The Patriot (3 page)

He readied the charges on the seat with a lighter beside them then pulled onto the highway. He thought once lit these eight inch fuses should take eight seconds. Enough time to get back into his vehicle and be a distance away before they go off. He pulled up with his lights off opened the door and stepped out. He threw the baseball size explosives thru the windows got in and quickly drove off before turning on his lights. Just as he went past an old farm pond he heard the explosions and could see flames in the rear view mirror. He kept going picking up speed then turned south on a road heading back towards the village of Vienna. He needed to hurry now before alarms were sounded alerting those stationed in and around the village.

Just outside of town He stopped and readied two more explosive charges. He knew these would not destroy their capability to operate but would probably take some lives and damage troop moral more than anything else. He slowed down as he approached the old factories then stopped. He stepped out and threw a charge into each of the buildings located on adjacent corners of the street then drove across the railway tracks and just as he turned east on the old church road he heard the explosions behind him. Continuing on he observed a military truck approaching and thought they must be headed for the buildings with personnel. He pulled over, stopped, and reached for the grenades lying on the seat. One was an incendiary the other a fragment type. He pulled the pins and waited. As the truckload of troops passed he tossed the grenades in the back of the truck then sped away. He heard the explosions then saw the truck flip over and burst into flames. He watched in the rear view mirror and saw no movement from the wreckage.

He continued on towards the site where he had stashed his supplies. It was quiet and no traffic as he neared his destination. He pulled off the road into the woods and stopped. He waited a few moments then hearing nothing he began to load the remaining supplies in his vehicle. Later he drove onto the road and headed towards the falls Ville area. He drove in past the pond and thru the woods near the waterfall and hid his vehicle under the pines. He opened a can of Pepsi and sat back for a moment to relax and decide his next move. After a while he reached for his cell phone and called Jeffrey’s number. Jeff’s wife answered and asked are you all right, then he heard her say Jeff it’s your father. Jeffrey came on the phone and said where are you? Do you need anything? He said I’m fine but I need you to get James, Joshua, and Tim and meet me tonight at the pond near the falls at the old falls Ville game preserve. Get the others and come in one vehicle I’ll be waiting for you at the pond. Jeff asked do you need anything? He said maybe some Pepsi and cigarettes. Jeff said we will be there a little after dark dad, be careful.

The old man sat for a while then lay his head back on the seat. It was near dusk when his watch alarm woke him. He reached for his cigarettes and the can of Pepsi sitting on the dash. After a moment he got out and started walking thru the trees towards the pond. He sat there for some time waiting out of sight but there was no traffic traveling the graveled road. He thought to himself, I can’t believe they have everyone to afraid to go out of their homes. They must be shown they can fight back. The sight of Tim’s pickup going slowly by interrupted his thoughts. He watched as the truck went a short distance then turned and came back and pulled off the road. He stepped out and told Tim to drive on into the woods for a few hundred yards then stayed behind to make sure no one had been following them. His sons walked up and gave him a big hug and said you have been busy dad.

The boys said mom sent some groceries and we have your Pepsi and smokes. Tim said all hell broke loose around here last night I guess you had something to do with that. Goldie said I recon so what have you heard. Tim said he saw the burned up truck and residents along the street said there were some fifteen or twenty troops on the truck and no one survived. The old factories took a pretty good hit and one was partially burned, several men in the buildings were killed and injured as well. Jeff said he came past the snow hill earlier this morning and there was several bodies being loaded onto trucks. It looks like they will have to repair the roof and walls of the old clubhouse or move.

Tim said the television networks reported on the damage to buildings and loss of lives at Zinnia claiming it was the work of terrorists and warning they will be caught and anyone who helps them will be considered terrorist as well. The governor has issued a statement that those who interfere with his National Guard troops and state police will be caught and turned over to the federal government for prosecution as terrorists. He claims thirty people were killed at Xenia and twenty more in the new Vienna area by these cowardly murderers. Everyone is talking about it and wondering who it could be, and saying they wish they had the guts to do it themselves.

They may have their chance soon Tim. He showed them the two way military type radios and other supplies Richard had brought him. It’s time for us to organize into teams and operate in this area doing whatever we can to harass them and slow them down. We need to take the fight to them every way we can. Go back to your homes then contact those willing to serve with us. Assemble your men and return here tomorrow after dark. Have each man bring several days rations of food and other personal needs. How many men does each of you have now you can depend on? James said he would have twenty with others ready when needed. Joshua said I will bring twenty now and have more if needed later. Jeffrey and Tim said we have twenty and we also can bring more when needed. Goldie said good that’s sixty total, I will contact Richard and tell him we need ten four wheel drive vehicles with fictitious registration for transportation. Have drivers you can trust drop your men off here tomorrow then take their vehicles back home with them.

He called Richard and advised him of their plans and needs. Richard assured him the vehicles and any other supplies needed were on hand and ready. He said he would have m-16 carbines and ammo for all sixty men and field cloths if needed. Goldie advised him where to bring the vehicles and supplies and Richard said he knew the place well and would arrive after dark. Goldie told Tim and his sons it is done. We will have vehicles, guns, ammo, field rations, and any supplies needed for all of us delivered here tomorrow night. You guys go home now and prepare and I will see you here tomorrow after dusk. James asked where will you spend the night and tomorrow dad? He said I will make sure the house is not being watched then spend some time with your mother tonight. At this time they don’t know who is causing them problems so it will be safe. I will call each of you tomorrow at noon to make sure everything is going well and will see you here tomorrow night. You guys leave now and go home I will be all right.

