“You laugh now, but you’ll change your mind when you’re eating delicious, fried fish for dinner.”
“I know I will.” The couple continued their walk, just enjoying one another’s company.
Pete left camp early, to start his morning of fishing. It was quiet and relaxing, all the cares of the world forgotten. As he repeatedly cast his line, Pete noticed an older man, checking traps. around the water's edge. As the man continued, he occasionally pulled up roots and greens shoving them in a burlap sack.
“Any luck?” Pete asked nonchalantly, when the man was close enough. The man smiled and shook his head.
“Couple o nutria tis all. Twas hopin my otter sets, would pay off. Nutria hide, brings a fair penny, but a couple of otter, would make my wallet fat.” Pete had to listen hard, to follow the man’s thick, rural, Georgian accent.
“Sounds logical.” Pete chuckled. The man, habitually ran his fingers, thru his long beard. Like he was contemplating, some great mystery of life. Pete offered his hand. “I’m Pete by the way.”
“Hap..mighty pleased to meet ya sir.” Hap shook the hand offered. The two continued to chat, til mid afternoon. Hap patiently instructing Pete, on where to cast his line and how to set his hook. Pete looked at his watch, knowing Sheila would be expecting him back soon.
“If you’re not busy later, come by for supper, we’re just up the ways a bit.” Pete offered.
“Tell you what, I’ll teach y’all one of Hap’s special recipes.” Pete smirked. He had no idea what Hap would bring, but he figured he’d take a chance.
“You got a deal.” Pete gave Hap directions to the campsite, before heading back to his wife.
Pete and Sheila gathered more wood for the fire, preparing their site for company. Pete had held back, telling Sheila about what was for supper, not that he really knew anyway. As the couple sat by the fire talking, Pete noticed Hap and another younger man, approaching.
“Is that him?” Sheila asked. Pete nodded. “Guess he found a friend.” Pete got up and greeted the men.
“Hope I’m not intruding?” The younger man asked.
Sheila smiled warmly. “Not at all, always room for one more.”
“This is Tim…” Hap introduced the man to the couple. “...he was opening a tin of soup for supper, so I invited him for some proper vittles.” Hap slapped Tim on the back, like they’d known one another for years. “He’s campin just a few ticks down from me, twouldn’t be neighborly, not to invite the boy.”
Sheila had two cast iron pans, getting hot on the flames. Hap pulled out a bread wrapper, holding the front and rear quarters, of the days catch and handed it to Pete. He gave the other sack to Sheila, which contained roots and greens he had collected.
“Roll those in some flour, with a little salt and pepper and throw em in the skillet...” Hap directed. “...boil up them roots, then throw em in the skillet with the meat. Right at the end top it off with the greens, just long enough to make em wilt.” Pete did as he was told and soon the foursome, was enjoying a good meal and one another’s company. The conversation flowed easily between them.
Pete broke out a six pack and handed out beers. “Tim what brings you to camp here?”
Tim stared into the fire. “I needed to get away and clear my head. Got a tough decision to make.”
Sheila gave the young man’s hand a squeeze. “If you want to talk it out, we’re good listeners.”
Tim took a sip from the beer and continued to stare at the fire. “My family has always been career military. There was never a question that I would sign up. I just finished my second tour. I’m no coward and I truly believe I’m doing a service for our country. The things I’ve seen, friends I’ve lost, the things I’ve done.”
Sheila laughed, a bit nervously. “Well shit I wasn’t expecting that at all. I was thinking you had a gal you were thinking of popping the question to, or some such.”
Tim took his eyes of the flickering flames. “No ma’am, no gal.”
Sheila met his gaze. “Honey I know this weighs on you, but God has a way of making these decisions for you.”
Pete clapped Tim on the shoulder. “We’re here for you, whenever you want to talk.”
The four sat staring at the fire with Tim. When it started to burn down, Sheila got up and added more wood. “I gotta say Hap, that was a damn good meal.”
Hap was stretched back chewing on a toothpick. “That’s right kind of ya missy, but y’all did the cookin.”
“Well, this turned out to be an entertaining evening.” Sheila said, as she snuggled up to her husband.
“That Hap is something else huh?” Pete chuckled.
“And I hope this works out for Tim. He reminds me of you at that age, so serious.” Sheila added.
“Serious? I thought you married me for my good looks.” Pete said, kissing Sheila’s forehead.
“Well that was just a bonus.” The couple held one another, as they drifted off to sleep. You got lucky babe ...you got lucky babe, when I found you…..
Sheila faced her husband an angry scowl on her face. “Peter Logan there is no way on God's green earth, I am going to let you go on this run without me.”
Pete tried to mollify his wife. “Sweets, you know that Lucas fella, told Tim an Inferno gang is looking to find us, I'm just thinking about the kids.”
“That is exactly my point, many hands make light work. We'll get in and out quicker with me along. The kids will be fine with Sue and Miri.” Sheila countered.
Pete hugged his wife. “I worry about you.”
Sheila buried her cheek into her husband's chest. “I've been with you most of my life, you're not getting away from me now.”
“It’s not fair that Jimmy gets to go again. He’s less than a year older than me, I’m just as capable as he is.” Jackson grumbled.
