Enforcing Home (24 page)

A couple of the group exchanged glances. I don’t know what they were expecting, but whatever it was, this damn sure wasn’t it. After a brief silence, a short stocky man with blond hair and matching beard spoke up.

“We’ve been watching you guys for some time. We were unsure what your intentions here were.”

Sarge looked back at us. Perplexed he asked, “And?”

“We’re what’s left of the Eustis PD.”

I looked at Sheffield. He appeared just as confused as I was. Stepping up to Sarge, I asked, “Where the hell have you guys been?”

“We’ve been here. We stayed on the job for a long time. But when we realized this wasn’t a short term deal and things went to hell, we decided to take care of our own.”

“Can’t say I blame you none for that,” Sarge replied.

The man pointed at me, “You’re the Sheriff now?”

“I’m a Sheriff. Name’s Morgan Carter.”

“I’m Sean Meador. A Lieutenant with the Eustis PD.”

“What do you guys want?” I asked.

“We want to help.” He held his hand up to display a set of keys hanging from his finger. “I have the keys to the PD, and it’s full of stuff.”

I certainly wasn’t expecting that.

“This is Shane Shackleford and Steve Donnelly,” Sean said.

I shook the other men’s hands. Sarge was eyeing them up and down, and in his typical fashion, had an interesting greeting.

“Three S’s huh? Shit, shower an shave.”

They didn’t know what to say, and looked at one another. “Ignore him I said. He’s not a people person. His name’s First Sergeant Mitchell.”

Sarge stepped up and shook their hands. When shaking Sean’s, he asked, “What took so damn long?”

“Like I said, we stayed as long as we could. But once we realized this wasn’t a short term deal, we had to go take care of our families. We’ve been here the whole time.”

“And we’ve been dealing with some things too. Just doing it quietly,” Shane added.

“I’m glad to have the help, thanks,” I said.

“You should have come to us sooner,” Livingston said.

“You wanna check out the PD?” Sean asked.

Nodding, I said, “Sure; let’s see what you got in there.” Sean unlocked the roll-down shutter protecting the front door and opened it. And we followed him in.

Chapter 11

J
ess looked around the table and asked, “What do you guys think?”

Lee Ann nodded, “I’m in.”

“Me too,” Taylor said with a smile.

Fred leaned back and crossed her arms, “You know where I stand.”

Jamie rubbed her hands together, “I love the idea.”

Aric raised his hand, “I only have one question. Can I be part of the group?”

Fred leaned back and looked at him, “You can be our token man,” she said with a smile.

“Yeah, we could use a beast of burden. You know, strong back and weak mind,” Jamie added.

Aric started to protest, “Hey—” But Fred cut him off.

“Hush man.”

Aric leaned back. Shaking his head as he ran his fingers through his hair, he said, “This is just weird.” Getting a round of laughter out of the women.

“What about Mary?” Taylor asked.

Jess quieted and a looked off in the distance. After a moment, she said, “I don’t think Mary would want to be part of this.”

“She’s been through enough,” Fred agreed.

“Let’s go find the guys then. I want to get better,” Fred said. She smiled and looked around the table, “I really like the training.”

“But it’s raining,” Lee Ann said.

Jess stiffened up, and in a gruff voice trying to imitate Sarge, she replied, “You can’t pick the weather yer gonna fight in.”

The girls started laughing. Aric shook his head, “That was horrible.”

They collected their gear and headed out. The two previous training sessions were conducted out behind the cemetery across the road from Danny’s house. But they had to go get their trainers first. At the house the guys shared with Sarge, Fred knocked on the door. It swung open to reveal Sarge standing there with a cup of some hot brew in his hands. He looked at the five of them for a moment before bellowing, “I already found Jesus!” and slamming the door.

Fred looked back; she was met with shrugs. The door suddenly swung open again. Unsure what to say, they stared at the old man who stared back. “I already know who I’m voting for!” Sarge shouted and slammed the door again.

Taylor started to laugh, and her sister quickly joined in. From inside the house, they heard Kay’s voice. “Linus, you quit teasing those girls and let them in!”

