We spent another hour telling everyone about Annie and Glenn, and the Goshens, including our return visit to their homesteads. As agreed, we left out the kidnapping, so also left out the situation with Andrea and Patsy and the massacre in Yardley.
“Colonel, did you make it to the Soo?” Rayn asked, naturally curious about her fellow soldiers.
“Yes, we did, Sergeant. The battle with the Canadians ended with the big quake, so everything was fairly quiet there,” Jim replied. “I had a great deal of inspecting to do, and reports to file, so we stayed close to a week.”
“During that time some of the more senior officers kept hitting on me, so the Colonel came up with a plan to stop them,” I interjected, letting Jim explain the rest.
“I knew we were always under watch, so I let our ‘spies’ see what they believed to be me proposing to Allex,” Jim said.
Wow, I didn’t expect the room to go dead silent. “I wasn’t and didn’t propose, though if they thought Allex was ‘my woman’ they wouldn’t dare approach her. What we couldn’t let anyone find out was that she wasn’t really military. It worked.”
“Meanwhile I kept busy setting up their Emergency Operation Center, which the ranking major had let close,” I said looking at Tom. “It was something I knew I could do and had been trained for, and already having the expertise fit with my new military image.”
“Since Allex had gotten two computer geeks to get the base back online, the word of our ‘relationship’ made it back to Sawyer before we did,” Jim continued.
“Actually, it was all very comical, but I guess you had to be there to find it as funny as we did,” I added when no one even cracked a smile.
“We stayed a couple more days at Sawyer while I finished some final paperwork, which included my… retirement papers,” Jim announced. “In three more weeks I will be officially retired from the Army.”
“You will always be Colonel to us, Sir,” Eric said proudly and fondly. “May I ask how you hurt your hand?”
“I was changing a tire when a tremor hit and the jack slipped. Allex got me back to Sawyer where the field medic amputated my little finger, which was crushed beyond repair. The ring finger is broken and will be fine,” he answered, holding up the freshly bandaged hand.
“After that we went back to the house we stayed in on our way out,” I picked up. “We loaded up a trailer we found and came home.”
“Not quite,” Jim corrected me. “We had just made it to the paved mining road when the storms hit, and we took refuge in the mine. Three days of lightning, thunder, and heavy rain in a cold and damp cave was about our limit. We dug our way through mud slides and here we are!”
“Those storms were bad here, too,” Tom said. “We shut down the generator during the storms to prevent it from getting fried.”
I was quite pleased that we were able to tell our travels in such a brief yet complete way. After two hours of almost non-stop talking, my throat was dry and I was ready for a drink!
*
I had taken my spiced rum on the rocks out onto the big upper deck for some air, while the others helped themselves to more food.
“Mom,” Jason said, following me outside, “I have the feeling you didn’t tell us everything about what went on.”
“You don’t need to know everything,” I said. “Besides, much of it was a long, boring drive. Give me some time to be home, please. It’s been a trying and complicated six weeks, Jason. I can’t just dump six weeks of events into two hours!”
*
After everyone had gone home, the three of us cleaned up the few dishes and glasses. It was late, and although I had slept in, I was suddenly very tired. The air outside was once again dropping in temperature in spite of it being May. I think the past several months of a mild winter were now being paid for. Tom put another log on the fire and we pulled up chairs to enjoy the warmth and one final drink before heading off to bed.
“I think that went well, don’t you?” Jim said, stretching his long legs out in front of him.
“Yes, it did, and Jason is already asking for more details. He senses we left a lot out.”
“Well, you did,” Tom said. “I mean I understand you don’t want them to know about the kidnapping, but the details of everything else were pretty sketchy. They’re going to be curious as well as concerned.”
“I will tell them more as it comes up, Tom,” I stated. “So much happened that it’s hard to talk about just yet. They will have to be patient… and so will you.” I smiled at my long-time friend.
“What’s on the agenda for tomorrow?” Tom asked.
“I think we need to deal with the trailer contents as soon as possible. And that means getting it inside where we can inventory all of it,” Jim said. “What kind of hours are you keeping at the township hall? We’re going to need help moving things. With this bum hand I can’t do a great deal yet.”
“I’m taking tomorrow off,” Tom said. “Maybe even the next day.” He looked at us. “Damn, it’s good to have you back!”
“Now that that is decided, I’m going to bed.” I tossed back the water in the bottom of my glass and set it in the sink. “Good night, Tom.”
As I came out of the bathroom after having brushed my teeth and washed my face, Jim was there, looking out the glass door of the walk-out basement.
“Jim, we need to talk about our arrangements,” I said, broaching the subject gently.
“Yes, we do, Allex. I cherish the time we spend in the same bed, but I’ve slept alone for so long I don’t think I can share a bed every night and get enough sleep,” he said apologetically.
