Chapter 35
Twos was wiping the SOG Pentagon Elite II’s five-inch blade on the pants leg of the dead biker as he heard the F-250 coming around the curve. He closed the lock-blade knife that he had carried in his right back pocket with a can of Kodiak for a long time. I guess fifteen years at least, he thought and started back gathering up the belongings of the dead bikers.
As he was bending over picking up a cheap pistol of some kind, being a gun enthusiast for most if not all of his life, it was a rare occasion that he didn't recognize a pistol. It looked like a Berretta or Taurus 92 but wasn't and on dropping the magazine it was a single stack. He read the side of the slide and it had some kind of funny righting and Maadi in English. That set off some bells and whistles in his head. It was Egyptian and a Helwan 920, kinda looked like a Beretta on the outside but the internals were different. Might can trade it for something one day so he put it in the pile.
As Twos was putting the weapon in the ever-growing pile, he thought, I guess we don't have a handgun problem anymore. The problem was so far, he had seen only a couple of long guns and they were shotguns for the most part and not good ones or well kept. He had seen one sub-machine gun that looked like and MP-5 of some variety, there were so many variants that he couldn't keep up with them all. The one thing was they were all good and he would probably have to fight Woods for it, especially if it was and H&K. Woods was definitely a fan boy for Heckler and Koch, if there ever was one.
Woods and the boys pulled up in the truck and stopped. As they got out, Woods asked, “Everything good here?” Woods then added before Twos could answer, “We had a little problem with the Sheriff deputy. He grabbed the Doc and tried to pull a gun on her, to get her to treat the woman cop. She was doing triage and the woman died moments later. He also took a revolver away from Sarah and pistol whipped her before Blake dropped him with a punch and a kick. Sarah will be alright but probably concussed according to the Doc who was a bit shook up herself.”
Twos with an instant mad said, “One of you boys drive me back to the Lodge and the rest finish getting this stuff up. We probably need to do it all the way back over the hill, and be careful when you get that far away.” James volunteered to take his Father back to the Lease and then come back and help.
As they road back towards the Lease, Woods looked down at the would-be survivor biker and noticed that there were no knew bullet holes in the corpse. He hadn't heard any shots while they were at the Lease but he just figured that the sound was muffled. Upon closer inspection it was evident that someone, not someone, Twos had pushed a blade of some sorts into the brain pan by way of the back of the neck. Well at least that way it was quick and pretty painless thought Woods. Twos always the considerate human being if not always polite.
Woods mind in a kind of relief mode went back to a time probably fifteen years prior. They were playing a team in a big softball tournament in Salem, VA and Twos for the good of the team was playing second base. It wasn’t his favorite position, he liked to play first, catch or Designated Hitter at his age. He was a good infielder, though and had to play second and or third sometimes.
It was the final out of the fourth ending on a routine grounder to third, the third basemen fielded the ball and threw the ball to Twos for a force out at second to end the ending. The runner was out by a mile. Twos just caught the ball and was going to throw it to the pitcher when out of the blue the runner just run over Twos cutting him a flip. Everyone on our team figured the guy had just signed his own death warrant and Twos was the enforcing body. Twos had been known back then to have a temper.
Twos just got up dusted off his shirt and looked at the young kid who was about five feet eight and a buck seventy-five and said, “Kid, stupid will get you killed and that was a whole bunch of stupid,” and ran to the dugout, leaving the kid and a bunch of his own teammates awe struck.
Twos was perfectly fine not mad at all. Later that night after a couple of more games, we were leaving to go to the hotel, as we were through till the next day. We walked out to the parking lot to leave, the kid who had been drinking hopped off the back of a pickup truck and ran up to Twos to tell him what he thought. Twos picked the boy up by the shirt collar and started to explain to him again about stupid. As he was talking to the kid and holding him about six inches off the ground Hammer walked up and asked Twos what he was doing. Twos said in a tone that had no malice or anger, “I am trying to explain to this kid that stupid, is very dangerous.”
Phil said, “You are right Twos, and you need to put him down because I think you have his air cut off as he can't speak and he is turning blue.” Twos set the kid down gently and said, “My bad kid, but see what I mean about how stupid is dangerous,” and walked with Phil to the truck.
As Woods was reminiscing and Twos was making his way to the Lease with James in the truck. The Doctor and Phil were frantically working on Elizabeth's arm. The good thing was when they manually set the bone she had blacked out from the intense pain. They had pulled it as far apart as Phil could pull the bones in hopes that everything would be right. They had run a quick ultrasound as that was the only diagnostic tool, they had at the field hospital.
They were now sewing her up and they had some ringers running into her other arm. Candace was a universal donor and they had her hooked up to Elizabeth giving her a pint of blood. As she was finishing up the stitches she said to Phil, “I can finish up here, go check on Ruth, looked like she was going to need some stitches.”
Phil smiled at the Doctor for the first time and said, “Good job their Doc, I am impressed and thanks for what you have done for Twos and for me, already. Sure, glad you decided to take Twos offer seriously. Most people would have thought, it was the ramblings of a crazy man who had just been wounded and had to kill to defend his family and others.”
Dr. Phillips replied, “Get out of here before, I cry or get the big head and you have done a good job recovering and treating the patients yourself.”
As Phil was walking out of the ambulance Dale stopped him and asked about his beloved wife. Phil said, “She will live and have use of her arm, probably not one hundred percent recovery on movement. She was lucky that the Police officer had a blowout kit and knew how to use it, and that we had the Doctor, here at the Lease.”
Phil walked towards Blake and Ruth, to check on her injuries. He walked up just as Twos and James cleared the tree line heading their way. He asked Ruth, how she felt with his best bedside voice and manner. She looked at her friend and said, “I have had better days and my head hurts. I think I will be alright though and Blake has got the bleeding stopped he has been a star. I really want some water and an aspirin.”
Phil said, “Water yes, aspirin and maybe something stronger after the Doctor checks you far a concussion.”
Phil started gently removing the bandage from her forehead and looking at the wound. Like most head injuries, it was not very deep, but had bled a lot. He decided to clean the head wound and apply a liberal amount of a Neosporin like substance and a couple of butterfly stitches. As he was applying the butterfly bandages Twos walked up and said, “Three of my favorite people right here together, love ya all, how is my lovely wife, Phil?”
“Twos she will be fine and I think Dale's wife will be also, the Doctor is just finishing up,” answered Phil.
Blake looked up at his friend and said, “We got a problem bigger than the few stitches Ruth is going to get.” Blake pointed to Sarah and the big bandage across her face and the blood all over the front of her clothes. He then pointed to the Sheriff Officer sitting handcuffed with his hands above his head to the ambulance and not looking really happy about the situation.
As Twos was looking at the officer, Woods and the boys were gathering up weapons, equipment and supplies. They had found some things that would be helpful and some things that were surprising. The helpful things were some Cocaine, Percocet and Vicodin. Woods was sure that these could be used by the Doctor in some way for pain treatment. The other thing that was found and quite a lot of it were Silver and Gold coins and some bullion, even one ten-ounce Gold bar. So far, they must have found a hundred ounces of Gold and three times that much Silver.
The other thing that was quite surprising was a lot of freeze dried and vacuum pack high end foods, like Mountain Home and others. Most of the weapons were pistols and revolvers and most had been neglected and needed a good cleaning. They were however most fairly good weapons, Glocks, S&W, Springfield Arms and even a few high-end Colts and Browning’s that looked like they may have been stolen from some one’s personal collection who knew guns. The weird thing was that even though they had lots of pistols looked like they all must have had at least two, they found hardly any extra magazines among the recovered loot and even fewer holsters on the bodies.
Out of all the stuff they had about twenty motorcycles and most were still ride-able and with a little work road worthy. Woods spoke to the boys and said, “We have a truck full, let's take it back to the Lease and I want each one of you to ride back a bike and we will come back for another load, when we finish offloading this stuff.” The boys happy about getting to ride the motorcycles jumped to it, like only a bunch of happy teenagers can.
Dale went over to Wayne and tried to talk with him. Dale said, “Man, what is wrong with you grabbing the Doctor and hitting that young girl have you lost your mind. These people took a chance on your sister and I and now you and this is the way you treat us.”
Wayne still full of fury said, “So it’s us, I thought you would be with me. I always told my sister you were no good and not the type of man she needed. She needed a real man, not some punk half breed, mongrel.” Dale hit Wayne under his left jaw bone with a right hook that Joe Frazier would have been proud to have thrown, snapping his head forcibly to the side, knocking him out for the second time today. Twos and Blake had reacted to the loud exchange and were on their way over to the pair when the punch landed.
Twos asked, “You alright Dale.”
Dale said, “Yeah, probably broke my hand on this piece of craps hard head. It is not the first time, on the broken hand. I could have made some money as a boxer back in the day, the punch was good but the hands couldn’t take the abuse. I was a Gold Glove champ in age group early in my career. My Dad was my trainer and I guess you need to know half Nigerian and half Irish. A heck of a Middle Weight fighter in his day.”
Blake said, “I hope you realize that we aren’t like that. It doesn’t matter.”
Twos said, “That's right, we only want people who pull there on weight and think about the Clan not the color. As far as I can tell you and Elizabeth do that in Spade’s, no pun intended.” The three of them had a good laugh at that comment and the situation. Dale asked the million-dollar question, “What about my Brother in law.”
Blake said, “I can answer that one for you Twos, he has to go.”
Dale looked to Twos and asked, “What about us?”
Twos said, “Yawl are good, with me and I speak for everyone here, if you want to stay, stay and be part of the Clan. If you want to go with the policeman, we will help you pack. He stays cuffed till you are outside the gate and if he gets mouthy, I will gag him also and not lose one second of sleep over doing it.”
Woods and the crew came pulling up in the truck and on the bikes. Thomas said, “Anyone for a Kawasaki? I will give you a good price on one and even wash the blood off of it before you take ownership.”
Phil said while continuing to treat Ruth, “Sold, that is a tricked-out Kawasaki Contours 14 ABS in Metallic Spark Black and has a top speed of about 150 for a touring bike and it has the original saddle bags still on the frame, nice, very nice,” and went back to finishing up on Ruth.
Blake said, “Are you serious Phil, never dreamed that your big old self would be into crotch rockets, A Harley Fatboy or a Honda Goldwing or something but crotch rockets, seriously.”
“Yeah always kind of wanted one, just never got around to buying one, always had some other thing to spend my money own, that was more important at the time,” Phil said a bit whimsical and with a big smile.
Ruth said, “I have seen that smile before and Ladies for all that are listening, it was for the Lady and I use that term in its broadest definition, of the month or maybe week. He is no good, watch out for him,” then she reached up and laid a big kiss on her husband friends’ cheek.
She could not have embarrassed Phil more if she had pulled his pants down in church and he was not wearing under wear. It was good everyone got a good laugh and then Wayne yelled, “Yeah, yawl laugh now, just wait till I come back with my buddies and take this place over and kill your men and take you women as slaves for our pleasure.”
Twos slowly stood up from where he was kneeling by his wife and walked over to Wayne. Twos had a look that left no doubt to anyone who saw it, that said, your butt is grass and I am the lawn mower. Twos never said a word, he just picked him up by the hair of his head and said, “You and I are going for a little ride in your Police car.”
