Aftermath of Disaster: Books 1, 2, and 3 Bundle + Bonus Book: When Jack Met Diane

by Kevin Barry Maguire

  He went back to the cottage and Diane was up and unpacking some of the food in the small kitchen. They had power, and the gas was working in the oven. He turned on the water and let it run in the sink for a few minutes. He hadn't been to the cottage in three weeks and wanted to get the cobwebs out. Jack said, "Use it while we can, it may not last forever." Jack announced he was heading into town and taking the bike. He needed news and some fresh veggies. He grabbed a small backpack and went outside. Diane followed with the dogs.

  He carefully opened the shed, keeping the chickens back. Basha and Mercedes were suddenly interested in the contents of the shed. Jack said, "No" and the dogs backed off. They understood the chickens were not toys. He grabbed the bike and got it out without letting a chicken escape. That was going to be a problem, he thought. "I'll be back before dark. Try to stay inside and don't let anyone in. He continued, "Keep the dogs inside with you." With that, he jumped on the mountain bike and peddled swiftly to Ashford.

  He made it to town and headed straight for the general store. He went right for the meats and picked up some bacon. Then he found some tomatoes and broccoli that were still in good condition. For Diane, he also grabbed a bottle of ranch dressing. He paid with his card and put everything in his backpack. Then he took out Diane's tablet and looked for news.

  The president is still in an undisclosed location and released a short statement. Law enforcement and our intelligence agencies don't know who's responsible for this massive act of terror on our homeland. We will find out and when we do we will unleash the full might of the United States upon them. You have my word. This attack will not go unanswered!

  Jack read enough. Nobody knows anything yet. He'd find out soon enough, he thought. There was no news on when it would be safe to return to the city. He had to get moving if he was going to get back before dark. He unlocked his bike and got on his way. It wasn't too long of a ride but it was off pavement. He wanted to see the rocks and pits in front of him. He made it back with time to spare, it was an easy ride.

  He walked in the front door and all three girls were there to greet him. He could get used to this. He told Diane the news, which was no news really, and they decided on dinner. There wasn't much to decide on except which freeze-dried meal they were going to have. Jack chose chicken fajita bowl while Diane had chicken and dumplings. A dinner to remember. They took turns in the shower as it wasn't big enough for two. Showers had to be quick, the hot water heater didn't hold much. Starting tomorrow they'd have to schedule showers: Diane in the morning and Jack in the evening.

  Jack stocked the cottage with an assortment of books and they sat down for some reading before going to bed. Jack cleaned his weapon, then chose a coding book to brush up on things he hadn't used in a while. Diane went right for romance. After about an hour, they decided to call it a night.

  In the morning, Diane took her shower and Jack made breakfast. He fried up two eggs and a few strips of bacon for each of them. Then he sliced up one of the tomatoes and put a few slices on each plate. It was like he never left home. For Diane, he put the bottle of ranch on the small kitchen table.

  After their hot, home-cooked breakfast Jack announced to Diane that it was time to get the garden ready. "Now?" she replied. "We don't even know how long we'll be here." "Exactly," Jack responded. We don't know anything so we prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I picked out the spot a long time ago. It gets plenty of sun and protection from any wind. Our biggest problem will be keeping deer and other critters out of our food. I've got fencing in the shed but we'll wait on that until the veggies are showing or we know we'll be here for a while. It won't keep the deer out but Basha and Mercedes will."

  They each picked up a shovel and began turning the soil at the chosen location. Jack chose the north side of the cottage for the sunlight. It also had a forest behind it and on the side opposite the cottage for wind protection. The dogs would notice any animals and their barking would keep them away from the garden. That was the plan, anyway. The garden measured about 12 feet by 8 feet and it took them about 30 minutes to finish. Jack told Diane not to break a sweat, it would be a while before she could shower again. She flashed him a "bite me" look and kept turning the soil.

  They decided a nice walk to town would do them some good. They each wore a day pack and loaded their EDC items, both adding a bottle of water and an emergency food bar. Jack called the dogs and they were on their way. It wasn't a long walk, only about a mile to town. Jack has a pace north of 5 miles per hour but Diane is about half that. He told her she was going to have to work on that if they were going to be out here for a while. "Instead of just watching me on the treadmill, you should have followed," he told her half-jokingly. That brought on another "Bite me" look from Diane.

  They got to town and the first thing Jack noticed was it was crowded. Not good, he thought. Expected, but not good. More people leaving meant this was going to last a while. It also meant supplies at the store were going to be limited and probably expensive. "We need to get what we can while we can," he told Diane. They made their way to the general store and started packing the cart. Meats, veggies, and toiletries. Jack saw a small book of edible plants and put it in the cart. He knew what he could eat, Diane did not. They paid for their food and got out of there.

  Jack had kept his ears open for any tidbits of news from the patrons. The cities were emptying out and people were heading for the hills. Hospitals were filled and patients were laying in the halls and waiting rooms. A lot of them were going to die. It was worse than Jack expected. It takes a pretty big exposure to radiation to cause death. Whoever did this was well organized and well-funded. They hit every city in the US at the same time.

