The Things We Do

[feralferret]

Sounds like you resemble Big Cudd a little too much.

Too much manual labor and early onset spine issues (as in 10 years old) combined with long hours are what got me. Started the muscle tears when I caught an engine stand, with engine, when it started to tip over in my driveway while doing an engine swap on my pickup about 15 years ago. Biceps tore also, but not in two. Deltoid didn't totally fail until about 5 years ago. Shoulder replacement on other side. Diabetic neuropathy in feet and hands. I feel for you on the burning nerves.

[223shootersc]

Aug 26, 2023 22:16:02 GMT -6 feralferret said:

Sounds like you resemble Big Cudd a little too much.

Too much manual labor and early onset spine issues (as in 10 years old) combined with long hours are what got me. Started the muscle tears when I caught an engine stand, with engine, when it started to tip over in my driveway while doing an engine swap on my pickup about 15 years ago. Biceps tore also, but not in two. Deltoid didn't totally fail until about 5 years ago. Shoulder replacement on other side. Diabetic neuropathy in feet and hands. I feel for you on the burning nerves.

Only in my dreams! Thanks for reading and commenting. Hope you are enjoying the ride!

[CountryGuy]

Appreciate the latest installment. As I'm reading it though, there are only a few things that stand out to me.

At 14 or 15, I'd expect Patrick to be picking up his weight but he seems to act more like a 10 or 11 yo. Then, the entire idea of a bullet trap, well it makes no sense to me. First, I wouldn't think they'd want to do a lot of shooting since that is definitely a sound that carries and would draw attention to their clandestine place from anyone in earshot. Secondly, using up a bunch of precious steel, welding rods and cutting gas to build it seems like a waste of limited resources. If they truly need a range, they could take one of those excavators and dig up and build a berm or if there is a bank, dig in to that and again berm up dirt.

If Melvin is going thru everything to quarantine for a possible biologic, him being in the OP could be as bad as shaking their hands as they wouldn't know if it could be spread from him touching a surface and the bug living on the surface to infect another. Sam would go for dishes and silverware.

I wanted to ask you to clarify the term bollard you're using. A bollard to my knowledge and experience is basically a pipe, often concrete filled that gets dropped into a receiving hole in the ground to form basically a fence of pickets. A 'Jersey' or concrete barrier is a low concrete wall section set end to end or in a baffle configuration as it sounded like you were describing when Melvin created the obstructions to slow to drive thru. I'm just trying to get the picture straight in my head of what they are using.

That first day, where and what have the 2 newest officers been up to?

Again, thanks for the long read!

[223shootersc]

Aug 27, 2023 18:15:36 GMT -6 CountryGuy said:

Appreciate the latest installment. As I'm reading it though, there are only a few things that stand out to me.

At 14 or 15, I'd expect Patrick to be picking up his weight but he seems to act more like a 10 or 11 yo. Then, the entire idea of a bullet trap, well it makes no sense to me. First, I wouldn't think they'd want to do a lot of shooting since that is definitely a sound that carries and would draw attention to their clandestine place from anyone in earshot. Secondly, using up a bunch of precious steel, welding rods and cutting gas to build it seems like a waste of limited resources. If they truly need a range, they could take one of those excavators and dig up and build a berm or if there is a bank, dig in to that and again berm up dirt.

If Melvin is going thru everything to quarantine for a possible biologic, him being in the OP could be as bad as shaking their hands as they wouldn't know if it could be spread from him touching a surface and the bug living on the surface to infect another. Sam would go for dishes and silverware.

I wanted to ask you to clarify the term bollard you're using. A bollard to my knowledge and experience is basically a pipe, often concrete filled that gets dropped into a receiving hole in the ground to form basically a fence of pickets. A 'Jersey' or concrete barrier is a low concrete wall section set end to end or in a baffle configuration as it sounded like you were describing when Melvin created the obstructions to slow to drive thru. I'm just trying to get the picture straight in my head of what they are using.

That first day, where and what have the 2 newest officers been up to?

Again, thanks for the long read!

Patrick is 15 going on 16 but he has been without a male or Father figure for three to four years and in some ways is behind the development curve emotionally. However, he is very smart and a good athlete that will make him develop very quickly with the proper role models, i.e. Melvin, Jimmy and Eddie to name a few.

Jersey barriers are the names for the concrete barriers when used to direct traffic or protect lane changes on highways, when used in manufacturing facilities to keep equipment off walls and machinery they are called bollards just like the concrete filled pipes you referenced. Hate the confusion, I guess jersey barrier is more descriptive.

The making of a inside shooting lane solves most of the sound problems associated with shooting and the metal used to deflect the rounds into a sand or dirt catchment is very minimal.

Coming....

Thanks for the comments and hope you enjoy the work!

[CountryGuy]

Aug 27, 2023 18:33:13 GMT -6 223shootersc said:

Aug 27, 2023 18:15:36 GMT -6 CountryGuy said:

Appreciate the latest installment. As I'm reading it though, there are only a few things that stand out to me.

At 14 or 15, I'd expect Patrick to be picking up his weight but he seems to act more like a 10 or 11 yo. Then, the entire idea of a bullet trap, well it makes no sense to me. First, I wouldn't think they'd want to do a lot of shooting since that is definitely a sound that carries and would draw attention to their clandestine place from anyone in earshot. Secondly, using up a bunch of precious steel, welding rods and cutting gas to build it seems like a waste of limited resources. If they truly need a range, they could take one of those excavators and dig up and build a berm or if there is a bank, dig in to that and again berm up dirt.

If Melvin is going thru everything to quarantine for a possible biologic, him being in the OP could be as bad as shaking their hands as they wouldn't know if it could be spread from him touching a surface and the bug living on the surface to infect another. Sam would go for dishes and silverware.

I wanted to ask you to clarify the term bollard you're using. A bollard to my knowledge and experience is basically a pipe, often concrete filled that gets dropped into a receiving hole in the ground to form basically a fence of pickets. A 'Jersey' or concrete barrier is a low concrete wall section set end to end or in a baffle configuration as it sounded like you were describing when Melvin created the obstructions to slow to drive thru. I'm just trying to get the picture straight in my head of what they are using.

That first day, where and what have the 2 newest officers been up to?

Again, thanks for the long read!

Patrick is 15 going on 16 but he has been without a male or Father figure for three to four years and in some ways is behind the development curve emotionally. However, he is very smart and a good athlete that will make him develop very quickly with the proper role models, i.e. Melvin, Jimmy and Eddie to name a few.

Jersey barriers are the names for the concrete barriers when used to direct traffic or protect lane changes on highways, when used in manufacturing facilities to keep equipment off walls and machinery they are called bollards just like the concrete filled pipes you referenced. Hate the confusion, I guess jersey barrier is more descriptive.

The making of a inside shooting lane solves most of the sound problems associated with shooting and the metal used to deflect the rounds into a sand or dirt catchment is very minimal.

Coming....

Thanks for the comments and hope you enjoy the work!

Thanks Shooter, appreciate the incite. I can appreciate the need for the male figure and guess how you were trying to portray him is coming thru 5 by 5 then that he's immature in multiple ways. I was at times thinking he was quickly falling into the role of a spoiled brat. Not doing much other than eating and watching sports. He so far has come off a bit like a spoiled man child at times, yet I was like he was to have just had a tweeker Mom who ignored him so I thought he maybe had to grow up quick. Interested to see how you develop him.

I think the terminology is also likely a regional thing. What one region calls something being totally different than another. Likely other places in the country call them something different too. Up north, whether inside a yard or out on the road I've always just heard it called a barrier of some sort. In the rare case I hear bollard, it's always been specific to a pipe style barrier post. No wonder other people learning English complain about how we use English in the US is confusing. LOL

Guess I missed that the bullet trap was for an inside range. I thought it was going outside along the side of the building.

[223shootersc]

I guess a late feeding of the MOAR hounds is better than no feeding! Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 11

Three short hectic hours later found Melvin and Eddie slipping through the three hundred or so yards of mixed old growth hard wood trees. Making the stalk after pulling the Crown Vic into an old logging road entrance on the other side of the road from the farm. They parked the car facing out and left the car doors locked, just in case. Eddie had reminded Melvin who wanted to leave them open to save a little time of how many vehicles had been rendered useless by the EMP explosion. Melvin agreed and they locked the doors and eased across the road after making sure no cars or people were in sight. The overcast autumn morning was brisk but not cold, a perfect day for a peaceful walk in the woods under normal times.

Another day or another time the two lifelong friends and upstate South Carolina residents might have been taking this walk to hunt deer, hogs, or possibly even a good old squirrel hunt. Today was different and both men felt it down deep in their cores. The woods felt eerie today and seemed full of ghost and hidden eyes watching the two as they made their way silently through the hollow. A hollow they fortunately found in the unknown forest to cover their chosen path. Making the trek in the silence of hunters and woodsmen who had walked these upland grounds for hundreds of years. The very same ground that may have been covered by Cherokee and settlers alike stalking prey to feed their families in times past. The squirrels and birds that made their home in this copse of woods had gone quiet in the forest at the first notice of the predators entering their lair. After a while of watching they went back to their chattering, the predators were thankfully not after them today. Yet, the new additions to the woodland games home were predators just the same.

Seeing the woods opening up about sixty feet in front of him, Melvin in the lead went to ground and motioned with his hand for Eddie to do the same. Eddie eased up beside his friend and lay motionless and silent as they each looked for the ideal location for their days work. Melvin was the first to notice a slight rise of to his left about fifteen feet or more from the edge of the forest. The rise was covered with Privet and Holly bushes that would make for great natural cover, if they could get the proper angle for the shots. Motioning to Eddie the pair slithered like snakes in the grass over to the rise to take a look. Observing the working farm of one of the locals whose family had been living here and working this very land for a known five generations, made a knot grow in the throat of Melvin.

The Godley Farm and the local market that had grown into a large grocery store that thrived in the small rural area of Hodges. The patriarch of the family Paul could still be found cutting meat in the old school meat market in the store a few mornings every week, even though he was in his low to mid-eighties. Three generations still lived on the three section plus farm, Paul his only son Franklin and his wife owned. The oldest son of Franklin was Reggie and he had never moved away like his brother Bobby. The youngest Pauline named after her grandpa, had married a boy from Georgia while in Veterinary school across the river in Athens, Georgia at the University of Georgia. The boy she married was from the Valdosta area and studying to be a Lawyer at UGA. The couple now lived in Macon where Pauline was a respected big animal vet and her husband was an up and coming far left liberal lawyer with Socialist political aspirations. Most would say of the couple that opposites really must attract, as she lived on the out skirts east of Macon on a small cattle farm and her Veterinary hospital. While her husband lived in a small but lavish apartment in the city and came to the farm on the weekend most weekends. This living arrangement caused much anguish for Franklin and his wife and actually caused a lot of racy gossip in and around the city of Macon.

As Melvin and Eddie were preparing their hide and making ready for the afternoon’s activities; the Godley Farm became alive with activity. Bobbie and his family came pulling through the farm gate out by the main road. The family arriving in three Ford pickups all pulling trailers. Melvin counted two from the lead truck and he was sure that the pair was Bobbie and his wife. In the third truck that dispersed its human cargo first came out a man and his wife and four grown children three girls and a vary tall young man, definitely from Godley stock. The three girls all dressed in jeans and flannel or corduroy heavy work shirts, with boots and carrying some type of black rifle, just as their brother and their parents. If Eddie’s memory was correct all three of Bobbie’s kids had joined the service right out of high school. The children following in the footsteps of their Father and Mother who had met at Fort Bragg in Ranger school. The middle truck finally diverged a couple probably man and wife in their fifties if Melvin’s estimation was anywhere near correct.

Melvin cleared his mind and spoke not in a whisper but a low voice knowing a whisper sometimes carried in the woods a lot farther than speaking softly said, “Don’t know if the DHS planned for Reggie and his wife being here and being armed. Weren’t they like special forces or something and retired after service?”

Eddie replied, “Yeap, they were and I think Bobbie still does some tactical training for Academi up at the old Blackwater place in North Carolina or at least that was what someone told me. They still live up that way somewhere not too far from Fort Bragg. Think they bought a small farm while they were stationed there at Bragg. If my intel is right all three kids were in service also, and unless I miss my guess that Ford F-350 just unloaded a small squad of soldiers that are his children. You see how they came out of that truck like a wedge or a shield and they all had a section to cover. The question for the day is the older couple that exited the middle truck, they are definitely part of the family, on some level.”

Melvin asked, “You think they know that the DHS is going to raid their Grand Dad’s place today or this is just coincidence?” Before Eddie could answer another big truck came barreling into the farm pulling a long cattle trailer. The Cattle trailer was followed closely by a small pickup Melvin thought a Toyota Tundra pulling a twenty-foot enclosed trailer. The enclosed trailer having Miller Veterinary Mobile Hospital either painted or maybe one of those new vinyl wraps pronouncing the advertisement. Melvin couldn’t tell anymore which was which especially at a few hundred yards even with good ten by binoculars

Eddie replied, “Don’t know the answer to that question. The real question of the day is should we ease up there and warn them of the impending problems represented by the DHS showing up to take their stuff?”

Melvin replied, “The Godley’s might be the type of people that wouldn’t take to kindly to people coming out of their woods carrying weapons. Eddie we might be dead long before we get half way across this opening. I think maybe we try on the phone, and by we I am thinking the Sheriff’s Office in the form of Eddie Crowe might call and give them a heads up about the DHS situation. What do you think? I am not even sure the phones are actually working, haven’t tried to call anybody. We know the short wave and the CB works.”

Grinning and reaching for his phone, he hit send after getting the number for Franklin Godfrey on his list to come up. A moment later it was ringing and Eddie said, “It’s at least ringing, so maybe.” On about the fifth ring Franklin answered saying, “Sargent Eddie Crowe, I live and breathe. Never expected to see this number pop up again. Heard through the grapevine that you and your team might have been killed, at least MIA. That’s what the Sheriff told Dad when he called two days ago. That and he also relayed him we were on the DHS list for hoarding and they would be making a visit to fix that problem. What can I do for you old friend? Need to make it quick got some children to hug and all.”

“Franklin those same DHS goons are on their way to your farm today, scheduled around two o’clock this afternoon. Wanted to give you a chance to prepare, if you know what I mean,” said Eddie over the phone.

Franklin said, “Sh^&, excuse my French. Dang Skippy, that is why the kids and grand kids are coming home to the farm to help us work the farm and keep the livestock alive. We have already had two cows killed in the field and they take ten percent of the meat and ruin the rest leaving it in the field. Eddie thanks, I have to go and get ready if there is anything the Godley’s can do, give us a holler buddy…” The phone went dead humming into his ear before he could respond or tell him they were there to help.

Eddie spoke to Melvin saying, “They already knew they were coming apparently my Boss had let it slip to old man Godley. Boss undoubtedly did not know the time or at least did not share the information. The Godley’s had called in the family to defend the farm and their way of feeding their family for generations. That is the ruckus we are presently watching. I guess the real question now is does this change our plans for shooting the Leader and his second today?”

Melvin thought for a minute before answering and replied, “I came here to kill the traitorous bastard that burned my house to the ground. I aim to stick with the plan unless you can convince me otherwise. You have less than two hours to make your case. If you haven’t convinced me by the time the DHS goons come riding into the Godley’s place, the first open shot I have of the leader of that pack of vermin I shoot and he dies. It is that simple, now I have everything set up for the shot but the target so I am all yours. Convince away…”

Back at the Cudd BOL; Patrick and Rosa were putting the finishing touches on the small indoor shooting range. Patrick had mounted a curtain wall to separate the range from the rest of the building. The curtain made with some heavy-duty plastic sheeting material he found in the maintenance room of the building. The 100’X 40’ fifteen mil blue sheeting hung from the rafter beams with heavy duty zip ties. Being forty-foot wide the sheeting was a perfect fit for draping from the rafters to the floor of the high ceilings in the former industrial facility. A facility that was quickly being converted into the Cudd’s home and castle. Patrick had brought in two heavy desks and straight-backed chairs for sturdy shooting platforms. These were to be used from the maximum length of one-hundred and twenty-five feet for setting scopes on rifles and some twenty-two shooting to improve accuracy. Lines were placed on the floor for seven feet, fifteen feet and fifty feet shooting stations. The lines placed with some spray paint in rattle cans with a different color for each position.

Jimmy walking up with Celeste commented, “This looks great guys. When will it be ready for some shooting? I need to shoot my new SBR and set the EOTech site and Celeste needs to do the same with her new SIG MCX Rattler. Kevin set them up for their fixed sites when they bought them, they need their red dot scopes set now. Celeste, Sandy and I will also want to shoot our SBRs with the Omega suppressors we got from my friend Steve. Those babies could be a real force multiplier at times. I wish we could have gotten more from Steve; he was a good friend to let these go at the time without any paper work. We also have two for pistols that will handle up to nine-millimeter, so don’t look so sad Patrick. You have one of the few pistols setup for a suppressor from the factory in your FN 509 Tactical pistols.”

“We have a few people that will be in the same position. Either needing to brush up on skills or maybe set up their weapons. This is a brave new world. To coin a phrase and having this indoor facility could be a real-life saver. Hopefully the sound will not really travel outside the walls of the building. On that note, I like what you did with the curtain. The question, I have is there enough left to do the other side?”

Patrick confused replied, “Yeah plenty. I didn’t see any reason to do the side where the wall was already present. Just thought it would keep people out and possibly contain any ricochets if the trap lost a round.”

Holding up his hand to calm Patrick, Jimmy answered, “You did great I love the design and I would have used the wall as containment, myself. I was just thinking the curtain might keep the noise from bouncing on a hard surface and being magnified outside. Don’t remember much of that physics, but there is a possibility it could be like hitting a drum. Don’t know but maybe, either way it might help to dampen and trap the noise. We will just have to see what happens. We will try it this way and that will be option number two.”

Patrick said, “Haven’t had any physics but understand the drum thing. My bad, when you are my age everybody is against you, or at least that is the way it seems from my shoes.” Rosa let out a little laugh and looked at Patrick, nodding in total agreement with what the new boy, correction young man of her dreams had just spoke of being a teenager. She thought they had had worked together like a team that the two of them together was better than the two individuals. Each having something to offer that the other didn’t to the equation.

Celeste seeing the look in the eyes of Rosa said, “Patrick, when do you think it would be time that we could shoot? It is about time for lunch. If the range is ready, I think we could announce to everyone that we are ready for people to use you and Rosa’s nice new amenity to the castle.” Having heard it called a castle she couldn’t resist to call it that herself. It just seemed to fit. Castle Cudd or Cudd Castle definitely had a ring to it. Laughing to herself she thought maybe she had watched to much HBO and Game of Thrones.

Rosa spoke for the first time saying, “It is pretty much finished. Can we like manage the time and make sure everything works the way we designed it to work. At least in the beginning, till everyone knows how it works. I know we are not grown but we can do it and know more about the way it should work and its design limitations.”

Jimmy replied even though the request was directly spoken to Celeste, “Rosa, I think it would be grand for Patrick and you to manage the shooting lanes. Like everyone here it probably won’t be your only duties. We all must pull our weight and with building this you have proven your worth and deserve the recognition from the family, teenager or old fart like me.”

Hearing this reply the two teenagers were ready to charge the Mongolian hordes of Khan and defeat them in battle. At first Celeste had been a little irritated at Jimmy for answering the question that Rosa had definitely asked her for the answer. Now she saw how petty her thoughts had been and the reason for Jimmy to answer. One of the true leaders of the Cudd team and one of the original members, the answer from him was from the mount of authority in the family. Smiling she remembered the reason she had been drawn to Jimmy and the Cudd family. Jimmy’s looks were one reason, the way they stood morally and together was the most compelling reason for her choosing to become part of the family.

Patrick spoke up saying, “Can we go to lunch now? Whatever Elizabeth and Rosa’s Mom is fixin’, the smell has had me starving for a while now.” Rosa hearing the praise for her Mother from Patrick, was pleased and it made her wonder why just a few days ago she would not have given Patrick a second look at school.

The four headed towards the middle of the Cudd Castle where the food was being prepared; before they arrived, they met Jack and Kevin coming out of the locker room that housed their bathroom facilities and now working showers. Luckily the locker room was broken into two separate sides for male and female. Jack drying his hands on a towel said, “I am ready for lunch, how about you all? We finished the enclosure of the fire ring or at least the sixty percent or so that Elizabeth and Rosa thought would be optimum for cooking and heating. Finding the lime and the vermiculite was a real blessing. This place sure had a lot of stuff left around that we have been able to use to our advantage.”

Jimmy replied, “When the plant was shut down, it was thought that it would be back up and running under the new owners in a few days to a few weeks tops. The new owners never intended to start back up they paid the severances and just really bought the contracts and patents. They already had the production capabilities. I don’t think they ever even came and seen what was left and just assumed the prior owners took most of the stuff. I think all they took was their molds and their computers. Most everything else was just left as it was the day before the plant closed. Over the years a few things have been taken, I think probably by old employees and possibly some of the same kids that painted the graffiti on the walls. On that note Jack do you think maybe we should take some of the spray paint that we have in like green brown, black and gray and maybe do a little rattle can camo on the front of the building. I know it is too big to do it all, but the light gray of the building would blend better with a little contrast. What do you think? Good idea or too much work for too little return?”

Thinking for a moment and putting the towel in his back pocket he replied, “It want be long before all of the trees will lose their leaves. I know there is a lot of evergreen pines and some holly trees between here and the road. Something this big might just find a real spot to be a glaring eyesore from the road, evergreen pines or not. Breaking the lines up in any way may be the thing that saves us from being noticed. We may even take up some of the rustic colored carpets in the offices up front and use as a way to make some contrast. Drape them over the wall from the roof, if we can find a way to hold them in place. Make a few cuts in them so they move with the wind, like you would in a tree stand cover. That way they are more 3-D and not just static. What do you think about doing that?”

Jimmy said, “Yeah those carpets are definitely earthen tones of grays, rose, that dark greenish-blue, and whatever that other color is maybe tangerine or something, not really orange or yellow. All of which are very flat and subdued in color by design or age I don’t rightly know which. Doesn’t matter there is a good bit of it in the offices and it will be easy enough to remove and hang it over the side of the roof. We can just take some twine or rope and secure it to the roof and possibly some small screws on the building near the roof line as far down as we can reach. Maybe paint over them or something to reduce any glare from them.” The group arrived at the dining area and were met by the rest of the Cudd family. The family had assembled to eat their mid-day meal and set by the fire and knock off some of the autumn chill that permeated the big building.

Elizabeth said, “Today we are having Tortillas and a Pork dish that has been a specialty in Rosa’s family for a long time and of course rice as a filler. Rosa told me she didn’t put quite as many Jalapenos and Chili peppers in the recipe for those of us who aren’t as use to the hot stuff as her family’s end product is usually served. I for one am glad of that, I have tasted the pork dish and it is Muy Bueno. I think that is the right phrase for really good and that is my entire recollection of High School Spanish class that and Tequila. Well maybe Margarita is in my Spanish vocabulary also.” Everyone got a big laugh at Elizabeth and a little bit of relish from the times before.

Elizabeth continued after the laughter subsided, “Before we eat let’s all take a moment and say a silent prayer for the two of our family that are out away from us and their safety. After that would you please bless the meal Jessica as head of the Cudd family with Melvin away.” Jessica nodded her affirmation to Elizabeth as everyone bowed their heads in silent prayer for the safety of Melvin and Eddie and the rest of the Cudd extended family. Many grabbing the hand of the loved ones that they were standing beside as they bowed their heads and prayed.

The group at the castle enjoyed a hearty meal, while Eddie tried to convince Melvin that the Godley’s might take offense with them taking shots at the DHS while they were on their property trying to seize their goods. Eddie said, “Melvin you know how angry them Godley’s can get with people for just walking across their cow pastures. I have told you about having to come up here and arrest people Franklin or someone would be holding at gunpoint for being on the Godley property.”

Melvin replied, “That is more about the people who cut his fence and let his cattle out, to go four-wheeling, than anything else. He has to keep everyone off or it seems like he is just picking on the ATV crowd. Course the walkers are just about as bad, they leave his gates open pretty often. Chasing cows and losing stock that gets run over is not good business, neither is rutted up pastures from the tires of the ATV’s. Kills the pasture and the ruts could break a cow’s leg, bad business. This has nothing to do with business, except the fact it may save some of the Godley’s lives if it comes to a shootout. A little added firepower / force multiplier might be just the ticket to get the desired effect. Dead DHS thugs!”

