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

by Kyle Pratt

  “You can get it now. I need to stay by the door. Oh, there’s a cliff just a few feet beyond the window so jump straight down and run south—”

  “A cliff? South? Which way is that?”

  “With your back to the building it would be on your right.”

  She nodded. “You’re coming too?” It was a question and a plea.

  “I will, but first I’ll cover you and then follow. Don’t wait for me; go as soon as you can.”

  Zach hurried back to the door as the gunfire continued. He dropped to the floor and crept past the edge of the dresser trying to see what had happened. The front door stood half open. The man Zach had shot lay crumpled near the window. A trail of blood marked his crawl to where he died. He wondered why the other gang members hadn’t helped him.

  In the midst of danger Zach allowed himself only a moment to feel the gravity of taking a life. Then he shoved it to the back of his mind to be dealt with later.

  “The window is still stuck.” DeLynn said in a loud whisper.

  “Push. You can do it.” Then he looked for Cruz and the other thug, but didn’t see them. He had one, maybe two bullets left, so he either wanted a way out or a definite target. He inched farther into the doorway.

  The steps outside creaked.

  Red dots danced along the wall looking for targets.

  The front door burst open.

  A soldier fired multiple bursts.

  Others fired in the windows spraying shards of glass.

  Shots boomed from the other side of the wall.

  The soldier stumbled toward the bunkroom and fell next to him.

  Even in the dim light, Zach recognized John Tyler.

  Grabbing his friend’s uniform he pulled him into the bunkroom as the gunfight continued. Struggling to contain his growing panic, he felt for a pulse. There was none. Zach stared into Tyler’s lifeless eyes as tears welled in his own.

  Turning his pistol toward the main room he wiped his eyes. There would be a time for sorrow, but this was not it.

  Zach pressed his hand on one of old timbers. Where is Cruz? Probably on the other side of this wall, but I can’t shoot him and he can’t shoot me through these logs.

  If the gunfire stopped he would dart to the front door and announce who he was, but the pace increased after Tyler was hit. He couldn’t see anyone shooting from the cabin. Did Cruz and the other guy run into the woods? He wasn’t sure.

  He had an idea. “DeLynn wait.” Grabbing the sling, he pulled the M4 from Tyler. Now that he was better armed, perhaps it was best to remain in the bunkroom. He turned to the window.

  It was open and DeLynn was gone.

  He leaned out the window. The moonlight was ample to see the narrow path ten feet below. He hadn’t remembered it being such a distance down. He squinted to see as much as he could of the gray and black world outside. Did she jump? Did she fall down the slope?

  “Come on!”

  Startled he nearly fell. It was DeLynn near the corner of the building.

  He was trying to decide if he should somehow get her back in or join her outside when gunfire near the front of the cabin convinced him to jump.

  He tossed the Ruger to her and then the M4. He tried to jump from the window, but it was more of a fall. Hitting the ground with a thud, he moaned, rolled to his feet and ran to DeLynn.

  Her lips quivered as if to say something, her eyes pleaded, but no words came forth.

  He held her tight. “We’re almost safe.” He took the M4 from her. “Keep the pistol.”

  She shook her head. “How does it work?”

  “Point and pull the trigger. That’ll do for now, but it only has one or two bullets left. He gestured toward the forest that nearly touched the south wall of the cabin. “Go that way. Stay low. I’m right behind you.”

  Together they ran into the woods.

  It was darker in the forest, but Zach was only inches from her. He was about to say that he should lead when, with a thud, he bumped into her. “Why did you stop?” he whispered.

  Then he saw Cruz with a pistol an inch from her head.

  Zach snapped the M4 to his shoulder and aimed at Cruz.

  They were so close their gun barrels nearly touched.

  Clouds parted and moonlight flowed through the canopy of trees. Zach recognized the small clearing. The outhouse stood a few yards to the right, the cliff loomed just beyond the trees and brush to his left. If help were to come, they would come from the direction of the outhouse. Zach stepped left, putting the cliff behind him.

