Noah walked into the bedroom and the door slammed behind him.
Her voice bellowed right after as she chastised him.
Vincent couldn’t stand it, he was tempted to storm into the bedroom and take Noah away, but he stopped short when he thought that it wasn’t his business. He was her son, and he was nothing more than a stranger. He had no right to interfere, he told himself.
The yelling grew louder as he now heard her call him an ‘idiot’.
Not able to listen, he cleared the remaining stairs and headed for the garage for a bottle of wine. If part of his evening was going to be spent listening to her moan, he wanted to do it half cut.
Wellsville, Utah
Nicholas and the group had drafted a plan of attack, and attack was exactly what it would be. He and Colin would make an assault on the hospital to free her in the early morning hours after Sophie and Frank set a diversionary fire on the opposite side of town using twenty gallons of their spare gasoline. The plan required an additional vehicle, and they factored in using the security’s that was out front after they incapacitated them. They planned on not killing anyone if necessary, but if push came to shove, they would. Their first obstacle was the men posted out front, just how they could take them down without one of them sounding an alarm was difficult to figure out.
“Colin and I will sneak out the back and go around the house next to us. Give me five minutes; then, Sophie, I need you to go outside and lure one of them to the front door. Once he’s there, you, Frank and Becky will subdue him. Colin and I will take the other two down,” Nicholas said, reciting the plan he had imagined in his mind.
“You think this will work?” Sophie asked.
“I’m all ears on this one. I agree, I’d rather not kill anyone. Besides this other bullshit, these people seem okay, a bit out of whack but not your run-of-the-mill savages. Killing them has to be a secondary thing. However, the rules of engagement are wide open, and use lethal force when you have to.”
“I hope this goes smoothly,” Becky said.
“So do I, but what’s our other option, let Bryn get tried for murder then killed? Not an option. We’re a team, we stick together. This needs to go down at the cover of darkness, so let’s get a bit of rest,” Nicholas said.
Everyone nodded, understanding their responsibilities.
A knock on the door startled them.
Nicholas looked at Colin and motioned for him to get behind the door and attack if need be.
Once Colin got in place, Nicholas opened the door to find the last person he’d imagine seeing, Luke. “You little son of a bitch!” Nicholas cried out as he reached for Luke in a threatening manner.
“No, please, no, don’t,” Luke pleaded. He stood in the open doorway, alone and holding a platter of food.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
“I’m here to help you, please,” Luke begged.
“Help? I remember the last time you used that word,” Nicholas barked.
“Please let me explain.”
Nicholas grabbed and pulled him inside while Colin slammed the door shut.
“I don’t have much time because the security will suspect something if I’m in here too long,” Luke said, his arms shaking as it held the platter of enchiladas.
“I should beat your ass right here and now for what you did to us. You are the cause of three people being killed; you’re a lying little shit!” Nicholas yelled.
“You need my help and I need your help. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, right?” Luke said.
“How are you an enemy of Wellsville?” Becky asked.
Luke looked at everyone’s deathly stares, even Marjorie glared. “It’s only a matter of time before they come after me.”
“What are you talking about?” Nicholas bellowed.
Luke took a deep breath and said, “The mayor wants me gone.”
“If you want to leave, then fucking leave,” Nicholas blasted.
“But I can’t leave. I know it sounds confusing. I see where this all seems out of context. Let me explain everything, then you’ll understand,” Luke said, almost on the verge of hyperventilating.
“We can’t believe this punk,” Colin said as he stepped forward and towered over Luke.
“Just let me explain, and if it sounds like a lie, you can beat me to a pulp.”
“First, how can you help us?”
“I have these,” Luke said, holding up a set of keys.
“And?”
“They’re keys to the hospital, every single door, and this one is the key to the east rear door. Your friend is just a few doors down from there.”
“Now what do you want from us?”
“I need your help loading a truck.”
“Loading a truck? Loading what into a truck?” Colin asked, highly suspicious.
Luke shifted his eyes and answered, “Gold.”
“You’re stealing gold from your town?” Nicholas asked.
“No, I’m stealing gold from my dad and the mayor; it’s not theirs to begin with. They’ve been raiding banks and taking people’s stuff ever since this all happened.”
“What are you talking about?” Nicholas asked, interested in what Luke had to say but still wary of the boy.
“The mayor and my dad have had a racket going since this happened. They had been using their own people but found that some didn’t agree. Well, those people vanished, you know, left town. Then they’d bring in new folks, convince them to stay, and then hold something over them to get them to do raids on other towns and break into banks or whatnot to steal stuff.”
“So your dad and the mayor are bandits?” Nicholas asked.
“Pretty much.”
“Fucking marauders disguised as clean white folk,” Colin joked.
“I have to say, I don’t really give a shit if they’re stealing gold. Just let us go and they can steal all the gold they want.”
“Those men who kidnapped you, they worked for the mayor for a couple raids until there was a falling out. They took me and my sister to hold as ransom, but Brock and his raiding parties went after them, and as you saw, that’s what happens when you don’t agree with the mayor—you end up dead.”
“Those guys were scum and got what they deserved,” Nicholas said.
