After the Republic (8 page)

Bob stepped outside and shined a spotlight at the truck. “Identify yourself!”

The lights on the truck went dark, the engine shut off and the door opened. “I’m Drew Thompson. Who are
you
?”

Bob looked at Joshua.

“Drew’s with us,” Joshua said. “He’s okay.”

“Martin!” Bob called out. “Stand down!”

Out of the corner of his eye Joshua saw a quick movement as Kane lowered his .308 and retreated from his vantage point near the corner of the barn, disappearing into the darkness like a ghost. Bob did an about-face and reentered the barn.

“Those two cats are wound a little tight, ain’t they?” Thomas nodded toward the barn.

Joshua chuckled but did not answer. “Drew, I take it you got a new vehicle?”

Drew was sporting what appeared to be pair of brand new khakis, a light blue dress shirt and green sweater vest, polished brown dress shoes and leather jacket. He was also carrying a dark blue backpack on one shoulder.

“Yes I did. I needed something that would move more cargo than my little car.”

“Looks like you also found a change of clothes. I thought your apartment was destroyed?”

“It was. I still own my parents’ old house in Dunn and had some items in storage there. I went there to get a few things and convinced a friend who owns a used car dealership to trade me this for the ‘Vette.”

Joshua nodded. “Drew, this is Thomas Page. Thomas owns the land where we’ll be going.”

Drew and Thomas exchanged pleasantries as the three of them walked into barn.

“Drew, there are two more people I’d like you to meet,” Joshua said. “This is Bob Kendall. Bob is a retired Army Command Sergeant Major who worked at the legislature a few years ago. He left just before you got there. And this is Kane Martin.”

“Nice to meet you.” Drew extended his hand to Bob.

Joshua gritted his teeth when Bob did not return the handshake, instead thumping Drew’s chest. “That sure is a real
purty
sweater vest you’ve got there, boy,” he said with a sneer reinforced by a derisive laugh from Kane. “You’re too soft for where we’re going. Do you have any idea what you’re going into?”

“Probably not,” Drew admitted without hesitation.

“Didn’t think so.” Bob blew cigar smoke in Drew’s face and turned to walk away. “Joshua, I hope this one won’t drag us down.
No weak links!
”

Joshua cringed. “Come on, Bob, give the kid a break.”

Joshua grimaced as Bob grunted and walked to the back of the barn, where Kane had resumed working.

“Drew, don’t worry about him,” Joshua said. “He’s just a bit old-school and rough around the edges.”

“Duly noted,” Drew responded dryly. “Mr. Page, may I have a word with you in private?”

“Sure thing, man,” Thomas said. “Let’s go outside.”

Joshua watched curiously as they disappeared through the barn doors.
What could Drew want to speak privately with Thomas about
?
They JUST met.
He walked to the back of the barn.

“Bob, please go easy on Drew. He’s a good kid.”

“I saw enough of these political operative types at the legislature to know what they’re all about. He’s just a hack. It only takes one look to tell that boy is
soft
. He’ll hold us back.”

“Don’t forget you met me at the legislature.”

“That’s different. You were elected by the people, and I could tell from day one that you were there to serve, not advance yourself.”

Joshua shook his head. “Give him a chance. I’m going to go help Rebecca. I’ll see you guys in the morning.”

***

The next morning Joshua turned on the television in their farmhouse one last time. Unsurprisingly, the news anchor was talking about the aftermath of the week’s attacks.

All across the country, people are in a state of panic
. A line of people wrapped around a grocery store flashed across the screen, followed by empty shelves inside the store.
People are buying up everything in stores.

Next, the newscast showed a clip of looters carrying away stolen items in a downtown area.
There are countless reports of looting, carjacking and armed robberies. The situation is worse in areas closer to the attacks, where state and local governments and law enforcement agencies have been decimated. Major roads are clogged with people trying to flee the fallout from the blasts. Those medical facilities that are open are overwhelmed with patients, many of whom relied on the now nonexistent federal healthcare plan to pay their doctor bills.

Next came a clip of military vehicles in the streets.
President Armando has imposed martial law in the attack zones and other areas where there is unrest. Citizens in those areas are being ordered to remain indoors, surrender any weapons they have and, in some cases, house troops and Homeland Security police. Local officials in many areas have protested, but with most of Congress and the Supreme Court gone there appears to be no one to stand in the President’s way.

“Wow.” Joshua’s nostrils flared. “Unbelievable. Looks like my worst fears about Armando are being realized. It’s a good thing we’re getting out of here.”

“Sounds like it,” Rebecca said. “But do you really think we would have to worry about it
here
?”

“Sadly, yes.”

Rebecca looked down at the floor and shook her head. “I know you’re probably right, but it’s just all so hard to believe.”

