by E A Chance
Colonel Yeager leaned against a corner table in the missing mayor’s office and watched as Dr. Walser gave a description of Adrian Landry’s companions to the sketch artist. Yeager already had descriptions of Dashay Robinson and Brooks Dunbar from his informant, Darcy Meade, but Dr. Walser had been far less obliging than she was, at first.
Yeager didn’t bother threatening to lock him up if he didn’t cooperate. He’d learned through his long years of service that the best way to get results was to give people what they thought they wanted, so he offered the good doctor a ride to Cincinnati if he spilled. Yeager had expected some resistance, but Walser couldn’t share information fast enough once he was promised a free ticket home.
It had been a struggle for Yeager to hide his disgust at how easily the man caved. Where was the courage and loyalty that odd veterinarian, Dylan Clevenger, had shown? Yeager knew he could have bribed, threatened, and tortured that man all day and gotten nothing. The world needed more people like him, even if he was an eccentric. Yeager depended on people like Walser to get what he needed and knew better than most how to exploit and manipulate weaknesses.
When the artist finished the sketches, Yeager ordered his assistant to drop them at the science museum where they had an old crank mimeograph machine waiting, then get Walser to Cincinnati. Kearns wouldn’t have approved if she’d known he was letting people through her net, but all he cared about was fulfilling his mission. Yeager didn’t care in the least about President Kearns’ ridiculous zones. He viewed her actions as a waste of resources. It was his opinion that instead of fighting useless battles with residents and herding them like cattle, she should utilize her forces to rebuild infrastructure and reestablish society.
He’d almost let his thoughts on the matter slip in his last meeting with her, but she was the type of leader who cared little for the opinions of her underlings, and he didn’t want to jeopardize his position. It was all he had left in the world.
It had been nothing more than a stroke of luck that he’d been the one to get Kearns’ family and her cronies out of DC after the CME. He’d just gotten word that he’d lost his wife and daughter to a natural gas explosion in their home and was planning to find a hole to crawl into and die when his commanding officer ordered him to make his way to the Vice President at the White House. He’d allowed events to sweep him along since. At least it gave him a reason to get up each morning.
That was harder some days than others, especially when he had to commit distasteful or questionable acts in the name of his Commander-in-Chief. He’d always been an obedient, hardworking soldier who followed orders without question and believed in his mission. It was how he’d risen through the ranks, but that all changed the day the CME struck and thrust him into the new hellish world.
He didn’t believe in Kearns’ mission or respect her as a person or a leader, but he’d learned to numb himself to his emotions and get the job done. He wasn’t sure what he’d do once Daybreak was in custody, but he was getting close to capturing him and was more determined than ever to get the job done.
Once the hundreds of fliers with the sketches of Landry and his companions were distributed, all he had to do was follow the breadcrumbs. He expected that there would be others as easy to manipulate as Dr. Walser. Operation Daybreak would be tied up in a matter of days, and he’d be free to ponder his next course of action. He could stay in Kearns’ service or melt into the countryside where she’d never find him. Both options had merits worth considering.
Riley listened to the drops pelting the tent, bemoaning the fact that the rains were back. They’d spent the past four days dodging ever deepening puddles and rivers while trying to stay dry and keep out of sight. Every piece of clothing she owned was drenched and she had no way to dry them.
She rolled on her side facing Coop and said, “I know we’re far behind schedule and running low on food, but we should hole up here for a few days to let the rains pass. I feel like I have mushrooms growing between my toes.”’
Coop turned onto his back and tucked his hand behind his head. “You may be right. If the water gets any deeper on the roads, it won’t be safe on the bikes, not to mention how hard it makes Biscuit work. I suppose it can’t keep raining forever.”
“Not according to Adrian, who droned on about the drastic atmospheric conditions all day. Fortunately, it was raining hard enough to drown out most of what he said.”
“I’ll let you take charge of Biscuit when we get back on the road. I’ll take a turn babysitting Adrian. From what you have heard, is any of what he says relevant to our situation?”
