by Ryan King
"Beautiful isn't it," asked Bethany with her eyes still closed.
"Thought you were asleep," answered Nathan.
"Not really," she answered sitting up. "Just enjoying being able to relax without always feeling like something bad is getting ready to happen."
Nathan nodded and looked back at the sky. He knew there were plenty of bad things that could still happen to them, but he understood what Bethany meant. It was better being in a large group of people who could trust each other...and were well armed. They had seen some locals recently, but these stayed clear of Nathan’s band. Strangers were a suspicious breed these days and best avoided if possible.
"It's nice to be back home," said Bethany.
Nathan laughed, "We're not there yet."
"I mean Kentucky. Just knowing we're in Kentucky is good."
"There's no missing that fact," answered Nathan remembering a brave, and obviously well-maintained, flag on a tall pole a few miles back. Not a flag of the U.S., or even of Kentucky, but of the University of Kentucky Wildcats. The house's inhabitants watched from a distance and when Joshua waved they had at least waved back.
Bethany giggled, "Did you see everyone's reaction at that Jerry's Restaurant place?"
Nathan smiled, "I have to admit even I was a little horrified." The abandoned restaurant was in front of a large lake with a giant sign out front which said proudly, 'Jerry’s World Famous Catfish Sushi!' "Only in Kentucky," he said.
His wife grew silent, "They will let them in won't they? Into the Jackson Purchase?"
"Honestly I don't know, honey," answered Nathan. "Hell, they may not let us in."
"But, you'll vouch for them, right? You'll convince them if you can," she almost pleaded.
Nathan didn't answer and realized that he hadn't made up his mind yet. "We'll figure that out when we get there."
"Nathan Taylor! These people have helped us! You need to learn to let go of things and not keep gnawing on them like a dog with a bone."
"You like dogs," said Nathan trying to lighten the conversation. He saw Cujo, the dog rescued with the women and girls, lying by the fire guarding the little ones. The large dog had quickly become a sort of mascot and a favorite among the prison families’ children. He smiled at the irony; there couldn’t have been a more unsuitable name for a dog. Nathan was certain the original owners had either never read the Stephen King book of that name, or else had a quirky sense of humor.
Bethany would not be put off that easily, "It's not just the Hancock crowd, it's those women and girls we rescued. Are we just going to walk away from them? That's pretty cowardly isn't it?"
Her words stung and Nathan fought against anger, "Damnit, we don't even know if the freaking JP exists! Those radio broadcasts could be coming from anywhere or be a hoax for that matter."
"You know they're real and even if they're not, that doesn't change the issue of what you're going to do," Bethany said poking him with a finger to emphasize her point. "You know what the right thing to do is. It shouldn't matter than you don't like them."
Nathan thought for a long moment. He hadn't liked the prison officials. Hadn't liked the way they had captured him and treated him, but that seemed a long time ago.
"I do like them," admitted Nathan softly.
"Good!" said Bethany sweetly, "It's all decided then." She lay back down, closed her eyes, and donned a satisfied smile.
Nathan smiled in spite of his annoyance.
"Is Joshua on guard duty?" she asked.
"Yes," answered Nathan, "I just checked on him, he's with Big Jim." Jim Meeks seemed to have taken both boys under his wing in a way that just wasn’t easy with Nathan. He thought that there came a time when a boy needs acceptance and encouragement from a man who is not obligated to give those things out of love. Joshua had relaxed and flourished in the communal environment.
He looked around and saw David was leaning against a tree sharpening his knife. Although he was close enough to hear the talk around the fire, he was just far enough away to exclude himself from the camaraderie.
"I'm worried about David," Bethany said.
So was Nathan. David appeared to have lost his sense of purpose and balance. Before Hancock, he was focused on survival and protecting his family and he did so with a single-minded ruthlessness which Nathan hated to admit he approved of. Since linking up with the larger group, David seemed to be unsure about his place in the world. He was probably confused whether he was supposed to go back to being a normal kid or try to embrace manhood. Nathan hoped, and prayed, David grabbed hold of whatever tattered shreds of childhood remained before he plunged into the serious and dangerous world of adulthood.
