“What happened out there?”
“The prisoners,” James began, out of breath. “Not the same ones as before. A different group.”
Davis removed his sunglasses and examined Bill, beaten to a pulp and moaning before him. He spun around to the two women cautiously standing back. “Get a bed ready and some medical supplies. Now!” He turned back around as the women ran off and placed a hand over Bill's forehead. “He's burning up. What'd they do to him?” He did a double-take upon noticing the blood dried to James's shirt and his own ghost-like face.
“They beat him within an inch of his life,” James said as he thought it was obvious. He didn't mention the three dead bodies on Bill's front porch. They'd find out eventually, and he hoped to be far away from Winslow by then. Some men rushed out of the church and toward the car, eager to help. Davis stepped aside as they lifted him out and carried him inside. Within moments, it was just James and the sheriff again in the quiet parking lot of the church.
“You okay?” he asked James, flipping his shades back on.
“Yeah. Just a little shaken up. That's all.”
“You should come inside and take a breather.”
“I've got to keep moving,” James said, realizing that it wasn't going to be quite that easy. For all the sheriff knew, James himself had roughed Bill up. He turned to see Davis standing outside the car, studying him. The suspicions between them were clear enough, but something in James's face must have shown the sheriff that he was being sincere.
Davis then walked alongside the car, examining it in awe. “I'll be damned. This baby actually runs.” He paused and looked squarely at James. “I assume you purchased this from Bill after all?”
James shook his head and then dug into his backpack. “There was no time. Look, I have cash. I can leave you a couple thousand.”
The sheriff's eyes widened as he stepped away. “Whoa. Don't worry about that now. You’ve got get your wife. I hope you'll come back so we can talk some more about what happened.”
“I'll try,” James said, holding his open backpack.
Davis patted the side of the car and backed away. “All right. You be careful out there.”
Relief washed over James as he shifted the car into Drive. “Thanks, Sheriff.” He slammed the gas and tore out of the parking lot as the church faded into the distance. He raced past vacated homes on both sides of the desolate two-lane road, gripping the wheel and locked onto the road. He still hadn't come to terms with what had just happened. His mind was on autopilot, and all he could think about was returning to the cabin without running into any other escaped prisoners.
Tracks
After a safe distance from Winslow, James pulled off to the side of the road. A cloud of dust rolled over the car as it idled. He had made it back in one piece, now all James had to do was hide the car until the next day. Then he and Marla could travel anywhere they wanted. James reached behind him and grabbed his backpack. Unzipping it, he pulled out some fresh T-shirts he had taken from Bill's bedroom. He felt light-headed, with the adrenaline from the shootout still rushing through his veins. The shotgun blast and the man's lifeless body collapsing with half his head intact still shook him.
James stared down the long rural road ahead, seeing no one. If roving gangs of escaped convicts had descended upon the area, no one was safe. Larry's remote cabin, however, was far from any town and hidden within its own right. James still wondered if he should warn them. He found a medium-sized shirt among the handful on his lap and quickly changed, pulling off his blood-stained shirt and tossing it aside.
With a glance in the rear-view mirror, he saw no one coming from the opposite direction either. He shifted the car and drove back onto the road, searching for the familiar path that led up the hill and into the woods near the cabin.
Roughly two miles ahead, James found his marker in the form of an oak tree, absent most of its leaves, in the middle of an open field. Directly across the street from this site was a narrow path, shrouded in tall grass and weeds that led to the cabin. James slowed down and turned off the road, driving across bumpy terrain.
He followed the sand tracks and depressed grass from the vehicles before him around a curved path and then up a hill and completely hidden from view. As he navigated through the forest, James looked for somewhere safe he could park and leave the car. The car coasted along at a steady pace, rocking up and down. He didn't want to get too close to the cabin and have the sound of the engine travel. The safest bet was to give it a mile or two between his stopping point and the cabin.
He drifted off the path, driving over sticks and leaves and down a slight ridge with bushes covering the top. Light raindrops tapped against the windshield as he came to a stop. He didn't know how long he had been gone. It could have been hours, whereas it felt like days. With the turn of the ignition, the car went quiet, with only after-ticks of a still warm engine. He opened the door and stepped outside just as the raindrops increased. He had nothing to cover the car with and with its white paint, it wasn't exactly hard to see. But the chances of anyone stumbling onto the car within the next twenty-four hours were slim.
James locked and closed the door, looking up with his eyes closed, as raindrops fell against his face. The wetness from above provided a soothing relief, cleansing him of the violent spectacle he'd witnessed. Two people were dead by his hand. That he had shot them in self-defense didn't make anything better. He pushed the thought behind him and began walking, compass in hand, wearing his jacket, hat, and hiking boots as though nothing had happened. Looming trees from above shielded him from the rain, though much of it still trickled through.
James continued uphill and trudged across the moist ground and dead leaves. The cabin wasn't far. He reached the top of one hill and the ground leveled out. Stopping against a tree to catch his breath, he noticed something unusual ahead within the haze of drizzling rain. There was something on the ground, sharp and metallic. He walked over to get a closer look and saw a bear trap, open and set for an unsuspecting victim. Farther ahead, he saw another, concealed under some bushes. Whether Larry had placed them out for a person or animal, James wasn't sure. He only knew that he needed to be extra careful through his duration home.
