by Bobby Akart
“Got it,” said Palmer.
“Everybody, I can’t stress enough the importance of keeping your movements and activities undetected. Okay?”
Everyone acknowledged Duncan’s statement before he continued.
“Once in position, you contact the guys on the radio and let them know,” replied Duncan. He turned to his brothers. “When you get Dad’s signal, light ’em up.”
“Finally!” said an exuberant Riley.
“Well, don’t get too excited,” started Duncan. He spread five round pebbles around near the front of the ranch house. “When the gunfire erupts, the commandos are gonna come screamin’ out of the barn, get in these five cars, and take off toward you guys. Once you open fire, if you don’t kill both guards, you need to move toward the east down the fence row.”
“Why?” asked Riley.
“Two reasons. First, these guys are trained well, and they’ll know where you were firing from by both sound and visually due to your muzzle flash. Second, the approaching vehicles will head straight for the guard tower. If you’re in position down the fence row, you can catch them off guard as they drive by. If they make it that far.”
“Whadya mean?” asked Palmer.
“That’s where part two of your responsibilities kick in,” replied Duncan. He pointed to the silos. “Here, you’ve got the perfect cover to ambush them as they leave the house and head toward Cooper and Riley’s position. If you miss them, then the guys can engage. If everybody misses, they’ll be turning around soon enough anyway.”
“Why?”
“Because Sook and I will have them chasing their tails,” replied Duncan as he hugged his fiancée and pulled her close to him. He looked her in the eye. “Tonight, we fight side by side again.”
“And we’ll win,” she said with a smile.
“Yes, we will.”
Chapter 18
January 24
The East Woods
The Armstrong Ranch
Borden County, Texas
“Daddy! Preacher’s awake.” Palmer leaned backward and waved to her father, who continued to discuss tactics with Duncan around the battle map. He patted his son on the arm and quickly came to his friend’s side.
Major dropped to Preacher’s side and leaned down to speak into his ear. “How’re ya doin’, old man?”
“Not bad for Swiss cheese,” the bullet-ridden former minister replied. “Glad you made it back, boss.”
Preacher began to cough, causing Sook and Palmer to hover out of concern. He managed to raise his left arm, indicating he was okay.
“How about you let me do the talkin’?” said Major.
“Just one thing,” started Preacher as he struggled to regain his breath. “The bunker. My idea. Please save them.”
Major squeezed his friend’s hand. “Duncan has a plan to take back the ranch and rescue the ranch families. We’re gonna leave soon, and when it’s over, I’ll be back to take you to a hospital.”
Preacher began to cough again, and Major comforted him. “You hang on, buddy. We’re gonna get you fixed up.”
Preacher smiled and nodded. “Don’t put dirt on my grave just yet.”
Major offered his friend more words of support and strength, but he’d already drifted off to sleep. Major exhaled and his head dropped as he closed his eyes to say a quick prayer for Preacher. Then the anger began to build up inside him. He wanted revenge for what those animals had done to his family and the Armstrong Ranch.
He joined Cooper and Riley, who were going over potential scenarios that might arise. They all agreed that another pair of night-vision goggles would’ve helped, but in the final analysis, Duncan needed them the most. All three guys agreed that Holloway, the head of this evil snake, had to die. When he did, the remaining commandos who survived the attack would scatter.
“Everybody don’t forget that we know this ranch and they don’t,” said Major. “That’s a huge advantage.”
Duncan added something else. “Also on our side is commitment and desire. We’re fighting for our home. They’re fighting for a criminal madman who’s hell-bent on stealing what isn’t his. These guys are far different than the Lighting Death Squad commandos who are fighting for their country and Dear Leader. Don’t get me wrong. They’re fierce fighters. I just don’t believe they’ll be willing to risk their lives again for Holloway.”
Meanwhile, Palmer and Sook took the time to change the dressings on their patients’ wounds. Lucy was feeling better and insisted that Palmer give her a pistol and a rifle, just in case.
“If they get past you all, then I’m gonna take out as many of them as I can.”
“Momma,” interjected a concerned Palmer, “that’s suicide. They may just leave you be.”
“I don’t care. I’d rather die fighting than let them take my family, my ranch, and me.”
As Palmer and Sook finished up, Duncan instructed Riley and Cooper to ready the horses with extra weapons and ammo. Each of them would carry a holstered sidearm, with Duncan and Major carrying holstered sidearms as well. Hunting rifles would go in the saddle scabbards, and each would carry their battle rifles over their shoulders. Riley finished loading all of their additional magazines, which were stuffed into saddlebags or their cargo pants.
Duncan was proud of their preparations. They might not be seasoned soldiers, but they looked the part, and all of them had adopted the mindset of a warrior. It’s not the strength of your weaponry that makes you a warrior, it’s what’s in your heart and soul.
“Son, is that what going off to war was like?” asked Major as he joined Duncan in staring down at the map he’d created.
“Honestly, Dad, it’s worse. When I used to leave for a tour of duty, it was because it was my job. When I became an operator, things changed slightly. What I used to do was not war, which was made up of losses and gains on the battlefield. It was, however, a necessity.”
