by KC Luck
IN JACKIE’S OPINION, the only downside to having Colonel Armstrong and his platoon arrive in Astoria was watching Greg Orion strut around her office. Ever since he found out that the army arrived, he would not shut up.
“I knew it,” Greg said for the thousandth time. “I never gave up faith in my government.”
Jackie could not help but roll her eyes. They tried to explain to Greg the latest news from Washington DC
indicated there was a shakeup in leadership. He just waved his hand and continue bragging about his insight and leadership as a mayor.
Finally, when the man took a breath, Taylor jumped in.
“All right,” she said. “I think we've established the military is in fact here as you predicted.” She gave a nod to Greg who beamed back at her and opened his mouth to reply when Colonel Armstrong raised a hand.
“We are indeed here,” he interrupted. “And I ask you, what do you need? How can I help?” These words warmed Jackie to her core. It had been so long since there was something to rely on aside from her own wits and those of her friends.
“Well, I think the first order of business is addressing the flu epidemic,” Jackie said. “We've had an outbreak and although there have been no reported deaths, some have turned into pneumonia.”
The colonel nodded. “I can radio back to my primary unit.
I believe our medical team does have a supply of flu vaccines,” he said. “This won't help those who already have it, but it will help slow the spread.” He scratched his chin.
“What kind of medical staff do you have?”
“We've been very fortunate,” Taylor answered. “We have an excellent doctor and nurse practitioner, along with other medical staff of nurses and orderlies.”
“But the hospital burned down, of course,” Greg interjected. “Or exploded actually. So, we use the high school.”
Colonel Armstrong raised an eyebrow. “Well, you will have to tell me that story at a later date,” he said. “What else?”
“Oh,” Greg said. “There are other things to consider. We need the eradication of a tent city which cropped up in our beloved town.”
“Eradicate?” the colonel asked. He glanced to Taylor, and she shook her head.
“No, sir,” she replied. “Although Greg is correct that we do have a small settlement of refugees which took up residence along the waterfront, it is far from the tent city to the degree you may have witnessed in other countries.”
“Now wait, I don't know,” Greg started. “These people—”
“These people are our people,” Jackie interrupted as she stood. She heard enough from Greg. “What they need is housing, and we have places in town which could be rebuilt.” She looked at the colonel. “Do you have access to lumber and materials?”
The colonel pursed his lips thoughtfully. “We do to some degree,” he answered and then a grin spread across his face. “And I definitely saw railroad tracks running through the middle of town when we arrived. Is there depo around here?”
Jackie smiled. “There is indeed,” she replied, becoming even more excited at the prospects. “Are there really trains running?” The colonel was full of one wonderful revelation after another.
“Steam engines!” the colonel replied. “We have engineers getting every steam engine they can find up and running.” He laughed, and Jackie was learning to love the sound of the man's merriment. “They're crisscrossing this country as if it were the 1880s again. It might take a little while, but I can radio back and ask for a couple railcars with those materials.”
Greg clapped his hands. “Astoria shall be rebuilt from the ashes,” he exclaimed as if it was all his idea. “Jackie, I want you to get right on this. Recruit volunteers so we can clean up the mess from the fires and be ready to build the minute that train arrives.”
Jackie raised her eyebrows as she looked at the man. He never ceased to amaze her. “I do believe you fired me,” she said.
Greg waved off her comment. “Oh, you know I was just joking with that,” he said. “Back to work everyone. Back to work.”
ANNA PUTTERED AROUND the kitchen with a broad smile on her face. There was a twinkle in her eyes, and she had not been this happy in what felt like forever. Lexi’s sponge bath had gone well. And that’s an understatement, she thought, remembering how the woman had tried to talk Anna into taking her clothes off too. Anna had not fallen for Lexi’s charms but was overjoyed by how much more of her old energy and fire Lexi had after being so sick.
