The Patriot Guard

By James Farley

A political storm is brewing in Washington and America's way of life, along with the freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution, are on the line. With the power and influence of a One World Order, comes betrayals and treasonous acts within the Government. With a President whom cannot be controlled by the Dee

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Farley
• Release date: Oct 19, 2020
• ISBN: 9781735787503

James Farley

James Farley currently lives with his wife in Arkansas. They have two grown sons, a Bichon Poo and a German Shorthair Pointer. James enjoys hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities, as well as spending time with his family.

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Prologue

Fortunately, there had been plenty of rain in Northern California and the water level at Trinity Lake was perfect, making the view from East Wing Cove a spectacular one. An hour before sunset with the lengthening shadows, the glass smooth surface of the lake, with the mountains in the background, created a breathtaking view. A slight breeze could be felt whispering through the pine, oak, and Douglas-fir trees. The sky had been clear all day and it looked like it was going to be a clear night as well.

Trinity Lake receives minimal pressure, so the fishing is usually very good. The lake is host to many different types of fish, such as smallmouth and largemouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, and catfish. But the most sought after tends to be the King Salmon, and since the forestry stocks the lake with thousands of juvenile salmon each year, you’re almost guaranteed to catch your limit.

The group had rented all six cabins in East Wing Cove with two people per cabin. Five of the cabins had double occupancy consisting mostly of Senators and members of the House; the sixth cabin was occupied with their cook and his wife. The cabins stood on the outside of a huge graveled circle drive, built in a semi-circle with the front door facing the drive, and the back door leading to a small attached deck facing the lake.

In the center of the circle drive was a larger community building where the parties gathered could have their meals together; this was where the cook and his wife would prepare the meals for the party of ten during their secret five day retreat. Each had separately instructed their office that they were taking one week off for family time and they were not, under any circumstances, to be disturbed. Each member left their mobile phones at home on the charger, purchased a pre-paid phone, and paid for everything in cash, so that their travel could not be traced; it would not be good to have a nosey busy-body track one of them down and discover the mixed group that was assembled.

The group consisted of New York lawyer/lobbyist, Mike Stevenson; New York Democratic Senator, Roger Harsh; New Jersey Freshman Democratic Senator, Troy Brown; California 12th District, Democratic Speaker of the House, Nadine Potts; New Mexico 2nd District Democratic Congresswoman, Maria Padilla; New Mexico Attorney General, Thomas Watts; Utah Republican Senator, Whitt Rawlings; Former CIA Director, Percy Adams; Arizona Democratic Senator, Jacqueline Salina; and Texas 28th District Democratic Congressman, Juan Calderin.

Several of the members had been meeting at this same location for many years; enjoying the scenery and taking in fishing, as well as enjoying periods of solitude and relaxation from their hectic schedules. It had become a place where they could come and unwind and share ideas without routine interruptions. It had also become a place where they felt safe discussing their future agenda for America.

The first couple days were spent unwinding, fishing, hiking, and sitting around the campfire at night with their refreshments; basically decompressing. After dinner on their third night, they remained in the community building, and after dismissing the cook and his wife, began to discuss the true purpose of this year’s agenda.

Speaker of the House Nadine Potts, took the lead and said, I guess it’s time we discuss what we’re really here for, looking around the table she continued by saying, I for one, can barely contain myself any longer, she said with a stern smile.

Everyone else in the room agreed and all were just as eager at this point to get down to business. Though the group had never designated a leader, Speaker Potts typically got things rolling.

Unless anyone objects, I’d like to start with the topic of legalizing voting for non-citizens and where we currently stand with that, stated Potts.

Fine by me, said Senator Harsh, and everyone else acquiesced. 

As you all know, began Potts, California just passed the bill to allow non-citizens, who have held a residence in California for over six months, to vote. We received opposition from the few Republican Congress members in our state as expected, but their number are so few, it barely registered. Our campaign against racism and a few well-placed accusations of sexual misconduct succeeded in quieting down most of the initial push-back. Then she smiled and added, It’s truly amazing what the public will believe when you have a good poker face.

That and they always believe the most negative and outlandish accusations; really fascinating, said the Congressman from Texas, Juan Calderin.

Not losing focus, Troy Brown, the freshman Senator from New Jersey asked, Are we close to getting that passed in other states as well?

We’re getting closer in New Mexico, said Congresswoman Padilla, however, it may take another year or two for us to get there.

It’s basically the same in Arizona, said Senator Salina. We are steadily gaining favor, especially with the millennials; if we can get it on the ballots in the next election, we stand a chance.