Eddie replied in a huff, “Hard head, what about the fact that the DHS’s people might come looking for them and this was their last known location. What do you say to that one?”

Melvin answered, “We load the bodies back in their vehicles and drive them down to the lake and make a bream reef with those vehicles. A reef with a lot of food for the bait fish at least for a while. Then we police up the Godley’s place, that’s where you come in and get back to the plant before dark. Besides it is irrelevant, you are out of time. Looks like the DHS boys and girls came a little early, my watch says sixteen till the hour. You lose, now get ready to shoot, shovel and shut up as the saying goes.”

Eddie turned and looked out across the open expanse and coming up the drive to the Godley’s home were four vehicles two black Suburban’s with blacked out windows and a pair of flat gray Peterbilt 389 long nose tractors both with large sleepers. The one in front was pulling fifty-three-foot van trailer, the second Peterbilt was pulling a large over the road stock trailer.

Eddie groaned under his breath and said, “Looks like they came prepared to take goods and cattle at this stop. The Sheriff didn’t say anything about them taking farm stock.” Finished he settled into his rifle and checked his magazine, his safety, then mounted the weapon and checked his eye relief and set his parallax to the appropriate setting. Placing the crosshairs on the passenger door window of the lead Suburban.

Melvin had already finished his same set of parameters for his trusty Ruger Model 77 MK II stainless steel 26-inch heavy barrel in 300 Winchester Magnum. The weapon might not be a high dollar competition rifle, it however would make a cold barrel shot out to four hundred meters and keep it well under a MOA and most likely under point seven MOA every time. The Ruger had been capable of this type accuracy since he bought it from a department store off the rack. It did have a taste for ballistic tip bullets loving both the 165-grain ballistic tip and the 180-grain. Melvin preferred the 165-grain projectile at about thirty-three hundred feet per second. The round was flat and still supersonic out to about twelve hundred meters. Melvin didn’t really know this as he had only stretched the rifle, scope, bullet and shooter combination out to seven-hundred meters at the range. Knowing he would never try to take game at much over four hundred meters it just wasn’t necessary for him to check the rifles accuracy to any distance farther than six-hundred meters and truth be known probably five-hundred. He felt sure at this distance the rifle bullet, scope, and shooter combination were minute of DHS leader forehead and a little unconscious smile darted across his face.

Melvin asked, “You with me old friend. You know you don’t have to pull the trigger. I will take the shot and any others that become available and then we will slink out of here if the Godley’s don’t follow suit. Those two big rigs definitely change the game plan. If the van trailer is full of food or whatever I say we split it with the Godley’s and take our share back to the plant, then we will take the big rig and park it at the church and pull the computer. The Godley’s may want the stock trailer, if not we will take it to the store on Highway 72 and leave the keys in the truck. Someone will have a use for it and it will probably be gone within the hour.”

Eddie replied, “In for a penny, in for a pound. I am with you; I am on the front DHS vehicle the leader probably is in the second SUV. Being the leader and all the others are just cannon fodder for the big man I am sure. Especially if it the pompous bastard I have met before at the station.”

Melvin replied, “What does your range finder say for the meters. I got three-hundred and seven meters to the front door of the second Suburban and three-ten meters for the first SUV. The front Peterbilt is three-hundred and fourteen and the second three-sixteen meters?”

Eddie replied, “Affirmative within a meter on all ranges. I am setting my scope for three hundred and will make the adjustments from there. I have the wind at less than three miles per hour and mostly a head wind a little right to left. I am saying no adjustment on wind.”

Melvin replied, “I am shooting dead on my zero is at two-hundred with a six o’clock hold, plus two inches high. I am dead red for this distance and will shoot Kentucky windage if the ranges change.”

“I agree with your assessment on Kentucky windage for your rifle and you shooting. You know that Ruger much better than I know the POF. I am confident on any shot at this range though. Good hunting, looks like the first door is opening and the party is about to start,” said Eddie to his age-old friend.

In the Godley’s homestead, Franklin and Bobby were giving orders and Bobby’s children had already slipped out the back. The three siblings and a significant other had already flanked the DHS storm troopers. A name given by Bobby who had aptly named the marauders that were coming to fleece the Godley’s farm and livelihood. Franklin had agreed and said, “Family, five generations ago our family settled this land and maybe had to fight for it, I don’t rightly know. I do know this, as the saying goes, they can have my gun when they pry it from my cold dead hand. Just because we are prepared for this hard time, do not mean we did not work hard to get that way just to give it to some person on the government dole. Kids and grandkids me and Ma love you with all our hearts and we have done this through the years for you. I am awfully sorry that my country makes me decide to fight against it and put my loved ones in harms way. I am glad that you all answered the call of Ma and me to come help defend our home. Well, I have talked enough, we have weapons and bullet proof vest for all if you don’t have them. It looks like you all do though. Bobby you and your wife have the left side of the house me and Ma got the right. Drop down below the window seal for cover. There is six inches of gravel in those walls below the window seals and a half inch of boiler plate. Was told that should stop up to fifty-caliber maybe even AP with the other stuff making up those walls, all the way around the house.”

Bobby smiled and said, “So that was what all that remodeling was about in 2008. I didn’t think Ma really was tired of the house and wanted to rebuild the whole damn place as you so eloquently put it Dad, when I asked. Just didn’t seem like something Ma would want, you know. Looks like they have decided to get out of the trucks and make some demands. Better get ready, I love you and shoot straight when the time comes.”

The doors on the Suburban’s opened as if magically choreographed to open simultaneously; two people on each side of the two vehicles fanning out and coming to a knee covering all four quadrants. Each scanned and moved their weapons in arcs of fire that overlapped by a few degrees for what seemed liked a minute to Melvin. Actual time of the scanning was closer to the SOP of twenty seconds. A few moments later after undoubtedly getting the all clear a fifth and sixth body got out of each black government SUV. Seeing four possible leaders Eddie said, “They must have been getting some resistance already, that is not a SOP for even a high-risk warrant team to unass a vehicle. My question is which ones are the primary and secondary targets for the two of us? Do we just shoot them all and let God sort them out? That is my recommendation.”

Melvin replied, “Give me a second. I really think the leader is the passenger side guy who got out of the second truck. Did you notice that he is directly behind the vehicle and the first operator is where he can bring direct fire on the Godley’s house? He also is the one who gave the all clear to the others and he can’t see anything to the front. I know he probably got the all clear from his team, most real leaders would want a better view of the target and his team. What cha think, Eddie?”

Eddie viewed the scene for a moment, scanning all twelve operators and then replied, “I agree on the overall Command who his second? That is the real question if we want to take the head off of the viper.”

Melvin replied, “Not the guy with the bullhorn, I am thinking the guy standing behind him, again based on body language and he seems to be hiding behind the big guy with the bullhorn, calling to the Godley’s. The natural inclination would be for him to be a bullet magnet. I am guessing that rules out the big guy at a ninety percent probability maybe more.”

“Agree with the assessment, what about the two that got out of the front Suburban,” asked Eddie? As he checked his safety on the POF for about the fifth time in the last ten seconds.

Melvin said, “You ready to start this dance, Eddie? I think it is about time, no use letting them lob some teargas or something into the Godley’s. You see the guy on the other side of the second SUV he is getting ready to do something with a grenade launcher, old blooper style.”

Eddie replied, “On my mark, three, two, one, mar…” Eddie did not get the word mark completely out of his mouth when the big un-suppressed Ruger 300 Winchester Magnum spoke loud and clear in the Piedmont region of South Carolina. The 165-grain ballistic tip projectile leaving the end of Melvin’s twenty-six-inch barrel at almost 3300 feet per second, easily breaking the sound barrier. The projectiles travel time to the DHS thug at the back of the SUV less than three tenths of a second. The projectile making contact with the throat of the DHS area leader in the middle of his neck, just as aimed. The ballistic tip tearing out the jugular vein and passing through the third cervical vertebrae, while tearing out the spinal cord on its destructive path through and out the other side of the DHS goons’ neck. The Commander dead before he fell to the ground hitting his head on the bumper of the big SUV on the way down finishing the decapitation.

Trusting his shot Melvin moved to his second target the guy standing behind the person hailing the Godley’s to come out and surrender their hoarded possessions to the rightful authoritative body of the USA. The DHS there under the new Hoarding regulations instituted to help feed the nations citizenship. Acquiring his sight picture and beginning to take up the slack in his Model 77’s trigger as he felt the recoil and concussion from Eddie’s POF enter the fray. His rifle firing and recoiling from his bullet letting fly on it’s assigned path. Eddie had chosen the pelvic girdle of the second leadership person of the two that had gotten out of the first government issue SUV. While his bullet was in flight the second in Command had met his maker from the second projectile released from its shell casing by Melvin. The second DHS employee took the round in the area between his nose and upper lip. The victim having had the misfortune of turning and facing the copse of woods that held the demons sending death and destruction towards his teammates. Melvin had been aiming just below the helmet line at the temple area when his three-pound trigger broke like a glass rod. The turn sending the round through his upper pallet and out the back of his head, taking part of his temporal lobe and his cerebellum before exiting out the back of his skull.

Seeing the DHS thugs begin to fire even though not being able to discern at what or whom the flanking team of Bobby’s children and significant others opened fire on the four DHS agents on their side of the field of fire. After about three shots from each of the four Godley’s the four agents lay dead and or out of the fight from the trauma of multiple 69-grain projectiles fired from the former Green Berets. The DHS with the blooper tube firing the weapon accurately through the window of the Godley house just as he was hit by two bullets one in the pelvic girdle and the second in the neck area. The shock from the pain and sudden loss of blood taking him out of the fight and ultimately killing him within seconds.

Reggie coming in from the back of the farm where he had been cutting hay, when he got the call from Franklin, picked up the smoking and hissing tear gas grenade and calmly threw it back out the window. Luckily still wearing his heavy-duty pigs hide gloves and not getting a bad burn in the process. He did however receive a good healthy dose of the direct smoke coming out of the can and would still be coughing and spitting up mucous two days later. The Godley’s house would need a good airing out and spring cleaning according to Ma because of the smell and mess made by the lopsided fire fight.

Bobby had taken out the front man on his side and Franklin had taken out the man with bullhorn with his Grandfather’s Winchester Model 1894 in .32-40. That same rifle had been in the family since the early 1900’s and was still a fine shooter and took a deer or two every year. The family heirloom would be handed down to his oldest in the next few years. Just as it had been handed down to him, when his Dad gave up hunting. Just as the Godley’s thought the skirmish as Paul had called the event was over, the three guys riding in the two trailers decided they needed to join the melee. Eddie took out the first one he saw hollering to Melvin, “Coming from the tractor and trailer rigs…” With the POF speaking a muffled boom that echoed through the woods as he finished.

Eddie continued, “Missed, you see them?”

Melvin did not answer verbally as he was re-loading the Ruger with three more rounds of Georgia Ammunition’s Precision 165-grain Ballistic Tip rounds. Finished he dropped back down on the weapon and acquired a sight picture of the last man coming to the fight. Thinking that he didn’t want to pick the same enemy that Eddie was taking aim to eliminate. Judging the lead to be about three feet he released part of his breath and concentrated on the lead of the target and the trigger of the Ruger. As if by magic the Ruger released its pent-up energy and the bullet exploded out of the rifle. The bullet heading on its appointed flight path without fail. Expending its foot pounds of energy into the shoulder of the intended. The ballistic tip flying true and straight as designed, delivering a wallop onto the shoulder joint deflecting downward through the right lung and back out of the front abdomen. The highly expanded bullet ripping and tearing bone, flesh and organs on the path outward. Melvin would be just finding his second target as the driver or passenger of one of the big rigs succumbed to multiple projectiles from the Godley family unit.

Eddie seeing one of the Godley family pointing towards the tree line that he and Melvin shared, hit re-dial on his phone hoping that Franklin would answer and remember the warning call he had placed a short time ago. Luck would that day be with the Cudd family and Franklin did answer and did remember. Eddie said, ‘Melvin and I will be coming out of the tree line and mean no harm. We were here to kill the DHS team that burned down Melvin’s house.”

Melvin said, “I hope that Franklin speaks for the whole family and we live through this long walk to their front door.” Getting up and recovering his kit and rifle Melvin started walking out of the woods with Eddie as he felt a drop of sweat run down his back. He didn’t know if the sweat was from exertion or anxiety. He did know that his heart was about to explode and his Doctor would probably faint if he knew what his blood pressure was right now. He had never made a walk in his life that was longer than the three hundred or so yards to the front porch of the Godley home place. A front porch where most of the family had gathered in wait of the two assailants that had come to do their bidding on Godley land.

Franklin was the first to speak as Melvin and Eddie walked up and both sat down their kit packs. Franklin said, “Thanks for the timely heads up on the DHS arriving to take our stuff. Wasn’t really expecting any help from others in defending the family and farm but a heart felt Thank you from me and our whole family. What can we do to repay your southern hospitality, friends?”

Melvin said, “If that trailer is as loaded with food as it looks, we could use some of the rations. Also, I notice that most of your people have suppressors on their weapons. We have a couple and could use some more suppressors and the means to adapt them to our weapons. The rest we could negotiate or maybe trade for we have some Gold and Silver. The other thing we would offer is a place to hide, we have a BOL big enough for your whole family if you need a place to run and hide after this. Eddie and I was thinking that we put all the vehicles and the bodies in the lake but with so many not having running vehicles it would be a shame to waste these. We can put the tractor trailer rigs under roof if you can’t or just want to not have them around in case anybody comes looking for the trash.”

Franklin said, “We can hide the one truck with the stock trailer. It might come in handy if we had to run. Does your place have any place for cattle?”

Melvin replied, “Not exactly grass land, but fenced and plenty of stuff for them to nibble on in the form of grasses, leaves, and weeds. Maybe not exactly what they are use to but what cows ate for centuries before modern agriculture. Probably could handle a hundred head or better if we free ranged them inside the fenced area is my guess, we have over eight hundred acres fenced and we could put up some temporary fencing if we needed to separate some of them for some reason. Be a lot more work in rounding them up to give shots and stuff. But where we are none of them would be killed for the tenderloin and maybe one leg, it is kinda off the beaten path, and hidden pretty well from the public’s eye.”

Melvin started again, “Now that I think about it, we actually have a couple of places already fenced we could put a few head like a coral only bigger about an acre each maybe more. Probably have to build a gate for each of them, before hand only have people gates, now.”

Eddie very puzzled asked, “What are you talking about Melvin?”

“The ball fields, they are two of them at the site off to the right side back in the woods near the big lake and the two real big ponds or small lakes. There is a three-sided, and roofed picnic enclosure probably sixteen by twenty-four with a large fireplace. It has a small outdoor kitchen, really just a big propane grill that has been bricked in and stainless-steel sink and food preparation area and like two picnic tables under roof. If I remember correctly the fourth side is screen wire enclosed. I had forgotten they were there until we started talking about the cows and a place to put them. I have only actually been to it twice for company picnics when they were open and our client. They always invited a few of their vendors to their annual picnic and barbecue,” replied Melvin.

Eddie said, “Our BOL just keeps getting better and better. That wouldn’t be a bad place for someone to live if we ever needed a place for others. Maybe if someone gets tired of being in close quarters and needs a day or so away from everyone.”

Paul said, “Guys we appreciate the offer, but we Godley’s have been here for a long time and don’t plan on running. I will say this, do you boys have Ham radio capabilities, if so, let’s keep in touch. As they say just in case, we need to change our mind or y’all need some help. On the topic of keeping some of the food in the trailer, we could probably use a little ammunition for those black rifles the Grand kids are shooting. The food, I have brought everything from the store here and it is hidden on the back forty if you know what I mean. Y’all boys can have the food and the suppressors if you want them, no problem.”

Bobby stepped forward and said, “We could probably use a few of those handguns and the rifles. How about we split them and the gear including the armor. We don’t have much armor other than the Grands all have them as you see the rest of us are lacking.”

Eddie replied, “That would be great, we could use a few of those SBR’s, we are good on pistols so maybe we work out a one for one trade or something. I think we can make it work, easy enough. Now we need to get started, as we need to be home before the curfew hits and the fish in Lake Greenwood need to be fed.”

The Godley’s Grand kids started gathering up the goods from all the dead DHS agents and looking in the SUV’s. One of Bobby’s daughters hollered out after looking in the back of the first Suburban. “Folks I don’t think we have a five-five-six shortage anymore. There are two M21A crates of 5.56 ball back here. That is like thirty-five-hundred rounds of sixty-two grain NATO SS109 bullets each. There is also some nine-mil and some shotgun rounds back here and a bunch of other miscellaneous Pelican boxes. Might be some really good night-vision by the looks and sizes of a couple of the boxes.”

Melvin asked, “Bobby how are y’all setup for Night-vision we have some good stuff? Not enough for everybody but more than a couple of pairs. We could always use some more, as it is a big force multiplier at night.”

Bobby said, “I think we have one set of the Gen 4 military grade goggles and a couple of Gen 3 over the counter or general public versions. They are pretty good but definitely not anything like the Gen 4 stuff. I would really like a couple or three more pairs of the good stuff. That way we could have people looking at all four guardant at night if needed. If we got three pairs, heck there may not even be any. I guess I should not be greedy.”

Eddie had walked back to see what was behind door number two, or the boxes that Bobby’s daughter was talking about. Eddie got to the back of the black SUV in time to see, Erica open the second Pelican box containing the latest military grade night vision goggle headsets. The boxes both contained the newest Gen 4+ Enhanced Night Vision Goggle–Binocular. These were even a step above the ones the DHS had given to Sheriff Office. Seeing the two pair and having already heard Erica’s Dad say he wanted three pair if he could get them, he hoped the other Black vehicles storage area held the same type prizes as the first. Eddie broke his reverie and said, “Those are nice, I pretty sure those are the latest and greatest that are just now being issued to the regular forces. That is what I read in Jane’s, if my memory is correct, just a couple of weeks ago in the latest magazine. You were a Ranger, correct? Did you all have them as standard issue?”


Erica smiled at the obviously well read and informed man who was making small talk about military equipment that most soldiers new little to nothing. Erica said, “Yes, I was a Screaming Eagle 101st Airborne Ranger one of Fort Campbell’s finest. To answer your question, yes, we had them, but not all of our people were issued these bad boys. Just Platoon Leaders and Scout teams, were issued these. The rest of us got the standard issue AN/PVS-14A Monocular Night Vision Device like the rest of the world. These things are about ten steps ahead of the 14A night vision not just one generation. I have used them for a training session and they are the real deal. I can’t believe these thugs had access to them.”

Three hours of hard work and some serious haggling among a small group of new friends, had Melvin, Eddie, Erica and Bobby at the lake in a secluded cove that had an old logging dirt road access. The access so small and grown over it was only big enough for small jon boats to put into the lake. After negotiating the winding dirt path, they were dumping bodies with a pair of bricks attached to their feet with bailing wire. Eddie had volunteered to do the dirty job of puncturing their lungs and abdominal cavities. A dirty and gruesome task that helped in two areas, one no gas storage vessels and the other the fish could get at the soft tissue quicker and easier. Pushing the bodies out from the bank towards a deep hole in the cove that was a known favorite for many bass fishermen. Melvin hoped that the goons would supply plenty of food for the bait fish and bass. A surprise that would provide the local fisherman a grand old-time fishing at their honey hole at the mouth of the cove in the months to come.

The four completed their arduous task and said their goodbyes; with each side agreeing that they would be stronger together with the other as an ally. Bobby said, “Eddie and Melvin, we appreciate what you did today in support of our family. I think we could have handled the situation by ourselves, but we may have had injuries or dead in the family. An outcome that the thoughts of touches me to the core. We will keep in touch on the ham radio and just call and we will come running.”

Melvin replied, “Thanks and you do the same. We do have my wife who is a Veterinarian if you need her for your stock or one of your family. Don’t know how things will be in getting a Doctor these days. Call if you need her for either.”

Arriving back at the Cudd Castle the weary pair was glad to be home before dark and in the safe area provided by their new home. Henry Gonzalez was on the gate moving the bollards and unlocking the gate for the two who arrived in two vehicles instead of the original one they left. Henry greeted the two and immediately started relaying the news from around the country and close to home. The first news about the contagion that was ravishing America and the problem with bringing the large tractor -trailer rig into their new home. Henry said, “Ms. Jessica says we shouldn’t bring either of the vehicles into our home for at least ten days. She says she can’t help the fact that we need to hide the big truck. Quarantine is in effect for at least ten days for the trucks and the two of you. Melvin, she sends her love and Eli does to you as well.” Henry had stayed at least ten feet away from the pair and their vehicles while delivering the message.

Eddie replied, “Melvin, we can hide the Interceptor behind the wastewater plant under that awning and throw a tarp or something over it to eliminate the signature. The real question is what do we do with the van trailer and tractor? That is a real problem to eliminate the big foot print of the rig.”

Henry finished closing the gates and realigning the bollards to block the gate hollered and said, “They are holding and keeping your supper. It will be in your quarters when you get there for the night. Oh, and one more strange thing we had a call on the CB for Mel and the Sarge from the salesman that helped you win all those games back years ago. Requesting help from his two friends and teammates. The message was his house was burned to ground by one-percenters and he barely got away with wife and daughter. He would be at the return billing address for niece and nephews’ new toy. Don’t know what it means, Sandy thought it was from your friend at the Ford dealership and Eli agreed it was Tony Rice, his wife and Daughter.”

Melvin said, “Reply that we will be there at game time a.m. and ask if he has any special request or needs for his travel bag. Also, tell him and the rest of his team to be ready to play at game time.”

Henry waved goodbye and answered, “Will do. I set up a return call at 1930 hours. If you think of anything else. Just give me a call on the radio and I will make sure the message is delivered to your friend. Remember we will have to quarantine them when they get here too. Might want to mention that to them. Some people have problems with those type activities and don’t take to it as well as you have Melvin.”

Eddie replied, “Good thinking Henry, we had that class on that very subject that the guy from the State Prison system came and taught a year or two ago. I had forgotten all about that piece of information. Some people will actually attack the enforcers of the quarantine. Pertinent information and could be a problem at some time. Probably need to tell everyone Henry. Don’t need any surprises if we can help it.”

Melvin watching Henry leave walked over to Eddie and asked, “What do you think about driving this big monster down towards the lakes? The one time I was there before the road was almost completely covered by the canopy of the hardwoods.”

Eddie replied, “Is there anywhere down by the lakes and the picnic area to turn the truck and trailer around? If not, we will need to back it down in there as far as possible and didn’t you say something about that being a second way out of this place do, we want to block our escape route with a big roadblock?”

Melvin replied, “Why don’t we eat supper and then take the Lull and off-load all the stuff off of the trailer. We can place the pallets in the warehouse, then in the morning we drive the truck and trailer out to the church and drop the trailer, possibly even set it on fire and bring the truck here and park it in the trees on the side of the entrance way into the plant. It is grown over enough to hide the truck until we can bring it into the plant warehouse.”

“Sounds like a plan. Especially the part about eating. I am starving and have been for a few hours, even after eating that workout protein bar you gave me. I think we leave the trailer intact instead of burning it, we may need the trailer later,” answered Eddie.

The two drove the big tractor and trailer around to the loading dock and parked the Crown Vic in its usual place. Walking into the plant the pair could hear the sounds of the group conversing and carrying on around the large cooking area. Melvin thought that it sounded like old times and his thoughts turned to a hunting camp trip years before. Thinking back to siting around a large freshly dug fire pit with native rocks around the fringe to control the spread of the large cozy fire. The autumn night was much like any other night in the South Carolina foothills cool bordering on cold. The Piedmont night destined to bring a heavy dew from the high humidity that would be a large frost by morning as the temperature reached the freezing point.

Thinking of himself and Jimmy sitting side by side with one of their important clients and enjoying the warm fire. Their conversations about a menagerie of topics from work, to Southeastern Conference football and their beloved Gamecocks with even a little politics thrown into the equation. It hadn’t taken long or many opinions for Jimmy and Melvin to realize their key client did not share their conservative views on matters of politics. The client’s views being very liberal and pro almost everything that the pair detested. The Northern liberal who had moved south to run a very large consulting firm when his company had bought out the smaller local company for their client list. Melvin had known that the larger company had laid off, fired or released almost one hundred percent of the local staff. He had talked to a few of the key players at the company and had actually helped a couple of the Engineers to find employment with a few of his other consulting clients in the industry.

