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

by Kevin Barry Maguire

  Paul is a big guy and former logger turned owner. He’s reached an age where being in an office is a lot easier on his body. I figure he’s around 60 years old and stands about six feet high. Even at his age though, his muscles are bigger than most guys half his age.

  Mark is an engineer and a wizard with electronics. He works at an aviation outfit in Puyallup. Puyallup is a little southeast of Tacoma but far enough away that he was able to escape unharmed. I always think of the late 70’s and 80’s rock band Heart when I hear the name Puyallup, since it’s where they came from. It’s their hometown.

  After a few minutes of catching up Brett Donaldson walked up and joined us.

  “Brett, good to see you made it! You weren’t at work?”

  “Yes, I was reporting on a story in Bonney Lake. I was able to get to my house in Sumner, grab some gear, and get the hell out of Dodge” he replied.

  “That’s awesome man. I hope your contacts are still on the job.”

  “A few are, most from a distance and some from hospitals.”

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  Over the next 15-20 minutes, what remained of our group showed up. It was obvious some of us would be missing. Sam Davis is a doctor and understandably isn’t here. Even if he’s unharmed, he’d be at work first. We have a medic, so we’re not doomed.

  The other big loss for us is our gun smith, Josh Martin. Josh has a Federal Firearms License and keeps us armed at good prices. He also makes sure we have a steady supply of ammunition. Since he's not here, I can only assume he didn’t make it out. If he’s gone, losing him would be a big deal. If this gets worse, we would have to improvise.

  Paul clapped my shoulder, breaking up my sorrowful thoughts. He pointed his thumb to the door, telling us to “move inside and get started. We have a lot to discuss.”

  We entered the hall, where Paul already had the table and chairs set up. By his look and actions, you’d never know he’s a rich dude who has people. He’s a hands-on doer. He took a small laptop out of his bag and set it up in front of him on the table. The laptop, I know, is connected to the Internet via a portable satellite modem. After we were all seated, he began:

  “I’m grateful so many of us made it out safely. We’re missing some big guns, but we’ll make do. Adapt and overcome. But with the current group we’ll remain strong and survive if we all work together. The current plan is to stay in place and wait it out.”

  He continued, “We’re still trying to find out who’s responsible, but our contacts are coming up empty for now. I’m sure you’re all aware this was a major attack on the United States. Canada is taking people in and Mexico is also opening the border. It will relieve the pressure on the rural areas to have people crossing the border. It also seems to be safer to be anywhere but America, at this time anyway.”

  Jason remarked “I wish some of the people crowding Ashford got that memo.”

  I gave a chuckle and Paul carried on, “Well yes, that is a problem. Hopefully it will sort itself out soon. It’s one we expected though. We need to concern ourselves with the bigger picture and let the small shit sort itself out. If it becomes a big problem, we’re prepared to handle it.”

  “As for the rest of the news,” he continued “nothing new is a good thing.”

  As if Murphy was listening, Paul suddenly looked down at his laptop and his eyes wrinkled, face contorted, and then his eyes grew wide.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” he began “it appears this isn’t over yet. Border cities in Canada and Mexico have just been hit with radiation attacks.”

  I was dumbfounded and couldn’t think of anything to say. I wasn’t alone. Whoever is responsible just punished the two countries helping our citizens. Or maybe it was all part of the plan at the start. It would be a solid, morbid plan to weaken the resolve of Canadians and Mexicans. Or maybe it would strengthen their resolve. It would be a risky plan as it could go either way.

  Nikki, a former Navy Intelligence Specialist, was the first to speak up.

  “What the hell are we doing to fight back?”

  “We aren’t the fighters, we’re the protectors. We’ll certainly try to figure out the ‘who,’ but the fighting will be done by the military.”

  Paul regained his composure.

  “Yes yes. We’ll get to the bottom of this and hopefully soon. What we need to do now is dig in for the long haul. Anyone with a radio will hear the news soon and there’s no telling how people are going to react. We’ll need to enact the one-year plan. I don’t see this ending before then.”

  “Get set up and we’ll meet again Thursday at noon.”

  With that, everyone stood and exited the hall. I apologized to my friends for not sticking around or walking back with them. I had to get back to the cottage in a hurry and started a steady jog. Those gun shots had been on my mind.

  I’ll Be Gentle

  As soon as Jack left, I got into a pair of white shorts, a cute pink tank-top, and a light jacket. It was warm but not hot, and I needed to cover my firearm. I decided it was time to start working out and quickening my pace. Jack’s words hit home, finally. I guess it takes a disaster to get me motivated.

  I grabbed my foam sleeping pad and started some stretches on the floor. I haven’t done any exercising since college, these muscles are going to fight me at every step! But if I’m going to impress Jack, I can’t let a torn muscle get in the way.

  When I completed my floor warm-up, I stood and stretched, ending in a yawn. Well that’s not good! I started some jumping jacks to get my blood pumping. I’ll be doing a fast walk, not a run. Jack hates running, says it’s bad for ankles and knees. He told me I should walk at a pace where I’m breathing heavier but can still hold a conversation. I’ll get to talk to myself to test my pace!

