by Goodwin,Mark
“Okay.” Kevin extended his hand to Tommy. “You’ve got a deal.”
“Good. Everything’ll be just fine as frog’s hair.” Tommy shook Kevin’s hand firmly. “Lloyd’ll draw another map. Y’all be over to his place tomorrow round lunch time. Hope we can do some more business when this is all said and done.”
Everett stood and shook Tommy’s hand. “Great. We’ll see you then.”
“I am gonna need a deposit. Did you happen to bring that silver you showed Lloyd last week?”
“No. Didn’t have any idea that we’d need it.” Everett turned back around to face Tommy.
“How about the guns then.” Tommy smiled. He looked like a highly reputable used car salesman or a trustworthy politician, a walking contradiction; just as friendly as could be, but capable of killing a man without a second thought.
Everett hoped they could keep the gentle horse of a man in good spirits. “How about we leave you with everything except the AR-15, and the magazines and ammo for the AR?”
“You sure know how to break a man’s heart.” Tommy patted Everett on the back.
Kevin laughed. “Well, we know you’ll make sure everything goes smoothly so you can get your prize. Remember, the toy is always at the bottom of the Cracker Jack box.”
Tommy followed them out to the truck. “I reckon it is.”
Lloyd walked outside and handed a new map to Kevin. Then he helped Tommy pack the firearms and ammo into the house.
Everett and Kevin got in the truck. Everett started the engine and waved. “See you tomorrow at noon.”
Tommy threw one hand in the air. “See you then.”
Everett and Kevin returned via the same back roads they’d taken to get to Tommy’s. Everett glanced over at Kevin. “Why don’t you pull that map out and see if Lloyd’s place is on the way back. I wouldn’t mind getting a look at where he lives. It will make it easier to find tomorrow.”
“Smart thinking.” Kevin pulled the hand-drawn map out of his back pocket. “It looks like he’s out near the West Virginia border on US 48. That might be out of the way.”
“Unless 48 meets up with Trout Run, then we’d come straight in from the other side of the mountain. That would take us right past the cave. It would be very convenient if it connects.”
“And very inconvenient if it doesn’t. I miss the days of having Google maps on my phone.”
Everett winked at him. “Get your Mark, and you’ll never be without a map again.”
“No thanks. I don’t miss it that bad. We can give your idea a shot. I’m sure the two roads connect. One is east-west and the other north-south.”
“Okay let me know if you see any signage for US 48.”
Minutes later, Kevin pointed. “There it is, up ahead.”
Everett turned on the road and followed it for several miles.
Kevin studied the map and looked up. “If his map is right, it should be pretty close. Start watching for a trailer on your right.”
Everett slowed down as he approached a turn off on the road. He saw a decrepit old trailer that looked like it had seen its share of wind storms. “You think that’s it?”
“Blue trailer. I’d say that’s about right. And there’s the pole barn, back near the woods behind it. This is the place. I’d imagine we’d find a still if we were to go looking up in woods on that hill.”
Everett chuckled as he sped up. “It’s the polar opposite of Tommy’s place.”
“Just as I would expect,” Kevin said.
Soon, the two men were home. Courtney, Sarah, and Elijah had a big meal waiting for them which they’d cooked on the new outdoor rocket stove. After dinner, Everett turned in early. Saturday would be a big day and he needed his rest so he could be sharp and ready for anything.
CHAPTER 12
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
Revelation 6:12-13
The next morning, Everett awoke to Courtney’s gentle kiss.
“Wake up sleepy head.” She ran her fingers down his arm slowly.
“Good morning.” He rolled over and smiled.
“You probably want a big breakfast today, right?”
“Yes. You never know what can go wrong. I might not get a chance to eat. Better to be full and hydrated than not.”
“Okay, I’ll make you breakfast.”
“Thanks. I’ll get the fire going.”
“Great. Build a fire in the new rocket stove. You’ll never believe how fast it gets hot enough to cook on.”