He arrived at the cabin just as the rain cleared up. His trek through the forest had lasted a little over an hour, and for some reason, he felt no urge to rush, though he’d been gone all day. He needed the time to clear his head, if such an endeavor was even possible. He saw Larry's station wagon still parked in front of the cabin next to his wife's truck, relieved to be back. He reached the door, hesitating to open it. They'd ask all sorts of questions from him. They'd want to know what he saw and what he did. James took a deep breath, preparing himself for an inquisition, and then opened the door.
Larry and Carol were sitting at the kitchen table. Marla was on the couch by the fireplace with a book. Their heads looked up in unison as he walked in, shadow stretched across the hardwood floor. Marla jumped up, thrilled. “James! You're back.” She ran over and hugged him despite his wet clothes. “Oh, you're soaked. Let me get you a towel.”
Carol was already headed toward the restroom, way ahead of Marla. Larry remained seated, tools in hand, working on a disassembled radio.
“You get lost in the rain?” he asked.
James nodded and tried to hide his anguish. Inside the cabin felt like an entirely different world. Everything was quiet and peaceful. Marla lightly smacked his shoulder. “You were gone all day. Some hike!”
Larry leaned back in his chair and shifted the toothpick in his mouth. “Yeah. I sure hope you got that wanderlust out of your system. We have a big day tomorrow.”
Marla wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder. “For now, you just rest. Carol and I are making dinner tonight.”
Carol emerged from the hallway on cue and handed James two towels. He thanked her as Marla backed away, examining him. He could tell in her expression that she noticed the unfamiliar plain blue s
hirt he was wearing, different from the University of Tennessee one he was wearing before he left. But it was such a minor detail, and he didn't think she'd even notice.
“So, what'd you find out there?” Larry asked, digging into the radio with some pliers. “Anything useful?”
“Is the radio not working?” James asked him in return.
“It shorted out earlier,” Carol added. “He's been working on it all day.”
Larry lowered the radio with a frustrated sigh. “Excuse me? That's quite a stretch. Try an hour or two.”
Carol spun around, facing him with her hands on her hips as they proceeded to banter back and forth. James suddenly felt Marla's warm hand upon his shoulder. He turned to see her worried eyes watching him with concern. “You look troubled.”
James opened his mouth and tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come.
Marla then took his hand and led him to the hall. “Come change and lie down before you get sick.”
Halfway to the bedroom, Larry shouted out, “We eat in an hour, so be ready.”
James waved as they entered the bedroom. Marla closed the door behind him. He tossed his hat onto the bed and began drying his hair, pacing toward the bed. Marla grabbed some clothes from the dresser. James took his backpack off and set it on the floor.
Light raindrops trickled onto the window in the corner of a storm that had nearly passed. James slid off his hiking boots, followed by his wet jeans and T-shirt. He could hear Larry and Carol converse about who was doing what chore in the morning, coupled with a debate over who was the better at what. James had to give it to the happy couple, they took their roles seriously.
He continued to dry himself and then changed into some pants and a fresh shirt Marla had placed out for him. For the first couple of minutes, she didn't press him on anything.
“It's been a pretty uneventful day for the most part,” she said, sitting on her side of the bed. “How about you?”
James sat down, stretching his legs out with his back propped against the baseboard. It felt great to not be walking anymore and even better to finally be out of his boots. He let out a sigh of relief and simply nodded along without an answer.
“James?” Marla said, growing suspicious. She leaned closer with her face in front of his and made eye contact. “Can you talk to me now?” Her voice suddenly lowered. “Did you make it to Winslow? What did you find?”
Again, he tried to explain, but the words didn't come easy. “Just a little town with nothing in it,” he eventually said with nervous laughter. “No surprise.”
Her eyes narrowed as she studied his unsettled face. “What else?” she asked, resting her hand on his chest. “You can tell me.”
“I got us a car,” he said, jumping to the point. “It's a long story, but I helped a guy out, and... he gave me his car.”
He expected unparalleled joy from her, but her straight-faced reaction was quite the opposite. It was almost as though she didn't believe it. “Who's this someone?” she asked. “And why would he just give you a working vehicle?”
“Because I helped him,” James said.
“Doing what?” she asked, undeterred.
He grabbed her hand, startling her. “It doesn't matter. Listen to me. We're leaving tomorrow. We head straight up north, and we don't stop until we get there.” The plan made all the sense in the world, but he knew it wasn't going to be that easy. The uncertainty on Marla's face made that clear. Maybe she was getting used to Larry's cabin and the way things were.
“What are we going to tell them?” she asked, signaling to the door.
James hesitated at first. There was no easy way around it. “That we appreciate everything they've done for us, but we're moving on.”
Marla moved her hand away and lay back, staring at the ceiling. “I don't know, James. It doesn't feel right.”