Provided you can get enough millennials to the polls, which has always been the problem, said Senator Rawlings. Excluding the people on welfare, they’re the most easily influenced, yet getting them to the polls has proven to be a conundrum.

Yeessss, said Stevenson, with a questioning look on his face as he eyed Rawlings. He appreciated the fact that they had a few Republicans quietly on their side, but he would have preferred to have any one of the others attending in place of Rawlings. The Senator just seemed to struggle to fit in.

That should prove quite the contrary this year my good Senator, said Harsh. You see, we are planning, with the help of our backers, he raised his eyebrows with a telling look, to hold rallies that fateful Tuesday. You’ve seen the crowds we’ve been able to put together for ‘Women’s rights, Women’s choice’, ‘Opposition to Fascism’, ‘Anti-Islamophobia’, and many others? Well, we are going to organize rallies for all these groups in every voting district in every state.

How in the hell are you going to pull that off? Asked Brown, with a look of shock on his face. Ordinarily, a Freshman candidate would not be brought in on such a clandestine meeting, however, Brown had shown great tenacity during his campaign and had accepted all questionable donations eagerly; too eagerly it seemed, to be squeamish to their agenda. Plus it was good to add a fresh young perspective to their organization.

I said we, but what I mean is that our backers are going to pull it off; at least in all the major cities. As most of you are aware, since Kimeli is out of office, he is coordinating OFA, Organizing for Action-

Yes Roger, we know what OFA is, said Potts.

"Right, well anyway, his staff is handling the incoming funds to the foundations and creating fake expenditures so the laundered money can be readily distributed where it’s most needed.

Apparently, the price tag is not an option this next go around. They feel if we lose this next election, it could have dire consequences to our cause; pushing us back decades. Harsh took a moment to look around at everyone before going on, We had every piece in place, every pawn, every rook and bishop, and we chose the wrong fucking candidate. Then he waved his hand in the air and said No, scratch that, the right candidate didn’t run. But this time around he will be running.

You’re talking about the previous Vice President, Keith Donavan, Brown pointed out.

Precisely, Answered Harsh.

But he’s nothing more than a puppet... and then it hit Brown, oh shit, he will follow whatever path we direct him on, he finished with a nod and a grin.

Again, precisely. We are already beginning to funnel money to his campaign from our own reserves, not exactly legal, but who the hell will know, Harsh said as a statement, not a question. Donavan is a team player and he WILL show his gratitude once in office.

And if he has second thoughts, chimed in the former CIA Director, Percy Adams, we have plenty documents of past questionable activity to convince him otherwise.

That won’t be necessary, I know Donavan personally, as do most of you and he’ll play ball. Interjected Potts.

I think Brown said it better, he’s a puppet, stated Senator Jacqueline Salina in a condescending tone. Salina had met with Donavan on a couple occasions when it seemed Donavan had gone out of his way to approach her; she had not particularly appreciated his manner of approach. She personally thought him to be an arrogant ass who believed himself a ladies man. But, she also agreed that he would make a good puppet for their agenda, and they would use him as such.

Okay, began New Mexico’s Attorney General, Thomas Watts, it doesn’t sound like we can count on the illegal immigrant vote this time around. Having them vote in California doesn’t really change anything since the state is already blue and the republicans have no chance in the foreseeable future to take California. So what’s next?

I agree Thomas, that it doesn’t bear much impact in California, nor would it bear much impact in New York, began Harsh. However, the more we push it and speak of it in public, the more likely the media will be to take up our torch and help us push it in other states. Clearly their repetitive claims of republicans being racist have had the desired effect on much of the population; the more they hear it, the more likely they are to believe it.

Fascinating, replied Calderin once again, shaking his head. Though he knew it to be true, as a former student of psychology, it still fascinated him that people, especially those in their teens and twenties, could be so easily deceived. It seemed you had to have proof to convince people of something good, but if the story was negative, no proof seemed necessary.

You’re both right of course, indicated Potts, referring to Watts and Harsh, which is why I brought it up first. It’s worth mentioning, but at this time, there’s little to pursue. So, now that that’s out of the way, let’s move on to the next and most pressing topic, the border.

Migrants had begun flooding the border worse than ever during the previous administration when talks about amnesty began taking place. Now, illegal immigrants were coming across at an unprecedented rate. Both sides knew something had to be done, but still, nothing had been done.

Everyone came to the community building tonight with their files and notepads and all had them on the table in front of them, which is where each gaze was currently directed. Some casually looked through their notes, while others sat silently.