As she wiped down a dish and set it with the soup bowl Lexi finished with less coaxing, she heard a sound outside the window. Frowning, she considered what the rumble might be. If I didn't know better, I would swear that is the sound of a truck, Anna thought. But who in the world has enough gas to drive a truck or any vehicle for that matter?
As she watched out the window where she had a good view of the driveway, she saw Will and Callie come around the side of the house clearly hearing the sound as well.
With Joe on her hip, Alice walked into the kitchen with her head tilted and her eyes wide. “Is someone driving up the driveway?” she asked with both curiosity and a touch of concern in her voice.
Anna understood as she could not decide what emotion to feel either. A vehicle coming could mean almost anything.
“I need to get Lexi,” Anna answered Alice. “Whoever is coming, I know she'll want to meet them.” Alice nodded, and the two of them went into the bedroom.
Lexi turned to look as they entered. “What's wrong?” she asked.
“I'm not sure,” Anna replied. “But someone is coming up the driveway.”
“In a vehicle?” Lexi asked pushing back the covers and starting to stand. “Who has gasoline?”
“That's what we don't know,” Alice said.
Suddenly, there was a shout on the porch. All three women looked at each other. What in the world? Anna wondered. That sure sounds a lot like Sam and Laura. More confused than ever, she led Lexi and Alice into the hall. As if by magic, the front door opened and the two women, along with two children, came in wearing big smiles.
“Sam? Laura?” Alice said with excitement but also disbelief. “You’re back. But in a truck?”
“How is that even possible?” Anna asked. Laura laughed as she shifted the little girl in her arms to one side and reached out to pull Anna into a hug.
“It's so good to be back,” Laura said. “And you won't believe all that has happened.”
CHAPTER 38
itting in a wheelchair, Grace held Taylor's hand and Scontemplated the future. The pain in her side was a dull throb, occasionally shot through with a stronger bolt. She suffered through it by gritting her teeth because she would rather deal with the pain than be laid out in a bed any longer—especially since she just finished meeting with her squad and Colonel Armstrong. Sitting upright was the only option she would consider. Dr. Ambrose advised against her using the chair, cautioning there would be extreme pain and it would possibly restart the bleeding, but Grace insisted.
She would deal with the ramifications later. Maintaining a military bearing was of utmost importance to her and she would not address the new leadership in Astoria while flat on her back.
“So, what do you think of the colonel?” Taylor asked, and Grace thought for a moment. The man was impressive.
Charismatic and clearly intelligent. She believed if she ever met General Patton, they would have been similar. An incredible leader, loved by his troops, and a maker of history. Colonel Armstrong was clearly built the same.
“I like him,” Grace answered. “He will do good things for Astoria and the entire Pacific Northwest.” During her debrief, she informed him of her concerns about Aberdeen.
He listened carefully and then assured Grace he would look into it personally. In fact, he made it clear he would not be staying in Astoria much longer, but instead leaving behind a small contingent.
“The question now is, what will you do, Major?” the colonel asked her. “I re
gret to say it, but although we have a
limited power grid thanks to the temporary wind turbines we are constructing in different towns, they are not reliable enough to use for surgery. At least not yet.”
“I understand,” Grace replied. She had not considered she could have a hip replacement at any time, let alone in the near future. She was thankful the colonel did not immediately insist she accept a discharge from the US Army.
Colonel Armstrong gave her choices but thankfully had not pressured her into making a decision immediately.
“You can, of course, stay on medical leave while we sort things out,” the colonel explained. “Or you may request a discharge with full honors. It is entirely up to you.”
This decision was what she was discussing with Taylor.
After the colonel left and Grace dismissed her squad, she asked Taylor to stay behind. The ex-MP was a good friend, and even though they had not seen each other for over a decade, she knew Taylor would give her nothing but her best advice.
“If you were me, what would you do?” Grace asked.
Taylor gave her hand a squeeze before letting go and leaning back in her chair.
