Gunslinger

Chapter 3

Three days later, Kevin awoke in the hospital. Nadine Pickney, Jamar’s mother, was sitting in a chair beside the bed when he opened his eyes. Her ‘mother’s sense’ immediately told her he was conscious, and she hit the button to call the nurse. Turning to Kevin, she could see him trying to talk, but the only sounds which came out were grunts and groans.

“Do you need some water?” she asked.

Kevin nodded, and she immediately retrieved a cup of ice water and a straw. She also cautioned him to take only small sips at the moment. Kevin still had the straw in his mouth when a overweight white nurse entered the room. She scowled at Nadine, then ushered Jamar’s mother out of the room while she took Kevin’s vital signs.

Finally able to talk, Kevin asked, “What happened?”

Miffed about a black women sitting up with this white boy, the nurse gruffly replied, “Someone from the Army will be in to talk to you shortly.”

After she left, Nadine returned, along with retired Sergeant Gerald Pickney, her husband. They both had tears in their eyes.

A panicking Kevin asked, “Sarge, could you please tell me what’s going on?”

“Kevin, General Scott will be here shortly. He feels it’s his job to bring you up to date. Just remember, we’re here for you.”

Gerald gently squeezed Kevin’s shoulder and Nadine gave him a motherly hug and a kiss on the cheek. With those small signs of affection, the couple left the room. They could hardly bear the emotional pain they carried.

On the way out they passed a doctor coming to look at Kevin. The doctor checked the young man eyes and ears, along with testing for feeling in his right foot. When his examination was finished, he abruptly left the room.

Moments later, General Malcolm Scott, Colonel Mike McKinsey’s superior officer, entered the room. Through the partially opened door, Kevin noted guards outside the door and was surprised to see they were armed. He was even more surprised to see they were carrying H&K MP5’s.

“General, what’s going on?”

“Son, I’m sorry to have kept you in the dark, but I needed to be the one to tell you what has happened, as some of the things I’m going to share with you are considered classified. The President and I thought, under the circumstances, you had a right to know. First, though, I would like to ask you what you remember about that night.”

“You mean after the game?”

“Yes, and by the way that was some game. ESPN has been televising the taped replay, calling it the game of the decade.”

“Thanks. I remember getting to the house and getting out to get the mail. Dad started up the hill, but the car stalled. By the time he had it restarted and had pulled up in front of the garage, I was past the concrete wall and coming up the hill. I remember seeing a flash of light to my right and starting to scream. I don’t remember anything else until a few minutes ago.”

“Kevin, that flash of light was from a Russian made RPG-7, and it hit your dad’s car directly on the passenger door. It killed Mike and Jennifer immediately and blew you over the retaining wall. You hit the concrete on the sidewalk below, your right heel was damaged and you had a pretty severe concussion.

Hearing this, the young man broke down in tears. Malcolm sat on the edge of the bed and held Kevin, letting him cry out his emotions and pain. Colonel Mike McKinsey had been his friend. Malcolm knew it was the least he could do.

A few minutes later, Kevin slowly started to get a hold of himself. He dried his eyes on a tissue from a box beside the bed and took a few swallows of water. There would be more tears and emotional upheaval later, but for now, Kevin knew he had to deal with reality.

“What my prognosis, Sir?”

“Kevin, as I mentioned, you suffered a pretty severe concussion, and your right heel was badly broken. According to the doctor, they’ve fused the bones of your heel to speed your recovery and reduce your pain. Eventually, you should be able to walk naturally, with little or no pain. The real problem is that you will never be able to play football again. Not only will your injury affect running, but you won’t be able to plant your right foot to throw a pass.”

“What about the Army, Sir? Will my injury also keep me from that?”

“Kevin, I know you intended to follow in your Dad’s footsteps into the Army, but sadly, even that option is now closed to you.”

Tears were again filling Kevin’s eyes as he saw his losses becoming an insurmountable mountain before him.

Angrily, Kevin asked, “Who did it, General? Terrorists?”

“We’re not sure, but we think it was related to a case your father was working on. This is classified, but it involved the disappearance from a research lab of a previously unknown element we think was part of a meteor. My suspicion is that Mike was getting too close, and they were trying to stop him. You and Jennifer just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“What about Dad’s arrangements?”

