Escaping Home

by Jeffrey Miller

  Escaping Home, Book Two

  From the Trekking Home Series

  By Jeffrey Miller

  Contributions by Nancy Miller

  Edited by Aveeda Literary Service

  SMASHWORDS EDITION

  *******

  Copyright 2017 Jeffrey Miller

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Contents

  Introduction - Fourth Month after the Collapse

  From Trekking Home - Chapter 21 - Trail’s End

  Escaping Home

  Chapter 1 - Finding Peace

  Chapter 2 - The Recovery

  Chapter 3 - Going to Town

  Chapter 4 - Scouting out the Future

  Chapter 5- Radio Chatter

  Chapter 6 - Rolling Thunder

  Chapter 7 - The Weight of the World

  Chapter 8 - New Motivations

  Chapter 9 - Big Wheels Rollin’

  Chapter 10 - Setting a New Course

  Chapter 11 - Miracles from the Sky

  Chapter 12 - Familiar Lands

  Chapter 13 - Bitter Feelings and Redemption

  Chapter 14 - Lost

  Chapter 15 - Found

  Chapter 16 - Halfway

  Chapter 17 - Reunions

  Chapter 18 - Ride like the Wind

  Chapter 19 - Two of a Kind

  Chapter 20 - Crossing Over

  Chapter 21 - New Trails Begin

  Introduction

  Fourth Month after the Collapse

  The Worldwide economic collapse was in its fourth month. In that amount of time, millions died. Many places lacked medical care, food, and water. The average person had no idea how to obtain those necessities. Things escalated into high gear after two EMP devices exploded over the Eastern seaboard. Most of the United States was without power generation, and the attack made certain no power would be coming back anytime soon. What remained of the U.S. government believed the attack came from North Korea with assistance from Iran. At the moment, no counter attacks were in place because of communication failures between the U.S. Navy fleets still out to sea, and satellite uplinks.

  The first wave of people that perished after the collapse was composed of the ill and pharmaceutical dependent. The ability to maintain basic life-sustaining equipment was gone. Common medications ran out after two months, and some even sooner than that. The disturbing issue was the high number of people on antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs. In cities large and small, that was becoming a very unimaginable problem. Yet, the overall concern of most people was acquiring enough food and water to live.

  In some areas of the country, the collapse did not change their way of life. They thrived and continued on until others found out what they had, then took advantage of the good nature of good people. In some parts of the nation where energy came from nuclear power, there was a growing concern. Some emergencies were adverted, but others could not be stopped. The issue was getting the manpower to the power plants. Nationally, efforts were underway to prevent meltdowns at sixty-one commercially operated nuclear plants. In all, there were a total of ninety-nine reactors. This did not include the rest of the world’s reactors.

  From Trekking Home

  Chapter 21

  Trail’s End

  Fritch, Texas

  Nate drove up the road and turned the corner to see his solar security lights were working just as they did when he left. It was a beautiful sight. He had forgotten just how much he loved this place. It was mostly a log cabin with a loft and two other bedrooms. It was sizeable with an open floor plan. Nate’s bedroom was in the loft, and he already planned on one downstairs room for Ben. He parked and sat there for a moment.

  “Ben, I wasn’t sure for a while if we would ever make it back. I was starting to lose faith. Yet, now we are here. I’m glad you’re with me. I won’t lie to you; life like we knew it has changed. It may return to what it was, but that might take time…and maybe years, but I will take care of you, son,” Nate said, saying “son” slowly. It was the first time he called Ben son to his face. Nate had referred to Ben as his son to others, but not to Ben.

  Ben’s reaction was slow at first, bringing a sheepish grin. Then, looking up, he said, “Dad, I know.”

  Escaping Home

  Chapter 1

  Finding Peace

  First full day home

  Nate was in a deep sleep. He was having nonsensical dreams of never-ending travel. They both had retired early to bed. Nate was in his master loft upstairs, with Ben sleeping soundly in the bedroom below. Samson their new German shepherd Nate found traveling down a dark back road. Samson had taken a liking to Ben and seemed to become his personal protector. He slept next to Ben on the side of the bed and did not move an inch. Nate was restless all night. He awoke a few times and silently lay in bed. The silence was deafening except for the constant sound of a barn owl. Finally Nate fell back to sleep, but once he did, the dreams stirred in his mind. Being back in his bed was nice, but it was going to be an adjustment. He became accustomed to sleeping on the ground, or sitting up against a tree.

  Ben, on the other hand, fell to sleep very fast. He told Nate that he had never slept on a bed so comfortable. Nate did not realize that Ben had an air mattress at his grandmother’s place until they talked more. Ben stated that every night he had to air up his bed. Then, when the power went out, he slept on the floor because his grandmother was too weak to make it back to her bed. The thought broke Nate’s heart. The kid was a trooper and a good caring young man; not once did Ben ever complain about the trip to Texas.

  Nate was slowly waking up. The noise he heard was one of joyful laughter, but muzzled at times. Nate opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling skylights. He had three large triangular-shaped Plexiglas units installed when he built the cabin. They provided light for his loft and to the lower space of the cabin to a degree. Today was a clear and bright day. Nate watched the white puffy clouds float by high above. Still, he saw no planes, nor expected to.

