Chapter 7
The sound of the alarm clock brought Silas out of a deep sleep. He had returned home around 2 o’clock, to find Jen already in bed and sound asleep. Silas rolled over and hit the snooze button, hoping for a few more minutes of sleep.
“Wake up, sleepyhead. Breakfast is on the table.” Jen walked over to the bed, pulled the blanket down, and patted him on his bare butt. “Time to get up and face the day,” she said cheerfully.
“I don’t want to face the day. I want to stay right here and hide from the world.” Silas reached for the blanket, but Jen smacked his hand.
“Oh, no you don’t. I got up early and made you a delicious breakfast, so you are going to get up and enjoy it.” She leaned down and kissed him on the cheek, “Now get out of that bed, and join me in the kitchen before your breakfast gets cold.”
“Yes, ma’am, I’ll be right there.” Silas sat on the edge of the bed, trying to wake up.
“I hope that you made an extra special breakfast because I sure could’ve used some more sleep,” he stood then yawned and stretched before walking toward the bathroom.
“I did, but you’re going to have to come and see for yourself.” Jen winked playfully and then left the room, laughing all the way down the hall.
Silas stepped up to the bathroom sink and looked in the mirror. “Damn, everything has gone to shit.”
He turned on the water and waited for a moment for it to get warm then he splashed his face, hoping it would help clear his mind.
As he stood there staring blindly into the mirror, he thought back to the events of the night before, and he wondered how the townsfolk would take the news. “Crap, this is not going to end well at all,” Silas groaned as he reached for the towel and dried his face.
He dreaded going to the office, but he knew there was no avoiding it. “Well, I better get out there before she comes back and chews me out for making her wait.”
“Good morning, handsome. Breakfast is ready.” Jen placed a platter with French toast on the table next to the plate piled high with crispy bacon.
“This looks delicious, babe, why the fancy breakfast this morning?” Silas sat in his chair and reached for his cup of coffee.
Jen sat in her chair and handed Silas the syrup. “I figured since you had to work so late last night that you deserved a special treat this morning.”
Silas took a sip of his coffee then set the cup back down on the table. “Thank you, I appreciate it. Yesterday was a rough day.”
He could tell that she wanted to ask him something, but she was not sure how to do it.
“I’m not sure how much I can talk about at the moment, but I promise you will know everything soon.” Silas could see the disappointment on her face, but she nodded her understanding.
“Dang, woman, this looks almost too good to eat,” he grinned as he spread some butter on the French toast, and then covered it with thick maple syrup.
Jen could see the conflicted look on his face, but she knew not to push the subject with him. “It may be pretty, but I’m going to eat.”
Jen grabbed a slice of bacon and took a big bite. “This is so yummy!”
Silas watched Jen as she finished the slice of bacon, and he laughed at the look of sheer pleasure on her face.
“Thank you, babe,” he reached out and took her hand in his.
“Thank you for what?” She saw the sadness in his eyes and wondered what was happening that he could not talk about at this time.
“For just being you,” he gently squeezed her hand then lifted it to his lips, kissing it tenderly.
“Honey, what’s going on? You’re acting so strange; you’re scaring me.”
“I just want you to know how important you are to me. Learning about Shelia has made me realize how precious and fragile life is that’s all.” He hated to keep the truth from her, but he did not want to say anything until Andrew had learned more of what they were facing.
Jen looked at him for a moment, not sure if he was completely honest with her. “I know; I’m worried about her too. Come on; let’s eat. We wouldn’t want this meal I slaved over to get cold.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Silas chuckled. “Now, hand that bacon over here.”
Andrew had arrived at his office, bright and early. He was sitting at his desk, looking up phone numbers online when Maggie poked her head in the door.
“Good morning, Andrew, what are you doing here so early?”
He looked up from the computer monitor and smiled, “Oh, I just had something that needed to get done first thing this morning, that’s all.”
“You should have told me. I would have come in early to help you.” Maggie knew that Andrew was at a loss when it came to working on the computer.
“That’s sweet, dear, but this is something that I needed to do myself. You can make me some coffee, though. I didn’t take the time to make some at home this morning since Nancy was still in bed.”
“Sure, I’ll do that now. Are you sure there isn’t anything else I can help you with?” Maggie noticed a strange look appear on Andrew’s face, and she wondered if something bad had happened.
“No, just the coffee, thank you.” Andrew forced a smile, hoping she would stop asking questions. He needed to find out what was going on before the news leaked out to the residents of the town.
Maggie closed the door, leaving Andrew to return to his internet search. He finally found the regional office for ICE, along with a phone number.
“I sure hope I can get some answers.” He looked at his wristwatch and realized that he still had twenty minutes until 8 o’clock. For this reason, he decided to use this time to do some additional research, and learn more of the illegal alien problem happening today.
After a few minutes, Maggie opened the door and came in with a cup and a carafe filled with coffee. “Here you go. Is there anything else I can get you?”
“No, thanks, this is fine.” Andrew minimized the screen on the monitor then took the cup and carafe and set them on his desk.
“Thank you again, Maggie.” He waved a dismissive hand, letting her know she could return to her work.
Maggie paused a moment, wanting to ask what was bothering him, but she decided against it. “You’re welcome; call me if you need anything else.”
Andrew did not respond as she left the room. He was aware that she sensed something was wrong, but he knew it was not the time to tell her.
“You’re just like your grandmother, Joan. I never could keep anything from her,” he whispered to himself.