Melvin was sitting and listening to the client berate the southern school system that his children were being subjected too. Cringing at the fact that the school system still taught about the Civil War and that the cause was not about the Slavery issue. The Consultant saying. “I actually had to go down to the local high school and set the Principal straight on the fact that they were teaching both and antiquated and perverted version of history. The Principal, I am guessing with about a third-grade education to one educated in the Northeast actually said they were going to continue teaching the history curriculum as it was at taught at present.”

Laughing and taking another drink from his cup he continued, “He actually told me that if I wanted to remove my children from the district, he would help me get into one of the local private schools. Telling me that it might be better to think about home schooling if I didn’t agree with the history that was being taught. He told me that he knew the headmasters at both local Academy’s and they taught the same curriculum as the District. I told that idiot that I worked for a living and my wife was involved at the Country Club and didn’t have time to be teaching school that was his job, for now…”

Winking and with a celebratory smile, “I informed him that if he wouldn’t listen to me, he would listen to my Lawyers. I told him I was on my way to the District Office to inform them of his negligence and incompetence and the pending law suit.”

Jimmy couldn’t contain himself and asked, “Was he scarred and afraid?” In his best southern redneck slang voice. Which set Melvin to laughing so hard he almost fell over into the fire pit. The inside joke being that the District Superintendent of Schools was the Principals Brother-in-Law and if their Northerner liberal client didn’t like the way the principal thought he was going to hate the way Joe Jennings thought.

The Client asked incredulously, “What is so funning? I will not be laughed at by half-breed Southern imbeciles like the pair of you.”

Holding up his hands as if in surrender, Melvin straightened his face to the best of his abilities using all of his power to do so and asked, “How’d that meeting with the District Superintendent go for ya?” Busting out laughing again before the client could even attempt to answer his question. Jimmy was still howling and had never stopped from before, not even trying because he knew the effort was futile.

The Client stomped off from the pair of laughing hyenas’ saying something to the effect that their sorry company would never get another dollars’ worth of work from his company or any other that his company controlled. Melvin said to the man walking away towards his truck, “Do you want help with loading up your stuff. It will only take a minute for us to take down your tent, bed and stuff. What about your rifle?”

The Client hollered back over his shoulder, “Just keep it, you are going to need it to put food on your table when I pull all your work.” Slamming the door on his truck and starting it up and roaring out of the camp.

Jimmy asked, “How much you want to bet he doesn’t make it out of the logging road without wrecking and totaling the truck?”

Melvin thought for a moment and replied, “Is the bet wrecking or totaling? I will take twenty on totally and give you two to one. On wrecking no bet that is a done deal. I think he will wreck on the second switch back the first one he will see and have to slow down before he gets to the ninety. The second one has the longest almost straight stretch before the ninety and it is even more than a ninety maybe a one-ten. That is the one and I will take a hundred on that even money. You game?”

Jimmy’s only reply was, “Both are covered. Now, we need to rock, paper, scissors who gets the rifle. It is a Surgeon with a Nightforce scope. My only question is what man pays like five-grand for a precision rifle from Surgeon, then puts a two-thousand-dollar scope on it and gets a .243 caliber. That is like buying a Harley with a one-hundred CC motor. Just not right.”

“Don’t always agree with your assessment of things Jimmy, I do have to admit that is a peculiar choice in caliber for a long-range precision rifle. The bullet weight alone hampers the flight characteristics in a large way especially to the wind. Not to mention the terminal ballistics of the light weight projectiles in a short action…,” catching his breath he looked at Jimmy put his closed fist into his other hand and said, “You ready, one, two, throw…” showing his rock to Jimmy’s paper.

Jimmy smiled and said, “Paper covers rock the rifle is mine. That baby will be on Armslist by morning. Just need some good light for the pictures.”

Melvin laughed and said, “I got Dibbs on that high dollar cot in his tent and the sleeping bag. The cot is even made for someone over four hundred pounds. Have you seen that thing? I helped him get it out of his truck it is a killer outfit. I am sleeping on it tonight, with his three-piece modular sleep system. That thing is good to like minus thirty degrees. Won’t be like sleeping in my California King at the house. Still a big improvement over a pad and concrete, like last night.”

Jimmy laughed and replied, “If you weren’t so cheap you would have already bought one of those, a few years ago when you first saw my sleep system.”

Eddie asked, “You with me big guy? Seemed you were a million miles away.”

Melvin replied, “Thinking of times past and sleeping systems. Glad I still have the one my client left in the woods that night. Not like sleeping in my own bed with my Lady, Jessica. But, definitely better than a sharp stick in the eye.”

Eddie replied, “It is a nice touch and I would love one myself. Just a couple more weeks and we will both be back with our ladies and the rest of the kindred. After we eat and get the trucks and trailer taken care of and in place, we can decide what we are going to do in the morning about going and getting Tony and his family.”

Early the next morning before the sun rose over the Cudd family castle; Melvin and Eddie were sitting and talking about their impending trip into town. Agreeing they should have seen if Tony and his family could have made it off the Highway 72 By-pass and over to Melvin’s shop and office building, during the night hours. Melvin agreeing and wishing that he had told Henry day break instead of eight-hundred hours, for the pickup of their friend and his family.

Melvin asked, “Eddie, I know Tony used to do a little hunting. He has been with me and Jimmy a couple of times. Especially bird hunting, likes to hunt doves and quail. How do you think he is on weapons?”

Eddie thought earnestly about the question and replied, “I know he has that Ruger Red label over and under twelve gauge. As far as a rifle he used to have a Remington 740 Wingmaster in .30-06 caliber for deer hunting. I think it belonged to his Dad before he passed away so I would think he would still have that rifle and shotgun at least. Never heard him say anything about any other rifles, shotguns or pistols. Might be like a lot of Southerners and have an old revolver laying around the house in a drawer somewhere with maybe enough ammo to fill the cylinder. Don’t really know.”

Melvin thinking on what his friend had just told him, nodded his head in agreement with his assessment. It was about what he would have said if Eddie had asked him the question. Maybe not the right answer but the best SWAG that the two of them could muster. Melvin said, “You going to take the POF or not. I think it would be best if you did. I guess we need to take a couple of those M-forgery rifles we have left. Most everyone updated their personal rifle here to those nice Daniel Defense Mk18 rifles we brought from the Godley’s.”

Eddie said, “Yeah, I actually traded out one of my rifles for that DDM4 VII PRO model that we found in the tractor trailer rig. I guess it will be cool with the Godley’s that we got it. It was not in the ones we divided down the middle.”

Melvin laughed and replied, “The spoils of war my friend. The spoils of war. They may have found the Holy Grail in their stuff. Who knows, I am cool with it if they did aren’t you.”

Eddie beamed, “As long as I get to keep the DDM4, I am definitely cool. That being said, do we just run right down Highway 221 till we get to town or do we go through the country?”

Melvin replied, “Henry told us that your old employer says it is free and clear and smooth sailing all the way into town. They control the main roads still and he verified it with a couple of his friends. He did say that they might have to pull back to just a few miles radius outside the 72 By-pass. They are pulling back to Highway 246 on the North east side and highway 225 in the south that doesn’t get them real close to the lake, probably within a few miles. We need a secondary route and I don’t know of a better one, do you?”

Eddie replied, “Old Laurens Road west of 221 or Emerald Road east of the main road. Either could be tricky because of their size and not many outlets off of them. I think we go all the way to the By-Pass turn left and dart into the dealership and hope Tony and his family are there, ready to go and haven’t drawn a crowd, overnight.”

Melvin said, “Let’s take a few minutes and check each other’s gear. Jack’s idea and his preparing us a Bug-Out bag is a good idea. He said they weren’t just alike; it will be good to see what the other one has in case we need something. If we have it, we will know whose pack it is located. I am carrying three extra magazines for the 300 Win Mag and the M320 bloop tube with two HE and two HEDP rounds. I sure am glad that the DHS team had four of them in their loadout. I wish they had a few more rounds but I guess the standard loadout must be eight. With two being buckshot and the other two split between flare and M651 CS Gas. Each weapon had the same loadout and we found the two extra loadouts in the extra gear. I guess one full reload for each team, not much extra. Probably didn’t figure they would even need what they were issued much less reloads. I bet one guy served in the sandbox or somewhere and knew it was better to have it with you than back at the base. He probably conned some REMF out of his load because it was too heavy, that or a quart of Jack to the quartermaster.”

Eddie said, “Yeah, there is always stuff to be had if you know the right bullet and beans guy. On a better note we have plenty of the buckshot, CS Gas and the flares from what they gave the Sheriff’s Office. Still, too bad they didn’t share the HE and HEDP. Real force multipliers in the thick of battle and on light skinned vehicles holy terror.”

As Melvin and Eddie were checking bags, the rest of the Cudd extended family were getting ready to start their preparations of the castle. Jessica and brother Kevin were beginning to get the stuff out of her trailer and setting up her new hospital room for man and beast. With help from Jack if needed, who was in general studying the maps of the local area and the layout of the fences and area around the castle, trying to decide on a long-term defense of the castle. Patrick and Rosa were continuing to work on and better their indoor shooting range, adding some exhaust fans to help remove the smell of cordite and possibly lead particles from the air. Eli and Julia were beginning to try and figure out what their average daily intake of calories were for the family. With that they could calculate how long their stores would last. Smoke and Owen were checking out Melvin’s F-350 Super Duty for the trip. Henry would be monitoring the radio during the recovery expedition by the boys. Jimmy was spending the next four hours on the front OP. Sandy and Celeste were cleaning up the dishes from breakfast and then they were going to do some stretching exercises and a little running inside the big castle floor. While Zaida and Gretchen had rapid reaction duty in the front and the back doors of the living area of the castle. It was a schedule that needed more people to keep up for any extended length of time according to Jack and Zaida.

Not twenty miles away Tony Rice was trying desperately to keep his wife and daughter quiet and motionless under the floor in the service bay of his former work establishment. Tony told his wife and daughter, “Ladies, I know you are cold and hungry and its dark and smelly down in this bay. Do you remember why we are here and what happened less than sixteen hours ago? We need to be thankful that we were able to get away from those animals with our lives intact. That could have gone bad had we not had a way out the back through the basement. We need to be quiet and hope we can make it for the next hour and half or so till my friends get here.”

Tony’s wife Melanie and daughter Nancy were about out of patience with the situation, not having yet come to the realization that yesterday was their new reality and the ways of before were no more. Nancy had on a short skirt, blouse and sweater with red high-top Converse tennis shoes, at seventeen she was a real fashionista at the high school. In a damp concrete oil change bay, she was just cold and miserable. Melanie was not dressed much better, at least she had on a pair of slacks and matching jacket even though they were of a light weight wool material and not lined. Melanie had picked up her yard work over coat that was laying on the counter in the basement with her gardening gloves, at the insistence of Tony. She had thought he was crazy as they rushed away from the terror and horde above. Why would she need her old Carhartt coat the Police would take care of this and they would be back in the house in a matter of minutes, a few hours at the outside. Tony had given his coat to Nancy earlier in the night and she refused to wear the old smelly hunting jacket at first. A few cold and miserable hours later her high fashion sense had given way to common sense, at least on the matter of the coat. Tony had taken the next ten minutes to sneak back into the shop managers office and take his shop jacket. While he was looking for a jacket, he picked up a few of the fender mats for them to sit on instead of just the cold concrete floor. She still felt like her Dad was over reacting to the people who just wanted food and shelter. Feeling it was their duty to share with the others as she had been taught in school, that their life of White Privilege made it their duty to give to the others less fortunate. Not seeing the reality that even if her Dad had given all that they had the crowd would have still burnt their house as they did after looting everything of any value. Mostly they just took the liquor from her Dad’s collection, and the three wide screen TVs, complaining that he only had Whiskey and Bourbon, no Gin or Vodka. A lady and her daughter of the group who were industrious almost getting burnt up with the house trying to get some of the quilts, sheets and blankets out of the master bedroom linen closet in the house, along with some of her mothers’ blue jeans and wool sweaters.

Tony spoke in his most comforting and authoritative voice and said, “Melanie and Nancy, I know this is hard for the two of you to comprehend, our world had changed and definitely not for the better. A few days ago, we could have gone to the Police, today the city Police are either all dead or dying along with the Fire Department and the EMS. We passed the hospital and it looked like Beirut or Fallujah after the shelling. Almost burned to the ground and all the surrounding buildings. People are scarred and their bad sides have come out now that the rule of law no longer exist. It is free stuff day for all of the people on the government dole, they feel it is their right since their EBT cards no longer work. The good news is that Melvin and Eddie will be here to take us to safety in less than a couple of hours. If we can just stay hidden and quiet till they arrive, I am hoping that everything will be fine.”

“Dad, I still don’t think we should have these guns they are dangerous and could kill someone, maybe even one of us. They told us in school that guns were very bad and that if we didn’t have them then people would not get killed and all crime would go down in the whole country. They told us when we got old enough to vote it was our duty to do away with guns to end racism and get rid of the inequity in America,” bemoaned Nancy. Her Father just shook his head at the garbage he and others had allowed to be taught in the local school system.

Their equipment checked and rechecked, their 3L CamelBak hydration bladders filled and a 6L MRS DromLite bag filled for the truck incase the family of Tony Rice needed hydration. Henry had told the tandem that Tony had told him they left their house with basically the clothes on their back. Melvin and Eddie had each placed an extra Mylar reflective blanket each in an outside pouch of their battle belts for the possibly cold and wet family. Eddie started moving the bollards from the front gate with the Lull as Melvin pulled his Ford around to near the gate, waiting for Eddie to complete the task. Eddie finally through, opened the gate and Melvin pulled through the opening and waited for Eddie to close and lock the gate. The trip under normal time would be less than twenty minutes even if you caught the Cornaca light and traffic was bad. They were leaving and hour and ten minutes early, just in case and to give themselves a little time to recon the Ford dealership before entering, to complete the recovery of their friend and his family.

Driving out of the castles tree lined entrance roads canopy in the early autumn morning, it seemed as if nothing had every happened except the fact that the pair were loaded for bear and any other predators. Predators were not the only issue in the back of their minds that morning, Henry had told them that the biological agents delivered by Russia were having dire effects all over the world. The one good issue was that the better health a person had in general the less effect. As the weapon was designed it attacked the young and the old with dire consequences in almost a one hundred percent fatality rate. The toxin was quickly making its way around the globe leaving death and dying in its wake. The BBC broadcast had told of death counts in England and across Europe nearing the seventy-five percent range or more in large cities and fifty or better in the countryside.

The United States Emergency Broadcast channel was saying the numbers in America were close to those in England and Europe. The numbers in American cities over fifty thousand matching the high rate totals. The counts were more like thirty-five to forty percent in the country. The suburb numbers were about the same as the cities in and around large cities. The statisticians at the CDC extrapolating an expected die off of about five point seven – six billion plus worldwide. The American die off from the toxin approaching hundred and ninety million people. These numbers were just from the biological agent and did not include the thirty or so million killed by the nuclear exchange and the EMP attack. The post epidemic numbers in America less than half of the numbers just a few short days prior. These numbers were laying heavy on their minds and had the pair wearing P100 dust mask from the PPE stores form Melvin’s company trailer. Hoping the P100 was enough of a deterrent to keep them safe from the silent and deadly biological terror that loomed in the land.

Melvin said, “That weapon charged, Eddie? Old habits die hard don’t they.”

The deer in the head lights look on Eddie’s face had answered the question for Melvin. Seeing his friend charge his SIG Rattler SBR that now wore one of the suppressors courtesy of Homeland Defense, he smiled and continued, “IF you need them both of the Fostech’s are charged and ready to go. The Origin 12 is above the visor in it’s mount and the Origin SBV is right here between us. Both have twelve round magazines and one in the chamber, alternating between number four, double ought and slugs. The slugs have the titanium penetrators inside them and are the special work of my future Brother-in-law Kevin, he swears the little twenty-five grain dart inside the slug will go slap through a car block like butter. He bought like five thousand of the things at a government auction for like a penny per dart or less. He told me they were worth more than that for the scrap metal value.”

Eddie nodded his head having heard about the tungsten penetrators and what they did to ballistic armor and he sure didn’t want to be downrange for a Titanium penetrator, replied, “You sure know how to pick’em my friend. Who would have thought that a backwoods Mississippi diesel mechanic and junk yard man would be a three-gunner and into stuff like Titanium penetrators? You sure you didn’t marry into the Mob down there, Melvin?” Laughing at Melvin’s expense, but just really giving him a hard time, to make things seem a little better than they really were.

Melvin shrugged his shoulders as he turned onto Highway 72 heading west towards town and replied, “Don’t think so, but I am glad to have a good woman and good in-laws if they are Mississippi mobsters. Might be Jimmy Hoffa buried in that swamp out back of the junkyard, don’t care, just glad they are on our side. The way them three shoots is amazing, for sure. You and Jimmy are damn good shots they are a lot better; a lot better and I am not blowing smoke. By the way Smoke said him and Owen changed the oil and filters and checked the truck from one end to the other and were very impressed with the in-law’s work. Told me that this truck should be able to run a hundred and twenty with the motor and the twin turbos.”

“Wow, I didn’t know you had anything done to it while you were gone. Always figured you were too tight, to spend a lot of your hard-earned money on your truck,” laughed Eddie.

“You are right on that count. Truth is I gave Kevin ten thousand I think and Smoke says it probably has thirty thousand dollars work of add on accessories if he didn’t miss his mark. Not counting all the labor to install the goodies. Told me the engine cost way more than ten thousand I gave them stock without the twin turbos, high performance stainless steel exhaust system, and the air coolers. You think we should try it out,” asked Melvin. Then pushed down on the accelerator of the big truck. The truck rolled a little coal and took off down the highway accelerating a lot faster than a vehicle that large should be able to accelerate.

Eddie was pushed back into his seat and said, “Whoa there Kevin Harvick, let’s slow this big Ford down and make sure we get there in one piece. I do think it will run over a hundred though no problem, now settle down we got work to do shortly and save that power till we really need it. There is no use to be using it now, we may need it later and it is good to know what it is capable of in a pinch.”

A few minutes later they were parked about a block off of the by-pass behind and old burned down apartment complex. Melvin and Eddie thought a week ago it was just old, and a place to get some drugs or some conjugal entertainment for the evening if you weren’t choosy and had money or drugs. This morning it was just a smoldering wreck that had plenty of overgrowth and unkept landscaping and trees to hide their ride. After parking the Ford Diesel in between some overgrown Azalea bushes and some Ornamental trees that desperately needed pruning for years, they exited the truck. Quietly, the duo started making their way to an area they thought would provide good cover and concealment along with a good view of the Ford Dealership across the by-pass from the location.

Motioning for Eddie to take the lead, Melvin waited about fifteen seconds and followed his friend into the bright early morning sun. They were heading almost due south and maybe a few degrees to the east, the bright early morning sun was almost blinding. They tried to become one with the landscape as they came out of the shadows of the once fairly large apartment complex. Melvin caught his left hand on a Clarissa holly bush and almost cried out in pain from the thorns tearing at his flesh. Stifling his reflex to give their position away just in time. Looking down to his hand he could see the rivulets of blood beginning to run down the back of his hand towards his fingers. Thinking a tad to late to do any good that his Mechanix gloves in his pack were doing him a lot of good while tucked safely away in his pack. Motioning for Eddie to stop Melvin took a second and pulled one of his two handkerchiefs, he was carrying from his back right pants pocket. Rolling it up and quickly wrapped it around his hand, and tying it in a knot to hold it in place.

Eddie seeing what happened spoke very softly to his friend saying, “You okay?”

Melvin groaned a little and almost silently replied, “Yeah, just stupid. I forgot to put on my gloves, even though we talked about them in our planning session. It is not bad, just tore enough skin to make it bleed. Nothing bad. I think we will have a good view about ten yards ahead on that man-made knoll that used to be nicely landscaped. The overgrowth should hide us nicely and the knoll will provide some extra cover.”

Eddie quickly replied, “I agree, lead on and keep your hands out of the holly bushes.” Grinning at his friend’s misery as only a friend can get away with and handing him a pair of extra police gloves, he had in a pouch on his battle belt. Melvin took them and put them on before leading out on their crawl to the knoll.

Arriving at their destination and watching the Ford dealership for close to an hour, the two quietly backwards crawled away from the knoll and headed back to their truck. Melvin called Henry on the police radios donated to the Sheriff’s office by the DHS and informed him to call and make contact on the CB with Tony. Tell him the Fed Ex package would be at his house in ten hours, make sure there would be someone ready to sign for the package. Henry called back about three minutes later saying that there would be someone to sign for the package and he had three more to send out by the same carrier.

Melvin said, “I crank this boy up in three minutes and we fly across the By-Pass be on the look out for anything out of the ordinary. I know we didn’t see anything or anyone in the whole time we watched. You know what they say just because I am paranoid doesn’t mean they are not out to get me.”

The old saying bringing back memories of the old days to Eddie of when he was just joining the force, and older Sargent had told him that if he felt like something was wrong, to listen to the voices in his head. Telling him his subconscious had picked up something that hadn’t registered in his conscious thoughts. Eddie nodded and replied, “I heard that. Let’s go pick up our friend and his family. Just like we planned we pull up to the side door, I jump out and you stay under the wheel and be ready to move when the back doors close.”

Melvin reached down and turned his switch to the on position waiting for the glow plugs to heat up and then started the engine. The big Ford F-350 Super Duty diesel 7.3 L engine rumbled to life like a prehistoric monster with Melvin throwing it in gear. The duo pulling out of their hide on the fly, heading onto the side road that took them to the By-Pass they had to cross to get to the dealership.

Tony after talking with Henry started getting his family up and out of the oil changing bay and heading for the front side entrance to the dealership. He wanted to be stationed beside the door well before the ten-minute mark when Melvin was supposed to be arriving to pick up him and his family. Just as they arrived at the door Tony heard the big diesel engine straining for more RPMs coming towards his family. Tony quickly told them to get ready grabbing the hand of his wife and daughter, putting them together and said, “When I say go you run to the truck and get in the back seat of the F-350 with my friends. Don’t look back, I will be right behind you all the way. I need to be ready to fire my rifle, that is why I am not holding your hands. Now get ready they will be here in seconds.”

Melvin was already reaching for forth gear on the big truck when they reached the By-Pass and made the hard-right hand zag onto Highway 72 for the two-hundred-yard race down the road to the Ford Dealership sitting on the other side of the six-lane highway. The tires barked and he had to gear back down to second and get out of the accelerator before popping the clutch and accelerating through the turn as his friend Smoke had taught him many years before. The memory curve of an ill spent youth, avoiding speeding tickets. The large truck gaining traction and making the turn without the application of any brake pedal. Melvin with no vehicles on the road to be seen was already angling across the lanes heading on straight line the shortest route to the dealership and his awaiting friends. Eddie reached and rolled down the window by pushing the buttons on his door arm rest. All four windows coming down at the same time if not the same rate of speed.

Not twenty seconds later the big truck come sliding up by the side door, Tony recognizing his friends was hollering, “Go, go, g…”

As the first high velocity projectile hit the aluminum door facing with a high-pitched twang and a crash, breaking the glass door that his wife and daughter had just rushed out. The next sound that Tony heard but didn’t recognize was the suppressed sound of full auto 5.56 rounds leaving the end of Eddie’s SIG Rattler SBR. Eddie firing for range and effect and on full auto hoping that the would-be assailant would be burying their heads avoiding the projectiles hopefully heading in their general direction. Eddie thinking that he had learned the proper technique in his schooling on identifying the direction of fire from down range. Disregarding the plan Melvin jumped out of the Ford truck and flung open the back door. Immediately he started looking for targets of opportunity with the Fostech Origin SBV moving an indexing with him as if a turret on an Abrams M-1 hunting for Soviet tanks in Fulda Gap like in many WW III Cold War scenarios. All that was missing that morning was the light or heavy snow, the black exhaust smoke, loud clinking of the tracks from the large behemoths about to make war. A few moments of sheer panic and Adrenalin rush and the Rice family including Dad were in the back of the truck and Melvin was putting the truck in gear and was hollering for Eddie to get his backside into the truck when a round went through the cab of the truck entering in the back of the driver’s seat at an angle from the right-hand side.

