Starting Over (Starting Over 1

by Kathy O'Rourke

  “I know Thomas is, who else?”

  “Matt and David are for sure. Eddie’s not. I’m not sure about Tim.”

  I take it to another level. “How about you? You loyal to Marco?”

  He shakes his head from side to side. “Fuck, no! I hate him.”

  “Thought so. You want in?”

  “Damn straight, I do.” He assures me.

  “Good.” I slap him on the back. “One more thing you should know. I’m gonna rescue the woman, too.”

  He laughs lustfully, “Figures.”

  “Please, give me a break. I’m not like Marco. I just want to give her freedom back.”

  “You plan on shooting them?”

  “No. I’m thinking about fixing them some strong mickeys. When they’re unconscious I’ll slit Marco and Adam’s throats and then we’ll slip away while the others sleep.”

  “Great idea. Where are we getting the drugs?”

  “Funny you should ask. There’s a pharmacy right here in the store. Think I’ll go look.”

  “You do that. I’ll keep watch.”

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Leo

  The stairs creak as Mala tiptoes down them. Gus and I look up from our reading and beam her a smile.

  “The kids asleep? I whisper.

  “Yeah. It took three books, but Cindy finally went to dreamland.” Mala gives Gus a quick kiss before cuddling under my arm on the couch.

  On any other day, I’d be jealous but not after last night when it all came to a head. All three of us have been flirting and dancing around our feelings for a while now. Gus wants her and so do I. Frustrated, Mala confronted us and laid it on the line. She couldn’t and wouldn’t chose between us and suggested we share. Well, we ended up in bed together, all three of us. It was fantastic. Now neither Gus or I swing the gay way, but we can work as a team and satisfy our woman. That’s right, our woman. The three of us are now together as one unit; a triad.

  “She asked about Hank and Shelley again. It’s hard for her to understand what’s going on.”

  I kiss her forehead. “I know, Baby, but all we can do is tell her they’re on a trip and will be back soon.”

  Gus, who’s sitting on the loveseat, offers some help. “I think she senses our anxiety. Childs are pretty preceptive.”

  “When did you become a child psychologist?” I tease him.

  He holds up a book titled Child Development. “I figured since I spend so much time with the kids, I might as well understand them.”

  “Where’d you get that?” Mala asks with a laugh.

  “The library. When I went to pick up the second U-Haul truck and get our bikes out of storage, I stopped and got a few new books. Some for me and some for the kids.”

  “You’re good to them, Gus.” Mala tells him.

  “Love the little buggers, what can I say.” Gus chuckles.

  “Now that the kids are asleep, let’s go over the work list.” I pick up Shelley’s clipboard. “First item: Trucks.”

  Gus sits forward and puts his elbows on his knees. “I’ve got both U-hauls ready, tires checked, full tanks of gas, oil checked. Our bikes are in the bigger truck along with an electric golf cart I found at the storage place. I figured we could charge it up when we get where we’re going. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the other storage unit and load our cached supplies. Then, all I have left is to fill the gas tanks on Mala’s new jeep, the van and the Caddie.”

  Mala leans forward and kisses Gus’s face. “You did good, my hard-working man.”

  I hug her “Baby, how’s it going with clothing?”

  “Pretty good. Michael and I went to the mall and picked up several sizes of clothes for the kids. We’ll have things they can grow into. I got myself some good work boots.” She holds her feet up, “See.”

  “They look great.” Gus says with a wink.

  She adds, “I got Shelley and me replacement clothes, too. I still need to get stuff for you guys and Hank.”

  I mark the progress on the checklist and then take up the next item. “Weapons? That’s mine.” I put down the clipboard and cross my legs. “I figure Shelley and Hank will come back without theirs, but we have plenty of replacements since I drove to our MC HQ”

  I look down at the list again. “Water? That’s me too. I found a survival store and cleaned it out. We now have ten portable water filtration systems and a dozen collapsible water containers. I also took all their heirloom seeds and specialized survival food. It’s loaded in the back of the van.”