  Cruz countered by stepping right. The outhouse was now behind him. “Don’t do nothing stupid boy. I will kill her. I only need one of you to get me out of here.”

  Just a few yards away Zach heard the soldiers burst into the cabin and call out his name and DeLynn’s. If they had stayed the ordeal would be over. Inwardly he sighed.

  “How are you going to get out of here?” Zach asked. “Walk?”

  “I’ll do the thinking. There’s more than one way out of here.” He stepped closer and pressed the gun to DeLynn’s head.

  God give me wisdom enough to save her.

  “Put down the rifle, boy.”

  “No.”

  DeLynn moaned.

  Cruz scowled. “All of my brothers are dead because of you. Do you think I won’t kill you?”

  “I think you’ll kill both of us. That’s why I’m not going to give up the rifle.”

  “Before I kill you, tell me, is my sister Carina alive?”

  “The girl at the ranger station? Yeah, I’m…we’re not like you. We didn’t kill her.”

  The slightest hint of relief crossed the thug’s face.

  “But you’ve killed at least one friend of mine tonight.”

  Coldness filled Cruz’s eyes. “Good.”

  Tree branches snapped.

  Zach glanced toward the outhouse.

  Cruz grabbed the barrel of Zach’s rifle and yanked it up and to the side.

  Trying to keep hold, Zach fired a long burst into the treetops. Then it stopped and he knew he was out of ammo.

  A smile grew across Cruz’s face. “I may not get to skin you alive, but I will kill you.”

  The crunch of feet in frozen snow told Zach soldiers were near. He was tempted to shout their location. He knew if he did, Cruz would make it his last act.

  Near the outhouse a soldier stepped into the clearing.

  It was Caden.

  The gang leader’s arms and eyes darted wildly. He fired.

  Caden stumbled backward.

  Cruz jerked the gun back to Zach and smiled.

  Zach stepped back.

  A shot thundered in his ears.

  He clutched his chest. Where am I hit?

  Then he saw the growing dark stain on Cruz’s shirt.

  He snatched the gun from the thug’s hand as he collapsed.

  “Are you okay?” Zach shouted to Caden. “Medic!”

  “I’m okay,” Caden said, “he missed.”

  Fletcher and others came into the clearing from all sides.

  The medic checked Cruz and then shook his head.

  Zach smiled as Caden approached. “Thanks. You saved my life.”

  “I didn’t get off a shot,” Caden said.

  Zach looked at the other soldiers.

  They shook their heads.

  “Then who shot him?” Zach asked.

  “I…I did.” DeLynn whispered.

  Chapter Thirty Two

  DeLynn stared at the lifeless eyes of Cruz. Conversations buzzed around her, but they seemed distant and irrelevant. The Ruger Zach gave her now hung loosely by her side.

  Someone stepped close. “I’ll take the pistol back.”

  Zach’s voice cracked her isolation. “Is it over?” she asked.

  Zach glanced at Caden.

  He nodded.

  “Yeah we’re fine now. Come on let’s get out of here.” He unwrapped her fingers from the weapon and, gently taking her hand, led her to the
clearing.

  * * *

  Still in uniform, Caden stepped from the sheriff’s office into the light of morning. It was Sunday and the clear blue sky promised that this day would live up to its name. He tried to figure out how many hours he had been awake, but such effort required more mental focus than he currently possessed. He gave up.

  Despite his fatigue, he smiled as he walked across the parking lot toward his car. Cruz was dead. Most of his gang had preceded him or were in jail. DeLynn was home. Zach was free.

  There would be a time to honor those who died last night, and earlier this week, but right now he needed to get home before he fell asleep. This morning he was grateful for the lack of traffic the monetary collapse had brought.

  He glanced at his watch. The family will be at the church by now. Probably praying for everyone’s safety.

  Even though he wanted nothing more than sleep, he headed toward the church, and his family. He wanted to let them know he was safe and the mission was successful. He also had a duty to let Sue know about Peter and the letter.