“Was there a difference? I mean, when you had to leave on a mission, was your thinking different from going to the Middle East?”
“Not really. I mean, the quandary was the same. How do you love your family and go on a mission, or off to war, for that matter, knowing full well that you might not return? I’ve faced death many times, Dad. When I got on those military transports, I always knew that my ticket could be punched and I’d return via Andrews in a casket.”
He turned to his Dad and patted him on the chest. Then Duncan wandered off to the edge of the woods alone to stare off into the darkness.
“Dear, is he all right?” Lucy asked.
Major joined Lucy and the girls.
“Maybe I should go to him,” said Sook as she stood from her crouch.
Major gently took her by the hand and held her by his side. “No, he’s fine.”
“But—” Sook tugged slightly in protest.
Major pulled her closer and put his arm around her. He reached out to Palmer, who hugged him as well.
“Let me tell y’all about Duncan. Every once in a while, you’ll meet a man who doesn’t feel anything. He can kill and fall asleep the moment his head hits the pillow without giving it a second thought. Duncan is one of those guys. That said, it’s his feelings that separate him from those animals who took our ranch.”
Major paused and looked into Lucy’s eyes. “Your son has to become a different person right now. He has to become that unfeeling animal. He needs to morph into a beast that kills without hesitation or feeling. Trust me. Our success depends upon it.”
Chapter 19
January 24
The Armstrong Ranch
Borden County, Texas
Cooper and Riley were the first to set out. Their circuitous route to the south gate guard tower required them to ride through the shooting range, around the Slaughters’ property, and through the oil well field. The longer ride was more treacherous as well, but it was one the guys had made all their lives.
They emerged from the ravine and slowly made their way to the Reinecke operation
, which the Slaughters had called home. The guys were still sore at their ranch hands who’d abandoned their posts when the shooting started. Duncan had halfheartedly defended the men on the basis they were concerned for their own families, but Cooper and Riley were not swayed. In their minds, the Slaughters had made a deal, and they should’ve stuck to it.
If they had stayed in the fight, as Riley put it, the attackers would’ve been delayed, and the ranch’s defenses could’ve held in place.
“Woulda, shoulda, coulda,” said Cooper, cutting off the debate. “Duncan said to look for signs of life, and that’s all we’ll do. Maybe we can talk them into covering us if we have to hightail it out of there.”
“Aren’t we supposed to avoid contact?” asked Riley, who then went on to remind Cooper of Duncan’s plan.
Cooper replied, “Yeah, but I don’t see the harm in asking for their help. They owe us, Riley.”
The guys rode closer to the block and stone caretaker’s house, which Mr. and Mrs. Slaughter had called home since their own place had burned down many weeks ago. As they approached, Riley pointed out a darkened shape lying in the dirt.
Cooper quickly dismounted and readied his rifle. Walking as quietly as possible, he slowly placed the heel of his foot down and then quietly rolled his foot toward his toes. His hips rotated back and forth, which allowed him to respond to movement on either side of him. Cooper’s eyes darted from the house, to the body, and then to nearby points of cover. He found himself at his highest state of awareness since he’d ridden One Night Stand on the night of the EMP attack.
When he arrived at the body, he rolled it over to identify it. The man’s face was missing, as it had been shot several times. However, the red plaid shirt confirmed it was one of the Slaughters’ ranch hands.
Cooper fought the urge to vomit. He quickly moved to the house, abandoning his quiet approach in favor of speed. As he went, he wondered, Am I running toward the house or away from the dead guy?
He reached the back wall of the house and listened for any indication of sound. There was none. The door was open, but not voluntarily. It had been shot off its hinges. He glanced inside but didn’t feel the need to go further. The automatic gunfire they’d heard earlier in the evening emanating from this direction was just confirmed. The Slaughters had been slaughtered.
Cooper shouldered his rifle and ran back to where Riley was patiently waiting. “What did you see, Coop?”
“All dead or missing. Let’s go.”
The guys made their way past the improvised cattle pens used for the dairy cows. As they rode past, the cows shuffled somewhat and let out an occasional bellow.
“There’s the gravel road through the wells up ahead,” said Riley, pointing toward the dusty gray road past the cattle pens. “This one is kinda over the river and through the woods, but it’ll lead us to the south gate.”
Cooper looked down at his watch. They were ahead of schedule, but he wanted to get in position nonetheless. He thought about picking up the speed to a slow trot, but their horses’ hooves striking the packed surface would be too loud. He rode along in silence with an anger building up inside him.
An anger his brother could sense. “Hey, Coop, you all right? What did you see back there?”
“Death, Riley. But it was different. Listen, I get war is hell and all that. We’re gonna shoot at them, and they’re gonna shoot back. I’m prepared for that.”
“I’m with ya, but I’m not afraid, are you?”
Cooper scowled. “I was a little, earlier. Now I’m pissed. Riley, they shot that man’s face off. He had already taken two bullets to the center of his chest. But then one of these guys felt it necessary to shoot several rounds into the guy’s face until it was gone. What’s the point in that?”
