“Who did you talk to on the phone last night?” Justin asked.
“D-Day.”
Justin frowned. That explained some things. Stretch read his thoughts. “It’s gotten to where we can’t rely on them for anything anymore. Why didn’t you call us on the radio?”
“The wreck knocked it out. A fuse is blown or something.”
“Alright, I’ll grab somebody, and we’ll come back and get it taken care of later. First things first, you need to get that arm looked at,” Stretch said. “Well, first I’m going to call Joker.”
Justin agreed and watched as she worked the radio.
“Anything you want me to tell Joker?” she asked. When there was no response she looked over. Justin was leaning against the passenger door, sound asleep.
Chapter 13 – Fred
While Justin was being driven back to Fort Detrick, the president, his entourage, and five other people sat at one side of the conference table while several other individuals sat on the other side, including Fred McCoy. He’d been personally invited by Lois and Norman Marnix. Otherwise, he doubted he’d be here. He sat stoically, wearing jeans that bore a few stains from the morning chores, a flannel shirt mostly hid a off-colored tee shirt underneath, and a Carhartt brand vest which had the appearance of being well used but clean.
Fred eyed the president while the man spoke in hushed tones to William Rhinehart, the country’s vice president. It did not appear to him that the man was grieving over the death of his wife too terribly much, but Fred supposed people grieved in their own way.
“You’re looking well, Mister McCoy. Fatherhood must suit you.” Fred glanced over to see former President Abe Stark speaking to him.
“Thank you, Mister President,” Fred replied.
“He ain’t no president,” D-Day chortled.
Fred did not bother acknowledging his presence, which seemed to irritate him.
“When do you think this meeting will start, Mister President? I’ve still got a few chores to complete before dinner.”
Former president Stark started to reply, but the current president spoke up.
“Excellent question, Mister McCoy, let’s get this underway.” He rapped the table with his knuckles.
“Everyone quiet down!” D-Day yelled.
Since Gil had taken charge as the President of the United States, he had employed the services of a husband-wife team as his entourage and bodyguards. D-Day and Ruby had been living in Marcus Hook. They’d originally come from Philadelphia, where D-Day claimed he was once an enforcer for an outlaw biker gang.
“First, let me thank you all for coming,” Gil started. “It makes me proud to have a community like Mount Weather where everyone works together.”
“Except for McCoy over there,” D-Day said. “He don’t help out at all.” When he made eye contact with Fred, he gave a contemptuous stare.
Gil gave a slightly impatient nod and continued. “As you may or may not be aware, Clay has spotted a large group of people get off a paddle boat on the eastern bank of the Mississippi.”
A hand shot up. “I heard they’re Chinese soldiers.”
“That is the supposition,” Gil said and nodded to the vice president.
William Rhinehart gave a brief synopsis of Clay’s report and the implications it might entail. When he was finished, he glanced back at the president.
“Thank you, Mister Vice President. Now, here is the reason for this meeting.” Before he could speak further, he was interrupted by someone else in the audience.
“Are Melvin and True really out there looking for them?”
“Yes, they recently embarked on a reconnaissance mission in an attempt to find this group of people and determine what they are doing,” Gil said.
“If anybody can do it, those two can, I remember the time when I first saw Melvin. He came driving up in that big red truck and…”
The president slapped his hand down on the table twice, causing the person who was in the beginning of a long-winded tale to become silent.
“As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, my military people advise we need to conduct reconnaissance of the surrounding area. Unfortunately, we are spread thin and we must keep a contingent of personnel here to not only keep Mount Weather safe, but to keep it running as well. So, with that in mind, I am beseeching you good people to volunteer for these missions, especially you, Mister McCoy.”
Ruby made a loud, contemptuous scoff. “You shouldn’t trust him with anything, Mister President.”
“And why is that, Ruby?” Gil asked.
“Because the sonofabitch is aiding and abetting Gunderson,” D-Day declared. “He’s a traitor.”
“Watch your mouth,” Fred warned.
D-Day sneered at him. “You don’t make threats around here, old man. Back when I was regulating my club, we had a way of dealing with traitors like you.”
“Alright now, let’s cut that nonsense out,” Rhinehart admonished. There were a few murmurings of assent. The president noticed.
“Yes, none of that now,” he said.
Fred stared at D-Day a moment before focusing back on the president. “I have a question. What makes you think those folks are Chinese soldiers?”
“Captain Smithson looked at the photographs Clay sent with his report. It is his opinion they are Chinese, but that is all supposition,” Gil said.
Fred grunted. “If Captain Smithson said they’re Chinese soldiers, they’re Chinese soldiers.”
Gil was taken aback but was undeterred. “Yes, well, Captain Smithson also believes that is why we should conduct these reconnaissance missions.”
“That is a prudent measure. Alright, if Captain Smithson feels it is necessary, I’ll volunteer, but there are three conditions that must be met prior to me agreeing to volunteer,” Fred said.
“What would those conditions be, Mister McCoy?” Vice President Rhinehart asked.
“First, my wife is beginning her third trimester. I want a room and medical care for her.”
“Most certainly,” William said.
“Second, during my absence, I want Sam Hunter temporarily relieved of all duties at Mount Weather so he can stay at my house and tend to the farm.”
William glanced at Gil, who nodded. “Of course. What is your third requirement?”
Fred pointed a calloused finger at D-Day and dipped his head slightly. “I’m challenging