“He was too badly burned for a normal burial, so I had his remains cremated. The Army is taking care of all the arrangements, and his ashes will be placed at Arlington as soon as you are able to travel. In addition, since he was stationed here for so many years, we’re planning a memorial service for him at Fort McClellan.”

“What about Jennifer?”

“Kevin, I’ve talked to her parents, and they are pretty upset and angry at the moment. They don’t blame you or your dad, but until they undergo some healing, they don’t want to see you. They also had her cremated, and I was able to get the people at the crematorium to prepare this for you.”

With that, Malcolm pulled out a small metal capsule suspended on a chain.

“What is it?”

“A small amount of her ashes you can wear close to your heart.”

Kevin smiled and said, “General, I think you are a ‘closet’ romantic.”

“Let’s just say I understand what you’re going through.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“Kevin, you’re welcome. Just understand, your dad was not just one of my officers, he was my friend. I’ll help you in anyway I can.”

“Thank you, Sir. What happens to me now?”

“First, Auburn has had to withdraw their offer of a football scholarship, but they have replaced it with a full academic scholarship. Your dad had a fair amount of insurance, which will help you financially. In addition, the Army will extend his retirement benefits and survivor’s benefits to you for as long as you are taking classes, even through graduate school. Based upon all of this, you won’t be rich, but you should be able to live comfortably.

“General, it won’t replace my dad or Jennifer, but I guess it’s a better start than most young people get.”

“I would agree with you. Now, since the Army is closed to you, and you no longer have these options, what do you think you will want to do with your life?

“Sir, I really don’t have a clue at the moment. All my plans and dreams were destroyed in the explosion.”

“Kevin, Mike talked often of your love for horses. You might consider breeding horses. From what I understand, Auburn has an outstanding large animal science program.”

“Sir, I have to admit the idea has great potential, but I’m not in shape to make any decisions at the moment.”

“I understand, but if you do decide to raise horses, you need to know about a two thousand acre section on the back side of Fort Mac, which will be available for you at very favorable terms. It backs up to the Talladega National Forest and has plenty of water. Of course, we’ll need to clear it of any unexploded ordinance and replace a few fences and buildings, but it would make a very good horse ranch.”

“Thanks, General, but I’ll have to give you my answer when I can begin to think more clearly. What I would really like to do, is get my sights on the people who did this.”

“I can relate to your feelings, as I would like to do the same. For now, you need to concentrate on getting better and finishing school.”

“What about my home? What am I going to do there?”

“Kevin, your home was pretty much destroyed in the explosion. Since you won’t be eighteen for a few more months, we have arranged for you to continue to stay with the Pickneys. Social Services wasn’t excited about the idea, but the temporary custody papers from your dad helped. I also had Washington put some pressure on them, so they’ve backed off.”

“Thanks for making sure I can continue to stay with Sarge and Nadine. I don’t know how many more changes my body and emotions can take.”

“You’re welcome. It was a pleasure because I knew it was what Mike would have wanted.”

“General, how long will I be here?”

“Son, I don’t know for sure. Possibly another week. It’s pretty much controlled by your recovery rate.”

“What about school?”

“It’s all being taken care of. Your teachers are making sure you don’t miss anything, and I have the feeling you won’t be getting lonely. Your teammates have been worrying the hospital to death. In addition, there are a lot of retired Army people in this area who knew and respected your dad. I suspect they’ll be almost fighting each other to do things for you.”

“Sir, I don’t know if I can handle having a bunch of strangers trying to help me.”

“Kevin, you need to at least try. Remember, these men need to grieve, too. They lost one of their own, and a special one at that. Helping you at this time will enable them to get through this, as much as it will benefit you.”

“I never thought about it like that. I just don’t want to be a bother.”

“Kevin, you can’t separate yourself from the world. There are too many people in the world who need you. Just remember, calling on them for help is not a bother. They’ve made that perfectly clear.”

Visiting hours were over at eight, and Malcolm left when a nurse came in to check Kevin’s vital signs.

When she wrote the results on his chart, Kevin asked, “How am I doing?”

“Actually, you’re doing pretty good. I’m going to give you something for the pain and to help you sleep. According to the doctor’s instructions, you’re supposed to be allowed to eat in the morning.”