Riley didn’t immediately respond, as they had taken a second turn toward the gate house and were getting closer. After a moment, he responded.
“That’s why we’re here,” he began. “If we don’t end this, they’ll end us.”
Chapter 20
January 24
The Armstrong Ranch
Borden County, Texas
Palmer and Major were the last to depart the east woods. Duncan and Sook had to walk a significant distance in order to avoid detection, so they left soon after the guys. Their goal was to be in position behind the ranch house before Major and Palmer initiated their attack on the north gate. Palmer waited patiently while Major spoke with Lucy.
“I’ll take care of Preach the best I can,” started Lucy as she propped herself a little higher on the tree stump. She grimaced in pain, and Major quickly moved to assist her.
“Are you sure sitting up like this is a good idea?” he asked as she got settled in to a comfortable spot.
She reached for her rifle and cradled it in her lap. “Yeah, I’m fine,” she replied as she looked up at her husband’s face. “Each arm has a different kind of pain, you know? But those pains will pale in comparison to losing you.”
“You’re not gonna lose me,” interjected Major as he gave her one more kiss on the cheek.
Lucy smiled and laughed a little. “I remember when we first got married. I tried to be a big girl as you left for work every day. Back then, you were in the field more and had several dangerous encounters. You’d come home that night, tell Pops and me the stories of your heroic efforts, and I always acted proud. In reality, it scared me for years. I never wanted you to know that I was frightened for your safety because I was afraid it might cloud your judgment.”
“I’m sorry, Miss Lucy. I should have known better.”
“No, don’t get me wrong. I’m bringing it up because you always came home to me. After all of these years, and the dangers you’ve faced, I could count on you to come home safely.”
“Tonight will be no different,” he said with another reassuring kiss. The hardest moment of the evening for Major was right now. He wanted to give the love of his life one more kiss, one more hug, and one more promise that it would be all right.
“I know, and I also can tell by the looks of my impatient daughter that you’ve got to go,” said Lucy.
“I do. Remember this. You know I’ll be back, and you can start counting down in your head when I’ll return for you. Just a couple of hours, you’ll see.”
Lucy leaned up and gave her husband one last kiss. Then she made him a promise and asked for one in return. “I’ll do everything I can to keep Preach alive until you get back. Major, I need a promise from you.”
“Of course, darling. I promise to come back to you in one piece.”
Lucy glanced at Palmer and then looked her husband in the eyes. “Promise me you’ll bring back our kids alive too.”
He touched her face and kissed the tears as they flowed down her cheeks. “Absolutely. I promise.”
Major gave her yet another peck on the cheek and then left with Palmer. They had to ride along the lake until they reached the point where the Colorado River poured into Lake J. B. Thomas. Working along the riverbanks, they’d locate the crossing he and Duncan had used earlier in the evening when they had escaped the commandos investigating his overturned Humvee.
The water was shallow enough for them to walk the horses across to the other side. Using the north side of the river, they could easily access the north gate of the ranch without running across any sentries posted at the barnyard. There’d be time for them later, Major hoped.
Forty-five minutes later, they were in position. The bridge appeared to be unguarded, but Major insisted upon walking across to look for tripwires first. He and Duncan surmised that this form of triggering device had been used to set off the grenade blast that had overturned his Humvee. The armor had protected Duncan from death. Nothing could stop the blast from killing their horses, and them, for that matter.
Hugging the guardrail, Major slowly moved across the bridge, which had stood as the unofficial entrance to the ranch for decades. Built in the fifties out of hand-hewn beams and supports, it provided a disti
nctive thumping sound as vehicles crossed it. If the bridge was clear of IEDs, he and Palmer would have to walk the horses across to avoid unnecessarily raising the attention of any guards manning the gate a quarter mile away.
Finding the bridge to be safe, he hustled back to Palmer, and they readied their weapons as they entered the battlefield. They tied their horses off to a signpost, which read Armstrong Ranch, and proceeded surreptitiously toward their targets.
The north gate to the ranch rested in the midst of a stand of pecan trees, which lined the driveway for a hundred yards on each side of the entry. In normal times, the wrought-iron steel gate remained open during the day and closed in the evening. A keypad allowed entry, as did the keyless remotes assigned to their vehicles. Tonight, the gates were open, but the driveway was partially blocked by a white Ford pickup truck.
“Follow me,” whispered Major as he darted from tree to tree. He wasn’t able to identify the guards with particularity, only detecting shadowy movements. “We need to cross over the fence and get behind them.”
Palmer followed his lead, and the two of them found the four-rail fence that marked the perimeter of the Armstrong Ranch. They easily climbed over and crouched to one knee to determine if they’d been detected.
The commandos were talking to one another in English, which was out of character from what Duncan had told them. Despite the fact that these men had lived in the U.S. for many years, they still seemed to use their native North Korean when interacting in battle or conducting conversations. Major shrugged this off and became hopeful that they might reveal information that would give him a tactical advantage.
One of the men raised his voice slightly, enabling Major to hear every word.
