A Time for Patriots

“Mind keeping your voice down, Andorsen?” Fitzgerald asked in a low growl. He jabbed a thumb back toward Jeremy’s tent. “The survivor is sleeping.”

Andorsen first scowled at Fitzgerald — obviously unaccustomed to being spoken to like that — but then nodded. He turned to McLanahan. “You fly that plane onto my airstrip?”

“Yes.”

“And steal my truck?”

“I didn’t steal your truck. I borrowed it to make contact and assist the ground-search team. I left that form so you could call our mission base and we could explain what was happening.”

“On my land with my property I prefer to get answers for myself,” Andorsen said, “and out here, I decide what is stealing and what’s not.” He looked more carefully at Patrick, then glanced at the Form 104. “What’d you say your name was?”

“McLanahan.”

“Unusual name,” he said. Andorsen read the name and information on the card, then Patrick’s leather name tag on his flight suit. “ Patrick McLanahan? The Patrick McLanahan? But you’re wearing colonel’s rank. The real Patrick McLanahan was a three-star Air Force general.”

“In the Civil Air Patrol, I’m a colonel,” Patrick said.

Andorsen’s eyes slowly grew wider and wider in sheer amazement. “You’re General Patrick McLanahan? No shit?”

he exclaimed.

“The one and only, Judah,” John said proudly. “He’s a volunteer for the Battle Mountain squadron, just like us. That’s his boy over there.”

“I don’t believe it!” Andorsen said, mouth agape. He reached over and extended his hand. “It is an honor to have you on my ranch, sir, a real honor.” Patrick took his hand, and Andorsen pumped it enthusiastically. “I’m sorry about getting in your face there, sir, but we get a lot of trespassers and thieves these days, what with the economy going to shit and all. The sheriff is doing his best, but this is a big county and a big ranch, and his department’s been slashed to the bone…” He waved a hand in his own face, interrupting himself, then said, “I apologize, sir, but I’m babbling. You need someone flown to the hospital? If you can put him in the chopper, I’ll fly him myself. Otherwise I’ll have the boys at the house bring out the Hummer.”

“I think he’ll be better off in the chopper,” Bellville said. “John, Leo, get him ready.” They hustled off.

“So you’re out here doing a search-and-rescue, and you find the crash, and then you find a survivor who walked away from the crash,” Andorsen said. “Amazing work. I’m proud of you guys. And you’re volunteers . That’s even more amazing. I’ve always believed in the spirit of the volunteer, the person who doesn’t expect to be paid for service to his community and country. Real proud of you.” He shook his head as he looked at each one of them with a smile. “What else can I do for you?”

“Our van is parked next to your gate number twenty-three,” Fitzgerald said. “The gate was locked.”

“Like I said, we’ve had a lot of trespassers over the past couple years,” Andorsen said. “Even had some cattle rustlers a while back.”

“And you like to deal with them yourself, instead of calling the sheriff?” Fid asked. He nodded. “Sounds like the way it should be done.”

“Bet your ass,” Andorsen said. He looked Fid up and down. “Do I know you?”

“I’ve been on your ranch many times for open-range fire drills with the Department of Wildlife air and ground teams,” Fitzgerald said. “You’ve been extremely generous with your time and hands. You’ve donated help and land for CAP cadet campouts also. I have all of your gates mapped out.”

“Happy to do it,” Andorsen said, nodding approvingly. “You and your kids need a ride to your van?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Take the pickup, and my boys will tag along and take anyone that doesn’t fit, then drive the pickup back,” Andorsen said. “You’ll probably need one adult to stay with your survivor when we drop him off at the hospital.” He turned to Patrick. “I’d be honored if you’d fly along with me, General. I’d like to chat and show you my ranch before you fly off.”

“We’re grounded for now,” Patrick said.

“Grounded? The plane not working?”

“The FAA has grounded all flights around the country,” Bellville said. “The plane crash in Reno?” Andorsen wore a blank stare. “The plane that crashed into the federal building in Reno carrying radioactive material?”

“ Radioactive ma… are you shitting me?” Andorsen retorted.

“You didn’t hear about that?”