerged onto a small road. Joshua again leaned forward. “Jack, this is Tobacco Branch Road. Turn left, and then take your first right.”
Jack did as instructed, and within minutes the Yukon had turned off of Tobacco Branch onto South Rhododendron. Joshua guided him through a series of turns, eventually ending up on Ivy Lane. Jack turned toward Joshua. “What now?”
Joshua pointed toward another small dirt path. Jack followed the path, which eventually led to Panther Creek Road. They turned left on Panther Creek, which placed them back on Highway 28 several miles past the checkpoint. Joshua picked up his radio. “Back on course.”
Copy that.
They continued on Highway 28 after it merged with 74, then turned south to stay on 28. After several miles Jack turned left on a small two-lane road, which they followed for three miles before turning onto a dirt road. Two large pickup trucks turned in behind them. The Yukon rumbled down the dirt road for two miles before reaching a large clearing.
As they entered the clearing, Joshua admired the rustic English-style home that was its primary feature. The house reminded him of the farm he and Rebecca had been forced to abandon after the initial attacks on America. A large red barn sat beside the home, and at least a dozen cows grazed in the fence behind the barn. At least thirty vehicles were scattered outside the barn, many of them with pig cookers and other large grills attached. Two horse-drawn carriages were parked near the edge of the clearing. People were scurrying around the area like angry fire ants whose nest had been poked with a shovel. Given the number of people Joshua saw, plus those who were already inside the barn, each vehicle must have brought three or four people.
“Exactly what kind of event is this?” Rebecca asked.
“I’m not entirely sure,” Joshua said. “We know Ray and his friends are on our side, but we should still stick together and watch each other’s backs.
Joshua noticed Jack suddenly perk up. “What is it, Jack?”
Jack remained silent for a moment, his eyes trained on a tan Ford Explorer that had just passed them and parked fifty yards away. “It’s him.”
“Who is ‘him’?” Joshua asked.
“The same Asian guy we kept seeing at the exchange. And the red-headed girl.”
Rebecca squeezed Joshua’s arm. “Josh, what is he talking about?”
“We ran into that guy a couple of times at the exchange. For some reason Jack is suspicious of him.”
“There’s just something about him that makes the hair on my neck stand up,” Jack said. “He’s familiar to me.”
“I’m sure it’s just your imagination,” Joshua said.
“Let’s not forget he was there the day we got picked up by the Homeland Security goons.”
Joshua heaved a deep sigh. “Good point. Everyone keep your eyes open.” He opened his door. “Let’s go.”
The aroma of grilling meat filled the air as Joshua stepped out of the Yukon. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Not only did these folks seem to be on the right side, but they apparently knew how to properly cook a variety of animals. He felt a pang of hunger as his stomach roared to life.
Joshua and Rebecca led the way to the barn, with Jim and Jack bringing up the rear. Even though Jack was not in his line of sight, Joshua could sense his eyes trained on the Asian man they had now seen several times. Joshua’s instincts told him the man was a potential ally, but he had been wrong before. Perhaps he should trust Jack’s gut on this one.
Two men stepped in front of them as they approached a row of large trills and cookers. The tall man on the left, who sported faded jeans, a forest green button-down shirt, well-worn work boots and a “Remington” hat, motioned for them to stop. “Who are y’all?”
“Hello,” Joshua answered. “Ray told us to come.”
“I didn’t ask who invited you, I asked who you are.”
“I’m Joshua Winston. This is my--"
The man lowered his hand. “Mr. Winston, it’s an honor. Come on in!” He gestured for them to follow him.
Joshua looked at Rebecca and shrugged. He wasn’t sure what these people knew about him or why they thought so highly of someone they didn’t even know. Joshua noticed several large generators that appeared to be connected to the barn. The generators reminded Joshua how fortunate those in the camp were to have electricity. They were lucky Thomas had purchased land so close to the dam.
As they entered the barn they were swamped with a wave of hunger-inducing aromas. The barn was supported by rectangular wood posts and had a dirt floor. The interior was comprised largely of a large open area. Eight stables lined the back wall, and a large brown horse could be seen inside one of the stables.
“This place smells like my dream house.” Jim chuckled.
“You always were a pure carnivore,” Joshua said.
