Dark justice, p.17
Dark Justice, page 17
part #7 of The Shadow Patriots Series
“I'm here,” said Collette. “Where are you?”
“I'm coming in now, I'm in a white pickup.”
“I see ya.”
Winters looked around and spotted Collette running out of the woods. He stopped, got out and was practically knocked over as she rushed in wrapping his arms around him.
“Oh my God. We've been so worried.”
“I'm sorry, but the town was swarming with bad guys.”
“Tell me about it. You'll never believe what happened to us.”
Winters jaw dropped as she told them everything and he kept shaking his head until she finished.
“Wow! You guys did great, that's just incredible. So, where is this girl?”
“She's sleeping. She's been sleeping all day. I mean, the poor thing, is like, really messed up.”
“Well, let's go meet this mystery girl.”
They hopped in the white Chevy and Winters rocked the truck over the uneven ground. As they came up to the vehicles, Laney popped around holding her weapon before relaxing. She came running in just as Laney did and knocked Winters into the side of the truck.
“You're safe,” cheered a relieved Laney. “Did Collette tell you what we did?”
“She did and may I say, I'm really proud of you guys.”
Collette came around to Winters' other side.
“You guys are incredibly brave.”
“Our new friend is finally awake,” said Laney as she and Collette escorted Winters to their makeshift camp.
“Well, I can't wait to meet her.”
Winters' mouth dropped open as soon as they came around the corner to where Reese was standing holding a bottle of water.
Chapter 39
Washington DC
Dauber's phone rang. It was Melnick checking up on him again. He ignored him since he had already assured him earlier he had the graffiti story ready to go on tonight's broadcast. He had sent one of their better-looking reporters out to handle it. She was a favorite among the viewers because she always wore provocative clothing. She usually dealt with the fluff stories and did it with a playful flair, which always brought the viewers. It was the perfect way to hook as many viewers as he could into listening to these audio recordings. They could keep watching her jiggle her chest around while he started them.
The viewers wouldn't know what was going on at first, which is why he had to carefully lure them in while setting up the big stuff. He had already gone through all the recordings and edited the boring things out to let the damning parts be the emphasis of the story. Thirty seconds after it started he'd take her out and then splice in photos of the voices. If he was going to do it, then by God he was going to do it right. He had several different headshots of Perozzi, Reed, their henchman Patrick O'Connor and the Chinese players. He also had a video of them speaking at various conferences that he'd use as well just to convince everyone it was them talking. It had taken a couple of hours just to confirm who they were but he found them. He even spelled their names correctly and those of whom they worked for. He had to admit, it was going to be an epic broadcast, one that would change the course of history.
He leaned back and fantasized about being written into the history books as one of the valiant men who helped save the country. It'd be a great thing provided he could live long enough to see it happen. His life wasn't going to be worth spit in a few short hours.
Unfortunately, to ensure the broadcast played all the way through, he was going to have to stay there. There would be a minder or two hanging around who might try to stop the broadcast. He was glad he'd kept the gun he used last night. It was going to come in handy. Never mind preventing anyone from stopping the transmission, he had no doubt he'd have to kill again just to get out of the control room.
Until last night, he had never killed anyone and tried not to think about it too much. He had the perfect rationale for doing it though, and it provided him some comfort. Had he not killed his two minders, then he'd have lost his daughters, and despite cheating on his wife over the last few years, he still loved her.
He sat back and thought about the headline to put on the front page of the paper. Not that it would matter too much, by then there would be so much chaos in the streets that the morning edition would more than likely be ignored. Still, it was an important part, and it had to have a snappy headline to get your attention.
A Shattering Broadcast. “No, too obvious.” He tapped his pencil on the desk and then it came to him. PUPPET GOVERNMENT “Perfect.”
It was the morning edition and would be printing by the time the broadcast started. He had decided to delay it until the late news and tease it with a couple of promos.
The headline had to be something that would entice the reader but not set off any alarms at the printing press. He wasn't too worried about the staff reading the content of the article, as everyone there knew it was all bull crap anyway and they had become quite jaded. They didn't really care about anything but their paycheck.
Chapter 40
Jackson Michigan
Reese stood still for a moment as she stared at Cole, she didn't move until he called out her name. The sound of his voice and her name helped bring back some more memories.
Winters approached her not knowing if he could hug her. She really was in poor condition, and he wondered what the hell happened.
“Can I hug you?” he asked putting his arms out.
She lowered her hand and hunched forward.
He put his arms around her lightly and embraced her for a few moments. He then leaned back and smiled at her before giving her a kiss. He wanted to kiss her more but was worried about causing her pain.
Collette and Laney put their arms around each other enthralled with what was happening in front of them. It was better than any movie they'd ever watched because they had saved their savior's girlfriend.
After a few more moments, Winters asked what happened to her, but she wasn't able to tell him much of anything.
“Thank god you're alright but where are your pants?” asked Winters with a smile.
Reese put a hand to her mouth to hide a smile and shook her head.
