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Post by 223shootersc on Nov 22, 2023 19:15:39 GMT -6
MOAR hounds as promised or warned whichever way you think about it, here is the next chapter. Hope you all enjoy and comments are appreciated.
Hope all have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving Day tomorrow and enjoy it with family loved ones!!
Chapter 18
About thirty-six hours later, after sleeping almost twenty-four plus of those hours or at least the two were in bed. Melvin and Jessica were dressing for the day and hoping for a big breakfast. Melvin putting on his Keen Mt Vernon boots and tying the laces in a safety knot. Melvin was thankful that he had gotten almost all his clothes and boots moved to the Castle before his house was burnt to the ground by the DHS agents. It was a blessing that not all the Castle occupants had gotten the privilege of doing. Melvin had been catching up with the all the new people that had joined the Cudd Circle and trying to make sure he had talked and spent a small amount of individual time with each and everyone.
Melvin and Jessica had made a special attempt to spend some quality time with Sandy and Patrick. Finding out the news from the pair of his niece and nephew that they had been busy at the Castle. Sandy had been providing most of the care of the chickens and rabbits. Patrick had been building the hutches for both the original rabbits and the ones that he and Rosa had trapped along with managing the gun range that he and Rosa had built. A fact that made Melvin very proud of his sisters’ children. Two youngsters that were now not just his niece and nephew but for all practical purposes now his children. Thinking to himself he was glad he had not called them children as they were a lot more grown up than he was even when he graduated from college and possibly even graduate school. Melvin told them both how proud they made him and how they had been doing grown up work and he was bursting with pride at their accomplishments. In asking them if they needed anything they both replied that they needed more clothes and boots. Patrick saying that if had not have gotten those extra clothes brought with him that Elizabeth and Celeste had bought on Black Friday that he did not know what he would be doing. Going naked he guessed.
Sandy had joined her brother in saying, “Uncle Melvin do not think we are complaining. We are not, at all. However, Trenton, Pennie, Nancy, and Rosa they have almost no clothes. Well, Rosa has some clothes but they are not any good for working in or being outside. Her jeans and stuff are all designer clothes and the ones that did not have holes in them to start, they sure have them now. That and the socks she wears are like those little lacy half socks that barely come up over the tops of your tennis shoes. Heck, Nancy did not even have an extra pair of underwear and for a while she and her mom were too fancy are whatever to even ask. Then when Elizabeth and Celeste gave some to them, her mom would not wear them or let Nancy even. The bitch even told Elizabeth and Celeste that her family did not wear cotton underwear only silk. I am not going to say what aunt Elizabeth told her about where she could stuff that cotton underwear for all she cared. Let us just say that Rosa and I laughed till we almost cried.” Finished Sandy almost stifled her laugh. In the end she just busted out laughing.
Jessica grinning answered, “Sandy, that is funny. We need to get them some clothes, for no other reason than health reasons. With all of us here together any infections could be dangerous to us all. We will need to keep our immune systems as tip top shape as possible….” Turning to Melvin she said, “I guess us doing physicals is past due, like we talked about. We are going to have to start them ASAP.”
Melvin replied, “Yeah, I know you are right just not today. We all still need some more R&R right now. I think we probably need to interview everyone and see if they have other physical needs besides medicines. Boot, socks, underwear, coats, and heaven forbid hygiene products like soap and toothpaste and other unmentionables for the women. Now with those pleasant thoughts it is about time to eat. Sandy and Patrick love ya. Hey please remember we are always here for the two of you and keep us in the loop with what you have going on. Like raising chickens and rabbits that I knew nothing about that was important work that maybe had we have known we could have helped.” The foursome headed towards the smell of fresh bread just coming out of three large Dutch ovens it was supper time in the Castle.
Finished dressing and donning their personal weapons, Melvin and Jessica kissed and walked out of the backside corner office that they had chosen for their living quarters. Melvin turned around and walked back into the room and dampened down the air flow on their small wood heater. Doing this for two reasons one to control the burn and not consume valuable wood assets and secondly to minimize the heat signature in the building. As Jessica stepped back into their bedroom, Melvin was finished adjusting the heater and heading back to catch up with his wife to be. Melvin caught her before he knocked her over. Giving her a big hug, he grinned and said, “Baby, I love ya but you are always going to lose in a head on collision between us. But if you wanted another big hug all you had to do is ask. I have millions for you.” His belt knife was sticking into her mid-section and she fell into the whimsical mood of Melvin saying, “Lover, is that your pistol sticking into my pelvic bone or are you just glad to see me?”
Her question catching Melvin a little off guard and he did not immediately reply as was his usual banter. Then his brain kicked in gear and he replied, “Like always baby, I am sure glad to see you.” Squeezing her backside he continued, “Come on let’s get on with it before we get sidetracked again this morning.”
She squeezed his backside right back and replied, “You have never complained before! Now have ya?” The two continued on their way to the dining area walking hand-in-hand like two high school sweethearts walking down the hall in high school headed to class. The two looking to anyone who saw them as if their world was picture perfect and they did not have a care in their loving heads.
Melvin squeezed her hand and said, “What have you got planned this morning? I promised Fran and Beth that I would take them to see the rabbits and the chickens this morning after breakfast. If you have time, I would love for you to walk with us. That would let you get to know them a little better. I remember the last time you kept them back in the days before the calamity they gave you a run for your money. Elizabeth told me that they were feeling a little left out of everything. They really do not have any peers here. I think the closes in age to them is either Penny or Nancy and they are four or five maybe even six years older than even Fran the oldest.”
Jessica replied, “I would love too. I need to check on April right after we eat. I will only be ten to fifteen minutes tops. Can you keep the girls occupied for that long?”
Melvin replied, “No problem, they love Uncle Melvin. I can catch up with Elizabeth while I wait. She told me she wanted to get with me about a couple of issues that happened while we were away taking care of the DHS situation. That and maybe Eddie will be there and I will check with him about a service for the captain and his wife. We already put their bodies in the ground. I think Eddie and Jimmy took care of digging a grave the same night we got back. I think we should probably do something. I need to get with Tony and see if he wants to do anything about us trying and locate his wife.”
Jessica replied, “That all sounds good. Except for bringing up the wife that has left Tony and his daughter. I do not think any good and a lot of bad could come from bringing up that subject. That is a horse and cow doctors’ opinion, for what that is worth. You know my usual patients do not have many verbal opinions on things.” Laughing at her own pun and the expression on Melvin’s face.
As the couple walked up to the area where people were already starting to serve their plates from the platters of scrambled eggs, grits, biscuits, and the bowls of milk gravy. Melvin was verbally accosted by Jimmy saying, “Bossman, if you cannot get here on time just get here when you can. We have waited for ever on the two of you and Elizabeth and Julia would not even put the food out till they saw the two of you headed this way. Come on Bossman help a brother out and do not be late for breakfast.”
Before Melvin could respond, Fran and Beth were shouting for Melvin and Jessica to come and sit with them. Telling them loudly they had saved them seats right beside them. Elizabeth was trying to calm her two daughters down, even going so far as to say Melvin would not take them to see the bunnies if they did not behave. Her efforts were to no avail as the girls new that Melvin never broke a promise, never ever. Melvin pulled on Jessica’s hand and waded into the large gathering of his people and his best little girls with his best big girl.
Melvin replied, “Jimmy, hush and quit giving Elizabeth and Julia trouble. They are under strict orders to not ever serve you, Eddie, and Patrick, or let you beg or steal anything to eat before I get to the table….”
Pulling out one of the chairs beside Beth for Jessica and the one beside Fran for himself they sat down to eat breakfast. Continuing Melvin asked, “Jimmy, did you even ask the good Lord’s blessings before starting to eat? If not, I think we should. Today we have a lot to be thankful for here at the Castle. Don’t cha think?”
Jimmy tried to answer with a large bite of cathead biscuit and milk gravy in his mouth, His answer came out more like something Mushmouth from the Bill Cosby cartoons fame would have spoken. Melvin grinned and said, “I am taking that as a no….” Starring at Jimmy for a correction or another attempt at a discernable answer. Not getting one from Jimmy he continued, “Everyone let us bow out heads and have a moment of silent prayer of thanksgiving for all our blessings. Then if no one objects I would like to say a prayer and a blessing of our food to start today.” Pausing for effect as the question had really been rhetorical and he was not expecting anyone from the Cudd Circle to disagree or protest. Waiting about a full minute for everyone to speak to their maker.
