We got an email from Ken. I don't know how, it had to do with a government website and Duke hacking the site and blah, blah, blah. I was excited to read it and couldn't wait for my turn since Duke was playing keep away with it. It was long and I was thrilled.
The place they'd found was also a hot springs. It even had a caboose set up as a cabin for a couple to live. It was located in southwestern Montana in a beautiful valley much like the one we had at the lodge. This one didn't have a rock wall protecting the valley but a cliff a couple of hundred feet high looking down into a ravine. They'd been in the process of placing trailers along the edge for a fence to keep the cattle from falling off.
He painted a picture of a smaller lodge but more out buildings and several springs. With a small herd of cattle and game in the mountains we wouldn't have to scrounge like before. They've even started a back up trailer so a repeat of the lodge wouldn't happen again. He told of the additions, how well Jill was faring with her pregnancy and how much they missed us. I wanted to keep the letter for myself but I passed it on to Lacy who was in tears the whole time she read it, wiping her eyes and blowing her nose.
We spent almost an hour talking about the watcher walker we'd seen at the gun store. Andy said he hadn't noticed but Clint said he'd seen the same thing once in Iowa. No one could come up with an idea as to why they act differently so we finally gave up thinking about. Unless it affected us directly and we could do something about it we'd worry about it later.
I looked over at Mason and saw the look in his eyes and things tightened below my waist. We said our good nights and retired to our camper where I closed the windows right away and lit some candles. There was no animal noises that night. Just human ones and when I finally went to sleep it was with a smile on my face.
Chapter 4
The flurry of activity over the next week left us breathless. Someone was always coming up with something else we needed to tell or teach the kids. The thought of them defenseless was almost unbearable. A part of our brain was yelling at us for leaving them behind, while another part said it was a different time than when civilization ruled. These kids were a lot more mature because they'd already learned to defend themselves. We couldn't help it though and had to remind ourselves constantly to back off. Still, Lacy was writing things down when she remembered them and had a pretty impressive book going.
I was in the middle of a mental focusing lesson when something tickled my mind. I looked around at Lacy to see if she was doing it and she was looking at me for the same reason. We both frowned and then we both realized what it was. Jumping up and running outside, we both scanned the heavens. When Mason came outside to see what we're doing, I yelled, “It's Ken. Ask Duke to radio him.”
Just then I heard the plane and got the message from Ken Hey, Brat, got a place I can land this thing? I looked at Lacy and we both had the biggest smile on our faces. Mason came out to say Duke was directing Ken to the landing strip which was actually a paved road nearby, and George and Riley came out with an SUV we used to ferry the kids around in. We jumped in and headed for the airstrip. The plane landed and jockeyed over to our position before Ken shut it down and opened the door.
His new plane had four seats and reminded me of the one Sky King flew in an old TV series. I'd find out later it was a Cessna 310 B which was the same kind used in the TV show. He got out and then turned to help a very pregnant Jill from the plane. We looked at each other then ran to help her to the ground. Joe was gong to have a fit. He'd hoped he'd never have to deliver another baby after Melody had Davy at the lodge. I think he was ready to have a nervous breakdown by the time he put that child in her arms. When he finds out he gets to do it again, he won't be decent to be around.
Two more people got out of the plane, one was Alice who was the medic who helped Don and another man, I'd never met. Lacy and I laughed at the small built woman who waddled towards us clearly ready to give birth any time. She laughed too when she saw us and we cried as we embraced each other. Ken was busy shaking hands with the rest of the group.
When the excitement died down to a dull roar, Ken told us he'd already told Duke about their arrival. He wanted to surprise us and boy howdy did he ever. He hugged me, grinned and said, “I didn't think I could ever miss anyone like I've missed you. You're the glue to this whole shebang, kiddo, and we sure will be glad to see you come home.” Sweet talker. I just hugged him again and whispered, “Me too, Ken, me too.”
