Free Revenge in the Homeland by A. J. Newman Page A

would take its place.
    They had tried to leave the area twice and both attempts were disastrous. They were attacked by a gang a few miles out of town and Angela’s husband had been killed trying to defend his family. They were robbed and their cars hijacked. They limped back to Gail’s house and stayed until they could build up enough supplies to try to head out again. This time they travelled only after dark and walked through fields and back roads. They had covered over 50 miles when they saw a helicopter. They waved and yelled until they got its attention. The helicopter landed and four heavily armed men got out and made them lay down on the ground with their hands behind their heads. Bill didn’t lie down quickly enough so one of the men shot him.
    The leader of the group walked around behind them and stood behind Angela.
    “Which one is your husband?”
    “My husband was killed by a bunch of thugs much like you.”
    “He kicked her on the ass and said, “Ah a feisty bitch. I like feisty bitches.”
    He reached down between her legs, rubbed his hand on her thighs and said, “You are now my woman. I will take care of you and keep the thugs away. Get in the chopper.”
    She grabbed her son’s hand and headed towards the helicopter.”
    “I didn’t say to bring any children! He stays.”
    He shoved her in the helicopter and they flew back towards Corpus Christie. It took the next six months for them to find her. They would rescue her and try to escape again.
     
    Gail walked in the store, saw her friend Mita and said, “Mita, you are so beautiful. I love your long black hair.”
    “That is so funny. I love your long blond hair, but it would look so bad on a short girl from Laos.”
    “If we had hair dye you could try it and see how Lucio likes it. I’ll help.”
    They both laughed and got down to trading. Gail had no idea that her friend was giving her much more for her vegetables that the going rate and was just happy that their little garden fed the two families. She was also able to get things for Mita that others didn’t have access to thanks to the collapse of the world. Angela’s Cabra man, Hector, showered her with food, alcohol and household goods that were in short supply. She gave some to her sisters and took the fresh vegetables in trade. Hector also made sure that the other Cabras left the whole family alone to keep Angela happy.
     
    ***
     
    Captain Bob Jones was not happy with the task that he had to accomplish this morning. He took a flight from the Ford directly to the Compound in Mobile to give the news to Gus.
    “John, I need your help.”
    “You know that I will do anything for you.”
    “Don’t be so enthusiastic until you know what I want you to do. We just got information from Corpus Christie on Gus’ family. One grandson and a son-in-law are dead. The rest are in good health. The ongoing issue is that a Cabra officer kidnapped Gus’ middle daughter and lives with her as his wife.”
    “Holy shit! I don’t want to be in the room when you tell Gus. He will explode and kill the messenger.”
    “You are his best friend; I was hoping that you would tell him.”
    “Oh my God! I need a couple of stiff drinks to even think about telling him. He will take the deaths like the man that he is, but the part about his daughter will make him go berserk. I’ll do it, but give me an hour or so to think this over.”
     
    John took Gus to his house and had Beth send the kids out to play. He sat down with Gus and started telling him the news. Gus took the death of his son-in-law in stride, but tears flowed when he heard about the death of his grandson, who was his daughter Gail and son-in-law Bill’s son. He was very happy when he heard that all of the others were okay and in good health.
    “Gail and her husband Bill and Skip are doing fine. Your other daughter Pat, her husband Tony and their daughters are also doing fine.”
    John looked him in the eyes and said, “Gus stay seated and stay