Abby gave her report; she told them about the hospital, the lines, Frank, her capture and rescue. She talked about the soldiers, the mercenaries, and she passed along what she had deduced about upcoming plans as well as the things that happened last summer and those that were going on now.
“And Janey?” Cal asked gently.
Taking a deep breath, Abby told them about Janey’s capture, and her death.
It was close to midnight when Abby finished, but she wasn’t tired yet. She was used to staying up all night so, after tucking in Juliet, she and Emmy sat on the tent steps and talked well into the night. Abby still hadn’t seen more than a passing glimpse of Noah. And no sign of Sandy, either.
Ted and his remaining crew—just two now—cooked breakfast and the entire group lingered over coffee to discuss the new information. No one was inclined to leave after hearing the news Abby had brought.
Before long though, it was business as usual: the fire crew gathered and stored, Emmy worked the commissary, Brad kept up on repairs with his three helpers. Cal and Pops mediated the occasional disagreement and Noah treated a few minor injuries. He had thanked Abby for procuring the requested supplies, but he moved to a vacant tent where he could also run a pharmacy of sorts as well as treat patients when needed.
Abby made a few nighttime trips into town, gathering anything needed by the camp that could still be scrounged. There wasn’t much left, truthfully. Others had been there, although she never saw anyone. Once in a while, Emmy came with her. Mostly she spent time with Juliet, practicing marksmanship or teaching her about the woods. The little girl had a birthday coming up and was very excited about turning five.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
On the morning of her big day, Juliet pounced on Abby who, still half-asleep, mumbled something and half-heartedly pushed her off. Juliet came right back and put her nose up to Abby’s and stared at her, cross-eyed, until Abby sat up.
“Okay, okay,” said Abby, laughing. “Happy birthday! And don’t cross your eyes, they’ll get stuck that way and then you’ll look goofy all the time!”
“What? Will they really? That would be cool, Abby!”
“No, it wouldn’t little one, you’d never be able to hit your target then.”
“Oh,” said Juliet. “Then I guess I wouldn’t want that. ‘Cause I do love to shoot. Bam, bam!”
Abby sighed. “All right, settle down. Go get . . . never mind, I see you’re already dressed. Did you do that yourself?”
“Of course, Abby. Only babies can’t dress themselves, and I’m five now! I can do anything!”
“Well, then, let me get dressed too and find some coffee.
Then we’ll see what’s what.”
After breakfast, Abby took Juliet to a special spot that she hadn’t been to in years. Naturally, Bob accompanied them although he was beginning to show signs of aging and moved much more slowly. Way back at the top of Indian Hill, just over the crest, was a small spring. It bubbled up from the limestone and fed into a small, shallow pool. The old trail was completely overgrown and the pool itself was heavily sheltered by the trees, especially now, in the middle of summer. It was cool and quiet, except for a few birds high up in the trees.
Juliet was delighted. She sat down on a rock where the sun barely touched and dipped her fingers in the water. She giggled at her reflection. Abby leaned the Mossberg up against a tree and joined her.
“Abby, can I put my feet in the water?”
“Of course you can. In fact, you can wade in it and even float. Come here.” She took off Juliet’s boots and socks, and her own, and held the little girl’s hand. “Come on!”
They stepped into the pool and Juliet squealed at the feel of the icy cold water. Soon she was splashing Abby, who splashed her right back, and before long they’d both landed fully in the water. Abby took Juliet into deeper water and showed her how to float on her back and how to dog paddle.
“But,” she warned, “You are never, ever to come here by yourself. Playing in the water is fun, but it can also be dangerous.”
Glancing at her watch, Abby finally called a time-out and dried Juliet off, handing her some clean clothes. They sat under a tall pine, on a carpet of needles, and ate the picnic lunch that Ted had packed for them.
Afterwards, they stretched out under the tree to rest a bit. Juliet claimed she wasn’t sleepy at all, because she was five now, and only babies took naps. Within minutes of this speech, she was out like a light.