Finally, Senator Salina looked up and broke the silence, We are currently trying to manage the inflow, but honestly, our resources are being drained. I’m not sure how much longer we can hold on.

It’s the same in Texas, said Calderin. Actually, I think it’s the same all across the country.

Listen, began Adams, this is what we expected. I know it’s difficult to watch, but it’s also necessary.

Why, exactly is it necessary? I know they will eventually be democratic voters, but it seems like there’s already enough once we get amnesty to pass. Brown continued by saying, One of the reasons I got elected was campaigning to get something passed and my office is flooded every day with calls complaining about the influx of illegal immigrants and gang violence in the cities of New Jersey.

I’m afraid to say it’s going to get worse before it gets better, said Adams.

Percy is right, said Potts. We need to overwhelm the system in order to establish control.

How much more overwhelmed do we need it to be? There are places in some of Jersey’s cities where the police won’t even go.

I told you he wasn’t ready to be brought in yet, said Rawlings, looking to Harsh.

Screw you Whitt, replied Brown. Then looking to Potts he said, I just want to know what to plan for. If it has to get worse, fine, but it would be nice to have some kind of time table so I can plan a better way to suppress all the kickback I’m receiving.

Nodding her head, Potts said, Troy is right, and that’s part of what we need to discuss while we’re together; how we’re going to placate our responses to our constituents while the pieces are falling into place. That’s also why Mr. Stevenson is here; as a lawyer and lobbyist, he will help us plan for the fallout.

For one, said Adams, we need you guys to continue to propose bills stating that the bill will stop the influx, while adding to the bills things we know the Right will never agree to; that way it looks like we are the ones with a plan and the republicans are the ones ignoring the problem. Then looking to Brown he said, If I were you, I would put together a bill, and run it by us of course so we know it’ll never pass, that gives the impression you are doing as promised. You’ll promote the bill, but conveniently leave out what the Republicans will no doubt turn down. This way you’ll look good in your district and the media, who hates this President, will be sure to praise the freshman from New Jersey and put the blame on this administration.

I agree, said Potts.

Continuing, Adams said, If you want to know how bad it’s going to get, think back to what the Chinese did to our soldiers during the Korean War.

How’s that? Asked Salina.

The Chinese sent wave after wave of Chinese civilians to attack our soldiers armed with nothing more than farm tools, like shovels and pick-axes. Of course our soldiers began mowing them down, only they kept coming; until we ran out of ammunition that is. Then they sent in their fully armed soldiers and forced us to retreat.

As interesting as that is, I’m not sure how it relates to immigration, replied Brown.

Simple, continued Adams. The overflow of immigrants is going to deplete our resources, which will cause us to purchase more, which means the need for more money. With the need for more money, there will be the need to increase the taxes. One of the things this administration ran on is reducing taxes for the taxpayer and eliminating excessive costs. By overwhelming the system, this President will have to renege on his promise, causing him to lose favor with his base.

And with the influx of immigrants, Potts picked up, comes more and more gang violence. I know there is a lot now, but the more there is, the worse this President will look. Not only that, but due to the fact that these immigrants don’t know America’s history, they will be easily swayed to believe that the Republican Party is the party of racism. And, I would also like to add that by increasing the numbers in sanctuary cities, we will be able to move more Congress seats to blue states.

Adams stated, That is how we take control over America. To summarize, we send in waves of illegal immigrants, flooding the system and essentially bring America to its knees. Our allies will bail us out with the provision that we honor the U.N. initiative, declare Marshall Law and take our citizens weapons. Once this is done, we can institute Socialism and begin the process of joining the rest of the world for a One World Government.

Isn’t that a pretty big assumption, that our allies will bail us out? stated Brown.

Harsh and Potts looked at each other, then Harsh said, That would be a big jump if it weren’t preordained, but I assure, that path has been sealed. 

When no one replied, Calderin raised another issue, There’s also the drugs to consider that are flowing across the border. Everyone is keeping their eye on the southern border, and yes it’s bad, but very few are focused on the northern border.

That’s correct, replied Adams. The gangs in our country that are from Mexico and other countries are divided into cells on both sides of the border. They communicate with each other through pre-paid phones and coordinate drug deliveries through scouts that constantly update their organizations, which is happening on the northern border as well.

So we know about it, but we are letting them create chaos so this administration looks bad, and by doing that, we prevent another loss come election time? Asked Brown.

Precisely, said Rawlings.