  Nate’s dad told him the night before that he was trying to use his Ham radio to get in contact with Nate’s siblings. They had flown out the day of the collapse. Nate’s brother and sister were twins, and often their families traveled together. They had flown to North Dakota to stay with mutual friends on a ranch. Nate was sure they were holding out there until everything was over. Robert and Susan were avid outdoors people; and like Nate, they knew how to live off the land. The property they owned near his parents was a fair-size ranch. They had several long time ranch hands that were taking care of the property as best they could. Nate worried whether he would get the chance to see his brother and sister again; or his niece and nephew with them. Nate knew the children would get along with Ben very well, especially since they were all around the same age.

  So far, he had managed contact with only a few distant places, but no one had additional news. At some point, Nate would see if his father would try to establish contact with Gene Hartford up in Wyoming. He really wanted to let them know he had made it home. He thought about them and all the other new friends quite often. Nate turned his head to see the compass Sammie gave him on the nightstand. It was an older brass style. The lanyard was made of leather. The lid was open allowing him to see her beautiful face on the picture secured inside the lid. He hoped she was well. Sammie was a nurse; her skills in this current en
vironment would be of great importance. Nate closed his eyes and realized any thoughts of her would be futile for now.

  His current location afforded them some security, but under bad climate, they could also be sitting ducks. They lived north of Meredith Lake, and the lake was between them and Fritch. Everyone else around them were ranchers and friends. Henry—Nate’s father, discussed with Nate the remaining families. Some were older and reliant on medications. They passed away not long after the collapse. Their ranch hands took over the large head of cattle and the vacant properties. Henry said the ranch hands kept to themselves and were not a bother to anyone. Other ranchers had tried to sell out and move to far away, secluded locations. Some did, while others just left in mad dashes after going broke from people stealing cattle for food. Most of the thefts were done by wandering packs of strangers who entered Fritch and other small towns, taking what they could. One Ham radio operator Henry spoke with, was an old friend; he said only a few hundred people were still alive in Fritch. The causes were the same as everywhere else: lack of pharmaceuticals, food, and sanitation. Thanks to the lake, water wasn’t much of a concern unless you didn’t know how to make it drinkable.

  Nate had many things running through his mind. He had expected much of the news his father relayed. He saw most of it first hand while on his journey, and heard the stories of the vast and lethal turmoil in the highly populated urban cities. Nate also knew something else. There may come a day when he and his family might have to do the unthinkable and bug-out. He placed this thought in the far reaches of his mind for now. The reasons for a total bug-out were many. The issue he was concerned about was where to go. Nate knew the Northwest was ideal. Montana, for example, was the least populated per square mile. That was the ideal condition.

  Nate’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of someone climbing his ladder. He sat up waiting to see Ben’s head. Instead, Samson poked his big head up at the top ladder rung.

  “Dang, Samson. Ok…you must be highly trained.”

  Nate sat up and watched as the German shepherd climbed up. Samson hustled over to Nate, wagging his feathery tail. It swept across the wood floor like a big broom. Before Nate could get fully out of bed, the massive dog leaped onto Nate knocking him backwards. Nate was a big man, but the dog’s unexpected mass pushed him back. Laughing, Nate rubbed the dog’s head, and the back of his neck. While showing the dog some affection, Nate could hear another sound at the ladder as the dog played hard. Ben’s head now rose slowly as he made it to the top.

  “Wow! It’s really nice up here. Look at the sky; it’s so pretty. This is like a tree house,” Ben remarked as he walked about with his head looking skyward. After staring in amazement, he walked over to Nate’s bed. Ben just stared at Nate. Ben had a funny look on his face, but Nate knew the look well.

  “You guys hungry?” Nate asked. He knew the answer. It had been some time since they all had dinner at his parents’ place up the road after they arrived.

  “Very. Can we have the pack eggs?” Ben loved the Mountain House camper’s pouch of scrambled eggs.

  “Let’s save those for hard times. How about we look over the stuff we have that doesn’t have a long shelf life,” Nate smiled. He knew what he wanted to have Ben try.

  Twisting the oblong key attached to the top of the can, Nate pulled out the meat inside and placed it in the heated pan. After ensuring it was perfectly browned on each side, he placed the plate in front of Ben. Nate didn’t really expect Ben to like the fried SPAM, but he enjoyed introducing Ben to new things. Nate loved SPAM, but he was surprised that Ben ate it all up. SPAM wasn’t the breakfast of champions to many people, but Nate had grown up on the canned delight. Long before the popular brands of dehydrated foods that people now took with them on camping trips or hikes, there was canned SPAM. It had been around since 1937, and even served time in World War II. One could eat it right from the can, but many loved it fried up in a skillet.

  Today they enjoyed the SPAM and some fresh eggs his mother supplied. The large propane tank outside was full. He had it serviced and fueled before his trip to Montana. In addition to the propane, he was equipped with solar power. Nate did have some layers at one point, but during his absence, his parents took and cared for the hens.