Abby was having a hard time keeping her eyes open as well. All those backwards days and nights were mixing up her internal clock; she was never quite sure when she was supposed to be sleeping. To keep herself awake, she began to go over a mental checklist she’d made in case of emergency.
She’d left a few things in the cave behind the old office; and she had a cache outside of camp, up the hill past the grain bins. She’d plan to get away in a few days to check on both, and move the latter down to the cave as well. She’d take a few things with her, too, like some extra ammo especially.
Finally, she stirred, and woke Juliet. “Can’t we swim some more, Abby?”
“No, little one, we have to get back for your birthday dinner.”
Juliet clapped a hand over her mouth. “I almost forgot! And Ted said he was making me something special! Come on, Abby, hurry up!”
Abby laughed and put on her pack, taking Juliet’s hand. They walked back along the tops of the hills as the sun began to set.
Over the next few month, Abby made several trips to the cave. She’d acquired a decent stash of blankets, cooking equipment, ammo, and had started a stack of firewood. It was a long process, carrying everything up the hill into the cave and then moving it through the narrow crevasse into the larger space. But it was well hidden. And most of the things she scavenged from the farmhouse up the hill or in town.
One morning, just as the last of the leaves were falling, Bob failed to get up and greet them. Juliet cried inconsolably for some time, and even Abby was seen to brush away a tear or two. They had a funeral, for Juliet’s sake, and buried him near the others.
Christmas came again and, while Juliet was almost as excited as the year before, the rest of them were weary of hiding. Living in fear took its toll that winter, especially during a blizzard in late January.
The sun had been out for several days, temperatures had warmed, and everyone was hoping— although knowing it was highly unlikely— that spring was on its way. Abby awoke that morning feeling the change in pressure and she noted the lowering sky. By noon, it was snowing heavily and the wind was picking up.
It snowed all day and all night, and well into the next day. In all, 24 inches fell. Everything was buried, and the only good thing was that the snow provided a bit of insulation. The wind was still bitter, but had slowed considerably.
They found the bodies two days later. The young couple had gone for a walk in the snow, just as it began, but had apparently gotten turned around and been unable to find their way back. Cal had refused pleas for a search, and they all knew they really couldn’t risk losing anyone else. So they waited until the storm stopped.
Grave digging was hard work when the ground was frozen, so they did the best they could, in shifts. Everyone pitched in and helped, but Brad took on the brunt of the work. He’d become solitary and gruff since Zoe had died last year, and tried to work off his pain and anger in physical labor.
Soon it was actually spring, and Abby decided she needed to make a trip back to the city. She was curious as to how Henry was faring and she wanted to check on Frank. Besides, since the winter hiatus was over, choppers could be seen more frequently now and they needed to know what was happening.
Cal reluctantly gave permission and Abby went to find Juliet and break the news. Surprisingly, it was Emmy who most strenuously objected.
“No! I’ve just gotten used to you being here, and now you’re leaving again? It was bad enough, a few nights here and there . . .”
“Emmy, relax.
I won’t be gone long this time. Promise. I know exactly where I’m going and what I’m doing—and even who I’m going to see when I’m there.
“Besides,” she joked, “Since I’m going alone, I have to come back or it’d be a wasted trip.”
“No,” said Emmy again. “You aren’t going alone, at least. I’m going with you.”
They argued back and forth for a while, and Abby finally threw up her hands. “Fine! But only if Pops agrees to watch Juliet while we’re gone.”
Juliet brightened at this. She loved Pops. But mostly, she just looked sad.
Abby and Emmy went to see Cal. She was absolutely against the idea of both of them going to St. Louis, until Pops stepped into the discussion.
“Well, now, Cal. I don’t see the harm. They can look after each other, if need be, even if they can’t manage to look after themselves sometimes.” He winked. “I’ll be happy to take care of Juliet, and she’ll be happy too. So there ya go.”
