“Two, probably three days,” Nathan said. “Ares, come on!” he yelled, walking inside. The others followed, with Ares pushing his way through; he knew food was coming soon.
“Damn, I was hoping it was over,” Connie said.
“Don’t ever expect it to be over, Connie, and if it comes, be happy,” Nathan told her. “Don’t give yourself false hope, only a real hope. Like surviving the day, learning something new, or being thankful all your friends are still alive,” he said. “I’m going to take a shower now,” Nathan said, and headed to the office.
As he was in the shower, Nathan heard the door open and close several times. He dried off and stepped out, wrapping a towel around his waist, and walked over to the sink. He adjusted the light on the counter so he could shave and brush his teeth. As he was shaving his face, in the mirror he saw Renee walk by toward the door wrapped in a towel. Nathan spun around and walked to the line of showers. There were seven side by side and each one had a door on it. He looked down the row and saw Abigail drying off, looking back at him without a shy bone in her body.
Feeling uncomfortable, Nathan darted back to the sink and finished shaving and brushing his teeth in record time. Grabbing his stuff, he ran out of the showers to the office. He dropped his towel and dressed, hoping Abigail hadn’t noticed him ogling at her. Those hopes were dashed as she walked in the office wrapped in a towel and carrying some flip flops. “You left these,” she said, grinning as she handed the flip flops over. Nathan just nodded and smiled, taking the flip flops. Abigail moved toward him.
“Well?” she asked.
Over an hour later, grinning and wearing his new clothes and his M-4 across his back, Nathan headed to the diner to find Lenore and Jessie setting out plates of food. Looking around the table, he noticed everyone had taken a shower and seemed to be feeling much better.
“Jessie, I want you and the brothers to pull the vehicles out of the shop. I really don’t want the owner knowing what’s in them,” Nathan said.
“That’s a good idea. Steven would damn sure go snooping,” Connie said.
“Steven?” Nathan asked.
“He’s Mitch’s son that’s over this store,” she told him.
“He have a key to the office?” Nathan asked with some concern.
Connie shook her head. “No, I had that lock put in after talking to Mitch. Steven kept coming in, digging through everything and scattering my paperwork. I’ve been the manager here for three years and the books are always balanced, so Mitch let me put a lock on it,” she told him and started laughing. “Let me tell you, that pissed Steven off to no end.”
Nathan looked at her grimly and she stopped laughing. “If he messes with my stuff, I’ll kill him and anyone else that gets in the way,” he said with a flat expression.
Jessie stood up. “Hey Nathan, Steven is just a stupid administrator with a short man’s complex,” he said.
Looking at Jessie and shaking his head, Nathan said, “You may have been listening last night but you were not letting it sink in. What I have and what you have are needed to survive. You will not be able to go to the store for more. It’s all there is for some time to come. If he sees some stuff I have collected for you and the others and demands some or tells others, your life will become an instant hell. Others will come and try to take it.”
Jessie’s eyes got wide with horror. “I’ll kill the fucker myself,” he said.
“Now you understand what I’ve said,” Nathan told him. He looked around the room. “This stuff here that we have not paid for is his and they have a right to it. I don’t care what they do with it, but what I’ve bought for you and got for you is yours. If you band together, like we talked about, this group will make it. If you keep control of your stuff. You will see families starving to death in the days, weeks, and months to come. It’s going to suck, but if you give them your stuff it will be you joining them starving. It’s called self-preservation. Don’t let people into your group that you don’t need. Weigh their benefit against what it’s going to cost the group to feed and protect them. If you hand out anything it will bite you in the ass. Handouts are not earned and become expected. Worse, it lets others know what you have,” he told them.
“If we kill Steven, we’ll have to kill them all,” Jessie said.
“Then that’s what we’ll have to do,” Nathan told them. “I’m not staying, so if it comes to that, tell everyone I did it,” he said.
“That’s a lot of heat,” Andy said.