Not only that, continued Adams, but we have ignored the Islamic push in our northern states, which has succeeded in establishing a stronghold in part of that region.

With things getting so out of control, and our resources cut short, how do we take back control after the election? Asked Brown.

At first we don’t, said Harsh.

No, began Potts, we have to make the timing right. We may even have to wait for the mid-term election to make our move; it all depends on whether we still have the House and if we can gain back the Senate. Then looking to Rawlings she added, Of course, we have a few Senators who favor our agenda, so it won’t be as difficult as it sounds.

The first ultimate goal will be to repeal the second amendment and eliminate the electoral vote. Once we do that, and we have most of the population dependent upon the government, we can pass any law we want. There will never be another republican President, ever.

You still haven’t said how you plan to get back order.

Many of the members glanced at each other around the table before anyone responded.

Finally Harsh addressed the question. Troy, you remember when I first approached you about joining our group? We talked about how the earth was becoming overpopulated and our resources were beginning to diminish at a much faster rate?

Of course, and I totally agree, we cannot sustain our resources with our current population.

"Right... so the first year or two after we get back the White House, we are going to recruit and train like crazy. Once we feel we’re ready, our troops will go through and clean house. Penalties for criminals will be exponentially increased, along with the death penalty. Anyone not getting on board, will find themselves without resources. The government will begin mandating procedures in the medical industry. If someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, or is at a late stage in life, medical treatment will be limited.

Farmers not producing a sufficient amount of crops will be removed from their land, or they will become tenants on what once was their land. A vast amount of farm ground in this country will become government owned land. Eventually about fifty percent of the land in America will be unoccupied within twenty years. Most people will live in sub-cities and have what they need within walking distance, therefore there will be less need for the ownership of vehicles. Distance travel will be mostly by rails at that point. The overpopulation of this earth is going to be our downfall, and if we don’t do something about it now, it will be too late; if it isn’t too late already.

So in other words, asked Brown, while we’re getting our ducks in a row, citizens will be unarmed and unable to defend themselves. The gang violence will increase everywhere and controlling medical treatment will help to decrease the population? Which will also in turn, decrease the outflow of resources?

In a nutshell, yes, stated Harsh.

Which brings us to another point, said Potts, and that is the production of training facilities along our southern and northern borders. Several in the north and a couple in the south are up and running, however we still have a few planned that are not yet in production.

I guess that’s my cue. This came from the Congresswoman from New Mexico, Jacqueline Salina, who had been mostly silent up to this point. We have one more building that is slated to be built on the edge of the Lincoln National Forest. We are currently in a legal battle with some ranchers, one ranch in particular that has so far held us up. That said, it is only a matter of time before we get in.

Time is something that we are running out of, I feel the need to convey the importance of urgency in this matter, expressed Rawlings.

As Padilla began to bristle, Potts interjected saying, Maria has spoken with me at length on this matter and I can verify that she is on top of things and we won’t have to wait much longer.

Although Maria appreciated Potts having her back, she would have preferred to put Rawlings’ pompous ass in his place herself. As it was, she let it pass.

While we’re on this subject, many more of the shipments coming across the border are being confiscated, indicated Adams. With the President sending more troops to the border, it’s making their job more difficult to get these shipments to distribution. And as long as we’re having incoming shipments confiscated, we can’t risk sending our shipments out, so these facilities need to be fronted well and they need to be secure. Then he added, I would also recommend secret vaults be installed on or near the premises, preferably near and if possible, underground.

This was something new to Troy’s ears, but he wasn’t about to question it. He had already proven himself to be the junior of the group with his previous questions and wasn’t about to expound on that. He could only assume the shipments coming in were drugs, but the shipments going out...? Certainly not drugs. It was either money or weapons; or both. The more he thought about it, it had to be both. No. Money would come in from the cartels to pay off the CIA, FBI and the politicians in order to grease the flow of drugs. The export then, had to be guns. Unless it was something else, which deeply concerned him, but he kept quiet.

I can give you the answer to this problem in one word and it is already being addressed, spoke Potts.

And what would that one word be? Asked Adams.

Caravans.

Excuse me?

Caravans, stated Potts, as if it should be obvious.

Please enlighten me.

Potts smiled and said, Very well. Our backers, and here she held up both hands with the quote signal, have already planned and organized caravans from the south. They will consist of immigrants from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Columbia, Venezuela, among others. The first caravan has already begun, it just hasn’t hit the news yet. Simultaneously, caravans have begun from the countries I mentioned as well and shortly after one caravan starts, another will begin. If you think we have border issues now, just give it another month or two, it will be one caravan after the other, with the promise that they will be allowed across our border through our amnesty program and that plenty of jobs will be available.