This started a series of events that would later be the subject of much debate and Cudd family fireside lore. The projectile entering the drivers’ seat at an angle from the rear passenger window hit something in the seat and turned into Melvin’s back. The round hit his armor but jolted his system and sent a signal to his brain that told his right foot to stomp on the accelerator. The sudden acceleration of the truck tore the door handle out of Eddie’s hand; he had been attempting to reach his seat in the front of the truck. The truck lurch forward and careened off of three new vehicles parked in the lot before Melvin could get control of the rampaging vehicle. Eddie meanwhile was trying to pick himself up of off the macadam of the parking lot after hitting the asphalt face first. He would later tell Jessica as she tried to sew up the numerous cuts on his face, and arms that he was very lucky his face had broken the fall. Going on to say that it could have been a very serious injury had that not have happened. Bringing laughter to them both, followed immediately by a large pain shearing through his left side. The pain being emitted by one of the broken ribs he had sustained by landing on his rifle and the magazine hitting his rib cage at an angle that broke two ribs.

The part of lore that made this rescue of the Rice family the funniest was that Tony had gotten numerous pieces of glass in his face from the exploding glass door and a very small pieces embedded in his eye lid. With all three of the men hurt and / or injured Tony’s fifteen-year-old daughter Nancy had to drive the big truck back to the Cudd BOL. The daughter being only about five-foot-tall could not hardly reach the fuel or brake pedals in the big truck and she had never driven a stick shift at all. Her Mom Melanie had never gotten a license, she had a real apprehension of automobiles. This was manifested by her being scared to death of even the thought of being behind the wheel of the loud truck that had smoke coming from the front of the engine. Melvin was sure that he had managed to at least knock a small hole in the radiator. He told Nancy not to worry about the water vapor coming form the engine to get them out of the parking lot and onto Highway 72 heading towards the lake. About five miles out of town he had her pull into a small business parking lot and he got out with and aching back and had her climb up into the back and open his tool box and remove a small bottle of Barr’s Leak and his five gallon can of water. The Barr’s leak had been part of his work kit for years since it had saved him missing a deadline early in his career on a Komatsu trackhoe that had a radiator leak.

About ten minutes after temporarily repairing the radiator and re-filling it with water the quintet, though bruised bleeding and some of them hungry and thirsty pulled up to the front gate and blew the horn on the truck. Henry finally came out after being hailed on the radio and used the Lull to move the bollards and open the gate for the group to enter into the Cudd family castle. Hearing over the radio from Henry that her future husband and others were hurt. Jessica grabbed her bag, left the safety of the castle running out to help risking the possibility of contamination and the biological toxin to come to Melvin and the others aid.

She reached the Ford F-350 just as it came to a lurching stop at the backdoor, near the area where Melvin and Eddie had been in quarantine. Pulling open the passenger side rear door looking for her beloved. The backseat was a bloody mess from the glass in Tony’s face and the multiple lacerations belonging to Eddie. Tony was being held by his wife and Eddie looked at her like shock had already set in from loss of blood. Frantically looking for Melvin he was slumped against the front passenger door, definitely in pain. Melvin seeing the desperate look on Jessica’s face he smiled and said, “Look after my friends’ sweetheart, I am fine as frog hair split three ways. Just in a lot of pain, the bullet hit the vest right along my spine. Felt like getting hit by a baseball bat, and knocked the breath out of me for a few seconds. It was like a hard hit in football the pads took the lick. I don’t think anything is injured, it just hurts, be better in a little bit. Help, Eddie and Tony both need major stitches and your skilled hands. Love ya.” Wincing from the pain, he tried to open the door to the truck and get out to help his wife. Opening the door, he lost his balance and felt out of the truck, into the hands of an awaiting Nancy. She tried valiantly to catch Melvin; the young lady succeeded only in dislocating her elbow as the dead weight from Melvin was much too much for her small frame. Taking Eddie out of the truck and into the castle Jessica heard Melvin hit the ground and the scream of Nancy. Being a professional she continued into the building, not looking back after hearing Henry say he had it under control and would bring the rest of the wounded.

[gipsy]

Fine update.

[sniper69]

Thanks for another great chapter!

[feralferret]

223shootersc, thanks!

[ydderf2]

Many thanks.

[jpr9954]

I'm loving reading this again.

[223shootersc]

Thanks all for reading and commenting! Been down with my back for the last week. I will hopefully get up another chapter tomorrow!

[feralferret]

Between back and kidney stones, you just can't seem to win. Get better soon.

[223shootersc]

Sept 1, 2023 19:56:33 GMT -6 feralferret said:

Between back and kidney stones, you just can't seem to win. Get better soon.

feralferret,

It has been a tough six months. Thanks for the kind words! I am still blessed by my lord and savior Jesus Christ!!!!

223shootersc

[223shootersc]

Weekend MOAR hounds feed. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 12

Almost four weeks later at the Cudd Castle Compound, things were better with the Cudd house, all seemed to be rounding into shape, if not perfect order. All the injured from the rescue of the Rice family were healing or healed with Jessica doing her magic. Smoke along with Owen, Jack and Kevin had Melvin’s big Ford truck back better than ever. Though not a plastic surgeon by any stretch of her imagination, Jessica had done a great job on Eddie and Tony’s faces. They both were healing well and would look pretty good all things considered. Melvin was correct he had a big bruise and his back was sore for a week or so but now was all better. The last one injured, Nancy was making the slowest recovery as the swelling from her elbow did not want to recede. Jessica had x-rayed her elbow using her large animal x-ray machine, to her it looked just like the young girls’ other elbow. Using what Henry had patched together for access to the Internet she had unsuccessfully came up with any other explanation other than it was a bad dislocation and was being slow to heal. Hoping her diagnosis was sufficient and she hadn’t missed something.

On the other hand, the news from around America and the world was gruesome. Henry listening day and night to the Ham, CB and all spectrums of the radio was the spokesman for depressing news. It would seem that the Elitist had gotten their new world, one that had a population a little over the goal of five hundred million worldwide. Groups of the lawless were running rampant all over the country, a pure example of how the strong survived to prey on the week. The Russian invaders what was left had regrouped in southern Georgia and were awaiting follow on supplies and people who had stayed at sea until the biological hazard had run its course in America and the world. The Russian Commanders had not been able to raise any reply on any of their many radio channels from the homeland Mother Russia. Most of their resupply would not be coming either as a US nuclear submarine had a cut a wide swath through the follow-on supply convoy on their returning cruise to Kings Bay.

Melvin upon hearing the morning news from Henry; stood up from the table where everyone was having breakfast and started, “People it is time for us to go out and procure the things that are needed for our survival. I think we need to contact the Godley’s and see if they want to be involved in our scavenging efforts. We have it pretty good here but there is stuff out there that will help us survive. We also need to see if there is anyone out there that we could bring here to help us survive better today and in the future. I want everyone to make a list of two or three families that they know would fit in with our group and be of help. It would be nice to acquire some skills along the way, electricians for one to help with our solar panels that aren’t living up to their potential. Doctors, Dentist, Pharmacist, engineers, teachers, scientist all would be welcome but they have to want to work and fit in with the group is the first order. Our house has stood so far and will in the future, we don’t need to bring in any problems. After supper tonight we need to have a discussion on this matter. Anybody have anything they want to add right now for people to be thinking about?”

Zaida Bonds tentatively raised her hand and asked, “Would it be okay to add some of our kinfolk if they have the proper mindset and talents. I have a Brother in Gaffney that he and his wife who is a Nurse Practitioner are probably alive as they were preppers and lived out in the country on a farm. They had a Ham radio setup that we could possibly raise them on if it would be alright. I could give Henry the radio call sign.”

Melvin replied, “I think that is just the kind of thinking we need to grow our house and make it successful now and in the future. We need more people to survive, at some time somebody is going to figure out we are here and we will have to defend what we have at the Castle Cudd. We need to think about bringing in some chickens, at a minimum and probably some goats or cattle to help feed the group long term. Probably need to look into getting a winter garden started and maybe building a greenhouse. We have plenty of that six-mil plastic and PVC in the back to build at least one thirty to fifty feet long by twenty feet wide.”

Tony who had been working like a yeoman helping with everything replied, “I have a cousin, most of you know him Brian English who is both a great electrician and a Farmer. He lives not five miles form here and if he is alive, I know he would want to have a safe place for his two daughters and his son. They could live with us in the Waste Treatment plant there is plenty of room for his family.” Tony, Melanie and Nancy had moved to the waste treatment area after getting out of quarantine because of Melanie and Nancy’s aversion to the weapons everyone carried and the Cudd requirement to do so. Nancy had come around and was now always wearing a pistol and had become pretty handy with her Kel-Tec PMR-30 after working with Patrick and Rosa in the indoor range. Melvin had given Tony and his family four weeks to get on board or they would be given a weeks’ worth of food and sent on their way. The Rice family had three more days till their time would be up.

Melvin replied, “Tony, your cousin Brian and his family sound like the kind of talent we could use to help us here at the Castle. I have to ask; do they have the same aversion for weapons as some of your family? I hate to bring this up, but I have yet to see Melanie even attempt to handle a weapon of any kind, much less come to the indoor range for lessons in proper handling, shooting and cleaning of her weapons. There is no use to even talk to him and his family if they do, except for the fact, you might want to make contact to see if you and your family are welcome at his place. We are quickly approaching the deadline for compliance with the rules of the family and Castle Cudd.”

Tony looking like someone had kicked him between the legs, just grunted and sat back down. This made an already angry Melanie lash out at Melvin. Melanie hollered, “What makes you so high and mighty, to give us ultimatums about doing what you say. I don’t see you throwing out any body else. Do we not fit into your plans for this cult of rednecks, just because we are better educated and had more money than you before this happened? I would have had you kicked out of the country club before had I had known how illiterate and stupid you were.”

Tony was trying to calm his wife down, knowing that Melvin would only take so much and he did not want to be thrown out on his own even if Bobby would take him and his family. Melanie pulled away from her husband and headed towards Melvin so she could continue her tirade about his family heritage and its dubious lineage. Melanie was almost to Melvin when three things happened, her forward momentum came to a sudden stop. Jessica stepped in front of Melanie shutting down her path to Melvin. Elizabeth moving to intercept grabbed her by one arm and surprisingly to almost all Henry’s wife Julia grabbed her other arm before Sandy could grab her.

Julia reached and pulled Melanie’s face towards her and said, “When this all started, I had some of the same thoughts about guns and the use of them as you. I now have realized that my attitude was not only wrong but borderline stupid. I had listened to the Liberal verbiage that told me that I should think that weapons especially black rifles were bad. The truth is that Liberals wanted us to be unarmed, that way they could control the masses. You are a stupid little woman who thinks that she knows better and is better than others. I bet you were one of those people that bought off on that White privilege bullcrap and felt bad about being white. Just another way for the Liberals to turn us against each other. Like a good Magician watch this hand while I do the switch with the other, all smoke and mirrors. Miss, I am a little rich girl and want my way. I should have let you go and run into that buzz-saw that is standing between you and her husband. I am guessing she would have knocked some sense into that little pin head of yours and if she didn’t, I know Elizabeth would have done the deed. Now shut up and sit down and be at the range ten minutes after the meeting is over and I will teach you enough to get you ready for some real teaching by my husband.”

Julia’s dressing down of Tony’s wife would be a story told for many years at the Cudd Castle that and the question of just exactly what had Jessica spoken into Melanie’s ear before letting her walk away. These events would be the beginning of the new rules at Castle Cudd as it would be named officially in later years.

Henry made the radio call to the Godley family which Bobby had gladly taken. Speaking for the family he told Henry that they would love to be involved in some strategic replenishment of their resources. Along with repurposing some materials that may be needing the future at his farm, especially fertilizer, lime, medicines for the cattle and his family. Bobby had told Henry that they had beef cows to trade with anyone who had feeder hogs or chickens, layers or meat variants didn’t matter they would trade for either or both. Bobby relayed the information that they were in the middle of getting all of their herd treated and vaccinated with the last vaccines his Daughter had brought. They could send a team the next morning and would be glad to meet and go with the Cudd team.

Melvin and Eddie had decided on hearing this information they would stay and complete a few of their projects at the castle. The one project that Melvin personally wanted to work on was putting out a couple of trout lines in the two big lakes on the property. Jessica and Elizabeth had agreed that some fresh fish might be just what the doctor ordered for a group that had been eating well but mainly canned and pre-processed meats. One area that the group had not been able to be prepared for in the short time was enough refrigeration and freezers to feed the large group at the castle. The frozen beef, chicken and pork had to be canned, smoked and made into jerky to preserve the meats from spoiling. Owen and Smoke on hearing of this idea volunteered to do the trot lines if Melvin and Jimmy would go hunting and they didn’t care if they killed deer, turkey or hogs. Elizabeth added she would make some fried rabbit and gravy even if they got three and most likely they needed six or more for a good meal for everybody.

The group decided that they had seen a few rabbits in the area since they had come out of the self-imposed quarantine and maybe some rabbit boxes might be better. That way they could start raising some rabbits to supplement their food supply. Patrick and Rosa had become almost inseparable decided to build the rabbit traps. Their decision made after Melvin had pronounced that he had directions for building the traps in a couple of his country and self-sufficient living books. Patrick had found some printed information for building box rabbit traps in Melvin’s copy of ‘The Backyard Homesteader.’ Having the answer before finding his copy of the Trapper’s Bible that had everything you needed to build the traps in wood or two or three other methods, including using a five-gallon bucket. Patrick and Rosa would spend most of the day making five separate traps of three different varieties. After completing the traps, the pair walked around to everyone and asked where they had seen the cottontails in their walks. The consensus was the most rabbits had been seen in the grassy area behind the waste water retention pond. Rosa set three of the boxes back behind the waste treatment ponds with Patrick keeping watch over his new friend and constant companion. Companion was the phrase that Rosa had used to describe their relationship to Henry her father. Patrick wanted her to have said, boyfriend, she explained that her Father would except companion better than boyfriend. She went on to explain that her mother had told her to use this phrasing to appease Henry. Telling her how she had found a good man in Patrick from a strong lineage like his uncle Melvin.

Melvin and Eddie were going to take care of the hunting. The pair after talking with Jimmy and Celeste who had been doing the checking around the castles fenced in areas for any signs of people or intrusion had seen and patterned some of the game. The pair had been taking the ATV and walking all of the fence line daily since the end of the quarantine. Jimmy had seen many trails that he told the two about and added that the southwest corner of the fence line had some grasses planted that he had seen deer at in the afternoon. Going on to say he thought the area may have been planted as a deer attractant or food plot in the past before the plant was shut down by the new buyers. Melvin and Eddie had decided to split up with both having suppressed rifles they could double their chances. They did however for safety reasons want to know exactly where their friend was located, so as not to release a round in their direction. Melvin explained where he was going and told him that he would be shooting due south towards the high fence where the artesian well creek that came up on the site went under the fence and headed towards the tributary to Lake Greenwood. Eddie had agreed that would be a good spot to hunt and he would be shooting downhill from Melvin and southwest to west. They each headed towards the place where they thought they would have good concealment and a good view of where they thought a whitetail might just decide to visit. Both silently saying a prayer thanking God for his blessings and to make their aim true if God supplied a blessing today in the form of a bountiful harvest.

Melvin silently meandered through the Piedmont hard wood forest walking about twenty steps, then stopping to listen and watch the forest for animals sounds and movement. Each time letting the forest life tell him if anything was present. The half mile walk through the woods calmed Melvin in a way that only the forest and his one and only true God could. Looking towards heaven and silently saying “Thank you Lord”. Finally he found a place where he could see about a hundred yards down the creek and about thirty-five yards to his left. Taking a seat up against a natural mound of dirt between two large red oaks he leaned up against the natural rise and got comfortable before pulling his shooters veil down over his face and putting on his gloves. Thinking to himself he was ready for the rest of the day and hopefully a large doe or buck was ready to meet their maker and would cooperate by showing up in sight picture today. Not to far away from Melvin one of his best friends in the world was going through almost the exact same motions and thoughts.

Jimmy and Celeste were in the front OP out by the road. It had been one of the first pieces of defense of the castle completed. Started right after the recovery of Melvin and Eddie from their wounds while they were still in quarantine and the care of Jessica. Since they had started manning the OP, they had not seen anybody pass by the road or heard any motor vehicles in the area. Kevin Mars had sworn he thought he heard what sounded like an old crop duster type plane fly over late one night as he was in the OP. Saying he could not see anything on the quarter moon lit night but argued with everyone that he had indeed heard a plane. Jimmy looked at his watch to see how much longer they had on their shift. Doing so he noticed the date while checking the time. Seeing the date and thinking of the significance Jimmy asked, “Celeste do you know what day today is?”

Celeste thought for a minute and replied, “Monday, no Tuesday, I think. Why, just like any other day?”

Jimmy with a smug grin answered, “My Luv that is where you are wrong. Today is the 24th and that would make it the 24th of December, Christmas Eve.”

Beside herself Celeste was about to jump out of her skin when she reached over and gave Jimmy a quick kiss on the cheek and said, “Hand me the radio. That is great news.” Taking the handed radio from Jimmy she pushed the talk button and said, “This is Charlie Mike One for Echo Sierra One, comeback.”

Hearing the call over the radio in the kitchen Sandy said, “Eli that is for you are you not going to answer. Do you want me too?”

Elizabeth thinking about the good old times and hoping her new beau Eddie or her old boss Melvin was going to be bringing back fresh game for supper said, “What Sandy I am afraid my mind was a million miles away?”

Sandy replied, “The radio, that was Celeste calling specifically for you from the OP. Don’t you think we ought to answer?” Sticking out her hand and offering the radio to her unofficial Aunt and saying, “Here answer the thing the suspense is killing me.”

Elizabeth keyed the mic and answered, “Comeback for Eli.”

Celeste replied, “Echo Sierra, do you know what day it is? I will tell you it is Christmas Eve and we need to have a Christmas party tomorrow. A party with gifts and a big dinner and everything, maybe even some dancing and drinking.”

Elizabeth in a state of denial that she had let Christmas sneak up on her and her young girls especially, she couldn’t reply her brain had pegged out the shock meter. However, Sandy was jumping for joy and hollering at the top of her lungs. Finally, Celeste said over the radio, “Sandy calm down I can hear you hollering all the way at our duty spot.” It taking all she had not to say OP and giving away all of their Op Spec.

Sandy hearing Celeste speaking over the radio calmed down immediately and took the radio from Elizabeth and replied, “My bad, that was just glorious news and it has been a while since we had any good news. Eli is kind of out of it but in a good way. I think…”

Sandy continued, “I will pass the great news to the appropriate channels, over and out.”

Later that afternoon as the good news of the celebration of the birth of Jesus was making the rounds at the castle; about fifteen thirty hours a small herd of feral hogs came rooting into the creek area. The swine coming in about sixty-five meters down range from Melvin’s mini-blind he had constructed with a few limbs from neighboring trees. Melvin had heard the pigs coming a while before he actually saw the first of the bunch. Melvin was silently waiting and watching for the herd to come out of the woods and head for the creek, hoping they were working their way to the creek for a drink of cool creek water. After seeing them for the first time through the woods about fifteen minutes later the large boar with the pack stuck his head out and headed for the creek. Melvin thought his 300 Win Mag may be a little much for a feral hog and didn’t want to ruin too much meat. Deciding that he would take a head-shot, he lined up the cross hairs about two inches below the left ear of the big boar hog. He did this knowing that the bullet would still be rising at the distance and not be to the true point of aim. Melvin lined up the cross hairs on the pig and took in a quick breath and released part of the air and concentrated on the trigger pull. Moments later the Ruger Model 77 whispered a silent song in the language of death and the hundred and sixty-five grain ballistic tip provided the music.

A few hundred yards away Eddie didn’t really hear the sound of the rifle fire but he definitely heard the smack of the bullet hitting the brain of the hog. He also heard the others wild hogs in the herd squealing their displeasure at the death of the leader of their pack. Hearing the shot hit its target brought a smile to the hunters’ face, as the pair of them would not go back to the castle empty handed this evening. Thinking too that if he got the chance, he hoped he would be up to the challenge and make a good clean kill on his animal. To this point in the hunt he hadn’t seen anything but a few song birds quietly chirping and a couple of crows cawing their displeasure at the world as they seem to do every day of their existence. The tranquil woods bringing him great pleasure and a sense of belonging, as they had done many times through his many years of hunting.

Elizabeth finally coming back to reality said, “Sandy, we need to make some plans. Will you go find Jessica, Julia, Zaida, Gretchen, Maureen, and I guess Melanie along with her daughter Nancy. I am sure Rosa and Patrick are still out putting out those rabbit boxes.”

Sandy giggled and said, “Is that what they are calling it these days. Putting out rabbit boxes. First time I have heard it called that.” Promptly turning and heading away from Elizabeth before having to hear any rebuttal about the virtues of her brother. The truth was Sandy thought it was great and wished there was someone preferably a strong Nordic and smart late teen male at the Castle for her to put out rabbit boxes with also. Thinking a girl could always dream about the possibilities of her fantasies becoming reality.

Leaving the kitchen area and heading towards the back area of the warehouse that had became the living area and where people went to do their own thing, she ran into Jack, Laurens, and Jessica standing and looking at what appeared to be a broken battery sitting on a table. Sandy stopped and asked, “Do any of you know what day tomorrow will be?” With a look on her face that told all of them she knew the answer to her riddle and they probably didn’t.

Jack smugly replied, “Tuesday and the birthday of my savior.” With his own look of self-satisfaction in ruining what had become like a Granddaughter’s surprise.

Melvin watched the hog laying not more than a step from where the hundred and sixty-five grain projectile had entered the swine’s brain cavity. The hog had been dead before its forward movement had ceased getting direction. Melvin decided to just sit and wait a little longer before going to the hog, the cool brisk winter air would hold a while and let Eddie have a chance at bringing home the bacon or deer as it were to the castle. Melvin was sure that he would hear the shot or the impact of the bullet if Eddie took a shot in the quiet Piedmont forest, they had chosen to ride out the bad times. His thoughts changed to the impending trip outside their castle keep and the new world they would find. According to all accounts which there weren’t many, the new world was even dirtier and more dangerous than the last, even a Saturday night in the bad parts of Chicago or Los Angeles.

Looking towards Heaven and his Lord, Melvin asked for forgiveness and gave thanks for the bountiful blessings he had been given. Then he asked for direction and guidance and for the Lord to grant them protection from this evil. Finishing his prayer, he immediately felt whole again. He was grateful for his belief system and his great bunch of friends and family they had assembled to get through these tough times. Almost thirty minutes and frankly a few quick winks of sleep, his tranquil afternoon nap was suddenly interrupted by the sounds of what seemed to be a prolonged exchange of gun fire that seemed to go on for about ten minutes unabated. The sound seemed to be coming from the general direction of the lake and the Highway 72 bridge and dock area.

Eddie heard the same sounds of gunfire as Melvin and like his friend thought the sound of the fire fight seemed to be coming from the dock and boat ramp area of the bridge. A reminder that the world had changed and they needed to be ever more diligent in their defense of the castle. Something tugged at Eddie’s conscience about the defense of the castle and he made a note to talk with everyone tonight about all of the things they had talked about doing to insure the defense of the castle. His thoughts were that something they had decided needed to be attended too had fallen by the wayside and had been left unattended. It was these type things that he knew from experience got people killed. A weapon not charged, a SOP not followed, an order not followed, a lead ignored, the thought that bad things always happened to someone else, these were a sure way to increase the chances of Murphy showing up and biting your backside. Eddie decided that he and Melvin needed to talk and was about to get up from his hide when a flock of Turkey landed after flying over the fence line to peck at the fresh grass and worms. Eddie decided it was always better to be lucky than good and the other cliché that hit his mind from his high school football coaches pep talks. ‘Luck is when opportunity meets preparation’ and he brought his rifle to play dropping two large birds before they all took off for the safety of the forest and their homes.

