EMP [Collateral Darkness] | Book 4

by Tony Mastrolacasa

  “Damn right, I’ll admit it.” George said. “I was so angry with Corey when he first brought it up. I figured Grace was just looking for an excuse to get the hell out of here. Now, though… I’m so glad that he did. She needed something to get her out of that funk she was in. I think that move to the PSC relief camp might have saved Grace’s life. If they manage to get a proper school up and running she may even end up with a nursing degree out of the deal.”

  “I’m so happy for Cathy too.” Gwen said. “That poor dear reminded me so much of a younger Jill.”

  “Oh Yeah… She does kind of have some of your old friend’s ways about her.” George said. “It was a real stroke of luck that Cathy wanted to go volunteer with Grace. Sounds like that camp may have saved her too.”

  “Alright, we’d better get out there.” Gwen said. “It’s July 1st and we’ve got our own party to attend.”

  “Right behind you, dear.” George said. “I’m just gunna check on Hal and Nora first.”

  ◆◆◆

  When Grace and Cathy had left for the Public Safety Canada relief camp back in May, George and Gwen wound up with an unused bedroom in the cabin. With everyone perfectly happy with their present accommodations, an offer had been extended to Hal and Nora. The nicer campers at the nearby campground had gone from being solidly embedded in ice to being buried in soft spring mud, so they were still living in the small camper that they had brought in with them. It was better than nothing, of course, but George’s offer had been quickly and happily accepted.

  Wanting desperately to give George and Gwen some modicum of their privacy back, not to mention their own, Hal and Nora intended to head back to that campground this week. Hal was sure that he would be able to pull out one of those nice big luxury campers by now. He was also certain that he’d get all the help they could ask for… without even asking.

  Olivia, meanwhile, was positively thrilled with their new arrangement and had no intention of moving anywhere. With her aunt and uncle moved out, she suddenly had the entire camper to herself. By some amazing coincidence, her personal independence day had fallen on May 9, her 16th birthday. With her boyfriend also living alone right next door, her life was simply smashing.

  Stu and Sydney, however, were considerably less enthused. Their son and Olivia had become inseparable and while truly happy for the two of them, they were also terribly concerned. Knowing that ‘adult type situations’ were likely inevitable, Stu and Sydney had asked Corey to talk to Leo. Coming from a trusted friend rather than overbearing parents, they hoped the advice would be taken more seriously.

  Ignoring the fact that Leo had sworn him to secrecy, Corey returned with news that they were already a day late and a dollar short… so to speak. Stu and Sydney had quickly followed the shocking revelation with an emergency trip to find a drugstore that wasn’t completely cleaned out.

  ◆◆◆

  “Hey, you girls just about ready in here?” Stu asked, peaking in the cabin door. “Leo tells me that Corey’s starting to get a little nervous down there.”

  Stacey currently had her back to Sydney and Jenny as they struggled to finish dressing her. Jersey laid in the corner yawning to emphasize her indifference to the entire spectacle.

  “Just a few more minutes, Stu.” Sydney replied. “We’re having a little trouble with Stacey’s dress.”

  “I tried to tell you that thing didn’t fit when you tried it on, Stace.” Stu said, stepping inside.

  “It fits, shut up.” Stacey said. “They’re just trying to figure out what to do about the… shut up!”

  “This is a ten thousand dollar Vera Wang, Stu.” Sydney told her husband. “We’re gunna get her in it.”

  “Ha! Okay, I’ll be right outside the door if you need to take another trip into Parry Sound.” Stu said.

  There were three thousand dollar dresses there that fit her just fine, but what the hell do I know?

  “Hang on, Stu.” Sydney said. “Do you have anymore of that heavy fishing line?”

  “Yes… why”

  “Go grab it will ya? It’s only the back laces that are giving us trouble. Stacey’s veil will cover it up anyway, so I’m just gunna lace it up with fishing line. It’ll be completely invisible and she’ll actually be able to breathe.”

  “Sounds good.” Stu said. “Be right back.”

