by Bobby Akart
“Notice all of the stalled cars,” added Colton. “These folks obviously got caught out here at the time of the solar storm. I’ll betcha they moved into those mobile homes back there.”
The road started to narrow and the Rymans were once again traveling on a two-lane highway.
“So much for our superspeedway,” said Madison. “I’ll take binocular duty if Alex handles the map.” She passed the maps to the backseat and immediately took up her watch. She had to be careful staring through the binoculars for too long while they drove. It had a tendency to make her stomach queasy.
“Okay, Daddy,” started Alex. “You should be good to go for a while until the road turns four lane again near Clifton Junction. As we approach the town, there are two side streets that can take us around if need be.”
“Good deal, Allie-Cat,” said Colton. “Now, which song do we wanna sing next?”
“No song!” the girls replied in unison.
“Fine,” said a dejected Colton. “Hey, wait, I know. What was that AM station they told us about last night? WORM or something like that?”
“Yeah, 1010 AM,” said Alex. Madison set down the binoculars and tuned the radio to 1010. The broadcast was full of static, probably due to the tall rocky inclines on both sides of the highway during this stretch. She fiddled with the dial some more until it provided a better signal.
BEEEP—BEEEP—BEEEP.
“This is a test. For the next thirty seconds, this station will conduct a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. This is only a test.”
BEEEP—BEEEP—BEEEP.
“Good evening, this is Gerald Hart, owner of WORM, 1010 AM, Savannah’s Pure Gold Station and a designated participant in our nation’s Civil Defense Program.”
“Wait, he said evening,” said Alex.
“Probably a recorded message,” added Colton.
“We are honored to be one of several dozen small AM band radio stations around the country that has participated in our nation’s Civil Defense Program since the 1960s. In conjunction with the United States military and upon directives of the President of the United States, this station will broadcast news alerts from time to time in times of a natural disaster. Stay tuned to WORM, 1010 AM, Savannah’s Pure Gold Station, for further updates. Now, we return you to our regular programming.”
Predictably, an Elvis Presley song streamed through the radio. Colton turned down the volume, although he was prepared to join in the chorus of “Blue Suede Shoes.”
“Whadya’ll think of that?” he asked.
“It sounds like civilization to me,” replied Alex.
Madison took up the binoculars and continued to scan the road ahead. “You know what seemed odd to me?”
“What’s that?” asked Colton.
Madison scooched up in her seat and turned to face both Colton and Alex. “I wanna hear the recording again, but it was almost if it had been made prior to the solar storm. The radio station’s owner read something, um, I don’t know, generic.”
Colton thought about this for a moment and was about to weigh in when the beeping sound came across the speakers again. He quickly turned up the volume and a raspy woman’s voice could be heard.
“Good afternoon to all of those who can hear my voice. I am Mayor Betty Jean Durham of Savannah, Tennessee. We are located on the banks of the beautiful Tennessee River about one hundred miles east of Memphis and ninety miles south of Jackson, Tennessee.
“We have all been delivered a jolt by this catastrophe. Loved ones have been lost here, as well as around our nation.
“Our tiny community plans to do its part to rebuild West Tennessee and help others survive. I am reaching out to those of you who might be able to assist us. For now, I must tell you that we are only capable of taking in specific types of families. Please do not come to Savannah at this time unless you meet one of the following criteria.
“First, if you have an operating vehicle, you and your immediate family only are welcome. Second, if you are active-duty military or law enforcement, you and your immediate family only are welcome. Third, if you are a physician or medical support personnel, you and your immediate family only are welcome.
“I apologize for those who’ve been displaced and are looking for a new home. The time will come when we’ll be able to help you. For now, we have to get on our feet, using the people I’ve just invited; then we’ll be able to help others.
“Here in Savannah, we are a group of Americans who take great pride in preserving our heritage and dispensing our Southern charm. The time will come when we’ll be able to extend our hospitality to all of you.”
BEEEP—BEEEP—BEEEP.
“This is a test. For the next thirty seconds—” Colton turned down the radio.
“Okay, now that was obviously current,” he said. “Sounds like she’s trying to single-handedly create a recovery effort in this small town.”
“It does kinda make sense,” added Madison. “Although Savannah is small, it is the largest town on the Tennessee River in West Tennessee. And it’s the largest town for nearly a hundred miles.”
Alex leaned over the bench seat with the map in her hand. “Daddy, Clifton Junction is up ahead. I don’t know if there’s a town located where the roads intersect, but you might wanna slow down so I can take a look.”
Colton slowed and worked his way through Haggard Hollow until the road intersection came into view. He motioned for Madison to slide him the binoculars down the dashboard. He studied the intersection for a moment and continued forward.
“Here’s what I think,” said Colton. “These small towns can’t handle an influx of refugees with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They’ll need shelter, water and food, but offer little or nothing in return. A town’s resources are limited. The deputy said as much during our conversation back in Williamsport.”
“It sounds like she’s being pretty selective about who she wants to invite in,” said Madison.
