by C. A. Hoaks
Margo gave a quick nod then she and Paula stepped aside.
“Okay boss. What’s the plan?” Leon asked.
Brian outlined his plan. “We got twelve men, four are on guard duty. We each take care of a guard and take their place then Billy and I will work our way through camp. No guns if we can help it.”
Leon leaned close. “Stab them?”
“Use your knife and hit a kidney,” Brian pointed to his back. “The pain will keep them from calling out giving you time to grab their head and slit their throat.”
“Shit!” Juan whispered. “You’re mean, jefe.”
Brian looked at Billy then studied each Leon and Juan. “I intend to find my family. If you can’t do this, we walk away. Billy and I can’t do this by ourselves.”
“No.” Leon looked at Juan, and he nodded. “We can do it, boss.”
Chapter 23
Justice
Matt walked out of the camper with Mary clinging to his hand. “He nodded at Lawson the only female soldier present. “Take Mary and the three little girls to the Rec Center.”
Within the group of women that had arrived with the preacher, the younger woman gasped in panic. “Where are you taking my daughter?” An older woman elbowed her.
Matt glared at the crone and growled. “Do that again, and I’ll shoot you.” He turned back to the younger women and added “They’ll be all right. We need to figure out what’s gone on here.”
While the older women cowered, the younger stepped around the group in long dresses and announced. “I can tell you what’s going on. That bastard is a fucking rapist!”
Matt held up his hand. “I figured that out. Could you tell me your name before we get started?”
“Maggie Sanders. That fat bastard shot my husband and the other men in our camp after they killed the infected that invaded the camp. Billings raped me.”
Billings snorted. “She was doing her wifely duty.”
“I’m not his wife. He forced me into that sham of a marriage,” Maggie retorted.
Matt glared at Billings. “I know you’re a rapist. That’s already been established when the child told me what you did to Mary.”
“The child is my celestial wife, just like Sister Maggie. You have no business interfering with a blessed union,” Billings argued.
Jenkins kicked out and knocked Billings to his knees while the soldiers next to him forced Roy and the rest of the men to their knees as well. Jenkins pressed the barrel of his handgun to the preacher’s head. “You’re a fucking child molester!” He turned to Matt. “We don’t need to investigate this jerkoff.”
“Agreed. But the degree of responsibility the rest of these men bare is another matter,” Matt said. “Zip-tie them to the flagpole,” He ordered, then turned back to Maggie. “What’s the story with the women?” He nodded toward the sour-looking women huddled together a few feet away.”
“The younger two belong to Roy. The other two are Billings’ wives.” Maggie looked back to where Jenkins and one of his men were putting zip-ties on the men. “The younger men are Roy’s sons. Both of them are dumb as posts, but they do whatever asshole orders them to.”
Matt turned to Jenkins. “I want a guard on those idiots until I decide what to do with them. Search the camper those women were staying and then put them back in it with a guard at the door.” He turned to Maggie. “Is it alright if you and the girls stay in the spare two bedroom camper?”
“Sure.” She answered. “That bastard took my husband’s guns. I want them back.”
“We’ll clean out that boar’s nest and get your weapons.”
“Fine,” Maggie said as she gave a quick nod. “We need clothes. I won’t wear these rags a minute longer.” She announced.
“We can probably take care of that. You and the girls may end up in t-shirts and cargo pants or shorts, but they’ll be clean and functional. Come with me.” Matt led Maggie to the Rec Center. There, they walk in to see Lawson with the girls. It looked as if all had showered and now wore soccer shorts and t-shirts. Mary sat in front of Lawson who was working a brush through her tangled hair.
“Are you girls alright?” Maggie put her arms around the shoulders of two of the girls.
“Fine.” One of the girls answered. The other stood silently just watching Lawson.
Maggie held out her arms, and the third girl stepped to her side. She pulled them close. “We’re free now. Those people can’t hurt us anymore.” Mary jumped up and raced to Maggie and threw her arms around her waist crying.
“Mary, you and Sarah are part of my family now if you want to be.” Maggie studied Mary and the small girl standing next to her.
Mary nodded. “We would like that if the old hags aren’t going to be there.”
Maggie laughed. “No, they are NOT going to be anywhere around us, I promise you. We’re free of those people.”
Lawson handed Maggie a stack of clothes and pointed at a door. “Right in there, is the shower. I keep a bottle of conditioner in the last shower on the windowsill.” She looked a little sheepish. I should have used it on Mary’s hair, I guess.”
“Next time. Girls, stay with Private Lawson while I shower.” Maggie nodded and disappeared into the showers.
When Maggie reappeared fifteen minutes later, the four girls were still sitting with Lawson. All four girls had freshly brushed and combed hair. Lawson was telling a tale of Matt falling in horse poop, and the girls were laughing.
Despite being the butt of the joke, Matt looked up with a smile on his face, “If you’re ready, I’ll lead you five ladies to your new home.”
Maggie nodded and together with girls in tow, Matt led them to an empty camper and carried a small camp lantern inside. They walked through the camper examining the two little bedrooms. “This is fine. My daughters and I can sleep in the back bedroom. Mary and Sarah can share the second bedroom. We'll be all right, won’t we girls?” She leaned down and gathered the four girls into her arms.
