The Dawn of Wisdom: The Children of Wisdom, #1

By James Matt Cox

Jason Taggart is a junior high student in the small town of Wisdom, Arizona. His life is full of study, friends and the lovely Darla Jansen on whom he has a major crush. Follow along as he works to gain her eye and obtain her favor.

 

Things change on a trip to a shooting competition outside Wisdom. Jason learns the kids outside are different from himself and his friends. Never is this more obvious than when he, Darla and two others are mugged. With their lives threatened, Jason and Darla react without thinking to put the would-be robbers in the hospital.

 

Matters come to a head in Phoenix. Having earned a reward with their outstanding performance, Jason's class is shopping in a mall for their trip to the Renaissance Faire. Terrorists take over the mall and make all within it their hostages.

With death staring them in the face Jason and his friends must find the courage to step up and save the innocent lives. Failure means death. Success means Jason and the rest must face who they really are.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Matt Cox
• Release date: Oct 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393073420

Book preview

Chapter 0. Prologue

Warning: This book contains material that may not be suitable for younger readers.

That's a bold plan, Bull. Someone less thoughtful might even call it insane.

Bull shrugged. You know how rigorous our standards are. It's hard enough finding recruits much less graduating them. Those last two Fey gates were no joke either.

You're telling me? Roberts from Technology has a theory they're breeding.

Bull shook his head. I've heard wilder, Chief. For my money half of Technology is fruitier than a box of nut cakes but Roberts called this last one. If it wasn't for him we'd've lost twice as many. I know Raymond says he's recruiting as heavy as he can but we're losing more than we're graduating. Especially my boys and girls. President Harris and her lackeys didn't help matters.

Chief grimaced. Yeah but she's gone now. The Grubs did a lot of damage, no bullshit there, but we got 'em.

Did we? Between Obama, the shit he left and the TDS liberals they turned California, New York and Chicago into Grub breeding grounds. That's assuming the Dracs didn't move in for a piece of the action too.

Chief thought a moment.

That's the Soros line. We got most of them when we took down the Clinton Foundation. They tried to start new clutches in Haiti and Puerto Rico but we got there first.

That's as may be, boss, but I'm not putting money on it. I heard rumors from Planning that the old bastard himself is still alive. Raymond may not want to admit it but he's probably wrong on this one. Any vampire that can take a two-bit soldier, turn him into Der Fuhrer, almost wipe out the world as we know it and escape without a scratch knows how to die without dying. At least now we have Israel on board. They're turning out some good recruits.

Chief chuckled.

I get it, Bull. We need more recruits. You know this plan of yours is going to take at least twenty years to work, if it does.

It will. I've been kicking around the idea with my old teammates.

I figured as much. Let me work over some details. I'll show it to Raymond and Roberts. Pretend it was my idea. Meanwhile do what you can.

Bull rose and offered his hand. The Chief stood up and took it.

Chapter 1. A Day At School

Jason Taggart surveyed his troops, considered his options and moved his rook forward.

Check.

"Shit." Leon Reed, Jason's best friend, scowled and revised his plans. If he moved his queen Jason would take it. If he didn't, if he attacked with his bishop, he'd leave his king open. Still, better a major loss than a total one. He took the rook with his queen.

Jason moved his knight and took the queen. Checkmate.

Dammit.

"A good fighter puts himself into a position in which defeat is impossible..." started Jason.

"... and does not miss the chance to defeat his enemy, finished Leo. Sun Tzu."

Awesome. Geeky Bobby Bradley, who always managed to attach himself to Leo or Jason, smiled hugely. You know there's theories Sun Tzu wasn't a real person. That a bunch of good generals and politicians really wrote it and just made up the name.

Yeah, said Leo. The earth is flat, the moon's made out of cheese, socialism works and one day you might have a girlfriend. Theories, Geek-o. Bad ones at that.

Hey, said Bobby, not losing his smile. Darla Jansen passed me a note in English this morning.

Really? asked Jason. What'd she say? Was it about that fractal diagram I found for her?

Um, no. It... Bobby looked sheepish. It was for Eileen Davis. I just passed it along. But she handed it to me to do it.

"Deet-deet-boom, said Leo. Crash and burn. To see the sun and moon is no sign of sharp sight. Sun Tzu."

The bell rang before Leo could continue. Bobby jumped up and scurried away. Jason swept the chess pieces into a bag then put that and the board into his pack. The two of them headed to Chemistry.

Give it up, Jase, said Leo. You got no shot at that.

Across the room Darla Jansen sat beside Kelly Hall, her lab partner and best friend. Long-haired and vivacious, Hall never met a stranger or made an enemy. If DJT High allowed freshmen to be cheerleaders Hall would be the head. For now she settled for pep squad leader.

