Cooper returned a cocked grin, “To hell with you. You know darn well I only like my coffee one way: simple and black.”
“Just like I like my women…” Calvin’s retort earned him a roomful of laughter and a playful punch in the shoulder from Angela.
“I’m not only offended by your racism, Calvin, I’ll confess to some disappointment,” she said with an amused tone and winking at him. He returned an upraised eyebrow as they fell into easy laughter.
Cooper inhaled the aroma before he took his first sip. He liked the pungent smoky smell that Dranko’s coffee held. When this is gone, I’m going to miss it. As he swirled the hot liquid in his mouth, savoring it, his thoughts turned dark. I miss much more than this already. The caress of the woman I loved. The easy innocence of Jake. Being bored!
He noticed the silence surrounding him. Looking around, the others were lost in thought, too. Dranko looked worried. Julianne’s eyes were red and moist, as she fought back tears. Calvin’s jaw was firm, eyes closed, and the muscles in his face tight. Freddie’s back was to Cooper, but it looked like he was staring out the window. Angela had a coy smile as her eyes danced surveying the others, as well. Jake caught Cooper’s eyes. Sadness consumed his son’s eyes for a brief moment, before he forced it away and mustered a weak smile for his father. He looked back at Jake, eyes full of sympathy. Jake gave him an understanding nod before walking to the window and looking out. Cooper mused at the enormity of what could pass between two people in a simple glance.
The thoughtful quiet lasted for a few moments before they clustered around the table to eat their breakfast. While they ate, Dranko reviewed everyone’s assignments for the day, to their annoyance. Breakfast was finished as rapidly as they could eat. Jake and Cooper cleared the dishes and washed them quickly, before anything could dry. He hated washing dishes in cold water, but they were conserving their fuel. Each person had been assigned a cup, plate, bowl, and silverware to minimize any unnecessary sharing of germs.
“Let’s work until two. Then, let’s gather before some of us have to leave for the meeting at three,” Dranko instructed as they left the cabin to their respective tasks for the day.
Cooper fell into the work with abandon. His stiff muscles loosened quickly as he set to it. He welcomed the distraction that the work provided. Everyone with a task, the sound advice echoed. Cooper knew there was more to it than that. Knowing that being fed depends on their callouses and sweat is a powerful motivation. He marveled at how no one complained about the work, especially since most of them were not used to manual labor.
He worked his rows, hoeing and then seeding. He was surprised when Jake tapped him on the shoulder.
“It’s two o’clock.” His voice was full of dread. Cooper gave him a reassuring pat on the head as they walked back to the shed to turn in their tools. Buck was at the ready for cleaning.
While others made lunch, Cooper, Dranko, Calvin, and Angela made ready to leave. They did so in silence, readying their weapons, donning body armor if they had it, fastening their gear, and checking one another’s preparations.
“We are getting far too good at this,” Cooper’s attempted joke fell flat amid the tension strangling the room.
Those heading off gulped down a few mouthfuls of the beans and rice that had been prepared. Dranko had approved adding scant chunks of preserved turkey meat from his stores. To Cooper, it tasted like desert sand going down his throat. He knew it wasn’t the food, but the stress robbing him of its taste and texture. His stomach was tight and he didn’t feel like eating. He handed his leftovers to Jake, who spurned it.
“Eat up, damn it!” Cooper barked and immediately regretted it. I am too keyed up for my own good. He apologized to him as Jake fell into sullen compliance. He grimaced with each mouthful.
“It’s time,” Dranko said.
Those leaving were wished a round of “good lucks” and hugs or handshakes. The four of them got into the Jeep, as Dranko cranked the engine to life. The others were arrayed on the porch, waving to them. As Dranko began inching backward, Jake broke from the group and ran towards them.
“I love you, dad!” His frantic yell reached Cooper’s ears as a muted cry, muffled by the closed windows. Cooper smiled and waved to his son.
If he had known what was about to happen, he would have stopped the Jeep, gotten out, grabbed his son in a bear’s embrace and never let him go.
Chapter Twelve
The Jeep growled onward toward the center of town. The plan was essentially the same as before. Miles and two bodyguards would have the meeting with Hodges while two carloads of others would park nearby and listen in on the hand held radios. Cooper felt better that he was now in a vehicle with those he knew well and trusted. The grip of the FAL rifle gave him comfort. Surrounded by the stress of uncertainty, the firm familiar grip was reassuring. Cooper reviewed their plan in the event the meeting turned violent, as much to relieve the pressure as anything else.
Dranko parked in the designated place, different than the other day, but still where they could see the meeting location. They were ten minutes early and the seconds ticked by.
Miles’ truck pulled up right at three o’clock. He and his two men piled out, forming a loose triangle so they could observe all approaches.
“You there,” the radio squelched.
Dranko and the other group returned their call signs and fell silent once more. Time slowed even further. Minutes crawled. Cooper constantly checked his watch, growing more anxious with each passing second.
At five minutes past, Miles came back over the radio, “How much more time do we give him?”
Cooper took the radio from Dranko, “No more than ten minutes longer.”
“Roger that. Agreed.”
They resumed their uneasy wait. Cooper’s skin crawled and his throat tightened. Blood rushed into his head as adrenaline flooded his body.
“This ain’t right.”
Dranko nodded, “I don’t like it, neither.”
“Maybe he’s just hit traffic,” Angela joked, without affect.
Cooper balled his fists and gritted his teeth. He was reaching for the radio to tell Miles it was time to go when the Escalade pulled into the store’s parking lot. Cooper exhaled. He watched Hodges and two lieutenants leave the large SUV and move into positions opposite Miles and his men.
“My apologies for being late,” Hodges said without elaborating.
Miles greeted him with stony silence. Cooper was impressed. He saw Hodges shift his weight. Uncomfortable. That’s good.
“So, what is your answer?”
“I think you know it. We know this isn’t about Cooper Adams. We won’t divide ourselves over it. He isn’t ours to give up. I’m hoping we can reach a…”
“I figured you’d say that,” Hodges said, interrupting him. “The good news is that I don’t want to make this town come to blows over an outsider. Especially not one as irresponsible and unpatriotic as Cooper Adams.” Hodges lingered on the words, drawing out his disdain.
“So, we have a deal without Cooper?” Elation perked Miles’ words.
“We do,” Hodges said, extending his hand. Miles took it and the two men shook.
“I just have one small favor to ask,” Hodges continued.
“What’s that,” Miles asked warily.
“Tell Cooper Adams that he’ll want to come and see me on his own accord.”
Miles laughed, “Oh, I somehow doubt that!”
Hodges voice was steady, cold, “When you tell him that I have his son, I think…”