Melvin started, “Dear Lord in heaven I want to say thank you and praise you for the gift of your son Jesus Christ whose birthday we just celebrated along with his death and resurrection. This gave us all a chance for redemption of our sins and salvation through his blood sacrifice. God, we thank you for this great sacrifice from you and your son. Lord, we pray for your guidance and protection in all that we do. We pray for the ones whose lives were lost in battle. We pray that your will was done in all our actions. God today we say thank you that all our family came back from the battle and were protected by your shield and love. God we are thankful for the roof over our head and the food we are about to partake. We know God that it is all a gift from you for which we are eternally grateful. Thanks for loving us even though we are sinners and always being there for us. God, we love you and thank you for all your blessings. In your holy son Jesus’s name we say, Amen!” A chorus of Amens were heard throughout the Castle followed by Jimmy saying, “Can we eat now Bossman, I am starving and the gravy is getting cold.” The whine in Jimmy’s voice broke up the whole clan and everybody got a big kick out of the look he received from the Bossman.
About two hours later after finishing breakfast and taking Fran and Beth to see the chickens and the Bunnies; Melvin went to meet with Jimmy, Eddie, Jack, Laurens, Smoke, Tony, Maureen, Henry, Elizabeth, Brenda, and Pauline. All were brought together to discuss their priorities of which the group had many. Melvin started, “Everyone we have many things that we need to discuss and do. We have had a few days for everyone to catch their collective breaths and now we need to get back to work. I am going to start by asking a series of questions to each of you with your specialty. Just because I ask one person a specific question does not mean that if you were not asked that you cannot deliver your thoughts and expertise on the matter. I just ask that you wait till the person to whom the questions were initially addressed have finished their report. Everyone understands the procedure….”
“Another thing these questions are just in a random order we will as a collective have to assign priorities and the labor force and equipment to complete these tasks. I know that in some instances the same labor and equipment will be required to accomplish the two different tasks. At that point we will have to figure out which is our priority. Remember it may be a priority to you but to the whole Cudd Circle something else might take precedence. An example is Smoke has been wanting a Harley Fatboy for as long as I have known him and probably longer than that. When he found out that there was a tricked out CYO Road Glide lying in the front yard of the station, well I thought we were going to have to restrain him from going after it right then. That is an example of how it might be a great and number one priority for one of us but for the group it would fall to number six or eighty-three for the Circle. I am not picking on you, my friend. It was just the best example I could come up with off the top of my head or seat of my pants whichever you think fits best….”
Pausing for a moment, he grinned at Smoke and started again, “Okay, I am going to start with an easy one, a layup, slam dunk or an open three-pointer for Seth Curry.”
“Tony, I am starting with you. I am sure that I knew this information, but I have not addressed it and I apologize. I could have maybe helped at least a little. Tony, I was told you only had like the clothes on your back. Truth is I already knew that as Eddie and I came and picked you up from the Ford place what seems like a hundred years ago and you sure did not have a truck load of suitcases. That we had to put in the back of the pickup for you or Nancy. My question is do the BDUs, field jackets, underwear, socks, and boots that we picked up from the DHS lockers and brought back here with us for you fix that problem?”
Tony stood a little straighter and replied, “Melvin, for the most part the answer is yes. I could still use some good boots that fit a little better. I have a weird sized foot, most of the time I can wear a size ten but other times I need a ten and a half. The problem is there were both size ten and size eleven boots. The size ten is too small and the size elevens are too big. The rest of the clothes fit good. Still could probably use a couple more pairs of pants. I have been told by Kevin that in the big trailers there are more BDUs I think you called them. I may be able to find some of them in the supply trucks and hopefully another better fitting pair of boots.”
Melvin replied, “Good deal, Tony. I would bet that any boots in the trailer would be the same as the ones we brought from the lockers, standard issue probably. Maybe we will get lucky when we go back to the Sheriff’s Office to finish the recovery, maybe one of the DHS guys had some personal boots that will fit. Sounds like you have a plan though for starters. Now did this answer the question for Nancy and does anyone else here know if there are others in our group with the same problem.”
Henry raised his hand, then started to speak, “Melvin, my Julia and Rosa need better clothes. Like the BDU’s that were brought back. They mostly had dress clothes or designer type jeans and not really any good work type shoes or boots I am sorry to say. They could use some clothes also. They have clothes not nothing like Tony and Nancy, just not the right ones. Sorry.”
Melvin replied, “No, Henry do not be sorry or worry for telling the truth. I apologize that this has not been handled already. Had we have been thinking, when we were at the Tractor Supply, we could have gotten some clothes and boots for the ladies and Tony. It is probably not priority number one, right this minute. It is a lot higher now than it has been up till this point. That I promise, you all.”
Melvin looking as if his best coon dawg had just been run over to everyone present. They were all thinking what they could have done to fix the situation before now and upset that they all had failed the Cudd Circle family. Finally, able to get his head around the fact that it seemed he had failed on so many levels to provide proper leadership to the group. Melvin continued, “All, I have just had an epiphany. I think it is time for a new leader of our group here. It has become evident to me that I have failed miserably in my feeble attempt at leadership of the group. I guess in times past this would require some type of formal letter of resignation. Tony, Henry and all whom I have failed you have my deepest regrets for doing so and my sincere apology. I do promise to help to my fullest anyone who becomes the new leader not to make the profound mistakes I have made. That is all I can say and I guess the meeting is over until such time as new leadership is duly elected.”
The group was stunned into absolute and deafening silence by the startling revelation from Melvin of his professed failure to lead. It was an unsuitable and chilling two minutes before any rebuttal or comments were made by anyone in the group. At last Tony said, “Melvin, I can only speak for myself and my daughter Nancy. I will say this for the two of us, without your efforts to get this place of refuge and sanctuary for us to stay we would have probably perished within the first few days of this ordeal. Not only did you offer us a place without asking for anything in return for the offer, it was you who led a team to come and rescue my family. Rescue us from our place of cold and no food at the dealership and for that I will be forever in your defense and debt. Again, I cannot speak for the others, in my case you accepted my wife who at the best of times was a genuine pain in the ass. I hate to admit it, I do not think there was ever a best of times with her, just monetary appeasement. The truth is our family could have been expelled for her actions on numerous occasions and probably should have been. But no you helped move us to the waste treatment plant to calm her down, instead of throwing us out. I have also seen how you have worked tirelessly to keep this place safe and as comfortable as possible. Even to the fact of going out and checking on things and doing the outside work when it put your own safety and health in jeopardy. I know I am a car salesman and maybe the rest of you do not feel this way but you should. Except for a couple of people who are his family or adopted family we are all here at his discretion. I think you need to think long and hard about that fact before you go and elect another leader. Just my two cents worth on this matter, now I will shut up. One more thing Melvin I got your back from now until I take my last breath. I speak for my daughter who I know feels the same way about your leadership and being here at the Cudd Castle.”
Henry said, “Si, Senor Tony. I feel the same way, my Julia showed much disrespect and caused some trouble when we first moved here. I must say a place much better than any alternative place we could have gone. Also, no disrespect to anyone but we consider it most fortunate now that Melvin and his familia ask us to be part of his familia. He is our Jefe or as Jimmy calls him Bossman. The name of respect fits Senior Melvin to a tee. It is not his fault that we did not have the right clothes and not his responsibility it is mine as papa. Yet, he takes it on himself and says he failed. I say no we all have failed him. I and my Rosa and Julia are Cudd familia and he is our Jefe.”
Melvin started to speak and was cut off by Smoke saying, “I have known this man for a long time and have always felt it a privilege that he called me friend. Not because he helped sponsor my super late model and career choice. He is a friend and will give you the shirt off his back. Just before this all happened, when I told him that he was going to make some money off his investment he just told me to put it into the car. Most sponsors would have wanted to know why I had not already paid them. Truth is he is one of my biggest sponsors and has never even asked to have his company name put on the car. Owen and I put it on there out of respect, gave him the whole front hood the first time. He made us when we got new wraps to just put it on smaller on the front fender. That is where we usually put our small distributor sponsors. I can speak for myself and Owen he is our leader and out of the goodness of his heart he allowed us to come here just like Tony and Henry. No one, but him will get our vote. No one!”
As Smoke was finishing speaking, Jimmy, Elizabeth, Jack, all rose from their seats and walked over and stood beside their friend, partner, future son-in-law and forever leader. In a show of solidarity to any who would stand against Melvin. Seeing the others get up Laurens and Maureen stood and walked to stand with Melvin. The only ones left who had not affirmed their intentions to back Melvin were the Godley’s Pauline and Brenda.
