by Chris Pike
Tatiana measured two heaping teaspoons of the spiced tea mix into each mug. She offered everyone a mug of hot tea, and when Uncle Billy thought nobody was looking, he splashed in a couple ounces of bourbon, making a hot toddy.
Intermittently, Tatiana gazed out the window above the sink which had a good view of the street. If she hadn’t known better, it might have been a regular afternoon. One of her neighbors puttered around in the front yard tending to the garden containing winter vegetables. She still hoped she’d see her oldest son walk down the road one day, imagining he’d be looking at the house, and she’d wave to him, like he did as a kid when he got off the bus.
It had been two long months since the EMP struck, and she hadn’t heard a word from two of her children. Adult children were still considered children in her book, laughing when she referred to them as “kids”.
Her oldest son could take care of himself, especially since he had been armed and had Luke’s truck, not that it did him any good. From what she learned the newer cars and trucks were toast after the EMP, so if he made it home, it would be on foot. At least she knew where he had been headed, after coaxing Luke to tell them where he was going. And to think he had planned to ask a girl to marry him. Tatiana thought that was lovely, and hoped to soon have grandkids she could spoil.
Her daughter Kate was another story altogether. Headstrong with a temperament that matched her long fiery hair, she had struck out on her own after she turned twenty-one. Kate had tested every boundary known to a teenage girl, often butting heads with her parents. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, especially considering her heritage. Tatiana’s grandmother was one of the few Russian female snipers that had escaped Stalin’s rule. The ability to survive had been hardwired into her DNA, so if anyone could survive in this new world, Kate would be at the head of the class.
Last they knew Kate was in San Antonio working as a bartender at the historic Menger Hotel located near the Alamo. Famous people had stayed there, including Teddy Roosevelt, who recruited his Rough Riders cavalry brigade at the same bar where Kate worked.
Tatiana prayed to the Almighty to watch over Kate. She didn’t need it, rather it was for anyone unlucky enough to cross Kate. She had grown up with boys, acted like one at times, fought like them, could win just about any shooting contest, was a tomboy at heart, but was never without a boyfriend. The phone rang constantly, and it was mostly love-smitten teenaged boys. What Kate needed was a man, and a strong one.
Tatiana shook her head at the thought of her daughter. Even with all the chaos, she missed her daughter. Maybe someday she’d come back, just like she hoped her oldest would.
John had been busy in the backyard setting out lanterns and getting drinks ready. He estimated thirty people would show up so he had set out thirty plastic cups along with a black Sharpie. He’d instruct people to write their names on the cup to reuse it instead of throwing it away. Being thrifty was a way of life now.
“John,” Uncle Billy said, “can you give me a hand with the table?”
“Sure. Where do you want to put it?”
“Let’s put it over here under the tree. The lanterns hanging in the tree will provide light when it gets dark. Plus the fire pit is still giving off heat, so it’ll help keep everybody warm.”
The two brothers worked together to place three picnic tables lengthwise under the largest pecan tree. Next they positioned the benches.
John stepped back to gauge the placement. “What’d ya think? Good enough?”
“Yeah, it’s fine,” Uncle Billy said. “Once everybody gets here, they’ll be milling around talking to each other. What about beer? Think they’re cold enough?”
“As cold as they’re gonna get,” John replied. “If you can do me a favor and go get them, I’d appreciate it. Pull up the rope tied to the boat ramp. You’ll see them. The cans have been in the river since this morning. Be sure to wash off any mud. You can put them in the cooler, not that we have any ice, but it’s the best I can do.”
Tatiana was still in the kitchen doing last minute things. She glanced up and peered out the kitchen window. Their first guests were arriving a little early and in style. A man and a woman were riding double on a horse. Tatiana wasn’t exactly sure who in the neighborhood had a horse and wasn’t sure why a horse was needed seeing the neighbors were in walking distance of their house. And then she spotted the mule.
She decided to go out and greet them. She wiped her hands on a dishtowel, smoothed her hair, and headed out to the front yard.
