Paul Kirk - Devastation Point

“Shamus is with me, Amanda. Before we joined up here with the president.”

“Yeah?”

“Shamus and GT are my best friends since middle school. We do everything together. Have ever since.”

“Okay.”

“Shamus is the smartest man I know. Military trained. Truly. He says something, you listen. I trust him with my life.”

“You do?

“Unquestionably.”

“Okay.”

“Amanda, that’s why we brought Shamus, GT and Scott with us,” said Colonel Starkes, “They possess a whole slew of special skills the army’s used once or twice in the past. They travel as a trio.”

“Oh, I see … I think.”

“In the meantime, don’t let those puppy-dog eyes right there fool ya.”

“What do ya mean?”

“Don’t go thinking that Shamus, GT and him right there are simply civilians.”

“I meant no offense.”

“None taken. But they’re formidable wolves, ex-military, walking among the sheep.”

“Oh.”

“Truth be told, they’re a triple threat and a tightly-guarded national asset that’s served Uncle Sam on some tricky assignments. Isn’t that right, Scott?”

“Ahh, ma’am, c’mon, we’re just a bunch of guys that like to tinker with ’copters and boats. You know that.”

“Hah. Yeah. That’s right. That’s all Seal Team Six does.”

Amanda caught the deep respect conveyed by the colonel. There was at least some element of awe about it as well. She studied Scott in greater detail, but in a new light. The thick, dense chest and arm muscles, slim waist and gazelle-like quadriceps suggested a man of effective power and control. Scott’s muted intensity, when engaged in the current conversation, spoke volumes that he was more a man accustomed to action not words. Again, she felt humbled that she’d warranted his unwavering care and attention during her convalescence. She moved to stand in front of Scott, gently invading his personal space.

“Thanks again for taking care of me, Scott. I’m in your debt.”

“My pleasure, Amanda.” Scott beamed and blushed at her attention, before backing away and giving Colonel Starkes a rather intense and meaningful stare. It was clear he’d rather keep his military history out of any discussions. He turned to leave.

“Scott?”

He turned back to face them. “Yes, ma’am?”

“I’m real sorry, but we can’t be playing anymore tiddly winks at the country club right now.”

“Understood.” Scott continued his walk back toward the helicopter. He did not look back.

“What’s that supposed to mean, Hannah?” asked Amanda.

“Figure it out for yourself. I have work to do.” Colonel Starkes moved to follow Scott in his exit from the area.

“What? C’mon. I wanna know.”

“Yeah? Well, ask somebody else. I can’t be babysitting a princess.”

“What did you just say? Princess ? Me? Really?”

“You heard me.” Colonel Starkes had stopped. Amanda approached.

“Ma’am, pardon me for saying so to the President of the United States, but go screw yourself.”

“Amanda you got some nerve—”

“Go. Screw. Your—” Amanda was caught off guard at the precise snatch of her throat and the strong grasp pulling her forward. She felt the fury pulsing from the colonel as she leaned within inches of Amanda’s face. Stunned at the speed and strength, Amanda looked into the blazing eyes, unable to speak.

“I owe you a deep debt of gratitude for helping save my team. I’ve made an effort to repay that debt by getting you back on your feet. But, right now, you’re a distraction and drain on my attention, men, and resources. You got that?”

Shocked, Amanda stared until a second later she was released.

“You get your act together and start pulling some weight or you’re history. Got it, Princess?” Colonel Starkes turned and began walking toward the main camp. Amanda gathered her thoughts, forcing air into her lungs.

“Wait! Ma’am?”

Colonel Starkes spun around, stopping. “What?” she growled.

“I… apologize.”

“Glad to hear it.” Colonel Starkes turned again to leave.

“No, wait! You’re right. I’ve been… a distraction… since you found me.”

Colonel Starkes turned around more slowly the second time, calming. “Duh.”

“I’m with you. We share the same purpose.”

“Which is?”

“Finding Mac. Connor Mac.”

“So?”

“So let me snoop around. I know he left something for me. I know it! I just have to figure out what that is.”

“Good to hear. Don’t let me stop you.”

“Okay.”

“In the meantime, Scott’s got work to do now that you’re up and running.”

Amanda thought for a bit. Nodding, she grew concerned. She realized that Scott had a strong crush on her.

“Oh… I see.”

“Yeah. See that you do.”

Tim McDonald approached them both at a fast walk and addressed the colonel.

“Ma’am?”

“Yeah, lieutenant, what’s up?”

“Found something, ma’am.”

“What? Where?”

“Hidden under a rock near the pond over there. Ren thought it looked outta place and kicked it, not expecting anything—”

“What’d you find?”

“A 9mm round atop a small book covered by a ratty dishtowel.”

“A bullet? A book?”

“Yeah, a 9mm round and Lord of the Flies .”

“Oh! That’s Colonel MacMillen’s,” said Colonel Starkes.

“How’d you know that, Hannah?” asked Amanda, confused.

Colonel Starkes studied Amanda. She looked tired and thin, but tough. Deciding she’d figure it out eventually anyway, the colonel set her straight. “You might want to talk to Nicole when you find the chance. You two might have more in common than you think.”

“The woman with the baby?”

“Ahh… yeah, her name’s Nicole. Being as there are so many other women around.”

“Oh. Oh shit .” Amanda began putting the pieces together, “ She’s the one that set this all in motion… I—”

“Sharp as a tack, aren’t ya? You seen that book of his, too?”

“A huh.”

“Well then. At least we know he was here.”

Processing the new information, Amanda smiled, her face lit up with energy.

“Yes! And if that’s the case… well, he probably left something near #1 Furnace letting me know where he’s going.”

“You think?”

“Probably.”

“Let’s start looking then.”

“Yeah.”

“There’s movement mid-tunnel. Three men,” said Marty. Peering through the rear window of a Chevy to scope the area, he remained undetected.

“Yep. They’re sittin’ pretty behind that panel truck. Its fortified, too.” said Connor.

“Fully defensible. They’re waiting for easy pickings, Mac. One is alert at all times.”

“Very true. Okay, that’s all we need to know.” Connor crouched closer to Cody. “We’re leaving. Cody, take point on exit. Keep eyes up front and stay real low. Marty, you cover our six.”

“Copy that.”

They traveled in a low crouch in the tunnel using the numerous cars and trucks for cover on their way out. Slinking lower when needed through a sparse area, they exited into the daylight and made their way to the team.

“As I suspected, I guess we’ll be taking that trip up to Mt. Washington to see the sights,” said Connor.

“Want me to send a welcome message into that tunnel?” asked Marty. Confidant, he stroked the barrel of his rifle, eager to take out at least one of the tunnel predators before the others knew what was happening and sought cover.

“Nah. They’re only low-level underlings waiting to trap mice. We have better things to do.”