The watched the young man leave. Larry went to the wet bar, lifting the lid of a mahogany humidor resting on the granite countertop. Taking his time, he extracted a Royal Jamaican Buccaneer and, surprisingly, found it still moderately fresh. Waiting patiently for Phoenix, he lit it. He did not have to wait long.
“I’m impressed with Luke. He has an allure and ferocity that seeps out despite his best efforts to keep it hidden. He’s a hunter-killer all the way. Anyway, what’s your take on this new guy Luke’s talking about, uncle?”
Larry took his time before answering, choosing instead, to twirl the cigar in his hands. He slipped the cigar beneath his nose, appreciating the scent and his eyes followed the smoke trail towards the ceiling.
“Starkes has a man coming from out west and I’m thinking they picked the Hall of Fame as an easy, recognizable rendezvous.”
“One man?”
“Yeah, I’m thinking one man at this point,” said Larry Reed.
“Why? What for?”
“I dunno yet. He must have something they need.”
“Yeah, obviously, but from what Luke said, they were talking a ‘bad ass’. That can only mean they’re trying to add him to their current military strength,” said Phoenix.
“Maybe. Makes some sense that they might need all the help they can get—”
“Go on.”
“But, that don’t make total sense. Too much energy and effort. Don’t you agree?”
“Yeah, I do. Doesn’t fit with my current assessment. The way I see it, I’m pretty sure Starkes came out for that kid and that ghost image of a woman, Nicole. That’s my take,” said Phoenix.
Both men sat thinking; finally, Phoenix spoke.
“But, why the hell did they chose to sit here for the past two weeks waiting for this guy Connor Mac to show up?”
“Yeah, does seem kinda strange.”
“Strange is right. Man’s important somehow. But, there’s more to it, I’m sure.”
“Well you’re the big thinker, Phoenix. I’ll let you figure that one out.”
“You think Starkes is gonna try to take Cleveland?”
“Phoenix, no offense, truly, but if Colonel Starkes wanted to take this town, she’s certainly not going about it in any sensible way. Hell, she’s left herself practically wide open for counterassault for that matter.”
“Yeah, well remember what I said before, don’t underestimate Starkes. That Bitch probably knows her shit.”
“I agree.”
“You think we can take ’em down and grab this Nicole and her child… um, CJ is it? At the same time?”
“Who? Starkes?”
“Yeah, uncle… Starkes.”
Larry relit his fading cigar, taking a contemplative drag. He blew a deep cloud of blue smoke toward the windows, watching it cascade in waves against the glass before answering.
“Yeah, I guess that’s possible. I’ll have the men ready by Friday.”
“September sixth.”
“Correct.”
“What do you need from me to make it happen?”
“You wanna do it?”
“Yep.”
“Then just the green light… and, maybe a chit for each man for one night access to the Pound after the mission.”
“Okay, done. But, I’m thinking we wait another day. Take ’em down on the seventh, late evening around midnight.”
“Why wait until then?”
“I want to make sure nothing else is going down beforehand, understood? Keep the men sniffing around. Expand the perimeter. Toss out a 200 RC for the first man to locate this Connor Mac, if he does, in fact exist.”
“Sure, I will.”
“Remember, I need at least Colonel Starkes, Major O’Malley, Nicole, Shamus the helicopter guy, and the baby CJ alive. That’s non-negotiable. We clear?”
“Yeah.”
“And I want that ’copter real bad. Try to keep a few other men alive if you can. The rest are expendable.”
“I’ll make it happen.”
“Good. I want you to take some time to figure specifics and lay out your plans for me after lunch.”
“Sure thing,” said Larry Reed.
They stared out the windows at the city for a moment.
“Oh, and on your way out, see if you can find my new little virgin Mandy. I’ve not yet finished my breakfast with the little newbie… and I have a feeling—”
Phoenix stroked his crotch and he smiled.
“What kinda feeling?” asked Larry.
“I’ll be needing to keep my strength up the next few days before we send her on to the Pound. Go on. Get to it.”
Dismissed, Larry Reed moved toward the door.
“I’ll locate her, Phoenix. I’m sure she wouldn’t go far.”
“Good. And take one of the new young ones we just rounded up for yourself today, if you feel the need.”
“Thanks for the thought.”
“Rumor has it Ace and Jay are saving a feisty redhead of about eleven from that bunch nabbed near the lake. Heard she’s just for you.”
“I might just do that, nephew.”
CHAPTER 5.16-Women and Battle
Ryan approached the cottage deck with a small smile on his face. He ascended the three steps and stood at the picnic table where Andy, Terry and Liam were eating lunch. His favorite Remington twelve-gauge was held in his left hand and pointed away.
“We got guests, T,” said Ryan.
His widening grin was out of place amidst camouflage clothing, weapons, and face paint.
“Hey, bro,” said Ryan.
“Explain,” said Andy.
All business and fully alert, Andy stood with his Berretta 9mm unholstered and Terry beside him, eager for information. Taking stock, Terry scanned the nearby woods, her own .45 Kimber drawn and ready. Surprised, young Liam listened with rapt attention, left hand resting on the knife hilt at his thigh while his right slid away from his armpit and the Glock 17 tucked in tight.
“No imminent threat. Relax,” said Ryan, waving his hand in reassurance. “But, the great Mark Harmon’s coming down Dinner Bell Road with forty-one well-armed men.”
“Yeah?”
“Thought you’d want to know sooner than later, bro.”
“Thanks.”
“He’s got twenty on horseback, eleven Quads, and the rest in two working Humvees. The man’s so damn predictable. No scouts, spotters or snipers that I can find.”
“Damn,” said Terry, “What’s he want now?” She visibly relaxed, holstering her Kimber.
“C’mon, T.” said Ryan, “Why you always ask that? Especially when we’re this close to his fancy Nemacolin Woodlands Spa & Resort.”
“I dunno—”
“C’mon, for the fifth time, I’m tellin’ ya he wants to take our land and add it to his little kingdom.”
“Back off on Harmon, Ry,” said Andy; making it clear that Mark Harmon was off limits.
“Say what?”
“You heard me, brother. C’mon. Quite ridin’ ’im. He’s one of the good ones.”
“Yeah, well don’t be so sure.”
“Dammit, Ry! C’mon. Mark’s just coming to trade, like always… or, maybe, to give us some news.”
“Yeah, right.”
Ryan remained unconvinced of Mark Harmon’s intentions with the clan.
“Inform the perimeter not to shoot first and ask questions later.”
“Good idea,” said Ryan.
Taking his cue, Ryan grinned and strolled across the deck toward the stairs. He approached the deck steps and turned. He knew his brother had more to say.
“You think Harmon’s comin’ in hot? Is that your concern?”
“Nah, I don’t think so. Probably just the usual pesky crap.”
“Okay then, make sure we keep ’em back some. T and I’ll come out and meet ’em there.”
“Already set that up, bro.”