by DJ Cooper
John shuffled his feet nervously saying, “I thought so too, but I never thought it was so widespread.”
Ray looked concerned and asked, “How far do we have to go?”
John said, “About another eight hundred miles.”
Ray shook his head saying, “I think we are in for a tough trip. We are going to need to avoid civilization as much as possible and it has already taken us three days to go less than two hundred miles. I think it is only going to get slower as we go.”
Dickie nodded and headed off to where the cars were parked. A few steps away, he slowed and turned back to them saying, “I don’t think we should be keeping them in the dark. If it is going to get as bad as you think then we need to start preparing them right now mate, for when the shit hits the fan. I don’t think hiding it from them is going to make it any better either, they need a crash course in survival tactics. In fact, I think it will bring us more problems if we don't educate them double quick, they need to be part of the solution not another problem.”
Ray and John walked over to him, when they got closer to him John said, “I think you're right.”
Looking at Ray, Dickie said, “What do reckon mate?”
Ray nodded and said, “You’re probably right, I think maybe it is the military in me telling me to keep the civvies in the dark as usual. We should have a chat with everyone over lunch and maybe think about where our strengths and weaknesses may be.”
As they approached the group Ray was already making notes in a little book he kept in his pocket. John asked what he was doing and Ray said, “Just trying to make notes about who might be an asset and who might be a liability.”
John said, “How can you know this? You really don’t know any of these people.”
Ray looked at him and said, “I can’t it is just an estimation based on the past few days. Mostly it is just some notes for me to start from. I want to see what we can do about getting some of these people a little more military trained if you know what I mean.”
John said, “I agree and there is some good potential in this little group.”
Ray said, “I think you and Dickie should do the same, give each person a letter ranking. A for asset, N for neutral and an L for liability and we will get together and compare our thoughts and then see about getting them into better shape and positions within the convoy.”
John looked distressed and asked, “Do you really think we are going to have trouble getting there?”
Ray nodded affirmatively saying, “I think it is going to be worse than we even fear. If even some of what we had heard from the FEMA guys is true, we are in for some trouble.”
Sighing, John said, “I hope you’re wrong on this.”
There was a tasty meal being whipped up by Laurie and Jules finishing off the fish from the night before. They had battered and fried it, along with a stir fry made from some of the vegetables that were beginning to wilt. They had made rice and even managed to make some pan fried flat bread.
When John and Ray approached, they looked at each other and smiled.
Ray said, “They are definitely on my asset list.”
They both laughed and went over to get a plate of food. When everyone had gotten some food and they were all seated John told them they had some things to discuss.
Mark looked up from his food saying, “About the town we just passed through?”
John said, “Yes, we are worried that we may run into more than just that kind of thing along this trip.”
Jenny had a sort of deer in the headlight look and said, “Are we going to die? Were those marks on the houses because of dead people?”
Roger went over to her as she was beginning to cry, sat down and said, “We’re not going to let you die.”
She looked up at him pleadingly with her exceptionally light blue eyes, and sniffled. She nodded she was ok and said, “I’m sorry; I don’t mean to be a baby.”
Roger blushed saying, “It's ok, don’t worry about it.”
John and Ray looked at each other as Ray was shaking his head, he said, “And people wonder why that ox is in the military. Ain’t he got the way with the ladies?”
As they talked and ate Rita stated, “I want to learn how to shoot, I might not be able to shoot well, but we all need to know how to load these things and fire them.”
John was genuinely surprised when Amy said, “I agree with Rita, you men think all we can do is cook and do dishes, but we can help with keeping watch and fishing and stuff too.”
Dickie chimed in, “Sorry guys I’m on their side. Georgia here can catch fish that ain’t even biting. And well, about Jules? Well, I wouldn’t get between her and Georgia that’s all I have to say about that. I personally think it is a good idea that we start getting the girls up to speed on things like this.”
Cautiously looking around, he continued, “But ladies I gotta warn ya, if you want me to cook, make sure you ain’t got plans for a few days I only know one dish "curry, rice and chips" and my curries will clean you out if you know what I mean. It won’t be a good thing I can tell you that.”
Jules said, “No one wants to eat his cooking, that I can surely agree with.”
Lunch was over and everything had been packed up, they got into the vehicles and hit the road again. They had hoped to make Pennsylvania by nightfall. On a normal road trip they would have made it to Pennsylvania by midday the very day they started out, but this was not a normal road trip. None of them knew what this trip would hold, but they were all beginning to see that it would be anything but normal.
Chapter 11
In Darkness… Danger
“Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.”
-Anne Frank
Passing abandoned and burned out cars on the side of the road. They watched people as they walked to an unknown destination. The group began to wonder what they themselves looked like to those they passed, sitting on porches observing them as they themselves passed by.
They took minor roads and smaller highways throughout the day avoiding as much civilization as possible. Shortly before nightfall they found themselves in a warehouse district just outside of Binghamton, New York.
