Paul Kirk - Devastation Point

“Sure thing,” said Larry Reed.

They stared out the windows at the city for a moment.

“Oh, and on your way out, see if you can find my new little virgin Mandy. I’ve not yet finished my breakfast with the little newbie… and I have a feeling—”

Phoenix stroked his crotch and he smiled.

“What kinda feeling?” asked Larry.

“I’ll be needing to keep my strength up the next few days before we send her on to the Pound. Go on. Get to it.”

Dismissed, Larry Reed moved toward the door.

“I’ll locate her, Phoenix. I’m sure she wouldn’t go far.”

“Good. And take one of the new young ones we just rounded up for yourself today, if you feel the need.”

“Thanks for the thought.”

“Rumor has it Ace and Jay are saving a feisty redhead of about eleven from that bunch nabbed near the lake. Heard she’s just for you.”

“I might just do that, nephew.”

Ryan approached the cottage deck with a small smile on his face. He ascended the three steps and stood at the picnic table where Andy, Terry and Liam were eating lunch. His favorite Remington twelve-gauge was held in his left hand and pointed away.

“We got guests, T,” said Ryan.

His widening grin was out of place amidst camouflage clothing, weapons, and face paint.

“Hey, bro,” said Ryan.

“Explain,” said Andy.

All business and fully alert, Andy stood with his Berretta 9mm unholstered and Terry beside him, eager for information. Taking stock, Terry scanned the nearby woods, her own .45 Kimber drawn and ready. Surprised, young Liam listened with rapt attention, left hand resting on the knife hilt at his thigh while his right slid away from his armpit and the Glock 17 tucked in tight.

“No imminent threat. Relax,” said Ryan, waving his hand in reassurance. “But, the great Mark Harmon’s coming down Dinner Bell Road with forty-one well-armed men.”

“Yeah?”

“Thought you’d want to know sooner than later, bro.”

“Thanks.”

“He’s got twenty on horseback, eleven Quads, and the rest in two working Humvees. The man’s so damn predictable. No scouts, spotters or snipers that I can find.”

“Damn,” said Terry, “What’s he want now?” She visibly relaxed, holstering her Kimber.

“C’mon, T.” said Ryan, “Why you always ask that? Especially when we’re this close to his fancy Nemacolin Woodlands Spa & Resort.”

“I dunno—”

“C’mon, for the fifth time, I’m tellin’ ya he wants to take our land and add it to his little kingdom.”

“Back off on Harmon, Ry,” said Andy; making it clear that Mark Harmon was off limits.

“Say what?”

“You heard me, brother. C’mon. Quite ridin’ ’im. He’s one of the good ones.”

“Yeah, well don’t be so sure.”

“Dammit, Ry! C’mon. Mark’s just coming to trade, like always… or, maybe, to give us some news.”

“Yeah, right.”

Ryan remained unconvinced of Mark Harmon’s intentions with the clan.

“Inform the perimeter not to shoot first and ask questions later.”

“Good idea,” said Ryan.

Taking his cue, Ryan grinned and strolled across the deck toward the stairs. He approached the deck steps and turned. He knew his brother had more to say.

“You think Harmon’s comin’ in hot? Is that your concern?”

“Nah, I don’t think so. Probably just the usual pesky crap.”

“Okay then, make sure we keep ’em back some. T and I’ll come out and meet ’em there.”

“Already set that up, bro.”

Ryan hesitated like he had more to say. Andy noticed.

“Anything else, Ry?”

“Yeah, I guess there is definitely one other matter. More of a personal nature.”

Ryan crossed the deck and returned to his brother, whispering in his ear. Andy straightened a bit at the news.

“You sure?”

“Yep. Not too much doubt.”

“Thanks for the heads up, little brother.”

“Just watchin’ out for my own,” said Ryan, disappearing silently into the woods.

“Liam, alert the clan about Mark’s visit.”

Terry promptly turned to Andy.

“What was that about?”

“Umm, not sure just yet. Might be a new player coming in with Mark.”

“And?”

“Let’s just see, okay?”

“Umm…”

“Trust me, T.”

“I do. What suggestions do you have?”

“Well, I must admit, Mark’s been kinda impatient this entire summer. Don’t you think? This’ll be, what, his sixth ‘personal’ visit in two months?”

“Yeah, so?”

“And, I know it must bug his ass that we still don’t need him for any of the neighborly ‘protection’ he’s so fond of providing to everybody sitting here in Fayette county.”

Andy rechecked his weapon, before slipping his Beretta into his belt holster.

“True. But Mark’s building quite an empire right in our backyard, Andy. Right now, I mean, he has what, a hundred fifty soldiers or maybe two hundred covering that resort? Probably another twenty-five he’s added since we last checked… you know, I’m wondering how long he’ll let us just sit here butting up tight against his eastern flank.”

Andy chuckled.

“What?”

“I love it when you talk military terms. Soldier strengths. Eastern flank, listen to you! I know I said it before, but I tell you again, I still don’t think we have to worry about Mark. Whether you and Ry believe it or not, he’s always a straight shooter, and, he’s very keen on this property being Mac’s to begin with. In fact, I’m sure he considers it hallowed ground.”

“Hmm,”

“I’m tellin’ ya, Con and Mark have some serious history, going back a long ways. Given that, that’ll hold him for a few more years, at least.”

“You sure on that?”

“Why do I have to keep reminding you guys of this fact?”

“Okay, but—why you so sure?”

“Well, ’cause he’s Mark, that’s why.”

“What the hell’s that supposed to mean?”

“Means what it is. Mark’s a builder, not a destroyer. That’s why everyone from the border towns in Maryland, West Virginia and the whole damn Fayette County are coming to him for answers. They know they can trust him. Like Connor did. Granted though, Mark does pretty much have a reputation that nothing he does is for free.”

“So why’s he keep pushing by personally? He must have better things to do.”

“Truthfully?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I know one thing.”

Andy hesitated in speaking like he had a secret he would not reveal.

“C’mon! What?”

“Hah. I think he’ll be real disappointed that you became involved with a man below your station, T.”

Terry tucked a stray hair behind her ear, but did grin at the thought. She turned toward the cottage entrance only to discover Kevin’s interest in their conversation. Giving him a quick nod, he reentered the cottage to attend to other important matters.

“Men,” mumbled Terry, frustrated and shaking her head.

“What?” asked Andy.

“Always reducing everything down to a battle over a woman.”

Smoothly, Andy slipped behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. Immersing himself in the sweet smell of the hair at the crook of her neck, he took a few seconds before responding.

“But, T, what else is there?”

“Amanda, was Mr. Connor Mac mad at me this morning?”

“Nah, he’s just focused, Cody. He’s focused on the Cleveland mission.”

“Yeah?”

“A huh. But, I’ll tell you… you don’t want to ever see him pissed.”

“No.”

“Unless he’s on your side, I guess.”