by S A Ison
“No, you are here by sentenced to death by drowning or by getting eaten by an alligator. If you can stay afloat, you might live, but I’m thinking with all that blood that’s pouring out of your gut, well that will attract a few predators.” Blake said and shoved the man into the water. Jess hit the water hard, doing a belly flop and Blake winced. That had to hurt.
Jess struggled and tried to turn over but the rope held his hands to his back. Blake was sure that trying to twist around with a gut shot was pure hell. He smiled. Jess’s head broke the surface and he got out half a watery scream, before his body sunk down beneath the black water. His legs churned the water wildly and Blake shone the light over the water and they watched Jess struggle beneath the foamy water.
“You know, if he just stood up, he’d not drown.” Kena said.
“Recon you think we should have mentioned that?” Blake laughed as the struggles slowed down.
“Naw, he was too stupid to live. Let’s just hope he didn’t breed with someone, before this.” Kena sniggered and they watched as the struggling stopped and the body rose to the surface and it was once again quiet on the river. Slowly, the body began to move along with the slow-moving current. The frogs began to sing, hesitantly at first. Blake and Kena stood on the dock for a while, Blake put his arm around the old woman’s shoulder. He clicked off the flashlight and they listened to the night sounds.
Up the river, they heard a splash and he could feel the vibration of laughter through Kena’s shoulders.
“Gators gotta eat.” She laughed softly.
“Let me give you a ride home, Kena. I’m getting chewed up out here.” He grinned down at her.
Ω
US Highway 12 West, MT
Yuma turned on his stomach and Phoenix fell on top of Lydia. Monica had grabbed Demi and rolled to the ground and off the road. Yuma looked around and there was another shot, and the dirt by his head exploded. He could hear Phoenix repeating Lydia’s name over and over and his heart broke. His eyes scanned the countryside. The AR was aimed, but at what, he couldn’t see. There was another shot, this one by Monica and Demi, who were huddle down in the grass. She was laying on top of the child, who had started crying. His eyes had caught the muzzle flash and he watched that area.
He saw the flash again, then heard the shot. Again, dust puffed on the road. He aimed his AR, looking through the scope. He was glad he had the AR with the scope on it, otherwise, he’d not have the ability to draw down on his target. He slowed his breathing, though his heart was racing away. He had to make this shot. Before the son-of-a-bitch hit Monica, the child or Phoenix. He could hear Phoenix weeping but blocked it out, he could only focus on the killer.
Once more, through the scope now, he found his target. He could just make out the round shape of a head. In his mind, he unconsciously took in the distance, wind and trajectory. There was only one gunman. He waited and saw the head come back up, planning to take another shot. Yuma pulled the trigger, then shot again and saw the head explode, like a pumpkin on a fence. He grunted in satisfaction, which was short lived. He turned to see Phoenix holding Lydia’s limp body.
“Jesus Christ!” Yuma said when he saw her foot twitch. Phoenix looked up at him and then her leg jerked.
“God, she’s alive.” Phoenix cried. He quickly laid her down and gently pulled off her backpack, his hands moving across her body. Monica was beside him now, and Yuma picked up the crying Demi. He said soft things to the child as he watched Monica and Phoenix strip her of her jacket, then her outer shirt. He could see no blood.
Lydia’s eyes fluttered open and she moaned.
“My back, my back.” She whimpered. Carefully, Monica held her neck while Phoenix turned Lydia over, supporting her shoulders. Yuma saw it, blood, but there wasn’t much. He blinked away his tears.
“Gently lift her shirt.” Monica ordered, and Yuma heard the doctor in her voice, and she sounded like a different woman. Phoenix pulled the shirt tail from her pants and lifted the shirt; Lydia’s pale skin was exposed and then they saw the wound. Something was wrong though.
“Jesus Christ, the bullet didn’t go all the way in, that’s it, just in the flesh.” Monica said, her voice a whisper. She reached over and with her finger, she flicked the bullet out. It was a .22 slug, small and not bent out of shape too badly.
