Page 51 of Ava
“Have they turned militant?” Chuck asked.
“We believe so, again, we have no clue. As I was saying, it’s rumored that these preppers are running guns, drugs, and even women over the border into Canada. Boswell was hired to get their operatives out in the neighborhoods and listen, a trait they were trained for since they got off the bus at Parris Island. I have no clue where to even look. That’s why all this...” He moved his arm to indicate the house they were standing in. “...was built.”
“So, that’s why the reinforced walls?” Chuck leaned forward and looked down the line to Justin. “Did you know about this?”
“Most of it. We J’s were read in before we came out here to build. We were going to wait to read you and the A’s into it, until Uncle Chip thought of something. That’s why he came out before Mom and Dad.” He turned to his uncle with a raised brow. “Right?”
“Yes, your parents have no clue what I do for a living, nor what Morgan does.”
“So where does that leave us?” Alfie asked with a confused look on his face.
Dillon leaned forward then. “I served in the military for twenty years. I’ve heard of, and worked with the EWMs. However, not these two. It’s been five years since I worked with one. Anyway, it was my idea to wait until after the BBQ to discuss all of this with you four. Tom and I are the J’s contacts, if they have any questions about what’s going on.”
“Are you saying that you’re recruiting us to be agents for Boswell Two?” Chuck asked in shock.
“No,” several people said as one. “What we’re asking of you, is to learn what’s going on immediately around you. Like this house, Morgan’s office, the vehicles in the garage, and when and if you’re out and about, you keep your eyes and ears open. If you suspect anything, or learn of any information that we need, then I want you to come back and report directly to one of the women. Preferably Morgan, but each woman, when they arrive will know what’s what. And...” Dillon looked them all in the eye and nodded once. “And, I expect you to know how to shoot a gun. You can get with Tom on that, and he’ll be taking you to the firing range.”
“I will be shipping in guns as soon as the basement on Morgan’s new office is done.”
“I understand what you’re saying,” Alex said as he leaned back in his chair to study everyone. “But, I don’t know how I can help. The others—” He pointed to his siblings. “—all have upcoming jobs out in the community. Unless the cows and horses can talk, I won’t be able to help you.”
“That’s all fine and good,” Morgan grinned at her youngest brother. “But, you’re going to be at the BBQ on Saturday, right?”
“Oh course, I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Well, you can be eyes and ears there. If you hear anything, come get Chip, Tom, Dillon, Ava, or myself. That’s all we’re asking, that you know what’s going on, and if you hear anything, come tell us. Even if you don’t think it’s anything, if it made your Spidey senses tingle, we want to know.”
“That’s all I have.” Dillon nodded to the group.
“Wait.” Ava held up her hand. “I have something.” She drew in a deep breath, took a guzzle of her soda, then rose to her feet to go over to the map that Tom hadn’t used, but she did point to the state map.
“This red circle is the county northeast of us. This map is of that entire county.” She pointed to both. I was here—” She pointed on the state map. “—traveling the back roads, getting the feel for the area. Whether it’s desolate, farmland, or has well-developed towns. On my way home, I was just over the county line, here.” She had grabbed a yardstick from Morgan’s office to point to the area on the county map with, then she used her other hand and pointed to the red X on the state map. She looked at Tom, and said, “You had said once that you didn’t know who to trust in law enforcement, Tom. Do you remember that?”
“I do. What are you saying?”
“I want to show you guys something.” She took her laptop and accessed the video. She waited until everyone had gathered around Tom, who sat at the end of the table. “As I said, on my way home, I had just come across the county line, and I was pulled over. The patrol officer asked for the legal papers, and when I asked what I had done, he ignored me and went back to his car.” She looked at everyone and nodded. “I was in the blue Jeep Tom had provided for us. Watch this. I have no clue why I did it, but I’m glad I did.”
Everyone leaned in and saw that they were watching the reflection of the cop in the side mirror. They saw him talk on his radio, then several minutes later, he came out, and as he approached the vehicle, he pulled his club out from his belt on his side, and hit the tail light.” Tom stopped the video and looked at her in shock.
“Are you fucking shitting me?”
“No, and he gave me a ticket for a broken tail light.” She showed it to the sheriff, and then asked. “Why would I get a ticket yesterday, a Tuesday, and have to go to court three days later?”
“No clue, this isn’t right.” He flipped it over, and frowned. “There’s no part here where you can plead not-guilty, or even mail it in. I’m afraid you’re going to have to go in.”
“I know, I have no problem with that. Maybe I can gather more Intel while I’m there.”
“Can I make a suggestion?” Wyatt asked as he went over to the kitchen, and brought back a platter of the muffins. They all settled in and waited for him to continue. “I don’t know anything about this cloak-and-dagger stuff, but I trust Morgan one hundred percent. Keep that video for future use against that man, in case he’s one of the preppers. Did you get his name?”
“The name on his uniform said Tanner. I’m trying to run his name, but nothing I’ve used has come up with anything.”
“Okay, but my suggestion is, why not take one of the men with you when you go to court.” He pointed to the A’s and J’s. “I’m not saying this because you’re a female, I’m saying this, so they don’t try anything with you if you are alone in their court. If you get the pun. Hook up with Tom, and see if he can wire you with a video or something when you go in front of the judge. Maybe their judge, or their DA is as crooked as Tanner is. It would give you further proof down the road.” He shrugged, then took a big bite out of the muffin, and moaned, “These are excellent.”
“Thank you,” Alex grinned at Wyatt’s shocked expression.
“You made these?”
“With Aunt Peggy’s help. She only started teaching me this morning.”
