“We’ve all seen that cavalry those brigade guys, they’re not something to take lightly.”
“Piece of cake.”
“Like squashing bugs.”
“Shooting fish in a barrel.”
“Taking candy—”
“Silence,” said Colonel Starkes.
All comments ceased, despite a rising anger in their blood. Clearly, many would’ve liked to have stayed and fought to the death if not given specific orders to evacuate. Major O’Malley decided to nip the macho display in the bud.
“Listen men, we know they’re no match for us even if we’re outnumbered and outgunned, but let’s not ignore the fact that these are highly trained men, okay? Anyway, number three, they’re using all those white pickups they have along with a good deal of horses and some quads. There’s a few dirt bikes. Projected hard counts of all equipment will be provided on the board up here for review. Any questions so far?”
“Sir. They’re heading somewhere fast with at least five brigades, trucks and cavalry only four days after their assault of the Hall of Fame?”
“Seems like it, Mickey.”
“Hmm…”
“Yeah, and I’ll add a number four. I believe Phoenix was there, in person.”
“He was on the taskforce, major? You’re sure?”
“Yeah, pretty sure, colonel.”
“How so?”
“Well, ma’am, we were spotted fairly quickly, since we didn’t expect to come up on anything like that that far out of Cleveland.”
“Understood,” said Colonel Starkes.
“So we decided to run with what we got. And, Phoenix jumped out of one of the front pickups, pointing. Seemed pretty focused on us once we came around. Both Timmy and Phillip confirmed it was him.”
“It was him. I know it,” said Lieutenant Tim McDonald. He stood at the back of the room, anger etching his young face as he thought back on recent events.
“Yeah, the arrogant bastard,” said Lieutenant Phillip Ziter, standing beside him.
Major O’Malley interrupted the testosterone surge. “We had a good portion of Phoenix’s men firing on us as we slid outta harm’s way.”
“One asswipe ran to a pickup and reached into a long case. I’m pretty sure it was an RPG,” said Lieutenant McDonald.
“Yeah, when Timmy yelled out we scooted fast out of range, conducting a more careful surveillance. After an hour, we headed back. They never did launch at us.”
“Where do you think they’re headin’?” asked Captain Daubney.
“I dunno, Akron’s that way.”
“Who they going after? Connor MacMillen?”
“Maybe, Mickey and his team did confirm Phoenix’s men were dropping dead like flies outside the front doors when that woman come crashing in. Johnny, Rob, you both were on the roof. It was you confirmed the fast cycling sniper fire coming from the warehouse.”
“Yep,” said Second Lieutenant Johnny Robertson.
“Oh, yeah. It was something to see. Truly… like to meet the man doing that dance,” said Sergeant Robby Bernstein.
“In fact, each of you said it might’ve been two men in that sniper nest given the fast delivery cycle.”
“Go on… major,” said Colonel Starkes.
“Phoenix musta caught wind of Connor MacMillen. I’m thinkin’ they musta found his trail or the trail of anybody else that was with him.”
“Uh, huh.”
“The way I figure it, Phoenix’s probably pretty pissed this Connor MacMillen ruined his ‘surprise’ assault plans.”
“Sniveling prick bastard,” said Colonel Starkes, growling. Embarrassed by her own furious outburst, she had the grace to blush in front of her men. “Sorry, men.”
The men let her off easy for disregarding her own orders, since she was speaking in terms they undoubtedly understood. Taking a moment to compose herself, she studied the room, seeing many men holding onto anger, barely contained. Taking this opportunity, she slammed her papers down onto the table. Startled, everyone froze. “You. Will. Get. Your chance with that man. If, and only if, it coincides with our mission objective to return Nicole and CJ safely back to Mt. Storm.”
The room became silent.
“Are we clear?” In unison, she received affirmation. She shifted to a more friendly tone. “Now then, major. Do you have anything else you’d like to add that we need to know about?”
“Well, if Connor MacMillen and any of his friends are in that area, they better be able to hide small in a very tight crevice.”
CHAPTER 7.9-Rejoin the Living
“How long? Huh? Huh?”
“Please, stay calm, please.”
“What day is it? How long was I out?”
“Ma’am, can you tell me your name? What’s your name?” asked Scott.
Cassie stood close, but quickly went to the window, opening curtains to a bright September sixteenth morning.
“Amanda. My name’s Amanda Abbington, please… how long have I been… umm, unconscious?”
“Eight days since we scooped you up at the front door of—”
“Eight days? Shit!” Amanda tensed at the news and slumped into her pillow. Exceptionally weak, she tried lifting her hand, only to be gently stopped by Scott. Thinking hard, she let the concerned man brush her forehead with a cool, wet cloth. Drifting back into unconsciousness, she struggled to stay focused. Opening her eyes with supreme effort, she stared at the man with the soft, bright green eyes and easy smile. Turning her head, she glanced at a woman nearby who she’d only now noticed.
“Where… am I?’
“You’re in a hospital bed on the third floor of a college campus called Allegheny College.”
“Where’s that?”
“We’re in Meadville, Pennsylvania.”
“Not Cleveland? How… far’s Cleveland?”
“Maybe seventy or eighty miles. You’re safe here, Amanda. Just lay still and relax. You’re in good hands.”
“No—”
“Yes, you’re safe. We’re taking care of you.”
“Okay. Okay… yeah, how far’s… Meadville from Youngstown?” Amanda struggled to concentrate, finding it difficult to maintain focus. The hard, seductive pull of sleep beckoned.
“Youngstown?”
“Youngstown, Ohio!”
“Umm, I’m not sure. Cassie?” asked Scott.
“Youngstown’s south and west across the border. I dunno, maybe sixty-five miles.”
“The… I need to talk to the president.”
“Okay. Sure,” said Scott, “She was here to check on you an hour ago.”
“Can you get… umm, President Starkes… I need to talk now.”
“Relax, Amanda. Please. Try to rest. A bullet creased your left temple, knocked you around a good bit… plus, you took a deep hit to the thigh. You need to rest and recover.”
“Okay… umm, but, get President Starkes for me now… please?”
Scott studied the desperation and intensity. Impressed at the woman’s focused fortitude, he decided to help.
“Alright, I’ll go after her. But, you hafta stay calm for me.”
“I will… I promise.”
“Cassie, please keep an eye on her.”
“Sure thing, Scott.”
Scott rushed toward the stairs, scrambling down to enter the command center. Quickly, he approached the colonel, major and captain. He overheard their discussion concerning the need for at least thirty more portable containers to hold fresh water for transport.
“Ma’am?”
“Yeah, Scott? She alright? She awake?”
“Yep. She’s asking for you.”
“Good.”
“By name.”
“Wow. By name, no kidding?”