by E A Lake
“You have something to say, Hunter?” Theresa watched his expression change. She didn’t think it was good.
“I, I… I don’t know what to say,” he answered. “You’re suggesting what I think you’re suggesting, right?” Theresa nodded in an almost casual manner.
“Yes. Perhaps we could become a couple.” Theresa spoke confidently, with force. “If that’s something that would interest you, of course.” She took on a nice smile again. Hunter froze in front of her.
After moments of tense silence, Hunter finally shook his head, frowning slightly. She maintained a small hopeful expression. “I just don’t think it’s right Sister, is it? I mean, there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re really what anyone would consider quite a catch.” Hunter managed a sly smile finally. “But, well, you’re a nun. That kind of makes a no-go, right?” His hat-covered head dipped her direction. “I don’t want to have to watch for lightning bolts the rest of my life…if you catch my drift.”
Theresa nodded listening carefully to Hunter. “The girls and I are just trying to search all possible alternatives to convince you to stay with us.” She glanced off in the distance and then back. “And between you and me, I’m not actually a nun yet. I’m still what they call a novice. But the Reverend Mother thought it a good idea if we live our lives out here just like any other nun. I’m sure you understand.” Hunter nodded as she refocused on him. “You know, you really are a decent man, Hunter. You’ve proven yourself quite well.”
Scratching behind his ear, he chuckled at Theresa. “I would have never thought you’d be asking me something like this when we first met, Sister…Theresa. It really isn’t you, it’s me. I just wouldn’t feel right. You’re a very special woman. I’m glad to be your friend. Let’s just be real good friends, and figure the rest out from there. We’ll figure something out.” Hunter rubbed her shoulder and made it seem like he meant what he had just said.
Theresa agreed. She didn’t feel like a spurned lover. She knew it was a long shot from the start. Actually, she was kind of relieved. She wasn’t sure what her next step would have been if Hunter had said yes. “How about some breakfast then?” Hunter agreed. “Are you going out again today looking for more supplies?”
Hunter nodded again looking back at the wagon in the yard. “Yeah, I figure I’d stay on it now that I have a better idea of what I’m looking for. I’m going to head south of here a ways, alone. I know a couple places five or six miles that way that may be treasure troves for us – well the girls and the kids at least.”
The pair started for the back door when Theresa stopped and looked at Hunter one last time. “Thank you again, for at least hearing me out this morning. I, we all appreciate it. And I’m sure something will get figured out. I believe you when you say that.”
Hunter’s left hand stroked his mouth before he replied. “Who knows, Sister, maybe it will be a quiet summer. At least we can pray for that much.” That was something Theresa could do. Hunter gazed out at the road. His look this morning seemed different, like he had a bad feeling about something that he didn’t care to share.
Chapter Twenty-eight
With the entire house up, everyone was ready for breakfast. The babies had been fed and sat in the living room. The entire lot of tots was happy and quiet, mostly dozing in the living room. Spirits were high, despite the Sister’s lack of headway with Hunter. For their part, the girls were happy and didn’t say a word about what had gone on in the yard.
After Hunter finished his meal, he studied his list for the day. More of the same except slightly more specific. “Okay, for the little ones I’m looking for stuff newborn to six months. For the rest of you, sizes three, five and seven.” He glanced around the room. Everyone’s head nodded back in his direction. “That will eat up a little more time, but I’m sure I can figure an efficient way of finding stuff.” Sara came over to Hunter.
“If you happen to find any zeroes or ones, please bring them, too. If you can.” Sara didn’t want to sound demanding.
He returned a confused look. “I thought I heard someone say zero last night. I didn’t know there was such a thing.” Sara grinned. Maybe she was asking too much. “I’ll see what I can find, Sara. I’m just not sure many country girls are as tiny as you.”
Theresa walked back into the room. “Another playpen and two more high chairs would be useful. But if you don’t find any, don’t worry. You did so well yesterday. If you can find more medical supplies, and female items that would help.” The corners of her mouth curled slightly as Hunter rolled his eyes. “Is there any canned food left in any of these places, Hunter?”
