Copperheads - 12 (22 page)

The density and number of structures continued to increase as they approached the main house, eventually looking like a small settlement or village by the time they reached the valley’s floor.

It was like any small colony. Bishop spotted large, metal buildings where the flash and spark of a working welder strobed through a doorway. He noticed stacks of tires and piles of engine parts, most likely used to repair the machinery required by such a huge, agricultural operation.

Another warehouse accommodated a factory that evidently produced large, woven baskets – hundreds of the post-apocalyptic dump trucks lining one wall. It was a sight Bishop had grown accustomed to, farmers requiring an innovative method to haul harvested produce since the economic collapse.

All in all, it was a thriving, energetic place. People were hurrying here and there with a purpose – hauling, working, cleaning – carrying out the day-to-day activities of the community. In a way, the place reminded Bishop of Meraton or downtown Alpha. The landscape was different, but the energy was the same.

Before long, the truck arrived at the main gates and pulled into a huge, circular drive.        

The truck stopped a considerable distance away from the broad porch. “Stay here,” the driver ordered as he exited the cab.

A small squad of security men appeared, rushing up to the messenger. It didn’t surprise Bishop one bit when the man who had escorted them onto the plantation began issuing orders. “I thought he was a little too self-confident to be just a delivery boy. I’d bet he’s actually pretty high up in whatever hierarchy exists here.”

“Odd,” Terri replied, ignoring her husband’s speculation. “None of the security types have firearms. That doesn’t fit with the armored units that surrounded our camp.”

Bishop nodded, “I see machetes, and what the hell … does that guy over there have a bullwhip hanging from his belt?”

Terri spied it as well. “Isn’t that a pretty strange weapon for a sentry or guard?”

“Damn right it is. In all my days, I’ve never seen the like. What possible purpose could that serve? This place is just boiling with weird.”

The security contingency formed a line, and then their escort opened the truck’s door. “This way please.”

The couple walked toward the front porch, passing by the sentries almost as if they were dignitaries inspecting an honor guard. It all seemed so surreal to the visitors.

As they drew closer to the house, a stunning woman appeared, her dark hair pulled high into a bun, a flowing, white cotton dress covering her tall, slender frame. Terri couldn’t help but glance down at her own jeans, plaid shirt, and hiking boots with a frown.

“You look damn hot to me, babe,” Bishop whispered to his wife. “The
belle
of the ball.”

“Thanks,” she grinned, still not happy with the formality mismatch.

Evidently, Bishop wasn’t the only one impressed with Terri’s appearance.

Smiling widely as the duo stepped onto the verandah, Lady Bella Dona virtually ignored the leader of the SAINT team, instead sizing up Terri from top to bottom with an incredibly intense stare.
What is that all about?
Bishop wondered.
What am I, chopped liver?

The Texan’s confusion began to clear once their hostess nodded approvingly at the female Alliance diplomat while wetting her lips. “Yummy,” Bishop thought he heard the woman whisper.

Terri’s virtual undressing complete, Lady Bella Dona offered her hand and said, “Welcome to the plantation. I am Bella Dona, the manager of this facility.” Her English carried a bit of a British accent, Bishop noted. Probably educated overseas.

She seemed genuinely surprised when Terri introduced herself as the official diplomatic envoy of the Alliance of Texas. Again, Bishop saw a definite sexual attraction flicker in the other woman’s eyes.
Yeah, that’s right, lady. My bride has beauty and brains
, he thought, a smidge of jealousy surfacing.
And she can also shoot pretty damn well, too. Keep it up, and you’ll find out why the gents refer to her as the ‘Annie Oakley of the Alliance.’

Bishop shifted in his boots and cleared his throat loudly. “Ahem.”

“Oh, and this is Bishop. He is responsible for convoy security,” Terri quickly recovered.

“I had no idea we were entertaining an official delegate,” the hostess responded with a musical tone, her eyes fixated on Terri and completely ignored Bishop. “I apologize for our lack of formality. I thought your compatriots were merely here to transport our produce back to the United States?”

“The Alliance asked that I make the journey with the trucks to ensure that goods procured by our close ally in Washington were delivered without incident,” Terri clarified. “I must apologize for my informal appearance. I had no idea that we would be meeting with any of the local dignitaries.”

Bella flushed, waving a dainty hand in dismissal. “I’m hardly a dignitary, my dear. I’m just a farm girl who inherited a large parcel of land and struggle to keep my workers fed.”

Terri’s gaze swept the surrounding hills before replying, “It looks like you are a very successful farm girl to me. This is an extremely impressive operation.”

Bella Dona ignored the compliment, stepping aside and motioning for her guests to enter the house. “Please, let’s get inside out of the sun. Surely you must need refreshments after traveling that dusty, old road?”

The couple entered through the gargantuan doorway, finding themselves immediately surrounded by opulence and the sure indicators of vast wealth. From the impressive, crystal chandelier to the broad, sweeping double staircase, the Castle was every bit as impressive on the inside as out. “You have a beautiful home,” Terri cooed. “I’m very impressed.”

“Thank you. It is so rare these days that I receive visitors. Your words are too kind.”

The Texans were then guided into a sitting room off the main hall. Inside were floor to ceiling bookshelves, all of them filled with expensive-looking leather volumes and lavish collectibles.

No sooner had they been seated, than two servants appeared with trays. One was filled with an assortment of beverages, on the other stacks of smoked meats, a rainbow of cheeses, and at least five different varieties of bread were piled high. Bishop noticed that the tray-bearers didn’t make eye contact with anyone in the room and that their hands were shaking with fear as they deposited the platters on the table. In an instant, they were gone, exiting out of a side door without even a “Thank you,” from the hostess.

