“Please proceed,” Elizabeth said.
Gordon walked to a series of maps taped to a wall and began his briefing. He discussed in detail the troop movements that would take place tomorrow. He stressed the importance of having one decisive battle to finish off Jacques and how he hope to lure Jacques out of Sandpoint and have him attack him instead. He discussed the location of where the First Washington Infantry would be deployed and how the limited air power they did have would be utilized when they were days out from contacting Jacques’ forces. He discovered how McCall would be protected and how many troops were at the council’s disposal and that Simpson would oversee the protection of McCall.
“What about President Cruz?” Elizabeth asked.
“I reached out to him today, but he wasn’t available,” Gordon answered.
“I can’t tell you how disappointed we are with him,” Elizabeth said.
“I agree. I think we need to just count him out.”
“Should we be concerned that he’ll go back on the deal he made about our independence?” Elizabeth asked.
That was a great question and one Gordon had been asking himself every day since Cruz had pulled out of the military alliance, but he didn’t want to alarm the council, especially now, so he lied, “I’m confident President Cruz will honor our agreement.”
“Good.”
“I want to add something.”
“Go ahead,” Elizabeth said.
“I want to thank the council and recognize all of you for the time and hard work you have put in,” Gordon said. He didn’t know why, but he felt he needed to be political and leave with goodwill since Elizabeth showed it to him.
“Thank you,” Elizabeth said.
One by one the others thanked Gordon.
Gunny raised a single eyebrow when he and Gordon looked at each other.
***
Elizabeth closed the meeting. She stepped from behind the table and came up to Gordon. “Can we speak privately?”
“Absolutely.”
The two left the room and went to her private office. She took a seat behind her desk and said, “Please close the door.”
Gordon did as she said and sat down in the chair in front of her desk. “Let me say I wasn’t expecting you to say the things you did. I was fully prepared for us to go back and forth and lock horns.”
“I meant what I said. After I slept on it, I woke realizing you were right, these people are animals and we must deal with them that way.”
“Thank you.”
“I wanted to talk to you privately because I have a request, an odd one,” she said.
“I don’t know if I can do it, but I’ll try. What is it?”
“I think we have more than a few locals and others around the republic that are nervous. They don’t know what’s happening with Jacques. We’ve been bad in our communication with the other towns and cities. To be frank, we’ve been derelict.”
Gordon’s mind was racing with what she was about to ask.
“I don’t want Cascadians becoming panicked because rumors are running rampant. We need to control messaging, but it needs to be accurate.”
“Okay, I can agree with that.”
“I’d like you to take several imbedded public relations people with you. They would be the eyes and ears of the republic and would report back to our media relations here in McCall, who will get the updates on the war out to the people quickly.”
“PR people?”
“Yes, please indulge me in this request. You wouldn’t have to worry about their security. I’ll have two of my own guards go with them.”
Gordon chewed on the idea but didn’t want her guards. They were remnants of Charles’ people and he disliked them beyond description. “I’ll take one PR person but no guards. I’ll provide security.”
“Just one?”
Gordon thought hard. She was being very nice and maybe he should reciprocate. What real harm could two people do. “Fine,” Gordon relented.
She clapped her hands together and stood up. “Great. This will help us keep the people informed and tamp down on rumors and disinformation. Ah, can I get you something to drink?” she asked and walked to a cabinet.
Gordon glanced around the office. Framed photos on a table behind her desk grabbed his attention. All the photos were of her from before the lights went out. Many were family photos and others were of her at political protests and with political leaders he wasn’t familiar with until he saw Charles, his former adversary. Oh, how he hated that man. He never regretted putting that traitor down.
“Coconut water?” Elizabeth asked coming forward with a tall can she had opened.
Gordon had thought she was offering a glass of liquor, so he was surprised to see the can. “Um, I’m good. In fact, I need to be going.”
“Very well, thanks again and look for my people to meet you tomorrow morning.”
“Sounds good,” Gordon said. He got up and left her office.
Down the hall, Gordon saw Gunny chatting up Michael. Gordon strolled down and said, “Well, today was interesting.”
“She contacted me this morning. She had a complete change of heart. I’m not sure what you did or what she saw, but she’s pro-Gordon,” Michael said with a broad smile.
“Yeah, odd. Hey, guys, I’m tired and I need to contact Cruz again and then go meet Nelson,” Gordon said. He left the old McCall fire station and headed towards his Humvee. As he walked, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Why was she so nice? He wouldn’t change his mind concerning her request. If she was sincere, he needed another ally back home, and if she wasn’t, well, he’d deal with her later.
***
“I’ll leave a message for the president to contact you immediately, Mr. President,” the woman said.
“Please tell him it’s urgent,” Gordon stressed.
“Would you like to speak with the vice president?” she asked.
“No, I need, and emphasis on the word need, to speak with President Cruz.”
“I’ll reach out to him and give him your message, but I can’t guarantee he’ll call right away. He’s very busy,” the woman said.
“Well, he can’t be any busier than I am,” Gordon quipped.
“What was that, sir?”