Pauline stood and said, “Our family has only been here a few days. I will tell you all this, my dad told us we should have taken the offer to come and join Melvin and his family from the beginning. Going on to say that pride had almost cost the Godley family their lives and had cost some. I am just glad to say that after only being here for a small while I can say with a professional opinion that Melvin is leader of men and women. I saw just the other day his fifteen- or sixteen-year-old nephew correct a war hardened special forces veteran on tactics and movement. I ask him where he learned such and he told me his uncle had told him about movement and such when teaching him to hunt. I speak for the Godley clan we are here to stay and this place is called the Cudd Castle for a reason. The reason is one that I now understand completely in just a few short days of being here. It is out of respect to our leader and benefactor Melvin Cudd. There will be no vote for any other if the Godley’s have a say in weather we vote or not. Now Melvin, I say get back to leading and having your meeting. As you said to start, we have a lot of things to do and need to prioritize getting them completed.”
Melvin was almost brought to tears at the complete show of reinforcement of his ability and leadership of the Circle. It was amazing and caught him unprepared for the show of encouragement that he had been given for his performance to this point and leading forward. Jack seeing Melvin faltering in his ability to respond, said, “I think a couple, of things that must be on the list that Melvin started to speak of has to be finishing the camouflage paint job on the Castle. Another is going back to the Sheriff’s Office and retrieving the key equipment and supplies that were left behind at the station. All left due to our lack of time and ability to have enough drivers and support or shotgun riders for the drivers to bring the other trucks back. We know there is still food, equipment and other valuable supplies inside the building and the overturned five-ton. Not to mention the motorcycles that need to be recovered. Also, Henry reminded me that there are still three underground fuel storage tanks at the facility that need to be checked and the fuel brought back to our site if possible. Probably need a storage system for the fuel first but we could make good use of it in the future if it is still available. Probably need some fuel additive like Pri-D or Stabil for the fuels. Anybody else got anything to add to the list.”
Pauline replied, “I have two things. We still need to go and retrieve the rest of the feed from our farm and we could probably after seeing what we have to work with bring a few more head of cows to the property. At least bring a couple of steers to slaughter now and two more to do the same with in early spring. The other thing is we have two aboveground fuel tanks at our farm. One was for diesel 750-gallon tank and the other is a 500-gallon gasoline tank. They were empty after we filled up all our equipment and trucks to come here. The tanks are there for the taking and we can load them with the loader at the farm. They have good battery-operated pump heads on the tanks.”
Melvin finally getting back his ability to speak, started by saying, “I would like to say thank you to all your support. I will try to do better and earn this support that you have shown me. Jack for getting our meeting back on track, I say thank you also. One of the other things that needs to be on the agenda according to my wife is going and checking out the local pharmacies. We have some people here on maintenance medications we already know and maybe more that we do not. Our goal would be to see if we can recover any of the medicines that we may need now or in the future. According to her they have probably all been ransacked and looted for the narcotics by now. We might still be able to get OTC stuff and possibly some stuff like Metformin, anti-biotics, and other things that may help with blood pressure or other common maladies. She also reminded me that we need to go and recover all the feed for the animals that was at the Tractor Supply where we found Trenton and Penny when we were Christmas shopping. We will need to get clothes for our ladies and guys there if there are any left. There were plenty a few days ago, which seems like a few years. Anybody else got any ideas about where we might need to go and do?”
Jimmy replied, “I would like to go and see my buddies gun store and see if it is still there. Besides Kevin tells me we need re-loading capabilities for the fifty-caliber rifles and those new 338 Lapua Magnum rifles the DHS donated to the cause. There are three other small places that we need to check for the same thing. We will have to start somewhere. I would say we start with going back to the Police station. It is or was a known entity that had stuff we wanted and will need or at least be great to have. Even better it is better for us to have it than the bikers and gangbangers them, or any other miscreants. I guess while we are doing that Jack and Smoke and their team of painters could be finishing the camo paint project on the building. Since they are right at the front, they would be able to keep an eye and respond to the defense of the Castle in a hurry. Next would probably be the Godley’s farm and maybe it should be first for the meat and the fuel tanks. Even if there is not any fuel left in the tanks at the Sheriff’s Office, we are going to need those fuel tanks at some time.”
Pauline replied, “I was not at the Sheriff’s Office but from what Senior and Junior told me there are things there that we might not be able to get anywhere else. The feed and the cows maybe we can get at other places and the fuel tanks can come from Smith’s and maybe we get a big propane tank from there also and bring a truck and fill it up. We were there a couple of weeks ago and it was still viable option. It is in the industrial part of town and the no-goods are not familiar with the area of town where people work for a living it would seem.”
Melvin said, “In talking with Trenton and Pennie, they brought up another area that we have not thought about or least I have not thought about. They were telling me about drones and they told me that the local technical college had a great program that was sponsored by Clemson University for agricultural drones. They are the type that were used so well for attacks against armor in the Ukraine- Russian war by the Ukrainians. Trenton had taken a couple of courses in the building and programing of the drones as part of a package he qualified for at Greenwood High School. He was thinking that they would be great for surveillance of the property and eye in the sky so to speak. They thought we could get everything they need to build a couple or more than likely pick up the quadcopters there at the college. That brings me to the fact that it would probably help to have some security cameras mounted and have some monitoring devices. That would possibly do two things, one is maybe give us an early warning system notice of any one trying to sneak attack or are just surveilling us like we did the Sheriff’s Office. The second is we maybe could cut back on our LPs if we have the area covered with drones and cameras. I guess that needs to be a priority at some time in the future and the quicker the better in my opinion.”
Jack said, “We can have the camo project done by the end of the day. That is the front of the building. We probably need to do both ends, the back of the facility and do some on the roof. Just to cover all our angles and bases. I had not really thought about the roof till you started talking about drones. You know, if we thought about it maybe other groups have already. We know that the government already had them and one step farther maybe satellite surveillance. Just a thought. Either way give me Tony, Sandy and Smoke and we will be able to get enough done in the next two days to not worry about the front and the sides and maybe break up our lines on the roof.”
Melvin said, “Jimmy and Eddie can you put a plan together on labor and equipment to go back to the Station. Put down what you want and think you need. Remember that just because you say you want this person or that truck does not mean that somebody else might not want that same piece of equipment or person. The plan will need to have contingencies.”
“Pauline, please put a plan together to go back to your farm and recover the cattle food, the extra cows, and the fuel tanks. As part of that plan, I want a secondary phase to be to get the food and clothes and whatever is useful from the Tractor Supply.”
“I am going to get with Trenton and Jessica and start a plan to get the stuff from the pharmacies and the drones from the college. I think we can do those two together as most of the pharmacies in town are not far from the college. I think we need to get the plan for going back to the Sheriff’s Office back to us in the next thirty minutes as it needs to be done today. I would really like to shove off within the hour. Anyone got any questions, if not we need to get started, get to it people.”
Elizabeth spoke up saying, “Melvin, I would like to start getting stuff off the two big trailers and even if we do not bring it inside off the trailer, we need to take stock and inventory the contents. There may be something that we need sitting right on here on our docks and we are going out risking our people to find it and we do not need to. We already have it here. One other thing to all we have another truck driver in Adan. His wife can help with the cooking and is a Nurse Practioner to help take some of the load off Jessica. Maybe they can help with carrying some of the load.”
Melvin said, “One more thing with the planning, I want Henry to stay here at the Castle and man the radios. We had a little trouble reaching our home base. I do not think that would have been the case had Henry been here to optimize the receivers. Henry, have you given everyone a radio and checked them out on them yet. If not, that needs to happen like right now.”
Henry responded, “Si. Melvin, I have assigned new radios to everyone except Ms. Zaida’s brother and his wife. I think there was a problem when they first got here and I was not sure if they were to be trusted. My mistake, I apologize. I will take care of it immediately as directed.” The expression on Henry’s face was one of ‘oh crap!’
Melvin replied, “Whoa, whoa! What is this about a problem with Adan and Debra? More important what is why am I just hearing about it now. Since they have been here for a couple of days at least.”
