The Unexpected

The Unexpected

Caleb A. Mertz

© 2012 by Caleb A. Mertz.

All rights reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher is unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed or posted in a newspaper, magazine, journal, or electronic publication.

All characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to real

persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

ISBN: 978-1301688906

Smashwords Edition

Print versions available at any book retailer near you.

License Notes

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 recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Dedicated To:

Austin Stannius, my buddy in writing. I wish you the best in all you do! You have made an impact on me, and I hope you share that with everyone you run into. May only the best come your way.

And my mother; for giving me the phrase that made this book come to life, and all your love and support.

Special thanks to...

Larissa Newton, who took the time to edit this, and write a review on The Silhouetted Leaves for The (Carlisle) Sentinel.

Lauren Loeffler, for the photography and graphic design advice.

William Watt, Barb Stauffer, Lindsey Gowin, Anne Estrada, and Erica Petrizzo for offering feedback when I needed it most.

Emanuel Z, Matthew Kamont, Bradley Wilson, and Joshua Faturos; for being there when I needed it most...

And Sarah Foster. Thank you for being you.

Also by Caleb A. Mertz

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With Thoughts of Jason

...unbelievably shocking, deeply moving and devastatingly sad.

—BookPleasures.com

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The Silhouetted Leaves

...sent chills up my spine. —The Carlisle Sentinel

The Strike

The water of the Potomac River continued its path with once playful ripples, mulled by blood, now slowly rolling along. Blood of fish, animals, and humans fed into the river casting ghastly red reflections of artificial light against retaining walls. Dead fish wore looks of shock as the heat dried their scales, leaving the air putrid. Human bodies strewn around the water added to the rancid air. The low levels of the river only played with the fingers of the decaying carcasses as if to flaunt their failure for water. Without running water many brave souls attempted this dangerous trek. Those who saw what was to behold crumbled at the sight. To return home without water would only discourage. It would be meaningless. Families had already gone too long without water, not having any now would only mean death. They could only sit despairingly at the bank to wait their turn. Depression poisoned the blood that had for years strongly yearned, propelled, loved, and cared. Despair ate at the sanity that would be left of the loner. Surrender would crush the soul and prepare them for their death. Suicide with the last man's blade would subdue the torture the heat would enforce. It was surely better than return to a family seeking their last hope upon a failure. Their blood would soon join that of others adding to the viscosity of the river and the terror it stood for.

Low darkened clouds were as black smoke billowing from the depths of the earths burning crust. An orange hue reflected from the clouds as a nearby city began burning, flames reaching hundreds of feet into the air. Burning wood and boiling tar pummeled the noses of three men standing at a corner. They sweat profusely in their suits, yet it was these suits that covered not only the tattoos and marks of adultery, but all their sins. The third man didn’t think about this. Not a bead of sweat crested his brow as his concentration was tailored to the goal that must now be fulfilled. They had to get to the highest point, and he was too busy plotting the exact path. Fear, anxiety, or any petty human emotion could hold no weight here. Andrew had accepted the task and knew full well what needed to be done.

Only a small step stool equipped with straps for the feet and a rod that would extend above would be needed for this endeavor. More was at stake with this small piece of technology than could be fathomed. Andrew Rakford had mapped the path and broke out into a run while the other men followed. As he ran, a confidence filled him. No fear, no regrets, only the anger and an unforgivable quench for revenge flooded his concentration.

Reporters stood at the base of this hill, cameras pointed to the peak, knowing Andrew was going to save them all. A break in the overcast sky caught the attention of the camera crews. Clouds swirled and spun to reveal the blue of the sky above. The cameras swiveled quickly to show this event. Unusual cloud movement began the previous years of terror – when loved ones went missing, abducted from their everyday lives and sending the world into a time of tribulation and terror. Confusion of emotions soared through the small crowd gathered at the base in remembrance of that day. Right hands went to their hearts to show their belief in what Andrew said years ago. Acid wash tattoos showed brilliantly against their opaque skin to illuminate the faith they had in this powerful man.

As Andrew ran, he noticed the footsteps behind him stop. He turned to see what was happening. The two other men stood looking at each other. One had his arm fully extended, pistol in hand. A bright flash and a deafening roll of thunder accompanied the slug as it threw the third man backward, spraying blood and matter across the pavement. Doubt. It would have been the only feeling to warrant execution. The only poison that could alter their state, that could void the entire plan. Frank ran toward Andrew while sheathing his gun and motioning for him to go. Neither wasted any time climbing to where the Iwo Jima Memorial once stood. It now lay halfway down the side of a cliff face since the great earthquake split the hill and other severe weather shaped the face of this monumental place.

