The men were both mildly engaging, withdrawn to normal conversation and seemed aloof, going in early and returning late. Matthew used the next few days to interview the families of the latest arrivals that had come back from hiding. All AWOL guardsmen that had gone missing had now returned.
When Matthew questioned these new arrivals’ families they initially stated all was well, but when prompted by Matthew about specifics, they also mentioned abnormalities in their men. Now all he needed was their physicians’ reports to compare them to his own accounts and their own performance history.
He explained to Staff Sergeant Dexter the family’s accounts of the abnormal behaviors in each returning guardsman. It outlined a definite common factor and documented a need for questioning and caution, but he needed a game changer if he was to get any of his credibility back and have anyone look at him seriously.
He urged Baxter to let him review the reports and cross them with his own notes on the men, but Baxter refused to let any documents exchange hands with the current pending suspension order in place for Matthew. Baxter instead agreed to interview them personally and have a look at their reports, and as a favor compare them with performance logs and Matthew’s own personal notes on the men.
Upon returning to his wife, Matthew worked on smoothing things out with her and assuring her his long hours were all due to events out of his control, stressing that something big was going on. Seeing his wife again after the stressful events was a relief.
The tough-minded soldier let his worries be carried away by her understanding acceptance, long tender embraces, and a kiss or two. He had all but completely forgotten about the Butcher and his warning. The last few days had been focused on family accounts and staying out of trouble. With his last interview complete, he had returned home and was spending time on the couch watching movies with his wife when it dawned on him that the Butcher hadn’t returned.
He wanted naively to believe that the Butcher would leave him be, that his warning was just trash talk, but Matthew knew better than to count an enemy out. It was getting late, but their movie was captivating and a perfect distraction to Matthew’s rambling mind which had begun to race with thoughts of harm coming to him and his family. His phone rang, sending his heartbeat racing.
“Who would call you this late, babe?” his wife asked as she paused their movie.
“I don’t know. It’s a restricted number. Let’s just keep watching. I’m not expecting a call.”
“Well okay, but are you sure, it could be important. With all the late-night drills and all.”
Matthew knew this was half question, half probing to see if his long night, days ago, was something other than what he had told her and not a night of drunken stupor.
“No go ahead, start the movie. If it’s important enough, they’ll leave a message.”
Matthew put the phone on vibrate and as they watched it continued to rumble in his pocket. No messages were left, and he wasn’t expecting any calls, so he continued to ignore the strange unlisted caller until the doorbell rang loudly. Now Matthew was concerned, and he debated telling his wife the late-night visitor was cause for alarm.
“What the hell, at ten o’clock, really!” said Mrs. Davis annoyed at having to pause the movie once again.
“How the hell should I know, hun… just stay there, in fact, umm, go upstairs.”
Bing bong rang the doorbell once again.
“What? What is going on Matthew? Are you in trouble?”
“I told you I don’t know. I mean no, I’m not. Just get up the frickin’ stairs!”
“Fine, but then I want answers Mr. Secrets. I’m no dummy! Something’s not right, you seem worried. I love you Matt.” She looked back at him as she treaded upstairs. Matthew waited until she was out of sight, then grabbed his fire arm, holding the weapon but concealing it in his pocket. Bing bong. Just as the doorbell rang again, he opened the door.
“It’s ten o’clock at night, stop ringing the doorbell! Can I help you?” said Matthew in an irritated, sarcastic tone.
“Why yes, you can, if your name is Matthew Davis.”
“Who the hell are you and what do you want? You have about five seconds before I shut the door.”
The man laughed loudly, and Matthew evaluated the nicely dressed man. He was wearing a suit and a silver Porsche was parked at the curb.
“Quite a bulldog Matthew, very intimidating. Not half as intimidating as the Butcher I assume though, huh?”
Oh great, how did this reporter hear about my encounter. This guy’s just here to screw with me. “Laugh it up asshole.” Mathew shut the door, but it stopped just shy of closed. He noticed the man’s foot in the door.
