Glimmer of Hope (Land of Tomorrow Book 1) (18 page)

Lancourt looked at Brazen for a long moment before speaking. “Son, I want you to listen to me. Have I ever in your entire life lied to you about anything?”

“No,” said Brazen.

“Well, I’m not going to start now, but there are some things you need to hear. I need you to listen to me very carefully.” Lancourt waved his hand dismissively. “After that you can go do whatever you decide to do.”

Brazen wouldn’t have listened to such talk from many men, but he owed Pastor Lancourt much and swallowed his pride. “Okay, shoot.”

Lancourt smiled, “Alright, I will. First of all, the only unforgivable sins are the ones you refuse to confess. God is eternally merciful. The only sins he can’t forgive are the ones you will not let go of.”

Brazen’s resentment welled up in him at this, but Lancourt continued on. “Second, I’m going to pray for you to let go of those sins every day until either I die or you die.”

“I wish you wouldn’t do that,” said Brazen.

“I know you do,” said Lancourt immediately. “That’s your pride talking. You want to hold onto your sins and wallow in them. But it’s not right and it’s not going to bring back what you’ve lost. I’m going to pray for you and there is nothing you can do to stop me.”

Brazen started to get up, but Lancourt pushed him back down forcefully, surprising Brazen with the old man’s strength. “And third, there is no fate. There is only the decisions we make and God’s will. Fate is a cop-out. You’re better than that. Take control of you own life now. It’s never too late, I promise you.”

There was silence between them for several moments before Lancourt spoke again. “God still loves you, son, and wants the best for you. And so do I.”

Lancourt stood and kissed the top of Brazen’s bowed head, before he turned and walked away leaving Brazen to his troubled thoughts.

Chapter 6 – Only One

“You want what?” asked Nathan, suddenly less distracted. He looked at Sergeant Major Luke Carter and then at both David and Joshua who were standing with him in Nathan’s office. Up to that moment, the day was actually been going pretty well for once.

Carter repeated his request without the slightest trace of emotion. “I want to conduct a long range reconnaissance to the south just as you directed, but I want Joshua and David here to lead it.”

Nathan looked at his boys in turn. He had heard about how well they were performing as trainers for Carter and was not really surprised. He saw Joshua’s worried but hopeful look and David’s defiant and proud one and decided to steer clear of the obvious issue of the boys’ age. The Sergeant Major certainly had a reason for coming to him with such a request. He thought he should probably hear him out.

“Let’s hear it,” said Nathan, “Tell me why.”

“Dad, listen,” began Joshua.

Nathan cut him off with a look and a point of his finger. “You keep your mouth shut unless I ask you something. This is between the Sergeant Major and I. I’m frankly not even sure why he brought you here.” Nathan gave Carter a hard knowing look as he said this because in fact he did suspect why they were there. “Go on,” he told Carter.

“Certainly, sir,” said Carter unperturbed. “We must begin the discussion with the importance of the mission. Although we have numerous areas of weakness here, our lack of intelligence prevents us from prioritizing which areas to address first with scarce resources.”

“I know that part,” said Nathan, “we’ve had conversations of just such matters. I also understand why you want to recon south. Get to the part where you think David and Joshua should take part.”

“Sir,” said Carter, “let me be clear. I don’t just want them to participate in the recon, I want them to lead it.”

Nathan opened his mouth to retort and then quickly caught his words. He was again careful about wounding the boys’ pride. He also thought there was something else at play here that he did not quite understand yet. “Why them?” he asked simply.

“For a variety of reasons, sir,” he answered. “First and most importantly, they are the most qualified men I have under me right now for such a mission. I know they are young, but they have much more practical experience than I did the first time I went into enemy territory. Also, they have been training these men for months and the men respect them. And…” here Carter paused before going on, “if they are to be two of my platoon leaders, I want them to have the experience behind them.”

“Your what?” asked Nathan.

“Sir, it’s no secret that you plan to commission me a Captain after this current training class and put me in charge of the central region of the park.” Carter was matter-of-fact. “You’ve asked my commander at Murray State who talked to me about it. If I’m going to be a commander, I need good subordinate leaders. I want these two to be lieutenants under me.”

Nathan shook his head and blew out a breath. “Sergeant Major don’t you think they need a few more years under their belts first? We both know leadership is a heavy burden. Also won’t folks just say they’re being commissioned only because they’re my sons?”

Carter smiled slightly for the first time. “Sir, in my experience the only way to obtain leadership experience is to lead. As far as what people think, that’s one reason I want them conducting this mission. No one can question their capabilities if they’re the first to lead such a patrol. All who know them already know better, and those who don’t, soon will after this.”

“I’m flattered, but are you telling me that of all the men you’ve trained lately that these two are your first choice for platoon leaders?” asked Nathan.

