by E A Chance
“No, Dashay is. Are you sure we should include Angie? She made her choice in Warrenton.”
“She will when she hears what I have to say.”
“Breaking three of us out of here is going to be tough enough, especially with Julia’s condition.”
“If Angie wants to go along, we’ll figure out a way.”
Coop picked up the stack of folders he’d set on an empty tray and flipped through them. “Here’s Julia’s chart. I was going to examine her after I finished my other patients.”
She took the file from him. “I’ll do it. See you in thirty. Make sure to bring Angie.”
Coop and Angie sat facing Riley on a cot in her tent, eager to hear her big announcement.
“How can what you have to tell us be more life-altering than what we’ve already been through?” Coop asked.
Riley sat in a lawn chair across from them. “Not life-altering. I said earth-shattering. The world has ended.”
Angie crossed her arms. “Yeah, we noticed. Cut to the chase. I have to get back to the kitchen.”
Riley leaned closer. “No, I mean, the CME struck the entire planet. It’s not localized to this area. Adrian estimates there are only two or three billion people alive in the whole world. From what we’ve seen, I’d say even fewer than that.”
Angie sprang off the cot. “The whole Earth? They said that wasn’t possible.”
Riley huffed. “Turns out it is, and it gets worse. Power is out everywhere and won’t be back on for years, if ever. Adrian’s exact words. If ever. No help is coming. This disaster is impacting our families and friends, everyone we know.”
Angie swayed for a moment before lowering herself onto the cot. “If that’s true, my family may be dead. It’s even colder in Pennsylvania than here. I have to get out of here.”
Coop squeezed her hand. “We all do. We started planning to escape after what Branson did to Jepson. That guy’s a lunatic. We’ll help break you out, Angie, but you’re on your own once we’re free. We’re still heading south.”
Riley slapped her thigh to get their attention. “Yes, we have to escape, but you’re ignoring the big picture. The world has been thrust back to the pre-industrial eighteen hundreds. That means no medication production. No vaccines. No antibiotics. Worse, it means no food processing plants, heat, or fuel production. Once the gas runs out, that’s it. No more cars. We won’t even have clean water without wells, and most of those function on electric pumps.”
Coop ran his hand through his hair. “I’ve only been focused on surviving until the rest of the world stepped in to help. This means we’re all starting from scratch.”
Riley fell back in the chair and closed her eyes. “It’s been generations since humans lived without electricity. How will we survive?”
Coop got up and peeked through the tent flap to make sure no one was listening. “As devastating as this is, it doesn’t change our immediate dilemma. How are we going to get out of the compound with Julia?”
“I might have a solution,” Riley said. “You’re not going to like it, Coop, but it’s our best shot. Branson wants me to go on a med supply run with Brooks tomorrow. I’ll find a way to take Brooks out while we’re gone and come back with the truck after dark. In the meantime, gather supplies and find an unguarded area along the fence. We’ll sneak our stuff and Julia out before anyone knows we’re gone.”
Coop glared at her. “Are you insane? Take Brooks out? He’s twice your size. Are you planning to kill him?”
“Of course not. I’ll knock him out or drug him.”
“We can’t let you do it, Riley. It’s too dangerous,” Angie said.
“I’ll convince Branson to let me go, instead,” Coop said.
“That might alert Branson or make him suspicious. And he’s not the type to change his mind. It has to be me.”
Coop let out a weary sigh. “Branson’s not the only one who never changes their mind.”
Riley rested her hand on his shoulder. “Brooks seems to like me, and he helped us with Julia. Coop, figure out how to get Julia out of the infirmary without raising any alarm bells.”
Coop put his hand over hers. “How will you know where to meet us? I can’t exactly text you.”
Angie stood and smoothed her pant legs. “I can help with that. I’m in a tent with three other women. One of them snores, and I’m having trouble sleeping since…events. I’ve been taking walks at night, so the guards are used to seeing me wandering around the camp. There’s a long stretch of fence at the far east side that no one patrols. It’s heavily wooded, and the access road doesn’t reach that far. It’ll be a hike to get Julia and the supplies to the truck, but no one will see us.”
