With the surrender outside secured, the Oregon militia spread out, some guarding the perimeter while others pushed toward the mansion’s entrance. Luke, Ben, and Pat moved in, closely following Foster and a few other group leaders who were coordinating the advance.
“Looks like the inner guards aren’t giving up without a fight,” Foster said, his voice tight. “Governor’s holed up in her office, and they’re holding the line until reinforcements show up. We’ve got maybe ten minutes max before serious firepower rolls in.”
Pat nodded, determination etched on his face. “Then let’s finish this.”
The three moved with swift precision, cutting through the darkened corridors as sporadic gunfire erupted around them. They encountered a few guards in the hallway leading to the Governor’s office—tense, young men who seemed more fearful than loyal. Seeing they were outnumbered, the guards hesitated, lowering their weapons. Pat motioned them aside, and they surrendered quietly, leaving a clear path to the office.
The group pressed forward, clearing each corner until they were just steps from the Governor’s inner chamber. Just as they approached the door, a clattering sound echoed down the hall.
“Grenade!” Pat yelled, instincts kicking in.
Luke acted instantly, shoving a desk over the explosive and yelling, “Ben, get down!”
The grenade detonated, a deafening blast rattling the walls. The desk absorbed most of the shrapnel, though bits of debris caught Luke, leaving cuts on his face. As the smoke cleared, he noticed Pat lying on his back, motionless, his chest rising and falling shallowly.
Ben whipped around and spotted the soldier who’d thrown the grenade, still standing by the doorway, stunned that anyone had survived. Without hesitation, Ben took aim and fired, dropping him instantly.
“Pat!” Luke scrambled to his friend, horror washing over him as he saw the spreading pool of blood. Pat managed a weak smile, coughing as blood flecked his lips.
Pat looked up at Ben, a mixture of acceptance and pain in his gaze. “Hey… I think Beth’s dream just came true.”
Luke grabbed Pat’s shoulder, trying to keep him grounded. “Stay with us, Pat. Don’t you dare check out on us now.”
Pat’s voice was faint, each word coming harder than the last. “Can’t… move. Everything’s… blurry.”
Ben, visibly shaken, took his hand, trying to steady him. “Stay with me, Pat. Breathe in for four… out for six.”
Pat struggled to follow, but blood filled his mouth, his breath shallow. He looked toward Ben, eyes clouded with pain. “Take care of her… our girl… you… make it home.”
A tear slipped down Ben’s cheek, his voice breaking. “Did Beth tell you about the baby, Pat? Did she?”
Pat gave a soft, almost inaudible chuckle, his gaze distant. “Be a good dad… it’s… unreal. I can see the light… it’s calling me… can’t breathe…”
Luke held onto him, his face twisted with grief, but Pat’s eyes slipped shut. His breathing slowed, and then his chest stilled. Ben checked his pulse, his hand coming away soaked in blood, now pooling around them both.
The silence weighed heavy in the room as the finality of Pat’s sacrifice settled in.
Chapter 1 page 1
Chapter 1 Page 2
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6 page 1
Chater 6 page 2
Chapter 6 page 3
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9 page 1
Chapter 9 page 2
Chapter 10
Chapter 11 page 1
Chapter 11 page 2
Chapter 11 page 3
Hey, Sgt. K here—also known as CK Sheldon. I’ve got one book published on Amazon as part of a trilogy, though only the first is currently available due to editing challenges. I’m working on bringing the other two books back, using ChatGPT to refine them, and I’ll likely add this new book there, too, if there’s interest. Since this isn’t about profit for me, you can always read it here on Whatfinger News for free, complete with the original links.
For anyone interested, my Amazon book is Allfather Saga. Fair warning: it’s a mix of science fiction, politics, and a bit of mature content. And yes, Trump makes an appearance in Book 3, though the story is set far into the future.
Untraceable phone – you need to see this Glenn Beck Vid with Erik Prince – See You Have a TRACKER in Your Pocket Sending Data to the Deep State – might be the MOST important vid you see this year – might save your life folks – your kids too – you’ll get it and the details will freak you out. It did me. … Sgt Pat
https://unplugged.com/ is Prince’s company.
