Starting Over (Starting Over 1

by Kathy O'Rourke

  “Gross.”

  Damn it! Now we can’t use the walkie talkies without some nasty stranger listening in. Not willing to take any chances, I remove the battery from mine.

  “Was Hank?” Cindy looks up and asks.

  I force my hands to stop shaking as I answer her in a way she’ll understand, “No honey, it was a wrong number.” Picking her up football style, I carry her to the bookcase next to my big chair we use for reading time. “Pick out a couple of books. I feel like reading a whole lot of wonderful stories today.”

  She giggles, “Me too.”

  Even though I’m a manic mess, I can’t help but smile at how cute she is. She’s wiggling her butt back and forth as she looks through the books.

  Naturally, she picks her favorite. It’s my old copy of The Real Mother Goose. This book is special to me. It belonged to my mother. She read it to me when I was a little girl. I’ve kept it all these years hoping someday to pass it on to my child.

  “This one,” Shelley says as she hands it to me.

  “Pick two more, Sweetie, then climb on up.”

  She goes back and continues her book-picking-out dance.

  “Ready.” She hands me Where the Wild Things Are and The Ugly Duckling and climbs up on my lap. What can I say, the kid has great tastes in books. Actually, it’s Leo who has the great taste. He’s the one who went to the library and brought the books back for both kids.

  It only takes three nursey rhymes and Cindy is rubbing her eyes. I switch over to the Ugly Duckling and by page six she’s fast asleep. I whisper,” Halleluiah!” then carry her into her room and place her in bed. As I close the door, I say a little prayer. “Please God, let her sleep for at least an hour.”

  Taking advantage of my alone time, I get the kitchen ready in case they bring Leo back badly hurt. I clear the table, and tape a brand-new plastic tarp down to it. I get out the big first aid kit, the one with the suturing materials and pain killers.

  I wish I could use the walkie talkie. Did they find Leo? Are they okay?

  My mind goes to last night in bed with Hank. He was distraught over killing those men. He cried and then apologized for being weak. He’s not weak. He protected us. Every damn day it’s something else. Something dangerous.

  “Please God be with them.”

  Needing to stay busy, I work on this week’s food menu and check it against our food supply. Next, I do the few dishes in the sink, make my bed, clean the bathrooms and dust the living room.

  Done with my inside chores, I make a cup of tea and pick up my copy of The American Red Cross First Aid and Safety book and get comfortable in the reading chair. There is always more to learn.

  I read, but soon my eyes get heavy.

  I’m awakened by car noises. I whisper to myself, “Motors! Loud ones!” I peek out the front door peephole and hold my breath as two large cars, one of them a black Mustang, creep slowly down our street. They stop at each house and look it over. Boy, am I glad I double checked our front yards this morning. I watch until the cars move out of viewing range.

  My heart is pounding, I can hear it in my ears. Something tells me they’re looking for us and their missing men.

  I whisper, “What if that Marco guy was able to track me through the walkie talkies? What if Hank and the guys show up while these men are still in the neighborhood?” I can’t risk contacting them, not with Marco listening in. I can only pray. And pace.

  About ten minutes later, gunshots break through the silence. “Shit!” My hands start to tremble. “Please God, no!”

  After a second round of shots, I race to the backyard hoping I can pinpoint where they’re coming from. High pitched squeals and chaotic barking have my knees threatening to give out. “They’re shooting my dogs.” Tears run down my face as the barking and whining subsides down to nothing.

  “Bastards!”

  Chapter Twenty

  Hank

  Even with us peddling hard, Adolph still manages a two-block lead. It’s fine, as long as we can see him, but when he runs between cars or through front yards, I get a bit frantic. He’s smart though, he always doubles back making sure we’re still following him. He’s amazing.

  He’s leading us out toward the western edge of the valley, up against the Santa Susana mountains. Along the way, we’ve seen no signs of other people. We did spot several stray dogs, but luck was on our side, they were afraid of us and ran away.

  We’ve probably traveled close to twelve miles when Adolph stops in the middle of the road, barks and paws the ground. We’re in a swanky neighborhood where the houses are worth well into the millions.

