by Mark Goodwin
Dean turned his attention toward the congregation. “When I look out at you, I see people who want to survive but are worried that it might not happen. Some of you are afraid, scared, concerned that you’ve made the wrong decision in who you’ve picked to keep you safe at night.
“Most of you have known Don for years. And at the same time, you don’t know me from Adam’s house cat.”
Dean paused to allow time for the lighthearted titter to travel around the room. “That’s understandable. Don is the known and I’m the unknown. But let me remind you that we live in a different world. Two months ago, the officer-friendly approach to security was a prudent path. That was Don’s world, patrolling a civilized society. He’s overwhelmed and doesn’t know what to do with this present reality. That’s not his fault. He’s never been trained to operate in this environment. I, on the other hand, have been educated to not only survive in this type of setting, but I’ve learned to thrive. And not only have I acquired the necessary skills, but I was also an instructor. I taught men and women in the United States Army how to push through the worst the enemy could throw at them and come out the other side victorious.
“I won’t sugar coat this. Regardless of what I do, of what Don does, or what any of you do, some of you will die in the coming year. But, I can offer you a path that greatly mitigates the death toll. Our community is surrounded by wolves. We’ve had violent gangs attack two homes in our community; the perpetrators of those crimes have never been hunted down. Now, the word is out. Apple Blossom Acres is a soft target. We have resources and are unable or unwilling to do what’s necessary to defend ourselves. So what did we see last night? It’s open season on us.
“The uppity people on the other side of the mountain are trying to run us out of our homes. These are people who likely have very little military training, but they see us as an easy meal. We have two options. We can sit back and wait for them to feed on us in the middle of the night, picking off our most vulnerable first. Or, we can proactively take the fight to them, hunt down the wolf!
“By adopting this course of action, we do four things.” He held up his index finger. “Number one, we eliminate the threat.” He ticked off another bullet point with the next finger. “Number two, we gain the scarce and badly-needed resources of our adversaries, which will aid us in long-term survival.”
Don stood up. “Okay, James, that’s enough. We’re not having another election, and we’re certainly not forming an attack force to take over Laurel Ridge.”
“I’ll say when I’m done speaking, Don. You had your chance, now it’s my turn.”
“Nope, this is over. Jack, Corey, Gavin, can you men help me escort Mr. Dean out of the building?”
The rest of the rangers stood up and surrounded the podium, blocking Don and the security council guards.
“I’ll continue what I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted.” His ring finger joined the other two. “Number three, we send a message to everyone else who is sizing us up—if you mess with the bull, you get the horns!”
His pinky finger popped up. “And lastly, number four. We gain combat experience for our rangers. Once tested in battle, they’ll be ready to finally bring to justice the violent gang who so viciously murdered the fathers of two of these young men.”
Kate could see that David and Sam were sold on this vendetta. Dean had sunk his hooks deep within their souls. The room erupted in debate, the volume grew until it sounded as if a bar-room brawl was about to break out.
Pritchard grabbed a heavy wrench from the peg-board tool organizer on Pete’s garage wall. He walked to the podium and banged the wrench against the top of the tree trunk. “Y’all pipe down this instant. Now, we ain’t gonna have all this fussin’. Pete’s been good enough to let us use this place, and I won’t have him disrespected like this. You get on home else I’ll come around and start peckin’ youns in the head with this here wrench.” He hoisted the heavy tool over his head, causing a nearby ranger to shield himself with his arms over his head.
Dean commanded, “Rangers, come on. Let’s lead by example.” He called out orders and the rangers marched in single file to exit the building.
CHAPTER 18
Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
Kate tried desperately to understand what could have gone so wrong. How had this quaint little community been hijacked by Dean’s fearmongering?
“So when you two gettin’ hitched?” Pritchard trailed behind Kate in line to exit the building.
Kate watched the crowd dwindling after the rangers had marched out. “What?”
Pritchard prodded her diamond ring with the grimy wrench in his hand. “You and the boy, when y’all goin’ to tie the knot?”
Kate turned to Gavin. “We haven’t really discussed it. So much has been going on, I can’t even start to think about a wedding right now.”
“Best hop to it, ‘for that old serpent gets youns entangled in sin.”
Kate glanced at the garage floor. “You’re probably right.”
“Ain’t no probably to it. I know what I’m talkin’ about. You two need to get on with it, else the boy needs to move out.”
Gavin’s brows sank low, either at being threatened with having to move out, being referred to as if he weren’t present, or a combination of the two insults. “I’m leaving it up to Kate. I’m cool with whatever, I know how important wedding details can be to a girl.”
Pritchard pointed the greasy wrench at Gavin. “That’s your problem. You’re the one s’possed to be a wearin’ the britches here. You tell her when the hitchin’s gonna be. If she fancies some particular accouterments of attire or ceremony, you ought to do all you can to accommodate her requests. The girl is a reasonable one, she’ll understand everything ain’t gonna be perfect under our present circumstances. But both of youns, quit draggin’ your feet and hop to it!”
