Careful Measurements

by Layne D. Hansen

  “Are you going after Jennifer?” Bao asked, sure of the answer.

  Patton shook his head. Bao looked shocked.

  “I’m here to rescue everyone. The only way to do that is to take Asher out. That’s why I need to know where he lives.”

  “Nobody knows where he lives. I heard a rumor he lives in City Hall. I guess they converted some offices into a luxury suite,” Bao said.

  Patton looked at Wildcat again. The two shared a knowing glance.

  “And whenever Asher goes out he’s with a bunch of security guards. He’s sure that you’re going to come after him.”

  “He’s right,” Patton said, “but we’re going to have to get creative, I guess.”

  As Patton and Wildcat discussed their plans, Bao volunteered his help. Patton looked at him in surprise. His initial reaction was to say no, but then realized they were operating from the same sense of duty. Patton relented and began to work a third person into their plans. Finally he asked.

  “Bao, do you happen to have a drone?”

  Bao smiled broadly and said, “It just so happens that I do. A really nice one.”

  The next morning they continued their reconnaissance of the town, giving particular attention to City Hall—what the traffic was like coming in and out of the building. Most important, they needed to know what David Asher did. Did he leave the building? If so, how many guards did he have with him? How well were they armed? These were questions they would have to get answers for and only in one day to do it. Jennifer was rotting away inside a prison, probably with a gun held to her head.

  Traffic in and out of City Hall proved to be normal. They did see the Governor duck into an armored SUV right around lunch time, but he was heavily guarded. Hitting him in transit was going to be hard because, one, Asher’s vehicle was big and powerful. It would take a lot of firepower to stop the vehicle and hope to hurt or kill the occupants. Second, the visible guards were heavily armed and this said nothing about who Asher might have hidden, providing overwatch.

  It was towards the end of the workday that something very interesting happened. From the boat they had an excellent vantage point of the southern and western parts of City Hall. While Wildcat was on watch – using the powerful binoculars – he started to talk to himself.

  “Oh this is good. Patton, you’re not going to believe this.”

  Patton stood next to Wildcat and reached for the binoculars.

  “You see it?” Wildcat asked, smiling mischievously.

  Patton nodded and smiled himself. With all the precautions he obviously took throughout the day, the good Governor couldn’t help but take advantage of his trappings of office. Just outside his office was a large balcony that wrapped around the south and west walls of the building.

  “A guard comes out the south door, looks around, walks around to the west, looks around, and then he walks back in. One minute later Asher comes out. There’s no telling if he does this every day, but at least we know it’s something he likes to do.”

  Patton nodded again, grinning broadly.

  “Yep. That’s our way in,” Patton said.

  He set the binoculars down and looked at his friend. They laughed and gave each other a high five. This was going to be possible after all. With Bao’s help, it was only going to be easier.

  Patton knew he was taking a hell of a chance. He would park at the city limits, get out with his hands up, and walk towards downtown. His biggest worry was that he would be shot on sight. He didn’t and couldn’t know what would happen. He realized that if he did this any other way, he couldn’t guarantee his friends’, his wife’s, or his own safety. Most important, if he returned to Blue Creek with guns blazing, he could spark off a civil war that could get thousands of people killed.

  Patton was sitting in the truck, gazing down towards town. The gutters and sidewalks were filled with wet leaves and grass clippings. Patton took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. He’d been in danger before, but this was possibly the most dangerous situation he would ever be in. He was essentially setting himself up as a martyr. If it didn’t work, he would likely die, along with Jennifer, and would potentially leave Blue Creek in the hands of David Asher.

  His one hedge was Wildcat—a man he trusted with his life. In fact, his life was currently in his buddy’s hands. Wildcat was currently in their hide spot from days before.

  ‘Dear God,’ he thought. ‘Give me the strength. Give me the strength for what I have to do.’ He opened the door and stepped out hesitantly. He could feel himself shaking

  Patton opened his eyes and saw that vehicles were coming towards him. There were two black Suburbans, no doubt belonging to the government. Another vehicle, possibly a Jeep, followed close behind. A man with a rifle was standing in the back seat of the Jeep, nonchalantly looking to his left and right, no doubt looking for an ambush. Patton exited the truck, leaving the keys in the ignition and not caring what happened to it. He raised his hands high and walked towards the oncoming vehicles.

  “Stop!” came the booming voice over the lead Suburban’s PA system. Patton stopped. He wasn’t here to play games. He would do everything they asked him to do. He just wanted an audience with the governor. The vehicles came to a stop just less than a hundred feet in front of him. A gang of men, all holding assault rifles, got out of the two Suburbans and aimed at Patton.

  “I’m unarmed!” Patton yelled towards the security personnel.

  He was wearing a leather coat and he could understand why they would be cautious with him. He could easily have been hiding a pistol in his waistband or somewhere else. One of the men stepped forward, holding a civilian version of an M4 carbine, aiming it in Patton’s general direction. There were enough weapons trained on him that if they were to open fire, there would be nothing left of him.

  “Take off your jacket and turn all the way around,” the first man to approach him said.

