Winter Fall

by Byron Tucker

  “Yes, we all are. Hopefully there will be food for us on the boat. Oh, that reminds me –“

  Sam hopped out of his seat and made a beeline for the bedroom, quickly locating the steel lock box containing the one hundred gold coins they would need for passage. Tossing it on the dinette table, he grabbed the other box of coins located in one of the cabinets, realizing they still had nearly two hundred fifty ounces of gold in their possession, as well as the fifteen thousand in unspent cash, plus the silver.

  Shooting him a worried look, Irene said, “All that gold isn't worth diddly squat if we can't get on that boat.”

  “We'll get on that boat, honey. Don't you worry about that.”

  “What if the way to the dock is blocked by the military or something?”

  “We'll just have to worry about that then.” He pointed to the stove. “Get that soup ready, as I want Eliza to eat before we get there.”

  Irene looked as if she was going to break down in sobs, but she soon set onto the task of heating up a pot of water on the small stove. Sam took a moment to kiss her gently on the cheek and then made his way to the passenger seat, noticing that the highway had widened to four lanes again, with the woods giving way to suburban development. “Looks like we're getting close now.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Jimmy eased up on the gas, dropping the speed down to about fifty. “I guess we can relax a bit now, huh?”

  “We can relax when we're on that ship. But you're doing great, just keep going like you are.”

  Jimmy looked at him and smiled. “Thanks, Dad.”

  The entry into the city of Mobile was surprisingly uneventful, with the snow fading almost to bare pavement when they reached the expressways leading into the central city. There were no signs of military or civilian alike. It was a ghost town much like Tupelo, which Sam thought odd. He'd figured the place would have at least a few people around. Not that I'm complaining.

  “Where is everybody?” Jimmy asked, the buildings of the downtown appearing in the misty gloom ahead.

  “I have no idea, but keep going until this ends, and hang a left. According to the map, the docks should be right there.” Sam glanced back at Irene, helping Eliza eat her soup. “You guys still doing okay?”

  “Yes,” Irene said. “Are we almost there?”

  “I think so.”

  The expressway came to an end just after they reached the downtown, with still no sign of activity. Braking to a stop, Jimmy said, “This is creepy. It's like they've cleared everybody out for some reason.”

  Sam pointed to the left. “We'll be clearing out of here ourselves if we can find that dammed boat. Looks like the docks are over that way.”

  Jimmy eased the motorhome to the left and drove slowly, following a series of signs indicating the various docks ahead. “I sure hope the Coronith is around here somewhere.”

  “Me too, Jimmy. Me too. Keep driving slow and I'll look for it.”

  They proceeded about a quarter mile, passing one empty dock after another. A large parking area appeared to the right and Sam's eyes lit up when he saw a rust-bucket freighter alongside the quay on the far side of it. It looked as if it was something that'd been abandoned since well before the disaster, but it was certainly worth a closer look.

  Pointing to it, he said, “Over there. Let's see what that boat is.”

  Jimmy made a sharp right turn, bumping over a series of railroad tracks, easing toward the quay. “Man, I sure hope that's not it. That's a rust bucket if there ever is one.”

  Sam strained his eyes to make out the faded blue lettering on the side of the ship. Unbelievably, he made out the letters CORONITH, inducing him to shout for joy. “That's it! It's our ship!”

  Jimmy drove a bit faster, his mouth falling open in surprise when he recognized the name as well. “Awesome! That really is the Coronith. But I don't see anybody on it.”

  “Pull up next to it and blow the horn. They're probably staying out of the cold onboard.”

  Jimmy did as instructed, blowing out three long blasts on the horn while he coasted to a stop alongside the rust-coated vessel. Irene and Eliza came up to the front, looking out at the ship.

  When nobody appeared after a few seconds, Sam undid his seat belt. “You guys stay put. I'm going to see if anybody's home.”

  Jimmy shouted, “Look! I see somebody!”

  Sure enough, a short man wrapped in a heavy coat came walking down the gangway, waving at them. “Stay put guys, I'll go out and meet him.”

