by Akart, Bobby
Ryan’s folksy approach and humor helped defuse the unnecessarily tense situation. The sheriff saw an opening.
“So you’ll let us come in and take a look around?”
Ryan chuckled. “Um, no. I didn’t say that. But I promise you we’ll conduct our own investigation, and if anything comes of it, we’ll gladly turn over any car thieves to law enforcement.”
“You can’t ask for much more than that, right, Sheriff?” Cort encouraged the sheriff to see it their way.
“I suppose you’re right.” The sheriff tipped his hat and raised his arm in the air, circling his index finger, indicating to his deputies they should load up and leave.
After they pulled away, Ryan gave instructions to Bravo and Charlie before pulling Cort aside. “Do you think there’s any truth to that? I mean, was he just making up a reported theft to get his foot in the door?”
Cort grimaced and shrugged. “I don’t know. I kinda doubt it. I mean, was there a car theft? Probably. But I got the sense he wanted to snoop more than he wanted to investigate a theft.”
Ryan nodded. “Yeah, me too.”
Chapter Forty-Five
Sheltons’ Cabin
The Haven
“Tom! Tom!” Donna emerged from the bedroom, still groggy from a fitful two-hour nap. Sleep came easily, initially; then the dreams began. One’s personality and their interaction with the world typically determines the contents of the dreams. For Donna, her dreams were used by her brain to subconsciously organize and compartmentalize her memories, thoughts, and interactions. This time, her dreams were more creative. They took bits and pieces of the day’s events, from the attack in Richmond to the angry mob chasing them through Durham. Only, in her dreams, she and Tom weren’t successful in avoiding the attackers.
When she awoke and found Tom missing from the cabin, she immediately became concerned. It was a small space consisting of a single bedroom filled with two full-size beds and a variety of furniture to hold their belongings. The simple bathroom included a toilet, a pedestal sink, and a stand-up shower. The remainder of the space was open with the kitchen, dining, and living areas part of a single room.
Tom had started a fire as soon as they arrived, and the wood-burning stove generated so much heat that Donna considered slightly opening the windows. Instead, she found her way to the front door to look for her husband.
Tom was returning from the front yard as a vehicle was pulling away. When he saw her standing in the doorway, he hustled up the steps of the porch to join his wife.
“Hey, I thought you’d still be sleeping.”
“No, um. I had a dream. Who was that?”
“That was Echo and his wife. Do you remember—?”
“Of course,” replied Donna. “Very nice people. In fact, they were the only ones that were close to our age, not that it seems to matter to anyone here.”
Tom laughed as he escorted his wife back into their cabin. She’d left the door ajar, allowing some of the cold air in, or the heat to escape, whichever the laws of thermodynamics allowed.
“I remember when I broached the subject of age with Ryan,” began Tom as he backed his fanny to the woodstove and warmed his backside. “By the way, did you know he’s sixty?”
“Really? You can’t tell.”
“Yeah, lucky guy. Anyway, he quoted Mark Twain, of all people. He said age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
Donna laughed. “Men can think like that. You guys look better with age. Women see it differently. We see our glory years slipping away.”
Tom shook his head and approached his wife. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. “Glory years?”
Donna shyly looked down. “You know, when I was healthy and had smooth skin and, um, all my teeth.”
Tom burst out in laughter. “Good Lord, Mrs. Shelton. You act like you’ve got one foot in the grave. We’ve already cheated death. Let’s not welcome it back in based upon a few wrinkles and a couple of missing molars.”
A few tears streamed down her cheeks and she held her husband close to hide her angst. He felt like something was wrong inside her, but she didn’t want to unduly concern him. They’d been through a lot since New Year’s Eve. She felt responsible for it all.
She was the one who insisted they take the ill-fated trip to New York at that time of year. She knew better than to put them in such a position considering the times they lived in. And to top it off, she inwardly chastised herself, she’d dragged her husband down to Times Square, ground zero for the terrorist attack on the city.
