by Pat Riot
“Yeah I’ll show you. But first, let me do this,” Carlos said as he pulled a Sig Sauer handgun from a holder on the door. Once he loaded two magazines and found a holster for the gun he said, “That’s better. Rachel we’ll get you set up once Rob is all done.”
“Good idea. After last night there is no good reason we should be walking around without protection from now on,” Rachel said as she closed the safe door.
“All the construction supplies are in that trailer on the side of the house. I use it for work to run stuff back and forth to job sites when I’m not helping my team bid new jobs,” Carlos explained as he walked back into the house then out the front door and over to the driveway. He took out a set of keys and used one to open the padlock that secured the doors on the back of the twenty-foot enclosed trailer. When he opened it, Rob could see the trailer was full of all kinds of things related to construction, from lumber and pipes to power tools and buckets of nails.
“Carlos," Rob said. "With your construction and Army background, you guys are going to be okay, especially with these supplies. What you need to do is take both of those skill sets and try to apply it to your house and neighborhood security. Even though you never saw combat you had to have some tactical training, even way back in basic.”
Rob turned to face the house and started pointing out different features as he talked. “Personally, I would board up the windows on the first floor. And not with plywood, I’m thinking something heavier that might help stop or at least slow down shots being fired that direction. On the second floor I’d set up some shooting positions in those windows facing the street and especially in that one facing west towards Moreno Beach. Most likely that’s where anyone with bad intentions are going to come from. If you have enough supplies, set up a position in one of the windows overlooking the golf course. Most likely a mob wouldn’t come from the course but it’s a good spot to keep a watch on the area to the north. Use some of the four by four pieces of lumber to reinforce the walls around the windows you are going to use to shoot from. You know as well as I do that these walls aren’t going to stop much. With the wood it should give you some cover, especially if you double it up."
Rob now turned and looked at the neighbors houses, "And it looks like most of your neighbor’s houses are two stories. If any of them have rifles and can shoot, then they can set up shooting positions same as you. If you get enough people involved, you guys could create a serious killing zone on the streets and I doubt any group would have much of a chance to take over.” Rob could see Rachel writing furiously in the notebook, so he paused a moment to let her catch up.
When she stopped writing he continued, “Also, if you can, besides the roadblock, you can take some cars and position them to create choke points out on Moreno Beach. Make sure the choke points are positioned so that they can be easily seen from the second story windows, then it would be even easier to repel an attack by large groups. In the long run you might even think about building some boxes and filling them with dirt or sand. You can put them in the street, even building it all the way across. If you build a box that is two feet thick and fill it up, that will pretty much stop anything that is fired your way. And that reminds me, when you are using cars for cover, make sure you are behind the engine block if possible, or at least behind the wheels. Even small rounds will go right through the doors and side panels, so the cars aren’t the best use for cover. Let’s head to the backyard.”
All three walked into the backyard where Rob pointed to the rear cinder block wall. “Carlos you should be able to set something up for when nature calls. If it were me I’d dig a large hole somewhere on the other side of the wall and down the slope well away from the house, then use some of that four-inch PVC pipe I seen in the trailer to fashion a sewer type system. You can cover the hole with plywood and throw some dirt on top to help keep it in place. The only problem is using water to help flush it down the pipe, but you might be able to come up with something that will let you do it. You can set up an outhouse back here and use the slope to your advantage.”
“That’s a great idea. I never thought of that,” Carlos said as he looked around the backyard with a thoughtful look on his face.
“Also, trash is going to be an issue. The trash truck isn’t going to be coming around once a week anymore of course so you guys will have to dispose of any trash you create. You should try to recycle anything you are able to instead of just tossing it. Anything you can’t recycle into some other use I would burn, maybe in a sand trap on the golf course or one of the fields nearby.”
“Looks like I’m going to have my work cut out for me,” Carlos said with a determined look on his face.
“Looks that way,” Rob agreed as he looked at his watch. 5:48 pm. He looked to the west and could see the sun was starting to get low in the sky. “Carlos, before I head out do you mind if I use your cleaning kit to clean my gun?”
“No man, not at all, lets head to the garage and I’ll get you set up,” Carlos said as he turned and waved for Rob to follow.
Rob followed Carlos to a work bench that was set up next to the safe in the garage. Carlos showed Rob where he stored his cleaning supplies and Rob got to work. He released the magazine and set it aside then pulled back the slide and released the round from the chamber. He field-stripped the gun and quickly cleaned the barrel, slide, and lower receiver. He had only fired one round through it so there was almost no need to clean it, but Rob wanted to be as prepared as possible.
Once he was done he reassembled the gun, slammed the magazine home in the grip, and pulled back the slide then released it to chamber a round. Then he released the magazine again, put the loose round into it, and placed the magazine back into the gun. Now he had seventeen rounds ready to go, sixteen in the magazine and one in the chamber.
Rob walked back to the kitchen where he found Carlos and Rachel at the table, “Well guys, if you don’t have any other questions for me I’m going to start gathering my stuff. It’s about that time.”