  I signal at Gus. He pulls over, parks and joins us on foot. “What’s happening?”

  Adolph is now hopping up and down like a baby goat and turning in circles.

  “He’s trying to tell us something.” Michael says as he dismounts his bike.

  “I think so, too.”

  Michael kneels next to Adolph. “Guter hund,” and pats him on the head.

  Both Gus and I follow suit. We pat Adolph and give him some “Good boys.”

  “Leo must be close by, but where?” I ask as I look around. I don’t see his bike or any outward signs of people. I whisper in Michael’s ear, “Give him another command. Let’s see where he takes us.”

  “Not yet.” Michael gets a stern concentrating look on his face. “He gets a treat and water first, then I’ll get him going again.”

  Gus and I stand watch while Michael opens his backpack, pulls out a plastic dish, and pours water in it. Adolph wags his tail and laps it up.

  “See, he was thirsty.” Michael says as he throws him a dog treat. Adolph catches it in mid-air and snaps it right up.

  Michael smiles and announces, “Okay, he’s ready to go now.”

  “Let’s do this.” Gus says as he keeps watch behind us.

  Kneeling, Michael gives Adolph his next command. “Such.” Find Leo for us, please.”

  Adolph lets out a happy sounding huff, springs to his feet and crosses the street. He enters the yard of a large Mediterranean type home. It’s the typical Californian mansion; classic beige stucco that sets off its red tile roof. He runs up on the porch, stops at the grand double door entryway where he starts to scratch and whine.

  “I guess Leo’s in there. I wonder why?” Gus asks.

  My alarm bells go off. “Something seems off about this.”

  Gus pulls his rifle out of its sling. “Let’s be careful.”

  I turn to Michael. “Listen, we don’t know if there are bad guys in there or what. I want you to take the bikes behind the van and wait for us there.”

  Michael rolls his eyes and kicks at the ground. “But, what if you need to give Adolph some more commands?”

  No way am I letting this kid get hurt. I growl at him. “Not this time. I want you to stay safe. Now do what you’re told.”

  With his face in a hard scowl, Michael gives me a curt “Yes, Sir,” spins around and runs back to the bikes.

  “You were a little hard on him don’t you think?” Gus whispers at me.

  “Yeah, but Shelley will kill me if anything happens to her boy.”

  Gus chuckles, “That’s for damn sure. Now how do you want to do this.”

  “Let’s find a way in and send Adolph in to clear the place. Then, you and I will clear the house again, room by room.” I look up at the building’s height and add, “and floor by floor.”

  Gus tries the front door. “Locked.”

  We work our way around the back of the house and crouch behind some large bushes. No one is in the back yard but there are signs someone’s staying here; open water bottles, buckets, clothes drying on a makeshift line next to the pool. There’s even a newly planted garden.

  Are these a group of survivors or another gang of criminals?

  “We gotta be careful, Gus. These don’t look like bad guys, the yard is too clean, too organized, but you never know.”

  “I agree. Don’t you think if Leo found a
group of good people, he would have contacted us?”

  “Exactly.”

  We stack up at the backdoor, but before I even try the knob, it opens and Leo limps out.

  “Hi Guys.” He has a swollen eye and a large bandage covering his right cheek. He’s also wearing a sling over his left arm and looks in pain.

  I carefully grab his good arm. “Damn it, we’ve been worried about you.”

  “Yeah, sorry about that.” He points at his sling. “I had a little run in last night with some guys.”

  Adolph nudges Leo’s leg demanding attention.

  Leo pets him. “Guter Hund, you did it. You’re the best.”

  Gus reaches out and gives Leo a half-hug man shake. “Kicked some ass, did you?”

  “I tried, but there were three of them. They wanted my guns. Sorry guys, but they got them. My walkie talkie got broken in the fight.”

  That reminds me. I take mine out and try to reach home. “Shelley, this is Hank. Over.” All I get is static.

  Leo grabs the walkie talkie out of my hands and tries again. “Shelley, this your lost family member, Leo. Over.” He gets no answer either. “Must be out of range.”

