by S A Ison
BJ was stunned, he watched as Brian walked over to the toothless man, the red headed man was dead. Brian placed his foot on the man’s gut, causing him to scream louder.
“Where is your place? Where are you staying.” Brian shouted at the man.
“Please, don’t hurt me. Don’t kill me.” The man cried.
Brian pressed his foot down and the man’s shrilled scream hurt BJ’s ears.
“Where were you living? Tell me or I’ll really make you hurt.” Brian snarled.
“Over behind the mattress store, about a block and a half behind it. There’s a liquor store. We were there.” The man cried, blood now splattering out from his mouth. BJ watched as Brian lifted his leg high and stomped it down hard on the man’s bloody gut. The man’s mouth flew open, but no sound came out. Blood rushed like a river out of his gaping mouth. Brian walked back to BJ and gave him a hand up.
“We need to go look for that child. He can’t be far from that store. I’ll not leave a baby out in this world if I can help it.”
BJ had nodded and they’d closed up the trailer and went out and found the liquor store. They’d spent three hours looking in every building and under every bush. They finally found the child, asleep underneath a dumpster. BJ had seen a tiny naked foot sticking out from it. It was filthy. He’d pulled the child out, who’d woken, his eyes fluttering. They were dark blue eyes, the color of an angry ocean. He was filthy and stank badly. His nose was crusted with green and his eyes swollen.
“Hey buddy. I’m BJ. Our Father, in heaven, sent me to get you. I’m going to take you home. Okay.” He’d told the child softly, feeling his heart shatter into a million pieces. He’d found Brian and both men headed back to the park, another child in tow. BJ knew that this would be his child. His son. He’d held tightly to the boy all the way back to the park and Emma had had to pry the boy from him, to clean him up, feed him and check him out.
“He’s fine, BJ, just malnourished and dehydrated. No abuse. He’s had a cold and I’ll keep an eye on that, but otherwise, he should be fine.” She’d said, much to his relief. They’d told the women that they’d found the boy under a dumpster. They’d not told them about Brian’s actions, killing the men. Nor of the torture of toothless, thought well deserved. It had taken time, but they got the child’s name, Dillan. Dillan lived with BJ now. He looked over to the child, who was holding a chick, a tiny grin on his thin features. Amanda standing guard over the little ones. He smiled. The children were starting to outnumber the adults. Dillan and Cooper had become fast friends.
“You okay BJ? I lost you for a second.” Brian asked, waving his hand in front of BJ’s face. BJ laughed, embarrassed.
“Sorry, was thinking about Dillan. He seems to be doing better.” BJ said, his eye still on the child.
Brian smacked him on the back. “He’ll be fine. He has a dad now, a home, food and lots of love and other siblings.”
“I’m not a violent man. But I’m really glad you stomped the hell out of that bastard. I don’t think we would have found Dillan if you hadn’t.”
“Yeah, I kinda figured the bastard wouldn’t tell me otherwise.” Brian grunted.
“Are the girls still having nightmares?” BJ asked, still watching the children.
“Yeah, but it isn’t all night now, just once or twice a night. I think it scares Cooper, he comes and gets in my bed. How about Dillan?”
“He didn’t wet the bed last night. So that’s a good thing. I hear him whimpering at times, but no more screaming.” BJ said softly. Yes, he wasn’t a violent man, but he couldn’t help but wish that Brian had just kept stomping that bastard. Something had awoken after the death of his children. Upon finding Dillan, something dangerous had grown within him. Something protective, more protective than in his old life. He was becoming more deadly with deadly intent.
NINE
Flynn turned down another road. Xandra was navigating. They were in farming country now as they drove on Highway 23. The trees had started disappearing and the land was flattening out. Homes and suburbs were also becoming fewer and farther between. It had taken them four days, driving and stopping, to gather more supplies. Because they’d both nearly starved to death, both had a sense of urgency to keep hording food. When they came across a store, they’d stop, go in and pull out all the canned food items. They’d not seen anyone in four days. It was eerie, the lack of humans.