“Nothing, thank you,” Gordon said and hung up his phone. He slid it back in his pocket and settled into the seat of his Humvee. As he grinded is teeth, he pondered all the reasons Cruz was now ignoring him. He wanted to stay positive, but it was becoming difficult. Was Cruz plotting against him? He prayed that wasn’t the case, but he had to be prepared for such a thing. He pulled the phone back out of his pocket and dialed a number.
“Gunny here.”
“We need to keep an additional company back to reinforce McCall. I want you to make the selection of who that might be,” Gordon ordered.
“Ah, sure, but what’s happened?” Gunny asked.
“Just a bit of CYA.”
“Roger that.”
“And, Gunny, I need you to stay too.”
“What? Why?” Gunny grunted his disapproval.
“Simpson looks sick as hell and I just need you here,” Gordon replied.
“What will the master sergeant say?”
“He’ll just have to suck it up. Sorry, Gunny, but I need someone healthy back here right now,” Gordon said.
“I don’t like it, but whatever you need,” Gunny said.
“Thanks.”
“And one more thing, would you please take your protection detail with you. You’re driving around town all by yourself. You do know there’s a kill team running around after you?” Gunny lamented.
“We’ll chat later,” Gordon said and hung up. He didn’t want to discuss that topic right now. He disliked having people around him. Yes, he was breaking with protocol, but that was what protocol was there for, to be broken. He needed his privacy. He slumped into his seat further and stared out the window. The weight of everything was wearing on him.
He sat and watched smiling faces walk into the Bistro. He was jealous of them in some ways. They had their concerns, but they only needed to be worried about themselves. Gordon missed the days of anonymity and simplicity. But what was he to do now? Not one to focus on self-pity, he inhaled deeply and let out a loud sigh. “Let’s go get a drink,” he said out loud and exited the vehicle.
***
Gordon loved everything about the Bistro. From the look, smell, and overall ambience. It was the place, years before the lights went out, where he and Samantha had decided to buy a house in McCall. It wasn’t big, but the place had a huge personality.
Since he had returned from Oregon, he and Nelson would meet there just to talk. He enjoyed those moments. They tried to keep it a regular meeting, but that sometimes proved difficult for obvious reasons.
Nelson was his oldest friend here, and since he had taken on the presidency, he hadn’t seen him as much as he had in the old days. Nelson was the very definition of a friend. He never judged him, though he’d judge an action, but only to provide constructive criticism and to get Gordon back on track. Gordon knew the advice from Nelson was heartfelt and never came from a place to harm him no matter how harsh it could be. For as much as Nelson gave, Gordon would return by helping to ground Nelson when his insecurities would arise.
Gordon swung the front door of the Bistro open and was welcomed by the rich smell of pine, candles and whatever baked good they were serving. He strolled in like he was anyone else and the patrons didn’t give him notice. This was another great joy of his.
A loud whistle rang out from the back corner.
Gordon looked and saw Nelson waving. In front of him sat three glasses, two full and one empty. It was obvious that Nelson had been there awhile. Gordon meandered and weaved through the maze of tables until he was standing in front of Nelson. “Hey, buddy.”
Nelson stood and embraced Gordon. “Good to see you, brother.”
“Good to see you too,” Gordon said. He took off his coat, draped it over the chair and took a seat. He grabbed a full glass, tipped it back and took a large gulp. “Ahh, so good.”
“Yeah, he’s gotten better at distilling,” Nelson said before taking a drink of his vodka.
Gordon pressed his eyes closed and savored the slight burn of the vodka going down his throat.
“You guys ready to head out?” Nelson asked referring to the troop deployment.
“Yep, it will be a long slow crawl north. I have no doubt we’ll run into large pockets of snow that will slow us down,” Gordon said, mentioning the difficulties his army would have on the highways and roads.
“I’ve got some good news,” Nelson said with a large grin on his bearded face.
Gordon took another drink, put his glass down and said, “Let me guess, you and Seneca are having a kid?”
The jubilant look on Nelson’s face melted away. “How did you know?”
“What else could it be?” Gordon asked. “It’s not as if you got a new job or a new car.”
“Thanks for deflating my bubble.” Nelson groaned.
“I’m sorry, bud. Congratulations, that’s so exciting I couldn’t be happier for you two.”
“I’m excited but also apprehensive. Having a baby in this world is nothing short of scary,” Nelson said, his fingers nervously tapping the side of his glass.
Gordon looked at his old friend. If Nelson was one thing, it was consistent, especially when it came to his personal life. He never had any issues risking his life and wouldn’t think twice, but when it came to his personal and family life, he would become a nervous wreck, always second-guessing everything.
Nelson took off his tattered and worn ballcap and ran his fingers through his thick brown hair.
“Your hair is long as hell,” Gordon said.
“I haven’t cut it since San Diego,” Nelson said.
“It looks like it.” Gordon laughed before taking a swig of his vodka.
“Seneca is already nesting. I’m excited, but I’m just a bit freaked especially with that guy Jacques being parked up north.”
