by Robert Boren
“You’re going to hear about that,” Mayor Jenson said, smile on his face.
“Yeah, and it’ll help my re-election as much as it’ll help yours.”
The two men chuckled as they walked away, leaving Hendrix, Holly, and Sutton fuming.
Chapter 12 – Fredericksburg
Carrie walked up from the back of the coach, steadying herself on the counters and the couch. She plopped into the passenger seat. “We getting close, honey?” She looked out into the morning sunshine.
“We’ll be in town in a few minutes,” Jason said. “Don’t get out here often enough. It’s so peaceful, even compared to Dripping Springs.”
“I can see Kyle out the back window,” Carrie said, sitting in the passenger seat. “Kate’s resting up against him, sitting in the middle. It’s so cute.”
“Remember, don’t give them a hard time,” Jason said. “Where’s the munchkin?”
“Sleeping, finally,” Carrie said. “Can’t let her sleep for long, though. It’s almost 10:30.”
“There’s Fredericksburg city limits.”
Jason’s phone rang. He wrestled it out of his pocket and answered it.
“Jason?”
“Yeah, Kyle.”
“Remember that I’ll get lost in all the twists and turns to your dad’s house. Don’t get too far ahead of me.”
“No problem,” Jason said. He ended the call.
“What’s the matter?” Carrie asked.
“He’s not too confident about finding my folk’s place.”
“Oh. He’s been there before, hasn’t he?”
“Yeah, but only twice, and you know how those backroads are. My dad picked a place that isn’t easy to get to.”
“Yes he did,” Carrie said. “Lot of people on Main Street.”
“That’s for sure,” Jason said. “Oh, there’s what the deal is. Look at the Nimitz Museum.”
“Wow. They must have something new.”
“Or a guest speaker,” Jason said. “Wouldn’t mind checking it out again. Been a while.”
“Maybe after we get settled. You think we’re gonna stick around here for a little while?”
“I don’t know,” Jason said. “We need to find out what else has been going on. Probably should talk to my boss, too.”
“Wonder how that demonstration is gonna go today?”
“I’m almost sorry that we don’t get to be there,” Jason said, chuckling. “Gonna miss the OT, for one thing.”
“Maybe I should turn on the radio,” Carrie said.
“Be my guest.”
She got off her seat, looking at the radio, tuning in onto the local news station.
A cheesy jingle played, supporting a plumbing company’s pitch. They laughed.
“The further we get from Austin, the more ridiculous the commercials are,” Carrie said.
“You got that right.”
“And now, at the bottom of the hour, here’s the latest news from Texas Hill Country,” the announcer said.
“Here we go,” Carrie said.
“The violence in the Dripping Springs area continues to escalate. Texas Mary’s Bar and Grill, a known hangout of the men who stormed the parking lot at the Superstore attack, was hit by a group of Islamic terrorists this morning.”
“Dammit,” Jason said. “You know that place is owned by the sheriff’s sister and her ex, right?”
“Yeah,” Carrie said, worried look on her face.
“All of the Islamic terrorists were killed, including one who was wearing a suicide vest. The owner of the establishment was shot in the leg, and has just been taken to the local hospital in stable condition. ”
“Chris got hit, eh,” Jason said.
“As this was going on, a press conference was held in front of Dripping Springs’s City Hall, by Texas Senator and President Pro Tempore Kip Hendrix and Austin Police Commissioner Holly. Local protesters heckled the proceeding. When Sheriff Barrow got word about the attack at Texas Mary’s, he ended the proceeding and sent everybody home. This caused some heated conversation between the Sheriff and Mayor of Dripping Springs and the officials staging the press conference.”
“Good lord,” Carrie said. “Wish we could have seen that.”
“Seriously,” Jason said. “Gotta make this turn.” He drove the motor home onto a small two-lane blacktop, barely wide enough, and slowed down to twenty miles per hour.
“This road always feels too small,” Carrie said. “Even in the Jeep.”
