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

by Kevin Barry Maguire

  “All righty then, I’ll prepare for my guest.”

  With that, Jack fetched the eggs from the chickens and went back inside. Later he’d have to let them out for some exercise. He grabbed his laptop and went to work vetting Robin. She was sitting across from him and had no idea he was reading up on her background.

  Former TSA, recently married, new home, nothing seems out of the ordinary, he thought, nothing about her that seems damning. That’s a good sign.

  “Robin,” he said, “what do you do for work?”

  She told him her last job was working for TSA and she’d done it for over 11 years. After getting married, she was able to quit working and has been raising her son as a stay-at-home mom.

  “Wow, that’s an awesome job. I put out the notice to my friends. If they see your family, they’ll be in touch.”

  He told a little lie, he hadn’t put out the notice yet, he just didn’t want her to know he was checking up on her.

  “I don’t know how to thank you.”

  He said not to worry about it and that she could thank him by being a good guest to his friend. Then he informed her about Nikki.

  He didn’t have much room for her here, he said. He did have an extra room, but he’d prefer that for his office. The couch in the room was also a bed. Diane doesn’t know that…yet. Everything in moderation. Robin could sleep on the living room couch.

  “Well ladies, I’ll be outside checking things out. You can’t be too careful.”

  Jack walked his perimeter, looking for spots that needed attention. He liked to keep the bushes trimmed back and branches about 5-6 feet from the ground. Doing this removed hiding places and made being ambushed less likely.

  He also found the spot for his chicken coop. It had to be close enough to the cottage for the dogs to signal trouble, yet far enough to keep out any unwanted smells. It won’t be easy to keep the coop stocked with fresh bedding.

  The women traded work stories until it was time to start lunch. Robin offered to do the cooking, saying it was the least she could do. Diane gave in very easily. Jack walked in just before it was ready. He’s a man of great timing.

  “How are we doing on fresh meat, Diane?”

  “We’re good for a few more days.”

  Robin remembered she had some in a cooler in her trunk. She ran out to her car and brought it in. “Still good!” she exclaimed.

  “We’ll put it to good use” Diane said. “Let’s eat!”

  Jack talked about needing to find fresh meat. Nothing is in season, unless you count crows. Menace crows can be shot at any time. Time will tell if he would find fresh meat.

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  Ranger John Thomas was helping man the Nisqually gate again. It was Friday and had been quiet all day, then he looked up and saw a gray truck revving its engine and driving around traffic to the gate.

  “This won’t be good,” he muttered as he stood up.

  The other rangers looked up and saw the trouble heading towards them. They started scrambling to keep the presence of order. They made a line behind the gate and hoped the driver would stop. Otherwise it would be a case of keystone cops as they tried to dash out of the way.

  The gate was erected the day following the radiation attack and was not a permanent structure. Driving through it would not be difficult. One lane was blocked with sand bags while the other was only blocked with our new gate. The exit was blocked with a gate near the road, keeping drivers heading for the entrance. It’s been working but John was just now thinking maybe they would need more than a rickety, jury rigged gate.

  Thankfully, the driver stopped about 10 feet from the gate and jumped out. He was a small man in his upper 30’s, about 5’4” with blonde hair and a mustache that was barely visible. It looked more like he’d wiped his mouth with a dirty hand. He weighed maybe 120 pounds and was wearing dirty jeans, a pair of tan work boots, white T-shirt, and a ball cap with words too faded to read. He reminded John of a Podunk version of David Spade.

  “Oh great,” Ranger John thought “small man’s disease. This just got worse.”

  “This is public property!” he yelled, “And I’m the public. I want a place to stay.”

  “Yes, it’s public property,” Ranger John replied in an even tone, “but there are rules and the park is full to the brim. Campsites are packed, and all the buildings are full.

  The little man had drawn an angry crowd now. They’ve been stirring up the past few days, this might just be the spark they needed to motivate. John was beginning to get worried about their safety…both the rangers and the citizens.

  “I don’t give a damn how full it is! I’m going to drive though, and everyone is going to follow” the little man was on a roll and getting cheers. He was eating it up.

  “Are you going to shoot us all?”

  He probably wasn’t expecting an answer and he climbed back into his truck.

  The people behind him got into their vehicles as well. The roadside campers began breaking down their tents to join the rush inside. People began shouting down the line to the others waiting to get inside. The shouts went from “We’re ramming the gate” to “They’re letting us in” before it reached Ashford.

  John assured the little man that nobody was going to be shot but he needed to stay outside the gate. The park couldn’t handle this many people. Knowing he wasn’t risking his life, the man started his truck and started driving forward at a slow push. Feeling it was inevitable, John gave the order to lift the gate. It wasn’t going to stop an angry mob.