“He admits most of it is speculation since Earth hasn’t been hit by a solar storm of this magnitude in modern times, but he thinks the weather changes are tied to the CME. It makes sense. Almost ninety-nine percent of artificial emissions stopped in an instant. Suddenly turning off those emissions might well create these climatic changes. Adrian says no one has ever predicted that a massive CME would change weather patterns, but no one alive has ever lived through one.” Riley yanked her damp sock off and tossed it across the tent. “Whatever the reason, if this keeps up, we’re in for a long, soggy journey.”
“Adrian says the weather is definitely impacting your ability to connect with Mitch on the ham radio.”
Riley sighed, then scooted closer to Coop and laid her head on his chest. She’d been overjoyed at finally connecting with them the previous week. They’d made contact two more times but hadn’t been able to reach them since the rain started.
“I just hope they aren’t worried something happened to us,” she mumbled.
“From what Mitch says of the direction they’re taking, they’re on a parallel route about three-hundred miles south. Maybe they’re experiencing the same storms.” He reached up and rubbed her back. “We’ll get in touch with them soon. Let’s try again in the morning. We should get some sleep.”
Riley looked up at him. “Why? If we’re not going anywhere tomorrow, we can sleep all day.”
“Because we need supplies, babe. I know you hate it when I say this, but you’re eating for two, remember? I’ll ride out on Biscuit in the morning. A city called Evansville is just north of the Ohio River, only about fifteen miles from here.”
Riley sat up and glared at him. “Only fifteen miles? You say that like you’re just going to make a quick trip to the convenience store. It will take the entire day just to travel there and back, even if you push it and the roads aren’t flooded. And what about the two of us sticking together? You’re just going to go off and leave me? Least you can do is get me a Diet Coke and some Peanut M&Ms when you find that convenience store.”
She watched Coop stare at the top of the tent while fished up an answer. But no matter what he said, it wouldn’t be good enough for her. He’d gone off alone once before against her wishes and they got separated for weeks without her knowing if he was alive or dead. She was determined to not to live through that heartache again.
Coop blew out a breath and said, “I made a promise to never leave your side, but you know as well as I do that’s just not practical anymore. You need rest, and we need food and medicines. I’ll take every precaution and you have my word that if I see the slightest risk, I’ll turn back.” When she looked away and didn’t respond, he gently put his finger under her chin and turned her to face him. “Admit it, Riley, I have to do this.”
Riley wrapped his hand in hers and lifted it to her lips. “Fine, but at least take Dashay. Biscuit can carry both of you. It’s not safe for any of us to go out alone.”
“I can move faster on my own, but it is safer to go in pairs. I’ll ask her in the morning. Satisfied?”
She shrugged, then gave a quick nod, glad that he was open to compromise. “I’d rather be the one going, but you’re right that I need rest. I’d forgotten how much energy carrying an extra passenger takes.”
He gave her a tender kiss, then pulled her down next to him. “That’s just what Biscuit is going to think tomorrow, but I a
ppreciate that. It’s not my first choice either, but we haven’t seen signs of the military for two days. Maybe the rain is hindering their progress, too.”
She settled next to him in the sleeping bag. “I suppose I could be overreacting.”
He yawned and said, “Understandable after what we’ve been through. Love you, babe. Go to sleep.”
He closed his eyes and was asleep in seconds. Riley watched his chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm, wondering what forces had been at play for her to have stumbled upon such a remarkable man to have at her side, not only their cross-country trek, but for the rest of her life. She brushed her lips on his cheek, then snuggled into the crook of his arm, counting herself as the most fortunate woman alive.
Riley basked in the welcome sight of the sun shining into the tent. She felt for Coop to waken him, but his side of the sleeping bag was empty. She jumped up and pulled on her boots before rushing out of the tent. She threw her arms out and lifted her face to the sun, then twirled in the mud at the luscious feel of it.
Dashay, who was watching her from a camp chair, laughed, and said, “Feels incredible, don’t it?”