Holding up her hand as she had done many times before when she had seen Melvin about to go off on one of their employees for some perceived or real miscalculation. Elizabeth said, “Whoa, yourself Bossman. Do not blow a gasket…. I handled the problem and it was just a misunderstanding and did not involve Adan. It was only a mistake by Debra, not her husband, I handled it and Zaida reinforced the Cudd Circle way on the pair. We are all good, now. No need to get your panties all in a wad.” Everyone getting a big laugh out of the way Elzabeth had brought the Melvin train to a screeching halt.
Everyone had broken apart and Eddie and Jimmy were sitting in the eating area trying to decide who and what to take to get the supplies form the Sherrif’s Office. Jimmy said, “We need to take the five-ton and the HUMVEE as they both have machine guns. They give us big force multipliers. I think we need to take Melvin’s truck as it has the structural cage and the doors and tailgate armored with the stuff Smoke mounted in the door panels and the tailgate. We need to take an extra driver for the five-ton that is still at the Station. The question is do we need to pull a trailer with Melvin’s truck.”
Eddie replied, “I do not think we will need to pull a trailer, unless we are planning on getting the motorcycles. My guess is the bikers have already come and recovered their members bikes. Those things are their livelihood. If they have not then we will need to take the neck-over trailer for the bikes. It is crap shoot, I say yes and Owen can come and be the extra driver. I think we put Robby Jr. on the Ma Deuce with Maureen driving the HUMVEE and Naomi riding shotgun, Kevin, and Zaida in the back. Robby Sr. can drive the five-ton and I am thinking Laurens on the M-240 with me riding shotgun. Patrick can drive Melvin’ s F-550 with the trailer with Melvin riding shotgun. Jessica and Owen can ride in the back with Gretchen. Kevin, Zaida, and Owen can switch to the second five-ton on the way back. I would love to bring Jerome or Trenton along but I do not know how we can do that without bringing another vehicle. I think three is all we want to bring with us. What do you think?”
Jimmy scratched the side of his head, something he often did while thinking and said, “I think we need to bring the Nissan with Patrick driving it and Jerome riding shotgun. The reason is what if we had a truck to break down or lost one in an ambush. We need more vehicles than just two to get us all back here.” After about three more minutes of discussion, they decided that they needed to take the fourth vehicle and probably Adan to ride with Patrick and Jerome.
The meeting only took about three minutes to decide that the plan seemed sound. Pauline and Robby Sr. were still trying to get together a group that included Brenda to go back to the farm and retrieve the feed, cows, and fuel tanks along with a couple of other things that Pauline wanted to bring back if they had room and time. Robbie Sr. and the rest of the Godley’s wanted to have more bedding and a couple of the living room recliners if they could get them and bring them back to the Castle. Pauline also wanted to bring back their big dinning room table that seated a dozen with all three of its leaves added. The big conference table was nice but it only sat comfortably about fourteen and that was just not quite enough in her mind.
As Melvin was leading the team that was heading back to the Sheriff’s Office out of the Castle property and turning onto the state road; Jack was on the ground and Smoke on top of the building were watching Tony and Sandy rope repel off the top of the building with their paint guns attached to their harness. Smoke was reciting the mantra of smooth is fast to his pair of Repeller’s as they stepped over the side and dropped out of his site momentarily. Stepping to the edge of the building roof and looking over he got a thumbs up from Sandy. Locking out her rope she reached for her paint gun and took a test spray on the wall to check the effect of the wind on her spray. Seeing it was a little heavy she readjusted her nozzle and started painting her section of the wall. Thinking to herself this was a lot better job than watching April in the infirmary.
Even though Rosa had told her just this morning that the patient was beginning to come around more and more every hour. April had even asked for some water and then food this morning before going back to sleep from the meds she was getting by IV. Rosa told her that April was being weaned off the powerful medicines that she had been given for pain and to keep her sedated. She was scheduled to be completely off the by pain meds by the end of the day if the medicine removal plan that Jessica put in place was successful. One of the complications that Jessica, Brenda, and Debra did not know how to calculate was the effect of the drugs she had been given during her time with bikers. Withdrawal could definitely be a impediment that they may have to deal with in her recovery. All three of the medical team of the Cudd Circle was hoping and praying that it would not hinder April’s recovery. All three agreeing that they just did not have the expertise or the resources to fight addiction. Debra quoted something she had been taught about in her training that with the trauma the lady had been through that the narcotics may not have been addicting just a dependency, as they were required and may help with some of the physiological trauma.
Melvin hit his mike and said, “Tail end Charlie, keep our six covered and be ready to supply us some firepower at the front if needed. Everyone else, I hope I do not need to remind you to be locked and loaded and ready to rock and roll. Team Charlie One Actual, over and out.” Melvin not expecting an answer as they had agreed to go radio silent unless the enemy was seen or they were attacked in any way. The twenty-minute ride back the way they had passed returning to the Castle just a few days ago went smoothly. As they were nearing the Sheriff’s Office Melvin looked to Jessica and asked, “What is up my pretty? You look like you are a million miles away. I need your A-game today Jess. We are almost to the Sherif’s Office and it could be dicey from here on out. I know it has been a ride in the park so far that could change any minute.”
Jessica looked to Melvin and replied, “I am ready. I was just thinking it was not that long ago that I came down this same road for the first time. I was without hesitation moving here to be with my true love and live a life of happiness, love, and blessings. The life that a country girl had always dreamed of for all my years. The one where I get the Prince and I am his Queen and all is well with the world. Do you know what I mean? I am a big girl and I know life is not really like that. I was not expecting that we would be warlords or whatever we are now. Just wishing and remembering, I guess. I am good if I have you, big guy. What more could I ask for…, than you. Love ya and I am locked and loaded and ready to party like its 1999.”
Gretchen said, “Now, Jessica you are going to make me cry and I ain’t even busting your chops. That was some real-life love poetry right there, girl. I am sure glad that Smoke and I had that talk ourselves.”
Melvin turned the F-550 pulling the neck over trailer into the driveway of the Station and if looks were not deceiving, it looked just like it did a couple of days ago when they left. The only difference was the buzzards and crows were on the front yard picking at what Melvin assumed was pieces of carrion from the bodies of the dead DHS thugs and the bikers and gangbangers. They had put the bodies in a pile poured diesel fuel on them and burned them as best they could. The truth is that when big bore fifty-caliber rifle rounds and or high velocity machine gun rounds hit the human body bits, pieces and chunks fly everywhere. Those parts were what he guessed was the attraction for the crows and buzzards. His thoughts were interrupted when Zaida asked, “Why are there a million buzzards and crows all over the yard?”
Kevin answered, “The Buzzards and Crows need to eat and there was a lot of blood and small pieces left everywhere. We gathered up the bodies and set them on fire. We did not have time nor the inclination to dress up all the body parts and fluids that were associated with the violent deaths of all the people here in the battle between us the DHS, and gangs. Best they eat it up, it is God’s way of taking care of the messy things in life.”
Gretchen and Zaida almost simultaneously said, “Ewwww….” Their reaction got a big laugh from the guys in the truck and hard looks back from the ladies.
Melvin keyed his mike and said, “Everybody heads up and be ready we are proceeding directly around to the back. We all know our places and jobs, stay sharp. Junior up top with that M-249 and Eddie and Kevin give him some company with those Barrett 107s. Maureen you have the back with the HUMVEE go ahead and man the Ma Deuce. The rest of us will get the stuff loaded. Jimmy you and Patrick pull my truck around front and start gathering the motorcycles that you picked out the other day for recovery and any others we may can use for parts.”
Melvin was standing at the back of the Police station looking out towards the five-ton that was still laying on its side about a half a mile away. The truck to the naked eye looked just like it did when they left the site. He reached down to his left leg cargo pocket on his pants and pulled out his monocular to have a better look at the truck. Melvin wanted to see if there was anything about the picture that looked out of place. Melvin had learned a long time ago to trust his subconscious thoughts patterns when something seemed off center. Like playing Texas Hold ‘em and folding a straight and the other player is holding a flush. At this time his gut was hollering for him to run like the wind, something was just not right. If it smelled like dog crap, and looked like dog crap it was always dog crap on your shoe. He would bet right now that it was not gum and did not really care if he was getting the odds in his favor. Keying his mike, “Junior, Kevin and Eddie have you noticed anything out of place in the Station or around the outside. Either way give me a three-sixty hard look of the surrounding area. Please for sure take a long gander across the street from which we attacked before. I feel like something is hinky here. The stuff that is here is not worth us losing one person….”
“Jimmy, keep your eyes open out there and keep the truck running. The parts bikes are a no right now. I am getting a real bad feeling about this place, over.”
