CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
One hour before midnight, everyone gathered inside the farmhouse. No one had the chance to get a good rest after the attack, except for Joseph and Tony, because they cleared the dead bodies, and checked the whole farm. Finley stated that the Army wasn’t delivering enough protection. Captain Ellis got offended, so he argued with Finley.
“With all due respect Captain Finley, you just got here. Do you have any idea what we had to go through?” Captain Ellis announced.
“Don’t get it too personal, Captain. I’m only concerned with people’s well-being. If you were securing the area, then why three Marauders were hiding around the perimeter?” Finley loftily answered, but Captain Ellis looked at him sharply.
“Then what do you suggest, Captain?” Grandpa Carmichael asked Finley who looked irritated with the childish act of the two Captains.
“First, let’s cut those grass. Then we build a tougher defense. We’ll continue making those barb wires around the farm. The Army will guard in during the day then we’ll take turns at night.” Finley announced, and no one disagreed except Captain Ellis.
“As if we haven’t been doing what you just said?” Captain Ellis tried to puzzle Finley.
“Yea, but this time we’ll make it better,” Finley answered back then they both wildly stared at each other.
“However, I think that we can also use the grass to our advantage?” Grandpa Carmichael said trying to cope up with the conversation. He realized that he has all the rights to control his farm as the owner and a retired General. However, Grandpa Carmichael didn’t want to share that his previous position because he didn’t want the Government to order him back. He’s done with the Army long ago.
“But it’s a huge risk to keep those tall grasses,” Finley replied.
“If the Marauders attack us again, the tall grasses could provide us a better counter-attack.” Grandpa Carmichael answered.
“Grandpa, I know you own the farm, but…”
“Exactly, I own the farm. I understand what’s best to guard my place, and I know more than you think I comprehend.” Grandpa answered before Finley could talk.
“I understand Mr. Carmichael, but things are different now. Let’s leave those grasses, but from now on I will be in charge of the security measures. Whether you like it or not, you need our help.” Finley replied. Captain Ellis and Grandpa Carmichael looked at each other. Finally, everyone agreed and decided to get some rest.
April 23, 2014. The Carmichael household woke up after a heated debate with Finley last night. Grandpa Carmichael was still upset with the idea that someone was overpowering him inside his farm. Grandma Carmichael tried to calm him and said that Finley was right, they need their help to keep the place away from the hands of the Marauders. For the meantime, they have to deal with the Army and Militia.
Joseph, Tony, and Walter harvested some farm crops while Maxine, Rashida, Victoria fed the farm animals. Then their kids helped Grandma Carmichael prepare their breakfast. There have been some changes with their chores since a lot of men from the farm died because of the recent attack. Grandpa Carmichael and Captain Ellis were inside the barn checking their weapons.
“Can I trust you, Captain?” Grandpa Carmichael suddenly asked as he faced Captain Ellis.
“What do you mean, Mr. Carmichael?” Captain Ellis replied.
“Nothing. Things have been odd lately, and I don’t know who to trust anymore.” Grandpa Carmichael answered.
“You mean that Captain Finley?” They looked at each other and understood that they had the same sentiments. Grandpa Carmichael took a deep breath and continued checking their weapons.
“You can trust me, General Carmichael. My men and I will do everything to help you protect your place and its people. For as long as I am here, no one can steal your home from you.” Captain Ellis saluted as a form of respect to the retired General Carmichael.
“Thank you, Captain. I hope you don’t mind, but are you only doing it because Colonel Eaton has your trust?”
“No, Mr. Carmichael. To be honest, I was hesitant at first when he assigned me here, but when I saw those helpless people, it touched my heart. What’s my right to decline to serve other people when my seniors are promoting such goodness?” Captain Ellis answered then smiled.
With the additional members, Joseph thought that they have to add more supplies. Walter suggested that they can go to the town, so Grandpa Carmichael and Tony agreed. Captain Ellis asked Finley if his militia can go with Joseph and others, but he refused. Walter’s friends at Militia insisted that they should go with them, but Finley stated that his men have to sleep because they need the energy to watch them efficiently later at night. Captain Ellis closed his fist in disgust, but Grandpa Carmichael grabbed his wrist.
“It’s alright, Captain Ellis. I think we can manage.” Grandpa said.
“I can accompany you.” Captain Ellis replied.
“You’re very much needed in here. We’ll be alright.” Grandpa Carmichael smiled and winked at Captain Ellis. Grandpa meant that the farm needs Captain Ellis and his men if ever the Marauders return, or if Finley does something evil.
“Please bring these.” Captain Ellis handed out their firearms and radios.
“I thought it’s broken?” Joseph got surprised.
“Found them inside the barn. Perhaps, one of the Militia tried to fix it last night.” Captain Ellis answered.
Grandpa Carmichael, Joseph, Walter, and Tony walked at the back of to the farm to pick which car they’re going to use. They decided to use Grandpa’s Vintage Red Farm Truck, but Tony teased Grandpa if his car can safely bring them to town. Tony wanted to drive the vintage car that has been on their farm since he was a child. Grandpa Carmichael was beside him while Joseph and Walter stayed on the open back. Halfway of their journey, a tinted SUV appeared behind them. It was running fast as if it was on a race, then suddenly reached behind the farm truck. It was unusual for Joseph that the SUV stayed close to them, so he grasped his rifle. Walter saw Joseph looked at the suspicious tinted car and he did the same.
A man on the passenger seat opened his window and fired at the farm truck. Joseph and Walter immediately laid down on the truck’s cover. Walter immediately shot, but the SUV was too fast. The next thing they know, the tinted car was already blocking their driveway. Joseph had his presence of mind and reached for the radio.
“Captain Ellis. We have a situation here. Suspected Marauders riding a tinted Silver SUV blocked our way two miles from the town.” Joseph reported, but there were gunshots again. Four intruders went down the SUV.
“Get down of your truck and leave your guns or I’ll blow your head!” One of the intruders shouted while holding an RPG.
“Where do they get their weapons? And that SUV is freaking cool.” Walter uttered.
“They must’ve stolen it,” Joseph answered. He knocked on the small glass window between the driver’s seat and the back of the farm truck. Tony and Grandpa Carmichael descend, so Joseph and Walter did the same. The intruders ran towards the farm truck and took them as hostages.
They were handcuffing Joseph’s group when Grandpa Carmichael did a headbutt to his watcher. Other intruders looked at them, so Joseph and his group took advantage of the situation. Joseph pulled his right hand with handcuff straight to the first intruder’s face. Walter kicked back his watchman in between the legs, while Tony did combo punches to his guard. Everyone thought that they’d easily win the fight when Grandma Carmichael cried in pain. Tony looked at him, and he saw a knife stabbed his stomach. The intruder recovered his gun and pointed it at Grandpa Carmichael’s head while his belly was bleeding.