“Once I’m outside this county it won’t matter,” Nathan said. “Now I’ll handle Steven. Fred, I want you by the vehicles at all times. Billy and Andy, I want you in here helping to load up and staying close to the group,” he said, giving out assignments. “Now, let’s eat,” he said, sitting down.
After breakfast, they moved the vehicles out and Nathan put on his tactical vest. It was actually an IOTV or Improved Outer Tactical vest. He didn’t have the shoulder guards, groin guard, neck guard, or side plates. He had the new ceramic plates which were a lot lighter in the front and back. Still, with all his equipment on the thing weighed thirty pounds.
He had four of the vests and used two for his SRT duties. The other two were extras and the one he had on was MultiCam like his new uniform. He looked down at the uniform and he had to admit he liked it so far. Granted, he hadn’t done anything yet but the knee pads he used to wear were always falling down. It only took one time to fall to your knees and land on a rock to let you know: protect your knees.
Reaching up, he pulled off the Velcro flap that was covering his embroidered badge and headed toward the diner. He ran into Andy on the way there. “I want one of those,” Andy said, walking around Nathan and looking at the vest.
“Andy, sorry but you can’t have this one,” Nathan said, chuckling.
“I know but I want one,” Andy said.
“If I see one I’ll hold on to it for ya,” Nathan promised.
“Thank you,” Andy said, admiring it one last time, then walked back to the diner. Nathan followed him and started taking pictures of the group as they sat around talking or copying Monica’s notes. Brad was still downloading books but was getting close to finishing.
It was almost nine when a 1956 Chevy station wagon pulling a trailer and an ancient ten-foot box cargo truck pulled into the lot. The workers went through the diner to the south door to meet the vehicles. Nathan went and locked the office and put the keys in his pocket, then headed back out to the store. He was surprised not to see anyone, so he went to the back hallway. They had formed a chain from the storeroom and were loading the box truck.
Nathan shrugged his shoulders. He would’ve emptied the store first then the diner. The storeroom had a one-inch steel door on it. The other stuff was only protected by the windows and the group inside. He walked over and was amazed to see that they were taking everything. The line of people passed huge cases of paper plates, paper towels, cups, napkins, and other useless stuff. A gentleman who Nathan assumed was the owner, Mitch, was pointing at those boxes and leaving cases of food stuff.
In thirty minutes the box truck was filled and Nathan couldn’t remember seeing one case of food put on it. The station wagon was pulled over and it wasn’t until the trailer was halfway full that the first case of food was loaded.
“Connie, open this damn door!” Nathan heard behind him. It had only taken him two minutes to figure out who Steven was. The small redheaded prick irritated Nathan just by looking at him. He could tell that he loved trying to demean others even though he could rarely pull it off. Steven had yelled at everyone there including the two kids, only stopping when one of the brothers glared at him. Nathan had to agree with Connie. Steven had little dick syndrome.
Spinning around, Nathan walked to the office to see Steven kicking the door. “My stuff is in there,” Nathan told him.
“I don’t care, I want to make sure none of you are hiding stuff!” he yelled.
“I am hiding stuff. My stuff,” Nathan gro
wled.
“You aren’t even a cop here so shut your mouth. I can have your job at will!” Steven yelled.
“Yell again and I’m shoving your face into the wall,” Nathan warned.
“Open the door now or I’ll get a gun and shoot the damn thing!” Steven screamed.
Nathan’s right hand shot out, hitting Steven in the gut and doubling him over. Lifting his knee up, he caught Steven in the face, sending his head back up. Because he’d promised, Nathan grabbed Steven by the back of the head and shoved it into the wall. Steven slid down the wall, leaving a streak of blood as he sank to the floor. “I warned you,” Nathan said.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Nathan heard behind him.
“Letting him know to not yell at me,” Nathan said, turning around and seeing Mitch coming over.
“You didn’t have to hit him,” Mitch said, kneeling down by his son. Steven was moaning and looking around with a wobbling head.
“Actually I did. I wasn’t in the mood to shoot him. But I’m getting there,” Nathan informed him.
“You aren’t a cop here!” Mitch yelled.
