Another biker pulled up on the opposite side of the truck and fired a barrage of bullets into the passenger door. He was reaching for the door handle when it suddenly swung open, sending him tumbling from his bike and into the bushes.
“Catch!” shouted Cleo, dangling from the open door. She showed Lex two grenades in her hand, before tossing them to him, one at a time.
Lex caught the first grenade in his hand, but dropped it while trying to catch the second. The grenade rolled toward the side of the trailer, with Lex chasing after it. It was about to fall over the edge, when he dove headlong and grabbed it. He climbed to his feet and crouched low, carefully heading to the rear of the truck. When he reached the end of the trailer he found the last remaining Humvee, with a man on the hood preparing to board. The man saw Lex and shot a burst of rounds in his direction.
Lex immediately dropped to his belly, as bullets sliced through the air where he’d been standing. He quickly pulled the pins from both grenades and counted to seven, before tossing them off the trailer. The grenades landed on the Humvee’s hood and exploded in a ball of flame.
Relieved, Lex crawled to his knees and glanced around, searching for the last biker, but the man was nowhere to be seen.
Maybe he gave up?
Lex stood up and walked over to where the knife man’s body lay on the roof of the trailer. Bending down, he rolled the man’s lifeless body over the side and watched as it hit the pavement with a thud. Excited to get back inside the cab, he stood up and turned around.
There in front of him and standing less than five feet away, was the final biker. Lex reached for his gun, but it was too late. The biker’s gun was drawn and pointing at Lex’s chest.
“That was my brother you just shoved off,” said the man, removing his helmet with his free hand.
“Oh really, sorry about that,” said Lex, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. “He left his knife,” he added, pointed to the serrated blade lying on the trailer between them, “if you want something to remember him by.”
“You son of a…” the man began, but never finished his sentence. His voice trailed off when he saw Lex suddenly drop to his knees and cover his head.
The man turned to see what Lex was ducking from, but it was too late. Several large tree branches struck him on the chest and face, knocking him flat on his back.
Lex jumped to his feet and reached for his gun, but it was gone. He glanced around searching for the weapon, but it was nowhere in sight. With the knife his only option, he turned and snatched it up.
Despite the vicious blow, the biker was on his feet in a matter of seconds. Although he’d lost his gun in the tree encounter it didn’t stop him. He charged at Lex with his arms open wide, fueled by the fury of seeing his brother killed.
Lex lunged with the knife, expecting the man to step back to avoid its sharp blade. But instead, he rushed forward, grabbing Lex by the wrist. The two men collided and fell to the roof of the trailer, each fighting for control of the knife.
Enraged by his brother’s death, the biker forced Lex onto his back and straddled him, using his body weight to gain control of the knife. He wrapped both hands around the handle and pushed it down into Lex’s chest.
Lex grabbed the man’s wrists and pushed up, but his assailant had all the leverage, and he could feel the cold steel pierce his skin.
Casey suddenly slammed on the brakes, bringing the truck to an immediate stop and sending both men soaring through the air.
Lex landed on his back with the wind knocked out of him. He rolled around on the ground gasping for air and clawing at his chest, as he tried in vain to breathe. His breath slowly returned and Lex crawled to his knees, looking at the biker who’d landed on the pavement nearby. The man was lying on his stomach and showed no signs of movement.
“Are you alright,” asked Cleo, sliding to the ground beside Lex. She wrapped her arms around him, before inspecting his body for injury.
“I’m okay,” grunted Lex, rubbing Cleo’s arm gently. “Just got the wind knocked out of me.” He stood up and walked over to where his assailant lay. Using his foot, he rolled the biker onto his back and was surprised to find the knife of the man’s brother, plunged into his stomach.
Lex glanced at Cleo who simply shrugged and said, “It’s his own bloody fault.”
“Ugh,” moaned the biker, his eyes fluttering open. “You’ve killed me!” he groaned, grasping the hilt of the knife.
“No,” replied Lex, rubbing his injured shoulder, “you’ve done that yourself.”
“Go to hell!” screamed the man, gasping in pain.
“I’m afraid that may be your destination,” said Lex. “But it’s never too late to repent and ask for God’s forgiveness. Would you like me to pray with you?”
“Who cares about forgiveness,” said the biker, blood bubbling out from his lips, “I’m already a dead man.”