“You sure you don’t want to stay another day? The rest might do you good,” Rachel offered.
“No, thank you for offering though. I need to keep moving. It’s still a long way home, and unless my brother made it to my house, my wife and son are there alone. I know she can handle things on her own, and we have good neighbors, but I’m still going to worry until I’m home.” Being a cop, Rob’s brother Matt had attended similar terrorism training classes and received much the same information that Rob did. Together they planned out what to do if an EMP ever occurred and decided it made most sense for Matt to make his way to Rob’s house. Rob didn’t know if Matt was working when the EMP hit, but Rob knew wherever he was he would be headed to Rob’s house as well. Rob just hoped his brother was a lot closer than Rob was. The only thing that would delay Matt was if he stopped at his apartment to gather his own weapons and ammo on the way to Rob’s house.
“I understand Rob, I’d do the same thing,” Carlos replied. Rob went upstairs and into the guest bedroom. He made the bed then packed his dirty clothes into his backpack and carried it back downstairs just as Carlos was walking back into the kitchen from the garage. He was holding an older Marlin .22 Long Rifle caliber bolt action rifle and a small box of ammunition.
“Hey Rob, nothing I do or say can ever express my thanks for keeping Rachel safe and making sure she got back home to me. I owe you everything for that. All the other stuff you helped us with, including the water, is just the cherry on top. Rachel said you’re trying to walk to Yucaipa, that’s quite a hike, and you’re going to need a little bit more than that nine you’re carrying on your hip. This is for you,” he handed the rifle to Rob. “It’s not much but I’m sure it’ll help you on the way home.”
“Are you sure man? This gun is worth its weight in gold in this new world of ours,” Rob was dumbfounded that Carlos would part with it. The little rifle was perfect for hunting small game and used properly could be used at ranges out to a couple hundred yards. It prob
ably wouldn’t kill a human unless Rob hit them in the head with the bullet, but no one wanted to be shot so he was confident it would be useful even against two-legged predators.
“I’m positive. Like I said, you saved Rachel’s life. That’s priceless to me,” Carlos said quietly and with sincerity. “It shoots straight. I’ve had it since I was twelve. It was one of my birthday gifts.”
“Wow. Thanks man, this will definitely help me get home.” Rob released the ten-round magazine. It was full. He pulled the bolt back and found the chamber empty. He took a moment to fashion a two-point sling out of the paracord from his backpack. Then he used a little more paracord and a carabiner from a small pouch on the backpack to make a quick release attachment so that he could secure the gun vertically on the right side of his backpack with the barrel pointed down. This way it would be out of the way if he needed to run or fight but would still be quickly accessible if he needed to use it. If he reached back over his shoulder he could grab the stock, and if he pulled straight up he was able to get the gun free of the paracord and bring the gun around without taking off his backpack. It wouldn’t be fast getting it out of the makeshift paracord holster and he would never be able to re-attach it without taking off the backpack, but Rob didn’t mind. Having a small rifle would be invaluable on the trek home.
“You’re welcome Rob, I wish there was more I could do for you,” he handed the box of ammo to Rob then pulled two more ten-round magazines from his pocket. Both full, Rob could see as he took them from Carlos. That gave him a total eighty rounds of .22 Long Rifle.
“There is one thing. You mind if I fill up on water?”
“Shoot, why didn’t I think of that?” the rhetorical question came from Rachel, who jumped up from the table and took the canteen and water pouch from Rob once he freed them from his backpack. “Give me your empty water bottle too, the one in your bag.” Rob handed it over and Rachel used one of the plastic storage containers to fill up all three. Once they were full she handed them both back and Rob stowed them in their places.
“Well guys, I guess this is it,” Rob said.
Carlos came over and gave Rob a bear hug, “Thanks again buddy. I’ll say a prayer for your family. Get home safe to them. Good luck out there.”
“No problem man, good luck to you guys too. Thanks for letting me rest up.” Rob started to feel a little emotional knowing there was a very good chance he would never see them again. There was an unspoken bond between him and Rachel now, the kind that only comes from facing death together, and Carlos was a great guy who under different circumstance Rob was sure would be a good friend.
Next Rachel threw her arms around him. “Thank you so, so much. I don’t think I would have made it home if you hadn’t walked here with me. I hope one day we see each other again. Get home and take care of your family. Be safe out there,” she said, her voice cracking.
“Thanks for keeping me company on the way here. Maybe one day when this is all over we’ll get together and trade war stories,” he laughed. “Take care of the big guy alright?”
Next Rob got down on one knee and held his arms out to Samantha. “Do I get a hug?” She ran up to him and gave him a hug. “Take care of Momma and Papa okay? They need you to look after them, so they don’t get into trouble.” Samantha just giggled.