Initially apprehension was the first thought, but then Danny said, “We should try and camp inside, being so close to the city it wouldn’t be good to be in the open.”
Roger admonished, “If we get caught, they could consider us looters. There is still some law… I think.”
John considered it and spoke with Ray and Dickie, they all agreed if they were to use an empty, unoccupied unit that there was nothing to steal so they wouldn’t be looting. Roger shook his head saying, “Oh sure, rationalizing it is the way to go.”
Dickie volunteered to go find the unit and gain entry, grabbing John’s arm, he said, “Geeza you just volunteered to go with me.”
They then started walking off toward the buildings John turned back and said, “Maybe we should keep everyone in the vehicles, just in case. Wait here for us to come back and keep watch. If you see anything give a signal.”
Danny was standing nearby and said, “These girls can make an amazing cat fight. They actually did it when we were trying to get to John’s place and it was both realistic sounding and effective.”
Dickie nodding said, “Right! It did work well. Danny, make sure to let the girls know to be ready. I really don’t want them out of the car either, so use hand signals to let them know it’s time for the show.”
The rest took positions so they could see each other and someone could at all times see Dickie or John. Once everyone was in place, they slipped into the night. Silently they crept along the side of the building, peering into the office doors, looking for an empty one.
John motioned for Dickie to look into a unit. Dickie nodded and reached into his breast pocket, pulling out a zippered pouch. Opening it John could see they were locksmith tools, Dickie quickly picked the lock and they entered the building.
It was dark insid
e, but they did not dare to use flashlights. Feeling along the walls they made their way to an inner office where they turned on their flashlights to look around. It was indeed vacant and Dickie was satisfied that this unit would serve their purposes if the warehouse was also empty.
They moved through the office area to a door that led them into the warehouse section, it too was empty. John went to the garage type door to check it for locks and found none. They nodded to each other and moved back to the office area.
Dickie said, “This will work nicely, I will go back for the others. I figure once I leave, you lock the door and watch for us. We will not use headlights, but I don’t know about brake lights. When you see us go through and open the garage door, sound ok?”
John nodded in agreement and Dickie slipped out the door. Watching as he made his way back to the others, Johns gaze shifted to a clump of trees. He thought he saw something, but figured after watching a few moments his eyes were playing tricks on him. Still, he could not shake the feeling that they were being watched.
It was only moments before the vehicles began to roll into sight. John hurried to the door and raised it for them just enough for them to get through. He hurried to Dickie and Ray and told them what he thought he saw and how he felt they were being watched.
Roger manned the door as the three of them headed for the office door again. They remained in the shadow of the office as they watched the area John thought he saw movement.
John jabbed Dickie in the ribs pointing to the area said, “There, did you see it?”
Dickie nodded, saying, “Yeah, I saw it mate, but you didn’t have to nail me in the ribs like that you wanker.”
John stammered, “Guess I was a little over zealous, sorry there guy.”
Narrowing his eyes as he strained to see, Ray said, “I think we need to check this out, did anyone notice a back way out?
They both shook their heads, no. Ray instructed John to keep an eye on the place they had seen the movement and to go ahead and appear be looking around inside with the flashlight, but take care not to shine it outside.
Ray explained that he wanted the attention on what John was doing so that he and Dickie could get to them hopefully unnoticed.
John watched as they made their way to the place the movement was observed, he made a big show as he shuffled about the office flashlight flailing wildly about in the darkness. John watched the observers as he continued his distraction. In his clumsiness he stumbled, bumping a light switch. He felt shocked and blinded when the fluorescent lights flickered to life. Frantically he fumbled at the light switch and quickly switched them off. Scolding himself, he said, “Well, I guess that is something that will hold their attention.” He grumbled at himself as he continued to shuffle about the office area.
With all the antics and moving around he was doing he failed to notice that there were two other figures in a dumpster directly across from the office door. He slapped his forehead in embarrassment, as if someone were aware of his inattentive moment. To anyone outside he appeared to be occupied with some unknown interest.
Unbeknownst to them, he maintained this appearance of oblivion to keep them watching him, while still he kept his eye on them. He noted one moving from the dumpster to a point of cover near a jersey barrier, shrinking into it until the figure was almost imperceptible; John watched closely and kept a mental note as to the exact shapes in the area.
Flashing his light around, he was sending the beam of light repeatedly out the door. Appearing random, yet it was carefully orchestrated. The movements with his light, he wanted it to look like he was just careless, although he was secretly signalling Dickie and Ray that there was more movement.
John left the doorway and entered an office where he turned off the flashlight, trying to make it appear as though he had gone back inside the warehouse. He crept back to the office doorway to continue in the darkness to keep watch on the figures. The second figure began to dart in and out from behind the office walls, making his way to the spot where the first one had hidden and still remained crouched behind the Jersey barrier.
He could see Dickie and Ray making their way to the place where the first pair sat hiding. Watching the second pair he decided to create a diversion as Dickie and Ray moved on the two hiding nearest them. John slid himself back into the office and headed for the warehouse. Summoning Mark he instructed him to turn on the back office light when he asked him to.