“Yeah, I’m sure Kyle is having fun dragging that trailer down here.”
“There is tight security around the demonstration and counter demonstrations being held in Austin later today. One faction favors the proposed ban on religious courts, the other faction opposes it. Both sides are very emotional about this issue, so Austin PD is providing officers in riot gear. This rarely happens in the city.”
“My OT, dammit,” Jason said.
“I’m glad you aren’t there. You’ve got a big target on your back now.”
“That’s a good point. You know what’s worse? If they would’ve seen me there, they’d have known you were home alone.”
“Shit,” she said.
“Mommy, that’s a bad word,” Chelsea said, walking up rubbing her eyes.
“Better grab onto her,” Jason said. “I’m about to hit the first dirt road. It’ll get bumpy.”
“Come here, Chelsea,” Carrie said. “Get on mommy’s lap.”
She scampered over and climbed up, watching out the window.
“Where are we going?” she asked. “Look at those cows.”
“Yes, there are cows around here, sweetie,” Carrie said. “We’re going to Grandpa and Grandma’s house.”
“Oh, goody,” she said, smiling.
“This road has gotten worse,” Jason said as the coach rocked in the ruts. “We’d be in deep yogurt if it was raining.”
“How’s Kyle doing?”
“Still right behind us, but we’re only doing about fifteen now. Here comes the Y.”
Jason turned the coach to the left of the two roads and continued on, the coach rocking less than before.
“Why’s this road better?” Carrie asked.
“Only two houses down here. My folks and the Merchants. Not as much traffic.”
“Oh. You’re right, we don’t get out here often enough.”
Jason was gripping the wheel tight as the road curved ahead, the grade lifting.
“This isn’t wide enough for two vehicles, is it?” Carrie asked, hands holding Chelsea tight.
“Not right here, no. It’s wider when you get back down to the valley floor, though. Don’t worry. That’s only fifty yards away.”
“Good.”
“Mommy, this is scary,” Chelsea said.
“Don’t worry, honey,” Jason said. “We’re almost there.”
They came off of the skinny part of the road, back down onto the flat land, a fence on one side holding in cattle and goats.
“That the gate?” Carrie asked, pointing ahead.
“Yep, that’s it. It’s open. That’s odd.”
“Does he always close it?”
“Yeah,” Jason said. “He hates it when cows from the Merchant’s place get in.”
“Yeah, I bet he does.” Carrie laughed. “He’s really a town boy, not a country boy. I was surprised when he moved out here.”
“I was surprised that mom went along with it,” Jason said. “The funny thing is that she loves it more than he does now.”
They made the turn through the gate, onto the long gravel driveway, which threaded through oak trees, small hills, and boulders. They came around the corner and there was the house, with a barn sitting behind it about fifty yards.
“Something’s wrong,” Jason said. “Put Chelsea in the back and bring the guns up here.”
“Oh, no. What do you see?”
“Side door is open, and look at their four-wheel drive truck. It’s got two flat tires. See how
it’s leaning?”
“Shit,” Carrie said. “C’mon, sweetie, you’ve got to go into the bedroom for a little while.”
“Why?” she asked.
“So you can surprise Grandpa. Don’t come out until I get you, okay?”
“Okay,” she said, walking into the bedroom. Carrie put the lock on the sliding door, and then pulled the cushions off of the back dinette bench seat, pulling out the Mini-14, the shotgun, and the rifle. She picked up a pistol and put it in the back waistband of her maternity pants, then took the weapons up front.
Jason pulled his phone out and hit Kyle’s contact.
“What’s up, brother?” Kyle asked. “Where should I park?”
“We got problems, man. The side door is hanging open, and look at the pickup.”
There was silence on the line for a moment.
“Dammit, I see,” he said. “What do we do?”
“Get your guns out. We’ll go take a look.”
“Roger that. Watch yourself. Might be a trap.”