The door opened again and Sarge eyed them up and down. Over his shoulder he called out, “You sure you want to let this band of refugees in? Look like a bunch of damned drowned rats.”

Kay came up behind Sarge, “You girls come in. Don’t mind him.”

The girls smiled and filed in. When Aric got to the door, he smiled at Kay, “Can I come in too?”

Sarge was still standing in the door. “No,” he replied, and slammed the door shut.

Aric stood there staring at the door. He never was sure how to take the old man. After all, he’d shot him once and wasn’t certain Sarge was over it yet. After a moment, the door opened and Kay took his hand, “You can come in too.”

Aric shook his head, “I was starting to wonder.”

“Never mind him. You’re always welcome.”

As Aric stepped past Kay, he put his arm around her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Kay patted his back and directed him to the kitchen. The kitchen was full of people; all the guys were there along with Kay and Sarge. A Coleman stove sat on top of the useless range, its blue flame licking the bottom of a teapot. Jamie looked around sniffing, “What’s that smell?”

Sarge grinned and held his cup up, “Coffee,” he said before taking a drink.

Jamie’s eyes went wide. “Where’d you get that?”

“Morgan got some tea; I got the important stuff. Coffee,” Sarge replied.

“I want some!” Taylor shouted. The rest of the gang chimed in as well.

“Pshh; you don’t drink coffee,” Sarge said to Taylor.

“Yes I do!”

Kay went to the cupboard and took down cups and started to pour. She handed them out until everyone had a cup of the steaming brew. The pot was empty, and she dumped what was left in the sink. Turning around, she asked, “Should I start another pot?”

“You’d be an angel if you would,” Sarge replied.

Kay smiled and turned back to the counter. From a large blue container, she put more water in and swirled it around before dumping it into the sink. She then refilled the kettle and added several heaping spoons of coffee before setting it back on the flame.

“Wow; this is strong!” Taylor said with her eyes half crossed.

“He likes his coffee like he likes his men, strong and black,” Mike said with a smile.

The girls laughed and Mike looked over at Sarge. He was taking a sip from his cup and looking over the rim at Mike. His eyes were two narrow slits with what looked like two thick caterpillars resting over them. Sarge didn’t say a word, but Mike couldn’t hold the gaze. He knew at some point he’d pay for it. But it was funny.

“What’re you all doing out in the rain?” Sarge asked.

“We were hoping to get some training in this afternoon. You guys got back from town early, and there’s still time,” Jess said.

Mike pointed at the window. “Maybe you didn’t notice, but it’s raining out there.”

“Yes Mike; we’re aware,” Fred said as she rang some water from her hair.

“The rain will stop tonight. You guys can wait until tomorrow. I’m not going out in it unless I have to,” Ted said.

Sarge looked at Lee Ann, “Your daddy know you’re out in this crap?”

“We told him we were going to their house,” she replied, nodding at Jess.

Sarge nodded, “You can wait until tomorrow.” He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “What’s got you all stirred up anyway? Why are you guys wanting this training all of a sudden?”

The room was quiet; all eyes were on the girls. They shared glances around at one another. Of course they’d talked about this a lot, hours; but only among themselves. All of them were nervous and waiting for the other to speak.

Jess stared into her cup as she swirled the coffee around. “We want to do our part. We want to be able to defend ourselves and our community. Morgan made us deputies.” Looking up, she added, “We’re not weak little girls. We’re just as capable as anyone else.”

Sarge smiled and winked at her, “You’re damn right you are.”

A wave of relief washed over Jess, and smiles spread across the faces of the other girls. Taylor leaned over and shouldered her sister. They were proud of themselves; they were becoming part of the group and not just
kids
anymore.

Sarge looked at Aric, “What’s your position in all this?”

Fred looked at him, and his chin dropped. “I’m the token man.”

Mike and Ted started to laugh, loud hard belly laughs. Aric shook his head and Sarge looked at the two guys.