  Sam stepped out of the motorhome, realizing that the cold wasn't nearly as severe as it had been up north, although it was still below freezing. He took in a deep breath and watched as the man approached. When he got closer, Sam heard him speak in heavily accented English.

  “Are you Mr. Sam Durant?”

  Sam experienced an explosion of joy bursting out of his chest. “What a relief, you really are expecting us. Yes, I'm Sam, and I have my family with me as well. I was told that you would take us to Costa Rica.”

  The dark-complexioned man extended his hand, smiling. “I am the captain of the Coronith, and yes, I will take you and your family to Costa Rica provided you have one hundred fifty ounces of gold.”

  Sam swallowed nervously while he pondered how to reply. He had gold to spare, but the man could just be making a play. “I have one hundred ounces, plus fifteen thousand in US dollars cash. Will that be sufficient?”

  The man paused for a few moments before replying, breaking out into a grin as he did so. “Yes, that will be sufficient.” He pointed at his ship behind him. “It's a good thing you showed up when you did, as we were just about to depart.”

  Glad to hear that they'd not have any delays in leaving, but horrified that they'd very nearly missed the ship, Sam asked, “Oh? I thought you weren't leaving until Christmas Day.”

  He waved his arms around him. “This place will be gone in a few hours. There's nobody left in this city but us.”

  Intensely curious, he asked, “Why is that?”

  “The Republic of Texas has announced they will drop a nuclear bomb on this city if the Coalition does not surrender. From what I hear, they refuse to surrender, so the bomb could come at any time. So, if you will, bring me the gold and cash, and I will instruct my crew to open the bay door so you can board your vehicle. The sooner we depart, the better I will feel.”

  Indeed. “If you'll excuse me for just one moment.” Sam sprinted back to the motorhome, shouting to his son standing at the top of the stairs. “Grab the lock box and the cash. We're going to Costa Rica!”

  * * *

  Ryan took a long swing of the Jack Daniel's, stumbling over to the shortwave radio, turning it on with a flick of his finger. Nora, cooking dinner in the kitchen, shouted at him to turn it off, but he ignored her. Adjusting the antenna for better reception, he stood next to it and listened to the drone of the broadcaster. It wasn't long before he learned what he had been dreading the most: As of two-thirty PM Central Standard time, the cities of New Orleans and Mobile have been destroyed by nuclear bombs. Loss of life is expected to be minimal, as both cities have been evacuated, but destruction is said to be absolute. The Republic of Texas has issued a statement to the Coalition that bombings of additional cities will take place if an unconditional surrender and withdrawal of forces isn't issued by midnight Central Time. There are no further details available at this time.

  Ryan flipped the power off, sitting down in a nearby chair as he took another long swing of the whiskey. Looking over at Nora, he said, “All hope is lost now.”

  She walked over to him and ran a hand through his unruly hair, using her other hand to gently wrest the bottle away from him. “I've said it a million times, Ryan, and I'll say it again. Your brother is an intelligent man – he either made it down there in time, and made it on that ship, or he would have taken his family somewhere else.”

  “Which would mean certain death.”

  She sat down across from him, making a point to look directly into hi
s eyes. “You've got to take it easier on yourself. You're drowning yourself in booze, you're not eating, and you've given up hope, not only for your brother and his family, but for us as well. Well, I'm going to tell you right here and now that I'm not going to give up hope. And I'm going to try my damnedest to convince you not to give up hope either. We're going to survive this, one way or another.”

  Ryan looked at her through tear-blurred eyes. “But what's the use of having hope when they're most likely dead?”

  She shook her head vigorously. “You can't just assume that. We just don't know. One day, you'll know. But for now, let's just assume they're on that boat going to Costa Rica. Let's think positive for once.”

  The dam finally breaking, Ryan let out a cavalcade of sobs as he allowed Nora to hug him tightly.