Bishop also noted that the pickup truck driver stayed very close to the lady of the house, the man constantly on edge and seemingly always ready to intercede.
He’s her bodyguard
, the Texan realized.
How many times have I played the same role?
   

Bella Dona noticed the object of Bishop’s attention and with a twinkle of a laugh, said, “I see birds of a feather do flock together. Castro is my loyal lieutenant … what you would call ‘my right-hand man.’ His family has served the plantation for six generations, and I would be helpless without his loyalty.”

Before Bishop could comment, Bella continued, her attention now back on Terri. “So what is it
I can do for you
? Castro explained your urgent request to meet with me. How may I be of
service
to you?”

Terri ignored the sexual overtones, her voice remaining even and official. “First of all, I would like to extend a hand of friendship from the Alliance. We had no idea that an organization such as yours had survived the collapse. Secondly, we are still investigating the demise of the first convoy, and would appreciate any information you can share regarding that ambush. And finally, we would like to discuss the unfortunate events of last night and the involvement of one of our people.”

The plantation’s mistress waved her hand through the air in a signal of dismissal, “Yes, I’ve been informed of that unpleasantness. I suppose our species is even more unpredictable these days. Given the current-day pressures of survival, I’m surprised we don’t experience a greater number of criminal acts. I’m sure that man’s actions last night weren’t sanctioned by you or the Alliance.”

Inhaling to speak for the first time, Bishop never got the chance to respond, as his wife was quicker with her words. “I agree. We, however, know that man quite well. In fact, he is a personal friend of ours and a highly decorated member of the Alliance government. We’re having a difficult time believing him capable of such crimes.”

Bella Dona’s expression flashed white-hot, but for less than a second. When she spoke, her voice retained its formal, almost musical quality. “I realize this must be extraordinarily stressful for you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had well-grounded, trusted employees suddenly fall completely out of character. I suppose the hardships we all have endured are to blame. Some people simply can’t handle stress and reach their limits.”

“Not Butter,” Bishop replied evenly. “He is one of the most level-headed individuals I’ve ever commanded. He’s really nothing more than a big-hearted, innocent kid.”

Again, something cold and dark appeared behind Bella Dona’s eyes. Like before, it passed before Bishop could zero in. “We are peaceful, simple farmers here at the plantation,” she cooed. “But we will defend ourselves and have grown quite adept at doing so. What choice does anyone have in these troubling times? The only real option is to rise from the anarchy and thrive. That being said, I assure both of you, the man we have in custody did indeed commit the offenses as Castro reported.”

After flashing her husband a look that said, “Let me work this,” Terri returned to Bella with a smile of innocence and promptly changed the subject. “This morning we found our camp surrounded by heavily armed men and tracked machines of war. I’m sure you can imagine how concerning this development was.”

Bishop saw it clearer this time, but like before, the emotion in Bella Dona’s eyes passed very quickly. His wife’s question also prompted a new reaction as well. This time, there was a hint of fear in their hostess, immediately followed by a thinly veiled, seething fury. Still, her voice remained sweet and smooth. “Yes, I ordered our security forces to act after consulting with Castro,” smiled the plantation’s mistress. “We have recently learned that an organized group of hostile individuals is active in this area, and I ordered our men to protect your encampment so that no harm befalls this shipment.”

“Are you referring to the Copperheads?” Bishop asked.

Bella Dona seemed truly puzzled by the question, glancing at Bishop as if he’d lost his mind. “No. I think you’re confused, sir. A lot of the locals refer to my security forces by that foul moniker.”

The two Texans were stunned, but after the shock had passed, it all was starting to make sense to Bishop.

When neither of her guests commented, the lady took it upon herself to expand. “I’ve always despised the term, but it is understandable in a way. As I was saying, we’ve had to meet force with force in order to hold our ground. When our barns were raided, Castro and his men hunted down the thieves and administered justice. You must understand that we have endured roving bands of violent, animal-like men who had no conscience. We’ve survived raiders, scavengers, warlords, drought, pestilence, and marauders. I suppose it’s no surprise that the locals fear us and thus call us childlike names and spread vicious, unfounded rumors.”

Wait until she finds out about the latest water cooler gossip making the rounds. These unfounded rumors now include massacring an entire village,
Bishop thought.

“I’m afraid you’re right,” Terri countered. “We clearly don’t know who the players are. So if your employees are the Copperheads, then who are the other groups you spoke of?” Terri continued.

Bella Dona seemed bored now. “Given the events of last night, we felt the additional security was judicious. There are numerous organized groups that oppose us. As a matter of fact, we are quite certain that the one called the Quakers is based in Alliance territory. To be blunt, that’s the real reason why I invited you here today. I wish to formally request that you arrest these terrorists and turn them over to us so that we can administer proper justice.”

The surprises continued, Terri now wishing she had a program so she could keep all of the actors straight. “An organized group? Out of the Alliance? Are you sure?”

Castro stepped forward, “Yes, we are quite certain. We are positive that their home base is in Del Rio. They call themselves the Quakers, and they are the most vicious of all who would like to take for themselves what Lady Bella Dona has built.”

Quakers?
Bishop thought.
Copperheads? Where have I heard those two names used together before?
Before he could consider the question further, his wife began speaking.

“I assure you, Madam, the Alliance has no knowledge of any such organized group, nor would we sanction any activity in a foreign land. I, as an official representative of the government in Alpha, would be very interested in what proof you have of these serious allegations.”

“So you are saying that the Alliance isn’t really in control of what was Texas before the collapse?” Bella Dona countered. “I’m afraid I’m the one who is confused. Is your government in control, or not?”