Riley went over and took her hands to pull her out of the chair. She spun her around but had to stop when her stomach did a somersault. She doubled over and grabbed her belly.
“Forgot about this guy,” she gasped. “He’s clearly not fond of spinning.”
Dashay laughed harder and went back to the chair. “So, you’ve decided it’s a he?”
Riley shrugged. “Fifty-fifty shot. I’d like for it to be a boy. Then, I’ll have two of each, but I’ll love it no matter what.”
“I didn’t doubt that. It’s good to see you smile. You’ve been a bear the past few days.”
Riley dropped into the chair next to her and took a few slow breaths to calm her queasiness. “Sorry about that. I have an aversion to monsoons. I’m thrilled to see we’re getting a reprieve.” She scanned the camp and frowned when she didn’t see Biscuit or Coop. “Please, don’t tell me my husband left without you.”
“He didn’t. He found a creek down the hill and took Biscuit to water him and give him a good feed before we go. You sure you wouldn’t rather I stay? I’m not sure how comfortable I feel leaving you alone with Adrian.”
Riley chuckled. “I promise not to strangle him.”
“Not what I meant. I’m talking about how much help he’ll be if you have any trouble.”
“Surprising as this may sound, I think he’ll step up if it comes to it. He just hasn’t had to yet. Besides, I’m more than man enough for both of us.”
Dashay barked out a laugh at that just as Adrian walked up to them. He put his hands on his hips and cocked his head. “What’s so funny? Not laughing at my expense, are you?”
Dashay snorted as she tried to stop laughing, but Riley said, “Wouldn’t dream of it. Are you aware of the plan for the day?”
He set the plants he’d harvested on the small folding table and sat on the ice chest. “Coop informed me. Guess it’s just us today.” Dashay broke into a fresh round of laughter, and Riley had to bite her cheek to keep from joining her. Adrian nodded toward Dashay. “What’s with her this morning? She’s not usually the giggly type.”
“Just a joke I made that’s not appropriate for mixed company.” She gestured at the plants. “What have you got there?”
Riley hardly heard the answer as he droned on about the foliage he’d found surrounding the camp. It was a never-ending mystery to Riley how anyone could be so enamored with plants. She reminded herself she should be grateful since the nutrients and medicinal properties they provided had been useful. She just couldn’t get as excited about it as Adrian did.
“Is Coop still planning to go on his run now that the sun is out?” Adrian asked. “If the clear skies hold out, we could get going in the afternoon.”
“He is going,” Coop called as he came over the hill with Biscuit. He tethered him to a small tree, then walked over and kissed Riley’s cheek. “Morning. Glad to see you had a good sleep.” He pulled an energy bar from his pocket and took a bite before turning to Adrian. “Riley needs rest, and we need to dry out and replenish. I’m hoping to get some info on what we can expect coming up ahead of us, too.”
“We’ll do laundry and get our gear dried out and repacked,” Riley said.
“Watch yourself around that creek. It’s flooded and swift. There’s an eddy about a hundred yards to the west of the trail that leads to it.”
Coop gave her a look full of meaning. She nodded and said, “We’ll be careful.”
“I’ll fix a hot meal for tonight,” Adrian said. “I’m sick of bars and cold canned food.”
“Perfect. Keep the Glock and an extra magazine close to you to keep the bears and other unfriendlies away,” Coop said. “Ready, Dashay? We should get going.”
In answer, she stood and kiss Riley’s other cheek, then grinned at her. “Take good care of Adrian.”
Dashay laughed all the way to Biscuit, and Riley watched as she secured the 243 Savage rifle and a box of ammo in case they met up with trouble. Riley could still hear the echo of Biscuit’s hoofs long after they rode out of sight.
Riley groaned, then glanced at her watch when she felt the first drop of rain on her head. It was already six-thirty. The day had passed in a rush without her stopping to notice. She and Adrian had been busy cleaning their gear and inventorying the supplies. The clouds had blown in around four, but she’d hoped the rain would hold off until Coop and Dashay returned. She crossed her fingers and prayed that they’d just get a light drizzle.