“Yeah,” said Colton slowly. “That’s true, but it also makes sense. Her first concerns would be the town’s safety, hence the additional people with military and law enforcement background. Then, she’s rightfully concerned about the health of her citizens and the strong potential for the spread of illness or disease. Without operating ambulances and Life Flight helicopters, Savannah could become a center of medical facilities for the residents in the surrounding counties.”
Alex leaned forward again. “What’s with the cars?”
“Now, that’s a good question,” replied Colton. “I can only guess that those individuals would be put into some type of service working for the county using their car in exchange for some form of compensation.”
“Like an ambulance or for police duties,” added Madison.
The Rymans drove on in silence for a moment, each analyzing what they’d learned and attempting to visualize the promise that Savannah held.
Chapter 25
DAY SEVENTEEN
10:00 a.m., September 25
Highway 64, Savannah Highway
Savannah, Tennessee
“I’m excited, but kinda nervous too,” said Alex as the divided highway came into view and homes started to become more prevalent. “Daddy, do we need to check out these side roads? I mean, we don’t wanna let our guard down, right?”
“No, honey, of course not,” replied Colton. “We have a nice, wide road to work with and we’re just a few miles from town. It sounds to me like this mayor’s got it together. If there’s any sign of trouble, I’ve got plenty of room to maneuver.”
Alex scooted along the rear seat and pressed her nose against the window. “Look, guys, they’re picking corn over here. Can you see the people walking down the rows, filling their bags slung over their shoulders?”
“Sure enough,” said Colton as he accidentally started to drift toward the grassy median while he rubbernecked the activity. Madison gently reached over and grabbed the wheel to put him back on track.
“Look on this side,�
�� said Madison as the Vulcan Quarry came into view. “I see people working on the side of that mountain, and it looks like some kind of machine is operating.”
Alex slid to the other side of the truck to get a better look. There was activity. People were working. It appeared normal.
“Well, I’ll be dogged,” said Colton as he pointed in front of them. An old school bus with different colored paints covering it slowed to turn into the Vulcan Quarry. Colton started laughing hysterically. “They’re using their turn signal. I bet they never thought they’d have to do that again.”
“Unbelievable,” said Madison as Colton slowed the Wagoneer to get a better look at the rare sight of another operating vehicle. “It looks like The Partridge Family bus.”
“Who?” asked Alex.
“Never mind, honey,” started Colton. “It’s before our time. Your mom, on the other hand—”
“Zip it, Mr. Ryman,” said Madison. “You’re old enough to remember The Partridge Family too.”
“Reruns, maybe.” Colton laughed as he picked up speed.
Alex caught a glimpse of two armed guards walking out of the shack near the entry of the quarry, contacting others on their radios.
After a moment, Madison spoke up. “You know, I think I can understand why people would locate here rather than finding some place out in the woods.”
“Yeah, me too,” said Colton. “People like us don’t know anything about living off the grid. We haven’t learned how to be self-sufficient, you know, like living off the land.”
Madison agreed and added, “At least in a town like this one, there may be limited resources, but they at least have some form of local infrastructure like a government, police, and possibly medical care.”
“I think Savannah is about the right size,” said Colton. “I’m going from memory here, but it can’t be much more than five thousand people living here. If they come together, they can trade goods and services as well as watch each other’s backs.”
“Also, don’t forget the social aspect,” said Madison. “All of those folks know each other and the mayor seems to make certain people feel welcome as they start the rebuilding process. I think it would be nice to assimilate into a small community where you can make new friends.”
“Daddy, do you think that’s what the mayor has done here?” asked Alex.
“It sure looks and sounds like it,” he replied. “I know this, we’ve driven into their community without getting shot at. That’s a great start in my book.”
They continued toward town, the maps and binoculars set aside, but with noses pressed to the windows, taking in the sights. To their left, workers picked cotton. On the right, another group gathered green beans. It was Alex who noticed something off-kilter.
“Did you guys notice there were armed men standing around the fields where the people were picking crops?” she asked.
“Well, dear, it does make sense,” replied Madison. “A group could come out of the woods over there to rob them. I guess the workers feel more comfortable with the guards protecting them, considering the world we live in now.”
Alex shrugged. There was something else she noticed, but she decided not to bring it up. Her parents seemed to have a logical explanation for everything. Something bothered Alex about the people on the multicolor bus pulling into the quarry. They looked sad. It was more than the appearance of someone who hated going to work. Those faces seemed miserable.
“Hey, look,” said Colton as he pointed to an airport sign. “We can fly out of here for our next vacay!”
The Rymans drove across a small bridge over a creek. They started down the incline when the big box stores of Lowes and Walmart came into view, as did a welcoming committee. Without the ability to stop and turn around, they were in the middle of a roadblock, facing a dozen armed men.
The sign on the shoulder of the road read The City of Savannah Welcomes You.