“That’s true,” admitted Lex, nodding his head in agreement, “but your soul will live on for all eternity. And there’s only one of two destinations, heaven or hell. The choice is entirely yours, but you’re running out of time.”
“You’ve no idea of the things I’ve done,” coughed the biker.
“And you’ve no idea of the abundance of God’s love and forgiveness, if only you ask. There’s nothing you could’ve done that He wouldn’t forgive.”
“Oh yeah,” said the biker. “Guess where we got these uniforms.”
“Where?” asked Lex.
“We ambushed a small recon unit of Marines a few days ago. Damned fools thought they were saving us,” he said, as another coughing fit seized him. “The plan was to set up random road blocks and take anything we wanted. It was working pretty well until you guys came along.”
“Sorry to disappoint,” replied Lex.
“You see,” said the biker, “what kind of God could forgive me for killing our own soldiers when we’re at war?”
“The one true God,” said Lex. “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
“I don’t believe in your God!”
Lex dropped to his knees beside the man and placed his hand on his chest. “Dear Lord, please forgive this man for his sins. Please open his heart to your love and salvation, and accept his soul into heaven. Thank you God. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.” Lex opened his eyes and realized the man was dead.
“Do you think he accepted Christ before passing?” asked Cleo.
“I don’t know,” said Lex, standing up. “I’d like to think so.”
World War III – Day Nineteen
Clearview, Nevada
The delicious aroma of fresh brewed coffee filled the jailhouse, when Jessie swung open the door and stuck her head in. She was wearing a pair of tight blue jeans with an orange top and looked as beautiful as ever.
“Good morning,” she said, with a smile, “something smells good.”
“Hey,” greeted Ian, hunched over the stove. “Are you hungry?”
“What are you making?”
“Fried eggs and bacon,” he replied, flipping one of the eggs and breaking it in the process. “Oops, that one goes to the Russians.”
“Wow,” said Jessie, looking into the frying pan. “Are you feeding an army?”
“Just me and the prisoners,” said Ian, flipping another egg.
“I thought there were only two prisoners. Who else have you got back there?”
“The DeLuca brothers,” he said, pouring them each a cup of coffee. “Those two fools can’t seem to stay out of trouble.”
“Oh they’re harmless,” said Jessie.
“Maybe,” agreed Ian, taking a sip of coffee, “but they’re annoying.”
“Yes, but annoying isn’t a crime.”
“It ought to be,” he said.
“What did they do this time?”
“Got in another fight, only this time they broke a window over at Sampson’s hardware. Did you sleep well?” he asked, hoping to change the subject.
“I never sleep as well as when you’re next to me,” she answered, accepting the plate of food he handed her.
With only three cells in the jailhouse, Ian had put Richie and Lenny together in one cell and kept the Russians separated. Although Lenny lay snoring on his cot, Richie was sitting up and alert and had been ever since Jessie arrived. “You can always sleep next to me if you’d like,” he offered, casting a wink at Jessie.
“Shut up,” said Ian, irritated with all of the flirtatious comments the brothers had been casting toward his girl.
“Or what?” taunted Richie.
“Or you won’t get any breakfast,” replied Ian.
Richie immediately shut up and leaned back against the wall. He hadn’t eaten very much in the past few days and was really looking forward to the food he’d been smelling. His stomach growled angrily, as he sat there patiently waiting to be served.
Lenny began to stir on his cot, as the aroma of coffee and food filled his nostrils. He sat up rubbing his eyes and glanced around. When he saw Jessie he whistled in delight.
“Be quiet,” advised Richie, “or we won’t get any breakfast.”
It had been just as long since Lenny had eaten, so trusting in his brother’s advice, he lay back down and remained silent.
“What are your plans for today?” asked Ian.
“I’m helping my uncle tend to some of the sick and injured refugees,” answered Jessie. “What about you?”
“I’ve no plans,” answered Ian. “I might go and do some hunting with Shiloh, but I haven’t asked him yet.”
“What about the prisoners?”
“Well the Italian brothers are going free after breakfast and I’m sure I can find someone to watch the Russians. I need to get outside, even for just a little while. I’ve been cooped up in this jailhouse for too long.”
“Maybe we could go for a walk after breakfast,” suggested Jessie.
“That sounds great,” smiled Ian, handing a plate of food to Richie and Lenny, along with a mug of coffee.
“Thanks,” said the Italian brothers in unison.
