by Poe, S. B.
“You know, my uncle didn’t like these things. Said I was just a big kid playing with toys.” He whispered to the horse. He reached over and wrapped his hand around the shaft.
He stood and stepped from underneath the overhanging roof. As he did he turned to his left and quickly scanned. A few yards away he saw it. He took two quick steps forward and drove the sharp tip of the halberd through the earhole of the invader. Pop. He withdrew it smoothly and brought the hilt down to the ground by his foot. The silver end of the tip dripped with rot and he watched in the firelight as it slowly fell onto the axe head just beneath it. He smiled as he wiped it off with the rag he pulled from his pocket.
“He was wrong. At least about it being a toy.” He patted the side of the horse and sat back down in front of the fire.
*
The sun had a head start on Bridger but not by much. As he opened his door the glare off the morning dew raced across the now almost empty landscape and pierced his eyes. He squinted and raised his hand in front of his face. For the first time in what seemed like months he couldn’t see his breath in front of him in the morning air. The slightly tolerable temperature that greeted him confirmed that winter was beginning to lose its grip over the world outside.
“Should probably add sunglasses to the list.” He said to himself as he stepped outside.
He took a few steps toward the saloon and felt his pace slow. He paused as he watched the subtle plume of smoke rise from the chimney.
“Looks like they chose a new pope.” Tilly said as she walked up from behind.
“Huh?” He said turning to greet her.
“The smoke, it’s white. That means they chose a new pope. I watched it with my mom the last time, or was it the time before? Anyway, white smoke new pope.” Tilly said as she walked by towards the saloon.
“I don’t think…” Bridger started.
“Hey, maybe it’s you.” Tilly said back over her shoulder as she walked on.
“God I hope not.” Bridger said under his breath. “Hey, hold up.”
Tilly stopped and turned back to him. She reached up and brushed her bangs out of her eyes, sweeping them to one side.
“It didn’t bother you that I didn’t ask you and Raj to go did it?” Bridger asked.
“Nah, I get it. Raj is a doctor. He needs to be here.” Tilly said.
“And you?” Bridger asked.
“I take care of Raj.” Tilly said.
“Actually that’s only part of it. You take care of everyone. You took charge of keeping these fences clear and keeping this place safe for all of us. I need you to keep doing that.” Bridger said.
“Yeah, well I don’t trust any of you bastards to do it and I like living, so no problem.” Tilly said, smiling. They walked into the saloon.
Evelyn was bent over in front of the potbelly stove with her back to the door as she stirred the embers.
“Mmm Mmm. Don’t tease Mrs. Collins.” Bridger said as he walked in the door.
“Never, Mr. Preston.” She turned her head and smiled without straightening up. She saw Tilly walking in with him and straightened up quickly, brushing off the front of her pants as she did.
“Good morning Tilly.” Evelyn said.
“Good morning...Mrs. Collins.” Tilly replied smiling.
The back door swung open and they heard footsteps running through the kitchen. The door behind the bar burst open. Ham stood and looked around the room.
“Aw, it’s just y’all. I thought Jahda was in here.” Ham said.
“Haven’t seen her. It’s still early though. Maybe she’s still asleep.” Evelyn said.
“Already checked. She’s not there. Not over at the bathroom pit either.” Ham said.
“You checked the pit?” Evelyn asked. “Why?”
“Cause I want to see her before they leave.” Ham said as her eyes darted around the room. She started towards the front door.
“We’re not leaving until tomorrow.” Bridger said.
“I know, I just want to spend as much time with her as I can.” Ham said as she wove between the table and chair. Evelyn stepped in front of her.
“Whoa, slow down. They’ll be back in a few days.” Evelyn said smiling. Ham stopped and looked at her.
“You can’t promise that. No one can. Not now.” She bolted out the door.
Tilly looked at the closed door, thinking about what she said. She raised her eyes and caught the look Evelyn gave Bridger. He didn’t see it. Tilly cleared her throat.
