by AJ Adaire
“My suggestion is for one of you to lag back a bit and the other to scout ahead. If you see signs of anyone, take shelter off the trail and let them pass. Give them plenty of leeway.” She instructed Kim how to mark the trail for her. “I’ll catch up to the group in a couple of hours.” Paige smiled. “The only bird call I know is a mourning dove.” She demonstrated the sound by blowing into her hand. “I’ll make that sound as I catch up, so you know it’s me coming.”
Plans in place, they set off in opposite directions. The sun was directly overhead by the time Paige caught the group. She’d been gaining ground on them for the past hour. The bright colors Jeff and Jennifer were wearing were easy to spot as they made their way through the trees. Kim and Peri were doing a good job of keeping in cover. If she hadn’t known where to look, she might not have noticed Peri at all. She made the bird sound and increased her pace to close the gap between them. Peri was sitting on a log just off the trail when Paige caught up with her.
“Hey Murdoch.” The big dog approached and Peri ruffled his ears.
Dropping to the log next to Peri, Paige chuckled. “Hello to you, too.”
“Sorry.” Peri smiled.
“Forgiven. I’m sort of used to it. I’ve wondered if I showed up naked one day, as long as Murdoch was with me, would anyone notice?”
Peri’s eyes swept over Paige’s body and arched her eyebrow. “I suspect even Murdoch wouldn’t save you.”
“How far ahead are they?”
“Maybe ten minutes or so. I saw you coming from the top a bit back and stopped to wait for you.”
“And here I thought Murdoch and I were invisible.”
“Told you!” Peri teased, arching her eyebrow. “You’re underestimating your, um, noticeability quotient.”
Paige smiled. “That you did. I suspect it’s the same time I saw you.” She stood up, extending her hand to Peri. “Let’s go catch up to them.”
Paige and Peri hurried down the trail. It took less than five minutes for them to catch the others.
“How much longer to your uncle’s place?”
“We were talking about that, trying to figure it out. We usually go by road. Let’s check the map.” Jeff unfolded the map Paige handed him and spread it over a rock. Together they set to figuring out where they were and how much farther they had to walk. “I think we’re here.” He pointed. “My uncle’s farm is here.” He tapped the map. “Although I haven’t hiked this route for years, I think it’s not too rugged from here. If we can stay on the trail, we should make it before dark.”
“I’d suggest we take a quick break, grab something to eat and drink, and then we’ll push on.” Paige refolded her map.
Everyone mumbled or nodded agreement.
Kim touched Jennifer on the shoulder. “We have energy bars we can share with each of you.”
“Thanks. You don’t even know us, and you’ve been so kind,” Jennifer said. Jeff quickly agreed.
“Our pleasure.” Kim fished out two bars from her pack and handed them over. “Here you go.”
Murdoch and Paige sat on a rock a few feet away from Jeff and Jennifer, who spoke in quiet voices as they munched on their bars. Peri and Kim found a fallen log, where they shared some trail mix Peri had packed in a plastic pouch.
Suddenly Peri leaped to her feet, pawing at her lap. The trail mix in her hand went flying. “Oh my God!”
Kim ran to her and grabbed her, brushing a huge bug from her shirt. “Peri, stop! It was only a spider.” She pulled Peri to her and wrapped her in an embrace. “Shh…” She placed a kiss on her forehead. “I’ve got you.”
“You know I can’t stand them. He was huge.” Peri shuddered. “If we had a fire going, he could have fed everyone here and we’d have still had leftovers.” Peri’s face turned bright red as she realized everyone was watching her.
Kim chuckled. “I know you hate them. Wasn’t it fortunate that he was more terrified than you were? He’s long gone.”
Peri stepped back, ran her hands over her torso and brushed off her legs. She shivered and turned around in a full circle, looking for the culprit. “Sorry everyone,” she said, her expression sheepish.
Paige, already on her feet, approached. “I don’t care for them either. Most are harmless. Still, I’m not fond of them using me for a thoroughfare.” She glanced around. “Since the majority of us are on our feet, how about we get going?”
Jeff and Jennifer stood and joined the others.