“You don’t need to worry about that. I’ll vanquish him soon enough.”
“I know you will,” Nelson said. “Say, is there anything I can do besides the obvious of checking in on the family?”
“That’s it, just keep tabs on them. I need you here overseeing the hospital,” Gordon said.
“I just feel useless right now. While most of the able-bodied men around here are heading off to war, I’m running the hospital.”
“That’s a critical position. I need you in McCall,” Gordon stressed.
“So, that’s about it with me and Seneca,” Nelson said.
“That’s a lot, and again, I’m so happy for you,” Gordon said with a warm smile.
Gordon’s phone rang, startling him. He ripped it out of his pocket and saw it was Gunny.
“I need to take this,” Gordon said to Nelson then answered the phone. “What’s up, Gunny?”
“Another family has been found murdered,” Gunny said.
Gordon stood up, alarmed by the news.
The Bistro was full, so it was very loud in there.
Needing to talk openly without people hearing or eavesdropping, Gordon rushed out of the café. Once outside, Gordon asked, “Where? Who?”
“The Blooms,” Gunny replied.
“I don’t know them,” Gordon said.
“Nice family, I hear. The entire family was slaughtered, including their two young children,” Gunny informed him.
“Who else knows about this?”
“Only the Marines who found them know. They often stopped by their house for coffee. They lived on the Payette River, southwest of town.”
“Fuck, they’re in the city limits,” Gordon cursed. The news that the eighteen men were now operating within the city limits of McCall concerned Gordon. “Keep the news of this just between you, me and those Marines.”
“Roger that.”
Gordon thought for a moment. He needed to inform Elizabeth and the council but didn’t want to.
“I won’t be able to keep this quiet for too long, maybe a day,” Gunny said.
“Let me think about what I’m gonna do. I’ll call you back soon,” Gordon said and hung up. He made his way back inside and to his table.
“Everything alright? You look stressed,” Nelson said.
Gordon didn’t sit back down. He grabbed his half-full glass, tossed it back and said, “I’ve got to run, buddy.”
Nelson got up and said, “It’s part of the gig, right?”
“You can say that,” Gordon replied.
The two men embraced. “It was good seeing you and congrats on the baby. I’m so happy for you and Seneca. Please tell her I said that.”
“Thanks, my friend.”
Gordon patted him on the shoulder and left.
As Gordon strutted away, Nelson sighed. He loved his friend, but Gordon just wasn’t the same man he’d known before. The wars had taken a toll on him from his perspective and he just hoped Gordon would make it through not only physically sound but mentally as well.
***
Gordon climbed into his Humvee. His thoughts were conflicting. He had to inform Elizabeth, but part of him was holding back from making that call. The one thing he was afraid of was panic ensuing. It was enough to have an army planted up north and threatening their new republic, but to have a small group from that army murdering locals put the threat right at their doorsteps.
Timing was everything. Gordon sat thinking but couldn’t sit around being indecisive. If he told the council, he did risk the news reaching the public, and if it did, it could cause panic, but could he keep it from them? He could, but eventually they’d find out.
Gordon pulled his phone from his pocket and hit the redial button. The phone rang twice.
“Go for Gunny.”
“Give me the address. You and I are going over.”
“Okay.”
“I want the Marine
s who found them there as well,” Gordon ordered.
“423 River’s Edge Road,” Gunny said.
“Got it. Meet me there in twenty,” Gordon said and hung up. “Fuck,” he growled. This was the last thing he needed just before deploying. He had to find this team and fast.
***
When Gordon pulled into the driveway of the Bloom residence, he saw two snowmobiles and Gunny’s truck parked in front of the house.
Gunny approached Gordon and said, “We have a problem.”
“Another one?”
“Yeah, we’re not going to be able to keep this under wraps. I guess a neighbor came over after these guys found them.”
“Where are they?” Gordon asked.
“The neighbors or the Blooms?”
“The neighbors,” Gordon said.
“They went back home. They live behind them,” Gunny said, pointing to the west.
“I guess I need to inform Elizabeth now. But go get them, I’d like to chat with them.”
“Copy that,” Gunny said and walked away.
Gordon was beyond irritated. This was the last thing he needed to have happen, but it was still possible to contain the damage that could be done from having the word of the Blooms being slaughtered reaching the general population. He looked at his phone and once more contemplated covering this entire thing up. He clenched his jaw tight when an old quote he’d heard many times came to mind: The cover-up is always worse than the crime. It was those little nuggets of knowledge that fueled him and gave him the confidence to do the right thing. He pressed the pre-dialed number for Elizabeth and waited.
“Mr. President, how can I help you?”
“We’ve had another attack; another family has been murdered. This time, though, it’s in the city limits.”
“Oh dear. When was this?”
“Not sure, we haven’t begun to investigate.”
“I’ll inform the council,” she said.
“About that, I’m concerned about how many people know. If this gets out, we could see panic. We need to contain this right now until we can get our arms around it.”
Silence on the other end.
“Are you there?” Gordon asked.
The New World (Book 7): Those Who Remain Page 6
