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  “Reese,” greeted Sandy, the nurse, who had been looking after her. She was the one who had an emotional break down after the hospital attack while trying to care for Reese.

  Reese closed in for a hug. “Hey, Sandy.”

  “You okay? I heard what happened last night.”

  “In some pain and my dressings are off,” said Reese twisting around to show her bare legs.

  “Ah yes, well let’s take a look. You’ve been taking your antibiotics?”

  Reese nodded just as Doctor Lunsford walked in. He’d served as an Army surgeon in the Middle East and had seen his share of gunshot wounds.

  “Good morning Reese, how’s it going?

  “I’m good.”

  “Heard what you did last night and was hoping you’d come by.”

  “You were?”

  Lunsford smiled at her. “You went for a swim, yes?”

  “Yeah, you could say that.”

  “Well, who knows how polluted that river is,” said Lunsford examining her arm and leg. He had Sandy weigh her and check her blood pressure before examining her eyes and ears and listening to her heart. “You in any pain?”

  Reese nodded. “I was walking without my crutch.”

  “How did that go?”

  “Between the adrenaline and the cold river, great at first.”

  Lunsford laughed. “Afterwards, not so much eh?”

  “You could say that.”

  “Sandy, go ahead and re-bandage those wounds,” said Lunsford. He then turned back to Reese and said, “The wounds are healing nicely. I don’t see any infection from last night. Just a few more days for the bandages should do it. Keep taking the antibiotics until you finish the bottle. Do you still have those painkillers?”

  Reese let out a scoff. “Oh, yeah.”

  “Have you taken any of them?”

  “A couple, but they make me loopy, and I don’t want to get hooked on them.”

  He gave her a knowing nod. “I understand. Why don’t you bring those back here, and we’ll put you on some 800 mg Ibuprofen. I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t be able to get rid of your crutch over the next few days.

  Reese nodded; glad she came to see him. She wanted to be reassured she wouldn’t get sick from last night. It was bad enough she had stomped her feet to go on the mission, but it would have been worse if she had become a greater liability to the team. She should never have put Meeks in the position to give in to her. She couldn’t help, but blurt out that she wanted to go, and knew she had an issue with self-control.

  Since Cole left, she’d been battling bouts of depression. It helped to keep busy, but she was afraid if she stopped, they would come back and swallow her as it had Cole.

  Reese walked out into the hallway and saw Scar and Amber walking in from outside. They were headed to the cafeteria, so she decided to join them.

  Chapter 11

  Nate pushed the door open and entered the cafeteria. He hadn’t been down here since the attack on the hospital last week. His nurse, Sandy, had been waiting on him hand and foot since then. He was in the mood for a fresh cup of coffee but didn’t want to bother anyone. He picked up the decanter and saw what was left of the weak coffee. He looked around for more but didn’t find any, so he walked into the storage room. He checked all the cabinets before finding a box hidden way in the back. He tore it open and found it full of coffee packets. He drummed his fingers on the cabinet and yelled out in excitement.

  He opened a fresh packet and brought it up to his nose inhaling the rich aroma deeply into his lungs. He eagerly poured it into a filter before sitting down to wait for it to finishing brewing.

  He was in a much better mood now that Elliott was doing better. Despite what he had been saying the last few days, he didn’t look so good. However, Doctor Lunsford had given everyone an update this morning assuring them Elliott was going to make a full recovery.

  The water finished pouring into the glass decanter, and Nate got up and filled his cup to the top. He breathed in the aroma before taking a sip. He sat down with his hands wrapped around the warm mug. It was one of the few things around here that was warm.

  Between the generator and the solar panels, the hospital used the power they produced in a limited way. The kitchen, cafeteria, operating and examination rooms were the only areas with full power. Not all the hallways had working lights or any of the hot water heaters, which explained why most people showered every three or four days. It took a lot of motivation to jump into the cold water. Nate let out a scoff thinking how motivated Amber and Reese must have been to get into that cold river.