Twos asked the group, “Who has keys to his cuffs?”
Imogene slowly raised her hand and said, “I do, but I wouldn’t un-cuff him he is some kind of hand to hand combat expert, they told us that in one of our meetings.”
Twos said, “Blake come over and help me.”
As Twos said that, Wayne tried to leg whip Twos with a punt kick. Twos had not been ready and took the kick in the thigh, by dipping just enough not to take the kick in the knee. Twos complimented Wayne said, “That was pretty good,” and reached and grabbed Wayne by the trachea with one hand while holding his hair with the other. As he lifted Wayne up off the ground. He looked back at an astonished Imogene and the Doctor and said, “Let’s see how bad Wayne the Ninja is without any air. See old Twos has a black belt also, it holds up my belly and my gun belt,” as he said that he laughed like he had just said the funniest joke in the history of all comedians.
The Doctor said, “You are going to kill him, let him go right now.”
Twos looked at her and everyone that was present that day would remember what Twos said. He continued, “Yeah, most likely, just not by choking him to death and not right here in front of the children.”
Twos looked at Imogene as Blake walked up to help him and said, “Ma’am pardon me, don’t know your name but I need those keys,” as Wayne was about to pass out from lack of Oxygen. Imogene handed the keys to Blake as he had his hand out and the one, they all called Twos scared her to death right now.
As Twos hand cuffed the out like a light Wayne to the police car he said, “I’ll probably be a while, as I will have to walk back. They had already put the body of Billie in the front seat of the cruiser at his request.
Imogene said, “There is some stuff in the trunk, like my bag, that I could use, can I get it, please.”
Twos answered calm and collect, “Of course Ma’am, we need to clean it out and take the lady cops gun belt and anything else that may be of value.”
Blake walked over and got the keys out of the switch and went and opened the trunk. When the trunk opened. Blake whistled and said, “Jackpot, good call little Lady cop.”
James and Thomas who had finished unloading the truck of stuff from the bikers came over and looked into the trunk and started pulling out stuff. They were three AR-15 flat top variants with Aimpoint red dot scopes and pop up sights on top of three large bugout type bags and a couple of small handgun size Pelican cases, a couple of ammo cans of 5.56 and two cases of MRE's. The real treasure was a 40mm M79 blooper and four bandoleers of ammo.
Twos on seeing that said, “I hope it’s not all shotgun rounds.”
The Major walked over and started looking and it was all and proclaimed that it was all M406 HE or explosive rounds. She added, “I will take care of this little baby, unless someone has more experience,” and smiled she had really liked the M203 she had on her rifle in the service. This wasn't quite as handy, yet it would do just fine, she thought.
As Twos drove away with the two Deputies in the car, one dead and one soon to be. He thought, have I become like the bikers that just a little while ago were attacking the Clan. Shaking his head and said a little prayer. The prayer was, “God please forgive me of the things I have done and will have to do. God watch over my family and the Clan and give me the courage, strength and where with all to do the right thing in all the future trials. You are my strength and salvation. Amen.”
Woods and the boys followed Twos out of the gate and Candace and the Major with her new-found beauty, stayed to man the gates while they were out of the Lease. Mackenzie and Samantha went to make the crew some food and get ready for the next meal. This let Megan stretch her legs, use the potty, and get her updated on the news at the Lease. Like she did for them on news from the outside. Sarah was going to be alright; she would have a small scar on her cheek and into her hairline but she didn't have a concussion, or at least no lingering signs of one.
The Doctor and Phil were cleaning up the mess from the operations and the aid and talking about the events of the pass few days. She said, “Twos scarred me today, I would have never expected him to be that violent of a person. He seemed so gentle and educated and nice.”
Phil said, “You are confusing his nice and gentle side for weakness, a lot of people make that mistake about him and other people like him. They think because he is nice to everyone and that when he helps others, that he is weak. He explained to me one time he is like a sheep dog. The sheep dog lives with the sheep and helps them find water and food but his real job is to take care of the wolves that threaten the sheep not really the sheep. He just takes care of the sheep because he is a good guy and it is the right thing to do morally.”
As they were talking Twos was about a mile and half passed the top of the hill, when he pulled the Police car over to the side of the road and made a three-point turn. He then backed up a few yards to a pullover spot in the highway and stopped the car and got out and walked around to the passenger side of the car and opened the door. Wayne was still passed out, so he used the Ammonia capsule he got from the cars first aid kit before leaving it for Phil and popped it right under the nose of Wayne. It woke Wayne up instantly and Twos just stuck the capsule behind the ear of Wayne, just to remind him who was in charge of this discussion.
Twos said, “I am not going to make this a long drawn out drama. I am going to tell you the same thing I told the last guy about an hour or so ago. You are going to die and I am going to take your life, that is a given. I am going to step away and give you a minute to ask for forgiveness from your maker, as I am going to do the same for what I am about to do. I would have probably let you go if you hadn't threatened my family and the Clan. As a gift to your sister, as you are right, she does deserve a better man…” He then continued, “For a brother not a husband.”
Fifty seconds or so later as he said, “Amen.” Twos walked back to the car and asked Wayne if he had any last words to comfort his sister. Wayne said, “Tell her I said to kill you and your family as you sleep and all the rest of the so-called Clan and rape all your dead bodies.”
Twos said, “Sometimes people just don't know when to shut up or quit.”
Reaching into his right back pocket, grabbed Wayne by the head and in one swift motion opened the SOG Pentagon Elite II and ran the blade into the brain stem. For the second time, today in a matter of hours he cleaned the blood off the blade of his pocket knife and thought I am going to need to oil this thing tonight. He then took the hand cuffs off of Wayne and pulled him out of the car and carried him around to the front driver side and put him in the seat closing the door. Then he laid down under the back of the cruiser and took the Pentagon Elite and drove it with a swift push into the gas tank. As he walked back towards the Lease, he took a pin flare from the front left pocket of his Duluth Fire Hose pants. Twos then struck the end and threw the flare towards the expanding pool of gas from the car.
Twos was walking home and admiring the carnage that his friends had dealt the bikers when, he saw something that caught his eye. Actually, it was three things a small biker still atop a laid over Harley Fatboy: Shadow Rocket edition by Rough Crafts in flat black pipes and all. The other two things were a pair of Uzi Pistols in a shoulder holster rig on the rider. He thought, I love the bike but those Uzi pistols would be the ticket for Sarah. If she is as good a shot as they all say and after getting pistol whipped today, it would be nice to give her a present. All little girls, ladies like presents, at least the ones I know.
Throwing the biker off the bike and removed the holster rig and Uzis and found a quadruple magazine rig on the bike. Kick starting the bike hoping he could remember how to ride one, it had been a long time. Probably thirty years or better. He cranked the Harley and took it easy for the first mile or so and as he was about to top the hill he thought about Woods and the boys and didn't want to get shot again so he hit the foot and hand brake and started gearing down hoping he didn't wreck. He got it stopped right at the crest of the hill and was looking right down the barrel of five long guns of Woods and the boys at about thirty yards. They had almost made it to the top of the hill in their cleanup efforts. He hollered, “Guys it’s me Twos, don’t shoot.”
Chapter 36
As Woods and the boys were about to shoot the motorcycle rider, Dale and Elizabeth were having a heated discussion about the events of her brother’s downfall and potential demise. It was happening right in front of Phil, Dr. Phillips, Ruth, Blake and Sarah, as they were still there at the tent and ambulance. All trying to recuperate from the attacks and the wounds they sustained physically and mentally. She was not a happy camper and blamed Twos and Dale for her brother’s actions. She even went so far as to say her brother was right when he said, she needed a better man. Dale said, “With that statement alone, I guess I know where I stand with the family of racist that I married into,” and started to walk away with his head down and dejected.
Eli hollered, “Don’t you walk away from me you, you, you half breed mongrel.”
Dale the moments before devoted husband, raised his right arm without ever looking back and gave her the universal one finger salute and kept walking, towards their tent. She stood up on wobbly legs and pulled her Glock 34 from her holster and fired a shot at her husband. He dropped like he had been pole axed and screamed in agony.
A ripple volley of fire erupted from the people under the tent. The whole group that had witnessed the violent exchange between the wife and her husband. No one would ever know which of the bullets killed Elizabeth Cooper, she had taken a round to the nasal cavity and four or five to the center of her chest, and one to the throat severing her spine all wounds of which would have been fatal. Phil had fired twice and so had Ruth. Sarah had only fired her S&W 357 magnum once; it had hit her at the bridge of her nose and traveled out the lower back of her head.
Dr. Philips rushed to Dale’s side with Phil in close pursuit. They each arrived in time for Dale to look up to them and say, “Please tell Twos and Ruth I said Thank You and I am sorry for my family and the trouble they have caused the Clan. I would have been proud to call the Clan family,” and took his last breath and died. The mood at the ambulance hospital had taken a definite turn into the Macabre world.
As all the excitement was happening at the Lease. Twos was showing off his new ride and the Uzi pistols he had acquired for Sarah, to Woods and the boys. There were some oohs and aahs from the boys and Woods and maybe a little good-natured envy from Robert who thought the Uzi pistol was the ultimate hand gun. Woods said, “We have enough handguns and most are high quality if not well kept, that anyone who wants to upgrade or add a pistol to their carry can do so. I wish they were more long guns we found only a few. I did find one to add to my collection.”
Twos said, “I know exactly which one, I saw a MP-5, earlier, somewhere.”
Woods felt like his glory had been stolen from him. He recovered quickly and said, “Not just any Heckler and Koch MP-5. It is a H&K MP5SD3 fully automatic, and has an integral suppressor. The only problem with the weapon is only two magazines were located in this mess of stuff from the bikers.”
Twos looked to the group and said, “Since everyone seems to be getting something new, did you boys pick yawl out anything you liked. It seems only fair, since you are doing all the work, in gathering this stuff up, that you get first Dibbs on a couple of new handguns if you want some, or a bike if that is what you want.”
The boys were like ADD kids in a candy store with a sugar high to boot. Twos said to Woods, “Since I set that car on fire, we probably need to clean up all the way to the car at least, what do you think?”
Woods agreed and said, “Great idea and maybe we can find another one of the magazines for the MP5.”
“Ever the optimist, aren't you, Woods. Now that the boys are distracted what is really on your mind Woods, I know you like a book and you are worried about something, so spill it,” said Twos.
Woods said, “And that is exactly why I don’t play cards with you and the guys anymore.”
“We only play for nickels and dimes and you are a multi-millionaire, so what’s that about? I think in all the years I have been playing the most I ever won in one night was like thirteen dollars and the most I have lost was like twelve dollars and some change,” asked Twos.
“Yeah, but you know how competitive I am. I hate to lose at anything,” Woods truthfully answered. Laughed just a little and continued with his answered his friend. “I heard shots from over towards the Lodge, just a little bit ago, I don’t think the boys heard them, if they did, they didn’t react and the shots are what has me worried.”
“Let's call Megan on the radio and see if we are needed,” said Twos.
“Melton has the radio, let me go and get it from him,” said Woods. Walking over to his son who was admiring a Browning Hi Power in 9mm with some nice ivory grips.
Melton asked, “What do you think, Dad?”