Kate looked at Gavin with suspense, wondering if he’d take Pritchard’s advice.
Gavin took a deep breath. “Would Saturday be okay with you?”
She nodded before clarifying. “This Saturday?”
“Is that enough time?”
She bit her lip and nodded again eagerly. “Sure.”
Gavin looked deep into her eyes. “Is… that soon enough? Or do you want to get married sooner?”
“Saturday is fine.” She felt as if she were coming unglued with joy inside, but fought hard to maintain her composure.
Gavin seemed to be suppressing a smile, which finally erupted and overtook his face. “Good.”
“That’s settled then. I’ll talk to Pete about using the garage and spread the word amongst the womenfolk.” Pritchard turned around.
“Wait, Mr. Pritchard.” Kate grabbed his arm.
“Jitters already?”
“No, nothing like that. I think a small ceremony might be best. We can announce it to the congregation next Sunday.”
“Why in the world would you want to do that? You ain’t ashamed of the boy, are you? I know he ain’t much to look at, but…”
She interrupted him. “No, I’m not ashamed of Gavin. He’s a very attractive man—very attractive. But with all the turmoil, I don’t want to be a distraction.”
“Young woman, these folks need a distraction. Maybe a wedding would be just the thing to bring them together.”
Kate shook her head. “It’s like these people are choosing between blue and gray uniforms. I believe their differences have dug a chasm far too wide to be spanned by a wedding. Besides, a big public ceremony would stress me out. I’d only be trying to make e
verything right for the guests. It would not be enjoyable for me.”
Gavin seemed to like her answer. “She’s a minimalist when it comes to accouterments of ceremony.”
Pritchard watched Gavin out of the corner of his eye for a moment, as if contemplating whether he should take offense at the comment.
“But not of attire,” Kate added. “I think it would be nice if we get dressed up.”
“I can handle that.” Gavin gave the affirmative nod of a man who knew he’d gotten off easy.
“Very well,” Pritchard said. “It’s settled.”
“Can I come? I won’t tell anyone.” Vicky had obviously been listening to the entire conversation.
Kate instantly realized how important it was to include her niece. She took Vicky’s hand and pulled it to her heart. “Why of course! You’ll be my maid of honor.”
Later that evening, Vicky scurried around the kitchen making snacks out of what they had on hand. “I’m trying out some ideas I’ve had. I want to make appetizers so we can have a little reception after your ceremony.”
Kate took a seat on a stool at the counter. “That’s very sweet of you. Thank you, Vicky.”
“Should we invite Pritchard? After all, he is the officiant, it wouldn’t be proper to not invite him to the reception.”
Kate smiled warmly. She appreciated that Vicky was putting forth the effort to make the event memorable. “That will be fine.”
“And what about …” Vicky clammed up mid-sentence.
Sam walked in the door, still wearing his black uniform. “What? Don’t let me interrupt your conversation.”
“We were just having girl talk,” Kate said.
“I’ll let you get right back to it then. I’ve only stopped by to get my things.”
“Why? Where are you going?” Kate stood up from the stool.
“I’ll be staying at the barracks for now.”
“The barracks? Where is that?”
“The old Smith residence.”
“Dean is transforming the Smith’s house into militia housing?”
“It’s much more secure to have everyone sleeping in close proximity. It’s not safe for you to all be spread out like you are. You’re too susceptible to attack, but I’m not here to argue. Don has you all brainwashed into thinking that everything is hunky-dory. I hope you’ll come around, but I can’t force you.”
“Wait, you think we’re the ones who are brainwashed?” Kate followed Sam to his room.
Sam stuffed his clothes into his bag. “I’m going to need my share of the supplies also.”
Kate leaned against the door frame. “Sam, we’re not divvying up the food. You’re welcome to stay here, but Gavin and I bought those supplies.”
“Dad gave you money for our share of the supplies. Besides, I went with you on the run to buy the ammo.”
“Sam, this is your home. You’re welcome to come eat here, sleep here, or whatever you want to do, but I can’t allow you to cart a bunch of food out the door. You’d be advertising what we have.”
“Don’t make this hard, Aunt Kate. You saw what happened today. If you oppose me on this, it won’t end well for you.”
She stood up straight. “Excuse me! Are you threatening me?”
“Just telling you like it is.” Sam zipped up his bag. “I’ll be back tomorrow or the next day for the supplies.” He pushed past her and left without saying another word.
Kate locked the front door after he left. She felt heartbroken. She turned around to see Vicky crying. She walked over to her niece and pulled her close for a long hug.
Vicky wiped her eyes with her shirt sleeve. “I feel like I’ve lost my entire family. Mom, Dad, and now Sam.”
“I know sweetheart. But you’ll always have me.”