“We asked her the same thing,” laughed Laney. “But we think she wears it well.”
“She does have great legs,” exclaimed Collette.
“Well, we'll have to remedy that. We'll go out and see about finding you some,” said Winters as he lowered Reese onto the boxes they'd been using as seats. She wouldn't let go of his hand, so he sat next to her.
“I'm glad to be back,” said Winters.
Reese stared at him not remembering why he left. Winters recognized it and decided to give her a brief synopsis of the last week.
The girls sat down opposite them and listened to Winters tell her what happened in Sabine, Iowa. They filled in some of the details of their own, not holding back anything as they knew all about Reese's time in the party house.
“Oh and I have a letter for you from Sadie,” said Winters.
Reese thought for a moment on who she was. “Were we, like, in jail or something together?”
“Yes. She's a little blonde eleven-year-old girl.”
Reese began nodding as Sadie's face flashed through her mind. “I think I remember her.”
Winters looked at Collette, “Could you grab my bag?”
She came back, and Winters dug the letter out for Reese. “Maybe her letter will help you remember.”
Reese began reading it, and towards the end, Reese put her hand back to her mouth.
“What's the matter?” asked Winters.
“This Sadie thinks its wonderful that I'm your girlfriend and hopes that you'll marry me so I can become...her...mother. Is she your daughter?”
“I've sorta adopted her.”
Reese gave him a half smile, and Winters leaned in to kiss her.
“Oh my God, you two are just adorable,” said Collette.
“No doubt. I think I'm, like, getting jealous,” laughed Laney.
“Don't worry, you guys will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Laney's laugh continued.
Winters rolled his eyes knowing once she got going there was no stopping her.
“We should...” she said between laughs. “You've seen us naked,” she finished, chocking on her laughter.
Collette joined her and began mimicking Winters' voice. “But...but...I didn't enjoy it.”
Winters lowered his head trying not to laugh.
Reese looked at the girls. “He said that?”
Both nodded.
“Heck, even I'd like to see that,” said Reese deadpan.
Her remark made the girls lose all control making Laney fall to the ground.
She pointed at Reese, “I love this girl.”
“Oh, me too,” said Collette. “You are so super cool.”
After another minute Laney got up and sat next Winters grabbing his arm. “Don't worry, Cole, we think you're super cool too.”
“Well, thank goodness,” said Winters actually glad for the comic relief. He could always count on his two innocent shadows to break the ice when needed. The last hour had been joyous, moving, and momentous but what was really needed was a break, and the girls had done the trick.
Chapter 41
Sunday Night
Scar leaned back after finishing a plate of chicken. It was the most he'd eaten in the last couple of days. Thankfully, Nordell had managed to bring back more food supplies from his trip to Ohio. Whoever it was that helped had filled several large coolers with fried chicken and deli meat.
It was enough to feed all the men who still hadn't reported in, if and when they did show up. He was sure they were still in the area and wouldn't leave. He'd get back into Jackson tonight and climb back up on top of City Hall to try to raise them on the radio.
He was disappointed with last night's mission because they only found the one girl. Granted, the little thing was glad to have been found, but he had hoped to find a lot more than just her.
Despite her experience, Katie seemed to be holding up reasonably well, which was good because Nordell wouldn't make another trip to Ohio without a full load. So, for now, she was going to have to stay with them.
Amber came into the kitchen. She wore the same serious look she had worn for the past couple of days. It had been hard on her because Reese still hadn't been found and discovering the fates of these young girls was wearing her down.
“You get enough to eat?” asked Scar.
“I did.”
“We'll have better luck tonight,” said Scar as he stood up.
“I hope so, I think. I mean, it'd be better if there were no more of course.”
“I hear ya.”
“Still, I'm more concerned about Bassett and Burns finding the new party-house.”
“Me too. Hopefully, they'll be back soon.”
“I can't believe they're taking so long.”
“If they're not back by tomorrow, we'll see about sending someone to look for them.”
They moved into the living/war room and found Meeks and Nordell.
“You ready for tonight's big climb?” said Meeks referring to the tall buildings they were using as vantage points to scan the town. The stairwells were so hot and stuffy they took a lot out of you.
“I'm always ready. Are you?” asked Amber.
“You know I'm always up for a big challenge,” joked Meeks.
“I'm glad to hear that,” said Scar, “because there's no reason for all of us to go up there. So, while you two go topside, Gunny and I will stay on the street.”
“Hey, wait a minute,” said Meeks.
“No sense in everyone getting worn out,” said Nordell as he and Scar headed outside.
Amber smacked Meeks' arm. “Nice going.”
He squinted an eye at her before heading outside. It was getting dark and was time to leave. Everyone grabbed their gear and threw it in the back of an SUV.
The drive back into Jackson was uneventful and figuring there weren't any Jijis willing to take them on in the dark they parked right in front of City Hall.