“Good eye and a very nice weapon, but more of a collector piece now than a daily carry. I think daily carry is more important today than it was just a few days ago, it is your choice though. Can I get the radio and call Megan,” he asked his son?
“Sure Dad, I saw a Springfield Armory XD-9 Tactical 5 inch in dark Earth and a couple of magazines in the pile and a XD also with a couple of magazines. You are right as usual; they are probably a better choice,” said Melton a little dejected.
Woods said, “Take all three, if anybody says anything, I will trade them something for it, you deserve it for how hard you and your brother have been working and not complaining. Pick something out for your Mom, also, and help your brother, to make a good decision like you have on his pistols.” Woods walked back over towards Twos with the radio and handed it to him, to make the call to Megan and the Lease.
Twos said, “That was some good parenting my friend. It is things like that, that make me proud for you to be my friend. It was never your money, your good looks, not. It also was not that you were always on base in front of me and made my rbi numbers look good. Those things just come with the package, that is Woods.”
Woods said, “Don't make me cry,” in his best falsetto voice and blinked his eyes at his friend, like a damsel trying to get a beau.
Twos said, “And that is why, no one else is your friend, some of them take you serious, when you do that,” and they are afraid that you mean it.
Woods continued, “But, I do mean it, big guy.”
“Now you are scaring me, Knucklehead,” said Twos and laughed at the antics of his best friend. He looked at the radio and changed the channel to the one they were supposed to be on now and keyed the talk button to talk.
Dr. Phillips said to the group and no one in particular, “I was not expecting that, she seemed so nice and in love with Dale.”
Sarah said with the profound wisdom of children, “One never really knows what is going on in people’s heads. I wonder what is for supper all of this SHTF life, sure makes a girl’s appetite hardy,” she had a look that showed she was completely serious and not making light of the situation.
Ruth looked at Sarah and said, “Sarah, I have known you since you were like five and you have been hungry the whole time that I have known you, eating like a horse and never gaining a pound. It must be nice to eat like you do and not have to worry about gaining weight.”
Sarah laughed and said, “Ms. Jacobs, I only eat like that cause, your family does and your cooking is so good. I know that you have noticed how hungry Candace is when she comes from my house. My Mother can’t boil water and even if she could, she wouldn’t. Mother feels that women shouldn’t have to do work like that, their place is in the boardroom not the kitchen. I don’t agree with her and Love the way your family works, like a family, not a business-like mine.”
Blake said, “Yeah, Ruth sure can cook,” as he was saying that a shot was heard by all from what sounded like, the front gate. Blake and Phil grabbed their rifles and ran to the Kubota jumped in and tore across the hay-field towards the gate.
As they were tearing across the field Twos was getting the lowdown on the killing of Dale by Elizabeth and the subsequent shooting of Elizabeth by the rest of the Clan that had witnessed the exchange of un-pleasantries between the two. Twos thought that Megan choose some interesting words and phrases to discuss things. He also decided to run to the gate and check on the rifle round that he had heard from the area. Twos told Woods, “Keep an eye out and continue the gathering of the biker’s stuff, I am going to check on the gate.”
James said, “Look Dad a Glock 17L just like one of yours, can I have it and will you fix it up like your pistols.”
Twos the proud parent that his son would want to follow in his footsteps said, “Yes, I would love to fix up that Glock 17L for you, I have all the parts, gotta run back to the Lodge right now. I will check it out for you when I get back and maybe you can find another and you will have brace like Woods and myself.” Twos hopped onto his new Harley steed and took off for the Lease and the boys went back to gathering up the biker’s stuff and arguing about which one was getting the coolest stuff.
Back at the Lease the Major and Candace were dragging the big White Tail Doe back to the gate. It had mistakenly walked out of the paper companies’ trees about a hundred-fifty yards from where they were watching the gate. Candace and the PSL had dropped it with one shot through the area right above the left shoulder blowing out both lungs. It was a classic shot placement for White Tail and would not ruin much meat. As they drug the deer back to the gate, Candace said, “I hope we can get Dad to cook the tenderloin for supper and the Liver for breakfast that is my favorite thing here at the Lease. Dad will cook and tell us James and I a story about hunting when he was a boy and there were hardly any white tails in this part of the country. I don't know if it the fresh meat or the stories that make it taste so good.”
The Major said, “Then, I don’t guess this is your first deer.”
Candace said, “Oh Heavens no, I killed my first deer with a NEF Handi-rifle when I was ten years old, it was a little prong horn two-year-old and Dad acted like it was a Boone and Crockett trophy buck and had the antlers mounted. The mounted rack still hangs in Dad’s study at home with his first trophy Buck and James’s first buck is in there, too. Dad tells everyone who will listen about James and my first deer kills, like they were the greatest hunts ever. Mom says they were to him and that is why he brags about them,” she continued with a glow of past good times.
The Major said, “The more I hear about your Dad and see him work with others the prouder, I am to know him and that he calls my little brother his best friend, the bigger honor.”
“This doe is a little bigger and heavier than I thought, there sure was no ground shrink on this gal,” said Candace.
The Major said, “Yeah, I am thinking a buck forty to a buck fifty.”
Candace said, “That sound s about right, we can probably get hundred pounds of meat for the canner and freezer and maybe a little jerky, if Dad will do that.”
The Major said, “Is there anything Twos can’t do?”
Candace without a drop of sarcasm or levity said, “Dance and sing, he can’t do either a lick, and I don’t know the story, it must be a real doozy, because he will not under any circumstances consider bowling or even talk about going.” As they pulled it up to the gate, Blake and Phil came busting up in the ATV.
Candace said, “Where were you five minutes ago with that buggy? If you had of been here the Major and I would not be sweating and out of breath and the doe would already be in the back. For that, you big strong men can load it in the Kubota and do the cleaning and fight the deer ticks when you get it back to the Lodge.”
Blake said, “Thanks my Lady, for the honor of being of service to you on this matter,” in the worst English accent ever.
“Big guy, don’t ever do that again, in my presence, that was horrible, just load the deer and keep quiet,” said the Major and they all laughed at Blake expense.
The big guy picked the deer up by the legs and toted it to the back of the ATV and threw it in like most people would a twenty-pound cat. No one actually knew how strong Blake was not even himself. Blake had quit going for maximum lifts years ago and hadn’t competed in an even longer time. His last competition he had bench pressed over seven hundred pounds dead lifted over eight hundred pounds and squatting almost half a ton for a twenty-five-hundred-pound set. That had been his goal and when he made it, he quit competing but not lifting and getting stronger.
Those numbers didn't put him in a class by himself. But as Twos said, “Blake might not be in a class by himself on a twenty-five-hundred-pound set but it doesn’t take long to call the role.”
As he walked back around to where the ladies and Phil were standing and talking, they all reacted to the sound of the motorcycle coming towards the gate. Twos came rolling up to the gate he again was facing the threat of blue on blue or as some would say Friendly Fire.
Friendly Fire was an oxy-moron if there ever was one. Anytime you are taking fire, it is not friendly. It might be from someone you call a friend, but it is not friendly and will kill you just as dead as non-friendly fire. Twos hollered, “The gate, it’s me, Twos,” for the second time today and raised his hands almost losing control of the bike when he hit a root in the path to the Lease.
Blake yelled, “It’s Twos on one of the motorcycles from the gang, stand down, stand down.”
Twos got the bike back under control and rolled up to the gate as it was being opened for him. He saw the deer in the back of the ATV and immediately knew what the one rifle shot had been. Twos looked at Candace and said, “Did you ruin any meat, Baby
girl” and smiled a loving smile at his daughter?
Candace answered, “Not much and will you cook the tenderloin for supper, Blake and Phil have volunteered to clean the deer.”
“Yeah, if I don’t have to clean, I will cook, not going to be much to go around with all of the mouths we have to feed at the Lease,” replied Twos.
Candace said, “Yeah, but the Twins and Mackenzie don’t eat deer and neither does Samantha, so it is not as bad as it could be.” She added, “And if we are lucky neither does Dr. Phillips or the new cop Lady, be more for us,” and grinned the grin of an imp.
“Yeah, it is cool enough for us to let it cool and drain overnight and can or freeze the meat tomorrow,” said Blake.
Twos said, “Yeah, maybe make a little jerky, too.”
Phil volunteered, “Will yawl quit talking about food, I’m hungry.”
Twos said, “With that settled, if I don’t have to help clean the deer and my presence is not needed here, I am going to help Woods and the boys gather up the rest of the stuff from the bikers, we are burning daylight.” He walked back to the Harley Fatboy and road back out the way he had come. This time with a little better handle of the big bike than before.
As he rode away to help Woods and the boys, Blake and Phil got into the Kubota ATV and headed back to the Lodge and the hanging rack that was over near the barn area and to start cleaning the deer. Dr. Philips, Ruth, Sarah and Imogene were waiting and worrying about the gun shot they and heard and the consequences that it may bring.
Woods and the boys had almost made it back to the Police Car which though still smoking had completely burned out and the sickly smell of burnt flesh was in the air. Woods made and executive decision and told the boys to get everything up in a hurry and let's get out of here. We will come back for the motorcycles tomorrow, just pick up the goods and put the bodies in a pile, like we have on the other side of the hill. The boys were too tired to argue at this point in their day, the hard work and the Adrenalin dump had them dead on their feet.
As Twos pulled up to the boys, they were finishing putting the bodies in a pile. Twos said, “Good job men,” and emphasized the men part. “Now let's all ride a motorcycle back to the Lease pick the nicest ones, that way if someone does come by and take some, we will have cherry picked the best ones.” He asked Woods and the boys, “Do any of you know how many we have already took to the Lease.” The boys answered, “With yours it would be nine and four more would be thirteen.”
“Okay then when we get back we will make two more quick runs back for bikes and I will get Blake to help me load a trailer with these bodies. I know just what hole to drop them in and it’s just down the road,” said Twos to the group.
“As a reward, you all can pick one more pistol or revolver after everyone gets a pick first,” said Twos. That made the boys perk up and get a little quickness in their step. With that all the boys choose a bike and followed Woods back to the Lease with Twos riding drag and making sure no one was following them.
Mackenzie and Samantha were in the outdoor kitchen busy fixing supper for the Clan, they were having Salmon and reconstituted powdered eggs over rice and some beans for those who wanted extra. It was one of Woods favorite dishes but Mackenzie wasn't sure about it with the powdered eggs. She would be happy when Candace's chickens started laying and carrying their weight so to speak.
As the ladies were preparing supper Blake and Phil hung the deer up and prepared to skin the deer for processing and feeding the Clan. Both Phil and Blake were thinking about the tenderloin that Twos was going to fix and hoping no one else would want any of the ‘Wild’ venison. Phil had stopped by his Airstream and got his favorite skinning knife it was an Old Timer Sharpfinger that his Dad had bought for him when he had his twelfth birthday and he had been cleaning wild game with it ever since. It was one of the old school knives from Old Timer when they were made in America and the steel was first class. He had bought a couple of other skinners from big time knife companies but he always came back to his first skinner.