Breathing was tight and hard to accomplish. Andrew could feel a slight ripping in his lungs. He didn’t think about this, though, as he was about to do what no other person in the world, parallel worlds, or worlds yet undiscovered would ever be expected to do. Looking up it was apparent the clouds continued to circle and twist, writhe, and entice. The heat increased as the sun’s venomous rays came in unobstructed by any sort of filtration offered by the once well-balanced Earth. The road beneath their feet echoed the increasing intensity.

Frank wiped the sweat from his eyes, quickly setting up the pedestal for Andrew. It was this lame piece of technology Frank believed would be vital to ending the terrible war. A few select, still living journalists and on-lookers began to clap and yell as Andrew was seen at the top. The cameras whipped back around to show Andrew. News reporters spoke excitedly about their leader into the microphones.

At the top of the hill Frank set the last pin that was to keep Andrew in place. He stepped back and helped Andrew onto the pedestal.

Thank you, Andrew said kindly.

Frank took a few steps back as Andrew watched him. They considered each other for only a moment while Frank unsheathed his gun one last time. I’ve taken you to where you need to be. You have to finish from here. Frank said.

Andrew looked deep into his eyes as Frank turned the gun to the front of his own head. God has a big plan for you! he thought before nodding one last nod of approval to Frank. The gun went off throwing Andrew’s right-hand man backward in a gruesome display. The blood sizzled as it landed upon the macadam.

Andrew’s eyes rested momentarily on the bubbling blood and the motionless body. Not the time for reflection or thought, he looked skyward. Putting his hands through the loops on the pedestal, he felt the light of the sun bearing terribly upon him, remitting an unquenchable heat. Feeling the pain, Andrew sought the power that was himself and invoked the last ingredient needed to be successful. Give me strength, he requested of himself.

Chapter 1

BREATH WAS visible as clouds of vapor, jackets hugged bodies closely as scarves warmed necks and gloves protected hands on this particularly cold day. City people walked briskly past in their busy days. Busy to fulfill their dreams, or to get the coffee, or in many cases just busy to be busy. Andrew needed some air. The five-hour parade and ceremony finally began to weigh on him. He could feel the pressure of what was happening. Against the wishes of the men with him, they stopped on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Snipers were on every roof top along the procession, police lined the streets, and every plain clothes officer from the surrounding twenty counties walked along the parade to protect this man. There weren’t many citizens where the SUV finally came to a stop. Secret Service already scrambled to clear the door of fans and people that might get in the way. Many busy people were inconvenienced by this and tutted as they continued on their way.

Opening the door, the sounds of the city flooded the vehicle. He felt the cold immediately upon his cheeks and hesitated for only a second. Andrew chose that street corner to stand on, mind in a fury, for a good reason. He stood for a moment looking at the tall structures and the magnificent display that was known as a city. He pondered how his next venture was about to change not only his life forever but the world’s as well. He took a few deep breaths before the city sounds came back into full awareness.

This was it. It has begun, he thought. Now he stood outside the armored SUV focusing on the world around him, he could feel it. The thoughts began to rapidly increase and his senses heightened as he realized the complexity of what was to happen next.

The avid fans on the opposite corner were only a slight inclination of thought when Andrew’s bodyguards urged him into the vehicle while the paparazzi began clicking their cameras to later debate the reason for his stop. The punch of the door shutting let the driver know to restart the procession. Police cars and bikes began with a noise that made even the busy city people turn on their expensive heels to heed what was happening.

The men around Andrew wore serious faces, listening closely to their ear bugs and inspecting everything around them with their thermal glasses, capable of seeing through solid structures, for any threat. The man sitting across from Andrew, who went by the name of Mr. Riggel sat with his arms crossed and a face of fury. Ms. Shannon Turner sat immediately to his right, and Mr. Beggins sat across from her, wearing a saddened face with rows of wrinkles to count his age, grunting at the passing lights.

Ms. Turner had been reading through papers on her lap in serious contemplation. She wore large glasses that purposefully distracted from her beauty. Mr. Riggel and Mr. Beggins leaned forward nervously waiting for her input. Her sudden vocal intensity made them jerk back to a more upright seated position.

Well, Mr. President, she addressed Andrew, this is by far one of the best put inaugural speeches. Your ability to write this and convey the feeling you have is, well, it makes me wonder why there was even the slightest amount of disinterest in you.

The small corners of the gentleman’s lips curled upward in more emotion than necessary to convey how they felt. Had she not liked it, a second script pre-authorized by her, would have been used. Being the public relations specialist to the president, she knew how reading from the heart would measure up against a prepared speech.