“Got it, Bossman. Only the good stuff and keep our powder dry,” replied Jimmy over the comms channel. Then looked to Jerome and said, “You heard the Bossman. We put the four bikes that were untouched right over there. We can load them in a couple of minutes, they all run. I have the coil wires and hopefully we can drive them right up on the trailer. Get the ramps down and I will get the first bike coming your way.”
Patrick responded, “Actual, I have the same feeling. The one you told me about when you think you hear something in the woods but are not sure. You probably did hear something on some level.”
Junior called over the radio saying, “Actual, we got nothing on the first zero to infinity quick view from all three angles. We are each taking a one-twenty and doing it right. Kevin has the across the road old home place as he has the most multiplication on his scope. We will give you a holler if anything changes, Bossman.”
Gretchen joined the conversation saying, “Oscar Charlie one, can you get the five-ton to the back door. We will be bringing out the MRE’s and the other equipment right now.” Owen told her he was already at the backdoor and was manning the M-240, to let him know when it was full or they needed something else from him.
Melvin decided he needed to be doing something to speed up getting things out of the station and into the trucks. Keying his mike as he went through the backdoor of the station, “Eddie, y’all let me know if you even think you have a hit or see anything out of the ordinary. I am going to help move stuff out of the building.”
Gretchen seeing Melvin said, “Melvin, we got the MRE’s can you start emptying the lockers. Remember they had those duffel bags stored over by the showers. We can just fill them up and sort the stuff when we get it back to the Castle. It would help a lot. We will probably be through with the food before you get all that stuff bagged and we will come tote the duffels out to the trucks.”
Melvin nodded his head affirmatively and said, “Sounds, like a plan. Tell everyone to keep their long guns on their bodies and do not lay them down. I have a feeling that something is rotten in Denmark as they say.” Passing on Gretchen’s right in the hallway on his way to the locker-room as she carried three cases of MREs towards Owen and the five-ton. Entering the locker-room he went straight towards the showers and picked up about a dozen duffel bags in his arms and went straight back to the double row of lockers. Laying the bags on the middle bench and looked to the lockers that Gretchen and he had rambled through and took some of the loot days before. This time he planned to take it all if the bad guys and thugs would stay somewhere else bothering the rest of the world for a couple of hours.
On top of the building, Eddie asked, “Junior, Kevin you all got anything? I am out to about a thousand meters on my third scan to about fifteen hundred and I got nothing. I must admit, even before Melvin called us, I had the same feeling. As they say if it seems too good to be true, it probably is not. Know what I mean…?”
Kevin replied first, “I got nothing, Eddie and I am on my third fifty to infinity track myself. I am going to run it backwards fifteen to fifty this time, just to make sure. How about you Junior, you are using your binoculars instead of a scope like we are and you may have a better look? Definitely a wider view.”
Junior answered, “Nothing…. I think we ought to trade our sections with each other and each of us get a different look. You know, just in case. A different set of eyes may catch something, we missed.”
Owen said, “Hey back there, make sure that stuff is stacked good. We have the load bars but they are a little different than what is on a big rig. You know how to use them?”
Adan replied, “I got it, Owen. Is this the truck I am going to drive. I know you drove the other five-ton here.”
“Does not matter to me, one bit. You pick, I am all good either way. Just a truck and a load,” answered Owen truthfully to the new guy whom he could not remember his name.
Jessica set her three boxes of MREs on the back of the truck and hollered to Adan in the back stacking the MRE boxes. “Hey, Adan we probably each have a load a piece and maybe a couple of us will have to bring a second load and we will be through with the food. I do not know what will be next but be ready and say something if you cannot keep up. There are five of us and only one of you. It makes no sense to not get it stacked and loaded correctly.”
Back inside the building Melvin was loading the third large duffle bag from the fifth locker of DHS agent stuff when over his ear piece he heard, “Team Mike Actual, comeback.”
Melvin set the hand full of BDU pants into the bag and replied, “Hotel Gulf One, I read you five-by-five send your traffic, comeback.”
Henry replied, “Actual, we have traffic from out of the area wanting to speak with Actual. Said that his ticket for admittance to the dance was a whitetail eye-shot with an SKS at about two-hundred meters on a dark foggy night. Added that his at the time brother-in-law was running the million-candlepower spotlight for the shot and he was your truck driver. Went on to say something to the effect that his stupid brother-in-law cut out the light and you had a few choice words to say to him about turning the light back on. Said the light came back on for like a milli-second before the weapon spoke and the deer died right where it stood. Said when he asked how you shot the deer you told him all you could see was its two eyes reflecting from the one-point-million candle power and you aimed between the relections for the shot. The deer had a hole almost in the inside corner right above its left eye. Best called spot light shot ever in his opinion.”
Melvin busted out laughing and then replied, “Hotel Gulf One, see if Scooter can wait to talk or if he needs to do it right now. We should be back at central station in three hours or less and we will talk all he wants, copy.”
“Roger that, actual. I will get back with answer from Scooter ASAP, over,” Henry answered. Then called back to the supposed friend of Melvin and relayed the message as directed by the Cudd Circle leader. The unknown entity that Melvin had already affirmed that only three people on the planet new that story and he was one so that only left two possibilities and one of them new he would be welcome. The third would probably get a severe whipping if either of the other two were to cross his path. The person on the other end of the radio advised Henry that he would be awaiting the call back on the same station as the one they originally made contact.
Elizabeth and Julia while they had people out an about started the inventory on the larger fifty-three foot oversized and camouflaged trailer. They chose the trailer closest to their kitchen thinking that if any foods or spices were in the cargo hold of the trailer, they would move them directly into their kitchen food stores. Opening the roll up door of the loading dock to the trailer and seeing the big lock on the back of the door. The pair looked at each other and laughed. Elizabeth still grinning started, “Nothing is ever easy anymore is it, Julia? I guess we need some bolt cutters. Would you go and see if your Henry or maybe Jack knows where we can find something to get this lock of the door binder.”
“Si, Miss Elizabeth, my Henry will have something I am sure in his work pack. I will be right back with whatever we need,” answered Julia.
Back at the Sheriff’s Office after having received his answer from Henry that the call could wait Melvin was back putting locker contents into duffel bags. Through about a half dozen lockers he had not found anything that was like the treasures in the Sergeants locker. Melvin deep down knew that they had already at least taken a cursory look through all the lockers and recovered the weapons. The kid or as Jessica called him the pirate in him was secretly hoping for more treasure. The third locker from the last rendered to him a host of pirate treasure to Melvin, to some maybe not so much. He found hid under the BDUs stored in the bottom of the locker a part of someone’s knife collection. The first he pulled out of the bottom of the locker was an original John Ek EK Commando Dagger the six- and half-inch blade model. The second knife was the firsts big brother a wood handled Model 5 – Bowie. The next two were great knifes but not as rare, the third out of the locker was the enormous Gurka Kukri Plus in CPM 3V from Cold Steel. The fourth was much like the third a seven- and half-inch Tai Pan. The last was the real gem of the five blades. The fifth blade was a custom tactical tanto or maybe it was a wakizashi by a Japanese maker. Melvin placed the five bladed weapons in a separate duffel and took it out to his truck along with two other duffels to the five-ton.
Later that day after arriving back at the Castle, Melvin told Jimmy that he could not and would not even try to pronounce the bladesmiths name. When he gave the Japanese blade to his longtime friend and partner, because he knew that Jimmy had always wanted a real Japanese katana. Jimmy had studied some of the arts of the katana. He had some formal training in kubudo and kenjutsu and had owned a medium, some would say high dollar American katana for his cutting practice before the attacks. Melvin had given a hard time through the years for watching a Youtube channel that showed different katas for practice. Calling him his favorite Kungfu Jackass. Just as many times as Melvin had called him that, Jimmy explained that Samurai were Japanese and Kungfu was a Chinese art and used a completely different type of sword. Telling him if he had half a brain, he would clearly see the difference. The two could go on for hours cutting each other verbally and some would think they were mortal enemies if they heard the two cutting each other down.
After placing the duffels in the five-ton he headed back into the Station, thinking he probably needed to check on everything he called Eddie on his comms. “Eddie, you have any CNN reports? Comeback.”
Eddie looked to Junior and Kevin with his arms out as if to ask without saying anything if they had anything to report. Receiving negative responses form both he keyed his mike and replied, “Actual, we have no news to report at this time. All clear on the western front, to coin a phrase. Do we have an ETA for unassing this AO? Comeback.”
