Liberty Betrayed
An Act of Tyranny
Linda L Barton
DeadlyReads.com
Copyright 2015 © Linda L. Barton
All Rights Reserved
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Table of Contents
Title Page, Copyright,
Introduction/Chapter1,
Chapter2, Chapter3,
Chapter4, Chapter5, Chapter6,
Chapter7, Chapter7, Chapter8,
Chapter9, Chapter10, Chapter11,
Chapter12, Chapter13, Chapter14,
Chapter15, Chapter16, Chapter17,
Chapter18, Chapter19, Chapter20,
Chapter21, Chapter22, Chapter23,
Chapter24, Chapter25, Chapter 26,
Chapter27, Chapter28, Chapter29,
Chapter30
Introduction
For years, those in Washington D.C have campaigned on the promise of securing our southern border with Mexico. With each election cycle, those running for office stand before the American voter and promise to solve the problem of illegal immigrants flooding into our country.
However, nothing seems to change.
For this reason, with each new election cycle, those vying for our vote will once again make the same worn-out promise with no intention of keeping it.
This story will not point an accusatory finger at any particular elected official or political party. It simply shares the tale of the residents of a small US town. This story will share what happens when people find themselves forced to live with decisions made by those in our government with a certain political agenda that does not put the needs of the American people as a top priority.
Sandley, Texas is a fictitious town, but what happens there is taken directly from the daily news reports we all watch, as we try to survive this New World Order forced upon us.
Those in government have forgotten their promise to serve We the People. Until we remind them in a LOUD and UNIFIED voice, we will continue to lose the treasured freedoms guaranteed us in the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights.
The constant attack on the second amendment and the constant whispers of limiting our freedom of speech should cause a chill to consume every freedom loving American. The sad fact is that once we lose these freedoms, it is only through the shedding of blood that a people will regain those blessings.
The Constitution is the guide, which I never will abandon. The time is near at hand, which must determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves.
~~George Washington~~
Chapter 1
The sound of dogs barking off in the distance echoed throughout the night air. However, tonight it was not the warning of a wild animal stalking its prey, or local teenagers out for a night of fun. This warning foretold an unimaginable nightmare that would forever change the sleepy, town of Sandley, Texas.
Police Chief Silas Greer had stayed late working on some long overdue paperwork. While reaching for another folder, he heard the sound of large vehicles driving through town.
“Who the hell is that?” Curious as to who was driving through town at that late hour, Silas stood then walked to the window. He peered through the blinds in time to watch a set of taillights fade off into the night.
“Someone must have gotten off the Interstate by mistake,” he said aloud while closing the blind. He put it out of his mind, and then returned to the paperwork on his desk.
Twenty years had passed since the Interstate bypassed Sandley, virtually cutting it off from the outside world. On most days, the only traffic in town was the locals going about their daily activities. However, from time to time, an occasional tourist or lost traveler would find their way to town.
It had always been a quiet community. A place where you knew your neighbors, and never felt the need to lock your front door at night. Sandley was also a carefree place to be a child. The children in town rode their bikes to the park and played with their friends without the worry of molesters or gangs. As far as the residents were concerned, it was the perfect place to live, and to raise a family.
Having grown up in Sandley, Silas, like so many of those graduating from the local high school had grown up with plans to see the world. His plans were to go to college then onward to exciting destinations. However, at times life will have different plans for us. Which is why in his senior year, Silas decided a career in law enforcement was his destiny, as well as to marry his high school sweetheart.
With acceptance to the Police Academy being competitive, Silas decided to attend community college to get his associate’s degree. He had worked nights at the local Lumber Mill while attending college then after graduating, he entered the academy. The months of training were grueling, but Silas had enjoyed every moment. Then once he graduated, he began his career as an officer with the Sandley Police Department.
Glancing up at the clock, which hung on the wall above the door, Silas realized he should head on home for the night. “This can wait until after my meeting with the Mayor tomorrow.”
He gathered the paperwork scattered on his desk and put it in the wire basket next to the filing cabinet. “I’ll be glad when Doug get’s back from visiting his grandparents in Atlanta. Damn, he should be going this,” Silas groaned.
Doug Lloyds was the other police officer in Sandley. He had flown to Atlanta to visit his 82-year old grandfather who was in the hospital. With his grandfather’s failing health, Doug had wanted to be there in case the unthinkable happened.
Silas looked around the office and was relieved to be going home for the night. With Doug gone, it had been hectic doing everything himself. Before powering down his computer, Silas forwarded the emergency telephone line to his cell phone and then said a silent prayer that it did not ring.
“Well, I guess I better get home before Jen sends out a search party.” Silas looked around the empty office one last time when his cell phone began to ring.
“Silas Greer.” He assumed it was his wife, Jen, wondering why he was so late. However, the voice on the other end of the call caught him by surprise.