He introduced the new man as Todd, a member of the air force who flew anything with wings or props. He was a tall, slim man, who kept pushing his glasses up on his nose and chewed on a tooth pick. He'd come to teach anyone that wanted to learn, to fly. He would be staying behind to help with the flight school.
When we got back to the cabin, Joe turned white when he saw Jill, then hustled her into the examining room, followed closely by Sarah and Lacy who'd been present at Davy's birth. Ken started to follow but I grabbed him and started introducing him to all the kids. He got a standing ovation when he announced that he was willing to teach anyone that wanted to to fly. But he wanted to get back to Montana soon, so they needed to pick out the ones wanting to learn. Right away, the two oldest, Abby and Andy stepped forward and took Ken and Todd away from us. With the excitement over we went out to the truck and took Todd's things into an empty camper sitting near the cabin, and Kens and Jills things into the cabin Bruce and Nancy had used. While Mason checked to see if the plumbing worked OK and lit the hot water heater, I stocked it with some bottled water, and makings for coffee.
Jill came out of the clinic and Ken jumped up quickly to help her sit at the table. “Looks like our date is a bit off on delivery, Sweetie. According to Joe and Sandy, it could be any minute.”
“Minute!” Ken yelled, then sat beside her suddenly pale and shaking. “I can't take this Jilly, I just can't. Promise me, you won't do this again, OK cause I just can't do this again.”
She laughed and smoothed his hair back. “Poor baby, this has been tough on you hasn't it? It'll be over soon according to Joe because he thinks I could go into labor any time.” Ken looked at Joe and squinted his eyes.
Joe thew is hands up and laughed, “Don't blame me big guy. I had nothing to do with it.” Jill drew Kens attention away from the still laughing Joe and kissed him. “He's been like this since we found out I was pregnant. I'm looking forward to the day I can relax with my baby. I'm sure tired of carrying it. I'll let him do some of the carrying.”
“Why take the chance to fly down here now, Ken? I'd think the altitude alone would kick off the labor.” Mason said.
Ken paled again, but after reassurance from Jill he told us. “I remembered how you guys had to do so much backtracking because of all the bridges being out and all. I thought it would easier on you if I flew ahead of you and checked the roads out. Then you wouldn't be doing so much backtracking.”
We all started talking then. Just the idea of not retracing ever single road made the trip ahead look almost pleasant. It took on more meaning knowing it would be easier than the trip down and I was almost anxious to begin.
“I also wanted to have Joe deliver the baby. We really don't have anyone even close to being as capable and I couldn't chance the delivery there. We'll be glad when you get back, Joe. We lost one of the new guys when he stepped on a rusty nail and got gangrene. Don didn't quite know how to handle it when it came right down to it. Don't get me wrong, he did all he could but I just think, if you'd been there, it would've been different.”
“Ken,” said Joe. “you have to have more confidence in your medic. There may have been any number of reasons why that man died and I may not have been able to help either. I don't think Don could have done anything differently that I would have.” Ken nodded his head and reached for the bottled water I'd put in front of him.
“I brought some manuals for the ones that want to learn to fly. Todd can teach them about helicopters if they want to learn. I don't like them cause the props make too much noise b
ut that's just me. I'll get the manuals as soon as Jilly gets settled.”
Jilly? OK, must be a pet name. She blushed, as she gently caressed her large stomach.
“Are you going to have enough fuel to do all this flying?” asked Clint.
“Yeah, there's a couple of places we stopped at on the way in and refueled. We had to take out some walkers but it wasn't as bad as you would've thought. We can go back the same way. I saw a few bridges out but other than that the roads seem in good shape.”
Just then Jill tried to stand up. “If someone would just show me where I can lay down for a bit, I'd be grateful. It's been a long time since this morning and I'm awfully tired.” I looked over at Joe, who looked worried but when he saw me looking he nodded his head. I took her hand and started to lead her to the cabin, Ken followed along behind like a little puppy.
“Do you want me to carry you, baby?” Ken asked.