  Nate took another sip of coffee and looked up when he heard the door open. Scar and the girls walked in.

  “I was just thinking of you guys,” said Nate toasting them with his cup.

  “Is that fresh coffee I smell?” asked Amber.

  “Damn right it is.”

  “Where’d you get it?” asked Amber. “I looked everywhere.”

  “Apparently, you didn’t look in the very back of the storeroom. Got a whole box of it here.”

  “Oh, Nate, you’re my new hero,” Amber said with a big smile on her face.

  “Haven’t I always been?” asked Nate with a smirk.

  She leaned down behind him and wrapped her arms around his chest. “But of course.”

  “How’s my favorite cripple?” Nate asked Reese with a wink.

  “She’s feeling it today,” said Reese plopping down next to him and leaning her head on his shoulder. “Pain is my companion today.”

  “I heard what you guys did. My hats off to ya.”

  “They were something alright,” said Scar as he poured a cup of coffee. He then poured two more for the girls. “Helluva night, that’s for sure.” Scar handed the girls their coffee and sat down next to Amber.

  “I suppose Canada’s no longer a friendly place,” said Nate.

  “We still have Winnipeg,” countered Amber.

  Scar took a sip of coffee and agreed.

  Nate shrugged. “Bit far from here.”

  “Hopefully, Bassett will come back with good news.”

  “Where is he?” asked Reese.

  Scar briefed her on the reconnaissance mission. “Amber’s idea.”

  Reese held out her hand for a fist-bump across the table with Amber.

  “Speaking of supplies, I need to go see Mayor Simpson and give him an update.”

  Reese’s eyes lit up. “I just love that man. He’s always so sweet to me.”

  “Come with me then,” suggested Scar.

  “I couldn’t possibly climb those stairs today,” she said in a disappointing tone.

  “It is a lot of stairs,” said Amber.

  “The last time I was there, Badger had to carry me down.”

  “He did?” Nate asked in a doubtful tone.

  Reese nodded.

  “How?”

  “On his back.”

  “Bill Taylor? Our lovable curmudgeon? Badger?” Nate asked again still not believing what he just heard.

  “Yes,” Reese responded annoyed with his disbelief.

  Nate scoffed, “I’m surprised he can even get up those stairs himself.”

  Scar laughed and then turned to Reese. “I’d be more than happy to carry you up.”

  “Careful there Scar, you think you can handle…what are ya, Reese, about a buck five?”

  “I’m a one-fifteen, thank you. Sandy just weighed me.”

  Scar laughed again. “I think I can handle that. Amber, you can join us if you like.”

  “You gonna carry her up too?” asked Nate in a deadpan manner.

  “If she wants me too.”

  “Hmm, that is tempting,” joked Amber.

  “Say yes, Amber, please say yes,” pleaded Nate.

  Reese bumped Nate’s shoulder. “You are a trouble-maker today.”

  “Yeah, well, I haven’t been out in a while. I’m getting a little antsy.”

  “I can see that. You should go ou
t for a drive. I do it all the time, and it works wonders.”

  “Just might have to do that.”

  “I’ll take ya out later if you’d like,” offered Reese.

  “Careful Nate, her driving is a bit reckless,” said Scar.

  Reese shot him a squinted glare.

  “Right up my alley, then,” said Nate who since being wounded, had only left the hospital once and that was to go watch the executions. Since then, he’d been keeping his lifelong friend, Elliott, company. This wasn’t ideal for a man who always wanted to be on the move. He desperately missed being in the heat of battle and needed something to do.

  Chapter 12

  Chelsea Michigan

  Before heading back to their SUV, Nordell and Burns decided to hold their position for a few minutes to see what kind of action the Jijis had in mind. They kept watching across the overgrown field to Manchester Road. It didn’t take too long until four cars came speeding down from the interstate. The cars all turned into the Proving Grounds entrance, which meant they were going to cruise the maze of roads to look for Bassett and Meeks.