“Good, because I’m starved.”

“I can imagine. Just remember, we’ll have to start you out slowly, so don’t set your expectations very high. I suspect once you’re able to urinate normally and have had a bowel movement, they will begin working on your physical therapy. I have no clue if it will be done with you as a patient, or an outpatient.”

At the end of their conversation, the nurse injected some medicine into Kevin’s IV and turned down the lights as she left the room. A few minutes later he was asleep.

Later in the night, Kevin’s pain returned, resulting in the injection of more medication. After reviewing Kevin’s chart the next morning, the doctor decided to keep the young man sedated and on pain medication for the rest of the day.

Wednesday morning, Kevin was allowed to have a piece of toast and some weak tea. When he was able to keep that down, for lunch, he was served chicken noodle soup, saltine crackers, and Jell-O. At dinner, he had basically the same thing.

Thursday’s breakfast was oatmeal and apple juice. When he was able to keep his breakfast down, Kevin was taken off the IV. His lunch finally contained some solid food, mashed potatoes and baked chicken.

An hour later, a nurse came in to check on him, and Kevin told her he was starving.

She responded, “Well, that’s a good sign that you’re getting well. If it helps any, the doctor has placed you on a normal diet, starting tonight. What we need now is for you to urinate and have a bowel movement. Also, he has lifted your restriction on visitors.”

Around three forty-five that afternoon, his coaches came by to see him. While the other coaches asked how he was doing, Coach Bryson brought out a juicy hamburger, fresh from one of the better restaurants in town. Kevin thought he had died and gone to heaven. Of course, one of the nurses came in and caught them. However, she just smiled and never said a word.

After she left, Coach Bryson asked, “Kevin, how are you doing?”

“Coach, right now I’m miserable. I’ve lost my dad and Jennifer, and I don’t even know why. In addition, my football career is over, as is my option of going into the Army. The future I had all mapped out, including the girl I expected to make my wife, has been destroyed by someone with a grenade launcher. I honestly don’t know where to go from here, nor am I really sure I even want to try.”

A surprised Coach Bryson said, “What is this about a grenade launcher? We were told it was caused by a gas leak.”

“Then, Coach, I just revealed something I shouldn’t have. Please forget I even said anything. I will tell you however that the house was totally electric. There was no gas to leak out and explode.”

“Kevin, with that information I can understand your feelings. What everyone at school was told implied only an unfortunate accident. What you’re saying is that Jennifer and your dad were murdered. I accept the need to keep this quiet, but Jennifer’s parents need to know.”

“Coach, I agree, but they’re not talking to me at the moment. They don’t blame me, but they sent word that I represent all the pain and anguish which they are experiencing. They don’t seem to realize that each of us have suffered a great loss. We are all the victims here.”

“You’re right, Son. I’ll see if they’ll listen to me.”

The coaches stayed a little longer before they finally went home to their families.

Shortly after dinner, Jennifer’s parents entered the room.

Jennifer’s Mom asked, “Kevin, how are you doing?”

“I’m not in any physical pain at the moment, but my emotional pain is almost unbearable.”

Mr. Thompson responded, “I’m sorry we weren’t here for you. We lost our little girl, and you were the easiest person to blame. We never thought about the love you had for each other, or your hopes and plans for the future. Of course, we know ‘nothing’ about the events which transpired, but we now understand how we have all been victimized by the same traumatic event. Will you forgive us and try to include us in your life?”

Confused, Kevin answered, “Of course I forgive you, but I don’t understand the other.”

Mrs. Thompson explained, “Kevin, at first we did not want to see you because you represented our loss. Now, we realize, because of the love you had for each other, you actually represent the memory of our daughter. Your two lives were so intertwined for such a long time, it is almost impossible to remember Jennifer and her life without including you. Therefore, we would like you to consider yourself part of our family.”

“I understand, but you should realize we’ve already had some custody problems, so it would have to be at an emotional level only.”

Mr. Thompson asked, “We haven’t heard of any custody problems. What is going on?”

“It’s not common knowledge, but my dad gave temporary custody to Jamar’s parents while he was traveling. Because they are a black family, the local head of Social Services has been trying to get me removed from their home and placed with a foster family.”

