Braving The Storms (Strengthen What Remains Book 3) (19 page)

Chapter Thirty Four

Olympia, Monday, October 19
^th

Caden flinched at General Harwich’s directive. “Tomorrow at 0800?” A glance at his watch showed 1100. Less than a day to prepare in so many ways, pack his rucksack, ensure the soldiers had all their gear, and arrange transport. Also, he would need to talk with Maria and his mother. He had no idea what to say. However, he had been a soldier long enough to know what to tell the general. “Yes, sir.”

They stood and moved toward the door.

“Ah, sir? A couple of men who have been serving at the armory have new orders to Lewis-McChord. Another young man has been drafted and ordered there.”

“They’ll be training for the Pacific war against China.”

“They all have experience that I’d like in my unit.”

“Give me their names and I’ll have the orders waiting when you get back to Hansen.”

He wrote the information and then hurried back to the car. As the driver merged onto the freeway Caden’s mind raced with all the things he needed to complete. After several minutes he grabbed the phone from his pocket, started to dial, and then stopped. He couldn’t say much about the operation over the device in his hand. Reluctantly he shoved it back in his pocket and then planned and worried for most of the ride home.

As the driver exited toward Hansen, Caden thought of one call he could make without compromising the mission. When Hoover came on the line he asked, “Can you find me a priest or pastor?”

“Why, who’s dying?”

“No one. I have to get married right away.”

“Who did you … nope, none of my business.”

“What? No! I … It’s Maria, she’s not pregnant, but I can’t—.”

“I was just kidding. You’re in the military and there’s a war on. I can guess why you might be in a hurry.”

“I know a lot of people are hunkered down waiting for the flu to burn through the area, but do you know someone who can do the service?”

“Yeah, I think I do. Let me make a call.”

“Thanks.” When he hung up the driver said, “Congratulations, sir. I’ll have to let the pool know.”

“What?”

“Most of the guys at the armory are in on a pool for the date you get married. We have one for Lieutenant Brooks and your sister also.”

Heading east on the state road toward Hansen, Caden said, “I want in on that one.”

“So, which way sir, home or work?”

Caden glanced at his watch. Nearly noon and he hadn’t even started with mission preparations. “It looks like we’re both eating good army chow for lunch.”

They pulled into the armory. Caden hurried to the motor pool and ordered trucks to be fueled and ready. Afterwards he went to the office and collapsed into the chair behind his desk. Gradually his strength had grown, but not fast enough for the mission.

Brooks stuck his head in. “They told me you were back. We received some new personnel orders.” He handed the papers to Caden. “Is there any mission news that you can share?”

Caden leaned back in his chair and rubbed his chin. “I’m leaving tomorrow at zero dark thirty with the platoon you assembled for me. I still don’t know many details, so I can’t tell you much more than that. Oh, and I’ll be taking First Sergeant Fletcher with me.”

Brooks bit his lip, but said nothing. “He has valuable experience. I’d hoped to—.”

“That’s why I need him.” Caden leaned forward. “On another subject, Maria and I may get married tonight. I’d like you to be my best man.”

“Of course. I’m honored.”

“If this does happen have First Sergeant Fletcher fill in for you.”

“Will do.” Brooks headed for the door.

“Send Fletcher to see me,” Caden called from his desk.

When the first sergeant arrived, he motioned for him to sit down. “I know you weren’t in the platoon going out on the mission with me, but I’m adding you.”

The slightest hint of a grin creased Fletcher’s face. “I thought you’d never ask, sir.”

“Well I’m glad that’s settled. Allow the men a couple of hours to say goodbye to their families. When they’re back conduct the pre-combat inspection. Ammo up, bring all MOPP gear and let me know if there is anything you think we need. I’ll do an inspection tomorrow just before we depart.”

“It would help if I knew where we were going and what we were doing.”

“Yeah, it sure would. All I can tell you is Missouri and that is classified.”

“Missouri?” he grunted. “Okay, leave the arctic gear and snowshoes behind.”

Caden grinned. “And the desert camo.”

As Fletcher left, the cell phone in Caden’s pocket blared with the music of
I Fought the Law.
He sighed and pulled the phone out. Maria must have set more ringtones. Sure enough, Hoover had returned his call.

