Fighting for War: The Collin War Chronicles Book Three

by W. C. Hoffman

  “We don’t allow weapons. Guns, knives, club weapons, and anything else gets put here. You can have it back when you leave,” the guard said. He paused and narrowed his eyes at them. “Hurry up. We ain’t got all day.”

  Hannah glanced at Frank. He gave a hint of a nod. She frowned and pulled out the hunting knife she had in her waist band. “A friend gave me that. It better be here when I leave.”

  The guard rolled his eyes. He handed it off to the man next to him. She received a round token with a number scratched on it. “Don’t lose the token. No token, no weapon. No exceptions. Move along.” He jerked a thumb behind him.

  Hannah was thankful Frank insisted on stashing most of their gear and their weapons outside of town.

  Frank led the way into town, holding Hannah’s hand. The streets were filled with people milling about. A few stands along one of the side streets were hawking food.

  “Think we can persuade them?” she asked.

  “We have to.” Frank shrugged. “Or take them out of the equation.”

  They hushed as a family strolled past them. Hannah smiled, and they gave her a small nod. Seeing the young children gave her a sense of hope. The work they were doing to overthrow HAGS would give those kids a brighter future. Right now, this town was probably all those kids had ever known.

  A couple of guards were on watch on the street corner. Hannah slipped out of Frank’s grasp and walked over to them.

  “Excuse me,” she said with a sweet smile. “My father and I have been traveling a while and could use a good wash. Where can we find a shower?”

  “The public showers are outside the high school,” the man said, looking her up and down with approval. “If you have something to trade, you can probably find someone willing to let you use their private shower.”

  “Thanks,” Hannah said, starting to turn away. She looked back at him over her shoulder and looked him up and down with a smirk. “You’ve been very helpful.”

  Frank’s face was strained, but not in anger. He looked like he was trying not to laugh in the guards face.

  Hannah wound her arm through his. “Come on, Daddy. They have public showers here. Isn’t that wonderful?”

  “Yeah, amazing.” He rolled his eyes at her.

  They strode away in the direction the guard pointed.

  “This place reminds me of back home before they came in and stole our people,” Frank said.

  Hannah looked at him. “We’ll find them.”

  Several days had passed since their plunge into the river outside the refinery, so they really did need showers. The last time either of them had a real shower was back in Goshen. A shower would be a minor detour.

  It didn’t take long to find the facilities. Soap wasn’t free, but they were able to barter some manual labor. They helped move crates of freshly made soap and baskets of towels. Then Frank took out the trash while Hannah swept the entry way. When they finished, the supervisor handed them a small, dull yellow bar. Frank snapped it in two pieces, and they went to freshen up.

  A small concrete and wood building had separate wings for men and women. The room before Hannah was a large rectangle. There were shower stalls on all four walls plus a wall running down the middle of the room with stalls on either side of it. The water was lukewarm but she couldn’t complain; it was better than cold river water. The water pressure was fantastic, a nice surprise that made up for the lack of hot water. It wasn’t Goshen, but in a shitty situation like this, it was better than nothing. Hannah enjoyed the sensation of water pounding on her neck and shoulders before running down her back. While drying off she looked into a mirror for the first time in weeks. The toll on her body from her torture sessions in the barn mixed with the rough conditions during the last week was clearly evident.

  When she met Frank outside, he looked just as refreshed as she felt.

  “That was nice, right?”

  “Well worth the work.” Frank looked pleased. “Should we go do what we came here for?”

  Hannah gave a non-committal shrug. “Or we could get a feel for the town by mingling among the food vendors. Did you smell the food carts?” Hannah’s eyebrows rose, and her lips turned up into an eager smile. “I could use some of that. We can ask around to see if HAGS has their claws sunk in here.”

  “My belly loves your plan.” Frank patted his flat stomach. “My brain says we already wasted time prettying ourselves up. Time to get to work.”

  “Fine. But we eat before we leave,” Hannah said firmly.

  “Works for me. Let’s go see the town doctor.” Frank waved for her to follow as he approached several residents standing around, chatting casually.