“Son, I know you two boys are close, but why would your father give them temporary custody?”

“When Dad was a green ‘shave tail’ lieutenant, he led a platoon in Nam. Gerald Pickney was Dad’s platoon sergeant. I never heard all the details, but I do know they were ambushed on their first patrol. When the firing started, Dad froze for a moment, and Sarge had to tackle him to get him under cover. When the shooting stopped, Dad was okay, but unfortunately, Sarge took a bullet in the leg. Dad lifted Sarge over his shoulder and carried him to a safe LZ, twelve miles away.

“I think before it was over with, they must have saved each other’s lives several times. I do know Sergeant Pickney’s career was tied to my father’s and the link lasted until Sarge retired. Heck, our families were so close that, when Mom was alive, Jamar and I even shared the same playpen while our moms sunbathed or fixed meals for our two families. There was no one my father would have trusted more to look out for me.”

Tears were in Mr. Thompson’s eyes as he said, “Son, what a tremendous story. I was going to offer to adopt you, but now I think it would be a dishonor to your father to do so. I will tell you, and I’ll pass it on to Sergeant Pickney, we will be there for you, in any way we are needed.”

Turning to his wife, he said, “Now, Momma, I think we need to let ‘our son’ get some rest.”

They both gave Kevin a big hug, and she gave him a mother’s kiss. Her kiss was still on Kevin’s mind when he fell asleep a short time later.

Friday Morning, Kevin was awakened much earlier than normal by a nurse wanting to check out his vital signs. Shortly after she finished, he was served a surprisingly good breakfast of country ham, grits and scrambled eggs made with onions, cheese, and mushrooms.

When he finished eating, she returned and pulled the curtains to give him a sponge bath. Kevin was very uncomfortable with this idea, but he knew he couldn’t bathe himself. Finally, it was her professionalism which helped win him over. What she was doing wasn’t sexual, it was just a part of her job.

As she worked to carefully and gently get him clean, Kevin asked, “Why are we getting started so early?”

“Since you were able to urinate and have a bowel movement yesterday, I’ve been told you’re being released today, and I’m to get you ready to go on a trip. From the rumor I hear, you’re going to meet the President.”

“I doubt that, but I do know I’m supposed to go to Washington to bury my dad. Most likely, when someone heard Washington, they just assumed the President would be involved.”

She replied, “I guess that’s possible.”

Looking at her nametag, Kevin replied, “Betty, I can’t imagine why the President would want to meet me, anyway.”

“If he’s seen the video of your game against Dothan, I can sure understand. You were phenomenal.”

“Thanks, but unfortunately, from what I understand, it was my last game.”

“I’m sorry. I hadn’t heard that.”

“From what I’ve been told, the damage to my heel might not keep me from walking, but I won’t ever be able run again, much less to plant my right foot to properly pass a ball.”

“So what happened to your scholarship?”

“They had to rescind the offer of a football scholarship, but they replaced it with an academic one. That says a lot to me about the school, because they didn’t owe me anything.”

“I can see why it would impress you. What are your plans then? Besides football, have they changed any?”

Kevin could tell she was genuinely interested, and the care in giving him his bath was also obvious.

Kevin answered, “Betty, I wanted to study military science and criminal justice. I really didn’t care to go pro after college. Instead, I dreamed of following my dad into the CID. That night I lost my father, my future wife, and all my dreams. I honestly have no clue as to what I will do now.”

Moved almost to tears, Betty finished the bath and changed his sheets and gown. Before she left, she leaned over and kissed Kevin on the cheek.

“Kevin, you may not have a clue, but God does. I will be praying for you, as you are a very special young man.”

“Thank you, Betty. At this point, I will take help from wherever I can get it, even from God.”

A few minutes later, General Scott and the doctor walked in together.

The doctor asked, “How are you doing this morning, Kevin?”

“About as good as can be expected. My right foot hurts, but it’s bearable. Other than that, the only thing hurting is my heart.”

“Son, I can tell you from experience, time will help both hurts. Now, the General here wants to take you to Washington. Are you up to the trip?”

“I haven’t tried to walk yet, but I should be okay.”