She's not with anyone. It's not like she turned me down.

It's not like you asked her out either, bud. Want some Sun Tzu on that one?

Ahem.

Leo and Jason both jumped. William H. Densby, PhD, stood in front of their table.

Gentlemen, did the esteemed Sun Tzu have anything to say on the topics of solvent extraction or gas chromatography?

No sir. No, Dr. Densby.

Then I suggest you leave him in Dr. Williams' class and turn your attention to me. If you begin working now you might be finished by the end of the period.

Yes sir.

Densby stood staring. After a moment, Well?

Jason and Leo both jumped and grabbed their tablets. After the assignment downloaded Jason went to fetch chemicals and Leo the equipment they needed.

***

That was brutal, said Jason.

He and Leo stood in the pool waiting on their friend Wallace Williams to finish his last lap. Across the pool Coach Thad scowled at them.

Stop lollygagging around, ladies, he barked. You finished. You passed. Get your asses dry and double-time it to the range.

Yes Coach, said Jason, We're just waiting for...

Wallace pulled massive water to grab the edge of the pool. He popped up panting.

Fine. Finish up your vacation and move. You can gossip after school.

The three hit the showers along with a couple of others. After a quick rinse they jogged to the shooting range. Coach Nichols looked at her watch and scowled but didn't chew on them. Half a dozen others already stood on the firing line with Nichols' assistants watching them closely. All of them knew just how quickly they could get into eye and ear protection without arousing her ire and they did so.

Aww shit, said Jason without thinking.

What's that, Taggart? asked Nichols.

Nothing, Coach.

Didn't think so.

She smiled wickedly as she handed them each a .44 magnum and four quick-loaders. Jason hated the hard-kicking pistols. Nichols knew that. He knew she knew it and he knew she'd stop by his father's bar on her way home.

This is gonna be brutal, said Leo.

He, Jason and Wallace took their stations, loaded their pistols and held them at the ready.

The buzzer always made Jason jump. It blared and the ten-meter target turned. He took a breath, let it out, sighted and squeezed the trigger.

The heavy pistol bucked and boomed as it exploded its round downrange. Jason gritted his teeth as he sighted in again and squeezed off another one. His first shot missed center of mass by a lot but he wrangled his second, third, fourth and fifth within the ring. Assistant Coach Murphy barely gave him time to reload before the buzzer sounded and the twenty-meter target turned.

***

Gunshots.

More gunshots and people started screaming. Four indistinct figures concealed in body armor, helmets, gloves and boots looked at a fifth.

Triangulating. Fifty meters south-by-southwest. I'm getting camera feeds now.

The squad leader turned his eyes up toward the display. The techs claimed they adjusted the focus for proximity to their eyes but it still looked blurry.

Move out.

The panicked crowd resisted the five dark figures moving against it but to no avail. Four formed a wedge around the fifth who called out directions. More gunshots sounded with a few on full auto.

Before long they found their objective. The man staggered as though drunk but shot with amazing accuracy, laughing maniacally all the while. The leader and one other drew their .45s and charged the chambers. That drew the shooter's attention. He smiled at the large white words and badges blazoned on their armor.

"Hola, maricon putos. You gonna arrest me? I not shooting you."

The man wore a plain tee shirt. The tattoos covering his arms, neck and face made it look white. A trickle of liquid too pink for blood dripped out one ear. He dropped his rifle.

Joo see? I giving up. Now you gotta arrest me. Take me to jail. He spat at them. "You take me to jail and I gonna be out before you finish the paperwork, joders."

He lost his smile completely when the leader shot him low in the gut.

"What da fuck? Hey, pig! I gonna sue you! Excessive force. Su madre's gonna..."

The fifth man stepped forward and fired a taser. The prongs stuck in the man's neck and the wires lit up with the electricity flowing through them. The tattooed man fell to the ground convulsing as the skin around the darts darkened and burned.

After a moment the man's eyes glazed. Fresh blood spurted out his ear followed by a long, fat worm. It tried to wiggle away but one of the armored men grabbed it with a pair of tongs. The fifth man dropped the taser, opened a jar and sealed it tightly on the furiously thrashing worm-thing.

The tattooed man gasped a ragged breath. His eyes fixated on the worm then the man holding the jar.

We're just in time, said the jar-holder. If this mushy went to jail he could start another outbreak all by himself.

Da fuck you talking about, pig? You motherfuckers are gonna pay for this, bitches. I wanna lawyer now...