Chapter 20
Standing in the front yard Tatiana Chandler shaded her eyes from the sun-glare. Out of habit she had donned a wide brimmed hat to protect her fair skin. With her high cheekbones, good skin, and large green eyes, she could easily pass for ten years younger.
She had tried to keep a positive demeanor among all that had happened—from the lack of electricity, food scarcity, and lack of knowledge regarding where two of her children were.
It had been over a year since she had seen her oldest, and was hopping mad when she learned Chandler had come home early from deployment, and instead of paying a visit to his folks, he had left for East Texas to propose to a girlfriend.
Luke had acted quite secretive by not divulging what had happened to his truck, saying only, “A friend is using it for a little while.” After much prodding once the grid went down he finally told his mother Chandler had his truck.
A breeze brushed Tatiana’s face and wispy hair blew around her eyes. She tucked the errant strands behind an ear and watched the riders come closer. Maybe her eyes were playing tricks on her. Maybe that wasn’t her oldest son.
The biggest and happiest smile spread across her face.
It was her oldest!
Tatiana ran to him, tears of relief streaming down her cheeks.
Chandler dismounted Cowboy and gave his mother a big hug.
Tatiana stepped back and put her hands on his shoulders. “Chandler, you’re finally home.” Tatiana swiped under her eyes. “We’ve been worried sick about you. Let me see you. Are you okay? You look a little thin.”
“Mom, I’m fine. I think everybody has lost some weight. Can’t exactly get a Whataburger with fries and a chocolate shake anymore. I’m starving. Got anything to eat?”
“I’ll make you something to eat. What would you like?”
“Anything.”
“Who’s your friend? Is this Crystal?” Tatiana asked.
Amanda shot Chandler a confused look.
Chandler cleared his throat. “No, Mom, this is Amanda.”
“Oh. Okay. I uh, I just thought that from what Luke said…” Tatiana’s gaze swiveled from Chandler to Amanda.
“I’ll explain later.”
“Well,” Tatiana said. She smoothed down her shirt. “Nice to meet you, Amanda. You’re welcome to stay as long as you need to.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“No need to call me ma’am. Makes me feel old. Tatiana is fine.”
“Thank you, Tatiana.”
“You kids come on in. Chandler, your dad and Uncle Billy are out back. Go on out there. They’ll be tickled pink to see you. Luke’s in the house. I’ll tell him you’re here. Take the horse and mule with you, and tell Uncle Billy to clean out the shed for the horse and mule.” Tatiana turned her attention to Amanda. “Honey, you come with me. Are you hungry too?”
Amanda looked to Chandler for help. “It’s okay. I’ll be out back if you need me,” he said.
Chandler picked up Nipper from the carrier and set him down on the ground. The dog tentatively inspected the new surroundings then followed Amanda and Tatiana to the house.
“Is that your dog?” Tatiana asked. She put her arm around Amanda, leading her to the house.
“He is. His name is Nipper.”
“He’s a cute dog.”
“Don’t let his looks fool you. He’s a killer,” Amanda said.
“Is that his nickname?” Tatiana asked.
“I’ll explai
n later.”
“He must be a sweet dog. Reminds me of the RCA Victor dog.”
“Chandler told me—”
“So you call him Chandler too?” Tatiana asked.
“It feels odd to call him by his first name. Why is it that everybody calls him by his last name?”
“Long story. I’ll tell you about it someday.”
While Tatiana escorted Amanda to the house, Chandler led Cowboy and the mule down the side yard then rounded a corner of the house. He stood there a few seconds waiting for his dad and Uncle Billy to notice him.
Uncle Billy was placing beer in a cooler and counting them out loud. He stood up unexpectedly and scratched his chin. He looked around like he was searching for something. When he saw Chandler, his eyes bulged. “John! Look who’s here!”