Paige suggested, “Let’s spread out a bit like before. It’ll be easier to hide one or two of us rather than all five. Also, if we encounter trouble, we have a chance of some of us getting away and maybe providing help.”
Kim led off, and they spread out along the trail. Paige and Murdoch brought up the rear. Compared to some of the other ground they’d covered earlier, the trail was easier going. A short time later, Kim held up the group, who took shelter in the woods. Paige hurried to Kim’s position, and she and Murdoch listened. “What did you hear?”
“I’m not sure. I thought I heard voices ahead.”
Paige watched Murdoch who appeared alert. A soft growl confirmed Kim’s suspicion. “Let’s take cover and move back into the brush. We can wait and see if anyone passes by on this trail.”
Ten minutes later, a group of five armed men hurried by their position, heading in the opposite direction. “They’re not making an effort to disguise their presence,” Kim whispered to Peri. She was close enough that Peri could feel her breath coming in quick bursts. “Amazing how cocky a gun will make some people.”
Kim glanced over to Paige who signaled by raising her hand, her fingers spread. Kim checked her watch. Each person was left to silently and individually consider his or her fate should they have been discovered. As the minutes ticked away, Kim watched the seconds flash by on her watch. She glanced over at Paige when the proper amount of time had passed. Paige nodded, but placed a finger to her lips.
Exercising as much care as they could, the group emerged from their hiding places and resumed their journey. Two hours of cautious hiking later, they came to a stream. Kim halted and waited for the others to catch up.
“We’re getting close. I think the farm is a short hike up that way. Maybe fifteen minutes more. We used to come down this way with my uncle to fish,” said Jeff.
Peri eyed the water. “Is there a bridge?”
“No bridge,” Jennifer replied. “There is a rock path across though.”
Murdoch raised his head and sniffed the air. “What is it boy?” Paige asked.
Murdoch’s tail thumped a couple of times.
“Let’s go see what you’re smelling, fella.” Paige directed. “Jeff, come up here with me. The rest of you hang back. Be sure to keep us in sight.”
With as much stealth as possible, the group made their way along the bank of the stream. As the sun dropped behind the treetops, the daylight started to dim. The going became rough in parts. They helped each other over the obstacles of fallen trees and slippery stones along the bank of the water. The rocky pathway across the water came into view.
“The rest of you take cover. Jeff, Murdoch, and I will go across here and check things out at the house.”
Peri, Jennifer, and Kim withdrew into the underbrush. Paige saw that Kim checked the pressure in the air rifle and rested it on her knees, careful to point it toward the ground. Paige nodded her satisfaction and turned toward the water, Jeff close behind.
Peri smiled at Kim, offering her encouragement. Her gaze followed Paige, studying the confident woman as she led the way across the rocks. Jeff slipped on the last rock before he made it to the opposite bank. Like a shot, Paige’s hand reached out and steadied him.
Chapter Six
ONCE ACROSS THE WATER they paused, waiting for Murdoch to cross and join them. He approached and gave a vigorous shake to rid the water from his coat.
“Thanks a lot, Murdoch!” Paige turned her face away. “Aaaah! Sorry, Jeff.”
Jeff chuckled
and patted the big dog’s head. He raised the hood of his jacket and zipped it to his neck. “I’m glad we’re here. It’s getting nippy.” A brief discussion ended in agreement that he would take the lead. “I know the property.”
“I’ll be right behind you.”
They crept up the grassy patch of lawn, staying under cover as much as possible, stopping often to listen for sounds of life. Birds twittered in the trees. A squirrel drew Murdoch’s attention, as it scurried through the leaves. Although he looked and licked his chops, he remained at Paige’s side. She reached down and patted his head. “Good boy,” she whispered.
The pair moved forward and stopped behind the first outbuilding. Step by step, they crept along the edge of the bright red building. Murdoch alerted, and both Jeff and Paige jumped at an unexpected sound. Each glanced at the other and exhaled a long breath, as they realized a horse had nickered inside the barn.
Paige smirked when Jeff whispered, “I think I need a new pair of undershorts.”
