AUTHOR'S NOTE: While several violent acts are mentioned in this episode, they are only foreshadowing of possible events to come and do not actually happen... yet?
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They had been on the road for longer than either of them had cared to be, each taking turns driving while the other either slept or navigated.
With all expenses paid strictly in cash, the only stops were for food (always take out/to go orders), gas, or to answer Mother Nature's call.
Otherwise, the men were determined to not only reach their destination, but to successfully carry out their mission, even if it cost them their own lives in the process.
Bruce Peterson was driving at the moment. "So, do you have any idea where this Moon Lake actually is?"
"On the Pacific side of Washington state," replied Jeremiah Bower, Senior; staring intently at the road ahead of them. "We're only about another hour away from the state line. Once we're in Washington, we'll be meeting an asset at our next fuel stop. He'll have maps and any other local info, along with word on how to activate our exit strategy."
"And our plan once we're there?" Peterson asked. He had served with Bower before, and would go to hell and back (again) for his old friend and former commanding officer.
"Jeremy did give me Evan Lawson's new address, although he was foolish enough to go it alone instead of waiting when I offered to join him as backup. The first part of the plan is we'll do recon after arriving, find a place away from the target to leave the car, and then go back to the target on foot.
"When we're in position, I'll take the back door in case Lawson recognizes either my scent or face," continued the older Bower. "You'll take the front and create the public distraction. Depending upon who answers the door, you're either an old friend of Evan's looking him up while passing through, or lost and needing directions. The fact that you're a were too will throw off anyone's suspicions, at least long enough for us to lay siege to the place."
"So you'll break in the back door and flank their rear while I make the frontal assault. Then what?" asked Peterson.
"I'll have our gear with me on the back porch," said Bower, meaning the four duffle bags of weapons and ammunition packed in the trunk. "Once we secure any prisoners we take, we'll booby trap all the windows and doors in case of any rescue attempts and just wait it out until they meet my demands."
"Which are?"
"Jeremy's release and Evan Lawson's head on a platter. Literally."
"How will we be able to confirm that first part?" wondered Peterson.
"Jeremy will know to head north for Canada upon his release. We have a cabin hidden up there, and ways to contact each other through mutual, like minded friends. Once I have confirmation he's safe, then we'll activate whatever arrangements our asset in Washington has for getting out."
"Lawson never did me any favors during my last tour of duty, so I won't mind seeing him get his due. But what about his wife and kid?" asked Peterson.
"No one named Lawson is leaving that house alive," vowed Bower. "I'm bringing his family tree down even if I have to burn the whole damn forest in the process for what he and that brat bitch of his daughter did to my son."
Peterson simply nodded in agreement.
The duo drove along in silence for a while. Then Bower's comrade had another question.
"I just thought of something. Considering tomorrow's Thanksgiving, what if there's anyone there besides Lawson, his wife and daughter?"
"Then Heaven help their ass because I sure the hell ain't!" swore the elder Bower.