John was carrying a lantern, mid-step on a ladder when he turned around. It took him a long second for his brain to comprehend. “Chandler, you’re back.” The stress of wondering what had happened to his son evaporated in the time it took him to look to the Heavens and say, “Thank the good Lord.” His voice was a cross between relief and happiness at seeing his oldest son. He stepped off the ladder, set the lantern down, and went over to his son. “It’s so good to see you.”
“I’m glad to be back, Dad.”
“Have you told your mother? She’s been worried sick about you.”
“She met me in the front yard. First thing she said was that I looked thin.”
“We’ve all had to cinch our belts a notch or two,” John said. “We’ll fatten you up in no time at all.” John looked at the horse. “Is that your horse?”
“Sorta. I borrowed him for the trip here. Cowboy’s his name.”
“Where’d ya get the mule?”
“Don’t ask.”
“Didn’t know you knew how to ride a horse.” John went to Cowboy and patted him.
“I had to learn quickly,” Chandler said. “Uncle Billy, Mom said you can clean out the shed for the horse.”
Uncle Billy said, “Ah, your mother has been trying to get me to clean that out for months to see if anything useful is in there. Guess I’ll do it now.”
“It’s good to see you, Uncle Billy. I’m in need of a beer. Got one?”
“Need you ask?” Uncle Billy scowled teasingly. He retrieved a can from the cooler, popped the top off, and handled it to Chandler.
Chandler took a long pull, savoring the taste. “That’s good. I haven’t had a beer in months.” Chandler’s eyes swept over the backyard. “What’s going on around here? Looks like y’all are getting ready for a party.”
“Actually we are,” Uncle Billy said. “Luke bagged a deer the other day, and since it was too much for us to eat and we don’t have any method of storing the meat, we decided to share it.”
“Where is Luke?” Chandler asked.
“He’s in the house,” Uncle Billy said. “I’ll go get him in a few minutes after I clean out a space in the shed. You stay here and talk to your dad.”
* * *
Tatiana showed Amanda to the kitchen and served her a cup of hot spiced tea. She set out two fun-sized candy bars intended for Halloween trick-or-treaters which never materialized. Tatiana had hidden the stash of candy, doling it out on special occasions or when Uncle Billy or John needed some semblance of normality. A sweet tooth ran in the family.
“Stay here for a second,” Tatiana said. “I’ll call Luke. He’s upstairs changing.” Tatiana stepped over to the staircase, picked up a cowbell, and rang it. It was the method she had used to wake up her kids when they were in school, explaining, “It beats yelling.”
“What?” Luke yelled.
“We’ve got company. Come on down.”
“Already? I thought the neighbors weren’t coming for another hour.”
“We’re in the kitchen. Come on down.”
Luke took the stairs two at a time and when he came to the last one, he jumped off. When he walked into the kitchen, he stood there puzzled. He didn’t recognize the young woman sitting at the table. “I’m Luke,” he said extending a hand.
“I’m Amanda.”
“Nice to meet you. Are you from around here?”
“No. Sorta. Well, I used to be, but I’ve been living in Hemphill with my grandfather.”
“Hemphill?” Luke repeated. “That’s where my brother was going when the EMP struck. Wait I don’t understand…” Luke looked at his mom, his mind whirling. “Is he here?”
“Yes,” Tatiana stated.
“When? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“He just got here about five minutes ago. He’s out back with your dad and Uncle Billy.”
Without another word, Luke shot out of the room. He bolted through the living area and mudroom, threw open the back door, and rushed to his brother. “My God, it’s good to see you, but you look like shit.”
“Yeah, back at ya.”
The brothers laughed.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” Luke said. “How have you been doin?” He peppered his brother with questions without waiting for replies. “I didn’t think I’d ever see you again. Mom and Dad have been worried sick.”
“I keep hearing that,” Chandler said, “Believe me, there were times when I didn’t think I’d make it back. I can’t tell you how good it feels to be home.”
“How’d you get here?” Luke asked. “Did you walk all the way?”
“I borrowed a horse.”
“Huh? A horse?”
“Yup, the one in the shed.”