“Hey, hey. Don’t be sad, dear. Is there something else?”
She wiped her cheeks with the sleeves of her sweater and patted him gently on the chest. “No, not at all. It’s just, um, I’m glad we’re safe. And, Tom, I really do feel safe here.”
“That’s good. These are good people.”
Donna pulled away and yanked a Kleenex out of the box sitting on a side table. “I look forward to seeing Echo and his wife tomorrow. I hope the—”
“Well, let me mention this,” Tom interrupted. “Now, you may not be up for it, but they were on their way over to the main house. Ryan and Blair have been having some casual get-togethers at suppertime. You know, potluck type of stuff. She knows we’re tired and by no means would be expected to bring anything, but we are invited to join them.”
“When?” she asked.
Tom began to take off his jacket as he replied, “Anytime. I suspect Ryan opens up the bar for cocktails beforehand.”
Donna didn’t hesitate. “I’m there. Let me grab my coat.”
Maybe a drink was just what the doctor would order for her melancholy mood.
Chapter Forty-Six
Haven House
The Haven
Echo and his wife, Charlotte, were the first to arrive, as always. Charlotte loved to cook and enjoyed playing the role of the grandmother figure at the Haven. She and Blair had a close relationship, often having long conversations about what life would look like after a collapse event. They both agreed the Haven offered them the best chance to have a normal life.
After Echo and Ryan set out the alcohol and mixers, the Cortlands arrived. Ryan provided them a quick tour of Haven House while Blair got Hannah settled in with videos and games. Hannah immediately asked whether Skylar was coming, and Blair responded that her dad was invited, so naturally Skylar was as well.
The three couples were hanging out by the fire when Delta arrived alone. They encouraged him to fetch his children, but he declined, saying they were most likely tired from a full day of activities around the Haven.
The conversation turned to events around the country, and everyone was sharing their opinions as more guests arrived. Ryan greeted Tom and Donna Shelton at the front door. He started by giving Donna a hug.
“You guys have been through a lot,” said Ryan, feeling genuine compassion for the retired couple. His mother and father had been frequent travelers, unafraid to tackle any challenges associated with visiting unique destinations around the world.
His mom had been born in Berlin, Germany, and grew up there during World War II. She’d experienced firsthand what the collapse of a nation looked like. Moreover, his mom had known hunger, fear, and isolation. She’d become a survivor during those difficult years as a young girl, foraging for food while avoiding the demented clutches of Russian soldiers as they invaded Berlin. Ryan was grateful to his mom for passing on those survival genes to him.
Donna chuckled as she removed her coat. “Going to New York and Times Square had always been a dream of mine. Tom indulged me and tried to make it a trip of a lifetime. I could’ve done without the theatrics, however.”
Tom laughed and joined his wife. He accepted a hug and gave her a peck on the cheek in return. They were every bit in love today as the day they were married.
Tom began to remove his coat as Meredith approached to meet them. Ryan made the introductions. “I’d like you to meet Commander
Tom Shelton and his wife, Donna. They’re from Charleston, but they took a roundabout way of getting here, am I right, Tom?”
The older man laughed. “Boy, that’s an understatement. Over the river and through the woods doesn’t begin to describe the route we took to get here.”
He extended his hand to shake Meredith’s. Instead, she moved in to hug them both. “I’m a hugger, if that’s okay.”
Donna smiled and a tear appeared on her cheek as she accepted the hug. “Of course, dear.”
“Donna, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to overstep—”
Donna patted her on the cheek and shook her head from side to side. “No, it’s fine. It’s just. Well, we’ve got two daughters your age and I worry for them. They’re in the military and I’m sure they’re safe, but, well, you know.” Her voice trailed off.
“I totally understand, Donna. And you’re right, I’m sure they’re safe, and most importantly, I bet they’re relieved that their parents have found a safe haven as well.”
