“It won’t be long now and we’ll start to see some daylight.” Through the trees to the east, Ben made out a faint trace of crimson light from the impending sunrise. In the mountains, it would take a little longer to realize the full benefit of the morning light, but it wouldn’t be long now. And he’d feel a whole lot better once they could see clearly without the help of the fire or their headlamps, although he wasn’t looking forward to the heat that would come along with it. It was cooler in the mountains, but that wouldn’t last as they traveled west and came down from the higher elevation.
As time passed, he started to think that they were in the clear and that the likelihood of the bears returning was slim. But every squirrel or bird rooting through the dry leaves in search of food brought back visions of the attack. Once there was enough light that he felt safe, they could start to tear down the tents and pack up. He’d originally figured on making a decent breakfast before breaking camp, but that didn’t seem like such a good idea anymore. It was probably the smell of the cooking venison that brought the bears around in the first place—at least he hoped it was. He hated thinking that the bears came to camp because they were hunting them.
Any additional time they spent here after sunrise would be best used to refill their water containers with fresh, filtered water from the creek. Maybe they could quickly make something to eat, but he wasn’t about to cook any more meat over the fire, even if it was thawing at an alarming rate.
The small coffee pot began to percolate, and the smell brought him around from his thoughts. He poured a cup for Sandy and then emptied the pot into his own cup. He savored the first sip, and within a few minutes, the caffeine began to clear the fog that had been hanging over him.
With the sky growing lighter by the minute and the fresh coffee working its magic, Ben felt confident enough to begin the process of breaking down the large tent that he and the kids used for an unfortunately small portion of the night. He still felt exposed and a little vulnerable when working his way around the far side of the tent, where his back was to the woods, but he forced it from his thoughts and hurried through with the process. As soon as the stakes were pulled from the corners of the tent, he dragged the whole thing away from the wood line, toward the center of camp, and finished breaking it down and stuffing it into the carrying case from there.
The encounter with the bears had shaken him more than he cared to admit, and he hoped it didn’t show. But the moment of the attack, when he placed himself between the charging bear and his kids, replayed over and over in his mind like a bad movie. What if the bear hadn’t been bluffing? What if Gunner hadn’t come charging out of the woods at just the right time? Things could have turned out very differently. A serious wound out here in the middle of nowhere could have been the end for him, Gunner, or any of them, for that matter.
Ben was too practical to obsess over what could have been, but he couldn’t help but think about all the encounters they’d had with overly aggressive animals so far, and the possibility of more encounters in the future was a legitimate concern. At this point, there was also no denying that something wasn’t right about the way the animals were acting, at least the ones they had run into. The coyotes at the house in Durango, the wolf that had set its sights on Allie. Even the vultures scavenging from the decaying corpses on the side of the road were emboldened enough to attack the tires of the Blazer as it passed.
There was a time when Ben felt silly and a little paranoid for thinking there was some connection between the animals’ behavior and the EMPs, but now it suddenly seemed perfectly reasonable. Had the EMPs somehow forced them into some sort of survival mode or screwed up their natural instincts?
Ben remembered a book he read many years ago, Of Wolves and Men. It touched on the possibility that wolves, and other animals for that matter, used the earth’s magnetic field to navigate migration routes over great distances. The moon and even the occasional solar flare from the sun were thought to affect this magnetic field, and if that was possible, then it wasn’t a stretch to think the EMPs could play a role in disrupting that magnetic field as well. Maybe the animals were confused. Maybe some internal instinct had kicked in and they, like the people who had survived, were in panic mode and willing to do whatever was necessary to get by.
They might never really know what was causing the erratic behavior in the animals, but it no longer felt crazy to think that it was related to the detonation of the EMPs. In fact, he was sure of it now. It was bad enough that they had to watch out for ill-intentioned people, but he was convinced that any wild animal encounters should be treated with equal caution from here on out. Thankfully, it hadn’t had any effect on Gunner or Sam—at least not yet.
Ben looked over at Gunner, who was still asleep by the now-dwindling fire, and then he thought about Sam locked up inside the Blazer with the kids. He quickly put the thought that Sam was dangerous out of his mind. Both dogs had fiercely stood their ground in an effort to provide protection. Gunner had done so on more than one occasion and had probably saved Allie’s life twice in the last couple of weeks, or at least prevented her from serious injury. He quickly chalked up his thoughts to sleep deprivation and forced himself to move on from them.
Ben polished off the last of his coffee and took a look around camp. There was plenty of light now, and the forest was coming to life with the sounds of birds and other critters going about their early-morning routines. It was time to start the process of breaking camp, time to wake the others and get the day started. He hated to do it after the night they’d had, but he was equally anxious to put this place behind them and put a little distance between them and their most recent experience.
Chapter Eighteen
With the large tent already packed, Ben helped the others break down their tents and stow the gear in the vehicles. It didn’t take long before what they needed to make breakfast and to filter water from the creek were the only things left out. It wouldn’t be a big production this morning. Like it or not, cinnamon-flavored oatmeal with chunks of diced apple was on the menu. As much as they needed to use the deer meat, Ben didn’t want to risk luring in any more wildlife.
