by Robert Boren
“Good,” Nelson said. “Why’d you feel like you had to rush over here and tell me about this?”
“I don’t want to mess with anything like this,” Hendrix said. “Those guys could make me appear to be a traitor to Texas. I don’t want to end up in front of a firing squad.”
“You think I’d have you shot?” Nelson asked.
“We’re in a war, and it’s gonna get crazier before it’s over,” Hendrix said. “So yeah, that thought crossed my mind.”
“Look, Kip, I know we had a falling out, but I still consider you to be a friend.”
“I know,” Hendrix said. “I feel the same way. Just wanted to be honest and above board.”
“Okay,” Nelson said. “Understand. I’m glad you came to me, regardless of how this turns out. I’ll be in touch.”
“Thank you, Governor,” Hendrix said, standing up. The men shook hands, and Hendrix left, taking a leisurely walk back to his office, enjoying the trees and the sun and the smiling people on the street. Will this last?
Chapter 19 – Past Palestine
“Eric, you look really tired,” Kim said.
“I’m okay,” he said.
“We can stop in Palestine,” she said. “That’s coming up in a few minutes.”
“I want to get closer to Austin,” he said. “Palestine is less than two hours from Carthage. Let’s find something that’s further from there.”
“You can drive another two hours?” she asked.
“Yeah,” he said. “Trust me, I can do it.”
“Can we stop for breakfast in Palestine?”
“I think that’s a great idea,” Eric said. “We need gas, anyway.”
“Okay, I’ll watch for truck stops.”
“Fair enough,” he said. “Thanks, sweetie.”
“No problem,” she said. “You’re worried. I can see it on your face. Carthage really got you upset.”
“Well, yeah. I’m also worried about our friends from Deadwood.”
“Did they give you phone numbers?” Kim asked.
Eric chuckled. “Yeah, but we don’t have phones, remember?”
“Maybe we should buy new phones in Palestine.”
“Yeah, let’s do that,” Eric said.
“We’re getting into town.”
“Yeah,” Eric said. “Slowly but surely.”
“This is bigger than I expected,” she said. “Better slow down. Light coming up ahead.”
“There’s a big Shell station to the right, see? I’ll go in there.”
“No restaurant,” Kim said.
“That’s okay, we need to stop for phones so we’ll be driving deeper into town anyway. We’ll find someplace.”
Eric made the right turn just past the intersection and drove to the last empty pump.
“I’ll take Paco out,” Kim said.
“Thanks.” Eric went around to the pump and got the gas flowing. The station was busy. Cars and trucks loaded with personal possessions. The sight made Eric nervous.
Kim walked over after a few minutes. “This is scary. People are fleeing.”
“I was just noticing that,” Eric said. The pump stopped with a clunk. “Good, we’re done.” He took out the pump nozzle and closed the gas cap, grabbing the receipt as Kim walked to the cab with Paco.
Eric got back behind the wheel and drove slowly off the lot. “That gas was expensive. Over two bucks a gallon.”
“They’re taking advantage,” Kim said.
“Maybe the roads are getting bad enough that the fuel trucks aren’t getting through,” Eric said. “Scarcity drives price.”
They drove down Highway 79, which was called Palestine Avenue in town.
“Lot of hotels here,” Kim said.
“Most of them look full.”
“There’s a diner on the left,” Kim said. “Big parking lot. See it?”
“Yeah,” Eric said. “Right past Mallard Street.” He made the turn, and drove to the back of the lot, making a wide turn and parking along the edge towards the back. “Hope they don’t mind us taking up so many parking spaces.”
“Should be fine,” Kim said. “We can ask when we get inside.”
They left the coach, walking to the diner. There was a hostess stand in front. A young waitress walked up. “Want a booth?”
“Sure,” Kim said.
“You mind that we parked our rig out there like that?” Eric asked, pointing.
“No problem,” she said. “We’re past the breakfast rush by about half an hour.”
“You’re still serving breakfast, though?” Kim asked.
The waitress laughed. “It’s only 8:30. Of course. Follow me.” She led them to a booth by the window. “This okay? You can see your rig from here.”
“Perfect,” Eric said. “Thanks.”
“You folks want coffee?”
“Please,” Kim said. Eric nodded yes.
The waitress smiled and walked away.
“She seems awful cheery, given the look of things around here,” Kim said.
“If they feel safe enough here, what’s not to like?”
“More business?” Kim asked.
“Probably. That gas station was a zoo. I was lucky to get a pump without waiting.”
The waitress returned with menus and coffee. “Here y’all go,” she said.
“See a lot of people fleeing through here?” Eric asked.
“Yeah,” she said. “Makes me a little nervous.”
“You don’t look nervous,” Kim said.
“I’ve got a job to do,” she said. “Are you two on the run?”
“Kinda,” Eric said. “We left Carthage early.”
“It’s just terrible what happened there,” she said in a low tone. “It’s only a couple hours away.”
“We didn’t hear much. What happened?”
“Islamists took over Deadwood and set up artillery. They shelled Carthage. We’ve seen a lot of National Guard vehicles going in that direction, starting late last night.”