“Actually, no,” replied Carter, “I have a former SEAL whom I’m making my executive officer, a park service game warden who is going to make a fine platoon leader, and one of those NCO’s from Fort Campbell is going to be my headquarters and support platoon leader. But on a standard company organization that leaves two platoon leader slots open and these two are more than capable and they know their stuff.”

“I see you’ve given this a lot of thought,” said Nathan, pondering. He would have preferred them to be older, but they were old enough to make their own decisions. David at least would likely go with or without Nathan’s blessing.

“Boys,” Nathan began and inwardly cringed at the word. They weren’t really boys anymore. “How do you feel about this?”

“We’re ready,” said Joshua eagerly, “and we’ll be careful.”

Nathan continued on. “I’m sure the Sergeant Major has talked to you about being a leader, but I’m going to add my two cents’ worth.” He looked at them carefully to ensure he had their attention. “There are three things you need to know about being a leader going in.” Here Nathan held up three fingers and began counting them off, “First, leadership is lonely. You carry the burden alone, not your men. Second, leadership is not fair. You are responsible for everything they do or fail to do. And third,” here Nathan looked hard, “you’re most likely going to have men die under you if you do this long enough. Make damn sure you did everything possible to prevent it from happening ahead of time so that you know it isn’t your fault when it happens. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir,” both said in unison.

“So we are good to go?” asked Carter.

Nathan smiled and shook his head. “Not so fast. Have you ever been in an airborne unit, Sergeant Major?”

“Of course,” responded Carter. “Lots of them.”

“Ever been in one where you had brothers in the same unit?” asked Nathan.

“Can’t say that I have,” answered Carter after some thought.

“Well I was once,” said Nathan. “At Fort Bragg I was in a company that actually had three brothers in it. They fought like cats and dogs.” Nathan smiled at the memory. “But, the point is, on airborne operations all three couldn’t be on the same plane. Two could, but not all three. Do you know why?”

Carter nodded, “I guess in case the plane goes down the family doesn’t lose all three sons.”

“Exactly right,” said Nathan, “and a good policy it is too. So, I’ll agree to the recon, and to the boys leading it, on several conditions. First, I want them fully prepared and briefed with numerous contingency plans. Second, I want to be at the final rehearsals, pre-combat checks, and pre-mission briefs. And finally,” here Nathan paused for a long moment, “only one of them goes on the patrol.”

They all stared back at him in silence for a moment before David asked, “Which one gets to go?”

“That’s for the Sergeant Major here to decide, and I’ll stay out of it,” answered Nathan, “The other one can lead the next recon and they can take turns if you like, but I don’t want both of them out at the same time and certainly not on the same mission. That is non-negotiable.”

Carter nodded, “Understood, sir. I hear you loud and clear. We’ll start planning and let you know what our timeframe looks like.”

“Good,” said Nathan. “Now get out of here before I change my mind.”

Carter smartly saluted, followed by the boys’ more hesitant salutes, after which they all filed out of the room, shutting the door behind them.

Nathan stood and looked out the window as the boys walked away from the building.
Bethany is going to kill me
, he thought.

Chapter 7 – A Simple Choice

Brazen wasn’t quite sure how the meeting was going to go and realized he was a little nervous. Lancourt had worked hard to set up a face-to-face with the Paducah mayor and Brazen now sat beside the pastor at a corner table in Little John’s Bar and Grill. Brazen knew Lancourt was slightly uncomfortable in the surroundings, but to his credit he didn’t show it.

Over the past few days the tension in the city had grown with even more violence and bloodshed foreseeable. Brazen knew the mayor was under pressure to do something, which was the only reason he was willing to meet with a gang leader. The mayor probably thought he was there to orchestrate a sort of peace, but Brazen had something totally different in mind.

Lancourt’s words had been working on Brazen’s heart since their earlier conversation and although Brazen wasn’t willing to totally accept what the pastor was telling him, he was willing to try. He was haunted by the memory of what Noni would have wanted him to do and how he sometimes thought she looked down upon him.

The other thing that drove him was a 3 x 5 index card in his wallet which he had carried with him since high school. On the card were two quotes which had always inspired, challenged, and at times comforted him. The second of the two quotes was the one he was thinking of now. It was by an Eighteenth Century British politician Edmund Burke. Burke stated that the only thing necessary for evil to triumph was for good men to do nothing. Brazen spent considerable time trying to figure out if he was the good man doing nothing, or part of the evil.

Little John’s Bar was what could be called neutral territory not really claimed by any rival gangs, or controlled by the city. It was a nice enough place and remained that way because the owner, John, a giant of a man and one-time professional wrestler, tolerated no monkey business. He always kept at least one large goon with a bat around to emphasize the point, today he had four. Brazen had talked to John ahead of time and assured him things would be fine, but John was taking no chances.

