Those Who Remain: A Postapocalyptic Novel (The New World Book 7)

by G. Michael Hopf

  Silence on the other end.

  “Are you there?” Gordon asked.

  “Yes, one second,” she said.

  Gordon heard her fumbling around in the background. “Is now a bad time?” Gordon asked.

  “No, no, I was just grabbing something to write down the address,” she answered.

  “There’s no need for you to come out here,” he said.

  “I insist on it. These poor people are our fellow citizens. I intend on coming out,” Elizabeth said.

  Great! Gordon thought.

  “Tell me about your concerns of this going public again,” Elizabeth said.

  “I just don’t think we need this getting out there. We need to, and I hate using this word, control what the people know.”

  “You want to cover this up?”

  Gordon hated that word, and after his initial thoughts, he didn’t believe in it, but yes, he wanted to temporarily cover it up until they could get any clues from this attack and find these men. “Yes, for now.”

  “I disagree, we can never keep things like this from the people. We must be transparent. I’m coming your way. Let’s talk more about this later.”

  “Transparency is overblown,” Gordon said smugly. The second after he said it, he regretted it.

  “Stay there. I’m coming to you,” Elizabeth said and hung up.

  Gordon lowered the phone and grunted. He knew he had just screwed up.

  ***

  Elizabeth walked through the house. She thought the scene yesterday was bad, but this was even more horrifying, if that was possible. When she came to the children’s bedrooms, she just stood and stared at the grisly scene.

  Gordon had already taken a walk-through and decided to wait outside for her. He had dispatched Gunny to organize a greater search for the perpetrators. During their conversation, Gunny had mentioned a point that Gordon hadn’t thought of. By letting the townspeople know this group had committed another attack, everyone would be on the lookout and more vigilant. Gordon chewed over that and had concluded it was the smarter plan.

  Elizabeth had seen enough and came out into the cool air. She felt a bit sick and rested against a bench near the front door.

  Gordon approached her, but before he could speak, she said, “Maybe you’re right, we should keep this quiet.”

  “I was wrong. We need to make an announcement and spread the word everywhere. People need to be on the lookout for these savages.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “Very well, I’ll convene the council to have a special session and we’ll draft a formal declaration. In the meantime, you need to find these people,” Elizabeth said and took a long breath.

  “You alright?” he asked seeing she was struggling.

  She went to stand but felt too woozy, so she sat back down. “I have never in my life seen what I saw in there. I thought I had seen it all yesterday. We need to find and stop these men.”

  “We will.”

  “Maybe you need to put off moving the army,” Elizabeth suggested.

  “I can’t. We can do both things. Gunny and Sergeant Major Simpson are capable commanders. We’ll be fine. I’ve sent Gunny out to triple our efforts. Let’s get you back to council chambers and get that notice out to the people,” Gordon said, offering her a hand.

  She took it and lifted herself up. She wobbled slightly, but Gordon steadied her with his right arm around her waist.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  “My pleasure,” Gordon said and walked her to her vehicle.

  “You’re right, you need to head north. We will be fine back here. The men you have are very capable.”

  “I agree,” Gordon said. They reached her vehicle and stopped.

  She looked at him and with the sincerest tone said, “We need you to be successful against Jacques; our republic relies upon it. Our future is in your hands, Mr. President.”

  MARCH 10, 2016

  “Deception is everywhere” – James Sanborn

  McCall, Idaho, Republic of Cascadia

  The panic that Gordon assumed would grip McCall didn’t, and for that he was happy, although he wondered if the idea of a roving pack of killers hadn’t sunk in enough for people to get upset and take to the streets in protest.

  Gunny had found more evidence, but none that led them to their location. With the manhunt under way, Gunny would miss the army’s send-off.

  Sergeant Major Simpson was still down, presumably with the flu, but he did appear to be on the mend.