“Silas, something is going on at the mill tonight. I was trying to see what had Chuck Wilson’s dogs all worked up when a large bus pulled on the road leading to the mill.”
Howard Broyles had lived in Sandley for 87 years, where he had owned and operated the Texaco gas station with his wife, Marie.
“I was about to go to bed when those damn dogs began barking like a bunch of crazy fools. Well, you know how Marie is; she insisted that I find out what was going on. I saw that bus when I looked
out the big, picture window in the living room.”
“Are you sure? Maybe it just went around that bend up the road a piece.” Silas assumed that Howard was somehow mistaken, as no one would have any reason to go to the mill at this hour of the night.
“Yes, I’m sure. I watched it turn on that dirt road. Silas, I may be old, but I still have my wits about me. I watched them build that damn place, and then I watched them close it down after Bill Jenkins died. If you don’t come out here and find out what’s going on, Marie is gonna make me do it, and, to be honest with you, I’ve already taken off my boots.”
Silas knew there was no sense in arguing with Howard. “Okay, I’ll drop by there on my way home and have a look around. Tell Miss Marie hello for me, and get yourself some rest.”
After hanging up the telephone, Silas called Jen and told her that he was going to be later than expected. “Howard’s complaining about Chuck’s dogs again, so I need to go see what has them all worked up this time.”
Jen chuckled softly, “Well, bless his heart. I’m sure it’s just some ole ‘coon wandering around. Those dogs get worked up over wild critters all the time. Be safe, and I’ll see you when you get home.”
“That’s what I’m thinking, but you know how Howard can be. Once he gets an idea in his head, there’s no changing it.”
Silas liked Howard, but he could be stubborn at times. “I’ll be home as soon as possible.”
Silas tucked his cell phone into his shirt pocket, grabbed his keys, and walked toward the door. “Well, let’s go see what has those dogs and Howard so upset.”
When Silas stepped outside, he noticed the warm, humid night air. He had always enjoyed summer in Southeast Texas. Jen; on the other hand, would complain from early June until late September.
She would always say, “You do know the real reason southern women were always fainting, don’t you? It’s because of the stifling heat mixed with all the damn humidity, and then cinching their corsets too tight!”
Silas had always loved Jen’s sense of humor. Whenever he would least expect it, she would say, or do the cutest things.
One thing he had always looked forward to was Jen’s gardening time. The vision of her wearing her big floppy hat with the bright, pink ribbon tied under her chin was a site to behold. He enjoyed seeing the smile on her face, as she carried her basket filled with gardening tools and then listening to her sing as she worked in the small garden she had in their back yard.
One afternoon, when Silas dropped by the house for lunch, he found Jen sitting on the back porch, rubbing ice cubes on her chest and fanning herself in the futile attempt to stay cool.
“Is that helping, Sweetheart?” Silas laughed at the look of disgust on Jen’s face at his flippant statement.
“Silas, even Satan himself would complain about the heat today,” she groaned.
“Then how about we take a drive and get ourselves a big ole milkshake to cool off?”
Jen looked up at him with a look of pure joy on her face. “Baby, you do know how to treat a lady.”
Silas stepped up to his truck, and just reached for the door handle when his cell phone rang again.
“Silas Greer,” he said as he climbed inside and closed the door behind him.
“Silas, it’s Chuck Wilson. Something is going on at the mill tonight.”
“Thank you, Chuck, but I’m already aware of the problem; Howard Broyles called about it earlier. He said that your dogs were causing quite a ruckus tonight. Chuck, I’ve already warned you several times to keep them quiet at night, and this isn’t the first call I’ve…”
Chuck interrupted before he could continue, “Silas, I’m telling you that something’s going on over there. A couple of large vehicles pulled up the road. Now, people are talking, and it’s lit up like daytime over there. You need to come out here and look for yourself.”
“Are you sure about this, Chuck? You haven’t been hitting the bottle tonight, have you?”
Silas was aware of how Chuck enjoyed having a drink or two after work, and honestly, the whole story did seem a bit farfetched, even for Chuck.
“Damn it, Silas, I told you that I hear people talking and it’s all lit up over there! What if it’s some of those damn meth dealers? You know how they’ll set up shop anywhere if you let them. I don’t want their kind around here, do you?”
Silas understood Chuck’s concern, and honestly, he had to agree. The last thing he wanted setting up shop in the area was a bunch of drug dealers.
“Okay, stay inside, and I’ll be there in a couple of minutes. I’m sure it’s nothing, but I’ll check things out to be sure. Thank you for calling.”
Silas tucked the cell phone back inside his shirt pocket and said a silent prayer that it was just travelers wanting somewhere to stop for the night.
After putting the key in the ignition and starting the engine, Silas inhaled deeply. “Okay, let’s find out what’s going on out there.”
He put the truck in drive and pulled out onto the road. As he drove northbound out of town, Silas wondered what he would find. Unfortunately, nothing could have prepared him for what lay ahead of him and the residents of Sandley, Texas.