Melvin had heard the twin pops from Eddie’s rifle and decided it was time to wrap up his hunt and go and gut the hog and remove the heart and liver for Elizabeth. Easing out of his hide after looking around to make sure he hadn’t been joined by any other two-legged predators he headed for his kill. His mind changing to the pleasant thought of fresh bacon and sausage and a big slice of ham or pork loin. Reaching to his belt he activated his radio and said, “Eddie you got a big deer on the ground and did you hear the extended gunfight a few minutes ago, comeback? Sounded like there was at least one full auto weapon being fired.”

Eddie was walking towards his two grounded birds when his earpiece cackled with Melvin asking him his status. Eddie keyed his mic and said, “No Big, I didn’t get a deer, big or small. I did hear the firefight sounded like it was over at the 72 Bridge and the Marina. Sound does funny things though, comeback.”

Melvin answered, “Yeah, the winds can really distort the direction on sound. Did I hear you right you missed on the deer? Twice…”

Eddie grinning replied, “Didn’t say I missed. Said, I didn’t have a deer. Did fire twice got two big old Turkeys. Should be enough for the group with your deer.”

Melvin keyed his mic and was still laughing over the radio, when he finally said, “Don’t have a deer either got myself a good-sized hog though. Should be just right for curing the hams and having a Boston Butt or a shoulder for tomorrow. I am going to call Patrick and see if he will bring the ATV and help with the hog. No use dragging this bad boy when it can ride in the back of the ATV and we can ride in the front. I am going to drag it out to the fence line and he can come all the way around I think, from what Jimmy has told me.”

Eddie chuckled and said, “I think you are right and I will wait right here and ride down with Patrick and bring the Turkeys. Might be able to get Eli to make some giblet gravy and some dressing if she has any Sage. I hope she does. On that note when we start salvaging, I think we need a list and a plan.”

About ten minutes later Melvin and Eddie were loading the hog into the back of the four-seater UTV when Patrick not able to control himself anymore said, “Uncle Melvin do you know what tomorrow is going to be?”

Melvin thought for a moment and replied, “Tuesday I am pretty sure based on my watch. Why?”

Patrick replied triumphantly, “It is going to be Christmas Day, it is Christmas Eve today. We are all making plans at the castle and was hoping for some deer meat. Ham and Turkey are even better for a traditional Christmas dinner. Not that Mom ever made a traditional Christmas dinner or any other kind of dinner for that matter.” Eddie and Melvin both noticed the real sense of loss in the teenager’s voice and mannerisms.

Melvin jovially asked, “Patrick, what have you got your favorite Uncle for a Christmas present and your Aunt Jessica?” Melvin had just been trying to lighten the mood that Patrick was getting with his question. It had just the opposite effect, as the last year with his Mother she had not gotten Sandy or Patrick anything for Christmas.

Eddie jumped in to the conversation saying, “I hear you can do a jam up job on cleaning a deer. You ever plucked a Turkey? We probably need to save the feathers now.”

The word plucked was the proper choice of words. Though Patrick at first thought Eddie had asked him a very different question. The thoughts of the other question cracked him up and changed his mood completely, laughing so hard he almost cried. Melvin thinking his nephew might be Manic or something asked, “Patrick you all right? Just a second ago I thought you were about to cry about your Mom and her not being here for Sandy and yourself.”

Patrick smiled and replied, “Yeah, I am good. At first, I thought Eddie asked me if I had ever been intimate with a Turkey. Just the mental picture of that act is enough for me to laugh the rest of my life. Now let’s get this stuff back cleaned and plucked to Elizabeth and Rosa. I am ready for some fresh meat.”

Eddie said, “Take us home James.” Pointing back towards the Castle to Patrick as he was in the back seat of the ATV and Melvin was yet to get in the front. Melvin joining his buddy on the fun got in the back with Eddie leaving Patrick in front like their hired chauffeur.

A while later after cleaning and butchering the game; Melvin, Eddie, Jimmy, Jack and Kevin were standing around talking about Christmas and what they were going to do about the Tony Rice family specifically Melanie. The consensus of the men was that she was never going to come around, but putting the family out in the cold may come back to haunt them. Jack said to the group, “Maybe the cousin Brian can take them in at his place. That way we wouldn’t just be throwing them to the wolves.”

Jimmy answered that assumption by Jack saying, “That is not a possibility. Henry made contact with Brian English on the Ham radio. He is still alive and would love to join our group. He has been fighting off raiders and neighbors for the last few weeks. He is running low on food and ammunition. Not to mention he told Tony that him and his daughter Nancy were welcome to everything he had but not at the expense of Melanie coming along. To quote he said, ‘Not no but Hell no to Melanie coming’.”

Big with a small smile creeping on to his face said, “Well, I guess it is not just me that can’t get along with Ms. Melanie Rice. Where does that leave us on the matter of her staying? I think that is the million-dollar question right now.”

Jack said, “Let’s table that till after the holiday. None of us wants to throw people out to the wolves, just not our set of morals. On another note, since tomorrow is Christmas and we are planning a big day, I think a few of us should Donne those fancy night vision goggles the DHS donated to our cause and go shopping. I was looking at a county brochure on Elizabeth’s computer and there are a few places we might make a clandestine visit to tonight and bring back some Christmas goodies for the family. Elizabeth says we need more cookware, more wood for the fireplace and lots of blankets and quilts. We have the Tractor Supply and a hardware store on the outskirts of town.”

Jimmy jumped in saying, “Yeah and the Tractor Supply is almost right across the street from my friend Steve Jennings gun store. If there is anything left at the store, we need to make sure no one gets to use it against us.”

Henry walking up to the group joined in to the conversation saying, “There may be some stuff left at the Sheriff’s Office that the bad guys have not been able to get to also. That old vault for weapons and ammo was built back when things were built to last and I know the combination, most won’t be able to get in even with torches and burglary tools.”

Melvin replied, “Good thinking let’s make a list and plan on making a trip about zero one hundred hours to the Tractor Supply, the Ace Hardware and the gun store of Steve’s. The other stuff another day. I say we take three trucks and the small trailer, just in case and we are gone before zero five thirty hours on our way back across the lake and home. What do y’all think?”

Jack said, “Sounds like a plan, to me. But I think we should leave at midnight not one o’clock. Now who is going? Is my question.”

Melvin said, “Jack, I think you and Patrick along with Henry will stay here with the others and guard our castle and safe sanctuary. We will take Smoke and Owen to drive a couple of the trucks and I will drive my truck. Jimmy with me and Jessica along with Celeste. Eddie will ride shotgun with Smoke and Maureen Brewton as his second with Kevin to help with loading the trailer. Owen will have Gretchen and Zaida along riding shotgun with the last truck. Anybody has concerns, complaints or want to change their position or trucks, please speak up.”

Jack spoke up asking, “What about Laurens and Kevin? Are they going to stay here or should he be in one of the trucks? We might also want to send Melanie with Tony as he is the only one who can keep her in line besides Jessica and she is going on the ride.”

Laurens, I completely forgot about him. I think he should stay back but we could possibly take Kevin to ride in the truck with Owen, Gretchen and Zaida. Then we could add Sandy to the truck with Smoke, Eddie and Maureen,” replied Melvin.

Jack replied, “Sounds good, that makes it even. It adds Sandy to the two Officers to help defend the rear of the convoy.”

Melvin asked, “Jake, I will get Jessica to lend him her Fostech Origin SBV. To think of it maybe we could get yours or Kevin’s to lend to Smoke when he is driving the truck. Give them a better chance to protect themselves and their loads if we get that far along.”

Eddie said, “That sounds like a real force multiplier, that and we make sure at least one person in each group has one of the DHS Daniel Defense SBR that have the full throttle fun switch. I already have one and I know you do Melvin. Who else has one?”

Melvin replied, “I know Henry got one and so did Elizabeth. I think Jack did and Patrick. That is all I know for sure.”

Jimmy said, “Gretchen has one for sure and I think Zaida and Maureen have picked up one also. But she still likes her 870 Police the best, maybe we could give her your full size Fostech Origin 12 and one of those big drums.”

Melvin replied, “That is fine, I was going to take my Origin SBV and the SBR both. I won’t be needing the full sized Fostech. Melanie is still a problem that I would rather leave behind, no telling what she might do if she sees someone she knows or someone that may look the part of the police or the government. We all know that there isn’t really any left but she is still hanging on to the thought that the government is going to ride in on a white horse and save the day. I don’t want her to get any of us hurt with her stupidity.”

Eddie said, “She is Tony’s problem as far as I am concerned. If we get in a firefight maybe she will figure out that she needs a weapon and maybe not and she gets dead. Solves a lot of problems for Tony and us. Just saying don’t look at me like I just grew horns, you all know you have thought it on many occasions since she has been here at the castle. It has been something all the time trying to make her happy.”

Henry smiled and said, “My Julia has expressed the same thing in our quiet time to me. I guess I have the same feelings as my Sergeant and my wife if I tell the truth.”

Melvin said to the group, “We will all have vest and all the drivers and the person riding shotgun can have the DHS high tech night vision. We have the second level stuff for everyone else making the trip even Melanie if we can get her to wear them. We also need GHBs for everyone and at least eight magazines for rifles and four for pistols. We also need to take extra 5.56 ammo and nine-millimeter in each truck along with an extra case of MRE’s the DHS so gladly donated to our cause. Five gallons of water in each truck should be taken along for the ride and Jessica will be taking her Medical bag for sure. Let’s go and see if we can help the ladies with supper or preparations for tomorrow’s Christmas dinner.”

When Melvin, Eddie and Jimmy got to area that was serving as the kitchen for the Castle Patrick was arguing with Sandy and Elizabeth about whether they should get a tree to decorate for the Christmas celebration. The lady’s argument was that they didn’t have the time or resources to cut and decorate a tree. Patrick’s argument was that it wasn’t Christmas without a tree to decorate and place the star of David on the top.

Big stepped into the conversation saying that he agreed with Patrick and that the two of them would go and cut a tree at first light in the morning. Telling the lady’s that there was plenty of stuff to make some decorations like people used to do before they were sold at every store from China and cheap. Melvin added, “Patrick, even though I agree about the tree we need to remember why we celebrate the birth of Christ. That is what is most important about celebrating Christmas. Christ is the ultimate gift to mankind; his blood sacrifice makes us able to have eternal life and our sins forgiven.”

Henry said, “Amen to that Melvin, Amen.”

The others of the group chimed in with their agreement all agreeing that their blessings of being saved was their foremost present ad the reason for the season. Jessica walking over from behind the table where she had been stirring up some cornmeal, powdered egg, lard and condensed milk for cornbread and put her arm around her man. Celeste, and Elizabeth did the same followed by Julia and Rosa, the lady’s each going to their man. Rosa going and putting her arm around Patrick in the first outward show of affection in front of the group. The young lady marking her territory for all to see. The event embarrassing Patrick, but not enough to let go of his new girlfriend. Eddie and Elizabeth were now just as much a couple as the rest and her girls were just as happy as their Mother for her and themselves.

Not noticed in the hustle and bustle of the activities around the Castle, Laurens and Maureen Brewton had been spending some off hours having a little adult conversation and activities together. The only person in the group that had noticed this was Sandy who sometimes late at night would run laps inside the large warehouse to calm her nerves. A form of demon exorcist as described by the lady Doctor to get her mind to forget and close out the events at the party with her friends and the animals that had tried to have their way with her against her will. Sandy had noticed the two a few times late at night slipping in or out of the others sleeping quarters and heading for their own beds. Owen and Smoke had each tried to talk with Zaida and Gretchen, neither of the four seemed to have any affinity for the others. Owen had summed it up to his buddy by saying, “Smoke we made the ark but our mate didn’t and I guess the two lady cops probably feel the same absence as we do. It just doesn’t make us compatible to them or them to us. It is what it is. Think of it this way we could be married to Melanie like Tony. Makes being alone seem like a much better solution don’t cha think.”

Smoke chuckled, “Yeah, it’s like it is better to run second and not blow your motor than winning a ten-thousand-dollar purse and blowing the whole bottom end out of a fifty-thousand-dollar motor. Winning ten and it costing you thirty thousand.”

Owen being the engine man adding, “Yeah and you can’t run the next three weeks waiting on parts for the motor because you just sent your backup motor to be freshened too.”

Smoke laughed and replied, “We all been there my friend, been there and didn’t even get a T-shirt out of the deal.”

Owen joined the laughter and replied, “You know it would have been nice to win one of those big money races and during the after-race celebration that big time sponsor come up and hand you his card. Then say call me on Monday I want to talk with you about sponsoring your car and team. Know it is a dream, but a man can dream, can’t he?”

“Yeah, that would have made things easier. Don’t know if it would have made things better. Like you said, Tony has a pretty wife but I sure wouldn’t want to trade places with him. Might be the same with some big money guy wanting to tell us how to run our race team. Know what I mean my friend,” Smoke had rendered this from his heart to his friend.

Melvin still hugging Jessica said, “After we eat, I want to have a meeting of the group and discuss our going outside the wire tonight. We need things and we have the advantage of the night vision which should give us and advantage. That being said, what is smelling so good? I am ready to eat seems it has been forever since I had a bite.”

Elizabeth replied, “Green beans and a chicken casserole, along with our staple of corn bread. At least it is not pintos tonight. Thought we would give the beans and rice a break tonight. This was decided after the good news of it being Christmas Eve and all. I didn’t think we were going out till the Godley’s were ready to go though.”

Jack spoke up saying, ‘We decided that it being the day before Christmas that we would go and see if we could get a few things for everyone for Christmas. Especially for your girls and the other young ones. No mistake though we are going to get things that will help us in the long run not a bunch of bling. Not to be a curmudgeon just a realist.”

Jessica went to her Dad’s side giving him a big grin and taking his hand in hers then she said, “I love you Dad even if you are a curmudgeon. We need to make list as there is lots of stuff we need already. Some we are out of or almost out of and other stuff we never had here at the refuge of the Castle.”

Eddie joined in saying, “Let’s eat sounds like my lovely and the other ladies have prepared for us a feast and like my big friend I am hungry.”

The group all headed for the eating area and the line formed behind Patrick and Rosa. Patrick took after his uncle in the eating department. Lots of food and often were his requirements and he could hardly wait to taste the Chicken casserole. Elizabeth had jested with the other ladies when they were making the large casserole that the chicken had at least ran through the area of the casserole as it was made. Celeste and Elizabeth had found two eight-ounce cans of white meat chicken and made a casserole to feed the group of twenty. The casserole had lots of rice and another can of Food Lion cream of chicken soup along with a couple cans of mixed vegetables, two cans of English peas, two of corn, a can of Lima beans, and a can of mushrooms, and some bread crumbs on top. The ladies had also put a half dozen chicken bullion cubes in the rice water as it was cooked to add flavor. The casserole had turned out to be the hit of the night with everyone wanting second helpings. Celeste said to Elizabeth, “If we had of thought it would have gone over this well, we should have stretched it some more and added more rice to the casserole.”

Elizabeth smiled and replied, “I think we stretched that dab of chicken as far as it could be stretched. By the time Patrick comes by wanting a third helping it is going to be all gone. I bet no one noticed that they didn’t even really get a bite of chicken. The two cans don’t average out to an ounce per person and most had two helping. Averages out to less than half an ounce of chicken per helping per person. A different way to say that is we gave them the illusion of Chicken casserole, mostly just casserole. We do have a few cans of ham and some of beef that we could try the same thing with, just a thought. The other thing we have lots of because Melvin really liked it is Tuna and Salmon. Guess we will find out what the group thinks about Fish casserole in the future.”

Celeste replied, “Melvin and Patrick can have my portion when we do the Tuna. I just can’t fathom how anybody eats Tuna. It is just so fishy smelling, you know?’

Elizabeth grinned at her long-time friend and replied, “Ya think? Tuna fish smells like fish, might be the dumbest thing I have ever heard come out of your mouth Celeste. No offense, just please turn on your brain from now on and be the smart friend of mine.” Patting Celeste on the hand who was realizing just how far from credible her words had come out.

Celeste finally said, ‘You know what I meant. Like you haven’t ever said anything that came out wrong in your life. Remember back in high school?” This question getting a big laugh from the long-time friends. With Elizabeth replying, “We will leave that one in the past, if you want to keep our friendship intact. Leave it there.” Her reply getting a nod of the head from her friend who clamped her mouth shut and mimicked throwing away the key.

Elizabeth said, “That is the true friend that I know.”

A little after zero dark hours the three trucks were easing out of the gate at the Castle with Melvin and his team leading the way. The group had decided on the most round about route to the Tractor Supply and Steve Jennings gun shop. When finished there if they had time running back by the Sheriff’s Office on the way back to the Castle. Elizabeth and Patrick were in the OP out by the road and gave Melvin the go ahead for leaving the tree covered exit road to the once manufacturing facility. Leading the Cudd team out of the friendly confines of their Castle and being on the road for the first time in over four weeks, Melvin keyed his radio and said, “Everybody it’s showtime make sure you are locked and loaded and ready to defend our friends and family. We will take it easy around thirty miles per hour till we get out to Highway 72. Just as we planned, we will stop well before we come to the curve heading down to the lake at the junction of Highway 221. Eddie and I will then recon down to the curve, if all is clear we will call for the trucks to come down and pick us up to continue our trip. Stay ready and watch your assigned quadrants.”

Smoke and Owen acknowledged the transmission and the convoy headed out into the great unknown of a new America. Easing along at about thirty miles per hour Melvin had his head on a swivel trying to watch one hundred and eighty degrees as he drove. Jimmy noticing his friends constant head movement said, “Melvin, man watch the road we got the rest of the picture. Your depth perception is going to be off a little even with these great new night vision goggles. Last thing we need is to run into a ditch or miss a curve because you are not watching the road.”

Melvin replied, “Gotcha, was trying to scan the whole one-hundred-and-eighty-degree spectrum. We talked about everybody having their assigned areas and mine is to drive and to keep this truck on the road. Call Smoke and Owen and remind them of this problem and their responsibilities. That way they won’t make the same mistake.”

Jessica reached up and patted Melvin on the shoulder and said, “Relax and react just like I told you about shooting the shotgun that first time we shot the three-gun match. We got your back just like we did that day. Love ya.” Finished speaking she eased back into the seat behind her man and assumed her duties of watching the drivers’ side of the road. Absently she checked her safety on her Daniel Defense SBR to make sure it was in the go position. Smiling as her words brought back memories of that first dance with her husband, what seemed like years ago and was actually only a short few months.

All through the convoy each individual was dealing with this first encounter outside the fenced area of the Castle. For some of the group it was the first time since their arrival at the facility that they now called home. Smoke was thinking that this was a much different type of driving than his race car but maybe way more deadly. Owen was thinking that he hoped his work on the trucks was sufficient and he had not left anything out. Eddie was thinking about Elizabeth and the girls. Maureen was thinking about Laurens and their new found affections. Zaida was thinking that Kevin was pretty cute and wondering why he had paid her no never mind. Her friend and Sheriff’s office teammate Gretchen were thinking about her parents living on Hilton Head Island. Specifically wondering if they had survived this SHTF event. Sandy mind was in overdrive about her new rifle and hoping she could pull the trigger on another human being. While back at the Castle, Henry was getting the gate closed and the bollards put back behind the gate.

Meanwhile at the wastewater treatment plant for the facility that was now called the Castle; Tony and his wife Melanie were having a verbal sparring match that would rival the fight between Ali and Frazier that was dubbed the ‘Thrilla in Manila’. The main and recurring theme of Melanie’s side of the argument was that they needed to call the police or the government. Tell them their location so they could to come and pick their family up and take them somewhere and take care of them. She reminded Tony often and loudly that she was on several committees for the South Carolina Democratic party and had friends in high places. Tony had tried several different avenues of reason with her explaining that the government either local or federal no longer existed. Reminding her of the many different times Henry had told them of the recordings about the government falling in DC back weeks ago. Her argument was that the group was trying to keep them under control and Henry was just the deliverer of the propaganda that Melvin was preaching. Saying it was his way to control them, because he was envious of there wealth and power in society. Tony explained to his wife that Melvin was the owner of a very wealthy corporation and was much richer than they were before this happened.

Melanie replied, “That redneck drives a truck for peace sakes. Why would you even try to feed me that line of bull crap. I have seen him drive that big crappy truck to the club.”

Tony exasperated laughed and said, “Melanie, you realize that big crappy truck cost more than our Audi, don’t you? Not to mention the aftermarket upgrades he had installed. Remember that is what I sell for a living and actually sold him the crappy truck you are talking about. It and many more just like it. He is my best customer, the sales to his company helped me get where I was with the dealership.”

Nancy tired of hearing her Momma rant and rave and knowing she was just wrong finally decided to do something she never did with her parents, take sides with her Dad. Nancy said, “Momma, everybody in Greenwood county and especially at the country club knows about the prosperous company Melvin Cudd owns. Why do you think all the single ladies from twenty to seventy always were coming up to speak to him at the club when he came for lunch or a charity event or club party? He didn’t come much but when he did the movers and shakers all wanted to talk with him about some project or work. Even I knew that. Get off your high horse and realize that all your friends in high places are probably dead. Just like we very well could have been if Melvin and his friends had not of come to our rescue. Not only that but the clothes on your back and the food in your tummy was provided by them. At no charge other than to follow their rules and try to help out where we can. Do you think any of your snobby friends would share a loaf of bread without trying to make a buck? I don’t think so and truth be told you know I am speaking the truth about them. Most of your so-called friends would have sold their first born for power or another line of blow.”

Melanie stepped to her daughter and was swinging her hand towards her daughters’ face, when Tony caught her arm and jerked it back violently. The sudden stop of her arm moving forward dislocated her elbow. She fell to the ground hollering and screaming at the top of her lungs. Finally, catching her breath she smiled and said, “I will have everything we own in the divorce settlement for that you piece of garbage. My lawyer told me that if you ever abused me physically or mentally I could have it all. Now I have proof, Nancy saw you hit me and hurt my arm. That and the doctors report will seal the case shut.”

Nancy was looking at her Mother like she had suddenly grown horns, finally she said, “Mom first off I didn’t see Daddy hurt you. I only saw you trying to hit me and then you fell and hurt your arm. Secondly even if I would testify to the fact that he hurt you, you are delusional if you think that we are going to be in court any time in the near future arguing for divorce. Have you been listening to the reports Mr. Gonzalez have been giving us at night? The population of the world is less than nine percent of the population just a short six weeks ago. The population of America is under twenty million and slowly decreasing every day. Do you actually think that anybody cares if Daddy did hit you, even though he didn’t? You are certifiably insane if you do. I got five words for you, SHUT UP and GROW UP! Nobody and I do mean nobody, wants to hear what you have to say about anything and truthfully never have, if I tell the truth.”

Finished or so she thought she was she started to walk away from her mom; she stopped and turned around and said, “One more thing, Dad and I are moving back to the main building tonight. We had to move down here where it is cold and we don’t have electricity because of you. No more and remember you are not welcome at the Castle, so don’t come whining to try and get your way. I will vote against you and if Dad has any sense will do the same. You made your bed as you like to say now sleep in it. I am out of here. See ya, wouldn’t want to be ya. Let’s go Dad.”

Melanie started crying and said, “What about my arm? I think it may be broken?”

Tony walked over to his wife and said, “Come here Nancy. Please grab your Mother by the shoulder, I need to put her elbow back in place. I felt it pop when I grabbed her arm. Mine use to do the same thing in football. It just needs to be popped back into place.” Nancy grabbed her Mothers shoulders and before Melanie could protest Tony jerked her arm forward and the elbow popped back into place. Melanie almost passed out from the pain of Tony jerking on her arm, but she had to admit the moment it went back into place the pain resided to a much more bearable level of pain. Tony helped his royal pain in the butt of a wife over to a chair and sat her down. Then he told her that the two of them were no more. Telling her that he didn’t believe in divorce and that was why he had stayed with her through the years putting up with her verbal abuse and constant cheating. Today though he knew that his precious Lord and Savior had freed him from that obligation as to him she was now dead. Telling her he didn’t know what she would do, as no one would be going and getting food and bringing it to her three times a day. No one would be making sure she had clean water to drink and wood for the small heater, those duties now belonged to her. Finally, he told her he was sorry but not apologetic for their breakup because he had done nothing to be sorry about.

Nancy with tears in her eyes said, “Dad you are right, you have nothing to be sorry about. It was always you who took me to dance and to ball practice. It was always you who helped with homework and tucked me in at night. It was always you who made excuses for why Mom never made it to my school plays, my games or school award ceremonies. You have nothing to be sorry about. If you hadn’t had bucked Mom and kept those few guns, we would be dead now. That and your good friends Melvin, Jimmy, Eli, and Eddie. Thanks for being a great Dad now we need to head up to the Castle and some good warmth and a good hot shower.”

