“That’s exactly right.” Burt nodded his head vigorously. “Throughout our history, men have given up everything, including their very own lives, to secure our independence, and nowadays we’re losing our freedoms and rights in almost every imaginable way. It’s enough to make a body sick.”
Ellen made a laughing sound. “Oh, don’t you get him going, Judith. He can talk for hours about this stuff.”
“I think it’s interesting,” said Judith, thankful that they weren’t looking at her. “It’s refreshing to hear someone who really believes in what our country was built upon. I teach American history to fifth graders, and I really try to impart an appreciation for all that it’s taken to make our country what it is today.”
“Hmph. Problem is, we’re only a shadow of what we could’ve been, what we should’ve been by now,” said Burt. “If we could only get rid of all those left-wing radicals who keep making more useless laws, just increasing the size of our government while they strip the average citizen of all his inalienable rights.” He thumped his hand on the steering wheel. “Then we’d all be a lot better off.”
“Oh, dear.” said Ellen with a nervous laugh. “Now we’ve really got him going. Uh, Burt, maybe we should talk about something else.”
“It’s okay.” said Judith. “I’d love to hear more of his thoughts.”
“Really?” said Burt, eyeing her from the rearview mirror.
“Yes. What you’re saying makes sense to me.”
“Hmm...” He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel thoughtfully. “You may want to consider coming to hear a certain speaker who’s flying in tomorrow.”
“Shame on you, Daddy!” exclaimed Ellen. “There you go, trying to steal my houseguest away from me already.”
“Well, you can’t keep her all to yourself,” said Burt as he waited at the stoplight in town. Just then Judith saw Eli Paxton waiting at the crosswalk with a bag in his hand. Trying to register no visible emotion, Judith glanced over to see if Burt had noticed him as well.
“Oh, my!” exclaimed Ellen in a high-pitched voice, her head turned directly toward Eli. “What in the name of—”
“There goes our little infestation problem right now,” said Burt in a quiet but bitter tone, his lips barely moving as he spoke. “Just a little something else that’s wrong with this country.”
Her heart pounding, Judith said nothing. Despite her role, she simply could not force herself to join in this part of the conversation. “Say, Burt,” she began after a moment, pretending not to have noticed what had just transpired. “You said you’d tell me about your rules at the lake—”
“That’s right,” he gunned his engine as the light turned green, speeding across the intersection. Judith wondered if it was an attempt to get Eli’s attention. Perhaps to send some sort of power message, or threat, or something equally ugly. But in that same moment, Eli had looked directly into the car and straight into Judith’s eyes. She had felt horrified, but was unable to turn her head, and she feared her face had given her completely away. She glanced into the rearview mirror long enough to assure herself that Burt hadn’t noticed. His attention was still fixed on Eli.
And as they continued down Main Street, it seemed that one of her worst fears about this whole little charade had suddenly been realized. She had betrayed Eli right to his face. But it was odd how his expression had remained unchanged in that painful instant. And he had looked right at her, clearly seeing her. But then he’d simply turned away and continued walking, almost as if he hadn’t even recognized her. And yet she felt certain he had, and the pain from that moment cut her like a knife.
Burt cleared his throat as they continued out of town. “Now, we were about to go over a few rules and things. To start out with, we have a very tight security system, for the protection of the good citizens who live there. And we don’t allow guests to bring cameras, cell phones, computers, and well,” he chuckled, “a few other things that I don’t think we need to worry about with you. Unless I’m mistaken.” He caught her eye in the rearview mirror, and she forced herself to laugh.
“Well, I’m not carrying anything dangerous, if that’s what you mean.” She remembered Adam’s notes about being as honest as possible about anything that she could possibly get caught on. If Burt found out she’d lied about something that would really bring on the suspicion. “But I do have my cell phone with me. I didn’t realize it was a problem. What should I do with it?”
Ellen turned and smiled. “Oh, that’s okay, honey—”
“Sorry,” interrupted Burt. “You’ll have to hand it over.”
She opened her purse and dug for her phone, then handed it to him. “Since Peter died, I’ve always carried it with me—I guess it makes me feel safer somehow.”
Burt nodded. “Well, you won’t need to worry about your safety when you’re with us, Judith. Especially out at the lake.”
“That’s right, honey,” reassured Ellen. “I think it must be the safest place in the entire world. Just wait and see.”
“Also, after you fill out some forms in the office, you’ll be issued a guest security card. It will get you into certain facilities like the health club and pool and tennis courts, but not every place. Some things are strictly off limits.”
“That makes sense.” She wondered what questions might be on the forms and silently sent up a prayer for help. “How many people live at the lake?”
“We’re down to just over a hundred now,” said Burt as he turned on the road that led to the lake. “But we expect that to change soon.”
“Yes,” said Ellen. “The Freedom Celebration this weekend will surely bring in some new members.”
Burt tossed a look her way, and Judith expected him to hush her up again, but instead he seemed to change his mind. “Yes, we’re trying to get more young people involved in our cause.”
It was the first time she’d heard him call it a “cause.” “So, do you have some special ways to recruit them?”