“It must have passed through her backpack and the stuff she had inside it. He was far enough away that when the bullet traveled through the backpack, it slowed it down enough only to penetrate superficially. My god.” Phoenix breathed and looked up at Yuma shaking his head.
“Let me clean that. There’s no telling what was on the bullet and it’s broken the skin.” Monica said, shucking off her backpack. Yuma helped her open the bag and they pulled supplies out. Monica poured water on a piece of gauze and carefully wiped at the wound. It kept bleeding, but not badly. Lydia hissed in pain.
“So, I’ll live?” She said, her head in Phoenix’s lap. He leaned forward and kissed her head.
“Yeah baby, you’ll live and we’re damned near home.”
Ω
Calkins, MT
Jael was coming around the house. She had stationed Julian and Miles on the porch, each with a large bowl in their laps. She was carrying another bushel of string bean. She’d assigned the men to snap and clean the beans, she planned to can them tomorrow. She’d let them soak in water over night. She could smell the fresh green of the pods and smiled. She had also dug up small new potatoes, she’d be making green beans and potatoes with a small chunk of bacon in them. Bob had brought the bacon down earlier in the day. They’d slaughtered a pig and were good enough to bring her some. He’d promised her a piglet or two once the sow delivered.
Miles and Julian were building her a pig pen, farther out from the house. No one wanted to smell pig shit, she thought. She looked at the men and grinned. Her heart twisted, she missed Lydia and Phoenix and she missed her cowboy. The men looked up and groaned.
“How many beans do we need?” Miles said, his eyes wide, looking at the heaping basket.
“Dear, I’ve got to make sure we have plenty for the winter. You’ll thank me later.” She laughed.
“But you already canned forty quarts of the things.” He complained.
“Sure did, I want a surplus, just in case of lean times. Plus, we can always use them in trade. Bob heard from one of his clients that they were planning on opening up a trading post soon. There has been a slow down on violence. They’re working out the logistics, and trying to get word out.” She said.
“I’m so happy about the bacon. It’s been a while since we’ve had some.” Julian said grinning and moving when Jael set the bushel of beans between the men.
“I’ll be happy when you get that pig pen done, we’ll be getting a couple of piglets soon and I don’t want them escaping.” Jael admonished. She wiped at the sweat; it was a warm day. She’d can early in the morning, so as to avoid all the heat. Canning was hot work.
“Should we listen to the radio tonight?” Miles asked and scooted over as Jael sat beside him.
“No, it’s just too depressing. It makes me sad. Maybe another day, when I’m not so tired. I have to gird up my loin to listen to it.” News was bad and worse for the west coast. There were continued bombing runs and reports said that several Chinese and Russian transport ships were sunk. Japan had joined Seventh Fleet as well. The thought made her heart flip, reminding her of Yuma. Pip and Pop were still moping around, sleeping in his room. She blinked back the tears; she missed her cowboy. She saw Thor come running around from the back of the house. Albert was sleep under the swing, but his head popped up. Jael looked over at Julian, who was setting down his bowl of snapped beans. He reached for a rifle, then checked the gun in his holster. Miles did the same. No one took chances.
Thor began to bark excitedly, but the hair was also standing up on his back. All three stood on the porch, Jael drew her weapon as well. They looked down the drive and up and around the landscape, through
the trees, but couldn’t see anything. Thor took off down the driveway and Miles walked down the stairs, Julian behind him. Jael cried out and Miles jerked around to look at her. She ran down the stairs and past him, screaming. Her eyes blurred with tears, she watched as Phoenix walked up the long drive, carrying Lydia in his arms. Behind was Yuma, and a woman, carrying a child.
Jael ran, her heart nearly breaking with joy and happiness, her family had come home. They were whole and safe and they were home. She’d never let them leave again. Yuma ran toward her and Jael flung herself into the arms of her very own cowboy.
