“Of course. Everyone is welcome here.” Maxine replied.
“We’re coming, Sweetie. I have to go now, I’ll see you soon. I love you.” Joseph said.
“We’ve been waiting for you. I love you so much.” Maxine responded then both hang up.
Joseph felt easy after told his burdens to Maxine. He went back inside the house. Everyone was preparing to sleep, and he decided to take turns with the nurse. Joseph thought of a plan on how to bring his group to their farm safely. He consumed his time thinking about his friends, the hospital, his family, and his country.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Walter woke up at dawn and checked his wife. After a few minutes, Joseph also woke up from two-hour sleep. He saw Walter looking at Victoria who’s still asleep.
“She woke up last night, past twelve. She was hungry. I gave her some instant noodles.” Joseph smiled at Walter.
“Thank you so much, Joseph. I don’t know how to repay you.” Walter replied.
“Walter, there’s no need to compensate. Let’s keep on looking one another.” Joseph tapped Walter’s shoulder.
“Coffee?” Walter offered.
“Definitely. We’ll have a long day.” Joseph and Walter went to the kitchen where Colonel Eaton and the nurse were sitting.
“Good morning.” Colonel Eaton greeted the newcomers.
“Would you like some coffee, Doctors?” The nurse asked.
“Yes, please,” Joseph replied, and the nurse immediately prepared two cups.
“Colonel Eaton, we have to get out of this place sooner than later,” Joseph said.
“What’s the plan?” Walter asked.
“We have a farm. It’s where my family resides for the meantime. We can go there. It’s a long drive, so we have to keep our supplies enough for us. We don’t know what’s on our way.” Joseph replied.
“It might take longer because of the checkpoints. We have to reroute.” Colonel Eaton responded.
“What do you mean, Colonel?” The nurse inserted himself as he handed the coffee to Joseph and Walter.
“The new Executive Order summons all public servants even those retired ones, and those who left their service.” Colonel Eaton explained to everyone.
“Does it mean that the Government has the authority to recall everyone in public service? What if the militia stopped us along the way?” Walter asked.
“Yes, so it’s either we avoid them, or they’ll catch us.” Colonel Eaton replied.
Joseph sipped his coffee and massaged his head. Another problem considering that the road to the farm is not safe. Colonel Eaton took out a map.
“Can you point where’s your farm?” Colonel Eaton asked Joseph.
“Right here.” Joseph marked the location of the farm in Humvees. Colonel Eaton looked at the mark closely and checked their possible routes.
“Let’s get ready. Prepare yourselves for a long and dangerous ride.” Colonel Eaton announced.
At six in the morning, everyone was having their breakfast in the kitchen. Joseph’s house still has some foods, but they are now drinking boiled rainwater. They are saving the remaining supplies that they got from empty houses on their trip. Denise hasn’t talked, but it’s a good sign that she’s trying to be with people. Victoria has also woke up. It’s difficult for her to walk, but her body recovers faster than expected.
It’s still raining, but not as severe as yesterday. Joseph opened the TV with the hope of hearing some good news. He put on the channel where Maxine worked. They are still operating because the electricity provider was able to return the power to some less affected area.
After hearing the same news, the TV screen went white. Then the Islamic sign appeared on the screen after a few seconds of channel interruption.
“What’s that?” Walter asked.
“They hacked all channels,” Joseph replied in disbelief.
Everyone was terrified as they looked on the screen. Then there was Big Ira, the leader of the Marauders, with three other men with black cloth covering their faces. Senator Forbes was lying on the ground. There’s a tape on his mouth, and the three rifles pointed on his head.
At the White House office, all officials and security personnel have gathered in one room. They were having a meeting about the security across the country and the search for Senator Forbes. Vice President Ariana Marie phone rang. They also had a channel interruption then she saw Senator Forbes on the screen.
“I know you are watching, Madame Vice President. I want you to answer the phone. Let all your people hear our conversation.” Big Ira challenged the Vice President on the camera.
“It’s an unknown number, Madame Vice President.” The head of the security said.
“I have no choice, but to answer.” Vice President Ariana Marie insisted.
“We do not speak with traitors.” One of the senators said.
“Can’t you see Senator Forbes on the screen? Locate the call.” Vice President Ariana Marie insisted, then she pressed the answer button.
“They’ll kill him whatever we say.” The head of the security said.
“What do you want?” The Vice President talked to her phone while looking at the TV screen.
“I’m pretty sure you’re watching right now? Do you see your companion?” Big Ira said as Senator Forbes was crying, but he’s shaking his head while looking at the camera as if he was sending a message.
“I don’t negotiate with traitors.” Vice President Ariana Marie shouted soon as she get what Senator Forbes was trying to say.
“I want you to see how I’ll kill this brave Senator because you’re next.” Big Ira threatened and hang up the phone. He pointed his gun at Senator Forbes’ head, and looked at the camera. In one pull of the trigger, blood flowed on the floor. The leader smirked, and they immediately cut the connection.
“Did you trace their location?” The Vice President asked.
“Yes, Madame. New Mexico.” One of the security members replied.
“Send our men. Enough is enough. I want them dead.” Vice President Ariana Marie announced with fire on her eyes.
The Army immediately went to the location where they locate Big Ira’s call. However, there was no one when they searched the area. Beers, paper plates, cards and the dead body of Senator Forbes were the only traces. Vice President was angry and disappointed. She ordered to bring Senator Forbes’ corpse to his family, so they can have something to mourn.
Senator Forbes family cried, but the Vice President immediately went to their house right after the tragic incident. She sent her condolences and promised to capture those men that killed Senator Forbes, and destroyed the country.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
It was eight in the morning, and the rain has finally stopped. However, the weather is still gloomy and dark clouds still covered the sun. Everybody at Southcrest Subdivision was busy preparing for the trip to the farm. They started loading their white truck with supplies, clothes, and weapons. They have planned their route, and everybody’s task in case rebels followed them. Joseph decided to drive Steve’s car together with Denise, Walter, Victoria, the nurse, and two more Southcrest Villagers.
“Load those supplies carefully. Each supply is precious. We don’t want to waste.” Colonel Eaton reminded his group.
“Yes, Colonel. All is ready.” One of the men replied.
“Colonel Eaton, let’s do the convoy. I’ll lead the way to the farm.” Joseph said to Colonel Eaton.
“By all means, Joseph. And in case those rioters follow, we got your back, and continue driving. Have you checked the walkie-talkies?” Colonel Eaton asked.
“Yes, both are still working. I’ve changed batteries as well.” Joseph and Walter were able to bring their walkie-talkies when they escaped the hospital.