by Joyce, Anne
“You’re right. I’m afraid to ask how a doctor is indebted to you.” Joshua pulled a pair of sunglasses from under his seat.
“It’s a long story. I saved his life by convincing an associate not to shoot him.”
“I guess it doesn’t matter as long as he’s good at what he does.”
“He’s very good,” Julio assured. “Why are you wearing those? You look like a motorcycle cop.” He laughed.
“I’m just trying to pull off the Purifier look.” Joshua smiled.
“Stop the truck!” Maria banged so hard on the dividing wall, it startled them.
Joshua skidded a few feet off the road and grazed a cactus before correcting himself.
“What the hell, Maria?” Julio exclaimed.
Joshua found a place to park the truck and Julio jumped out with his rifle. When they opened the door, Maria was standing in front of them. Her eyes were red and filled with tears. “She’s gone.”
“She can’t be,” Joshua sputtered.
Joshua peered inside, hating what he knew he would see. There was a slight grin on Xiomara’s face, like she’d seen something beautiful just before she died. Paola stood over her, crying. Danisha sat across from them, solemn as a rock. “Dammit! We were just a few hours away!” Julio shouted.
Joshua knelt beside her and closed her eyes. “You were the most loving, generous person I’ve ever known. You spent your life taking care of others. I wish I could’ve taken care of you this time.”
Paola dropped to her knees and sobbed. Joshua put his arm around her. “I don’t like seeing her this way. This isn’t how I want to remember Xiomara,” Danisha said.
“Me either,” Maria said. She and Julio carried Xiomara outside, laid her on the side of the road, and put a blanket over her. Everyone formed a circle around their slain friend.
“She deserves better than this,” Danisha said.
“I know she does, but we don’t have a shovel to bury her,” Joshua replied.
“I don’t know how to say goodbye,” Paola choked.
“Remember what you told me when Cassidy died?” Julio touched her cheek. “You said she was an angel now.”
“I thought you didn’t believe in angels or devils,” Danisha said.
“I don’t know if they exist. They might be real. I’ll tell you what I do believe. If there’s anything better than this misery around us, Xiomara has found it,” Julio said.
***
“Are we still going to drive through town?” Julio said after what felt like hours of silence.
Joshua nodded. “I don’t want to meet any more looters. We’ve lost two great people and I’ll be damned if we lose anyone else.”
“I’m with you, man. Get ready because we should reach the highway soon.”
They passed a sign that read “NO VAGRANTS ALLOWED BEYOND THIS POINT. VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED.” The bumpy road took them down a steep hill that led straight to the busy interstate. Cars and trucks flew past them without a care. “The cars look different from what I remember, more futuristic,” Julio said in awe.
They sat for a moment and watched traffic roll by as they worked up the nerve to drive to the check point. All they’d longed for was to be among civilization again and now it was within their grasp. It was inviting and terrifying at the same time.
“It’s now or never.” Joshua merged onto the highway. Traffic slowed when they neared the check point. Purifiers sat inside a large, elaborate toll booth glaring at the vehicles in front of them. They raised the mechanical arm and allowed several vehicles to pass until they came to the blue sports car in front of Julio and Joshua.
Two Purifiers stepped out of the booth and circled the car with their guns at their sides. Joshua and Julio watched as they spoke with the driver of the car but couldn’t hear what was said. They motioned for the driver to get out of his vehicle. He stood on the side of the road looking irritated while the men rifled through items in his back seat and trunk.
***
A knot formed in the pit of Joshua’s gut. “I feel like I’m going to throw up.”
“Don’t puke whatever you do. You just need to be cool and do what I tell you,” Julio hissed.
“How do they decide which vehicle to search?”
“They either do it at random or else it’s some kind of power trip,” Julio replied.
The Purifiers closed the trunk and ordered the man to get back in his car. They signaled for their comrades in the booth to let him pass. The mechanical arm lowered after he drove away.
“Shit!” Joshua mumbled.
A short, stocky Latino man walked over and leaned against the truck. His partner circled the truck. “I don’t see a lot of Purifiers come this way. What brings you here?” He smiled.
“We’re going to Nogales on official business,” Julio replied.
“What kind of business?” he asked.
“It’s a classified assignment. I’m not allowed to discuss it,” Julio said.
“Oh… I see.” The Purifier nodded. “Where are you stationed, Specialist Croft?” He leaned forward and stared at Joshua’s ID badge.
“We’re stationed in Sierra. Our base is just off Canyon Drive,” Joshua replied.
“I know of that base. I hear your sergeant is a real jackass.”
“Sanders is the worst of the worst!” Joshua said.
“So the rumors are true!” He laughed.
His cohort pulled a device off his belt and scanned the truck’s barcode on the dashboard. Joshua and Julio held their breath. “This vehicle looks much newer than what it says,” the thin, greying man declared.
“Let me see that.” Sanchez took the scanner from him. “You’re right… this doesn’t even look like a T93 model.”
“The truck’s been restored. It’s got some new and old parts. It was declared totaled in a collision, but the chop shop wanted to save it,” Joshua said.
