Arks of America

by D A Carey

  Liz moved to get her things in order. As a successful actress, it was her job to be observant of human nature. Who knew when she might choose to use something she learned in a role? She once worked with an older actress who had been raised in a rural town much like Liz. When the discussion turned to the normal type of man in Hollywood, they both snickered. It was that older actress who used a line about men that always stuck in Liz’s mind. “Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain. And you gain it by winning small battles with honor.”

  Liz thought Vince had that kind of masculinity.

  << Levi >>

  “Levi, I know this is something you need to do. I’ve grown to value your input and insights. We both know you’d rather be in the field with Vince, not back here guarding an old man, though.”

  Dave and Levi were enjoying a drink on the massive log veranda with a commanding view of the South Park Valley. Dave didn’t smoke, and although he never drank to excess, he did enjoy an occasional glass of Kentucky bourbon. Today he was drinking Wild Turkey Rare Breed. Louis had a couple of things to finish up and then would be along soon to join them if he was able.

  “You’re safe here, Mr. Cavanaugh. We have a well-trained group of men and women. This valley is very remote, and the citizens are good people, almost to the last man.” Levi spoke as if stating a rehearsed case. “Vince is my friend, and I don’t make many. I think he needs my help.”

  Levi paused, appreciating the serenity in a way that only a man accustomed to violence can. When things got crazy and people were screaming or crying and he couldn’t get a breath of clean air, this would be what he longed for. He continued as much for himself as an explanation for Dave. “Whether he does or doesn’t, it wouldn’t feel right to me if I didn’t try.”

  “I understand that.”

  “I respect decisions of leadership,” Levi said. “I’ll stay here if that’s what you think is best.” It was obvious he didn’t want to stay, despite a deep sense of duty.

  Dave waved the hand that held the drink in a motion to dismiss Levi’s statement. “I don’t know how much help you can be to him this late in the game, although you can be there to guard the gate, so to speak, when he gets close to home. Vince is like a son to me. I want him safe too.”

  “If you can help me get the flight approved, it’s a quick trip there and back. You won’t even notice I’m gone,” Levi said in a rush.

  “I knew you would ask. I’ve already checked into it and made some plans. Most flights nationwide are grounded with all the chaos and sabotage. However, I still have some strings to pull, and with Louis’s help, I have.”

  “That’s great. I’ll get my things together. Where do I go?” Levi responded with growing enthusiasm.

  “I gave direction to have two of the planes that can handle shorter runways moved up to the Leadville-Lake County Airport here in the mountains. You can use one of those. Take whatever you think you might need in terms of men or supplies.”

  “I don’t think I’ve been there,” said Levi.

  “If there was a road over the mountain, it would be only a few miles away,” Dave said. “Unfortunately, you have an hour or more drive around to where you have a pass to get through the mountains and back up to Leadville.”

  “Why shouldn’t I just head down to Colorado Springs?” Levi asked.

  “Even though the chaos there is better than most cities right now, it’s still bad. Also, that airport is more tightly controlled than Leadville-Lake. I have the pull to make sure you’re not forced to land, although not enough to get Colorado Springs opened up for you. You’re a very competent man, Levi. I have no doubt you can make it into and out of any city in the country. Don’t ever forget to arrange for all the details and not rush into things. I have plans for you.”

  Levi held Dave in such great esteem he wasn’t hurt. He didn’t want to let him down.

  “You haven’t done anything wrong, Levi,” Dave said, sensing Levi’s disappointment. “I know you’re in a hurry to help your friend. You know your own skills. The things going on are not formidable enough to worry you. I can’t put my planes, crews, and support people in danger, though.”

  “Thanks, boss. I really appreciate it.” Levi stood to refill their glasses.

  “Don’t thank me. You’re going to help my nephew, who is the closest family I have left. Besides, you’ve become like family to me as well. Take care of yourself, too. Don’t take unnecessary risks.” Dave reached over to pat Levi on his massive forearm.

  “If Colorado Springs is that bad, I don’t suppose I can get into Louisville, either,” Levi said, thinking aloud.

  “Louisville is a mess for sure. My plan was always to use the private airport in Madison, Indiana, to support the Carrollton site, except now I’m getting reports of gangs in Madison. I don’t trust sending a plane in there. Louis hasn’t been able to get any replies from our contacts on that side of the river or with the airport there.”

  “I’m willing to take the chance. I can lead a team to clean up that airport if you think it makes sense,” Levi volunteered.

  “It’s not a risk I think is wise right now for either you or my plane.” Dave chuckled. “Louis and I spoke. We think that flying into a small airport in Springfield, Kentucky, will be our best bet. It’s rural enough to be safe, and it has a long, paved runway and other facilities we’ll need. The problem is we will be flying in there blind. The pilots have never been there, and none of my people know anyone there.”

  “I’m willing.”