“If you need anything, just ask the guard we’ll have outside your door to protect you.” Matt turned and walked outside closing the door as he left. “Sleep well. You’re safe now.” He crossed the campgrounds to the brick building he now considered his home. He got to the porch where Jenkins and Larry appeared out of the shadows.
“What in the hell are we going to do with the rest of them?” Larry asked.
“Billings is a rapist, Roy, and the other guy are killers. I’m not turning them loose. The others, well, they can’t stay,” Matt answered as he stepped into the manager’s office to the sounds of a new baby’s cry.
A sudden commotion inside sent all three men through the door in a rush. “It’s a boy! Mr. Matt,” She squealed excitedly.
“A boy? Well, ain’t that something,” Matt smiled as he collapsed into the recliner.
Amy gushed. “He got big eyes and lots of hair.” She made a scrunched up face. “His face is all wrinkled up and red, and he cries really loud. Mr. Doc says he’s got good lungs.”
After the sound of steps descended the stairs, Doc with Helen at his side appeared at the door, “Well, we have a new member of our merry little band. A strong little guy nearly nine pounds would be my guess.”
Matt chuckled. “Well, I’ll be damned.” Larry cleared his throat and nodded at Amy. “I’ll be darned.” Matt corrected.
Doc leaned close. “If I might ask, Jake acts like the father, but the child is not biracial. Is there a story here?”
“Amanda was in that busload of kids we rescued from the roadside park three months ago. Jenkin’s crew was in the same operation but got trapped. Jake’s been acting like a nervous father the last month or so.” Matt sighed. “I thought she was just grateful, but I guess that wasn’t quite the case.”
“She sure doesn't look like she minds the attention,” Doc answered. “It sounded like there was some excitement outside.”
“Better sit down for this,” Matt suggested before he relayed what he had found in the preacher’s tra
iler. “I got the men under guard and zip-tied to the flagpole. The old women are in the camper under guard. The victims, four girls and a woman, are in the two bedroom camper next to your camper.”
“What are you going to do with the men?” Doc asked.
“Billings is a rapist, Roy and the other man killed people.” Matt ran his hand through his hair. “I won’t let that stand without being punished. The women and the sons, well, they were party to the whole thing in one way or another so they can’t stay here.”
“I’m glad you see that,” Helen declared from the kitchen.
Doc stood. “Young man, you and your friends have some decisions to make. In the meantime, we’re not as young as we used to be and delivering a baby is hard work.” He turned to his wife. “Coming, dear? Let’s go to our new home and bed down for the night.”
Helen picked up a bag and followed Doc out the door. “I’ll check on the new folks.”
When Helen and Doc were gone, Larry walked into the kitchen to retrieve a cup of coffee. “I think we need to get the rest of the campers from the campsite. We don’t want anyone else to settle down anywhere near us.”
“And we can use the extra room,” Matt added. “If we’re going to stay here, we need a way to give folks a little room to spread out.”
“You think it’ll be long-term?” Larry asked.
Matt nodded. “You know what it’s like out there. We’ve got a secure place. We sure can’t load up all those kids and trek across the state to a place we don’t know can even support us. How big can a hunting camp be?”
“What about the girls. We promised to take them to their grandfather.”
Matt sighed. “I know. Believe me, that weighs heavy as well.”
“Maybe in a couple weeks. If we can get the camp stable, then Jenkins can take over for a few days, we get the kids north and then come back.” Larry suggested.
“Maybe,” Matt sighed. “I’m beat. Let’s get some sleep then we question those women and figure out what to do about the rest.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Larry crossed the room to a stack of sleeping-bags and dug one out to spread out on the floor. He took off his gun belt and laid it next to him as he settled into the far corner.
Matt watched his buddy for a couple minutes then did the same. He woke once in the night to the sound of the newborn crying. He smiled at the sound, rolled over and went back to sleep.
Dawn came with the sound of gunshots. Matt bolted upright. Larry rolled over and jumped to his feet with a gun in hand.
“What the fuck is going on?” Asked Larry.
“How would I know! Let’s get out there.” Matt answered as he slipped on his boots, then strapped on his gun belt. Jake appeared at the door. “Stay here. Protect the kids and Amanda until we know what’s going on.”
Jake nodded and pulled his sidearm and checked the load. “Got it.”
Matt and Larry ran from the house toward a gathering around the flagpole. The shooting had stopped. When Matt jogged up to the crowd, it parted to allow him to pass.
The yard was filled with the adult residents of the camp, while the children peeked from windows and doorways. Everyone stared at Jenkins and Maggie. Jenkins held a handgun by the barrel while Maggie stared at three dead men still zip-tied to the pole. Blood made dark red puddles in the gravel and sand.
“They didn’t deserve to live. That bastard raped my daughter and Mary. Roy and his budy killed my husband. They are just as disgusting as Billings.” She took a breath and turned to walk toward the camper.
“Aren’t you going to stop her?” Screamed one of the boys.
