“You don’t have to leave,” said Billy.
“It’s no problem bro, I’ll get us something to eat. It seems like you two have things to talk about,” he added, closing the door behind him.
“So you’re guarding the prisoners?” asked Dakota, removing her coat and draping it over a chair.
“Yeah,” answered Billy. “It’s kind of boring, but Ian needed a break.”
“He must trust you a lot,” observed Dakota, “or he wouldn’t leave you alone with the prisoners.” When Billy didn’t respond, she continued. “I missed you when you didn’t show up to chop firewood this morning.”
“I’ve been a little busy,” said Billy, avoiding Dakota’s stare. He’d always felt uneasy under the gaze of her beautiful brown eyes. “Besides, I thought I left you with plenty of wood the other day. Of course that’s assuming you’re only burning one fire at a time,” he added, immediately wishing he could retract the comment. He enjoyed Dakota’s company and the last thing he wanted was to drive her away.
Dakota’s face flushed red and her eyes flashed with anger. She’d come here to apologize to Billy, not to argue. “I’m sorry about the things I said,” she continued, managing to remain calm. “You were right about the extra fires being a waste of wood. You were also right about closing all of the doors and vents to conserve heat. You were right about everything.”
The apology surprised Billy and he wasn’t really sure how to respond. Most girls didn’t talk to him, in fact they went out of their way to avoid him, but this was something entirely new. “It’s okay,” he finally managed to say. “I’m sorry too.”
“Does that mean you’ll continue to come by every morning?” she asked.
“Oh,” mumbled Billy, “that’s why you’re apologizing. You just need someone to chop your firewood.”
“Why Billy Higgins, I can’t believe you think so poorly of me!” shouted Dakota. “The reason I came here to apologize was not so you’d chop my firewood! Maybe I shouldn’t have come at all,” she added, turning to leave.
“No, wait,” said Billy. “I shouldn’t have said that. So, if it’s not to chop wood, why else do you want me to come by every morning?”
“Because I like talking to you,” said Dakota. “You can’t imagine how lonely it gets in that big old house. I’ve been all alone since I lost my parents and you’re the only one who ever visits. I can’t bear the thought of losing you too.” Her eyes began to well with tears and she turned away, rubbing the drops from her eyes.
Billy couldn’t stand to see Dakota cry. He stood up and walked over to her, wrapped one arm around her shoulder and guided her to the chair where he’d been sitting.
“Please don’t cry,” he said, trying to sooth her. “Everything’s going to be okay. I’m sure your parents are fine and you’ll see them again. And don’t worry, I’ll still come by every day to check on you and make sure you’ve got everything ya need.”
“Thanks,” whimpered Dakota. “I feel so alone.”
“You’ll never be alone,” smiled Billy, “not while I’m here. Try not to cry. I’ll take care of you.”
“Everything you’ve done for me has meant so much,” smiled Dakota, drying her eyes. “Every morning I long for the sound of you chopping wood, and when you weren’t there this morning…” she began weeping again. “I just can’t imagine what my life would be like without you. I’m so sorry for being a selfish brat and for hurting your feelings, especially when you’re the only one who seems to care if I live or die. Can you ever forgive me?”
“Of course I can,” laughed Billy, trying to cheer her up. “I forgave you the moment it happened. And there are a lot more people who care about you,” he added. “You’d know that if ya got out more, instead of staying cooped up in that big mansion.”
“It’s the only place I feel safe,” explained Dakota.
“Well, you’re safe with me,” said Billy, rubbing her back gently. “You’ve nothing to fear. I’ll watch out for you until your parents return.”
“And what if they never return?”
“Then I’ll watch out for you forever,” said Billy.
“Thank you,” said Dakota, her tears finally under control. “That means so much to me. You really are a sweet boy,” she added, gazing up into Billy’s eyes.
Dakota stood up and put her hand on Billy’s check, causing him to blush. She ran her fingers through his hair and pulled him close, pressing her soft lips to his and draping her arms around his neck.
Billy kissed her and instinctively wrapped his arms around her tiny waist. After a few minutes their lips parted and they stood there staring into each other’s eyes.
“I’ve never kissed a boy before,” said Dakota, after a brief moment of silence.
“Neither have I,” replied Billy, still in shock. “I mean, I’ve never kissed a girl before.”
“Really?” asked Dakota, surprised. “I’d have thought a good looking guy like you could have your pick of the girls.”
“Maybe I was waiting for the right one,” smiled Billy.
“So you’ve never kissed anyone before?”