"He'll be okay," said Nathan with a conviction he didn't feel. "Just feeling out where he fits in is all."
"I shouldn't have done that," said Bethany almost in a whisper.
Nathan didn't have to ask what she meant. Her reaction to David after he killed the crazy woman holding her down still haunted her.
"It's okay. He can take it. We've all be under a little bit of stress."
"But he was trying to protect me," said Bethany with a heavy voice. "How could I do that to him?'
Nathan put his hand on her shoulder. "Honey, you've talked to him and done what you could to let him know it's okay and that you're sorry. Now you need to let go of it too. He's probably reacting to your guilt and feeling like you're still mad at him. Let it go."
"Hello?" she said in a deeper voice. "Kettle? Yeah, this is the pot. I'd like to talk to you about-"
Nathan poked his wife in the ribs, "Very funny."
Suddenly Nathan’s breath caught in his throat as his thoughts were interrupted. The entire group went silent. The sounds coming across the clearing were pure beauty and peace. One of the prison guard's daughters was playing a violin and the pure, wondrous notes actually brought tears to Nathan’s eyes. He couldn’t remember the last time he had heard music and thought he recognized the haunting notes of Vivaldi.
After a few minutes, Bethany put her hand on his shoulder and when he turned to look at her saw there were tears in her eyes as well. “There is still beauty in this world, Nathan,” she whispered, “don’t forget that.” She squeezed his shoulder, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, and rolled over to sleep.
Nathan lay down, closed his eyes, and soaked up the music and the peace. Knowing it might all be fleeting, but grateful for it nevertheless.
Chapter 19 – Camp Beaver
Nathan’s band knew they were close to the Jackson Purchase two days before they arrived. They saw the glow of lights in the dark night sky off to the west. It was a sight that struck wonder and awe in their collective spirit. It was real, they said to each other in hushed whispers as if they might scare it away with the sound of their voices. They had dared to hope, but tried to remain skeptical, not wanting to be let down. Seeing the lights meant more than most dared to imagine.
Their pace became unconsciously brisk and the mood upbeat. Everyone wanted to see what was on the other side of each hill and beyond the next bend in the road. Talk was light and laughter easy. Smiles were present, but more and more Nathan noticed long looks and glances his way. He couldn’t figure it out at first, but then he understood. Their collective fates were in his hands as they saw it. Unless he got them into the JP, they would probably never get in. Not getting into the JP meant a cold, dark, miserable life filled with dangerous people and a crushing lack of hope.
The sun was bright the day they arrived at Camp Beaver. They saw it from a rise, and the makeshift camp was fairly impressive in all the wrong ways. Row upon row of drab tents and shacks spread out before them like something from the crowded slums of Brazil or Haiti. Even at a distance Nathan could sense the squalor, desperation, and danger. Nathan wasn’t sure how the camp got its name, but it possessed none of the charm, order, or ingenuity that a beaver would have provided. They formed up and proceeded.
As they drew closer to the camp, people began to approach them either
to beg or sell, but the sight of the armed men on either flank of the road, and probably the sight of a functioning vehicle, caused them to keep their distance. The air was filled with the smell of sweat and cooking fires. Yet, not everything was bad Nathan noted.
For one, Nathan did not see sick or dead in the streets, nor human waste or garbage for that matter, which could cause sickness. The next thing he noticed were figures walking throughout the camp with plastic buckets filled with what looked like clear water. As they got near the center of the camp, Nathan saw why. There was a well in the ground with a neat and orderly line of people waiting their turn. Two swarthy men stood nearby with thick bundles of car radio antennas taped together, clearly to beat anyone who refused to maintain order.
