Blackout 5 Hornet's Nest by Akart Bobby

Author:Akart, Bobby [Akart, Bobby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-02-17T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

Afternoon, November 8

Colton’s Birthday

Shiloh Ranch

The last of the laughter died down after an impromptu birthday celebration for Colton took place. There were plenty of embarrassing stories told by Alex and Madison, and a few barbs were thrown his way by Jake, who’d been a friend and client for many years. This resembled any other family gathering for a loved one’s birthday, until the elephant in the room reared its head once again.

“Everybody, I hate to put a damper on things,” said Stubby. “We have a very big decision to make as a group and then we need to discuss what’s next.”

Maria and Bessie stood and began gathering everyone’s plates. There was no evidence of the chocolate cake anywhere. Bessie commented how she could just place these plates on the shelf for tomorrow’s use.

“I don’t need to rehash the predicament that we’re in,” continued Stubby. “There’s a storm brewin’ across the way and I feel certain Junior is planning something. It’s been a week since we rescued Alex. In my gut, I feel the clock windin’ down.”

“Stubby, should we take the fight to them, or wait until they come to us?” asked Jake.

Stubby stood so that he could face the group. He unfurled a set of construction drawings for one of the outbuildings. On the back were pencil markings depicting a map of the area and arrows drawn in several directions.

“That’s the first order of business,” replied Stubby. “If we take the fight to them, then we willingly start a fight that may have to be fought on their turf. If we let Junior make the first move, then we defend our positions that are familiar to us. You can win a battle by having a superior defense.”

“Also, by waiting for him, it might not happen at all, right?” asked Madison.

“That’s true, but not likely,” said Stubby. “I know these folks. Don’t underestimate their penchant for revenge. Ma has quite a history on that front, all impossible to prove, of course.”

Emily raised her hand and spoke. “We can prove their atrocities now.”

“Maybe, but to whom?” asked Stubby. “They’re the authority around here. No, I feel like we need to prepare for the inevitable conflict. That’s why we’ve called all of the major landowners on this side of the river to get together tomorrow at Shiloh’s visitor center. We need to be a hundred percent on board.”

“My vote is to get ready with a strong defensive plan,” said Alex. “Let’s catch them off guard when they cross that bridge. Maybe we can just turn them back around.”

“Or inflict early losses on them, which might break their spirit,” added Colton.

Stubby nodded and smiled at Alex. “I believe your approach is best, Alex. Does anybody disagree?”

“No.”

“I totally agree.”

“I agree, so what’s the plan?”

Stubby sat on the hearth and spread the drawings out on the floor. Everyone leaned forward to focus on his proposal.

“There are two aspects to this plan, one which I will share with the ranchers tomorrow and the other is for our eyes only.

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