Strengthen What Remains (Book 2): A Time To Endure

by Kyle Pratt

  A flashlight flicked on and off.

  “Stop that,” an angry male voice commanded. “We’ll get caught.”

  “I can’t see!”

  “We’ve got everything worth taking,” Another said. “Let’s go.”

  The doors opened.

  “This is the sheriff! Stop! Put your hands up!”

  A shot rang out.

  Then another.

  Thud.

  A scream thundered from the darkness.

  “Turn on your flashlights,” the sheriff commanded.

  “You’ll shoot us!”

  “If you don’t turn them on, I might.”

  When their lights were on Caden saw the group huddled together.

  Hoover turned on his light, pointed it at them, and called for an ambulance.

  “Back inside the greenhouse.” Hoover commanded as he approached.

  Caden took one of their flashlights, examined the fallen man and applied pressure to his wound. “He’ll need that ambulance, but he might live.”

  Sirens wailed in the distance.

  Looking over those standing, Caden saw one woman and three men. They were all clearly scared, but not hardened criminals.

  “The government needs to do something. We’re starving,” one said.

  “We’ve got families to feed,” the woman added.

  “You guys are hoarding all the food.”

  “We have rights!”

  “Yeah, our children have a right to eat!”

  “Everyone has a right to eat.”

  There was real hunger in the community, but these men appeared able and, while they might have been hungry, none was starving. They could all do something more useful than waiting for assistance or resorting to theft.

  “You don’t have a right to steal, but we will feed you—in jail,” the sheriff said. “You’re all under arrest.” He pulled a handful of zip ties from his pocket.

  * * *

  In the backseat of the Hollister family car, Vicki cradled the head of her mother.

  Zach looked over his shoulder from the passenger seat. “Is she still breathing?”

  Vicki nodded as tears rolled down her cheeks.

  Zach sighed. “We’ll be at the hospital soon.” He turned his gaze to DeLynn. She had a white knuckle grip on the steering wheel. “Do you know the way?”

  She nodded. “I drove to town with Dad several times, but never on my own.”

  “You’re not alone now.” Zach looked ahead, conflicted. He wanted her to go faster, but was scared that she might and slide off the icy, unsanded road. Taking his eyes away from the winding country lane for just a moment, he looked at her again. The muscles of her neck were tense as she stared straight ahead. Still, she was beautiful. “Thanks for doing this.”

  “My dad is a jerk.”

  “He doesn’t know I’m the one giving you the fish and the rations does he?”

  She shook her head. “He’s so proud. I was afraid he would rather starve and Mom and I with him, but I will…I will tell him.”

  For some reason the fact that she hadn’t told him hurt Zach, but all he said was, “It’s okay.”

  Moments later he sighed as they turned from the narrow road that led away from their homes and onto the wider and straighter avenue into town. It was the same street he and his sister had encountered Bo on less than an hour before. Glancing back at his mother, rage boiled within him. I’m going to kill you, Bo.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Zach rubbed his eyes as DeLynn stepped into the waiting room. “Hi.”

  “Any word from the doctors?”

  He yawned and shook his head “She’s still unconscious and in intensive care. What time is…?” He looked at his watch. “I’m late. The fish traps need to be set. Why didn’t anyone….”

  “Relax. Vicki and I did it this morning.”

  He blinked. “You in waders, standing in the middle of a freezing stream placing a fish trap?” He smiled. “That must have been a sight.”

  In a mock indignant tone she said, “Vicki says I did just fine—believe it or not.” She sat in the chair next to him. “I spent the night at your place. I’m still pretty mad at my dad. I don’t want to go back home.” She looked him in the eye. “Can I move in with you?”

  Zach stared at her while fireworks lit the black sky of his life. He wanted to shout, ‘yes,’ but reality’s rain dampened his jubilation. Her parents will hate me more than ever. They’d never stand for it. Her moving in with me would confirm all they already think of me. “Ah…well…if you did your dad would never approve of me.”