“Yeah.” Jason ended the call and stopped the motor home about thirty yards from the house. He saw Kyle stop in his rear-view mirror.
“Take the mini-14,” Carrie said. “I’ll stay here with the hunting rifle and the shotgun.”
“Okay,” he said. “Stay inside.”
“If somebody starts shooting at this thing, it’s not much better than being outside.”
“I know, but if they have snipers around, they can see you if you’re outside.”
“You’re going out there,” she said.
“Yeah, and I’m going in a crouch, carefully. I know this stuff, remember? SWAT training.”
“Okay, okay. Be careful.”
“Mommy, can I come out yet?” Chelsea shouted. She tried the door. “It’s locked.”
“I know, honey bunny,” Carrie said. “You have to stay there for a few more minutes. Lay down next to the bed. Quit yelling.”
“I’m going,” Jason said. “Keep your eyes open, and your phone next to you.”
“All right,” she said, fear in her eyes. Jason snuck out the door. Kyle was there waiting for him with Kate.
“Mind if Kate waits in the coach with Carrie?” Kyle asked.
“I can go with you guys,” Kate said.
“No, you hang out in here. Please?” Kyle said.
“It’s a better idea,” Jason added. “Carrie might need you to protect Chelsea.”
“Okay,” she said. “Be careful.”
“Don’t worry,” Kyle said.
Kate climbed into the coach as they rushed forward, trying to stay under cover as best as they could.
“I’ll go in through that side door,” Jason whispered. “You go around back on the other side. Keep your eyes open. Especially towards that barn. There could be a vehicle hidden in there.”
“Gotcha,” Kyle whispered back, gripping his hunting rifle.
They got to the house, and Jason stepped through the door. Blood on the floor. Oh no. He moved slowly, in a combat crouch, mini-14 pointing where he was looking. The trail of blood led to the bedroom. He peered around the door jam, heart racing in his chest. There were his parents, covered in blood, heads missing, sprawled on the bed. He broke down and wept for a moment. Kyle rushed in and saw it.
“Oh, God,” he said. “I’m so sorry, Jason.”
He looked at him, eyes red with tears, trying to snap himself out of it. “They might still be here. We gotta stay sharp.”
They checked each room in the house, using their SWAT training, clearing the area. Nobody was there.
“Let’s go check the barn,” Jason said.
“Call your wife and tell her,” Kyle said. “Tell them both to stay put.”
“Yeah, good idea,” Jason said. He pulled his phone out and hit Carrie’s contact.
“Honey, my parents are both dead,” he said, fighting back tears.
“Oh, no,” she said, weeping. “I’m so sorry, sweetie.”
“Stay put. We’re going to check the barn.”
“Be careful,” she said.
“We will.” Jason ended the call, and followed Kyle out the back door, looking in all directions.
“Look, tire tracks,” Kyle said, pointing at the ground.
“They don’t go into the barn,” Jason said. They hurried inside, looking around. “Nobody here.”
There was a low growl. Kyle and Jason shot each other a glance.
“Dingo!” Jason whispered. There was a rustle, and an Australian Shepherd limped out of the shadows, whining at Jason. She nuzzled his leg.
“That dog has been shot,” Kyle said. Dingo looked at him and growled. Jason introduced him to the dog, then looked at her hind leg.
“Flesh wound,” Jason said. “She’ll be okay. They were probably shooting at her as she ran away.” He petted her gently.
“We need to get the hell out of here, Jason.”
“I know. Grab that hand wagon over there.”
“Why?”
“We’re taking my dad’s stash.”
“What stash?” Kyle asked.
“He’s got a weapons collection. Paid a lot in tax to keep this stuff.”
“What stuff?”
“Three Browning Automatic Rifles and a couple of Thompson Machine guns,” Jason said, “various other stuff.” He walked over to the wall and pulled open a large wooden door. There was a big safe behind it. He input the combination and opened the door as Kyle brought the wagon over.
“Wow,” Kyle said. “Look at all this. These BARs might come in handy.”