“Nope,” answered Billy, “you’re my first. I hope I did it right.”
“I liked it,” said Dakota. “But perhaps we should try again, just to be sure. Ya know what they say, practice makes perfect.”
“Well in that case,” grinned Billy, pulling Dakota’s body close to his, “I could practice this all day long.” He bent his head and pressed his lips to hers. Her skin smelled of strawberries and her lips tasted like peppermint. He’d never realized how wonderful a kiss could be until now.
“What is it?” asked Dakota, sensing tension in Billy’s muscles.
“Nothing, I’ve just gotta use the restroom,” he said. “But I’ll be right back.”
“Okay,” smiled Dakota, “but hurry that was just getting good.”
“I’ll be right back,” said Billy, as he disappeared into the bathroom. He couldn’t believe his good fortune and he was in a hurry to get back to Dakota’s soft, delicate lips. But when he emerged from the restroom, she was missing. Her coat was where she’d left it, so she couldn’t have gone far.
“Dakota?” he called. “Where are you?”
“In here,” she answered, her voice shaky and nervous.
Billy opened the door separating the cells from the rest of the jailhouse and found Dakota standing facing him, with her back to one of the Russian prisoners. Her face was pale and her eyes were wide and full of fear. Billy didn’t understand why her change in mood, until he noticed the prisoner was holding a knife to her throat.
“I’m sorry Billy,” said Dakota. “I was curious about the prisoners so I came in here and…”
“Be quiet,” hissed Captain Yuri Petrov, pressing the blade against Dakota’s skin. A thin, red, line of blood appeared on her throat. “If she means anything to you boy, you’ll do what I say without making a sound.”
Billy held up his hands where the prisoner could see them. “Please don’t hurt her,” he said. “I’ll do whatever you want.”
“Good,” said Yuri, as Sasha rose from the cot where he’d been sitting and approached the bars. “I want you to get the keys and bring them to me. Leave the door open so I can see what you’re doing and don’t try anything heroic, or I promise I will slit her throat.”
“Okay,” said Billy, propping the door open. “I’ll do whatever you ask, just don’t hurt her.” He quickly did as instructed and retrieved the cell keys from within the Sheriff’s desk. He brought them to Yuri and handed them to him.
“Good, now unlock my comrade’s cell,” instructed Yuri.
Billy did as he was told and released the Russian Lieutenant, who immediately grabbed the keys from his hand.
Moving swiftly and with the utmost confidence, Sasha forced Billy and Dakota into the cell he’d been occupying and locked the door. He tossed the keys to Yuri and disappeared into the outer jailhouse.
Yuri caught the keys deftly, never taking his eyes off Billy and Dakota. He unlocked his cell and closed the door, leaving the keys on a stool in the corner of the room. “Don’t worry,” he said, smiling, “someone will eventually find you and until then, think of this as alone time.”
Sasha walked back into the room and tossed Yuri a handgun, followed by a rife. He had another rifle slung over his shoulder and a handgun tucked behind his belt. In his hand he held two packs full of supplies. He grinned at the two young lovers behind bars, holding onto one another in anticipation and fear. Dropping the packs, he withdrew a long hunting knife from behind his back.
Dakota gasped and grabbed Billy by the arm.
Billy was scared too, but managed to wrap his arm around her and squeeze reassuringly.
“Are you ready to die boy?” laughed Sasha.
“Do your worst,” said Billy. “You’ve had your last laugh at our expense.”
As Sasha approached their cell, Billy pushed Dakota behind him in an attempt to protect her. He stood ready, with his hands clenched in fists of rage.
“Leave them alone,” ordered Yuri. He had no problem with killing people to escape, but was not fond of killing, just to kill. “These two pose no threat,” he added, noticing the angry look on Sasha’s face.
Sasha didn’t share his commanding officer’s sentiments in regards to killing. He viewed the Americans as the enemy, regardless of age or gender, and believed they should all be put to death. Grudgingly, he slid the knife back into its sheath and said, “Another time boy.”
“Anytime you’re ready to die,” said Billy, with more confidence than he truly felt. The fact that Dakota was standing behind him, depending on him, gave Billy a boost of courage.
“We shall see,” hissed Sasha, scowling at Billy, as he grabbed the packs and turned to leave.
Yuri smiled at Billy. He admired the young man’s bravery and determination. “You’ve made an enemy for life I think,” he said.
“To hell with him,” spat Billy. “I’ll fight him anytime he chooses.”
“Then you will die,” replied Yuri, the expression on his face never changing. “He is a trained killer and what’s more, he likes it. Have you ever killed anything?”