EPILOGUE
Three years later
Fargo, GA
Blake sat on the dock with Travis, the six-year-old was getting tall and lanky. He was also losing teeth. He’d lost one a week ago and had been thrilled at the prize from the tooth fairy under his pillow. Now, the other front tooth was loose. Jackson was sitting beside them, both men with fishing poles in their hand and a beer sitting beside them. Shortly after the death of Jess, Blake decided to go out and do a little vigilante justice. He and Jackson consulted Kena on the bad apples in the surrounding vicinity. Kena, Alice and Clementine had gotten together for a sit down and had given a list of prospective walking dead.
It had taken six months and they were nearing their year anniversary of the end of the world. In their endeavors of clearing and routing out the vicious killers and rapists, they found stashes of beer and booze along with food and supplies. They had collected the booty and had passed it out among their neighbors, especially those who needed the extra supplies. They had kept the beer for themselves, enjoying one bottle a month. It wasn’t much, but they had to make it last. It was a celebration of sorts.
Blake heard the ring of laughter; Harriet had come for a visit. Kena and Alice were at the house. He thought they sounded like a bunch of hens and he grinned. They were planning Clementine’s 110 birthday, though they were celebrating it a bit early this year. Alice had blossomed in this new world, Travis was thriving, a sweet child. They had started school last year and the child was progressing. He had books he read to both he and Alice. Travis turned and walked to Blake.
“Can I go visit with mommy and Granny Kena and Miss Harriet?” Travis asked, his tongue flicking the loose tooth.
“Sure can, but if she says sit quiet, you know you need to listen, otherwise, she’ll send you back here.” Blake cautioned.
“Okay daddy.” He cried and ran up the dock, toward the cabin.
“Wait til he becomes a teen; he’ll be hell on wheels.” Jackson laughed.
“Yeah, but, that’s a few years away, so I’ll enjoy it until those broody looks come my way.” Blake laughed and felt a twinge, thinking about James. He hoped his son was okay and hoped his child found happiness. Blake was not the man he’d been three years ago, just as Alice had changed, so had he. His life had slowed down and he had friends now, real friends that he cared deeply for, nothing superficial as life had been in Miami, as it had been most of his adult life. He and Alice were living an authentic life in a world that had crashed.
Ω
Calkins, MT
Phoenix and Lydia walked in the field. Demi was ahead of them, chasing Thor and was in turn, being chased by Thor’s son, Loki. One of the neighbors had brought their dog, a large black lab female to breed with Thor. They were promised a puppy and had gotten the pup three days ago. Thor wasn’t sure what to make of Loki, and Albert was sure he didn’t like the energetic pup. Pip and Pop had already cowed the pup.
“Oh, the baby’s kicking.” Lydia said and pulled Phoenix’s hand over her bulging belly as it moved and shifted in that mysterious and aquatic way. A slow smile spread across his face.
“Only another month.” He said and picked Demi back up when she ran back. He swung her up onto his shoulders.
They turned when they heard the hoofbeats and saw Yuma on Golden Girl, Monica was on the back, her arms around him.
“You know, Monica says she’s pregnant, don’t tell Yuma, she’s not told him yet.” Lydia smiled and hugged Phoenix’s waist. He hugged her back and kissed the top of her shining head.
“He’ll lose his mind, I’m sure. I hope we’re around when she tells him.” He laughed and waited until Yuma brought the horse to a halt near them.
“Jael said you guys need to come on, she needs help with dinner and said Lydia makes the best bread. She says she thinks it’s ready to go into the oven.” Yuma said, Monica grinned and rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushed from the ride and Phoenix thought with happiness and pregnancy.
“Are Julian and Jennifer back yet?” Lydia asked, turning back to the house.
“Not yet, the grandparents want time with the twins. Also, Bob and Miles built a buggy, Julian will be bringing it back today.”
“Oh, man, that’s great. That will be nice to take to the trading post.” Phoenix said.
“Yeah, it will also make it easier hauling children around.” Monica said, her eye brows waggling and her face turned red. Yuma didn’t see the byplay.