“Get the hell out of here you stupid media scum! You here for a laugh? If that foot doesn’t move, I may have to defend my home and I have an itchy trigger finger.”
Matthew had now brought his weapon out of his pocket and was pointing it in the man’s direction aiming at his foot, then slowly arcing it up to the man’s face, taunting him.
“You’ve got me all wrong, I’m on your side. I want to hear more about this meeting you had with the Butcher, your theories on your men, and anything else you can think of. I’m not a reporter, and while I know you can defend yourself, I suggest you point that weapon elsewhere unless you would like me to disarm you.”
“You still didn’t tell me your name. How do you know so much? I didn’t tell anyone but my Staff Sergeant, there’s no way you could have known details. Maybe I should put a bullet in you and find out if you’re one of them.”
“Oh, did I forget to mention my name? How rude. You’re not the first one I’ve forgotten to introduce myself to. The name’s Stratus. I can tell you more, but I really would like a more secure location. I really don’t think you want ears within the guard to hear our conversation.”
Ignoring Matthew’s threat to shoot, Straus removed his foot and began walking to his car. Matthew was desperately curious. The man knew he would be compelled to follow with the hope of getting answers. Someone on my side is just what I need.
Matthew called up to his wife, to his surprise she was already standing at the top of the stairs.
“I need to step out for a while, I’ll give you answers when I come back. I need to get some for myself.”
“Matthew you had your gun drawn at the man and now your stepping out with him to get answers? Are you insane! Tell me what’s going on, now!”
He heard the sound of a car engine and he hesitated to answer her, when the engine rev’d up, conveying urgency.
“I’ll tell you when I get back…I’m sorry I lied to you earlier, something’s not right, something dangerous is happening. I love you Jess.”
“Damn it Matthew! I love you too, but if you’re in danger just stay----"
Her voice was cut off by the slam of the front door, ending all negotiations. He paused and tensed at his abruptness to her but continued down the porch steps, hoping this wasn’t the last conversation he’d have with his wife. Matthew popped open the passenger door and got in. He glanced at his house once more, seeing his wife standing with her arms crossed, eyes glaring.
“I think she would have tied you up if she would have caught you. Don’t worry, I’m not going to harm you. I can’t speak for others however.”
Stratus accelerated forward, his tires letting out a light screech.
“I can take care of myself. You said you believe me, why?”
“For someone with no supporters on the issue I’d think you’d be smarter, more receptive. I’m here because of your report. You mentioned robotic replacement of your men and a leader named the Butcher. It does sound like the ridiculous rantings of a mad man, but I don’t just believe you, I know that what you speak of is the truth. I was in search of his boss, actually a Ms. Likvold, but his existence, discovery, and disruption of the guard is the smoking gun I need. Before you get involved further I want you to know our relationship is strictly based on information and strategic advan
tage. I’ll use you and you can use me. Just don’t make the mistake of thinking you can burn me.”
“Understood, we’re not friends, I get it. I wouldn’t be buddies anyway with someone who dresses in a suit every day and drives a Porsche.”
“Well no account for good taste.”
Stratus up shifted after turning, snaking his way across the city in a deliberate route.
“Tell me everything that happened that night as well as the situation with your men.”
“I’d tell you everything, but you’ve already read my report. Who the hell are you and how would you have access to Staff Sergeant Baxter files? My report was only just taken to him.”
“I work above you and sometimes amongst you, I have certain clearances that allow me access. The Pentagon keeps a tight watch on its assets. We are the eyes and ears. You are the homeland’s second line of defense.”
“Does this have something to do with all the preparedness drills we’ve been having?”
“Drills? If you’re having more drills that means, there’s been chatter and it’s been cascaded. We need to move fast before this weakness is exploited. If I’m going to brief my boss I need details, specifics. Give me your personal account.”