Cal was slightly mollified. “All right. But you both better come back. I’m giving you one week—that’s it. After that, I’ll come looking for you myself, and that’s a promise.” She stomped off to the fire pit.
They decided to leave that night. No point in stalling. They could put Juliet to bed in Pops’ tent first, then hit the road. So to speak. They began to pack, to check weapons, and Emmy made a trip to the commissary. Juliet helped. She knew she’d miss them both, but she was looking forward to staying with Pops, too.
Abby made a big bed on the floor of the tent and the three of them laid down and told stories and whispered until they all dozed off. Juliet was still taking the occasional nap, and the other two needed some sleep before they left.
After dinner Emmy walked Juliet to Pops’ tent and Abby went to see Noah. They hadn’t been alone in ages, and Abby still wanted to keep it that way. Noah was resigned, but had eventually become able to be civil, friendly even, most of the time.
Abby, however, was rather short with him when they did encounter each other. This time she went straight to the point. “Do you have another one of those capsules?”
“Hello, Abby, how are you? I’m fine, thanks for asking. I heard you’re taking a trip this evening. With Emmy.” He seemed almost jealous, but Abby thought she was probably imagining that.
“Yes, sorry. Glad you’re fine and all that. And yes, we are. So do you have any?”
Noah sighed. “Yes, I do. Hang on a sec.” He rummaged through a case under his cot. He stood up with a capsule in each hand.
“This one’s yours, and this one’s Emmy’s.” He handed them to her. “Go ahead, put yours in your pocket.”
“Why? Aren’t they the same thing?” What, did he have an especially heinous death for her in mind? She’d seen the effects on Janey; it seemed as though she’d simply gone to sleep.
“Of course,” he smiled. “I just want to make sure you have it.”
Ah, he did know her pretty well. She shrugged. It would be cold day in hell before she’d use it anyway. Then again, she remembered Janey….
“Well, happy trails, Abby.”
“Um, thanks. See ya.” She turned and left.
The girls stopped at the gate to visit with Sandy for a bit. She often preferred to remain here instead of coming back to the site each night, and had quite a nice camp set up for herself. Abby wondered if even she would have been able to find it, it was so well-hidden.
Sandy appeared to be weathering their enforced exile well, but she’d always been something of a loner, following Meg around on the fringes but seeming content with that. She watched them walk down the road, wondering if they’d be back. And when.
Abby and Emmy had no trouble at all walking to Arnold and were there well before sunrise. They holed up in an old café, near the back where there were still two walls standing. They ate sandwiches and, unbelievably, found a few cans of Pepsi, undamaged. Hadn’t had that for a long time now.
They laid out their bedrolls, side by side, and drifted into sleep. The late afternoon was chilly and Abby awoke to find Emmy had scooted over next to her while she slept. It was hard to get up into the cold, but Abby roused her friend and soon they were on their way again.
This leg of the journey was a bit farther and the closer they got, the more careful they had to be. The sun was nearly breaking the horizon, across the river, when they reached Frank’s apartment building. Abby knew, of course, that Frank couldn’t have gone back to his own place, but she was hoping that his lady friend might still be here and know his whereabouts.
The dumpster was still there, in the alley, and Abby motioned for Emmy to wait there while she climbed the fire escape. She hoped the old woman was an early riser.
She peered into the window; there was one small lamp lit, and a figure standing at the sink. Abby concentrated and focused. Then she tapped on the glass.
The figure turned and approached slowly and Abby could see that yes, it was Frank’s friend, but she didn’t appear frightened or even startled. She opened the window and smiled and Abby climbed inside.
She froze as she heard a click.
“I’ve had you covered since you were halfway up the ladder, young lady. Come on in and have some breakfast.”
It was Frank. Alive and in one piece, as far as she could tell. Abby was so happy she hugged him. Then she hugged the old woman as well. She leaned out the window slightly and whistled, and soon Emmy had joined them.
Introductions were made all around. The woman’s name was Clarice, and she and Frank were, obviously, good friends. She’d been hiding him since last year. Surprisingly, the authorities had left her alone.
