by E. E. Borton
“What’s your name?”
“Amanda.”
“You’re right, Amanda,” I said. “You never belonged to anyone, and you certainly don’t belong to us. We’re not going to hurt you. You are safe and you are going home.”
“I can’t begin to imagine what y’all have been through,” said Doug. “My only regret is that we couldn’t make them suffer more.”
“They’re in hell now, and that’s all that matters,” said Amanda. “We’re lucky to be here. There were others, but they’re dead or were taken somewhere else.”
“I don’t understand why they didn’t come save us,” said Katrina. “My father and the other men. They just left us here, and strangers had to come get us.”
“We’ll deal with them later,” said Amanda. “We don’t need to talk about that now.”
“Why did you come?” asked Michelle. “You don’t even know us.”
We were starting to earn their trust. I didn’t want to lie to them and lose it. They had already lost too much.
“We’re better equipped and have some experience dealing with assholes like the ones who took you,” I said.
“Obviously.”
“We need to cross the bridge,” I said, smiling at her, “so Major Conner asked us to bring you home first.”
“Typical,” said Amanda. “He’s good at making everyone else risk their lives instead of his men. At first I thought you were his men.”
“They seem to have their hands full keeping the barricades from being overrun,” I said, trying to defend the men of Chattanooga more than the militia.
“Maybe,” said Amanda, “but they should’ve at least tried to get these girls. The young ones.”
I couldn’t defend their men from that. The people of our towns would have sacrificed everything to save their own. In spite of needing to cross the bridge, if we knew what was happening to Amanda and the others, we would have come anyway.
“Where are you from?” asked Michelle.
“Stev –”
“LaFayette, Georgia,” I said, cutting off Tucker. “
“No, you’re not,” said Amanda, cutting her eyes at me. “I was born and raised there. I don’t recognize any of you.”
So much for not losing their trust.
“Does it really matter where we’re from?” I asked, holding eye contact with her, but trying not to sound aggressive.
“No, it doesn’t really matter,” said Amanda, smirking.
“How long are we going to stay here?” asked Michelle, helping me change the subject.
“I’d like to stay until this storm breaks,” I said. “But we all know how that goes these days.”
“We need to get moving by sunrise,” said Doug. “Storm or no storm, we can’t stay here for long.”
“I know it’s not going to be easy,” I said, looking at Amanda, “but you need to try and get some sleep. All of you. You’re going to need your strength in the morning.”
“Trust me when I say we’re going to get the best night of sleep we’ve had in weeks,” said Amanda. “Thank you. Thank you for coming for us.”
“You’re welcome,” said Doug. “Don’t worry about a thing. Nobody is getting by us tonight. Nobody.”
We scavenged the warehouse, looking for anything that would make them more comfortable as they slept. We offered our packs as pillows and gave up layers of our clothing for cover. It was warm inside the boxcars and offered plenty of room for all of them. When they were settled, my guys threw more pallets on the bonfire. JD came down from the catwalk and Daniel took over the watch.
“You guys need to get some sleep as well,” I said, scooting closer to the fire. “We didn’t factor in a blizzard with our timetable to Signal Hill.”
“I’m not sleepy,” said Doug.
“Me either,” said JD. “I’ll stay up just in case.”
“Me too,” said Tucker.
I didn’t need to ask, “just in case what?” It didn’t matter. Just in case of anything is why they didn’t want to sleep. It’s why I wasn’t going to sleep either. None of us needed to explain to the other.
“I feel kind of bad holding on to this,” said JD, reaching into his cargo pocket and pulling out a large flask, “but it’s all we got left.”
“You’re forgiven,” said Doug, smiling and accepting the first pull. “Good Lord, that’s good.”
“We did the right thing here, didn’t we?” asked JD, passing me the flask. “After what we had to do. I mean, what I did.”
“What we all did, JD,” I said, taking a slug. “Yes, we did the right thing here.”
“I know it’s hard to tell sometimes, JD,” said Doug, turning to look inside the boxcars, “but I don’t think they have a problem with it. And that’s good enough for me, brothers.”
Chapter 35
Family Reunions
Amanda was the first to wake. The intensity of the storm had eased, but the sun was losing the battle to break through the layer of gray clouds. Snow was still falling. It was coming straight down instead of sideways.
“It’s well over a foot now,” said Doug, removing the barricade and opening a door, “and it’s still coming down pretty steady. I hate to do it, but we need to get them moving. This weather is going to slow us down.”
“Where are you going?” asked Amanda.
“Signal Mountain,” I said, earning a puzzled stare from Doug. “We’re meeting up with the leader of the militia. Our towns need help, and we heard he could give it to us.”
“If you guys are asking for help,” said Amanda, “you must really be in trouble.”
“You have no idea,” said Doug.
“It’s not too far from here,” said Amanda. “I’ll wake the girls.”
“Let’s give them another hour and hope the sun breaks through,” I said, looking back at the boxcars. “It may warm it up a bit.”
“Okay,” said Amanda, smiling and walking back to the bonfire.
“We have time for this?” asked Doug, stepping closer to me.