As for Brazen, he came to the meeting alone except for Lancourt, something he would not have even considered previously, but things were changing. For the better he hoped.

A large white passenger van pulled up outside the bar, and Brazen knew the mayor had arrived. Very few people could afford the extravagance of fuel, and any working vehicle attracted lots of attention. Brazen and Lancourt rode bikes themselves, with Brazen in a light disguise to protect him in transit.

Brazen expected the mayor to come with an escort but did not expect it to be as large as it was. Four state troopers in SWAT gear and assault rifles got out immediately and two entered the front of the bar while the others went around the building in opposite directions, presumably to check the outside of the building. The two men who entered walked in and without talking to anyone stalked through the bar checking out the kitchens, bathrooms, and offices in back. John’s heavies started to protest, but he held up a hand and no one said anything. The two men finally came over to Brazen and Lancourt.

“Are you two men Brazen Walker and Pastor Lancourt?” asked the one while the other covered him from a safe distance. His weapon wasn’t exactly pointed at them, but it wasn't far off, Brazen noticed.

“Yes, we are,” answered Lancourt.

The first trooper nodded. “Are either of you carrying any sort of weapon?”

“No, we’re not,” Brazen responded. “We didn’t think they would be needed.”

“Good thinking. Stand please and put your hands against the wall.”

Brazen stood while he was frisked thoroughly and then they did the same with Lancourt. Brazen thought about resisting but knew it would do no good. These men were under orders. They must have thought that he would be dumb enough to try something against the mayor here. It remained to be seen if the mayor might be dumb enough to try something against him.

Once the trooper was satisfied, he faced them both. “Remain seated throughout the meeting and make no threatening movements. Also, watch your language.”

“I didn’t know the mayor was so sensitive,” said Brazen.

The trooper frowned at him. “Do what I say, and we’ll all be fine.” He then nodded to one of the troopers from outside who stationed himself within the front doorway. This man relayed a signal to the van. Finally, the mayor emerged from the van followed by an individual in an immaculate state trooper uniform who Brazen guessed was Commander Frank Simm. Two other individuals also followed behind them.

Lancourt quickly grabbed Brazen’s hand. “I don’t know if this is good or bad, but that’s the county exec and the big man himself, President Reggie Philips! Remember, go easy, gentle as a dove, wise as a snake. And…best to let me do most of the talking.” Brazen just shrugged in response.

As the group approached Lancourt stood up and moved around to the other side of the table to greet them. The trooper looked at Brazen angrily and hissed, “Get on your feet and show some respect!”

Brazen responded in his best smartass tone, “You just told us to stay seated, chief.” At this the trooper raised his rifle to eye level with Brazen. “Okay, easy, I’ll stand now if you want, you just need to decide what you want is all,” conceded Brazen.

The four men walked up and the mood was decidedly tense. Brazen could probably understand why. The dead trooper was likely a friend of some in the room and Brazen was a thorn in all their sides.

Lancourt took the initiative and stepped forward. “Gentlemen, thank you all for coming. My name is Pastor Gary Lancourt and I have been a friend of the family of Timothy Walker here for many years. I applaud your presence here today and hope this will be the beginning of peace in our city and the end to the senseless bloodshed.”

The four men looked on silently for a few moments. Brazen expected an angry outburst at least, but the controlled silence was even more disquieting. Lancourt appeared unconcerned. “Might we begin with introductions?”

“I don’t think that is necessary,” said Frank Simm. “We all know each other as well as we want to.” The hostility fairly dripped off the man and Brazen welcomed it. He knew how to deal with such situations.

“Well, in that case,” said Lancourt, “might we sit? I believe we can also offer you some water or iced tea if you would like.”

“No, thank you. This isn’t a social call,” said Mayor Leslie Mitchell.

“Actually, I would like some iced tea. That would be wonderful,” said Reggie Philips from the back of the group in such a relaxed tone that it shocked Brazen by its contrast to the general mood. “I used to drink it as sweet as could be back in the day, but I’m grateful to have any tea whatsoever, especially if it’s cool.” Reggie’s smile appeared genuine if a little tired.

Lancourt smiled and nodded at John, who was hanging on the edge of the conversation.

Reggie moved forward and took command himself. “Sit, please,” motioning to everyone. The rest of his group didn’t look too happy about sitting with Brazen, but did as directed.

“I must say that I’m surprised you’re here, Mister President,” said Lancourt. “We asked to meet with the mayor to discuss the recent unfortunate events, but we’re honored by your presence.”

“Yes,” said the mayor slowly. “I brought this meeting up at the executive council and both the President and County Executive insisted they join me.” Brazen could tell that the mayor was not happy about having those men here.

“And as far as the unfortunate events,” said Simm, “you need to know that unless you disband and disarm your thugs, there will only be more bloodshed.”

“Not gonna happen,” growled Brazen.