  With the window down and the radio loud, he stayed awake for the short drive. As he walked into the church, he wondered if Sue had come. Since she has a baby, and someone will need to keep watch over the farm, she might have chosen to stay home. He sighed. And this probably isn’t the best place to tell her she’s a widow and then hand her a letter with the last words of her husband. I should have gone home.

  Standing in the lobby he heard the pastor.

  “The Bible tells us that God blesses those who persevere under trial. To them He has promised the crown of life.”

  Not wanting to interrupt the sermon and wondering what he would do if Sue were inside, he sat on a nearby bench.

  From the sanctuary came the pastor’s voice. “God did not bring us these trying times. Wicked men, listening to the author of evil, brought this upon us.”

  Caden’s head slumped forward. I’ll rest my eyes for a moment.

  Soft fingers entwined with Caden’s. His eyes blinked open and gazed upon Maria’s smile. “Let’s go home.”

  “Is Sue here?”

  “No, she’s at home with little Peter.”

  As Maria and Caden crossed the lobby, they were joined by his father and mother. “Where’s Lisa?”

  “David is out of danger, so she came home last night to get some proper rest. She’s looking after the farm and Adam.”

  As they stepped in the cool air outside, Caden said, “Zach and DeLynn are safe.”

  Maria squeezed his hand. “Good. Give me the keys.”

  He awoke when Maria came to a stop in the driveway. His father and mother pulled alongside in the family pickup.

  The front door opened and Sue walked onto the porch holding her son. When she saw Caden a hint of expectant hope crossed her face.

  Maria moved between Caden and Sue. “He’s really tired. Perhaps he can talk when he wakes.”

  Caden continued toward the house, climbed the four steps to the front porch, and embraced Sue. He wanted nothing more than a few hours of sleep, but he knew he couldn’t until he spoke to her. “Come on inside. We need to talk.”

  She sat on the living room couch and cradled her child close.

  Caden sat across from her. “I found Peter.”

  Worry faded from her eyes, replaced by sadness. “Where?”

  “He died from radiation sickness in the bedroom of your home.”

  She shuddered. “I should have stayed…should have been there…I could have helped him.”

  “No. I don’t think that is what he wanted. He knew he was dying when he got there—”

  Her eyes widened. “How could you know that?”

  Caden pulled the bag with the notes from his pocket.

  Sue passed her baby to Maria and began to read.

  Tears welled in Sue’s eyes, and then ran down her cheeks. Sobs followed. She ran from the room clutching the notes.

  Despite what it looked like, Caden hoped that the notes would someday give comfort. He thought of all the bodies they had brought back from Operation Lexington. There were letters he needed to write and wives, mothers, sons and daughters, who would need comfort. However, for now, all necessary duties were completed. He went upstairs to his room for much needed rest.

  * * *

  Monday was a day to honor those who had fallen.

  Near an ancient Douglas fir tree on the far side of the Westmore farm, Caden and his father dug a grave. Nearby were the stone markers for his grandparents, an uncle and two aunts.

  The morning sun was still below the trees, the air cool, but sweat dripped from the bow of both men.

  Caden paused from shoveling and took a pocket knife. With it he punctured each of three blisters that had formed on his hands. As he put away the knife, he heard footsteps. Turning he saw Hoover approach with a shovel.

  “Do you need help?” the sheriff asked.

  “Your presence is welcome,” Caden’s dad said, “but you don’t have to dig.”

  Hoover looked into the shallow hole. “Peter was an officer of the law and a friend. I want to help.”

  Minutes later Fletcher and four others from the armory arrived with Peter’s body.

  “Friends and neighbors are gathering at your house,” Fletcher said. “We thought it best to come directly here.”

  “I didn’t know others would come,” Caden said.

  Hoover threw a shovel full of dirt from the hole. “This is a small town. Word gets around.”

  Taking turns, the eight men soon completed the digging.

  Trevor went to the house for family and friends as the men lowered the body into the grave.

