“Who’s going?” Dalton asked.
The old man pointed at him, “You, numb nuts, and Teddy.”
Mike tuned and sprinted for the house, “I’ll get my shit!”
“Tell Teddy to bring his ass out here!” Sarge barked after him. Then, looking at Dalton, he said, “This is important, Dalton. You guys need to stay out of sight. We’re not going there to get into a gunfight. If that happens, then the mission is a failure. We’re going to have one shot at this. If Bone can’t drop on the first pass, there won’t be a second attempt.”
Dalton nodded as Ted came out of the house. Sarge filled him in on the mission and handed him a piece of paper. “Here’s everyone’s callsign. I’m Swamp Rat one, you’re two. Eustis is Gator Hole and the B1 flight is Bone one and two. They’ll contact you when they’re in route and let you know when to light up the target.” He pointed at the house and said, “Keep his ass outta trouble. No shooting or any other bullshit.”
Reading the paper, Ted nodded. “He’ll be alright. He likes to play the jackass part up, but he’s a pro.”
“What about after the strike?” Dalton asked. “We cleared hot on anyone left walking?”
Sarge nodded without hesitation. “Anyone you see upright after the strike is a fair target.”
“Can I get that M1 of yours then? It’ll give me some reach out and touch someone range.”
Sarge nodded, “Come on inside and I’ll get it for you. Teddy, you get your shit together and get ready to go. I want you guys in place with eyes on by this evening.”
“Roger that, boss.” Ted replied as he walked away.
As Dalton followed Sarge into the house, I said, “Alright guys. I’m gonna take off.” Turning to head up the road, I added, “Since there’s no reason for me to be here.”
As he walked into the house, Sarge called out over his shoulder, “Dry up, Nancy!” It made me smile.
CHAPTER 2
The auto auction sat on a huge lot at the intersections of Highway 50 and the 42-toll road in Ocoee. It occupied over one hundred fifty acres, a huge area. Fortunately for the guys, most of the communist forces were gathered around one large metal building. But there were several positions scattered around the facility as well as perimeter patrols.
It’d taken hours for them to get to the area. Caution was the word of the day and it made Ted lay out a surreptitious route. The final approach was made along the shores of Story Lake to the northeast of the compound. The buggy was too large and loud to get too close to the target area and was left in the garage of an abandoned house. Actually, every house in the area was abandoned and appeared to have been empty for some time.
The three men closed the final distance on foot around midnight. Numerous stops were made to watch and listen. NVGs and thermal optics were used to look for any hidden observation posts. Dalton spotted one and the men adjusted their route to keep distance and obstacles between them and the manned position.
In the early hours of the morning, the three men chose a position that would allow them to observe the activity yet be far enough away to provide some security. The spot they chose was a small clump of trees at the edge of a residential area. The lack of people cutting the grass and keeping the weeds at bay had allowed nature to reclaim what was once hers. It provided great concealment, but little cover. It was hoped cover wouldn’t be an issue.
“I’ll take the first watch,” Ted whispered. “You two get some sleep.”
Dalton nodded, used his pack as a pillow to get comfortable. He was asleep almost immediately. It took Mike a little longer. He fidgeted, tossed and turned until Ted told him to knock it off and get some sleep. “You’re up next,” he said over his shoulder.
The Russian and Cuban forces were not very concerned about the possibility of attack from the looks of the place. While they did have a defensive position set up, they also had the place lit up like Times Square. From his position, Ted couldn’t hear the generators but knew there must be a couple running. Two separate areas were well lighted. One was the large building where the auctions took place. The cars would roll in at one end and leave the other end of the building… sold, in most cases.
The bulk of activity was concentrated around this building. There was additional activity around another smaller building not far from the first. Since he was lying on the ground, Ted couldn’t see any armor that may be gathered there; but he was certain there was plenty of it. Surveying the target, he began to worry that the strike they were preparing to make wouldn’t be sufficient to do the job. There was just too much real estate. But he’d find out soon enough.
The trip to the springs looked like the Clampetts going on vacation. We had a string of trucks all loaded with people. There was also a cooler and brightly colored inflatables for the kids. Everyone was in good spirits; even the old man was smiling as he sped past us on the way to the spring. My girls were in the backseat of the Suburban laughing and talking. They had swim masks around their necks and were ready to get in the water.
We’d spent the morning getting things ready. Thad prepared burgers and Miss Kay baked some buns. There was a precious bottle of mustard, several bottles combined into one, and a little ketchup. There was no cheese, but we did have some lettuce and tomatoes. No matter, they were sure to be amazing. I’d made sweet tea, enough to fill the five-gallon water keg. We’d frozen