Malcolm Scott responded, “Kevin, for now you’ll be in a wheel chair. While we are in DC, I plan to have some specialists at Walter Reed take a look at you. You may be able to do your therapy there.”

“What am I going to do about clothes”

“The Pickneys are flying with us. Jamar is on his way here to bring you some clothes to wear for the trip, while Nadine has packed much of your other clothes, and is taking them directly to the plane. If you need anything more when we get to Washington, I’ll see it’s taken care of.”

“Are we going to Birmingham to catch a plane?”

“No son, for you and your dad, this will be first class all the way. A C-20B is waiting for us at the Anniston Airport.”

“A C-20?”

“It’s a Gulfstream III, built to carry Army VIP’s.”

Before Kevin could ask how the investigation was going, Jamar came in carrying some of Kevin’s clothes. He was followed by an orderly pushing a wheel chair. Though he was uncomfortable with the lack of privacy, with his best friend’s help, Kevin quickly dressed. When they were finished, The orderly helped Kevin get into the wheel chair.

A few minutes later, Kevin was wheeled out the front door and up to a white Suburban, where he was lifted inside. There were two sergeants in the front, with one of them driving. They were both armed. Malcolm and Jamar joined Kevin in the rear, and the SUV headed to the airport. The drive was strangely quiet. Kevin finally decided no one knew what to say to him, not even Jamar.

Arriving at the airport, they went straight to the general aviation terminal. Here, they were directed by two security people to drive out to where the aircraft was parked. Kevin figured the Pickneys must have just arrived, as their luggage was still being loaded onto the aircraft.

Suddenly, Kevin saw a bag being placed on the plane which confused the heck out of him. It was the bag he used to transport his pistols and supplies. He could not imagine why it would be there. Intensely curious, Kevin struggled with what was going on. Finally, he decided he needed to wait, and discuss it with the General when no one else was around.

While he had been pondering the reasons for his guns being placed on the plane, Kevin’s wheel chair had been unloaded. The two sergeants helped him from the SUV and into the chair. They wheeled him over to a device that looked like it had begun its life as a forklift. It was now used to help people bound to a wheel chair move into a position where they could be rolled into the aircraft.

Once inside the plush aircraft, Kevin was helped into a seat. The wheel chair was folded and placed in storage to be used when they arrived in Washington. A young female corporal approached and asked if Kevin would like anything.

“Yes, Ma’am. A cold Coke would be most enjoyable.”

She returned moments later with his Coke. She did not check with any of the other passengers until the plane had taken off and reached its cruising altitude. Even when the airplane reached that point, she first brought Kevin a refill before checking on her other passengers. Her attitude quickly sent Kevin the message that she considered him a more important VIP than the others on the plane, including General Scott. This did not offend or alarm the young man, but he was puzzled by it.

A little over an hour later, the pilot announced they were entering Washington air space and would be landing at Reagan National Airport shortly. When the plane did finally touch down, it pulled up to one of the standard hub points. This would enable Kevin to be wheeled out directly out of the airplane and through the terminal.

At ground level, an Army Hummer pulled up beside the aircraft, and the baggage was moved from the aircraft to the huge vehicle. General Scott and the two sergeants went down the stairs and climbed into the Hummer.

Meanwhile, two men dressed as airline personnel came on board the aircraft and helped Kevin into the wheel chair. With the Pickneys following, the two men wheeled Kevin through the airport to a limousine waiting outside the baggage area.

Once everyone was in the car, the chauffeur introduced himself as Mark Taylor. He explained he would be taking them to their hotel to freshen up, before proceeding to Arlington Cemetery. With that information imparted to his passengers, he drove away from the airport.

When the airport road intersected with the George Washington Memorial Parkway, he turned west. He pointed out Arlington Cemetery as they passed, and a short distance further, he exited the parkway, heading for the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Shortly after crossing the bridge, they pulled into a circular drive which led to a stately, ivy covered, brick building.

Mark announced, “Folks, this is the Four Seasons, one of the finest hotels in the city.”

Kevin thought, ‘It sure is different from the more modern hotels I’ve stayed at with Dad.’

Again, Kevin was moved back into the wheel chair, and Jamar pushed him inside. While the others gawked at the rich luxury they saw, Sergeant Pickney approached the registration desk. With tremendous uncertainty he introduced himself to the desk clerk and asked about a room.