“Were you able to find someone to perform the ceremony?”

“It appears the community has lost a lot of priests and pastors,” Hoover said flatly. “They worked with the sick and dying. I guess such mercy has a price.”

Caden thought of Dr. Scott. She had paid the price of mercy. “So, you couldn’t find anyone?”

“No, I found someone, and discovered that sad fact about the deaths. Am I invited to this shindig?”

“Yes, of course.” Caden glanced at the clock on the wall. Already 1300 hours, and he still had much to do. “The service will probably need to be late this evening. I should talk to Maria.”

“Yeah, talking this over with her is probably a good idea.”

“Thanks for all your help.” Anxiety churned within him. “I’ll call you when it’s time.”

* * *

Hollister Hotel, Monday, October 19
^th

Zach glanced into the shadows as a knock echoed through the empty lobby.

Mr. Hollister continued to measure the next board without looking up.

“I’ll get it.” When Zach turned the corner, into the main area of the entrance, he spotted Fletcher and hurried to open the door. A Humvee stood parallel parked on the street.

“Hi, First Sergeant. What brings you here?” Zach grinned. “Have you come to see my new home? I can give you a tour.”

“No, sorry. I’m here on official business.”

Fletcher held a limp ruck sack in one hand as he stepped inside. Then he handed Zach a sheet of paper.

In the dim light of the lobby Zach held the document close and read it carefully. “I’ve been assigned to a new unit under Major Westmore?”

“Yeah, new orders.” Fletcher nodded. “You’ll need to come with me now.”

“Why so sudden? Why me?”

“Ours is not to question why, and in this case I really don’t know much.”

He frowned. “Should I pack anything?”

“Sure.” Fletcher handed him the ruck sack. “A toothbrush, underwear if it’s plain white, things like that, but don’t bother with a comb.” He smiled. “This time you get the haircut with the job.”

Zach hurried upstairs to his room with the bag.

Fletcher followed.

As they entered the penthouse, Vicki’s eyes grew wide. “Has there been a change of plans?”

“Yeah, there sure has Sis. I leave tonight.” Zach continued to his bedroom.

A door slammed in the main room.

“Your sister just ran out of the apartment.” Fletcher stood in the bedroom doorway. “I hope that isn’t a bad sign.”

Zach had no idea why Vicki ran, or why DeLynn or Mrs. Hollister had dashed from him earlier. “I guess I should be used to women running away from me.” He shook his head and grabbed more underwear. A couple minutes later the few things he needed were in the ruck sack. He wanted to say goodbye to everyone, but didn’t know if he should try to find them. Perhaps he would see Mr. Hollister on the way out.

The door to the penthouse opened as Zach stepped into the living room. Vicki entered, followed by DeLynn and her father.

Fletcher turned to Zach. “I’ll wait in the hall.”

Zach hugged his sister and shook hands with Mr. Hollister. “I don’t know where we’re going or when I’ll be back, but I’ll try and write to you—if the mail works wherever I end up.”

“The military is good about getting letters in and out of war zones,” Mr. Hollister said squeezing his shoulder. “Write when you can.”

“Yeah, you’d better send me letters.” DeLynn smiled at him, but tears filled her eyes.

“I didn’t know how you felt, or even if you wanted to see me before I left.” Zach reached out to her.

DeLynn threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. “Of course I do. Just promise me you’ll come back.”

He had seen enough combat to know that wasn’t a pledge he could make, but every part of him wanted to return to her and she needed his assurance.

For the first time in front of her father, they kissed. He didn’t want that moment to end, but he had to reassure her before he left. “Nothing could keep me from coming back to you.”

They kissed again and then held each other in a lingering embrace.

Fletcher led the way as they all headed for the lobby. On the sidewalk beside the Humvee, each embraced Zach and he kissed DeLynn again before saying goodbye.

Silence dominated the short ride to the armory. Fletcher pulled up to the main building and stopped. “Go to the office. Major Westmore wants to see you. Then find me, and I’ll get you uniforms and a weapon.”

Zach climbed the stairs two at a time. He wanted answers. A dozen soldiers hurried along the hall. Seeing the major just outside the office, Zach hurried to him. “I was told you wanted to see me, sir.”

