Frank Klus - Azaleas Don't Bloom Here

“It was like that during the Revolutionary War: An American economy with little money and a ragtag army taking on the greatest power in the world at that time—and winning. Even if we lost that war we’d win independence eventually, because our founding fathers had a taste of freedom, and they’d give their lives to keep it.”

“But, professor, there’s still something that isn’t clear to me. You said that the New World was created because people had something to fight for—the cooperatives. Ray and Cassandra want to bring them back as well as the original Lightning Squad. It’s their dream. Even if they’re crushed, you said that dream will never die.”

“You’re right, Gene, but here’s the problem. The dream did die. Ray, Cassandra, you and I, and a few others know about them; but not the people. No one talks about them. There’s no news about them. Those who still remember the Rust Belt Wars don’t want to talk about it; and most people grew up in a world where this was unknown to them. All they know about the new country is that it’s a bad place, ruled by bad people. You know the truth, I know the truth, but until the rest of the country does there’s no dream to fight for.”

Eugene sighed. “That’s what you mean when you say they can’t win. Still, I’m sympathetic to their effort. I just don’t want to be used by them.”

“Good! I’m glad to hear you say that or you’d be in even bigger trouble.”

“Professor, if the dream of a better world is dead, what should they be doing?”

“If Ray and Cassandra want to change the world, they’ll have to get people elected who will end the communication blackout with New America first. Once people know about what’s there they’ll demand they be allowed to visit there. That’s where it starts, Gene.”

“That sounds like a good idea, professor, but Ray and Cassandra seemed hell bound to start a revolution. They don’t want some piecemeal approach. I’m so confused, professor. I don’t want to be part of their plans, but I’m sympathetic to their effort. I’ve come to hate much of what I’m doing, but I’m scared of quitting, and turning down the promotion might mean the end of my career.”

“Don’t feel guilty about your job, Gene. You do what is necessary and what you were trained for. We’re part of the corporate system. It exists; it controls; it has become the government. It is the world we’ve created. You’re sympathetic to the problems you see, but you are part of the corporate culture. We’re all part of it—the corporate-owned stores we shop at, the cars we buy—everything. We know something better is out there, but it isn’t here. They’ve destroyed what could have been the New America here, created brutal paramilitary groups to make sure it stays this way, and then turned over the criminal justice system to them.”

“What about Dennis? Of the three, he seems the most dangerous. What does he want?”

“I’m not sure, since I never met him. My guess is he’s ambitious; how else would he have come to the attention of the Commandant? What matters is that he works with or for him, and that’s the same person who ruined your marriage and led to the tragedy that ensued. He can’t be trusted. Gene, I say this to you—you are being used and are caught in the middle of two competing forces. One is foolish and the other is disingenuous. They’re both dangerous. The best solution I can suggest is to get out of being in the middle of all this. I don’t know how you can do this, and I don’t even know if it is possible, but for your own safety, security, and peace of mind you must escape from them.”

“I know, professor, but how? Dennis owns me. He got me out of Joliet, and I can’t just ignore him. Then there’s Cassandra, who must have a key to my car. I suppose I could change the locks or get a new car, but my guess is I’m not going to get rid of her either.”

“Gene, I know that Ray and Cassandra are going to pressure you to go to New America. They want you and me to be the intellectual leaders of their revolutionary plans. They want you to write about the New World, while I write about what’s really happening here. The problem is I’d be expelled from the university, and a communication blackout prevents you from communicating what you see in New America. That’s why their plans will never work. Furthermore, our two radicals will own you as well.”

After Eugene hung up he poured himself another glass of wine and slumped into the recliner. Oh Catherine, I need you now. I’m sorry I wasn’t listening before. You knew what was going on. You couldn’t tell me because you knew I’d act irrationally, and try and do something to that Commandant. It’s what he wanted, wasn’t it? He wanted me to do something stupid so he could get me. What if he already has me and I just don’t know it yet? Even if I should take the new job, would I be able to keep it? Or is my fate already sealed? I’m in a vice, and I don’t know how to get out. Even if I take the new job, will these people still try to control my life? Will I ever have a life again? Or am I just fucked?

Eugene poured another glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, hoping it would help put him to sleep. He listened to some Bach and tried to relax. What is the end game here ? Should I accept the promotion? Can I stay away from all those who want to manipulate me? Could I fall in love again? Do I want to? Through it all, the words from Harold Zinney echoed in his head: escape, escape, escape .

Ray and Cassandra reached Gene’s house around midnight. Ray parked his car about a block away, and stayed in the shadows as he approached the Lexus. He kept looking around, but he saw no sign of anyone. Cassandra parked about two blocks away, and got out to give Ray some cover.

Once Ray reached the car, he put his tracker on, and then ran out of there. He met up with Cassandra by his car and exchanged some instructions with her before she ran to her own car, and followed Ray back home.

Cassandra was about a quarter mile behind her husband when she noticed a pair of headlights behind her. She fished out her phone and pressed a button. “Ray, I think I’m being followed.”

“We can’t take any chances. You remember the Squeeze Play?”

“Sure.”

“Follow my lead.”

They drove on for about a mile until Ray found just the right spot to turn off; a lazy country lane. He made a right and then pulled over to the side of the road, and turned the engine off. Cassandra got there a minute later, turned right, but she kept going past her husband. The pursuer turned off as well and sped past Ray, who began following the guy. Cassandra slowed down, forcing the chaser to do the same. Ray drove up to him, while Cass turned around, and confronted her pursuer. They ordered the guy out of the car at gunpoint.

“What’s the matter? I didn’t do anything.”

“Let me see your driver’s license,” Ray demanded.

“Arnold Campbell,” he said to Cass. “Lives in Kyler. That’s about fifty miles from here.” Turning to Campbell: “What are you doing here?”

“I have a right to be here.”

Ray slugged him and Campbell tried to fight back. He landed one on Ray’s chin, but only hurt his hand. Ray took out a stun gun and shocked him. Campbell screamed in agony.

“What are you doing here?” Ray said again, flashing a menacing look.

“Nothing,” he cried.

He was shocked again. The pain was too much for him and he began to squeal. “Dennis told me to follow anyone who approached the Lexus. That’s all I know.”

“WRONG! YOU KNOW MORE. TELL ME EVERYTHING.”

“I told you everything.”

Ray took out the stun gun and held it to his face. “You tell me everything now!” Then he pointed it at his crotch.