The leader's pistol fired once. The tattooed man fell backward with a look half-anger and half-shock frozen around the hole in his face. The jar-holder put it away and pulled out an aerosol can. Five short spritzes later the armor was unadorned.

We got blue inbound, said one of the other men. Escape route loaded and locked.

The leader fired one more shot. It struck between the two taser burns and wiped them out.

***

Hey, boys.

Hey Andi, said Jason.

Leo waved shyly, Wallace smiled and Bobby did both. Andrea French, the senior bartender at the Keg & Pints, had a full voluptuous figure, dazzling blond hair and a non-stop smile. Leo had a serious crush on her and threatened death to anyone who told her.

Andi was hot, no doubt there. Not many fourteen-year-old boys had the nerve to talk to her but Jason never remembered her not being around. Off-duty and surrounded by men she talked just as much trash as they did and plenty rough.

Is Dad here? asked Jason.

Should be before long. Andi put up the last glass and reached for a soda. I think he's out stocking up for the weekend. How'd you do?

Jason cringed. Bad. Thirty-two out of forty and I was the highest. But we were using those fucking mule-kickers.

Watch your language, young man.

Jason wrinkled his face.

G'wan, said Andi with a wink. Get good and buried in homework. Maybe he won't bust your balls too bad.

Damn she's hot, said Leo once they closed the door to the study. I don't know why you're not hitting that, Jase.

Yeah right. Jason pulled out his laptop, tablet and notes. I don't know why you don't hook up with Jeanette either. She's got the hots for you.

Hey, said Wallace. Jeanette was his younger sister and had a crush on Leo.

He's still after Kirsten Booker, said Bobby.

Shut up, said Leo with a fierce look.

Hey boys. I hear y'all had pistols today.

Foreboding washed over Jason as his father burst through the door.

For a man who just owned a bar John Taggart looked like someone who had been through more hells than existed in reality and every mythology known to man. Rugged and hard-muscled, his body bore countless scars, evidence of broken bones and worse.

John owned and ran the bar for as long as Jason could remember. It wasn't in the richest part of Wisdom by far. The few times Jason walked through during business hours he saw men and women who almost made his father look soft. Almost.

Yes sir, said Bobby.

So how'd you do?

John looked at his son and the silence grew.

Uh, thirty-two. But Leo and I totally rocked Chemistry. Dr. Densby said we did a great lab. He never says that. We also got approved on our science fair project.

Yeah, said Bobby, and Leo and Jason, like, beat me in History today.

Thirty-two, eh, said John with disapproval in his voice. We'll hit the range this weekend. See if we can't bring that score up. He smiled. Study hard, boys.

Jason stayed quiet a long time after his father closed the door.

Why didn't you tell him about Dr. Xiang's class? asked Bobby.

It wouldn't matter, said Jason, voice empty of emotion. If it wasn't for PE he wouldn't even make me go to school.

It could be worse, said Wallace.

Yeah? How?

I dunno. I was just, like, trying to cheer you up, man.

"Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content," said Bobby.

Jason and Leo swapped looks.

That's dumb, Bobby, said Leo.

It's Sun Tzu. You two are always quoting him even thought he might not have really existed.

Maybe you don't exist, said Wallace. Maybe you're a figment of our imaginations.

Maybe I'm Gorgias and you're figments of mine.

Get out the hip-waders, said Jason. This shit's getting deep. He sighed. What do we want to do first? History, math, literature or chemistry?

Math, said Bobby instantly.

History it is, said Leo, knowing Bobby hated it the most. He called up their text and put it on the room's flat-screen. "Today's trigger leads to Chapter IX, Implications and Consequences of the Post-Trump Weakening of the Constitution. Who wants what? I'm taking IRS to IRRS: Mandatory Redistribution."

Bitch, said Wallace. I wanted that.

Leo flipped him a bird.

***

How was school today, dear?

It was okay. Jason opened the fridge, looked and pulled out a bottle of tea.

Just okay?

Amanda Taggart was everything her husband wasn't. Warm, cheerful, outgoing, patient and understanding. At times he wondered what she saw in his father. She always brought tons of homemade brownies to school events and never took any home.

Well, Leo and I got our science fair project approved, we did great in Chemistry, Dr. K liked my report on the collapse of public healthcare and I almost set the curve in Biology.

Hey. That sounds pretty fantastic to me, Jason.

"Yeah. But I only got thirty-two in PE today. That's all he heard and that's all he cares about."

Well, that's just how he is, dear. I happen to think you did very well.

Thanks, Mom. He looked at the counter. Crap. Are we having steak? It's pizza night.

I know, sweetheart. Your father insisted. Becky won the obstacle course today. She finished it almost seven seconds ahead of second place.