Blake on the other hand had four knives and really six for skinning, depending on how you counted them. He had a Knives of Alaska Trio Combo pack that had the Brown Bear, Light Hunter, and a Cub Bear Caping knife that he kept in his Bug Out Bag. His system had a Columbia River Knife and Tool Serengeti Hunter System and Caping Blades that was a pocket knife that he loved so much he wore it on his belt all the time and used one of the blades almost daily for something. But skinning was what it was designed to do and it did that better than anything ever, according to Blake and Twos who had to have one of the discontinued blades after using Blake's.
Between the two of them the deer didn't have a chance of keeping its skin for more than a minute. As the pair started skinning the deer, the pair heard the rumble of motorcycles coming across the hayfield towards the Lodge. The boys came racing across the field and down the lane to the barn where Phil and Blake were cleaning the deer with Twos in the lead.
Blake said, “The baby Rat pack is here,” and laughed at his joke and Phil joined in to, as neither one of them would have imagined Twos on a motorcycle. At least not before TEOTWAWKI.
James jumped off his motorcycle and ran over to show Blake and Phil his new Glock 17L and tell them about the fact that his Dad was going to trick it out just like his brace of 17L’s.
Phil said, “That will be pretty cool Junior.”
James said, “For the millionth time I am not a junior,” with voice showing the exasperation of youth.
Phil said, “I know you are not a junior, Junior.” Blake and he had a big laugh at James’s expense.
Thomas said, “James they are just messing with you, it all in good fun, junior, I mean James,” having a big laugh himself.
Blake said, “That's the spirit Thomas, do you have a new pretty, to show off, like James.”
Thomas said, “Yeah, I actually found a couple of Glock 17’s but no L’s and four extra magazines. I am hoping Twos can trick them out, also they are good guns they are generation twos without the finger grooves and I think I like them better, then the three and four versions with the finger groves.”
Walking up Twos said, “I think the gen twos make better guns, that’s just my opinion and I have plenty of sights, mag wells, solid recoil rods and 3.5-pound triggers to go around.”
Not to be outdone Melton and Robert ran up and showed of their new pistols. Melton with his Springfield Armory XD-9’s and Robert with a pair of what he thought were Cz-75 Sp-01 that were identical.
Phil however being quite knowledgeable on the different Cz-75 variants said, “Robert, those are like you and Melton, twins but not identical, the one in your right hand is a Cz-75 Sp-01 Phantom and the one in your left is a Cz-75 Sp-01 Shadow, just a few small differences, but like you and your brother both great in their own right.”
Phil smiled a big smile at Robert who being the younger and smaller of the twins sometimes got looked over, because Melton was a little more developed physically always. Those who knew the boys well knew Robert had the intellect edge especially in the sciences and math. Woods came up and said, “Boys let’s make one more, quick run and pick up more of the motorcycles.”
Twos said, “Blake can I borrow your truck, since my trailer is still hooked up, to put the bodies on and can you come and help me load them up. The boys have them in piles, so with the two of us loading it will be quick.” They all rode off back towards the outer gate and their jobs of restoration.
Chapter 37
A couple of hours later and after some extremely dirty work by Twos, Woods, and Blake, they all sat down to eat at the Lodge tables. The Clan enjoyed the fine supper prepared by Mackenzie and Samantha of Salmon and Eggs over rice. With a little bit of grilled venison Tenderloin, with Candace getting two big pieces since she killed the white tail doe. Candace promptly cut one of her big pieces of tenderloin in half and gave one of the halves to Blake. Blake gave her a big hug in return and laughed at Phil and said, “She loves me better, Hammer,” and stuck out his tongue at Phil.
Everyone seemed to be in a pretty good mood all things considered. Twos sitting with Ruth, James and Thomas with Megan by the side of Thomas. Candace was sitting with Sarah and Samantha at the next table. Megan asked Twos, “Would it be possible for me to look through the handguns and see if I could find a pistol or two? I like the Ruger revolver but, I have shot pistols more often and better when I shot before.”
Twos said, “The short answer Megan is yes, the long answer is we are going to talk about that and some other things after supper.”
“Goody,” said Megan and had a million-dollar smile. She then added, “Will I get a rifle, also?”
James said. “Just like a woman, give her an inch and she will take a mile.”
“James Ray Brady!!! You watch your mouth and apologize to me and Megan right now,” said Ruth.
“Mom, I was just funning with her, I didn’t mean anything,” said James. Twos, Thomas, and Megan laughed at the befuddled James.
Twos said more to save James any more embarrassment than anything, “Well I sure am glad the stuff hitting the fan has not changed our family dynamics and sense of humor.” He then asked Ruth if she thought everyone had taken enough time to eat and should he open the discussions of today's event and the things needed to make the Lease more livable and defendable.
Ruth said, “Let’s give everyone a few more minutes to unwind and enjoy the meal. No sense rushing into the details, this day and the last couple of days has taken a toll on everyone physically and mentally.”
“You are right, sweetheart as usual, I will bow to your superior intellect” said Twos. Immediately he pulled away from Ruth and covered his head as if cowering from Ruth. They all laughed at the antics of Twos and Ruth. It was a game they played, but the love for each other always showed through. As this was happening at their table the other tables were having the same kinds of personal interaction trying to take some normalcy from a non-normal day.
As the din of conversation started to die down, more from lack of energy of the participants in today’s activities than any other reason, Twos stood up and said. “Everyone, could I have your attention please for a few minutes. I know it has been a long day and much needed rest and baths are wanted, so give me few minutes and we will be on to those amenities.”
Twos then started by saying, “To all who had a hand in the defense of the Lease and all the inhabitants, I want to say thank you for myself and my family. All of you did a magnificent job, from driving the trucks in the convoy to riding shotgun, to manning the staged ambush, to working the gates, to fixing supper, and all the other things that were accomplished, thanks. Now, I want to give special thanks to a couple of people, Dr. Phillips for her tireless work patching up the wounded of the Clan, a big Thank you from us all.”
The gathering gave a little cheer and clapped and Phil gave her a heartwarming smile. Twos continued, “To Megan for her tireless work keeping us informed of events and messages and trying to keep us all informed of enemies and conditions, Thank You Megan. Last but not least Sarah for her shooting skills, in keeping the convoy safe and its riders. I have a gift for Ms. Sarah.”
As he said that Ruth handed him the twin shoulder holster rig for the Uzi pistols. Twos lifted the weapons for everyone to see and said, “I found these out in the rubble of the motorcycle gang and I thought they would be perfect for our own Annie Oakley. It is a pair of Uzi pistols in a dedicated customized shoulder rig.”
A big hand of applause went up for Sarah and she took the pair from Twos and said, “Thanks” and went and sat down somewhat embarrassed and amazed.
As they settled down, Twos went on with his speech, “We gathered a lot of stuff today, that will help with a couple of deficiencies in our defense. They are as follows, we gathered up a bunch of handguns and as you probably all know by now the boys have already raided the cookie jar.
“Blame that one on me, they were doing hard and dirty work taking stuff off of the dead bikers and I rewarded them for their fine efforts. There are plenty for everyone to take a look and pick them out one or two or to upgrade what they have now. There were not many rifles at all, I think one M4 clone with an SBR setup but just semi-automatic and a couple of Draco AK pistols.”
“There are a couple of other types one being a Kel-Tec pistol like the one of our Dr. Phillips. I think that should be hers, unless someone has a problem with that assumption of mine. Also, so as to have full disclosure Woods has taken possession of a Heckler and Koch MP-5 and I of a Harley FatBoy motorcycle. The other thing that will help us in the future was that the motorcycle gang had quite a lot of high dollar freeze dried foods. The big thing and quite frankly surprising thing that may help a lot in the future is a fairly large quantity of Precious Metals in Gold and Silver.”
“Before you start, it has not been counted and will be put into the kitty of the Lease not mine, or Woods or your pockets, it will be used for the good of all. That brings us to the last couple of points, the tent and possessions of Dale and Elizabeth, from what I was told Dale said he was part of the Clan with his last word and since he out lived his wife by a few seconds everything was his. It now belongs to the Clan and we need someone to learn how to shoot the M-107 fifty-caliber rifle and I say it is Blake and the Major, they seem to be a pretty good team, that is if they will accept. “
Blake said, “We do.” The Major just glowed and nodded her head.
Twos started again, “The last thing is, the tent, I think that Dr. Phillips and Imogene should move in there for the time being and Blake over with Phil.”
Everyone agreed with that motion. “In finishing, we need to finish up the electrical installation, now that we have concrete. Major you need to pick us out a spot for a couple of Observation Post and at least one Listening Post. We will need to make them sturdy and setup for long stays and as comfortable as possible. That’s all for tonight again, Thanks all and if anyone wants to help, I will be doing the dishes, Mackenzie and Samantha have been doing them thus far and that is not fair, to the Ladies. Good night and again thanks all,” finished Twos.
The next morning right after breakfast. Megan and Samantha came up to Twos with Candace in tow and said, “Will you help us pick out a couple of pistols?”
“Samantha, thanks for the fine breakfast this morning and all the food you have prepared, you are going to make some young man a very lucky man one day. Maybe a fat and lucky man but lucky none the less and Megan the work you are doing in the Communications room is excellent. I am sure Thomas already thinks he is a lucky man. With all that being said, it would be my honor to help you Ladies in your quest for fire power. Also, if you need it, show you how to take care of the weapons and check you out on handling of them and shooting practice,” answered Twos.
“Thank you, Mr. Jacobs,” the girls said in unison. Twos looked at girls in his most fatherly look of appreciation and said, “How many times have I told you Ladies to call me Twos or George, when you say Mr. Jacobs, I look for my Father to be standing behind me.”
Candace popped into the conversation saying, “Dad can I go look too, I love my Cz-52’s but more capacity might come in handy, in the future.”
“Always, baby girl, you know I love it when you want me to show you something on weapons and I don’t get to do that as much as I would like as you have gotten older. The answer is yes, by all means, let’s go look at that pile of hardware over at the shop, the more you take the less I have to clean and go through by myself,” agreed Twos to Candace. They girls and Twos walked off towards the shop on a mission to update their personal weapons.
When they arrived at the shop, they found Dr. Phillips and Imogene along with Phil going through the pile of weapons. Twos said to Phil, “I thought you were in love with your Cz-75 variants Phil, you finally seeing the light and trying to find you a Glock to upgrade too,” and laughed a boisterous laugh.
“No, what I am looking for is one of those Draco’s you were talking about that or a sawed-off shotgun for when I am driving, something I can use one handed. It is hard to aim and drive so I was thinking, that they would be good for that and increase our firepower in the trucks,” said Phil.
“Phil, I also saw somewhere in this pile a couple of the Taurus Judge’s and one Smith and Wesson Governor. They might be a good choice also, except we don’t have much if any .410 shotgun ammo,” said Twos.
The Doctor said, “I might want one of those for when I am working on patients, myself.”
Twos asked, “What have the three of you found so far, in your ramblings?”
Dr. Phillips said, “I found the Kel-Tec and it is a better version than mine better sights and the fore grip is better. It also, has a different kind of one-point sling that I like better. I asked Phil to look at it, but he said that you and Woods were the gun gurus not him and you would be glad to do it, for me.”
“Well, I am glad that Hammer finally admitted that I was better than him at something. Most of the time, I have to show him and still won’t admit to the fact in public. Doc you are having a positive influence on him keep up the good work,” said Twos while all the girls had a good laugh at the expense of the playboy Hammer.