  “I don’t care.”

  “You will someday, and I would like his approval. I don’t want him thinking I’m a bad influence and I’ve corrupted you.”

  She giggled at that. “I’ve never met such a good bad guy.”

  “I’ve made some bad choices, but I want to make the right ones with you. If you need time away from your dad, stay with Vicki as long as you want, but I’ll bunk at the armory.”

  DeLynn frowned, but nodded.

  “I better get going. It’s a long walk to the armory.”

  “I’ll take you. I still have Dad’s car.”

  “You better get it back to him before he has you arrested.”

  “I will—tomorrow.”

  As they stepped from the room, Zach looked her up and down. “You might look good in orange.”

  She thumped his arm with her fist. “I’m not sure I’d want you to join up, but you’d look nice in uniform.”

  “Don’t worry. They won’t let me for a couple of years.” He looked around. “I want someone here in case the doctors have news. Where’s Vicki?”

  “She’s coming. I told her to give me a minute to talk to you.”

  Zach sighed deeply and took her hand as they walked down the hall and out of the hospital.

  As DeLynn drove toward the armory, Zach considered what to do about Bo. He tried to be rational, but he kept drifting back toward plans that involved torture, murder or both.

  Several squads were finishing their morning run as DeLynn pulled up to the post gate.

  One soldier smiled and said, “I wish I had more friends that looked like her.” He gestured at those with him. “And less that looked like you guys.”

  Many nodded.

  “Too good for you. What’s her name?” another asked with a grin.

  “What’s her phone number?”

  Zach’s face warmed and he was glad she was already headed away.

  “Why would she be interested in any of you smelly knuckleheads?” the First Sergeant asked. “Get showers and then clean the barracks. The XO will inspect at 0900. Zach, come with me.”

  As they walked away Fletcher said, “Don’t let those guys bother you. I’m sure she’s a nice girl.”

  “She is, First Sergeant. The best.”

  “Then treat her good. That’s one thing I’ve learned.” He handed the boy a sheet of paper. “Here are your duties for today. If you get done, second squad is practicing with pistols this afternoon.”

  Zach looked up at Fletcher and nodded. As he gazed at the older man in his combat uniform, Zach recalled DeLynn’s comment that he would look good in one. “First Sergeant, could I get a uniform?”

  “You’re not in the military, so why do you want one?”

  He didn’t want to say it was to impress his girlfriend. “Ah…cleaning. Most of my clothes are either too nice or worn out. ACUs would be good for working, polishing brass, cleaning weapons and other stuff around here.”

  Fletcher shrugged. “One thing we have a surplus of is uniforms. I’ll get you some, but no rank or insignia—and keep’em clean.”

  The boy nodded and headed off to his first job with a smile.

  * * *

  Caden sat at his desk reading papers while a radio played softly in the background.

  Maybe paperwork isn’t so bad. When I have time for it, the day has gone well. He signed the report and moved it from the pil
e in front of him to the growing stack on his left.

  All morning the station had played a mixture of news, commentary and music. He had heard all the news, so the radio was merely blocking the noise of the world around him.

  Another paper moved to the left.

  Ominous tones ushered from the radio. Followed by, “Breaking news!”

  Caden turned to listen.

  “Senators and representatives of the re-established congress met for the first time today in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In addition to passing a number of resolutions opposing recent executive orders, the Senate has refused to ratify the Treaty of Mutual Friendship, Aid and Cooperation with China. In a joint resolution the new congress asked countries of the world to continue providing aid, but not seek economic or political control of American resources or sovereign territory. There has been no comment yet from the Durant administration in New York.”

  Caden ignored the litany of reporter remarks as he mulled the news. Turning from the radio, he noticed Brooks standing in the doorway.

  “What do you think about that?” the XO asked.

  “Treaties must be ratified by the Senate.” Caden leaned back in his chair. “I think the new congress outmaneuvered Durant.”