“I think the virus killed almost everyone.” Xandra had whispered.
“Yeah, I thought there’d be more people. Either that, or they’re hiding in their homes. Or, maybe, they went someplace else, like us. It’s hard to live in the city or suburbs.”
He looked out over the vast expanse of the fields, they were green and lush. But he’d not seen anyone. They kept driving, both agreeing not to stop until they found the Amish. They were now getting closer to Lancaster; they were passing through New Holland. Flynn pulled the truck over to the side of the road and turned off the engine. Xandra looked over at him in question.
“I just want to look around, you know, stand up high in the back of the truck. Can you hand me the binoculars?”
“Sure, what are you looking for?” She asked, handing him the pair she wore around her neck.
“Signs of life. I also have to take a leak.” He grinned, causing her to snort. They were getting to know each other better, better than he could have in the old days. Their lives were so busy and filled with texting and their phones and social media, that they’d not really even come close to actually communicating. Now, all they did was talk, uninterrupted, without distractions.
Both got out of the truck and Flynn let down the tailgate of the truck. He climbed up then turned and helped Xandra up. He could tell she was gaining weight; she was beginning to fill her clothes out again. Her face had regained its color and her face was now fuller, not so hallowed out. He smiled at her and she grinned back. Bringing the binoculars up to his eyes, he looked through, turning slowly in a tight circle.
As far as he could see, there was flat land. He saw tiny horses in the far distance. Perhaps the Amish were there.
“Look over that way, I see horses. I think we should head that way, see if someone is there.” Flynn pointed and handed the binos to Xandra who looked in the direction he’d pointed. She nodded.
“It’s as good a place and direction as any.” She smiled looking at him. He grinned. Hopping down from the bed, he helped her down and both got back into the truck. He pulled back onto the road and began to drive, keeping the truck headed in the direction he’d seen the horses. It was still startling, the silence around them. Even standing on the truck, all he heard was the soft buzz of insects, a bird calling here or there and nothing else. He thought about Adam and Eve. Them being the only two on earth. He knew there were people out there, he’d left a city full of fools. But, not seeing anyone for days shook him badly.
“You okay Flynn?”
“It’s just freaky not to see another living soul. I mean, I’m scared to see someone, afraid they might hurt us, but again, afraid I won’t see anyone else. At least it doesn’t stink here.”
“Sure, you’re right about that. I keep thinking, maybe they’re just hiding. You know, like me.”
“Yeah. But, away from the urban places, you’d think you’d see someone. I’m hoping that whoever has those horses, is still alive. I’m sure someone has to feed and water them.” Flynn said, nibbling on his lip.
“I’m starting to get used to the quiet. It’s nice. Especially if it doesn’t involve flies buzzing. I don’t mind insects, but living with those flies outside my window and outside the apartment really freaked me out.” Xandra said and shuddered.
Flynn reached over and squeezed her hand and smiled at her.
“Me too. I think we need to turn down this road, it will take us north, toward that direction.” He said and turned the truck northward. Their windows were down and Flynn kept the truck at about forty-five. They’d both agreed that they hated being closed in.
The sun was beating down on the truck and it was hot, but the breeze had just the hint of rain in it. Perhaps tonight, they’d get a thunderstorm.
Flynn slowed down; he could see a house about half a mile down the road. There were several smaller buildings and out buildings. His heart began to beat a little faster, he could see someone, a man and it looked like he was dressed in the Amish manner. He looked at Xandra, who had hope in her eyes and a soft smile on her face.
The man saw them and began walking toward his house. Flynn began to slow down more and then pulled to a stop in front of the house. It was well back from the road and a fence surrounded the whole of the property, from what he could tell. He saw several goats in the yard, grazing away. The man stood on his porch, and stared at him and Xandra in the truck. Behind the man on the porch, Flynn could see another man, though without the hat, he was inside the house.