“Yeah, we passed some on the way here,” Eric said. “We were involved in a battle in Deadwood. I’m worried about the friends we made there.”
“People who didn’t run quick enough had a bad time, from the reports,” the waitress said.
“That’s what we heard on the radio,” Kim said. “I’ll take the pancakes with a side of bacon.”
“Oh, sorry,” the waitress said, snapping out of her worried state, the chipper, perky expression back on her face.
“You, sir?”
“I’ll take the same, with orange juice.”
“You got it.” She turned and hurried away.
“Wow, she’s got that down,” Kim said. “The happy face was back in a split second.”
“She’s not just an employee,” Eric said. “See the cook? Looks to me like they’re related.”
“Yeah,” Kim said. “We should ask her about cell phones when she gets back.”
“Good idea,” Eric said. “Look. Big flatbed trucks with tanks on them.”
“Wow,” Kim said, watching them drive by.
“I hope Dirk and his men got out of there,” Eric said.
“If they didn’t, they’re probably up in the hills fighting.”
“I hope they didn’t get killed,” Eric said. “This coffee tastes good. I’m getting a second wind.”
“How much sleep did you get last night?”
“Just about three hours,” Eric said. “It’s not so bad. I can go another two hours. We should try for Hearne.”
The waitress came back with a coffee pot. “Warm-up?”
“Sure,” Eric said.
“Me too,” Kim said.
“Where’s the nearest cellphone store?” Eric asked.
“Those are on the south side of town,” she said as she poured. “You know that street just east of here?”
“Mallard?” Eric asked.
“Yeah,” she said. “Take that south, all the way to the loop.”
“That�
�s 256, right?” Eric asked.
“Yeah. There’s several cellphone stores there. Can’t miss them. All the big ones and some independents. Which way are you guys going after that?”
“Austin,” Eric said.
“Oh,” she said. “Then you’ll to have to take the loop northwest and pick up 79 again. It’s called Oak Street there.”
“Sounds out of the way,” Kim said.
The waitress sighed. “Yeah, it’s a pain. All the new businesses have been settling on the south side. Walmart and the other big stores are there. Kinda hurt business in this part of town.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Eric said.
“I’d better go. Your food will be up in a few minutes.”
“Thanks,” Eric said, watching her as she walked away.
“Glad we talked to her,” Kim said. “I assumed there would be something further down 79.”
“Seriously,” Eric said. “Texas grew too fast. All the people fleeing California and Washington State in the last ten years. It’s ruined small towns like this.”
“Happened in Florida too, but lots earlier.”
The waitress brought over the food, and they attacked it.
“Didn’t realize how hungry I was for a real meal,” Kim said.
“Tastes good,” Eric said.
They left after paying and leaving the waitress a healthy tip, then got on 79 going east, making the right turn on Mallard. Traffic was heavier as they got closer to the loop.
“This is definitely where the action is,” Eric said.
“That’s it up ahead, I think” Kim said. “Which place do you want? I see Verizon, Cricket, and some locals.”
“Verizon,” Eric said. “The big ones are probably harder to crack.”
“What did you have before?”
“AT&T,” Eric said.
“Me too. That parking lot doesn’t look like much fun.”
“No problem,” Eric said, pointing ahead of them. “There’s an old cosmetics company next door. It’s closed up. See the trucks parked in the back? There’s room.”
“Yeah, I see it,” Kim said. Eric made the turn and drove into the empty parking lot. Paco jumped up.
“Later, pal,” Eric said. “When we get back.” He and Kim got out and walked to the cellphone store. It was deserted, so they walked out with new cellphones in less than half an hour.
“Should we take Paco for a quick walk before we take off?” Kim asked.
“It’s a good idea,” he said. “When we get moving again, see if you can find us a place to stay in Hearne. I don’t think we should try Austin. Getting too late.”
“Good, I was hoping you were gonna say that,” she said, her arm going around his waist as they neared the rig. Paco was at the window, barking when he saw them.
“The welcoming committee,” Eric said.
Soon they were rolling down the 256 loop towards Oak street.
“It’s so nice to have phones again,” Kim said, working her finger on the screen. “I see an RV Park in Hearne. It’s off 485, at Vaughn Street. Want me to call?”
“Yeah, go for it,” Eric said.
She got on the phone and had a quiet conversation, then ended the call.
“We okay?” Eric asked.
“We got one of the last spaces they had,” she said. “The owner said it’s been a madhouse for the last couple of days.”
“Really?” Eric asked.
“Yeah, and get this. A lot of the people are coming from the north, not the east.”
“Waco and Dallas? I know there were attacks in Dallas, but they didn’t sound as bad as what we’ve been hearing about in Houston and San Antonio.”
“I know,” Kim said. “Maybe we ought to listen to the news.”
“Yeah,” Eric said. Kim reached over and turned it on, then used the seek button to find a news station.
“Here we go,” Kim said. She turned up the volume.
“At this hour we aren’t getting any news from Carthage. Lines of communication have been cut, and people are fleeing, further west into Texas and east into Louisiana. The Texas National Guard is rushing tanks and other equipment into the area now.”
“Knew about that,” Eric said. “Most of it, anyway.”