“A rabbit,” answered Billy, remembering the first time he’d gone hunting with Cole. Thinking back on that day, Billy had to admit he’d felt utter remorse after shooting the little white rabbit. He liked guns and he liked shooting, he just didn’t like killing. He didn’t have to explain any of this to Yuri. The Russian seemed to understand, just by looking into his eyes.
“Killing him,” Yuri nodded toward his comrade in the other room, “will be much more difficult than killing a rabbit. Although your conscience may be less affected,” he added, as if he’d read Billy’s mind. Yuri turned and left the room, closing the outer door behind him.
The Russians had been gone for almost an hour, when Cole returned with three plates of food. “I brought some…” Cole’s voice trailed off, as he glanced around the empty jailhouse. “Hello? Billy? Dakota? Where is everyone?”
“Back here,” shouted Billy, from his cell in the back room.
Cole set the plates of food on the Sheriff’s desk and opened the door. He found Billy and Dakota locked in the same cell together, sitting side-by-side on the cot. A quick glance around the room confirmed the prisoners had escaped. “Dude, what happened?”
“They got away,” said Billy.
“I’m sorry,” added Dakota, “it’s all my fault. I never should’ve come back here. I was curious to see the prisoners and then all of a sudden, one of them grabbed me and held a knife to my throat. Billy only did what he did to save my life.”
“It doesn’t really matter how it happened,” said Cole. “We need to warn everyone and organize a search party. Come on,” he added, opening their cell, “let’s go find Ian and tell him what’s happened.”
World War III – Day Nineteen
Clearview, Nevada
When Ian heard about what happened at the jailhouse, he immediately organized a search party. A quick inspection for tracks leading out of town came up empty, so he sent four search parties in different directions, north, south, east and west. Unconvinced the Russians had left town, he divided the remaining men into smaller groups and sent them door to door, searching every building and house. He wanted the prisoners found, before they could report the location of Clearview to their Commanders.
He was sending Alfonso and Kassie with another group in a different direction, when he saw Mason’s black Hummer driving down Main Street, a large eighteen-wheeler following close behind. The Hummer pulled to a stop in front of Ian and the passenger door swung open.
“What’s going on?” asked Shiloh, noticing the search party, as he climbed out of the Hummer.
“The prisoners have escaped” said Ian. “Their armed and dangerous and have been missing for several hours. We’ve searched the entire town, but found nothing. I’m widening the search and could sure use some help.”
“I’ll get some of my men to help,” said Lt. Sawyer, emerging from the backseat of the Hummer. He turned and headed for the fairgrounds, where he and his men had set up camp.
“Who’s in the truck?” asked Ian, glancing at the eighteen-wheeler.
“You’ll never believe who we found,” said Shiloh.
The passenger door of the truck swung open and Lex jumped down, followed by Cleo. Lex turned and helped Beth down from the cab, as Shannon and her kids came running from the back of the trailer.
“Lex, Cleo, it’s good to see you!” shouted Ian. “We’ve been worried.”
“It’s good to be back,” agreed Lex.
Hearing Lex’s voice, Kassie barked gleefully and charged toward her owner. She jumped up, with her front paws landing on his chest and began licking his cheek, unyieldingly.
“Hey girl,” laughed Lex, patting the German Shepherd on the head. “I’ve missed you too!”
“What’s this I hear about a prison escape?” asked Mason, walking around the Hummer from the driver’s side.
“The Russians got away,” explained Ian, as his radio came to life.
“Search party three, calling Clearview, do you copy, over?”
“This is Clearview,” Ian said into the handheld radio, “we read you loud and clear, over.”
“We found two sets of tracks heading into the mountains west of town, near Kingsbury Grade. Looks like they’re headed to the base camp at Lake Tahoe, over.”
“Stay on their trail,” said Ian. “We’re on our way, over.”
“We just came from there,” said Shiloh. “If they make it to the lake and warn them of our location, we’re gonna be in for a world of hurt.”
“Ya feel like doing some hunting?” Mason asked Cleo, as he swung open the Hummer’s hatchback and withdrew two rifles, both with infrared scopes.
“It’s gonna be hard to see them in the dark,” observed Lex. “I don’t suppose you have any more of those?”
“I do,” said Mason, handing Lex the keys to his Hummer. “There’s some infrared goggles and a few other supplies in my basement.”
“What should we do with him?” asked Jesse, as he and Jillian walked up with Tyler, his hands still tied behind his back.
“Who is he?” asked Ian.
