“Sheriff Burns? My name is Gwen Swanson. We walked down from the Geo Dome Resort.”
“Come in! I’ve tried getting up there to see how Jeff is doing but got stopped by that avalanche. How is it up there?” Claude asked.
“There have been some problems. We got through them okay, though. I’m Walter Singleton.” He held out his hand. “Can you tell us anything about what’s going on outside? We’ve been six weeks without any information.”
“It’s late in the day. Why don’t you two come home with me for supper and I’ll tell you what I can. We’ll find you a place to stay tomorrow,” Claude offered.
“Sheriff!” Dr. Cory burst into the office. “We’ve got another one! Jerry Collins.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
“Another one what?” Walter asked, pulling Gwen closer to him.
“I’ll explain later,” Claude said. “Doc, does Mae know?”
“I thought you might want to tell her.”
“How did you find him?”
“I stopped at the café to talk to Mae about something and she asked me to check on him since she’s stuck there all day and he was alone,” Dr. Cory explained. “His throat was slit and a bloody straight razor is in the sink. I didn’t touch anything, not that it would make any difference.” When he saw Walter and Gwen flinch, he said, “Sorry, I should have waited with that piece of information.”
“You go back to your patients, Doc, I’ll go see Mae, after we remove the body.” Claude lowered his head to his chest. “Henry, can you come out here please?” he called out.
“Hello, I’m Mayor Henry Hawkins,” Henry smiled, holding out his hand to the new couple. “Did I hear Sam say something about another one? I hope that’s not what I think it means.”
“I’m afraid so. Jerry Collins. I need to get Deputy Teagan to help me, and then I’ll talk to Mae,” Claude said. “These two folks walked down from the Dome Resort, Henry. I promised them some of Allison’s good cooking and a place to stay for the night. Could you take care of that for me?”
***
Claude noticed Mae’s reaction when he told her the news, and he found it quite unexpected.
Mae scrunched up her face and looked down. When she lifted her head, she was composed. “I’m sure you’re finding it odd that I’m not weeping, Sheriff. My father was old and sick, and I resigned myself to his death quite some time ago. That he would go in such a violent manner is terrible. However, he was also a cruel and mean man and I’m not sorry he’s gone. My life will be much easier now. Does that make me a bad person, Sheriff?”
“No, Mae, it doesn’t. I’m surprised, that’s all. We’ve already removed the body and taken it to the new morgue outside of town. If you wish to see him, I will arrange that,” he said.
“No, that’s okay. I have my last memory of him sleeping peacefully and I will hold onto that.”
Claude nodded. “If you need anything, come down to the township office and we will do what we can.”
“Thank you.”
When the sheriff closed the door behind him, Mae smiled.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
The gas station on the south side of town where Adele had stopped for directions that first day was not open. Anything that needed gasoline to run didn’t work, with or without fuel. The station was, however, occupied.
The station was home to Taylor Mayde, one of the few auto mechanics in town, and he was known as the best who could fix anything. Forty-year-old Taylor had converted an old fuel oil burner so it took used motor oil. He had an endless supply of the dirty fluid and consequently, an endless supply of comfortable heat. After the EMP hit, the young woman he had running the desk and register asked if she could stay since she had no place to go.
Jane Jones hated her name and had gone by JJ ever since she was a child. Taylor was a nice man to work for. He wasn’t mean like her father and he never yelled at her. When Taylor agreed to let her stay, she willingly agreed to share his bed. It was a good arrangement for both of them. JJ was a better-than-average cook, and Taylor was a gentle lover.
Taylor was also the local pot dealer. He grew his marijuana plants behind the station in an area that was prolific with the tall weeds that disguised his product. With an easy and cheap source of pot, Taylor had a ready supply of cash during good times and a steady supply of food in the current bad times.
The building roar of engines caught the attention of Taylor long before JJ even heard them. “Looks like we might have some customers for gas, JJ. I wonder what they have for trade. You stay behind the counter; I’ll watch from the bays.”
Six brightly painted antique snowmobiles slowed and pulled into the closed gas station. The men dismounted like they were accustomed to getting off of motorcycles. From the saddlebag of the first in line, a large meaty guy produced a long hose and a primer bulb. Two others lifted shovels and started clearing patches looking for the main intake cap used by the tankers to fill the underground storage tanks. Once found, they filled the tanks of the sleds and began filling two five gallon containers.
“Hey! You gonna pay for that or what?” JJ shouted from the doorway. All six men turned in her direction. Too late, she realized she should have kept quiet.
“Jack, why don’t you go… pay the lady,” the leader said.
Jack, six foot tall and muscular, sauntered toward the door. Even though JJ tried to lock the heavy glass door, her hands were shaking and Jack pushed his way in. He was met with a shotgun in his face held by Taylor.
“Hey, man, I was just coming in to ask how much we owed for the gas. We didn’t know anyone was here,” Jack hurriedly explained, his beady eyes scanning the room.
“What have you got to barter? Not many are taking cash anymore,” Taylor said.
“Let me go ask the guys.” He backed out of the store and returned to his sled. Taylor could see him talking with the others, but couldn’t hear what was being said.
