Liberty Betrayed

By Linda L Barton

Pulled from the nightly news, Liberty Betrayed follows the residents of a small fictional Texas town as it faces the Federal Government’s desire to appease those who want to surrender to the influx of Illegal Immigrants surging over our southern border.
Sandley, Texas is a typical small town. The people have made a life for themselves by raising their families and being there for their neighbors. No one expected what lay ahead for them when a group of Illegal Immigrants were brought to town to fill the jobs at the newly reopened Window Factory. How will the residents of Sandley overcome this invasion of their town? How will they triumph over this Act of Tyranny?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda L Barton
• Release date: Jun 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311162557

Linda L Barton

Linda L Barton is a Multi-Genre Author. Publishing her first book in 2011, Linda started out by writing Dark Thrillers. Since then she has branched out by writing YA Fantasy, Women’s Romantic Fiction, and even Children’s Books under the name Nana Barton. One of the high points of Linda’s writing career was when Next Move, You're Dead: The Trilogy Bundle was chosen as 1 of 100 pre-loaded Kindle Fire ebooks given away in the 2013 Emmy Awards VIP Swag Bags to over 600 of those in attendance at the awards that evening. Linda is also the Founder of Deadly Reads, Deadly Reads Author Services, and Host of the Deadly Reads Radio Podcast on Youtube. Linda is also blessed to be married to a wonderful man, Bob for more than 30 years. Bob is her writing muse and has created several of the plots for her books. Together they have a daughter and son, as well as 5 beautiful grandchildren; all of whom are the joy of their lives. Linda never thought she would become a published author, but now she cannot imagine doing anything else.

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Liberty Betrayed

An Act of Tyranny

Linda L Barton

Copyright 2015 © Linda L. Barton

All Rights Reserved

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Table of Contents

Title Page, Copyright,

Dedication and Special Acknowledgements

Introduction/Chapter1,

Chapter2, Chapter3, Chapter4,

Chapter5, Chapter6, Chapter7,

Chapter7, Chapter8, Chapter9,

Chapter10, Chapter11, Chapter12,

Chapter13, Chapter14, Chapter15,

Chapter16, Chapter17, Chapter18,

Chapter19, Chapter20, Chapter21,

Chapter22, Chapter23, Chapter24

Chapter25, Chapter 26, Chapter27,

Chapter28, Chapter29, Chapter30

Dedication and Special Acknowledgements

I dedicate this book to my husband, Bob, who has believed in me and told me to never give up on my dream to be a writer.

I also would like to dedicate this book to three individuals who inspired me in the writing of this book.

First, for the next President of the United States of America, Donald J Trump. Thank you for giving voice to the problem of illegal immigration and all the problems it brings. It’s time to BUILD THE WALL. I know you will be a great President, and together, we will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.

Second, to a man, I greatly respect, Sheriff David Clarke. As the parent of a daughter serving her community, it warms my heart to hear you speaking out for our Heroes in Blue. You, Sir, were the inspiration for the hero and main character of this book, Police Chief Silas Greer.

Third, to a woman, I enjoy watching each week as you shine the light of truth on difficult subjects without fear, Judge Jeanine Pirro. You were the inspiration for the character Judge Gina.

Introduction

For years, those in Washington D.C have campaigned on the promise of securing our southern border with Mexico. With each election cycle, those running for office stand before the American voter and promise to solve the problem of illegal immigrants flooding into our country.

However, nothing seems to change.

For this reason, with each new election cycle, those vying for our vote will once again make the same worn-out promise with no intention of keeping it.

This story will not point an accusatory finger at any particular elected official or political party. It simply shares the tale of the residents of a small US town. This story will share what happens when people find themselves forced to live with decisions made by those in our government with a certain political agenda. An agenda that does not put the needs of the American people as a top priority.

Sandley, Texas is a fictitious town, but what happens there is taken directly from the daily news reports we all watch, as we try to survive this New World Order forced upon us.

Those in government have forgotten their promise to serve We the People. Until we remind them in a LOUD and UNIFIED voice, we will continue to lose the treasured freedoms guaranteed us in the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights.