Matt kicked the young man and ordered. “Shut up, or I’ll be shooting you. Your fate is still undecided. You watched what was going on with Mary and didn’t help.” Matt took a breath. “Maggie saved me the trouble and hopefully got some measure of peace from the killing your old man and those other two bastards. Lord knows, she needs it.”
Suddenly the wives burst from the trailer and past the guard. When he tried to stop them, Matt shook his head not to bother. Two of crones fell to the ground and began wailing while the other two stood staring at the bodies.
“What are we going to do with the rest of them?” Jenkins asked.
Matt looked around then ordered. “Everyone get busy doing what you need to be doing.” He turned to Jenkins. “Put the bodies in the back of that yellow bus then the two dipshits and the four wives. Tie each of them to a seat with a bag over their heads. We’re giving them a chance to live but not here. I’m going to talk to Maggie, and her daughters.” Matt crossed the yard to the trailer that Maggie had entered. He knocked on the door, and a timid voice called out the door wasn’t locked. The four girls were sitting at the table staring at the door. Maggie sat quietly with tears still glistening in her eyes.
“I talked the soldier into giving me my husband’s handgun last night. It wasn’t his fault. I told him I was afraid of them getting free. If you want me to leave, I’ll understand. Please don’t make the girls leave. They’re safe here, and I won’t be able to protect them.”
“No one is asking you to leave,” Matt answered.
“Thank you,” Maggie whispered with a deep sigh.
Matt cleared his throat and asked, “I want to know about the boys. Did they take part in shooting your husband or Mary’s family? It’s a simple question. All I need is a yes or no answer.”
Maggie looked up and took a deep breath. “No. Thank you.”
Matt reached out and covered Maggie’s clenched hands. “You’re safe here, and you’re welcome to stay or go. It’s your choice. We work hard and try to help each other. If that suits you, this can be your home.”
“Thank you,” Maggie whispered as tears slid down her cheeks.
“Take the time you need to get settled. Talk to Jasper and Joan about clothes, shoes, whatever you need. We have three meals a day at the food truck. Just watch for the crowd.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Maggie whispered.
“Nothing to say. Just know you and the girls are safe.” Matt rose and cleared his throat. “They’ll be gone and won’t be back.” He crossed the room and stepped out into the morning sunshine. The bodies had been removed. Jenkins and two men guarded the two young men now seated on the ground in front of the women’s camper.
Jenkins turned around and rapped his fist against the door. “Get out here now.”
The four women came outside looking even more browbeaten then before. Finally, a crone with tightly bound gray hair at the back of her head looked up.
“What are you going to do with my sons?”
“The six of you stood by and watched while those men murdered people and raped children. Maggie said none of you took part, so I’m inclined to let you live.” All six faces lost a little of the fright until Matt continued. “But not here.”
“But we…” The woman began.
Matt interrupted. “You will be given ten gallons of gas in the bus. It has enough food and water loaded for three days. You will be blindfolded and driven away from here, and when my men leave, you can go any direction you want but do not come back here. We will give you one machete when we leave you. You can learn to fend for yourself or not. Frankly, I don’t care.”
“But…”
“No buts.” Matt continued. “You’ll be alive when we leave you. The rest is up to you.” You have ten minutes to get whatever you want from inside your camper. Limit it to what you can carry out in one trip. No food. Only clothes.” Matt turned to Jenkins when the women disappeared back inside. “Take three men and one of the trucks with the extended cab. Make sure the bus has what I promised. Put ten gallons of gas in the tank. That’s all. No maps, no guns, none machete. Zip tie each to a seat, blindfold them and get as far from here as you can on three-quarters of a tank then leave them. If you can, do a little backtracking and make a few circles so they can’t stumble back here. Before you leave, make sure the old woman is loose enough to get free, put the machet
e in the driver’s seat and close the door. She can untie the rest when she works her way lose.”
“I got a place in mind. It’s on the far side of Kerrville.” Jenkins answered. “Might be a little hairy getting there and back, but they won’t be following.”
Chapter 24
Valentine
“What happened?” Ask Darlene in a soft whisper. She pulled a sleeping Penny closer.
Everyone in the truck stared at the mayhem that had been visited on the resident of the tiny town of Valentine, Texas.
“Maybe, it was a tornado?” Della asked.
Steve answered. “There was that storm three days ago.”
“Oh, God. The people?” Della whispered.
Steve picked up a pair of binoculars and studied the road ahead. He could see the highway ahead was littered with the remains. Valentine had been a small community of less than a hundred people according to a twisted green sign clinging to a single upright post. It was hard to tell now, but Steve guessed there had been thirty or forty buildings before the storm but the force of the tornado had reduced all to a pile of debris. Trees were stripped of leaves and torn from the ground and now were scattered amid the cars and trucks of undeterminable ages and colors. Water stood along the road and in the ditches within the destruction that had been Valentine.
“I don’t think we can get through there.” He paused then added.
“Should I turn around?” Zack asked.
“No.” Steve glanced at the instrument panel. “We don’t have the gas to go back to the state road to change our route.” He pointed to a water-logged dirt path to the west. “Head that way. We’ll try to go around.”
Zack slipped the truck back into drive and turned onto the dirt road at the side of the only remnants of the building still standing.