It had been another hot day, and it hadn't cooled off much since the sun had gone down, which meant it was going to be even hotter inside the stairwell. Amber took off her light nylon jacket leaving her in a black tank top and opted for just a holster with spare mags hooked to her belt instead of a chest rig.
“You got the right idea,” observed Meeks.
“Only wish I had worn shorts,” said Amber.
Meeks followed suit and left his chest rig as well. He threw some water bottles in a backpack before grabbing his M4.
“We'll be driving around,” cackled Scar as he backed up the SUV.
Meeks was the first through the door and held it open for Amber. They reluctantly hit the stairs but because they weren't in a hurry, took their time climbing the fourteen stories. Within a few minutes, their shirts were drenched in sweat. She stopped, and Meeks turned around so she could grab a water bottle from the backpack.
“It's got to be over a hundred degrees in here,” she said after taking several large gulps before handing it to Meeks. “And I smell already.”
“Yeah, you and me both,” said Meeks as he finished the bottle.
“Might not want to get downwind from me.”
“Oh, I'm sure I'm worse.”
It took twenty minutes before they reached the top having to take a few breaks. Stepping out onto the roof they held their arms out to let the breeze cool them down.
“Oh, yes, thank you,” said Amber as she leaned her head back for full effect.
They drank more water before pulling the radio out and checking in with Scar.
“We're topside,” said Meeks as he walked to the west side of the building.
“Took you long enough,” responded Scar.
He shook his head at Amber before keying the radio again. “Any Shadow Patriots out there? I say again, any Shadow Patriots, respond.”
Amber lifted the Night-vision binoculars and began to scan the town when the radio came alive.
“This is Cole Winters, over.”
Amber twisted around and grabbed Meeks who had a stunned look on his face. He lifted the radio to his mouth. “Say again.”
“Is that you Meeks? It's Cole.”
“Is that really you?”
“Roger that, buddy.”
Scar broke in, confused as to who Meeks was talking since he was out of Winters' range. “Say again.”
“He's back.”
“Whose back?” demanded Scar.
“Captain Winters.”
The radio went silent for a moment.
“Where's he at?” asked Scar.
“Captain, where are you?”
“I'm south of town. Where are you?”
“City Hall.”
“Stay put we'll be right there.”
Amber noticed he said we and squeezed Meeks' arm. “Who's with him?”
“Who's with you?”
“I have Reese with me.”
Amber threw her arms around Meeks. The news hit her like a ton of bricks and quashed all of her pent-up anxiety. She and all the others needed this good news.
* * * * *
Winters threw the radio up on the dash of the Chevy truck. Reese grabbed his hand and tightened her grip as best as she could. Laney was sitting on Collette's lap next to Reese who had insisted they take the pickup. They had just pulled out of the pathway and were headed into town to find some pants for Reese.
For the rest of the afternoon, Winters had tried to help her with her memories, but for the most part, she was still seriously discombobulated on things, like names and where she'd been or who had helped her. She also had no idea who Nate and Elliott were.
“Well, I think that went rather well.”
“They definitely seemed surprised,” said Laney. “How far is it?”
“Oh, we're just a few minutes away.”
“Are you nervous?” asked Collette.
“A bit. It's a little awkward,” said Winters.
“It'll be fine, you'll see,” said Collette.
“Yeah, Cole, don't worry about it,” said Laney reaching around and patting his shoulder.
Winters took a couple of deep breaths as he turned onto Michigan Avenue. Up ahead, headlights lit up the entrance to City Hall where four people stood in front of it. He was glad it was just four of them. Too many more and it would have made it even more awkward. He'd only been gone a week, but so much had happened here that he felt like an outsider.
Winters drove in and threw the gearshift into park.
“Captain, it's so good to see you,” said Scar opening his door.
Winters got out, and Scar's big arms grabbed him for a bear hug. Meeks was next in line and did the same thing.
“It's good to see you, Captain.”
“Glad to be back.”
Amber approached and held her arms out too. “I'm so happy to see you.”
“Me too,” said Winters as he squeezed hard.
“I'm so sorry about your daughter,” she whispered into his ear.
“Thank you. But I'm okay with it,” he said letting her go.
Meeks looked inside the cab. “And look who he's found.” Meeks held his hand out and helped Reese slide out of the truck. “Our long lost cripple.”
“Careful guys, she's really banged up.”
“And she's in her underwear,” laughed Meeks.
“Um...hello,” she said as her flip-flops scuffed the pavement.
Amber stepped around Winters and stared at Reese. “Oh my God, honey. Are you alright?”
“I'm fine, thank you,” said Reese not recognizing any of them.
Her nonchalant response shocked Amber, and she turned to Winters confused as to why Reese wasn't more excited to see them. “Is she alright?”
“She's got some memory issues.”
“And who do we have in here?” asked Meeks looking at Laney and Collette. He held his hand out to Laney. “C'mon out girls, don't be bashful.”
Winters stepped over to them. “Everyone, I'd like you to meet a couple of special girls. This is Laney, and this is Collette.”
Both girls waved their hands as everyone stared at them.
