by Ryan Gawley
The gate guard walked around the front of the truck and Arthur could see he was quite young, guessing he was probably a new recruit.
‘Look, I know, I understand but we’re in this together as always and shouldn’t be bickering. Oh hell, and look at this snot nosed little shit. Come on we’re nearly out now, try and stay calm until we’re through the gate at least.’
‘I know, I’m sorry Arthur,’
‘I’m sorry too, sorry either of us had to see any of that but we’re almost out now. Ah crap, here goes, just play along.’
‘Travel papers and ID please,’ snapped the young Enforcer as Arthur wound the interior handle to open the window on the truck.
‘Yes sir, here you are,’ said Arthur handing the guard his identity card and a folded document listing the warranty terms and conditions for an old dishwasher he and Alice had bought twenty years ago.
The gate guard looked incredulously at the document he had been handed and then back to Arthur’s wrinkled smiling face.
‘Is there a problem officer?’ asked Arthur in his most charming manner as Alice realising her husband was up to one his stupid stunts cringed in the seat beside him.
‘Is this supposed to be some kind of a joke?’ asked the guard waving the meaningless document in Arthur’s face.
‘Eh, no, not at all officer,’ answered Arthur taking back the paper and making a show of squinting and holding it closer then further from his eyes as if trying to read it better. ‘Well I’m so embarrassed, my apologies officer, these aren’t my papers at all.’
‘I’m well aware these are not your papers and can only assume you are travelling without a permit in an unlicensed vehicle while medically unfit to do so. And while we’re on the subject, I believe I can smell alcohol on your breath.’
The new recruit could hardly believe his luck, so many offences in a single stop this would be his first major arrest.
‘Under Protocol Nine, section four you are hereby detained. You have no further rights. Your vehicle will be searched and impounded prior to destruction and any further offences discovered will be added to your charge,’ he snapped with a sickening arrogance. ‘You are ordered to disembark the vehicle and obey all commands,’ he barked pathetically while stepping back and aiming his shotgun from the shoulder through the open side window of the truck.
‘Whoa, easy, take it easy,’ said Arthur raising his hands and reaching slowly through the window to open the door using the outer handle. ‘Just relax, we’re cooperating here but we’re old so it takes a little longer is all. See, I’m getting out, nice and slow.’
‘Sorry love,’ he said looking sheepishly at Alice as she opened her door and carefully slid out.
‘Leave it to me, you said,’ mocked Alice, rolling her eyes as she stepped carefully around the front of the truck.
As the young guard ordered the elderly couple to line up facing the wall they heard an older voice shout from the guard hut.
‘Hamilton, leave whatever you’re doing, you’re needed in the city.’
‘But sir, I have made an arrest and protocol dictates it is my right to process these criminals accordingly. I will attend to my duties in the city when I’m finished here sir.’
‘Protocol dictates I can stick my boot up your arse for not following orders!’ snarled the older guard as he stormed out from the guard house, his face reddening with anger. ‘A call came over the radio, all patrols have been ordered to assist in a major incident downtown and Perimeter Patrol Delta is, ah, here they are now, that’s your ride Hamilton, now get to it.’
A patrol wagon pulled to an abrupt halt by the gate and the rear doors were flung open as squad commander jumped down from the front passenger seat. ‘You Hamilton?’ he said gesturing to the younger of the two gate guards then without waiting for a reply. ‘Well, get in.’
The new recruit was swept along with the momentum and dared not question the order of a squad commander so obediently jumped into the back of the waiting truck. The commander and older gate guard casually exchanged salutes and with that the Enforcer patrol wagon shot off at high speed toward the city leaving Arthur and Alice in the hands of the more experienced officer.
The guard circled the truck and eyeballed the old pair as he spoke. ‘Well, what seems to be the problem? Not too common to see a civilian vehicle but not unusual either I suppose. One male, one female occupant, married I assume.’
Arthur just nodded saying nothing but relieved thinking to himself. ‘Now this is the kind of guard I know how to handle.’
‘And what have we here?’ said the old guard pulling back the canvas tarp to reveal six gallon jugs of Arthur’s bootleg booze. ‘Oh, this is some serious contraband. You’re in a lot of trouble now I’m sure you know. I’ll need to see some ID and your travel papers.’
Arthur took a chance and spoke. ‘Well sir, we gave our papers to your junior officer and I’m afraid he didn’t give them back, he took them with him in the patrol wagon.’
The guard rubbed the back of neck and looked to the sky obviously believing his idiot apprentice capable of such stupidity.
Arthur continued. ‘The truck is mine, had her years but she doesn’t get much use these days. We’re actually heading for Raven City, my sister’s boy had a little girl and my wife and I have been asked to be godparents. That’s the reason for the hooch, you know, something to celebrate with.’
‘Sorry sir but I can’t let you pass without travel papers and absolutely not with this illegal alcohol. Your truck will be impounded and I’ll personally see to the destruction of this contraband. Since my partner confiscated your papers I’ll be lenient and allow you both to return to the city on foot where you can apply for replacement documents.’