Melvin thought for a moment before replying as he walked back into the locker room to find the ladies completing his task. Looking to Gretchen he asked, “Y’all finished with the moving of the food to the truck?”
Gretchen replied, “All finished, Bossman. We did a quick scan of all the rooms in the building and found nothing that we did not already know about form before. After completion we decided to come and help you, until ordered otherwise.”
Melvin said, “Gretchen, please continue this here. I only had a couple of lockers to finish rummaging the goods. We do have to get the rest taken out to the trucks. Then we need to do a complete walk through of this place. They may have stuff stacked in some of the offices. I am sure the Captain and his Lieutenant probably had an office to their selves and maybe the Comms guy or some of the others.”
Keying his radio, Melvin answered, “Eddie, I do not have an ETA for completion of the inside of the Station. Question Eddie, do you all have eyes on Jimmy and the motorcycle recovery gang. I am sure you do, so what is their status?”
Kevin replied, “I have eyes on for the bike recovery. They have about eight bikes loaded and are kinda milling around now. I think they are trying to see which other ones they want to try and load. The first seven they cranked and road them up the ramps. The last one they had to push up the ramps and it was a big hassle. Either that or they are waiting for someone to say it is time to go and they will just leave them. That would be my guess, they look like it is not worth the effort to load anymore of the motorcycles. Over.”
Melvin replied, “Thanks, Kevin. I will get with them and I think we will pull them over to the five-ton and see if any of the bikes over there are worth salvaging. We can then cover them at the same time as the ones off-loading the five-ton. Actual out.”
Melvin continued, “Jimmy, you got them motorcycles loaded and ready to roll? Comeback.”
Jimmy replied, “We have more than we thought that were pretty much still unharmed during the battle and two that have very little damage and can be spare parts bikes if needed. We can roll at any time we put the strapping on them as we loaded each bike. Over.”
Melvin replied, “Okay, Jimmy good job. Get your team ready to move. At my Command we are sending you over to the five-ton bikes to check the motorcycles while we salvage the five-ton. Comeback.”
Jimmy motioned to his crew to rap everything up and get ready to move then replied, “Waiting on orders to move to the five-ton area for recovery of other bikes or help with salvage of truck supplies. Over and out.”
The rest of the recovery efforts inside the Sheriff’s Station was normal and went off like clockwork. The only hiccup was when Zaida was going through one of the offices that one of the DHS elites had used as his office. In what was probably a file storage room attached to the office she found a hoard of weapons and about three hundred ounces of Silver Eagles and a baker’s dozen Gold Eagles. The weapons ranged from a couple of plain jane Daniel Defense MK12 scoped rifles with suppressors. To a pair of FN SCAR 17S DMR rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor and the second in 7.62 X 51mm. The last rifle was the best of the litter a 338 Lapua Magnum chambered Surgeon Precision Sniper Rifle with a 27-inch Heavy Palma fluted barrel with a AWC Thor PSR suppressor. There were a bunch of pistols by different manufacturers, the odd thing about them was that they were all chambered in 5.7 x 28mm. There were three FN Five-seveN pistols. A pair of Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 pistols and four Palmetto State Armory Rock 5.7 pistols. The pistols each had a dozen at least magazines and they found six thousand rounds of the 31 gr SS190 and another sixteen hundred rounds of SS192 28 gr hollow points.
After completing the transfer of the equipment and supplies from the overturned government supply truck, Melvin was sweating and wanting to cuss as he tried to remove the M-240 machine gun from the five-ton that had turned over and the mount from the truck. It had been decided by Junior that the weapon was not harmed. Melvin wanted to go ahead and mount it two the other five-ton they were taking back to the Castle. Junior explained that even though it did not seem to have any problems it would be better to at least take it apart clean it and do a function test before even thinking about firing the weapon. Melvin had told him that he appreciated the information and his concerns for safety of the Cudd Circle members.
About an hour later Melvin led the convoy safely back into the friendly confines of the Cudd Castles fences. The trip had been very productive and uneventful which was appreciated by everyone who had been outside the wire for about seven hours. Even though the group had not fired one shot or even heard a round fired while they were out on their recovery mission, it was a different mindset when you were outside the wire as Junior had described their efforts.
As soon as they got back Melvin put Jack in charge of offloading the two five-ton trucks of materials and supplies they had recovered from the Sheriff’s office. Jack had met him at the gates and was the first to talk with him when he led the crew back onto the property. Telling him that they had to stop painting for the time being. Explaining that his team had completed the front of the building and the left side wall down to about eight feet and the right down about half way and had run out of paint except for the remaining black which they had still a few gallons. Cutting Melvin off before he could get started by saying, “We have already applied some strategic black tree and limb patterns to the bottoms. We have done all we can do without at least some white to add to the black and make some gray.”
Waiting somewhat patiently for Jack and Melvin to finish their meeting was Elizabeth. She wanted to explain to Melvin that she needed some help to off-load some of the ordinance and weapons they had found on the second trailer. Elizabeth said, “Melvin, we found a lot of weapons on the second trailer and some of the Pelican boxes are marked “Heavy Weapons 20mm Cannon” and there are a bunch of ordinance crates marked “20mm HE, 20mm APDS and 20mm HEF-T” I am not sure what all that means but I think they are cannons. I wanted to at least let you know about them. It seemed important.”
Holding up his pointer finger on his right hand for Elizabeth to wait a second. Melvin turned back to the convoy looking for someone. Melvin spotted Junior and hollered, “Junior, hey man need your expertise hear right now!”
Hearing the Bossman calling, Junior started towards Melvin at a double-time pace that he could keep up for a long time due to his training and workout regiment, when he was still a soldier. Getting to Melvin he stopped short and said, “Reporting as requested, sir. How may I be of service?”
Melvin smiled and said, “First, you can drop the sir stuff. I am just Melvin or Cudd. I will answer to either and have answered to a lot worse in my day. Second, I need your knowledge of heavy weapons. What kind of heavy weapon twenty-millimeter would the DHS people possibly have in their possession. The only cannon I know that shot a twenty-mil was like for aircraft, planes, and helicopters. That and I think something called and Oberlikin or something like that was and antiaircraft gun mounted on ships back in the day like World War II and maybe up to Vietnam and maybe even today. I know it was a big monster of a gun.”
Somewhat amused and amazed at the reference to the anti-aircraft gun, he laughed and replied, “It is Oerlikon on the twenty-millimeter and I do not think it is still in service in America maybe in some third world countries, as it was a very effective weapon for its time. Answer One, what the DHS might have who knows they had their hands in everybody’s pocket. FBI, DEA, NSA, Coastguard, CIA, DOD, DOE, and that is just the ones they claimed. My guess is though it is the twenty-millimeter cannon that they originally mounted on the Flyer 72 variant of the GMV 1.1 originally. Right off the top of my head I cannot remember the designation of the weapon. But it was a lot smaller than the Oerlikon more like a big Ma Deuce sized weapon, shorter barrel. I think it was the gun mounted on the nose of the Apache gunship. Probably a lighter version for the Flyer 72. It worked great and was a great force multiplier. You know the government though, bigger would be better so they decided to go with that monstrosity of a twenty-five millimeter that weighed the GMV 1.1 down and slowed it down to a crawl. As we all know speed was the Flyer 72 key defense and offense. At least it was then some General in acquisitions looking for a big payday on his soon to be retirement decided it was time to cash in on his new retirement plan. My guess is they got them in one of the programs that pass down equipment to other organizations. You know like MRAP being given to local fire departments that cannot afford the upkeep on the truck and as part of the deal they are not able to sell them so they just sit. One big boondoggle compliments of the stooges on the beltway in DC. Why you got one you need me to shoot or see if it works?”
Melvin replied, “We have something in large Pelican cases marked, “Heavy Weapons 20mm Cannon” on the back of DHS Trailor number two. Also, what appears to be ordinance boxes for the cannon or maybe cannons. I am putting you in charge of getting the pallets offloaded, seeing what it is for sure and if it is something we can use either make it part of our static defense or if possible, hang it one of our two new HUMVEES we now have in the fleet complements of the DHS and the fools that were inside the beltway. I think right off if we can make it mobile it would be best. Never know when we might have to unass this place in a hurry. Might not ever happen does not mean we do not need to be prepared to run.”