“Tell Jael we’ll be there shortly.” Lydia said.
“I wanna ride with Uncle Yuma.” Demi said, her arms reaching over. Yuma leaned over and took the child and put her in front of him. He turned the horse around and headed back to the farmhouse.
“You know he’s going to turn Demi into a cowgirl.” Phoenix laughed.
“Just so long as he teaches her to shoot a gun when she’s older. He’s spooky good with a gun.” Phoenix grunted with agreement. They walked in silence for a while, he could hear Miles laughing from kitchen. Tonight, they would listen to the radio. They still got the occasional report, the Chinese and Russians were beaten down, as was the entire west coast. Several satellites were reported destroyed, including North Korea’s and a few of China’s and Russia’s satellites. The government never admitted that Pythagoras existed. The government was trying to get its foot in the door with the American people, but reports of shooting delegates and out and out murder were reported. There was no trust for any kind of government by government officials.
There were small militias that had sprung up near large cities. There were good reports of the work they did, but there were more reports of brutality. Phoenix thought that people were tired of being told how to live by people who were hypocrites and greedy for power. Small clusters were banning together to keep government out of their communities. Strangers were not tolerated and many were shot on sight. Neighbors banded together as they had done. There was a lot of distance between them and the rest of the world and Phoenix was just as happy about that. People were dangerous.
Miles turned around when Phoenix and Lydia walked in. Miles smiled, Lydia looked lovely and she’d soon have the baby. He didn’t have children, but looked on these young people as his very own. Jael did as well and Demi called him grandpa and he was hopelessly in love with the child. The world had crashed and burned and governments had fought and lost. It was all a world away now. There was no word about power coming to the continent. There was infighting in the government. He laughed, no one wanted them and there was an assassination almost weekly, government officials, becoming targets. They had yet to form a congress, candidates were being murdered.
He went to the porch, getting out of the kitchen and out of the women’s hair. He sat on the porch and Phoenix was right behind him. The sun was starting to drop behind the line of trees. Yuma came around front and Monica grinned and went into the house. Yuma took a rocking chair on the porch and sighed happily. No one talked, enjoying the peace and quiet. Laughter drifted out to the porch as Miles listened to the soft chatter of the women. He heard the high voice of Demi asking a question, but didn’t hear the response. Thor came up to the porch to lay by Phoenix’s feet. Loki plopped down on the grass.
Miles looked around and saw Albert came trotting around the house and throw a dirty look at the puppy. Miles grunted with laughter. The dog came up the steps and settled down by Mile’s feet. Pip came around the house with a mouse
in her mouth. She came up the steps and went to Yuma, who leaned forward and patted the cat. He took the mouse when she jumped in his lap and tossed the mouse out to the yard. Miles smiled, hearing the loud purring.
They all turned and saw a small horse drawn carriage coming up the drive. Julian was driving and Jennifer held the two-year-old twins, Taya and Tara. He drove the rig to the back of the house to the barn. Phoenix got up and went to help Julian. Miles closed his eyes and listened to the happy noises around him. Most of his life had been spent alone and he could never have imagined that when he’d left with Pythagoras files that he would end up here with all these wonderful people. He’d lived in fear for years, afraid of being found, but Pythagoras had been compromised, it had turned his world toward people and away from the fear of discovery.
He hated the deaths of all those because of Pythagoras, but he loved the people around him. He could only live for the people he loved and he was content with that.
Dear Faithful Reader
I wanted to thank you for reading Pythagoras Falls. I hope that you enjoyed this book, as much as I enjoyed writing it. My mind swirls with so many ideas and I hope that with each book I write, the reader enjoys them. I hope that you might take a moment to leave a review, on Amazon or Goodreads. I do read each and every review. These help me in so many ways, to better my craft. It also lets others know about me. I’m an unknown out there in the book world. By you leaving the review, this helps me greatly. Thank you again for taking the time to read my books. I am truly humbled and I am grateful.
Thank you – S.A. Ison
