Defending Home

by Jeffrey Miller

  “Put that in my bag. It would need to be properly fitted later.”

  He handed the gun back to Sammie. She opened his small backpack and placed it gingerly into the pack.

  “It’s a beautiful gun. What kind is it?” Sammie asked.

  “A Colt Python in .357,” Nate replied.

  “I hate snakes” she replied, waiting for Nate to laugh.

  He did.

  What would have taken them a day’s journey was now only going to be about two hours. It wasn’t the distance, but the route and the snow. Nate was getting excited to see Ben. The road was dead they traveled. The pavement underneath was heating up from the afternoon sun, and this was helping keep the snow off the roads. They did see a few other travelers at one point. They just waved as they drove by like everything was back to normal. This always kept Nate on edge. He had to be mindful of strangers, even just the few they saw driving. He didn’t want anyone to turn around and start following someone in a Range Rover.

  “Let’s pull over a moment just off the shoulder,” Nate suggested.

  Sammie didn’t understand.

  “Why what’s wrong?” she asked.

  “Probably nothing, I just want to make certain we are not going to be followed. Call me paranoid, but after all the miles of travel since this happened, I’ve had to learn quickly when to not take chances.”

  “I understand. I think it’s good that you are careful. I wouldn’t have thought of that,” Sammie admitted.

  Ten minutes passed with no sign of anyone coming from behind. Nate breathed a sigh of relief, pulled back out, and drove on.

  “Nate, can I ask you something?” Sammie asked.

  Nate pondered what it might be. “Sure,” he replied.

  “When, or if, society returns to what it was before…what will you do?” she asked.

  Nate had never really thought about work when things get better. He had a job; it was working the ranch back in Texas. He didn’t plan to do that forever, and was itching to get back into something with the government where he could utilize his skills. That’s what he always assumed he would do. But his thoughts had changed.

  “Sammie, honestly…I’m not sure,” he replied.

  “I could always use my official piece of paper to apply to law enforcement jobs,” he said, referring to the official paperwork signed and stamped stating he was a real Sheriff Deputy down in southern Wyoming.

  “I think you would make a great cop. You have such command and control of bad situations,” she replied. She didn’t know that Nate was half kidding.

  “Perhaps, I guess if things get back to normal it would be an option. They will need police, that’s for certain,” Nate added.

  The navigation was going off to let them know to make a right turn. Sammie turned off the navigation and spoke.

  “I know the way from here. Turn right, then go to the next road and make a left. That will be dad’s private drive.”

  Nate hadn’t realized the time had flown by so fast. He wasn’t used to driving anymore nor to getting from one place to another so quickly.

  Nate followed her directions, and within minutes, they were three miles away from home.

  The snow was deeper now, but the SUV made it up the narrow dirt road easily. When they arrived at the gate, Nate laid on the horn. That would be sure to bring a few guns. In moments, Randy appeared; followed by Henry with both with rifles aimed high. They couldn’t see inside the vehicle because of the glare on the glass from the afternoon sun. Nate opened his door and raised one arm up, holding a large orange bottle of medication, then slowly stood outside the vehicle.

  “Nate?” Henry said.

  “It’s us, dad. Open the gate. It is just me and Sammie,” Nate replied with a loud voice.

  Randy walked to open the gate as Henry ran to the vehicle.

  “Where the hell did you get this?” Henry asked as he hugged Nate.

  Sammie got out and hugged her brother.

  “Will explain. Let’s go see Ben. He is ok, right?” Nate asked.

  “He will be happy to see you Nate; and you also, Sammie. He is worse though, so let’s go,” Henry said, going back to the four-wheeler. Randy shut the gate and remained for now.

  Nate and Sammie walked into where Ben was laying down, fast asleep. Sammie removed the bottle of pills and grabbed a glass of water. Nate stooped down next to Ben and gently woke him up.

  He was burning up with fever. Ben slowly came around and opened his eyes.

  “Dad,” Ben managed with a dry throat and started to cough up some more mucus.

  “I’m here. We just got back. We found some meds,” Nate replied.

  “Ben, drink a little first, then take this,” Sammie said as she handed him the water. She then gave him the pill when he was able to take it.

  “I’m glad you both are home. I kept having bad dreams,” Ben said. He placed the pill in his mouth, and with water, he swallowed it down.

  “We got back as fast as we could. We are home to stay now. You have to get better, son.”

  Ben’s eyes seemed to smile with hearing Nate call him ‘son’.

  “Get some rest, we will all be in the next room,” Nate said. He then kissed Ben on the forehead and so did Sammie. Ben really smiled now.

  Mattie blew out the candle in Ben’s room so that he could now get the rest he needed. Both families now gathered in the living room.

  “Nate, we are all so happy you are home,” Betty said as she hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. Nate went on to explain everything that happened from going to the see Dillon and their departure from there, to going to the other ranger station where they found an ill Mikhail. He then described everything that happened after that until they came home.

  “Things happen for reasons, and I think this was all part of a bigger plan, Nate,” Mattie stated.

  “When you are ready Nate, we can go with you to bury the home owners and the Russians,” Randy informed.

  “It might be a while at least until, or toward, the end of winter. It will be easier then to dig the holes,” Nate replied.

  “How long do you think until Ben is better, Sammie?” Henry asked.

  Sammie looked at the bottle in her hand. “He should improve in a few days or sooner, but we will follow the dosage requirements until the course is over,” Sammie replied.

  “It’s good to be back,” Nate said.

  He sat down. Betty went to the kitchen, followed by Mattie, to bring Nate and Sammie some warm drinks. Henry kept looking out the window at the Ranger Rover. Nate removed his keys and tossed them to his dad.

  “We brought home a few goodies for everyone; thanks be to the passed away homeowners. Go look at the SUV and at what we brought,” Nate said, looking at Sammie who was smiling ear to ear.