Eddie who had walked up and hearing what Junior had said, “Hey, you know now that I think about it. The local Ware Shoals volunteer fire department got one of those Oshkosh MRAP vehicles in some government give away program and I think the only time it ever moves was the local Christmas parade. Might be worth going and taking a gander, especially if we have a cannon to mount on top. Just a thought.”
“On it, Bossman. I will give you a full report in about and hour plus or minus off what and when it could be put into defenses, if possible,” replied Junior and was gone at the double time calling out for his sister Naomi to get her butt in gear they had work to day and it would not do it by its self.
Melvin was going to tell him not to worry about reporting on the hour. It would have been wasted air and words he thought to himself. Smiling he thought he would have loved to had all the Cudd Circle people on his crew before the uproar of their lives by the Russians. “Okay Elizabeth. I know you had more to tell me I could see it on your face. Now let me have it and I know it is good news by the expression. Did the girls find a puppy or what?” Smiling at the new look of exasperation on his number one assistant, confidant, and friend. His words had the exact result he was aiming for with her. While he was awaiting her reply, he started again, “Eddie, yeah that MRAP maybe be a good thing to put on the list. Along with the other three hundred that are already on the list. A good idea for sure, though nonetheless.”
“Okay Elizabeth, spill the beans. We are burning daylight and I am ready to eat and I am sure I am not the only one who would like a shower and food,” required Melvin.
Elizabeth finally replies, “Okay butthead, excuse me for trying to keep you informed as you requested. I just wanted to let you know that we found a lot of foods on the first tractor/trailer rig. Eight pallets of single serving MREs, eight pallets of multiple person entrees ham, chicken, beef, and burger, we also found pallets of gamma sealed five-gallon buckets labeled wheat, rice, millet, corn, pinto beans, black beans, lentils, multiple beans and four fifty-pound bags of salt, six of sugar and two pallets labeled miscellaneous food goods that looks like it had spices, powdered butter, powdered cheese, and powdered milk in number ten cans. Julia and I think it is probably enough food for about thirty people for a year without the MREs being in the calculations. There is also six five-gallon buckets labelled non GRO seeds. There were also two pallets of uniforms, I think Smoke or Tony, one called them BDUs. I guess it was Tony ‘cause he was disappointed we didn’t find anything marked boots. Now, that I think about it. Supper, is just soup or stew and cornbread but we will have some butter. We opened one of the cans of powdered butter as we were pretty much out. Pauline did tell us that we can start getting some milk in the next few days and make butter and cheese if we want or need to. I told her we needed to. I made the decision, hope that is cool.”
Melvin replied, “Great job, as usual Elizabeth and tell Julia I said the same for her. Is there anything else, you need or I need to know?”
Elizabeth answered, “We want to get most or all the food goods inside and out of the trailers. I do not know if the cold would affect them in the trailers. I do know they will be somewhat warmer in the building with all the wood stoves going. I think we are probably going to start needing to keep the big fire going and the cook stoves going all the time as it is beginning to get down right cold in the building to be working and sleeping. Julia and I will definitely need some help getting the foods inside the building.”
Melvin replied, “Start with Patrick, Trenton, and maybe Sandy or Pennie. Do you think that will be enough. With a pallet jack the boys should be able to get all the food goods inside quickly. I would not bother with breaking the pallets down unless you just want to for some logistical reason. That way if we had to put them back on the trucks and move from this site, we would not need to repackage the pallets. Just my thoughts.”
Elizabeth said, “Probably just Patrick and Trenton if all we are going to do is move them into the building and not break them down. I guess we could use the pallets to act like walls to separate the cooking area from the dining area. It might make it feel a little more like a real dining area if it was divided. I knew we kept you around for something, just never knew what it was, Bossman!” Grinning like the cat that ate the canary.
“Well, that at least explains why I am here. Maybe one day we will figure out why we keep you around,” Melvin zinged right back with his own I won grin.
Eddie jumped back into the conversation, “Why Melvin, you know it is to clean and cook, like any good woman.” Even though it was said in jest Eddie received a straight right hand to the chest from his lover for his efforts.
“Ow, baby. That hurt I was just kidding you,” exclaimed Eddie!
Reaching over and rubbing her man’s chest, Elizabeth replied, “Sorry honey. Melvin just always gets the last word and he does not even try. He just does. I should not have taken my womanly scorn for Melvin out on you.” She spun around and threw a punch towards Melvin’s large bicep. His reflexes won again and she whacked him on the elbow hurting her own hand and stomped away saying something about jackasses.
Melvin said, “Eddie, go with her. I did not mean to hurt her it was just a reflex. As you just found out she packs a pretty good punch and I have taken my share over the years. She knows she can get away with it and I really do not think she thinks it hurts. But, as you know sometimes it really does, even though she really does not mean for it to hurt just let you know where she stands on the matter. Tell her I apologize for hurting her hand and make sure she did not break anything for me. I am going to meet with Henry and see about my call with an old friend before I get into any more trouble.”
Eddie turned and headed towards his hurt lady, as Melvin hit his comms button and said, “Jessica comeback, over.”
Jessica replied, “Mike Charlie One, how can I help you?”
Melvin replied, “Jess, Elizabeth is heading inside the Castle with a hurt hand. Please find her and look at it for me please. Let her know that I apologize for hurting her hand. Before you go crazy, she tried to punch me in the arm and I moved and she hit my elbow, just for the record and my defense.”
Jessica abated her anger streak that had almost immediately bubbled to the surface on hearing her lover had hurt Elizabeth and replied, “I am on it. I will keep you informed. Over.”
Melvin answered, “Thanks Baby. I will be in Comms talking with Henry if I am needed, over and out.” Walking towards the front entrance door beside the two docked trailers heading for the Comms center he ran into Tony and Owen coming out the door. Tony was the first to greet Melvin saying, “Glad you are back big guy.”
Melvin smiled at his old friend and said, “You always greeted me like that when you knew I was coming into the dealership to but trucks, what’s your angle now my friend?”
Tony fanned a hurt look and quickly replied, “I was hoping for a big sale and quick commission. Nancy and I are in dire need of new boots.”
“No sale today my friend and I had already heard from Elizabeth that you had not had any luck except bad on finding some yourself foot covers. I guess you are telling me that Nancy needs boots also,” replied Melvin.
Tony said, “Yes, I guess I am saying she needs boots probably even worse than me. I have some at least. I think she has tried on a couple of different pairs from Elizabeth and Sandy and they are too large. I think she wears like a lady’s size seven or something like that. Baby shoes is what I have always called them. We always had to buy her boys shoes in the kids department for like her tennis or athletic shoes to get them to fit and they be of quality like Nike or Under Armor.”
Melvin replied, “I know they have like kids’ high quality Muck boots at the Tractor Supply and maybe some cowboy or work type boots for kids before this mess the Russians have caused. I am thinking that the Tractor Supply for food and stuff probably has moved up a notch over going back to the Godley’s farm for cows and feed….” Stopping for a moment to clear his thoughts, he continued, “Tony can you are Owen one…. Oh, by the way hello to you Owen. I wanted to comment on the great work you have done on the radio and comms and do not want you to think that I thought different in leaving Henry here to handle it this last time.”
“To complete my other thought can you get with Pauline and Robby Sr. and tell them I will want to talk with them as soon as I am through with my radio conversation with an old friend.”
Owen shrugged and replied, “Melvin just like picking the right tire for Saturday night, does not mean that the tire you ran in the afternoon was bad just the other was a better choice. No harm, Henry is the better choice and I learned a lot by watching and listening to him explain some stuff that he did to get better reception. By the way Henry is about to bust a gut to talk with you about the mystery call and your friend. I will get with Pauline and Robby Sr. and inform them of their need to be ready to talk.”
Melvin said, “That’s funny calling ‘Sweet William’ my friend. That little pecker wood was my best friend at one time for a short while and then life changed things as it often does and we just both went our separate ways. Truth is until I heard Henry’s account about his bonfides, I have not even thought about him probably in ten years or more. I will say this about one Bill Woods. He is the kinda friend that if you need to shoot, shovel, and shut up that you want to have with ya. He will be right there with ya till the end and never ask a question or want anything in return but your friendship. Not only that the information will go with him to his grave and on that you can make book.”
Owen says, “Sounds like there may be another story right there. Might you be speaking from experience Melvin? I guess from what you have said he might have a lifetime membership place at the Cudd Castle.”
Melvin grinned and replied, “I will only say this about Bill Woods. If he needs me, I am gone no questions asked. Just the same if he needs a place to lay his head, he has one. No questions asked or rent needed he is paid in full. Guys, glad to be back and we will catch up some more later but I do need to check with Henry. Thanks, guys, for being here for the Cudd family.” With that Melvin opened the door and left the two standing, right where they had met.