Jill sighed, squeezed my hand and shook her head. I had some trouble keeping a straight face. I could see why she was tired though, he would drive me nuts. We managed to make it to the cabin without anyone giving birth or having a nervous breakdown and after making sure Jill was comfortable, we left Ken sitting by her bed to keep watch while I sat on the porch in my favorite spot.
Mikey came out and sat on the top step, quietly watching the monster playing in the trees. I figured he had something on his mind so I waited him out, enjoying the quiet.
“JD? Would it be ok if I went to Montana with you?” he said it so quietly I almost missed it.
“I don't see why not. If it's something you really want to do. We won't be able to come back if you change your mind, so this has to be something you're sure of.”
He turned and smiled at me, “I'm sure.” He got up and stood in front of me. Then he bent till he was almost nose to nose and whispered “I'd miss you too much if you were gone.” Dammit.
In a voice that was choked with emotion I whispered back, “I know how you feel.” Then I kissed him on the nose. “Better start packing then, I don't want you to forget anything.”
He smiled really big said loudly, “Yeah, cause we ain't coming back. I gotta go tell the others. Watch Monster for me will you?” Then he ran inside and slammed the door, yelling as he went. That got the attention of Monster, who looked at me with his beady little eyes that I swear he squinted at me. I squinted my eyes back at him. I'd forgotten the thing was Mikey's pet so it looked like it was going too. Great. Masons gonna love this.
Soon Nevada came out and leaned against the log post of the porch. I had hoped she would want to go with us but I was afraid to ask for fear of being rejected. Now I had my hopes up again. She sighed deeply, as said, “I don't suppose you'd have room for one more. I mean, with Mikey and Monster you're probably getting kinda crowded. I sure wouldn't want to crowd anyone but I think I'd like to go to Montana.” This was almost too painful to watch.
“Nevada,” I said. She scrunched up her shoulders, waiting. When she didn't turn I continued, “I would always have room for you.” She turned quickly, a look of surprise on her face, then she threw herself into my arms, crying. Well, hell, this was too much for me. The monster screeched as he jumped down onto the railing, coiling his tail around it. Mason floated into my mind, soothing me as I tried not to boo hoo too loudly as I held the small girl crying on my shoulder.
When the screen door squeaked open a bit later, I tensed thinking it was another child wanting to go. Instead, Flynn came out and sat on the top step, his favorite spot. Monster walked across the top railing and then jumped on Flynns shoulder, his small hand grasping Flynnes hair as he stared off into nothing also. Nevada finally sat up, wiped the tears from my cheeks, smiled then whispered something about packing and went quietly back inside. I waited for Flynn to smart off something in his usual Flynn way but he just sighed. I managed to swallow my raspberry tea past my swollen throat, then I sighed. This leaving business was beginning to really get on my nerves.
“Joe just informed me that Kevin and Amy are going back with them. Along with Mikey, Nevada, Bobby.” Bobby age 10, was here when we arrived, keeping us at bay with an empty gun for a while. We'd made his bedroom in the back of the Dukemobile while his little friend, Sally age 6, had been adopted by George and Riley. Although, I hadn't heard, I was pretty sure she'd be going back. “With the way they've been showing up around here, losing seven won't be a big loss. They'll replace them fast enough I reckon.”
I reckoned too. Seemed like we were a magnet for kids. Every time we turned around we found more, or they found us. They were remarkably resourceful, to survive surrounded by things wanting to eat them.
So we'll be taking back seven kids, eight, when Jill gives birth. Wow, I was impressed. I didn't expect any back nine months ago, now here we were a mobile maternity ward. Nine months, now, that's a thought. Oh, well, I'd have been miserable without Mikey and Nevada so I was really glad they were going.. I know Mason had a soft spot for them both so he won't complain too loudly. The smile that popped up on my face, stayed with me the rest of the day.