All the Ladies present thought Hammer was the Cat’s meow. Twos bent over the pile of weapons that looked so big out by the road, but was ever shrinking and pulled out a Draco and handed it to Phil and said, “Peace my friend.” Twos grinned from one ear to the other knowing he had one upped Phil yet again.
Phil said, “Twos with friends like you, I don’t need any enemies.”
Twos said, “Phil who said you were my friend, the old saying is keep your friends close and your enemies closer,” and turned and bowed to the ladies.
Twos continued “My work is done for this set; I’ll be here performing all week.”
Then he reached, grabbed his friend and made like to kiss him on the cheek, with Phil acted as if he was a serpent or something more revolting. The Ladies just howled at the antics of Twos and Phil, one couldn’t help but like the big nutcases that were Twos and Phil.
At the time this was happening the group heard the roar of the mighty fifty-caliber round going down range just on the other side of the way. An all were a little bit startled if not outright frightened and a couple of audible gasps were heard from the group. It had been that kind of a couple of days, when old man Murphy just kept showing up to the party. Twos added quickly, “I am sure that is Blake and the Major learning the Barrett M-107 as we talked about last night.” Hearing the explanation from Twos everyone calmed down just a little.
“We might want to walk down to the range and check to make sure though,” said Twos and started walking, saying over his shoulder, “Yawl Ladies, just keep looking for a weapon, I will be right back.”
The Leader of the Twos Clan never looked back, he had other priorities. Twos had changed instantly from a big goof ball to all business, like someone had flipped a switch. The Sheep Dog was now back and everyone present noted this action and were happy he was on their side and watching their backs.
As Twos was heading towards the range at a fast pace, the Major said, “It doesn’t kick near as much as I imagined it would. How was the shot.” Blake replied, “Dead on height and a smidgen left.” The Major said, “I probably pulled on the trigger a little in anticipation of the recoil, let me fire another and see.”
“Fire when ready,” said Blake and the big rifle bucked and roared again. “Hit, a little to the left of the first round maybe touching very close, let’s fire one more and make sure, ready on the firing line, shooter fire when ready,” said Blake.
The third round smacked the target making a copy of a three-leaf clover and Blake called out the results, just as Twos walked up. Blake sensing that someone had walked up came off the Leupold Mark 4 Tactical 12 - 40 X 60mm Spotting Scope and reached for his Para Ordnance on his hip.
“Easy big guy, it’s just Twos,” said Twos as he finished walking up on the would be couple. “How does she shoot, Major,” asked Twos?
With a big smile on her face the Major said, “Like a dream and she doesn’t even kick as much as I expected.”
Twos said, “The key to that is the suppressor and the recoil reduction system in the stock, I have read that the recoil was not as much as a .338 Lapua round, wasn’t sure I believed it though.”
“I would say that the data is fairly accurate, wouldn’t want to shoot a hundred rounds in an hour, but the three I shot were no problem. We need to stretch its legs out now, two hundred meters for this rifle is like shooting fish in a barrel. What is that last known distance to the tree line,” asked the Major?
Blake answered, “Major it’s about 770 meters by the range finder.”
Twos said, “By laser the big pine is 776 meters, last time I checked. Put your target on it and call the distance as known at 776 meters.”
Thinking for a second Twos added, “That’s all we have without bulldozing and we can’t do that for four more years by the Lease. I will own outright the property then.”
“We have already figured out the line for the dozer to clear a shooting lane to 1200 meters and that is the plan, at that time,” said Twos.
Blake said, “What brought you down here, Twos, I figured you would be working on all those pistols and stuff we acquired.”
“I was,” said Twos. “The noise from the fifty-caliber made me want to check and make sure we weren’t being invaded or something. I guess I will get back to what I was doing and you too can get back to learning about the Barrett. You two don’t have too much fun and shoot all the rounds and make sure you save that brass, so we can reload the rounds. I’m out,” said Twos and turned and headed back the way he had come.
As he walked back up the inclining path that took him back to the Ladies his mind drifted off to another time. It was about four years earlier and the first spring that he didn’t have softball to occupy his time. He and Blake had been at the rifle range in the county seat and much like he was doing today Blake was spotting for a shooter, shooting long distance and trying to learn the ropes on a new rifle.
The rifle had been built over the winter with many long hours put in the shop building a PSL into hopefully something more than a Designated Marksman rifle. A true Sniper Rifle system. Along with a full disassembly and reworking all the metal and placing strategic strengthening to the receiver. The stock barrel was replaced with a new one from Green Mountain Rifle Barrel Company in a Heavy Sporter configuration.
At the time and with the equipment, and knowledge base it was the best barrel he could fit into the action and make it work. A M-76 gas block assembly was used and lengthen along with the piston to allow for the larger barrel contour and to have an adjustable gas system. Besides the barrel the key to the project was the replacement of the original trigger group with Geissele / ALG Trigger Group that was adjustable and single stage or two-stage.
The strengthening of the receiver and the adjustable gas system allowed for bullets greater than 150-grain to be shot in the rifle. The barrel would remove the vertical stringing that PSL’s were notorious for doing and the trigger group, well everyone knows what a good trigger does.
Lots of hard work and time were spent on the rifle and it was a very good rifle much better than any stock PSL and was even capable of 0.75 MOA out to six hundred meters but after that the rifle would fall off and barely be able to do 2-2.5 MOA at eight hundred meters. The rifle was three MOA at best at one thousand meters and that was with the best hand loads that Twos could feed the rifle. Most people would have been ecstatic with those results from the PSL platform, Twos knew he could do better, and vowed to himself that his next build would be a great rifle not just very good.
As he walked up to the shop the girls were bouncing around, talking and trying to find the perfect pistol for them like they would looking for bargains shopping on Black Friday sales. Megan came over to Twos and said, “I think I want these, Phil said they were good pistols.” She was holding a matched pair of Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm from the Performance Center still in the shoulder holster rig with four extra magazines.
Twos said, “I would have to agree with Hammer on a fine choice, looks like they could use a good cleaning and checking over, as there is a little road rash on one of the slides. I don’t think it will have any effect on the workings and they have some good Meopro light Tru-Dot Tritium sights good catch Megan.”
“Candace how about you,” asked her Dad?
“Dad, I haven’t found anything really but I have put aside a nice pair of Glock 19s with holsters and extra magazines. I really want a combat size pistol though,” Candace added.
Twos thought for a minute and said, “I will be right back Baby girl.” Quickly walking into the shop and disappearing. He came out holding two Glocks in Blackhawk kydex holsters one on a battle belt with extra magazines and the other in a shoulder holster rig and handed them to his daughter and said, “Get the Glock 19’s for your Mom and you can have this pair of Glock 34’s they were the pistols of Dale and Elizabeth and I would think they would Love for you to have them.”
Samantha said, “Twos all these handguns seem too heavy for me, do you have any suggestions.”
Twos was deep in thought for a few minutes walking around looking at what handguns were left and the pickings were beginning to get thin at the old shop. When he spied Phil and said, “I have just the weapons for you Samantha and there are a pair of them at the Lease. I just have to talk one blue eyed Adonis into parting with them. Phil come here,” said Twos.
Phil came over to where Twos and Samantha were talking and said, “Whatcha need Twos.”
“Phil, I need you to come to the help of a Damsel in distress. This fine young lady needs that pair of Kel-Tec PMR-30’s of yours and I will figure out something to trade you for them. I know I have a couple of different blades you have lusted after for years, specifically that matched pair of Cold Steel Magnum Tantos the IX and the XII,” said Twos.
Phil said, “Keep your knives but the Lady is more than welcome to the Kel-Tec PMR 30s. I will however take the Warrior Series Wakizashi, I need a long blade of some kind. Twos that is if you want to sell it to me for the pistols and I will throw in the third one I found in the pile of weapons and the two magazines.”
Twos said, “Deal, I will have to get it from my stuff. My Lady you are now the owner of not two, but three light weight Kel-Tec PMR30 22 WMR pistols that I think you will love,” added Twos to Samantha. “They have thirty round magazines so you can shoot them a lot, that is if Phil is throwing in his stash of ammo,” said Twos.
Phil ever the opportunists said, “Of course, if Samantha will clean the Airstream once a week for me and Blake.” Samantha squealed, “Yes,” and went and hugged Phil. Twos laughed and said. “I thought I would get the hug.”
Imogene watching the exchange said, “Twos those blue eyes had you beat from the get go, but I will give you a hug for allowing me into the Clan.”
Twos said, “Welcome Imogene and I think that is the first time I think I have heard you speak to me. Were you able to find you anything in the pile,” asked Twos with great interest in her answer?
“Yeah, actually I found three weapons, I was going to ask, if I could take them,” said Imogene.
“Well of course what did you find,” asked Twos?
She said, “I have my duty pistol which is a Glock 17, so I found a match for it and I also found a Bond Derringer Texas Defender in 9mm and a Ruger LCR in 9mm,” said Imogene.
Twos said, “A woman who knows her weapons and has fine taste and I am guessing likes to have a little tucked away for those up close and personal engagements.”
Twos smiled a knowing smile and nodded his head at the Lady in acknowledgement of her service and walks in harm’s way. Twos was thinking this Lady will stand and fight to the death and I think has already, in her service.
As this was happening at the shop Woods, James and Thomas were busy mixing concrete for the Wind generators and pouring the slabs. Melton and Robert were back out at the front gates. Ruth, Mackenzie and Dr. Phillips were taking it easy and sitting in the Communications shack listening to the radio and keeping up on the computers. But, most of all they were just getting to know the Doctor, gossiping about Blake and the Major and wanting to know why the Doctor had her eyes firmly fixed on Hammer. The Doctor told them, “First off don’t tell me you girls haven’t taken a second look at that hunk of man with the beautiful blue eyes and radiant smile.”
Mackenzie said, “She’s got it already didn’t think it would spread this fast.”
Ruth addressed her friend Mackenzie and said, “Your prognosis, is spot on Doctor Woods,” and they both laughed at the confused face that Doctor Philips wore.
Ruth said, “You my dear have the Hammer Flu, it is quite a contagious strain and can be very aggressive and almost fatal at times. The fact is you are correct, we all have had it at one time. The good thing for Mackenzie and I, is we already had found our true loves when we met Phil so we had the vaccines beforehand so we didn’t get the bad deathly version of the Hammer Flu.” The ladies laughed at the conversation with the Doctor agreeing that she probably had a bad case of the Phil Flu and got it the first day she saw him at the hospital when he brought in Twos.
As Dr. Phillips was finishing her agreement, over the radio and the computer came an announcement of brutal attacks bring staged in America by the army of Mooslime terrorist. The Terrorist being joined and augmented by many radical sleeper Mooslimes already present here in the United States of America. The message was for Patriots to fight them to the last man standing. The message was from what was left of the government and it said, that all the Executive Orders that the previous President had made been rescinded and were no longer valid.
The message went on saying, that the Second Amendment would be upheld and that private citizens could possess any and all weapons and use them to fight the blight that was attacking America and the American way of Life. The new President said that Posse Comitatus Act would be waived for the duration of the present conflict or to which time the Senate and Congress could be re-elected and restored and all-American forces were ordered to end this attack on American soil. The message ended with, “God Bless and watch over you and all of America.”
