Escape To Survive

by Ryan Gawley

  ‘Here you are my friend, this is for you,’ he said leaning the bike over on its kickstand and throwing the key to Sam who caught it in his big hand. It was just a single key hanging from a miniature eight-ball key ring.

  ‘You said you used to ride, yeah?’ said Ronnie still smiling as Gene set down the heavy fuel cans.

  ‘Yeah, but I’ve not ridden anything since I crashed my old Triumph.’

  ‘Well, now you can get back in saddle,’ grinned Ronnie.

  ‘I can’t take this Ronnie, I appreciate it but I can’t take one of your bikes.’

  ‘It’s a gift; don’t offend me by not accepting. Anyway, it’s an old junker and you’d be doing me a favour by getting it out of here.’

  ‘Hell Ronnie, I don’t know what to say. Thanks! This is amazing,’ said Sam truly delighted and quite taken aback by the generosity.

  ‘She’s an old Kawasaki VN800 Classic; they haven’t made these for decades now. Me and the boys prefer to ride American iron though. I found this old heap in one of the sheds when we got here, fixed her up a bit so she runs okay. She’s not so pretty anymore and she’s not fast but that old V-twin in her heart has plenty of life. She’ll keep you right Sam.’

  ‘Ronnie this is great, really. Thanks.’

  ‘Well, you proved yourself out on the raid. You helped us take a patrol truck and you saved my life. It’s the least I can do. Gene here has a few gallons of juice for your bike and we refilled the diesel cans and fuel tank on Arthur’s truck last night.’

  Sam threw his leg over the motorcycle and it felt good to be sitting on a bike again after all these years although he also felt slightly nervous about riding for the first time since his crash. The saddle sat low in the frame and the bike was well balanced with a low centre of gravity which helped his confidence. He reached out and held the custom grips which swept back to meet his hands in a natural position thanks to the four inch risers. It was a perfect fit for him. He wiped a layer of dust and dirt off the tank and saw his dull reflection in the original black paint which although faded had survived fairly well considering the bike’s age.

  He leaned over and put the key in the ignition, turned it on then pulled out the choke and twisted the throttle a couple of times to prime the carburettor before thumbing the starter button. After a few laboured cranks the engine caught and the yard was filled with the roar from the rusted exhaust pipes. Despite his thumping headache a massive grin spread across Sam’s face and he looked to Ronnie who started laughing and knew exactly how Sam was feeling, like only a fellow rider could.

  With a few twists of the throttle and a couple of backfires the engine settled down into a steady idle and the low rumble of the exhaust echoed around the barn waking several of the semiconscious bikers, a couple of others came to see what the commotion was, some rolled over to doze some more and a few just hefted themselves from the floor and went to find somewhere more comfortable to sleep off the rest of their hangover.

  ‘Here, you’ll need these,’ said Gene handing Sam a heavily scratched black full-face helmet and well worn leather gloves. ‘They’re my old gear but still serviceable. That lid should fit you okay, it’s better than hitting the road with your skull if you have another spill!’ he laughed.

  The sound of the Land Rover’s diesel engine starting up made Sam and the other’s look toward the truck where Arthur had climbed in and shut his door and was tapping his wrist suggesting it was time they got back on the road. Sarah and Linda were saying their goodbye’s to Alice who was thanking them profusely for all they had done for her and her group.

  ‘I guess we’d better get on the road then,’ said Sam zipping his leather jacket and then pulling on the helmet and securing the strap. ‘Thanks again Ronnie,’ and he leaned out and shook the big biker’s hand firmly before pulling on his gloves.

  ‘Get out of here, you’re going to make me cry,’ mocked Ronnie, still laughing and full of life.

  As Ronnie and Gene opened a couple of fresh beers they stood with the girls and watched while Arthur moved the truck toward the lane and paused a moment as Sam squeezed the clutch lever and engaged first gear with a grind and a clunk. With a gentle twist of the throttle he smoothly pulled away and followed his companions as they made their way back to the main road to continue on their dangerous journey to where they hoped to find a better life like their new friends had made at the old farmyard.