I sat at the dining room table and listened in on the first flying class of the day. There were several kids listening to Todd as he regaled them with stories of his flying career. They were engrossed with him and I smiled at Mason as he sat beside me with his coffee and mine. Smooching at his general direction, I watched Nevada, as she drew the scene from the back of the room. She was a wonderful artist, one that Randy spent a lot of time with, showing her how to blend paints. She preferred acrylics while his medium was oil, but they spoke artist lingo all the time. She even walked around with her hands forming a square, looking through them for the best position. I even lost her one day, finally finding her in the cliff dwellings painting a picture of the valley.
Flynn had taken to collecting diamond willow. A wooden branch that was straight with diamond shaped indentations where the branches fell off.. He spent hours removing the bark then using the white and brown stick for canes, picture frames, walking sticks, whatever he had a particular yearning for. Sometimes you'd find him and Bobby, sitting quietly at the end of the porch, each with a small knife removing the bark. I was told it was a guy thing, so I left them alone.
I was in the middle of telling Mason about the kids coming with us when Ken yelled in my head at me. Mason jumped too, cause Ken yelled loud enough. Lacy must've heard it too cause she and Joe came running out of the clinic. Actually, Joe was being dragged along behind a white faced Lacy and when he turned his pale face to me I mouthed JILL, making him reach the door before Lacy. Mason started to get up but I grabbed his hand. “Remember, Melody, Mason? Do you really want to go there?” He slowly sat back down and reached a shaky hand for his mug. “I don't envy Ken right now. He must be a basket case.”
“Ken?” I asked, “What about Jill? Leave it to a man to be worried about another man when it's the woman giving birth.” I nodded towards Todd to keep talking to the kids. We didn't need to get them worked up right then.
She's giving birth in the cabin, JD. Could you send Lucy or Angie over with the med pack and as much of the stuff we had ready for her to deliver in the clinic. Leave it to her to do things differently.
I located Lucy and gave her the news. Angie was already in the clinic so we didn't have to go far to get things done. Flynn offered to carry a lot of the stuff when they hurried to the cabin. They were there a long time it seemed to me but we soon had a beautiful son for Ken. He was a basket case when he finally came staggering into the cabin, a smile as big as the world on his face. I don't know where he'd gotten them but he had a box of cigars that he handed out to everyone. Duke was thrilled cause he was getting short of the things. He always seemed to have one hanging out of his mouth. Sarah threatened him with torture if he ever lit one, so he was happy to just chew on them. After being congratulated to death he retreated to the cabin refusing supper to sit with his family. Sarah took their dinner to them on a large tray, followed closely by me carrying the large bag with diapers
, formula and bottles. I just wanted to see the little guy that had Ken wrapped up in knots.
Ken sat in a chair near the bed, where a pale but smiling Jill, sat sipping some broth. He was holding a blanket wrapped bundle in his arms, smiling down at it with wonder. A tiny hand was wrapped around his index finger as Ken kissed the babies little nose. Joe was drying his hands as he watched Ken with his son. A strange look passed over his face and when he caught me watching he smiled and shook his head.
“Just a passing fancy, JD. Nothing more.”
“Yeah, Joe, I know what you mean. But in moments like this you can't help feeling what you're feeling.” He nodded, gave Jill orders for rest and left quietly. I stood behind Ken so I could see the guy better. I wasn't going to ask to hold him yet. He needed time with his dad first. I didn't think Ken was going to share just yet anyway and that was fine. I could wait a bit longer.
The baby had his nose and chin. A thin layer of fine brown hair with reddish highlights covered his head. His eyes were closed but his lips kept flashing quick smiles while his dad murmured nonsense near his ear. I looked at Jill and the look of love on her face cause me to catch my breath. To love so completely and deeply was a thing of wonder. I didn't know what was more beautiful, that newborn baby or the mother watching him with his daddy. I caught her eye and she smiled at me. I winked at her and motioned I was leaving. She nodded and went back to watching Ken while I stepped out and quietly closed the door.
Seeking Sanctuary (Walkers) Page 4