***
“I was met with a shotgun. Guy holding it wants to barter.”
“I say we take off; what’s he going to do?” Enno said. As the unofficial leader of their small gang, he usually made the decisions, however he was smart enough to know that when one of the others had a better idea, it was good to acknowledge that, and go with the flow. He found it helped keep their fluctuating loyalty.
“Here’s something else to consider, Enno: the guy with the shotgun reeked of pot. He’s got a stash in there, I just know it.”
“Hmm, that’s an interesting twist,” Enno said. “Okay, guys, here’s what we’re gonna do.” They whispered their plans, and the others agreed. Enno got a package from his saddlebag and headed toward the office with Jack by his side.
“Hi, there,” Enno said. “I understand you want to barter for the gas. That sounds good to me.” He walked up to the counter and set the box down. “We’ve been collecting a few items along our way for moments like this.” He unlatched the box and laid pieces of jewelry on the counter. Diamond bracelets, ruby and emerald earrings, all sparkling brilliantly in the hazy sunlight. “What would the pretty lady like?”
JJ’s eyes were big and round as she stared at the gems. She glanced over at Taylor. He smiled and nodded. She picked up a gold choker necklace inlaid with diamonds and sapphires. “The lady has good taste,” Enno said with a wicked grin. “Does that satisfy for the gas?” he asked Taylor.
“If JJ is happy with it, yes.”
“Now, I can tell by the heavenly scent in the air that you might have something else we’d be interested in,” Enno continued. “What about the matching earrings for an ounce?”
“Half ounce,” Taylor said.
“Deal. Can we try some, to make sure we’re getting a decent product?” Jack asked amiably.
The others, Bill, Bob, Ross, and Derick, were summoned in and they all retreated to the warmth of the empty bays. Passi
ng a joint around mellowed everyone and Taylor gradually let his guard down.
“JJ, go get one of those twelve packs to share with our new friends, would you?”
“Beer?” Enno said. “JJ just might get the matching bracelet.” He laughed, knowing what they ultimately had in mind.
“How did you guys come across six working old snowmobiles?” Taylor asked, popping open a cold beer.
“Right place at the right time, I guess you could say,” Jack answered. “We were at an antique snowmobile show checking out the newer sleds when the EMP hit. They were the only things left that even started. It took some tinkering to get them to run smooth, but Bill’s good at things like that.”
“Where’d you get all the jewelry?” JJ asked, fingering the necklace that was secured around her neck.
“You’d be surprised what people will trade when their lives depend on it.” Enno said, leaving the implication hang in the air.
Taylor rolled another joint and passed it around. By the time it made it back to him, he was asleep in his chair.
“This looks like a nice situation, guys, maybe we should stay for a day or two. We’ve got beer, pot, food,” Enno said, looking at JJ, “and some young pussy. Tie and gag this loser.” He walked over to the glassy eyed girl and slapped her hard. She collapsed without a sound. He yanked her warm sweatpants off and raped her.
One at a time, each one took a turn with the young woman.
“That was fun,” Jack said when the others were done. “I think I’ll have another round with that piece of tail. Now where did she go?” He found her hiding behind a desk, clutching her torn pants and sobbing. “Come on out, little girl, you don’t want to make me mad.” He grabbed her foot with his big hand and dragged her out. She kicked at him and he laughed. “Ah, you want to play rough now, eh? I like it when they fight.” He lowered his zipper slowly and pulled himself out. JJ’s eyes went wide with shock at how big he was. This time he raped her slow and hard. When he was done, he pulled the earrings off, tearing her lobes, but took care to unlatch the necklace. He handed them back to Enno, who put them back in the box of stolen goods.
***
The six men stayed the night, eating, drinking, and smoking their way through Taylor’s stash, taking a break only to satisfy their lust, while Taylor was forced to watch. At noon on the second day, they packed up the bundles of marijuana, a couple of bottles of whiskey, and what was left of the food.
Enno squatted down in front of Taylor. “Thanks for the hospitality.” He pulled a long, sharp knife from his boot and placed it midway on Taylor’s belly. Very slowly he pushed it in, seeing his victim’s eyes silently scream with pain. He stood, and drew the blade upward.
When Enno handed Jack the knife, he knew they couldn’t leave any witnesses. He took the knife and led JJ into the other room where he cut off one of her hands.
She crawled back into the warmth of the bays. Wrapped in a blanket, she bled to death a few hours later.
***
“I hear engines,” Claude said from behind his desk. He stood and saw the six snowmobiles drive by and stop at the café. He shrugged on his leather jacket and grabbed his shotgun. Opening the door, he saw the six big men dismount, holding rifles. Claude slipped back inside unnoticed, put on his previously unused tactical vest, and filled his pockets with ammo. One pocket with shells, the other with magazines for his service pistol. “Henry, keep Allison inside!”
He waited in his doorway until the men were inside the café and then he hurried as quickly and as quietly down the snow filled street as possible. He turned into the alleyway that ran behind the stores and found the back door he was looking for, cautiously stepping inside. Hearing voices, and Mae’s strained comments, Claude removed his jacket and put on the nearest apron, tucking his pistol inside the bulletproof vest. He glanced through the small, dirty circular window of the door from the kitchen to assess the situation. The six men inside were still standing, rifles resting across an arm, fortunately not pointing in any direction. One of them stood looking out at the street, guarding the door.