Jeff looked at his son with pride. “Yes you are, it is not a question of that. The stakes are higher on this particular run and Jimmy has gone out before. He has a better idea of what to expect, that’s all. You sir, are helping your mother with security, until we join back up. Now go see Tim and checkout a gun.”
Jeff took his wife’s hands in his. “He’s growing up so fast.”
Miri gave him, her best attempt at a brave smile. “He still needs his dad. Make sure you come back.”
Jeff kissed his wife. “God your beautiful. I’ve never been able to understand, what you see in a nerd like me.”
“Come back and I’ll show you exactly, why I married you.” Miri teased.
“I was hoping we could spend a few days here and rest up.” Sue stated.
“I did enjoy having a room to ourselves, though I don’t remember, much resting.” Tom joked.
Sue brushed away a tear. “Four hours max, right?”
“Not a minute more. Promise.” Tom said softly. “You and Miri, got this. Trust Hap, he’ll get you to the meet up location and he won’t let anyone, or anything sneak up on those kids. Sam’s solid to, I like him.”
Hap and Sam were waiting in the Focus, with Caleb and Jackson. Sue went off to join Miri in the van and waited for Sheila to say her goodbyes to, Arianna, Mitchell and Lizzie.
“But why do you hafta go this time?” Lizzie whined. Sheila was aware, of how anxious the kids got when the group separated.
Sheila smiled warmly at the children. She still couldn’t believe how much they had grown, in the past few months. “Remember when I told you, that we are all family now?” All three nodded. “Well, all family members need to step up and help out, right?” Again, acknowledgement from the kids. “This is how I am helping today, but I’ll be back, we’ll all be back.” Arianna, who was the quietest of all the children, spoke up.
“But what if you don’t come back, what will we do?” Sheila was also keenly aware, of how close the children had gotten to her and Pete, in the past months. Especially Lizzie, Arianna and Mitchell. One could say, it was like they had adopted them in a way.
“Come sit for a minute.” Sh
eila led the kids over to a small rock formation, all three finding a place to sit. Sheila watched them closely, knowing she had to settle their nerves, before she could go off on the run. “I know you kids, think of us adults as your parents now and we take that very seriously.”
Sheila touched Arianna’s cheek. “And I would never, ever leave you willingly, not for anything.” Arianna leaned into Sheila’s touch. “I will be as safe as I can out there, because I want to come back to you.”
Lizzie and Arianna were visibly teary, while Mitchell stayed stoic. Sheila took Lizzie and Arianna’s hands, as both girls took Mitchell’s hands. They had done this many times before. Bowing their heads, Sheila nodded to Arianna, who squeezed the older woman’s hand, tightly.
“God please bring our family home safely and watch over and protect them, while their gone.” Arianna took in a long breath. “Because we love them and need them a lot.” Sheila smiled at the children, bringing them all in for a hug.
“You ready hon?” Pete had waited until Sheila was finished, before approaching the group.
“I think so.” Sheila wiped a tear from her eyes. Mitchell and Arianna started off with Pete, as Sheila and Lizzie hung back. “I want you to take care of them ok?” Lizzie nodded. “They look up to you Lizzie, you’re their big sister.”
“I will...I promise.” Sheila put her arm around the young girl, as they walked over to the group.
“We’re ready.” Pete announced, as they joined the others. Mitchell was standing off from the group a bit, watching the adults say their goodbyes. Without warning, the young boy ran to Pete, hugging him around the waist. Pete picked Mitchell up, hugging him close. “Don’t worry son, everything will be alright.” Pete whispered in Mitchell’s ear. Placing him back on the ground, Pete ruffled Mitchell’s hair, giving him a confident wink.
“Time to go.” Tom stated.
“We have some great kids, huh sweetie?” Pete smiled at his wife.
Sheila gave a lingering look back, as they pulled away. “The best.”
They had escalated their plans to make the supply run, as soon as Tim and Tracey had returned. The bad news from Lucas, giving them all a sense of imminent danger. As Tom steered the Suburban towards Wilson Mill, Jeff reviewed the plan. “Most of these little towns, are one straight drag down main street. We’ll park at one end, Red and Jimmy, will hop up top and keep a lookout. Tracey, you take Pete and Sheila, you’re looking for the clothing, shoes and blankets we could use. Don’t take any risks, this is low priority salvage.”
“Maybe for you, but these kids, are all looking like they’re expecting a flood.” Sheila joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Jeff proceeded. “Gas is our main objective. Tim, Tom and I are on that. It’s a numbers game. Even if someone has siphoned out the tank, they don’t normally get it all. We punch a hole in the bottom of the tank and drain it into a pan. Even if we only get a quart, it adds up. If we can find enough cars. Once we have the fuel we want, we’re done and we join the others.”
Once in range, Tim pulled out the radio. “Lucas you still with us.”
The reply came back quickly. “I’m here, town is yours for the taking son.”
His labored speech, reminding Red of Andy’s last hours. Tim tapped the call button. “We are grateful for what you’re doing for us.”
