Deadrise 2: Deadwar by Steven R. Gardner Page B

or any vestige of the old United States Government, as both were the central villains in most of the conspiracies that had governed his life.
    “General…” Jenkins added, giving Boone his hardest, coldest stare. The defiance in Boone’s eyes flickered then withered and died.
    General sir…I…I…” Boone stammered, unsure of what to say.
    Boone usually had a lackey or two that tagged along wherever he went. Tonight they were going to take a Humvee to the security checkpoint the Militia had setup out on I-80.
    “None of your men are coming along?” Jenkins asked, cutting the tension and changing the subject as they began walking for the parking lot. It allowed Boone to regain his composure and his submission to Jenkins will was complete.
    “Not tonight. I want to speak with you privately.” Boone said quietly, conspiratorially.
    Jenkins had suspected Boone would try something like this. When Jenkins had first met him two days ago, Boone had expressed concern with Hughes leadership of Mountain View. Tonight, during the discussions, Jenkins had seen Boone casting Hughes odd looks, often glancing to Jenkins as if to tell him see what I mean?
“Captain Turner and his driver will be accompanying us. Will that be a problem?” Jenkins asked, equally conspiratorial.
“That’s up to you. How much do you trust them to hear?”
“My men are loyal to me.” Jenkins said confidently.
    “Very well…” They spoke no more as they continued walking down the path to the parking area, where the Alpha One Humvee was parked. Captain Turner and Corporal Durbin stood idly about, chatting and smoking. As they walked up, both the Major and the Corporal snapped to attention.
    “At ease…” Jenkins said. “Let’s get rolling.” They all piled into the Hummer, with Durbin at the wheel, Turner riding shotgun, and Jenkins and Boone in the back. Once they were out of the parking lot and winding up the drive, Jenkins raised his voice.
“Ok listen up! Boone and I are going to be discussing some things that are to remain in this vehicle. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes sir.” Echoed both the Captain and Corporal.
“Say your piece, Boone.”
“There are several of us who are unhappy with the way Hughes is handling things.”
“Why haven’t you spoken up?” Jenkins asked.
“You’ve talked with him. You know how paranoid he is. To question his methods or motives will only turn his paranoia on you.”
    “And everyone just falls in line?” There was half a smirk on Jenkins face as he was reminded of the conversation he and Mac had while forming the Militia, and the docile civilian sheep of Rainbow Lake, and the way they had submitted to his will and put their lives in the hands of the Council, who were but extensions of his own power.
    “He has a grip on the people. A Cult of Personality.”
    Jenkins understood fully. “Does he eliminate those who oppose him?”
    “Not openly. Not yet. But they are definitely cast to the bottom of the pecking order; the last to eat or bathe, or receive medical attention.”
    “Are there enough of you to overthrow Hughes?” Jenkins asked bluntly. Are there any of my own that conspired to overthrow me
    “If there were we would have done it by now. There are only a handful of us. He has twenty armed men at his disposal who will kill on his command without a seconds thought.”
    “Why you? You seem to have it made here. You’re the security chief, basically Hughes right hand man.”
    “I won’t lie… I have taken advantage of my position. But threatening to kill anyone who tried to go with your people? What the fuck is that? Who is he to tell me that I can’t try to find a better place for me or my family?” Boone was simmering with rage.
    “Does he suspect your loyalty?” Jenkins asked. Who would challenge me? Lucas? The Sheriff? Mac?
    “No. Not yet.” Boone replied.
    “Why?” Let the bastards try! I will put a fucking bullet between their eyes!
    “Because I don’t question