Coop got up and hugged her. “I’d forgotten about your husband. Let’s meet behind the infirmary tonight at around three to scope it out.”
Angie gave a quick nod. “Thanks, Coop. It’s been a hell of a time for all of us. I have to get back before they miss me. Like you said, we don’t want to alert Branson.”
She hugged Riley and hurried out of the tent. Coop sat on Riley’s cot and pulled her onto his lap. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her chin on the top of his head. Coop sighed and Riley felt his shoulders sink.
“I get that we don’t have many options, but this plan scares me. If you get hurt or worse, I’ll never forgive myself for letting you go.”
“Nothing will happen. I have to do this for Julia. I’m more worried about what will happen while we’re trying to get her to the truck. If one of Branson’s goons to see us, it’s all over. I wouldn’t put it past him to execute us.”
“He won’t. We’re valuable commodities, but that doesn’t mean he won’t punish us and put a tail on us round the clock. We can’t get caught. We won’t.”
“If all goes according to plan, in less than twenty-four hours, we’ll be back on our way to the ranch.”
Coop laid her on the cot and gave her a lingering kiss. “I love you, Riley Poole, more than I’ve ever loved anyone. I can’t lose you now. If you don’t find the perfect opportunity to take out Brooks, just come back with him. We’ll find another way to escape.”
She brushed her lips on his cheek. “I will. I love you, Coop. I never thought I’d love anyone after Zach. You’ve changed my life in ways you can’t imagine. Even if the world has gone to hell, we’ll face it together and build a new one.”
He leaned down to kiss her again but stopped when he saw a shadow outside the tent door. He got up and helped Riley to her feet.
“Who is that? Get in here.”
Warner came in and flashed Coop a lewd grin. “Getting a little afternoon snack?”
Coop gave a fake chuckle. “Jealous? What do you want?”
“Director Branson wants a word with the little doctor.”
Riley stepped up to him with her hands on her hips and stared him down. “That’s Dr. Poole to you. What does he want?”
Warner looked amused at her attempt to stand up to him. “Didn’t bother to ask, but don’t keep him waiting, Dr. Poole.”
He bowed and backed out of the tent. Riley was tempted to throw a boot at his head.
“Miscreant. What do you think he was doing before World’s End?”
Coop shook his head. “Drowning kittens.”
Riley was relieved when Branson only wanted to see her about planning the supply run with Brooks. She said she’d have a list ready and meet him at the truck after breakfast. Once they’d finished, she did her afternoon rounds and spent the rest of the day with Julia. They chatted about Angie’s visit, how much Julia liked Dashay, and how nice it felt to be warm. Riley listened and gave short responses whenever Julia stopped to take a breath.
Not wanting to disappoint Julia about having to leave the compound or burden her with their secret, she held back about the escape plan. She hated being forced to take her weak, injured daughter on the road but was convinced it was their best hope for survival.
She reminded herself that they’d be in
Wytheville in two days. Uncle Mitch had probably rigged solar or wind power the day after the CME. Barring that, he had wood-burning stoves and cords of firewood stacked for winter. There would be well water, livestock and shelves lined with canned goods. All she and Coop had to do was get Julia there.
During Riley’s meeting with Branson, she’d politely asked for an increased food ration for Julia. Branson had readily consented. At dinnertime, Claire brought a tray loaded with enough food for three people. Julia’s appetite had returned, but she was weak and couldn’t eat her usual amount. Riley was tempted to down the rest of the food but instead ate just enough to satisfy her hunger pangs. When Julia drifted off, Riley stuffed the leftovers into clean sample bags and hid them in her backpack.
After leaving instructions with Claire and Mendez, she went to her tent to sleep until she had to meet Angie to inspect the fence. Coop came in around ten and asked to climb into her sleeping bag.