Bradley helped Emma feed the dogs while Allie and her mother washed up down at the creek. Joel was putting the finishing touches on organizing the Jeep while Ben stirred the oatmeal. When it was done, they ate without much fanfare, although in Ben’s opinion, the mixture was actually pretty tasty.
Once breakfast was over, they took turns going to the creek in pairs or more and washing up. Joel and Allie enlisted the younger kids to help with replacing their water with filtered water from the creek. Ben found himself reluctant to let them out of his sight, and as he finished his last cup of coffee with the KSG still in his other hand, he settled on a position halfway between camp and the creek so he could keep an eye on everyone at once.
The kids did their best to keep Gunner and Sam out of the water. It was a difficult task, and though they managed to keep the swimming to a minimum, smelling wet dog for the first few hours of driving was the least of their concerns this morning. Ben noticed the deep paw prints in the muddy creek bank, the claws extending outward by a good couple of inches from the tracks. They were easily the size of his hand. Everyone saw them, but nobody mentioned it.
With the Nalgenes and every other container they could find filled with filtered water and the cooking pot scrubbed clean, they packed the remaining gear into the trucks and prepared to leave. To keep the containers cool and insulated from the impending heat of the day, Allie was careful to wrap as many as she could in old towels or blankets. Ben dumped a pot full of water on the fire and watched the smoke rise for a second. He could feel the lack of sleep creep over him as he fell into a trance-like state and stared at the dying fire. He shook it off and stowed the pot in the back of the Blazer. It was going to be a long day.
So many of the things they did had become routine that it almost seemed like a normal morning. Ben tried to remember that this was all new for B
radley and Emma, and he wanted to ensure that he was available if they had any questions or concerns. They both seemed surprisingly well-adjusted considering the night they’d endured. He was glad to see Emma talking with Allie, and he even heard her laugh when they were down at the creek.
“You guys ready?” Ben tried to sound as casual as he could.
He didn’t need to ask the question. They were all ready to get moving; he could see it in their eyes and their actions. As nice of a location as this was, it was equally as terrifying, and they were all ready to put it behind them.
“Dad, do you think I could ride with Joel and Allie for a little while this morning?” Bradley kicked at the ground and avoided eye contact with his dad.
Ben was silent as he thought it over. He wasn’t surprised by the question; actually, he expected it, only he thought it would be Emma asking to ride in the Jeep, based on how well she was getting along with Allie.
“There isn’t much room in the back of the Jeep, you know. Not even a real seat. You’d have to share a spot with Gunner. It might not be very comfortable.” Ben tried to list all the reasons why it would be a bad idea, leaving out his main concern: Bradley not being able to wear a seat belt.
“I know. I don’t care about that.” Bradley knelt and wrapped his arms around Gunner’s neck.
Ben looked at Sandy. He was secretly hoping she would object, but she only shrugged. As much as he didn’t like the idea of Bradley not having a proper seat or restraint, the alternative was traveling with a less-than-happy and sulking child. He didn’t have the heart to say no, and against his better judgment, he gave in.
“Okay, but just on the slower roads through the mountains. Once we get back on the interstate, I want you in the Blazer.” Ben thought that was a reasonable compromise. Bradley seemed happy with the proposal and grinned.
“Yes,” Bradley whispered. Not wasting any time, he headed for the Jeep.
“Okay, I guess it’s the three of us and Sam then,” Ben said.
Sandy started for the Blazer but stopped. She turned around, took a quick step toward Allie, and hugged her while looking at Joel. “You guys be careful driving today.” She let go of her daughter and continued on to the Blazer without another word.
“All right then.” Ben rested his hand on Joel’s shoulder for a second. “Let’s get on the road. Same as yesterday.”
Joel nodded, and he and Allie joined Bradley and Gunner in the Jeep. Ben and Emma made their way to the Blazer and climbed in after helping Sam into the truck. He noticed Emma looking back at the Jeep, and she looked disappointed that she hadn’t thought about asking to ride with Joel and Allie first.
“Well, I guess you’ve got the back seat to yourself this morning. You can stretch out and get comfy. Well, as much as Sam will let you,” Ben added with a smile.
Emma managed a smile back and went about getting situated. Ben glanced over at Sandy, who was doing her best to hide her watering eyes.
She laughed. “Don’t pay any attention to me. Silly, isn’t it?”
“No. Not at all.” Ben meant it, too. He understood completely. In a world with no guarantees from one minute to the next, sometimes even the little things could be hard. A few days ago, she had reunited with a daughter she probably thought she’d never see again, a daughter she probably thought was dead. Ben glanced at Emma in the rearview mirror. They were all lucky to have each other, and so it was perfectly natural that they didn’t take it for granted. There were many who had far less.