“He’s one of those Enlightened Ones,” said Cleo.
“Really? Where did you find him?”
“Lying in the middle of the road, riddled with bullets,” explained Shannon. “He almost didn’t make it.”
“Too bad he did,” mumbled Mason. “Where is this Kingsbury Grade?” He asked, looking from Shiloh to Ian.
“I’ll take you,” said Shiloh.
“I’m coming too,” added Ian, handing a radio to Lex. “Here, call us when you have the supplies and we’ll tell you where to find us. Oh and will you show them to the jail, on your way to Mason’s house?” he asked, glancing at Jesse and Jillian. “Cole and Billy are there with Dakota.”
“Sounds good,” said Lex, scooping Cleo into his arms and kissing her passionately.
“Be careful,” whispered Cleo, gazing up into Lex’s eyes.
“I’m just going to Mason’s,” laughed Lex. “I’ll see you soon.” He turned, jumped into the Hummer, with Jillian sitting next to him and Jesse riding in the back with Tyler.
“And tell my wife I’ll be home late,” Mason shouted, as the Hummer sped away.
The Hummer skidded to a stop in front of the jailhouse and Jesse, Jillian and Tyler all climbed out.
“Cole should have the keys,” said Lex, nodding toward the door. “Tell him you’re with me.”
“Thanks,” said Jesse, as Lex drove away, headed for the abandoned house where Mason and Savannah had taken up residence since arriving in Clearview.
Hiding in the shadows beneath the steps of the Shady Lady across the street, the Russians watched, as the passengers unloaded and Lex drove off.
“Look,” whispered Yuri, pointing at the Hummer’s government license plate. “Let’s go!”
Yuri and Sasha stood up and sprinted after the vehicle, dodging in and out of shadows, as they followed it down Main Street. “Hurry,” hissed Yuri, when the Hummer turned left onto a residential street.
“Who goes there?” bellowed Sheriff Garrett, as he stepped out of the dark, a bottle of vodka gripped in his hand.
Without missing a beat, Yuri withdrew a knife and slashed the large, burly man’s throat. The Sheriff dropped the bottle and grasped the slit in his neck, as Yuri plunged the knife deep into his plump belly. He twisted the blade and watched, as life drained out of the man’s eyes.
“Want a drink comrade?” asked Sasha, handing Yuri the bottle he’d caught, as it fell from the Sheriff’s lifeless hand.
“Get rid of the body,” whispered Yuri, glancing around to see if anyone had seen the encounter.
Sasha quickly dragged the Sheriff into an alley and deposited his body behind a dumpster. He took a swig from the bottle of vodka and spat the contents onto the ground. “American’s don’t know good vodka,” he hissed, tossing the bottle in the dumpster.
When Yuri and Sasha reached the road where the Hummer had turned, they followed it into a quiet neighborhood. Spreading out, they began searching for the vehicle.
Lex pulled into Mason’s driveway and knocked on the front door.
“Lex!” gasped Savannah, opening the door wide. “You’re back! And Cleo?”
“She’s here with me,” smiled Lex, as Savannah wrapped her arms around him.
“Did you find your mother?”
“Yes we did,” replied Lex, returning her hug. “She’s here too.”
“There!” whispered Sasha, pointing to the Hummer, parked in front of a quaint house.
Yuri nodded and they quickly crouched behind some bushes. They were too far away to hear the conversation, but could see Lex and Savannah hugging.
“When did you arrive?” asked Savannah.
“A few minutes ago. Shiloh and your husband found us up in the mountains. We drove into town together.”
“Where is Michael?”
“He asked me to tell ya he was gonna to be late,” said Lex. “Apparently there’s been a jail break. Some Russian POW’s, as I understand it. A search party found some tracks and everybody’s headed out that way. Mason told me he had some night vision goggles and other equipment that might be useful stored in the basement. I’m supposed to get the supplies and meet up with the rest of them.”
“Not before you’ve eaten a nice hot meal,” said Savannah, pulling Lex into the house.
“I really should join the rest of them,” countered Lex, as he was dragged inside.
The dining room table was laid out with a feast fit to feed a king. And the candles in the center of the table, created a romantic ambiance.
“Forgive me,” said Savannah, noticing the expression on Lex’s face. “I was planning a surprise evening with my husband, but I guess that isn’t going to happen. But, there’s no point in all of this hard work going to waist, especially since you’ve just gotten back. I think you deserve a nice hot meal. The rest of them will get along just fine without you for a little while,” she added, as if reading his mind. Savannah guided him into a seat at the head of the table, where she’d placed a plate and utensils for Mason. “I hope you like Steak,” she said, hurrying into the kitchen.
