World War III by Heath Jannusch Read Free Book Online

wish I knew.” The static on the line made it hard to hear Whitfield, as Air Force One entered into another patch of turbulence. “It’s almost as if they knew our flight plan.”
    “Mr. Vice President?”
    Hamilton heard the faint sound of a woman’s voice on the other end of the phone. He immediately recognized the tone as Pandora Gulan, Whitfield’s Chief of Staff. Pandora had been with the Vice President for just over a year. His previous Chief of Staff had mysteriously taken ill while traveling with Whitfield to Syria on a diplomatic mission. On the return trip he’d died suddenly from a heart attack.
    “Excuse me Mr. President,” said Whitfield. “Yes Pandora, what is it?”
    Pandora ripped open her suit jacket revealing an explosive device strapped to her chest. “Allah Akbar!” she said, with an eerily calm smile.
    “Oh my God!” shouted Whitfield, dropping the receiver. “Stop her!”
    “What’s happening George?” asked Hamilton. His cigar dropped from his mouth and fell to his lap. He hastily slapped at the red embers burning through his Armani navy blue pants. “Whitfield, are you there?”
    There was a loud blast on the other end of the phone before the line went dead and static filled the air.

Cabin Fever
     
     
    World War III – Day One
    The Evan’s Ranch, Nevada
     
    Mason rode into the hidden valley, of Shiloh’s ranch, at a neck breaking speed. He raced to the center of the small village, pulled the mustang to a stop, and almost fell off in the process. Although a highly trained ex-CIA operative, Mason was not accustomed to riding horseback. Jumping out of planes was one thing, but horses were quite another.
    “Quickly, everyone gather round!” shouted Mason, as he climbed down from the saddle.
    Kassie, Lex’s German shepherd, came running from one of the cottages, followed by Mayor Sam Sullivan, Alfonso and Rupert.
    “Hey there lad, what’s this here all about?” asked Sam, in his thick Irish brogue.
    Mason paused for a moment waiting to explain until the majority of the people, mostly women and elderly, had gathered around him. “We’re under attack!” he shouted, so that everyone could hear him. “A nuclear bomb has just been detonated to the south of us and several more to the west. My guess is they took out the army depot located in Hawthorn.”
    “Is it joking that ya are?” asked Sam, incredulously.
    “We didn’t see any explosions,” said Daisy, looking around terrified.
    “Do you smell that?” asked Mason, pointing toward the western sky.
    “Smell what?”
    “The moisture in the air,” he explained.
    Everyone turned and looked west. Ominous clouds were beginning to creep over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Leaves flew passed headed east, carried by the same strong wind which brought the storm closer and closer. Every now and then a bright flash of lightening illuminated the dark clouds, followed by a deep, rumbling thunder. Cold drops of rain began to land on their face and exposed skin. It was only a matter of time before the full might of the storm would be upon them. Everyone began to panic.
    “Listen to me!” shouted Mason, losing his patience. “We don’t have much time! The heat and airborne debris created by the nuclear explosion in Hiroshima caused black, radioactive raindrops the size of marbles. The coming storm will most likely carry the fallout in this direction and anyone caught outside will be as good as dead! I need everyone too quickly, but calmly, gather what food and water you can and take shelter in either the event hall or one of the cottages. Tape plastic over all the windows, air vents and doors. Any cracks or openings should be completely sealed. Make sure you have everything you need because once the storm arrives, we can’t come out till it’s over.”
    “Aye lad!” agreed Mayor Sullivan, turning to look at the crowd. “We need to do as Mason suggests! Walter, take Gary with you and move the food into the event hall! Jeff,