Determination Read online

  Determination

  Book Five of

  Best Laid Plans

  By

  Nathan Jones

  Copyright © 2016 Nathan Jones

  All rights reserved.

  The events depicted in this novel are fictional. The characters in this story are also fictional, and any resemblance to anyone living or dead is entirely unintentional. While most locations are real some creative license has been taken in describing them, and a few locations are entirely fictional.

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Epilogue

  Afterword

  Prologue

  Tension

  Days passed, each one seeming to last a lifetime for Matt as the Gold Bloc siege continued.

  The enemy hadn't tried another attack up Highway 31's canyon, or any of the other canyons between them and Aspen Hill. Word reached them that Lewis his defenders had taken out a group of blockhead scouts in Aspen Hill Canyon. But that had been on the first day too, and now the Gold Bloc forces were keeping to the valley.

  Most of the enemy's attention in the area was focused along Interstate 70 to the south, Highway 6 to the north, and I-80 even farther north. In those places the fighting was fierce, and constant reports came of attacks. In stark contrast to the chaos and violence they constantly heard about, the relative quiet in their neck of the woods seemed a blessing.

  Not that the uneasy peace they enjoyed was peaceful, so to speak. After that first day's attack, especially with the helicopter wreaking havoc on their emplacements, Matt spent every hour that passed waiting for the other shoe to drop.

  There were upwards of ten thousand enemy soldiers in the valley below, all digging in and poking around searching for weak spots. It seemed impossible that they'd just sit there twiddling their thumbs as their supplies ran out; the question wasn't if another attack would come, but when.

  On June 23rd, the fourth day since the blockheads arrived, Matt had just finished a training session with the new volunteers and was heading to the mess tent for dinner. The training was going well, at least as far as he could judge, and Trev seemed to agree with him. But they both understood the massive gulf between even the best training and actual combat.

  And with their limited resources they were hardly offering the best, although they tried.

  He'd just passed the command tent when Davis popped out and intercepted him. “Larson, got a minute?”

  The sergeant made it sound more like a command than a request, so Matt nodded and followed him through the entrance flaps.

  Once inside Davis moved around behind his table, leaning over the makeshift map he'd personally put together with the help of his scouts. “You've made some good progress with our recruits, but it's time to get back to work. You can turn training over to your buddy Smith to finish.”

  The shift in routine wasn't exactly unexpected, given how short on people they were. Matt nodded. “Want us to start taking shifts at the emplacements again?”

  “Nah, we'll go with your other talents. Hunting for the near future, starting in the morning. To the same spot you've been going . . . that forested slope just south of this canyon.”

  Matt frowned. “I thought hunting was off the table since the blockheads arrived.”

  Davis snorted. “Yeah, well it turns out people need to eat to not die. Go figure.” He gestured to his map, inviting Matt to come over. “It won't just be fun and games, though. See this area?” The sergeant used his finger to trace out an expanse just south of Highway 31. It looked small on the map, but distance wise it was probably around a mile long and a few hundred yards across. “While hunting there you've been learning the terrain, right? Preparing clear paths, ambush spots, and emplacements?”

  “Yeah, where we could.” That had been a bit hard to do on the densely forested slope, especially with the ground blanketed with deadfall, since visibility was a problem. But at the same time it was easier to prepare ambushes because visibility was a problem.

  “Good. Then while you're focused on hunting I also want you to have people watching the valley below, from the best vantages you've found. You should be able to see any blockheads coming long before they get anywhere near you, and you can interrupt your search for game to prepare a welcome.”

  Matt scratched at the heavy stubble on his chin. He needed to do better about shaving. “So you want us to hunt enough to be useful, and also defend an area a mile long from any enemies that come our way. That's a tall order for twelve people. What if the shots we use to bring down game attract attention?”

  “Then you've got bait for a trap.” Davis moved around the table and clapped him on the shoulder, using the gesture to start him towards the tent's entrance. “I wouldn't assign this to you if I didn't think you could do it, and it'll only be two out of every three shifts. I'll send a few volunteers your way later today and you can show them the ropes, then they'll take over for the night shift. You don't mind sharing your night vision gear, right?”

  Sharing the gear Matt was just fine with, but he was less than thrilled about the “only” two out of every three shifts part. Or basically every waking hour. But truth be told Matt would feel more comfortable in dense forest that he knew like the back of his hand, rather than perched in an emplacement overlooking the canyon. He doubted his squad would get shelled by tanks or hit by missiles from helicopters on that southern slope. He just needed to make sure he could handle any enemies that did come.

  “All right, we'll start patrols of the area in the morning,” he said. “And if it means we get a breather every night I'm happy to loan some of our night vision gear.”

  “Good man.” Davis finished ushering him out of the tent and came out with him to look south. “I've only got two lookouts there at the moment, but once you spell them I'll have them stick around long enough to brief you on everything they know about the area. Good luck, and good hunting.”

