Inception, page 1
part #1 of The Defiants Series
Inception
The Defiants Series: Book One
J.R. Tate
Rusty Bucket Publishing
This book is a work of fiction and is for your personal enjoyment only. Any similarities to names, places, or events are coincidental. This book may not be resold or given away to another person. It may not be transmitted in any way without written permission from the author.
Copyright © 2020 by J.R. Tate
Cover art by J.R. Tate
Edited by Red Adept Editing
Created with Vellum
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Also by J.R. Tate
Chapter One
“Babe, are you going to vote?” Charlie Cooper took his phone off the speaker setting and went into the main office of the mechanic shop. Business was slow for a Tuesday, and he didn’t want his coworkers eavesdropping. “I think the polls close at seven tonight.”
“I don’t know. It’s not like our vote matters, anyway. We’re in Texas. Why should I waste my time?” Annie Russell sighed heavily into the phone, the background noise loud, and Charlie pictured her walking through Rowdy’s Bar and Grill as the lunch rush started to pick up.
“Fine. You can’t complain whenever someone you don’t like wins.” Charlie smiled and glanced through the window and out into the garage. Three of his employees were standing around talking, and he made a mental note to find them something to do, or the day would drag.
“Oh, you’re gonna use that old cliché bullshit line on me, huh?” Annie giggled. “Hey, listen. I gotta go. We’re getting busy, and we both know I could use the tips.”
Charlie cringed at the thought of how she earned most of those tips. His skin crawled at the thought of those middle-aged men with nothing better to do on a weekday afternoon than gawk at his girlfriend. One day, he would get her away from waitressing. “Okay. I’m picking up Ryan from school, so we’ll see you at home later. And yes, I’m going to vote. I can wait on you if you want me to.”
“I guess. That way, I’ll be allowed to complain.” The sarcasm was thick. “Love you, babe.”
“Love you too.”
Charlie hung up the phone and went back into the garage, glancing at the waiting room television as he walked past. One woman and a toddler sitting on her lap were the only ones there. After stopping in the doorframe, he read the ticker at the bottom of the screen.
“Can you believe the news stories being reported on today? Everyone acting like if a certain candidate wins, it could mean the end of the world?”
Charlie eyed the TV and watched Randy out of the corner of his eye. He was the only other mechanic on staff in his midforties, close to Charlie’s age. He was also the only coworker who had anything in common with Charlie.
Charlie scoffed and poured a cup of coffee. “The media always has to blow things out of proportion. It’s all about the ratings.” Sipping, Charlie tasted the bitter flavor from coffee that had been sitting in the pot too long.
“And here we are, giving these stations the ratings they’re wanting.” Randy patted Charlie on the shoulder. “You look like you may be giving in to the propaganda.”
“Nah.” Charlie shook his head and took one more sip before tossing the foam cup into the trash can. “I’m gonna go finish the brakes on that Silverado, and then I’m gonna go pick my boy up from school. You might wanna corral the youngsters and get them to clean something around here. Give them something to do before they get into trouble.”
“You mean your ex is gonna let you see your kid?”
Charlie smirked and forced a laugh. “Hell, the media may be right. The end of the world is coming!”
“Holy crap, the line is out the door.” Annie rested her head on the passenger-side window and closed her eyes. “It’s already six thirty.”
“Whoever’s in line before seven still gets to vote even if it goes past that time.” Charlie parked the truck on the curb and glanced in the rearview mirror. Ryan was busy playing a game on his iPad, the device Charlie had begged his ex not to get him until he was older. When Ryan was seven, he’d played outside. Now it was next to impossible to get Ryan to do anything except play video games.
“Ryan, we’re here. Time to put the iPad up.”
Ryan ignored him, his face illuminated by the screen and whatever game had his full attention. Glancing at Annie, Charlie gripped the steering wheel. He rarely got to see Ryan—only about four days out of the month—and he desperately tried to avoid coming off as the bad guy.
“Ryan, we’re going in to vote. You can’t take anything like that inside.”
“I can stay in the truck. Mommy lets me stay in the car when she goes into the store sometimes.”
“At least his thumbs will be good and exercised,” Charlie said under his breath, warranting a quick nudge from Annie, whose lips were turned up in a sly smile. “Put it down. This won’t take long, and then we’ll go get something to eat.”
After a few more seconds of defiance, Ryan did as told, and they got in the line pouring out onto the sidewalk in front of the city offices. A few people stood with signs displaying the names of their preferred candidate.
“Sinners will suffer! Vote for Millstone! He’ll get this country in order again!” The woman holding a political sign for Millstone marched up and down the sidewalk next to the line, making eye contact with Charlie as she got closer. Pointing her index finger, she yelled, “You will suffer! Those who live together in sin will suffer!”