  The army had marched from Donnelly and was now on the southern outskirts of McCall. It wasn’t Gordon’s idea, but Elizabeth thought it necessary to have a formal send-off that would begin in an hour.

  Gordon packed the vehicle early so he could spend some time with Samantha, Haley and Luke. Like other times, the energy among the family was tense, especially from Haley, who got angry several times during the morning.

  Not wanting Haley to be upset when he left, Gordon took her by the hand and went to her room.

  “Have a seat, sweetheart,” Gordon said.

  “No,” Haley refused.

  “Please, for Daddy.”

  “I don’t want to.”

  “Very well, I won’t force you,” Gordon said softly and got on one knee. He took her small hands into his, looked at her and said, “I’m gonna miss you.”

  “Then don’t leave.”

  “I have to, it’s my job.”

  “No, it’s not. I’ve heard Mommy say it’s not and that other presidents don’t leave, they stay behind and do their jobs from a safe place far away from any bad things.”

  “Well, that’s true and false. Many leaders in recent history have led that way, but I tend to follow the examples of revered leaders from our past. If I’m going to tell someone to do something that is very tough, I have to be prepared to do it myself.”

  She looked at him sternly and said, “Even if you die? The first time you left us, Hunter died. And the second time, Uncle Sebastian died.”

  He was stunned to hear her talk like that, but he could understand her feelings. She was young and no doubt was suffering the thought of possibly losing him. Sometimes he overlooked the pain of loss his family was going through. He pulled her close, but she resisted.

  “No.”

  “Oh, honey, let me give you a big hug.”

  “No,” she said as tears welled up in her eyes.

  “I’m going to miss you so much. But please understand that I need to go,” Gordon said. His heart hurt watching her cry.

  “Then stay. Have someone else go for you.”

  “I can’t.”

  She pulled away from him and jumped into the bed. She buried her face in her pillow and cried.

  Gordon sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed her back. “Oh, honey, please try not to be so upset. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Believe me, I’m coming home fast.”

  “No, you won’t.”

  Gordon didn’t want to promise, but his plan of attack was to squash Jacques quickly and race home the victor.

  “Why can’t Gunny go instead of you?” she asked, her voice muffled by the pillow.

  “He can’t because he’s staying here to help with the protection of the town. I have to lead our army north to stop some bad men.”

  “Can I go with you?”

  “Your place is here. I need you to go to school and get smart. I need you here with Mommy and Luke.”

  “It’s not fair,” she cried.

  He rubbed her back and said, “I love you, Haley, with all my heart.”

  “Go away,” she grunted and slid across the bed to get away from his touch.

  The rejection hurt him. He said, “Just know I love you and that I’m going to miss you a lot.”

  “Go.”

  He got up and walked to the door. He stopped and looked back. “I love you, Haley.” He exited the room and closed the door behind him. He turned and almost ran into Samantha. “I take it you we
re listening?”

  “She’ll be okay,” Samantha said.

  “I feel horrible.”

  “You’re going to be late. Go say goodbye to Luke and get going,” Samantha said.

  “Uh? Are you pushing me out too?” Gordon asked.

  “I hate long drawn-out goodbyes,” Samantha said.

  Gordon found Luke in the living room. “Hey, buddy.”

  “Hi,” Luke said standing up when Gordon walked into the room.

  “I’ve got a few things to say.”

  “Okay.”

  “Keep up your training, keep an eye out for Mom and Haley, and be careful out there,” Gordon said.

  “I’ll do all of it.”

  “I know you will,” Gordon said giving him a hug.

  “I’ll miss you,” Luke said.

  “I’ll miss you too,” Gordon said tousling his hair.

  Samantha opened the front door and stepped outside.

  That was Gordon’s cue. He walked outside, turned to Samantha and said, “I love you.”

  “I love you too. Hurry home to us,” Samantha said.

  “I will,” Gordon said, giving her a firm embrace and a kiss on the lips. He turned and headed towards his Humvee.