  Chapter 34

  Sam's stomach rumbled mightily as he followed the rest of his family into the mess, his eyes goggling at the sight of the steaming piles of food on the table in front of him. There were eight people in all, which included the captain of the Coronith and three crew members. The first mate was on the bridge, piloting the ship southward through the rugged seas of the stormy Gulf of Mexico.

  Spotting Jimmy stuffing a roll into his mouth, he nudged him on the shoulder. “Patience, young man.”

  The Spanish-accented captain laughed heartily, motioning at them to be seated at the table. His name was Jose Alvero, and he was a friendly fellow, if not a bit quirky. Sam suspected he was an alcoholic, but that was the least of his worries. They'd gotten themselves and the motorhome onboard, he was taking them straight to Costa Rica, and most importantly at the moment, offering his family their first meal in days.

  “Dig in, my friends. I have David fix this meal especially for you.”

  Following the lead of the others, Sam sat down and spooned generous helpings of food onto his plate, wasting no time in scarfing it down.

  Jimmy looked at him with the biggest smile he'd ever seen on his face and said, “Man, you have no idea how wonderful it is just to be able to eat.”

  Even Eliza ate with gusto, her color coming back more than ever. Irene had taken her off the IV a couple hours before, figuring that she'd had enough of the antibiotics to knock out her lung infection, or at least diminish it significantly. She was eating – that was the important thing.

  Speaking through a mouth full of mac and cheese, Jimmy said to Jose, “What's the weather going to be like heading south?”

  The man looked at him and at Sam. Still chewing, he said, “Rough. If it's anything like it was coming north, you'll be in for a wild ride.”

  Even now, Sam could feel the rollicking motion of the ship, which seemed to worsen with each passing hour. “I didn't know the Gulf of Mexico was known for stormy weather.”

  Jose looked at him with his coal-black eyes. “Ah, but now, it is different, because of the volcano. The storms you might typically find in the far north seas are crossing the southern seas now. Had I known it'd been this bad, I'd never sailed to America.”

  Thank God he didn't know, or we'd be particles of ash right now. The two nuclear bombs had gone off just a few hours after they sailed out of icy Mobile Bay, the blast waves reminiscent of the initial explosion of Yellowstone, even at sixty miles out. He still couldn't fathom why one state of his devastated country would nuke another, unless it was an act of pure desperation. If they hadn't left when they did...

  After giving a chance for his shrunken stomach to adjust, he scarfed down more food, feeling more grateful than he ever had in his life. Grateful to be alive. Grateful to have the chance of starting over in Costa Rica. Grateful not to be starving to death like the rest of America.

  Jimmy said, “I sure wish we had a way to reach Uncle Ryan. He's probably worried sick about us.”

  “He probably thinks we're dead.”

  Jimmy shook his head as he chewed a huge bite of roasted chicken. “Nah, he's got more faith in us than that. I'm sure he knows that we made it down here in time.”

  The ship creaked and shuddered, causing Irene to look around her in a worried fashion. “I sure hope this ship is seaworthy,” she said.

  Jose laughed and said, “Ah yes, the Coronith is very seaworthy. Have no fear.”

  Sam paused in his eating to hold his wife's hand. Outwardly, she appeared to be as relieved as he felt, but he knew that she still felt fearful about things – the sea voyage, the uncertainty of going to a new country, her daughter's health. If there was one thing she needed desperately, it was comfort and security, and it pained him greatly that he couldn't provide that to her, yet. “Don't worry, Irene, we'll get through this. It's only a two-day trip to Limon.” He glanced at the captain. “That's correct, right? Two days, or is it three?”

  Jose spoke through a mouth full of food. “If the weather's good, it's three days. If the weather's extremely bad, we might have to take refuge in a port on the Yucatan somewhere, which is what I had to do on the way north. I hope we fare better going south, but I have no idea of what to expect.”

  “We'll be okay, Mom,” Jimmy said. “We're on easy street now. We can sit back and let Jose do the driving.”