“I think I’ll go find Raj.” She said as she walked past Bridger. She smiled at him as she went by. Then she smiled at Evelyn and walked out the door. Evelyn’s gaze followed her as the door closed. She turned back to Bridger. He was looking at her.
“She’s wrong.” He said.
“About what?”
“She said you couldn’t make that promise now. She’s wrong. You never really could. It might have been an easier promise to keep a year ago.”
“But sometimes someone says they’ll see you at supper, and they never do.” Evelyn said.
“Sorry.” Bridger said, realizing.
“It’s ok. It was a long time ago.” Evelyn said as she walked around him and started to the kitchen.
“I’m going to head out. If any of the team, ha get that, the team, shows up send them over to the Alamo.” Bridger said as he started out the door.
“Yes sir. Over and out sir.” She turned and saluted.
“Don’t do that. And it’s just out.” He said.
“Huh?”
“It’s not over and out, it’s just out. When you say over…nevermind, just don’t do the whole yes sir, salute thing.” Bridger said.
“Ok. Sorry.” Evelyn said.
“No, it’s not a big deal, I just…” He started.
“It’s ok. Do what you have to do.” Evelyn said.
He looked at her, regretting that he messed up the moment, and turned out the door. Her eyes followed the door shut and she turned into the kitchen.
Ham ran off the porch from the saloon and started towards the barn. She weaved between JW’s truck and the bus. She skidded to a stop when she came around the front of the truck.
“JAHDA!!!” She called.
Jahda was down behind the SUV spinning the tire tool into the bumper.
“Hey Ham.” She said looking back over her shoulder. Ham came up and knelt down beside her.
“Whatcha doin?” Ham asked.
“Just raising the spare tire back up.” Jahda said.
“Did you have a flat?”
“Nope. Just wanted to check it to make sure we had a spare in case we did.” Jahda said.
“Opa always says better to not need it than have it.” Ham said.
“I think you mean better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it, but yeah. Just being safe.” She said. “There. That’s done.”
“Are you scared?” Ham asked.
“Of what?”
“Going out there. It’s nice in here. The fence keeps the stringers away.” Ham said.
“It does. I want to stay in here, but to do that, sometimes you have to go out there.” Jahda said.
“I know. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be scared.” Ham said.
“I guess it doesn’t but I’m not. Scared that is. Nervous a little, I guess. Just because it’s been so long.” Jahda said. She put her arm on Ham’s shoulder and turned her around.
“Let’s go find something to eat.” Jahda said.
They walked back to the saloon. Evelyn stood on the porch as they approached. She stepped from under the eave and shielded her eyes with her hand.
“Jahda, Bridger wanted you and Devin and Josh and Lori to meet him at the Alamo.” Evelyn said.
“Did he say when?”
“He just said to tell you when I saw you.” Evelyn said. “He was going over there a few minutes ago.”
“We were coming to grab a bite to eat.” Jahda said.
“I’ve got rice b
oiling. Charlie brought in a few squirrels yesterday evening from the traps and Dottie said she was going to cook them this morning, but I haven’t seen her yet.”
“Can she stay with you?” Jahda said, nodding towards Ham.
“No. I am going with you.” Ham said.
“You sure? It might be boring.” Jahda said.
“I like boring.” Ham said.
“Let’s go then.” Jahda said. They walked towards the Alamo.
Kate stepped outside. She sat down on the little step in front of her door. She waved as Jahda and Ham went by. They stopped at Josh’s shack and Lori answered the door. After a brief conversation Jahda and Ham walked on towards the Alamo. Her gaze stayed on the front door of Josh’s shack, as it swung open again. Lori stepped outside with Josh close behind. They walked hand in hand towards the Alamo too. Kate wasn’t sure how she was supposed to feel about that but she was at least glad they both had a little happiness. It was a tough thing to come by now. She clasped her hands together and stretched them skyward. She stood and turned as the door to Scott’s shack swung open. He stuck his head out. She caught his eye. His hair was longer than it had ever been and he was cursed with his mother’s curls. She smiled at the mass on top of his head. He took both hands and violently shook his hair and smiled at her. She made the motion of scissors. He nodded. Well, she thought, this should be fun. He walked over to her and they walked together towards the saloon.