“It’s still pretty cold. We need a fire in the house anyway.” Everett quickly grabbed a sweatshirt as he came out from beneath the covers.
“True, but the stove is just so awesome for cooking.” She sounded excited. “Can you believe today is the first day of spring?”
Everett put on the cargo pants he’d be wearing to make the exchange for the supplies. “Still feels like winter.”
“Yeah, but knowing spring is here makes me feel more alive. I’m ready to not be cold all the time.” Courtney finished getting dressed and followed Everett down the ladder.
Everett found some tinder and started a small fire in the new stove. He admired the physics behind it. The simple design allowed air to flood into the bottom, across the fire pit, and push the heat up to the grate where the pots, or pans for cooking would sit. He added some larger pieces of wood, and was surprised at how quickly they caught fire.
Courtney joined him minutes later, placing the coffee pot on one section of the grate, and a skillet for pancakes on the other.
Kevin and Sarah were up and at the table by the time breakfast was ready to be served.
“What did you think of the stove?” Sarah asked.
“I love it. We made breakfast in half the time.” Everett took another bite of his pancakes.
Kevin drew yet another map for the girls, explaining the landmarks and pointing out how US-48 connected with Trout Run. “We should be back, no later than 3:00 PM. It would be great if you girls could meet us at the cave. It will reduce the risk of us raising suspicion by driving around in a truck loaded with supplies.”
“So you’re just bringing one truckload today?” Courtney asked.
“Two trucks full of supplies would be a certain red flag if we drove by a patrol.” Kevin drank down his coffee.
Sarah said, “But if a patrol sees one truck full of stuff, you know they’re going to pull you over.”
“I know. But we’ve still got a better chance to evade them, one vehicle at a time,” Kevin replied.
Sarah pushed her eggs from side to side with her fork. “You don’t want us involved. That’s why you’re going with one truckload at a time.”
“I just gave you a map and told you where to look for us if we’re not back in time.” Kevin put his hand on hers. “But you’re right. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
Courtney asked Sarah, “Would it be okay if we go in your room to listen to the ham radio? I’d like to hear if anyone has seen patrols around the area this morning.”
“Sure, give me a second to straighten up. It’s a mess in there.” Sarah finished her plate and went to her room.
Courtney joined her a few minutes later while Everett and Kevin loaded up the truck with the goods that they would be trading.
Everett peeked into the back bedroom once they were ready to go. “No news?”
“Lots of chatter about this, that, and the other, but I haven’t heard anything about patrols between here and Winchester,” Sarah said.
Courtney added. “But in town, they’re saying the Global Republic peacekeepers are all over the place. Stay away from Winchester, whatever you do.”
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“The new back route should keep us far from town. We have to go through Wardensville, but it doesn’t even have a stop light. And there’s no census station there.” Everett walked over to the radio. “Keep the radio on and take your walkies when you come to meet us at the cave.”
“We will.” Courtney stood to hug him.
“Ready to go, cowboy?” Kevin stuck his head in the room.
“Ready when you are.” Everett walked out.
Sarah joined up with Kevin and kissed him as he reached the door. “Be safe.”
“I will.” He ran his hand across her cheek.
Everett and Kevin got in the truck and headed off to meet up with Lloyd and Tommy.
The trip to Lloyds’ was uneventful, but when they turned into his drive, they saw no sign of a tractor trailer, nor delivery truck of any kind.
“Remember what I told you. Don’t hesitate if we get in trouble. Shoot first, take cover second, and then keep shooting and moving.” Kevin looked over at Everett as he pulled into the drive and over to the barn.
“I remember. Don’t wait for you to shoot first. Start shooting the second I know things are going south.” Everett cut the ignition.
“Your Glock is still on full-auto, right?”
“Yep. And I’ve got three extra magazines.”
“Good. Use it to lay down cover fire so you can get back to the truck and retrieve your HK rifle.” Kevin looked out the window as they waited. A half an hour inched by and no one showed up.