As Tony and Nancy were entering the Castle by the back door, Melvin was leading the Cudd convoy into the parking lot of the Tractor Supply. Jimmy commented, “I guess we don’t have to worry about my friends gun shop and what we can salvage from there. It looks as if it has been ravaged by a Mongrel horde then set on fire. I can still see hot spots inside. They must have poured gas or diesel inside and set the place on fire as that building was a pre-cast concrete building and not much to burn.”

Jessica said, “Yeah, but the weird thing is the Tractor Supply looks like someone just locked up the gates and walked away. Looks untouched to me.”

Melvin replied, “Lots of the populace would never think of it as a place for food and other stuff. Most Millennials have never set foot inside one of these stores and that goes for the Gimme Dats double. Only things in that store is stuff to do hard work with like shovels, rakes and axes. Not common usage items for the people on the government dole. I am surprised some group like the Godley’s haven’t showed up for the feed and seed though. Hopefully we are the first and it is still intact. More for us, remember we are looking for heavy duty clothing, tools, books and feed for animals and humans. They definitely carry the type of corn and millet that are edible by humans I have seen it and read the labels on the bags.”

Jessica thought about what her husband said and replied, “I guess being a large animal vet and needing to go there pretty often to pick up something on the fly, just assumed everybody knew about the great deals and stuff.”

Parking the truck near the front door Melvin keyed his throat mic and said, “Hey everybody we need to be ready for anything, just look across the street. We have weapons free, that is our rules of engagement in case anybody forgets. No one dies because we could not or did not fire first. If you see a perceived threat light them up. Now just like we planned, Owen will open the door and Jimmy, Jessica, Celeste, and myself will make entry and clear the store. Kevin, you Smoke and Gretchen have the back door, in case anybody starts to run or flank us.”

Kevin keyed his mic and said, “Give us ninety seconds to get setup. We’re on it Brother-in-law and shoot straight.” Kevin motioned for his team to follow him and headed for the back of the store with his head on a swivel. Gretchen naturally fell into the drag position and watched their six as they headed to the back. Smoke was in the middle and feeling very insecure about his abilities to carry his weight if the bullets started flying and hoping he didn’t let himself or his friends down.

The Ops Plan called for Eddie, Gretchen, Maureen along with Owen after breaching the doors to guard the trucks and watch the entry teams back. Eddie pointed to his two fellow Officers and said, “I got the middle, Maureen you have the right side and Gretchen the left, when we recover Owen, he can watch the door where the entry team goes into the building. Don’t look at the building across the street directly one of the hot spots may burn out your goggles. I think they probably have circuit protection, but we do not take a chance. Everybody ready, like Melvin said, we are not under our old rules of engagement. It is a different world and the one percenters and thugs of the world are trying to take over and rule. Call out on mag changes, so we don’t all run out at one time.”

At the eighty second mark Kevin called and told Melvin they had the back door covered; they could enter at any time. Melvin nodded to Owen and looked to each of his team making sure to get eye contact keyed his mic said, “Everyone, on my mark just like we planned. Three, two, one…”

Back at the Castle, Elizabeth, Patrick, Rosa and Jack were listening to Tony and Nancy explain their personal saga of leaving Melanie their wife and Mother at the waste treatment plant. Tony told Elizabeth that his wife choice had been an error in judgement for a long time. Going all the way back to coming home from college at the end of his senior year and May graduation. His mistake was hooking back up with his high school sweetheart that summer while awaiting going to grad school in the fall. Saying that three years apart had dulled his memory of why they had broken up in high school. Adding that he probably was not thinking with the right head after leaving college. Rosa quickly told him that was too much information and Nancy agreed and told her Dad they got the picture, even though it was gross.

Elizabeth asked the question that by now they were all wanting to know the answer, asking, “Tony, where does that leave Melanie and more importantly how does it affect all of us here at the Castle, this is our home.”

Patrick questioned, “Am I still taking firewood down to the waste treatment plant. Because I really hope I am not. That job really sucked.” He was immediately popped on the back of the head by Elizabeth and got the stink eye from Rosa for his question and comments.

The fact was that Elizabeth had no idea how to handle the situation and wished that Melvin, Jimmy or Eddie was still here to deal with the issue. Elizabeth had faith in her friends, as they had always come through for her and her daughters in the past. Jack said, “I think one of us and I don’t think that includes Tony or Nancy right now needs to go and check on Melanie. That place could be awfully scary all by one’s self at night. Lots of things to creak and groan and make one imagine the worst. Kinda like the monster under the bed when we were young. I will go and take Rosa to check on her unless you object Tony.”

Tony quickly replied, “Jack, you don’t have to do that on our account. This is a bed she made and needs to lie in and cry for all I care.”

Jack shrugged and replied, “Not her I am worried about, wounded animals do crazy things, I don’t want her to go crazy and hurt someone here at the Castle. We have a good group and I really don’t want to see anyone get hurt in her depressed or manic state. Can’t ever remember which one causes people to lash out, but you know what I mean.”

Rosa frantically asked, “Why me? I didn’t like her when she was acting normal, she scarred me even then. It was evident that she might explode at any minute and do something crazy. I definitely don’t want to see her when she is crazy because her family just left her.”

Elizabeth replied, “I will go, no sweat Rosa.”

Jack said, “Rosa go get your Mom. Elizabeth is one of the female leaders of the group and part of the glue and fabric that holds the family together. We can’t afford for her to be involved in anything unfortunate.”

As Rosa headed for her Mom; at the Tractor Supply, Owen had just broke the lock on the front door and Melvin was entering and moving to the right in a low crouch per the Castle group SOP. He was followed immediately by Jimmy going high left, With Celeste following high right with Jessica taking the middle. Melvin hollered, “Clear right.”

Immediately followed by Jimmy calling out clear left, Celeste and Jessica just adding their clears to the team. All broadcasting over open mics for the whole team to hear. Melvin said, “Remember we have overhead responsibilities and I got point. We make the first pass on the night vision goggles then we go to lights.” The quartet continued their clearing of the building. They cleared the front area of the store very quickly and then went to lights for a second pass. After completing the clearing of the outer retail floor, Melvin told the outside team to secure the door and their backs as they were moving to the store room and warehouse area. After the front was secured and their backs were covered from inside the building. Owen moved inside the building and the rest of his team moved closer to the front door but still outside and watching their sectors. Owen after he was inside and found a good view of the team and the door said, “Entry team your back door is covered proceed to the store room for clearing. I have the front room secured and the rest of the team has reconfigured to cover my absence outside.”

Kevin keyed his neck mic and said, “Hold one Melvin on entry, we have movement at the backdoor. Again, wait one, out.”

Just moments before Kevin keyed his mic, Sandy whispered, “Hey, do you hear that? It sounds like someone is pushing on the door and it is stuck.”

Zaida replied, “You are right, get ready is your rifle off safe?”

Back at the Castle, Rosa returned with her mother and she was explained to about what was needed and she readily agreed to go with Jack to check on Melanie at the treatment plant. The two checked their gear and personal weapons and headed out into the dark. The two each had Fenix flashlights with red covers for their lenses. These lights a gift from the DHS haul that was split with the Godley’s. Patrick had found a whole box full of the lights in one of the compartments in the trailer. The walk was almost half a mile and in the dark of the night it took the two emissaries a good twenty minutes to make the walk to the plant. Jack motioned for Julia to stop about thirty yards from what most would consider the front door to the plant. Jack said, “Julia, we know that she doesn’t believe in the use of guns. That does not mean that she might not attack us with a hammer or wrench or just her bare hands. We have no idea what type of mental state she could be experiencing. Jack told us that she was on anti-depressants and some type of mood regulating drugs before. The fact that she is out of those drugs could have her wound up tighter than a guitar string. We need to be careful and watch out for her actions and each other. I will enter first, we are going to knock and hopefully she will just open the door and let us into the building.”

Julia nodding her head in agreement replied, “I am right here with you Mr. Mars, you don’t have to worry about me. I got your back and will carry my weight. She is one loco dama at the best of times is correct.”

The two moved forward towards the door slowly and with their heads on swivels looking for any signs of distress or problems. They arrived at the door and Jack said, “Here goes nothing.” Reached and knocked three times loudly and stepped back away and to the side of the door. Stopping and waiting slightly to the right-hand side of the door and purposely shielding his partner Julia with his body. They waited for about sixty seconds and then Jack said, “I am going to try this again stay here.” Walking back up to the door and this time pounded on the door with his fist and hollered, “Ms. Rice this is Jack Mars and Julia Gonzalez would you please open the door? We are here to check on you.”

Again, he stepped back and to the side and they waited this time only about thirty seconds, before Jack said, “Julia, it looks like we are going to have to do this the hard way. Hopefully we don’t have to tear the door down to get in and check on her. We do not really have the ability to come up with a new door to replace this one.”

Stepping forward he was about to kick the door right above the handle hoping he could just beat the locking mechanism with a little force. Rethinking this plan of action, he reached down and turned the handle on the door. It opened without any resistance and he almost walked right into the building. Stopping after pushing the door open, he spoke loudly saying, “Ms. Rice, Julia and I are coming into the waste treatment plant now. Please show yourself.”

There was no answer from inside the building, Jack shrugged his shoulders to Julia in the red glow of their lights and started into the building leading with his rifle. Jack and Julia walked into the dimly lit interior of the building. The pair covered the whole building without finding Melanie. They did find a handwritten note on a piece of notebook paper lying on what they had been using as an eating table. The note read…

[kiwibutterfly]

Many thanks

[gipsy]

Thanks for the update.

[feralferret]

The note read… "Hello, Cliff!"


Thanks for another outstanding chapter!

[gipsy]

"I am going to turn you into the (unknown agency) for having all those guns"

[ydderf2]

My agoraphobia has kicked in.

[sniper69]

another excellent chapter. Hopefully I can hang on to the cliff long enough. It is hard typing with my toes.

[texican]

Melanie has flown the safety of the group and how much of a problem will she be???

223 knows.

Texican....

[223shootersc]

Thanks all for reading and commenting! probably another Chapter tomorrow. For those who have read this one before, you will remember I lost my way on this one after Chapter 12. I have finished three more Chapters as of yesterday.

223shootersc

[kiwibutterfly]

Tomorrow better get here quick....I'll stay up as late as I can over here in NZ just refreshing this page.....

[223shootersc]

A little MOAR feed for the hounds. Sorry for not getting it out faster Kiwibutterfly. Hope it is worth the wait. This contains new first draft and unedited material in this chapter. All comments are appreciated. Thanks in advance for reading my work!

Chapter 13

As Jack was beginning to read Melanie’s almost illegible note, at the Tractor Supply two individuals came sneaking out of the back door. Just before they were about to run, Kevin hit the pair with his SureFire M Series Scout 1500 lumen white light mounted on his rifle. The blinding light and his loud voice saying “Halt, don’t move we have you covered,” froze the people exiting the building dead in their tracks like Lot’s wife when she looked back and was turned to a pillar of salt, fleeing the brimstone and fire of Sodam and Gomorrah.

Gretchen stepped forward and said, “Down on the ground, flat on your bellies right now and don’t try anything funny that we all might regret.” The two captives complied quickly and hit the ground and did not move.

Kevin said, “Zaida, get them cuffed and we will keep them covered while you do. The two of you on the ground, is there anybody else inside the building and don’t even think about lying. It will be bad for your and their health in the long run.”

A very strong voice, though it sounded very young to both trained police officers Gretchen and Zaida, replied, “No sir it is just the two of us right here. We are alone and do not mean anyone harm. The two of us have just been trying to stay alive for the last few weeks. This place was listed in my dad’s survival notebook as a probable location for long-term food salvage. When we found this place, it had some of the grains listed in the book that we could make some bread out of to eat and we did. We ran out of food at home like two weeks ago. Can we go now we don’t want any problems, those bikers and the Muslims or whatever they are cost us enough. One of those two groups are probably responsible for the killing our parents.”

Kevin keyed his mic saying, “Melvin all is clear in the building. Recon carefully through to the back door your presence is required. We have a situation, non-violent in the back. Will be waiting, announce yourself when you are coming out of the building. Do you copy, over?”

Melvin replied, “Copy and understand. We will clear the warehouse and meet you in the back. Be there in ten or less. Call if anything new develops, lead out.”

Melvin said, “You heard the man. We got work to do on me.” Busting through the door to the warehouse and going low to the right as per the Cudd SOP. He was followed by the rest of the team and they made quick study and search of the very modern and organized warehouse area. The team clearing the ten thousand square feet of storage area and warehouse top to bottom in less than seven minutes.

Jessica asked, “Are we ready to call my brother?” As Melvin’s team assembled by the back door of the Tractor Supply building. Looking to her husband and the Cudd Castle family leader for his direction and orders.

Melvin nodded to Jessica and the team and keyed his throat mic. “Kevin this is Lead one about to come through the back door of the building. Everything still all good? Comeback.”

Kevin instantly replied, “Lead one, everything is good. Come through the door slow and easy. We will be waiting.”

Melvin at odds with the wording of his brother-in-law, gathered his team and said, “Something does not seem right with Kevin’s wording. I will go through first. The rest of you stay on this side of the door unless you hear shooting or I request your presence. I will have my radio on the open channel for all to hear. That way you will hear everything in case it is a trap or something.”

Jessica stepped forward to the door and said, “I will open the door for you. That way you can go through the door with your weapon ready to rock and roll. Baby, we will be right behind you if anything goes squirrelly. Love ya.” She reached for the door handle and opened the door outwards. The moment the door opened, Melvin burst through the door leading with his Daniel Defense SBR ready and steering him through. Seeing the two figures on the ground and the very distinguishable shape of Kevin his new brother in his goggles and the two ladies pointing their weapons at the duo on the ground he came to an abrupt stop. Then he turned his body and indexed his weapon towards the hostages. Hoping to look as threatening as possible.

Melvin breathed in a deep and cleansing breath and said, “We need better operating procedures and code words like they have in the service. Don’t know what I was expecting, but for some reason I thought I was walking into a trap. It seemed to me that maybe your group had been compromised or captured. We need distress words or something. Live and learn, we need to be better prepared in the future. Enough about that, tell me what we have going on here Kevin in twenty-five words or less.”

Kevin replied, “On that same note why don’t we go inside the building and have this talk. We will be a lot less exposed to the elements if you follow my drift.”

Pointing to Gretchen and Zaida, Melvin said, “Ladies, the two of you get one of our guests and I will get the other. Kevin you got our backdoor.” The two ladies reached for the bigger of the two teenagers and left the smaller one for Melvin. While Melvin grabbed the other captive, he sub-vocalized to his team over the open channel, “Lead One coming in with Cudd back door team and two packages. I repeat back door team plus two packages. Open the gates and be ready to receive the team.”

Jessica replied, “Lead One and back door team plus two. Coming to roost, gates are open and ready to receive. Front door team on notice to standby and keep it closed. Enter the gate on my mark. Over.”

Melvin replied, “Ready to comply at the gate now. Open the gate and we will enter on your mark, over.”

Jessica looked to her team told them to spread out and find some cover then keyed her mic saying, “Three, two, one….” Throwing the door open and stepping out of the line of fire for her team to the door. A moment later a welcome site came through the door, her large husband dragging a smaller person. A person who was obviously even under the night vision optics bound with their hands behind their backs. Noticing that she had been holding her breath she exhaled and watched Gretchen and Zaida enter the building with a second person under their control. Waiting for Kevin to finally enter the door and close it. She finally said, “We good Melvin?” Getting a nod and positive body language from her hubby she said, “All clear. Jimmy and Celeste go get the team up front and start shopping. Remember the list and check it twice for those who have been ‘Naughty or Nice’.”

Celeste laughed at what Jessica had said. Then she replied, “Naughty can be good too, you know.” Turning and grabbing Jimmy by the butt she said, “Come on my naughty lover we got work to do and Christmas presents to find. We will shop and play while the grown-ups talk.”

Jimmy laughing at his vixen and just followed her lead saying, “Lead onward, you sexy winch of my dreams.” The two lovers heading towards the front at double time while taking off their goggles. The pair changed the settings on their goggles for red lensed white light to be more efficient but not broadcasting they were at the Tractor Supply Christmas shopping in the apocalypse.

Jessica asked, “What do we have here, Melvin?”

“Don’t know yet. We thought it would make more sense to do the interrogation inside the building not outside. Away from prying eyes to see,” answered Melvin.

Kevin said, “We know they are siblings and their parents have been killed. We know they came here looking for food because they were out at their house. Third thing we know is their parents must have been preppers or survivalists. They were here because their father had a book with this place listed as a potential place for them to find food re-supply. They came looking for food and found some grains and made bread. That is all we know at this time, to my knowledge. Gretchen and Zaida do you have anything to add to my report.”

Zaida replied, “This one’s name is Trenton Becton and he is nineteen. Would not say anything about the other one you brought in Melvin. I would assume since he said their parents it would be his sister. That is why he wouldn’t say anything, probably has her dressed up like a boy to fool others if they were caught. You know like Streisand in that movie, Yenti or something like that, smart. That last part is all supposition on my part.”

Gretchen added, “I agree with the supposition of Zaida and have nothing further to add to the situation at this time, Melvin. Except the movies name was Yentl, not Yenti.” Smiling at her fellow law officer from the before time.

Taking off his night vision glasses and rubbing his eyes to help them start back watering; he looked at the night-vision devise then switched the headset to the red-light mode. Then he put them back on his head and adjusted the earpiece straps. Looked through the device and turned on his flashlight to add his red-light to the dark insides of the warehouse.

“Well now Trenton, you ready to answer some question. I would prefer that I just ask and you answer. That happens we don’t have to persuade you to give the required information. Just so you know, the two ladies that were holding you are local police officers or were a few short weeks ago. We really mean you or your sibling no harm. Just do not make us regret our good nature,” said Melvin stoically.

Trenton looked at the group and then said, “I will answer your questions, to the best of my ability and truthfully. If I do that what is in it for me. Can we leave and get away from here, if I do,” asked the young man with a quiver in his voice.

Melvin said, “Possibly, we may even have a better answer. We will get to that after a few questions and your answers. A lot depends on those answers.”

“First question is the other person that we have in our custody, your sister or brother and remember this is easy to verify as we have as many women here as men.”

Trenton replied, “Yes mister she is my sister and she is sixteen and her name is Penelope, everyone just calls her Penny. She is dressed as a boy for the reason your lady explained. Next question, we don’t have all night.”

“Okay, Trenton tell me about why you are here. Where are your parents and for the sake of time give us the short version,” asked Melvin?

“Our parents went out to try and find food a couple of weeks ago and left us at our home. They told us that if they weren’t back in three days not to expect them back. Dad showed us all of his books on survival and stuff and to how use them if they didn’t come back,” answered Trenton to the best of his knowledge.

Melvin asked, “If your parents were survivalist why were y’all out of food so fast? Something don’t add up to me and smells like BS, son.”

Trenton said, “My Dad had just gotten into the prepper thing in the last year or so and Momma didn’t agree at all. She wasn’t one of those people that thought the government would take care of us. She was one of those people that felt like bad things never happened to good people. She also thought it was just another one of the fads that Dad went through from time to time. He was into fast cars for a while, then running and think the one before this one was learning to sew and do leather work, like making shoes. This time she put her foot down after Dad brought home the three-month supply of food and the big barrels to catch rainwater. She raised pure hell at Dad about spending the money on junk. Telling him she would leave him if he wasted anymore of the family money on the prepper junk.”

Melvin questioned, “If he had three-months-worth of food why are you already looking for more food. Again, doesn’t add up. What are you not telling us? Please, tell the truth son. Now explain to me why you are out of food.”

Penny jumped into the conversation saying, “Leave my brother alone he is telling you the truth. Mom didn’t know how to cook the food and wasted a bunch trying to cook it over an open fire in the fire place. The food did not go near as far as they said it would either. The calories were only about nine hundred or a thousand calories a day and Mom kept eating like three of the meals every day. She was kind of overweight and said they weren’t very filling. We were eating a couple of the meals each day ourselves, against the objections of Dad. He also had something called Lifeboat rations and Mom was eating one of them a day like a snack. They were like a full day of calories my Dad told her not a snack. Even though she was eating so much Mom was actually losing weight and she used that as proof that she was right about the meals. Dad left us with two meals each and one of the three pack Lifeboat rations when they left. Telling us to make them last till they got back with food. After stretching the food as long as we could we had to find something to eat. Trenton read the books and this place was highlighted as a possible place for food and was the nearest to our house, not in the city limits. Dad had notes about the grains and making of bread after grinding them. That is how we ended up here being kidnapped by you degenerates.”

Trenton picked up where Penny had stopped saying, “I was home from College of Charleston for Thanksgiving break, when it all went down. Our family was all right to begin with, Mom usually bought groceries weekly and she had just bought the bi-weekly groceries. Plus, she had bought a few extra things to cook for a Christmas party she was having at work. We had a propane grill for cooking hamburgers and stuff out by the pool. That lasted for about three weeks as Dad always kept an extra tank of Propane. He had started this after a bunch of hamburgers were lost one weekend after the grill went out and there was no place to get another tank or re-fill. Mom could do alright with the grill she had an old cast iron skillet that was her Grand Mother’s and a big stainless pot where she could boil water and make some stew. Dad made sure we did not open the freezer and it was on the back porch so it kept stuff frozen for a few days. When we ran out of can goods and the stuff in the pantry was when the trouble really started. The other thing was Mom wouldn’t eat leftovers and was throwing them out after every meal until the food was running out no matter how much Dad argued. Long story to be wrapped up with Mom didn’t co-operate with Dad’s plan and we ran out of food and here we are now. Captive and hungry.”

Melvin reached down into his pants pocket and pulled out two PowerBars, one Chocolate Chip and the other Peanut Butter cookie his two favorite flavors and said, “Here is a gift from the degenerates. Zaida please get these young people’s hands un-cuffed. So, they can have these protein bars, till we can do better. Maybe back at the Castle.” Zaida nodded at Melvin and headed towards the Becton’s pulling a Tops Knives M1 Midget from a horizontal sheath near her battle belt buckle. The knife was partially hidden inside her belt carrier. When she removed the blade, two things happened Trenton lunged for Zaida and Penny screamed a high pitch scream that could have been heard three states over if not four.

Melvin reacted immediately stepping in front and between the rushing Trenton and Zaida hitting him with a sound shoulder block knocking the young man into some sacks of some kind of plant food according to the label. Lying flat of his back and trying to catch his breath Trenton was helpless as the woman with the knife continued to move towards his sister in what he assumed was her final moments on the planet. Zaida got to his sister who was now being held by Kevin and turned her around and cut the plastic cuffs off Penny. Zaida then turned and said, “Just releasing your sister from her cuffs like I was told, dumbo. Don’t know how you thought I was going to get them off, there sure aren’t any keys for these type restraints.” Placed her knife back in her sheath while shaking her head at the stupidity displayed by the young man still lying in the sacks of manure labeled as organic plant fertilizer. Somehow, she thought it was befitting the crime and released a little stress induced chuckle.

Melvin said, “Jessica please call Elizabeth and tell her to have some food ready for our new Cudd family members. That is if the Becton’s would like to join our group of degenerates. Even though I think we are more of the deplorables that the Democrats labeled conservatives than degenerates. But I have been called a lot worse in my day. What will it be Trenton and Penny? While they are deciding Zaida would you please help our young friend up and release his bonds and if you have a pair of snips please use them. I don’t want any more excitement for right now.”

Gretchen pulled a Leatherman MUT from her pouch mounted on her suspenders holding up her battle belt and handed the tool to Zaida and said, “Use the seatbelt cutter and maybe this time it will be less eventful.”

Eddie getting a little antsy outside after hearing the scream keyed his mic and said, “Everything cool back there Melvin?”

Back at the Cudd BOL waste treatment plant Jack was putting the letter from Melanie up to his light to see it better. Jack’s prescription for new glasses was long overdue. He had missed a couple of visits to the eye doctor and was now wishing he had not made other life choices. He had told himself for years he only needed them for reading which was not the truth on any level, except in his dreams. Straining his eyes in the week light from an oil burning light trying in vain to read the latter. Julia finally could not stand the suspense anymore and reached and snatched the paper out of Jack’s hand saying, “Give me that Jack. You have been trying to get it where you could read it for five minutes. Enough already.”