“I can't make the decision for you,” Taylor said. “It all depends on what you see yourself doing in one year or five years or even ten.”
“But you got out,” Grace said. “What has it been like for you?”
Taylor chuckled. “I was out less than six months before the solar storm,” she said. “My retirement has been rather eventful.” They both laughed. That is an understatement, Grace thought. “The best thing is, you don’t have to decide today,” Taylor continued. “Take some time, Grace. Really think it through.”
Grace knew she was right, but it did not make her decision any easier. She was in the military over half her life and was not sure what she would do without it. Choices and judgments about her life were based on her position as an
officer in the Army. Including ones recently involving Meg, she thought. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath before letting it out slowly. There was one more question she needed to ask, but the likely answer filled her with fear.
Apparently sensing her hesitation, Taylor retook her hand. “What is it, Grace?” she asked. Grace opened her eyes and looked into Taylor's face. She could see care and compassion in her friend's eyes. She knew she would tell her the truth even if it hurt.
“Taylor,” Grace started then paused to steady her racing heart. “Is the Wind Dancer still anchored offshore?” Taylor did not immediately answer and a flicker of sadness crossed her features. Grace knew the answer before Taylor said it.
Pain and regret bloomed inside her.
“The ship is gone,” Taylor replied. Grace did not want to hear any more.
JACKIE'S ENTIRE BODY was exhausted. As she walked out of her office door and down the hallway with the sound of her heels clicking on the tiles, she wished more than anything she was going home to a bottle of expensive red wine.
Considering that was not the case, she sighed and knew she should be happy she had a warm house with a loving partner waiting for her. Or actually, Jackie thought. Taylor is probably still visiting with Grace. She laughed a little remembering for a moment she had been jealous of Grace when the woman first appeared in Astoria. The thinking proved to be a waste of time. Whatever the two women might have once shared evolved into nothing but a strong friendship.
Stepping out the front door onto the sidewalk, Jackie realized it started to rain again. And I don't have an umbrella, she thought wanting to kick herself for not being
more prepared. Although I have had a lot on my mind lately.
She knew that thought was an understatement. It was an incredible couple of weeks. Lowering her head against the cold drops, she walked down the street in the direction of home and barely made it a hundred feet when she caught sight of a figure standing under the eaves of a storefront.
Someone was apparently waiting for her. Jackie slowed her steps and squinted in the low light as darkness began to fall.
“Who's there?” Jackie asked, doing her best to sound confident. Mrs. Weeks stepped from the shadows and Jackie let out a breath of relief. The older woman held an umbrella which Jackie realized was a fun shade of purple and she was smiling broadly clearly happy to see Jackie.
“I had hoped to catch you while you were still in your office,” Mrs. Weeks said. “Do you have a moment?” Jackie wanted to say no because she was tired and the days had been long lately, but Mrs. Weeks was always friendly and helpful, so Jackie gave her a moment.
“What can I do for you?” Jackie asked, putting on a smile.
“Well for starters,” Mrs. Weeks replied. “You can get under this umbrella with me and stop getting rained on.”
Jackie laughed and accepted the offer, sliding up next to Mrs. Weeks. “This is very nice of you,” Jackie said, slipping her arm through the older woman's so they could move down the street together.
“It is my pleasure,” the woman said. “I know there's been a lot going on, and I'm sure you have been overwhelmed.”
Jackie did not even know how to best respond to such an understatement. As if understanding there would be no answer, Mrs. Weeks continued. “I wanted to bring up something we talked about a week ago if you don't mind too much.”
“What was that?” Jackie asked having no recollection of speaking with her about much of anything a week ago.
“About putting up a Christmas tree in the center of town?” Mrs. Weeks asked not offended Jackie did not
immediately remember.
“Oh, of course, I do recall it now,” Jackie replied giving Mrs. Week’s arm a squeeze. “You and a few of your friends were going to work on seeing if it was possible. How did it turn out?”