  Patton did so, slowly, always maintaining eye contact with the leader, assuring him that he was complying with every command. The man nodded and gestured towards Patton with his rifle.

  “Now, turn around and put your hands up on the truck. Any sudden movement and you’re gonna be hamburger.”

  Patton turned slowly. He felt calm. Another man roughly frisked Patton. He went over every inch of Patton’s body and after about a minute, seemed to be satisfied that Patton didn’t have a weapon.

  “Okay now, hands down and take a step back.”

  Patton complied, never letting his gaze avert from the leader.

  “Asher wants to see you,” he said with a hint of glee in his eyes.

  “That’s good,” Patton said, trying not to appear too confident. “That’s why I’m here.”

  The leader snorted and gave him a wary smile.

  That fact that Asher wanted to see him let him know he was safe, at least for now. He stood there, looking at the guards who were there to take him in. They turned him around, handcuffed him, and led him towards the lead Suburban. Part of Patton wanted to give some gallant speech, but there would be time for that if things turned out the way he planned. Instead, he remained stoic and let the guard force manhandle him into one of the large SUVs. A guard seatbelted Patton in. The vehicle made a wide U-turn and headed towards City Hall.

  Patton gazed out towards the snow-topped mountains and sighed loudly. He couldn’t help but wonder if he’d done the right thing.

  Patton wasn’t sure what to expect, but this was definitely not what he envisioned Asher’s office would look like. It was a cozy room with richly stained wood trim and crown molding. There was a large fireplace, topped by a intricately-carved mantelpiece. A small fire was going. The only light came from the dull sunlight from two large windows that were behind the large mahogany desk. It was more like an old fashioned study than an office, Patton thought. There were doors on the other side of the room. One was probably a
bathroom. The other probably led to a private entrance. The wall to the south was all glass with a door that led to the balcony.

  David Asher was sitting in a large overstuffed chair in front of the fire, perfectly visible to Patton as he was escorted in. A large man was sitting in a chair in the far corner, a security guard no doubt. He seemed unaware of Patton’s presence, but Patton had no doubt that the man would be quick to respond if Patton were to make any sudden moves. Asher was probably carrying a gun too. Patton also noticed two men on the balcony. They were currently talking to one another, but one soon walked away.

  Asher stood and walked towards Patton, his hand outstretched and a pained smile on his face. It was strange to be greeted this way by a man who’d ordered the deaths of so many people, including his own. His first impulse was to lunge at this man, this snake, and wrap his hands around his throat and choke the life out of him. But it would be the last thing he would do and it would avail him nothing. Instead, he stood there calmly, accepting Asher’s hand and giving him a strange smile of his own.

  Patton was struck by how old Asher looked—not old compared to other people, but to how he looked on the train when they’d first met. Adding to this perception was the pair of thick-framed glasses that Asher was wearing. They were fashionable, but Patton had the sense that they were needed and weren’t just a fashion statement.

  “Patton,” Asher said as warmly as he could manage, shaking Patton’s hand up and down. Patton released it and his instinct was to wipe his hand on his pants, but that would have made him seem petty and small. He was not intimidated by the man and wouldn’t put himself in a subservient position.

  “David,” Patton said softly, nodding slightly.

  Asher’s smile faded, making way for a serious, “let’s get down to business” expression. He gestured for Patton to sit in a second overstuffed chair and he retook his place where he sat before. They sat, obviously wary of one another. Asher leaned towards him, leaning his elbow on his knee.

  “I won’t insult you with small talk Patton,” Asher said calmly. “You know why you’re here. This situation has to be resolved.”

  Patton nodded in agreement.

  “Good. I’m glad you understand,” Asher continued.

  “I understand that my part in this war is over. I don’t know what you’ve been told but I’m not here to pledge my allegiance to you. If I die I die, but I will not live in the hell that you’ve created here.”

  Asher turned away and looked at the fire for a moment. He’d expected this – dreaded it even – but he would not betray his disappointment.

  “I’m sorry to hear that Patton. I really am. I have to say that you’ve been a worthy adversary but I can’t risk keeping you around. We’ve read this book before haven’t we.”

  Patton nodded and chuckled lightly.

  “Yes, we have, David. The only thing is, you’re reading out of the wrong book. You think you’re some hero when you’re nothing more than just another tin pot tyrant.”

  Asher smiled at the insult.

  “I have to say I’m surprised. I thought you would’ve gone for your wife again.”

  Patton glared at him and said, “You thought that because you only care about yourself. I love my wife, but she’s not the only person I care about.”

  Asher nodded. It was a fair assessment of him.

  “In my experience, care has nothing to do with it,” Asher said. “Humans do what feels good.”

  Patton leaned forward and asked, “How does ruining the lives of thirty-thousand people feel right?”

  The statement obviously took Asher aback because he stood and began to pace around the room.

  “You know, you’re just like you were when I met you on the train,” he said, his voice taking on volume. “You thought you had all the answers then and you still do. Things wouldn’t be so messed up if you wouldn’t have tried to get in the way.”