Arthur was taken aback, he’d managed to talk his way around problems before but now their chances lay in ruins. He knew they were lucky not to be arrested but they couldn’t leave the city without stamped travel documents and without the truck they’d never make it across the country. He was weighing up the options of pleading or delivering a well-timed head-butt when he heard Alice speak in a smooth silky voice he hadn’t heard since the last time they’d tested the bed springs.
‘I know you’re just doing your job officer, a man in uniform doing his duty,’ she said walking slowly toward him, flirty eyes holding his gaze then shyly looking away. She looked ten years younger than her true age and she radiated a beauty that had not faded with time. The old guard was like a mouse mesmerised by a cobra as Alice used all the tricks she usually reserved for Arthur when she wanted to encourage her man to the bedroom.
‘I’m sure your wife knows she has a real man for a husband, a man who knows how to take care of a woman. I’m right aren’t I?’
The guard stammered ‘Y-y-yeah, eh, that’s right,’ embarrassed, surprised and delighted by the attention all in the same moment.
‘My husband here isn’t a professional man like you but he makes some fine whiskey. Imagine how pleased your wife will be when you tell her you brought home some of the finest liquor in town. She could trade it for new shoes, a new dress, maybe something a little more delicate eh?’ and she stroked his arm, leaning her head slightly to the side, looking into his eyes giving him a little smile.
The old guard flushed red now, he’d never been spoken to like this by anyone but he was clearly enjoying it despite his embarrassment. Arthur couldn’t believe what he was seeing but knew to keep his mouth firmly shut.
Alice reached into the back of the truck and lifted a container of the liquor then pulled the stopper out with her teeth and with a finger through the ear of the jug rested it on her forearm as she took a swig.
‘Oh that is good. Here, try a little, I won’t tell,’ she said giving the open jug to the guard and doing her absolute best not to scrunch up her face as usual while the powerful liquid ran into her stomach.
‘Well, I suppose a little drop wouldn’t hurt. Who am I to refuse a drink from a lady?’
‘Bloody hell, sh
e’s got him,’ Arthur thought to himself knowing it was only an act but still fighting back pangs of jealously.
‘You have another drink; a hardworking man like you deserves it. I just hope your wife knows how good you are to her. She’s a very lucky woman. What’s your name soldier?’
‘Um, Phillip, mam,’ replied the guard completely intoxicated but not from the whiskey.
‘Well, Phil, she’s a very lucky woman, believe me. Why don’t you have a seat, it must be hard work out here. We’ll unload a few bottles for you and get out of your way.’
‘Oh, no I can’t let you do that,’ protested the guard half-heartedly as he took another pull from the jug.
‘Aw Phillip, we were getting on so well. Why would you want to bother yourself over a lady and her old man? I just want to see my godson, I’m sure if you told your wife how compassionate you were today she’d be very understanding.’ Alice looked up seductively batting her eye lashes. ‘I know I would be.’
The old guard coughed and nearly spat whiskey over himself, Alice had him so tied up he didn’t know what to do but Arthur was following his wife’s lead and already started unloading two more of his precious jugs. Seeing three gallons of the fine liquor lined out in front of him and struggling to control a growing bulge in his trousers the guard looked to Alice.
‘Mam, I couldn’t do you the disservice of delaying you any longer,’ and he moved quickly to the guard hut to raise the barrier.
‘Quick, get in the truck,’ Alice whispered to Arthur who didn’t need to be told and was already rushing to climb into the driver’s seat. He started the engine and moved forward even as the barrier was rising and before Alice had even closed her door. As the guard came back to collect the remaining jugs he waved to Alice as she leaned out of the truck and blew him a kiss
‘What an idiot,’ she said still smiling back at old Phillip.
‘What the hell was that?’ asked Arthur shocked at his wife’s award winning performance and still feeling a little jealous.
‘Well you’d completely cocked it up so somebody had to get us out of there!’ teased Alice.
‘And it only cost me three jugs of booze and my wife’s honour.’
Alice laughed. ‘You’re lucky, I was planning to give him a lap dance in his office,’
‘Shut up,’ said Arthur pretending to sulk but they both knew he was stunned by the amazing woman beside him.
Arthur floored the accelerator and the reliable old diesel quickened the pace and carried them over the dilapidated bridge out of the city and onto the road toward their new life.
CHAPTER 10
Lucy Nolan sat alone in her bedroom. The net-screen still flickered on the wall where she had muted the volume but not shut it off after checking her messages and an irritating flashing advertisement had caught her peripheral vision distracting her. She crossed the room to turn off the screen when notification of an incoming video call from Sam appeared. She accepted the call immediately and her spirits soared until she saw the fresh wound on his face.
During their call Sam reassured her he would be fine, she didn’t believe him but knew he didn’t like her fussing over him. He seemed distracted and during their coded conversation spoke of things that at first didn’t make sense to Lucy but she quickly caught his meaning and understood the plan. Something had happened and they both had to meet urgently. She hoped he would not be in danger but Sam was tough and stubborn and whatever he had in mind she knew he’d find some way of making it work. She had so much she needed to say to him too but it would have to wait now. Before she ended the call she told Sam she loved him and that she would tell him everything when they were together.