“Hear us out, gentlemen” said Lancourt before anyone could retort. “You’ve come this far, at least hear what we have to say.”

“Yes, let’s hear what they have to say,” said Simm, leaning on the table towards Brazen and crossing his arms. “Shouldn’t take too long, this one here doesn’t seem to be a big talker.” Brazen simply smiled back at him.

“Easy now,” said Executive Williams, laying his hand on the trooper’s arm.

The trooper shook it off. “Easy hell! This thug got one of my men killed! I knew the man for twenty years! My kids played with his kids! Why don’t we just take him right now like I said earlier? Is there any good reason why we shouldn’t do that?”

“Actually there is,” said Brazen. “If both of us do not return home by six tonight, my boys with burn this city to the ground. And…they know where
all
your families live.”

The table was instantly silent and all eyes were on Brazen, who looked back calmly.

“You bastard!” said the mayor. He then turned to Lancourt, “And you! You call yourself a pastor! A man of God! How?”

“Perhaps we should hear what they have to say,” said Reggie.

The trooper stood up. “To hell with that!” he said and walked away from the table and out the front door. All eyes watched him as he departed and then they turned back to each other.

“Well, then,” said Reggie in a calm, resigned voice. “By all means, please proceed.”

At first, Brazen took the man’s calm as a sign of an oblivious nature, but he was starting to suspect that Reggie Phillips was more calculating and formidable than all the others. He also decided that Philips was the man to deal with.

Lancourt started to speak again, but Brazen put his hand on his arm stopping him. “Thank you, Gary, but I think it’s come time for my part in this.” He smiled at Lancourt who frowned in return and then sat slowly back in his chair.

Brazen looked at Reggie for a moment before beginning. “Let me first say that I regret there has been any loss of life in the past few days, and the men responsible have been punished.”

“Punished how?” asked the Mayor Mitchell.

“That is not important, and not your concern,” said Brazen never taking his eyes off Reggie. “Just trust that they have been. Also, I want to say that I am not happy with the way things are, and I see the bigger picture.”

“Do you now?” asked Mitchell, clearly growing exasperated.

“Yes,” said Brazen, still locked onto Reggie. “The city is in the midst of a civil war and the JP is devoting scarce resources to keep it contained. At the same time, WTR forces to the south are gathering strength and could look to make a move soon.”

At this Reggie’s eyes widened, clearly surprised at Brazen’s knowledge. However, he only responded with, “You are correct. But you must also know that we are committed to doing whatever it takes to provide a safe, clean, civilized society for every citizen here.”

Brazen nodded. “I know that’s what you want, but you can’t do it.”

“And why not?” asked the mayor.

“Because you can’t control the gangs of this city. You can’t stop the rampant crime. You can’t convince the people to trust you, because you’re not one of them. You don’t live among them. I can do all these things.”

Reggie steeped his fingers in front of him, “Let’s say for the sake of argument that you are correct in all your claims. Why would you stop the crime? Why would you help us make a safe and peaceful city?”

“Because as hard as it may be to believe, I want the same thing. We only differ in our methods.”

“Those methods might be the problem,” said Mitchell.

Brazen sighed, “Do you know why no crime or violence occurs in areas under my control?”

“Because you kill anyone who commits a crime?” answered the mayor.

Brazen smiled, “Sometimes…but, that’s not it. Although for some crimes I would say people do deserve to die, but as Pastor Lancourt assures me, we all in the end deserve to die. No, the reason there is no crime or violence is because I do not allow it. You may counter that neither does the city of Paducah, but the chances of breaking laws and getting caught by the city are slim. The chances of someone in my area breaking the rules and getting caught are a certainty. Any person who sees someone doing something against the common welfare will report it immediately. Do you know why?”

This time it was Reggie who answered, in all seriousness. “Because they believe you will do what is in the common interest and because they know you will always punish accordingly.”

Brazen was surprised that he got it so quickly. “That is exactly right. They also know me and they trust me.”

“You’re a regular saint, aren’t you?” said Mayor Mitchell.

Brazen smiled. “That’s not what I said. I have no illusion about what I am and neither do these people. That’s what makes me trustworthy. In a sense, I can be relied upon to maintain order, because that is what allows me to maintain my control and power. Control and power is what we’re talking about here, not whether I am Mother Teresa. Everyone knows if they break
my
rules…the consequences are ruthless and certain.”

The McCracken Country Executive Brad Williams took this opportunity to butt in. “Mr. Walker, perhaps you should explain exactly what it is you are proposing.”

“Yes,” said Brazen, who turned back to Lancourt. “I’ve heard that you are setting up county regiments for public defense and to provide the day to day law and order. These regiments are made up of volunteers, but the equipment and supplies are paid for by the state.”

“That’s true,” said Williams. “Colonel Gerald Rollins is the new McCracken Regimental Commander.”