War Dogs Trilogy: Wounded Warriors of the Apocalypse

by AJ Newman

  Frankly, I was surprised that my ferocious war dog allowed puppies to swarm over him. He looked up at me and then went back to licking one of the six pups. The brown one that looked like Tina finally looked up and saw me. He jumped off MMax and ran across the floor to me. He jumped up and down until I picked him up. MMax looked at us and yawned.

  ***

  MMax was a lot like Jason, in that he was much better at killing and surviving than the feely touchy stuff, but something deep inside made him very protective of these little balls of fur. MMax didn’t know he was hardwired from millions of years of survival of the fittest to guard his offspring. He only knew that he had a new mission to protect them. He watched closely as the small humans advanced toward his pups. He knew the taller one and trusted him, but was wary of the smaller of the two.

  MMax was confused about the smaller human because he smelled a little bit like his human and a little bit like the nice older lady and her mate. Humans had so many different smells, and the scents covered their bodies. He couldn’t just sniff their butts and learn all he had to know as he did with other dogs. Humans didn’t like their butts being sniffed. MMax couldn’t understand how humans could learn about others without butt sniffing.

  He saw his human and his human’s mate enter the barn and relaxed. He knew his human would help watch over the pups. They each picked up one of his puppies and cuddled them before they placed them on the floor and played with them. MMax crawled over to his human and used his paw to lift his human’s hand. His human scratched his ears and then rubbed his fur. MMax was happy.

  ***

  I gave MMax some extra attention because between all the community’s issues and my love for Kat, I hadn’t spent much quality time with MMax. He rolled over, and I rubbed his belly and then scratched his neck. I knew MMax wouldn’t be on the earth forever, but I would do my best for him.

  I saw a lot of MMax in the pups. Four of the six had the aggressiveness and curiosity to make good service dogs. The others could be trained to be good watchdogs and playmates for the kids. We had to guard against the other four becoming house dogs.

  We left the pups, and I took Kat for a short drive to the farm south of us. It was abandoned and far enough away that no one could hear Kat scream at me. I must say, this thing didn’t go as planned. Kat calmly listened and then said, “Jason, please listen to what I have to say. What the hell did you see in that pitiful thing to have sex with her? No, don’t answer. She was probably the school pump, and you were a horny teenage boy with raging hormones.”

  I said, “Darling …”

  Kat said, “I love you, and kind of knew a man at twenty-eight would have sowed some wild oats. I didn’t expect a seven-year-old crop to appear. Now, down to the matter at hand, you apparently have a son. You should be a part of your son’s life. I want to be a part of his life. I want my kids to be a part of his life. Now, listen closely. The bitch has to go. She can’t live in our community, and I don’t want her around you or me.”

  I said, “Dear, you’re taking this very calmly. I was afraid I should have worn a cup to this meeting.”

  “You’ll need one if I catch her around you. Sorry, you won’t need one,” Kat said as she drew her knife and then said, “Yes, I’m a bit jealous. Now, let’s go meet with the rest of our get rid of Sydney team.”

  ***

  Michelle saw Sydney walking around the farm, acting as if she owned the place. “Hey, Sydney, come here. Thanks for talking with me. I was voted to be the go-between for Jason, Kat, and Mom and you.”

  Sydney huffed, “I can talk with them without you in the picture.”

  Michelle said, “Look, bitch, no, you can’t talk with anyone on the farm. I’m the only one in the camp beside Father James who doesn’t want to kill your sorry ass. If it weren’t for that sweet boy, I’d pull the trigger myself. Now, here are the rules. You don’t go near Jason, Kat, or Mom. Don’t even think about talking with them. If you do, we’ll tie you up and place you in the barn until you learn your place around here.”

  “Is Jason’s girl so insecure that she has to threaten to kill me to keep Jason?”