  “Let’s see if we got a clean exit south,” said the retired Marine.

  Burns nodded and then pointed to more cars coming down Manchester Road. Another four cars turned into the same entrance and disappeared behind the trees blocking their view.

  “Looks more like a contest to see who gets them first,” quipped Burns.

  “Probably so.”

  Nordell followed Burns through the thin strip of woods, which would end as soon as they came to the abandon buildings. He had been here many times over the years as a guest. A friend of his was an engineer at Chrysler and had worked at this facility for most of his career. On more than one occasion, he had invited Nordell to come out and test drive cars. It was one of his favorite things to do whenever he came home on leave.

  It was a big place with lots of different types of roads and terrain, which made it an ideal place to keep hidden. It would take a lot of men to go through the whole area, let alone surround it. If the Jijis were smart, it’s just what they would do, but there was no telling how motivated they were. If it took too long they might simply get bored and call off the search, figuring they had escaped.

  After zigzagging around the property for an hour, they finally came to the southern end of the Proving Grounds. By the time they reach it their mouths were dry, their bodies were covered in perspiration and their legs were on fire. Nordell grabbed the canteen and took several gulps of water. They sat down to rest for a few minutes where Burns pulled out some granola bars and handed a couple to Nordell. They had burned through a lot of calories, and woofed them down like they hadn’t eaten for a week.

  Across the field was Lehman Road, which was a dirt road connecting Manchester Road with Sylvan Road, where they had left their ride.

  “Got a patrol down there,” said Burns handing the binoculars to Nordell.

  “Looks like they’re trying to surround the place.”

  Ten men stood guard along the southern edge of the property.

  “Let’s check out the other end,” said Nordell.

  They kept to the cover of the trees and started heading west. A racetrack straightaway was to their right, and they had to stop when two cars came speeding down the road. One of the cars jammed on the brakes and came to a full stop. Four Jijis got out and started patrolling the woods where Nordell and Burns had just been.

  Nordell shook his head. “Damn it.”

  “Where’s Bassett when you need him,” said Burns.

  “Yeah, I’m too old for those kind of moves.”

  “That’s what these are for,” said Burns, as he raised his rifle.

  “Was really hoping to keep out position quiet.”

  “Suppressors sure would come in handy.”

  “Yeah, they’re on my wish list if we ever get back to your friends in Winnipeg.”

  Nordell pushed forward to keep ahead of the Jijis who were coming in behind them. Voices broke through the air as the Jijis spoke to one another. Nordell shook his head at the stupidity of the rank amateurs but was glad they were gabbing because it made it much easier to keep track of them.

  Burns put his finger to his ear and then pointed west. New voices were coming from that direction. The other car had stopped, which meant four more Jijis were ahead of them.

  Nordell turned to the left and started heading south. Burns followed, keeping a close watch on their six. Having to crunch through the leaves was making them paranoid, but the Jijis’ constant chatter helped drown out any noise they made.

  “Damn it,” said Nordell, as he raised his rifle and pulled the trigger.

  A pair of Jijis unexpectedly appeared in front of him, and he had little choice but to engage. A single shot to the head dropped the first before he even raised his weapon. The second one was quicker and got a shot off before Nordell planted one in his chest. The impact threw him back off feet as his trigger finger kept firing the AK-47 until he hit the ground. The errant rounds snapped and whistled through the canopy of trees dropping leaves and launching a branch through the air.

  “So much for staying hidden,” said Burns.

  “Let’s get around these two and wait for their buddies.”

  “Don’t want to hide anymore?” quipped Burns.

  “Screw that. Let’s take these bastards out.”

  They dashed through the trees to an ideal ambush spot. Nordell crouched down behind a tree, as sweat formed on his forehead. He looked over at Burns who was behind a tree just to his right. Burns gave him a firm nod and then turned toward the corpses about fifteen yards away. It didn’t take long before two more Jijis came to investigate.

  “Those two must be from the same car,” whispered Burns.