  A lovely young woman gave Frank directions and a sweet smile. Hannah couldn’t help but giggle when the lady referred to Frank as “sugar.” Hannah caught his blush when he turned to face her. He cleared his throat and led the way to the old emergency medical clinic that served as their hospital. The plants out front looked tended to, which showed a level of care that surprised Hannah. These people cared about their town.

  Inside, Hannah looked at the lights with awe. She slapped Frank’s shoulder, earning her a scowl. He was less impressed but gave her an understanding nod. Few communities had electricity as far as they’d known. Goshen had it thanks to the dam’s hydro generators, but not everyone was so lucky. Hannah resolved to ask about it.

  A nurse sat behind a window looking down at paperwork. They approached the window, and Frank cleared his throat.

  “Excuse me, miss.”

  The woman looked up with an expression of boredom. “Yes?”

  “We’d like to see the doctor, please.”

  “What’s your injury or ailment?” She stood to eye them up and down.

  “No, we’re fine,” Hannah said with a polite smile. “We just need to talk with whoever runs the medical team. It’ll only take a few minutes.”

  “We treat sick and injured. If you want someone to talk to, we do have a psychiatrist. Just don’t expect any medication.” The nurse smirked and sat down to resume her paperwork.

  “Miss, we really need to see the head doctor. It’s urgent.” Frank leaned over with his hands on the small counter.

  The woman looked up and narrowed her eyes at him. Her lips pursed like tasting a lemon. She set her pencil down and stood up, her gaze never wavering from Frank. She left the room without a word.

  Frank turned to Hannah who folded her arms. “We’re either seeing the doctor or getting escorted out by guards.”

  Hannah noted the twinkle in Frank’s eyes. She sighed and took a seat in the waiting room, thankful they were its only occupants.

  Minutes passed, and Frank paced the floor the whole time. A creaky board in the floor irritated the shit out of Hannah.

  “Sit down. You’re wearing a hole in the carpet.” Hannah patted the chair next to her.

  “Naw, I’m good.”

  “Stop walking over the loose board then.” Hannah frowned.

  “Oh.” Frank made an innocent face. “This board?” He bounced up and down making it squeak like an angry squirrel.

  The nurse knocked on her window, giving him a disapproving gaze. She pointed at the door to the back. As if on cue, the door opened and an older man emerged.

  Hannah figured he was at least in his sixties. He had a kindly look to his eyes, if a little sad. She stood and gave him a polite smile.

  “Hello, I’m Doctor Ozman. Please come in.” He held the door open for them.

  Frank went in first, glancing to either end of the hallway. “Where to, Doc?”

  “Room seven,” he said pointing to the right. “Third door on the right.”

  Hannah followed and noted an exit sign at the end of the hall just in case. “Are you the only doctor?”

  “Well, Dr. Wolfgram was a veterinarian. He tried his best but lost out to cancer about a month ago. So when it comes to people, yes, unfortunately I am all that’s left.” His voice was tinged with grief.

  “I’m
sorry for your loss, Dr. Ozman.” Hannah patted his arm before she sat down in the room near Frank. They faced the small rolling stool that Dr. Ozman took.

  “Thank you, dear,” he said. “Betty said this was urgent. What can I help you with?”

  “I’m Hannah and this is Frank,” she said, looking at Frank. Dr. Ozman followed her gaze.

  “How do you feel about HAGS?” Frank asked bluntly.

  Hannah wanted to palm her face, but she noticed Dr. Ozman’s expression darken briefly.

  “Are you with HAGS?” Ozman’s eyes went from Frank to Hannah and back.

  “No. We come from a distant town on a special mission,” Frank said.

  Dr. Ozman’s eyebrow raised. “I’m not sure –”

  “Trust me, you’re the right person to speak freely.” Frank held up his hand. “It’s a diplomatic mission. We oppose HAGS. Vehemently.”

  The doctor looked curious. He nodded in encouragement.