  Michelle said, “You’ve always been a dense dumbass. We’re protecting you from Kat. She’s killed a dozen men and women who tried to harm her. She would kill you and still sleep soundly at night if she caught you near Jason. Do you really think another rotting body in a ditch will raise much concern?”

  “She wouldn’t.”

  Michelle went on to say, “Yes, she would, and with a knife. Now, the rules are for your protection. You can stay in the area, and one of us will come and get Jay to see his father. You’ll keep your happy ass up the hill in your own home. We will help you with food this year, but you’re on your own come next spring.

  I’ll arrange a onetime meeting for you and Jason to break the news to Jay. Remember, don’t come down the hill after you’re escorted to your home.”

  “I could be killed or starve to death up there!”

  Michelle said, “We’ll feed Jay and keep him safe. If I were you, I’d give Jay to Jason and haul your sorry ass out of here before you end up in a ditch.”

  ***

  Syd, Kat, and I broke the news to Jay the best we could. The poor boy was confused because his other grandmother had told him his dad had died in a car crash. Jay looked up at his mom with tears in his eyes. He asked me, “Why didn’t you want to be with me?”

  “Son, because I didn’t know about you. Your mom’s parents moved your mom to France when they found out she was going to have you.”

  Jay asked, “Mom, why didn’t you tell me about Jason?”

  “Grandfather and grandmother wouldn’t let me. I know I should have but didn’t. I’m sorry.”

  Jay ran away, yelling. “I hate you both!”

  Later that day, Jay saw me with the pups and came over to me. “Are you really my dad?”

  “Yes, Jay, I am. I’m sorry we didn’t meet a long time ago. I'll do my best to get to know you and be in your life. Just give me a chance.”

  Jay looked up and grinned. “Are these your puppies?”

  I looked down at him, hugging a liver, white, and black one. “Yes, they belong to MMax and me. They’re special puppies, and they’ll grow up big and strong like MMax. Would you like to have one?”

  The boy looked up at me. “Yes, I really really want one of my own.”

  I couldn’t help but notice the bruises on his forearms. “Yes, you can have one of the pups, but first you have to learn how to care for the puppy. Your grandma, Missy, and Chrissy will teach you how to do that. If you can learn how to take care of a puppy, then you can have one.”

  I told Kat about the conversation with Jay, and she kissed me tenderly. “See? Jay will grow on you. He’s actually a well behaved boy. His mom or someone did a good job raising him.”

  I said, “I’ll bet a nanny raised him. Find out when you get a chance.”

  ***

  Mom let us know a couple of days after Syd and Jay arrived that our wedding would be in two days. Kat started to protest and remembered what Mom had told her. I just said, “Yes, Mom. What do I need to do for the wedding?”

  Apparently, I only needed to say, ‘I do,’ and then go on a short but sweet honeymoon. That was okay with me because trying to tell Kat or Mom my suggestions was a waste of time.

  The wedding was a simple affair due to our limited resources. Everyone but the people on guard duty and Ross, who guarded Sydney up at her home, were present. Kat wore one of Mom’s best dresses, and I wore one of Dad’s suits. Kat was gorgeous in the pale blue and white dress with flowers in her hair. Father James conducted the wedding, and Billie was the maid of honor. I didn’t have a best man, but Pete was my groomsman. The wedding seemed silly to me, since Kat and I had been together as man and wife for over a month.

  I tried to get MMax to be my best man, but Kat had said, hell no. Then I told Mom that MMax would be the ring bearer, but Mom wouldn’t have it. I told her MMax was my best
friend and should actually be the best man. She laughed at me and told me she was in charge of our wedding. I know MMax’s feelings were hurt, even though he acted like he could care less.

  Mom was almost as happy as Kat. Now, her son wasn’t living in sin right under her nose, and her grandbabies wouldn’t be born out of wedlock. She thanked me several times for that and then had to come back and apologize when she realized my new son, Jay, was born out of wedlock. She made Jay the ring bearer, and that put a big smile on Jay’s face. I’m glad she did because I’d paid less attention to my son than I had my dog. I had to get my butt in gear and take this ‘father thing’ more seriously.

