Schizogenesis [chapter 18]

Minton pulled across the cattle guard, letting the engine idle. The wood-covered landscape kept him from seeing more than a quarter-mile ahead.

The dirt road winding up an incline appeared long unused. It was deeply rutted, shoulders overgrown with encroaching weeds. Small rocks partially filled in the ruts, making the surface uneven and risky.

Minton wasn’t concerned about the road condition, because the car belonged to this podunk county. He did worry about Haswell. This was gun country. More than likely, though, he would attempt to flee upon Minton’s arrival. From what he’d gathered, Ed Haswell actually being a terrorist was an unbelievable joke.

Somehow these goofballs had continued to elude their grasp, turning a highly efficient team into laughable Keystone Kops. The joke so far had been on them.

Minton was planning a different version of justice.

After pulling the car behind a small grove, he got out and walked to the edge of the thicket alongside the road. He should be able to remain out of view of anyone ahead and could duck into the heavy brush if necessary.

It was slower going than he’s thought, sticks and rocks poking the soles of his loafers, but within twenty minutes he spotted the farmhouse. In seconds he realized the skeletal structure was decrepit and…