Dottie sat up on her cot and swung her feet to the floor. She leaned over her knees and coughed. The pink on her sleeve was faint but still there. She didn’t know what it was but she knew it probably wasn’t good. Coughing up blood never is. She stood and put it out of her mind. She would mention it to Raj next time she had a chance. She slung her coat over her shoulders and stepped outside. She stood there for a second and took her coat and slung it back through the door. She walked across the slowly drying track of mud to the saloon. She saw Kate and Scott coming behind her as she stepped inside.
Evelyn walked from behind the bar and sat the pot of rice back on the stove. She had taken the squirrels and deboned them. They had caught twelve. It was the biggest haul in weeks. The coming spring had them moving around more. She turned as Dottie came in the back door.
“I got the meat cleaned and ready.” Evelyn said.
“Well, let’s get to work.” Dottie said as she leaned over the stove.
Kate and Scott walked in the front door and found Charlie and Jennifer already seated at the table. Raj and Tilly came through the door a few minutes later. Martin came in through the back door into the kitchen.
“Morning Dottie, morning Evelyn.” Martin said. “Y’all seen Ham?”
“She’s with Jahda. They were going to the Alamo with Bridger.” Evelyn said.
“Ok. Devin and I ran into Josh when were finishing our fence walk. Devin went with Josh and Lori.” Martin said.
“I guess Bridger wanted to get the ones going together. Have a meeting or something.” Dottie said.
“We probably need to have a meeting of the ones that are left behind too.” Martin said. “At least to work out a fence walking schedule. We’ll need to make some adjustments. I’ll talk to Tilly.” He continued.
“This’ll be ready in just a bit. Be nice if we had some coffee.” Dottie said. “That needs to be on the list.”
“For sure.” Martin said as he ducked through the door from the kitchen to the saloon. His eyes caught Tilly’s. “We need to talk.”
“Let’s talk.” She said.
Bridger stood as Ed, Jahda and Devin loaded magazines for the rifles. Josh, Lori and Ham were loading handgun magazines. He looked around the Alamo.
“Guys listen up for a second. Make sure the magazines are clean before you load them. Knock the dirt out. Some of these have been sitting here for a while.” Bridger said.
“Why do we need this stuff? Just a good machete and a backup gun in case of emergency got us through a lot of them dead bastards.” Devin said.
“I don’t think the guns are for the stringers.” Jahda said.
“Who are they for then?” Ham asked.
“The people.” Jahda said.
“Why?” Ham asked. She turned to Bridger as if to confirm that Jahda was right.
“Sometimes, not always, but sometimes when things get bad people get mean. We just need to make sure they can’t be mean to us.” Bridger said.
“Are you going to be mean to them?” Ham asked.
“Not unless we have to be.” Bridger said.
“Just in case?” Ham asked.
“Just in case.”
“What do you think we’ll find out there?” Josh asked.
“Well, you’ve been out there since I have. You tell me.” Bridger said.
“That was a few months ago. And we aren’t going to South Springs. So your guess is as good as mine.” Josh said.
“Well it has been a few months but I think we have a few possible scenarios. One we could be the only people people left alive on the planet. I doubt that, but it’s possible. Two, this whole thing could be over and everything has started to rebuild and we just sat out in the woods for six months having our own little Thoreau moment. I doubt that too. Third, and this is the most likely, we have no idea what we are going to find once we get outside of this fence. But we’ll try to be ready for it.” Bridger said, releasing the lock on the slide of his handgun for emphasis.