  A few minutes later, with disaster number ‘we lost count’ averted, they were finally ready to go. George stood at the end of the dock ready to officiate with Corey and Leo standing directly in front of him. A magnificent arbor adorned in wildflowers and cedar boughs stood over top of them. As a gift to the bride and groom, every child at the cabin had played a part in its construction. A double row of chairs, also decorated in wildflowers, lined either side of the dock with an aisle in between. All of their guests, also attired in formalwear ‘borrowed’ on that trip to Parry Sound, were seated and waiting patiently.

  Once they saw Sydney hurry down to the dock to take her seat, the congregation knew that the ceremony was about to begin. With everybody staring back towards the cabin, Stu stepped out and held the door for Jersey and Jenny. As is tradition, the flower girl and the maid of honour would take the long walk out to the wedding arche before the bride would reveal herself to her groom.

  Jersey was being a good sport about having a basket of flower petals strapped to her back, but everyone could tell that only the leash Jenny held prevented the coonhound from running off and shedding the unwelcome passenger. As they got onto the dock and continued down the aisle, Jenny could be heard whispering ‘good girl’ over and over again to the slightly limping dog. Recognizing Jersey’s limitations in her role as flower girl, Jenny grabbed handfuls of petals from Jersey’s basket and sprinkled them along as they went.

  Once they reached the end of the dock, Jenny passed Jersey’s leash over to Sydney in the front row and took her spot under the arbor. Sydney already had Emma in her lap, so she really had her hands full at the moment. Thankfully, Jersey was content to simply lie down at her mommy’s feet and look miserable with the now empty basket still strapped to her back. Jersey’s leg had healed nicely, but she was doing a lot more lying around than she used to.

  As strange as it seemed, Stu was actually Stacey’s oldest and dearest friend. In her father’s absence, it was only appropriate that he be given the honour of walking the bride down the aisle. He placed his hand inside the door and a lace covered arm reached out for it. As Stacey stepped out, everybody stood and were immediately reminded of what a rare and incredible beauty she truly was. It is often said that all brides are beautiful, but Stacey left her audience absolutely breathless.

  As Stu took her arm and began leading her towards the dock, she looked out towards her groom. Stacey didn’t know it, but Corey had managed to talk Colonel Bennet into giving him a full dress uniform in addition to his combat gear. Seeing her gentleman officer standing there smiling, Stacey found herself short of breath as well.

  The moment she set foot on the first deck board, the entire congregation began softly humming ‘Here Comes the Bride.’ It was planned in advance, but never rehearsed and everybody but Stacey and Corey knew it was going to occur. Some feared that it might come off a little hokey, but in reality it sounded wonderfully harmonious. It brought all of them into the ceremony and added an element of support and togetherness to the event. Stacey was already barely holding it together, but once she realized what they were doing, the tears finally started to flow.

  How could she love these people, these strangers of less than a year ago, so completely? The answer was simple, of course. It was because they loved her too. They had welcomed her and her daughter into their lives with open arms and Stacey had welcomed them in return. They had all risked their lives to protect one another in a world where danger and chaos reigned and selfless sacrifice was practically unheard of. In a time when modern conveniences were almost nonexistant, Stacey’s life had never felt so full.

  Once the bride was delivered safely
to her groom, Stu gave Stacey a gentle peck on the cheek and shook Corey’s hand. He even made a point of giving Leo and Jenny a covert little wink before taking a seat next to his wife and Emma. Sydney then passed Jersey’s leash off to her husband.

  George smiled at the happy couple as he gave everybody a moment to settle back into their seats. As the only one of them with his back turned to the lake, George couldn’t enjoy the incredible view that everyone else had, but he knew that they couldn’t have chosen a better venue. Like Stacey and Corey, the scenery over his shoulder was equally breathtaking.

  He took a deep breath and began.