The Ladies agreed, we have to tell the others, let’s call them on the radio and get everyone together. The calls went out to all who had radios to get everyone to the Lodge immediately for a meeting, to discuss the news from the government.
Chapter 38
As they were all rushing back towards the Lodge, they were all wondering what was happening now, while reading themselves for the worst. They were also gearing themselves up mentally for a new fight or flight reflex. The group all huddled around the Ladies wanting to hear the news. Ruth started with Posse Comitatus has been put on hold and the American military ordered to restore order and drive the invaders from our country by any and all means available. The new President someone not one of us even remotely recognized even when they announced his name also removed any and all the Executive orders for weapons, and Precious Metals. He ordered the disbanding of some part of the Homeland Security Department and all hindrances to the Second Amendment. His last order basically told us all to fight for the America we all Love as free men in a Free Nation.
After Ruth stopped talking, Twos said, “We need to double our efforts to defend ourselves and the Lease. Woods where are we on the power generation installs.”
Woods said, “All the concrete work is complete we can pull a load on the wind units in five days. We used some quick set in the mix.”
“Good deal, now we can get you and Phil to start setting up our Observation Post and Listening Post. This can happen as soon as the Major, decides where they need to be. James and Thomas can help. We a need to start having a twenty-four hour a day watch and the boys need to get at least one of the drones in the air at all times. Ruth, you are the organization Queen, please put us together a twenty-four-hour roster for watching the drones, the Observation post and the Comm center. Leave Megan as the Communications boss and she will be over the drones also,” said Twos.
James whined, “What about Thomas and I they are our drones, Dad?”
Twos told James and the others, “The three of you with one more probably, Samantha will have to man the Communications Center and run the drones. That is all the man power we can use to keep it running. Ruth don't pair spouses on the guard duty but put the twins together. After this meeting I want everyone who has new weapons except the ones working on the OP and LP designs and installation to meet me at the firing range for checkout and that means you too, Annie Oakley, and bring those Uzis. All of you bring your long guns.”
There were moans all around, especially from Mackenzie and Samantha. “With all the work we have to do, let's just have Breakfast and supper as meals. After checkout on weapons, I would like Mackenzie and Samantha to get us an inventory of all food on site and Blake and Sarah to get us a count on ammo. The Major and I after she shows the construction team where and what she wants we are going to look at some defensive structures around the Lease and the Lodge. I also want to pick her brain on some surprises for defense,” said Twos.
Twos said, “Woods if you need more manpower, holler but don’t forget about all the stuff that Dale and Eli bequeathed to the Lease, especially the heavy equipment, let’s work smarter not harder.”
“We need to get started and Ruth, I need to speak with you for a minute in private as soon as we break into groups. Let’s get started and do it quickly but safely,” added Twos.
As everyone began to leave and go to their assignments, Ruth walked up to Twos and said, “What’s on your mind, my Love, I see it in your eyes,” and smiled at her husband.
Twos replied, “You know me to well. I was thinking about two things, that I wanted to run by you and get your opinion. First, your brother and his wife, do we need to make a run and try to gather them up.”
Ruth answered, “No, not unless it works in with something else, we are doing.”
Twos said, “I figured you would say that, so the second thing. We need some more housing; it is beginning to get cold and I bet the Ladies weren't very comfortable in that tent even last night and the temperature is only going to get colder.”
Twos added, “And we haven't even thought about Nuclear winter.”
“Yeah, you are right, I surely haven’t thought of that, guess that’s why we pay you the big bucks, fearless leader,” said Ruth and laughed at the expression of exasperation on Twos face.
“We need to get some housing for them and anyone else that may come here. I was thinking about those shed like little houses that are over there by your brother’s subdivision. They aren’t very insulated but we could spray some insulation on the inside walls and it would definitely be better than the tent. The tent is an expedition type tent so it is a lot better than a regular tent, but a tent none the less,” said Twos.
Twos said, “If we can get them loaded, we could bring them on the trailers and then just pull the trailers out from under them if the skid steer will not lift them. I bet that it will not come close to doing that but might help it down. That place is right on the way to your brothers and has the Feed and Seed store there as part of the operations. I am guessing there is a lot of stuff at a feed and seed we could use.”
Ruth incredulous said, “Are we looters now?”
Twos looked hurt and said, “No, but we do have lots of cash and silver and gold that we took from the bikers. I thought that we could use some of that to get better housing and more food stuffs and other stuff. That is only if we can still do that and anyone will take money or Precious Metals after all that has been going on the last few days.”
Ruth said, “My bad, should have known you better than to think you were going to steal from people. I think the idea about the housing and the food stuffs and the Feed and Seed is a great idea and the brother thing if we can make it happen. After yesterday though we need to go armed to the teeth and it seems that everyone can change the magazines a lot quicker in the ARs than in my SKS-M.”
Twos said, “Statically speaking the AR system magazine changes are a little faster but not much. We now have enough AR type weapons with what we got from the Police car and the two from the Police people who died and the ones I built for everyone here to have an AR type long gun if they want one. Am I to assume that my beloved, you want one, now?”
She nodded her head in the aggressively affirmative and said, “Yes, I do, what about you.”
Twos thought for a minute and said, “I think, I am going to take two of those Colt M-4 lowers and change them with the two short barrel assemblies, I built and give them to Candace and I to supplement, our long guns, for in the trucks and up-close work. It will give us some extra automatic fire to break up an ambush with superior firepower. For the same token, I am going to fix up one of the long barrels I built into a long gun for Phil and his Saiga twelve-gauge and give him a little extra reach.”
“Sounds like you have a plan,” said Ruth.
“As the Rangers say, you should have a plan to kill everyone you meet,” laughed Twos and continued saying, “I got to get over to the range, Love ya,” and was on his way with a blown kiss.
Woods and the boys were over by the barn trying to figure out just what equipment they were going to need when the Major walked up and said to Woods and Phil, “Yawl fellows follow me, I already know where I want the two Observation Post on the front side and at least one on the back side down by the river. That ought to be enough to get us started. I will show you where and I will tell you what to build, I even have a little sketch. The sketch is nothing fancy but if you can follow blue prints it will be sufficient.”
“Good deal, you can show me the sketch and Woods where to put them. I will take the sketch and start putting together the equipment and supplies we will need to build each post, and that will save us a bunch of overlap time,” said Phil. She handed the sketch to Phil, he looked at it for a moment and asked, “Is the length eight feet or six the number is kind of smeared.”
She said, “Eight feet, nine if we have the materials.”
Phil said, “Better stay with eight much more efficient on materials and labor, not as many cuts as an odd size.” Phil went to gather up the equipment and materials with the boys and Woods and the Major took the Kubota to mark the locations.
Twos went by the shop and gathered up the extra-long guns after switching out the uppers on the police guns and the two ARs he had built before. He placed all the weapons and a couple of ammo cans of 5.56 mm ball on his game cart and headed out to the range to meet the others for some quick marksmanship lessons. The only person there at the range when he arrived was Sarah, aka Annie Oakley.
Twos said, “I didn’t have much time with the Uzis before I gave them to you. I did however clean them and check them for reliability and action wear. As you have already noticed, I also installed my own suppressors on each gun. They should help control the recoil and the sound and also improve the accuracy just a tad. These are not competition pistols, like you are used to and will not be quite as accurate. They should do two inches at fifty feet and if they won’t we will make them.”
Sarah asked, “What is the rate of fire for these pistols.”
Twos said, “These are the 9mm pistols and I think they are around six hundred rounds per minute. With your skills you should be able to fire three round bursts easily and maybe two round bursts after some practice. You have a twenty-round magazine for each gun and three of the thirty-two round magazines in the leg carriers. So not much ammo spraying and praying but a lot with aimed fire, even with three round bursts.”
Sarah loaded a magazine, charged the weapon and proceeded to fire ten two round bursts with her right hand. She then did the same thing with the left-hand weapon, her week hand, she fired eight bursts before it went dry. She smiled and said, “I think I am in love and I need to work some more on my weak hand.”
Twos said, “Yeah, you have hardly any weapon or trigger control with your off hand, I bet you couldn’t hit a dime at thirty yards if you had to,” and he just laughed at his on joke.
It even got a smile out of Sarah, who added, “I hear your nickname is Deadeye, or at least that is what the best shot I have seen here calls you. I could tell it wasn’t a sarcastic Deadeye, either. I saw myself what you did in the ambush with that Nemo, nice rifle by the way. They say you made even more impressive shots with those stock Ruger Security Sixes of yours at the school on the terrorist in a moving car. I heard everyone talking about it after they took you to the hospital. Now, I have shown you mine, show me yours, Deadeye.”
Twos pulled his right-hand Glock 17L out of its holster checked the chamber and the seating on the magazine and placed the Glock back in its holster. He then methodically did the same with his other mated pistol. The movements he made doing this left no doubt that it had been done before. The rote muscle memory was there and the repetition of action was so in grained that the action could have been repeated in his sleep. He then set the eight plates and the stop plate by pulling the rope. Stepped up to the firing line and said, “Give me a go.”
Sarah without waiting just said, “Go.”
Twos pulled his left side gun with his right hand and fired four quick shots. Twos placed that gun back in his drop bag and pulled his right-hand side weapon and fired five shots. In less time than it took to say tell me go and then for her to say go. All the plates were down in a time of about two point five seconds. He dropped the magazine from the pistol in his hand and replaced it with a full magazine and re-holstered the weapon. He then recovered his first pistol and repeated the loading and holstering.
All Sarah could say was “Oh my. I am thinking at least Master Class and probably super group when you shoot and they say rifle is what you are really good at shooting, my oh my, you are the Shootist, Deadeye.”
Twos said, “Yeah but unlike you that is the best I can do. I have been shooting these same handguns for years. I reached my peak abilities physically shooting quickly. At that point it was just a matter if I wanted to spend the next twenty years of my life hoping that I might have that one perfect day, weekend and or year. Then maybe if I was really lucky be good enough to win that one tournament or group of tournaments that made me appealing enough to the gun world for one of the major players like Glock or someone to put me on their pay roll. To act as a sponsored mouth piece for their equipment. I decided I rather be a good shooter and a great husband and Father. You on the other hand just picked up those Uzis and have lots of time and room for improvement.”
The others were coming up and Twos said, “I want you to work with the younger Ladies and I will work with everyone else on their pistol shooting skills. We will then work on their rifle skills.”
Sarah said, “Thanks for the compliment, on my shooting and the Uzi's but you aren’t fooling me Deadeye,” and smiled and sauntered away the knowing smile of youth. You know the one, the one that says, I don't know it all but, I know more than I should and I got this figured out.
As the group was showing up for marksmanship class, the Major and Woods were deciding on locations for the Observation Posts. The first location was on the up side of the gates and had a very good view of the road and the gates. Woods thought it was an ideal location and he had already seen a dead-fall that he could lay over the top of the build to add even more camouflage to the unit. The second location to watch the other side of the gates he had other opinions.
Woods said, “I don’t think we should have an observation post on the opposite of the road. We have over six hundred plus acres on this side of the road to defend, why would we want to extend our OP to off the property. There are plenty of good spots on our side of the highway, to put the second post.”
The Major said, “You are correct about defending a lot of territory. I am not trying to extend our defense of the property; I am trying to extend our notice of when we are possible under attack. If there was a better place, I would have put both on the other side of the road. Observation Post are just that.”