“Finding this car was a miracle,” he began. “I parked it away from the cabin. We can pack tonight and leave first thing in the morning.”
Marla held a finger to her mouth, uncertain. “Okay... It's just. I can tell something is wrong. You're hiding something from me.”
James felt anger toward her indecisiveness, but starting an argument wasn't going to help their situation. He'd been through hell and back just to get the vehicle, but Marla didn't know that, nor would she. He needed her on his side. He needed them both clear-headed and focused. It was the only way they were going to get through things. He spoke in the calmest voice he could muster. “It doesn't matter. We can do this.”
“We're about ready to start dinner!” Carol announced.
Marla stood up and moved toward the door. “We'll be out in a minute.”
“Don't say a word to them yet,” he told her as she walked past the dresser. “I'll talk to Larry first.”
She ran her hands through dark hair that went down to her shoulder, tying it in a ponytail. “Okay.” She opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind her. James sat up and looked at their luggage against the wall. They were really going to do it. That much was clear to him. One more night in the cabin, and they'd be off. He couldn't wait. But they had no idea what was out there or what to expect. It was worth the risk. He had to keep telling himself that.
***
Dinner that evening was baked potatoes, plucked from the garden, and Stroganoff from the food supply kits. The four of them ate quietly at the dinner table with candles lit in the middle. Larry had shut the generator off for the evening, as was the protocol. As their utensils scraped against their plates, Marla barely said a word. James didn't feel much like speaking, but he didn't want to make it seem like they were hiding anything either. Carol then broke the silence with conversation.
“I'd like to set up a dehydrator station out back. At least while the weather permits.”
Larry nodded as he took a bite. “Sounds good, dear.”
“Just a few stacked trays with some fruit and vegetables on it. That could make a big difference come winter.”
“Yes. We should have set one up already,” Larry said. He drank from his canteen of water and glanced from James to Marla. “If either of you think of any ideas as well, feel free to share. Despite our illustrious reputations, Carol and I don't know everything.”
Marla gave a polite laugh as James smiled. “You've got it, Larry,” he said.
Seated next to James, Larry then lowered his fork and leaned in closer. “So, tell us about your little adventure today. I'd be interested to hear what you came across.”
James could feel Marla and Carol watching him from his peripheral view. He took a long sip of water and then set his glass down, dismissing the day as largely uneventful. “Lots of beautiful woods, but nothing else.”
For the most part, Larry seemed convinced. But there was something in his tone that led James to believe he suspected more. “You didn't see anyone else? Not even from afar.”
“Not a soul,” James said, taking a bite. “Looks like we're all alone out here.”
Carol cut in with a laugh. “And that's how we like it.”
Despite looking away, James could feel Larry's stare. He wasn't going to give up that easily. “You were gone for quite a while,” he began. “We thought you might have gotten lost.”
James quickly responded let there be any speculation. “I did for a little bit, but I got back on track. The rain actually helped cool things off.”
“We should all go for a little hike this week,” Carol suggested. “It'd be good for morale.”
Larry finally took his focus off James as he shook his head in disagreement. “We can't leave the cabin unattended. Not a chance.” He scooped into his baked potato and ate a chunk. “You guys go if you want. I'll stay behind.”
“But you know these forests better than anyone,” Carol said. “It'll be no fun.”
Larry stopped chewing and held both hands out. “The cabin can't be left unattended, dear. That's all there is to it.”
“I can stay,” Marla said, speaking up for the
first time. “I'm not a big fan of hiking anyway.” But just the opposite was true. James knew that he had to say something soon. The mounting pressure was beginning to weigh on him. Larry and Carol needed to know the truth, or at least as much as he was willing to say. There was no reason the situation needed to be so sensitive.
“I did come across something today,” James said, silencing the room. He lowered his head and laughed, wiping a napkin against the corner of his mouth. “It was the strangest thing. I was just walking along...” James paused, wondering how he was going to finish what he had started, what details he was going to divulge and what he was going to omit. All they needed to know was that he found a working vehicle. The how wasn't as important. But Larry wasn't a man who dealt in generalities. He'd want to know everything.
“I came across something, a miracle really,” James continued to a silent room. He could practically hear them breathing as they stared, waiting for James to continue. A distant scream sounded from outside. Carol looked around the table as everyone froze.
“What was that?” she asked. A
Their faces went to Larry for answers as a different scream followed, distant but within earshot. His expression was one of dread.
“Bear traps,” he said under his breath. “We've got company.”
Before he could say another word, a crash came through the window near the front door. Their heads spun around to see a flaming bottle roll through the cabin. A moment of shock kept them glued to the seats, the sting of panic in the air. Another crash followed from a different window, and this time the bottle exploded into a fiery burst across the hardwood floor.
“Get up!” Larry shouted, tossing his chair behind him as he rose. He ran toward the kitchen without hesitation and grabbed a fire extinguisher from under the kitchen sink. James got up and grabbed Marla's hand, staring into her eyes. “We have to get out of here, now.”
Hideaway (Book 1): An EMP Thriller Page 12