He said I’ll walk on ahead to make sure the road is clear of traffic before you come out. He walked to the edge of the road and looked then after making certain the way was clear he motioned them to bring the truck on out. He waved and gave them thumbs up as they pulled away. Slowly the old man walked back to where his car was hidden. He waited a while then carefully edged the car towards the road. Seeing no vehicle lights he pulled out and started down the road towards Vienna. He drove across to the edge of town then along the road behind the community where he lived. He had once befriended a local farmer nearby so he stopped at the home and talked for a few moments. He asked if he could leave his car parked near the barn for a time. The farmer said just park it by the barn it would be fine and out of the way. He thanked the old-timer and said he would be after it later then walked along the cemetery road to a place where he could watch his home.

He made his way along the creek and walked along the pines to the rear of his home. He could see his wife sitting in her favorite chair watching television with their daughter. He entered the house and quietly closed the door behind him. He stood quietly for a moment listening then carefully walked to the dining area where he could see the entire family room. He whispered her name softly and she turned then rose and ran towards him. He held her close and could feel her trembling as she said I was afraid for you. He asked has there been anyone around watching the house or asking about me. She answered no it has been quiet here but the guard people have been going and coming on the highway all day. Sometimes there are several vehicles traveling together with troops in them. She said the news say they are after the gang of terrorists who are trying to prevent them from restoring peace and liberty.

They sat together on the sofa watching television for some time talking about old times when they first met. I knew the first moment I met you there could never be anyone else for me. She said she had felt the same, how wild it was to get married only one month after their first meeting. You deserve so much more than I have been able to give you. She said you have given me fifty years of true love and five wonderful children. No woman could ask for more than you have given me. They sat together and he held her as they talked late into the morning hours. Finally he told her it is time, I must leave before the light comes. She walked him to the door and he held her close for a time. He took her face in his hands and kissed her and said it is time. She said I know my love I will wait for your return. They parted then, not knowing it would be the last time they would hold each other close.

He walked along the pines and followed the stream to where he had left his car. I was quiet and no one was about at the farm when he drove away. He pulled off the road and drove back in under the pines. It was peaceful there under the pines listening to the waterfall and after a time he slept. He awoke feeling refreshed and looked at his watch to see he had slept several hours. He mixed a cup of coffee and heated it on the battery-powered heater while opening one of the field rations kits Richard had furnished. The powdered eggs and jelly with sausage was just right and after eating he sat back and relaxed. Later he called his sons and Tim and all was well with them and the men were all ready and would be on time. He took the time to organize his thoughts as to where to direct their efforts that would cause the most problems for the occupation forces while waiting for the men to arrive.

It was April now and while the nights were cool a blanket was comfort enough and Richard had supplied him with good wool blankets for the men and field rations that would last for several days. He thought we have plenty of cash to purchase fuel for the vehicles and if that becomes risky his friend at the farm nearby had already offered to furnish fuel and if need be a place to park the vehicles inside and out of sight. It was nearing dusk as he walked thru the woods to the road to make sure the men get off the road quick. Tim and Jeff was the first to arrive then the others started arriving a few minuets apart and all unloaded without any vehicles coming by. The men carried their supplies into the woods and all sat down under the pines. Most had been in the service so the open air didn’t bother them. All were ready to get down to business and wanted to know what was planned.

He told them we have transportation coming later tonight for all teams. He asked have all your men used an M-16 military style carbine? All said they had except a few admitted they had only fired one a few times when shooting with friends but all said they felt comfortable with one. He said good because a friend is bringing one for each of us with the vehicles. He said we have all the ammo we need with grenades and launchers and medical supplies should we need them. He said Tim and I will go back to the road and wait for the equipment to get here in the meantime you guys make yourselves comfortable and get to know one another. Along the way Tim said I think we have some dam good men with us what do you think. Goldie said I know some of them, most have had army service, and they will be of great help to those who haven’t. We will do all right if we can prevent them from getting in over their heads for a while.

I told Richard when they get here to pull off the road fast and into the woods out of sight then we can take our time putting them away and securing supplies. Richard knows this place well he has hunted and fished here. Just then a pickup came pulling off the road and Richard and another person got out. Richard said you know my friend bill and Goldie said yes we met. This is Tim one of my trusted leaders. Richard said glad to have you with us Tim we need all the good men we can get. Richard said the others will be coming shortly. I advised them to come in a few moments apart, here is one now. A jeep grand Cherokee came turning into the woods and Goldie motioned him to pull under the trees out of sight. One by one eleven more Cherokees came in a few minuets apart. They waited to make certain they were not followed then Richard and his men walked over to where the others were waiting.

Tim asked how did you get your hands on these vehicles and Richard said one of our supporters has a dealership. He fixed us up with them. They are all titled and registered under fictitious names and a friend entered them in the motor vehicle bureau records so if they are checked they will be on record as properly owned. Here are driver licenses matching the owner registration your drivers can carry in case they are ever stopped or checked. We have additional field rations and other personal supplies and smokes and extra blankets if you need them. There are M-16’s with ammunition, grenades, and launchers in the cargo space under the floor in each vehicle.

What are your plans Goldie for the next few days? There are some Ohio guard troops with United Nations observers and federal troops set up in the old Jap factory at Blanchester and some more are in the old school at Clarksville. There is also a contingent of Ohio guard and federal administrators housed in the school at the west end of Wilmington. That looks like the command post that supports their people spread out over the county. I want to create some problems for them at those three locations.