The Twelve Bitches: The Road Not Taken: Epilogue and Afterwords

 

Epilogue

“Exchange.”

            “Quebec-Romeo-Foxtrot, 0-1-0”

“Verified.  Authenticate.”

            “Foxtrot, Alpha, Sierra, Tango.”

“Verified.  Report.”

            “Three friendlies plus one civilian, A Plus.  Twenty, two zero, tangos KIA.”

“Nice save, 0-1-0.”

            “Negative, Exchange.  The situation was closed by the time we arrived.”

There was a long pause.  “0-1-0, verify the situation was closed upon your arrival?”

            “Affirmative.”

“0-1-0, are you saying three teachers-”

            “Negative.  TWO teachers, one student.”

There was a longer pause this time.  “Acknowledge two teachers, one student closed.”

            “Affirmative.”

“Twenty, two zero, tangos KIA…”

            “We’re going to need a lot of cleaners…an Engineered solution and a press release.”

There was a deep sigh.  “Cleaners, Engineered solution, press release.  Anything else?”

            “Negative.  End call.”

“End call.”

 

 

Later that day, the press reported that a mysterious explosion in West Texas was traced to a remote militia camp with ties to the white supremacist movement.  Twenty militia members were killed in an explosion in their armory.

 

  

Afterwords

The morning air was cool and calm.  Two girls sat quietly in the courtyard, the younger girl leaning against the other.  “What happens now,” Rachel asked quietly.

Emma smiled, “Have you ridden in a helicopter before?  These people will take care of you and fly you home.”  She put her arm around Rachel and gave her a quick squeeze.  “What did you learn?”

Rachel’s eyes grew large, and she ticked off on her fingers, “Be careful on the internet.  Don’t get into dangerous situations.  If something happens, no one has to give me permission to defend myself, be a badass.  I have power in my house.”  She looked carefully at Emma and intoned, “Kore ga watashinoiedesu.” 

“Rachel?”  Miss Lean called from across the courtyard, and the two girls got up from the bench.  “It’s time to go.”

Rachel took a couple of steps, then ran back to wrap Emma in a tight hug.  “Kore ga watashinoiedesu, Emma.  You’re welcome in my house anytime.”  She gave another squeeze and ran to the waiting helicopter.