  “Many, if not most, survivors are reliant on BT76 from HAGS to continue living in this new world. Am I right?”

  Ozman nodded and folded his hands in his lap.

  “What if we could you free you from that reliance?”

  “How?” Ozman asked slowly, blinking in confusion.

  “We have doctors of our own, and they have developed a vaccine of sorts. It makes us immune to the fever.” Frank’s jaw clenched. “Our independence has cost us dearly. We hope to rally like minds against the company. They need to be held accountable for the destruction they’ve wrought.”

  “What is this vaccine?” Dr. Ozman didn’t look convinced.

  “Would you show the doctor please, Hannah,” Frank said.

  Hannah reached into her jacket and pulled out a small rectangular box. She opened it and pulled out the vial inside. Ozman leaned forward with wide eyes. She handed it to him.

  “How is it administered?” Ozman asked, turning the vial over in his hand.

  “A shot in the shoulder is how I got mine,” Frank said with a shrug.

  “That’s right,” Hannah added. “It’s simple, and our doctors say it takes about twenty-four hours to permeate the body. Our head doctor recommends administering it to people with at least three days of coverage left with BT76.”

  Ozman nodded knowingly.

  “We haven’t had any side effects, although we make no promises. Our whole town has been treated, and we’ve been without BT76 since.” Hannah leaned forward. “You can keep that dose. Consider it a present from our doctor.”

  “Mmhmm.” The old man looked at the item and then looked over the rim of his glasses at her. “Do you mind telling me who made this?”

  Hannah shot a look at Frank. Should she divulge her name? Frank’s lips pressed into a tight line, but he gave a nod. She cleared her throat. “Dr. Horner developed the serum. Please, consider it a gift no matter what you decide.”

  Dr.Ozman’s head shot up from looking at the vial. Although his brow was furrowed, he had a twinkle of delight in his eyes. “Did you say Dr. Horner? As in Dr. Julie Horner?”

  Hannah and Frank both raised their eyebrows and nodded.

  “Well, I’ll be damned. Jules would be the one to come up with this. Brightest student I had back in my teaching days. Go figure,” Dr. Ozman said.

  Hannah smiled. “She is an amazing doctor and a great leader. I’m sure she’ll be delighted to hear good news from you.”

  “Thank you.” Doctor Ozman looked at the serum again before slipping it into his chest pocket. “I can’t make decisions for the town, but you can count on me to deliver your request. Now, what do you want in return?”

  “We want to combine forces with your leadership here. I’m from Missoula myself, and we’ve joined the fight against HAGS,” Frank said. His voice grew emotional and intense. “They stole our women; some of them haven’t been seen for years. I don’t know if you’ve experienced the same, but if not, that’s what you have to look forward to.”

  Dr. Ozman shifted in his seat.

  “Have you guys fought HAGS?” Hannah asked.

  “We’ve maintained our distance as much as possible.” Dr. Ozman shifted again. “They are an unwelcome influence. I imagine they don’t like you having this.” He patted the pocket with the medicine.

  Hannah glanced at Frank who gave a small nod. “They don’t know, and we’d like to keep it that way.”

  “Of course.” Ozman nodded. “I understand.”

  “In your professional opinion, would the town’s leadership be open to such an alliance?”

  Ozman looked at Frank. “Perhaps. How long will you be here?”

  “Only as long as it takes to gain the town’s support. Then we’re on our way. We have a battle to fight.” Frank sat back and folded his arms.

  “Will you give me some time to examine the contents of this vial? Then I will approach the council with you,” Dr. Ozman asked. “Forgive my skepticism, but I’d like to be certain of your claims before putting myself on the line. I’m sure you understand.”

  “Of course. How much time?” Frank tapped his wrist as if he had a watch.

  “Perhaps four hours.” Ozman rubbed his chin. “If this pans out, I will convene an emergency council meeting.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Ozman,” Frank said. He stood up and shook the doctor’s hand.

  “Thanks for your time.” Hannah also shook his hand.

  “No, thank you. Feel free to wait here or explore the town. Be back here in four hours; there’s a clock tower outside near the center of town.” Doctor Ozman grinned.