“The storm will slow Castle and his men down as well,” I said. “We can give them another hour to rest.”
“All right,” said Doug. “Let’s not lose sight about why we’re here. We did the job and earned our passage. Let’s go take care of business so we can go home.”
Doug walked past me and sat next to Amanda near the fire. I stayed at the door and watched the snowfall. I’m not sure why I was delaying the inevitable.
Our bodies were going to need more fuel to maintain an adequate core temperature. We shared all the food we were carrying with our new friends. I wasn’t sure how we were going to get more.
We’d have to deal with that problem after we crossed the bridge. I was only guessing that Castle and his men took shelter overnight. If they braved the storm and pressed on through the night, our window of opportunity would be shrinking with each step.
It seemed like the extra hour had passed in ten minutes. Amanda woke the women, and we prepared for the long, cold walk back to the office complex. We forfeited our camouflage to give some of the weaker girls another layer of clothing to keep them from freezing. They were in better spirits and anxious to get home. After a few minutes of scanning the landscape for any trouble, we left the warm embrace of the warehouse and stepped out onto the tundra.
Doug and Daniel led the column while JD and Tucker lagged behind. We were in a straight line and stepped into the boot prints in front of us. After fifteen minutes of trekking, the sun graced us with its presence as the last flakes fell. We all looked upward to capture every ray of radiant heat. Smiles crept across faces as the office buildings on the hill came into view.
“I’ll be damned,” said Alan, greeting us in the lobby. “You actually did it.”
“You didn’t think we’d make it, did you?” said Doug, slinging his rifle over his shoulder.
“I just didn’t know how you were going to do it,” said Alan.
“They tried,” said Amanda, comin
g through the door, “which is more than I can say for anyone else.”
Boyd and Jackson helped the women inside. They brought blankets, towels, and anything else they could find and started settling them onto the couches. I turned and noticed Steve standing in a far corner of the room. He put his hand over his mouth and started to hyperventilate when Michelle walked through the lobby doors. She started crying when she saw him.
“How about that,” said Alan, walking up beside me. “That’s his daughter. The one he was convinced was dead. You guys really are heroes.”
Everyone was watching the reunion. Tears filled more eyes than just Steve and Michelle’s. He broke the embrace and held her by her shoulders. He stared for a moment to make sure it wasn’t a dream. With his arm around her holding her close, he made his way over to us. Doug smiled and extended his hand, but Steve let go of his daughter and pulled him in for a hug. Laughter broke out as Doug surrendered and returned the gesture.
“I-I never thought I’d see her again,” said Steve, wiping away tears. “I thought we lost her. I’ll never be able to repay you for you did.”
“You don’t owe us anything,” I said. “We’re just glad we could help.”
“You boys are gonna make a lot of people happy,” said Steve. “If you need anything, anything at all, consider it yours.”
“They gave us clothes and all the food they had,” said Amanda. “Not to mention risking their lives and killing every single one of those monsters that took your daughter.”
“Then you’re going to eat until you pop,” said Steve. “After that, we’ll stuff those packs full of food and supplies.”
“Ammunition and warmer coats too,” said Alan. “I’ll send Boyd and Jackson ahead to start gathering everything you need.”
“A little food is all we need,” I said. “I told you we’re not here to take anything from you.”
“Nonsense,” said Steve, walking up to me. “You gave me my life back. Let me show you my gratitude. Please. It’s just a hot meal and a few supplies we can spare. Please.”
“Okay,” I said, smiling. “We’ll let them warm up for a few more minutes, and then we’ll head down. We won’t be able to stay long.”
“I understand,” said Steve.
My guys and I stepped away from the group. We stood in a corner of the room and waited for Jackson to separate himself from Alan. As he approached us, I was hoping he’d tell us what we already knew.
“There’s four of Conner’s guys up there,” said Jackson looking over at Alan. “Steve doesn’t know, but Alan does. He said they’re giving us a break on account of us being up all night. I know that’s bullshit.”
“JD made them when we were coming up the hill,” I said. “My guys will take care of them when we head down.”
“I checked a few minutes ago,” said Jackson. “I made sure the door to the roof wasn’t locked.”
“Conner will know it was you,” I said. “He’ll kill you for helping us.”
“I’m not the only one tired of the militia,” said Jackson. “I won’t be that easy to kill.”
“I believe you,” I said.
“Thank you,” said Doug.
“You don’t have to thank me,” said Jackson. “A lot of folks saw you stand up to Conner and that captain of his. I know you made a deal with them to cross the bridge, but you could’ve figured out another way. People are gonna be very grateful to you guys for what you did. Boyd and I will have your back, and so will they.”
“We appreciate that,” I said.
“We’re not from LaFayette,” said Doug. “We’re from Stevenson and Bridgeport.”
“No shit,” said Jackson, beaming. “We’ve heard stories about you guys. People say it’s safe there, and everyone takes care of each other. They even say you got a train and other stuff working again. Is all that true?”
“For the most part,” I said. “It’s not as safe as you think, but the rest of it is true.”
“General Castle came with an army,” said Doug. “He left without one. We’re heading north to finish the fight they started.”