  “Was it the Car Guys?” Gus asks as he lifts Leo’s shirt only to find his ribs taped up.

  Leo rubs his side, pain evident on his face. “I don’t think so. They didn’t try to recruit me. Only wanted my guns and to beat the shit out of me.”

  “Just glad you’re okay.” I tell him but I’m full of questions. “Leo, who bandaged you up?”

  A female voice calls out from inside the house. “I did.” Out steps a young woman. She reminds me of an Olympic gymnast, tiny and muscular. She speaks with a slight accent and I’m not sure of her heritage, but she has long, straight, black hair and almond shaped eyes.

  She greets us with a smile and extends her hand to me as she lowers her head in a bow. “I’m Mala. I found Leo limping down the street last night. I brought him home and cleaned him up. He was in no condition to travel. I put him to bed in my spare bedroom.”

  My first reaction is yes, another woman! Shelley will be overjoyed. “Thank you for taking care of our friend.”

  Gus adds, “Yeah, thanks,” and shakes her hand, too.

  “Please, come in.” She points to the door.

  I look over at Gus. “Would you go get Michael? He’ll want to be part of this.”

  Gus gives me a curt salute and takes off around the building.

  “Are you alone here?” I ask her.

  “Yes. My father and mother are overseas. They went to visit family in Nepal a week before the virus hit.” Her face takes on a sad look. “With Nepal so close to China, I have to assume the worse.”

  Leo puts his good hand on her shoulder. “This whole thing has left many of us alone.”

  Her eyes start to water. She turns her head away from us for a few seconds then turns back with a forced smile on her face. “Let me make some tea.” She scoots around Leo and into her kitchen where she switches on an electrical tea kettle.

  “You have power?” I ask.

  “Solar panels on the roof. I can’t run my whole house but small appliances, yes.”

  Michael runs in the back door and almost tackles Leo. “I was worried.”

  Leo grunts in pain as he absorbs Michael’s hit. “I’m okay, just beat up.” He hugs him. “Hey, you did good with Adolph. You found me.”

  “Yeah, I did.” Michael’s chin goes up and his shoulders raise. Then speaking real fast, tells Leo, “I gave him all the right commands. I remembered to praise him and even gave him treats and water.”

  Laughing, Leo ruffles Michael’s hair. “Proud of you.”

  Michael then looks around the room and spots Mala. His eyes almost bug out. “Who are you?”

  “I’m Mala. This is my house.” She giggles and reaches out to shake his hand.

  His mouth still open in awe, Michael looks at the floor as he shakes her hand. “I’m Michael.”

  “She found me last night and patched me up.” Leo tells him.

  Mala escorts us to her living room. “Have a seat, I’ll go get the tea.”

  The room is large with hand-carved wooden furniture and smells like sweet spices.

  “What’s that?” Michael points at a three-tier wooden stand in the corner.

  “It’s a shrine. Mala is Buddhist and it’s a private place to worship.” Leo explains to him.

  Michael and I take a closer look. The shrine has a gold gilded Buddha on the top shelf.

  Michael reaches out, but I stop him. “Don’t touch anything. Be respectful.”

  He pulls back his hand. “Sorry.”

  I squeeze his shoulder. “Let’s just look.”

  A cairn, a pile of precariously stacked rocks, sits on the second shelf nestled next to a laughing Buddha. I recognize this one, I’ve seen it before. He’s made of green jade, has a large stomach and a huge smile on his face. On the bottom shelf there’s a tiny brass bell, a blue and white china bowl with what looks like water in it, a larger brown bowl containing dandelion flowers and sticks of burning incense held in a glass holder.

  Michael whispers, “It looks like church.”

  “Yes, it does.”

  Over tea, Mala tells her story. She, like me, never got sick from the virus. She’s a nurse and worked at the hospital until there was no one left to help. She’s been living here alone, and like us, raiding the local grocery store. At the end of her story, she starts to cry. “I thought I was the only person alive for a while until I ran into trouble one night at the store. Three guys saw me and tried to catch me. They yelled rude and nasty things at me. I outran them and hid. I was lucky.”