  I said good-bye to the dogs and walked out, locking the door behind me. Jack said I should take the dogs with me if I ventured out, but they investigate everything and may slow me down. I think we’re far enough away from town and I’ll be ok.

  I took the trail north of the cottage and started my walk. I quickly realized the trail was too narrow for me to keep a good pace and I really wasn’t sure where it led. So I turned around and headed back. I’ll just take the road but keep away from town.

  Basha and Mercedes barked their hello’s and good-bye’s as I passed the cottage. They really want to come along. Maybe next time, I need to do this and make sure I start it right. I passed our gate and made for the road.

  “Our” gate. Look at me, I spend a few days here and it’s already “ours.” I better watch myself, I may scare Jack away!

  When I got to the road I decided to turn right. I don’t know exactly where it goes, but I know a left turn takes me to the cluster at Ashford proper. That’s to be avoided.

  For the next five minutes I didn’t see a single vehicle or person. Then up ahead about 100 yards I saw two people. They were walking together, then split up. One kept going up the road while the other stopped and was looking down what appeared to be a driveway. Is he casing the place?

  I stopped and observed him and yes, it did appear he was up to no good. That was enough for me and I turned to go back home. So far, he hadn’t noticed me. I’m hoping to keep it that way. He did look familiar though.

  I made it back to our driveway unseen, so that was good. I just couldn’t remember where I’d seen him before. Probably on a trip into town? When I made the turn into the driveway I came face to face with a young man, about 5-6 feet away. He was about 5’11” with a medium build and I knew exactly who he was.

  I also knew who the other guy was now. The young thug now in front of me was the boy who questioned Jack in Elbe. The one down the road was his friend. Worse still, he recognized me. I could see it in his face. He looked at me with a knowing smile, like he just won a prize. For the moment, I was frozen and couldn’t move or talk.

  He spoke first, not intimidated by my small frame. “Well hello again little darlin’.” Darlin’? I don’t think so.

  He w
ent on “I remember you. I recognized the truck in the driveway and those dogs in the windows. I don’t think they like me.”

  He leered at me.

  “Where’s your boyfriend? Or his he a husband? I don’t see a ring so maybe a boyfriend. His loss. You look like you could use a strong man anyway. The way I see it, you two owe me a vehicle and I like your truck. So why don’t you just hand me the keys and I’ll be on my way?”

  I was still frozen like a child and it made me feel useless. The way he spoke to me was insulting, like I was his to play with. Does this little prick think I’d go with him? I am afraid but I’m no toy.

  Then his attitude and tone change. His eyes squinted a little, he spoke slower and with an intense voice he said “But I love redheads and I think I’ll take a piece of you first. Then we’ll call it even.”

  Oh shit. This little prick wants to rape me! Then I remembered I was armed! I reached into my jacket and pulled my Glock 19 from the holster and pointed it at him. Center mass just as instructed by Jack. The little prick just snickered. “Oh no, the scared little girl has a gun!” He laughed it out, mocking me. “You better put that thing away before you hurt yourself.” Then he took a step forward. He could see the fear in my eyes.

  He stopped, smiled a genuine smile and said, “Don’t worry honey, I’ll be gentle.” What! This little prick has no fear and still thinks I’m going to let him have me? White hot anger shot through my mind. Now I was angry. Fear left my body and all I saw was red and the little prick’s heart. The furious pumping of my heart made my vision pulsate in unison.

  His heart was getting larger, meaning he was getting closer. All my lessons were triggering my brain. I took my time and breathed in a long, slow breath. Then I slowly exhaled and gave two tender squeezes of the trigger. “I’ll be gentle” was still screaming through my mind.

  The little prick fell back and hit the ground. Disbelief in his eyes was slowly turning to a blank stare. Before his last breath I looked into his dying eyes…

  “I won’t,” I rasped.

  I stood and watched him die. I’d never seen anyone die before and haven’t even seen a dead body. I thought after shooting someone I’d feel something. But I don’t. It was easier than I thought it would be. It was either get raped or take him out. It was an easy decision and I’d do it again.

  Next time I’ll try and get my pattern closer. That second shot is a bit off.

  I can’t have this prick laying in the middle of the driveway. I grabbed him by the ankles and dragged him to the side of the road, then kicked him over, face down. He doesn’t deserve to look at the trees and sky. He gets dirt.

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  “Brad, did you hear that!”

  “Yes, we need to get the hell out of here!”

  “What about him? He might need help.”

  “Do you have a gun, James?”

  “No. I guess he’s fucked.”

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  I walked back to the cottage, my little workout was over by default. I’d hoped to walk longer but I think killing someone is a good excuse to go home. I think tomorrow I’ll bring the dogs. I walked in and gave the girls big hugs.