Luke explained what had been happening at the homestead. He said the street leading to the neighborhood had been blocked off by neighbors taking turns guarding the intersection. Chandler told him how he ran into Ralph Smith and his sons on the 360 bridge, and when one of his sons recognized him, Ralph gave him a business card, letting him through. “I showed the card to the people guarding the street. I didn’t recognize anybody and they didn’t know me either. Otherwise, I may have had to shoot my way in.”
Luke rattled off more questions especially about Amanda. “I thought you said you were going to propose to Crystal.”
“Let’s just say Crystal is history.”
Luke punched him in the arm. “Didn’t waste any time, did you?”
“It’s not like that.”
“Whatever you say.”
“She’s been through a lot. She’s brave and she saved my life.”
“I didn’t mean anything by it,” Luke said. “She looks like a nice girl.”
“She is. Hey, I’m tired, and we’ve been on the road for over a week.”
“No problem,” Luke said. “If you need anything, just name it.”
“Thanks.”
Uncle Billy came sauntering up. “So tell us, why did you travel all the way from East Texas with her if there’s nothing going on between you two?”
“I told her grandfather I’d escort her to her great aunt’s ranch, and since it’s not that far from here, I said I’d get her home.”
“Who’s her great aunt?” Luke asked.
“Mayme Hardy.”
The change in the demeanor of John, Luke, and Uncle Billy was palpable. Uncle Billy was in mid-drink when he heard the name. He swallowed quickly and set down the beer he was drinking which was totally out of character.
Luke’s jaw dropped.
John had been sitting at the table listening to his boys talk, marveling at their strong camaraderie and similar dispositions. Both were tall and strong, and John was thinking how lucky he was to have been their dad. When he heard the name Mayme Hardy, he butted into the conversation.
“What’d you say her name was?” John asked.
“Mayme Hardy.”
John, Uncle Billy, and Luke exchanged worried expressions.
“Will somebody tell me what’s going on?” Chandler demanded.
“She’s been murdered,” John said.
Chapter 21
Kurt pedaled the bike as fast as he could, which wasn’t all
that fast considering he was climbing a steep hill near the Colorado River. Why anybody would ride a bike for the sole purpose of exercise on these hills befuddled Kurt. He didn’t know whether to throw up or pass out. The exertion was killing him.
He had done what his brother had said, and that was to follow Chandler and Amanda to find out where they were going. Fortunately, he had held back far enough so that he hadn’t been spotted. A couple of times he almost lost them, and when they came to the 360 Bridge, he was surprised the guards let Amanda and Chandler pass.
Kurt stayed in the shadows of a cedar break and watched them cross the bridge. They turned and waved to the guards. That was a good sign. It meant they were on friendly terms with them.
Kurt pedaled to the bridge.
Holding their guns, Ralph Smith and his sons met Kurt. “That’s far enough,” Ralph said. “What’re ya doing here? And what’s your name?”
“I’m Kurt Durant.” Outnumbered and outgunned, he would have to think fast on his feet to convince these guys he was harmless. “I’m trying to find some friends.”
“Who?” Ralph asked suspiciously.
“The Chandler family. My parents were good friends with them.”
“Well don’t that beat all,” Ralph said. He lowered his rifle. “Chris Chandler just rode this way. You missed him by minutes.”
“Chris Chandler?” Kurt repeated. “Here? Just now?” He looked toward the north then to the south as if trying to spot him on the road. “Which way did he go?”
Ralph jerked his head to the north. “That way.”
“What was he doing?”
“He said he was trying to get home. One of my boys recognized him, so I gave him a pass.”
“Stroke of luck on his part.”
“Are you friends with him?” Ralph asked.
“Not really,” Kurt said shaking his head. “I mean I know of him, but I’m actually looking for his parents.”
“You know John and Tatiana?”
Kurt nearly laughed out loud at how well Ralph had fallen for the ruse. “Not me personally, my parents. They used to be good friends and wanted me to look them up,” Kurt lied. “My parents are in poor health and owed John and Tatiana a debt from a long time ago, and would like to repay them while they are still alive.”