“Do you think it’s him,” asked Sasha, as he and Yuri peered through the living room window.
“It must be,” said Yuri, watching as Savannah poured Lex a glass of wine. “Let’s go!”
“Do you mind if I load some of the supplies into the Hummer, while you finish with dinner?” asked Lex, not wanting to offend Savannah, but feeling like he shouldn’t stay long.
“I suppose if you must,” she called from the kitchen. “But hurry, dinner won’t be long. How do you like your steak cooked?”
“Medium, please,” said Lex, as he opened the door to the basement and descended the steps. When he reached the bottom of the staircase he flipped the lights on and was surprised by what he found. Mason was exaggerating when he said a ‘few other supplies’. The basement was stockpiled, as if he’d been preparing for World War III.
“It must be him,” said Sasha, as he and Yuri watched Lex through a basement window.
Lex quickly found the night vision goggles and loaded them into a crate. He picked up the crate and turned to leave, when the lights suddenly went dark.
“Hello? Savannah, is that you?”
Lex peered into the darkness, as hairs on the back of his neck stood erect. He’d learned long ago to trust his instincts, and he had a gut feeling something was wrong. Although he couldn’t see or hear anything, he felt sure he wasn’t alone. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, gripping the crate tight in his hands. “Who are you and what do you want?”
When no answer came, Lex stepped forward into the dark. He suddenly caught a flicker of movement from the corner of his eye, as someone moved in the shadows. He crouched low and began to wish he’d brought his gun downstairs with him. When the attack came, it came from behind. Spinning on the balls of his feet, Lex swung the crate around and brought it down hard on his assailant’s head.
The crate shattered from the impact and he felt the sharp sting of a blade, as the man slashed a knife across his chest. He quickly grabbed the unknown assailant’s wrist and the two of them rolled to the ground, wrestling for the knife.
The lights suddenly came on and Lex could see his attacker. Sasha grinned at him and tried to jab the knife into his stomach, but Lex rolled away and out of reach. He sprang to his feet and stomped on Sasha’s wrist. The Russian screamed in agony and released his grip on the knife. Lex quickly jumped on top of the soldier, pinning him to the concrete floor. He grabbed the knife and was about to end the Russian’s life, when a voice from the shadows stopped him.
“I would not do that if I were you,” said Yuri, holding a gun to Savannah’s head.
Lex froze where he was and peered into the shadows, searching for the man whose voice he’d heard.
Yuri stepped forward, using Savannah as a body shield. Her hands were tied behind her back and a gag had been taped over her mouth.
Lex stood up slowly, releasing his grip on Sasha.
“Good,” said Yuri, “very good. Now, drop the knife and kick it over here.”
Lex could see the wide-eyed fear in Savannah’s eyes, as he did as instructed.
Sasha scrambled to his feet and retrieved the knife from the floor at Lex’s feet. He grabbed Lex by the shirt and with an evil grin, pressed the knife to his throat. He was about to kill Lex, when Yuri stopped him.
“No Sasha! Do not kill him yet, we still need him alive.”
Anger flashed in Sasha’s eyes and for a brief moment, it appeared as though he would disobey the order.
“Lieutenant Sasha Razin, you will not kill him until I say you can!” Yuri was no longer pointing his gun at Savannah, but instead at Sasha. “I will not repeat the order.”
Sasha slowly lowered the knife and tied Lex’s hands behind his back, before forcing him toward the stairs. When they reached the top of the staircase, Lex was forced into a chair at the end of the table, directly across from Savannah. He watched helplessly, as Sasha stood behind her and pressed the blade of his knife to her throat.
Yuri joined Lex at the table and sat down next to him. “Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Captain Yuri Petrov and you, Michael Mason, are an agent for the Central Intelligence Agency, code named Condor. Is that correct?”
“No,” hissed Lex, struggling with the rope tied around his wrists. “You’ve got the wrong man!”
“Of course that’s what you’d say,” said Yuri. “You’re a hard man to find Mr. Mason.”
“Apparently not hard enough,” replied Lex. “And like I said, I’m not Mason. What’s this all about anyway?”
“Straight to the point,” smiled Yuri. “I like that.”
“Listen to me you communist bastard, if you hurt Savannah I’m gonna kill ya, slowly, very slowly.”
“Ah, I see,” said Yuri, “and if I do not hurt her, will you cooperate?”
“No,” replied Lex, “but I’ll kill you fast instead of slow.”