  “Welcome, everyone, to Corey and Stacey’s special day. Before we get started, the bride and groom have asked that we take a moment to think of the loved ones that are no longer with us. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and dear friends, all have been lost to the madness of the past year. None of us have been spared from the painful sting of losing someone that we once held dear. Now that they have finally found peace, we can take comfort in the knowledge that they are all here with us today in our hearts and minds.”

  The entire congregation followed George’s lead in bowing their heads for a few seconds.

  “Thank you and now on to the main event!” George said with gusto, immediately lifting their spirits again.

  “I know it may sound a little self-serving to say this, but I can’t imagine a more beautiful setting to celebrate the love and joining of these two incredible people and these two wonderful families.

  “I say self-serving because this place has belonged to my family for generations, but that’s not entirely true anymore, is it? This simple isolated place has become home to all of us. It has sheltered us from storms and protected us from harm. These lands and its waters have nourished our bodies and rejuvenated our souls. The incredible scenery you see behind me doesn’t just belong to Brickham family anymore. It also belongs to the Coopers, the Bakers, the Jacksons and the Bishop/Weyrs. It even belongs to the Fletchers and the Joneses. This place is no longer just some place with a few trees and a bit of water. It’s the wonderful home of seven families and as God as my witness I say to you today… this miraculous place belongs to us all.

  “Now with that said, let’s go about the business of bringing together two of our seven families.

  “Honoured guests, we have gathered here on this beautiful day to join Captain Corey Dean Fletcher and Stacey Ann Jones in the union of marriage. This contract is to be entered into thoughtfully, seriously and with deep understanding of its responsibilities and obligations. Although no record of this union will be officially registered for some time, rest assured that this marriage is legally binding in the eyes of our Lord and the Ontario Government under articles of the Emergencies Act.

  “Yes, folks, even the government understands that some things simply cannot wait. They’ll collect their fees eventually… They always do.

  “Stacey and Corey have decided to write their own vows. We’ll start, of course, with the lovely bride.” George said, concluding his opening segment and stepping back to give Stacey the floor.

  Stacey looked over at her maid of honour and Jenny passed her a small slip of paper. Then Stacey gathered herself for a moment and surprised them all by proceeded to run though her vows flawlessly.

  “Corey, it’s hard to believe that we’ve only known each other for 10 months because it feels like I’ve known you my entire life. I wish I could tell you the exact date that we first met, but I really have no idea. I can only tell you that we’ve been inseparable ever since and the reason for that is obvious. When I’m with you, I feel loved and safe. We’ve been through so much together, faced more challenges than most couples are confronted with in a lifetime. Through it all, I never once thought that you might not be there for me when I really needed you. With you at my side, I feel like there’s nothing we can’t accomplish, no obstacle we can’t overcome.

  “All of these wonderful things, as incredible as they are, would mean nothing without the last part about you that I find so amazing. You love Emma with all of your heart, every bit as much as I do. Corey Dean Fletcher, you are the man of my dreams and I am yours forever.”

  “Corey… it’s your turn.” George said, taking a moment to dab at his eyes. “Good luck, buddy.”

  “No… doubt.” Corey said to everyone’s delight.

  Corey pulled several slips of paper from his breast pocket, unfolded them and took a moment to look at what he had come up with. Then he shook his head, abruptly folded them back up and placed them back in his pocket.

  “I… I don’t know how many hours I spent writing down what you mean to me, Stace. After two weeks, I had somehow managed to fill five pages. When I tried editing it, getting it down to a more reasonable length, I only thought of more things to add. By the time I finally called in Jenny to help me out, my vows were seven pages long. Even what I just put back in my pocket is ridiculously long.”

  “I’m gunna need to see those pages later… just so you know.” Stacey said with a smile.

  “Yes, dear.” Corey replied.

  “Stacey, I could easily stand here and talk about how amazing you are for an hour and it still wouldn’t even scratch the surface of what you mean to me. When I heard your vows just now, though, it all became very clear to me. Everybody here already knows how incredible you are, Stace. We all know that everything you do and everything you are has the safety of the ones you love at its core. As strong and brave as you are, the real reason why you are so loved is because of the love you return so effortlessly.