He shook his head. “Nah, not for the last couple years. The food was the first thing cleaned out of almost every house. Most of it is bad by now anyway.” He started for the back door. “I’ll take the gun, and maybe I’ll see a deer on my way back tonight. I saw a couple last night but had forgotten my gun.” Mary stopped him in the kitchen on his way out.
“Could you look for a pair of sneakers for me? I just have two pairs of flats and could use something better for outside.” Her large brown eyes glanced up at the man. “If you have a chance.”
“I will Mary. It shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Size four. And thank you, Hunter.” The teen leaned in and gave the man a hug, a tender hug. The contact caught Hunter off guard. Many years had passed since he was last hugged. He stood shocked, glued to his spot, unable to respond. Finally, Mary let go. “You’re a good person, Hunter.” Theresa watched the exchange from the dining room. Hunter’s discomfort was apparent. At least he hadn’t pushed the teen away from his reach. Happy, she turned to continue her chores.
Hunter made good progress throughout the day. He found another playpen, two strollers and even another pair of high chairs. Clothes were still hard to come by, at least in the sizes they desired. Most country gals were a little larger than this group of schoolgirls. He’d keep looking.
Something didn’t seem right to Hunter. He hadn’t seen as many people out as he thought he might. The weather was decent enough. Summer would be in full bloom before too long; they could still use more rain. But that would come, too. Hunter didn’t understand why there weren’t more people on the road.
Heading south on a secondary road, the only sound was the slow clopping of the horse hoofs in front of him. Henry had been nice enough to let him keep the horse and cart an extra day. Henry told him to keep it as long as he needed. Hunter hoped he’d have almost everything requested by nightfall. That way he could return the cart and Ezra, Henry’s oldest yet most reliable horse, first thing the next morning.
Three ladies approached the road as Hunter came upon another farmstead. They waved and called out at Hunter. The Roach sisters were on their way to greet him. Hunter knew these women well. He had seen them a number of times in town, and down at the Amish store. While they weren’t Amish, these sisters were country gals and well adapted to the quiet, simple life in the remote areas, away from people, and away from trouble.
“Good morning, Hunter. Haven’t seen you in a while.” Sue Roach approached the stopped wagon. Sue was about 40 and as plain as most of the Amish ladies that dotted the countryside. Just a little more modern perhaps, mostly in the way she dressed. “What you out scavenging for?” Sue and her sisters looked in the back of the wagon.
“Baby stuff?” Joslyn Roach found it odd that this man, Hunter, was collecting baby items. Joslyn was the spitting image of Sue, maybe two years her junior.
Hunter grinned at the group. “Yeah, the militia relocated a nun and five teenagers up at the old Henshel place a little bit ago.” Hunter removed his hat and wiped his brow. “They gave them five little ones to take care of, all three months and under.” The group stared at Hunter, shocked. Penelope, the youngest, finally smiled.
“Just what you’d expect from them. Exactly.” Penelope was barely 30, if that, and was the prettiest of the three plain sisters. She was just a little boring for Hunter’s taste. Nice enough, jus
t a little dull.
“Where are the guys? Still down south?” The three sisters nodded. Whatever was going on in the Southern states sure took a lot of manpower. Hunter’s mouth twisted. “You know, I bet there’s no war going on down there. I bet they’re just trying to rebuild and retool those refineries. That makes more sense.”
Sue’s smile showed she agreed with Hunter. “We’re not worried, Hunter. There was word that some men may be coming home this fall. Then we’ll know for sure what the real story is in the South.” She glanced back at her sisters. “We know our men are safe. We can just feel it in our bones.” Sue’s smile turned to a frown. “Have you seen the southwest sky today?”
Hunter shook his head. “No, I haven’t been paying much attention. What’s up?” This stretch of the east road was heavily tree lined. Hunter could barely see into the woods, much less anything in the southern sky.