Great. That means he'll be talking about her all night long. He sighed. Do I have to eat at the table?

Of course you do. I know you think your father is too harsh on you. He just wants his kids ready.

Ready for what, mom? Obstacle courses, swimming and target practice? There's more to life than shooting things. Leo and I were looking at Brolly. They have tons of jobs in biology, botany, engineering, even public relations. They're, like, cutting edge in digital security. All of those jobs make lots of money too. You know how much security there makes? Minimum wage. Twenty-one fifty an hour. I want more than that.

Then you better quit thinking about Darla Jansen, chimp. You get your little head full and your big one won't work.

Rebecca Taggart strutted into the kitchen, took Jason's tea and walked over to the counter.

Mmm. Steak. My favorite. She smirked at Jason. I'm glad we're not having pizza tonight. It's so... fattening.

Jason's sister looked like their mother but acted like their father. She was taller than Jason and teenage hormones treated her well. Even though she wore simple jeans and a teal blouse she made it look like a runway model's.

Yeah, said Jason. One slice and your butt would explode out of those jeans.

Shut up, brat. You want a fat lip?

Fat lips are better than fat hips.

Rebecca kicked hard and fast. Jason moved his head back, grabbed her ankle and twisted.

"Enough."

Amanda blocked Rebecca's counter-punch, grabbed Jason's thumb and twisted until he let go.

Settle down, you two. She smiled as though nothing happened. No fighting at the table. You know better. Pad up, go out back and don't break my dishes. If you want to, that is. She looked at Jason. If I have to watch you I won't be able to make my famous apple pie.

That stopped Jason cold. You're making pie?

Yes, sweetie. Almost setting the curve in Biology deserves some recognition.

***

Dinner was just as bad as Jason feared. His father had nothing but praise for Becky and nothing for him. Even when Amanda mentioned their son's accomplishments John dismissed them out of hand. No surprise there, he said. At least he did help himself to a generous slice of apple pie. Rebecca took a small slice along with an evil scowl toward Jason.

That was wonderful, baby, said John with a not-so-muffled belch. He rose, kissed Amanda and turned for the door.

Dad, can I go with Leo after the game Saturday? asked Jason quickly.

John stopped and scowled.

Please? Bobby has a new game we want to try out.

His father scowled harder.

Please, Dad. I'll be home before curfew. Mrs. Reed is going to drop us off and pick us up. She'll bring me home.

I don't know, son. You've got some serious work to do Sunday. I talked to Ali Nichols. She said none of your little friends were any good. I can't whip them into shape but you I can.

Jason bit down hard on his disappointment. Then, inspiration.

W-what if I stay an extra hour at the range Sunday.

John appeared to consider it. Willingly?

Yes sir.

No whining?

Jason nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

Fine. Deal.

With that John grabbed his coat and left for work.

Chapter 2. News Bad And Good

To recap our top story tonight twenty-eight people were killed and another twelve injured in a shooting in San Francisco. The gunman, tentatively identified as Juan Paco Martinez, opened fire at the Embarcadero Center today. SFPD spokesmen refused to speculate on Martinez' motivation but our sources say he is a known MS-13 member and has been arrested on drug charges. Please stay tuned and we'll apprise you of further details as soon as we receive them. In sports today...

Jason tuned out the rest and downloaded the shooting story onto his tablet. He and Rebecca washed the dishes mostly in silence. She tried baiting him about trying to bribe their father but he shut her up with another reference to her backside. They finished just in time for the evening news.

Dibs, bitch, said Rebecca. You pick another one.

Screw you, said Jason. Just 'cuz you can't write for shit doesn't make you my charity.

Rebecca started to jump up.

Children, said Amanda.

Rebecca closed her mouth so hard Jason heard her teeth click. He didn't like it any more than she did but it was worse for sixteen than fourteen.

That's better, continued Amanda in her normal voice. Now, Becky, you and Jason can share the story. I'm certain you won't be the only two reports Dr. Williams hears on it. Go upstairs and get to work. I'll check your reports before you go to bed.

Jason made certain his door was locked, sat at his desk and powered up his laptop. The poster of Albert Einstein stared across the room at the Rolling Stones as the computer connected to the house net. The Brolly login screen popped up and Jason smashed his thumb on the reader. It authenticated and opened to his favorites. You Can't Always Get What You Want started playing. Ironic, he thought.

Once again John Taggart's stupidity overwhelmed his son. Jason had no doubt he'd have a job at Brolly even if he didn't make it to North Side. The town of Wisdom Arizona wouldn't exist without Brolly Development Inc. Everyone in town knew