  He looked like an excited kid on Christmas morning. The doctor reached into his pocket and brought out some discs that looked like poker chips. “Get some food. You two look half-starved.”

  “We’ll be okay,” Hannah said.

  “Please, I insist. As a token of my commitment to your cause.”

  “Thanks, Doc.” Frank reached out and accepted the chips.

  “See you soon,” Dr. Ozman said, walking them to the door. He turned to the nurse. “I’m busy for the rest of the day. No patients unless it’s an emergency.”

  The nurse glowered as the doctor shuffled his way back down the hall.

  “Dr. Julie Horner,” he mumbled to himself. “You don’t say.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Collin and Charlie hefted the garbage can up and into the dumpster. As if the back breaking work assignment he had been assigned wasn’t enough, the revolting odor wafting out of the disposal system was nearly enough to kill a man. They’d spent the last hour sweeping and collecting trash on the first floor of the building. Then the kitchen staff notified them of kitchen waste to take out.

  “More lovely smells,” Collin said, rolling his eyes.

  Seeing rotting, stinky food all piled in a garbage can reminded Collin of his time in the Marines. Fucking kitchen patrol. He felt like he was back in Boot Camp.

  Despite the unsavory work, they had a great deal of freedom. No one breathed down their neck, and if they watched through the building’s security system, the security team never approached with complaints or orders.

  “How’d you end up here?” Collin asked.

  Charlie grinned as they carried the empty trash cans to the metal rolling cart to return to the kitchen. “It’s an interesting tale, sir.”

  “Please, just call me Collin. No need for formalities. Plus the less people know about me in here the better.”

  “So, back in the day I served in the Army. You know, ‘Be all you can be’ and shit like that?” Charlie immediately regretted his statement remembering who he was speaking to. “Don’t get me wrong, Mr. President. I loved the Army and all –”

  Collin interrupted him with a smile and a pat on the back. “At ease son, at ease. Again, it’s Collin. Just Collin.”

  Charlie smiled back. “While I was serving overseas, I made contacts at the clubs my friends and I frequented.”

  Collin raised an eyebrow. “This led you here?”

  “In a roundabout way,
” Charlie said with a wink. “So, when I got out of the Army I was all up in the club scene deejaying. Things were going great; I was playing all the best clubs and raves.”

  They left the garbage cans outside the kitchen and banged on the door. Charlie started pulling the cart, and they returned it to the loading dock.

  “One of my buddies from the Army went on to work with the CIA. He knew about my Top Secret clearance and reached out to me for help on an operation. Covert shit.”

  Collin nodded.

  “I loved it even more than being a deejay,” Charlie said with a far off pleasant look in his eyes.

  “You’d probably get along with my friend Koby.” Collin smiled. “He loves music, too.”

  Charlie looked like he was about to talk about music.

  “And then ...” Collin said, cutting him off.

  “Right. I joined the company and eventually was assigned to a joint task force with the FBI. Once the investigation turned to US persons, I had to step back to an advisory role because the CIA has no jurisdiction inside the country against citizens.” Charlie shoved the cart into its spot on the dock while Collin fetched a rolling janitor cart and they made their way to the second floor. “Long story short, that was how we caught on to HAGS. Somehow they figured out who we were. I have my suspicions. Anyway, my partner was killed and I’ve been here ever since, collecting intelligence and biding my time.”

  “How did you know who I was?” Collin glanced sideways at Charlie.

  “Like I said, I’ve been collecting intel. I’m something of a specialist, and you’d be surprised what people will tell you if you listen, watch, and pay attention to what people toss aside.” Charlie winked again.

  It was slightly off putting when Charlie did it. Collin decided he could deal with it for now. He would either be an invaluable ally, or he’d force the strange man to become a double agent and pull the information out of him.

  “Like I said, you’d get along great with Koby.” Collin chuckled. Then he got serious, leaned over, and spoke in a quiet voice. “I don’t plan on staying here long. What have you found out?”