  I’d already had my shower for the day, but I needed to wash myself. I think Jack will understand. I laid my Glock on the coffee table and went to the bedroom to undress. Then I took a quick but refreshing shower.

  I thought by now, with the adrenaline rush over, I might feel just a little bad about killing the prick. But it still hasn’t phased me, he deserved what he got. I have no idea what to do with the body though. Maybe Jack will have an idea. The police are gone, which is probably why they thought they could come rob people.

  Shit! His buddies, I forgot about them. I got up and looked outside, even though the dogs would have told me if anyone was out there. I still had to check. I guess they’re smarter than him. Maybe we can report it to the Park Rangers? I don’t know. Jack will figure it out.

  I’ve got some time before Jack is expected to return so I started cleaning up the cottage a little. I felt a need to keep busy, maybe the adrenaline is still pumping. I got all the rooms swept, washed some clothes, and then sat down with a book. I even remembered to clean my firearm.

  Every time the dogs got excited I ran to the window. I was feeling a little nervous about the friends coming here. I kept my Glock holstered while I was reading. I was feeling naked without it. I think we need to train the dogs not to bark at squirrels. Everyone wants to chase squirrels.

  I wasn’t feeling afraid anymore, but I still needed to know nobody was outside. I still had a bunch of energy needing to be released but I didn’t want to go outside just yet. I may be crazy, but I’m not stupid. Jack always says, “If you go looking for trouble, you’ll find it.” Going outside at this time may be looking for trouble. Nobody is getting in the cottage without a key or me letting them in.

  Reading wasn’t cutting it though. I couldn’t concentrate enough to get through a paragraph. I continued with my domestic streak (rare that it is) and decided to start cooking a meal. Jack will be surprised! We’ve got some veggies that need to get used before they’re too old. I just wish we had some potatoes.

  I started some water to boil the broccoli then put a little butter in a pan to sauté some mushrooms and onions. When they were going well I started the steaks. I’m not very good at cooking steaks on the stove but I get the job done.

  With the impeccable timing of a prepared man, Jack walked in as I finished the meal. The dogs gave me plenty of warning, barking their happy barks. They have a special bark for Jack.

  “I’m glad you’re ok. How was your day?”, he asked with concern.

  The Park

  Jack explained to Diane that he had heard the gunshots and hoped it wasn’t her. She informed him it was her and she took care of the problem. Jack raised his eyebrows at that piece of information and asked her to elaborate.

  Diane relayed the story from the time Jack left until he got home. He sat in silence while she spoke, raising an eyebrow or two at several points in her recounting. He kept a straight face through it all, but he was very proud of her and impressed.

  Yet, Jack was a little concerned about her nonchalant attitude about it all. She just killed someone and doesn’t seem phased by it at all. He knew it would hit her at some point, he just hoped everything will have calmed down by then. That’s not bloody likely though.

  “Okay, you’ve been awfully quiet during my story. What do you think?” Diane asked in a somewhat excited tone.

  Jack took a deep breath and exhaled with a slow sigh.

  “First of all, I’m glad you’re okay and remembered your training. You did an excellent job of defending yourself.”

  He had to choose his next words carefully.

  “But I need to ask, are you really okay? You ended someone’s life, that usually affects people.”

  “I’m fine. He was a prick who got what he deserved” she told him. Jack still wasn’t convinced but let it go.

  “Well okay then. We need to move on. Canada and Mexico were attacked today, same as the U.S. We need to dig in and plan to be here for at least a year. This isn’t going to end soon. But first we need to get to the park and speak to a ranger. We need to report the boys and the shooting to someone. The rangers appear to be the best option.”

  Diane’s eyes grew wide and she covered her mouth with a hand. Jack filled her in on the events at the meeting and it was her turn to sit in silence. A few tears dropped from the corners of her eyes and Jack tried to reassure her

  “We’re going to be okay.”

  But Diane was thinking of her parents and wondering when she was going to see them again.

  “I’m not sure” he replied. “My brother and his family are in Mexico and I have to hope and pray the city he’s in didn’t get hit. He’s probably far enough away from the border.”

  He looked at his watch and blanched a bit.

  “We need to get to the park now. We’ll take the dogs a
nd the truck. We can’t drive all the way to the park, but we’ll get most of the way. I want to be back before dark and we’re running out of daylight. Tomorrow we start to prepare for the long-haul.”

  All four piled into the truck and headed for town. About a quarter-mile from the National Park Hwy. Jack turned onto an old road and headed toward the park entrance. The back roads wouldn’t get them all the way there but far enough. A short walk would get them the rest of the way.

  About a mile from the entrance they parked and started walking. Jack realized getting home before dark wasn’t going to happen. He remembered to take leashes for the dogs. Dogs in the park must be on a leash. They weren’t really going to enter the park proper, but he figured it would still be best to use the leash with them.

  They made it to the highway and it continued to look like a parking lot. Nobody was getting in via automobile. Walking by the cars it appeared people have been living in their vehicles, hoping to get in. Some people had set up camp on the side of the road.