  “We met on September 12th, by the way. I found a gang of she-devils in my driveway and ended up getting shot in the shoulder. That isn’t why the date stuck in my mind though. I’ll never forget it because of what I saw when I looked behind me. I found myself looking into the most beautiful eyes I’d ever seen in my entire life. You were trying to look all hard and menacing, holding a shaking rifle on me, but you couldn’t quite pull it off. I knew at that moment that I would do anything to be near you.

  “Stacey Ann Jones… you amaze me. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met and I’m the luckiest man alive to have you in my life. You and our two beautiful daughters mean the world to me and I’ll happily spend the rest of my life helping you protect and provide for our family. You are my everything and I love you completely.”

  “Okay then…” George said, obviously taken aback. “Show of hands… How many of you thought Corey had that in him?”

  Instead of raised hands, George received only laughter and raucous applause. George then went back to reading from his drastically abridged script. They completed their vows, exchanged their rings and then stood holding hands waiting for George to make his final pronouncement.

  “By the power vested in me by the Province of Ontario and that Army chaplain guy we managed to raise on the ham radio, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Go ahead and kiss your wife, you old softy.”

  As Corey dipped Stacey and gave her a long passionate kiss, the entire congregation jumped to their feet and cheered wildly.

  Jersey, startled and suddenly finding herself without ‘the man’ holding onto her leash, bolted with only one thought on mind. Whatever her family had strapped onto her back was coming off and she knew exactly how she was going to get it done. Before anybody even noticed, Jersey was already launching herself off of the end of the dock.

  Corey, true to his words of only a few minutes ago, caught a glimpse of what was about to happen and instantly reacted. He scooped up Stacey and Jenny and carried them back a few steps.

  As valiant as the move was, though, there was really no need. The enormous splash that Jersey created was only headed towards a single target. Of course, it was the same person that she had already nailed twice since moving to this ‘miraculous place.’

  “Are you freakin’ kidding me?” George shouted as he stood on the dock drenched in cold lake water.

  Everybody immediately burst out laughing once they
realized what had just happened. The fact that George was wearing an expensive designer suit only added to the hilarity of it all. True, he had lifted it from a store mannequin, but still… Armani.

  ◆◆◆

  Later that evening, several tables were set up outside between the campers. As everybody sat at their dinner table, Stu was given the privilege of officially introducing Corey and Stacey for the first time as husband and wife. The newly minted Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher took their seats at the head table with Leo to Corey’s left and Jenny to Stacey’s right. Emma was brought over to sit on Stacey’s lap until dinner was served. It was well known that Stacey intended to keep her family name, but that didn’t stop her from taking Corey’s as well. She was now Stacey Ann Jones Fletcher and someday her ID would say the same.

  As master of ceremonies, Stu called on a few guests that had expressed an interest in offering a toast or a short story. After Corey and Stacey had taken their turn and thanked everybody for their kindness, Brian was called up. Surprisingly, the final word before dinner would go to Brian rather than the newlyweds. He had spent hours working on this surprise and only Stu and Fran knew what it was about. Knowing the content of his message, Stu knew that Brian absolutely had to go last.

  “Hi, everybody.” Brian said. “I’m sorry, I know you’re all getting hungry, but I just have one small gift for the Fletchers before we eat. I know that Corey and Stacey told us specifically that they didn’t want to receive any gifts today, but I chose to ignore their wishes.

  “Up until recently, we didn’t have the ability to contact anybody from outside of our small circle. Thanks to Captain Weirdo over there, we finally have access to a military satellite phone. I used my position with the government to make a few calls and after pulling some strings and cashing in a couple of favours, I finally got what I needed.

  “I hold in my hand a slip of paper with a short message scribbled on it. I wrote it myself, so the paper itself isn’t of particular value. The information provided on it, however, is priceless. It simply contains two long serialized numbers. Together, these two numbers represent amendments to the officially listed standing of someone that we all hold very dear to our hearts.