She wiped her palm on her jeans as she surveyed the grounds beyond the barn. She squinted into the dimming light, to peer at the darkened house. The huge, white farmhouse stood silhouetted against the darkening sky. The chairs on the wraparound porch rocked in the gentle breeze. Dark windows appeared devoid of life. Her eyes traveled upward to the roof, where she noted a large array of solar panels. Jeff’s uncle was a forward thinker. Turning to Jeff, she asked, “Ready?”
Jeff nodded. “Yup.”
In hushed tones, they hatched their plan. “I know you’re familiar with the house.” She put a hand on his shoulder. “However, I have Murdoch. He and I’ll go first. Give me a two-minute head start. If you hear me yell, come running and make as much noise as you can. Murdoch will take it from there. Got it?”
Jeff touched Paige’s arm. “Be careful.” He looked down. “Take care of Murdoch.” He gave her an encouraging smile as she gingerly moved forward.
Arriving at the porch, after navigating her way across the open space of the yard, Paige mounted the stairs. As she stepped up, the top tread emitted a loud squeal. “Shit, shit, shit,” she muttered under her breath. Stopping for a few seconds, she composed her breathing and mustered her courage. Paige followed her police training. At the first window, she darted her head out for a furtive glance inside. Seeing nothing of concern, she took a second, longer look. She peered around the frame and into the dim interior. A subtle tap at her thigh brought Murdoch to a heel next to her. She slid in front of the window and crossed the porch to the door. A creepy sensation on the back of her neck caused her to pause, as she reached for the handle. She waited, listening. Her quick glance at Murdoch revealed no alarm, although he was sniffing the air. The handle turned easily in her hand. She gave a gentle push on the door and waited for it to open all the way to the wall. Assured no one was waiting behind the door, she entered the living room.
The room, that was probably once very orderly, was now in complete disarray. Colonial style furniture, chairs, and tables lay overturned around the room. Pictures of landscapes and family hung askew from their hooks on the wall. Paige turned and gestured for Jeff to come to the porch. Stopping him at the door, she whispered, “Wait here. I’m going to check out the rest of the house. From the accumulated dust, it appears unused and empty.” She tapped her leg. “Murdoch, heel.”
Jeff held back, while Paige stepped around the doorjamb. Murdoch growled a low sound. “What’s the matter, boy?” She reached down and patted him. “Easy.”
Paige tiptoed forward. Room by room, she searched the first floor of the house. As she entered the kitchen, Murdoch growled seconds before Paige heard the sound of a shotgun lock into place.
A voice emanating from the shadows froze her where she stood. “Don’t move a muscle. If you do I’ll shoot the dog first, then you. Understand?”
She nodded.
“Now, nice and easy, place your weapon on the counter and turn around.” The male voice was soft and unwavering.
Doing as instructed, Paige placed the gun on the counter. “Murdoch, stay,” she instructed, not wanting to risk him charging the man with the shotgun.
“What are you doing here, girlie? And don’t give me any song and dance. I’m sick to death of you thieves.”
“Uncle Joe? Is that you?” Jeff called. “Don’t shoot. It’s me, Jeff. She’s with me.”
Joe turned toward his nephew as he entered the kitchen. He put the safety on his weapon and set it in the corner before reaching for the boy to give him a hug. “Oh, thank God. Your parents and Jennifer with you?”
“Jennifer, yes.” Jeff sobered. “Mom and Dad are gone.”
Joe closed his eyes against the sad news. “I’m so sorry, Jeff.”
“Where’s Aunt Doris?”
“She’s in the bomb shelter. My father built that damned thing in the early sixties. It’s finally paid off. Go get your sister.” He turned to Paige. “I’m sorry, miss. I’m Joe Hall.”
“Paige Monroe. This is Murdoch.”
“Pleased to meet you.”
“Likewise.” Paige glanced around the room. “How long ago did this happen?”
“Maybe two or three weeks ago. Hasn’t been anyone else through since then. We’re pretty far off the beaten path here. Population was limited to start with. It appears that most of the folks from town are gone. Early on, there were people coming through looking for food and valuables. That’s pretty much over now. Everything that used to have value is gone. As for the people,” he shrugged. “Either they died off, or they headed for the cities, thinking they might find their families or more provisions there. The ones going toward town did this. The others, the few who were smarter and better prepared, I think have headed out into the forest.”