  When everyone was done eating, the Jose invited Jimmy to come up to the bridge with him, which he cheerfully accepted, and Sam went with his wife and daughter to the stateroom they'd been appointed. It was small and spartan, but it was a place for the four of them to sleep, as opposed to having to stay in the motorhome located in the gloomy cargo hold with no way of running power to it. When they got down there, however, Eliza experienced an extended coughing fit, bringing on an asthma attack. A moment later, Irene pointed out that the nebulizer machine wasn't in the room with them.

  Sam pointed to the suitcase that Irene had packed just before boarding the ship. “You have the rest of her medicines in there, right?”

  “Yes, but the captain was in such a hurry to get the motorhome onboard, I didn't have a chance to bring the nebulizer.”

  He leaned over to kiss her. “No worries, I'll go down and get it.”

  The ship listed on its side as they hit an unseen wave, the biggest yet. “I don't like this storm, Sam.”

  He urged her to sit down on the bunk opposite of the one Eliza was lying in. “It'll be fine. They deal with this kind of thing all the time. You two just sit tight while I get the nebulizer.”

  Closing the door of the stateroom behind him, Sam made his way down two flights of narrow stairs. He was forced to use the handrails as the ship rocked back and forth. This really is a bad storm, he thought, cautiously making his way to the cargo hold, located on the other side of a sealed bulkhead.

  After waiting for the ship to stabilize a bit, he spun the wheel of the access door to open it. Immediately, he was confronted with the sound of water sloshing across the floor. He located a light switch and flipped it, a dim wall light allowed him to see deeper into the hold, but nothing could have prepared him for what he saw. The whole place was flooded with seawater, sloshing rhythmically from side to the other. Fearful there was a leak somewhere, Sam took his shoes off and stepped over the threshold, struggling to see where the water was coming from.

  It didn't take long for him to find out, since he could hear the screech of the wind coming from an open access hatch above the far end of the hold. Once he got to where the motorhome was, thankfully anchored down with chains wrapped around each of the tires, he could see that seawater was gushing through the hatch each time a wave crashed over the central portion of the ship. I've got to tell the Captain about this.

  But first things first. He needed to locate the nebulizer and get it up to the stateroom. After that was done, he would go up to the bridge and inform Jose about the open hatch. Stepping inside the motorhome, he had to feel his way around, as it was too dark to see. He located the compact machine on the couch, making sure to unplug it from the wall socket before picking it up with his hands.

  Pleased with himself, Sam stepped out of the motorhome and closed the door, the ship leaning
madly to the side as he did so. Looking back at the open door to the main part of the ship, he could see that the water had drained off to the side, giving him a clear path to the exit.

  He decided to make a run for it, thinking he could make it to the doorway before the water came sloshing back across the floor, but he didn't even make it halfway. The ship pitched in the other direction quicker than he thought possible, causing a wave of water to race across the smooth metal floor of the hold. The water knocked him clear off his feet, causing him to fall on his side, and knocking the wind out of him.

  Sam struggled to pick himself back up again, and then realized the nebulizer was completely soaked. He held it up in a panic, only to fall back down again when the water came sloshing back from the other side.

  Growing increasingly desperate, he staggered to his feet again, and finally managed to complete the sprint to the doorway, shaking seawater from the nebulizer once he stepped over the threshold. My God, I sure hope it isn't ruined. That would be an utter disaster if that was the case, especially with his daughter still in recovery from her lung infection. Figuring there was nothing to do but to get it upstairs and get it dried out, he raced upstairs as quickly as he could, not even thinking about being without his shoes.

  When he got to the stateroom, Irene looked at him with an expression of object horror. “Sam what happened to you down there?”

  He handed the machine to her and said, “Do what you can to dry this out, I've got to tell Jose that the cargo hold is flooded.”

  “Flooded? How? Are we sinking?”

  He put a hand on her shoulder to calm her down. “No, it's just an open hatch on the top side. The water isn't very deep, but I got knocked down due to the motion of the ship. I'm going up to tell him now so it can be latched shut.”

  Irene looked at the machine in her hands, which was still dripping water. “I sure hope this thing works. Those ampules we got from the hospital won't do us a bit of good without a working machine.”