“Old man, this is a National Emergency. Any sworn peace officer has jurisdiction anywhere in the U.S. That means yes I am,” Nathan said, trying to get his temper under control.
“This is my son,” Mitch said, trying to help Steven stand.
“Then shame on you. You should’ve taught him some basic manners. I’ve known him less than an hour and I’ve seen him disrespect every person here, including two little kids. You just suck his tiny dick even though he’s disrespecting you as well,” Nathan growled.
“You are going a little far there,” Mitch said, squaring off.
“Old man, I’ve killed one man who came in here to rob the store and kill and rape some of the employees. Your store and your employees. I’ve caught two more cop killers here and who knows what else I’ve stopped just by being here. Your employees stayed on the job helping your dumb ass. They could’ve left and had the right to. Where would that have left you?” Nathan asked. “This is how you repay them, letting your son run around and demean them?”
Mitch stumbled back. “I— I’m—”
“If that is the type of man you are, then you disgust me,” Nathan said.
Mitch blinked his eyes as what Nathan said sunk in. He looked down at Steven. “Steven, get up,” he said, and Steven looked up at him. Mitch kicked his leg, “Get up,” he commanded.
Putting his hand on the wall, Steven struggled to his feet. Mitch grabbed his shoulder and spun him so Steven could see his face. “I want you to go and apologize to every employee here. Is that understood?” Mitch told him.
“I will not,” Steven said.
Mitch swung his right hand and slapped the side of Steven’s face with a loud ‘crack’ that resounded through the building. Steven’s body spun around as he hit the wall. He caught himself with his hands on the wall and pushed off, spinning back around and balling up his fist.
“You hit me, boy, and you’ll wish this officer had continued,” Mitch told him and Steven unclenched his fist.
“They could be hiding stuff in there,” Steven said, pointing to the office door.
“I don’t care,” Mitch said.
Nathan reached in his pocket, pulling out the keys. “Mitch, you just had to ask,” Nathan said, unlocking the door and stepping inside.
“See, I told you,” Steven said, pointing at the boxes on the floor.
“I paid for that and gave them as gifts to the employees,” Nathan said, looking at Mitch.
Mitch nodded. “I know, Connie gave me the receipt book showing you spent several grand buying stuff for them,” he said with a smile.
“I’m taking one of these,” Steven said, reaching toward the pistols on the desk.
Nathan dove forward, grabbing Steven by the throat and driving him to the wall. Holding Steven a foot off the floor by his throat, Nathan pulled his pistol and put it to Steven’s temple. “That is evidence,” he told him. “You are going to leave this store now and go sit in that big box truck. If I see your face again, I’ll kill you,” Nathan grumbled. Steven’s hands were holding the arm that had him pinned and he couldn’t do anything as he started seeing stars in his vision.
“Do you understand me?” Nathan asked. With what little reserve of oxygen he had left, Steven nodded his head and Nathan let him go, shoving him out the door.
“Steven, you apologize before you get in that truck, you hear me?” Mitch told him as Steven sucked down air. “If you don’t, I’ll throw you off the property when we get home,” Mitch threatened. Steven nodded his head yes. “Start with this officer first,” Mitch told him.
Steve’s jaw muscles clenched as he narrowed his eyes. “I’m sorry,” he spit out. Nathan nodded his head as he holstered his pistol. With a stumbling gait, Steven walked down the hall, his shoulders slumped.
Mitch turned to Nathan. “I’m sorry, you’re right. I’m indebted to you. If anything would’ve happened to these people it would’ve hurt me dearly,” Mitch told him sincerely.
“Your son is going to get you killed,” Nathan said as he stepped out of the office.
Mitch followed him as Nathan relocked the door. “You’re probably right, but he’s my child,” Mitch said.
“How long till you make another run?” Nathan asked. “I want this group out of here tonight.”
Mitch shook his head. “We’re beat. We emptied two of our liquor stores and our other store. We haven’t stopped since this happened. I’m taking everyone home and giving them the rest of today and tomorrow off. So we probably won’t be back till day after tomorrow,” he said.