Well, thank you, Ms. Turner. Your words are truly kind, and I might say that if you wish me to read your address, I would be more than honored, Andrew’s voice commanded through the interior. Eyes of the men shifted to rest singly on the purposefully unattractive Ms. Turner. Having never blushed a day in her life, she sat eyes aglow and blushing at his every word. She adjusted her glasses slightly to offer a glimpse of her beauty. Not sure what to do in her own awkwardness, she tugged at her skirt and began to look over another line.

I think your address will read much smoother than the one I had initially approved, she said, shaking her head, still attempting to retain her structure. She hadn’t lost all professionalism.

Thank you, Andrew said, smiling curtly at her. He turned to look at Mr. Beggins. Mr. Beggins?

Yes, Mr. President? he responded promptly, looking at Andrew with attempts to make his saddened eyes look responsive. His heavy hand rested under his chin to hold up the burden he held on his head.

What is it, do you think, I should expect when we reach our final destination? Andrew asked in an innocent tone, searching for someone’s reassurance.

I would expect you to be greeted with a warmhearted ‘Welcome’ to the White House.

I do hope so, Andrew finalized, looking again at the people watching the procession pass. The people that didn’t care, had their own lives to take care of or worry about. A simple kind of selfishness rendered an emotion in Rakford, unlike anything he let get him before. A small bout of irritation.

It was bizarre, at best, to hear the president of the United States of America speak the way he had. In his wisdom beyond his years, he was still able to possess such a tamed sense of immaturity, yet his charming and maintained personality was an object of refined admiration.

The Secret Servicemen in the cab began to chatter into their ear bugs. The exact placement of the buildings around them made it apparent the White House was close. Like a child nervous before a play, Andrew politely gripped the inaugural speech from Ms. Turner with sweaty palms. He read down the front page remembering his mirror rehearsal the night before.

Mr. President, we’re ready in thirty seconds. One expressionless face projected. Andrew and the others gave him a nod. They became restless as the White House came into clear view. Armored vehicles lined the streets and policemen were more prominent, it appeared, than citizens. Feeling the pressure, Andrew’s face prickled with unidentified tension. He closed his eyes and let out a long exhale before the SUV came to a stop.

The doors opened and they unloaded from the seats. A band in the distance began playing a righteous song that billowed over the anxious bodies and caressed Andrew’s ears. First out of the car were two Secret Servicemen, followed by Mr. Beggins, Ms. Turner, and Mr. Riggel. On their heels. Andrew followed with a Secret Serviceman on either side and one behind. The crowd cheered as Andrew waved, walking to the stand where other government officials stood anticipating his arrival.

Today was the best day of Andrew’s life. With every step, he felt more confident in the fact that he was now the president of the United States. The walk, in its length however, allowed thoughts of doubt, ineptitude, and negligence to bombard his mind with every step. Setting foot upon the highest step he was relieved of these thoughts with the smiles there to greet him. He could hear the crowd roaring with support. It was easy to feel the pressure created by the exuberant display of enthusiasm for the country’s new president.

The Chief Justice to the United States of America, who held out a raggedy old Bible, greeted Andrew. Andrew placed his hand on top of this Bible and the Chief Justice asked him to repeat.

I, Andrew Rakford, do solemnly swear…

I, Andrew Rakford, do solemnly swear… Andrew repeated, one hand on the Bible and one hand raised.

That I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States…

That I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States…

And will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend….

"And will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend…’

The Constitution of the United States.

The Constitution of the United States.

Congratulations, Mr. President. The Chief Justice beamed at Andrew with all the respect of his best years.

Thank you, Mr. Roberts, Andrew said, steadily smiling while shaking his hand. The United States Marine Corps band had begun to play Hail to the Chief, a tune that for years has blessed the inaugural celebration, blissfully adding to the excitement of the words to come. The highest ranking officers and other political advisers shook Andrew’s hand as the volley of cannon fire commenced. American flags flitted over the crowd’s heads, while a rather large flag hung from the front of the White House. Andrew, noticing this small detail, felt proud.

As the last volley of 13 had been fired, Mr. Beggins limped slightly to the pedestal; he tapped the microphone a few times to silence the crowd. He placed his lips only centimeters from the microphone and smiled.

Citizens of the United States of America. I give you the President of the United States!

The crowd’s thunder echoed through the District of Columbia, piercing the clouds floating high above and silencing the thoughts of Mr. Andrew Rakford, the newest president. He made way to the microphone and waved happily at the eulogizing people below. The torrent of applause continued for some time. He could see the faces of a few people below. Upon each face was an incandescent smile that beamed through the worst of his worries. The mass of people expanded well past the reflection pool and Washington Monument. He turned around and the crowd behind the stand reared up in further applause and anticipation of the speech to come. Andrew closed his eyes for just a second to maintain his calm before he began to read.