“You’d better jump down and come out back to look. Might be trouble down by Emmitsville.” Hunter jumped down and followed the three sisters to the open backyard of their house. He marveled at how each of these sisters was at least as tall as him. Sue might even be 6’1”. When they rounded their house, Sue pointed to the southwest. Smoke was in the air. A column of thick black smoke rose from the treetops in the distance and lazily dissipated, as it got higher. Hunter frowned.
“That’s definitely over by Emmitsville,” Sue said. The place could barely be called a town or a village. The tiny village was a collection of a dozen or so houses and a little gas station with a convenience store. At best it was a wide spot in the road. The four studied the scene intently; the source of the smoke wasn’t diminishing.
“How long has that been going on?” Hunter continued to fixate on the thick black smoke, perhaps five or six miles away.
Penelope returned her gaze to Hunter. “A couple of hours now. Maybe three but no more than that.” Penelope tried to read Hunter’s face. That was a difficult task for anyone. “What are you thinking? Genoa?”
Everyone in these parts knew the story of the fall of Genoa. The same story Hunter had relayed to Sara just this morning. He raised his left hand and wiped his mouth. He wasn’t sure what he thought.
“Maybe the little bit of gas at that store caught fire. It’s not like anyone has a fire department anymore. They’d just have to let it burn out.” Hunter shook his head slightly. All three sisters’ eyes were on him. “I’d better get back at my chores so I can get back to the house before too long.” Hunter nodded to the group as he turned to the front yard. “Have you seen many people on the road lately?” All three heads shook no.
“You’re the first person we’ve seen in two or three days, Hunter. The roads have been strangely quiet.” Sue tried the impossible and couldn’t read Hunter’s face either. “Trouble you think?” Hunter shook his head slightly.
“Whatever it is, it isn’t good. You gals take care and be safe. Keep those guns handy.” Hunter continued his walk toward the wagon. “If there’s no trouble in the next week, you should wander up north and say hi to the gang. They could stand to see someone besides the Mueller’s.” Hunter jumped in the wagon and headed east. Two more houses and he’d head back.
Chapter Twenty-nine
A dark feeling tugged at Hunter as he turned the wagon up the last side road on return to the farm. He wanted to make another stop at an out-of-the-way house he felt might have what he needed, but the feeling grew in his gut like a bad piece of meat. Shaking the feeling off, he stopped the horse just outside the back door of the deserted homestead.
Jumping from the wagon, Hunter turned and focused on the rear door. Something didn’t feel right about this place. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but something was off. Scanning the rear porch from the steps the place almost looked lived in. But that was impossible; he knew this home. The small family that had lived here when he first arrived in the area left after his second winter. Since then, he’d been past the place dozens of times. And every time it was empty.
Cautiously, Hunter stepped inside the house. Standing on the back porch he called out into the silent dwelling. “Hello!” he shouted. “Anyone home?” He waited several moments before calling again. The response was the same, nothing. “May as well have a look around,” he said out loud, just in case someone was inside.
The place showed signs of life. Someone had been here and recently. The kitchen counters were strewn with trash and some food waste. The messy table sat full of dirty dishes. Running his fingers over the grime Hunter found the food wasn’t necessarily fresh, but it couldn’t be more than a few days old.
Carefully he made his way down the back staircase to the basement. The cellar displayed a cornucopia of goods. Hunter found clothes galore stacked in piles on a large table in one corner. Some were even the correct sizes he was in search of. But only a couple items wore labels of the smallest size, a three. But, there was a load of size five and size seven girls’ clothing. He loaded two medium sized boxes with clothes. In a downstairs bathroom, he found a carton of female supplies and more hand soap. On a workbench, in another corner of the damp smelling level, he found three boxes of baby clothes, packed away for safekeeping. The former occupants had even been nice enough to label sizes on the cardboard exteriors. Hunter was on a roll.
Coming into the rear porch a third time, Hunter spied a batch of colorful shoes. There were six pairs of various colored sneakers. Blue, lighter blue, green, red, white and black. Some were fours, some were fives, and some were sevens. A fabulous find Hunter thought to himself.