A few minutes later Joshua savored what would likely be the last cup of coffee he would ever drink on the porch at their beloved farmhouse. He closed his eyes and thought of the day he and Rebecca found this tract of land. They had worked together, along with Thomas, to design the house and barn and determine where everything would be placed. This was truly their dream house. No, it was more than that. It was HOME -- where he had planned to spend the rest of his life with Rebecca.
This doesn’t seem real
, he thought.
We’re actually leaving. Is this the right move?
He looked at his watch.
Everyone will be here within the hour. I can’t believe this is actually happening.

Rebecca joined him and a jittery Reagan tightly wedged himself between them. “This is all hard to believe. I still don’t like it, but I trust your judgment,” she said. “I’ve got a few more things to get ready.”

Joshua went to the barn to do a quick check for any last-minute items that needed packing. When he walked through the high, arching doors into the dimly lit interior he noticed the old Massey Ferguson tractor. It had belonged to his father. Joshua felt a lump form in his throat. They were leaving the antique red tractor behind. Joshua perked up as Bob greeted him. “Joshua, we are ready to proceed.”

“Thanks for all you’ve done, Bob. One question. I’d like to stay connected to the outside world so we know what’s going on. Do you think we should take our satellite dish and see if we can get it working?”

“Affirmative. Martin, remove the satellite dish from the residence and prepare it for transport. We will ascertain its functionality when we arrive at the new location.”

“Yes, sir!” Kane removed a ladder that was tied to the cattle trailer. Joshua and Bob loaded the television while Kane removed the satellite dish.

As Joshua walked back toward the house he again dialed his phone, praying that his best friend would answer. His heart sank when the call went straight to voicemail. “Perry, this is Joshua. Just trying to get in touch with you. We’re leaving in a bit and are worried about you. Hope we see you this morning.
Please
let us know how you’re doing.
We miss you guys
.”

Joshua walked back into the barren house, where a teary-eyed Rebecca sat on the empty floor. He sat down beside her and grabbed her hand. “Well, this is it.” He put his arms around her and hugged her tightly as she buried her head in his chest. Joshua closed his eyes as the reality of the moment swirled around him. They were leaving their beloved farm behind. Joshua was parting ways with an entire library of books, many of which had belonged to his mother. The high-back leather chair featuring the North Carolina State Seal that he retained from his days in the legislature would also remain, along with most of his business suits and a mountain of plaques and certificates from his years of civic and political involvement. Rebecca was devastated to leave her wedding dress behind, along with her grandmother’s antique China and sewing machine. So many important memories were attached to these items. Precious items which were being swept out of their lives by the tides of history.

CHAPTER 4

The flag whipped gently in the breeze, its colors shimmering in the radiant morning sunlight. A few wispy clouds graced the sky. Joshua and Rebecca looked out over a driveway teeming with vehicles and people. The crowd included several children and three dogs. The group looked like an ancient convoy of nomads who took all of their belongings when they traveled, apart from the fact that this group had automobiles rather than camels. Reagan was unnerved by the crowd of strangers, particularly the three much larger dogs, and hid behind Joshua.

“Any sign of Perry and Caroline?” Rebecca asked.

“None.” Joshua heaved a morbid sigh.

She squeezed his hand. “I’ll try them one more time. You go talk to everyone and make sure they’re ready.”

“Thanks. And can you go ahead and put Reagan in the Explorer? He seems a little spooked.”

She nodded. Joshua worked the crowd and spoke to those who had arrived, then found Bob. “Are you ready to give everyone their marching orders?”

“Affirmative,” Bob answered. “I will execute on your signal.”

Rebecca frowned as she rejoined Joshua. “No luck.”

A feeling of hopelessness enveloped Joshua. “I guess there’s nothing we can do but hope and pray.” He looked down and shook his head, a tear in his eye. “Regardless, it’s time to get this show on the road.”

Joshua climbed onto the Silverado’s tailgate and addressed the crowd. “Good morning everyone. It’s 8:00 and we’ve got a long trip ahead of us, so let’s get organized. I’d like to begin by introducing a couple of people. First, this is Thomas Page. Thomas owns the land where we are going.” Thomas waved and smiled. Joshua continued, “As I’ve communicated to each of you, you should compensate Thomas in some way for the use of his land. Whatever arrangement you work out is between you and him, but I will
not
stand idly by and let anyone freeload off of him. Thomas, do you want to say anything?”

Thomas took the toothpick out of his mouth and rolled it between his fingers. “How are y’all doing? Glad we’re able to help you folks. I only gave Joshua one rule. One of the cabins goes to him and Rebecca. We owe ‘em that since he’s taking the lead on this. Look forward to getting to know y’all better.”

“Thomas does have another cabin that is up for grabs, so talk with him if you are interested in that.”