  “Daddy, no!” Haley screamed from inside.

  Gordon stopped and turned around.

  Haley sprinted out the front door and towards him at full speed.

  Gordon squatted and opened his arms to catch her.

  She raced into his arms and hugged him. “I love you, Daddy. Please come home, please.”

  He had tried to resist but couldn’t. Tears rolled down his cheeks. “I love you, my little Haley bug. Daddy will come home soon.”

  Samantha came over and tugged at Haley. “Time for Daddy to go.”

  Haley let go and climbed into Samantha’s arms.

  Gordon gave Samantha a look. He hadn’t been pushed to go like this before. Am I missing something? “Love you all,” he said.

  “Love you too,” Samantha said.

  Gordon got in the Humvee, closed the door and drove off. He looked in the side mirror as he pulled away. He wanted nothing more than to stop and go back to them. He didn’t want to leave, but he had a job to do. His heart ached as they got smaller and smaller until they were out of sight. “I’ll be home soon.”

  South of Joseph, Oregon, Republic of Cascadia

  Hearing Katie sing never got old. And like every morning before, the sweet and soft melodies soothed Lexi.

  Since being taken in by Katie, one thing that was noticeably absent for Lexi was her nightmares. She couldn’t explain it, but she hadn’t had one in a long time and it was nice.

  Beau scratched at her bedroom door, signaling he needed to go out.

  “Is it potty time?” Lexi asked.

  He raised his right paw and scratched again, as if he was answering her question.

  “Okay, let’s go,” Lexi said, walking towards the back door with both dogs following closely behind. She walked through the kitchen and there was Katie singing and preparing breakfast. “You’re amazing. I hope you know that.”

  “Oh, you’re sweet,” Katie said.

  Lexi reached the back door, but as she was opening it, she looked back towards the kitchen and asked, “What smells so good?”

  Beau’s bark changed to a throaty growl.

  Surprised by his aggressive response, Lexi turned towards the open door and found the source of his fear.

  A tall, lean man was standing there. His face and hands were covered with grime and dirt.

  Stunned, Lexi recoiled and stepped back.

  The man looked equally stunned, but wasn’t so fazed he didn’t open the storm door.

  Lexi slammed the main door in his face and yelled, “There’s a strange man coming in the back!”

  “Huh?” Katie grunted.

  “Hide, go,” Lexi ordered, running back in the kitchen.

  “A man?” Katie asked.

  Lexi pulled a large knife from the knife block on the counter, turned and saw Katie still standing there. “Run!”

  Beau stood his ground and growled.

  Frenchie stood behind him with her hair up.

  Katie did as Lexi said and ran from the kitchen towards the bedroom.

  The man held out his hands and said, “Hello!”

  Lexi came back into the short hallway in between in the kitchen and backdoor. “Leave, now!”

  “No, I—”

  “Leave or I’ll cut your fucking throat!” Lexi yelled.

  Beau crept closer to the man, who hadn’t entered the house but was standing on the step outside still.

  “I won’t leave,” the man said.

  “There’s nothing in this house but death for you,” Lexi warned. A hand reached from behind her and touched her shoulder, causing her to jump. Turning, she saw Katie standing there and said, “I told you to go hide.”

  “Conrad?” Katie asked her voice quivering.

  “Katie, who is this woman?” Conrad asked.

  Lexi lowered the knife and watched Katie slowly walk to the back door, one hand covering her mouth.

  Katie pushed the door open but stood frozen in disbelief.

  Conrad also didn’t move; he too was in shock. He lifted his right arm and weakly said, “Sorry I’m late.”

  Katie jumped on him and peppered his filthy face with kisses.

  It took a moment for him to return the affection.

  Lexi tossed the knife on the table and summoned the dogs, “Beau, Frenchie, come.”

  Ever obedient, the dogs came.

  Conrad looked over Katie’s shoulder with his dark and sunken eyes and leered at Lexi.