  Gus asks, “If you were afraid of others, why did you reach out and help Leo?”

  She lowers her eyes and her face tints a light shade of pink. “I’m not really sure. Maybe because he was hurt, or maybe because I was tired of being alone and willing to take a chance.”

  Michael, who’s been sitting on the floor with Adolph eating chocolate cookies, pipes up, “Mala, you should come live with us.”

  Her head pops up and she looks over at me. “Could I?”

  Boy, is Shelley gonna be a happy camper. I nod and give her a big smile. “Of course. We could use another person in our strange family of survivors. We have two other members that are back at our home base. There’s Shelley, who really is the leader of the group and baby Cindy, who’s three years old.”

  Leo adds, “Shelley will be thrilled to have another woman around, she’s been frantic thinking she was the only woman left alive.”

  “Yeah, come with us.” Gus bumps her shoulder.

  Adolph seals the deal when he gives her a lick on her cheek and his tail bangs against the floor.

  “If you’re sure I won’t be a bother, I’d love to come.”

  Gus jumps up. “I’ll get the van, let’s pack everything you’ll need and get you back to your new home.”

  “Can I bring my car?” Mala asks and points out the window at the Jeep Cherokee in the driveway.

  “Good idea.” I look back at Gus. “Why don’t we put the bikes in the van and drive home?”

  “Makes sense, plus we’ll get home a lot quicker.” Michael chirps as he jumps up and down.

  Mala, with Michael as a helper, goes upstairs to pack her personal things while Gus and I tackle her kitchen. Leo stays in the living room with Adolph, too sore to help.

  She’s been busy. Her pantry is stocked full of scavenged food. We load it in the van along with her electric tea kettle, rice cooker and bar fridge.

  When they come down from upstairs, Mala asks me, “May I bring my shrine. It is important to me.”

  “Of course. We have five houses in our possession, we can definitely find a quiet, place for you to practice your faith.”

  “Thank you.” She hands me a black leather case. “For our group.”

  I take it out of her hands and am surprised at how heavy it is. “What’s in here, Mala?”


  “Open it.”

  I put it on the coffee table and press the latches. “Oh my God, is that what I think it is?”

  “Gold coins. Someday, gold will be important again. I want this to be my contribution to my new family.”

  “Mala, you don’t have to buy your way in. We’re happy to have you come join us.”

  Tears form in her eyes. “Please, accept my gift. I want to do this.”

  I nod and agree. “Okay, we’ll take it with us.”

  She bows and goes over to pack her shrine.

  Gus is on the last load, when I ask, “I haven’t had any luck reaching Shelley. Have you?”

  “Let me try.” Gus takes out his walkie talkie. “Hey Shelley. It’s Gus, You there? Over.” and gets only static. “I agree with Leo, we must be out of range.”

  “We shouldn’t be.” The instructions said they were good within a twenty-mile radius. My sixth sense, the one that kept me alive during my tours overseas, kicks in. “Something’s wrong. We need to go now.”

  Two minutes later I shout, “Hurry up. We leave here in five minutes,” then whisper under my breath, “I’m coming Shell, hold on.”

  “Me and Adolph will ride with Mala,” announces Leo as he, holding his ribs, pushes his way up off the couch.

  “I don’t think that’s wise. Gus should.” I tell him.

  Leo looks pissed off. “But…”

  I cut his objection off. “We need a man in each car that can shoot. You can’t. You can drive with one hand. You drive the van and I’ll ride shotgun.”

  Dejected, he gives in. “You’re right.”

  “Everybody ready? We need to leave now.” I yell sternly.

  Mala starts to cry. “It’s sad to say good bye. I always thought, if I stayed here, someday my parents might come back. This feels so final.”

  Leo wraps her arm in his. “Mala, they could still be okay, and you can come back once things calm down.”

  She shrugs her arm out of his. “Don’t lie to me, Leo. Things will never calm down.”

  We pile in the jeep and the van as Mala takes a minute to lock up the house before getting behind the wheel.

  “Lead the way, Leo, and stay to the side streets as much as possible.”