Free The Line of Departure: A Postapocalyptic Novel (The New World Series Book 4) by G. Michael Hopf Page B

very good. When you have the time, go get cleaned up.”
    “Will do, sir. By the way, I thought you’d like to know that one of the rebel prisoners was Major Ashley,” Simpson informed.
    Barone’s eyebrows rose when he heard the news. “You don’t say? So we finally got that traitor. Good. Anything from him?”
    Major Ashley was the highest ranking officer to turn his back on Barone following the massacre. He had become the leader of the resistance. Having him in captivity was a blow to their efforts.
    “No, sir, his lips are sealed.”
    “You know what to do,” Barone said.
    “That I do. I’ll get back to work,” Simpson answered, then turned and left.
     • • • 
    Barone walked into the waiting room to find Timms sitting nervously, tapping his fingers on his leg.
    “Mr. Timms, you look like someone whose doctor just told them they have ass cancer. You all right?”
    “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for meeting with me,” Timms said, standing up and stretching his arm out to shake Barone’s hand.
    Barone ignored Timms’s greeting and walked right past him into his office.
    “Come in here!” Barone commanded.
    Timms followed and quickly sat in a chair positioned in front of the desk. His eyes widened when he saw the broken glass on the desk and some of the furniture in disarray.
    “Close the door, please!” Barone ordered.
    Timms shot up from the chair and went back to the door and closed it. “That was something last night.”
    “Yes, it was, but we were victorious and that’s all that matters,” Barone said as he swept glass from his chair and sat down.
    “I heard that—”
    “Mr. Timms, I’m busy. I don’t have time for idle chitchat. What can I help you with?” Barone interrupted.
    Sweat began to bead on Timms’s forehead. “Sorry, Colonel. Things have gotten really crazy around here. I know you want this to end, and I think I have a plan.”
    Barone relaxed in his chair. It felt good to take a seat after being up all night. “I’m all ears, unless it has anything to do with me leaving Coos Bay.”
    “It’s sort of a grand compromise. You don’t have to leave but you do need to step down. You can live here, but you’ll have to relinquish control of your forces.”
    “Not going to happen, so if that’s all you have, then let yourself out.”
    “Please, Colonel, listen. The rebellion is not going to stop. You might have won the battle last night but this is far from over,” Timms pleaded.
    “Don’t be so confident in your predictions. Our victory last night was an important one, and we captured their leader,” Barone replied.
    “You have Major Ashley?” Timms asked, shocked.
    “Yes, we’re interrogating him now. We captured dozens and they’re all being processed now, so don’t think that I don’t have an advantage here.”
    “Colonel, I don’t think the resistance will end just because you’ve taken Major Ashley prisoner. You must understand that there are now thousands that are against you and your military rule. You must understand that the only way for this to end is for you to step down, cede control to a newly elected civilian authority—”
    “Enough. I’m not listening to this. Please show yourself out,” Barone scolded as he pointed to the door.
    “Please, Colonel. I’m not against you, but I know my plan will work,” Timms again pleaded.
    “Why are you so confident?” Barone asked, irritation in his voice. The long night and large quantities of alcohol were being felt. He head was beginning to ache and his body was sore.
    Timms sat pensively, not knowing how to respond without angering Barone.
    Barone stood up from his chair and made his way toward the office door. “Mr. Timms, if you can’t answer that question then I need you to leave. I’m tired and have a lot going on today.” Barone opened the door and gave instructions to a Marine guard to get him some coffee. When he turned Timms was still sitting in the same spot.
    “Colonel, I have