  We overate and danced for hours. Kat made sure she danced with Jay and made him feel a part of the celebration. I took him aside and told him how glad I was that he’d joined our family. Then I said, “Jay, everyone has a job here in our community. I want you to take responsibility for making sure your grandma’s and Kat’s puppies are safe and well cared for. Then you’ll help me train them. Do you think you can do that?”

  “Jason, I want to do it. Can you help me learn how?”

  “Of course, I’ll help you, and Kat and Grandma will help you. I do want you to call me Dad. I’m a bit late to your party, but I’m your father, and I’d like to be called Dad.”

  Jay hugged me and smiled, “Dad, I love you.”

  “Son, I love you too.”

  It was after dark when we finally got to the part of the wedding that interested me. The honeymoon wasn’t fancy. It was only one day spent by ourselves in an unoccupied trailer. As I’ve said before, I’m not good at discussing the mushy stuff, and I sure as hell ain’t going to say anything about our honeymoon. The one thing I’ll say, is that night was the first time Kat ever mentioned wanting her own home. Apparently, this marriage thing means Mom can no longer take care of me, and Kat takes over. I didn’t even know if she could cook or perform wifely duties. Well, duties outside of the bedroom anyway.

  The next morning, we walked up to Mom’s home and saw MMax was already scarfing down some bacon. I begged for a cup of coffee. Mom poured a cup for each of us and said, “I guess the honeymoon is over. Did you have a fight?”

  Kat said, “No, Mom, we’re still madly in love. I guess we’ve been honeymooning for over a month now and just wanted a good cup of coffee.”

  Mom placed her hands over her ears and said, “TMI, TMI,” as she left the room.

  Michelle laughed so hard she spewed coffee on the floor. “Mom’s a bit traditional when it comes to marriage and sex.”

  Kat said, “I know. Moving to another interesting topic, are you interested in any of the men in our community?”

  “Oh, hell, no! Besides, all the men are hooked up or married. I confuse the two. Kat, don’t worry about me. I’m a big girl and not really looking for a relationship now.”

  I nudged Kat to stop her line of thought and to play nice. Michelle was becoming her best friend, so why poke the bear? I’ll never understand women, and I’m not sure I want to.

  ☆

  Chapter 6

  Smyrna Golf Course Club House - Smyrna, Tennessee

  “Sir, we have two spies with the survivors who are southeast of our territory, and we’re in the process of adding one to the Walker group. May I ask about your interest in the Walker group?”

  “Colonel Griggs, it’s a long story, but their leader and I were on opposite sides back in the FEMA camp. Now, my face is scarred, and I look this way. Plastic surgery hasn’t been performed since the bombs fell, so I’m stuck like this. Yes, I have a score to settle.”

  “Maybe I shouldn’t ask, but why don’t you let me send a couple of squads with two Humvees and wipe the bastards out? We know where their base of operations is located. It would be easy.”

  “Colonel, that would mean Jason Walker was dead, and we need his crops and help before this apocalypse is over, and things get settled down a bit. Walker and McGill were with me in the War Dogs unit in Europe just before the shit started. We can use their skills.”

  Griggs didn’t like what he heard and only nodded.

  The General asked, “I nearly forgot. What happened to those two soldiers that were running a slavery business at the golf course? They should be shot.”

  Griggs said, “I took care of them. You seem to be mellowing out some lately.”

  “Tell me about the spy.”

  ☆

  Chapter 7

  The Walker farm - Walter Hill, Tennessee

  The days passed quickly as we worked to move and install the windmills. Father James oversaw the installation of the equipment. It was strange to see him in the mechanic’s coveralls over his regular clothes with grease on his face. He was like a child with a new box of crayons. I know this sounds stupid, but we forgot to find some wire to carry the current to the battery bank for the DC generators. We had a couple of large AC generators Ross had found in an overseas shipping container that should work, but Father James wanted to gain experience on the weaker DC current before messing with the more dangerous AC electricity.

