by Robert Boren
“Got us in?” Kelly asked.
“Yeah,” she said. “They charge five bucks for early check-in.”
“Seriously?” Kelly asked.
“Yep, but it’s worth it,” she said. “We need the rest.”
“Hell, I’d think they would welcome the mid-week business.”
“Believe it or not, they’re almost full.”
“Really?”
“Yeah,” Brenda said. “The lady seemed kinda surprised about that herself.”
“Shit, people are getting outta Dodge,” Kelly said. “We should listen to the radio more. Maybe something else happened in Austin or San Antonio.”
“We’ll listen when we get back on the road,” she said. “We get the cab to ourselves now.”
“Yes we do,” Kelly said. “Hope I don’t bore you.”
She smiled at him. “I’m not even a little worried about that.”
Chapter 4 – Governor’s Mansion
Chief Ramsey paced in the reception room, wishing he could fire up a cigar. The mahogany and dark leather furniture in the room reeked of the nineteenth century.
The double pocket doors slid open to either side.
“Chief Ramsey, how are you?” asked Governor Nelson. He walked forward, hand extended. They shook. “Sorry to keep you waiting. Come on in.”
The chief followed him into the plush office, sitting in an overstuffed leather chair before the massive desk. The Governor sat behind the desk and leaned back.
“Cigar?” he asked.
Ramsey grinned. “I thought government offices were smoke free, Governor.”
“Not this office, dammit,” Nelson said, twinkle in his eye. He was a man of average height and build, with salt and pepper hair and chiseled features, clean shaven, eyes set deep.
“Well in that case, hell yes,” Ramsey said. The Governor opened a wooden box on his desk, taking out two large cigars, handing one to Ramsey.
“One of life’s simple pleasures,” Nelson said, biting off the end and spitting it on the floor beside him.
Ramsey laughed and took out his key ring, using his cigar knife to cut the end off of his. The Governor lit up with an ornate 1940s desk lighter and passed it over to the chief.
They both puffed. The chief looked around the office. “Nice digs. You did all right.”
“Yeah, look at us now. College screw-ups made good.”
The chief laughed. “No way would I have expected this back in the day.”
“I knew we’d be here,” Nelson said. “You’re coming under a lot of pressure from Holly. I even got a call from the US Attorney General’s office about you. Couple weeks ago.”
“They’re still talking to you?” Chief Ramsey asked. “After your stunt with the border?”
“Well, no, as a matter of fact. Not since then. Not that I care.”
“How we doing with the bases?”
“We’ve got them all locked down. Major General Gallagher has full command of all forces located in Texas now, be they state or federal.”
“That’s got to make you nervous,” Ramsey said. “The administration might come in and crush Texas before she’s ready.”
“The Administration is not legit,” Nelson said. “They know we know. I think they’re more scared of us than we are of them.”
“They’re not just gonna just let us get away with this,” Ramsey said. “They have to do something.”
“The US Air Force is no longer under command of the Federal Government.”
“What? How?”
“The Administration ordered them to attack US civilians in Southern California,” Nelson said. He took a big drag on his cigar. “The leadership of that branch cut off all contact. The entire branch of the service understands.”
“Wow,” Chief Ramsey said. “How about the other branches?”
“The Administration has also lost control of the Navy. They’re sitting things out, watching for foreign intervention. There’s been leaks. The US mainland will come under attack. The navy will see to it that the perpetrators are punished.”
“Army and Marines?”
“They were the first to be targeted by the invaders, and both are heavily infiltrated. We might have to fight them, but it will only be about one third of those forces, from what General Walker and General Hogan are telling us.”
“There’s that much resistance to the administration even there, eh?” Ramsey asked. He took a puff. “Hearing bad things about California.”
“They’re heading for martial law,” Nelson said. “Let’s just say that the state government there is a little more malleable than most. Lap dogs of the administration.”
“What’s happening politically to take the traitors down?” Chief Ramsey asked. “There has to be some resistance left in the federal government.”
“Oh, there is, believe me,” Nelson said, “but the situation is gonna get worse before it gets better. The infiltration started there first, and it’s been going on for almost ten years. The bureaucracy is filled with traitors. Elected officials are hamstrung. The worst thing to happen was those last three Supreme Court appointments. The Administration is doing a full court press against the Bill of Rights. They’re getting no resistance from the judicial branch at all.”
“Yeah, those idiots think the people will give up their guns if the Second Amendment gets re-interpreted. I think they’ve got a surprise coming.”
“That’s an understatement,” Nelson said. “Every time they rattle the sabre about that we see gun sales go through the roof. These folks are beyond stupid.”
“Yep,” Ramsey said. “Why did you want to see me?”
“We’re making a temporary move, and I wanted to let you know up front.”
“Uh oh, you look serious.”
“I’m deadly serious,” he said. “I’m declaring Texas to be a Sovereign Republic.”
“We’re going to secede?” Ramsey said, smile washing over his face.
“You don’t look very concerned,” the governor said.
“I’m scared shitless, but I think it’s a good choice for now. How can I help?”
“Keep an eye on the folks close to the administration. You know who I mean.”