“Regardless, I’ve made it a point to blow their cover, and now I’m in a bit of trouble. However, I’m not leaving until I get some of that gold. This is where you guys come in; I’ll help you and you help me. We don’t have to see each other ever again.”
Nicholas looked at Colin and then his wife. “What a story, kid, but I don’t think I want your help. We’ll just let the legal process work here.”
“You don’t get it, the mayor is going to leverage your friend’s life in exchange for you going out and doing his dirty work.”
For Nicholas, Luke’s story seemed like some teenage boy’s conspiracy theory, but then he remembered hearing the mayor’s argument with Chuck. “Is your dad Chuck Summers?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t know about all of this; it’s a bit much to take in,” Nicholas said.
“You need to get your friend out and leave, or you’ll end up being the mayor’s bitch, and when he’s through with you, you’ll disappear like everyone else does.” Luke was still holding the enchiladas and the smell was making Nicholas hungry.
“Can someone take those things away?” Nicholas said, referring to the platter.
Marjorie took them and walked into the kitchen.
“Let’s talk in private,” Nicholas said and placed his hand on Luke’s shoulder and walked him into the dining room. “I trusted you once and you screwed us. You have to see this is all too convenient. If I trust you and you turn on me again, I will kill you, no ifs, ands or buts.”
“Mr. McNeil, I hate this place and want out; you hate this place and want out. I need help and you need help. Let’s help each other.”
“So what’s your plan?”
Carlsba
d, CA
Karina had been right; the clouds she saw were storm clouds. The winds had picked up and a cool drizzle fell from the sky.
Michael’s lack of sleep had finally taken its toll. Unable to keep his eyes open, he drifted off only to be awoken by Francis kicking his foot. “Keep up, the bird is coming.”
Karina and Anatoly were up and ready to leave.
Michael sat up, stretched and yawned. The nap was good but not nearly enough. He hoped to find a place to lie down on the chopper and catch up on his sleep some more.
The thumping grew louder and louder until a black Sikorsky S-70 appeared over the rooftops of the houses above.
Francis was on a radio and said, “Popping smoke.” He then ran out thirty feet, pulled the pin on a smoke grenade, and tossed it onto the most open part of the park.
The helicopter swung around and made one pass before coming in and landing on top of the green smoke. The side door of the helicopter opened and a man wearing a uniform similar to Francis’ stepped out. He motioned for Francis and the group to come forward.
“Time to go to Montana,” Michael said to Karina.
“Good, I’m also excited to meet your brother and solve this mystery,” she replied and gave him a peck on the cheek.
Anatoly shook his head, showing his disdain for their affection.
“Let’s go, people!” Francis cried out.
The propellers were still thumping, making it hard to hear.
“We’re not winding down, get on the bird so we can get out of here!” Francis ordered.
Michael looked at the helicopter and did a mental count in his head to ensure there would be enough seats. If he remembered right, the S-70s were civilian commercial models of the UH-70 Black Hawks, and his experience from the Army told him they’d all fit fine. He put his arm around Karina and followed Anatoly and Francis to the awaiting helicopter.
Anatoly froze when he reached the helicopter door and held his arms up.
Michael heard him yell something but couldn’t make it out, but he knew something was wrong. His instincts kicked in, so he reached for his pistol but felt the cold muzzle of a rifle at the back of his head.
“Take your hand off the gun and put it into the air!” Francis ordered.
Anatoly backed away from the helicopter, but one of Francis’ men ran up and held a gun to him, the other did the same to Karina.
Several men poured out of the helicopter, disarmed Anatoly, Karina and Michael and placed them into the helicopter, and in a flash they were airborne and on their way to an unknown location with an unknown captor.
“What’s going on, Anatoly?” Michael asked, yelling into Anatoly’s ear.
“Just shut your mouth,” Francis ordered, nudging Michael with a poke to his ribs.
The crew chief pointed to headsets hanging from the ceiling.
Michael and the others put them on.
A voice that Michael remembered came over. “Anatoly and Mikhail, so nice to see you again.”
Michael spun around but couldn’t see into the shadows behind him. “Who is this?” Michael asked.
“I’ve heard you’ve had some issues with your memory. You don’t know how much that upsets me. How could you forget me?” the voice said as the man behind it leaned out of the shadows, exposing himself to the others.
The deep scar on his face brought back a memory from the ship and being tortured. “Viktor!” Michael exclaimed.
“You do remember me? But what I need you to remember is what you did with those coordinates. I need to know where the spear is.”
“I don’t know,” Michael said.
“Maybe you need some encouragement,” Viktor said and looked at Francis.
Francis grabbed Anatoly and punched him in the face, knocking off his headset.
Karina cried out, “No, don’t hurt him.”
Anatoly spit out blood and smiled. He looked at Michael and said, “Looks like I should have listened to you.”
“I told you that you can’t trust mercs,” Michael said.
Francis gave Michael a devilish grin and punched Anatoly again.
Anatoly’s head swung back, and when he brought it forward, he spit again. This time a chunk of tooth came out.
“I’m going to fucking kill you,” Michael said.