  Nordell nodded. “Let’s wait for the others.”

  The Jijis had their AK’s shouldered and jerked around at the slightest movement. One yelled out for help. A minute later, the other four Jijis showed up, and all started freaking out.

  “Now,” said Nordell, as he aimed and pulled the trigger on full auto. Shell casings flew out of the Colt M4 as rounds thundered through the air.

  A bloodied Jiji spun around and dropped to the ground dead. Another pulled on his friend while taking a couple of rounds to the chest. The friend was pulled down but not before taking a round to his head.

  The rest of the Jijis took cover behind trees or falling to the ground. They were scared and unsure where the enemy was. They yelled at each other to do something. Finally, one came around the tree and started randomly spraying bullets at anything.

  Burns pulled the trigger and sent a tight grouping of three rounds into his chest. Another Jiji who was lying on the ground lifted his head to find a target. He pulled the trigger in haste not aiming at anything. Burns ignored the rounds flying by and squeezed off a single shot and a second later, another dead Jiji.

  “That’s five by my count,” said Nordell, “Three to go.”

  “I’ll flank ‘em.”

  “I’ll cover ya,” said Nordell as he threw in a fresh magazine. He switched to the three-shot selection and nodded to Burns. He aimed at the Jijis who were in a prone position. He squeezed the trigger and hit the ground in front of them throwing dirt and pine needles in the air.

  Burns swung around and headed south for a few yards before turning toward the enemy. He could see them up ahead with their heads buried in the dirt. Once in position, he emptied his magazine and took out the remaining three Jijis.

  “All clear,” yelled Burns.

  Nordell came jogging in and surveyed the area. “Let’s each grab an AK and ammo. No telling how long we’ll be in here.”

  Burns began rifling through their jackets and found a set of car keys. “Look what I got.”

  Nordell nodded. “Might as well have a getaway car in here.”

  They took all the ammo they could carry and hightailed it to the car the Jijis left on the track. Nordell got in the driver’s seat and said he knew
just the place to hide.

  Chapter 13

  Jackson Michigan

  Leaving Nate and Amber back at the cafeteria, Reese insisted on driving Scar to city hall in the beat-up Chevy pickup she’d been using all week. She liked the way it handled the tight turns, in other words, she loved the way the wheels squealed whenever she over-steered the backend.

  Scar smiled as she revved the engine before throwing it in drive. He grabbed the door handle when she tore out of the parking lot.

  “Don’t worry, I won’t kill ya.”

  “Ya damn well better not. What will my wife think if she hears I died with a hot looking chick?”

  “She’ll think you’re a stud,” laughed Reese.

  “She already knows that.”

  Reese laughed again while shaking her head.

  She pulled in front of city hall and parked the truck. She turned to Scar and gave him a look that said, I told ya I wouldn’t kill ya.

  Scar chuckled and headed for the front door.

  “You wanna jump on my back or would you prefer I carry you in my arms?”

  “Oh, my! That’s a hard choice,” said Reese as she put a finger to her chin. “I think I’d like to be carried.”

  Reese put a hand around Scar’s neck as he lifted her up while she held onto the crutch in the other.

  “My knight in shining armor.”

  Reaching the top, he set her down and said, “My lady.”

  Scar turned to corner and saw Mayor Simpson in his office. “Good morning, Mayor.”

  “Mister Scarborough, come in, come in, oh and I see you brought Miss Reese with you,” said Simpson as he got up and moved around his desk to greet them. He shook Scar’s hand and then took hold of Reese’s hand. “How’s our brave young lady doing this morning?”

  “I’m good, sir,” responded Reese breaking into a big smile while shaking his frail hand.

  “I heard about your harrowing experience in that cold river. Oh, but look at you now, you couldn’t look any more beautiful.”

  Reese blushed at his compliment. “Thank you, sir.”

  “Did you climb all those stairs just to come see me?”

  “Actually, Scar was my knight in shining armor and carried me up.”