CHAPTER 19
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Monday morning, Kate sat on the front porch swing. The air was cool but the sun shining in the clear blue sky made her feel warm. She sipped a cup of weak coffee. She pushed out the bad thoughts of losing Sam and the animosity in the community by daydreaming about her quiet little wedding at the end of the week.
Kate’s pleasant imaginations were interrupted by the sound of boots on gravel. She looked down the drive to see Don and Jack walking toward her.
Gavin walked out on the porch. “Hey, guys. How are you?”
“To tell you the truth, I’ve been better.” Don walked up the stairs slowly. He seemed to be tired. “This thing with the rangers has me all worked up.”
“Can we do anything to help?” Kate inquired.
Jack’s face was sullen. “I’m glad you asked. The rangers have officially pulled out of community watch. They’re guarding the Smith residence and Mrs. Dean’s house. We’ll have to rework the security schedule.”
Don added, “I fear our biggest security problem is growing right here in the middle of the neighborhood. Anyway, Jack and I are going to drive over to Laurel Ridge, see if there’s anyone we can talk to.”
“About the fire?” Kate asked.
“I’ll ask them about the fire, but not in an accusatory fashion. I don’t think they had anything to do with it. After 30 years with the PD, you get a feel for these kinds of things. But, as embarrassing as it is, I feel like I need to warn them about Dean and the rangers. If they’re not already organized, it’s time they start putting a plan together.”
Kate pushed her hands in her pocket. “Do you want us to come along?”
Don thought about the proposition before answering. “Maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad idea. I don’t think we’ll have any trouble, but it may help me to not look like a paranoid kook if I have some people with me who can substantiate my claims.”
“I’ll get my rifle.” Gavin turned to go inside.
“We’ll keep the long guns out of sight in the truck,” Don said. “I don’t want to make anybody nervous. We’ll carry concealed pistols. If we get into an altercation, we can shoot our way to the rifles.”
Kate quickly realized that a neighborly visit could go catastrophically wrong in a hurry. “Got it.” She pulled her shirt over her pistol. Technically, it was covered, but the bulge made by the large revolver required little imagination to figure out what she was hiding. Kate picked up her AK from beside the door and followed Don and Jack down the stairs.
Gavin followed close behind. The team soon reached Don’s truck. Don drove, Jack rode shotgun, with Kate and Gavin in the back seats. Don rolled down the window when they came to the checkpoint. “We’ll be right back.”
“Okay, we’ll be here.” Corey Cobb waved them through.
Kate had not been outside of the community since the grid went dark nearly a month earlier. “It looks bleak, especially without any leaves on the trees.”
No other vehicles were on the road. The only gas anyone had in their tanks was what was left when the power went out. The drive to Laurel Ridge was longer than Kate expected. While it was on the other side of the mountain from Apple Blossom Acres, the route took them all the way out to US-19 and back around.
The shops and businesses that had once lined the highway were all closed, most were looted.
Don turned off of US-19 and followed the side street to the entrance of the Laurel Ridge community. Two men stood at the gate. Each held shotguns and both looked to be in their early sixties.
“These people are in bad shape,” Jack commented. “This guy has an over-under model. It only holds two rounds. If that’s what they’re guarding the main gate with, they obviously don’t have many options.”
“Why would somebody even have a gun like that?” Kate asked.
&n
bsp; “Shooting skeet, quail hunting maybe.” Don rolled down his window as they approached. “It’s a fancy gun, probably wasn’t cheap.”
The guard with the pump-action shotgun stepped up to the cab. “Sorry, this road is closed.”
“Yes sir, I can see that. My name is Don Crisp. I’m in charge of security at Apple Blossom Acres, the community right behind you on the mountain.”
“How can we help you?” asked the man with the over-under shotgun.
“I’d like to speak to whoever is in charge.”
“Sorry, we’re not in any position to help you,” replied the second guard.
“I’m not asking for help. I just have an issue of mutual concern that I’d like to discuss.”
The two guards spoke amongst themselves for a moment. One came back to the truck and the other began walking up the hill. The guard said to Don, “You’ll have to wait. He’s going to see if the HOA president is available.”
“No problem. We’ve got time.” Don rolled the window back up.
“These people don’t even have radios!” Kate exclaimed. “How would they call for help if they’re attacked?”
“I guess gunfire would be the official sign that says we need back up,” Don replied.
“Dean will eat them alive if he comes over here.” Gavin looked out his window.
Jack turned to the back. “Not if the Badger Creek Gang gets to them first.”
“It’s amazing that they’ve survived this long.” Kate looked at the single guard at the gate. She scanned the forest for signs of an overwatch team but saw nothing.
Minutes later, the guard with the over-under shotgun came back down the hill with another man. He was tall, late-fifties, and wore a holster with a large semi-automatic pistol. He approached the truck. “What can I do for you folks?”