Tony asked, “What do you make of that? Seems our friend Melvin may have been in a tight spot at some time and “Sweet William’ may have been Johnny on the spot. It would seem his friend has an open an unlimited account balance in the Cudd ledger of life.”
Owen scratched his chin and said, “I would bet Melvin does not owe the ledger he just has decided to settle the account debt for someone else. Maybe that crazy sister of his or something like that.”
Tony replied, “Huump… I bet you are right. Just the kinda man our friend is and will always be. The one that pays his debts in advance and the debts of others when they need a hand. Just like when he came and got my family without a question or asking anything in return. Heck, in hindsight I should have offered Melanie for his reward.” Laughing like he was going to cry at his last statement.
Owen replied, “I thought you liked Melvin and said he helped you out. That would not be much of a payment more like a curse. Hope what I just said does not make you mad, Tony.”
Tony finally stopped laughing and said, “Man no! I am fully aware now that Melanie was a million miles of bad road on worn out shocks and ball joints. Nah, Melvin deserves a lot better and so did I. I realize it now and really did for a long time. Some times it is hard Owen to admit that you have made bad choices. Especially a life long bad decision on a woman. You know, your manhood comes into question. On a different note, I seen you checking out one Ms. Pauline Godley at supper last night. From all appearances a man could do a lot worse. My friend. I say go for it, we are not promised tomorrow, especially in these times.” Tony’s words brought a big smile to the face of Owen.
As Melvin was entering the Comm center, Jessica was looking at Elizabeth’s hand and Eddie was standing by her side. The trio was laughing at the situation after deciding that her hand was good just probably bruised. Elizabeth said, “Jessica you know I love your Melvin and have forever. The truth is though he can be the most aggravating and perfect person in the world at the same time. Good luck with that. Truth is Melvin Cudd is a keeper and the three of us are lucky to call him friend. Does not make him any less annoying, you know what I mean. You have too.”
Jessica smiled at what she now thought of as her sister, “Yeah, him being right all the dang time is an annoying habit of his. That and his rubbing it in and his quick tongue. You just cannot get anything over on him. Just like you trying to hit him in play and he wins even in play by moving his elbow in your strike path. The first time we went on a date we went to a three-gun match and he had never even been to one and his shooting won the match for us. Did not shoot that great just every time we needed him, he delivered the winning shot for our team. Yeah, annoying but oh so loveable and perfect at the same time. And I do love him so much it hurts to even imagine not having him as my husband.”
Henry said, “Bossman, I was just about to hit you on Command Comms. We told the mystery caller that we would get back with him and our time clock is almost played out for time to call. I wanted to see if you had a question or two to ask Scooter? Questions that he and you would only know the answer.”
Melvin thought for a moment and said, “Ask him how many deer were killed that night and how many shots were fired and why there is a discrepancy in the numbers. Second question ask him why I call him Scooter and what his nickname is to everybody else.”
Henry said, “Okay, I wrote them down. To check both ends what are the answers to the questions I am going to ask him?”
Melvin grunted then replied, “Henry you are a sly one and I am glad you are on our side. The first answer is there were six deer killed and there were seven shots fired that night. I fired the first six shots and killed six deer. His stupid ex-brother-in-law at the time fired the seventh shot and it was probably the easiest shot of the night. The deer was standing broadside at no more than fifty yards in a wide-open pasture. He missed so bad that the deer did not even move and then the deer just trotted off laughing at the poor shot. He could not fire again as a car was coming down the road towards us and we had to drive off. The second answer is the big dummy tried to call me Scooter because I called him ‘Sweet William’ and he did not like it. I did not like Scooter so that is what I called him and it stuck with me everyone else called him ‘Sweet Willaim’ and he hates both equally. A third question and maybe the most telling, would be who does he work for this week? I do not know the answer but it should be an interesting answer and maybe shed some light on why my old friend is calling. Might also give us a hint as to how he found us on the radio. The answer is he probably is working for, CIA, NSA or maybe MOSSAD this week. I know he had work for some kind of lettered agency since right after college. Scooter is the smartest person I have ever met. IQ probably near or over 200, who knows what it is. The truth is it is the range where they do not really know or it does not matter it is so outrageously high.”
Henry said, “Is there anything else I need to know or ask him before you talk with him?”
Melvin replied, “Probably not. One thing though, it falls under trust but verify, I guess. I think I am going to have him meet me somewhere else if he wants to talk in person. What are your thoughts on that?”
“Probably a good idea, especially since you said he worked for the Feds and the CIA and who new who else he worked for at any time. I would say not revealing our home is a good idea and not paranoia. Remember Bossman, just because you are paranoid does not mean they are not out to get you,” Henry said while chuckling.
Melvin said, “Well get Scooter on the horn and we will find out what my old running mate has to say. Good or bad….”
Henry preceded to get ‘Sweet William’ or Scooter on the line and asked him the first two questions provided by Melvin. Scooter answered the questions immediately without any missed words or pregnant pauses. Getting a nod of acceptance from Melvin he asked the last question, “Scooter the Bossman would like to know the answer to one final question. Are you ready for the last verifying question? Comeback.”
Scooter replied, “Has a cat got a climbing gear…? Tell the Bossman or Scooter, that I am ready for Freddy and to fire away I can take it, over.”
Hearing the tone in his old friend’s voice even over the air waves was enough for Melvin to know he had pushed Scooter’s buttons and it was indeed him. Melvin patted Henry on the back and said, “Fire away Henry. Good, bad, or indifferent it is definitely my old friend Scooter. No one can sound that stupid and be that smart at the same time but him. I want to hear what he has to say.”
Henry keyed his mic and asked, “Sweet William for whom do you work at the present time?”
There were a few seconds of dead air past an immediate reply time and finally as Henry was about to re-key his mic, the radio belched. “Hotel Charlie One please tell my old friend Scooter that I personally work for him as of about seventy-two hours ago. But if he wants to know who I am on TDY from currently. Tell him it is an old mutual friend Commander Peter McNamee now retired Rear Admiral McNamee working as Commander Black Ops for CIA, NSA, and DOD joint services Field Command or some such long and exaggerated Puzzle Palace title. He told me to say these exact words to you as my get out of jail free card. They are as follows:
Peter: Yes sir
On the day old Curtis died nobody came to pray
Ol’ preacher said some words and they chunked him in the ground
Melvin: Nah, that ain’t right it is they chunked him in the clay, dumbasssss!”
Melvin busted out laughing and said, “Give me that mike Henry. There is only one person on the planet that knows that conversation and that is dumbass Peter McNamee. Only he could mess up that perfect blues line from the greatest southern rock band of all time and know the exact phrase I used to correct his blasphemy.” Motioning with his hand for Henry to pass him the mike. Henry said, “Just key the mike Bossman, you have a hot mike.”
Melvin keyed the mike and said, “Hello Scooter. To what do I owe the honor of being called on for service from you two, a jackass and a matching dumbass. As if I did not have enough problems with the DHS jackbooted thugs and the gangs trying to kill me and steal all my stuff. I know this is not going to be something I am going to like. So, spill the beans.”
Bill ‘Sweet William’ Woods aka Scooter replied, “That is on a need-to-know bases and I need to deliver the message in person. Uncle Pete said to remind you that he owed you and it was your time to collect. Can we meet and we need to do it soonest. I can come to you. We are already near the lake.”
Melvin retracted immediately to the “we” and asked, “Just who is we? I know Uncle Pete is not with you or he would be talking on the radio.”
Scooter replied, “I am traveling with a heavy squad of fourteen shooters, two computer techs, plus me for seventeen total. Breakup is two teams of six and a sniper team of sniper and spotter. I am the squad Commander or they are my body guards I have not really decided yet. This is an ad hoc team of former Delta, Force Recon Marines, an Air Force Pararescue medic, two Ranger snipers and two I think hacker kids from the CIA or maybe NSA. Either way they are our comms and computer specialist or nerds and are the best in the business at least right now. This team was assembled in the last week and half and assigned to this sector and the Cudd Castle or Cudd Circle as it is called. Yes, we know where you are located and I would say that you have done a heck of a job with the camo paint. I might add the carpet and tarps on the roof was a nice touch but too late. Now can we come in or not, time is of the essence on some of the information.”
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(A little Ted Nugent reference)