  Sam quickly got a feel for the old bike and a wonderful sense of freedom came flooding back to him but his thoughts were always of Lucy as he negotiated the winding, potholed road leading back to the main route west.

  CHAPTER 16

  ‘She was supposed to be here,’ said Sam returning from his second scout with Molly through the dense woods around the tranquil lake as he searched for Lucy. Molly appeared to be relieved to stretch her legs and explore again and had delighted in swimming in the lake and chasing a pair of startled mallards. Sam however was unable to enjoy the peaceful surroundings as he had expected to find Lucy waiting by the lake but was gravely concerned now to find no sign of her.

  ‘I don’t know what’s happened, she should be here, she knows this place, she wouldn’t have forgotten.’

  ‘Relax, she’ll be here,’ said Arthur taking a small pot off the campfire he’d built and prepared a tin mug of hot coffee for himself and Sam. ‘If Lucy said she’d meet you here I’m sure she will. If things are as crazy here are they are back in Rook City then she’s probably run into a few delays but she’ll make it. Here drink this,’ and he handed a steaming mug to Sam who took it and forced himself to calm down, sitting sideways on his bike saddle and sipping at the beverage.

  ‘How’s Alice?’ asked Sam trying to think of something else for a while.

  Arthur looked around at the side of the truck where he’d laid out a temporary bed made of stacked sleeping bags and blankets where his wife was peacefully dosing. ‘She’s doing okay, she’s tired and the journey has worn her out but she’s strong. Just needs a little more rest is all. We’ll change those dressings again before we move on.’

  Sam glanced worriedly at Arthur.

  ‘Don’t fret Sam, we’re not going anywhere without Lucy,’ said the older man reassuringly. ‘We’ll wait here with you, Alice won’t leave without meeting this lady of yours anyway!’

  ‘Thanks for the coffee, it’s good,’

  ‘How’s that bike working out for you?’ asked Arthur changing the subject to occupy Sam’s mind a little to help him relax.

  ‘Yeah, it’s been a long time but it never leaves you. I didn’t realise how much I missed it, it’s the only way to travel, the sense of freedom, the pull of the engine, the noise and feeling like a part of the world you’re travelling in instead of locked up in a tin box. It’s a lot of fun.’

  ‘You looked like you were enjoying yourself anyway.’

  ‘Ah it’s great alright. Bloody cold though!’ said Sam and both men laughed.

  A snap of branches started Molly barking which ended their conversation abruptly. They looked to one another and Sam’s heart raced in hope it was Lucy but they still had to be cautious. Arthur looked over at Alice and saw she was still sleeping peacefully. More movement alerted them and Molly stood, her gaze fixed in the direction of the noise as Sam drew his bat from the back of the truck and Arthur quickly checked his pistol before both men spread out to flank the approaching stranger.

  They hadn’t reached the tree line when a small dishevelled figure carrying a large rucksack stumbled out of the woods and fell face forward onto outstretched hands with a shriek.

  ‘Bollocks!’

  ‘Lucy?’

  ‘Sam?’

  He recognised the voice immediately, dropped the bat and ran to lift the heavy bag as the owner appeared as though they would be crushed by its weight at any moment. Arthur relaxed and tucked the pistol back into his waistband and discreetly walked back to wake Alice.

  Sam lifted the rucksack setting it to one side and quickly turned to help Lu
cy to her feet but was stopped in his tracks. She sat there in the leaves and grass, mud on her palms where she had fallen, scuffed army boots, black leggings and a stretched grey wool jumper covered with a weathered army jacket Sam had given her that was much too big so she’d rolled the sleeves up. Her long straight brunette hair was tied back in a simple pony tail and her face was dirty from the journey she had just undertaken. She was a mess and she was the most beautiful thing Sam had ever seen.

  ‘So what does a girl have to do to get a hug around here?’

  Sam shook himself from distraction. He ran to her and with one arm around her shoulders and the other under her knees he effortlessly lifted her off the ground and held her in his strong arms for a moment, losing himself in her deep brown eyes before setting her gently to her feet. They looked to one another for a brief second then kissed long and passionately, the pain of their separation instantly forgotten, the joy of their reunion magical.

  ‘Would you like some coffee dear?’ croaked a frail voice.