  Starting at 12:30 pm Pacific had most people out of their offices at lunch. On the East Coast, they were mostly inside but on a hot spring day, they had the air conditioners on. They thought this through, Jack thought. Emergency crews were in hazmat gear locating the devices used in the attack. Nobody was being allowed into the cities, only out. The National Guard was protecting the borders of the cities. The wind was blowing the radiation south, so both Steilacoom and DuPont got hit. It was a good thing they got out of Dodge.

  Jack and Diane started making their way back to the cottage. They discussed the news and decided they'd be there for a few weeks at least. He'd know more soon but didn't say anything yet. Timing is everything. They got past the gate and started up the driveway when Jack held up a fist, meaning "stop" and quietly said "Ready." Both dogs became alert. Diane asked, "What's up?" "We've had or have company," Jack responded. "There are footprints that don't belong to us." "Two men and either a child or small woman by the looks of it. It could be a family looking for shelter or something worse. Be on guard, get your weapon ready."

  She looked at him quizzically and Jack said "You thought that piece was only there to make you look hot? Get it out and remember everything I've taught you." They slowly made their way up the driveway with the dogs leading the way. Jack was watching them for signals but didn't see anything. Whoever it was probably left already, just not the same way they came. The footprints only went one direction.

  They reached the cottage with no sign of the visitors or signals from the dogs. "Stay with me," Jack told Diane. They walked the perimeter and Jack declared it all clear. The visitors didn't mess with the garden and the shed was still locked. His chickens were safe. Jack knew they didn't get into the cottage, it's well protected with the barred windows and security door. It didn't look like they messed with the truck either. Most likely they were searching for a place to stay, maybe looking for a place to camp with the National Park full or nearly full.

  The mess in Ashford was going to take a few days to sort out and they'd probably see more wanderers. "No Trespassing" doesn't mean what it used to, apparently. Not in times like this, Jack mused. They took the trail leading north from the cottage and are out of the area. Basha and Mercedes would have picked up their scents if they were near.

  They
got inside and unloaded their packs when Jack got another message on his watch: Monday. Noon. They put everything away and Jack said "There's something I need to show you. I've got to leave for a few hours on Monday, maybe longer. He took her to the bedroom and she said "I've seen that before," with a smile. Jack laughed and said, "Yes you have, young lady! But this is bigger." Jack went to a corner of the room and pressed a panel on the wall. It popped out and revealed a keypad. He showed her the numbers, 654562 and said "Memorize that and never forget it. Don't write it down anywhere and don't keep it on your phone or tablet."

  As he was speaking a section of floor slid out and revealed a door. Diane said "Jesus Christ, Jack." Jack laughed and said "Some men buy vacation homes, boats, and big campers. I buy safety." He opened the door and revealed the ladder. "After you, my lady." When they got to the safe room, Diane noticed it looked just like the one at Jack's hose. Missing was the phone and laptop, no such luxuries here, she thought. There was a bed and shelves of supplies, a few book, a hand crank radio and a matching flashlight. There was a handgun and two AR-15's. She also saw several boxes of ammo. "The last stand," she thought.

  Jack said, "When you get down here, press the same numbers onto this keypad and everything up top will shut seamlessly. Nobody will know where you went. Diane asked, "Is there anything else you're not telling me, Jack?" Jack said, "Of course. Right now, the less you know the safer you are. You can't give up what you don't know." Diane asked, "So what's going on Monday? Is that a secret too?"

  He looked at her, raised and eyebrow, and responded with a "Yes."

  Book 2 – Diggin In

  Preface

  The scent of breakfast wafted from the kitchen. It filled the whole house, even the shower where Diane was getting ready for the day. As Jack finished making the bacon, he cracked a couple eggs into the pan. Cooking was his time of Zen, to think about all the things he needed to get done for the day.

  For the past few days he couldn’t keep his mind off the meeting later in the day. In a few hours he’d start his hike to the designated meeting spot. He met there several times with the other members of the group for test runs. Everyone needed to know how to get there.

  Diane tried to get more information about the meeting, but Jack wouldn't give in. For now, it was in her best interest to be left in the dark. If it turns out they'd be out here much longer, he'd fill her in. The group has its secrets but they’re not exclusive. Jack could tell her anytime he felt like it, it was just easier not to.

  For the past few days, the pair have been digging in for the long haul. They figured they’d be there for at least a few months, so they might as well be comfortable. Together they erected a fence around the garden and fixed up the shed for the chickens. With a little extra fencing, they were able to make a small run for the chickens to be outside. Basha and Mercedes would guard the pen while the chickens were getting a little fresh air.

  Jack and Diane did make it into town one more time. It was very crowded, with no police in sight. As they heard it, the State Patrol and County sheriffs were all sent closer to the cities to help the National Guard. The only police in the area were the park rangers in the National Park next door. With the park being full, Jack wasn’t sure they could handle what was going on outside the park also.