  “Father, I’ll take a crew into Smyrna and try the Lowes and Home Depot stores to find the wire. I can’t believe we forgot it.”

  “Son, that’s not a problem. While I have you, do you need any advice or counseling on how to handle the new son who surprised you this week?”

  I said, “No, thanks. Michelle had talked us out of doing anything mean spirited. The mother will live in her home up on the hill, and Jay will be brought down to visit with me as often as he wants to come.”

  “That’s good. I heard some rather inflammatory talk on the first day.”

  I replied, “We were just blowing off steam. I know you don’t see any bad people, but that woman is very selfish and mean spirited.”

  “Son, I do see them. I just try to treat them in a Godly manner until they prove themselves to be evil. Then I’ll call you to deal with the truly evil ones.”

  I laughed and said, “That’s a deal, Father. I’ll try harder to start with good thoughts.”

  Father James chuckled. “Do more than try.”

  “Hey, it’s a start. Oh, before I forget, we’re meeting a family in the morning to see if they’re a fit for our community. We might bring them back with us. If we do, I want your opinion on them.”

  Father James said, “One more thing. You need to start acting as though you love the boy and make him a part of your family.”

  “I had a great discussion with Jay and did my best to make him feel like part of the family. I’ll try harder, but honestly, this was such a surprise. I still find it hard to believe.”

  “Kat, you might want to get with the other women and put a shopping list together. I’ll handle the manly stuff.”

  Kat said, “Jason before we go to Smyrna, could we move the pups into our room? I think we need someone watching over them until we dole them out, so MMax will feel good about leaving with us.”

  I said, “I like that idea. I’ll check with Mom.”

  Mom had a better idea. “Jason, those pups are sweet, but they’ll poop all over my floor. Go to the barn and fetch Michael's red wagon and that large dog cage. Mount the cage on the wagon, and I can keep the dogs with us while we work around the farm. I’ll assign Missy and Chrissy to watch over them, but I’ll bring them into my room at night.”

  “Great idea, Mom. I’ll build a ramp on the far side of the deck, so we can bring the wagon into the house.”

  “Jason, I know you gave Gus to Kat, and I want the runt. She’s precious, and I call her ‘Tina’ after her mother. What do you plan to do with the others? They need a home and people who’ll love them.”

  I had given this some thought. “Mom, one goes to Missy and Chrissy. Another goes to Mark and Billie. I gave one to Jay, but I don’t trust Syd with a dog. I don’t know what to do with the last two.”

  “Son, I want another. I want you to train little Tina and the other pup to be guard dogs for the farm.”

  “I like t
hat idea. I’ll build a ramp up to the deck, and we can wheel the wagon in and out of the house. I’ll train the new ‘dog parents’ on how to prepare their pups for training and then train the dogs in my spare time.”

  That evening, I rolled the wagon with the cage over to the pups and placed them inside while MMax watched. He was curious, but not overly concerned. He followed me to the house, where I pulled the wagon up the newly built ramp. I stopped by the fire pit where everyone was assembled and sat on a bench.

  Missy said, “A mobile home for dogs! What a great idea!”

  I said, “MMax and I need homes for the pups. Kat and I are keeping Gus. Mom and Jerry have the runt and the brown one. Missy and Chrissy, would you like one to share?

  Missy reached into the cage and picked their puppy. Chrissy said, “Thanks, Jason. We’ll love him and take good care of him.”

  “Mark, I see you playing with the puppies all the time. Would you and your mom like to have one?”

  Mark quickly replied, “Yes! Mom, please can I have one?”

  Billie said, “Yes, but you have to feed it and clean up after it.”

  I said, “The last one belongs to my son Jay. Mom will keep them for another week or so until they’re big enough to go to their new families.”

  ***