  Sam and Lucy parted from their embrace and looked rather embarrassed to see they were being watched from the lakeside by the elderly couple.

  ‘Coffee would be great, thank you,’ said Lucy squeezing Sam’s hand and dragging him to meet his friends.

  ‘Lovely to meet you at last, we’ve heard so much about you,’ said Alice smiling and reaching to shake Lucy’s delicate hand.

  ‘Pleased to meet you Lucy, Sam never told us you were so beautiful,’ said Arthur passing a tin cup of fresh black coffee but paused when he received an elbow in the ribs from his wife for his comment.

  Lucy flushed. ‘I’m filthy and I’m sure I look awful but you’re very kind to say so. It’s nice to meet some of Sam’s friends, I didn’t know he had any!’ she joked and bumped hips playfully with Sam who was feeling very embarrassed.

  ‘Well, you’ve met Lucy, Lucy, this is Alice and Arthur. We’ve not known each other long but I suppose you could say we’re old friends now.’

  ‘I was really worried about you,’ Sam continued, turning to face Lucy. ‘We were held up on the way here and I thought you’d maybe think I wasn’t coming and had left or that you’d not made it out of Raven City.’

  Lucy reached her arms around Sam and hugged him again. ‘I wasn’t sure I’d make it, it’s so good to be here with you. There’s something going on in the city. I don’t know what it is but people are really scared and the Enforcers are shutting down the sector gates.’

  ‘We saw the same thing in Rook,’ explained Arthur. ‘Whatever it is it’s happening in both cities now, I’d guess that’s no coincidence.’

  The group moved closer to the lake and sat around the fire and coffee pot. Arthur added more wood and Sam arranged some improvised seating so they could all sit more comfortably and talk.

  Sam and Lucy had so much to catch up on even though they had talked as regularly as possible over the monitored city network. They all decided to spend the night by the lake. They were fifteen miles out of Raven City and the secluded spot meant they could enjoy a relaxed evening together, allow Alice time to rest before the next stage of their journey and it would give Sam and Lucy time to enjoy being with one another for the first time in far too long.

  Lucy knew she had to tell Sam about Kathy, had to tell him that she wasn’t leaving with him to go north as they had planned. She knew he would help, that he’d never leave without her but for now she couldn’t bring herself to break the news to him and spoil this wonderful night.

  They all sat around the fire with Molly choosing to lie down beside Lucy who was besotted with the golden haired dog as soon as she met her which pleased Sam immensely to see the two he cared most for getting on so well together. The group ate and drank until they were full and merry from some of the supplies they had brought from the biker’s farm and all exchanged stories with Lucy about their journeys and everything that had happened to bring them here together by the lake.

  Arthur and Alice retired to bed early that evening and Sam moved a comfortable distance from the truck and set up a shelter making the best bed he could with the limited resources while Lucy washed in lake water she had warmed on the fire. They lay down together hugged and kissed softly then undressed each other slowly at first then quicker, then ripping clothes off as their passion grew so intensely they could no longer restrain it. They made love until they were both exhausted and held each other as they lay under a thin blanket sharing the warm glow. They said nothing and no words were needed as they stared up through the trees at the starry night sky, each hoping they would never be apart again.

  The next morning they woke in each other’s arms as Molly licked their faces in turn meaning she was hungry and decided it was time Sam was up and about.

  ‘Alright, easy Molly, go on, go away,’ said Sam at first petting her then pushing her away.

  ‘Morning,’ said Lucy rolling over to lie on her back. ‘Do you always get woken by your furry alarm clock?’ she asked jokingly as she rubbed her eyes and sat up to pull her hair back into a ponytail.

  ‘Ah, she’s usually okay but if I sleep much past her regular breakfast time she lets me know,’ replied Sam sitting up now too and feeling the stiffness from several recent injuries but forgetting the pain as he heard Lucy’s voice and woke with her for the first time in years.

  Both he and Lucy got up and went to the lake to wash before following the water’s edge toward the other camp where they found Arthur and Alice already up with a fire going and some oats boiling in a large saucepan and a coffee pot sitting in the embers keeping a fresh brew hot until it was wanted.