  Patton shook his head, his mouth creased with a mirthless smile.

  “You’re wrong, but what does it matter now? We’re not going to debate our way out of this, David,” Patton said condescendingly. “We’re here now. My friends are dead because of you. For all I know my wife is dead too. You have me here and could kill me and most likely nobody would ever know I was here.”

  Asher nodded and said, “You’re right, but it’s hard for me to let you continue thinking you’re right. Anyway, it doesn’t matter—for all the reasons you just said. But it seems useless so let’s just agree to—”

  He stopped when he heard a plinking sound coming from the south-facing window. He stood and motioned for his security guard to go investigate. The bald, burly man returned less than a minute later.

  “It’s one of those quad drones that shoots those air soft pellets.”

  “What?” Asher asked, his face crinkled in confusion.

  “Probably just some kids,” the guard retorted. “You want me to call someone down to see if we can find who’s controlling it?”

  Asher shook his head no and said, “No. This has happened before.”

  Patton watched the two men talk, preparing himself mentally for what would come next. There were more plinking sounds, and just as the guard went to investigate the sound again, there was a loud crashing sound that emanated from the street.

  “What the hell!” Asher yelled.

  One of the guards ran in from the balcony, nearly breathless.

  “A delivery truck just rammed into a bunch of cars on the street!”

  Asher looked over at Patton, who hadn’t moved from his seat. However, Patton’s expression let Asher know that the commotion had something to do with Patton’s visit in his office. Before he could say anything, the security guard stationed on the patio slammed against the thick window. As he slumped down, he left a streak of bright red blood. There was a second shot and a thudding sound out of their sight. Apparently Wildcat had hit the second guard on the balcony. The guard stationed inside, whether by instinct or some other impulse, ran to the door that led to the balcony. When he did, Patton finally made his move.

  Patton closed the distance between he and Asher, who was facing away. He slapped at head and there was an accompanying pop. The governor’s hands flew up to his head, his eyes blazing with surprise. Asher pulled his hands away and his fingertips were covered with blood. A gout of blood poured down the side of his head and covered his right ear. The governor stumbled and fell against his desk, but managed to hold himself up. Simultaneously, another shot broke through the glass and struck the security guard in the head. Patton ignored him and rushed to Asher and lifted him up and sat him on the desk.

  “Asher!”

  No response.

  “Asher!”

  Still no response.

  Patton slapped him hard across the face to get his attention. Asher’s eyes were still wide with incoherent shock. Patton was about to explain what he’d just done to him, but it would do no good. He would be dead within a few moments. Patton hit him with a pressure activated pellet that was fired from a plastic rig that was molded onto his wrist. It was all plastic so it didn’t set off the metal detector. Also, it was flesh-colored, which helped it escape detection by the naked eye. The pressure from contact with Asher’s head activated the powder, which fired the hard plastic pellet through the Governor’s skull. It was size of a .308 bullet, more than enough to be deadly.

  Patton stood and turned away from the dying man lying at his feet and prepared for the next part of his plan. Although Patton had gotten through the hardest part of his mission he wasn’t out of danger.

  Patton loaded up the program that Asher used to make video blogs and live speeches. Once this particular program was activated, all of the city’s televisions would lock into one channel and a window would pop up on all computer screens via the intranet. People didn’t have to watch their Governor, but they couldn’t watch a
nything else, or surf the internet, when he wanted to talk to them. Once the program was ready, Patton uploaded a video he’d made while recovering at the Harris Farm.

  “Hello people of Blue Creek. My name is Patton Larsen. I understand that I have become somewhat of a boogeyman in this town. You’ve probably seen my face all over the news and on the intranet. I’m here to make an announcement. Governor Asher is dead.

  “First of all, I do not gloat over the death of another human being. Yes, I, along with other friends and comrades have fought against Governor Asher and his government, both politically and with arms. Deep disagreements over the governance of this territory have led to a civil war. We did not start this war. This war was brought on by a misguided set of policies and decisions that have basically enslaved us all.

  “I have fought because this government is unjust and tyrannical and when this war is over – and tomorrow will be the last day – we will return this territory to what it was meant to be, to what it originally was. Do any of you remember? How wonderful those days were when we first arrived and everyone had the hope of a new life ahead of them? We all started out on the same economic footing. We all had beautiful homes and the means to build businesses. Seeing the effects of misguided and purposeful socialist policies makes me sad and angry. What happened here, in our beautiful town, is a shame.

  “What I’ve come to realize after all of this is that people are people, no matter what they earn or what they are given. A person will evolve or devolve into whatever kind of person they are meant to be. Some of you spent all of your money and then complained to the rest of us that our society was unfair. Your complaints reached the ears of those who sought to do damage and look what happened. They have destroyed a beautiful town, a beautiful community. Many have been killed or imprisoned because of it.

  “Many of you will decide to leave this place and return to your homes, wherever that may be. Many of you will decide to stay. I am staying. This is my home. I’ve fought for it, risked my life for it. I would like for you all to stay but I don’t blame you if you leave. What I can guarantee is, we will return to being the community that we were when we first came here.