  From the way the Marine said it Matt had a feeling he wasn't just talking about game. He hoped the blockheads wouldn't be too interested in that slope, considering it was difficult terrain to get through in large numbers.

  Then again, that might make it an attractive location for them to try to slip some people through, to cause mischief behind the lines. He'd have to make sure his people were vigilant.

  In the meantime, he needed to get his squad ready for their new assignment. It also couldn't hurt to give Trev a heads up that his squad would be shouldering all the training now. Davis would probably pull him in to let him know, maybe already had, but there was no reason Matt shouldn't give his friend a bit more time to prepare for his extra duties.

  Luckily everyone would be at the mess tent for dinner at this hour, which meant he could get everything done and catch a quick meal too. He resolved to make it a big one, and encourage his squad to do the same. They had a lot to do in the morning, and patrolling took more out of you than just about any other duty.

  Matt wasn't under any illusions about the hunting. They'd do their best, of course, but that was mostly wishful thinking. They were there to guard that slope, and even though they weren't far from the main camp they couldn't count on Davis to send reinforcements if they ne
eded them. Anything could go wrong, which meant they had to defend that section on their own.

  With twelve people. Trev had told him what it had been like guarding Cedar Creek Canyon with his squad and watching the blockheads roll by in the hundreds and even thousands. The southern slope was a bit more secluded, but it was the same situation where it was all on his shoulders.

  He just hoped they were ready for it.

  After maneuvering his way past a couple Marines heading outside at the entrance to the mess tent, he saw that most of his and Trev's squads were packed along one table in the corner. Scott and Tom waved to him, but he noticed that Trev was huddled together with Rick, either arguing with him or giving him a stern talking to.

  From the annoyed glances Rick kept throwing Pete's way, sitting farther down the table joking with Alice, Matt had a feeling he knew what had the younger man so riled up. Well, that was one problem that would be solved in the morning, when Pete left along with him and the rest of the squad. He hoped.

  He made his way over and plopped down between his two friends, slinging an arm over both their shoulders. “Ready to double your workload?”

  Rick looked annoyed at being interrupted, while Trev looked a bit relieved. But both dropped their previous argument when they realized what he was saying. “Davis is dumping all the training on us?” Trev asked.

  “We've got a good start on it, and the new recruits know the routine.” Matt shrugged. “Sarge figures you can handle it.”

  Trev nodded reluctantly. “If we have to. Now that the valley's empty and everyone who could evacuate into the mountains has, the flow of fresh volunteers has dried up. Once we finish training these guys we'll probably be ready for new duties ourselves.” He gave Matt a sidelong look. “So where you guys headed?”

  Before answering Matt banged his fists on the table a few times and whistled to get everyone's attention. “My squad. Davis wants us on the southern slope tomorrow morning. The spot where we were hunting. That's our ground, now.”

  Pete snorted. “What're we going to do there, twiddle our thumbs? Not even the blockheads are stupid enough to attack up that hillside.”

  For once Matt ignored his friend's attitude. “Back to hunting, actually, if we've got the time. And just in case the enemy is stupid enough to attack up there, Sarge wants it covered. We've got the two day shifts, while he's going to give us a few volunteers to take the night shift. We'll be lending them some night vision gear for the job.”

  He stood, squeezing his friends' shoulders as he stepped away from the bench. “I'm going to grab some dinner, then we can go over our new duties.”

  “So does that mean we're handling the training on our own?” Alice asked, sounding a bit annoyed. He didn't blame her; the work hadn't been the easiest with two squads, and now Trev's squad would have to figure out how to manage it on their own.

  He nodded. “Davis will probably pull Trev aside sometime tonight to talk to him about it.” With a nod to his people he went to grab some food.

  They spent a bit longer than usual in the mess tent, not only so the two squads could discuss their new duties but so they could enjoy their last chance to eat together for who knew how long. But finally Matt gave in to the irritated looks soldiers and volunteers were shooting their way, as they squeezed into the packed tables around them. The tent was crowded and his people had been hogging this table for long enough.

  Standing, he ordered everyone back to camp to get some rest while he went over to talk to the civilian cooks. They'd have to start packing meals to take with them, and he wanted to make sure the mess tent was warned ahead so they could plan those meals. Everyone else out on patrol or manning sentry positions got food prepared ahead of time, so it wasn't an unusual request.

  Trev kept him company as he filled the cooks in, and before long they were ready to make their way to the Aspen Hill camp. A dozen steps outside the entrance they passed a few men making for the mess tent. Matt didn't recognize them as some of Vernon's people, at least until one of the men stepped forward to block their path.

  “How's babysitting duty going, Smith?” he asked in a mock jovial tone. “Bet it's a relief to tuck your tail between your legs and hide in camp. Keep up your winning streak of not seeing any action.”

  Matt gave his friend a worried look, but although Trev's jaw tightened he didn't rise to the bait. With just the slightest nod to acknowledge the man's existence he started to walk around, and Matt kept up with him on his other side.