  Caden looked into the earth where his brother lay. He wanted to shout and shake his fist at God. Why did so many good people, like his brother, have to die in the fight against evil? Why couldn’t criminals and thugs be the only ones doing the fighting and dying? But he knew the answer. If evil men were fought by those who were equally wicked the only result would be more evil. For good to prevail the good must fight and some would die. The fault didn’t lie with God, but with the author of evil.

  As dozens of solemn figures walked across the field, Caden looked up from the cold earth into the sunny sky. Did you choose me to lead the fight here? He knew the answer.

  * * *

  Zach looked down a long line of battlefield crosses. So many. Several others had arranged those crosses, but he had requested to prepare this one.

  Civilians gathered along the edge of the parade ground. He saw Vicki, DeLynn, Mr. Hollister, and Maria, but he acknowledged none of them as he moved to the far end of the field.

  He retrieved an M-4 and bayonet from the bag. Locking the blade in place he carefully pressed the weapon into the soft earth so that it stood perfectly vertical. He placed the helmet on the stock and the boots to either side.

  It seemed proper that he prepare the cross for John Tyler, but despite feeling it was right, tears welled in his eyes.

  Fletcher stood at attention not far from him as soldiers marched onto the field. Guests were sitting. The service would begin soon, but he had one final duty to perform before then. Stepping back three paces he snapped to attention. “Thank you for being there. Your courage saved DeLynn and me. Goodbye friend.”

  Slowly he saluted his fallen comrade.

  Glossary

  ACU Army Combat Uniform

  AK-47 The AK-47 is a selective-fire military rifle, developed in the USSR, but also used by the People’s Republic of China.

  Fueler An army or National Guard fuel truck

  Humvee High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), commonly known as the Humvee, is a four-wheel drive military vehicle.

  JBLM Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) is a large military installation located nine miles south-southwest of Tacoma in Washington state.

  M11 United States military designation for the SIG P228 pistol. See SIG P228.

  M2 The M2 is a Browning .50 caliber machine gun.


  M4 The M4 is a common U.S. military magazine-fed, selective fire, rifle with a telescoping stock.

  M9 The M9 is a semiautomatic, 9mm, pistol in common use by the United States military.

  M35 A military truck in the 2½ ton weight class, often referred to as a “deuce and a half.”

  MOPP Level MOPP is an acronym for “Mission Oriented Protective Posture” and as used in the book it refers to the level of protective gear used by military personnel in a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear combat situation. MOPP Level zero means gear will be carried, but not worn.

  MRE Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) are self-contained, individual military field rations.

  OPLAN Operation Plan

  Op Order Operations Order often abbreviated as OPORD

  PLA The People’s Liberation Army of the People’s Republic of China

  Recon Military slang for reconnaissance.

  RPG Rocket-propelled grenade

  SIG P228 A compact pistol in use with many law enforcement agencies and the military where it is designated as the M11. Caden is given a M11, 9mm .40 S&W, in Chapter 13 along with two 15 round magazines. Caden refers to the M11 by the SIG name.

  SITREP Situation Report

  Also by the Author

  Through Many Fires

  (Strengthen What Remains book 1)

  Terrorists smuggle a nuclear bomb into Washington D.C. and detonate it during the State of the Union Address. Army veteran and congressional staffer Caden Westmore is in nearby Bethesda and watches as a mushroom cloud grows over the capital. The next day, as he drives away from the still burning city, he learns that another city has been destroyed and then another. America is under siege. Panic ensues and society starts to unravel.

  * * *

  Titan Encounter Justin Garrett starts one morning as a respected businessman and ends the day a fugitive wanted by every power in the known universe. Fleeing with his 'sister' Mara and Naomi, a mysterious woman from Earth Empire, their only hope of refuge is with the Titans, genetically enhanced soldiers who rebelled, and murdered millions in the Titanomachy War. Hunted, even as they hunt for the Titans, the three companions slowly uncover the truth that will change the future and rewrite history.