World War III

by Heath Jannusch

  “I’ll bet he wishes he was coming with us,” laughed Lieutenant Sawyer, as the three men walked away.

  “If he doesn’t yet, he will,” agreed Mason.

  “So,” began Jessie, gazing up into Ian’s eyes, “I was thinking of asking Kati to be my maid of honor. What do you think?”

  “Who’s Kati?” asked Ian.

  “She’s the one you found in the cave,” said Jessie. “You remember, the one whose unborn baby vanished, along with everyone else.”

  “Oh right, her,” said Ian, “why her?”

  “Because I like her,” replied Jessie. “You’re free to pick whomever you want as your best man, just as I’m free to pick my maid of honor.”

  “What’s the purpose of a maid of honor anyway?” asked Ian.

  “Oh my,” declared Jessie, “I can see I’ve got my work cut out for me.”

  *******

  Cole and Billy were playing a game of checkers, when there was a soft knock on the jailhouse door. It was Billy’s turn and while he pondered his next move, Cole got up to answer the door.

  “It’s for you dude,” he said, to his young cousin.

  Billy turned around in his chair, as Cole opened the door and Dakota stepped inside. She wore a light blue top with a plunging V-neck, covered by a tan denim coat with sheepskin lining. Her blue jeans were the same pair she’d worn on the day she invited Billy into her house for a cup of hot chocolate. Dakota was the type of girl who prided herself on being fashion forward and before The Vanishing, she never would’ve worn a piece of clothing twice in the same week. Yet certain things no longer seemed important.

  “Oh, hello,” said Billy, surprised to see her standing there. “What are you doing here?”

  “I didn’t like the way we left things the other day,” admitted Dakota, glancing around the jailhouse and noticing the two Russian prisoners behind bars.

  “Why don’t I leave you two alone,” said Cole, grabbing his coat.

  “You don’t have to leave,” said Billy.

  “It’s no problem bro, I’ll get us something to eat. It seems like you two have things to talk about,” he added, closing the door behind him.

  “So you’re guarding the prisoners?” asked Dakota, removing her coat and draping it over a chair.

  “Yeah,” answered Billy. “It’s kind of boring, but Ian needed a break.”

  “He must trust you a lot,” observed Dakota, “or he wouldn’t leave you alone with the prisoners.” When Billy didn’t respond, she continued. “I missed you when you didn’t show up to chop firewood this morning.”

  “I’ve been a little busy,” said Billy, avoiding Dakota’s stare. He’d always felt uneasy under the gaze of her beautiful brown eyes. “Besides, I thought I left you with plenty of wood the other day. Of course that’s assuming you’re only burning one fire at a time,” he added, immediately wishing he could retract the comment. He enjoyed Dakota’s company and the last thing he wanted was to drive her away.

  Dakota’s face flushed red and her eyes flashed with anger. She’d come here to apologize to Billy, not to argue. “I’m sorry about the things I said,” she continued, managing to remain calm. “You were right about the extra fires being a waste of wood. You were also right about closing all of the doors and vents to conserve heat. You were right about everything.”

  The apology surprised Billy and he wasn’t really sure how to respond. Most girls didn’t talk to him, in fact they went out of their way to avoid him, but this was something entirely new. “It’s okay,” he finally managed to say. “I’m sorry too.”

  “Does that mean you’ll continue to come by every morning?” she asked.

  “Oh,” mumbled Billy, “that’s why you’re apologizing. You just need someone to chop your firewood.”

  “Why Billy Higgins, I can’t believe you think so poorly of me!” shouted Dakota. “The reason I came here to apologize was not so you’d chop my firewood! Maybe I shouldn’t have come at all,” she added, turning to leave.

  “No, wait,” said Billy. “I shouldn’t have said that. So, if it’s not to chop wood, why else do you want me to come by every morning?”

  “Because I like talking to you,” said Dakota. “You can’t imagine how lonely it gets in that big old house. I’ve been all alone since I lost my parents and you’re the only one who ever visits. I can’t bear the thought of losing you too.” Her eyes began to well with tears and she turned away, rubbing the drops from her eyes.