“Still, you have to keep your guard up, I see.”
“Yup. Can’t be easy about it. I reckon we won’t be easy about it for a long time to come.”
Jeff went to the door and called to the others that it was all clear. Jennifer, Kim, and Peri arrived soon after.
“Uncle Joe,” Jennifer called, as she ran toward the older man.
He grabbed her and pulled her into a warm embrace. Tears filled his eyes as he hugged her. “Thank you, Lord,” he whispered, as he hugged her.
Jeff stepped aside, and drew the rest forward. “Uncle Joe, this is Kim Robbins and Peri Henderson.”
“Glad to meet you. Come on, let’s go find my wife, Doris. She’ll be anxious, even though she’s watching everything on the cameras.” He pointed to the lens of the camera in the ceiling, next to the smoke alarm. He pulled the hood from the head of his nephew. “I didn’t recognize you with the hoodie on.”
Joe picked up the shotgun and led the group out to the barn. Piled in the back of the barn, behind the machinery, were four bales of hay. He reached behind the pile and pressed a button. The trapdoor opened enough to allow entry to a set of stairs. The hay bales didn’t move from position on top of the door as it raised and the narrow hatchway appeared.
They followed Joe down the stairway, into the shelter. Paige looked up and noticed the wires that most likely affixed the hay in place to the door. With everyone at the base of the stairs, Joe pushed the button and lowered the door into place. Soft lights glowed, as they made their way down a short passageway into the main room of the shelter.
With introductions concluded and hugs exchanged with Doris, Joe showed the group the structure. “As you can see, this is the living area. There’s a bathroom and waste disposal system in there, with a water pump powered by the solar cells. We have two separate sleeping areas there. He pointed to the opposite side of the living area. We can support six people comfortably here, three in each room. It’ll be cozy with seven of us in here, but we’ll manage.”
Paige glanced up at the monitor on the wall.
Joe followed her eyes. “That’s how I knew you were coming. Cameras. We’re at a bit of a disadvantage at night. We have electrified fences, powered by solar power, for the animals. If someone
trips a wire, cuts it, or opens one of the gates, I’m notified of it. Once we’re in here, we’re safe enough. I rest easy, and so can you.” His eyes softened. “We’re about as safe as we can be here.”
Paige nodded. “I can see that. We appreciate your hospitality, Mr. Hall.”
“Call me Joe, please. Come, let’s fix something to eat.”
***
“That was the best meal I’ve eaten in at least a month,” Paige said. “Thank you.”
A chorus of agreement went round the table.
“Yup, Doris makes the best rabbit stew I’ve ever eaten.” Joe beamed with pride for his wife.
Kim’s eyes grew wide. “Rabbit stew? I’ve never eaten rabbit before.”
Doris brightened. “My mom taught me how to make it. Secret is that you have to soak it in brine overnight. If you don’t, it can taste gamey and be as stringy as a ball of rubber bands.”
Kim smiled. “Well, this was tender and delicious.”
“I use the same recipe for squirrel, too.”
Kim swallowed hard and looked over at Peri. “Peri likes to cook. Maybe you can give her your recipe.”
“So what are your plans?” Joe wiped his mouth with his hand and set his fork on the plate as he looked at the three women. “Do you have family here? Will you be staying in the area?”
“Peri and I have lost everyone that meant anything to us. We only have each other now. We’re going to try to find some friends of mine who live off the land up in Piscataquis County. We plan to make our way to them and hope they’re still living there. Even if they’re not,” Kim's voice hitched, “…it’s so remote, that we figure it’ll be safer than where we were.”
“And you are traveling there, too?” Joe asked Paige.
“I’m not sure how far I’ll go. We’re all heading in the same general direction. I have no final destination in mind. Peri suggested it earlier, so Murdoch and I might tag along for a while.”
Peri saw Kim’s eyebrow arch and hurried to add, “Kim and I would love to have you come with us. Wouldn’t we?”