  “Then maybe there won’t be a civil war.”

  Caden shrugged. “If Durant recognizes the authority of the new congress there won’t be, but do you see that happening?”

  The XO’s shoulders slumped. “No.”

  * * *

  The sun was low in the sky casting long dark shadows across the ground when Zach, clad head to foot in a montage of camo uniform parts and hunting clothes, crawled on his belly from the woods onto a rock outcrop across from Bo’s home. He had never been in the house, never wanted to, but from there he could observe it. First he would learn the routine of the man who had put his mother in a coma and then he would extract judgment.

  The living room was dimly lit and the house appeared unoccupied as Zach peered through the scope. Bo mentioned that he had inherited the large two story home on a secluded road at the edge of town. The backyard sloped down to a lake. Other homes were nearby, but far enough away for privacy. Bo’s inheritance would make any family in town a nice home, but Bo boasted it was merely a place to sleep and make deals. He seemed always to be making deals. Zach knew the crook was into drugs, booze and guns. What else, he didn’t know.

  Zach was certain the house was also a place to show off. Bo was a small-town hood, but he played the part well. He had never been arrested; he owned a nice house, a fancy car and had enough money to do what he pleased. Zach hated him and envied all he owned.

  A black Chevy drove up and parked in a shadowed area near the home, but no one got out. That’s weird. The car had a clear view of Bo’s house. Is someone else keeping an eye on Bo? Zach looked through the scope at the car, but darkness hid whoever was inside.

  He quickly lost interest in the car and returned his attention to the house. Minutes slipped away with nothing happening. This isn’t accomplishing anything. Still he stayed. He wanted to see the man he hated and begin the stalking of his prey.

  It seems more exciting on TV. He sighed and waited.

  The sound of a car caught Zach’s attention. Within seconds Bo’s gold Cadillac sedan came down the road and pulled in the driveway.

  The Chevy roared to life and streaked into a blocking position behind the Cadillac. Four men jumped out waving pistols and surrounded Bo and his bodyguard.

  It was hard to see detail in the fading light, but Zach, looking through the scope, was sure the men were Hispanic with multiple tattoos on their necks and much of their faces.

  Bo tried to say something, but one of the guys pushed him and shouted, “We don’t have time for this!”

  One guy seemed to be in charge, shouting and pushing. Bo responded, but Zach couldn’t make out the words.

  An involuntary shudder went through Zach as he remembered the night he shot Cruz. Are these guys MS-13?

  “We paid you, but so far we got nothing but promises. You better deliver or, I swear man, I’ll cut your throat.” In a flash a knife was at Bo’s neck.

  Bo stumbled backwards mumbling.

  Zach pressed his eye into the scope.

  The gang members walked back toward their car.

  What is going on? Zach crawled back into the woods. Maybe I won’t have to kill you, Bo.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Zach stood over his mother. The steady beep of the cardiac monitor and her slow regular breathing assured him she was still alive. Delynn and Vicki slept, leaning awkwardly against each other in the corner. Usually he liked this time of the evening when darkness signaled the end of the day and there was time to think. However, these last four days, as he watched his mom hover between life and death, the darkness of dusk blackened his mood and thoughts.

  The door squeaked and he looked over his shoulder. A woman doctor entered, she always seemed to be somewhere nearby. He wondered if she ever left.

  After a moment of small talk, she smiled weakly. “We need to make some decisions this weekend. Is there anyone else, an adult, I should talk to?”

  “No, my dad is dead. My sister and I are all the family she has.”

  The doctor sighed. “I see…well…it’s been four days and….”

  Anger flared in Zach. “She’s not going to wake up, is she?”

  “She’s stable, breathing on her own. I’m hopeful she will improve….”

  “What are you saying?”

  She sighed. “There is nothing more we can do for her and…ah…well, the hospital is overcrowded. We need the bed.”

  Zach looked at his mother for several moments. Anger eased as worry replaced it. “Is there a place she can be taken care of?”