“What the hell are you idiots laughing at? He’s the only man in a group of four women; probably the smartest man here.” The guys stopped laughing as they thought about it.

A smile spread across Aric’s face for a moment, until Sarge spoke again. “Kinda.” He pointed at Lee Ann and Taylor, “But I know their daddy. Watched him shoot a man today.” Sarge took another sip of coffee, “Imagine what he’d do to you.”

The smile was completely gone now. Aric looked at Sarge, “It’s not like that. It’s nothing like that.”

“Yeah,” Lee Ann started, looking at Aric and shaking her head. “It’s not like that at all!”

Kay slapped Sarge’s shoulder, “Stop teasing these kids.”

Sarge smiled, “I’m jus’ sayin’.”

“Did Dad really shoot someone today?” Taylor asked.

“He did.”

“Why?” Lee Ann asked.

“Up in town some dipshit was stealing his neighbor’s chickens. The neighbor caught him and they started shooting at one another. The man with the chickens was hit, and the thieving bastard ran to town where we were.” Sarge laughed, “Thought we was going to help him.”

“And Dad just shot him?” Taylor asked.

“It’s like this. The man was a thief. When he got caught, he shot the man he was stealing from. What are you to do with a man like that?”

In a voice totally devoid of emotion, Ted replied, “You put him down.”

“Hard,” Mike added.

“He didn’t say anything about it when he came home,” Taylor said.

“Yeah, he was normal. Like always,” Lee Ann added.

“It isn’t the sort of thing you brag about. No normal man does anyway. Your daddy just does what needs to be done when the time comes,” Sarge replied.

Always one to try and lighten the mood, Kay rose from her chair, “Coffee’s done. Who needs a fresher?”

Lee Ann looked down into her cup, “There’s coffee grounds in my cup.”

“Where do you think it comes from?” Mike asked.

“Don’t worry, I’ll drink yours,” Sarge said as he passed his cup to Kay.

“No, no; I’ll take some,” Lee Ann replied, getting a laugh out of Sarge.

As they were talking and enjoying the spoils of Sarge’s scrounging abilities, there was a knock at the door. Sarge looked up, “Who the hell is it now?” He asked as Mike headed for the door.

Dalton was standing there when Mike opened the door. Mike looked at him, he was soaked. Water dripped from the brim of his boonie hat. “What’s up, man?” Mike asked as Ted came up behind him.

“Found another hide.”

“No shit, where?” Ted asked.

“Out behind that house where those folks are quarantined.”

“That ain’t good. Let’s get our shit Mikey and go take a look,” Ted said as he headed back into the house.

“Come on in and get a cup of coffee,” Mike said, waving Dalton in.

“Coffee? Where the hell’d you get that?” Dalton replied as he followed Mike.

“The old man’s a first rate thief.”

Dalton came into the kitchen and all eyes were on him. Sarge looked down at his boots. “You track that mud all through my house?”

Dalton looked down at his feet, “Oh, sorry about that. I’m not used to being inside anymore.” He looked back the way he’d come, and the muddy tracks he’d left.

Sarge laughed, “I know what ya mean; don’t worry about it. Coffee?”

Dalton looked at the pot on the stove, “I’d almost do unnatural things for a cup.”

“You’re lucky I’m here then,” Miss Kay said as she handed him a cup. “I’ll just give it to you.”

Dalton took the cup, “Thank you.” He held it up to his nose and sniffed deeply. Closing his eyes, he moaned, “My God that smells good.” He took a long sip, holding the hot liquid in his mouth for a long moment before swallowing it. “Damn that’s good.”

“Few things in life are as good,” Sarge replied.

Dalton nodded, “I’d have to agree.”

“What’s up this morning?” Sarge asked.

“I found another hide; we’re going to go take a look at it.”

“Where is it?” Sarge asked.

“Out behind Tyler’s place,” Ted replied as he came in.

“You going to take a look?” Sarge asked.

“Yeah, we’ll check it out. You coming?” Ted asked.

Sarge looked around the table, “Nah, you guys can handle that. I’ll stay here and keep the women folks safe.”