“Actually, that one is taken,” Thomas said. “Drew and I have an arrangement.”

Joshua looked at Thomas and Drew, puzzled. “Okay.” He cleared his throat. “Next, I’d like to introduce Bob Kendall. Bob and I met when I was in the legislature. He worked there as a sergeant at arms for a couple of years. Before that he was in the Army for 30 years and reached the rank of Command Sergeant Major, which proves he knows a little something about leadership and getting things done. Bob has agreed to handle logistics for our trip to ensure that we get there safely and will oversee security once we arrive. Please listen to him carefully and follow his instructions. He knows what he’s doing.”

Bob effortlessly jumped onto the tailgate as Joshua climbed down. “Good morning, patriots! Today you will embark on a journey through unknown conditions to a strange place that will be your home for the foreseeable future. There are reports of violence and unrest in urban areas, including larger cities here in North Carolina. We do not know if there will be a hostile presence on our routes, so we must assume that there
will
be and prepare accordingly. We will avoid major highway routes and major cities. You must always be on the lookout for potential threats and must be prepared to defend yourselves with force if necessary.”

“We will travel in groups of two or three vehicles,” he continued. “Every convoy should have at least one weapon held by someone who knows how to use it. Deactivate the GPS functions on your phones and in your cars before we leave. You will be provided with maps outlining your route. If you do not know how to navigate without your GPS, now is the time to man up and learn. Every vehicle will be given an encrypted radio to communicate with others in the group. Our objective is to travel in a way that avoids drawing unwanted attention. Is this clear?” He blew a puff of cigar smoke as he looked over the crowd. “Do you have any questions?”

Jim raised his hand.

“What is your question?”

“What should we do if we encounter law enforcement at a checkpoint or otherwise?”

“First, you will alert other groups using the radios provided. Second, tell them you are delivering items to a family member in Athens, Tennessee. That is all they need to know. At this time Kane Martin will distribute the maps and radios. Martin!”

Kane walked silently from group to group, handing each driver a map and radio. As Kane worked Bob bellowed, “Any further questions?”

Jim again raised his hand. “You mentioned defending ourselves. If something happens, to what lengths should we go?”

Bob puffed on his cigar. “Again, sir, you must be prepared to use deadly force if necessary.”

Jim didn’t appear satisfied. “How will we know if it’s necessary?”

Bob answered in his drill instructor-like manner. “You will know. But do not hesitate. Hesitation could cost you your life and the lives of those you love.”

Jim did not press the issue.

“If there are no further questions we will now assign your vehicles to groups,” Bob continued. He systematically divided the vehicles into groups of two. “You are to watch over the other vehicle in your group at all times during the trip. You must have each other’s back. Each group will leave precisely four minutes after the group ahead of them. Travel exactly five miles above the speed limit to avoid attracting attention. Martin or I will communicate your departure times over the radios. Timing is critical. Discipline will keep you alive. Do you have questions?” Bob looked at his watch. “Seeing none, take your place in your vehicles. Departures will commence in precisely ten minutes.”

As Bob jumped down from the truck Jim climbed onto the tailgate. “Folks, I’d like to pray for us before we leave. Please remove your hats and bow your heads.”

After the prayer Jim pulled Joshua aside as they walked toward their vehicles. He nodded in the direction of Bob and Kane. “Those two guys scare me. They’re
way
too intense. I think they’ll to get us in trouble.”

“Bob is all business, but he knows when to stop,” Joshua assured him. “We’ll be okay.”

Jim’s brow furrowed. “I hope you’re right.”

Joshua caught up with Thomas before he reached his vehicle. “Thomas, did I hear you say that Drew had made an arrangement with you for the second cabin?”

“Yeah man, you sure did. We made a deal last night.”

Joshua cocked his head to the right, perplexed. “Is he compensating you? I’m not going to let anyone take your land without giving you something in return.”

“Don’t sweat it, man. He did me right. In fact, he owns that cabin and piece of land free and clear.”

“
Really?
What did he give you for it?”

“Yeah man, really. But I’ll leave it up to him tell you the details.”

Joshua shook his head in bewilderment as he walked away.
How in the world?

The parade of vehicles assembled in the order dictated by Bob. As Joshua settled into the drivers’ seat Reagan made his way to the floorboard between the bucket seats. “Don’t worry, boy.” He scratched the whimpering puppy on the head. “We’ll be settled into our new place in no time.”

Bob approached the drivers’ side window as Rebecca got comfortable in the passenger seat. “Joshua, it’s go time. Are you ready?”

Joshua’s eyes narrowed as he fired up the engine. “Let’s do this.”

Bob nodded and called out marching orders over his handheld radio. “First group departing in one minute.”