The constant attack on the second amendment and the persistent whispers of limiting our freedom of speech should cause a chill to consume every freedom-loving American. The sad fact is once we lose those freedoms, it is only through the shedding of blood that people will regain those cherished and God-given rights.

***

The Constitution is the guide, which I never will abandon. The time is near at hand, which must determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves.

~~George Washington~~

Chapter 1

The sound of dogs barking off in the distance echoed throughout the night air. However, tonight it was not the warning of a wild animal stalking its prey, or local teenagers out for a night of fun. This warning foretold an unimaginable nightmare that would forever change the sleepy town of Sandley, Texas.

***

Police Chief Silas Greer had stayed late working on some long-overdue paperwork. While reaching for another folder, he heard the sound of large vehicles driving through town.

Who the hell is that? Curious as to who was driving through town at such a late hour, Silas stood and walked to the window. He peered through the blinds just in time to watch a set of taillights fade off into the night.

Someone must have gotten off the Interstate by mistake, he said aloud while closing the blind. Pushing it out of his mind, Silas returned to the paperwork on his desk.

***

Twenty years had passed since the Interstate bypassed Sandley, virtually cutting it off from the outside world. On most days, the only traffic in town was the locals going about their daily activities. However, from time to time, an occasional tourist or lost traveler would find their way to town.

It had always been a quiet community, a place where you knew your neighbors and never felt the need to lock your front door at night. Sandley was also a carefree place to be a child. The children in town rode their bikes to the park and played with their friends without the worry of molesters or gangs. As far as the residents were concerned, Sandley was the perfect place to live and to raise a family.

Having grown up in Sandley, Silas, like so many of those graduating from the local high school, had grown up with plans to see the world. He planned to go to college then onward to exciting destinations. However, life will often have different plans for us. This is why in his senior year, Silas decided a career in law enforcement was his destiny, as well as to marry his high school sweetheart, Jen.

With acceptance to the Police Academy being competitive, Silas decided to attend community college to get his associate’s degree. He had worked nights at the local Lumber Mill while attending college. Then after graduating, he entered the academy. The months of training were grueling, but Silas had enjoyed every moment. Then once he graduated, he began his career as an officer with the Sandley Police Department.

***

Glancing up at the clock, hanging on the wall above the door, Silas realized he should head on home for the night.

This can wait until after my meeting with the Mayor tomorrow, he sighed as he gathered the paperwork scattered on his desk and put it in the wire basket next to the filing cabinet.

I’ll be glad when Doug gets back from visiting his grandparents in Atlanta. Damn, he should be doing this, not me, Silas groaned.

Doug Lloyds was the other police officer in Sandley. He had flown to Atlanta to visit his 82-year old grandfather, who was in the hospital. With his grandfather’s failing health, Doug had wanted to be there in case the unthinkable happened.

Silas looked around the office and was relieved to finally be going home for the night. With Doug gone, it had been hectic doing everything himself. Before powering down his computer, Silas forwarded the emergency telephone line to his cell phone and then said a silent prayer that it did not ring until the morning.

Well, I guess I better get home before Jen sends out a search party. Silas looked around the empty office one last time when his cell phone began to ring.

Silas Greer. He assumed it was Jen, wondering why he was so late. However, the voice on the other end of the call caught him by surprise.

Silas, something’s going on at the old mill tonight. I was trying to see what had Chuck Wilson’s dogs all worked up when a large bus pulled on the road leading to the mill.

Howard Broyles had lived in Sandley for 87 years, where he had owned and operated the Texaco gas station with his wife, Marie.

I was about to go to bed when those damn dogs began barking like a bunch of crazy fools. Well, you know how Marie is; she insisted I find out what was going on. I saw that bus when I looked out of the big picture window in the living room.

Are you sure? Maybe it just went around the bend up the road a piece. Silas assumed Howard was somehow mistaken, as no one had any reason to go to the mill at this hour of the night.