“That figures! The chop shop will put anything back together with a hundred different parts. They’ve got to save the water barons a buck! I won’t keep you gentlemen any longer. Carry on.” He gestured for his comrade in the booth to raise the arm.
Joshua nodded, waved and sped past the check point. He wiped his brow on his sleeve and swallowed hard. He could use a long drink of water now, his mouth was so dry, but he knew that wasn’t an option.
“I’m glad that’s over with,” Julio sighed.
“I thought you weren’t worried because you know what you’re doing.”
“Are you kidding? I was scared shitless when they lowered that arm. You just can’t let them see it,” Julio replied. “What the hell is the chop shop, by the way?”
“It’s an auto body/mechanical shop for Purifier vehicles. They take parts from old junked cars and put them into Purifier trucks when something goes wrong. It’s owned by the water barons, so I’m sure a lot of their practices are illegal. There were a lot of problems with vehicles not scanning right because of it. They’ve fixed most of the kinks, but an old salvaged car will slip by every now and then. I heard them talk about it on my way to the turbines once.” Joshua took the first exit into town.
“What are you doing? I thought we were going to stay on the highway,” Julio said.
“I have a friend who lives in Sierra. I traveled here on business a lot, so he and I worked together. He became CEO for another company, and we kind of lost touch after that. He’s brilliant and a good man.”
“I don’t think this is the time for a social visit,” Julio said.
“I’m going to see if he’ll let us shower and change at his place. We need to look more polished for the next check point. I’d also like to ditch this truck and get something less conspicuous if possible.”
“It sounds kind of risky.” Julio shifted in his seat.
“Everything we’ve been doing is risky!” Joshua turned onto a side road. “This is just a shortcut.”
“The ghetto looks abandoned,” Julio said when they passed through the lower-class s
ection of town.
Most of the houses were boarded up. The yards were unkempt and full of trash. Only a few homes appeared to be occupied. A woman in worn-out clothes stepped out of her house and ran back inside when she saw them. “There are still some poor people living in town,” Julio said.
“They’re probably servants.”
“They sure hate Purifiers. Did you see the look on that lady’s face when she saw the van?” Julio said.
“I guess everyone hates them,” Joshua replied. They drove into a much nicer area with blacktop streets, pristine houses, and gravel lawns.
“Look at these places,” Julio marveled.
“These people will never know how good they have it,” Joshua said. He felt like he was looking into a snow globe. It was a magnificent world where he no longer belonged. He could touch it, see into it, but never be a part of it. He parked in front of a beautiful, stucco home with an iron fence.
“Wait here.” He got out, wiped his sweaty hands on his pants, and walked to the front door. He took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. A nervous gray-haired man with a beard answered.
“I’ve paid my water fees and taxes for the month, sir,” he stammered.
“Relax, Alex, it’s me.” Joshua took off his hat and sun glasses. Alex stared at him for a moment.
“Josh Wyman?”
Joshua nodded.
“This is a surprise. What in hell’s name are you doing here?” he sputtered.
“It’s a long story. I’m traveling with some others. May we come in?”
“Of course.” Alex gestured for them to enter the living room.
Joshua motioned for Julio to step out of the van. He opened the back door and helped Danisha and Paola out.
“Where are we?” Danisha squinted.
“We’re in Sierra,” Julio replied.
“Wow! Look at these big, gorgeous houses! There’s gravel and paved streets!” Paola stared in awe.
“Keep your voice down,” Maria hissed.
Joshua introduced everyone, and they stepped inside Alex’s spacious living room. “I’m sorry, Alex. I know we’re kind of disheveled, but we’ve been to hell and back.”
“This place is amazing! Do you live here all by yourself?” Paola wandered around.
“Yes, the kids grew up and moved out. It’s just me,” Alex replied.
“I can’t believe you have a piano. I haven’t heard music in years.” Danisha pressed the keys.
“Remember what I told you girls about touching other people’s things,” Maria said. Danisha sighed and backed away from the piano.
“It’s all so pretty. I wish Xiomara were here to see it.” Paola hung her head.
“She’s probably looking at something much better,” Danisha said.
Paola nodded.
Alex gave them a bewildered look and turned to Joshua. “Who are these children?”
“They’re my family,” Joshua replied.
“I thought you were living in the desert. How did you become a Purifier?”
“I didn’t.”
Alex glanced at the ID badge and backed away from him. “What have you done? What mess did you bring to my house?”
“We didn’t come here to hurt you, man. We’ve seen enough bloodshed for a lifetime,” Julio assured.
“Please… just let me explain.” Joshua held out his hand. Alex gave them a suspicious glance and walked into the kitchen, gesturing for them to follow. He sat at the table with Joshua and Julio and they told him about their experiences in the wastelands.
“My God, I can’t believe you’re still alive,” Alex said.
“I know I shouldn’t have just showed up here, but I didn’t know what else to do,” Joshua said.
“I get where you’re coming from, but what you’re doing is crazy and dangerous. The Purifiers must have figured out their truck is missing by now. It’ll be a miracle if you get past all those check points. You’ve killed people. I’m not sure I can be involved in this.” Alex leaned back in his chair and sipped his coffee.