Ben checked the mirror again, but this time he was looking at the Jeep. They were all loaded up and looked ready to go. He fired up the Blazer and let it idle for a few seconds while he listened for any inconsistencies with the exhaust note, something he did every morning before getting on the road. All sounded good, and before long, they were moving back through the woods, toward the dirt road that ran along the bridge. Ben led the way in the Blazer as he squeezed between the last couple of trees and out onto the open trail. Following the bumpy road back up to the two-lane highway, he was careful to approach slowly and keep an eye out in both directions. When he saw that all was clear, he pulled up through the weeds they had repaired the night before. He rolled along on the blacktop at an idle until Joel pulled out onto the road. Crossing the bridge and picking up speed, Ben took one last look at the creek below and drew in a deep breath of fresh air.
He was optimistic for the day, but that was easy when you started in a place like this—a place that showed little sign of what the world had become. Other than the unseasonal dryness of the trees and vegetation, it looked untouched by the aftermath of the EMPs. But it wouldn’t last, and he knew it. In a few short hours, they would be back to driving by burnt-out buildings and ransacked stores while dodging wrecks on the interstate. It was necessary, though, and part of the process of getting home.
For now, he wouldn’t think about what lay ahead; at least he would try not to. With his arm resting halfway out the open window, he enjoyed the air as it rushed into the truck and did his best to live in the moment while it lasted.
Chapter Nineteen
Joel was careful to maintain a safe distance between the Jeep and the Blazer. His dad had been pretty adamant about that, and he was in total agreement. There were many instances where they had to make quick stops or slow down in order to avoid obstacles. An accident could end the trip for all of them, and Joel wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he was the cause.
He noticed they were traveling a little slower than usual and wondered if it was because Bradley was riding with them now or if it was because of the smaller, winding two-lane road. Either way, it made for a more relaxing drive, and he wasn’t bothered by it in the least.
His back was a little sore thanks to the position he’d fallen asleep in while sitting by the fire in the early morning hours, but it was well worth it. He hadn’t dared to move for fear of waking Allie and causing her to move away from him. He was in love with her, something he’d known for a long time but until now was reluctant to admit, even to himself. He wasn’t sure if she felt the same way, but the looks she gave him and the random smiles she directed his way suggested that she did.
It was a strange feeling to love someone so much and at the same time be worried about her safety in a world riddled with danger. All they had been through on this sometimes crazy, seemingly impossible trip across the country had only brought them closer. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to keep her safe, and that included sacrificing himself, if it came to that.
Allie was enjoying the fresh air and had her eyes closed as the wind whipped her hair around. Suddenly, their eyes met, and he was caught red-handed admiring her beauty. He was embarrassed, but the feeling quickly passed when she smiled at him.
Allie turned her attention back out the window. “What a great morning. Too bad the whole trip wasn’t like this.”
“It is pretty nice out. I wonder how long until it gets hot again.” Joel checked the rearview mirror and caught a glimpse of the horizon. The sun was about to crest the last mountain they’d passed over, and he knew it wouldn’t be long until the full light of the day, along with the heat it would generate, would be on them.
“How are you doing back there?” Allie checked back with Bradley.
“Good.” Bradley looked content, but Joel figured he would be satisfied whether he was comfortable or not. He knew his brother was just happy to be riding with them. And it made Joel feel good to know that his dad trusted him enough to allow it. It was so good to have his brother and sister with them. Joel spent countless hours thinking about what-if scenarios on the way to Maryland. There were many times he doubted he would ever see them again.
The only thing that bothered him was the fact that his mother wasn’t there. Part of him was mad at her for leaving Bradley and Emma with their grandfather. Why would she even consider it with his health so bad? Unless maybe Grandpa Jack had hidden that from her as well. Another part of him knew better than to blame her for some
thing beyond her control. She had no idea that all this was going to happen, and she deserved to have a life, too.
Joel was full of emotions right now, and his state of mind wasn’t the same from one minute to the next. So much had happened in the last couple of days that he sometimes found it hard to believe they were already headed back to Colorado.
There was no denying the sadness he felt about his grandfather, but knowing that he was sick and wouldn’t have been around much longer, Joel couldn’t help but think that if not for the EMPs and their trip to Maryland, he might have never seen his grandfather again. He most likely wouldn’t have visited his mother until the end of the summer or maybe even Christmas break. Grandpa wouldn’t have lasted that long; at least he didn’t think so, based on how he looked. That was the consolation he held onto, and it made dealing with what had happened tolerable for now.
Joel was also dealing with the fact that he’d killed another person, a person who left him no choice. He wasn’t sure if being able to stuff the feeling of guilt down and out of his mind was a good thing or not. A part of him was becoming numb to the undesirable things of this world.
When they first started the trip, and even before that, when he and his dad ventured into Durango, the burnt bodies and the awful smell that came with them was a shock to his senses. Now, when they passed even some of the most gruesome scenes, he hardly even paid attention anymore. Some of that was willful ignorance on his part, but that was slowly being replaced with a genuine lack of caring, and it scared him a little.
No one mentioned the bodies anymore. Even Allie had stopped looking. Maybe that was just what they needed to do to survive. Maybe that was the best way to cope with it. He worried about Bradley and Emma, though, and wished they didn’t have to see these things. Not that he could do anything about it—no one could. Had his brother and sister seen him shoot the man back at Grandpa’s house? He hoped they hadn’t, but it wasn’t the last time they would run into trouble.
Dark Road (Book 7): Deception Page 9