  Billy couldn’t stand to see Dakota cry. He stood up and walked over to her, wrapped one arm around her shoulder and guided her to the chair where he’d been sitting.

  “Please don’t cry,” he said, trying to sooth her. “Everything’s going to be okay. I’m sure your parents are fine and you’ll see them again. And don’t worry, I’ll still come by every day to check on you and make sure you’ve got everything ya need.”

  “Thanks,” whimpered Dakota. “I feel so alone.”

  “You’ll never be alone,” smiled Billy, “not while I’m here. Try not to cry. I’ll take care of you.”

  “Everything you’ve done for me has meant so much,” smiled Dakota, drying her eyes. “Every morning I long for the sound of you chopping wood, and when you weren’t there this morning…” she began weeping again. “I just can’t imagine what my life would be like without you. I’m so sorry for being a selfish brat and for hurting your feelings, especially when you’re the only one who seems to care if I live or die. Can you ever forgive me?”

  “Of course I can,” laughed Billy, trying to cheer her up. “I forgave you the moment it happened. And there are a lot more people who care about you,” he added. “You’d know that if ya got out more, instead of staying cooped up in that big mansion.”

  “It’s the only place I feel safe,” explained Dakota.

  “Well, you’re safe with me,” said Billy, rubbing her back gently. “You’ve nothing to fear. I’ll watch out for you until your parents return.”

  “And what if they never return?”

  “Then I’ll watch out for you forever,” said Billy.

  “Thank you,” said Dakota, her tears finally under control. “That means so much to me. You really are a sweet boy,” she added, gazing up into Billy’s eyes.

  Dakota stood up and put her hand on Billy’s check, causing him to blush. She ran her fingers through his hair and pulled him close, pressing her soft lips to his and draping her arms around his neck.

  Billy kissed her and instinctively wrapped his arms around her tiny waist. After a few minutes their lips parted and they stood there staring into each other’s eyes.

  “I’ve never kissed a boy before,” said Dakota, after a brief moment of silence.

  “Neither have I,” replied Billy, still in shock. “I mean, I’ve never kissed a girl before.”

  “Really?” asked Dakota, surprised. “I’d have thought a good looking guy like you could have your pick of the girls.”

  “Maybe I was waiting for the right one,” smiled Billy.

  “So you’ve never kissed anyone before?”

  “Nope,” answered Billy, “you’re my first. I hope I did it right.”

  “I liked it,” said Dakota. “But perhaps we should try again, just to be sure. Ya know what they say, practice makes perfect.”

  “Well in that case,” grinned Billy, pulling Dakota’s body close to his, “I could practice this all day long.” He bent his head and pressed his lips to hers. Her skin smelled of strawberries and her lips tasted like peppermint. He’d never realized how wonderful a kiss could be until now.

  “What is it?” asked Dakota, sensing tension in Billy’s muscles.

  “Nothing, I’ve just gotta use the restroom,” he said. “But I’ll be right back.”

  “Okay,” smiled Dakota, “but hurry that was just getting good.”

  “I’ll be right back,” said Billy, as he disappeared into the bathroom. He couldn’t believe his good fortune and he was in a hurry to get back to Dako
ta’s soft, delicate lips. But when he emerged from the restroom, she was missing. Her coat was where she’d left it, so she couldn’t have gone far.

  “Dakota?” he called. “Where are you?”

  “In here,” she answered, her voice shaky and nervous.

  Billy opened the door separating the cells from the rest of the jailhouse and found Dakota standing facing him, with her back to one of the Russian prisoners. Her face was pale and her eyes were wide and full of fear. Billy didn’t understand why her change in mood, until he noticed the prisoner was holding a knife to her throat.

  “I’m sorry Billy,” said Dakota. “I was curious about the prisoners so I came in here and…”

  “Be quiet,” hissed Captain Yuri Petrov, pressing the blade against Dakota’s skin. A thin, red, line of blood appeared on her throat. “If she means anything to you boy, you’ll do what I say without making a sound.”

  Billy held up his hands where the prisoner could see them. “Please don’t hurt her,” he said. “I’ll do whatever you want.”