“Kip Hendrix and Commissioner Holly,” Chief Ramsey said.
“Yeah, they’re the two I’m most worried about,” he said, “but just so we’re clear, I won’t tolerate giving anybody a problem because they don’t agree with us. Even though we’re separating from the federal government for now, the Constitution and Bill of Rights are still firmly in place here. I consider this to be a temporary move, and Texas will help put the United States together again after this is over. If somebody takes me out and tries to take advantage of the situation, I’d like you to do something about it.”
“Agreed,” he said, “but why do you want me to keep an eye on Hendrix and Holly if we aren’t going to mess with them?”
“As a sovereign nation, we have to protect ourselves against enemies from within and without. Kip and Holly can say whatever they want, can meet with whoever they want, and can exercise the power of their positions as they see fit. They can’t act as operatives of the federal government. That’s a foreign government, and acting against Texas using those connections won’t be tolerated.”
“So you want me to watch for treason against the Republic of Texas,” Ramsey said.
“Yes,” he said. “I’ll brief everybody about the situation, make the case, and ask for recommendations and objections. Oh, and by the way, I will stand for reelection in the next cycle. I won’t be a dictator.”
“You won’t get everybody on your side, even with your current popularity,” Ramsey said. “I won’t run a brown-shirt enforcement operation for you.”
“Nor would I ever ask that,” Nelson said. “You know me. We go way back.”
“Yes,” Ramsey said.
“Good,” Nelson said. “I’ll hold the first in a series of briefings starting on Thursday morning, and plan to go public
on Friday afternoon. I’d like you to be available for the meetings and the public announcement.”
“Okay, I’ll clear my calendar,” Ramsey said. “Who can I tell on the force?”
“Everybody above Sargent right now,” he said. “The balance on Thursday morning, before I start the briefings.”
“Okay,” Ramsey said. “Count me on your side. I’ll go meet with my leadership.”
“Thanks.” Nelson stood up. “Glad you’re on board.”
The men shook hands, and Ramsey left the office, his head spinning.
Chapter 5 – East Texas Back Roads
Paco’s barking woke Eric.
“What are you barking about?” he asked, sitting up. Paco made a low growl and barked more.
Kim stirred and opened her eyes.
“Something wrong?” she asked.
“Don’t think so, but I’d better check.” He got out of bed, pulling on his pants and getting into his flip flops on the way to the front of the coach. Paco followed him, still growling. Eric grabbed one of the AKs and looked out the windows.
Kim was up, standing behind him, her Colt Python in her hand. “See anything?” she whispered.
“No,” he said. “I’ll go check outside.”
He cracked the door and peeked out. There was a rustle in the weeds near the front of the coach, and then a grunt. Eric laughed as he saw a young feral pig run away.
“What was it?” Kim asked, looking relieved as she came down the steps in her bare feet.
“Feral pig,” Eric said. “If we were gonna be here for a while I’d go get it. The young ones are tasty.”
“Oh,” she said. “I think Paco needs to go out.”
“Yeah,” Eric said, reaching in for the leash. “C’mon, fella.” He got Paco on the leash and walked outside.
“I’ll be with you in a sec,” Kim said. Eric nodded as he walked, eyes scanning the area. Nobody in sight.
After a couple minutes Kim joined him. “Beautiful morning.”
“Sure is,” Eric said. “You look gorgeous.”
She smiled. “I’m happy. We gonna take off pretty soon?”
“Yeah, after a little breakfast,” Eric said. “Wish we had GPS. Feeling our way around without it is going to be a pain in the ass.”
She laughed. “What’d you do out here before GPS?”
“Used paper maps, and got lost quite a bit,” he said. “Wish I at least had those maps.”
“They aren’t stashed somewhere in the coach?”
“Nah, I bought this thing in Florida. Those maps belonged to my dad. They’re probably back at the house.” Eric’s face changed, tears rolling down his cheeks.
“I’m so sorry, honey,” Kim said, hugging him. Paco stopped and looked at them, turning his face to the side, trying to understand.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be okay,” Eric said. “I might get like this for a little while, though.”
“I understand,” Kim said. “Let’s find something for breakfast. Saw some eggs when I was in the fridge last night.”
“They should still be good,” Eric said. “unless they broke during that wild ride we had yesterday.”
“Oh yeah,” she said. “Why does that seem like so long ago?”
“Don’t know,” Eric said. “C’mon, Paco, while we’re young.”
“No rush. I’ll get breakfast going,” She turned and walked back to the coach as Eric finished off with Paco. He took a quick walk down to the road, looking both directions for signs of anybody. It was deserted. He walked back to the trailer.
“Smells good in here,” Eric said. He un-hooked Paco and grabbed his food out of the fridge.
“Saw you walk down to the road. See anybody?”
“No, it’s deader than a doornail out there.”
“Know where we’re going?”
“Yeah, looking at the road in the daylight brought back memories,” he said. “That long straight road we were on runs into Oilfield Road. We can take that to a state road with one of those 3000s names. Can’t remember the exact number, but I’ll know it when I see it.” He put to food dish down in front of Paco, who attacked it with vigor.
