The Death of Jacob Track (Book One of the 33X Series)

Chapter 28

CHAPTER 28

February 2, 2015

John Woods lazily yawned as he flipped through the channels, looking for the local news. He found KXBN, a Wichita station he preferred. Of course, they were covering the bombing in Larned from yesterday. He rubbed his eyes and leaned closer to hear.

"The tragedy that struck the small farming town of Larned, Kansas yesterday is still causing heartbreak today. Around 6:30 AM a bomb exploded in the local jail. The bomb was powerful enough to blow the building apart, sending debris and destruction all around. Unfortunately, the bombs were well placed enough to paralyze the first response vehicles parked next door. As you can see from this photograph, an ambulance was blasted across the street into an unsuspecting neighbor's front yard." Cindi Sims didn't even have to pretend to feel upset about the situation. She really was. If there were bombs going off in Larned, they could go off anywhere.

"A few civilians entered the tattered, broken jail to look for survivors. Unfortunately there were few to be found. The estimated causality rate right now is at 11, which is beyond tragic.

"However, one local hero, Isaac Partridge, did manage to escape the building with one survivor, Seth Bell, 25, which he uncovered from the rubble. We now take you to Tom, who is on the scene live in Larned."

"Thank you, Cindi. I'm here with the local hero, Isaac Partridge. Isaac, you were one of the few brave souls that climbed through the destruction and fire to find survivors. What motivated you to jump into a burning building?"

"People were dying. Who knew if any was still alive just waiting for a helping hand." Isaac said shrugging his shoulders.

"Very true, but most people wouldn't go into a building that was very much still on fire, and threatening to cave down upon them, though." Tom said.

"They would. It's the only human thing to do. If someone's in trouble, you help them. That's it. There's no alternative."

"Now, excuse me for saying so, but you're not exactly a young man."

"No, I'm 55 years old, but young at heart, I guess." Isaac shrugged.

"Bystanders told me that you carried Seth from deep inside the destruction, back to safety. That's an amazing feat for a man of 55."

"Like I said it's my humanly duty. The boy was buried under bricks, glass, wood, metal, and God knows what else. It was pure luck that I found him alive. The building was a mess inside, but we got out alive. That's all that matters." Isaac half-smiled, feeling uncomfortable with the cameras.

"This community owes you so much for your bravery and honor." Tom bowed his head.

"No, no. The people that helped us when we got out, they are the real heroes. Not me."

"Thank you again, Isaac. It's been an honor to meet you." Tom shook his hand. Isaac nodded and walked off camera.

"The community of Larned is already trying to repair and begin the daunting task of rebuilding. I think as long as there are citizens like Isaac Partridge here, they should be fine. Back to you, Cindi."

"Thank you, Tom. Somehow the city of Larned will pick up the shattered pieces of their lives and rebuild from this tragedy. There has been no word on who caused the bombing or why. We will keep you updated as the story develops. Hopefully the culprits behind this heinous act will be caught soon. Stay tuned to KXBN for all your local news."

John flipped the TV off. He still couldn't believe that he had been a part of that. Of course, he was safe and sound by the time the first bomb exploded. He was still awaiting confirmation that Larry was out, alive, and in the safe compound. It had been 24 hours and he had expected to hear back from Magnus much sooner. If Larry didn't escape, he knew he'd be in trouble. Magnus was a strong man with a whole military behind him. There's no doubt John's life wouldn't be spared if Larry was dead. They wouldn't need him anymore. The thought didn't settle well with him.

He tried to push the thoughts out of his head, focusing on the soft growling in his stomach. He headed toward the kitchen to make a sandwich. But he found out he wasn't alone. A figure came from the shadows, grabbing him, putting a cloth over his mouth. The world went black.

John stirred uncomfortably. His stomach churned, empty but very sour. His vision was blurry but slowly coming to focus. He was in his own living room, tied to one of his dining room chairs.

"Must you always try to kill me?" John huffed angrily.

"Good morning! I didn't even try to kill you this time, John. A little chloroform never hurt anyone." Magnus stepped in front of him, smiling widely.

"I'm really starting to get the feeling you don't trust me."

"That's neither here nor there." Magnus waved his hand carelessly.

"So what's with the ropes, then? I mean, it's better than near drowning, but still..."

"Formalities, really. So... the explosion..."

"It worked right? He is free?"

"Did you receive a confirmation?" Magnus paced in front of him.

"No... that's why..."

"Doesn't matter right now. What matters is you and me."

"Doesn't matter? How does it NOT matter? I don't understand."

"You didn't cut back on the causalities, John."

"Oh, yes I did! That's why the bomb went off so early. There was less staff there that early on in the morning. "

"An ambulance blew across the fucking street! It crushed a civilian!" Magnus growled, his face growing red.

"Oh no...I didn't mean..."

"Of course, you didn't!" Magnus laughed.

"I just worked our plan, sir. We knew there'd be causalities." John replied.

"But you wanted death, didn't you? You missed the battlefield, huh? The smell of burning flesh. The destruction. You missed all of it." Magnus continued to pace the floor.

"No! No!" John shook his head.

"Yes, you did. I know men like you. I've been around them my entire military career. It's punks like you that only join up for the army so they can kill someone. You're no better than serial killers. Killing is not meant to be fun. It's not meant to be enjoyed! In wars, people die, yes but it's for a cause." Magnus had quit pacing; he was staring at John full of hate. "It's people like you that make me want Larry's research finished! It's the only way to fix the broken ones! The only damn way!" Magnus' eyes were aflame.

"Larry's worse than I'd ever think of being! You know what he's done! Who he's killed!" John spat angrily.

"Larry has something I need. There are things in this world worth killing for. Our freedom and this country...I love this country! And if saving one psychopath can save it from becoming a shithole...then I will do that. America deserves the best! And Larry can help with that. Throughout his flaws, he does see a bigger picture. Even though he stumbles occasionally, he sees the bigger picture. You do not."

"I love America..."

"No! You don't! You DO NOT!" Magnus' nostrils flared. He pulled out a gun from his belt. He held it at John's temple.

"Don't be rash, Magnus. I can still be of use! There's no need to kill me!" John pleaded.

"Yes, yes you can be of use to me. But first learn some damn manners. I told you to call me Boss."

"Boss, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Just let me help you in any way I can! I'm still quite useful!" John begged.

"There's just one thing left I need you to do for me." Magnus sneered.

"What's that? I'll do anything! ANYTHING!"

 "Fucking die, you broken piece of shit." Magnus pulled the trigger. "It's all that you're good for."