Charlie stood in front of Ryan and Annie, keeping one hand on his son as the woman took a few more steps in their direction. How in the hell did she know that he and Annie were living together, and how was it anyone’s business? It was likely a coincidence. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, a cop came and diverted the woman’s attention.
“Come on, ma’am. You’re not supposed to be here.”
“It’s a free country! This is what I’m talking about. If Millstone wins, you won’t be able to control us. We can get back to how things should be.”
The cop successfully escorted her off the premises, though her yelling could still be heard when she was down the block. It was almost comical, and from what Charlie observed, no one in line with them was taking her seriously.
“What’s wrong with that woman?” Ryan asked, tugging at Charlie’s pant leg.
“Nothing. She’s just lost touch with reality is all. Sometimes, elections make people crazy.”
Annie clutched Charlie’s arm and held his hand. “Let me guess. You’re voting for Millstone, aren’t you?”
“Hell, she pled a good case for him, didn’t she?” Charlie’s voice cracked in amusement, and he squeezed her hand. “Those of us living in sin better think twice. Suffering may ensue!” Charlie had never been much of a religious man, and when religion was brought into an argument, he usually lost interest. He believed in a higher power but categorized himself as an agnostic, often questioning faith and beliefs.
“Just what I wanted to do tonight. Stand in line on my feet after working all day.” Annie continued to hold his hand as they took a few steps. “Oh! And be around psychos. I’m just not pulling in the tips like I would at work.”
Charlie noted that she was still in her uniform, and though she looked tired, she was still beautiful. Hugging her close, he kissed the top of her head. Her dirty-blond hair was pulled up in a loose ponytail, a few strands falling around her face.
“At least we’re stuck in line together. Thanks for coming with me tonight,” Charlie replied, holding her close.
“My candidate better win. It’d be a shame if this was all for nothing.”
“Who is your candidate?” Charlie asked, deciding a little mischief was one way to pass the time.
Wagging her finger at him, Annie pulled away. “Nope. Don’t ask, don’t tell. You refuse to tell me, so I’m refusing to tell you. Sucks when you get a taste of your own medicine, doesn’t it?”
“I knew you wouldn’t tell me. I bet we’re voting for the same guy. I’m sure you’ll let it slip before I do.”
The line began to move faster, and they were a few steps from entering the actual building. Charlie heard random conversations from other people in line, some discussing the woman with the Millstone sign, some talking about the possible shift in the government if Millstone pulled off the win.
Conspiracies were flying, and Charlie watched Ryan to make sure he wasn’t paying attention to doomsday theories being discussed by a group behind them. Elections were always chaotic, but Charlie could never remember a time when so much panic had erupted just from the possibility of a certain candidate winning. People would be shocked at first, then everything would calm down.
This was America. Everything always worked itself out.
“I think the day after election day should be a holiday,” Charlie said as he sat next to Annie on the couch. Clutchi ng two beers, he pressed one against her arm, and the cold glass made her jump. He smirked like a kid looking for trouble, and she yanked the beverage from his hand.
“Why should it be a holiday?” She nursed the beer and fanned her fingers through his dark hair.
“You know I’ll stay up all night waiting on the results. Makes for a tiresome morning tomorrow.”
“I don’t know why you bother. It’s out of our control, anyway.”
“It kind of isn’t, though. That’s why we have the right to vote.”
Annie rested her head on his chest, feeling the thud of his heartbeat next to her face. She took in his scent, manly with a hint of oak and a small trace of fabric softener. Glancing up at him, she touched his lips and admired the green of his eyes through his thick black eyelashes and tanned complexion.
“Was it difficult getting Ryan to go to bed?” She wanted to change the subject. The television was doing enough election talking, and it didn’t interest her.
Charlie sipped his beer and shrugged. “As long as he has that damn iPad, he’s good to go. I wonder if Mia has noticed his weight gain. It concerns me a little.” Charlie had been a chubby kid himself but grew out of it once he hit puberty. Ryan’s quick weight gain was shocking, a result of him constantly using technology and sitting on the couch.
“Yeah, I think he’s said about three words to me since I got home from work.”
“Don’t take it personally. He hasn’t said much to me either.”
“You think Mia has something to do with that? You’re not exactly her favorite person, and anyone involved with you is gonna be on her shit list too.”
Charlie leaned his head on the back of the couch and closed his eyes. “I’m sure she does have something to do with it.”
“Oh, shocker.” Annie pointed her beer bottle at the television, the remnants of liquid sloshing in the bottom. “Millstone won Texas! I told you!”
“And I told you that you’d reveal who you voted for before I did. You’re obviously angry that he won our state.” Charlie laughed and kissed her forehead. “You’re so cute when you’re flustered.”