“Yes, but I wish the circumstances were better.” Caden motioned for him to follow and together they strode through the office to the conference room. “Shut the door.”

Zach did and then stood near the table.

“The First Sergeant may have told you that I had your orders changed.” Caden sat. “You’ll be inducted into the army in just a minute.”

“He didn’t tell me it was you that changed the orders.” Zach stepped closer. “Why would you want to change them? Why would you need me?”

“It’s not so much a case of need.” Caden took a deep breath and stood. “I can’t keep you out of the war, but I’m hoping to save you from the bloodbath that’s coming in the Pacific.”

“Bloodbath?”

Caden held up a laminated sheet from his desk. “We don’t have much time. Raise your right hand, and repeat after me. I, Zachery Brennon, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies….”

* * *

Westmore Farm, Rural Lewis County, Monday, October 19
^th

Caden pulled into the driveway just before 11:00pm. He had called Maria and told her he found a pastor willing to do the service. He hadn’t told her that a convoy was already preparing to leave the area with him, and that a flight to the war front would take off with him in nine hours. He anticipated little sleep tonight. As he parked the pickup near the porch, Maria hurried out the front door.

Caden stepped from the car and she rushed into his arms.

“I was just upset yesterday.” She kissed him on the cheek. “When I asked if we would ever get married I certainly didn’t expect you to go out the next day and arrange a wedding.”

“Well, I hope you still want to marry me?”

She kissed him. “Of course I do.” She relaxed her grip and turned to go inside.

Caden held her. “I know you’d want a perfect wedding and a honeymoon, but that just can’t be right now.”

“I know that. Your mom has been hemming and stitching her wedding dress all afternoon. Lisa and Sue will be maid and matron of honor … well maybe you can take a few days off? We can spend some time together as a couple.”

“About those days off.” Caden sighed. “I’m leaving on a mission tomorrow before dawn.”

“Tomorrow?” He mouth gaped.

He nodded.

“When will you be back?”

“I don’t know for sure.”

She held his hand and led him toward the house and up the steps in silence. Instead of going inside she went to the porch swing and sat.

Caden joined her, still holding her hand.

For several moments Maria looked straight ahead without speaking, and then she nodded. “If tonight is all there is, then we’d better get on with it.”

“You go in. I’ve got to use the phone.” The call with Hoover took only a moment. “It’s on. Get the pastor.” He then phoned Brooks. “How are preparations going at the armory?”

“We’re doing well, maybe a bit ahead of schedule.”

“Good. Pass down what needs to be done to Fletcher and get here ASAP.” After hanging up, he walked through an empty living room, and headed upstairs. The voices of all the women of the house could be heard down the hall. Caden went to his room and changed into his class “A” uniform and then returned to a still empty living room. Exhausted by the events of the day he sat in a recliner. He didn’t have time to sleep and with all that still needed to be done even a nap seemed impossible, but he could rest for a few moments. He exhaled slowly and tried to relax. He eyes grew heavy.

Caden’s eyes shot open. It seemed like only moments had passed, but Brooks sat across from him on the couch. His mother, now in a nice blue Sunday dress, chatted with Hoover as they walked through the front door. A young man followed behind them. Caden rubbed his eyes and jumped to his feet.

His mother smiled at him. “Are you ready?”

With both hands he brushed his uniform. “Yes.”

“I’ll get the bride.” She darted up the stairs.

Hoover stepped close to Caden. “You probably know Pastor Ken.”

“No.” Caden shook his head. “Sorry.”

“He’s the youth pastor at your church.”

“I knew your father.” Ken thrust out his hand and they shook. “He was a good man and I was sorry to hear he died. I also know your mom, Lisa, Maria, the whole family really.”

His mother hurried down the stairs fast enough to cause Caden concern. Lisa and Sue followed, dressed in their best, and stood on either side of the banister.

Caden felt like the eye of a hurricane as everyone scurried around him.

The sound of creaking boards and slow steps came from the stairs.

His mother hurried to an old record player and turned it on. The Bridal Chorus filled the room.

Caden turned as Maria, dressed in a white sleeveless lace gown, appeared. He had seen pictures of his mother in it, but never seen it worn until now. It had been a horrible year, but Maria had come through everything strong, and beautiful. Her dark hair and olive skin radiated beauty like a diamond in the light.