  Mala give me a high-five followed by a kiss. “Well done.”

  Now’s the time to spring my surprise. “Oh yeah, they had non-electric clothes washers called Wonder Washers. I got two of them. They look kinda like small cement mixers.”

  She squeals and kisses my cheek over and over. “Really? That’s fantastic. I’m tired of scrubbing everything by hand.”

  Gus laughs and sarcastically asks, “Now, if we could only figure out an easy way to get fuel out of the gas stations.”

  “Funny you should ask,” I tell him and throw him the book I’m reading. “Look at chapter four.”

  “Really?” Gus asks with his eyebrows up.

  “Yep.”

  I look back at the clipboard. “Mala, the next one is yours. First Aid and medicines”

  She takes the clipboard and points out the next sheet. “This is what we still need. I’d like to go get it tonight if one of you will take me. We need to make two stops; the pharmacy and the medical supply store.”

  Gus answers first. “I would, but I’d better stay here in case Cindy wakes up.”

  “I’ll take you.” I tell her.

  Gus walks over and kisses her neck. “Don’t be too late. I want a repeat of last night, please.”

  Mala’s face turns bright pink. “Me, too.”

  Ten minutes later, Mala and I take off in her jeep with Adolph in the back seat. She’s driving since she knows a back route to the pharmacy near her hospital.

  “Did you put Morning After pills on your list?” I ask as we pull into the parking lot.

  “Yes, and I’m also getting everything Shelley will need to make sure she didn’t catch any cooties from those bastards.”

  “Smart lady.” I lean over the middle console and kiss her cheek. “Birth Control for you?

  “On there.”

  We both laugh.

  After we break in, I volunteer, “Adolph and I will stay at the door and keep watch. You go get everything. Make sure to keep your flashlight pointed toward the floor so it’s less noticeable.”

  “I will. This could take a little while.” She tells me as she heads for the back of the store.

  “No problem, just make sure you take the big bottles of everything.”

  A few minutes later, Adolph lets out a low steady growl and his hackles rise. Shit, I don’t want a fight tonight. Wanting Adolph to stay and guard, I whisper, “Pass Auf” and move further back into the store taking cover behind the counter. “Mala, turn off your light and get down.”

  Her light blinks off and I hear her hit the floor. Minutes pass. I whisper, “You okay back there?”

  “Yes, but I really want to get back to work.”

  “Give it another few minutes.”

  Right after saying that, Adolph goes into a full bark. Wanting to see what he’s barking at, I use a trick my Special Forces buddy taught me. I squeeze my eyes shut for ten seconds and then use my peripheral vision rather than looking straight at things. I search the front of the storefront and spot the problem. It’s another dog; a tiny girlie looking one.

  Adolph’ s holding position and waiting for the attack command I’m not going to give him. Instead, I call him to me, “Heir.” He huffs but comes and sits by my leg but continues his low growl. “Mala, you can go back to work. It’s just another dog.”

  “I need about ten more minutes. Can you grab a bag and fill it with condoms, and tampons, please?”

  “Sure thing.” Once in the right aisle
, I tell Mala, “I’m getting the extra-large condoms for me and the size extra-small for Gus.”

  I hear Mala laugh, “You’re wicked.”

  “Am Not.”

  Fifteen minutes later, we’ve done. “I’ll get the jeep and pull it right up to the door. It’s safer that way.”

  Adolph and I rush across the parking lot without any issues and no more dog sightings.

  The medical supply place is only two blocks away and it takes only minutes to get there. We’re in and out in fifteen minutes. No problem.

  On the way home, Mala asks, “Do you really think we can find an off the grid house?”

  “I sure do. I was reading through some of the magazines from the survival store and there is an off-the-grid community in northern California at Lake Pillsbury. I want us to try to get there. If that doesn’t work, then we’ll find a solar powered house with its own well.”

  “That would be perfect.”

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Shelley

  “Wake up, sleepy head.” Marco whispers in my ear just before nipping it. “I brought you coffee and a warmed-up Pop Tart.”