Chapter 26
DAY SEVENTEEN
11:30 a.m., September 25
Highway 64, Savannah Highway
Savannah, Tennessee
Savannah, Tennessee, the county seat of Hardin County, was a small town of around six thousand residents and sat on the eastern banks of the Tennessee River. The river divided Hardin County into two distinct geographic regions. The western half of the county was rich bottomland with some hills and ridges—ideal for farming. The land east of the river was higher with a steadily increasing elevation—ideal for quarry operations and industrial production.
Hardin County was also divided politically. The mostly rural and agricultural western half of the county was decidedly Republican and had favored the Southern cause during the Civil War. The eastern side had supported the North and contained mainly Democrats. The Civil War had moved across the county several times, including the historic Battle of Shiloh, which took place between Shiloh Church and Pittsburg Landing in April of 1862. Make no mistake, in parts of the Deep South, nerves were still raw over the divide created over one hundred fifty years ago.
“Don’t move,” said Colton as he abruptly brought the truck to a stop next to the concrete barricades blocking the road. The roadblock was set up across the five lanes of Highway 64 in front of Lowe’s on the right and Walmart on the left.
Colton slowly took his hands off the wheel and placed them on the dashboard next to Alex’s solar panel and charging iPhone. Madison followed his lead and Alex quickly placed her hands on the top of the bench seat in front of her. “We don’t have any choice but to hope for the best here. I’m sorry, guys.”
“Colton, it’ll be fine,” said Madison. “They’re just protecting their town. Once they hear we’re passin’ through, they’ll allow us to continue on our way.”
The men guarding the highway slowly walked around the Wagoneer with their rifles pointed at the Rymans. They looked in all of their windows and raised the tarp to reveal the hitch rack’s contents.
“I’ve got one male, two females,” announced one of the men. A man dressed in jeans and a black tucked-in polo shirt approached from the rear of the guarded area. He was unarmed except for his smile. He walked up to the driver’s side and made a circular motion indicating he wanted Colton to roll down the window.
“Hello,” said Colton sheepishly.
“Well, greetings, weary travelers, and welcome to Savannah,” said the man. “My name is William Cherry with the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce.” Colton thought he heard snickers in the background from a couple of the men, but he couldn’t be sure. He focused his attention on the man’s face.
“My name’s Joshua Dalton,” lied Colton. “This here is my wife, Carol, and my daughter Rennie. We’re just passin’ through.”
“Well, Mr. Dalton, we’d be happy to oblige you folks, but I hope you understand, these are unusual times and we have to be mighty careful who we allow to cross through our fair city,” said Cherry. “My family has lived in these parts since the war and we’re a little protective of our family and friends. You can understand that, right?”
Colton glanced at Madison and then surveyed the roadblock. He was trying to get a sense of whether they were in danger or not. The vehicles used by the men appeared to be manufactured in the late sixties or early seventies, similar to the Wagoneer. He also noticed some of the men had two-way radios attached to their belts. If they had communications and operating vehicles elsewhere, running wasn’t a good option—especially with a dozen rifles pointed at them. He had to play it out.
“Of course,” replied Colton cheerily. “We’ve heard so many great things about Savannah. And we heard your very welcoming radio broadcast. But we’re headed west and would just like to pass through town on 64 if y’all don’t mind.”
“Where ya headed?” asked Cherry.
Colton hesitated. “Um, Memphis.”
“Well now, Mr. Dalton, Memphis ain’t exactly a hospitable place right about now. The locals are burning the city to the ground. Ya sure that’s where you wanna go?”
Colton tried to make his lie better. “I mean, we’re not going all the way to Memphis. Her sister, you know, lives just outside of Germantown. They’ve got a place—”
“A farm,” interrupted Madison, causing Cherry to crouch and look into the passenger’s seat at Madison. “My sister and brother-in-law have a farm just outside of Germantown. We’re goin’ there, you know, to bug out.”
Cherry started laughing, which caused some of his men to laugh along with him. “Boys, these folks are bugging out,” he said sarcastically. “They’re bugging out to Germantown.”
“Right,” said Colton, who didn’t understand the sarcastic tone of Cherry.
“I have to say, we’ve had plenty of folks come to Savannah, claiming to be buggin’ out, but none were headed to Germantown.” Cherry laughed and withdrew from the Wagoneer and summoned two of this men over. After some whispering back and forth, they shouldered their weapons and headed for two of the cars parked in the Lowe’s parking lot.
“Daddy, are we gonna be okay?” whispered a concerned Alex from the backseat. Colton’s eyes darted around, trying to assess the situation. He didn’t want to appear to be overly nervous.
“Honey, I think so,” he replied hesitantly.
Cherry returned with his signature grin. “Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Dalton,” he started. “These men are going to be your escorts. Please follow the blue Dodge, and the white Chevy pickup will follow you folks.”
“Okay,” said Colton as he reached to start the ignition.
“Hold up, Mr. Dalton,” said Cherry, which startled Colton. “I’m not done yet. We have certain protocols to follow, you know, for the safety of all concerned. I’m sure you folks have weapons, and we’re not going to confiscate them from you. But, out of an abundance of caution, those men in the back of the pickup truck will be watching you carefully. They are deputized and armed with automatic weapons. We can’t be too careful. You understand, right?”