  Nate was trying to give Ben as normal of a life as he could under current circumstances. Nate sat at the table mixing some Tang with his water. He watched as Ben finished off the last few eggs. Looking past Ben into his new bedroom, Nate noticed that Ben’s bed was still made.

  “Ben, did you sleep on top of the covers?” Nate asked.

  Ben had a confused look on his face as he reached for the last piece of SPAM. He shook his head no as he chewed on the thick fried ham.

  “Your bed doesn’t even look touched,” Nate replied.

  Ben turned his head as if he wasn’t sure what Nate was talking about and looked at his bed. He reached for his water and swallowed his food before speaking.

  “I made the bed,” Ben replied, matter of factly.

  Nate felt himself sit up straighter as he felt a little shocked. “You made it? Well…ok. Good job,” Nate replied.

  “My grandmother taught me that the first thing I do every morning, even before peeing, is to make the bed,” he stated.

  Ben’s comment came around the same time that Nate was taking a drink of his Tang; he nearly spit it out.

  “Oh, it’s ok to use the bathroom here first,” Nate instructed, trying not to laugh.

  “Ok, I didn’t get the last corner tucked before I had to pee so bad,” Ben replied, being serious.

  Nate smiled. Life with Ben was going to be a page-turner.

  “So, what will we do today, dad?” Ben asked, smiling at Nate. That was the second time Ben called Nate dad. It was still a little strange, but Nate was growing to like the title.

  “I was thinking we could take a horse ride up to a high point and take a look into town.” Nate knew the response this would bring. For some time now, Ben was anticipating getting to see horses. Nate’s parents had done a good job of taking care of the few he had, and even Nate looked forward to the ride.

  “Yes, please can we go?” Ben was so excited.

  Sometimes Nate believed that being able to see horses is what kept Ben moving during the trek home. In many ways, it had rubbed off on Nate. There were many factors that increased Nate’s will to make it home. Family was the main concern; but being in Texas during any major collapse had to be better than being anywhere else.

  “Get some jeans on and be ready to go in about thirty minutes,” Nate instructed Ben.

  The smile he received in return from the young boy was priceless.

  Nate would go prepare Traveller the horse. Nate wanted to bring the dog Samson along, but decided he needed to remain inside. Nate needed time to familiarize the dog to horses.

  Nate dressed himself for the day’s event. It was a beautiful day out with temps in the upper 70s. He decided on just simple clothes of Wranglers and a T-shirt. He threw on his cowboy boots and his hat, and checked on Ben’s progress, only to find that Ben was still getting dressed. Nate discovered Ben had a habit. A good habit of brushing his teeth for a very long time. Nate figured this was another one of Ben’s grandmother’s doings. Other than the boy using up the well water, Nate didn’t mind. It meant no future dental issues; or so he hoped.

  Nate stepped out the back door and made his way to the small horse stables. They were only about fifty yards from the main cabin. Nate wanted them close. The stable was made of the same material he used for building the cabin, with a tin roof and large doors at each end. The structure wasn’t big compared to most, but it easily held both of his horses. Nate walked up to the head that stuck out of the stable. His name was Traveller; named after the famous Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s horse of the same name.

  Traveller’s head was poked out of the half door of the stable. He was a beautiful silky brown color and stood nearly seventeen hands tall. He was a good height fo
r Nate; he always felt balanced and stable on Traveller, and the horse’s temperament was nearly bombproof. Before the crash, Nate used Traveller a lot for trails and varmint hunts on the nearly 2,000 acres they owned. Nate ran his hand over the horse’s mane and spoke to him.

  “Hey Traveller, I’m home. Gonna take you out and get you some blood moving in those legs, buddy.”

  The horse seemed very excited to see Nate as his head bobbed up and down; breaths so forceful they could be felt up against Nate’s chest.

  Nate opened the lower gate and stepped inside to gather up the saddle and the rest of the tack he would need. Nate slipped a lead rope around the neck of Traveller, giving him some control. Nate held up the halter by the crown, and slipped it over his nose, and up and over his ears. Traveller just stood motionless. Nate secured the throatlatch next. He checked the distance between the cheek and leather halter. After checking the noseband distance, Nate secured his lead rope to the bottom buckle. Nate then led the horse out from the left side and out of the stable. He secured Traveller to the hitch post outside. Nate walked back inside the stable and retrieved his saddle pad, saddle, and chest strap. After about ten minutes, Nate was finished. Nate’s other horse was still with his parents’ stable. He would get Socks later. Nate mounted Traveller and led him to the front of his cabin.

  Ben was sitting outside on the porch steps when Nate rode up. Ben’s face lit up with excitement, but also with some trepidation as he slowly stood and walked down toward the side of the horse. Nate dismounted and led the horse to a large stump looking post he had off to the side of the porch.

  Nate showed Ben how to properly touch the horse and where not to stand. Traveller seemed to like Ben, which Nate had been concerned about originally. Traveller had a good temperament, but he didn’t usually take to strangers until being around them longer. It was different with Ben.

  “Ben, I will be right back. I need to grab a rifle.”