  The little man let out a high-pitched cheer as the gate rose to let them all in. John could hear the man’s wife say “Oh Stewie, you’re so embarrassing. Just drive and shut up.” John got a good laugh at that. It’s good to keep a sense of humor in rough times, he thought. He got on the radio and announced the breach.

  The line of vehicles went on and on, John honestly didn’t know where they’d all go. The campgrounds were, in fact, full. The hotel rooms and cabins were also full. They could make camp anywhere, really. But with summer coming, the danger for fires will increase dramatically. If they were here in winter, most of them will die. Of course, the food will run out first.

  At least we have plenty of water, he thought. Mt Rainier is covered in water flowing from the glaciers to the low lands.

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  Friday evening rolled around, and Jack announced he’d be taking a walk to town. In order to make sure the cottage was safe, he needed to know the situation in town. “You ladies are welcome to join the dogs and I for a little walk.” They agreed and put on some appropriate clothes.

  As they got near the road they noticed the familiar backup was no longer there. This peaked Jack’s interest and he needed to find out what happened. The General Store had long since run out of everything food related but was still open for business. The group went inside to see what they could find out. They were told of the rangers’ decision to let everyone in. Jack didn’t find that too comforting and knew that couldn’t be the story.

  He looked around and saw a few tools he might need. “Cash is king” he was told and had to part ways with some bills.

  The party’s over, Jack thought.

  “Okay ladies let’s head home before it gets dark.” Jack was worried about the situation at the park but didn’t say anything. Diane was in a great mood with her new friend around and he didn’t want to spoil it for either of them. He’d discuss it with Paul in the morning.

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  After breakfast Jack went outside to let the dogs run for a while. He had his tape measure and grabbed a hoe from the shed and marked the area where the chicken coop would go. He’d already given the measurements to Paul, so he figured he’d get a little head start. When he returned the hoe, he grabbed today’s egg bounty and went inside.

  Robin was cleaning up the breakfast mess and Diane had finally picked up the book on edible plants. She probably would have read it sooner, but she let Robin read it first. It made sense
to Jack, as Robin would be leaving today.

  I’m sure Diane is going to miss the maid service, he thought wryly.

  Before long Paul was honking in the driveway. Jack went to greet him and unlock the gate.

  “Find a spot, it’s getting crowded” he told Paul. “I’ll fill you in shortly.”

  The two men went inside to greet the women. Jack introduced everyone and mentioned Paul as an “old friend.” Nothing more. Paul reached out his giant hand to each lady to greet them individually. He wanted to give a personal touch. He squeezed just hard enough to say “I’m not weak” but not hard enough to cause any pain. If they were men, he’d let them know he was boss.

  Robin asked how Jack and Paul knew each other and Jack stammered a little. Diane picked up on it and immediately diverted her attention.

  “I’m sure these two need to get to work on the coop. We should let them get to it.”

  Jack gave her a nod and wink that said, “Nice save, honey!”

  The two men returned to Paul’s truck and began unloading the wood and other supplies.

  Jack was surprised that Paul even brought deck blocks. He only wanted to build a simple coop, nothing fancy. Paul had other ideas. Besides the blocks, he brought chicken wire and some very good paint. Paul must need a huge favor! Jack thought.

  While they were unloading, Jack filled Paul in about Robin and where she’s heading next.

  “So that’s how you came to ask if anyone has seen the man and his son?”

  “Yes sir. That’s her family and Diane would like to see them reunited.

  “Well, if anyone has a chance to find him, it’s us. Unless their destination is a remote hunting cabin, they’ll be spotted eventually.”

  Jack began explaining his desire for a simple chicken coop and didn’t need all the extra stuff Paul had brought. Paul wouldn’t have it and said, “If you’re going to do something, do it right.”

  “You sound like my father.” Jack smiled.

  “Well your father must have been a wise man. And not lazy. Get moving. We need some holes dug!”

  Jack laughed as he started to put shovel to dirt.

  Paul moved like a man half his age and was keeping up with Jack on all the physical work.

  The man can move! Jack thought, hoping he could be that way when he got older.

  Jack brought up the situation with the backup in Ashford. Paul noticed the cars were gone, of course. But he too was curious about the park suddenly letting people in. That didn’t add up. He would have to find out more about this.

  “Jack, Paul! Come get something to eat!”

  “Sounds like a great idea!” Paul yelled back.

  Paul was a big man with a voracious appetite. “He’s going to have to learn to get a handle on that appetite if this goes on past summer. Food will be scarce unless you can hunt” Jack said to himself. The man was a great story teller though and kept the women entertained. I could hear Robin crying at night, so this is good for her.

  After lunch the men were back at it. Things were moving along at a quick pace. It turns out Paul is a great carpenter, something Jack didn’t know about him.