Matthew wondered how he would have found the report so quickly and who his boss might be. Should he even be speaking to him? Being able to validate his account was all that mattered. He decided he’d help in any way he could.
“Men from my unit started disappearing, not just AWOL but completely off the grid. First one, then two. Pretty soon there were five gone out of my squad. Naturally these men aren’t likely to desert from the National Guard. It’s good pay, respectable, and desertion voids any retirement. I met with the first two families who stated there were no issues prior, and they had zero contact after their disappearances. That’s when the Butcher made contact with me for the first time. I had chased him into an alleyway when his red glowing eyes let me know he wasn’t human. He knew I’d been asking the families questions, but before he could attack a drunk patron stumbled into the alley. It was clear he didn’t want any witnesses as he fled quickly. The next day Victor Renique was the first to return and he was cleared for duty immediately by a physician. I protested his immediate return and took his examination and testing to compare with his files. They were drastically different. His shooting performance had dramatically changed overnight, and his personality profile had gone from follower to leader. I immediately called the physician to express my concerns and demanded that he be reevaluated before he returned. I was abruptly denied, and when I looked up after the phone call I saw the Bucher at the bar. When I followed him, he hit me with a surprise attack. We each got our licks in and I thought I had the upper hand when I damaged his arm, but that was short lived. He stated he was toying with me and tried to kill me in a chokehold and only then introduced himself as The Butcher. Then he left me with a few words, I’m coming for you, I’m coming for you all. Instead of finishing me off he fled due to the cops’ arrival, knowing I’d look guilty when they arrived. When I explained myself the next day to my Staff Sergeant, he thought I was nuts but promised to investigate. He also told me someone high up wanted me quiet and uninvolved.”
“I’m coming for you all?” Stratus said in a thought-provoking tone. “This may be worse than I thought. Who were the higher ups he was referring to?”
Stratus turned sharply around several corners, and Matthew held on tight.
“I don’t know who he was referring to. Where the heck are we going in such a hurry?”
“To get some answers and to find out who wants you to remain quiet.” The car rapidly decelerated and stopped in front of a large home. “I sure hope Staff Sergeant Baxter is a little more inviting than you were. Let’s go see the boss huh,” said Stratus with a grin before exiting the vehicle.
Matthew stayed inside as Stratus rounded the car. Straus waited by the passenger door for a few seconds, then opened it and spoke to him.
“Are you just going to sit and cower or come take care of business?”
Matthew thought of the unpredictable nature of the man, anxious about letting him get involved with his boss. It made him nervous, but he had already agreed to help the man and Staff Sergeant Baxter seemed to be on his side.
“I’m all about taking care of business, I just hope he’s found something, or he’ll think we’re both nuts.”
“Insanity is in all of us Matthew. Pure sanity is the condition of the afflicted.”
Stratus turned and stepped toward the door and Matthew followed closely, thinking about the man’s last statement. They reached the top of the stairs and rang the doorbell. The loud chime resounded within the home, audible outside. All the lights were out, and while they waited Matthew spoke.
“The remaining missing guardsman have all returned so whatever the plan is, it’s near.”
“Shh!” Stratus loudly silenced him as he bent his ear to listen to something. All Matthew heard was leaves blowing in the ebbing wind. Lights popped on inside and groaning stairs indicated someone on the way. Stratus reached into his coat pocket and removed his pistol, tucking it behind his back. He leaned over and cupped his hand to speak into Matthew’s ear.
“We’re not alone, we’re being watched. Act normal, no irregular behavior.”
A middle aged, unnaturally blonde woman came down the stairs and peered out the window at Stratus with contempt. Stratus quickly flashed his badge. Although unrecognizable, the badge conveyed they were to be trusted. She opened the door and spoke tersely.
“What’s the problem? It’s eleven fifteen at night!”
