Free Crashed: The Death Of The Dollar by William Cooper

mountain.
     
    "Look, Mr. Paine, most of the info out there about you is way off. It's inaccurate and should never be able to lead anyone to find you. If anything makes me think any of you face any danger, I will find a way to let you know immediately."
     
    Mike's redness faded away some and his breathing slowed.
     
    Bishop Christensen continued. "It's not just the food. The rumor mill is in full swing. The name 'Thomas Paine' is on most people's tongues. Some think you're the former governor using an alias, from before the feds shut down the state government. Most seem to think you're a retired army general. But the one thing everyone seems to believe: you're here, and you're capable of leading a successful resistance against the government," he concluded with a half-hearted smile.
     
    "What a bunch of bull shit!" Mike said angrily and dismissive. "Dammit, I don't mind dropping off food to help out some every few weeks, but that's it. I just want to live my life in seclusion. Enjoy my peace."
    Jessica grabbed Mike by the hand. "Hey, look at me. Don't be mad. You know in your heart we're safe. Yes, we enjoy our peace. You've given us a terrific life even in the worst imaginable time. All he's asking is that you think about doing something to help bring peace, or maybe some freedom, back into everyone's life. Just think about it."
    Stacy grabbed his shoulder from behind. "I agree. Think about it."
    Mike looked down at Brad sitting there soaking up every word. He looked back up, and gave Mike their nod.
    "Oh, so you're against me too huh?" Mike said to him with a hint of humor in his voice.
    "Excuse me, Mr. Paine," Susan wanted to get her two cents in. "I'm fifty-seven years old, and in my fifty-seven years, I've never seen a name bring hope to people's faces like yours does. Even without seeing your strong and imposing stature, just your voice conveys power and authority. A word from you, and people will listen. An idea from you, and everyone will listen. Please, give this some thought."
     
    Mike started to walk away. He really didn't want to talk anymore. "Mr. Paine, there's still more I think you should know about," the Bishop added.
    "Damn! What!?" Mike said loudly.
    "There's a lot of talk about actively fighting back. And I know you don't want to hear it, but it's inspired by the rumors about you."
    "No!" insisted Mike. "We can't provide enough food for people to fight back against the hand that feeds them, and right now that hand is the federal government. They fight back, those who aren't killed by the biggest and best armed police and military force on the planet will die of starvation. No!"
     
    "Well, that's not entirely true, sir," the Bishop knew he was pushing the wrong buttons, but he felt he had to finish. "John Otis, from Cedar City, came to see me a few days ago. Someone told him that I was the contact to you."
     
    "Shit! You're supposedly trustworthy friends are going to get me killed!" Mike interrupted.
     
    "He said that he was working with all the regional farmers. John's got thousands of acres around Cedar, Enoch, and Parowan. He said the Holder Family was on board too, and they've got huge farms around Newcastle and Beryl that supply grain and milk. According to him, they got together with several big farms as far north as Beaver. When the crash first happened, they all moved and hid a lot of their herds in the mountains. At first they were concerned about mobs from the bigger cities traveling to this area to steal food. But then they kept them hidden because the government was stealing from them. They've agreed that if we're – you're - able to lead a resistance and win, they can feed everyone along I-15 from Beaver to Mesquite, and still have some left over for trade."
     
    "It's not going to happen!" Mike said firmly as he walked away.
     
    It was a longer drive than normal for him getting back home. He felt like the weight of the world had just been placed on his shoulders, and he wasn't happy