Looking at the scribbling on the paper she understood why Jack was having a hard time reading the chicken scratch and meanderings of an undoubtedly insane woman. Finally, she said, “The letter reads as follows:

Dear Jackass (Tony),
I never love you at all. I only marryd you for the money. I am going to my sue lawyer and you will pay I get it all. My friend John is the bestess lawyer in the county and will get it all for mine. U know him johnnie Korn he was always beter I mean bigger man ha ha than your sorry butt. If you get my hent
He will get me the money and I will give him my honey like I have for years. O and tell mis smarty pants my bastard daughter Nancy that onl y love you Johnie is her real daddy not you
Woman need a real man not a pus like u r
See ya in court bring your money biatch
Melan

Julia finished reading the meanderings of a person who definitely needed help and said, “Jack, we have two decisions to make about this letter the first is do we even say anything about a note. The second if we decide to make the note known, do we show them the note or just say it said she was gone and say it caught on fire or something when we held it up to the lamp to read? My vote is that we don’t say anything about the note and it is just our little secret. But if we do, we definitely don’t let Tony or Nancy see the writings of this terrible person they called wife and mother. She didn’t deserve either title in my opinion.” Finished talking, she angrily spit on the floor like she was trying to get the bad taste out of her mouth.

Jack after hearing this and thinking of Tony and Nancy and how this note could severely damage their ability to cope and would do no one any good said one word in reply, “Burn....”

Took the paper from Julie and walked over opened the hatch and put it in the little wood burning stove watched it catch on fire then closed the door. Turning back to Julie he said, “Not a word to anybody. Not even your Henry, okay. That is our plan and we need to stick to it. Times are tough enough without the demented being part of the equation. Deal…?”

Julia reached out her hand to shake with Jack and replied, “Take it to my grave for that blessed child and her Daddy. Biological or not he is her Daddy, maybe not her Father but definitely her Dad. Deal.” Reaching out her hand to Jack to shake and seal the deal between the two conspirators with the best intentions for all in their hearts and their decision-making process.

Jake after agreeing to the terms and sealing the deal with a hearty handshake said, “I guess other than maybe throwing a little water in the stove we are done hear. There really wasn’t much wood left in the little stove anyway. I say we shut down the air and call it done for this rodeo. What do you think, Julie?”

Julia answered, “Jack I am good with it all except, my name is Julia not Julie.”

Jack covered his hand with his mouth embarrassed and replied, “My bad Julia, please accept my apologies. I meant no disrespect; I have thought your name was Julie from the start.”

The pair closed-down the air vent on the little wood heater after making sure the letter had been consumed by the fire and headed back to the Castle. Both making the trek with heavy and burdened hearts for Tony and Nancy. At the Tractor Supply, the Becton siblings were trying to decide on weather to go with the group or head out on their own. Still munching on the PowerBar Penny said, “I think we should go. I don’t think we have anything to worry about. The group has about as many women as they do men and they all seem to be friendly at least. You know the other groups we have seen have been predominantly men and none of the women had weapons. At least not like these do and none of them were in charge of anything and the one lady named Jessica seems to be the second person in charge. They all seem to look for leadership from the big guy. Don’t rightly remember his name, you know the one that gave us the candy bars or whatever these things are besides tasty.” Taking the last bite of the bar and licking her fingers as she finished chewing the high protein and caloric energy bar.

Trenton deep in thought didn’t realize his sister was through with her answer until she reached over and snapped her fingers in front of his face. Coming back to the present from being lost in his own memories of his girlfriend in Charleston and his parents, he said, “My bad, was lost in my own little world Penny. What was your answer? Mine is we should go; the group is armed and seems to be a much better answer than any other opportunity we have for living. Definitely better than trying to make it on our own. Remember what Dad’s book said?”

Penny replied, “Yeah, I remember for sure. I say we go, just like I did before when you weren’t listening.”

Jessica listening to the semi-private conversation with the twins asked, “Do you have anything that you need to get from your house?”

Penny replied, “Like it said in Dad’s books we have gotten better clothing here at the Tractor Supply. We weren’t outdoorsy types and the only jeans I owned all were designer jeans that had more holes than coverage. We both got Carhartt pants, shirts and long underwear. Our packs are hidden in the warehouse though. We did not have time to get them when we heard your people enter the store. Could we at least get them?”

Melvin hearing the teens answer and ever the cautious leader answered, “How about you go and pick them up with one of us watching then let us go through them. You know just in case the two of you are not shooting straight with us. Is that okay? Because that is the only way it is going to happen really. I hope it is okay with you. It falls under the trust but verify category.”

Trenton asked, “What do we have to do to convince you we are being straight up? Seems we don’t get any respect.”

Anger almost getting the best of him Melvin started counting, “One, two three, four….”

Jessica started answering before her hubby got to the number five, saying, “My husband is a good guy and he offered the two of you a place to come and live that is at least half way safe. I would not push your luck though. Just in case you had no idea what he was doing with the counting, it was so he didn’t say something he shouldn’t and we all might regret later. But, would live with for now as he is our leader.”

At that moment in Melvin’s ear the radio came to life with Jimmy saying, “Hey, Bossman we got the trailer almost loaded with goodies. Lots of good stuff here including a couple hundred pounds of corn and wheat berries each. Including some good stuff in the tools isle, axes, mauls and wedges for tree felling and a couple of battery-operated chainsaws that will be a great time saver and work saver. Celeste even found a couple of dolls for Eli’s girls. I found some of that spray paint you wanted for your rifle and the OP. We just heard from Henry that the Sheriff called and is holed up at the station with his family. He would very much like us to pick him up and he join us if that was cool? Says he has some trade material for his buy in to the Castle and our group. We probably need to be riding if we are going to make it back to the Castle before the sun comes up and we lose the advantage of night vision.”

Melvin replied, “Start getting everything ready to fly, Jimmy. We have a couple of minutes back here to finish up a few things with the Becton’s and we will be right out.”

Jimmy replied, “Ten-four, Bossman. We are on it.” Turning to Owen and Eddie he said, “Guys we need to wrap this dog and pony show up. Eddie you will be glad to know we are going to see your boss and at least see what he had to say. Answer to your question from earlier I do think we need at least a half dozen of those bags of salt. That might be something that will be hard to find for sure in the future and it is the right type for curing. We need to put them in the truck in case it rains while we are out.”

Eddie replied, “The Sheriff say anything about his family? Captain Sims didn’t have any kids that even lived in the state, his wife was the only one at home. His boy lived in St Louis and his daughter married a guy from Texas that had oil money. She met him at Duke University while she was getting her Masters degree. Since her marriage I do not think she has been back home but one time and that was for her grandfather’s funeral. At that she flew in the day of the funeral and back out the same night. It killed her dad and mom when she did that. Even though I don’t think he ever said anything to her. It will be good to see and talk with Peter.” Reaching and picking up one of the fifty-pound sacks of salt with each hand. Taking the salt was one of the items that had been debated on whether it needed to be taken on this trip. Eddie had voted yes but the matter had stayed undecided to just now with Jimmy just making the decision on his own. Eddie grabbed both of the sacks before the decision could change. Heading towards the front door with the bags, meeting Smoke at the door. Eddie thought, Smoke looked like he was about to pee his pants he was so antsy.

Smoke said, “We have been waiting and watching forever since the last time something was brought out. What took you guys so long? We were, actually I guess truth was I was about to go crazy with fear. Do we have more stuff coming? We are almost full and Jessica wanted to go to the hardware store across the way? Something about more cast iron and bigger pots and pans for Elizabeth.”

Eddie said, “Hey Smoke, they had a pretty good selection of knives in the case. I got Elizabeth a nice Buck 120 General. They had two more of them do you want one. I noticed you don’t carry a fixed blade with your gear. I got a Case Hunter Bowie and a Case Hunter Two Knife Set if you would like to pick one. I got them for Patrick but he doesn’t need both. We can work it out when we get back if you do. Know you didn’t get to look around like some of us. When we go to the hardware store, I will guard the trucks and make sure you can go in and check it out if you want to get something for that special someone. Maybe Gretchen, I have seen the two of you looking at each other, Bro. A man could definitely do worse, my friend.”

Smoke replied, “I would go there but it seems she doesn’t have the same thoughts. We have talked a few times and it is no go for her.”

Eddie laughed and replied, “That is not what she told Eli. Think I might re-visit that issue my friend. I do not think that train has left the station yet, you still might catch it if you hurry, you know what I mean. But now we need to get ready to move. We are definitely going by the Sheriff’s office he called and asked us to come.”

Smoke looked concerned and happy at the same time spoke, “Eddie I don’t believe in coincidence. If I have a second of trouble with one of my engines, I get it to Clements for a rebuild. I learned long ago if it skips and you replace the wiring and check the battery if it does it again you need to get it worked on. The piece is about to go belly up. You don’t think it is a coincidence that the Sheriff calls out of the blue. Then he wants us to come and see him on the same night we are out and about? Just all of a sudden, he needs us to come and save him and for the last few weeks we haven’t heard one word from him or any of your local police buddies. Not only you, but Henry, Gretchen, Zaida, or Maureen have heard one peep out of your old network of police friends and we have tried or at least Henry has tried to raise them more than a few times. He has had no luck at all. Just food for thought, you know. I think we need to talk about this with Melvin.”

Eddie’s mind was now in overdrive analyzing the chapter and verse that his friend Smoke had just dropped on him like a thousand-pound bomb. His mind saying his friend the race car driver was dead on the money. However, his gut not wanting to abide with his head. Eddie was glad at times like this Melvin was making the hard decisions and not him. Eddie was still in a mind bound haze when Melvin busted out the front door with the rest of the group saying, “All this is Trenton and Penny Benton and they will be riding with Owen as his truck was one short to the others and has the space. We do need to figure out if we arm them. Eddie, what do you think man? Are you with us old friend or are you thinking about seeing the Boss? We need to get a move on if we are going to pick up your friend the Sheriff.”

Eddie replied, “About that…, Smoke brought up a valid point. We been trying to reach him or any of our friends from the office for the last couple of weeks with no luck. Why tonight are we suddenly able to have contact? Could be a trap or something, just doesn’t add up and coincidences in life are very rare. First rule of Police work, coincidences do not happen unless something is out of kilter or man intervened. We may want to think about this before we wander into a hot mess. Lots of people would love to have our setup, Melvin. He doesn’t know where it is but he knows it must be a good one. He also probably isn’t for sure who all is at our retreat past Henry and I from our group. Might suspect but doesn’t know for sure who for sure is at the Castle. There could be a hundred for all he knows. I think we might not want to go and see him tonight. Maybe after a little recon, we re-contact and set up a meeting time and place of our choosing and one where we control the landscape.”

Melvin had listened intently to one of his best friends on the planet’s thoughts. Melvin came to a snap and definite decision. Melvin replied, “That is all I need to know, Eddie your thoughts are enough for me. Mount up everyone we are going to the hardware store down the street then we will head back to the Castle.”

Melvin, pointed towards Owen standing by his vehicle, “Trenton and Penny, you are with Owen and will be riding with him. Owen raise your hand…, guys and gals we need to get moving. Becton’s you will be helping load the trucks when we get to the hardware store. Stay close and don’t wonder off. Sing out if you can think of anything you may need or want from the store. Now everybody we need to be moving out. We leave in sixty seconds. Radio check in forty-five, time to move people.”

Walking straight to his truck and opening the door as he unhooked his two-point sling from his SIG MCX Rattler PSB to help clear the door into his vehicle. With everyone loaded and ready to roll out Melvin keyed his mike and said, “Castle Lead ready to move out, how copy?”

Smoke was the first to reply, “Sierra One reads five by five and ready to follow Castle One, over.”

Owen looked to his new riders and said, “Fasten your seat belts and if we take fire get in the floorboard and think, I am small….” Keying his mic Owen responded Oscar One plus two, ready to initiate movement. Awaiting orders, over.”

Melvin keyed his mic and said, “Castle team push off. All channels open, over and out.” Finished he released the brakes on his Ford F-350 Super Duty diesel and eased into the accelerator moving out and heading for the hardware store across the street. Jessica looking to her man asked the question that everyone of the Castle team was wanting to ask of her lover and husband. “Melvin, what is your plan? I know you have one. In the little time we have known each other I have never seen you act without a master plan so spill the beans, buster.”

Jimmy quickly replied, “You know that’s right Jess!” In a loud voice that rumbled through the truck and got him an elbow in the side from Celeste.

Melvin said, “My plan is to get everyone back to the Castle as soon as we can and get Henry to quit broadcasting. I am hoping that everyone is just over reacting and Eddie’s boss is on the up and up. What really scares me is that if our gut is right, they already have the Castle triangulated and have already over took our home. They just want to take us on while we don’t have all our resources to react in one place. On that note I am going to call Henry and get your dad to lock down the Castle and go to full red on alert status. Hoping I am not too late.” Melvin keyed his mic and said, “Castle Hotel, comeback for Castle Lead, over.”

Henry hearing Melvin’s call and knowing it wasn’t the scheduled time for a call from the leader of the Cudd el currillo (Circle) as Julia, Rosa and he had started calling the group among their selves. Henry quickly changed to the emergency channel he had established for the trip off site and replied, “Castle Lead this is Castle Hotel answering in the clear on SOP established secondary channel, over.”

Hearing Henry’s immediate reply and smiling to himself in the dark of the cab of his truck while thanking the good Lord that Henry had been insistent that they have an emergency channel. A back channel on another band altogether for just these types of incidences. Melvin replied, “Hotel we have a possible breech and I need for you to have Pappi Juliet to take the Castle to threat level red and lock down the site, now. I want you to call me back on the primary channel and I will tell you our fake status. We however will be back to the Castle in one point five hours. Please disregard any and all other calls on the primary and secondary calls from the point of completion of the next call. Just don’t even try to reply. Act like you are not receiving. How do you copy? Over.”

Henry’s mind working a mile a second, replied: “Read and copy transmission of moving back to primary channel for one call and disregard all others. Castle Hotel copies lock down and red alert status for duration five by five, over and out.” Soon as he ended his call he hollered for Patrick or Elizabeth to come to see him immediately not knowing that they were both talking with his wife and Jack around the fire. The heavy discussion was about the now known missing Melanie and should they wake Tony and Nancy to give them the news. Finally, after not being able to get anyone’s attention, Henry walked out of the Comms room and headed directly towards the eating area where loud voices were coming.

As the Castle convoy lead by Melvin pulled into the local hardware store, Trenton taped Owen on the shoulder from the back seat and asked, “Why are we stopping here? I thought we were going to some castle or something.”

Owen amusingly answered, “To get feed for the dragon, of course.” Eddie and Gretchen both busted out laughing at the comical reply from Owen. Both knowing the race car mechanic to be very methodical and somewhat stoic in all of his responses. They had not seen this side of the man driving the truck. Others like Smoke would know that Owen often joked when he thought things were out of control, like flat tires and blown engines. A mysterious skip in an engine or a fuel problem, no problems he was all business and looking to head them off at the pass. Right now, Owen was very much out of his element and felt what little control he might have rushing away, far away and quickly.

Eddie replied, “We need to see if we can add to our abilities to survive this situation, in which we now find ourselves. The more things we can find to supplement what we are missing or be redundant on things we need the better. Undoubtedly Jessica thinks there are things here that we can use. Just like the animal medicines we took from the Tractor Supply and the multitude of blankets we found. You will appreciate those when you go to sleep at night. I noticed you didn’t have bedrolls or sleeping bags on your packs. I think she also wanted more kerosene lanterns to add to the ones she bought here right before we went to the Castle. That was definitely one of the things she wanted. That and some type of ringer-washer that she said she should have bought the day she bought the lanterns. That and matches were on the list from Elizabeth.”

About two hours later back at the some what safe and friendly confines of the sanctum of the Castle; Melvin was introducing the Becton family members to the Cudd family members. Sandy was very excited at the arrival of Trenton a young man in her age group. Rosa Gonzales not so much on the appearance of Penelope Becton and the wandering eyes of Patrick. Rosa decided today would be a good time to express to Patrick the significance of their budding relationship, weather her Father liked it or not. Elizabeth’s original reaction she hated to admit was there were now two more mouths to feed three times a day. Elizabeth said, “It is our pleasure to have you here at the Castle and part of the Cudd Circle.” Circle was the English interpretation of what Julia and Henry called the group and she thought it fit or at least the translation of the word.

Continuing saying, “From what I have heard over the radio the two of you most be starving and I know Melvin, Jimmy and Eddie are ready to eat. We will have food on the table in fifteen minutes as we have already started the Grits and Oatmeal cooking. Hope you like powdered eggs and bacon and we have some flat bread left over from last night.”

“Celeste and Jimmy, could you find them a place to call their own and they can start preparing themselves a place to sleep we are a little short on beds. The two of you will have to make due with a sleeping pad till we can do better. Best we can do for now. Maybe in the next few days we can get some mattresses or something as we start to salvage. We do have plenty of room as you can see. We however can’t heat this whole building so you will want to be in one of the offices or near one of the wood burners at night. It gets pretty chilly in here with all this concrete.”

Celeste said, “We did bring back another small wood burner from the hardware and all the blankets both human and horse blankets that they had at the Tractor Supply. There were still those poncho type blankets at the hardware that you remembered from before so we brought all of them. Everyone should be able to have more covers now. We even brought the display blanket from the store.”

Julia said, “Sometime today the wood stove from the waste treatment plant should be able to be brought up here once it cools. Jack and I shut down the air when we left there during the night. I think it will be cool enough by lunch to move.”

Penny said, “This is really nice and all and I don’t want to be rude but where is the bathroom. I have needed to go for some time.” Everyone got a good laugh at the new arrivals plight. Gretchen took her by the hand and they headed towards the locker room type bathrooms of the Castle making sure she knew which was the ladies and which was the men.

Jimmy took the time to take Trenton and show him the run of the place and let him pick from one of the three offices still left vacant in the inner area of the Castle. While they were walking and picking out a place, Trenton asked, “I would like to know what it takes to get a rifle or a gun of some kind. It would be nice to be able to defend myself and my sister. My Mom didn’t allow them in the house. I have been shooting with my friends a few times and I can do alright with a shotgun. A revolver or a pistol not so much and have not shot a rifle but maybe two times for a total of five or six shots. I have shot circuit sporting clay though a few times with my friends at school and I am pretty decent, not great but hit more than I miss by a few each time. If it was not for the true pairs would probably do even better. Just can’t get both of them to save my hide.”

Jimmy said, “Maybe as soon as today. I will need to talk with Melvin and Eddie and we will come to a conclusion quickly. You ever shot a pump because I think all we have available are a couple of Remington 870’s. Both are police models with extended tubes and sidesaddles. Good shotguns just not a lot of frills, like the Fostech’s of Melvin, Jessica, Patrick and Jack’s. That sound good to you. We also have an indoor range complements of Patrick and Rosa and maybe we can get you some range time on a rifle and a pistol if that’s the way it goes and I am almost hundred percent sure it will be cool.”

Melvin said, “Henry, I want your opinion on the Sheriff. Is his contacting us the first time we are out and about for the first time just a coincidence or not?”

Henry had already come to his own conclusion on this matter and replied quickly saying, “There is not a chance in Hades it was a random or oft chance call. I have been trying to contact the Sheriff’s office during this whole escapade and never even a hint of a signal received. Tonight’s broadcast was strong and clear and definitely from the area of the office. Almost zero percent chance of it being coincidence to use your choice of words. If I get to vote I would say it is a setup of some type. The real question is: is it the Sheriff or something more sinister and stronger like our friends the DHS goons.”

Eddie joined in saying, “If they had his wife Pete would do whatever it took. Henry, we need the full text of his message just to see if there might be something in there out of place. Then we need to tell him we will be there at dark tonight. If that is okay with you Melvin didn’t mean to take over or nothing. My mouth engaged before my brain.”

Melvin grinned at his friend and replied, “We cool. I think that is the start of a good plan. Now I need a bath and then some grub. Then we will take a few minutes to add a few more pieces to the plan then get a little rest. I want to move out by fourteen hundred hours. If we are planning on being there at dark. I think we need a little walk in the woods and a little recon on the other side of the road and check those buildings for homeless DHS trash looking for a place to call their own. Now I am going to the head and a shower, unless someone else has more information or other things for discussion.”

The only thing that was said was Celeste asking Elizabeth if she needed some help cooking breakfast or bringing in some wood for the stove and fire. Elizabeth said, “Why heavens no on the fire wood. Since Patrick has been sparking Ms. Rosa, they take lots of time out back at the wood pile or in the woods looking for down falls. Heck they even bring plenty in when they finally do come back.” Laughing a tilting laugh at the look on Julia’s face. Celeste went over and hugged Julia whispering, “Sweet lady, your girl you could do a lot worse. That boy comes from good stock, even if his parents were rotten. Melvin is their real Dad just not their father. He was even in the process of becoming their guardian when all Hell broke loose on the planet.”

Julia pulled her Rosary from under her blouse and around her neck kissing the beads and said, “Their Mother was truly one of the bad ones and I am afraid I have let my prejudices about her cloud my judgement. I have been vain and felt my Rosa was to good for the boy. Even though I didn’t say so to Rosa or Henry. I knew Henry would not let it continue if I said a word negative about the situation. I am glad now that I held my wicked tongue. Please forgive me Elizabeth and Celeste I know you both care about them deeply.” The three ladies having a big hug and some quality time in a world gone crazy.

Not far from where these three were talking, Smoke was having a talk with one Officer Gretchen Lawrence former Sheriff Captain’s Assistant extraordinaire. Smoke had been fidgeting every since he had gotten Gretchen to walk over to the other side of the warehouse. Moving them away from where all the others had congregated after returning from their shopping spree. Finally, Gretchen said, “Okay Smoke take your hands out of your pockets and quit stepping from one foot to the other and spill the beans buster. I don’t have all day. I know Melvin and them are going to see what is going on with the Sheriff and I want to be involved. I owe the captain that much even though he was not my favorite law officer. Too much of a politician and not enough of a Sheriff.”

Smoke complied as ordered taking his hands out of his pockets and stopped moving his feet if not fidgeting. Smoke started, “Well, Gretchen I have breached this subject with you before and got told, no in no uncertain terms. I am a man who knows that no means no. My parents raised me right, even though I have felled at times I still know better. However, I want to say that I have become mighty fond of you during our time here together. Not only that but with the way the world is going there might not be a tomorrow. What I am trying to say is I would like for us to get to know each other better and hope we can go from there. If I have offended you, I ask your forgiveness but I am not ashamed of my actions here today. Did any of those ramblings make any sense?” Stopping and immediately jamming his hands back deeply into his pants pockets and started moving his feet.

The forlorn look on his face tore away a chunk of the heart strings of the lady cop. Who truth be known had wished many times she had not told the race car driver to buzz off the one time he had tried to make his wishes and thoughts known to her. Gretchen reached for Smokes arms catching them at the wrist and gently but firmly pulled Smoke’s hands out of his pockets. She directed them around her body and enveloped him in her arms. Saying, “Kiss me Smoke and no I am not upset. Your ramblings were that of a perfect gentleman. Now kiss me before I have to be unladylike and kiss you first.” The two did not mesh on the first try for the kiss. The electricity of the efforts was felt by both and they tried again. The second time the connection made the world stop and all was right in the world and heavens for the two if only for that one special moment in time.

Smoke catching her beautiful scent, thought she smelled like the fragrance of Rosemary. Thinking he must be smelling something from the kitchen. The smell was intoxicating and he stuck his nose to her hair and knew it was hers. The experience was almost out of body for the race car driver and confirmed bachelor of almost thirty-nine years. He could not have hoped for the feeling to be any more mutual than the feelings of Gretchen. Who was had not yet reached her twenty-eighth birthday and that was her uneducated reason for declining and cutting off the advances of Smoke before. The would-be suitor was just too old for her, in her mind. She was agreement with what Smoke had said about the times they had changed and she was glad she had realized her error and it wasn’t a permanent and unfixable mistake. She inwardly vowed to make this man her life long mate if he was so inclined and maybe she might just have to make sure he was so persuaded. Thinking she could not think of a more perfect thing to be her ambition at this point and time in her life.