After loading another two boxes of clothes and shoes into the wagon, Hunter went back in to check the kitchen one more time. He found a hidden bottle of raw honey in the rear of a lower cupboard. Perfect; raw honey never spoiled. An added bonus was that the white solution that could be found on the top of older stores of honey was something like hydrogen peroxide. He grinned as he found a second hidden bottle.
He rose and turned to leave. This had to be enough in his mind. As he scanned the living room one last time, his stomach turned. Something caught his eye in the far corner that he hadn’t noticed at first. Two older Remington 870 pump-action shotguns stood alone and unattended. This was too good to believe. Beside the fully loaded weapons sat four full boxes of 12 gauge shells. Hunter scratched his head before reaching for the bounty. He raced to the wagon not wanting someone to come home and see him borrowing something that wasn’t his. But law of this land was simple – any unattended weapon was up for grabs.
Sister Theresa kept the girls busy all day in Hunter’s absence. The first chore was to water the garden thoroughly. Theresa, Karen, Sheila and Mary worked at that, while Emily and Sara watched the little ones. Four sets of hands made the work go fast. Within an hour and a half they had the entire garden well watered. Theresa wiped some sweat from her brow and admired their progress. The group had really pulled together lately.
Next, they attacked cleaning the lower level of the old farmhouse. They had previously done some cleaning, but just enough to make it livable. Now, this warm late spring day, they moved everything, sweeping and dusting every spot they could find. By early afternoon, after taking several breaks to take care of crying babies, the entire main level of their home was spick and span clean.
Mid-afternoon found the group lounging on the screened front porch. Several of the babies were sleeping in the living room. Mary held a squirmy Rachel, while Theresa played with a much happier than normal Cal. Everyone enjoyed relaxing after the morning of chores. A well-earned rest they all figured.
“So what did Hunter say this morning, Sister?” Mary started the conversation everyone thought about all morning. Intentionally, they had waited until now, when everyone could be present and see the nun’s reactions face to face. Theresa looked their way.
“He’s not really interested in a relationship. But he was very nice about it.” Theresa looked at her group. Some faces were red from too much sun earlier. Disappointment showed on most. “But don’t worry. I
don’t think he has any intention of running off on us just yet.” Theresa eyed the empty road in front of the farm. “He does want to be good friends with me at least. That was nice to hear.” Sheila shook her head.
“Sounds like a brush-off to me. You know, he’s not the world’s greatest catch. And you’re plenty cute, Sister. Probably too good for him.” Theresa smiled; Sara frowned.
“I think Hunter is nice.” Sara peeked at the ground as she spoke her mind. “I mean, he’s sweet, hardworking and really quite handsome if you peel away some of that dirt and grime.” Everyone, even Theresa, stared shocked at the teen. “Not for me. For Sister.” Sara nodded at her friends. “I just think he’s nice.”
“Whatever.” Karen took her turn letting her thoughts be known. “We just need him around here like he’s been. Whatever we need to do to keep him handy, well, I just think it’s a good idea. At least until we can find another able-bodied man.” Karen’s eyes moved back to Theresa. “I know we can take care of ourselves most of the time. I think we all agree though that having someone with a gun around isn’t a bad idea. And perhaps someone who will appreciate Sister for just who she is, God’s perfect angel.”
The Sister blushed slightly. “I’m far from perfect, Karen,” Theresa began while chasing away a fly. “And I’m just another human being like all of you. I’m no angel. I’m just doing the Lord’s work. As He, and only He, sees fit.”
Still, in their eyes, she was perfect. And she most certainly was an angel in their case.
“Are we ready for our walk, Sister?” Sheila called out from the kitchen. “These babies need fresh air, you said. And since the sun isn’t too hot today, this would be a perfect chance.”
Theresa rose from her spot and shooed the others for the rear door. “A walk will do everyone some good,” she said as the group headed for the out-of-doors.