“Meredith, did you make this nice woman cry?” asked Cort laughingly as he approached the group with a glass of wine.
“No, silly man,” replied Meredith. “I guess, um, we were just having a moment, right, Donna?”
Donna laughed, wiped off her wet cheeks, and hugged Meredith again.
Cort moved closer and shook hands with Tom. “I’m Michael Cortland, but my friends call me Cort.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Cort. I’m Tom and this—”
Tom Shelton froze. A chill ran up his spine and he began to blink rapidly. Everyone noticed his sudden change in demeanor, and Donna let go of Meredith to reach for her husband.
“Dear, are you okay? Tom?”
Tom forcibly shook his body. His eyes darted from Ryan to Cort and then over to Meredith. He returned his attention to Cort. “Son, I’m sorry. Did you say your name is Cortland?”
“Yes, sir.”
He and Donna exchanged knowing glances as the light bulb went off in her head as well. Tom addressed Meredith. “And you’re Meredith? Meredith Cortland?”
A look of bewilderment overcame Meredith. “Um, yes. Cort and I’ve been married for nearly ten years.”
Tom patted his jacket and reached inside to confirm the envelope was still there. He turned to Ryan. “Is there a place where I might have some privacy with these folks?”
Ryan shrugged. “Sure. You can use my study. Tom, is there something I can help you with?”
Tom furrowed his brow and thought for a moment. “No. Not just yet. I just need a quick moment with the Cortlands, and then we’ll speak with you if they deem it appropriate.”
Meredith looked at Cort and then said, “Tom, I’m sorry, but what’s going on? This is all so mysterious.”
Ryan took the lead and answered for Tom. “Let me show you guys some privacy where you can talk. Take as long as you need and then come out when you’re ready. Dinner can wait for a little while.”
He escorted the group into his study and excused himself, gently closing the door as he backed out. Once they were alone, Tom pulled the envelope out of his pocket and fumbled with it nervously. Before he turned it over, he took a moment to explain. “I take it you both know George Trowbridge.”
Meredith and Cort looked at one another. “Yes, of course. He’s my father.”
Tom handed her the letter. “I have known your father for many years. Our relationship was, well, out of the ordinary. Let’s leave it at that.”
“He has a lot of business associates like that,” said Meredith. She turned the envelope over and over again in her hands. “He gave you this? To give to me?”
“Yes. When we evacuated from the city, we had several options that would get us to an airport that was still open. New Haven was one of those options. I’d been to your home on one other occasion, many years ago. I took a chance that your father was there and would agree to help us get back to Charleston, or here. He was very accommodating.”
Donna interjected, “He booked us passage on a nuclear submarine. Can you imagine?”
Cort grinned. “Yes, actually we can.”
“Anyway, just as we were about to leave his bedside, he handed me this envelope. He didn’t tell me who you were or how I would even cross paths with you. Yet here we are. Standing across from one another.”
“My father has a way of knowing things, I suppose,” said Meredith, who still appeared to be stunned by the developments. She looked to Donna for support. “You were at his bedside?”
Donna picked up on the fact that Meredith might not be fully informed of her father’s medical condition. “Yes, but keep in mind, we arrived unannounced. He looked well and seemed to be getting excellent care.”
All Meredith could do was nod her head as she studied the envelope. She picked at the sealed flap with her thumbnail as an inner debate raged within her. She’d quarreled with her father far too often. Most times, she regretted their exchanges, as a stubborn old man who claimed he only wanted the best for his daughter butted heads with a young woman desperately trying to find her own way with the man she loved. Meredith was completely unaware of the fact that Cort had a close, secretive relationship with Trowbridge.
She looked at Cort. “Should I open it now?”
Tom offered to leave and made his way toward the door. “Donna, let’s step out and give them some privacy.”
Meredith quickly stopped him. “No. I mean, please stay. Obviously, my father held you in high enough regard to trust you with this letter. Plus, we both might have more questions regarding his, um, health.”