Francis got in Michael’s face and yelled, “Never going to happen.” His heavy New York accent came out that time.
Not caring what happened and knowing he was an asset to Viktor, Michael decided to act. Francis’ face was inches from his, so he head-butted him hard.
The blow sent Francis reeling backwards and into the side of the helicopter. He reached up to examine his nose and pulled his hand away to see blood on it. “You motherfucker!” he screamed and lunged at Michael.
Michael was ready; he leaned back and kicked him squarely in the chest.
Francis again flew back against the side. Angered by his beating, once again he came at Michael.
“Stop this now!” Viktor yelled.
Francis stopped just inches again from Michael, his fist clenched, and he sneered.
Michael flinched and Francis jumped, scared he might get struck again.
“You’re a dead man,” Francis barked.
“One day I will die, but not by you, son, not by you,” Michael chided.
Anatoly looked at Michael and began to laugh.
Francis’ eyes grew wide with anger, and he lashed out at Anatoly. He jumped on him and began to pummel him.
Michael was not going to allow Anatoly to be subjected to that so he went for Francis.
Again, Viktor ordered, “Stop it! Fucking stop it, now!”
Francis stopped hitting Anatoly, and Michael let go of Francis.
Without a care, Anatoly laughed again. His bloodied mouth stretched wide and his left front tooth was now missing.
“Michael, where is the spear?” Viktor asked with his thick Russian accent.
“I fucking told you, I don’t know. The beating you gave me on the ship made me lose my short-term memory. I can barely remember as far back as six months or so.”
“I told you what I would do. Do you remember that?”
Michael knew he was referring to Karina. “Vaguely.”
“How about I remind you,” Viktor said and nodded to Francis.
Francis stood and grabbed Karina.
Michael went to move, but two other men restrained him.
With his large hands, Francis began to choke Karina. He grunted as he applied more pressure to her slender throat.
“Leave her alone. If I knew something, I’d tell you, I swear it,” Michael pleaded.
“Where is the spear?” Viktor asked.
“I don’t fucking know.”
Viktor nodded again.
Francis stopped choking her, but he wasn’t through yet. He dragged her heaving and panting to the side door and opened it.
Cool wet air blew in and swirled around.
“What are you doing?” Michael screamed.
“I told you what I would do to her if I caught her.”
“No, don’t hurt her. I’ll tell you everything. I will tell you everything,” Michael begged.
Karina’s eyes were full of fear as Francis held her next to the open door. Her dark hair whipped in the wind and partially covered her face.
Michael could see she was terrified, but she wasn’t begging. She wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction. The only thing that prevented her from falling thousands of feet to her death was the decision of a cold-blooded killer.
“Michael, there’s nothing you can say. I keep my promises. So when I tell you that you better tell me where the spear is or I’ll kill your brother and his family, you’ll know I mean what I say,” Viktor said and one last time nodded.
Francis looked at Karina and said, “Bye, sweet tits.” He shoved her out the open door.
Karina didn’t scream or cry out as she went. One second she was there, the next she was gone.
&nbs
p; Francis leaned out to watch his handiwork, which was his last mistake.
Michael, in a fit of anger, broke free of the two men and lunged at Francis. He grabbed him by the throat, squeezed hard and with a vicious tone said, “I told you I was going to kill you.” Michael then threw him out the open door.
The two guards grabbed Michael, but he wasn’t giving up without a fight. He elbowed one and wrapped his arm around the other’s head and twisted, breaking his neck. He let that man drop and snatched the other and tossed him out of the helicopter.
Seeing an opportunity, Anatoly rose and attacked two more guards, but his assault was repelled easily with a rifle butt to the face. He fell back into his seat, unconscious.
Michael turned on them next. He punched one in the throat, dropping him, and the other swung his rifle but underestimated the tight confined space and hit the ceiling. Michael punched him squarely in the jaw. The full-force punch dropped the man. Michael was on a rampage and couldn’t be stopped. He now knew that if he took the helicopter down, he could kill Viktor and end this insanity once and for all. He pivoted to attack the pilots, but upon turning, the copilot shot him with a Taser. The electrical volts brought him to his knees, then onto his side. He twitched as the voltage ran through his body. He heard one of the guards yell, “I got him!” just before he blacked out.
CHAPTER SIX
“All warfare is based on deception.” – Unknown
Wellsville, Utah
The plan was set and Luke was going to be a part of it. It took a lot of back and forth and many hours to haggle out the details and for Nicholas to finally give his approval.
Based upon information from Luke, they needed to move quickly, and they’d be going in the early morning hours. He knew all the patrol and raiding party schedules, which proved to be beneficial to their planning and was another reason they had to move now versus wait a day or so.
All the raiding parties were deployed, and to add insult to injury for Wellsville, Chad had ordered more than normal. This put a strain on the town’s security, but he was going after a big prize in Salt Lake City to the south. The more raids they completed, the larger and farther away they had to go for fresh booty; this in turn required more people. This was the real reason Chad had been pushing so hard and pulling in every passerby they came upon along the highway. His thirst for more treasure and greater spoils forced him to expand.
The Defiant: An Unbeaten Path Page 14
