CHAPTER 5: BOILING POINT

Kevin was at a crossroads. Here he was, on the run from the military, hunkered down in an abandoned barn, cold, nearly broke, and hungry. His parents had turned their backs on him, none of his old friends who still lived in town would let him stay with them, he was completely on his own. He now knew he didn't plan this out real well. He almost, ALMOST, wished he'd stayed with the marines, and, at the very least, hoped for a dishonorable discharge, then he'd be out legally and not AWOL. But, he put himself in this position. He was determined to get to Canada at all cost, though. And he had a Plan B, as it were.

Before he left Sparkyville, he did make a purchase. What few knew was he had a license to carry and conceal a gun. He managed to get his hands on a pistol, with two spare clips. As he tried to keep himself warm and dry, he looked over a plan he had. He was planning to make a withdrawal from a bank in town, but not the kind of withdrawal many would normally do.

Marine Recruitment Center

Sparkyville, USA

Charlie was in his office at his desk. Cormac was off doing his latest assignment. Master Sergeant Donaldson came bursting in, startling Charlie only for a second, but regained his composure quickly.

"Sergeant Donaldson, sir!" he said.

"Sergeant," Donaldson began, "we finally have a lead on Private Ray. He is, in fact, in Billings, Montana. His parents called our offices, and my superiors informed me of his whereabouts. I have M.P.'s in route to Billings, as we speak."

"That's great, sir," said Charlie, smiling. "Maybe we can finally get to the bottom of this whole situation."

"Apparently, Private Ray asked his folks for some extra money, but refused and turned him away. They called us soon afterwards."

"They should have let him stay there, and then called us, so we could have apprehended him right there."

"True, but it's still a good lead. We have some other local military surrounding the town, as well. The army agreed to assist us, as did the National Guard. They suspect he may do something drastic. According to one source, a sporting goods store sold Ray a pistol, and he has a conceal and carry license."

"That does not sound good, sir."

"It doesn't. So, are you thinking what I'm thinking, Sergeant Brown?"

"I think we're taking a trip to Billings, Montana."

TO BE CONTINUED…