“What if we don’t agree?” Joseph bravely asked.
“I’m sorry Joseph. You know you can’t, or the government will…” It was too hard for Sheriff to finish his sentence.
“Kill me?” Joseph continued.
“No, your family.” Walter replied. Joseph looked at the Sheriff, his deputy, Captain Ellis and his family. The news stunned him. He’d rather die, than risk his family’s life.
“So you came here to pretend that you want to help us that you even sent supplies to make it convincing, but the truth is that you want them back on service. You helped us build defenses to give us the assurance then bring the Army and Militia with you? The medical help was just a cover to give us a relief that we can heal ourselves, so you can also take Joseph and Walter. And you wanted my father to recover fast, and get him back at service. If they refused, you’re saying that you’ll kill them because you’re a part of your government. Am I right Sheriff? Tell me!!” Tony yelled at Sheriff Katch with burning eyes as he slammed the long dinner table. No one dared to answer as his emotions slowly consumed him, but his wife tried to calm him.
“I’m sorry, Tony. I’m just following an order.” Sheriff Katcher replied, but there were regrets in his eyes. He and his deputies decided to get back home, but he reminded the Carmichael’s that they can still call him if they need anything.
Without anyone’s knowledge, Sheriff Katcher received an order from the General. He heard about Joseph and his group from Steve when he was having a conversation with Colonel Eaton. The General got interested in the strategic location, the supplies that the farm has, and wanted to get the possession. The General immediately reached Sheriff Katcher and ordered him to recall all their protection under Colonel Eaton’s command. Sheriff Katcher dismissed because Grandpa Carmichael is his good friend, but his family received threats.
Tony was still furious about Sheriff, but Joseph said that maybe Colonel Eaton was only protecting them. Maxine didn’t say anything, but she got dismayed. They all understand that there’s Martial Law ruling the country, but they thought that Colonel Eaton was their ally. Captain Ellis can’t believe that the Colonel mandated Sheriff because he saw the concern in his eyes when they met at Southcrest.
After a day, Sheriff Katcher and his deputies immediately prepared the hospital. They made sure that the Humvees Hospital has all the basic types of equipment and medicines particularly medicines for gunshots and stabbed wounds. They also made sure that there’s security around the perimeter as well as for Joseph and Walter. They have agreed that the hospital will only operate from eight in the morning until five in the evening until the new medical team arrives. However, because Grandpa Carmichael was unconscious, Joseph worked at day while Walter takes his shift at night, so they’d still have someone to watch Grandpa.
Their first day running the hospital went steady, most of the patients were only asking for medicines, or wanted to check their health. Joseph treated a few gunshot patients, and he performed surgery successfully. The Army was assigned to town to assist Sheriff Katcher to maintain peace and order while Captain Ellis along with three more Army was in charge of the doctors’ safety. The Militia, on the other hand, got promoted as deputies. In exchange, Finley and four of his men stayed on the farm to protect the Carmichaels. It was easier to control the area because there were fewer refugees because of a shortage of food, water, and shelter.
“Would this be our life now?” Maxine asked while Joseph was eating his dinner. He didn’t know what to say because he knew that his wife was worried again.
“It’s better than when I was at Southcrest, right? At least I still get to see you every day then we also have personal protection.” Joseph answered trying to lift Maxine’s mood. She smiled a little, but Joseph knew that she was faking.
“Sweetie, I don’t know how long, but believe that things will get better soon. We might have no control over our lives for now but keep your faith. It’s not the end if things aren’t great.” Joseph answered as he stood up and walked behind Maxine’s chair then gave her a tight hug.
“We’ll keep on fighting until we get the life that we deserve,” Joseph whispered to Maxine’s ear.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Joseph and Captain Ellis reached the hospital and saw a queue of people. It was normal because citizens got flu due to improper nutrition. Another sunrise, yet Joseph and his family are still in chaos especially the Marauders, and the General wanted to get the farm. Some people moved out because of scarcity, but most citizens remained. Sheriff Katcher’s conscience bothered him, and Tony’s words were continuously playing on his mind. He didn’t want to do such evil thing, but his family was in great jeopardy. The Sheriff was still communicating with Joseph and his family trying to reckon his confidential mistake, but Joseph said that it’s alright for as long as his family is safe and that the Sheriff do his job in guarding the town. Trying to do the right thing, Sheriff Katcher reached to other farms of the village to unite.
Grandma Carmichael. Tony and Maxine were taking turns in monitoring their father. Grandma was in charge in the morning, Maxine in the afternoon, and Tony throughout the night. Granma Carmichael held Grandpa’s right hand when she felt that his fingers moved, and slowly opened his eyes. They both smiled at one another, but Grandma was in tears. She immediately called Joseph who was preparing to go to the hospital, and the rest of the household followed.
“Dad!” Everyone shouted in joy as they entered the room.
“Dad, you should lay down,” Joseph advised.
“I’ve been sleeping for days, for God’s sake.” Grandpa Carmichael answered sarcastically.
“You should have at least waited for us before sitting down. Your wound hasn’t healed yet.” Tony answered.
“Relax, Tony. I wanted to see you all coming through that door.” Grandpa answered and smiled.
“How are you feeling, dad?” Joseph checked.
“It still hurts a little, but I feel great. Thank you, Joseph.” Grandpa replied assuring his family that his alright. Joseph smiled then continued to replace the fluid and put Grandpa’s medicine.
The family was in the middle of a pleasant conversation when Joseph excused himself because he had to go to the hospital. They told everything that had happened in a couple of days. Grandpa Carmichael wasn’t surprised, but he was worried about his friend Sheriff Karmichael. It wasn’t his method to do such things, but maybe it’s true that people change to save their lives. Grandpa Carmichael told his family to be alert all the time and that they have nothing against the law. If the time comes that the Government is stepping on their rights, they have to fight whatever it takes.
The town has been quiet for days, but they are sure that the Marauders will attack soon. Captain Ellis finally talked about his thoughts on Sheriff’s order from Colonel Eaton during their break.
“I feel that something is wrong. It’s not Colonel’s style.” Captain Ellis said.
“I know, I trusted him,” Joseph answered plainly.
“I tried to contact him, but he wouldn’t answer.” Captain Ellis replied.
“I’m sure his fine.”
“Joseph, I know you feel angry but don’t let it consume you. Colonel Eaton is a nobleman. It’s either he did it for a reason, or someone did it for him.” Captain Ellis advised as if he knows the Colonel well. Joseph looked at him and admired the trust that he had for Colonel Eaton.
“How much trust do you have for him?” Joseph asked.
“He saved my life twice. I’d do the same for him thrice.” Captain Ellis answered. No one talked for minutes as they quietly eat their sandwich when they heard someone on the radio.