“I’m telling these people to leave this evening. It’s getting too dangerous here and they need to check on family,” Nathan told him.
“They don’t have to leave if they don’t want to,” Mitch said.
“They’ve only stayed because I was here, teaching them how to survive,” Nathan said.
“I’ll have to get them to come over and show me,” Mitch said as Nathan chuckled. “How long you staying?” Mitch asked.
“I’m leaving tomorrow,” Nathan said.
Mitch nodded. “The store will be alright then till we get back,” he said.
“Mitch, if you see any broken windows or a forced entry, don’t come in. Go find a bunch of people with guns before you do,” Nathan warned.
“Sounds good,” Mitch said, and pulled out an envelope and handed it to Nathan. “It’s what you spent in here for them. I’m paying you for your service,” Mitch told him.
Genuinely surprised, Nathan accepted the envelope. “Thank you,” he said softly.
“I’m going to give the others theirs,” Mitch said. “I’m sorry about my son.”
“I’m serious about what I said. He’s going to get you killed and probably worse,” Nathan told him. Mitch just smiled and left.
After Mitch and his family left, everyone gathered in the diner. “What did they do wrong?” Nathan asked.
“Pissed you off,” Renee answered, causing everyone to laugh.
“No, what did they do wrong?” he asked again.
“They didn’t get hardly any food,” Jessie said.
“That’s right,” Nathan said. “Jessie, you and the brothers pull the truck and mowers back in the shop and let’s load up everything we can fit in and on them,” Nathan said.
Connie looked at the store. “Nathan, even if we pool our money together it won’t be anywhere near enough. There has to be over two hundred thousand dollars of merchandise left just in the store not including the diner,” she said.
“Connie, when we leave this store it will get raided. I wanted everyone that came in to see everyone carrying weapons. That would let them know ‘we will kill you.’ Once we’re gone, it’s open season,” he told her.
“You’re that sure?” she asked.
Nathan just turned to the brothers, and Andy looked at Connie. “He’s right. There are a
bout twenty people by the Interstate watching us,” Andy told her.
Connie looked at Nathan. “That means you need to leave when we do,” she said.
“No, I’ll be outside and visible. I’m going to stay the night here in case you guys need to come back,” he said.
“How long will it take you to get home?” Renee asked.
Puffing his cheeks out and exhaling, Nathan looked at her then said, “I’m figuring six months.”
“People walk across America all the time faster than that,” she said.
“Not carrying over a hundred pounds and having to live off the land. I expect to make fifteen, maybe twenty miles a day in the south. In the mountains I think half that,” he said.
“That should only be four months then; it’s only two thousand miles,” Connie said.
“Right, if I walked the Interstate, main roads and traveled through the big cities, taking the straight route. I’m taking back roads and logging trails. I mapped it out at twenty-six hundred miles and I have to stop and collect food,” he told her.
“Steal a damn car,” Connie said firmly.
Nathan nodded. “I’ve thought about it but I think it might prove a hindrance. Everyone wants one and I might spend all my time fighting to keep it. I only have six hundred rounds for the M-4.”
Brad spoke up. “If they start putting up road blocks then you would surely get stopped,” he said.
“Thinking outside the box,” Nathan said, smiling approvingly.
“How will we know if you make it home?” Renee asked.
Nathan smiled. “Tell you what. I want you guys to unload what you have tonight when you get home. Then tomorrow head to the co-op and buy all the seeds and fertilizer you can. Find someplace you can get ammo and, if possible, long guns with large magazines. Tell Mark to keep an eye out for some. I want you to get a short wave radio,” he said, leaning down and writing in a notebook. “Starting October fifteenth at eight p.m. mountain time, listen for this message on this frequency. If you don’t hear it, listen for me on the fifteenth of every month till February. If I haven’t made it by then, I’m not going to. Now if you hear it, don’t try to call back because transmissions can be tracked fast,” he told them.
Dark Titan Journey Book 1 Page 13