“You’re gonna kill him, aren’t you?” said Jackson, becoming more excited.
“We are,” I said. “The militia is much weaker now. Conner won’t have any reinforcements. If you can hold your own for a bit longer, we’ll be back as soon as we can.”
“We brought the train up to the western edge of the city,” said Doug. “No reason why we can’t bring it all the way here and start helping each other out. Just like you’re helping us now.”
“You need to keep this information to yourself,” I said. “We trust you, but we need to be well on our way before you start talking to anyone else.”
“You have my word,” said Jackson. “This gives us hope. That’s something we ran out of a long time ago.”
“Good,” I said. “Okay, gentlemen. It’s time for you to introduce yourselves to the men on the roof. JD, try to use the zip ties.”
“That’s up to them,” said JD, grinning.
Jackson and I led the procession down to the barricade. We didn’t rush in order to give my guys enough time to take their positions on the roof. Hearing no gunfire gave me confidence that they were successful. In spite of the weather, people were rushing out of buildings and toward us. They were armed only with smiles and tears.
After hugs and handshakes, most of the women were taken inside a large building near the ramp to the bridge. Word had spread fast about the rescue mission. I could see smoke billowing from stacks as they entered the building where I knew they’d find warmth and hot food. Amanda, Jackson, and Boyd were still at my side when Major Conner and Captain Turner walked out as the others were walking in. Alan and four armed militia troops were a few steps behind them.
“Well done, Henry,” said Conner, extending his hand. “There’s quite the spread inside, Amanda. Go get yourself some hot food.”
“I will,” said Amanda, standing still.
“Very well,” said Conner, looking at me. “Did all your men make it back?”
“They did.”
“Where are they?” asked Conner. “They deserve our thanks as well.”
“They’re around,” I said.
“We’re doing this again?” asked Turner.
“Looks like it,” I said. “You made that necessary.”
“Captain Turner underestimated you again,” said Conner, smiling. “I take it we’re back in their crosshairs.”
“And he’s in ours,” said Turner, clenching his jaw.
“I don’t suppose we could entice you and your men to stick around for another day,” said Conner. “From what I understand, the five of you put twenty of those savages down with ease.”
“I wouldn’t say we did it with ease,” I said, glaring at Alan.
“Well,” said Conner. “Either way, you put a dent in their numbers and their will to fight. You help us take out a few more, and I’ll personally escort you across the bridge.”
“That wasn’t our deal,” I said. “Now wouldn’t be a good time for you to go back on your word. I kept mine. We did what you asked of us.”
“Five against fifty,” said Turner. “I’ll take those odds.”
“Why are you so angry?” I asked, taking a step closer to him. “Did I do something to you? If it’s personal, you and I can settle this now.”
“I have a feeling it’s more than five, Captain,” said Conner, looking over at Jackson and Boyd.
“There are a lot of grateful people over there,” said Amanda, stepping between Turner and me. “Their spirits are high, and they’d like to meet the men who gave them the happiest day they can remember. They wouldn’t be pleased if they knew the militia was planning on hurting those same men.”
“Nobody is planning on hurting anyone, Amanda,” said Conner. “If that were the case, we already would have done it. These are our guests, and we’re grateful as well. Come warm up and have some food. You can be on your way after. You and your men have
earned your safe passage.”
“That’s good to hear, Paul,” said Amanda, stepping over to him. “Thank you.”
“All right,” said Conner, “let’s all get inside. It’s freezing out here.”
“I have other matters that need my attention,” said Turner.
“Okay, Captain,” said Conner. “I’ll catch up with you later.”
“I’ll be seeing you again soon,” said Turner, waiting for the others to walk away.
“I’m counting on it.”
Chapter 36
Big Fish
I signaled to my men that all was well. I hoped that was true. As the others made their way inside the warm building, I waited out in the cold.
“Did Conner’s men give you any trouble?” I asked, patting JD on the shoulder.
“Piece of cake with an unlocked door,” said JD. “They just kinda stood there for a second trying to figure out what was going on.”
“JD walked up to them like they were old friends,” said Doug, grinning. “Even shook their hands while he was telling them what we were there to do.”
“Damndest thing, Henry,” said Daniel, laughing. “We had this elaborate plan to sneak up and subdue them. Then JD just walks over to them. Next thing I know, they’re all lined up, sittin’ with their hands tied behind them and their backs against the wall.”
“They were just chattin’ it up until you gave us the signal,” said Tucker. “Then we cut ‘em loose, gave ‘em back their weapons, shook their hands, and then came down. They’re still up there standing watch until they get relieved.”
“Sounds like the Perry approach worked for you this time,” I said. “Good job, tough guy.”
“You can just tell sometimes, you know,” said JD. “They didn’t want a fight any more than we did, so I figured I’d just ask for what we needed.”
“You never cease to amaze me, JD,” I said, shaking my head. “Just when I think I got you all figured out, you pull something like that.”
“You’ll never figure this cat out,” said JD, pointing his thumb at his chest.
“I take it things went well down here,” said Doug.