  ‘You heard the breakfast bell then?’ smiled Alice as she stirred the porridge. ‘I was going to send Arthur to wake you. Sorry it’s not bacon and eggs, porridge is all that’s on the menu for now but I do have a little jar of honey Linda gave us if you’d like something to sweeten it up?’

  ‘That sounds lovely, thank you,’ said Lucy as she sat on a log Arthur had dragged into the clearing to use as a seat while Sam rummaged in the back of the pickup for some food for Molly who was eagerly following at his heels and getting in the way as she usually did when she was hungry.

  ‘Morning Sam,’ called Arthur from close by as he worked to pack down the shelter where he and Alice had spent the night.

  Sam just waved and smiled back then joined Lucy and Alice by the fire where he was handed a bowl of steaming grey sludge and a tin mug of strong black coffee. Sitting here now by the lake with Lucy after all this time and after everything that had happened his unappetising breakfast may as well have been five star fare served on a silver platter for all he cared.

  When all had eaten and the coffee had done its job of waking and warming tired bodies and minds talk turned once again to the road ahead.

  ‘Well, I suppose we’ll be going our separate ways now,’ said Sam finally saying aloud what had been unspoken between him, Arthur and Alice as he poked the dwindling fire with a stick. ‘We’re not far from the city again and the road north should be just ahead. I’ll have to leave the bike here and we’ll make it on foot from now on, no room for all our gear and Molly on the bike but maybe you could give us a lift to the start of road Arthur?’

  ‘Of course Sam, of course, no bother at all. One last trip together eh? We passed the turn for the southern coast road about half an hour back the way we came but we can go on ahead a little and track back, it won’t take us long,’ replied Arthur. ‘I’ve marked the location of my cousin’s house on your map and a few directions and landmarks to help you find us in case you ever decide to venture southward to visit a pair of old codgers.’

  ‘Oh Sam, I wish you didn’t have to go. I understand you have your own road to follow but I’m going to miss you. I’ve packed a few extra things for you and Lucy, I know you can’t carry much but there’s a few small luxuries that might make life a little more pleasant on the rest of your journey,’ Alice said with a heavy heart.

  ‘I know, I’ll miss you both too. It’s been
a hell of a trip eh?’ said Sam laughing, attempting to lift the mood. ‘Well, me and Lucy have a long road ahead of us but with a bit of luck we’ll soon be setting up a new home in the mountains far away from all this crazy shit.’ He turned to put his arm around Lucy and noticed tears streaming down her face.

  ‘What’s the matter Lucy, what’s wrong?’ Sam asked, alarmed.

  Arthur and Alice looked to each other not knowing what had happened or what they could do to help as Sam now knelt in front of his girlfriend holding her hands trying to look up into her sorrowful brown eyes.

  Lucy who had been silent throughout the conversation now broke down, her body wracked with each heavy sob as wet dots appeared on her faded black leggings from the tears that fell freely now from her cheeks.

  ‘I’m so sorry Sam,’ she managed to get out and then began to cry more heavily again.

  ‘It’s okay Lucy; whatever it is it’s okay. We’ll be okay; we’ll fix it whatever it is,’

  Sam threw his arms around her and held her, rocking her gently until she calmed and the tears stopped.

  Alice handed a clean cloth handkerchief to Lucy and she used it to dab her face and eyes, drying the tears and then took a deep breath before speaking. Lucy recomposed herself and strength seemed to flow back into her, her usual steel had returned but she was still quite upset.

  ‘I can’t go with you Sam.’

  Sam was visibly stunned. A moment passed in which nobody spoke, the forest sounds around them seemed to intensify and fill the void as Sam’s mind raced to process what Lucy had said.

  ‘I’m sorry Sam, I had to come and meet you here. I knew you would wait for me no matter what and I had to see you but I can’t go further with you.’

  ‘But why not, what have you got to go back for? Come with me Lucy, I’m not leaving without you.’

  ‘It’s my sister Sam; I have to go back for my sister.’

  ‘But you don’t have a sister!’

  ‘I didn’t, but now I do. I mean I always did but I didn’t know until just recently. I’m not making any sense am I?’ said Lucy as her eyes began to well up again with emotion and frustration.