Nathan also saw a raised platform nearby with three sets of rough wooden stocks, one of them actually occupied by a skinny and bruised boy. Two other men with antenna batons stood nearby. Nathan noticed a large wooden sign posted to the front of the platform with bright blue painted words. The sign read: “Camp Beaver Rules” and underneath: “1. No stealing 2. No fighting 3. Everyone pulls their weight 4. No drunkenness 5. If sick, go to the infirmary 6. Only relieve yourself at the latrines 7. No disrespect to women 8. No bullying 9. Obey the camp authorities 10. Report all infractions.”
It was crude, but Nathan was impressed. The camp was poor and dirty, but not overly so. It appeared people were going about their business without apparent fear. They soon came to what was obviously the infirmary and also a food distribution center, with another set of guards. All the guards so far had eyed them suspiciously, but made no attempt to question them or impede their progress.
There were also thin metal poles at regular intervals along the main avenue with lights and loudspeakers attached. These people might be poor by the standards of a year ago thought Nathan, but by today’s they are fabulously wealthy.
The actual entrance to the JP almost caught them by surprise. The road led right to the I-24 bridge across the Cumberland River. The near side of the bridge contained several makeshift bunkers and approximately a dozen armed men in uniform with rifles and machine guns. Even more amazing, there was an American flag waiving bravely on a long pole in the gentle breeze. The men were lazily sitting around until they saw Nathan’s armed band come into view. With a crisp order they all moved back behind the barriers and pointed their weapons at them. Nathan’s crew stopped.
Nathan walked up to Harold. “Let me handle this, I’m an old pro at it.”
“Yeah, we saw how well that worked out for you last time,” said Harold.
Nathan smiled. “Just make sure whatever happens, no one from our end shoots.”
“No problem,” said Harold, “but be careful,” he added as an afterthought.
Nathan nodded and handed Harold all his weapons. He turned and began slowly walking towards the men with his hands raised. He eased forward with all eyes upon him. When he was about twenty yards from the barricade he heard “That’s far enough. Stop and state your business.”
Nathan couldn’t see who addressed him, but he lowered his arms and spoke to the uniformed group eyeing him over their weapons. “I am Major Nathan Taylor, U.S. Army and I have come home with my family. I grew up here and this is my home.” Nathan took a hard swallow. “Please let me in.”
There was silence for a moment and then the voice again almost bored. “Do you have any documentary proof of your claims?”
“I have a driver’s license from Graves County and my military identification card. I also have family in there that will vouch for me.”
The man who had been speaking stood from behind the barricade, and Nathan noticed he was a Staff Sergeant. “Proceed forward,” he said, and then moved his eyes to the rest of the group. “Just you.”
As Nathan walked slowly forward to the edge of the barricade the man stuck his hand out and Nathan at first thought he was going to shake his hand but then realized he wanted the documentation. Nathan pulled out his entire wallet and handed it to the man. The Sergeant took the wallet and quickly began flipping through the contents looking up at Nathan every now and then. “And how many are with you?” asked the man.
“My wife, two sons, and about forty others all told,” he said.
The man looked at him for a moment and smiled slightly. “And all of them are from the JP?”
“Well no, my family and I are, but I can vouch for the others and would like to speak to whoever is in charge about getting them in,” said Nathan.
The man started to retort with a smart reply and then looked down at the military identification card and paused. “Wait here…sir,” as he walked off. After a few moments Nathan could hear the squelch of a radio and a conversation. Nathan couldn’t hear what was said, but it was brief.
The Sergeant quickly came back. “You and your family can come in, the rest have to wait until after the review process. You’re to proceed to the other end of the bridge where my commanding officer will meet you and talk to you further.”
Nathan thought about arguing the point further, but saw the man’s set look and knew it would be no use. Orders were orders. The man obviously didn’t like this job and had probably been through this a hundred times before.
“Let me go talk to my group and get my family,” Nathan said.
“Sure, no problem,” said the Sergeant, “take all day if you like,” he said with obvious sarcasm.