  I give him a sleepy smile. “Is it a cherry one?”

  “Yes, Princesa, your favorite kind.”

  Sitting up takes work, my arms are stiff and sore. Marco tried something new last night, he tied my arms to the headboard. I stretch my arms and pull the sheet up to cover my nude body and put a pillow on my lap to hold the tray.

  He places the breakfast tray on the pillow and kisses my forehead. “I’m going out with Adam today. I want to check on my men, make sure they’re doing their jobs.”

  That doesn’t make sense, how does he know what stores his men are at? He’s lying, but I’ll play along. “That’s okay, Papi. I can work on dinner while you’re gone. Maybe do some laundry.”

  “What are you making for dinner?”

  I don’t answer until I swallow a big gulp of coffee. “Not sure yet, but I promise you’ll like it.”

  He nuzzles my neck, hitting my arm almost spilling my coffee. “I’d like anything you make me, my sweet lover.”

  I laugh and giggle as I push him away. “Papi, my coffee.”

  “Give me that.” Taking the coffee cup out of my hand, he places it back on the tray and moves the whole thing to the dresser. When he turns around, he has that gleam in his eye. “Turn around. On your knees. Head down. Ass in the air.”

  His favorite position. Mine, too. He slaps my ass cheeks several times then rubs away the pain before getting down to the main event.

  The count is now twenty-seven. I’m not sure why I’m keeping count, but it does make me feel powerful over the whole thing.

  As he zips up, he tells me. “I’m leaving Tim here. Matt will be patrolling the grounds.”

  “Papi, I need a few buckets of water to clean up with. Can you have Tim bring them up, please?”

  “Sure thing.” He kisses my cheek. “I’ll be gone most of the day.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll be good. I promise.”

  Ten minutes later, there’s a knock, and through the door, I hear, “It’s Tim. I have your water.”

  Tim looks me up and down even though he tries not to. I can’t blame him, I’m wearing the beige silk robe Marco got for me. It’s almost see thru and falls to just below my butt.

  He stutters, “The da, dark bucket is warm. I got it from the so, solar bags. The white one is co, cold.” He walks the buckets into the bathroom for me.

  I give him a big smile. “Thanks so much. I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

  His face red, he just nods and leaves, closing the door behind him.

  After washing Marco’s stank off, I use the rest of the water to wash my hair and flush the toilet. I strip the smelly bed and put on brand-new sheets I found in the closet. I toss the dirty ones in a plastic bag to throw away. “There’s no way I’m washing these things.”

  I find Tim doing dishes in the kitchen. Instantly upset at someone making a mess in my kitchen, I blurt out, “Dishes? Who made a mess in here this morning?”

  “Some of the guys had oatmeal for breakfast and used real dishes.” He answers in an aggravated tone.

  “They’re a bunch of spoiled bastards.”

  He laughs. “Not all of them, just some.”

  This seems like a perfect time to feel him out. “What do you mean?”

  “Not all the guys are bad. Some of them are nice men trapped here.”

  “What about you? Are you happy here?”

  He doesn’t answer, instead, looks me in the eye and turns the questioning back at me. “First, you answer the same question. Are you happy here?”

  I grab his hand. “I sure hope I’m not making a mistake, but I’ll gonna tell you the truth.” I check to make sure we’re still alone before I add, “Hell, no. I’m just a good actress.”

  He whispers, “I hate it here, too. I’m not cut out for being a bad guy.”

  “I know you’re not, Tim.” I pat his hand. “What did you do before? You know, before the virus changed the world.”

  He takes a deep breath and leans in close. “Trust works both ways, Shelley. Can I trust you?”

  “Yes. You can. I promise.” I put my hand on his arm. “You really can.”

  He nods and starts talking. “I was a dentist. I specialized in children’s dentistry.”

  Boy, could we use him in our family. We’d have a trauma nurse and a dentist. “Did you have a family?”

  He stutters his answer, “I, I had a hus, husband named Scott. He was a doctor, a pediatrician, and the love of my life.” He hesitates before adding, “He contracted the virus early on. He died in an isolation room, alone.” His eyes fill with tears. “We were getting ready to adopt when the world ended.”