Yes, I’m sure. I watched it turn on that dirt road. Silas, I may be old, but I still have my wits about me. I watched them build that damn place, and then I watched them close it down after Bill Jenkins died. If you don’t come out here and find out what’s going on, Marie is gonna make me do it, and, to be honest with you, I’ve already taken off my boots.

Silas knew there was no sense in arguing with Howard. Okay, I’ll drop by there on my way home and have a look around. Tell Miss Marie hello for me, and get yourself some rest.

After hanging up the telephone, Silas called Jen and told her he was going to be later than expected. Howard’s complaining about Chuck’s dogs again, so I need to go see what has them all worked up this time.

Jen chuckled softly, Well, bless his heart. I’m sure it’s just some ole ‘coon wandering around. Those dogs get worked up over the wild critters all the time. Be safe, and I’ll see you when you get home.

That’s what I’m thinking, but you know how Howard can be. Once he gets an idea in his head, there’s no changing it.

Silas had always liked Howard, but he could be stubborn at times. I’ll be home as soon as possible.

Silas tucked his cell phone into his shirt pocket, grabbed his keys, and walked toward the door. Well, let’s go see what has those dogs and Howard so upset.

When Silas stepped outside, he noticed the warm, humid night air. He had always enjoyed summer in Southeast Texas. Jen, on the other hand, would complain from early June until late September.

She would always say, You do know the real reason southern women were always fainting, don’t you? It’s because of the stifling heat mixed with all the damn humidity, and then cinching their corsets too tight!

Silas had always loved Jen’s sense of humor. Whenever he would least expect it, she would say, or do the cutest things.

One thing he had always looked forward to each year was Jen’s gardening time. The vision of her wearing her big floppy hat with the bright pink ribbon tied under her chin was a sight to behold. He enjoyed seeing the smile on her face as she carried her basket filled with gardening tools and then listening to her sing as she worked in the small garden she had in their backyard.

One afternoon, when Silas dropped by the house for lunch, he found Jen sitting on the back porch, rubbing ice cubes on her chest and fanning herself in the futile attempt to stay cool.

Is that helping, Sweetheart? Silas then laughed at the look of disgust on Jen’s face at his flippant statement.

Silas, even Satan himself would complain about the heat today, she groaned.

Then how about we take a drive and get ourselves a big ole milkshake to cool off?

Jen looked up at him with an expression of pure joy on her face. Baby, you do know how to treat a lady.

***

Silas stepped up to his truck and had just reached for the door handle when his cell phone rang again.

Silas Greer, he said as he climbed inside and closed the door behind him.

Silas, it’s Chuck Wilson. Something is going on at the mill tonight.

Thank you, Chuck, but I’m already aware of the problem; Howard Broyles called about it earlier. He said your dogs were causing quite a ruckus tonight. Chuck, I’ve already warned you several times to keep them quiet at night, and this isn’t the first call I’ve…

Chuck interrupted before he could continue, Silas, I’m telling you something’s going on over there. A couple of large vehicles pulled up the road. Now, people are talking, and it’s lit up like daytime over there. You need to come out here and look for yourself.

Are you sure about this, Chuck? You haven’t been hitting the bottle tonight, have you? Silas teased.

Silas was aware of how Chuck enjoyed having a drink or two after work, and honestly, the whole story did seem a bit farfetched, even for Chuck.

Damn it, Silas, I told you that I hear people talking, and it’s all lit up over there! What if it’s some of those damn meth dealers? You know how they’ll set up shop anywhere if you let them. I don’t want their kind around here, do you?

Silas understood Chuck’s concern, and honestly, he had to agree. The last thing he wanted setting up shop in the area was a bunch of drug dealers.

Okay, stay inside, and I’ll be there in a couple of minutes. I’m sure it’s nothing, but I’ll check things out to be sure. Thank you for calling.

Silas tucked the cell phone back into his shirt pocket and said a silent prayer it was just travelers wanting somewhere to stop for the night.

After putting the key in the ignition and starting the engine, Silas inhaled deeply. Okay, let’s find out what’s going on out there.

He put the truck in drive and pulled out onto the road. As he drove northbound out of town, Silas wondered what he would find. Unfortunately, nothing could have prepared him for what lay ahead of him and the residents of Sandley, Texas.