Stratus fought his urge to retaliate at her rudeness and replied, “I do apologize for the late-night visit, Mrs. Baxter, but we really need to speak to your husband. It’s urgent.”
The woman fished out a pair of glasses from her night gown and donned them, finally able to see properly.
“Well isn’t that a sight for sore eyes,” she said as she leaned against the door frame in a casual, yet provocative way. “You just missed him. I didn’t catch your name.”
“Ya he’s bad with introductions. I’m Matthew. Mr. Baxter is my Staff Sergeant. We really must speak with him. Where did he go at this hour ma’am?”
The woman let out a light chuckle, then responded. “Funny you should ask Matthew. He said they’d called him in for some work at the base. I thought it sounded like bull shit to me, but I’ve never known Joe to lie to me. Since when, have you run night drills?”
Stratus looked over to Matthew and shared his concern and urgency, then spoke to Mrs. Baxter.
“It’s all standard ma’am. They are going over ‘a moment’s notice preparedness.’ We’ll be on our way, I hope we haven’t missed the drills ourselves.”
As they turned to leave Mrs. Baxter spoke, “I never got your name, Mr. Tall, well dressed and mysterious.”
Facing away from her now, Stratus rolled his eyes, appalled by her overt flirting.
“Oh you’re too kind ma’am, I’m just a soldier. Put some clothes on or you’ll catch a chill out here in that skimpy negligee, Mrs. Baxter.”
Frustrated at his dismissal, refusal to answer and disrespectful slam, she glared at him and crossed her arms to cover herself, then slammed the door closed.
“You sure have a way with people don’t you?” said Matthew sarcastically.
Stratus ignored the comment and holstered his weapon but kept his hand inside his suit. Surveying the bushes and surrounding area, Stratus and Matthew made it back to the car without contact and they sped off toward the base. The car’s cabin was quiet except for the revving engine and squealing tires as Stratus shifted up and down like he was in a formula one racer.
“Is there a reason we’re tearing up the road to get to the base? It’s not going anywhere, and neither is Staff Sergeant Baxter.”
“I told you we had eyes on us. They have ears too, and if they know where we’re headed, we need to make sure we’re there first.”
Screeching tires led to Matthew bracing once again, “Who do you believe is watching us and how would they know our location? They would be denied access anyhow. We’re the only ones that will be allowed through the checkpoint.”
“It’s a long story, but they’ll have no issues blending in and gaining entry. Let’s hope we’re there first and your boss is in the mood to talk. We get one shot at this, then everything slams down on us like a steel trap. If it hasn’t already.”
The base’s expansive, dimly lit grounds lay before them, and they headed down the double lane road leading in and out of the base. Stratus looked to the sides of the vehicle for any motion, then in his rearview mirror. He had noticed a bulky truck following at a distance during their race to the base and it was one turn away from the double lane road they were on.
“Damn it, just what we didn’t need!”
Matthew followed Stratus’s eyes to the review mirror and turned around to see a vehicle following them at a distance. Stratus tacked out the Porsche and up shifted, whining the Porsche down the small road, nearing one hundred mph. Matthew gripped the car door and nearly swallowed his tongue. As he turned back around, the small guard shack approached at an alarming rate. Stratus aggressively braked and down shifted, the engine whining in protest.
The guards came running out, guns drawn, as the Porsche neatly skidded to a stop, a small puff of smoke choking the guards. Stratus rolled down the window calmly as the guards yelled at the top of their lungs. “Exit the vehicle and put your hands up!”
Matthew leaned down and looked out the driver’s window, brandishing his badge to the familiar faces.
“Davis, what the hell are you doing here at this hour? We’ve been instructed not to let you on the base. Hands up, both of you. Out of the vehicle!”
Stratus checked the review mirror and saw the truck turning onto the road they were on.
“Private, quit playing hero tuff guy and open the damn gate, now,” Stratus barked as he pulled out his Pentagon credentials and stuck them out the window.
The Second Rising Page 16