Holy shit, said Brown.

Indeed, said Rawlings, emanating a sour look from Stevenson.

While Stevenson had remained silent throughout the meeting, his job was simply to gather facts and afterwards, come up with a way to spin everything so that the Left came out smelling like roses. It seemed his talent was definitely going to be put to the test.

How is it possible to fund something like that? Asked Salina.

Not our problem, said Potts continuing. "Once these caravans begin hitting our ports of entry, our troops and border patrol will be overwhelmed. They will have no choice but to move more and more of their people to the ports of entry to control the caravans, meanwhile, our supply lines along the border will be open."

Genius, stated Adams. But why was I not made aware of this?

Harsh took that question and answered by saying, With your hands full, between dealing with the cartels and the Islamic movements, we didn’t want to add to your burden until we had all the logistics, which were only confirmed within the last few days.

Adams nodded his head and said, I see.

Everyone seemed to be deep in their own thoughts and feeling they had enough to process for one evening, Potts suggested they sleep on it and reconvene tomorrow. With that, everyone gathered their stuff and headed to their rooms.

Chapter 1

Margaret and Cole were high school sweet hearts and married at the young age of eighteen. They both worked hard and saved every penny they could to buy a piece of land southeast of Mayhill, New Mexico. Both loved the country life and horses, so they chose to start a horse ranch. They bought an old house on forty acres, a few horses and some cattle, and never looked back. She and Cole both worked forty hours a week in town for the first couple of years, and worked the ranch the rest of their waking hours.

They put every bit of their extra money into buying adjoining land and additional livestock. Land was much less expensive thirty years ago than it is today and after years of hard work, they were able to acquire a large spread.

Today, the Daniels ranch consists of just over two thousand acres. Easily half the land was pasture, a little over a quarter of it was timber, and the rest crop land. The property also consisted of three large well stocked ponds and a couple creeks flowing through it. One of the creeks on the property was from a spring that came off the mountains of the Lincoln National Forest which connected to the back side of their property.

Another benefit, was the breathtaking view of this mountain range bordering the eastern and southern edge of their property, with a distant view of the Rockies in the west.

The sun had been up for three hours now and the temperature was nearing seventy degrees. It was gearing up to be a warm day for late fall in New Mexico. Cole was fairly comfortable in his jeans and short-sleeve button up shirt, considering the weather around Mayhill was generally low in humidity, it helped the fall weather to feel rather comfortable. Janie, the local Veterinarian, whom Cole had called earlier to help deliver the new addition to the Daniel’s horse herd, was there to assist in case of complications. Although he didn’t expect any complications, he wanted Janie there just in case.

The Daniels had a full-time ranch hand that they considered part of the family. John Mackenzie, who went by Mac, had been with them for over twenty six years. When Margaret was pregnant with Reid, Cole had hired Mac to lighten the load for Margaret. She wasn’t at first keen on the idea, joking that she could keep up with Cole on her worst day, but she eventually came around to the idea. Mostly to have someone watching out for Cole when she couldn’t.

Mac and his wife Shelly, who at first was a homemaker, then later became a self-taught programmer and works out of their home, became close friends of the Daniels over the years. The Daniels also employed a couple teenagers from Mayhill to help out on the ranch from time to time during the school year, and steadily during the summer.

Even though he had the extra help, Cole still liked having Janie nearby.

She’s doing great Cole, I don’t think she’ll need our help, and the stall looks good to, Janie said as her and Cole watched the mare begin the first stage of labor.

Cole nodded and said I had Jackson clean the stall and disinfect the floor and walls and put down fresh straw. Then Margaret gave Zelda a gentle bath with warm water and chlorhexidine, so there shouldn’t be a contamination problem. They both miss Reid a great deal and I think they’re as excited about the delivery as I am. Cole smiled to himself as he thought of Reid and wished he was here as well. The Buckskin breed was Reid’s favorite horse. In fact, it was Reid’s Buckskin mare, Zelda that was giving birth to the new colt, and was meant to be a surprise when Reid came home on his next leave, which was overdue.

Damn right we are exclaimed Jackson, as he and his mother Margaret came up behind them. Neither Cole nor Janie had noticed them enter the barn, but both smiled as the pair joined them.

Jackson, Reid’s younger brother at twenty-four, two years younger than Reid, had gone to New Mexico State University on a football scholarship. The same type of scholarship his older brother had passed on to join the army. 