“I’m glad you’re remembering,” she said. “Breakfast will be done in a few minutes, and then we can get leave. How long will it take us to get to Deadwood?”
“That’s a good question. I don’t know. That state road is paved, but the roads leading to it are dirt. Might run into some bad spots. Might run into some people, too. If we run into cops, we’ll need a good story for why we’re back here.”
“You hear that?” Kim asked.
Eric stopped talking and listened. Paco growled.
“Stop, Paco,” Eric whispered. “In your bed.” Paco held his head low and got into it, turning several times to get comfortable.
“See what it is? Another pig?”
“No, I hear trucks,” Eric said. “I’m going out with my binoculars. Stay quiet, okay? Turn off that burner, too. Hopefully the smell doesn’t make it down there.”
“Good thing there wasn’t any bacon,” Kim said.
“Seriously.” Eric left the cab with the binoculars, creeping along the tree line until he had a good view of the road. He got on his belly and put the binoculars to his eyes, stretching to see around the corner. There was a line of trucks slowly poking along. Troop transport trucks with canvas covers over the backs. They were heading the same direction he planned to drive.
Kim snuck up next to him. “Who is it?”
“I don’t know,” Eric whispered. “Maybe army. Check it out.” He handed the binoculars to her. She looked, moving the focus knob, then gasped.
“What?”
“Islamists. Look. In the back of the last truck.”
Eric’s heart beat faster. He took the binoculars and focused. There were several men visible in the back of the truck, with white garb and long beards. “Son of a bitch. This is an invasion.”
“What do we do?” Kim whispered.
“Well, we can’t take them on,” he whispered back. “And by the way, they’re taking the same road we were going to take.”
“You think they’re looking for us?”
“No,” Eric said. “I think they’re sneaking in. Wonder if they’ll avoid Deadwood or drive right through it?”
“How big is the town?”
“Small,” Eric whispered. “Most of the population lives outside of town, on farms and ranches. Been a while since I’ve been through there. I’d guess there’s less than 200 people.”
“And how many men in those trucks?”
“Don’t know,” Eric whispered. “I counted eight trucks. They probably hold about twelve men each in the back, couple more in the cab.”
“Shit, that’s over a hundred men,” Kim whispered, eyes wide. “What do we do?”
“We wait for a while before we get on the road,” Eric said. “That’s for sure.”
“We don’t have phones, so we can’t even call anybody.”
“Yeah, and this rig is a sitting duck if they see it,” Eric said. He thought for a moment. “Maybe we ought to go after them.”
“What?” Kim asked. “Are you crazy?”
“We got the Bronco. I could un-hitch it. Leave the motor home here. Tail them. Try to tip off the authorities.”
“What if they see us?” Kim asked.
“I’ll head into the woods. They won’t be able to follow us in those trucks. They’d be on foot. Might even get another good opportunity for an ambush.”
“Okay, I’m game. Let’s go.”
“You should stay here,” Eric said.
“Not on your life,” Kim said. “If you go, I go. Besides, you need me. I can shoot. Remember?”
Eric was quiet for a moment.
“C’mon,” she said. “You didn’t really think I’d let you take off without me, did you?”
“No,” he said, looking into her face. “You’re right. This isn’t some little skirmish that will end in a few weeks. This might
be our life together for the foreseeable future. I need to show you how the AKs work before we leave, though. We can’t go against these guys with lever action hunting rifles and sawed-off shotguns.”
“We should take them anyway,” Kim said. “What does your brother have?”
Eric laughed. “Well, he’s a cop, so he’s probably got better arms than we do. Hell, he may have picked up dad’s machine guns on the way out of Fredericksburg.”
“Your father had machine guns?”
“Yeah, he was a collector. Paid a hefty tax for them. Being an ex-cop helped him get the licenses. But no matter, we’re a long way from Jason. We’ll be on our own for a while.”
“Let’s eat and get going,” Kim said.
“Yeah,” Eric said. “Crap! Get down!”
Kim dropped back under cover and turned towards the road. “More of them?” she whispered.
“This is really bad.” Eric watched and counted. “There’s another twelve trucks there. How are they getting over the border? That natural gas plant has to be open by now.”
“Maybe they killed the workers on the way through.”
“God, I hope not,” Eric said. “C’mon, let’s eat and get on the road.”
They went back into the coach and Kim finished cooking the eggs and spam she’d started.
“We taking Paco?” Kim asked.
“Yeah, we have to,” Eric said. “We don’t know what’s gonna happen. We might get tied down somewhere. I don’t want him stuck here.”
“We should take food for all of us, just in case we don’t make it back here.”
“Yeah,” Eric said. Then he got a grin on his face.
“What?”
“I’m gonna take my archery stuff. I got a nice compound hunting bow and a crossbow.”
“Why?” Kim asked.
“We might be able to pick off a straggler,” he said. “Get close enough to blow some of their stuff up.”
Kim giggled. “We’re partisans, aren’t we?”
“Damn straight.”
Chapter 6 – Caravan to West Texas
Jason followed Curt’s big toy-hauler on westbound Highway 190, Carrie next to him in the passenger seat. The sun was just coming up.