  “Good,” said Yuri, as Sasha rose from the cot where he’d been sitting and approached the bars. “I want you to get the keys and bring them to me. Leave the door open so I can see what you’re doing and don’t try anything heroic, or I promise I will slit her throat.”

  “Okay,” said Billy, propping the door open. “I’ll do whatever you ask, just don’t hurt her.” He quickly did as instructed and retrieved the cell keys from within the Sheriff’s desk. He brought them to Yuri and handed them to him.

  “Good, now unlock my comrade’s cell,” instructed Yuri.

  Billy did as he was told and released the Russian Lieutenant, who immediately grabbed the keys from his hand.

  Moving swiftly and with the utmost confidence, Sasha forced Billy and Dakota into the cell he’d been occupying and locked the door. He tossed the keys to Yuri and disappeared into the outer jailhouse.

  Yuri caught the keys deftly, never taking his eyes off Billy and Dakota. He unlocked his cell and closed the door, leaving the keys on a stool in the corner of the room. “Don’t worry,” he said, smiling, “someone will eventually find you and until then, think of this as alone time.”

  Sasha walked back into the room and tossed Yuri a handgun, followed by a rife. He had another rifle slung over his shoulder and a handgun tucked behind his belt. In his hand he held two packs full of supplies. He grinned at the two young lovers behind bars, holding onto one another in anticipation and fear. Dropping the packs, he withdrew a long hunting knife from behind his back.

  Dakota gasped and grabbed Billy by the arm.

  Billy was scared too, but managed to wrap his arm around her and squeeze reassuringly.

  “Are you ready to die boy?” laughed Sasha.

  “Do your worst,” said Billy. “You’ve had your last laugh at our expense.”

  As Sasha approached their cell, Billy pushed Dakota behind him in an attempt to protect her. He stood ready, with his hands clenched in fists of rage.

  “Leave them alone,” ordered Yuri. He had no problem with killing people to escape, but was not fond of killing, just to kill. “These two pose no threat,” he added, noticing the angry look on Sasha’s face.

  Sasha didn’t share his commanding officer’s sentiments in regards to killing. He viewed the Americans as the enemy, regardless of age or gender, and believed they should all be put to death. Grudgingly, he slid the knife back into its sheath and said, “Another time boy.”

  “Anytime you’re ready to die,” said Billy, with more confidence than he truly felt. The fact that Dakota was standing behind him, depending on him, gave Billy a boost of courage.

  “We shall see,” hissed Sasha, scowling at Billy, as he grabbed the packs and turned to leave.

  Yuri smiled at Billy. He admired the young man’s bravery and determination. “You’ve made an enemy for life I think,” he said.

  “To hell with him,” spat Billy. “I’ll fight him anytime he chooses.”

  “Then you will die,” replied Yuri, the expression on his face never changing. “He is a trained killer and what’s more, he likes it. Have you ever killed anything?”

  “A rabbit,” answered Billy, remembering the first time he’d gone hunting with Cole. Thinking back on that day, Billy had to admit he’d felt utter remorse after shooting the little white rabbit. He liked guns and he liked shooting, he just didn’t like killing. He didn’t have to explain any of this to Yuri. The Russian seemed to understand, just by looking into his eyes.

  “Killing him,” Yuri nodded toward his comrade in the other room, “will be much more difficult than killing a rabbit. Although your conscience may be less affected,” he added, as if he’d read Billy’s mind. Yuri turned and left the room, closing the outer door behind him.

  The Russians had been gone for almost an hour, when Cole returned with three plates of food. “I brought some…” Cole’s voice trailed off, as he glanced around the empty jailhouse. “Hello? Billy? Dakota? Where is everyone?”

  “Back here,” shouted Billy, from his cell in the back room.

  Cole set the plates of food on the Sheriff’s desk and opened the door. He found Billy and Dakota locked in the same cell together, sitting side-by-side on the cot. A quick glance around the room confirmed the prisoners had escaped. “Dude, what happened?”

  “They got away,” said Billy.

  “I’m sorry,” added Dakota, “it’s all my fault. I never should’ve come back here. I was curious to see the prisoners and then all of a sudden, one of them grabbed me and held a knife to my throat. Billy only did what he did to save my life.”