Chapter 2

Two Months Earlier

Breakfast… Jen called out as she filled Silas’ coffee cup and set it on the table next to his plate. What are you doing in there?

I’m coming. I’ll be there in a minute.

Silas had gotten out of bed early and was doing some additional research on the company planning to reopen the window factory just outside of town. It had been a great loss for the town when it went out of business all those years ago, leaving over one hundred of the townsfolk out of work. Then the lumber mill closed seven years later, nearly killing the once-thriving town.

For this reason, with the announcement of the factory reopening under new ownership, the people in town were thrilled with the prospect of the new jobs.

For years, Sandley had been a bustling town. It was a place where people could raise their families while enjoying the livelihood provided by the two once-thriving companies. However, over the last few years, several families had found themselves forced to move away in search of work. Then for those who stayed, they found themselves commuting nearly fifty miles to work each day.

Silas had enjoyed serving the people of Sandley over the years. He had quickly moved up the ranks, so after ten years with the city police department, Silas was elevated to the position of Chief of Police. However, with the drop in tax revenue, the town found itself forced to downsize the police department to only Silas and one other officer.

It had been a sad day when the Mayor called Silas into his office to give him the news of the cuts.

Silas, I’m sorry, but the city can no longer support a police department the size it is now. We’ve tried every way to balance the city budget, but there just isn’t enough money.

Silas had protested, but all his attempts to convince the Mayor were in vain.

I’m sorry, Silas, but my hands are tied. We can only justify keeping you and one officer. We both know if something would ever happen where you needed help, we can always call the County Sheriff’s Department.

Unfortunately, the Police Department was not the only city service to end up on the chopping block due to the drop in tax revenue. After several meetings and heated discussions of which services to save, the Mayor and City Council had decided to use one of the newly emptied offices in the City Hall building as the police station. Silas hated the idea but was thankful he still had a job.

The years of struggle appeared to be at an end with the reopening of the window factory, and everyone looked forward to a bright future.

Silas powered down the computer then headed to the kitchen. Before he had left his small office, he heard a frantic knocking at the front door.

Hold on, I’m coming, he said as the person continued to knock excitedly.

Hold on… Recognizing the face showing through the oval window in the front door, Silas groaned when he opened the door, knowing what he must do.

Silas, you need to come immediately, the older woman said breathlessly. He’s doing it again!

Silas shook his head in disbelief. I thought I told you to keep him inside, Maribelle. Where’s he at now?

He has Ron pinned between the azaleas and the porch. I tried to get him to stop, but he ignored me, she cried out as she hurried back to the sidewalk.

Jen, hold breakfast for me. Timmy’s at it again.

Silas closed the front door behind him, and then followed Maribelle to her house. This was not the first time he had dealt with Timmy’s foul mood swings, and each time Maribelle had sworn it would be the last. Silas had never understood why Maribelle put up with him for all these years, but she would just say she loved him despite his wicked ways.

He’s messing with Ron? Damn it, Maribelle, he shouldn’t be messin’ with the mailman! Silas quickened his pace, worried about the situation awaiting him.

Silas, shoot him! Ron shouted when he saw the two of them walking toward him. I can’t do my job if I have to put up with this crap.

Silas did his best not to laugh at the sight of Ron pressed against the porch railing, holding his mailbag out like a shield against Maribelle’s enormous tabby cat, Timmy. The expression on the cat’s face let Ron know his presence was neither wanted nor appreciated.

Please don’t shoot him, Silas, Maribelle cried out. He doesn’t mean any harm. He’s just protecting me.

Protecting you? That damn cat is a public nuisance! Shoot the damn thing, Silas! Ron cried out, as the cat slowly moved closer, as though stalking a helpless mouse.

At realizing things were about to elevate to the next level, Silas walked up to the cat, which kept its eyes firmly trained on a terrified Ron.

"You see, what you don’t understand about Timmy is, he smells fear. If you show him you aren’t afraid of him, he’ll leave you alone. Come on, Timmy; let’s leave the