He nodded, slowing down as he came to a tall set of iron gates barricading the road. “We have a fine Web site and lots of connections to affiliate groups. It’s just a matter of getting the word out.”
“Yes, they’ve just hired a brilliant young man who’s an expert at these things,” said Ellen with pride. “Maybe you’ll get to meet him. I’m sure you’d like him. And he’s a single man, about your age, I’d guess.”
Judith’s eyes moved from the gates to the tall, sturdy chain-link fences, topped with coils of razor wire. Next to the gates was an unmanned outpost. The place looked just like a prison, as able to keep someone in as to keep someone out. She felt a shudder go through her, but forced a smile to her lips and into her voice. “Now, don’t you go playing matchmaker with me, Ellen. I’m not ready for such things yet.”
“Oh, you never know, dear. Sometimes the right man comes along, and well, it can just change everything.”
Burt inserted a card and angrily punched a set of numbers, then waited for the gates to slowly open. “Don’t know why we don’t have a man out here today,” he grumbled as he drove through. “Hand me my phone, Ellen. Better yet, dial up Bob for me.” She opened the glove box, removed a phone, and quickly dialed, handing it over to her husband.
“What’s going on?” barked Burt. “There’s no one down here at the gates. And we’ve got guests coming any minute now.” He paused a moment to listen, then continued. “I don’t care what Jerry did to his hand. You get someone else down here—and fast!” Then he hung up. “Morons! Leaving the gate unattended on a day like today!”
“Now, now, Daddy. No use getting your blood pressure up.” She turned and looked back at Judith. “The doctor in Mississippi told Burt to start taking it easier. He’s on blood pressure medicine as it is, but he’s not supposed to get himself all riled up.”
“Well, you tell that to Bob Garret!” snapped Burt.
“Now this road takes us directly to the main complex,” said Ellen soothingly, obviously trying to ignore h
er husband’s angry display. “That big building straight ahead is the clubhouse with the pool to the right. There’s a sports facility next to the pool. And then to your left is the Café. They mostly just serve hot dogs and burgers and such, and then there’s the general store and post office after that.” Judith quickly surveyed the buildings, large but unimpressive. They appeared to have been quickly and perhaps shoddily built, and definitely lacked any sense of style, creativity, or charm.
Burt pulled up in front of the stark clubhouse and parked in a reserved spot with his name in white uppercase letters. “Ellen, you get Judith registered.” he ordered, “and I’ll go see if those idiots have got someone out at the gate yet.”
Ellen patted Judith’s arm as they walked toward the front door. “Don’t you let Burt scare you, honey. His bark’s much worse than his bite.”
Judith pasted a bright smile across her face. “Oh, it’s okay. I can understand his concern.” She looked up at the big wooden building, almost military-like with its tall flagpole in front. “This looks like a great place, Ellen; I’m sure it’s worth keeping the best possible security.”
Ellen nodded. “Yes, dear, you’re right about that. No telling what might happen to us without our security system. Burt says crime rates get worse every blessed minute, and God knows there are all sorts of horrible and undesirable people in this world we live in. I certainly wouldn’t want any of them getting in here.”
Judith wondered if she wasn’t one of them herself. But she just smiled and pushed open the heavy wooden door for Ellen. “What a nice building.”
“Hello, Ellen,” called a short man from behind the front desk.
“Hello, Henry. This is my dear friend, Judith. I’ve known her since she was a little girl—almost like one of my own. So I want you to treat her with special care, just like part of the family.” She glanced over her shoulder. “And if you don’t mind, Judith, I’ll make a quick run to the powder room.”
“Pleasure to make your acquaintance, ma’am,” said Henry with a distinctly Southern accent. “Now, I’ll just need you to fill out these forms here. Shouldn’t take but a few minutes.” He smiled and slid a clipboard over to her.
She looked down at the papers. “Goodness, it looks like a job application.”
“That’s what everyone says. But it’s for security reasons.” He nodded to an area furnished with a couple of club chairs and a chunky coffee table. “Just make yourself comfortable.”
She sat down and began to fill in the forms, remembering what Adam had said about honesty in most things. But she also remembered how he’d invented different places of employment for her and Peter. Thankfully, he’d made her memorize them, including the phone numbers. But she wondered now if her hand didn’t shake just slightly as she wrote them down. Would a lie detector test follow? She swallowed hard and prayed that God would calm her and give her strength. It had occurred to her, just as Burt had driven through the formidable gates, that coming here without first consulting with Adam could’ve been a big mistake. But she had no choice now but to continue, praying as she went. Just as she finished up by signing a legal disclaimer that guaranteed she wouldn’t sue their organization, Ellen walked over and sat down.
“Poor dear,” said Ellen. “I hate that my guests have to go through all this nonsense. But at least you seem to understand.”
“Oh, it’s okay.” She laid down the pen. “Do you have many guests come to visit?”
“No, not really. Burt’s the one who has people coming and going all the time. Of course, they don’t stay at the house. Goodness knows, the last time I had a houseguest must’ve been back when Jasmine came out, and that was a year ago.” She shook her head sadly. “But I felt so bad having to make my very own daughter fill out these silly forms.” Then she lowered her voice. “And to tell you the truth, Jasmine left most of the blanks empty. But then her daddy took care of that for her.”