Mrs. Weeks smiled clearly proud of herself. “Considering how crazy this town has been with everyone being so concerned about the flu, not to mention the arrival of Army troops, my ladies and I have still managed to find the perfect tree.” Jackie had to smile as she listened to the excitement in Mrs. Week’s voice. “And some of the children from town have been practicing a couple of Christmas carols,” the woman continued. “With your permission, we propose the town have a small gathering on Christmas Eve to show our gratitude for all the goodness blossoming around us.”
As they continued to walk, Jackie thought the idea over. It would indeed be an excellent way to celebrate the more favorable turn of events—All which looked so dark even twenty-four hours before seemed like they were going to be okay. “Mrs. Weeks,” Jackie said. “I think I could not love your idea more.”
“Well,” Mrs. Weeks said. “I actually do have one more little thing to ask.”
Jackie raised her eyebrows. “And what is that?” Jackie asked. Mrs. Weeks bent her head closer and explained.
CURLED UP ON THE COUCH with not one, but two quilts, and with Anna nestled up beside her, Lexi felt better than she had in a week. Turning to kiss Anna on the forehead, she heard the woman sigh as she snuggled in even closer. On the floor in front of them, Joe and Henry played with some wooden blocks with numbers and letters painted on them.
Lexi was impressed with how patiently Henry explained to Joe what was on each block. Joe was getting the hang of it and Lexi smiled. They are both bright boys, she thought looking around at the others gathered in the room. The room overflowed with Alice, Will, and Callie, plus Sam and Laura with the little girl, Shauna, asleep on Laura's lap. If Lexi had to guess, the little girl was about six, and almost too big to be sleeping on someone's lap, but she quickly realized the child was going to be Laura's shadow for a long time.
When she heard about their ordeal, it made Lexi sad. Life has been hard enough on us adults, I can only imagine how hard it has been on kids. And these two seem like a pair of good ones, she thought as Joe knocked over the pile of blocks and Henry belly laughed at the sight. The opposite of his younger sister, Henry was outgoing, and Lexi knew he would adapt well to living with Sam and Laura and everyon
e at the farmhouse. Shauna, however, will take time. In her heart, Lexi knew Laura was the best person for the job. They were brought together by fate. Not unlike how Joe was brought into Anna’s and my life. There was one big difference though, and Lexi could not ignore it.
“The uncle left behind a note,” Sam explained as she reached in her pocket and pulled out the paper for the others to look at it. Lexi read the page, happy it clearly stated he was giving up any rights to the children. Of course, Lexi knew he was only their uncle, but considering the parents were last known to be in the Caribbean on a cruise, it seemed unlikely they would be back. Still, Sam and Laura left behind an address to Lexi’s in case the parents or some other family member did come looking. All which led Lexi's thoughts back to Joe. The little boy's dark head shook from side to side as he bantered in his limited vocabulary with Henry. He looked so much like Anna, it made Lexi's heart ache. Joe was the child they always wanted and never
thought they could have. So, what do I do now? Lexi wondered realizing the time had come to make a decision.
Taking Anna's hand under the blanket, she gave it a squeeze. Anna reacted by looking at her and their eyes met.
Apparently seeing the emotion on Lexi's face, Anna's eyes widened and she started to sit up straighter, but Lexi held her back. “What is it?” Anna whispered so the others could not overhear. Lexi took a deep breath, gathering her courage. She was about to say something which might break both of their hearts.
“Anna, now that there is enough electricity for the military to use the radios, we need to do the right thing,”
Lexi explained. She watched tears well up in her wife's eyes and for a moment she wondered if Anna would agree. Then, she gave a slight nod and rested her head back down against Lexi's shoulder. Lexi knew her heart was breaking, and it was the last thing she ever wanted to do, but Joe's family deserved to know he was alive. Fighting her own tears, Lexi resolved to get word to Taylor in the morning and have her run the license plate.