Ian grunted and returned to the stove, where he scooped some eggs and bacon onto plates for the Russian prisoners. Neither of them said a word, they simply accepted the food and began eating. They hadn’t spoken much at all, even under the rigors of torture, a hardship which was provided daily by Lt. Sawyer and his Marines.
Ian couldn’t blame the prisoners for their silence. If he were in their shoes, he wouldn’t be talking much either. Watching as they were tortured had taken its toll and he was beginning to sympathize for them. He looked into the eyes of the Russians as they ate their food and wondered what they were thinking.
“I’ll go and see if I can find someone to cover for you while we take our walk,” said Jessie, after she and Ian had finished eating.
“Sounds good,” said Ian, as he cleared the dishes.
Jessie stood up on her tip-toes and kissed Ian on the cheek. “Breakfast was delicious, thank you.”
“Anything for you,” grinned Ian, pressing his lips to hers.
“Lucky duck,” said Lenny, as the door closed behind Jessie.
“Alright you two,” Ian said dryly, walking toward the DeLuca brothers, “you’re free to go.” He unlocked their cells and opened the doors. “But if I catch you causing any more trouble I’ll toss you back in,” he added.
“Might not be a bad idea,” said Lenny.
“That’s true,” agreed Richie, “I haven’t eaten this good in a while. Tell me warden, will you be doing the cooking every day?”
“You’re getting on my last nerve,” hissed Ian. “Now leave, or I’ll lock you up and throw away the key. And stay away from Jessie!”
“We’re going,” laughed Lenny. “Touchy isn’t he?”
“Yeah he is,” agreed Richie, “but a damn fine cook. Maybe you shouldn’t have flirted with his woman.”
“Me,” said Lenny incredulously, “you’re the one who offered to sleep with her.”
Ian slammed the door behind the brothers while they were still talking. He was tired of listening to their constant chatter, especially in regards to Jessie. She was his woman and he wasn’t about to let two smooth talking Italian brothers change that. He collected the prisoner’s dishes and was almost finished washing them, when Jessie returned with both Cole and Billy Higgins.
“I found some replacement guards,” she said.
“Wonderful,” smiled Ian. “Thanks fellas. It’s just the two Russians. They haven’t been talking much, but keep an eye out and don’t get too close to the bars.”
“Why not?” asked Billy.
“They’re special forces,” answered Ian. “I’ve seen them watching me, as if waiting for the right opportunity to strike. But if they can’t reach you, they can’t hurt you.”
“Oh, I see,” said Billy. “Are they dangerous?”
“Do you mean would they slit your throat at the drop of a hat and watch while you bleed to death? Yes.”
Billy’s face turned several shades lighter, as he looked at the prisoners and swallowed.
Ian couldn’t help but smile at the young man’s reaction. Although the warning didn’t seem to have much effect on his older cousin Cole, who was busy rolling a smoke.
“Dude, you got anything to eat around here?” asked Cole. “I’ve got the munchies.”
“There’s some food in there,” said Ian, pointing to some wooden cabinets behind the Sheriff’s desk. “But stay alert and don’t smoke too much.”
“Yeah, yeah,” coughed Cole, “I’m more alert when I’m smoking.”
“Sure you are,” said Ian, smiling. “I just don’t want to come back and find those two gone and the two of you locked up in their place. I’ll be on the radio if you need me.”
Ian took Jessie’s hand and left the jail. They headed down Main Street, walking towards the park. He wanted to ask Jessie something, but wasn’t sure how to go about it. Every time she gazed into his eyes he lost all control of his senses. Never in all of his life had he seen such a beautiful woman. But what surprised him, was that she liked him.
Most women hadn’t seen beyond the scar on Ian’s face, nor given him the time of day. Many of the girls throughout his youth had almost always been interested in Shiloh. It only seemed natural. After all Ian had to admit, Shiloh was a good looking guy. Yet Shiloh never showed interested in any of the girls, until he met Sheila and fell head over heels.
As Ian and Jessie walked through the park, Jessie talked about what was happening in the world. She spoke of the past and the future, but it was the present Ian thought of.
He suddenly realized Jessie was no longer talking. Instead, she was staring up at him, as though she were waiting for a response. Having been so preoccupied with his own thoughts, he’d missed the question altogether.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?” asked Ian, embarrassed he hadn’t been listening.
“I asked about your plans for the future,” repeated Jessie. “What do you want to do with your life, after the war has ended and things go back to normal, if they go back to normal?”