“Oh, Mr. Pickney. We’ve been expecting you. Do you have any luggage with you, or is it all arriving separately?”

“I guess it’s coming separately. They didn’t put it in the limo which brought us here.”

“Not a problem, Sir. We’ll see that your luggage is brought up immediately when it arrives.”

Turning to one of the bellhops who was standing close by, the desk clerk said, “Andrews, please escort the Pickneys and Mr. McKinsey to Presidential Suite C in the West Wing. Their luggage will be arriving separately.”

Noticing his guest’s apparent discomfort, the desk clerk smiled and said, “Sir, all costs have been covered, including meals and tips. You don’t have to worry about anything during your stay at the Four Seasons.”

This relieved the older man’s mind. He was impressed by the clerk’s discretion about the costs and was able to relax. Well, he could until they arrived at their ‘room’. The suite was bigger than their house in Anniston.

After the bellhop left them, Gerald and his wife sat and stared at the unimagined luxury which surrounded them. In contrast, Jamar and Kevin were fascinated with the view they had from the window. They were still trying to pick out different landmarks in the distance when General Scott and his men arrived with the luggage.
Kevin did notice his gun bag was missing, but he did not think it was the time to mention it. Besides, if he remembered correctly, his dad had said DC has some of the toughest gun laws in the country.

As Gerald and Nadine gathered their luggage and headed to their room to get dressed, General Scott opened a garment bag and removed a medium gray suit Kevin had never seen before.

“Kevin, I took the liberty to borrow your blazer, as well as a pair of your favorite slacks. A tailor I know made this suit just for you. The right leg has snaps at the seam, so it can go over your cast without a problem. Later, when you lose the cast, he will remove the snaps and sew up the seam, like normal.”

“Thank you sir, but wouldn’t the blazer have been sufficient?”

“Son, this is your father’s funeral, and there will be a lot of dignitaries present. I think Mike would have wanted you to look your best. I also have a new shirt and an Auburn tie to go with your suit. I think you will do Mike proud.”

“Thank you, Sir. I will wear it with that same pride. And thanks also for the Auburn tie. It is a nice touch.”

“You’re welcome, Son. I would also like to tell you that, after meeting you, I understand why your father was so proud of you. You’re a fine young man. Now, do you need some help getting dressed?”

Still uncomfortable with having others helping him dress, Kevin replied, “Probably. Just send Jamar in. He’ll be glad to help.”

The general left and moments later Jamar entered the room.

He flashed Kevin a grin and said, “Now, if you’re expecting me to be your groom or something, you and I need to have a serious conversation.”

“Jamar, I don’t need a groom, a butler or any other form of servant. What I need right now is a friend.”

“Then, you’ve come to the right place. Friendship I have in abundance. Now, how can I help?”

“Probably the first thing would be to help me sit on the side of the bed. I need to get out of these clothes and into this new suit.”

“GS, you must not have looked in the mirror recently, because the first thing you need to do is shave. You look like that vice dude who ran around in the Ferrari.”

“Then, would you please see what you can scrounge up, and we’ll start there. I wish I could get a shower, but I can’t until I get this cast off.”

Jamar replied, “If we were home, we could tape it inside a big plastic bag, but I wouldn’t know where to start to find any of those things here. Besides, I don’t think you could stand up by yourself and wash, which would lead to a predicament. If I helped you shower, it would be stretching the bonds of our friendship far beyond what either one of us would be comfortable with.”

Laughing, Kevin replied, “I agree. Now, could you please find me some shaving supplies?”

Jamar left and returned a moment later with a man in his forties, wearing a white coat.

“General Scott already had it covered. This gentleman is Oliver. He’s from the barbershop down stairs. He was sent up to give you a trim and a shave. While he’s working with you, I’ll go get my shower and get dressed.”

Oliver and Jamar moved Kevin back into the wheel chair and rolled him into the large adjoining bathroom. Here, Oliver shampooed and cut Kevin’s hair, as well as removing his whiskers.

By the time Oliver was finished, Jamar was back to help his friend get dressed. In spite of all Kevin had to do, he was still ready before Gerald and Nadine.