by Ron Foster
“People will start panicking in the weeks to come, you need to do something about your security.” I said while looking at her questionably.
“Oh, I have a pistol at my house.” Melanie responded.
“’Might be a good idea to start wearing it.” I offered.
“Going to get that bad, Dave?” Melanie said glumly.
“Afraid so, there is always a criminal element in society that waits to take advantage of situations like this.” I said ominously.
“Just stay alert for possible dangers, most people though actually come together for the common good after disasters though.” I offered.
“You guys wanted to get going, any other useful information before I tear up before our farewells.” Melanie slowly said.
“Yes, you should pack a bag with stuff like you were going camping for a weekend and keep it handy. There are going to be a lot of open fires being used for cooking and candles for lighting now, so with no fire department to contend with any accidents or arson you might have to get away with just what you can carry if the neighborhood catches fire.” I said.
We stared at each other for moment and Melanie said “ I wish you well, Dave, and thanks for everything.” she gave me a quick hug and turned to Truck and said, “Bye, Dumpie.” and gave him a quick hug, too.
“Bye, Melanie, stay safe.” Dump murmured.
“I will.” she said turning towards a group of road weary travelers and stepped out of our lives.
7
MAD DOGS AND ENGLISH MEN
“Mad dogs and Englishmen Go out in the midday sun” Noel Coward Song
Dump and I started trudging down the on ramp to the interstate and noted that the people coming up from it had slowed to a trickle. It was deathly quite, nobody talked much, I guess the heat of the sun, the shock of it all, and just the drudge of having to keep on going no matter what took away all interest in conversation.
There were vehicles as far as the eye could see in every direction. The event happened somewhere around 12.30 in the afternoon. Dumps watch had stopped but for some reason the clip on style pocket watch I had was still working, maybe because it was because it was shock resistant and antimagnetic. My said it was 6.30, I am glad the sun chose summer to have its fit, because I would still have light until about 8 o’clock or so. If this shit had of happened in winter, I would be a whole lot more uncomfortable and at risk than I was now, so I guess I should count my blessings. Walking on pavement didn’t make any cooler though even with the sun going down.
“Hey Dump. I am not as young as I used to be, we need to talk about where we are going to sleep tonight. I can’t keep on at this pace.” I said.
“Hey man I am getting beat too, what do you have in mind”? He replied.
“I figure we keep on for about an hour and then pick an underpass or crawl up under a truck or something. Hey, by the way this close to the city the pigeons sometimes build nests at underpasses.” I offered.
“I figured we could just crawl in one these cars to take a snooze when we wanted.” Dump said.
“We could, but most of these cars have electric windows so we would have too leave the doors open. It’s going to be hotter than hell no matter what, so I suggest pulling the mattresses out of the sleeper cab of one of these 18 wheelers and just picking us a spot. I am not too worried about dogs yet, so we don’t need to be that protected.” I countered.
“That’s a good idea, but what’s this about dogs?” he asked.
A lot of people travel with their pets, so expect to see them on the road, but later on as this crisis escalates and when people can’t feed them, thousands…maybe millions are going to get turned loose. Also, you see, when the riots and the death in the city is happening the dogs will learn to fed on the bodies, then in turn will acquire the taste for humans. Now you have a pack of wild dogs who consider you and your loved ones as food. They have no fear of man and will kill you to insure their own survival. Now, I'm not trying to scare you or cause unwarranted fears, but dogs are about to become a major problem in the upcoming months.
“I was talking to a buddy of mine named Buckshot about this problem once and his theory was that starving people will kill the dogs for food. I say sure, some will become food, but the average household that has guns has less then 50 rounds, although most survivalists or preppers will have much more. So, I think after the first week most people will be out of ammo. Then, the packs will rule. “I told Truck, just so he would get a feel for what’s to come.
“Damn, David you are just full of good news today aren’t you? But you’re right; I can see it now as feral dogs are already a problem in Georgia. It’s not uncommon to hear about packs of 25 or so.” he said.
“I guarantee people will let their pets go to fend for themselves when the food runs out. Make sure you are ready to face this threat. What kind of Guns you got at home Dump?” I asked.
“I had a bit of trouble with the law and lost my rights to own any.” he said disgustedly.
“Mind telling me what they got you for”? I said more for conversations sake than worry.
“No, well get ready to laugh, I stole a dump truck.”
“Ha, you’re shitting me! That’s funny as hell, so that’s where you got your handle?” I said chuckling.
“Yup, that’s where I got my name from.” he replied grinning.
“What’s going on up ahead?’ looking at bizarre sight for even a day like today off to the side of the road. A wiry little man was sitting in a lawn chair next to a road sign that had a piece of cardboard attached to it. I couldn’t make out what the sign said yet though, and he had a camp fire going off to his right. As we got closer to him, I could make out the sign ‘Water $1.00’ Do what? I said to myself shaking my head.
“Good day, Gents, care for some tea?” the figure in the lawn chair called out in an evidently British accent. Dump and I looked at each other and wandered over to the apparition. Here was this guy in plaid shorts and a Hawaiian shirt with a floppy white hat, taking a kettle off his fire. “Teas, free; I have closed up shop for the day.” He chirped.