Stopped for a moment for that to sink in with her brother and added, “They are there to observe the enemy in the best manner and report back numbers, equipment and states of readiness and times of possible attack. They are not about the defense of the property they are about advanced and stealth notice of the enemy.”
Woods held up his hands in defeat and said, “Okay sis, I give up you are the expert and I am the help. I understand the professional and helper relationship of this venture,” he then grinned at his sister who was about to disagree with him.
The Major didn't disagree but she did slug her brother in the arm. She said, “While we are at it, I think Twos has made a tactically wrong decision.”
Woods said, “I am all ears, what tactically wrong decision has he made, that is not like him. I am sure he will be agreeable to change, though. He knows he has limitations and that is why you are picking out the OP locations.”
Woods said, “He probably doesn’t even remember you have the 40mm. You have to remember he was not here at the Lease when all that happened, with Dale and the Elizabeth and Imogene wanting her stuff out of the trunk. I am not even sure I mentioned the M-79 and the rounds for it to Twos. He added, “Maybe Ruth, Candace or someone else did, but I don’t know.”
She said, “I want to keep the M-79 maybe someone else could take over the fifty-caliber.”
Woods asked, “Do you want to talk with him, or do you want me to tell him about the situation?”
She said, “I can handle it, just wanted your take on the situation and I didn’t think about the fact that he may not even realize we have such a force multiplier. He was there but when I got it from the trunk, he was definitely preoccupied with the Policeman.”
Woods said, “Let’s get Phil and the boys started on the first OP while we go and find the one on the back of the property. I think I know exactly where to put it to get the best coverage from only one site and there is plenty of cover to hide the OP.” With that being said, they headed back to find the construction crew and get them started.
Phil and the boys met them with the skid steer and tractor pulling a trailer with materials on it as they came out of the tree line. Phil said, “Looks like great minds think alike as they pulled up to the Kubota.”
Woods told Phil where the first OP was to be located and said, “I dug a big X in the ground, to show the exact spot and the direction we want if facing.”
“Good deal,” said Phil and told the boys and their equipment to follow him on the four-wheeler. As they proceeded to the first Observation Post location and the appointed build.
The rest of the day was spent working on the appointed duties of the various individuals and getting all ready to defend the Lease. All the group were given long guns and trained with them; all took the AR's except James who wanted the SKS-M of his Moms to go with his PPS-43. Phil and his group completed the digging and pouring of the sides and bottom and the cover piece for the first OP and moved to the second site and got started with the dig and site preparation for the second one while the concrete was setting up at the first OP.
It was apparent to Twos and the Major when they finally got together in the afternoon, that they still had a lot of ground to cover in setting up the defense of the Lease. They decided to ask Imogene about the fifty-caliber rifle as she had shown some real abilities in the long-range part of the training today, ringing the gongs out to six hundred meters with her stock M-4.
Twos wanted a layer dug in fighting positions static defense. To in his words buy time for the others to get away, in case of an attack of over whelming odds. He also wanted to set up caches for the bugout if needed and setup some mantraps and other surprises in the woods between the road and access to the property. The one thing that he talked about with the Major that impressed her was about building some in ground mortars that would shoot a molten shaped charge of molten Copper or Aluminum up through any type of vehicle. He also wanted to make some claymore type charges with steel BBs in them for a pay load and make all these remotely operated.
The Major thought, Twos might not be classically trained in the “Art of War” but, she was glad he was on her side. As this old boy knew a little about destruction and mayhem. Twos told her, that if he could get to his workplace that his demo department always had plenty of blasting caps, det cord. They probably had a little RDX and Dynamite for demolition charges for their demo of buildings. I am not an expert but, I have to be able to do it as the site Project Manager and Safety expert on those jobs.
Twos had added, “I also know how to make ANFO as we use it on big rock jobs for excavation. I had to take a course in its preparation and uses, since I am the companies only trained and educated Chemist.”
The rest of the group was already eating when, Twos and the Major came in from their discussion of the defense of the site. When they came in Ruth stood up and said, “Now that we are all here, I will go over the watch assignments for everyone.” This statement from Ruth was met with sighs and boos from all at the Lease including Twos, but he had a smile on his face, the others of the group, not so much.
XX Chapter 39
The next morning at breakfast everyone was a little grumpy. They all had worked hard the day before and some of them, including Twos had been up a large portion of the night on watch and hadn’t gotten much if any sleep. Twos said to Ruth as they sat down, “I would give the Jacobs family fortune for an ice cold twenty-four-ounce Diet Mountain Dew and a little Debbie Oatmeal Cake, right now.”
Ruth got up and walked into the pantry and came out with a twenty-ounce Diet Mountain Dew and a Little Debbie cake and a I Love You grin and said, “Oh beloved Father of my children, your wish is my command and handed him the Diet Dew and the oatmeal cake. I wondered how long before you would be Jonesing and ask for them. I brought the stash from home and the ones from the vending machines at Elizabeth’s work.”
“Have I told you that you are the perfect specimen of woman and I Love you and worship the ground on which you walk,” said Twos.
Ruth said, “No, but you are still the full of BS man that I know and Love, eat your cake and enjoy the Diet Dew.”
Twos was enjoying his Diet Mountain Dew and had already inhaled the Little Debbie Oatmeal cake when Blake and the Major came up and sat down beside him at the table. “Morning,” grunted Twos to the pair as they sat down with their breakfast.
The Major asked him how he had slept last night. Twos answered, “Like a Baby woke up every two hours hungry,” an old joke. Then he added, “I was on the zero hundred to zero four hundred shift this morning and since breakfast is at 0600 hours every morning, I just took a shower and changed clothes and came over and helped the Ladies get it ready. Got a couple hours of restless sleep before the watch is all the rest I got. So, grumpy I am and wishing that coffee tasted like it smells. Instead of water from a pig sty or worse.”
Blake said, “You have just never had a good cup of coffee. If you had you would be as addicted as the rest of us.”
Twos said, “I have to agree, I have never had a good cup of coffee,” and grinned at his large friend.
“What can I do to help, you guys this morning,” asked Twos as he finished the Diet Dew and wished for another.
“We were thinking about making the trip to get the sheds and the Feed and Seed run today or tomorrow,” said Blake looking to Twos for his thoughts on the matter.
Twos said, “I am thinking at least two days, to get done the last set of objectives for the defense of the Lease. That doesn't even start the man traps, punji pits, and the Claymore and mortars that need to be built and wired. I do think we need to dig at least a couple of good fighting positions for the fifty-caliber and the M-79 grenade launcher. Then put in one mortar at the gate and one Claymore for the Observation Post to command detonate. I can probably assemble both of those today and get them put in the ground and wired tomorrow with a little help from the Major and Woods.”
The Major said, “I am at your service and I talked with Imogene she has fired the fifty-caliber rifle before but not a Barrett the one she fired was a bolt action. Do you think we should keep Blake as the spotter or train someone else?”
Twos thought for a moment and said, “Let’s see, Ruth normally spots for Candace and James did a good job for me in the ambush. My first thought was Thomas but I don’t think Megan would approve of that matchup,” and had a sly grin as he spoke. He went on to say, “It is either him or Samantha, your choice Major” and looked at Blake and laughed.
Blake said, “Throw a fellow under the bus would ya…” Then put his arm around the Major and continued his thoughts. “We wanted you to be the first to know, we are a couple, now.”
Twos jumped up and went and hugged his friend and the Major and said, “I guess this means Samantha is the spotter for Imogene.”
Twos hollered for Ruth to come quick from over with Mackenzie. He told Blake, “I am happy for you, big guy and she couldn’t know it but she is a lucky gal to find a man like you.”
The Major practically glowing said, “I know it, he is a fine man, just like all of the four Amigos, even my brother.”
“Don’t sell your brother short, he is a good man, the best,” added Twos, with Blake nodded in agreement. As Ruth walked up with Mackenzie in tow, Twos said, “Blake you tell them, I don’t want to steal your glory.”
Blake with a sheepish grin said, “Uh, Dianne, I mean the Major, her name is Dianne, well I guess you knew that Mackenzie, and I are a couple, engaged I guess is what you call it for grownups. This is all new to me.”
“Congratulations,” said Mackenzie and Ruth at the same time.
The Major said, “It is new to me also, but I really like the way he makes me feel. Like a lady, not a Soldier, even though I love being a Soldier, the Lady feel is different and better. I don’t know if that makes sense, it is just the way I feel.”
She then leaned over to Blake and gave him a kiss, not a big kiss but a kiss. The kiss embarrassed Blake to no end and he couldn’t even speak. The announcement was made to all the Clan and everyone seemed to be happy for the new couple.
Woods came up and told Twos, “We will probably be through with all we can do on the three OPs today. We will not be able to do anymore till the concrete sets, a couple of days at least, more like three.”
Twos said, “Get with the Major or me, when you get to that point, I need some fighting positions dug, three at least, large enough for three people to fight out of them.”
Woods said, “With that backhoe attachment we can dig as many as you want very quickly. It is quicker to dig them all at one time and then change to the grading bucket.”
“Good deal then I want fighting positions at twelve, one, eleven, two, ten and three in relationships to the Lodge and the opposite gate and have them connected by a trench line if possible. No change that I want overlapping trenches, with L shaped gates, if possible, that will give us more options. Woods, we need to keep them all in the trees,” Twos added.
Woods said, “No problem, a day, day and half maybe less to dig and the guys can be fixing the overhead while James digs the holes and trenches, he has a real touch for the equipment.”
Twos said, “Imogene and Samantha could I have a word with the two of you, as soon as you finish breakfast.” They both nodded their affirmation of hearing the request and went to put up their plates and mugs. Twos said to the Major, “Can you oversee the placement of the trenches and fighting holes. I am going to get started on the mortar and the Claymores.” He went on to ask Blake if he could help the Ladies with the M-107 and getting it sighted in for them.
Blake said, “My pleasure it is over at the Airstream so I will get it and come back here to meet them.” Blake took off at a brisk walking pace towards the RV, just as Imogene and Samantha walked up.
Twos addressed the Ladies, “First off Samantha where is your rifle.” She frowned and said, “In the Lodge by my bed, I’ll get it.”
Twos said, “No not yet, remember it is like your underwear, never go out without them,” and grinned at the slightly embarrassed young Lady. Twos continued, “Ladies, I have a critical assignment for the two of you. I need the two of you to learn to shoot and fight the M-107 fifty-caliber rifle, as a team of Sniper and spotter. Imogene, I am told that you have fired a fifty-caliber rifle before. Is that a true statement?”
Imogene said, “That information is in the affirmative, sir. I have fired it out to fifteen-hundred meters at equipment targets and a thousand meters at human sized targets, with confirmed hits at both distances, sir. I was training for an anti-material marksman spot in my unit when I was RIFed out of the service, sir. It was due to the new government, being elected, sir. The reason I moved to America, sir. Wasn’t the top of my class, sir. My marks were to standard though, or better, sir.”
Twos said, “Two things, no more sir, I keep looking for my Dad, and sounds like you will do an excellent job, Imogene.”
Samantha said, “Yesterday, was the first time I ever fired a rifle with a scope, why me.”