“Well,” she said. “Ol’ Frank here, they owe him some favors. Even if they can’t exactly find him.” She laughed.
“Now,” interrupted Frank. “What are you girls up to?”
Abby explained that they’d come into the city to check on him . . . and on Henry. They wanted to see if things had changed and what, if anything, was happening. And they had another list from Noah, if that was possible.
“Well,” said Frank. “I can fill you in on most of it. And I reckon I can get you the stuff on that list. But who’s this Henry?” Abby told him. “Ah. I don’t know any details, mind, but there was a round up about six months ago. All the ones they considered damaged and a drain to society. Sounds like your Henry was probably one of them, especially if he was out and about and even working, like you said.”
Abby slumped down in her chair. Damn.
“But here, give me your list. I’ll slip on over to the hospital tonight and see what I can find. Clarice, why don’t you fix these two young women a bite to eat before they hit the hideout?”
Clarice complied, happily, and Emmy went to help her. Frank raised his eyebrow questioningly and nodded towards Emmy.
Abby sighed. She still wasn’t happy about Emmy putting herself in danger like this, but what could she do? So she merely said, “She got tired of my leaving all the time.”
“Well, she seems a little different from you, Abby. Can’t put my finger on it, but are you sure you won’t have to be playing nursemaid?” Frank’s eyes went wide and he froze. Emmy was standing behind him, holding a razor-sharp knife to his throat.
“Are you still worried, Frank?” she asked sweetly. Abby grinned. It had been awhile since she’d needed to be tough and fast, but Emmy hadn’t forgotten a thing.
Emmy released Frank and walked over to Abby. She put an arm around her and perched on the side of the chair. “As long as I’m doing all the work and you’re just sitting here, why don’t you tell Frank about those two times—two—that I saved your sorry butt?” And she flounced back into the kitchen.
So Abby did. She told Frank how she and Emmy had known each other for twenty years and how they’d been close the whole time. How they’d gotten in a few scrapes as kids and then, as they grew older, found themselves in even more serious situations. And yes, Emmy had indeed saved her butt. Twice.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
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When the girls awoke, the late afternoon sun was streaming into the apartment. They crawled out of the hideout and stretched and Clarice, who was cooking, pointed them in the direction of the bathroom. Frank was nowhere to be seen.
After showering, Abby and Emmy felt much better. They checked their weapons and stowed everything back in the hole, just in case there were visitors. Clarice kept nervously watching the door; apparently, Frank had been gone for some time now.
Finally, just as Clarice was beginning to pace, Frank returned. She gave him a long hug, but said nothing, and began to set dinner on the table. Frank handed Abby the package he’d obtained for Noah.
“All right,” said Frank. “Let’s talk about what’s going on here.
“As I said, a lot of people they consider damaged were taken in. To the death line, just to be clear. Seems they got over that whole death penalty debate pretty quick. Of course, they already were killing babies and the punishment for theft or almost any other petty crime was shooting on sight, so what can you expect?
“Jury trials? Ha. Those went out a long time ago. No one wanted to serve unless they were paid. Don’t know what they’d use money for, the government keeps giving everything out for free.
“Anyway, I expect you want to go looking for this Henry boy, but you be careful. I got a couple of jackets here that you can wear, help you blend into the military, but you better leave that Mossberg here. I’ll give you a couple of assault rifles too. That’s what they use, fully automatic too. A police force. Can you believe it?”
That was a rhetorical question. They could all believe a lot at this point.
“So, the baby-killing lines keep getting longer, if anything; they pay you not to have kids, you see, but if you ask me, they’re cutting their own throats with that one. So, what? People keep dying, but there are no new soldiers for their cause? Maybe they have something else in mind.” He shrugged. “Doesn’t make sense.
“But they’re still using mercenaries. Not sure where they’re coming from, or how they’re being paid. Of course, the whole economy is a mystery. Must’ve had a lot of gold stockpiled somewhere when all this went down.
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