“Are you really selling water for a $1.00?” Dump asked.
“Well, not really any more. Like I said, shop’s closed. But, I was actually renting my cups, water’s free.” the man replied.
I looked off to his right and saw he had a wicker basket like people used to carry on picnics with 4 cups, some plates and what looked like the space for the kettle he had next to his fire.
“Have a seat, if you have a mind to, and I will tell you all about it. “He said, gesturing towards a bit of embankment.
“I got to hear this story and tea would be welcome.” I said plopping down after un-slinging my pack. Dump did the same and we stared intently at the odd looking character waiting for him to begin.
“You see, I was coming back from vacation in Florida when this mess began, and like everyone else had to start walking home. Well, I grabbed my kit and got this far, when I spied that Collagen truck over there that contains 5 gallon bottles of water. Well, I think to me self, I don’t really have a home here in Atlanta and I will need me a bit more money. So, I hit on a plan to help my fellow travelers and make a bit of scratch on the side.” he said offering two cups of steaming tea to me and Dump on this hot summers day in the middle of nowhere.
“What I been doing is not stealing water mind you, I been renting my cups for $1.00 and all the water a body could drink.” he said with a wise smile and a nod in his audiences direction.
“Hey, I got overhead, I washed those cups between clients.” he replied, as Dump was looking at his cup like it had something wrong with it.
“So, I been picking me up a few quid to help on expenses once I get to Atlanta.” the little man said proudly.
“If you want creamer or sugar I got some here, that water truck must have been stocking office buildings.” he offered.
“Well, aren’t you the resourceful one.” I said admiring his ingenuity.
&nbs
p; “You look pretty resourceful yourself, those are painters tarps aren’t they?” he replied studying our improvised carry alls.
“Yeah, we are making do until we get home; although it looks to me that the road is our home for the next few days.” I said with a sigh. “I got a lot further to go, but maybe I will get off the road here and there.” I continued thoughtfully.
“You said you didn’t really have a home in Atlanta, what did you mean?” Dump asked the Brit.
“I live in London; I only come over for a bit of holiday. I am hoping the Embassy will take me in, when I get into the city.” he said more cheerily than I think he meant.
“Wow, Dave, I thought you had it bad.” Dump said while looking at our strange host.
“He got stuck in a whole another country, because of this EMP crap.” Dump said decidedly.
“EMP!? Yes, that’s what I thought it might be. Any news if it be natural or nuclear? “The Englishman said.
“I am guessing natural based on the last time I saw a space weather report. But, who knows?” I replied.
“You know about EMP?“ Dump directing his attention to our traveler.
“I know a bit, not much mind you, but I have done some reading, my name is Stewart by the by. “ said the Brit.
“Mine’s David and this here is Dump Truck.” I said pointing in Dumpies direction.
“Glad to meet ya both. Is that Dump Truck, as in the vehicle?” Stewart asked suppressing a chuckle.
“It’s Dump Truck, as in Bar Bouncer.” I replied.
“Oh, good show! That is amusing!” proclaimed Stewart eyeing my rotund companion.
I was dying to tell the real reason he got that name, but decided to have mercy on Dump.
“So, I see you been here a bit to make a camp.” I said looking about. He had pieces of old pallet, various sticks and bits of lumber piled up for fire building. Had what looked to be a spread rolled up for his bedroll?
“If you want a chair, there is a pickup truck about 50 yards down the road that has some lawn chairs in the back.” Stewart offered.
“Maybe later, I need some shade right now; I am thinking, and as far away from this fire as I can possibly sit.” I said looking around.
“There is a flat bed over there with a tarp over some equipment. Let’s make an awning Dump.” I declared and headed on over with Dump in tow.
We got the tarp off and rigged it to the side of the van containing Stewart’s stash of water jugs and sundries.
“You boys made me a right proper kiosk, you did!” Stewart announced admiringly.
“I made me some shade, I don’t know how you can sit out in the sun so close to that fire.” I replied laughing.
“Kind of dumb isn’t it? To be honest with you, I was counting my money when you blokes came walking up and didn’t have time to hide it other than sitting upon it.” he said sheepishly, then standing up to reveal a small pile of cash and coin.
Dump started chuckling as Stewart grabbed up a couple fists full of dollars and said, “Business must have been good!”
“Aye mate, that it was.“ Stewart admitted laughingly in response.
“I was getting hot as hell over there, but times being what they are you can’t be too careful.” he jovially said and I guess just trusting us over remaining by that fire for one more minute.
“You had any problems with your clients today, Stewart?” I chimed in.
“Oh, a few bloody assholes, but most folks thought my cup rental notion was funny and paid me right and proper, rather than trying to drink out of a 5 gallon bottle. Like I said, the water is free.” he smirked.
“It’s going to be getting dark soon and I kind of like your little camp here. Would you mind if we stay overnight’ I asked.
“Make yourselves to home, gents. And, I would be appreciating the company of such handy and hardy chums.” Stewart replied dragging his chair back under the shade.