“Could you load this stuff in the wagon? I need to call my brother.”
“Sure,” Kyle said. “Should I call the girls?”
“Yeah, but tell them to stay put. We’re getting back on the road.”
Chapter 13 – Eric
Eric Finley sat in the parlor of a nice house, listening to elderly Mrs. Williams relate the same story he’d heard over and over again. Con artists, fooling her into giving up much of the money her dead husband earned during his lifetime. It was getting old. Florida was getting old. He was making a good living consulting with families and chasing down the con men, but more and more of them were operating from outside the country. There were still some attorneys involved stateside, and they were his main target now.
“Can you can get all my money back, Mr. Finley?” she asked.
“Probably not, Mrs. Williams,” he said. “But I’ll gather evidence against this lawyer who’s in Ocala. We’ll sue him, and you might get at least some of it back in judgment.”
“How much?” she asked.
“Cents on the dollar,” he said, standing up. “In your case that’s a whole lot more than my expenses.” Eric towered above the old woman, over six feet tall with a massive build. His face was a mixture of business-like toughness and compassion. He picked up his iPad and headed for the door. “Remember, you don’t have to pay anything until after you get your money. Always remember that. Never pay for services before you get them. Okay?”
“I’ve learned my lesson, Mr. Finley,” she said earnestly. Eric knew she’d do it again. He left the house, heading for his old Bronco.
“Take care, Mrs. Williams.”
“God bless you,” she said before shutting the door.
As Eric reached for the door handle of his old Bronco, his phone rang. He answered it.
“Finley.”
“Eric, it’s Jason.”
Eric froze. “Uh oh, what’s wrong?”
“Mom and Dad,” Jason said, breaking down, crying on the phone.
“What happened?”
“They’re both dead. Murdered.”
There was silence on the line for a moment. Jason could hear Eric crying.
“Who did it?” Eric asked between sobs.
“Those Islamists who attacked Dripping Springs. They attacked Carrie and I. We killed several of them. This was revenge.”
“What Islamists?” Eric asked.
“Don�
��t you watch the news? Didn’t you see what happened during the last few days?”
“No,” he said. “Pisses me off too much, and besides, I don’t even have a TV right now. No room.”
“Where are you living?” Jason asked.
“Central Florida,” he said. “In a small class C motor home, just outside of Ocala. I move every few months.”
“Well, we’re going to disappear into the woodwork for a while. My boss put me on paid leave until this blows over. We’re being hunted.”
“How are you gonna disappear?” Eric asked.
“Dad’s motor home.”
“Dad got a motor home? Since when?”
“A while back,” Jason said. “He let Carrie and I take it because of this trouble. We were going to pick him and mom up. Make this a family outing.” Jason broke down again.
“I’ll head towards Texas tonight. It’ll take me a few days. I’ll contact you when I get there. What about Dad’s affairs?”
“We can’t do anything about that right now,” Jason said. “And by the way, you’d better watch your back. They found Dad’s house out in the middle of nowhere. They might look for you too.”
“All I’ve got is a PO box,” Eric said. “They’ll have a hard time finding me. I have to stay mobile, because I get corrupt attorneys upset, and then they try to use their mob connections against me.”
“I didn’t know you had a dangerous job,” Jason said.
“Didn’t used to be, but there’s so much money in these scams now. Shutting them down is like shutting down a drug operation. They get pretty frantic.”
“Shit,” Jason said. “Be careful. You’re all the family I’ve got left.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m armed to the teeth, and I have an early warning system.”
“What early warning system?”
“My Chihuahua,” he said. “Nobody gets near my rig without Paco sounding off. I have my guns out before they get close.”
“I’m gonna take Dingo with us. She’s a little worse for the wear, but she survived.”
“What happened to her?”
“Nick on the hind quarter,” Jason said. “They tried to shoot her. I’d better get going. It’s not safe here.”
“Okay, I’ll be in touch. Thanks, brother. Love you.”