She turned the screen off and sat again on the edge of her bed. It was all too much to take in, after such heartache and feeling absolutely alone it was all now happening at once. She was overjoyed that she would soon be with Sam again but first she had to find a way out of the city. Until two days ago she had no reason to stay but now what was she to do? She couldn’t stay but she couldn’t leave and she couldn’t explain any of it to Sam until they could speak in person since any eavesdropping over the network would surely lead to both their arrests and swift disappearances.
As she sat in silence, her brain locked up and unable to think, the empty house still echoed with memories of her Aunt Susan who had died only six weeks earlier despite Lucy’s best efforts caring for her and the limited medicines they could find and afford. At least her death had been peaceful and she passed away in her sleep, a final release from the pain she had been suffering for this past year.
Lucy wished her aunt were still here to offer her the sage advice that always seemed to make sense of even the darkest problem. At twenty-seven Lucy’s short life so far had been full of tragedy beginning with the death of her mother when Lucy was very young. She still remembered how upset her father had been and the months where it seemed their life would never get past that terrible event but her father was strong and provided a good life for her and Aunt Susan who took care of Lucy after her mother passed. Although they were poor Lucy wanted for nothing.
Lucy felt as though she was going to lose her mind but was distracted from her dilemma as she stared at her dressing table, her gaze falling upon framed photos of happier times, the smiling portraits of her father and her aunt, a faded picture of Lucy as a toddler with her parents which was the only picture she had of her mother and she was glad it was one in which they were all together, they had been a normal family at least at one time. Her mother had been incredibly beautiful and passed her looks on to Lucy even though she was too modest to see that in herself.
The most recent picture from only a few years ago showed a happy couple standing waist deep in crystal blue waters posing for a photo while wearing snorkel masks. Clear skies and a pristine beach lined with palm trees and little beach huts were just visible in the background. One of Lucy’s last happy memories was preserved here in a photograph of her and Sam from when they travelled around the mainland together.
They returned home, cutting their trip short when Lucy had received a message from Aunt Susan that her brother, Lucy’s father had been killed following his arrest and interrogation by the Enforcers. For Lucy the news had been devastating, she had cried herself to the point of numbness on the long road to Rook City. Sam had been wonderful and stood by her but kept to the background, giving her the space she needed to grieve and helped her find the strength to carry on.
She remembered when Aunt Susan had come back to Rook City to help clear out the family home when Lucy decided she couldn’t live any longer with the haunting memories. Susan had sorted through personal belongings and documents while Lucy organised her father’s clothing and anything that might be donated to some of the few remaining homeless shelters. Sam volunteered and made himself busy cleaning, making tea and carrying boxes and bags while also trying not to intrude in the awkward way people do when in other people’s homes following a death.
When everything had been dealt with and the house boarded up pending its unlikely sale Aunt Susan arranged transport with a supply trucker back to Raven City. Sam was crushed when Lucy decided to move to live with her aunt but he knew Susan was her only remaining family and didn’t try to hold her back. Lucy had explained to him how she needed to go by herself, to get grounded again and to heal. Sam just told her gently that he understood, he loved her and he’d wait for as long it takes.
They had kept in contact by net-screen and Sam had even managed to visit once for a couple of weeks. The couple savoured every precious moment together which made parting all the more heart-breaking, leaving a hole in both their lives deeper than it had been before. They both knew they loved each other and that although sometimes life got in the way if they could just hold on somehow it would all work out.
When Aunt Susan fell sick Sam offered to move to Raven City and help Lucy but she said it was something she had to deal with by herself. ‘It’s a family thing’, she’d told him but in reality
Lucy desperately wanted Sam by her side but felt she couldn’t burden him further. She promised that when Aunt Susan recovered a little they could talk about Sam moving in or maybe they could find a place nearby so they would be close to Susan but for now she needed her space and Sam being Sam, he agreed.
She sometimes worried about him living on his own in Rook City but she knew Sam was one of those rare people who were actually happy in solitude, a natural born loner she called him. She knew though that Sam loved her and missed her as much as she missed him.
Since Aunt Susan had died she felt like she’d been hollowed out, her soul ached with despair. She hadn’t told Sam yet and she put on a brave face when they talked over the net-screen enjoying their conversations as the only ray of light and comfort in her dark, cold life. She had felt her dear Sam was the only thing she had left in the world but what life could they have in either of the two crumbling cities. With the borders closed and no civilian travel to the mainland permitted for over three years now they were trapped but she knew if they could just be together that would be enough.
But now things had changed. During the weeks since her aunt’s death Lucy had worked alone this time carefully sorting and packing and organising each detail of Susan’s life giving each item due attention before putting it to rest. The process was helping Lucy to come to terms with things and slowly, piece by piece she said goodbye. Only two days earlier while clearing a top shelf in her aunt’s wardrobe Lucy found an old cardboard shoebox with an elastic band holding the lid closed. When she lifted it down she was surprised to find a letter taped to the lid with the words ‘To Lucy’ written on the envelope in her aunt’s handwriting. After reading the letter for the third time she began reading through the all the other letters her aunt had provided her in the shoebox. Her mind struggled to comprehend what she had discovered but her heart longed for it to be true.