“Well, I guess I need to educate myself on this problem.” He looked at his watch and realized that he still had fifteen minutes until 8 o’clock. He reopened the browser and began going through the different articles.
Silas left the house a little after 7 o’clock. He had planned to go to the office and wait to talk to Andrew, but somehow, he ended up parked on the road leading to the mill.
Silas sat and looked down the road, clearly seeing all the tents set up since that last time he was there. “What plans do you have for all those people? Did you bring them here to work in the plant?”
He knew the truth, but he just could not force himself to admit it.
He had sat there for roughly thirty minutes when one of the Suburbans he had seen from the night before pulled up alongside him.
“Crap, now what?” Silas groaned as he watched the same man from the night before get out of his vehicle and walk toward him.
Silas rolled down his window and waited.
As the man approached Silas’ truck, he smiled, “Good morning, is there a problem this morning?”
Silas knew he was only doing his job, but it still did not change things. “No, just enjoying the nice morning that’s all.”
The man narrowed his eyes and looked intently at Silas. “Chief Greer, what are you really doing here?”
Silas looked at him, unsure of the direction of this conversation. ?
??Nothing, like I said I’m just enjoying the nice morning. You don’t have to call me Chief. Please, call me Silas. May I ask your name?”
“Frank Morrison. It’s nice to see you again, Silas.” Frank smiled, hoping to ease the tension between them.
Silas looked at Frank and could see he meant what he said. “It’s nice to meet you as well.”
“I have some coffee in a thermos, would you like to join me? I think we have a few things we need to clear up off-the-record.” Frank waited for a response.
Looking at Frank, unsure of how to respond, Silas finally answered. “Sure, I can use some more coffee.”
After he had grabbed his travel cup, Silas stepped out of his truck and followed Frank over to the suburban.
“I hope you like it black? I don’t have any sugar or creamer.” Frank motioned to let Silas know to get in on the passenger side before he got into the driver’s seat.
“Is there any other way to drink coffee?” Silas chuckled as he opened the door and climbed inside.
“No, there isn’t.” Frank reached for the thermos lying on the seat between them, unscrewed the lid, and offered some to Silas.
“Thank you,” Silas said as he held his cup in place.
Once Frank had filled both of their cups, each man sat in silence for a few awkward moments trying to decide how best to begin the conversation.
Silas was about to speak when Frank spoke up. “I know you’re upset about what is happening out here, and honestly, I don’t blame you.”
Silas looked at Frank, trying to see if he was honest, or just testing him.
Frank took a sip of coffee then continued, “You have no reason to trust me, and I don’t blame you. I could get into a lot of trouble for saying this, but I believe what we are being ordered to do is wrong.”
Frank looked out of the windshield, as though trying to remove himself from this uncomfortable situation.
Taken by surprise, Silas sat in silence, looking out of the windshield as well. After the confrontation, he had with Frank the night before; he never expected to hear those words. “I don’t know what to say. How is this happening?”
Frank shook his head, feeling the weight of the entire situation resting firmly on his shoulders. “You know, I used to be proud of my job. I always felt that I was protecting my country, and doing my duty. I don’t feel that way anymore. This whole thing is a lie. I’m being forced to betray my oath, and my country on a daily basis.” Frank took another sip of coffee, and then he set the cup on the dash of the suburban.
“I can’t begin to tell you the things I’ve seen since this whole thing began. I go to bed every night ashamed of what I’m doing because some damn bureaucrat doesn’t want to follow the rule of law.”
Silas could see the agony in Frank’s eyes, and he wondered what he would do if put in the same situation.
“How long have you been with ICE?”
Frank exhaled before answering. “Since its beginning in 2003, and before that I worked for the Immigration Service. It will be a total of eighteen years in July. I’d quit if I weren't so damn close to retirement.”
“Damn, I can see why you’re so troubled.” Silas took another sip of his coffee, trying to decide the best way to ask the question burning in his mind.
Frank could see that Silas was struggling with how to ask the question every local law enforcement officer has asked him since this whole thing began. “Go ahead and ask, Silas.”
“They were brought here to work at the plant, weren’t they?” Silas held his breath, waiting for the answer he prayed would not come.
“I don’t know all the details, but your town is a test site of some sort. You need to look into the deal between the Top Choice, and the department that purchased the mill. I’m sure there was a sweet deal made, and money exchanged hands. When I was first put on this detail, I overheard some things I’m sure they didn’t want anyone out of the loop to know. Silas, be careful after my men and I leave, and be sure to keep your eyes open at all times.”
Silas felt an uneasy feeling move over him at hearing Frank’s warning. “Thank you, Frank; I will.”
Neither man spoke as each contemplated what was ahead for them. After a few tense-filled moments, Frank broke the silence. “Well, I need to get back. They’ll be wondering where I am. I’m glad we had this time to talk. You seem like an honorable man, Silas. Your town is lucky to have you.”
Frank offered his hand, and Silas returned the handshake. “It was a pleasure getting to know you, as well. It’s good to know that we are on the same side regardless of some damn bureaucrat and their orders.”
Silas reached for his cup and then opened the door. “You make a good cup of coffee, Frank. Next time it’s on me,” Silas grinned and then climbed out of the suburban, closing the door behind him.
“I look forward to it.” Frank started the suburban then put it in gear.
“Take care of yourself, Silas,” he said as he pulled away and drove toward the mill.
Silas walked over to his truck and climbed inside. He sat for a moment, going over what Frank had said. “So, there was more than likely some sort of backroom deal; interesting, very interesting.”