Jackson had starred as a running back in high school, but wound up playing cornerback in college. He received a bachelor’s degree in Business with an Agriculture concentration, then returned home to help run the ranch.

Janie had also gone to New Mexico State University, but on a Cross Country scholarship. She had always loved animals, so it only made sense to her that she would seek a degree as a veterinarian.

The Daniel’s were very fond of Janie. She and Reid were the same age and had been high school sweethearts. The Daniel’s had always secretly hoped that Reid and Janie would get married and raise a family on or near the Daniels ranch, which is located southwest of Mayhill, New Mexico. Janie was high spirited and very outgoing, much like Reid, which is just one reason Cole and his wife Margaret thought they would make a great couple.

Reid on the other hand, apparently had no interest in college, or immediate marriage. He had plenty of scholarship offers to play football, but his heart wasn’t in it. He had wanted to be a Green Beret ever since he was a young child. He loved the movie The Green Berets, starring John Wayne, and had memorized The Ballad of the Green Berets at a young age, saying it moved him in a way he couldn’t explain.

Both Daniel’s boys attended high school in Cloudcroft, which is a little over twenty miles from Mayhill. Because Mayhill is such a small community, they, along with seven other small towns in the area, commuted to Cloudcroft for schooling. With so few children from Mayhill, Janie would sit and chat with Reid and Jackson on the bus every day for their commute. Over the years, Reid and Janie became nearly inseparable and dated each other throughout high school.

To the surprise of most people, Reid enlisted in the army only three weeks after graduating. He explained his intentions to his father, but asked him to keep it to himself. Reid felt he needed to let his father know ahead of time because he knew his dad was expecting him to stay on at the ranch. But Reid didn’t want to tell anyone else until he signed the papers; he wasn’t sure how his mother would react. He knew Janie would try to talk him out of it and he wasn’t ready for that discussion just yet.

After he enlisted, he had told his mother first, and as he guessed she would be, she was less than enthused. Jax, Reid’s younger brother’s nickname, wasn’t as surprised. He wasn’t happy to be the only son left to help on the ranch, but he supported his older brother.

Jackson shook his head and only said, Mom’s going to be pissed.

When Reid finally got around to telling Janie his plans, she took it very bad. She had always seen them together in college, getting married afterwards and making a future together. They had argued, well she had argued, yelled a lot, shed a few tears and told him to go to hell. Not exactly the reaction Reid had hoped for.

Reid was silent for the most part, though he tried to tell her how much he cared for her, but felt this was something he needed to do. Janie had been too hurt and upset to listen to his reasoning. He had hoped she would relent after a day or two, but she hadn’t. In fact she hadn’t spoken to him since, although she had stayed in contact with the rest of the Daniels family.

While Reid was serving his nation, Janie had gone to college to become a veterinarian. Now here Janie was, back at the ranch, helping to deliver a buckskin colt from Reid’s mare. Along with the large herd of cattle spread throughout the property, the Daniels also had a decent size herd of horses, consisting of Buckskins, Thoroughbreds, Morgans, and a few Coldblood horses.

Coldbloods were strong mounts that could carry heavy loads, which came in handy during the Daniels annual elk hunting trip into the mountains.

Because the Buckskin was Reid’s favorite, Janie knew he would be very excited when he came home next. If he came home she thought, but kept that thought to herself.

That was the main reason she had never responded to Reid’s letters. Reid had written to her for the first year or so after joining the service, but she never wrote back. She had kept his letters, but refused to open them.

She knew if she opened them, she wouldn’t be able to block him out. If that was what he wanted to do with his life, instead of spending it with her, then she’d leave him to it. But she’d be damned if she was going to spend every waking hour wondering where he was, what he was doing, or if he was lying in a foxhole bleeding to death.

THE DELIVERY WENT WELL and the Daniels, along with Janie, were watching the colt suckle his mothers’ milk when a black SUV drove up the long drive. With never knowing for certain where Reid was, the Daniels always dreaded a government vehicle pulling up onto the property. But this didn’t have the look of army. It looked more like a spook vehicle. FBI, or some other acronym. It had government plates, but the side windows were darkened, eliminating the possibility of seeing who was inside until they parked and got out.

At first they pulled into the circle drive in front of the Daniel’s white two story house, with wrap-around pillared porch, but then seemed to notice the group gathered just outside the barn and continued around the drive to the barn.

Good morning, said one of the three men who exited the vehicle.