Twos said, “You showed good form and a good eye and you are trainable. That meets all the qualifications and you are big enough to carry the rifle. The Barrett M-107 is heavy and the ammo is also. Blake is coming with the rifle and accessories and will help you get started with your training, good shooting Ladies.” Blake was walking across the field with a load that would have crippled most men. The man-mountain wasn’t most men.
Twos thought as he headed towards the shop, Blake doesn't know his own strength. He can carry a load that is for sure. He walked into the shop and smelled the smell of cutting oils and lubricants. He was home and felt satisfied. Twos started thinking on the mortar, he had the exact things he needed out back of the shop.
He walked out the door and around the back and right where he and Woods had laid the heavy junk pipe as Woods called it. The pipe was laying right where they had dropped it, covered in leaves. There were four pieces of eight-inch diameter, by one-inch thick wall high carbon steel approximately seven feet long. Twos had removed the large and heavy pipe from a foundry when he was doing a demo and remediation of the facility.
Knowing full well, that he would have a use for steel that good one day. He now knew what providence had made him bring them home with him from Alabama. Twos manhandled them out and decided he would go ahead and cut two of the pipes in half and make four mortars out of the two pieces. Dragging them around to the front of the shop, then went back inside for his rule and his Acetylene torch, leather shirt, gloves and goggles.
As he was finishing the second cut and checking to make sure he was through with the torch, the Doctor and Candace came up pulling a cart with a large wooden crate on top. Twos thought, that crate must be heavy as Candace is struggling and the Doctor, too. He cut off the torch and said, “Can I help you Ladies?”
The Doctor grinned and said, “I think we can help the defense of the Lease. Look what I found in the tent under Dale’s bunk.”
Twos said, “Okay, I give up, what is it besides big and heavy.”
Candace said, “Dad, according to the paperwork, and it defiantly looks like the parts it is a 1919A4 Browning Machine Gun replica, in semi-auto with the bundle. The bundle by reading is basically everything to make it work including a tripod and links. The paperwork also said something about changeover to 30.06 whatever that means. There is a set of plans for making it automatic and a complete set of pins and springs and metal parts with the plans.”
The Doctor said, “There are also two large cases of ammo, that say 30.06 ball and two smaller cases, one that says, M25 30.06 orange tip tracer and another M2 Armor Piercing, Black Tip. According to the wooded boxes it ought to be about three thousand five hundred rounds all total.”
Twos with a big grin said, “Ladies, you have indeed, increased the capabilities for the defense of the Lease. Increased them dramatically, cause with those parts, plans, a little help and luck in about two - three machine hours we will have 1919 Browning 30-caliber machine gun.”
Candace said, “What can we do to help.”
Twos said, “Take the cart and go get the ammunition and then come back and start laying out the parts. There are two different operations, that the two of you can handle. One is putting together the tripod and the other is linking up the ammo. I could be ugly and get yawl to take the cosmoline off the parts. I will do that after the machine work or during depending on how it works out, now scoot.”
Twos went back to working on the mortar and thinking he still had to make some ANFO, some shaped Copper for the charge projectile for the mortars and build the Claymores. He thought to himself this is going to be long day even with some help and I am already tired. No sleep last night and the operation a few days ago, has me run down, need to ask the Doctor for some B-12 or something.
Woods, Phil, and / or Blake could do the parts cleaning and the assembly of the weapon and if they couldn’t assemble the weapon, the Major or Imogene probably could. Imogene is turning out to be a very helpful addition to the Clan, he reasoned and started back humming the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Today just kept getting better, he thought and said, out loud to himself, “Where is Old Man Murphy” and yawned. He then set his sights on finishing the mortars.
James was busy digging fighting holes and trenches and putting the dirt in piles as Woods wanted to sand bag the front lips of the fighting positions and use the dirt for a little extra height in places for the trench lines. Thomas was busy trying to figure out why he was not getting a good feed on his drone and how far away he could get a Wi-Fi signal on a couple of GoPro cameras he had found in his and James’s electronic junk bags. Megan on the other hand was busily listening to the radio and surfing the net for new information on the state of affairs in and around their home, the Lease.
Megan said, “I am sure not picking up as much chatter on the CB radios and hardly any stations local on the AM or FM and the ones that are broadcasting are in loops it seems, then someone will come on every hour or so for maybe two minutes. What do you think that means?”
Thomas said, “I am not sure, it probably isn’t good and we need to tell Twos and Woods about this data.”
Megan nodded her head in agreement and said, “I need a break can you watch things for a few minutes and I will go find Twos and stretch my legs at the same time.”
Thomas answered, “Yes,” and reached and held her hand for a minute and said, “I haven’t told you this before, I Love you” and kissed her on the lips hard and passionately. He then added, “I hope this doesn’t hurt James. I wouldn’t hurt him or his, no my family for anything.”
Megan said, “Silly, he knew you were in Love with me, before you did. You do know, he is the smart one, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I just don’t want to hurt our friendship with my actions,” said Thomas.
Megan sauntered out of the room with a look back over her shoulder made to melt hearts and said, “I love you, too,” and turned her head and kept walking. This left Thomas in a state of awe and amazement and quite frankly kind of hot and bothered.
Imogene and Samantha were finishing up there first shooting and sighting in of the M-107. Even though Blake was a good instructor, he really wasn’t needed as Imogene took over from the start and led Samantha’s lesson. She didn’t need any, it was evident to Blake that, there was a lot more to Ms. Innocent Imogene than she let most people see.
This Lady was the right choice for the M-107, he had to admit, better than the Major and him and Samantha was a natural spotter with a keen eye if not as good a shot as Imogene. As they gathered up the Barrett and its various accessories, to head back to the Lodge, Samantha ventured that, “For such a big gun, it didn’t kick much, at all.” Imogene corrected her by saying, “It is a rifle, not a gun, a gun is something else altogether, another topic, for another day.”
Blake said, “Let’s head out Ladies” and they all started walking back from the range.
As they were walking back, they met Megan headed towards the shop and Twos, so they decided to walk over there together. As the group was getting to the shop, Candace and the Doctor came up pushing a cart with a couple of large ammo crates and a couple of smaller ones. Blake said, “Looks like you Ladies have a pretty good load of ammo, where did it come from, I thought we had it all stored in the Lodge.”
Dr. Phillips said, “We found it and a machine gun in the tent of Dale and Eli.”
Blake asked incredulously, “Did you say machine gun?”
Candace said, “She said machine gun, but right now it is a semi-auto. Dad thinks he can make in to a fully automatic weapon, with a little machining work.”
Twos walked out of the shop and stretched. He then said, “To what do I owe the honor of all the company, and if you all don’t have anything to do, I can use some help. Blake can you go get me about five, fifty-pound bags of the Ammonium Nitrate, that came with the concrete and stuff from Elizabeth's work. I also need some Diesel fuel and that big stainless still vat from the barn.”
“Will do,” said Blake and took off towards the barn, knowing that Twos was not going to be baking cookies with that list of ingredients. Imogene was thinking the same thing as Blake; the rest of the group was oblivious to the list.
Twos turned to Imogene and Samantha and asked, “How did it go with the big rifle, Ladies. I hope it wasn’t too horrible of an experience?”
Samantha said, “You knew it wasn’t going to kick as much as we thought. Why didn’t you tell us about those recoil absorption things and suppressor reducing the felt recoil, like Blake told us?”
Twos advised them, “Sometimes it is better to think the worst and be delightfully surprised than to be told something and it turn out not to be true, even it is just a perception of untruth.”
At that moment Dr. Phillips came into the conversation with the following statement, “Twos, you sure you are not a Psychologist or Psychiatrist, you sure do speak and think like one sometimes,” and she grinned as his apparent embarrassment by her statement.
After he regained his composure, Twos said, “No just a dumb old country boy, who has lived and learned. You never tell someone something subjective if you can get away with telling them something else, their perceptions end up being your reality.” Twos didn’t add his thought, “Especially women,” being he was out numbered five to one and he liked his health.
Megan said, “I got to get back, but thought you needed to know. We have lost contact with most of the local AM and FM stations and the internet is pretty much not giving out any new data either. I don’t know what that means; however, I think it means something.”
“Good job Megan,” said Twos adding, “I think you are correct. Please find the Major for me and Ruth and have them come over, for a Pow Wow.” She turned and headed back towards the Lodge and the Ladies.
Woods was thinking that the digging was going much faster than he could have even imagined, James was one of those people that had a knack for running heavy equipment. This knack was making things go three or four times faster than if he had to run the machine. Thinking this would give him extra time to manage the dig and the placement of the sandbags and such. He needed to figure out the cover of the trenches or they were going to be a mess in a rain event. Pallets might be the answer to line the bottom or pavers.
As he was thinking he noticed a gathering over at the shop and decided to mosey on over. Take some time to see what was going on with the gathering and tell Twos of the good timing they were making on the trenching. Woods walked up to the group and started talking with Twos. Telling him how everything was going and his problem with the floors in case of rain.
Twos said, “I like the pallets thing, it will take hundreds though. How about pine needles we only have a couple thousand acres of pine trees right across the road?”
Woods replied, “That’s why we pay you the big bucks Twos and we could use pine needles to help cover the loose dirt and sand bags. We could use the few pallets you have for the fighting holes and pine straw everywhere else.” Woods continued, “What’s the big gathering about, now that we have solved my problems?”
Twos told him about the 1919A4 and all the work to get the ANFO, the Claymores and the 1919 ready. Going on telling him about the information or lack thereof on the radio and internet. Woods agreed that the lack of information was probably a bad thing in general and that they might need to move up their trips outside and maybe start some type of long-range patrols.
Upon arrival of Ruth and the Major and telling them of the potential outside problems and the amount of work that needed to be done; it was decided by all that were gathered that the Lease defense was the first priority. To do that they needed to get, two areas of concern in better standing. One, get Woods more help with his construction and electrical generation. The second area that needed more attention or help was to get Twos some additional man or woman power with the building of the mortars and Claymores. That way he could put his emphasis on the ANFO and the 1919A4 assembly and machine work needed to turn it from semi-auto to automatic.
After that was accomplished or during which time it was being accomplished get the Major to do a little foot patrolling outside the friendly confines of the Lease. The group decided that it would be at least two more days before they could make any trips into town or to the outskirts, to supplement their housing situation and possibly obtain more supplies and Ruth’s brother and check on Sarah’s missing parents.
As all this was happening the twins heard some vehicles driving by on the main road, or so it seemed and Thomas was just getting his drone up and the feed working the way he liked. Megan told him to take the drone out over the road and see if he could see anything at the turnoff as Melton had radioed that they had heard the sound of vehicles. She also called Woods, Blake, Candace and Phil on the radios to advise them of the situation.
As Thomas raced the drone towards the turn off to the access road to the Lease property, the word of possible unfriendlies, danger close was being transfer to the Clan members and preparations for possible defense of the property being made in haste. Twos said, “A contingency plan would have been nice, for us to of installed and thanks to the Lord up above that Megan is our Intelligence asset and doesn’t need a lot of supervision, she just does the right thing it seems.”
Ruth agreed and said, “Let’s get to where we can help, and not worry about what would have been optimal.” They all went to the assigned places and readied themselves for the coming hostilities or whatever.
223shootersc