Melvin was sitting on his bed in the tent in a pair of the new dri-fit type sweat pants and sliding on his sneakers when Jessica walked in and sat down beside him saying, “A kiss for your thoughts. I have spoken to you twice and you didn’t react in any way. Spill it big guy.” Reaching up and gentle touching his ear with her lips.

Melvin groaned and replied, “Now that is just unfair woman. Get a man all hot and bothered that has no time for fixin’ that situation because he has dragons to keep out of the Castle. You are a scoundrel using your womanly wilds to have your way.” Busting out laughing as he completed his rebuttal to his wife’s advances. Knowing he could not keep anything away from his true love if he wanted to do so.

Melvin continued, “I think we might be in trouble. The force could be very large that is trying to draw us out of our lair. I am surely glad that the Sheriff didn’t know where we were going. I know he plainly told Eddie he didn’t want to know. His reason was he wouldn’t ever have to lie about the location. My guess he is under duress of some kind. I hope Eddie and Henry can find something in his message. Henry did say it was very short and to the point. Going as far to say it might have been written by someone else so there could be no hidden message. Classic example of one of the first rules of counter-espionage according to Henry. I hope we can find out something before Eddie and I have to ride in to meet the Sheriff alone. I want Jack, Patrick, and you in the tree line across the way as our cover and Henry on top of the building down the road with the Barrett we got from the Sheriff’s department. I also want Jimmy on the Barrett 95 he bought from his friend Steve the next building over. Both shots are only about eight hundred meters, with those Barrett that is like shooting fish in a barrel. What do you think about that?”

Jessica replied, “My first thought is one or more of us should be with you for the up-close work. I know that is where you are best. My family however have been shooting competitively for years.”

Melvin answered, “That is why you have my back. The three of you don’t miss under five hundred meters and the shots will be like four hundred or less. Maybe I will ask Eddie who our third and possible fourth shall be for the ride in to meet his old boss. The real thing we need to do is make sure we can take out any counter-snipers they have around the perimeter. We need to do it quietly and at the same time just as we arrive. To do that we have to find them and have people their to take them out as we arrive. Short enough time so they don’t miss a radio check or something.”

Jessica said, “Melvin, I like your idea of taking out any snipers beforehand. I think maybe we should take it one step farther and do recon to see if we can figure out how big a force we are encountering before committing to the meet. Too many and we just take out the snipers and ease out of the area and or just leave…” Stopping and thinking for a minute before continuing, “Maybe we even do the reconnaissance before we call them back to set up a time to meet. I say we do this on our time table and not theirs.”

Melvin thinking that he was one lucky man said, “Makes a lot of sense. Maybe we go see the Godley’s and see if they could help us with some manpower. If these people are a threat to us, they are a threat to them also. I think I will go and talk with Eddie, Jack and Henry and see what they think.” Jessica caught him by the hand and pulled him back towards her and said, “We do this on our timetable right… You need and we all need baths and some rest to make sure we are at our best when we make decisions. Don’t ya think?”

“Please go and tell your Dad. He was here and got some sleep. Let him and Elizabeth start thinking about the problem while we bathe, eat and rest. Maybe we need to go to a higher level of security around the Castle for now too. Let them decide while we replenish our reserves. Thanks Babe. I’m going to take that shower now,” implored Melvin to his lover.

Jessica left their little private area at the Castle and headed to find her Dad and tell him the news. Not more than twelve miles across the lake by the way the crow flies Captain Pete Sims was hoping that his friend Eddie or Henry Gonzales smelled something rotten with his request for the Cudd Castle Circle to come help him. Hoping they would just say no, like the old slogan from the eighties went.

Everything had been just dandy for him and his wife during the time of the great die off as many had called the last days. Pete had moved his wife into the county station as soon as the one percenter groups and the thugs had started adding to the damage around the county, state and country. At that point he still had himself and four other officers still trying to maintain some rule of law in his county. The bio-agent that was taking lives throughout the world caused his group to have to draw into themselves and lock the doors behind them. That had worked out fine until their group ran low on food. It was then that he made the mistake of putting out a call to the Department of Homeland Security Regional Director for help. The call was answered by a small horde of agents from the state capitol in Columbia. The group showed up two days later thirty-two strong with two HEMTT A4 Patriot Tractors pulling fifty-three-foot van trailers in their convoy of five-ton trucks and HUMVEES. Both trailers filled to over-flowing with long term storage foods. First appearances can be very deceiving and that was the case with the DHS group that arrived.

All was good for the first few hours as the group helped off load the food and other supplies including ammunition for their rifles, shotguns and pistols. After all of the hard work was completed a large meal was fixed by his group to show there thanks to the group who they thought would be returning to the capital to continue their efforts of maintaining the law. It was at this point that the leader informed the county Sheriff that his group would be taking over the county office for their regional headquarters. The reason given for this takeover was the capital had become mega dangerous and a death warrant for any type of law enforcement. The Captain of the DHS group explained to Pete that they were preparing to bugout for somewhere when they received the call from the Sheriff and it was like mana from heaven to their ears. They knew they had found their new home and point for bugout. That was about two and a half weeks ago and the takeover had been completed when they got the solar panels and wind turbines setup that the group had brought with them to the county Sheriff’s Office.

It was at that point that the DHS Captain ordered Pete that his Officers were to start making rounds out into the county. The orders were too as the Captain had put it were a strategic re-allocation of resources from the county and surrounding areas. Over the next week three of his officers had been lost to outside forces or so he had been told. The fourth officer called him the next day while out on a mission on a back-channel radio. The message sent to him was that their county teammates had been killed by the DHS officers. He went on to say that he had killed the four Homeland thugs that he had been sent out with after they were killing locals. He said he had taken their lives and their supplies and was gone to other parts of the country. The County Officer wishing the Sheriff and his wife the best and hoping they could survive the DHS takeover of the county. Pete Sims had played his cards close to the vest until one of the DHS groups that had been sent out to loot had brought a superior force of bikers back to their new home. They had survived due to superior fire power but ten of the DHS group had been killed and two other sustained bullet wounds. That and the resulting fire caused by the bikers had caused the DHS group to re-evaluate their situation. Their decision was helped when they intercepted one of the Cudd Castle’s calls for the Sheriff.

After a great Christmas morn breakfast and the giving out of presents especially to Fran and Beth. The two young ladies who it seemed everybody had something for the two girls from Santa. They had been universally spoiled by the group since it’s inception. The girls loved the dolls, candy and especially the hooded sweatshirts along with gloves in their sizes. Each complaining about how cold it was to their young small bodies in the Castle. The hoodies and some winter clothing item that had been found at the Tractor Supply along with a Minnie Mouse oil lamp found at the hardware store were there biggest treats. Those along with each girl getting a big bag of candy made for a pretty good Christmas. Everybody it seemed got something they wanted or really needed. Rosa and Julia got long underwear that Henry had put in a special order for his ladies. Smoke, Owen, and Patrick got new fixed blade knives along with some other essentials like socks and long underwear. Patrick also getting a bunch of implements to help him with the splitting of wood for the many fireplaces. Zaida, Gretchen, Maureen, Sandy, and Rosa received Leatherman or Gerber multi-tools from the Cudd Castle family.

Elizabeth got a lot of new pots and pans and a cheap Silver ring from Eddie that he found at the cash register area in the front of the Tractor Supply. Eddie told Elizabeth it would have to do till he could get her a diamond and officially ask her to be his wife. She said she would and it was her best Christmas ever for her and the girls.

Melvin had picked up all the cleaning kits he could find at the hardware store and specifically gave one to Eddie to give to Laurens. Celeste and Sandy received wool scarfs and neck gators as both were always complaining about the wind and cold on their necks. Sandy also received three new pair of Carhartt leggings, along with Jessica, Elizabeth, and any of the other ladies of the Cudd Circle that wanted any from Melvin. Seeing them at the tractor Supply and knowing that Sandy and Elizabeth, both liked them he grabbed all they had on the rack and threw them in the trailer. Melvin received a large Trapper model Case knife from his life-long friend Eddie. Jessica got two wool blankets and a professional edition Equinez Tools Farrier Horse Hoof Kit found at the Tractor Supply from Melvin and a big kiss with the promise of something special when they were alone. Gretchen, Maureen, and Zaida received the poncho type blankets from the Cudd family. Patrick got a Case Hunter Two Knife Set from Melvin by way of his friend Eddie. Tony and Nancy each got new Carhartt pants, long under wear, heavy wool socks, and sweat shirts along with jackets and heavy boots. They being the ones in the group that had the biggest need got first choice on these items. Smoke got a new Case Hunter Bowie fixed blade from Eddie. Smoke gave his buddy Owen a Leatherman Surge Set with the bit kit and Ratchet driver he found the bottom of the busted display case still in the box at the hardware store. The only people who did not really get anything was Jerome, Jack, Kevin, and Jimmy. Celeste told Jimmy she would make it up to him and batted her eyes and cooed into his ear. This display making Jimmy the one-time field player turn bright red. The only other present that was given was a sneaked Christmas kiss exchanged between Kevin and Maureen.

Later that afternoon Melvin and the group had decided to call and let the Sheriff know that they couldn’t make it today due to extenuating circumstances. That phrase according to Eddie might, just might let his friend the Sheriff know they had questions about the validity of his plea for help. Eddie told the Castle Circle family that he and the Sheriff had a secret laugh about the use of the phrase extenuating circumstances. The reason being was for their PTO. The two long time officers both having all that they could keep on the books without losing it at the end of the year. Eddie would tell his boss he needed to use a day for that reason when he wanted to take a day off like opening day of deer season. They both laughed saying it was not a lie just a proper misuse of the truth as Eddie had pleaded the first time. After that the Captain would call and tell him the same thing when he was going fishing or playing golf. They were going to the back-road bridge to contact the Sheriffs office on their way to tell the Godley’s about their suspicions about the Sheriff and ask for their help.

Melvin, Eddie, Jack, Patrick, Gretchen, Maureen, Smoke and Henry it was decided were going to make the run to see the Godley’s and make the call to the Sheriff’s Office. They were going to take Patrick’s and Melvin’s truck with Melvin and Smoke being the drivers of the vehicles that were making the run. Team Mike, consisted of Melvin as lead, with Jack, Patrick, and Gretchen being transported in Melvin’s Ford F-350 diesel. Eddie, Smoke, Maureen, and Henry making up Team Echo in Patrick’s Nissan pickup. They were scheduled to leave in about two hours at 1530 hours. That time chosen in hopes that the teams could make the run and pow wow with the Godley’s and make it back to the Castle by dark. Just in case they were going to take their day packs for a stay overnight on the road or at the Godley’s for safety reasons. The teams were going loaded for bear, now not knowing but highly suspecting trouble to be at their door. Melvin said, “Guy’s we have been lucky so far, from now on we need to be better prepared when we leave the Castle and while we are at the Castle. From now on we need to have the OP’s manned twenty-four, seven….”

Loud groans came from the whole crowd, a moment later Melvin continued, “I know that is not what you want to hear, but it has to be done whether we like it our not. Our survival is depending on all of us needing to man or lady up and do the necessary things, not just the easy stuff.”

Eddie spoke up and asked, “Think we need to bring one of the Spikes Havoc 40mm grenade launchers we got and some of the forty millimeter HE or HEDP rounds we found in the DHS trucks?”

Henry chimed into the conversation saying, “We have the load bearing equipment with the eight-round package setup already compliments of the DHS. It is two rounds each M441-HE, M433-HEDP, XM1060 Thermobaric, and one of Smoke and the other of CS gas and the one in the tube being buckshot for nine rounds total. That would leave two here at the Castle for the defense of our home and Zaida and Laurens both can handle the weapons along with Kevin. I am sure he can as we have gone over the operation before at his request. He was already pretty familiar with the weapon and it’s usage, it seemed during training.”

Melvin replied, “I say yes to one with us and two here. I guess the real question is who carries the weapon? I need Eddie on his long gun and definitely you too Henry.”

Eddie and Henry both looked to Gretchen with Eddie saying, “My vote is for Gretchen to be the bearer of that bad boy and I think instead of the single shot we need to carry the six-shot M32 MGL grenade launcher. It will give us more bang for our small group, if we have a need. I say we carry a full load and also an extra eight-pack bandolier for the weapon. Melvin you can even be chivalrous and carry the extra ammo for the lady.” The group getting a big laugh out of Eddie volunteering his friend to be a pack mule for the team.

Melvin in a better mood from the ribbing and reality check from his friend said, “I will carry the extra ammunition. I do think we all need to carry a full load-out including full Bug Out Bags not just day packs. We need at least eight magazines for your rifle or SBR and four extra magazines for your sidearms. I am going to carry my Fostech Origin SBV for door entry and lock removal also. Like I said before Eddie you and Henry need long guns besides your SBR and pistols.”

Eddie asked, “The fifty caliber or my POF P300? Both have their advantages.”

Melvin replied, “The Patriot Ordinance Factory 300 Win Mag and Henry can bring his FN 15 DMR II for his long gun. We also need to get Trenton and Penny issued weapons and probably should upgrade Tony and Nancy. I know Nancy has been getting a few lessons from Patrick and Rosa. We are going to start having to have all hands-on deck and they need to start carrying their weight around here. Maybe we can get Jessica and Kevin or Jimmy to work with them and see where they are in their abilities to handle and accurately fire a weapon down range. Hopefully they can get that done while we are gone to see the Godley’s and make our contact call to the Sheriff.”

Henry spoke up saying, “My Julia could use some work at the range also. Especially with her pistol, she is bad to jerk the trigger moving the barrel hard to the left. I have tried to get her to change. Maybe Jessica could have better results than her me, her husband. I am probably to close to her and the problem to help.”

Melvin answered, “Works for me. We need to get ready to roll. I want everyone ready fifteen minutes before time to leave for a load-out check. Remember we need to have our full packs ready for anything and our weapons ready when we arrive back here. I am going to talk with Jessica about our plans and we need to get weapons assigned to the new people and I am out of AR type long guns. Does anyone have any in their personal stash of weapons? I have a couple of Glocks and the SIGs from the DHS for hand guns. I gave the others to Owen and Smoke and Laurens updated his Colt to one of the DHS Daniel Defense rifles along with Elizabeth, Sandy and Patrick when we got those rifles. I have their rifles, a couple of PSAs’ that frankly I had forgotten about and my POF USA Warhog. I would like to keep it as part of my personal arsenal.”

Eddie spoke up saying, “I gave Tony one of the DHS M-4 rifles back when we got them. So, he already has one and does not need to be supplied with a rifle. I do not know if he has ever even fired the dang thing. At least he has one and a dozen magazines. I also gave him a couple of the SIG pistols we acquired. He only had the shotgun; we definitely need to get him and his daughter up to speed. That goes for the Becton siblings too. One other thing. Melvin do you think we could get your full size Fostech for Maureen? She still feels better with a shotgun and it would definitely increase her firepower with a magazine fed weapon. She is good with her 870 on reloads but that Fostech gives her ten rounds up the shoot instead of eight and quicker reloads with the magazine change.”

Melvin replied, “No problem. I even have one of the thirty round drum magazines to go with the shotgun if she wants the heavy thing. Even for me that thirty-round magazine is just to heavy for practical use in the shotgun. Be excellent for a charging horde from a good defensive position or a bunch of zombies, I guess. I have four of the ten round magazines, a couple of the eight rounders and two of the original five round magazines for hunting. Even with all those magazines still only about as many rounds as a couple of thirty round mags from and AR type weapon. I carry five of the ten rounders for my backup Fostech SBV. She probably needs to carry an SBR and at least six magazines as her backup gun. Hope she never uses it, still needs to have it with her just in case. If you know what I mean. We ain’t getting no air drops of ammo like the Army or the Marines. Something we all need to remember. I will even carry a box or two of ammunition extra for her shotgun, along with what I am carry for mine. Since I am already the local beast of burden.” The whole group got a bit of amusement from Melvin’s disparaging and sarcastic remarks about himself.

After the group broke up with all going to take care of their personal business, Melvin went to find Jessica and explain the coming events. He wanted to get his Fostech Origin 12 and make sure it was clean and in good working order before handing it over to Maureen to help defend herself and the group. Hoping he would find Jessica at their living quarters he made a beeline to the tent. Finding her there sorting through some dirty clothes he walked in and enveloped his lovely woman in his arms. Jessica felt the strong arms of her true love wrap around her waist and knew that feel from any other immediately. Enjoying their embrace for a few moments she finally spoke saying, “This is great but I am going to try out our new ringer washer before anyone else thinks about our new addition to the Cudd Castle. What did y’all decide about your trip to the Godley Farm and the call to the Sheriff?”

Melvin released his lover and stepped back before he replied. Looking lovingly into her eyes he said, “Babe, we decided on two trucks with four-man teams in each truck. Just like we talked, except we changed out Maureen for your spot and before you get mad at me. It is the right decision. You have work to do here teaching the two young ones and Julia how to shoot. Henry says he just cannot get her to shoot a pistol at all and the young ones like Nancy, Penny and Trenton will probably respond better to your training than one of us guys. We also need to checkout Tony on his M-4 and his pistol. He is a pretty good shot with a shotgun and should be a quick study.”

Shaking her head from side to side in the universal sign for no, before she started to speak. Sooner than she could get a good mad started she realized he had won the war and was right. Cooling down a little she said, “Okay, I see your point Buster. Don’t mean I agree. We are supposed to be a team you know and teammates work together. Not apart.”

Melvin replied, “We are a team, Babe. Just sometimes it is better for one to be on the bench and come in and kick the winning field goal. Because they are the kicker and that is what they do best. Not trying to be on the defensive side of the ball making tackles. I could never teach people to shoot like you can. For the same token, I am the designated leader of this group and need to go and talk with the Godley’s and see if they want to be part of our team. Now go and try out that new washer. The very one you have been lamenting about not buying when you had the chance before. I hope some of my underwear and socks are on the list for the first load. I am about out of clean stuff and have been wearing things a little longer than I would like and probably a lot longer than anyone else likes.”

Smiling at her man with an impish smile, she replied, “Aw you don’t mean it. I thought that was just that heavenly scent of eau de sweat variety of cologne you have been wearing lately.” Turning and picking up the bag of smelly clothes and heading out of their quarters laughing as she left Melvin standing in amazement at how lucky of a man, he was to have her as his beloved helpmate and wife.

Melvin said, “Hey Jess Babe, wait a minute…” Walking over to his small industrial cage locker he removed the two PSA rifles with SIG Romeo5XDR green dot sights and said, “Jessica, please give the Benton’s these two rifles.”

Handing the pair of rifles to his girl and reached back into their cage and came out with a couple of Glock 17 pistols. Setting the two pistols on a small table he reached back in the cage and came out with a couple of holsters and extra magazines for the rifles and pistols. Putting it all in a pile on the table with the pistols. Shrugging his shoulders, over the deficiencies in the piles, he said, “You will have to get with Eddie or Henry or maybe Jimmy to finish out their load-outs on magazines. I don’t have any more battle belts or back packs for a Bug Out Bag for the two of them either. I think they may have had BOBs, but I am not sure. We need to make sure everyone has a complete load-out here at the Castle even Eli’s girls need a BOB. I am not even sure that some of the ones like Eli, Julia, Rosa and the others even have a bag or a long gun. Get with Laurens he may have some extra stuff. Eddie told me he was a gun nut before this happened and I know he brought a trailer full of stuff. I will admit, I have no idea what he may have or brought with him. I have never even thought to ask about what weapons he may or may not have brought with him. I guess now is as good a time as we are going to get. Now that I think of it, I think we ought to change out Laurens with your dad on this run. He has kind of been left out like a third wheel. What do you think? I know Jack could sure help you with the training and the defense of this place if it came to that.”

In what seemed like a flash it was time for the two teams to head out for the Godley’s farm and make the call to the Sheriff. Jack was moving the jersey barriers to let the two trucks out of the gate. It was decided that the one of the two jersey barriers would be replaced and the other left open so if they had to let the group back into the Castle lair in a hurry. Leaving the Lull holding the grounded jersey barriers and ready to close the gap. The group decided was the quickest and best option for closing outside access to the Castle if the team was being chased on return. Leaving the property entrance and about a mile away from the property Melvin keyed his mic and said, “Team Mike lead calling for Team Echo radio check, over.”

Eddie keyed his throat mic and replied, “Echo reads five by five, over.”

Melvin replied, “Mike out, return to mission SOP on radio, over and out.” The group had decided that for the ride over to the Godley farm the radio SOP after the original check, would be radio silence. With Melvin in the Ford F-350 Super Duty Diesel leading the way. Smoke would keep the Nissan back about forty yards from the back bumper of the Ford. The trucks were riding with the windows down and their weapons ready. Both trucks had even opened the sun roofs and the back-window glass in the trucks. It was decided that the few seconds of rolling the windows down was not worth the comfort. It also might eliminate the glass to the face like had happened on the rescue of Tony Rice and his family. The two trucks rolled out of the friendly confines of their Castle home and headed towards the lake and the secondary bridge across the lake and into the next county. A county where only a few weeks prior most of the group had worked, lived and made their way in the old world.

Out on the main road, Melvin looked to his Team and said, “Hey everybody, I know we have talked about this in the planning and final meeting. We need to keep sharp and pay attention to everything. If you see something or just feel something is out of whack sing out. Watch your quadrant and make sure you can reach your magazines. Gretchen you have my back on the driver side and Patrick you are watching our six just like we planned. Laurens you have everything on the right side of the truck and I will be watching the front as I drive. One last thing, everybody got on their headsets? It will get loud in this truck if we go to shooting and make sure you have them set to the open channel.”

Laurens was the first to reply, “I got your right hand bossman and we all need to have at least ninety degrees. We don’t need to get fixated on any one lane or view. Also, Melvin thanks for trusting me and letting me come on the mission. I was afraid since I have never left the Castle that you all did not trust me to do the job. I will give you a hundred percent, best I can be and all that rah, rah shite.”

Patrick spoke up saying, “I guess I should say the same thing. Even though I figured it was just because I was young, not incompetent. Laurens, I have seen you shoot at the range and you are far from not being able to do the job. I rate you right up there with Eddie and the Mars family. Those people are out of this world when it comes to shooting especially Kevin. Just two times of him working with Rosa and I had amazing results. We were shooting probably a factor of two or three times better than we were before he worked with us. I actually thought I was pretty good, compared to him I was garbage. Maybe not even recent garbage, old rotted in the landfill garbage.”

Melvin smiled at the words being said by his team, knowing that the exchange would help build a tighter team and help get rid of some of the nerves. As he was about to speak, Gretchen spoke for the first time since entering the truck. She said, “Thanks for having me on the team and inviting me to be part of the Cudd Circle. When I started working with Eddie, I figured we would probably just be a team for a short time and I would be back on the desk working for the Captain in a few days. Oh, and by the way, I listened to the call from the Captain and he sounded awfully rote on his transmission more like he was reading or he had memorized the words. Just my two cents on the matter. Hope, I am not out of line.”

Melvin replied, “Gretchen thanks for your opinion…, and no you are not out of line. Did you say anything to Eddie or Henry about your observations of the call by the Sherriff? You working for him everyday probably would know his voice patterns and inflections better than anyone. Probably could tell when he was not speaking the truth or covering up something in a second. I didn’t think of that. That is my bad, you should have been one of the first to hear the tape. Do not let me mess up like that again…. Hey guys that goes for all of you. If you know something or have experience, we need speak up, or as it says in the Bible do not hide your talents under a bushel.”

Gretchen said, “No Sir, I did not say anything to anybody till just now. Didn’t know if I should or not. Being one of the outsiders to the group.”

Melvin said, “Let me say this first things up, we are all one group. No one is an insider or an outsider. Just family.”

Laurens said, “Should we call Team Echo and tell them of this new information?”

Melvin replied, “Nah, I think radio silence is more important right now. We are making good time right now. We will be at checkpoint alpha in about two minutes at this rate. That is where we planned to stop and check on everything and observe the bridge before making our crossing. Gretchen, you make sure and get with Eddie and Henry while we are stopped and inform him of your observations and thoughts.”

Gretchen replied, “Will do, Melvin and thanks for allowing me to be part of this.”

Melvin replied, “On second thought just get with Eddie as his spotter as he sets up at point Alpha. That way you will have the full time to speak with him and compare notes on the situation. The more intel we have the better we can react and be prepared.”