Rob stood, put his black Carhart jacket on, picked up the Eberlestock backpack again, and looked at his watch. 6:38 pm. “I’m going to head out the back way and cut through the golf course if you don’t mind.” He followed Carlos out and waited for him to unlock the back gate. Once he stepped through he started walking in a northeast direction along the drainage ditch. He turned around and could see Rachel and Carlos standing side by side, arms around each other, Samantha in front of them. All three waved at him as they smiled, with Rachel wiping a tear away from her cheek. He gave them one last wave before turning around and heading out.
Chapter 6
Rob walked east along the drainage ditch until it let out onto the golf course. His plan was to reach Redlands Boulevard and take it north for several miles to San Timoteo Canyon. Having golfed this very course in the past, Rob knew he could use the course to make it most of the way to Redlands and from Rachel’s house it was about a mile east as the crow flew. Rob continued through the golf course, through the rapidly growing grass, over the fairways and greens, crossing several cart paths, and avoiding the roughs and sand-traps, using the trees for cover when he was able too, but otherwise just walking quickly through and watching his surroundings.
At one point an elderly lady yelled at him from the backyard of her house which faced the golf course.
“Hey, you’re trespassing! Get off my golf course!” She yelled with a shrill voice.
“Your golf course? I didn’t realize you owned it,” Rob yelled back, voice dripping with sarcasm. “I thought it was open to the public.”
The old lady, Rob thought she was in her seventies, sputtered for a minute while trying to come up with an answer, then finally said, “You’re lucky there’s something wrong with my phone or I’d already be calling the authorities. Just get the hell off the course young man!”
“Yes ma’am, right away ma’am,” Rob threw a sarcastic salute in the direction of the house as he laughed. Someone is having a bad day.
“Lois! What’re you doing? Leave that man alone!” Rob heard an elderly, but still loud, male voice from inside the house. “He’s not doing anything.”
“He’s not supposed to be here!” the lady, Lois, yelled back into the house.
“Just get inside woman! If the TV was working you would’ve never noticed him in the first place,” the male voice yelled back at Lois.
Rob laughed hard for a couple minutes before getting himself under control. That’s probably me and Monica in about forty years.
As he walked, Rob reflected on the little bit of time he spent with Carlos and Rachel. He was glad he made the journey with Rachel to her house. They were good people and they had a better chance than most of surviving the coming chaos, especially with Carlos’ military and construction background. It made Rob feel good that he was able help them out especially since they had a young daughter. Of course, the day of rest did him some good too.
He walked to the east end of the course and was able to cut north, walking through a gap in the houses where yet another drainage ditch was located. When he reached Cactus Avenue he was blocked by a six-foot high rod iron fence. There was a pedestrian gate, but it was secured with a padlock.
Before throwing his Eberlestock backpack over Rob took a good look around. On the other side of the street was a large open field, and Rob didn’t see anyone or anything moving around in the area. From his vantage point he could see the sun would soon be below the horizon, so he removed the Surefire flashlight from his backpack and clipped the nylon holster to his belt just behind the Gerber knife. Since he did not want to drop the backpack over the fence for fear of damaging the Marlin rifle, he pulled some paracord out and tied it to the carry handle at the top of the pack. Holding onto the paracord, he tossed the backpack over then slowly lowered it to the ground. As he jumped the gate himself, he paused at the top to use the height to his advantage and take another quick look around to make sure he hadn’t missed anything important.
He could see that the drainage ditch continued under the street and through the field north of Cactus. Next to the ditch was a dirt service road that angled to the northeast, the same direction Rob was going, so he decided to follow the dirt road instead of staying on Cactus Ave. After jumping down from the fence, he decided to leave the paracord in place on the backpack in case he needed to utilize the same technique in the future. He measured out about twenty feet of paracord then used the folding Gerber knife to cut off the rest, which he stowed in the backpack. The paracord still attached to the backpack he rolled up and tied onto the carry handle, so it was out of the way but still easily accessible.
He looked both directions one more time then crossed the
street. There was a guardrail and fence that blocked his access, but they only continued for about a hundred feet, so he walked around the fence and into the field, moved onto the dirt road, and continued walking. The dirt road went for about a quarter mile before letting out onto Redlands.
Rob now had a decision to make. The spot where the dirt road intersected with Redlands was just south of an older neighborhood which stretched for about half a mile to the north. Rob could stay on the street and go straight through, or he could swing around to the east and walk through the massive open fields and farmland behind the neighborhood. The safest route was through the fields but that would potentially add hours to the trip. There was also an indoor farmer’s market and small gas station on the road straight through.
Rob elected to go through the neighborhood mainly because of the market and gas station. He wanted to see if he could scavenge any food and knew that if anything happened and he needed to escape he could head east for one block and be into the fields. The other thing that influenced his decision was the sun was already below the horizon and darkness was starting to set in. He wanted to get through as fast as possible and the darkness would provide some cover, even in the twilight created by the aurora. There wasn’t much natural or manmade cover in the way of trees or cars, so Rob walked at a fast clip and stayed next to the right side of the road, figuring he could jump a fence into someone’s yard or just run east down one of the side streets if the need arose.