“It’s the least I can do, after getting you into this mess. in the first place. I’m fading fast here son, I’ll head up to Wilscot and scout that for you. Keep my head on a swivel as long as I can.” Lucas answered.
Tim paused searching for words. “You’re a good man, Lucas.”
“Semper Fi marine.” Was Lucas’ succinct response.
“Oorah.” Tim replied.
Jimmy tapped Tim on the shoulder. “What is semper fi?”
Tim’s gaze was far away as he replied. “It’s the marine motto, short for the Latin, semper fidelis, always faithful.”
“And oorah?” Jimmy queried.
Tim smiled at the young man’s curiosity. “That is marine for charge or I’m ready.”
Jimmy nodded. “Oorah.”
Sheila was in the back seat and shouted. “Oorah.” Then gave a nervous laugh, startled by how loud her voice was in the vehicle.
Pete was more pensive, but squeezed his wife’s hand in encouragement.
Taking Lucas at his word, that the town was clear of any Inferno gang members, Tom drove slowly down the main drag. A typical small town, the lone gas station was at one end and a variety of small businesses, ran down each side. Cars were parked along each side of the road, some neatly, most haphazardly. Tom reached the end and swung wide to turn around, before coming to a stop. Jimmy climbed up quickly and then extended a hand to help Red up. She handed him her rifle and then joined him, atop the Suburban.
While the two teams grabbed their gear for their separate tasks, Red assumed a prone position and made quick adjustments to her scope. She set the walkie off to the side, but within reach. “Jimmy you're clear on our signals?”
Jimmy responded without hesitation. “Yes ma'am.”
Tim rested a hand on the side of the suburban and looked up the road. “This isn't to far for you?”
As if on cue, a Zed, drawn out by the passing Suburban. appeared near the gas station, at the far end of the street. Jimmy tapped Red's shoulder, indicating a threat ahead. Red did a final adjustment to the focus of her scope, slowly squeezed the trigger and the zed crumpled to the ground. “I'm good.”
Jeff moved ahead, placing a catch pan under the tanks of the first few cars. Tom followed with a hammer and a spike, piercing a hole in the tanks. Tim held back, taking a defensive position. Tracey led Pete and Sheila up the street, to the town’s sporting goods store. The door’s lock had been broken at some time in the past, but the closer had kept the door shut and the zeds out.
Tracey went in first, making sure it was safe before waving Pete and Sheila inside. The store had been nearly cleaned out. Sheila, did find boots for each of the four younger children and a couple pair of men’s hiking boots. Tracey came up with several pairs of lightweight cotton gloves, in a camo pattern. Pete went to a workbench and tucked underneath, nearly out of sight, he recovered a crossbow, with a full quiver of bolts attached.
From across the room, Pete heard Sheila call, “What do you think sweetie, is this me?” She was holding up a matching set of provocative, camo bra and panties.
Pete gave her a wolf whistle. “You still got it babe.”
Tracey grumbled. “Come on you two, this is no time for playin around.”
“I beg to differ young lady. When you've been with someone as long as Sheila and I, romance is very serious business.” Pete responded only partially in jest.
Tracey rolled her eyes. “Let's get loaded up, I'm sure they are about done with the gas by now.”
After stowing their meager finds in the trailer, Pete drove them slowly towards the gas station. Red and Jimmy remained on top of the Suburban, as it pulled up to the gas station. Jeff looked up shaking his head. When they were all loaded back in the Suburban, Jeff sighed. “Not quite three gallons.”
Jimmy looked to his father. “What does that mean Dad?”
“The more gas we have, the farther we can go without stopping. If we don't find much, then we need to exit the forest, at a more predictable spot.” Tom answered.
Jimmy respected the danger the zeds could present. He knew Tracey had gone through awful things from these guys, who were in the Inferno gang. This was the first time, he'd seen his Dad so shaken by all of this. “We'll find what we need, won't we?”
Tom put an arm around his son. “We got two more shots. We'll find what we find, then we'll do what we do. We take on whatever is ahead of us, together.”
Aska was a disappointment. The town catered to the tourist, looking to enjoy the mountain scenery. It was dotted with picturesque bed and breakfasts, quaint little restaurants and cabins for rent. It had a post office and two real estate offices. The outbreak ha
d begun, before prime tourist season, meaning there were few cars left behind to pull fuel from.
“Wilscot should be better, it is the largest of these three towns.” Jeff stated, trying to sound optimistic.
Tim thumbed the call button on the radio. “Lucas you there buddy?” After a few seconds, Tim repeated his call. “Lucas?” Then after a slightly longer wait. “Lucas, come on back.”
“He may not be with us any longer.” Tracey suggested.
“You’re probably right. I’ll try again in a couple more miles, just to be sure.” Tim replied.
With no, all clear, from Lucas, they approached Wilscot cautiously. Just on the outskirts of town was ‘Bobbie Jeans Used Cars’. Bobbie Jean didn’t have a massive lot, but still, there was easily twenty cars in the lot. Across the street was a gas station. Next to the gas station was a large two story building, which appeared to have been abandoned for several years. An interesting feature of the building was a fire escape, that had a view of both the gas station and the car lot.
Dead Reckoning_HZA, Vol. 3 Page 18