Waving his hand for emphasis, the walker stopped him in mid-sentence. Assume you’re in combat. How does that change the way you look at those principles!”
“Well, hell that’s different.”
“No, it’s exactly the same as combat. When you’re a leader, elected or otherwise, you must live by those standards. They’re so simple and so true. Think about them for a second. Would you want a leader that is a slob, a coward ... indecisive, undependable, lazy, droll ... unremorseful, a crook, unjust, ignorant ... verbally abusive or selfish? Yeah, I have to think about them too. It’s a no-brainer.”
Julie took the floor after a few seconds, “Duncan is like that. I mean he lives like that. I worry sometimes that he’s too much a leader to be in love.”
“Oh, keep your trap closed little sister. Everyone doesn’t have your looks or brains, or feminine wiles to get him by.”
Julie punched him in the arm, “Yeah, he’s married to Dad’s business. That’s where he demonstrates his leadership. That’s why he’s making Dad so much money and keeping him in the state legislature.” She exaggerated with big eyes aimed at the walker, “It takes biiig moooney to keep daddy away you know.”
The walker asked, “Are you worried about your dad interfering in the business?”
“Oh yeah, I am. Dad’s a good guy, but he lets people get away with stuff. One of his managers was robbing us blind, and everyone knew it ... I think Dad knew it, but was unsure of himself when it came to firing the guy. Once I convinced him to fire the guy, I followed up with charges that got him a heavy sentence, but no jail time. The rest of the staff closed ranks behind Dad and me then, because the guy had been threatening everyone with bodily harm if he was ratted out. Everyone was glad to see him go. Now, if someone is suspected of theft, we put a camera on them and it usually pays off. It’s very rare though.”
“How does your dad keep getting elected?”
“I don’t know ... I… .”
Julie interrupted, “Like Duncan said, Dad’s a great guy and he knows the ins and outs of politics. He’s a wheeler dealer when the time’s right. He arranges stuff for his district on ‘you scratch my back I’ll scratch yours’ agreements. He doesn’t always vote his conscience, but he always votes his district. That gets him re-elected.”
The walker said, “If everyone sacrificed their conscience for their constituents we shouldn’t be in this mess Julie.”
“No, I guess not.”
Duncan said, “So, what do you think Julie and I can do? We’re just out of diapers, so to speak.”
“Did you ever see a movie called Red Dawn?”
“No, did you Julie?”
“I read the book! It was about a bunch of teenagers that practically destroyed the Russian and Cuban Armies via guerrilla tactics in Idaho I think ... or New Mexico!”
“Actually it was supposed to be in Colorado, but it doesn‘t make any difference. My point is that young people like you usually fight the wars of this world. The movie emphasizes the effect that partisans or militia groups can have. It highlights the need for a citizen force like we already have in the U.S.; except ours is fragmented. You’re at the crux of this effort. No one can have any greater effect than young people like you two. I’d feel validated if people just like you could take up the banner if something happens to me. I feel too much lately like a one man band.”
Duncan said, “Well I hadn’t thought about that aspect. We expect you to be a one man band I guess, and ... expected you to be the leader of the movement if there is one, or going to be one. I don’t know what to say. I’m rel …” Smiling then, “I was going to say I’m reluctant to take over any leadership role. I guess I do know the responsibilities are heavy.”
Julie giggled, sheepishly and was quickly lost in thought as her brother looked long and hard at her.
After a long thoughtful pause, “I don’t want anything to happen to Julie. What if this stuff comes to combat?”
“I don’t think it will. That’s precisely why we need to build a powerful political base. Guys like your dad are our best hope in the short run. In the long run, we need to elect real leaders. We need to seek them out and elect them based on personal attributes not personal wealth.”
“You think that’s possible?”
“I sure hope so Duncan. I’m risking my life on it now!”
“As much as I enjoy talking to you two, I have to adjust my ’sermon’ a bit for tomorrow, and I am getting old… .”
Julie hopped up first, “Well I guess we’ll see you at breakfast old man? Be careful if you go out tonight. I hear Mrs. Lazenby is prowling in her cougarly way.”
Duncan said, “Julie, this isn’t a time for jokes”
“It’s always a time for jokes bro’. Let’s go.” holding out her arm for Duncan to take.
He took it, bade the walker farewell and they both left quietly.
The old dog rose to see them out; looked at the walker questioningly and walked to the door. He turned around and if he could have spoken; would have said, “I gotta pee.” The walker took the hint and they let themselves out together. They passed quietly by several small gatherings and heard the murmur of life and love and plans for the future. He hoped that young people like Julie and Duncan would have command of their future.
He and Teddy went deep into the woods to relieve themselves. On the way back the old dog began to wag his tail and trotted on ahead of the walker. He stopped at a tree and looked up into the face of Isadora Lazenby. She bent down to pet the old hound. The walker was trapped.
He had only seconds to decide whether to shoot himself, or to face Isadora. He decided on the latter and approached her. She smiled up at him in the dim moonlight. He caught the full impact of her subtle perfume and saw she was dressed conservatively in blue jeans and un-tucked, loose-fitting western shirt. Her hair was up in a tight bun and she didn’t look like a floozy at all. She was actually beautiful standing there awaiting his comment. He said, “Good evening Mrs. Lazenby.”
She responded quietly with, “Please keep your voice down Mr. Walker. My name is not Mrs. Lazenby, and it sure as hell isn’t Isadora. My name is Jenetta Denzine and I’m an FBI plant. I want to pass some information to you, because in the course of my job I will soon find out who you are, and what your mission is. I believe I know your mission since I’ve overheard two of your conversations so far and believe you’re sincere. I happen to agree with your mission, if it’s honest.”
He usually caught on fast, but was caught off guard by her demeanor, her revelation and not a little by her beauty. He said, “I’m just a little slow on the uptake Agent Denzine. Please pardon me if I ask what two conversations you overheard. The impromptu discussion the other night and …?”
“Your conversation with the Parker kids.”
“So how long have you been recording?”
“Long enough to know you love animals and young people.”
“I see. Well, what are your instructions?”
“I don’t have any instructions walker. I just want you to know that I and mine are on your side. I’m here to let you know you’re being watched. My boss thinks you have a great message. However, he’s taken an oath to serve and protect. Right now it’s tearing the hell out of his beliefs. I feel for him, but I know he’ll have your name and fingerprints