“Food’s ready,” Adrian called to her from the campfire. “Better eat while it’s hot. Don’t know how long before the rain douses the fire.”
Riley stood and stretched her back before pulling the clean clothes from the line. They were still damp and would dry by morning in the tent. The downside of the sunshine returning was that it brought the humidity with it. She was used to the dry climate of Colorado and wasn’t prepared for the steamy vapors rising in waves from the ground as the temperature climbed. She was drenched in sweat minutes after scrubbing the clothes. If Adrian hadn’t been nearby, she would have stripped down and worked in her underwear.
After hanging the clothes in the tent, she joined him at the fire. He handed her a bowl of delicious smelling soup made from rabbit meat, canned vegetables, and plants Adrian had found that day. She had to resist the urge to gulp it in one swallow.
“You’re in the wrong vocation,” she told him between bites. “If life ever gets back to normal, you should open a restaurant. You’d kill it.”
He stopped eating and eyed her over the top of his glasses. “That may not be a bad idea. Even if life gets back to normal, as you call it, I won’t be reading solar data from satellites for decades, if I live that long.”
Riley got up and refilled her bowl, then said, “Is it possible we’ll see a return of electrical grids and technology in our lifetimes? Humankind has invented those things before. Why can’t we do it again?”
“It’s a matter of numbers. So many of the minds capable of recreating our world perished. The few of us that survived will have to pass that knowledge down to the next generations and rely on them as the population grows. As you well know, humankind’s primary focus will be mere survival for years to come. Once we remaster food and tool production, sanitation, and medical care, we can turn our minds to technology.”
“Humans are adaptable and innovative, so I choose to have a rosier outlook. I’m counting on existing knowhow to speed up the process.”
Adrian finished his soup, then rinsed the bowl in a bucket of clean water. “Tell yourself what you want. Like I told you when we met, we’re looking at a mid-nineteenth century existence for a generation at least.” The rain started falling in a steady stream. “We’d better get the gear in the cart and covered.”
The two of them rushed around in the downpour, repacking and replacing the tarp over their supplies.
Riley was in her tent setting up the ham radio thirty minutes later. She attempted to reach Uncle Mitch on and off for an hour with no luck and finally gave up in frustration.
She turned the radio off and grabbed the novel out of her pack she’d taken from the house in Huntington. She’d been too exhausted each night to read, but now she needed the distraction that night to keep her mind off Coop and Dashay. She flicked on her solar-powered flashlight and leaned against the rolled sleeping bags and pillows. The story drew her in and held her attention for an hour, but as the rain grew heavier, it became more difficult to stay focused.
She set the book aside and crossed her legs to meditate. It reminded her of doing the same in her DC hotel room on the day the CME struck as she waited for Coop to return with news. Her thoughts shifted from the horrors of that night to events a day earlier. Coop had kissed her for the first time in the hotel lounge, then she returned to her room and fantasized about him sharing her luxurious king-sized bed. That had been her last night, knowing peace and contentment. None of them could have predicted the waking nightmare that awaited them less than twenty-four hours later.
She shook her head to clear it and started again. Ignoring the howling wind and pelting rain, she focused on her breathing and starting with her feet, relaxed her muscles and imagined herself resting on a cloud of cotton. When she reached her abdomen, she pictured her growing baby floating inside, and smiled. She was about to shift her thoughts to her torso when she felt a gentle tap of movement from the baby for the first time. She opened her eyes and gazed down at her belly.
“Well, hello there. Thank you for reminding me I’m not alone.”
She closed her eyes and relaxed her muscles. She was rewarded with another kick. With her mood lifted, she made up her bed, then climbed inside and wrapped her arms around herself. No matter what lay ahead, she had a duty to get herself home alive and safe to bring her child into the world. With renewed determination, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, despite the storm raging just beyond her walls.