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Kent stopped just behind Brenner and Ramsey and dismounted. He looked directly into Tate’s eyes and his mouth contorted, as if what he was about to say had a bitter taste.
“President Howard will see you. You’ll need to walk up the rest of the way.”
“We’re aware.”
He glanced at Aidyn who shook his head but started following the three assholes from the BRR, who rode on their four wheelers ahead of them, kicking up as much dust as they could.
As soon as they were out of sight, he turned his comm unit on and Aidyn did the same. He called down to his teammates. “We’re on foot. Heading to see Everett. He must have a phone up there. Someone called Bennit to tell him we were up here.”
Henry responded. “That’s rather interesting. Maybe Addy should go sit with Keaton Bennit and watch him.”
Tate thought for a moment. “I don’t know about that. For the time being, I’d like Bennit to be unaware that we know he has a direct line of communication up here.”
“Roger.”
They made their hike without further talking. It was warm outside, and he began to sweat. Every so often, one of the three men would stop and look back at them, making sure they were still walking. He hoped they were also at least slightly impressed with the fact that he and Aidyn were in pretty good shape and made the hike look fairly easy. He reminded himself again to put hill climbing on his workout. But he silently hoped he wouldn’t have to make this trek that often. He felt vulnerable and uneasy up here in their territory. They were armed, but so were the BRR. And the BRR were, at best, unpredictable.
Finally nearing the clearing he remembered from before, he saw a few people moving around, performing everyday tasks. One woman made clay bowls on a table made of rough logs, tied together with strips of rope. Her hands were deft, her fingers easily molded the clay into different shaped bowls and accessories. The piece she worked on now seemed to take the shape of a pitcher. Her thumb and forefinger smoothly formed the spout. It was impressive watching artisans work.
“Quit gawking.” Brenner groused.
Tate leveled a harsh look on him, which seemed to get the point across. Brenner turned and kept walking toward the same cabin they’d stood in front of yesterday.
Before they reached their spot in front of the porch, Kent jogged to the cabin and knocked three times.
Everett exited his cabin looking every bit the imperial he thought himself to be. His clothing was different but similar, the long squirrel tail vest the same.
“I’m trying to figure out what you’d need to talk about again today. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you liked coming up here.”
Tate and Aidyn said nothing and Everett stared at each of them. Trying to make them squirm didn’t work so he began talking.
“Alright.” He heaved out a big breath and tucked his thumbs into pockets sewn into his vest. “Let’s hear what’s so important that you’ve made the trip up here again twice in as many days.”
“I’m sure you’re aware that we’re installing shipping containers on the perimeter of the base. I’ve been given permission from the United States Department of Defense to take prisoners of anyone who trespasses. Or causes any damage. We’ll be doing that effective immediately.”
Everett stared at them. His eyes took on a sinister leer and Tate’s heartbeat increased as his mind began running all scenarios through his head.
“If you take any of my people hostage, we’ll come down guns blazing to get them back.”
“We’ll be ready for you, guns blazing.”
Aidyn chuckled slightly and Everett’s eyes landed on him. Aidyn grinned at Everett before saying, “We’ve fought in real wars, Everett. We’ve battled enemies you’ve never dreamed of. We’d prefer not to fight, but we will. With all we have.”
The silence grew between them and Tate wondered if they should just turn and leave, but he wanted to know about Keaton Bennit.
“What information do you have on Keaton Bennit?”
Everett laughed. “Now you want information from me?”
“I think we can help each other.”
“Yes. I believe you promised to speak to the mayor about the deferment.”
“I asked you to keep your people up here in good faith. You didn’t do that.”
Everett waved his hand around. “These boys are harmless.”
“Then keep them up here.”