  He was almost surprised when Vernon's thug reached out and caught Trev's arm, but only because Davis had ordered the two groups to avoid each other. Obviously only one side was interested in honoring that.

  “Hey, you're just going to walk away?” the man asked with a harsh laugh. “I don't blame you for being pissed off that even after you tried to smear the Sheriff's name, Davis still trusts him more than you and sent us to do your job.”

  Trev tried to pull away, but the man kept a tight grip. Matt glanced at Vernon's other two fighters, standing close behind their friend looking ready, and bit back a sigh. He didn't want this to come to blows, but it looked as if they might not have much choice.

  His friend met his assailant's eyes. “Davis ordered me not to cause trouble,” he said quietly. “So I'm going to ask you nicely to let go so I can walk away.”

  That wasn't exactly a challenge, but Trev definitely wasn't backing down. Vernon's man noticed it, too, and he wasn't intimidated. “And if I don't?” Instead of answering, Trev kept meeting his gaze, and the man abruptly grinned. “Okay fine. Wouldn't want to get the Sergeant mad at me.” He started to drop his hand.

  Trev punched him square in the face, putting his whole body into the blow. The man barely made a noise as he dropped, momentarily stunned.

  Matt felt a surge of relief as he rushed to intercept one of the two remaining men as they went for his friend. He'd thought Trev was so intent on the hand holding his arm that he hadn't seen that Vernon's man was about to hit him with his free hand. His friend had been just the slightest bit faster.

  The former sheriff's other two men were roaring in protest as they rushed to help their companion. Either they didn't realize he'd been about to throw the first punch, or they didn't care. The one squaring off with Matt slowed down as if he was about to hit him, and Matt didn't catch how he dropped one shoulder for a tackle until a split second before the man struck him full in the chest. He tried to twist away, too late, and they both went down.

  For a furious few seconds Matt rolled in the dirt with his assailant, trying to wrestle his way into a better position. For his part the shorter, slightly lighter man fought viciously rather than with any particular skill. He tried to throw dirt in Matt's face and hit his neck and shoulder, and he went for Matt's eyes and dug a painful scratch on his cheekbone.

  At that Matt's patience for the fight snapped, and he backed away just enough to slam his fist into the man's face three times in quick succession. Vernon's fighter fell back to the ground, momentarily stunned, but as Matt tried to roll away he came back cursing and swinging at his head.

  The first hit was hard enough to make Matt's ears ring, but before his assailant could land a second blow strong hands caught his shoulders and yanked him away. Half a second later Matt was grabbed and hauled to his feet as well.

  The fight immediately went out of him when he saw that it was a Marine holding him. He'd been aware of shouting in the background, but in the heat of the moment had barely heard it. Vernon's man had also stopped thrashing, although he was still cursing as he held a hand to his bloody nose.

  Aware of his surroundings for the first time in almost a minute, Matt looked around and saw that the camp had come to a standstill around them. A small crowd had formed at the entrance to the mess tent, and at the Aspen Hill camp Rick and a few others had paused in rushing over, either to help or break up the fight.

  And storming their direction from the command tent was Davis himself.

  When he arriv
ed the sergeant looked between all of them, face getting redder by the second. Finally he spoke, his voice deceptively calm, and that sent warning bells ringing in Matt's head to join the ringing in his ears.

  “The five of you,” he said quietly, “just seriously stepped in it. I don't tolerate fighting in my camp, but the fact that I ordered you to stay away from each other-” he cut off abruptly, breathing sharply through his nose, and it was almost ten seconds before he continued with his temper once again under control. “You're each going to tell me exactly what happened, and you'd better hope I don't catch you lying.”

  The man who'd grabbed Trev at first immediately jumped in. “Smith threw the first punch.”

  The sergeant waited a few seconds, his temper not improving by the looks of it. “That's exactly what happened from start to finish, eh?” Vernon's man started to answer and he cut him off with a curt gesture and turned to Matt. “Let's hear it.”

  Matt took a deep breath. “Trev threw the first punch,” he agreed, “to defend himself. Vernon's guy blocked our path, insulted Trev, grabbed his arm when he tried to walk past, then pulled his fist back to sucker punch him. The guy started the trouble from start to finish, and short of letting himself get hit there wasn't much Trev could do.”

  “At which point you decided all bets were off and you might as well make it a real brawl?” Davis demanded. He turned to Trev. “Is that how it went?”

  “Why're you only asking them?” the guy who'd attacked Matt asked angrily. He was still wiping at his bloody nose. “Just interested in their side of things?”

  The sergeant turned his attention back to Vernon's men. “What are you doing in camp?”

  The men abruptly looked a bit shifty. “Getting some dinner,” their leader answered.

  “You've got your own food back at the canyon you're supposed to be guarding,” Davis shot back. None of them replied, and his tone hardened. “You know, back when I first got promoted sergeant, the lieutenant I was serving under gave me some good advice. He told me that if I wanted to find out who was in the wrong, one of the first questions I should ask is “Who isn't where they're supposed to be?”