“Stay here. I’m going to see if they’ll talk to me.” Flynn said and turned off the truck and got out. He left his weapons in the truck, he didn’t want these people to think he might be a threat. His heart was slamming in his chest. It was kind of surreal, getting excited to see another person, that wasn’t pointing a gun at him. He approached the gate, but didn’t go up to it. The man on the porch watched him closely.
“Good day sir.” Flynn called out in a clear calm voice, though he didn’t feel anywhere near calm. The man nodded but said nothing and remained on the porch, watching. Flynn could now see several other men in the house, farther back. He didn’t see any women. The man on the porch was older, he looked to be in his sixties, with a salt and pepper beard. The flat brim hat shaded his eyes, but Flynn thought they were brown.
“Might I have a word with you sir? I’m not sick. I don’t carry the virus.”
The man looked at Flynn for a long moment, then turned and looked back over his shoulder and nodded. The men in the house disappeared and faded into the interior of the house. The man walked forward and stepped off the porch. He walked toward Flynn. Flynn’s mouth was dry. This was so important, to find a place that would accept them, help them.
“What is it young man?” The man asked. His faced was heavily lined with fine webbing. It was the face of a man that had spent his life outdoors, working in the fields. And, if Flynn were lucky, he’d spend the rest of his life doing the same.
“Sir, I’m sure you’re aware of the nightmare that has affected our country, our world in fact. I used to live in Philadelphia, which is now a dead city. Before we lost power, there were cities all over this country and the world that were devastated.”
The man’s eyes widened a bit and he paled beneath the tan.
“I did not know this. At least not the extent.” He said in a deep voice.
“Yes sir. My friend and I’ve been traveling and you’re the first person we’ve seen for days. When I was in Philadelphia, out of over a million and a half people, there were maybe forty or fifty. These were people I actually saw. We’ve not seen another living soul, sir.”
“We did not know it was this terrible.” Was all the man could say, he was shaking his head.
“Yes sir. I think our world has been cut down. Sir, my friend and I have no way nor any knowledge on how to survive. We were hoping that if someone, would take us in, teach us, we could become part of a community. We only know of the Amish, who live in a world of no electricity. My friend and I want to learn. We’d work hard, if you’d let us join you.” Flynn asked softly.
The man jerked back as though stung. He began shaking his head.
“No, that isn’t possible. No, I’m sorry. We cannot help you.” He said.
Flynn’s mouth began to tremble and his eyes stung with tears. His shoulders fell and he nodded. He turned, to go back to the truck.
“Young man, go south, toward Paradise, and past that to Belmont. There is a large farm there, and my friend, Cliff Richland owns that farm. It is a big farm and I think they could help you and your friend.” The man said, his expression softening.
“Thank you, sir, thank you.” Flynn said, ignoring the tears that were sliding down his face.
“Tell Cliff that Claus sent you.” The man said kindly and turned to walk back up to his home.
Flynn climbed into the truck and looked at Xandra.
“He said for us to go see a Mr. Cliff Richland. He said he is a farmer and might take us in.”
“Oh, my god, I hope so.” Xandra breathed and reached over and squeezed his arm. Flynn turned the truck around in the road and lifted his hand in farewell to the man on the porch. The man lifted his hand in farewell.
Ӝ
Emma was standing shin deep in the water. Amanda and Hailey were playing at the water’s edge. Coop and Dillan were down for their naps. Brian and BJ were out hunting. They’d been eating quite a bit of fish and Emma and Paadi told the men they were about to revolt if they didn’t get some kind of meat, other than fish, on the table tonight. She smiled at the thought. The men had been happy to go out and hunt. Paadi had wanted to go, but was reluctant to leave Hailey. She’d become very attached to the little girl. Every evening, Paadi read the children stories, and Hailey planted square in her lap, her small fingers entwined in Paadi’s long black hair. The child had started to mimic Paadi’s heavy Boston accent and it was hysterical. When Emma would start to snigger, Paadi would shoot her a dirty look. The children had changed their lives into something quite remarkable.