“As much as I’d love to have you snuggle in with me, I won’t sleep if you do, and I need to be sharp tomorrow. One more day and we’ll be able to share a bed every night. You can take Julia’s cot if you promise to be quiet.”
He kissed her before getting into the other sleeping bag. “This is getting old. How much longer do I have to wait to be with you? And what about the age-old tradition of a night of lovemaking before going into battle?”
Riley rolled over to face him. “Those are always twenty-year-old men, not exhausted thirty-five-year-old mothers. Just keeping my priorities straight here, and I am exhausted.”
“Just yanking your chain, Riley. I’m no twenty-year-old boy either, and I’ve hit the end of my reserves, too.”
“I set my watch for a quarter to three. That gives us five hours. I’ll wake you if you don’t hear the alarm. Goodnight. Love you, Coop.”
He yawned and whispered, “Love you.”
They didn’t run into any trouble during their inspection of the fence. Angie had sneaked short-handled bolt cutters out of the maintenance hut and brought them along for Coop to cut the fence.
While he worked, he said, “Memorize landmarks. It won’t be as easy to remember the route under pressure in the dark, and we’ll only have a short window to get Julia out safely. We’ll wheel her on the gurney as far as we can, Angie, but you’ll have to help me carry her after that.”
Angie was pulling the fence apart as Coop cut but nicked her finger on a jagged edge. “I’ll do whatever you need. I’m tougher than I look,” she said, as she stopped to shake off the pain.
Riley stepped into her place and tugged on the unattached part of the fence. “You don’t have to tell us. We’ve seen what you’re capable of. This will be a cakewalk compared to surviving for a week in that crashed plane.”
Coop finished cutting an opening big enough to fit two of them carrying Julia. He moved back to admire his handy work before pushing the fence back into place and handing the cutters to Riley.
“Hide those in your pack. They’ll come in handy later. Thanks for taking the risk to sneak them to us, Angie, and for joining us in escaping. A hundred things could go wrong on this little adventure. It might be smarter to stay.”
Angie shook her head. “I know the risks, but I’ve got to get back to my family. I don’t care what it takes.”
“I’ll wait for you in Julia’s room in the infirmary until midnight. If you aren’t there by then, I’m going alone. Riley, do your best to be here by one.”
“I’ll aim for that, but I can’t guarantee what time I’ll be back. You’ll have to be patient. If I’m not here by four-thirty, get Julia back to the infirmary.”
They all agreed and went through the plan once more to make sure they hadn’t forgotten any details. Coop and Riley left inconspicuous signs such as broken branches and marks on trees along the path on their way back to the compound. Only someone looking for them would notice.
Coop was asleep the instant he hit the cot, but Riley couldn’t turn off the thoughts churning in her brain. She tried relaxation and deep breathing exercises, but nothing helped. She couldn’t stop worrying that the risk was too big this time. They weren’t in a movie or a game. Most of Branson’s men acted like hardened prison guards, and for all her bluster with Warner, she was afraid of him. Despite all of this, staying in the camp was out of the question.
A few hours of sleep and the chilly sunshine brightened Riley’s outlook in the morning. She was more confident about their plan when her alarm went off for the second time that day. She pulled on her boots and hurried to the infirmary to say goodbye to Julia. Coop was already there doing rounds.
“Any second thoughts?” he asked her while they pretended to consult on a patient. “Not too late to back out.”
“I have to go on the supply run either way, so I might as well see it through. I promise not to take unnecessary risks. I want to pull off this mission as much as you do.”
He pulled her close and gave her a sloppy kiss without caring who saw. “I’ll be waiting at one. Be there.”
He stalked off before she could respond, so she went to explain to Julia about the supply run.
“Don’t go, Mom,” Julia pleaded. “It’s too dangerous. Can’t someone else go?”