Nathan turned back and looked at the man quickly realizing he was on the verge of giving the man a serious ass chewing.
Get it together, he told himself taking a few quick breathes. The Sergeant must have seen the look because he quickly turned and moved back behind the covered barricade area.
Nathan walked back to the group where he met Harold, Jim Meeks and his family. “Only us for now,” said Nathan, “but I’m going to talk to the commanding officer at the other end. Don’t worry.”
Harold lowered his head and said nothing. Jim cursed quietly.
“We could stay together, we don't need the stupid JP,” said Joshua.
“No,” said Jim softly. “You all go. It’s only right, you'll be better off in there.”
Joshua looked anguished, but said no more. Jim patted him on the shoulder and turned and walked away without another word.
“I keep my word,” Nathan said, looking Harold in his eyes. After a moment the two shook hands. Nathan took back his weapons before turning and walking towards the barricade with Bethany and the boys falling in behind him. At the barricade the sergeant checked all their identification and then turned them over to the care of another soldier who placed all their bags and belongings in a shopping cart and pushed it ahead for them towards the far end of the long bridge.
As they walked west into the JP, Nathan looked back at what had very quickly become his extended family. All he saw were dejected, scared, and disappointed faces. He knew it would do no good, but he just couldn’t help himself. He looked towards them and waved.
Several raised their hands in return and then Nathan Taylor turned his back on them and walked across the bridge with his family. Finally home, but feeling almost sick.
Part II
From The Ground Up
Chapter 1 – A Proposal
General Clarence Anderson made his way down the hill towards a quaint little cabin near the water. Butch Matthews was with him, along with Captain Terry Johns, the National Guard commander in charge of the troops at the dam. Johns had been given very specific instructions and when he called Anderson telling him they might have found what he was looking for, Anderson didn’t waste time hitching the horse or getting on a bike. They drove.
Johns told him everything he knew, which was plenty. He also told him that the man they were meeting was none too happy about being detained, and Anderson certainly understood. He hoped it didn’t get in the way of their business. If the man was the unreasonable sort, he probably wasn’t who they were looking for anyway, thought Anderson.
They went aroun
d to the back of the cabin which faced the water and onto a wide deck that took full advantage of the wonderful view and the brilliant sunshine. It was cold, but the sun took away most of the bite of winter. He saw a relaxed guard nearby and a family of four at a wooden table. A dark attractive woman was working on a jigsaw puzzle with a handsome and smiling blond teenager. Anderson also saw a stocky man playing chess with a lean dark-haired teenager. The boy was up a few pieces, but his queen was in the center of the board and his pieces were not fully developed. The man was about to spring his trap. The teenager looked up at Anderson as he approached and immediately gave him a stern look which amused Anderson, although he did not show it.
Captain Johns walked to the middle of the group and said, “Good afternoon, Taylor family. Let me introduce Lieutenant General Clarence Anderson and Major General Butch Matthews. They have come a long way to meet you.”
Anderson could see the man forming angry words, but his beautiful wife jumped in gracefully, moving up in front of the two men. “Generals, it is my pleasure to meet you. I’m Bethany, my two boys Joshua and David, and my husband Nathan. As far as you’ve come to meet us, I bet we’ve come much further to meet you by a long-shot.” She smiled broadly and Anderson followed suit, breaking the tension.
Well done little lady, he thought.
Nathan approached the generals and held out his hand. “Good afternoon gentlemen, I am Nathan Taylor, most recently of Fort Meade, Maryland.”
Anderson and Butch shook his hand and then looked at each other before looking back at Nathan. “We are very pleased to meet you and coincidently that was exactly what we wanted to talk to you about.”
Anderson detected suspicion in Nathan's demeanor, although his face remained neutral. Nathan started to voice a question, but Butch turned to the woman, “Ma’am, would you mind terribly much if we borrowed your husband for a little bit? We promise to have him back to you soon.”