  “I can see your enthusiasm, and I know you want to go try to help your friend.” Dave smiled, showing the crinkle lines around his eyes. “So that’s what we’ll do. The manager at the airport has returned my message. He’s willing to trade the facilities’ use and fuel for supplies and gold coins. You’ll be on your own after that. Getting to the Carrollton site from Springfield won’t be easy. I don’t recommend going through any of the larger cities. If you head north on Highway 55, you can get there with some twists and turns. That route will take you near Shelbyville, Kentucky. Vince has a good family friend in that area. My hope was to get him to guide you through back roads. I haven’t been able to get in touch with him yet, though. I’ll give you his name and number so if we don’t get in touch with him you can try when you’re on the ground. He lives in Todd’s Point, Kentucky, which doesn’t even show up on many of the maps. His name is Greg Simpson.”

  Levi nodded. “I’ve heard Vince mention him.”

  “Louis and I will keep trying to get ahold of him. If we can, or you’re able to when you land, that’s the perfect person to be your guide through the back roads that are safer. I’ll give you his address as well in case you can hook up with him or need a safe place along the route to hole up.”

  “That’s good, thanks.”

  “I’ll have Louis keep trying e-mail and text messages to reach Greg while you’re flying. If we get a hold of him, we’ll let you know.”

  “Thanks again,” Levi said, eager to be on his way.

  “I know you already know this, Levi, but once you land, the SAT phones are very iffy. While you’re in the air, the communications to the plane are more solid.”

  “Well, here’s to a successful trip.” Levi held up his glass to Dave. It was clear he was done talking and wanted to get moving. “When can I leave?”

  “Now if you want. Get your stuff together and have one of the men drive you to Leadville. Louis sent instructions to the crew to fuel up and have the plane checked out mechanically earlier today. It should be done by the time you get there.”

  Levi was already headed toward the door, his refreshed drink forgotten. Even in haste, the big man moved quietly and catlike. He covered the steps two at a time and was already out of sight when he said almost as an afterthought, “Thanks again, boss. I’ll be back soon.” His voice was much more full of energy now. This was Levi’s element and what he loved.

  Leaving Home

  “A man with c
haracter strengths is all that a woman not only admires, but feels deep respect for.”

  - Unknown

  << Ellie >>

  As she loaded the last of her plastic bins in the minivan, Ellie glanced back at her home with some nostalgia and remorse. Although she hadn’t been here long, she loved the home and enjoyed her new life in Chicago. Kentucky was her old home. It was filled with mixed emotions. Chicago was her new life and held such promise for the next chapter in her journey with all the options for shopping, theater, restaurants, and the arts.

  Ellie’s life with Malcolm in Chicago had been more than she expected or hoped for. It didn’t feel as if it was only the home she was leaving; it was her new life, and it was the abandonment of her fresh start and a retreat to her old life in Kentucky.

  All these thoughts were in her mind as she hugged Malcolm. “Do you think we’ll ever come back?”

  “Sure we will, baby,” Malcolm said in an effort to reassure her. “Don’t give up. This is only for a little while. We’ll return and fix it all up, good as new.”

  Something in Malcolm’s voice didn’t convince Ellie he totally believed what he was saying. “I feel so guilty,” Ellie confessed. “I’ve been so focused on myself I haven’t given much thought to how you feel. This is your home and where you grew up. You must be devastated.”

  “I’m not convinced I won’t be back. I don’t have time for that now. If I thought I’d never be back, I might feel differently.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Ellie said as she leaned her head into his chest.

  “Chicago has changed a lot since I was young. It’s not the same city. I haven’t felt as much at home since my dad died. My family is with you and Kate now and making sure you two are safe and happy. After that, I’ll worry about my home.” Malcolm spoke with a sincerity that convinced her he meant it. It made her heart swell.

  For Ellie, it wasn’t only the uncertainty of gangs and violence she would be driving into; it was a life she chose to leave behind in Kentucky. It wasn’t a terrible life, but it was one that she thought she’d put behind her. Now she had to pick at the scab and open that emotional wound again. She sighed and climbed into the van.

  As if he could sense her thoughts, Malcolm squeezed her arm and put the minivan into gear. She exhaled. Things would work out. They always did somehow, someway, although rarely the way you’d planned.

  << Vince >>

  Vince put Andy and Dwight on point with instructions to make it as far south on Cicero as they could. The goal was to get back to the area they spent last night in as fast as possible. If they needed to stop along the way, the first choice was the wooded preserve.

  If they made it to the building they stayed in last night and anyone was around to see them enter, he instructed them keep going until they found a safer, more deserted place. This all needed to be done before dark. For experienced operators, moving under the cover of darkness was preferred. However, with two cars of civilians and not enough night vision, Vince judged the risk too great.

  “What are you going to do, boss?” Andy asked.

  “I’m going to hang back and check some things out. I’ll catch up to you all. Don’t be surprised if from time to time you see me and then you don’t. My plan is to stop occasionally and make sure our back trail is clear.”

  “Okay.” Andy figured there was more to Vince’s plan but didn’t ask.

  “If you don’t see me, you can reach me by radio. Let’s try and keep that to a minimum. I don’t know who might be listening.”