Everett looked at his watch. “How long should we give them?”
“I don’t know. If you start feeling uncomfortable, we can leave. I’m okay to sit around for another half hour or so.”
Just then Everett saw a van coming around the bend. “Look. That looks like Lloyd’s van.”
“Yep. That’s it.” Kevin sat up straight. “And there’s a semi right behind him.”
The van pulled into the drive and the tractor trailer slowly followed.
Everett saw Lloyd give him a wave as he drove past and back, toward the barn. Next, he identified Tommy as the driver of the truck. “Huh. Looks like he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty. I figured he’d have one of his guys doing all of this for him.”
“Yeah, I guess you have to respect that.” Kevin watched as the semi pulled around to the back of the barn. The front door of the barn opened and Lloyd walked out, pushing both doors all the way back so Tommy could pull through. Afterwards, Tommy cut the engine and jumped out.
“Looks like he’s doing everything as planned,” Everett said.
Kevin opened his door to get out. “Just keep your head on a swivel and double time back to the truck if we get in a mess.”
Tommy walked up to greet them. “Mind if we settle up real quick before we unload?”
“Not at all. Do you mind if we have a quick look in the back of the trailer?” Everett was careful to sound courteous but firm.
Tommy turned around and started back toward the barn. “You been in the city too long. You’re gonna have to learn to trust me sooner or later.” He led the way past the truck and pointed at the cab. “The driver is still in the passenger’s seat. He’s listenin’ to some Merle Haggard, but don’t say no names. The less he knows, the better it is for everybody. We blindfolded him so he can pass a lie detector if they ask him where we took him.” Tommy proceeded to walk down the length of the trailer and opened the back.
Everett stayed cautious as he peered inside, knowing that the trailer was a good hiding place for an ambush. But sure enough, it was stacked floor to ceiling with boxes of food and supplies.
Lloyd walked up. “Reckon I’ll start unloading.”
“How ‘bout lettin’ us use your kitchen to settle up. It won’t take but ten minutes,” Tommy said.
“That’d be fine,” Lloyd replied.
Everett and Kevin retrieved the AR-15, ammo, and silver from the truck then brought it inside to Tommy. Tommy selected two of the five tubes of the one-ounce silver American eagles. He removed the coins, inspecting each one.
“Seems like country folks like to make sure they’re not being had either.” Kevin chided Tommy playfully.
Tommy chuckled. “Trust but verify, my friend; trust but verify.” Next he checked the AR-15, and examined a few boxes of the ammo. “Looks good. I sure hope we can do business again sometime.”
Everett shook his hand. “I hope so, too.”
Everett and Kevin pulled around to the back of the barn so they could unload boxes straight from the trailer, into the truck. The four men quickly worked out a system to get the boxes unloaded. Everett and Kevin had the pickup filled with boxes of canned soup, biscuit mix, canned vegetables and fruits, canned pasta, canned meats and several cases of MREs. The trailer had been destined for the Winchester census station where its cargo would be used to exchange for the souls of men and women, willing to take the Mark for a mouthful of food.
Everett and Kevin assisted Tommy and Lloyd in unloading the rest of the goods, as Tommy had to get the driver back before he was missed. It took just over two hours to completely unload the truck. Lloyd brought out a pitcher of tea when they were finished. It was cool from being in the brisk mountain air, but not cold like the Cokes at Tommy’s, and it was sweet.
Tommy took the bandana off of his head and wiped the sweat from his face. “You boy’s know when you’ll be back for your second load?”
“How is next week, about the same time? We should probably give it at least that long to cool off. I’m sure the GR will be lookin’ for this stuff soon.” Kevin looked at the boxes strewn about the barn.
“That’s fine by me. As long as Lloyd’s all right with it.” Tommy stuck the bandana in his back pocket.
“Y’all come when you want,” Lloyd said. “And I’ve got a tarp you can throw over your boxes. Just bring it back when y’all come for the rest. Put a layer of wood on top, and it’ll look like a truck full of firewood.”
