Revenge in the Homeland Read Free Page B

Bunker.”
    “I’m glad that y’all were safe, but I am the older ex-wife and I got to see the hot new wife covered in shit head to toe. John told everyone that he would shoot anyone who made fun of you.”
    “Yes, he can be a little protective.”
     
    ***
     
    Steve had stopped at every town north of Mobile, talked briefly with the local leaders and held prearranged one hour town meetings with the citizens. He used the same routine that helped him manage the area around Mobile. He asked the same three questions: What do you need? What can I do for you? What do I need to know? Most of the answers were very helpful and allowed Steve to focus his priorities. A few contrary people did not like having a black man as their leader. They tried to ask embarrassing questions or ask for impossible things to deliver. Steve deftly fended those off and was glad that 95 percent of the people only judged him on his results.
    Electricity, running water and toilet paper were the most frequent items mentioned. He suspected that the further he got from the ISA stronghold in Mobile, the issues would shift towards security, medical care and schools.
    His group left Grove hill travelling on Highway 84 with a heavily armed Humvee leading his Humvee and another following back about a hundred yards. There were 12 armed guards traveling in the convoy to protect the Governor of the Territory. Without notice, the lead vehicle stopped and called back to Steve.
    “Sir, we are just before the intersection of highways 23 and 84. There appears to be a road back into the forest that is not on our maps and appears to be heavily used. Do you want to see what’s back there or move on?”
    Before Steve could answer, a pickup with several men drove out the road and stopped by the lead Humvee. The discussion was short and the driver reported to Steve.
    “These guys say that they have a small settlement about a mile down the road and don’t need any help. They say that they are glad to be a part of the ISA and will be glad to do their part to help us.”
    “Sargent, thank them and we will move on to the next town.”
    “Yes, sir. We are late for our next appointment anyway.”
    Steve knew that they had a break for about two hours and only had an evening meeting in Coffeeville. The Sargent was signaling for him to get the hell out of Dodge. When they got a mile down the road, Steve called the Sargent in the lead vehicle.
    “Sarge, what spooked you back there?”
    “Sir, those men were not the casual farm people that we normally encounter around lower Alabama. They appeared to be well trained and heavily trained. We also spotted at least two snipers out in the trees. They knew we were coming and didn’t want a visit.”
    “Thanks and I appreciate you and your team’s vigilance. Great job!”
    They drove on to Coffeeville and Steve called back to Gus.
    “Hey, you old fart, are you getting cold feet yet?”
    “I’m not old and Ginny keeps my feet warm,”
    “You’d better not repeat that in front of George.”
    “What the hell do you need? I know you didn’t call to rag on me all day.”
    “No, I didn’t. My convoy was between Grove Hill and Coffeeville and found a new settlement on an unmarked road. There appears to be heavy traffic and they didn’t invite us in to their camp and made it plain that they didn’t need any help and would be glad to help the ISA. Just doesn’t smell right.”
    “I’ll get some scouts over there tonight to sniff around. I’ll get back to you when I hear something.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Should I send some more men to follow along behind you in case these guys attack?”
    “Only if they stay back a ways and don’t rattle the locals. I want to talk with my people, not scare the hell out of them.”
    “Will do. Thanks for the info.”
     
    ***
     
    “Scott, I need you to recon a newly found settlement on highway 84 just west of Grove Hill. Start tonight if you can. Don’t make contact and be prepared for