“Okay, Henry.” said Judith as she set the clipboard back on the counter. “I think this should take care of it.” She turned to go.
“Not quite yet.” said Henry in an apologetic tone. “Got to take you through the metal detector first.”
“You have a metal detector?” She tried to make her voice sound as if she was full of admiration.
He beamed. “You bet. We’re keeping right up with the latest technology. Burt already dropped your suitcase ’round back to be scanned. But I’ll need to take your handbag as well. And then we’ll have you step back into this room so I can scan you too. And don’t you worry none, it’s just like them ones at the airport. Don’t hurt a bit.”
She obediently handed over her purse and waited for him to go around the back, and then come out and lead her to a side room with a table and chairs and a large black scanning wand. He waved the wand down all four sides of her body, a few beeps went off here and there as he passed over what were obviously metal snaps on her shirt and jewelry pieces and even the back closure on her bra, which he explained with some embarrassment.
Finally, he turned it off and smiled. “All right, then, you pass.”
“I’m just curious, Henry. What is it you’re actually looking for? Weapons?”
He nodded seriously. “Yeah, that and other things too. You know, things like listening devices and hidden cameras and surveillance stuff like that. You’d be surprised at how many lowlifes would like to sneak in here and snoop around if they could. We just gotta be real careful, is all.”
She nodded. “Well, that makes perfect sense. And it looks like you’re doing an excellent job of it too, Henry.”
“Why, thank you, ma’am. I’ll just go and fetch your handbag and your suitcase, and y’all can be on your way now.”
“Yes, I’m sure you must be busy today. Will you have to go through this with all your visitors this weekend?”
“Yeah, but we got us a whole crew lined up to help with all the scanning. And the guests have already filled out their application forms in advance, so that part’s all done. But you’re right, it’s going to be one busy weekend. And they’re due to start arriving any minute now.”
“Well, I hope it goes smoothly for you.”
Burt was in the waiting area with Ellen now. “Everything all right?” This he directed to Henry.
“You bet, sir. Right as rain.” He smiled at Judith. “I hope you folks have yourselves a real nice little visit.”
Ellen reached for Judith’s hand. “Oh, believe me, we plan on it!”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
“ELLEN, YOUR VIEW IS beautiful.” Judith felt relieved to finally say something honest as she gazed across the room where a full window view looked out over the pristine mountain lake. “And your home is lovely too.” Now, this was slightly honest. She did like the open-beamed ceilings, but in Judith’s opinion, Ellen’s taste in decor was a mix of tacky and gloomy. Of course, that dark blue velvet sectional may not have been Ellen’s choice, thought Judith as she examined a large wolverine snarling from his post atop a bulky oak gun cabinet, filled with all sorts of rifles and handguns. She noticed a secure lock on the glass door, but what would keep someone from breaking the glass? She turned and looked around the room. From the numerous trophy heads to the framed print of a wolf pack running through the snow, the general feeling here was masculine, aggressive, and cold. Not unlike Burt.
“Why, thank you, dear.” Ellen beamed with pride. “We built our home a few years ago. Burt felt it was important to upgrade for our image, you know. After all, he’s an important man around here, and we’d lived in the same little cabin since the late seventies. And then our friends from down South came up here and started building these big, fancy houses, and let me tell you, it didn’t take long until we began to look like poor white trash.” She laughed. “Now we got ourselves the biggest and fanciest house on the lake. Burt saw to that. After we got finished, they made a building ordinance saying that homes couldn’t be any bigger than three thousand square feet. They say it’s to save building space, but
I think it’s just to make sure no one outbuilds Burt. Although, when he helped Hal on his house last year, he suspected it might be just a hair over three thousand, but he hasn’t told a soul.”
Judith glanced absently over the magazines and periodicals on the coffee table. A Ladies’ Home Journal sat right next to a couple of gun and sportsman magazines and what appeared to be an ultra-conservative political newsletter. “I’m curious, where is Hal’s house located?”
“Just on up the road a bit from us. It’s the most recently built home and sits right next to the undeveloped area. We could probably walk down there sometime and have a little look-see if you’d like. I’m sure Hal wouldn’t mind a bit.”
“Oh, I would like that. Maybe I’d feel more connected to Jasmine to see where she’d spent some of her time, before— well, you know.”
“Then you really ought to go down to that awful little trailer.” Ellen made a tsk-tsk sound, then visibly shuddered. “Not that I actually recommend it. Why, it’s simply disgusting and detestable down there.”
Judith nodded thoughtfully. “I understand. But truthfully, I really wouldn’t mind seeing it—if it somehow made her seem closer. You know what I mean?”
“Maybe. I’ve considered going down there myself a time or two, but I just haven’t got up the nerve. Hal won’t even step foot in there anymore. You know, he plans to burn the place to the ground just as soon as burning season begins. Of course, you can’t burn this time of year due to fire danger.”
“Yes, I’ve heard reports on how dry the forests are right now. Do you worry at all about forest fires, being so isolated out here next to the wilderness area?”
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