They spent the rest of the day getting things ready. The group had only one unanimous choice to put on the list. Coffee. The rest was divided up between what they would most likely find versus what would be nice if they came across but didn’t think they should spend extra effort looking. Charlie gave Jahda a list of things he could use to make the water wheel more efficient and even rig up a hot water shower. Most of the list was food, clothing and shelter related. As the sun began to slide over to the short side of the day, they gathered in the less muddy track. They rearranged the vehicles putting the SUV and the mascot truck by the gate so when they left in the morning the bus could be pulled up next to the gate again.
The evening meal was mostly silent. The day had passed quickly because they were so busy. The setting sun marked the end of the hiding time. No one said it but they all felt it. For months they had survived inside the fence. They had cut the trees down and spent some time on the other side fixing the water wheel and other things but this small depression nestled between the pines had become their world. They knew nothing else. The outside world seemed like another planet. They had not seen another living person in months. They had not heard any noise on the radio in months. The place where the muddy track disappeared over the short rise became the edge of their universe. Tomorrow, as the sun rises, that will change.
“I think I am going to call it a night.” Martin said. “See y’all bright and early.”
He stood and went to the kitchen. He dipped the bowl in the dishwater and wiped it out with his hand. He sat it on the counter to dry. Ham followed him and did the same.
“I’ll wake you up. I’m on shift tonight.” Tilly said as she turned to Bridger.
“Thanks.” He said as she grabbed her shotgun and headed out the door.
The others slowly finished their food and cleaned the dishes. Nervous laughter and muffled questions filled the kitchen as they finished. Bridger stood after most everyone had left. He walked into the kitchen with his bowl. Dottie took it from him.
“Here. Let me get that.” Dottie said.
“Thanks.” Bridger said.
“So, I guess you need to get some sleep.” Dottie said.
“I do. I won’t but I do.” Bridger said.
“You won’t?” Evelyn said as she dried the dish Dottie handed her.
“Old habit.” Bridger said. “Goodnight.”
He walked out the back door. As he moved across the road the night air surrounded him. The cool breeze from behind whistled by his ear. He looked up at the sky and saw a brilliant streak as a meteor skipped across
the atmosphere. The purple glow gave way to the dark sky above and stars appeared. He could hear the sound of his own heart in his ears. Damn, he thought, I need a cigarette. He walked to his shack. He sat down in the chair and pulled his boots off. The rifle was leaned against the wall. He had cleaned it twice already and emptied and reloaded the magazines three times. The feeling of adrenaline beginning to course through him had a familiar feeling. It didn’t make him nervous but it did make him awake. He always had a hard time sleeping the night before. Always. He heard a knock at the door. Before he could answer or stand the door swung open.
Evelyn stepped inside and closed the door behind her. She nervously brushed her hands down the front of her pants and smiled at him.
“I thought…” she cleared her throat. “I thought if you couldn’t sleep, maybe I could help you pass the time.” She looked down and unbuttoned the top of her jeans.
He stood and started towards her.
“Don’t tease Mrs. Collins.” He said smiling.
“Never Mr. Preston.” He wrapped his arms around her.
She awoke suddenly. For a brief moment she thought he was gone already. She sat up and saw him sitting in the chair. He was dressed.
“Is it time?” She said as she stood and fumbled for her pants on the floor. She found them and put them on. A shirt too.
“Not yet. Soon.” Bridger said and as if on cue a knock came to the door. Evelyn’s eyes grew wide. She put her finger in front of her mouth. He smiled. He stood and walked to the door.
“Morning Tilly.” Bridger said as he opened the door slightly.
“Morning. I figured you’d be up but just wanted to make sure.” Tilly said.
“Thanks. The others?”
“Haven’t seen anyone yet. I was going to start knocking after I got you.”
“Alright. Thanks.”
“And tell Evelyn I won’t waste my time knocking on her door.” Tilly said as she turned and walked off.
Bridger turned back to Evelyn and smiled.
“I didn’t say a word. You were right here.” Bridger said.