  “Normally, yes, but since the attacks those facilities…well…the people who work there have their own families. The hospital is also very short staffed.” The doctor’s whole body seemed to sag. She sat down with a sigh. “If your mother remains stable, she will need to go home.”

  “I see,” Zach said. “I’ll need time to make plans and arrangements.”

  “Of course. We’ll talk again on Monday.”

  The young man looked at the girls still sleeping in the corner and then, as he thought about the current problem, a dark plan of vengeance formed in his mind. He would come back later and discuss arrangements for his mother with Vicki but, with one last look at Delynn, he turned to leave.

  The slow boil of rage pushed out reason. MS-13 or me—one of us is taking you down, Bo.

  * * *

  His father flipped between news channels as Caden walked into the living room on a chilly Saturday morning. The smell of eggs and cornbread filled the room.

  Looking over his shoulder, Dad gave him a nod.

  Generally Caden was interested in the news, but this morning breakfast had the stronger call. Still he said in passing, “What’s going on in the world?”

  “Durant just finished speaking.”

  “I don’t care what he has to say.”

  His father nodded, “In other news, North Korea claims the south is preparing for war. India and Pakistan are threatening to nuke each other and China says it’s going to annex Taiwan and a bunch of islands in the South China Sea.”

  Maybe I didn’t need to know about all that either. Following the aroma into the kitchen, Caden greeted his mother and sister. Nikki lay under the dinner table apparently enjoying the warmth of the room and the scraps that might be forthcoming. When Caden stayed and sampled the cornbread, his mother ordered him out.

  “How come Nikki gets to stay and I don’t”

  “The dog doesn’t get in the way.”

  “Maybe if I crawled under the table with her,” he mumbled heading for the door. Then he stopped. “Where’s Maria?”

  “Collecting eggs.”

  Caden nodded. “I have come to appreciate the lowly chicken.”

  While stirring scrambled eggs, Lisa said, “More and more we’
re eating what we have here on this place.”

  “Maybe we should raise more animals,” their mother said.

  Glancing at the pantry door, Caden asked, “Do we have enough food on the farm for all of us until harvest time?”

  His mom opened the door and flipped on the light. The room was the size of a large walk-in closet with well stocked shelves of home and commercial canned goods, bags of flour, rice, noodles, and boxes of cereal and sacks of potatoes.

  “Is that enough?” Caden said.

  She shrugged. “It was supposed to be a year’s supply for Trevor and me and with eggs from the chickens and vegetables from the garden, maybe enough for Lisa too, but now….”

  Now there is me and Maria, and Adam and Sue and soon her baby. Caden walked slowly into the living room and paused by his father. “Other than Durant’s speech, what’s happening in this country?”

  Still looking at the TV he said, “Marine and Army units loyal to the New Congress have nearly surrounded Denver. Durant’s forces are retreating to Colorado Springs. Otherwise, most of the news is about the economy and the inflation problem. The local media says that the price of essential goods and services has quadrupled since the terrorist attacks. The east coast media talks about hoarding and price gouging, but I think everyone just figured out that the money really wasn’t worth much.”

  “We still need cash for some things,” Caden said.

  Trevor nodded. “Yes, taxes and bills, but fortunately not as much as most people. We have a well, so no water bill. We have a septic system, so no sewer bill and we can heat the house with the wood stove and fireplace so our electric bill is lower.”

  “My room has been pretty chilly these last few days.”

  Before Trevor could answer the front door squeaked open.

  Maria entered. In tight faded jeans, a plaid shirt and holding a basket of eggs she looked like a pin-up for The Grange.

  As she neared him they kissed and he wrapped her in his arms.

  “Mind the eggs,” Maria said.

  Caden relaxed his hug.

  “Maria, was that you?” His mother called from the kitchen. “How many eggs did you get?”

  “Nine,” Maria replied. Then in a softer voice to Caden she said, “I’ve got to go.”