  The chickens are going to appreciate this, he thought. Sunlight and fresh air will do wonders for them.

  After a while Paul brought up Ashford again. He was surprised everyone was gone and was sure the town was in trouble. That’s what he wanted to discuss with Jack while they were building. But with everyone gone, the situation took care of itself. Now he was worried about the park though.

  “All those people fighting for space and resources, it won’t end well. Most of those people don’t have the food left to survive the week. I think it’s going to get very ugly, very soon.”

  Jack replied “On the bright side, they’re now all contained in the park. The likelihood of them leaving before this is over is very slim. Getting here takes most cars a full tank of gas, or close to it. If they didn’t fill up when they had the chance, they aren’t leaving. Not in cars, anyway.”

  “You have a solid point, Jack. Morbid, but solid. The truth isn’t always pretty, that’s for sure.”

  “No sir. I’ve never been one to sugar-coat anything. It gets me in trouble sometimes. I like to save time and get right to the heart of the matter. No beating around the bush.”

  “I like that about you, Jack. Okay, let’s finish up. I’ve worked up an appetite and can smell dinner!”

  He laughed a deep, hearty laugh and started driving the final nails.

  “Tomorrow you can roof her and give her the paint job she deserves.”

  “Sure thing Paul, right after I visit the park. I’ll ride my bike out there and see if I can dig up some information.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it. I can’t wait to hear your report.”

  The two men went back into the house. Paul to have dinner and Jack to have his shower. After dinner, Diane and Robin said their farewells. Diane wished her luck and hoped she was reunited with her family soon. Paul then led Diane to her new home and new friend.

  Stewie

  Ranger John Thomas was regretting letting Stewie in the park. He’s been a menace to the peace and stirring up trouble ever since he arrived. He drove to Longmire and pitched a tent in a small grassy area across the parking lot from the buildings.

  He’s been making demands and crazy accusations about the rangers. He wants to have food delivered to him and everyone else. He thinks the rangers are hoarding emergency food for themselves.

  “If you came here looking for handouts, you’ve come to the wrong place. You should have looked for a FEMA camp” John informed him.

  “Bullshit!” Stewie replied. “I read you’re always stocked for emergencies.” A few people were backing him up.

  “I don’t know where you read that but it’s fake news. Sorry. When you come to a National Park, you eat what you bring, or you buy it at a restaurant in the park. The restaurants are out of food, so you’re down to what you brought. I tried to tell you we couldn’t take you in. You didn’t listen. That’s on you, not us.”

  “Screw you! We’re going to take your food!”

  One of the rangers released the snap covering his taser and looked at John. John reluctantly gave him a nod and a few seconds later Stewie laid on the ground writhing in pain. The rangers put him in cuffs and when he recovered, they informed him he was being arrested for disturbing the peace and inciting a riot.

  Stewie’s high-pitched voice raised a few octaves at that and he went on a tirade. He screamed about suing the rangers, the park, and John himself. John said “You’re like a Chihuahua, do you ever just shut up? Give us a minute to read you your rights.

  “Excuse me, sirs. I can shut him up,” his wife said, sidling up to the semi-conscious Stewie. She was a big woman and no doubt ran the household.

  “Shut the hell up Stewie, you’re embarrassing me again!”

  With that, John smiled and read Stewie his rights.

  “You made such a fuss about being let in, now I have to take you out of here. We don’t have a jail for you to sit in. But look on the bright side, you’re going to get that free food!” John normally behaved better, but this little guy got under his skin. It happens to the best of people. He put Stewie in the truck and told him to sit tight.

  A few of the onlookers were demanding Stewie be set free. “Free Stewie!” they yelled. All these people needed was a spark and they got one. The rangers reached for tasers again and looked at the crowd. Message received. They were told to disperse and get back to their camp sites or rooms.

  John decided to get Stewie out of there immediately and drove for the gate. He radioed ahead and asked for a state trooper to meet him in Ashford for a prisoner transfer.

  ∆ ∆ ∆

  After breakfast Jack decided to give the new chicken coop a paint job before leaving. That way it would be dry when he got home, then he could start roofing. The chickens could be in their new home this evening.

  With that out of the way, he said goo
d-bye to Diane. Before getting on his bicycle, he begged her not to shoot anyone or bring home a stray. He was only half-kidding. Ashford went from overpacked to ghost town overnight. It was crazy empty. I guess they’re all in bed or church. He zipped out of town and headed for the park gate.

  It didn’t take him too long to get there. He noticed a few people kept their roadside campgrounds. It’s dangerous when they’re all alone like that. They’re easy prey for thieves and worse.

  Maybe they’re out of gas? he thought.

  He arrived at the gate and noticed it was up, letting anyone and everyone in. A ranger popped out of the booth to greet him.