Glimmer of Hope (Book 1 of the Land of Tomorrow Post-Apocalyptic Series)
Page 52
*******
Beau sure hoped General Anderson wasn’t going to be mad. They hadn’t quite followed orders, but with their trucks destroyed, they had to get back somehow and this just seemed to make the most sense.
They had disarmed the surviving enemy, turned them loose, then crammed everyone inside the three tanks. After that, they drove in single file back up the Purchase Parkway to Kentucky. Again, no Tennesseans seemed to realize that they were stealing the WTR’s tanks. People either waved them on, or ignored them in their efforts to clean up the tornados’ destruction.
The tanks made good time and were topped off with fuel. When they came over the last rise and approached the Kentucky border, Beau could see that pandemonium had broken loose on the other side. Soldiers were pointing and getting into defensive positions while others appeared to be fleeing to the rear. Beau smiled and realized that he was enjoying all of this immensely.
As they neared the border, Beau briefly remembered something about General Matthews going north to get anti-tanks mines. He had a moment to realize they might be getting ready to roll over these mines, but it was too late to stop. Beau held his breath as they crossed over and then breathed easier when nothing happened.
They crossed the border and then spun around lined up facing the Tennessee border, then turned their guns in that direction in an effort to show everyone that they were friendly. Beau climbed up out of his commander’s seat and opened the hatch. He stuck both hands out and yelled, “Don’t shoot, we’re friendly, it’s Captain Myers and I’m coming out, DO…NOT...SHOOT!”
Beau slowly raised his head up out of the hatch and glanced around. He looked at the amazed faces and lowered his arms sitting on the side of the turret.
A wide smile crossed his face at the exact moment he was shot, falling back into the tank with blood pouring out of his chest.