Annie clenched her fists and listened to what the reporter had to say. He speculated about other states Millstone was projected to win, as well as how the government would go through a major shift if he ended up with the required electoral votes to win the whole country and become the next president of the United States.
Charlie whistled and snapped his fingers. “Earth to Annie. I thought you said you didn’t care about the election.”
“I don’t. And yeah, you caught me. I did vote for Anderson. Not that it matters. I never go with the majority in our state. Texas has thirty-eight electoral votes! That’s a lot.”
“Anderson could still get enough electoral votes to take the country. Florida hasn’t been called, and there are a lot in that state. Don’t forget California too. Just because Millstone won Texas doesn’t mean the election is over.” Charlie shook his head and stood up. “Want another beer?”
“How about something stronger? Bring me that bottle of Southern Comfort out of the liquor cabinet.”
Annie rolled her eyes and dodged Charlie’s stare. Deep down, she could tell herself that she didn’t care about the election, but the media coverage had done its job—it had captured her attention with all of the speculation, what-ifs, and possibilities depending on the outcome.
Charlie set two tumblers down on the coffee table and poured them each about three fingers’ worth of the whiskey. Annie was so engrossed in the election results that it took her a few minutes to even touch the drink.
“Did you vote for Millstone, Charlie?” Her voice was low, and she finally tasted the sweet beverage, the slight burn comforting as it flowed down to her stomach. He hesitated to answer her, and she scoffed. “Come on. It’s not like anyone else will hear us. It’s between you and me.”
Charlie nodded and finished the whiskey. “Yeah, I voted for Millstone.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. I’ve always voted for that party. I educated myself on his beliefs and things and what he stands for. Honestly, I had a hard time deciding. I was in the middle of the road with both of the main candidates.”
Annie leaned back on the couch. “You do realize that Millstone wants to send us back in time, right? All of the progress we’ve made, and it’ll all be killed if he wins.”
“You can’t buy into that bullshit. Both sides are gonna bash the candidates and run smear campaigns. They’re saying Anderson is gonna open up all the borders and let whoever wants to come in go through. Terrorists, illegals, everything. You can’t be one of those people who is so impressionable that you believe everything you hear on TV. They have to keep ratings up. They have to keep people watching.”
Annie laughed, hoping Charlie caught on to her sarcasm. “You’re not really a religious man, right?”
“No. Not anymore.”
“Millstone is wanting to enforce religion on people. His religion. His beliefs. And if you don’t conform, he said there are swift consequences. And before you fight back with media lies and theories, I saw a direct clip just now when you were in the kitchen. The words were from his own mouth.” Annie knew Charlie’s opinion on religion. It was a sensitive topic that didn’t come up often. Had he even thought about it?
Charlie opened his mouth as if to speak then stopped, grunting as he poured more whiskey into his tumbler. “Like I said, Annie, both candidates had strong and weak points. You’re not gonna like everything they say. It won’t be one hundred percent down the middle.” He ran his hand along her arm, his palms like sandpaper, but his touch was comforting. “Where is this coming from? Just a few minutes ago, you couldn’t have cared less.”
It was a good question. Annie wasn’t sure where it was coming from. “I don’t know. I guess I’m just ‘an impressionable person,’” she replied, mimicking his words.
“It’s all gonna be fine. No matter who wins, the American people are strong enough to stand together and not allow a tyrant to come in and take over. Millstone is just a rare candidate that politics isn’t used to.”
Annie sat forward on the couch, continuing to watch the election coverage.
Charlie’s arm went around her waist, and he pulled her back against him, kissing her. “Let’s turn this shit off.”
“But I thought you were gonna stay up watching it.”
Charlie dipped his head and kissed her again, this time deeper, his stubble rubbing against her upper lip. The faint taste of whiskey lingered on his tongue. Smiling, Charlie said, “I think I have a better idea on how to pass the time.”
He lifted her off the couch and carried her to the bedroom. He was right. Staying glued to the television was unhealthy. The votes had been cast. Everything was now out of their control. Anderson or Millstone—like so many people said, either way, America was screwed.
Charlie woke up around four o’clock and grabbed his phone. He couldn’t believe that he had slept so hard and hadn’t gotten up several times to check the election results. Annie was sleeping soundly beside him, wrapped in several layers of blankets.
The bright light of the phone screen made him squint, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw the news alert—Alfred Millstone would be the new president of the United States. It was bittersweet—the candidate Charlie had voted for had won, but he worried that the rumors and speculation about Millstone’s intentions of drastically changing the country’s morals would really come true. It was a shift in power, a different political party taking control of the White House again. But Annie had gotten him thinking. Did Millstone really think he could march into Washington and enforce what his campaign speeches had promised the American people?