“I don’t know,” said Ian, “after all, it’s just begun.”
“I know, but pretend it’s over. What’s next?”
“Well,” he said. “I’d like to repair my parent’s farm house and plant more crops.”
“That sounds nice,” said Jessie. “Won’t that be a lot of work?”
“Yeah,” answered Ian. “But I figured my sons could help when they arrive.”
Jessie let go of Ian’s hand and looked away. “So you’ve got children?”
“No, not yet,” he answered, “but I was hoping you’d help me with that.”
“You want to marry me then?” she asked, surprised.
“Well, it’s a bit sudden,” smiled Ian, “but okay.”
“Is that your idea of a proposal?”
“I love you Jessie and I want to marry you,” replied Ian. “I can’t imagine a future without you in it. What do you say, will you be my wife?”
“I have to admit, I never thought I’d be proposed to in such a way, but, yes of course. I’ll marry you!” Jessie stood up on her toes, wrapped her arms around Ian’s neck and began kissing him passionately.
“Good morning,” called Shiloh, as he, Mason and Lt. Sawyer approached the young couple.
“Maybe you two should get a room,” teased Lt. Sawyer.
“Maybe we will,” retorted Jessie, gazing up into Ian’s eyes.
“Hey, where are you guys off to?” asked Ian, noticing the rifle and supply pack each man carried.
“We’re heading out on a recon patrol,” answered Lt. Sawyer. “Mason’s gonna show us the enemy base camp up at Lake Tahoe.”
“You guy’s need any help?” asked Ian.
Jessie immediately squeezed his hand and gave him a look saying, Stay with me.
“No thanks,” smiled Shiloh, noticing Jessie’s reaction. “We’ll be fine.”
“Guess what,” said Jessie, full of excitement.
“What?” Shiloh asked, trying to play along.
“We’re getting married!”
“Congratulations!” replied Shiloh.
“No kidding,” said Lt. Sawyer, patting Ian on the back, “someone’s finally snared you?”
“That’s right,” said Jessie. “And I’m afraid he’s gonna be busy helping me plan our wedding, so you fellas will have to do without him for a while.”
“When Sheila and I built our Bed and Breakfast, the idea was to use it for wedding events. I’d be honored if your wedding was the first to be held there,” suggested Shiloh.
“Really?” said Jessie. “That would be so wonderful! Is that okay with you Ian?”
“Sure,” laughed Ian. “Whatever makes you happy, makes me happy.”
“Good,” said Shiloh, “then it’s settled. Now that you’ve a location you can start planning all the other details.” He looked at Ian and winked. “Good luck!”
“I’ll bet he wishes he was coming with us,” laughed Lieutenant Sawyer, as the three men walked away.
“If he doesn’t yet, he will,” agreed Mason.
“So,” began Jessie, gazing up into Ian’s eyes, “I was thinking of asking Kati to be my maid of honor. What do you think?”
“Who’s Kati?” asked Ian.
“She’s the one you found in the cave,” said Jessie. “You remember, the one whose unborn baby vanished, along with everyone else.”
“Oh right, her,” said Ian, “why her?”
“Because I like her,” replied Jessie. “You’re free to pick whomever you want as your best man, just as I’m free to pick my maid of honor.”
“What’s the purpose of a maid of honor anyway?” asked Ian.
“Oh my,” declared Jessie, “I can see I’ve got my work cut out for me.”
*******
Cole and Billy were playing a game of checkers, when there was a soft knock on the jailhouse door. It was Billy’s turn and while he pondered his next move, Cole got up to answer the door.
“It’s for you dude,” he said, to his young cousin.
Billy turned around in his chair, as Cole opened the door and Dakota stepped inside. She wore a light blue top with a plunging V-neck, covered by a tan denim coat with sheepskin lining. Her blue jeans were the same pair she’d worn on the day she invited Billy into her house for a cup of hot chocolate. Dakota was the type of girl who prided herself on being fashion forward and before The Vanishing, she never would’ve worn a piece of clothing twice in the same week. Yet certain things no longer seemed important.
“Oh, hello,” said Billy, surprised to see her standing there. “What are you doing here?”
“I didn’t like the way we left things the other day,” admitted Dakota, glancing around the jailhouse and noticing the two Russian prisoners behind bars.
“Why don’t I leave you two alone,” said Cole, grabbing his coat.