“The problems in Houston continue to mount. After the mayor declared martial law, the citizens organized and took over city hall, arresting the mayor and city council and throwing them in jail. A new committee is running the city, with open communication to the Governor’s office.”
“Good,” Eric said.
“Good? You sure about that?”
“Yeah, the leadership of Houston got bad after the huge influx of refugees from Katrina, and all those Syrian refugees. Changed the makeup of the city, led to the election of leftist nutcases. I saw this coming years ago.”
“Rumors about the secession of Texas are swirling around Austin at this hour. No official comments have been made since the rumors started, but the Administration has warned that Texas will not be allowed to leave the Union, and that Texas must cease all actions to battle the invaders independent of the US Armed Forces.”
“Those idiots have no clue,” Eric said. “They caused this mess, and they’re acting as if the big problem is our attempt to fix it.”
“In international news, the Caliphate has expanded into Turkey, and is pushing towards the northern Mediterranean nations. The Administration is in an emergency meeting with NATO at this hour. The US is recommending restraint, but this is becoming a hard sell as Greece and Italy are threatened. The Administration has also strongly cautioned Israel to remain neutral.”
“Geez,” Kim said. “The whole world is falling apart, isn’t it?”
“Sounds like it,” Eric said.
They drove along silently, listening to the news until it looped into repeats.
“Want me to turn it off?” Kim asked.
“Sure. Jewett coming up in ten miles. Another slow down. Wish 79 didn’t go through the center of every damn town.”
“Don’t worry, we’re making good time,” Kim said. “We’re half way to Hearne already. We’ll be there just after noon.”
“Good. I could use a nap.”
“You want me to drive for a while?” Kim asked
“No, I can handle it. Only another hour, right?”
“If we don’t get slowed down on the way.”
They rode silently until they got to Jewett.
“Talk about a two-bit down,” Kim said.
“Yeah, wide spot in the road,” Eric said.
Gunfire erupted ahead of them.
“Oh no, you hear that?”
“Yeah,” Eric said, eyes darting around in front of him. “Look, that area over there. Looks like a park.”
“Is that people firing their guns into the air?” Kim asked, eyes wide. “Is there enemy aircraft coming in or something.”
“Those folks are celebrating,” Eric said. “Look at that.”
“I think you’re right. Traffic is slowing down. Be careful.”
“It’s because of that traffic light up there,” Eric said. “Probably the only traffic light in town.” He laughed.
“Be nice,” she said. “I’m gonna ask those people over there what’s going on.”
“Fine by me,” Eric said.
Kim rolled down her window and shouted at the group of people in the corner of the park as Eric stopped at the light. “What’s going on?”
“Governor Nelson just took us out of the Union!” a burly man shouted back, smiling ear to ear. “We’re a Republic again.”
“Wow” Kim said. “Thanks!” She rolled her window back up and looked at Eric. “There you have it.”
“I had a feeling,” Eric said. He drove forward when the light changed.
“What does it mean for us?” Kim asked. “Didn’t expect to be leaving the country when we came here.”
“It’ll only be temporary,” Eric said.
“You think so?”
“Yeah,
” Eric said. “Could be other states doing this too. The Feds have failed the country.”
They made it through the town and got back to full speed. Eric glanced at Kim. She looked scared.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Am I gonna be in trouble here since I’m not from Texas?” she asked.
“No,” Eric said.
“You’re from here originally,” she said. “They might give you a pass because of that.”
Eric laughed. “Look, sweetie, if you’re that worried, we’ll just tie the knot.”
“You’d do that?” she asked.
He laughed again. “Hell, we’re headed in that direction either way. Do you deny it?”
She looked at him, studying his face. “No, I don’t deny it.” She had the look of reverence in her eyes again. It covered Eric like a warm blanket.
“You want it,” he said softly.
“Do you?”
“Yes, but I’m not going to ask you right now,” he said.
“Why?” she asked.
“When I propose, it’s going to be romantic. ‘Oh well, what the hell’ isn’t romantic.”
She smiled at him, then noticed him starting at the rear-view mirror.
“Oh no, is somebody coming after us?” she asked, fear growing in her eyes.
Eric grinned at her. “Yeah,” he said. “It’s Dirk.”
There were two horn beeps behind them.
“They want us to pull over,” Kim said.
“Yeah,” Eric said. “Looks like the shoulder up ahead is big enough.” He slowed down, driving to the front of the wide spot and stopping.
“Let’s go,” Eric said, getting out of the cab. Kim joined him and they rushed back. Dirk got out of his truck with Francis, Chance, and Don.
“Good to see you two,” Dirk said, smiling.
“We were really worried when we heard about Deadwood and Carthage,” Eric said. “You guys lose people?”
“Yeah, we did,” Dirk said, sadness in his eyes. “We barely got out alive ourselves. Taking the trailer almost got us killed too. Had it stored on the outskirts of town. Though we were far enough ahead. Probably should’ve just left it.”
“Glad we have it now,” Don said. “Wish we could’ve brought mine too.”
“There was a bloodbath in Deadwood,” Francis said, on the verge of tears. “Half the population of the town is dead.”