I chuckled. “And here I thought I was going to be saying that.” I kissed him softly. “Join me whenever you want, and I’ll do the same.” With that, I went into my room, leaving the door slightly ajar. I heard him running water in the bathroom. A few minutes later, I felt the mattress give beside me as Jim snuggled up and we fell asleep.
CHAPTER 25
May 20
Jim left the house early to meet with his security team. He was anxious to know what had gone on in town during the last six weeks, though he did promise to be back in an hour to start on the inventory.
“I’m going to run this mail bag up to the Sisters so they can start sorting. I’m sure once people find out there is mail, they’ll be anxious to know if they have any,” I told Tom.
“I’m going to set up some sawhorses and planks so we can organize all of your booty,” Tom grinned, “so take your time.”
*
I found Sister Margaret at the supply shop after there was no answer at the house.
“Good morning, Allexa. It was delightful to hear about your travels last night. Thank you so much for inviting us,” she said.
“I’m happy you could join us. I’ve brought the mail bag I mentioned. With the meticulous records you kept during the flu sweep, I know you will be able to sift through this quickly. I did notice a certain amount of junk-mail. Maybe those who don’t get any mail might enjoy the catalogues and circulars, even if they’re out of date and unusable.”
“What a generous thought. I’ll be sure that nothing is wasted,” Sister Margaret said, taking the canvas bag from me.
*
I met Jim as I was walking down the driveway. We continued arm-in-arm, mostly from habit from when he helped me walk on bruised and broken feet, partly just because.
With Tom manning the dolly, he and I moved three twelve bottle cases at a time down into the empty wine cellar. We left the boxes stacked, not seeing any reason to put things away just yet. Next were the cases of liquor. Again, we stacked them out of sight. Moving the tubs of canned goods was proving to be more difficult considering how heavy they were.
“How in the hell did you two get these in here?” Tom grunted.
“We didn’t; we filled them in place,” Jim said. “Why don’t we take two of those plastic crates over there, and partially empty this first tub? That should make it easier to move.” We worked s
teadily for an hour, sorting the cans of food as we emptied a crate or tub.
I was taking an empty crate back to the barn when I noticed Sister Margaret coming down the driveway.
“I’m so glad you’re here, Allexa!” she exclaimed excitedly. “You have a letter!”
“Me? A letter?” I took the envelope from her and saw the return address was from my sister! I turned away without saying a word. The emotions that swept through me would be hard to describe: relief, happiness, even dread on what news may be inside. I walked past the garage where Jim and Tom were sorting cans, and into the house. In my basement room I closed the door before I carefully opened the letter.
Dear Allex,
I hope you get this, I really do. We hear so little about what is going on in the Upper Peninsula and what we do hear is all bad. I so want to believe that you are alright.
I can’t thank you enough for nagging me into prepping! I know I was a reluctant student, but after that first ice storm when I lost power for a week in the winter, and I had enough food and water and a camp stove to cook on, well, I knew you were right and just looking out for me. Things got a bit rough for a while after the ash cloud, but I’m doing okay.
When that big quake hit in December I was so worried about you. Then when the flooding started, I was worried about ME. You know how I’ve always wanted waterfront property? I got it now! Well, almost, sort of. I only have to hike a half mile to get to the new shore! I dug out one of Daddy’s old fishing rods last week and went fishing. You remember the glass rod we found under the wooden steps at the lake? I thought it might bring me good luck. I didn’t catch anything, but at least I remembered how. It reminded me of all the times we went camping. We learned so much back then, didn’t we?
I’m going to keep telling myself that you got this letter. I don’t know if there is any way for you to write back, but I won’t give up hope.
I love you sis!
Pam
“Allex, are you in here?” Jim called out, knocking on my door. He opened it and saw me weeping. “Allex, what’s the matter?” He pulled me into a hug and I handed him the letter. “Oh, this is good news, isn’t it?” he asked after reading it, still holding me. I could only nod.
I went into the bathroom to blow my nose and wash my face.
“It’s wonderful news, Jim,” I said when I returned. “I didn’t realize just how much I missed my sister. To know she survived the ash clouds fills me with joy! I wish there was some way I could let her know I got her letter and that I’m fine and so are the boys.” I sat back down next to him.
“We’ll figure something out, Allex, I promise.”
*
We worked for the rest of the day sorting and stacking cans. There was so much there.
“You two made quite a haul,” Tom said when we were finally done. “What are you going to do with all of it?”
“Most of it will be for the three of us,” I said, looking at Jim for confirmation.
“It’s not going to the town?” Tom questioned.
“Our primary mission was to find my men in the Soo, and a safe route to Marquette, not to scavenge food for the town,” Jim asserted. “That we found some makes it ours.”
“I see.”