“We didn’t have a choice. If you’d been in our shoes, you would’ve done the same thing.” Julio tapped his finger on the table.
“If I were in your shoes, I doubt I would’ve made it. I don’t claim to be as strong as you,” Alex replied.
“I think we should be leaving now.” Joshua rose from his chair.
“Wait… you can stay here tonight, but you have to move that truck to the garage. It’s going to alarm people,” Alex said.
“The Purifiers scare you guys too?” Maria stood in the doorway.
“Everyone in town hates Purifiers. If we don’t pay our H2O taxes on time every month they come banging on our doors, threatening us,” Alex replied.
“What are H2O taxes?” asked Joshua.
“It’s a hefty tariff they charge just for water, as if we don’t pay enough for it already. Water prices keep rising every few months. People are becoming frightened. There’s a lot of tension,” Alex said.
“Why is everyone so scared? I’m sure you’re all rich enough to afford it,” Julio said.
“The billionaires and multi-millionaires aren’t stressing over it, but they’re the minority. A lot of us can’t afford to keep paying higher water taxes. We may end up in the wastelands too. Thousands of servants have been sent there because their bosses could no longer afford to keep them.”
“The Purifiers are becoming more corrupt and lawless. I don’t think they’re held accountable for their actions so long as they make the barons more money. There was an incident several weeks ago that was downright disturbing. I couldn’t make sense of it before but after what you’ve told me, I have a clearer picture… and I don’t like it at all.” Alex shuddered.
“What do you mean?” Julio stirred some sugar into his coffee.
“I couldn’t sleep so I was sitting on my porch around midnight, gazing at the stars when a Purifier truck shows up. They always come during the day to collect tariffs, so I knew something was fishy. They stopped in front of Jason’s house down the street. He’s got a beautiful eighteen-year-old daughter that he raised on his own. I heard shouting from Jason’s yard, but I couldn’t tell what was said. The truck’s doors slammed, and the Purifiers sped off a few minutes later. I haven’t seen the daughter since. I think they took her as payment.”
“That’s exactly what they did. They’re starting to treat you guys like they’ve treated us. They aim to drive you out of here and make everything of yours their own,” Julio said.
“I guess they won’t stop until they’ve taken it all. What do you plan to do?” Maria leaned against the door frame.
“I don’t know what to do. I’ve contacted numerous politicians about it, but the government doesn’t want to get involved. I know the water barons are paying them off.” Alex shook his head.
“I wish somebody would stand up to them.” Joshua drank the rest of his coffee.
“There’s a growing resistance. The water barons’ power is weakening. Many people are ready to rise up, wealthy and working class alike. Their meetings and their actions are very secretive. They have to be. If the Purifiers catch any large groups convening in private, they execute everyone,” Alex said.
“This town is a ticking time bomb,” Julio muttered.
“It’s not just Sierra. It’s happening everywhere. I know where the resistance meets. I could take you to them tomorrow. They might help you get to Mexico. I know they’d be interested in your story. No one knows what goes on in the wastelands,” Alex said.
“That sounds like a good way to get shot.” Maria poured herself a cup of coffee.
“They meet in an abandoned glass factory on the edge of town. It’s not a place frequented by Purifiers or anyone, for that matter,” Alex said.
“When did Sierra start manufacturing?” Maria questioned.
“Not long after the war. This city was badly affected by the bombing and desperate for revenue.They signed a contract with an automotive glass com
pany and let them build a factory here. It didn’t work out and the place closed,” Alex replied.
“Somebody’s bound to recognize us without the Purifier uniforms. I’m sure our pictures are on every news station,” Julio retorted.
“I don’t think so. I haven’t heard a thing about Purifier murders or runaway indigents. If they broadcast something like that, it would create more hostility and conflict,” Alex replied.
“I respect what they’re trying to do, but I don’t want to be a part of a resistance. I’d rather stick to the original plan and get out of this country,” Joshua said.
“Seconded,” Julio added.
“Same here.” Maria nodded. “We all know how the last revolt ended.”
“A lot has changed since the last revolt. The opposition is much greater and the Purifiers are going to be outnumbered,” Alex said.
“Are you a member of this resistance?” asked Julio.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a member, but they know I support their cause.”
“This is not something we need to get mixed up with. We need to stay on the path,” Joshua said.
“That’s a great way for you to get caught and executed. Just because the water barons aren’t making this public doesn’t mean they’re not trying to find you. You’ve overpowered and outwitted their henchmen twice. They see you as a threat to their authority, a virus whose ideals could spread to the masses. Everyone like you must be eliminated if they’re going to stay in power.” Alex explained.
“What could they even do to help us?” Julio said.
“They could help you blend in so you can move about unnoticed. The Purifier truck isn’t very subtle.” He looked across at Maria. “I have a finished basement with a full bathroom. My son lived down there until he graduated college. He and my daughter left some clothes that they don’t want. You guys are welcome to take all of them. I’m sure you’ll find something that’ll work for each of you. You surely can’t walk around in those rags. The shoes may fit the guys, too, but I don’t have any women’s shoes here. I’ll get my sleeping bags out of the closet and you can all sleep there tonight.”