“ I guess, seeing that we are teaming up for the night, Dump and I are going to throw our packs under this van while we do a bit of foraging, and you can sort of watch out for them while you wait on a customer to come along.” I said while Dump looked at him suspiciously.
“Like I said, store’s closed for now, I want to look around a bit too, but I think they will be alright either way.” Stewart said standing up.
“Oh, I am funny about leaving my preps unguarded, I will just drag them along. Where did you say that lawn furniture was at Stewart?” I said while picking up my roll.
“It is that blue truck down there about 50 meters that way.“ he said gesturing toward a pickup.
“Ok, anything else of the interesting sort down that way?” I inquired.
“I didn’t look over everything properly and only stayed on this side of the median.” Stewart replied scanning the area.
“Well, I see a couple big rigs down there. I was telling Dump that we could drag the mattresses out of the sleepers and rest a little easier tonight.” I said motioning in their general direction.
“Capitol idea! I hadn’t thought of that one.” Stewart said.
“Well, we will meet you back at camp in a bit or see you around the area. I am going after some chairs first. Come on along Dump.” I said while slinging my pack once again over my aching shoulder.
“Hey, Stewart, while you’re up in the cab of one of those trucks, be looking for a tire thumper.” I informed him.
“What in the hell is a tire thumper?” Stewart asked regarding me quizzically
“It’s a ‘billy-club’ or a bat that truckers use to check inflation of their tires, they use it to beat on them.” I offered.
“Ill be damned, never heard of one, but a proper nightstick sounds like just the thing I might be wanting.” Stewart replied, and we all looked at each other suspiciously about spending the night with a armed stranger.
I diffused the moment by adding, “’Might be useful if you get anymore asshole customers. “and laughed.
“Yes, a Tommy knocker would be just the thing for adjusting bad attitudes.” Stewart replied with a grin relaxing a bit.
Dump and I started heading off towards the pickup with the chairs and I kept noticing the discarded brief cases, clothes and luggage dumped on the sides of the road by travelers unwilling to further carry their burdens.
“Hey Dump, you notice how much more women’s junk is strewn around than men’s stuff?’ I observed while surveying a dizzying array of bright colors and various high heeled shoes littering the highway.
“I noticed that, too. ’Looks like women packed too much and it only took a mile or so until they started dumping shit.” he replied.
“I hope most of them carried an extra pair of sensible shoes in their cars like Melanie did or they are going to be hurtin’ for certain.” I considered.
“I wonder how she is making out, I was getting to like that old girl.” Dump responded.
“Old, hell Dump, she was younger than me. Ha! I sort of thought you were attracted to her.” I jibed at him.
“I didn’t say she wasn’t attractive.” he stammered.
‘Makes you sort of wish we got her phone number or something if this shit ever gets back on track doesn’t it Dumpie’
Dump looked remorseful and murmured, “You think it ever will David?”
“Doubtful Dump, I just don’t know. It is a different world now, but civilization always comes back and forms some kind of balance after a disaster. Though there’s no tellin’ how long it’ll take.”
“Well, I hope she is alright.” Dump considered.
“I do too, my friend.” I replied.
8
AND IT’S PARTY TIME
Dump and I hauled back some folding chairs to camp and looked around for Stewart. He waved at us from the other side of the median while dragging a mattress back and stopped and reached in his belt and held up a billy club. Dump gave him thumbs up and we turned to resume our foraging.
“I claim that Peterbilt up ahead” I informed Dump
“Ah Dumpie that looks like a Mack or a Kenworth in the other lane, pickings should be just as good over there’ I responded.
“I was just kidding, I will see you in a few.” he said walking over to the other side of the eight lane highway we were traversing, eight, hell it was 16 lanes, eight on a side. Damn Atlanta has some major thorough fares and this bit we were on had lanes full of vehicles of every description.
I approached the truck and reminded myself just as a precautionary measure to beat on the side of the door in case it was occupied. Might sound dumb in this turmoil but I didn’t need to be looking at the wrong end of a 44 magnum if this guy decided he wanted to stay with his load for some reason. I should have told Dump and Stewart to take the same precaution I pondered.
No answer to my knock and the driver left it unlocked, cool. I opened the door and climbed in. I hadn’t considered until now that it’s second nature for a lot of drivers to lock their cars when they got out till now and considered myself lucky I didn’t have to try every truck on the interstate to put my bed idea to good use.
Damn, this truck is ritzy; he has got him a TV, microwave, refrigerator and all the comforts of home in this thing including a computer. Tire thumper, tire thumper, where’s the friggin tire thumper. Must of took it with him, that’s a no brainier I would have too unless I had a gun with me. Lol, knowing me, I would of carried `em both.
What kind of shit you got in that chest of drawers? I mused reaching to open .a drawer Sweet! A whole new pack of white socks, damn do I need those. What else we got, manicure kit with comb, ok that’s got my name on it, double AA batteries, yea I want those, Viagra well that’s barter material, caffeine tablets might need those, who the hell writes their name on their underwear and size 42 at that, don’t need those, maybe Dumpie might want them…, he he. Instant coffee packets! Hell yea! Damn, empty snack drawer.