  They were unable to gather anymore news, besides the police situation. Nothing else had been reported since their last visit to town. Jack's main source of news will come from the meeting today. But first, bacon and eggs with a side of coffee.

  Diane came into the kitchen, “Good morning Jack,” she said with a bright face and sunshiny smile. Jack replied, “You're awfully chipper this morning, what do you have planned?” “Nothing special, I'm just excited about your little meeting and what it means for us. I do hope you'll give me more information when you return.”

  Jack laughed and started pouring coffee so he could choose his next words carefully. It's a good tactic to feign concentration while thinking of what to say next. Jack has become a master at it.

  Eventually Jack told her he should find out more information and would be happy to relay the news. Left unsaid was who he was talking to, and all the dirt that came with it. She would find out in due time if things got worse.

  They cleaned up the breakfast mess and went on a little walk with the dogs. They took a trail north of the cottage to avoid the mess in town. Ashford was going to get ugly fast if the police don’t come back. North is a much safer direction.

  The Meeting

  Itried to hide my concern from Diane while we were walking the dogs. The situation in Ashford is bleak at best. We’re far enough away from the town for stragglers to be a problem, but anyone with a car that still has gas is just a few minutes away. There’s nothing to be done now though. I’ve trained Diane as best I could in the time I had. I think she’ll be fine.

  I grabbed her tablet and threw it in my day pack with the other items: water, a pouch meal, some dried fruit, map, flashlight, jacket, emergency blanket, and a few other emergency items. I plan to be back before dark, but in the wild, things can always change.

  I knew attack was well planned and carried out. Whoever did this must have a reason besides terror and death. An attack this big doesn’t happen just to scare people. They have a plan and I’m worried about it.

  “Diane! I’m heading out. I should be back for dinner and my shower. Keep the dogs with you and don’t stray too far from the cottage, please. It’s easy to get lost in these woods.”

  “Okay,” she replied. “I may take a short walk and then do some reading.”

  I gave her a kiss and said good-bye. Basha got a pat on the head before I walked out the door. The meeting location is central to group members’ bugout location. For me, that’s north a few miles through the forest and hills.

  The logging roads will make the trip easier but longer. A good switch-back beats the hell out of climbing up a steep hill and I’ll be making an elevation gain. The location is at the top of a hill, making it a great look-out spot. Not that anyone will be spying on us, but it’s still good to know what’s going on around us.

  After about a mile of walking I heard the unmistakable sound of two gunshots. It’s hard to tell in the hills but it sure sounded like it came from the direction of the cottage. Damn! I can’t go back on the suspicion that she may be in trouble. We need a solid head count of everyone who made it out.

  They came in rapid succession, just like I taught Diane. I must trust in her training. The good news is there were only two shots. If it was her and she missed, there would be follow-up shots. Furthermore, nobody fired back. If it was her, she’s probably safe. That’s what I must tell myself.

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  As I got near the location I saw someone heading the same direction. He was tall, maybe 6’2” with an athletic build. With his khaki safari hat and matching shorts, I was pretty sure it was Jason Keller, our expert tracker and hunter. I’m pretty good at it, but he’s better. We’ve met several times and I’ve gleaned some knowledge bombs from him.

  I picked up my pace to close the distance and get a better look. At about 50 yards I knew for sure who it was.

  “Jason, wait up!” I jogged up to him as he waited.

  “Good to see you, glad you made it, Jason!”

  “Jack, good to see you too! You look pretty clean for someone who was supposed to be in the city.”

  I gave him the details of our lucky break and our rush to the cottage. Jason lives in Eatonville, far from city life and close to our location. It’s still too far for our purposes though. He also has a cottage nearby.

  Eatonville is a small logging town south and east of Tacoma, past the half-way mark on the trip to Mt Rainier. Our high schools were in the same league for sports – Nisqually League, Single A. We’re both small town guys. Incidentally, I got disqualified from a wrestling match there.

  After our brief pleasantries, we headed up the hill to our destination. As we got near, the sounds of nature got very qu
iet. We weren’t the first to arrive. Jason already picked up on that and stopped talking. He held up his hand, and I followed his lead. Just because we weren’t alone doesn’t mean whoever is up there is a friendly.

  As we crested the hill we came upon the clearing and could see our friends ahead. Everything was fine now.

  At the top of the hill we have a small, basic meeting hall. It’s not even a cabin in the normal sense. It’s just a brown, one room shelter nestled under some evergreen trees. There is a fireplace on the north wall and a few windows.

  The shelter is 20 yards long by 12 yards wide. We keep a fold up table and chairs inside. If need be, we can fold everything up and sleep there. The cold cement floor would not be comfortable though. We didn’t want it to be too inviting.

  Outside there isn’t much to see. We thought about building an outdoor fireplace but decided it would be too inviting. Some of us do use the shelter during hunting seasons and it would have been a nice touch. People can just dig a fire pit and bring some chairs outside. It’s not pretty, but it will do.

  Paul Peterson and Mark Wilson were already there to greet everyone. Paul is the landowner, so it makes sense he was here first. He owns a local lumber company and we’re using his land for our gatherings.