  “It doesn’t really matter how it happened,” said Cole. “We need to warn everyone and organize a search party. Come on,” he added, opening their cell, “let’s go find Ian and tell him what’s happened.”

  Mistaken Identity

  World War III – Day Nineteen

  Clearview, Nevada

  When Ian heard about what happened at the jailhouse, he immediately organized a search party. A quick inspection for tracks leading out of town came up empty, so he sent four search parties in different directions, north, south, east and west. Unconvinced the Russians had left town, he divided the remaining men into smaller groups and sent them door to door, searching every building and house. He wanted the prisoners found, before they could report the location of Clearview to their Commanders.

  He was sending Alfonso and Kassie with another group in a different direction, when he saw Mason’s black Hummer driving down Main Street, a large eighteen-wheeler following close behind. The Hummer pulled to a stop in front of Ian and the passenger door swung open.

  “What’s going on?” asked Shiloh, noticing the search party, as he climbed out of the Hummer.

  “The prisoners have escaped” said Ian. “Their armed and dangerous and have been missing for several hours. We’ve searched the entire town, but found nothing. I’m widening the search and could sure use some help.”

  “I’ll get some of my men to help,” said Lt. Sawyer, emerging from the backseat of the Hummer. He turned and headed for the fairgrounds, where he and his men had set up camp.

  “Who’s in the truck?” asked Ian, glancing at the eighteen-wheeler.

  “You’ll never believe who we found,” said Shiloh.

  The passenger door of the truck swung open and Lex jumped down, followed by Cleo. Lex turned and helped Beth down from the cab, as Shannon and her kids came running from the back of the trailer.

  “Lex, Cleo, it’s good to see you!” shouted Ian. “We’ve been worried.”

  “It’s good to be back,” agreed Lex.

  Hearing Lex’s voice, Kassie barked gleefully and charged toward her owner. She jumped up, with her front paws landing on his chest and began licking his cheek, unyieldingly.

  “Hey girl,” laughed Lex, patting the German Shepherd on the head. “I’ve missed you too!”

  “What’s this I hear about a prison escape?” asked Mason, walking
around the Hummer from the driver’s side.

  “The Russians got away,” explained Ian, as his radio came to life.

  “Search party three, calling Clearview, do you copy, over?”

  “This is Clearview,” Ian said into the handheld radio, “we read you loud and clear, over.”

  “We found two sets of tracks heading into the mountains west of town, near Kingsbury Grade. Looks like they’re headed to the base camp at Lake Tahoe, over.”

  “Stay on their trail,” said Ian. “We’re on our way, over.”

  “We just came from there,” said Shiloh. “If they make it to the lake and warn them of our location, we’re gonna be in for a world of hurt.”

  “Ya feel like doing some hunting?” Mason asked Cleo, as he swung open the Hummer’s hatchback and withdrew two rifles, both with infrared scopes.

  “It’s gonna be hard to see them in the dark,” observed Lex. “I don’t suppose you have any more of those?”

  “I do,” said Mason, handing Lex the keys to his Hummer. “There’s some infrared goggles and a few other supplies in my basement.”

  “What should we do with him?” asked Jesse, as he and Jillian walked up with Tyler, his hands still tied behind his back.

  “Who is he?” asked Ian.

  “He’s one of those Enlightened Ones,” said Cleo.

  “Really? Where did you find him?”

  “Lying in the middle of the road, riddled with bullets,” explained Shannon. “He almost didn’t make it.”

  “Too bad he did,” mumbled Mason. “Where is this Kingsbury Grade?” He asked, looking from Shiloh to Ian.

  “I’ll take you,” said Shiloh.

  “I’m coming too,” added Ian, handing a radio to Lex. “Here, call us when you have the supplies and we’ll tell you where to find us. Oh and will you show them to the jail, on your way to Mason’s house?” he asked, glancing at Jesse and Jillian. “Cole and Billy are there with Dakota.”

  “Sounds good,” said Lex, scooping Cleo into his arms and kissing her passionately.

  “Be careful,” whispered Cleo, gazing up into Lex’s eyes.