  I pull him into a hug. “I’m sorry about your husband.”

  “He was a good man. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t miss him.”

  “You know, that’s one secret you better keep hidden from the guys here, especially Marco and Adam.”

  He whispers, “I know. I hate lying to everyone and I hate being back in the closet. I want out of here.”

  Game time.

  “Let’s work together then. Let’s plan an escape.”

  His eyes bug out. “Escape?”

  I spot Matt through the kitchen window approaching the back door. “Shhh.”

  Matt, a tough looking kid, probably no more than twenty, comes inside. “Any coffee left?”

  I glance over and see there’s some left in the glass pot. “Yeah, I’ll get it for you.”

  He looks me up and down and licks his lips. What a little pig. “I can get it myself, Sugar.” He smacks my butt as he steps past me.

  His actions and words infuriate me. “Sugar? You better mind your mouth and your hands. Marco will kill you.”

  He sneers and pushes in real close; his chest colliding with my breasts, his face inches from mine. “You gonna rat me out?” The corners of his mouth turn up into a smirk. “You wouldn’t do that would you, Sugar?” He puts his hands on my waist, and slides them down over my ass.

  I push his hands off. “Don’t touch me.”

  He snickers, but takes a step back.

  Refusing to show him any fear, I poke him in the chest. “No, I won’t tell Marco, but, stay away from me,”

  “Feisty.” He laughs and slaps my ass again. “When you get tired of the old man, come see me.”

  Tim growls and shoves Matt away from me. “She might not tell on you, but I sure as hell will. Back off her right now.”

  “You won’t tell, Tim, you’re chicken shit,” Matt spits back then turns and leaves out the backdoor without his coffee.

  “Sorry about that.” Tim tells me as he leads me to a stool. “Sit down for a minute.”

  “Don’t tell on him, Tim. It will just bring us problems.” I whisper. “We don’t need any enemies.”

  “I know. I won’t tell.” He hands me a bottle of water. “Escape huh?”

&
nbsp; “Shhh, not here.” After a few sips of water, I get to my feet. “Let me grab my notes and let’s go in the pantry and plan some meals.” I wink at him.

  “Good idea.” He plays along. “That way we can see what we have to work with.”

  The pantry is the biggest I’ve ever seen in a private house. A large work station, perfect for organizing and planning meals sits in the middle. Floor to ceiling shelves hang on three walls and a walk-in freezer, now dead and empty, sits against the fourth wall. When I arrived, the shelves were nearly bare, but I did a pretty good job of filling them with staples when Adam took me shopping.

  Tim enters first, and I close the door half way behind me. I point back at the door. “Don’t want to look like we’re up to something.” I whisper as I sit on one of the stools.

  He takes a seat across from me. “Escape, huh?”

  “Yeah. You sure you want in?”

  His mouth forms a large grin. “Yeah. I want out of here more than anything.”

  “Good. Me, too.” Nervous, I move my stool a few inches, so I can keep watch on what’s going on outside the pantry. Once I’m certain we’re still alone, I tell him, “My friend is working on an escape plan. I’ll let him know you’re in.”

  “Friend? You have a friend in here?” His eyes open wide and his eyebrows almost meet in the middle.

  “Yeah.” My heart flutters as I think about Hank. I still can’t believe he risked his life to come save me. “It’s Ben. He let himself get recruited so he could help me escape.”

  He smirks and rolls his eyes. “I knew something was up with you and that guy.”

  My face heats up as I giggle. “Yeah, there sure is. You hit the nail on the head the other day, Mr. Smarty Pants. I can’t wait to get out of here and get back home.”

  “Me either.”

  “Remember, we still need to keep up pretenses. We can’t let anyone know our plans.”

  A loud banging noise somewhere in the house brings our covert conversation to a quick halt. I jump off my stool and check the kitchen. “Still clear, but let’s not take any changes.”

  “Agreed. Let’s plan dinner.”