Paadi was in the garden, some of the tomatoes had begun to ripen, along with a few green peppers. The zucchini and squash were also ready to harvest. It was a good thing that Brian had picked up the grown plants. The seeds were coming along, but it would be weeks until the other plants began to produce. They would have fresh vegetables tonight with dinner, which Brian and BJ would provide. The bulk of the veggies would be canned or dehydrated for long term use. Winter would be long and though they had plenty of food stores, all had agreed that they should proceed as though they didn’t.
Both Emma and Paadi had spent hours going through all the store canned foods, as well as the boxed and dried foods. The women checked the expiration dates. They took a magic marker and wrote the dates on the front of the cans and boxes, easily seen. Then they stacked and arranged their foods per dates. Oldest first, so they wouldn’t go out of date. Emma was sure they could still eat the out of date food, but they didn’t want to waste anything. It also let them know the volume of food and kept them conscious of their meals and daily menu.
They’d also been surprised to see that the apple trees had apples on them. There weren’t many, but each of the trees had a dozen or better. They were only about six feet tall, but Emma thought that next year, they’d hopefully double the number of fruits. This fall, she and Paadi would make apple butter. It wouldn’t be a lot, but she thought they could get half a dozen pint jars, maybe more. There were no peaches, but there had been. They’d dried and fallen off the trees. That told her that next year, they’d have peaches. Perhaps not a lot, but some.
The chicken poop would be kept and dried for future fertilizer. It was natural and organic. They were beginning to get into the rhythm of living in the park. It was quite a bit more work, but it was gratifying to see their efforts prove out and their camp becoming a real home. They’d run into horrible people but Emma hoped that those people would move on or die. She was sure that within a year, many people would die, because if they couldn’t find a way to grow food, preserve food and hunt food, they’d die.
Also, if they remained in the cities, she was sure disease was running rampant by now. Anyone who’d survived the Vermilion Strain, would face possible if not probable death due to the biohazard swimming in such abundance. Here, it was wild and nearly pristine, without rotting bodies. She turned and looked behind her. The building they lived in had somehow, turned into a home. Between Brian and BJ, the men had turned the interior into a home. There were chairs, a couple couches, book shelf, filled with books. The girls shared a room with two twin beds and a brightly painted room.<
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Cooper had his own room, smaller, but just as brightly painted. The bathroom had been fixed up with a tub. They used it from time to time. It was easier to take a sponge bath. The men had also set up the solar panels, on a rotating stand. They had lights in the evening. They had flushing toilets and running water. Both men had rigged the toilet valve and used a long hose to hook to the faucet on the tub. It could at least fill the tub with cold water. This winder, they’d have plenty of hot water heating on the wood stove. They worked hard each day, and her body was telling her. Brian and BJ had taken chainsaws and cut down hard wood trees, throughout the nearby forest. Those would be for the following year’s firewood. They’d also gone into the forest and cut up dead fall for this year’s winter. She, Paadi and the children had pulled wagons of branches and chunks of wood.
She and Paadi had begun chopping wood for the wood stove that Brian would eventually put into the house. He and BJ were planning their strategy for the best location of the stove and double insulated stove pipe. The men had found a tiny wood stove for BJ’s RV. It was positively cute as hell. The work was hard and physically demanding. Amanda was a wonderful help, watching the children when the adults were working. She also helped with laundry. She was still a child, but her eyes exposed a mature girl, who’d lost too much and seen too much, as they all had.
Emma turned when Paadi came up beside her. She looked at her friend and grinned.
“You lazy bitch.” Paadi sniggered and bumped Emma.
“Yeah, that’s me.” Emma giggled.
“It’s wicked hot today. I think summer is here. God this water feels wonderful.”
“You got that right. Jeeze, but I’m glad we got those fans put in the house. That will make night more bearable. It’s too bad the place doesn’t have more windows.” Emma said, wiping at her face.