Tom nodded and returned to Cort’s side. He patted the younger, much taller man on the back to offer his encouragement. “We’re here for you both.”
Meredith carefully opened the envelope and retrieved the two-page letter. As she read, tears streamed out of her eyes and she fought back sniffles. She finished reading the letter and handed it to Cort, who quickly glanced at it.
Donna broke the silence. “I hope this isn’t bad news.”
Meredith shook her head. “No, it’s actually a very sweet letter. I love my daddy and always will. He just has a way. Well, you know.”
Tom chuckled, and he reached out to take Meredith’s hands. “Listen, young lady. I’m a retired Naval commander. I treated my daughters as if they were under my command more times than I care to remember. But, at the end of the day, we’re still a loving family. It’s that love that pushes all those Commander Shelton moments out of their memories.”
Meredith nodded and smiled. The waterworks turned from sadness to tears of joy. “I can see why he wrote the last paragraph.”
“What did it say, dear?” asked Donna.
“It read that we can absolutely trust Tom Shelton, but no one else.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
Haven House
The Haven
The Sheltons and Cortlands emerged from Ryan’s study in a jovial mood. Their timing was perfect, as Blair and Charlotte had begun bringing food from the kitchen for a family-style dinner of beans, rice, and ground beef. Mundane as the options might sound, Blair had had the foresight to include a variety of sauces, spices, and toppings to make the post-collapse staples tasty.
Hannah was enjoying a Disney movie from Blair’s extensive collection, settled in on the sofa with Chubby and The Roo. She’d promised the girls that tomorrow she’d be back with Handsome Dan so the three English bulldogs could have a playdate. Hannah was impressed with the number of toys the girls had from their favorite online store—Bark Shop. Even Hannah recognized that the pups were spoiled with every imaginable toy.
Ryan approached Tom and Cort briefly before everyone took a seat, and confirmed that all was well. They promised to fill him in on the details after dinner. In fact, the brief conversation led to a promise to have daily meetings between the three as they fostered the residents of the Haven through a post-collapse world.
“Kudos to the chef,” exclaimed Delta, who was the only guest without a partne
r. He’d become accustomed to dining alone since his divorce, and this was the first family-style meal he’d had. “I never thought beans and rice could taste so good.”
“How’d you fix yours?” asked Blair.
Delta finished his generous spoonful and picked up a thirty-ounce jar of red sweet pepper relish. He turned the jar so everyone could view the label. “I used this relish. It’s made by the Amish.”
“That’s good stuff,” added Ryan. “We bought a couple of dozen cases of it when we took a trip to Sarasota before moving here. I think we’ve got enough to last several years.”
“Not with Delta around,” joked Blair as Delta scooped another tablespoon into his bowl.
Everyone had a good laugh and continued their conversation, which turned to media reports from Richmond.
“Tom, you were in the middle of the melee,” began Ryan. “Do you think it was orchestrated or spontaneous like the news reports are saying?”
“I have to say orchestrated,” he replied. “It’s almost as if they had a plan of attack. Their first goal was to stop traffic, and they did so by assaulting the vehicles from the bridge overpass. Once vehicles were neutralized, dozens of thugs came out of nowhere to attack cars and motorists.”
“Were they protestors?” asked Meredith. “I mean, what could they possibly hope to accomplish?”
Tom furrowed his brow and shook his head. “No, they weren’t protestors as the media has portrayed them. They had a goal and that was to hurt, or even kill, people indiscriminately.”
“Interesting choice of words,” said Delta. “Indiscriminately.”
Tom shrugged, then explained. “Certainly not intentionally, Delta. However, it fits. In today’s age, our polarized society seems to be divided by race in many instances. While the people in the mob that attacked our cars were predominately black, there were whites in the group too. Moreover, at least from our limited perspective, the motorists being attacked were from all races and walks of life.”