Riley brushed Julia’s hair aside and kissed her forehead. “The director of the camp is insisting I go. I don’t want to leave you, and I tried to get out of it, but Coop and Angie are here, and the infirmary staff will take care of you. I’ll be fine. You don’t need to worry. I won’t be back until late, so don’t wait up for me. I love you, sweetheart.”
Julia sniffled, but Riley could see she was trying to be brave. “Love you, Mom. See you tonight.”
She hurried out before breaking down and went for a quick breakfast before going to meet Brooks.
Riley pushed her anxiety aside and focused on procuring provisions for the infirmary. Brooks was stamping his feet to keep warm when she got to the armored military Humvee they were using for the run.
He opened the driver's side door and grumbled, “About time.”
Riley tossed her pack in the back seat before hoisting herself up into the passenger side. “I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to my daughter. You never know when you might not return from one of these runs.”
He started the engine and grinned. “I have every intention of both of us returning in one piece. I do this twice a week. Piece of cake.”
“That’s comforting. Our luck hasn’t been as favorable, as you know.”
As the truck rumbled along the dirt road leading away from the compound, Riley tried to keep up the small talk in the hope that Brooks would lower his guard. He’d been less harsh with her than other members of Branson’s staff and had come close to what Riley would call kindness. She sensed decency hiding under the bravado, which was more than she could say for the others.
She waited ten minutes before asking about his life before the CME. He frowned at her, then turned his attention back to the road. “What does it matter?”
His reaction caught Riley off guard. “I’m not trying to pry. If we’re going to be alone in this truck for hours, I thought time would pass quicker if we chat.”
“I’m not used to chatting. Branson’s not one for conversation, and I have nothing to say to those other lugs.”
Riley crossed her arms and turned toward the window. “Makes sense. Never mind.”
“Not what I mean. I’m saying I’m not used to it. I don’t mind talking while we ride. I managed the supply chain for a farm equipment company. Worked with a good group of people. Wonder where they all are?”
Riley sighed in relief after envisioning riding in silence for hours. She thought about his comment about the people he’d worked with. She hadn’t had time to think about her colleagues back home. They were good people, most of whom she’d call close friends. They had families and full lives. She wondered how they were faring in the aftermath of the disaster.
“That’s one of the hardest parts, no communication. Instant
contact has become so ingrained in us. I miss just taking out my phone and immediately connecting with someone.” She hesitated a moment before saying, “I have two younger children with my parents in Colorado Springs. It’s torture not knowing how they are or what’s happening to them. I’d give anything to hear their voices one more time. Do you have children?”
Brooks gave her a quick glance. “I do, but I’m divorced, and my wife has majority custody. I see my three boys as often as I can. They live two hours away, so it’s not easy. The oldest was supposed to graduate high school in June, then he was planning to go into the Air Force. The other two are fifteen and thirteen. Good kids.”
“My husband was in the Air Force. Pilot. His helicopter was shot down three years ago on the Pakistan border.”
“Sorry to hear that. Guess my boy won’t have to worry about such things now.”
Riley watched him, sensing his despair at being separated from his sons. She could relate and felt a bond sprouting between them but couldn’t allow that to happen. Feeling compassion for him could make her hesitate when it came time to take him down, so she changed topics.
“How’d you get hooked up with Branson?”
“He lived in the same county as me and came asking for volunteers to help set up a safe community at an abandoned Boy Scout facility. I was alone, hungry and freezing, so I thought, what the hell. I’ve worked hard and kept my head down, so he’s given me more responsibility.”
“Do you regret joining up with him?”
Brooks rubbed his beard and thought for a moment. “If you’d asked me that before the incident at the church and what he did to Jepson, I’d have said no regrets. I didn’t always agree with his tactics, but he hadn’t done anything to cross the line. I don’t like that he feeds us better than the other people in the camp. There’s no reason for it. We have plenty of food for everyone. It’s a power play. I sneak food to families with children when I can get away with it.”
Riley was surprised by his answer, but said, “And since the church?”