Claude grabbed a large tray to hide the sawed off shotgun he held out of sight, and pushed the swinging door open.
“Say, Mae, your shift is over and I’m ready to relieve… whoa, new faces in town. Howdy, guys,” he said innocently. “Can you lower those guns? We’re a peaceful bunch.”
The men eyed him and laughed. Jack was the first to try raising his rifle. Claude pulled the trigger, blasting him back into the empty tables. Mae dropped to the floor. He swung the barrel toward the remaining two men. “Drop the rifles, nice and easy.”
“Why did you shoot him? We didn’t come here looking for trouble, man,” Enno said, lowering the rifle that was still clutched tightly in his hands.
“I said to drop it,” Claude’s voice was low and menacing.
“Where’s the law when you need it?” the big guy said with a smirk and began raising his gun.
Mae stood. “Right where I need him. Thanks, Sheriff.”
“Sheriff?”
“I hate repeating myself, asshole. Drop the guns, now.”
The smirk was replaced with a blank glare and guns landed on the floor.
“Now turn around and go out the door, one at a time, slowly,” Claude said, coming around the edge of the counter.
Enno was the last to leave, and at the last minute he pivoted, pulling a handgun from his waistband, and fired at the sheriff from less than ten feet. Claude staggered backward against the counter and fell. Enno grabbed their rifles and fled.
The sleds fired up instantly and the men took off, leaving Jack behind.
***
Mae came out from hiding and knelt beside Claude, weeping. Claude opened his eyes and said, “Help me up.” Seated on one of the counter stools, he ripped off the dirty apron and undid the straps on his dented bulletproof vest. “Oh, that hurts,” he said, rubbing his chest. “Mae, would you get Dr. Cory? I want this piece of shit alive.” He glared at the inert Jack.
***
“Good thing you had birdshot in that shotgun,” Sam said to Claude, checking the wounds on Jack’s torso. A deputy stood silently beside the prisoner, the zip-tie handcuffs already in place. “I’m surprised though that you used something that wasn’t lethal.”
“Just the first shot, Sam, as a warning. The rest would take down a moose.” Claude stood and winced.
“Sit down, Sheriff, and let me look.” The doctor examined him front and back. “You’re going to have one hell of a bruise, my friend, but it’s better than being dead.”
“I think the town council will let us each have one of these vests now,” Claude chuckled.
***
The five snowmobiles sped out of town, veering off onto a road that looked recently used. Hog Back Road.
Enno slowed as houses began to appear off in the woods. He scanned each one quickly, looking for signs of occupants. The third one had smoke curling out from the tall red brick chimney, and Enno led his group up the short driveway. They jumped off the sleds as one and rushed the ornate door.
Cal, Fred, and four other young men were ready and met the intruders with guns aimed.
Enno stopped and held his hands out to his sides. “Well, well, looks like we’ve come across some like-minded souls.” He assessed the group and took a cautious step forward. “What do you say we join forces? There’s a lot to be had out there for a larger team.”
Cal, knowing this was true, as they had recently joined up with the other three, said, “That’s a possibility. What’s in it for us? You got any drugs?”
Enno’s group had been together for over a month and the pecking order was well established. With Jack gone, Derick was Enno’s new right hand. He smiled, and pulled a baggie from his jacket pocket and tossed it to Cal. Cal stayed steady with his handgun and big Fred bent over and retrieved the pack
age. He opened it and took a deep sniff. “This smells like some good shit, Cal.”
The menacing force was now eleven strong.
***
Even though Enno was ten years older than Cal, he liked the young punk and took him aside to talk as the two leaders of their new group.
“You’re from here, right? You must know the area real well. So what’s up this road? Anything good?” Enno asked, passing Cal a bottle of spiced rum after taking a swig. “And what did you do with the owners of this house?”
“I didn’t do anything with them. This is my house,” the young man boasted. “We haven’t been able to get far. The road is blocked by a wall of snow. Must have been an avalanche a few weeks ago, plus the recent blizzard keeps everyone from going anywhere. There’s a resort up there somewhere,” Cal told him.
“A resort? What kind of resort? One of those spa places where you sit in hot mud and get a massage?” Enno laughed.
“Naw, it’s more like an outdoor retreat thing. Where people go hiking and shit like that. It’s been open for a couple of years. Before my folks died they would go up there for dinner occasionally, real ritzy they said. And they said it looked weird too, because all the places were domes, built like igloos.”
“When did your folks die, kid?”
“Mom died last year from cancer, and dad started drinking real heavy after that. He was in the hospital on life support for kidney failure when that EMP hit. He didn’t make it. Doc said he was one of the first to go, and that he went peaceful. I guess that was good.” Cal went quiet for a while, lost in his own thoughts.
“So there’s a hospital in this Podunk town? Where there’s a hospital there’s drugs, you know.” Enno was calculating how best to use this kid.
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