The inaugural speech was a steadfast monument of the years to come under his reign; what would be expected, the great feelings of positive change, and the never-resting hope for security in an ever-increasing violent world. These words may cause dreams to soar, imaginations to ponder, and fears to be squandered. These words will be copied and distributed among people whose lives are especially touched. These words may make a nation grow and prosper more than any other words uttered by any powerful being. These words were the words Andrew would use to display his passion for his country and clearly state some of the wonderful plans he had. These words were typed on the worn piece of paper he held in his hands. He flattened the paper trying to subdue the feeling of a bowling ball rolling about his insides. One quick blink over the heads of the crowd and he began to speak.

Ah, hello, America! Andrew beamed as he looked over the crowd. They cheered, smiled, and feared; anticipating the words to come while relishing over being Americans.

"My fellow citizens of the United States of America. My, how far we’ve come. Starting as a single proprietary state, and now the single world power working hand-in-hand with great countries like Russia and China to establish other nations. We have learned from our forefathers and moved forward with peace and great heart. The years, in retrospect, have been a great few.

"Change is on the horizon. I know we have been told that before. Change may come daily. Change may come only monthly. This change is at a time when waters run clear, the air is breathable and many people are happy to finally let go of the past fears of global warming, internal pollution, and ozone decomposition. Seasons change, and in each season, in each change there is a peculiar beauty that arouses within us, a change that we use to go forth and make change. This change of hands is nothing more than a season, or a handshake, or a venture to college.

We have harnessed the good qualities of the atom, we have reduced global emissions, and we have slowed the once very prominent procession of global warming. We have gallantly triumphed over all in technology with the first fully automated vehicle, the miniature laptops and of course the iPhone 12. He paused as the crowd laughed. His smile stretched further across his face with the positive reaction from the crowd.

"When times were rough for Canada, we were there for them providing financial aid, and more than 2 million hours of manpower to re-establish Quebec and the northwestern territories. In return, Canada has opened its checkpoints to our vehicles, opening a new world of opportunity with free passage between the countries.

"When Japan was hit by the catastrophic tsunami. We, along with Russia and China, provided $3 billion in aid. We have made such a strong impact on them that they have forgiven us our debt to them, significantly decreasing our debt. Again, the years, in retrospect, have been a great few.

Citizens, moving forward it is my wish to provide financial stability for families within the country by opening more jobs, and relocating many outsourced factories back here to the homeland. Education is evolving. He paused to again look over the crowd.

We as a race are getting smarter, a small roar of laughter came from the crowd. We are, we are. Andrew laughed with them. "With it, new methods of teaching. New ways to expedite our development and species into a new era. We will embrace these ways and forge forward with everlasting intelligence and diligence.

"Nation shall rise up with each nation to become an ultimate peacemaker. Brother will be able to look brother in the eye and once again utter those words that seemed to have lost their valor: ‘I love you.’ Father will stand by son with pride and say those same words with more feeling because the value of living will increase.

"I plan to have talks with Russia and China to initialize an open source of trading, which will open vast business opportunities to the people. I will back a generous budget to expand on our technology not just for military but also for the general population.

"Families will be families.

"Nations will be nations.

"Peace shall reign; violence will fade.

"Military is of importance to enforce the law that is justly writ. The use of non-lethal weapons will become of choice within our law enforcement. Too many have died for unjustified reasons. Cities will regain a simple charm with the refacing and pride programs that will begin within a year’s time.

"The budget will finally see a more acceptable level, and we will live in peace.

And though the enemies of past may still exist, we do as we were told by the golden rule: Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. We will not tolerate the decimation of our country, and will use force if faced with an opposition, because we are a great nation and will never run!

The crowd roared with enthusiasm and support of this comment. Andrew smiled as he looked around.

This may not happen within my years as president, but you have my word I will do whatever it takes to make it happen!

The citizens’ cries of support rattled the ground, as if a fleet of old-fashioned M1A2 Abrams tanks were nearby.

My fellow Americans, it is with my honor and my loyalty, along with your honor and your loyalty, to move forward through these times of despair. The terrorist attacks have been too great, and we will put a stop to it!

The patter of excitement rose like a great eagle from the ground and soared around the world. People sitting at home, work, and school felt the tingles sort through their bodies. Emotions surged in support of the words he spoke. Families previously affected by these terrible acts began to tear up as the president smiled into the camera.

"We will make this right.

In a time of need, and in a time of change, it is my greatest pleasure to lead this wonderful country I call home into the history books for our children and their children. And, so help me God, We. Will. Not. Be. Moved!

He paced his words carefully to gain the greatest effect. People celebrated jubilantly in their homes, in their cars, and in the streets. Many