“PETA’s worst nightmare.” Jim chuckled.
The barn was teeming with people. If they were anything like their host, these were down-to-earth, salt-of-the-earth folks, the kind who likely shared Joshua’s love for America – or at least for what the United States had once been. The man led them a third of the way through the barn, where they found Ray.
“Mr. Winston, I’m glad you showed,” Ray said. “Wasn’t sure you’d actually come.”
“Please, just call me Joshua.” He extended his hand. “Thanks for the invitation.”
“Any time. Who are the folks with you?”
Joshua introduced Rebecca and his other companions, and Ray focused in on Jim. “You’re the pastor, right?”
“I guess you could say that.”
“Drew talked about you a good bit. Said you had been a mentor to him. Why don’t you say grace before we eat?”
“I’d be happy to,” Jim said.
“Good,” Ray said. “By the way, where is Drew? Is he coming?”
Joshua swallowed hard. “I don’t think he’s going to make it tonight.”
“Shame,” Ray said. “He doesn’t miss many of these.”
Joshua changed the subject to avoid having to explain why Drew wasn’t coming. “Speaking of that, exactly what kind of event is this?”
“Just a bunch of God-fearing patriots who like to get together and talk about the future of our country over a good meal.”
A short man standing next to Ray chimed in. “And we do more than just talk.”
Joshua’s stomach growled as he again savored the aroma emanating from the various cookers. “It smells like quite a meal at that.”
“You won’t be disappointed,” Ray said. “Make yourself at home. “We’ll eat in a few, and then we’ll start the program.” He turned and walked toward a group of people on the other side of the barn.
Joshua turned to Rebecca and the others. “This is quite the crowd. What do you guys think?”
“That it is.” Jack nodded toward two people standing ten feet away. “And there he is.”
Rebecca exhaled loudly. “If you’re so curious about him, why don’t you do something about it?”
“Like what?” Jack asked.
Rebecca rolled her eyes, grabbed Joshua’s hand and pulled him toward the strangers. “Come on. All of you.” She released Joshua’s hand and extended hers to the Asian man. “I’m Rebecca, and this is my husband, Joshua.” She gestured toward Jack. “This is Jack, and he seems to think you look familiar. And this is Jim.”
The man extended his hand. “Major Michael Chinn, U.S. Marine Corps.” He gestured toward the young woman who was with him. “This is Melanie Blanchard.”
Jack seemed to let his guard down. “Where are you stationed, Major?”
“Lejeune. I serve under General Samuel Cloos.”
“Nice to meet you, Gunny.”
“Major, what are you doing out here?” Joshua asked.
“Looking for someone.”
Joshua felt the hair on his neck stand up. “Who are you looking for?”
“A guy named Drew Thompson. Do you know him?”
Joshua’s stomach twisted, but he spoke calmly. “The name sounds familiar. Why are you looking for him?”
“We think he might be in danger.”
“Danger from who?”
Chinn’s jaw tightened. “Sadly, our own government.” Chinn extended his hand. “I’m sorry, what was your name again?”
“Joshua. Joshua Winston.”
Chinn cocked an eyebrow. “Mr. Winston, I’ve heard a lot about you. Your reputation precedes you.”
“Only the good part is true.”
“Well, that’s all I’ve heard,” Chinn said. “Word on the street is that you’re a good man, a selfless leader, and that people all throughout this area are following in your footsteps.”
Joshua pursed his lips, perplexed. “We really just keep to ourselves. Following in my footsteps how?”
“From what I’ve been told, other local groups are emulating the system of government you established in your camp.”
“How… how do you know about that? I haven’t shared it with anyone.”
“You haven’t.” Chinn gently slapped Joshua on the bicep. “But Drew Thompson has. From what I gather he’s built quite a network in this area.”
“How long have you been in this area?” Joshua asked. “Where are you getting your information?”
“We were in Watts Bar Lake when the attack happened,” Chinn said. “We arrived here shortly after. When General Cloos learned that the Armando administration was looking for Drew Thompson, he ordered me to stay here and look for him. I learned about you from Colonel Lester Wade. World War II vet who lives near Bryson City.”
Jack’s countenance straightened. “The Colonel Lester Wade? Never met him, but he was quite the legend when I enlisted.”
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