  “Sure, boss. Do you think there will be more trouble from behind than in front?”

  “I don’t know. I have a weird feeling about that gang. Call it a hunch.”

  Andy nodded. “Your hunches have been good so far. Let’s keep trusting them.”

  “I need to find a good spot and make sure I’m not being watched,” Vince told him. “When I do, I’ll duck into a dark alley or something. I want to set up a nasty surprise for anyone following us. If I’m wrong, this will just be a waste of time. If my hunch is right, this is a chance I can’t miss. I know your planned route. Anyone following us doesn’t. That means I have the upper hand for now. I can’t afford to waste this opportunity.”

  “That’s true,” said Dwight. “But why not let me do it?”

  “I know you could.” Vince smiled in appreciation for Dwight’s offer. “This is my hunch, and I need to follow it through. I can hurt anyone following us pretty good and perhaps permanently if I find a good ambush spot. I might even get myself a little bit of shut eye while I wait.”

  “Roger that,” both men said in unison.

  “I want to be rested tonight so I can check some things out where we camp while the others are sleeping.”

  While many people would think it an odd plan to set up an ambush and then find a spot for a nap, Andy and Dwight had quickly learned to trust Vince and went with it.

  Andy spoke for both men. “Okay, boss, don’t hesitate to call if you need us. We want to get you out alive too. We’re a team and don’t plan to go home short a man.”

  << Liz >>

  Liz overheard the conversation between Vince and his men. A part of her wanted to ride with Vince, yet she was still scared and remembered her inaction in the firefight a few minutes earlier.

  “Vince, I need a minute of your time, and please hear me out before you reply.” When Vince turned to her, she experienced the weight of his gaze as his ice cold blue eyes seemed to bore through her. “I heard what you said to your men and what Kate said to you earlier. I know what you’re planning. I’m pretty sure that doing that alone is not a good idea. This group has been more focused and confident since you rode in. Do you think it’s a good idea to leave us to our own devices so soon?” Liz meant it purely as a question. It came out more challenging than she intended.

  “It needs to be done.”

  “I expected that. I assume you don’t want to put us at more risk by keeping one of your men with you. I know I’m not a good enough shot to help you. I insist that you take my bodyguard Junior with you, though. He’s good and a former Marine or something. I’m sure he can help. I’ll feel better if you do.”

  When Vince started to shake his head and reply, Liz held up her hand to stop him. “I’m not done yet. I’ve thought this through, and I know I’m right. I won’t take no for an answer.”

  They locked eyes for a moment.

  “I can be difficult when I don’t get what I want. You don’t have time for a spoiled Hollywood actress, so please just go with it.”

  Vince let out his breath and smiled. Liz smiled back and gave a snort that was mostly from relief. The only argument he could come up with was, “What if he doesn’t want to join me in this? He could get killed. Besides, his mission is to protect you, not me. You’re the star,” Vince said in a way that could have been interpreted as a sneer, but Liz recognized a playful banter in his tone.

  “If he doesn’t want to go, then I’m going with you even if I have to walk.”

  “I’d say with you as his boss, he’ll go. I can’t imagine how you’d make him feel if he doesn’t.” Vince turned to walk away.

  “What do you mean by that?” Liz asked, trotting to catch up to Vince. She couldn’t tell if they were still bantering. Liz felt like she should be angry. She did feel a little hurt like she’d been dismissed and belittled by Vince when he walked away.

  Vince was impressed by Liz. She was strong, pretty, determined, and wanted to do what was right. Even so, he wasn’t a people person and didn’t know how to talk to a lady like her. Besides, he had bigger things on his mind at the moment. He got angry at himself for beginning to banter and flirt and get distracted. As soon as he realized it, he stopped and moved his mind back to the mission.

  While he recognized the value in taking another man with him, he didn’t have time to flirt, especially with a pretty girl right in front of his ex-wife, daughter, and men during a mission.

  << Levi >>

&n
bsp; The pilot of the private jet called for Levi to come forward.

  “We have a message from corporate.”

  “Go ahead,” Levi said, kneeling to fit his huge frame in the door to the cockpit.

  “The boss’s assistant, Louis, asked me to pass on that they received a message from Greg Simpson. He will be at the Springfield airport when we land.”

  “How will I know him?” Levi asked.

  The pilot shrugged. “I don’t know. They didn’t tell me anything specific. They only said to tell you to keep an eye out for an older farmer named Greg Simpson.”

  “How long until we land?”

  “About forty-five minutes, give or take.”

  “What are your instructions after you drop me off?”

  “We have a few supplies for the locals and some for you and the Carrollton site. It’s not much because we were told that you didn’t know what type of transportation you’d have.”

  “Nice,” Levi commented affably. “I didn’t know you had room for much cargo space.”

  “This plane was built more for passengers. It’s been modified some to give up a few seats for a little more cargo space. There are a couple of cases they told me to make sure got into your hands personally. They appear to be gun cases from their shape and size.”