“Maybe you don’t, Tom, you weren’t here a year ago. I’ve given this town enough. I gave them my own food and supplies and they gladly took it. I gave them my knowledge and my council, and they refused it. I’ve done enough.” I paused for a moment, looking at Jim for support. “I’d like to give some of this to my sons, though they also are on a tight learning curve to fend for themselves and to be honest, they’ve got more years ahead of them than we do.” I looked at my two best friends. “Jim and I have been to hell and back, Tom. I think we’ve earned the right to be a bit selfish and to enjoy our lives now and that includes a bit of gourmet food and good wine.” I grinned at him, hoping to ease the tension. He nodded thoughtfully.
“I suggest we put it back in the bins, labeled, and take it downstairs,” Jim said. “You can decide now or later what you want to give the boys, Allex.”
“I’ll wait. Maybe Rayn is having cravings for something special.”
May 21
The temperature was even colder this morning, almost as if we were entering a second winter, or maybe the winter we didn’t have. While at Sawyer, I heard the winter on the Keweenaw was brutal, with heavier than normal snow and subzero temperatures.
“Do you need me for anything at the office, Tom?” I asked. “I need to get with Eric about the garden and the greenhouse. They’re going to need most of my seeds, however, I plan on resurrecting these raised beds for us and I’d like to do it soon.”
“Do you really think things will grow this year, Allex?” Tom asked, looking up into the ever present dark clouds as he was leaving for the township hall.
“I don’t know, but I want to try. I’m also going to ask Jason about doing a plastic dome over these raised beds to help magnify and retain what sunlight we do get.”
*
I left Jim a note telling him I took the Hummer and would be back within an hour. I didn’t like taking his vehicle without his previous knowledge, but I didn’t know where to find him. On the outside chance he might be having a security meeting at the offices, I stopped there first.
“Yes, they’re in a private session right now, Allex. What did you need?” Tom informed me.
“I just wanted him to know I took his ride. Part of my going to see Eric is getting my car back.”
*
I found Eric and Rayn in the greenhouse watering the foot high seedlings.
“Those are looking great. I see tomatoes, peppers, and that’s squash – what kind?” I asked my son.
“Summer and winter both. The zucchini should fruit quickly once it warms more,” Eric answered. “And the pumpkins will need all the time we can give them.”
“I’ll be back to talk more about it. Right now though, I need one of you to drive my car over to the township so I can give Jim his Hummer back. It should only take us a few minutes,” I said. “Oh, and can you help me get my bicycle down from its hooks? That will be so much easier for me to use around town than the car and faster than walking.” We removed the peach colored bicycle from the barn and put it in the back of the spacious Humvee, along with the matching helmet and a tire pump. It had been a long time since I’d ridden it, though they say you never forget how. Having Eric drive my car over would give me a few minutes to talk with him privately when I took him back.
I left the keys in the Humvee and we drove back to the house. As soon as we left the office parking lot, I asked Eric what was going on.
He sighed. “I’m not really sure, Mom. Maybe it’s Rayn’s changing hormones because of the pregnancy, but she and Amanda are constantly bickering, and that’s with us living in your house! When we were all together, it was worse. So I wasn’t looking forward to having to go back.” He paused like he wanted to say more but wasn’t sure if he should. “Some of it I can understand, and in part it’s because of Emilee.”
“Emi? I don’t understand.”
“Because your house is so small, Emi’s been sleeping over there, and… her behavior is changing.” He stopped the car on the side of the road and turned to me. “If you are really, really sure about letting us stay there, I’d like to make some changes.”
“Like what?”
“I’d like to eliminate the TV room, making that our bedroom, change the bedroom into a nursery, and put in a bed for Emilee to get her back with us,” he said. Obviously he’d been thinking this over.
“I think that’s a great idea, Eric. If you were waiting for my permission, you have it.” How could I say no when there was so much at stake? The look of relief on his face said it all to me. “I’m sure we can find a spare twin bed for Emi somewhere.” The Eagle Beach house instantly came to mind. “On another matter, sometime soon I’d like us to take an inventory of my long term storage buckets.”
“Why?
”
“Because I want some of them.” I looked sharply at my son. “You took over my house, Eric, not all of my possessions. Between you, me, and Jason, we will decide who wants what and divide it three ways.”
“There will be four of us soon,” Eric muttered.
“And there are three with Jason, and three with me,” I reminded him. “Plus you have the greenhouse now, and I expect you to share in that because that’s what I would do.” I patted his hand on the steering wheel. “Don’t worry, it will work out, it always does.”
*
I took a bucket of rice, several boxes of pasta, some flour, salt, sugar and yeast: basics I need no matter where I am. In the food storage shed I found a bucket dated “y2k”. It was hermetically sealed seeds, designed for long, long term storage, all heirloom, and from my brother. This was what I would start my new garden with.
I piled some of my clothes in the back of the Subaru and went home. Rayn and I had gone over what I had, and she kept some of the items that fit her and that would be wearable as she continued to get bigger, like t-shirts and no-waist style dresses. We also arranged a day for me to take her “shopping” at the supply store.
The Journal: Raging Tide: (The Journal Book 4) Page 20