Ted laughed, “Yeah, they look like they need your protection alright.”

“Hey!” Jess shouted.

Sarge smiled, “I’m just playin’.”

“He’s looking for an excuse is all Jess,” Ted added.

Dalton finished the coffee and unslung his pack, setting it on the table. He fished around in it and pulled out a Titanium cup. Looking at Kay, he asked, “Can I have one for the road?”

Kay took the cup with a smile. “Of course; but you could have taken that cup with you.”

Dalton smiled, “I like this one. Plus, when I’m done, I can drop it back into my pack.”

Kay handed the filled cup back to him, “Here you go.”

He took the cup and thanked her. Mike was standing in the hall and called out, “You guys coming, or are we going to make this tea party an all-day thing?”

Dalton spun on his heels, “Let’s go lads!”

Taylor quickly spoke up, “Can we come?”

Ted looked at her, then at Sarge. He made no indication either way. Ted looked around the table at the group. He could see the pleas in their eyes. “Alright. You guys can come. This will be treated as a combat patrol, and you will be treated accordingly.”

The girls were quickly on their feet amid the sound of chairs sliding on the floor and banging into the wall. It looked a lot like a Chinese fire drill, and caused Sarge to laugh.

“You guys be safe,” Kay said as everyone headed for the door.

Once outside Ted called everyone’s attention. “Alright guys; like I said, this is a combat patrol. Order of march will be as follows: Dalton on point, then Jess, Taylor and Lee Ann. I’m next with Fred, then Aric and Mike; and tail end will be Charlie.”

Dalton cleared his throat. “Don’t bunch up; keep your intervals and pay attention. I’ll pause often to look and listen. If you see something, be sure to call it out. When we stop, your focus is outward, not what everyone else is doing. Pay attention.”

His comments seemed to add a little apprehension to the group. They looked around nervously.

“Don’t worry about it guys, this is just practice. We’re probably not going to come across anyone, but treat it as though we will. You never know,” Mike added.

“Alright Dalton, lead off. Everyone fall in as we move out,” Ted instructed.

Dalton shook the last of the coffee from his cup and stuffed it in his pack. Shouldering it, he checked his weapon and started out towards Tyler’s house. Ordinarily, Dalton would simply have walked straight to the spot he’d discovered. But since this was being used as a training exercise, he treated it as a real patrol. Every so often he would stop to look and listen. The three experienced men would make corrections to the rest of the group; but for the most part they did well.

Approaching the bunker, Dalton stopped and took a knee. Everyone followed suit; they were doing well. Dalton looked back and waved Ted forward.

“What’s up?” Ted whispered.

“Is there any sort of challenge/reply set up?”

“No. But we should do that. Good idea; let’s move out to the bunker and we’ll talk about it with the guys there.”

Dalton nodded and moved out. Ted waited as the group passed him and fell back in at his position. Dalton could see Thad looking at him through the front port of the bunker. He had a curious look on his face. Dalton waved, and Thad waved back. Soon he and Danny appeared from behind the bunker.

“What’s with all the sneaking around like a bunch of ninjas?” Thad asked.

“Patrol training,” Dalton answered.

The group made it to the bunker and grouped up, talking, chatting and generally not paying attention to what was going on. Ted looked around, “Hey!” He called in a harsh whisper. “Form a security perimeter! You’re still on a patrol.”

Unsure of exactly what he meant, the group started to shift around. Mike, Ted and Dalton helped direct them. Taking the time to explain where they needed to be and what they needed to be looking for.

“The threat is out there, not here where we are. When we stop, you form a perimeter, facing out so we have 360 degrees of coverage, and no one can sneak up on us,” Dalton said as he moved around the circle the girls started forming.

Thad watched in amusement as the guys worked with the girls to get them in place. Even Aric got some pointers. Lee Ann looked at Thad, “What are you smiling at?” She asked in a friendly jabbing manner.

“Just watching you all carry on.”

Lee Ann looked out at her area of observation, then back at Thad. “We’ve got to learn at some point.”