  Feeling uncomfortable, Lexi left so they could enjoy their long overdue homecoming.

  North of New Meadows, Idaho, Republic of Cascadia

  Gordon couldn’t get out of McCall fast enough. He swore Elizabeth had held the ceremony for self-promotion. He thought she was already looking towards running for the first formal republic presidential race that would come once the war was over and they could draft an official constitution.

  In a single-file column, the army proceeded slowly north along Highway 95. Several advance and recon teams had left earlier, each staggered out by several hours with strict instructions to report back road conditions or any enemy contact.

  So far, the trip was uneventful but agonizingly slow.

  Many times, Gordon had wondered why Jacques hadn’t pressed his advance south. He had rolled in Idaho but stopped as far south as Sandpoint, a town with a population of approximately twelve thousand. Not a huge metropolis by any means but a sizable small town, but also one that he could squash with his force. Reports from the north were rare and those he did receive were sketchy. It was very difficult to get an idea of the ground truth, and without a large air force, he had limited eyes in the sky.

  The several small detachments he had sent north reported back as early as two weeks ago that Jacques was in town and had fortified all access points.

  Gordon’s grand plan was to draw Jacques out to have him engage on his terms south of Sandpoint, but just how that plan would be executed still vexed him. He loved the use of feints and thought that Jacques must want to crush him equally. So if Gordon could deceive Jacques into believing his forces were smaller, he just might press an offensive against him. But how could he do that?

  Gordon was enjoying the ride in the turret of the Humvee, but eventually the cold air was too much to handle. He climbed down and was replaced by an NCO that was riding along with him.

  “I was wondering when you were going to take a break,” John Steele said.

  Gordon settled in a backseat across from John and said, “I love being up there. Loved it years ago when I was in the Marines and still love it.”

  “I thought I was going to fall asleep earlier,” John joked referring to Elizabeth’s speech.

  “Right? That wasn’t a pep talk for the troops, that was a campaign speech,” Gordon acknowledged.<
br />
  “You think she’s really going to run against you?” John asked.

  “You bet your ass she is. That woman has ambition and it doesn’t end with the lead chair on the council.”

  “I thought you were perfect though when she tried to get her imbed to ride with us. Good job on shutting her down and putting them at the back of the convoy.” John laughed.

  “Just make sure you have eyes on them the entire time. I don’t trust them one bit,” Gordon confessed.

  “We’ll know what they’re doing at all times,” John said.

  “Good.”

  “The guy literally has beady eyes. He’s the caricature of a weasel,” John said referring to Bernard, the PR imbed.

  “No shit. And going back to what you were saying earlier, who said I’m running for president anyway,” Gordon asked.

  “You have to run,” John said.

  “You run. I’m fucking tired of all this bullshit. I’ll do your job,” Gordon said.

  “You couldn’t do my job if you tried,” John quipped.

  “Standing around looking busy, oh, I think I can handle that.” Gordon chuckled.

  “Ha-ha.”

  “I’m serious.”

  “That I don’t work?” John asked.

  “Not that, I’m not convinced I’ll run for the first presidential race,” Gordon said.

  “But we’ll need you, you must,” John insisted.

  “I’m tired, worn the fuck out. All I want to do is spend time with my family. I think that I’ve earned the right not to run.”

  “That’s true.”

  Gordon’s satellite phone rang. He pulled it out and saw it was Gunny. He answered it and asked, “Did I forget my toiletry kit?”

  “There’s been another attack.”

  Gordon shook his head and grumbled, “Any dead?”

  “Yeah, but this time it’s them. Two were caught trying to break in and were shot. They’re dead,” Gunny informed him.

  “That’s good.”

  “It is, but I think they’ve splintered into smaller groups. The local who shot these guys said he didn’t see any more. They must have been acting alone like the other two.”

  “Shit. So if that’s true, there’s three pairs running around.”