“Nice to know a shine runner in times like these.” Kevin winked at Lloyd.
“Always nice to know a shine runner. My grandpappy would throw a tarp over his haul and cover it with pig manure. Never lost a load.”
Kevin rolled his eyes. “I bet.”
Everett winced and looked over at Tommy who was laughing. “You worked up quite a sweat. I’m surprised you didn’t have someone else handle the heavy lifting for you.” Everett took a long drink, finishing his tea.
Tommy nodded. “Less people knows where my vittles are, the better I’ll sleep. Besides, work is good for a man.”
Lloyd helped them get the tarp over the boxes then they covered it with some firewood. “Y’all be safe. See ya soon.”
Everett breathed a deep sigh of relief as he got in the truck, and started the engine. He waved as they pulled away. “That went well.”
“Yeah. Now we just have to get it to the cave.” Kevin seemed less willing to relax than Everett.
The next big hurdle was driving through Wardensville. They hadn’t seen any Global Republic presence in the small town thus far, but the out-of-the-way community was not out of reach from the tentacles of the New World Oder. Everett maintained a steady pace as he approached the little town. He saw no activity on any of the cross streets as they drove through town, and Wardensville looked nearly abandoned. Everett turned onto Trout Run and accelerated.
“Did you see that?” Kevin sat forward in his seat and looked toward the sky.
Everett glanced up in the direction Kevin was gazing, but saw nothing. “No. What was it?”
“A massive fire ball.”
“You mean like a shooting star? In the daylight?”
“Whoa! There goes another one!” Kevin pointed out the front windshield.
Everett saw that one. An enormous ball of fire shot across the sky, followed by a glowing tail that became a trail of smoke. Everett pulled to the side of the road. “You think it will burn out before it hits the ground?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never see
n anything like it.” Kevin scoured the heavens with his eyes. “Look, back behind the mountain. Another comet! We better get going. The earth has just crossed paths with a massive asteroid field.”
Everett followed Kevin’s pointing finger and caught yet, another falling star, this one more distant and less brilliant, but easily viewed, even in the early afternoon light of the sun. He hit the accelerator and speed back onto the road.
As they entered the mountains, they had less of a view of the sky, but Kevin continued to watch for more shooting stars.
The truck suddenly shifted to the left pulling them into the lane of oncoming traffic. Everett quickly jerked the steering wheel to pull them back over the center line. “Did you feel that?”
“Yeah, I thought you fell asleep or something.” Kevin’s eyes were open wide.
“No, it felt like the power steering or something. It’s like it grabbed the wheel and jolted us to the other lane.”
Kevin looked in the passenger’s side view mirror. “It’s a bad time to be having mechanical problems.”
Everett didn’t even have to ask. He knew from the tone in Kevin’s voice that they had company.
Kevin positioned the AK-47 next to his leg. “If we can’t lose them, we have to engage. And the second they hit the lights, you can assume they’ve already called in the plates. Even if we didn’t have a truckload of supplies stolen from a GR truck, we’ve got no Marks. Fight-or-flight. No in-betweens.”
A sense of doom came over Everett as he looked into the rearview. A GR Humvee was behind them and closing in fast. Everett hit the gas to speed up. Maybe he could navigate the sharp curves and gain a little distance.
Kevin turned around to watch the Humvee behind them. “If you can’t lose them by the time we get to the cave, turn off onto one of the side roads. The last thing we want to do is lead them in the direction of the cabin. If we have to, we’ll stick the truck in a ditch, and run into the woods. I’ll lead, as soon as I find a good spot with some cover, I’ll drop down and wait to see if they pursue us on foot. If they do, we can snipe them off from cover. If they keep coming, we’ll keep shooting. Remember, they’re probably all British, Australian or South African, so we’ve got the home court advantage. If we can recover the truck, great. If not, we’ll hike back. The good news is it’s not in our name and has no link to the cabin.”