  “Come on, Gene. I know you wanna see inside that fancy toy also,” Henry said.

  Now it was just Randy and Kimberly, along with Nate, Sammie, and Nicole in the living room.

  “So, when are you two going to get married?” Randy just blurted out. Nate was a little surprised not knowing how much Randy was just like his sister.

  “Randy, that’s not your business. If they want to tell us, they will in good time,” Kimberly added.

  “Well, Nate did say the ‘marriage’ word last night,” Sammie said, smiling sheepishly at Nate.

  “Well…I, for one, think it’s about time,” Nicole slipped in.

  “Oh, that’s how you wanna play this game?” Nate replied to Sammie.

  “You asked her already?” Randy asked.

  Nate buried his face in his two large hands. “No, it wasn’t like that.”

  About that time, Henry and Gene were carrying in all the boxes of food. Nate stood, so as not to lose the opportunity to change the subject.

  “Let me help with that,” Nate said.

  Sammie started laughing as she stood to go bring in the rest of the gear.

  Chapter 14

  Day After Day

  The next fe
w mornings nothing changed. Nate was already up and beside Ben, waiting for him to wake up. Sammie was lying down in a small bed that was set up next to Ben. She had been up nearly all night monitoring his condition. Nate didn’t speak. He wanted to wake Ben, but he also wanted Ben to rest as much as needed. He decided to just sit and wait.

  Nate stood and walked out silently. He walked into the kitchen and found his dad sitting at the table drinking his morning coffee.

  “I’m really worried, dad. I thought Ben would have been better by now,” Nate said, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

  Henry sipped on his brew before speaking.

  “You probably don’t remember because you were too little, but you had this once, Nate; if it’s the same thing. We spent a few days at the hospital with you. I did the same thing you are doing now. I questioned the meds, the doctors, and even God at one point. The one driving force that kept me sane through it all was the strength of your mother,” Henry stated.

  “I didn’t know that,” Nate replied.

  “It took several days. Things were different then, and medications were not like they are now,” Henry said.

  “I guess I should just be glad we even found antibiotics; let alone, worry so much,” Nate replied.

  “I have no doubt he will pull through. That kid is tough as nails and I’m sorry…there is nothing wrong with him and this Autism crap. Yes, maybe some kids have it, but I don’t see anything wrong with that kid. He is unique, and that is a good thing. Labels are for cans.” Henry finished.

  Nate didn’t argue the point. It really didn’t matter, and Nate wasn’t sure anymore if he truly was Autistic as his grandmother stated. Right now, he just wanted his son healed up and ready to go shooting and learning more about life. But something else his father said stuck in his side, itching at him. He said his mom was a force that helped him. Ben didn’t have that in his life.

  The next morning, Nate came into the room and Sammie was taking his temperature. Ben was awake. His color seemed better also. He still seemed weak, but better.

  “Hey buddy, you are feeling better?” Nate asked.

  Sammie turned to see Nate at the door. “His temperature has gotten better,” Sammie said, removing the thermometer from Ben’s mouth.

  “I feel good, just tired. I don’t feel like I’m going to cough,” Ben said as Nate moved closer – standing beside Sammie. Ben looked up at the two of them standing so close.

  “Are you two boyfriend and girlfriend?” Ben asked.

  Before Sammie could answer Nate didn’t hesitate. “Yes, we are. Is that ok with you?” Nate asked, grabbing Sammie’s hand in front of Ben.

  “More than ok, dad. I prayed for it,” Ben said, smiling now.

  “Get some rest, Ben. We will be back in a moment to check on you,” Nate said, leading Sammie out of the room and down the hall to the rear door and outside away from other ears. It was still cold outside, but not freezing like it had been for the past few days.

  “Where are we going?” Sammie said, acting a little concerned.

  “Just outside…I need to talk to you,” Nate replied.

  Sammie noticed he seemed much different today than normal.

  “Listen, I don’t really know how you feel about me. I can tell you that I can’t stop thinking about you, and haven’t since the day we met,” Nate managed to say.

  “I love you, Nate. I have from day one. I don’t know how or why. It was just like it was God’s will I guess. It has grown since you arrived here. People say love at first sight isn’t true, but I say it is. We are proof, unless you don’t feel the same,” Sammie stated.

  “I do. I love you too,” Nate replied.

  He drew her closer, and without coats in the cold, they kissed. The snow was starting to fall, but neither of them seemed to notice or care. He could do this day after day.

  Chapter 15

  The End Brings New Beginnings

  The fever finally broke. Mattie had taken over for a very tired Sammie who now slept soundly on a small cot next to Ben. She smiled while looking at the temperature reading of normal. Ben wasn’t sweating bullets any longer, and the coughing had stopped two days earlier. He would have to finish out the meds, but he should be up and around in no time, she thought to herself. Mattie walked out of the room after telling Ben about his condition and her expectations of what he should be doing soon. She went to the kitchen and found Nate with Henry and Betty. She told them the news, and Nate rushed in to see the awake Ben.

  “Well, looks like you will be ready to go ice fishing soon,” Nate said jokingly. Ben smiled, he was sitting up now. His color was normal, and his smile was back.

  “I can get dressed and we can go now,” Ben said. He then smiled, knowing he couldn’t really get up yet. His legs were weak from being in bed for over a week already; Nate would help him get up and do some exercise when he was ready. Ben then got a serious look on his face. He looked over at Sammie who was sleeping, and then turned back to his dad.

  “Dad, are you going to marry her?” Ben said in a whisper.

  Nate leaned forward and replied in a whisper. “Son, if she will say ‘yes’ when I ask…I will marry her.”

  “Yes,” Sammie whispered from her fake sleeping.

  The End.