Janie noticed that the three men wore suit pants and jacket, but no tie; obviously trying to appeal to the country folk she thought. She also noticed Cole relax just a little, thinking he probably realized these men were not here to deliver bad news about his son fighting in another country. If she was honest with herself, she was more than a little relieved as well.

Still, these men had an arrogant air to them, as though they were a step above everyone else. Mr. Good Morning, looked to be in his fifties, while the remaining two were probably mid-to-late thirties. One of the latter carried a manila folder in one hand, and seemed to be following the older man’s lead, while the driver seemed to purposely hang back a few feet.

Janie found herself wondering if that was defensive positioning. Is this guy a Bodyguard? Growing a little nervous, she asked herself why there would be a need for a bodyguard. Jackson must have noticed the same thing, because she noticed him take a few steps away, spreading their own group out a bit more.

Morning, said Cole, taking a step forward. Can I help you gentlemen with something?

The older man smiled and said I think so. I’m Benjamin Tarsky, and these are my associates, Benjamin gestured first to the man with the folder, Allen Graham, and then gesturing to the last man that’s John.

John? And does John have a last name? ask Jackson

Benjamin seemed to only notice Jackson then. He turned to glance at John, hesitated, then turned back and said with an amused smile, Smith.

Okaaay, thought Janie, these guys aren’t here with bad news about Reid, but something is definitely off.

Exactly what can I help you with? The previously released tension in Cole seemed to be building back up.

Well Mr. Daniels, began Benjamin, you are Cole Daniels?

I am

Mr. Daniels, I’m with the Bureau of Land Management. Is there somewhere we can talk?

Chapter 2

The morning was overcast and spitting a slight mist from the heavens as Sergeant First Class, Reid Daniels walked from the barracks to the waiting chopper. After eight years serving his country, he was going home for good. He had received a message a week earlier to ‘call home’ from his mother, but the message had lacked any details.

When he did call home, his mother explained that his father had experienced an episode. Reid’s job was a difficult one, and it required a clear head. He had been missing his family lately and receiving the message from his mother about his father seemed like an omen. He spent eight years serving his country, six of those fulfilling his dream in the Special Forces. But now felt that it was time to return to the ranch.

It had only taken a week for Reid’s paperwork to go through once he put his notice in. He had a great Commander who worked well with his team and submitted Reid’s resignation as family related, which helped to speed up the process.

His best friend, Sergeant First Class, Harold (Harley) Capprie, the Team’s demolition man, or Engineer Sergeant, matched his pace as they walked to the awaiting chopper. They had successfully completed their Special Forces training together and spent the last six years wearing a Green Beret, hopping to and from countries around the world. Most of the time they deployed in the same unit and on missions they couldn’t talk about with anyone outside their group. But recent events had caused Reid to second guess his own government, and because of that, he felt it was time to go.

‘When you can no longer trust those who supply your Intel, or believe that you’re just a pawn in a political game, it’s time to walk away,’ he’d told Harley after their last mission. Harley had tried to talk him out of it, but Reid had made up his mind.

They had recently returned from an assignment after losing five out of twelve men. Men they were as close to as next of kin, men of which, had their own families back home. Their assignments were some of the most rigorous and dangerous, and each knew their number could pop up at any given time.

They could run into overwhelming forces, their parachute could fail, hell there were a million things that could go wrong. But you should never feel that you were hung out by your own government for political reasons, and Reid couldn’t shake the feeling that that was what had happened. Politics seemed to play such a big role in their missions now, that it was becoming difficult to understand what their actual goal was.

You know it’s not going to be the same without you. With a disgusted look and shake of his head, Harley continued Hell, they’re moving Spivey over from Bravo Team.

Reid, not very successfully, tried to hold in a chuckle and said you’re kidding? Man I’m real sorry to hear that.

Very funny. Tactical skills, quick thinking and his ability to remain clam under fire they said.

Still smiling, Reid said Really? No mention of his social skills?

Unrevealed, was Harley’s only response.

Sergeant First Class, Martin Spivey, had gone through Special Forces training at the same time as Reid and Harley. He was very efficient and dedicated, but didn’t talk much. He talked so little that it was unnerving. Harley, during their training, would often refer to Spivey as a future spook, saying ‘Mark my words, he’s got CIA written all over him.’ Reid never argued that point. He felt bad enough leaving his team and didn’t really know how to respond adequately to his replacement, so he stayed silent.

After a few moments of silence, Harley said, So back to the farm huh?

Ranch.

Harley said, Ranch, farm, what’s the difference?