As the Explorer began creeping forward Joshua reached over and grabbed Rebecca’s hand, attempting to force a smile as he looked into her tear-filled eyes. As he did the wind picked up and out of the corner of his eye he noticed the American flag snapping in the breeze. He slammed on the brakes and jumped out. “One more thing! I want to take the flag with us.”

Bob grabbed his radio. “Martin! Front and center.” Kane and Bob lowered the flag and folded it with military precision.

Another vehicle turned into the driveway as Bob was storing the flag in his SUV. He started toward the new arrival, hand on his holstered sidearm. “Martin, strange vehicle approaching. Get into position.”

Joshua bounded out of the Explorer and waved Bob off. “This is no strange vehicle!”

Rebecca vaulted out of the SUV and sprinted to greet Perry and Caroline. Caroline ran to embrace her.

“Oh my God, I was worried you guys were dead!” Rebecca said. Sobbing uncontrollably, Caroline buried her face on Rebecca’s shoulder.

Joshua hugged Perry. “I’m glad you guys are okay and that you got here before we left.” He called for Thomas to join them. Bob had already done so, without invitation. “Perry, meet Thomas Page and Bob Kendall. Thomas is providing the land where we’re going, and Bob is handling security. Guys, this is my best friend Perry. I told you that he had gone to look for his children, who were supposed to be in Raleigh when…” Joshua’s stomach twisted violently. “I… um… what did you find out about Charlie and Allie?”

Perry shook his head and answered in a shaky voice. “When we got to Raleigh they wouldn’t let us into the blast zone. We went back to our house in Wake Forest and made dozens – hundreds – of calls. The restaurant where they had planned to eat was destroyed, and no one has heard from them or Caroline’s parents.” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “At this point we have to assume they were--” Perry began bawling like a newborn baby.

Joshua embraced his heartbroken friend. “I am so sorry.” Caroline continued sobbing on Rebecca’s shoulder but did not speak.

After what seemed like an eternity of awkward silence Perry wiped the tears from his eyes. “You mentioned security. That’s good. We’re going to need it.”

“What do you mean?” Bob perked up.

“People are starting to lose it,” he said. “One of my neighbors in Wake Forest got stopped and robbed at gunpoint on a usually calm, upscale neighborhood street while driving home from the grocery store. The robbers didn’t want money. They took her
food
. We’ve heard other similar stories. And when we were trying to get into Raleigh we were stopped at a roadblock. There were some local law enforcement personnel there, but there were also some federal Homeland Security police.”

“And?”

“Well, the fact that they were there didn’t surprise me given that there had been a nuclear attack. But they took our cell phones and asked if we had any weapons. I saw them confiscate a pistol from a car in front of us at the roadblock,
even though the driver had a concealed carry permit
. They grilled us and said President Armando had declared martial law. They treated us like
we
were the enemy.”

“Why would they want your cell phones?” Joshua pursed his lips.

Perry shook his head. “I have no idea, but that was disturbing. Joshua, maybe you were right about this Armando guy. And in regard to our discussion about why the Second Amendment matters, I think I get it.”

Joshua looked at Rebecca. “
Now
he knows why.”

Bob’s brow furrowed. “Joshua, when you were making calls providing people with instructions to meet here, did you leave specifics on voice mail messages?”

Joshua nodded.

“Did you leave Mr. Edwards a message on the phone that was seized?”

Joshua frowned and again nodded.

“Mr. Edwards, do you know if you were followed here this morning?”

Perry shrugged. “I have no idea. Didn’t think about that.”

Bob immediately went into high alert. “Martin! Front and center!” Kane joined the group. “Martin, climb to the highest possible vantage point and look for strange vehicles or other threats.”

“Yes, sir!”

Kane retrieved his binoculars and rifle, bolted to a tree behind the house and shimmied up it.

Joshua said, “Bob, we’ll add Perry to the first travel group. Please give him a map and radio and explain the logistics.”

Kane scanned the horizon for potential threats from his vantage point high atop the tree. Joshua squinted as he zeroed in on Kane’s location. “If I didn’t know he was there I wouldn’t be able to spot him.”

“That’s the idea, son,” Bob said.

After a few moments Kane turned and issued several hand signals. Bob issued a signal in return, then turned to Joshua. “Two men in a strange vehicle are parked on the road near your driveway. No other bogeys in sight.” Kane rejoined the group. “Martin and I will investigate and neutralize if necessary.”

“Bob, we don’t want any trouble if we can help it,” Joshua said. “Don’t rush to judgment.”

“If they are already here watching us they
cannot
be allowed to know where we are going,” Bob said. “Martin, stand guard and I will draw them out. Joshua, I will drive to the road. You remain stationary unless I signal otherwise.” Bob picked up his radio. “On guard. Potential threatening vehicle on road. Action imminent.”