John took a position near the door that still allowed him to see the two behind the Jersey barrier. He watched as Dickie first crept up on his intended target and Ray made his way for the second one. He signalled Mark to turn the lights on. He could see the two lean over the barrier straining to see what might be going on inside the office room.
John signalled Mark to turn the light off by dragging his finger across his throat. Mark understood and killed the lights; this made the two figures strain harder to see and lean further into view. While John continued to keep their attention, Dickie and Ray came up on the others. Before he knew what was going on Dickie and Ray had subdued his audience and were herding all four of them into the warehouse.
Once they could all be seen, it seemed apparent that they were just like them, and simply looking for someplace to hide out for the night. They introduced themselves to the group, a woman spoke first saying,
“I’m Mandy and this is my son Aaron.” After which, one of the two teens spoke saying,
“My name is Martin and this is my girlfriend Cindy.” Cindy waved in a shy fashion while clinging steadfastly to Martin’s arm.
The ladies had already prepared some beans, and canned spam, and they were serving them with a rather odd looking salad concoction that they had gathered on the way. John was sure it was edible because he saw what they had gathered, but not so sure how it would taste. The salad was mostly made of Dandelion greens along with some lettuce and a few tomatoes that they found in a garden behind a vacant house. Most agreed that it was not the best food ever, but they were happy that there was plenty for everyone and that it was filling.
John blurted out, “That salad wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.” While the men had all been thinking it, the men all looked at John like he had lost his mind and the ladies looked at him like he had just spoken an unmentionable line, one that would surely be considered the crime of the century. At that Danny burst out laughing saying, “Dude, you’re in the doghouse for life, even I know better than that.” Everyone burst into laughter, even the newcomers were laughing. Amy glared at John like he had done the unthinkable and he shot her his best puppy dog eyes begging forgiveness.
Once dinner was finished and the laughter had subsided Danny said,
“Ok, well, what’s your story? Why are the four of you out here?”
Mandy spoke up first saying, “Aaron and I live downtown, that is we did until two nights ago.”
Danny asked, “What happened two nights ago?”
Mandy pulled her knees up to her chest and put her head down onto her knees. Her long sandy hair swept down covering her knees as she silently wept.
Aaron, who Danny thought was about twelve years old said, “A bunch of guys, like a gang, came in and took a bunch of stuff. One of them made me carry all of our food out to their truck. Mom kept screaming but they just laughed.” He hung his head saying, “I know they hit my mom a bunch of times. Then they burned our house so we don’t have any place to live now. Mom said we would look for a new house out in the country near Grandpa’s.”
Martin and Cindy had similar stories, but something did not sit quite right with them or their story for Danny. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but knew there was something gnawing at him about their stories. They felt contrived, a little too similar to Mandy and Aaron.
Rubbing his chin in a thoughtful manner, but not wanting to voice or show his suspicion he got up and went for more coffee. Amy noticed him shaking his head as he walked to the small camp stove and followed him.
Jo
ining him for coffee, she glanced back to the others and said in a hushed voice, “You don’t believe Martin and Cindy either, do you?”
Danny shifted his eyes back and forth as if looking for something and said, “They’re after something, I just don’t know what yet.”
Amy nodded in agreement saying, “Food maybe or supplies?”
Danny sighed, saying, “I know this much, we will have our usual watch for trouble on the outside, but I’ll be watching the inside, something feels very wrong with this. Maybe I’m just suspicious of people right now, but I feel very uneasy for some reason. Another thing bothers me, we went through all those towns that had Ebola, how do we know they are not infected?”
Mark came walking up and in a loud tone bellowed, “Hey, you guys gonna share some of that joe?”
It startled Amy and Danny, but as he got closer he looked at each of them shifting his eyes with pursed lips. While moving toward them, he whistled the Folgers best part of waking up tune and then shot his eyes up and to the right, with a barely perceptible head tilt in the same direction as his eyes went. He was indicating they had observers.
Danny, looking at Mark, but past him also noticed Martin with a fixed gaze in their direction, very deliberately focused on the trio. Laughing loudly and seemingly making a show of whatever the joke was, Danny said loudly,
“You know it guy, but we knew if we waited too long you would likely have downed the whole pot before we even got a sniff.”
Motioning him over he said, “Care for a cup?”
Mark, moving closer, said, “Don’t mind if I do.”
Amy was facing where Martin and Cindy were sitting and began chatting in a normal tone about breakfast with the guys, she was seemingly oblivious to the stares from either of the onlookers.
However, Mark and Danny, who faced her had their own conversation going on and talked quietly about their suspicions, they occasionally nodded at her to make it appear they were listening to her. The three felt certain that something was not as it seemed about these two and were determined to keep an eye on them. They began to discuss who should take the first watch, eventually settling on Amy. It was decided that they would lie in their spots and observe the group until it was time for the next watch. The person on watch would have a coughing fit that would continue until the next person responded they were awake with a small cough.