"Well City Boy, Reid said with sarcasm, a ranch usually consists of four legged creatures, like horses and cattle. Whereas farming, mostly consists of plowing and growing crops."

Smirking, Harley said, "So four legged animals, such as sheep? Is that what this is about, you miss being in the fields alone with your sheep?"

Very funny. Don’t lose your sense of humor, I have a feeling you’re going to need it.

After a few beats, Harley said, Look, I know you think we were set up, but I just can’t believe our own people would do that.

They had had this conversation many times. How did the Taliban know where they were going to be and when they’d be there? It wasn’t like they had stumbled upon them. They weren’t hopping around looking for a better position, the Taliban had been camped in that area for days, and they were dug in. With satellite imaging and drones, there’s no way a group of Taliban soldiers that large should go unnoticed. No, Reid was convinced his team had been set up, he just wasn’t in a position to do anything about it. But he knew it was political, and he was done being a pawn in a political game that his government showed no desire in winning.

There was a new President in the White House now, so the troops were expecting a positive change, but it was unclear as to how long it would take for these changes to happen. It seemed Congress was fighting the President every step of the way, which made his job all the more difficult. Plus, there was no telling how long it would take to root out the bad lemons.

I hope you’re right Harley, I really love what we do and I’m going to miss it and everyone I served with, but I can’t go back out there and focus on what we do with the doubts I have. Plus, I miss the ranch and I think my family needs me there.

Harley thought of Reid telling him about his father’s health, and how much it took to work a ranch that size. When Reid received an urgent message, they at first thought his father had a heart attack, but it only turned out to be stress. Still, it had been enough to scare the hell out of Reid.

In a way, Harley envied Reid; to be able to look out across thousands of acres, without a bull’s-eye on your back or a bounty on your head for being a Green Beret would be a nice change. Not to mention the prospect of hunting and fishing your own land. He had to admit it sounded pretty inviting.

Just remember, you’re always a brother. If you ever need anything, we’re just a phone call away, said Harley.

Reid laughed. Now that is touching. You’re not getting sentimental on me are you?

Harley looked at him now, I guess that was a little dramatic. Come to think of it, I’m going to be pretty busy, hopping from country to country, sharing my charm with all the foreign women, so I might not be easily reached.

"Now that’s the Harley I know. Just don’t get suckered in by one carrying a suicide vest, you might not be as impressed with yourself if one of those women disrobes for you."

That’s a horrible thought. How dare you leave me with that image as you board your flight!

Reid turned to face his friend and held out his hand. While shaking hands he said If you ever get tired of this, we can always use a good hand on the ranch.

They both knew that leaving the service and returning to the states without a job lined up could leave a person broke and homeless in no time. And with all the cutbacks the government had made in the military, this was a real issue. So it was a big plus for Reid that he had a family business to return to.

I didn’t think they used hired guns in the west anymore. Didn’t they round up the outlaws years ago?

They did smart ass, but there’s always the occasional riffraff.

Harley laughed at that, but said You know, horses and me don’t get along all that well.

As Reid was climbing onto the chopper and had to raise his voice to be heard, These are Qatgani horses we used here, mostly used for light riding, they weren’t built for what we put them thru. I’ll put you on a good buckskin or thoroughbred and you’ll think you died and gone to heaven compared to the Qatgani.

Harley was shaking his head and backing away as the chopper began to rev up for take-off, and yelled, Somehow I doubt that. Besides, when I imagine the thought of dying and going to heaven, the visual of me on horseback is not what comes to mind.

Reid smiled and shook his head and gave a final wave goodbye, then settled in for the beginning of his trek home.

Afghanistan - Kunar Province

Reid’s Last Mission

The C-130 flew out of Kandahar at 0330 hours for the nearly two hour long trip before dropping its cargo from thirty thousand feet in the northern part of Kunar Province in Afghanistan. They had received Intel that there was a group of about fifty Taliban taking refuge at a small village, three klicks south of Wama and roughly five klicks to the north of their drop site, along the Pech river. According to the Intel received, the group was led by Abdul-Muhaimin. Muhaimin, whom was believed to be responsible for many of the car bombs in the city, as well as the roadside bombings taking place outside Kandahar, near the NATO base. The base had been an American operated base, until NATO came in and took over in 2006.

It was unclear what had made Muhaimin draw his Taliban group back to the Kunar Province. When word came in of their suspected location, the decision was made to send in a Special Forces team to verify their location and send in coordinates for an air strike. Because they believed Muhaimin to be at this village, the upper brass wanted a team on site to