by Payne, T. L.
As they neared a high, weathered barn at the edge of the field, Pete halted them by a fist in the air as he had done previously. The others in the rear stopped and dropped to one knee in the grass. Will reluctantly followed suit. He watched as the lead team approached the barn and entered through a side door. A minute later, one of the men ran back to have a conversation with Pete. Something was wrong. Will could sense it. Pete made hand motions, waving the rest of them back toward the trees. Jane sucked in a deep breath.
“What is it?” Will whispered.
“Squatters most likely,” Luca replied.
“What does that mean for the mission?” Will asked as they hurriedly moved toward the woodline and concealment.
“They could just be staying the night like we plan to do, or they could have set up camp. We won’t know until the team assesses the situation.”
“How would they know?”
“They’ll likely ask them.”
“Politely,” Jane said.
Politely? She’d said it like there was some other way to do it. Maybe they’d not done so very nicely in the past. She’d pointed it out for a reason. It was something he’d make a note of asking her about later. He needed to know as much about this team as possible if he were going to trust them to lead his family out on the road.
Nine
Walker
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
Event + Three Months
* * *
Just one day after Will had returned from the scouting mission, all hell broke loose and the time had arrived for them to put the plan into action. They had no choice. It was now—or never.
Walker was oiling the springs on an old pony cart he’d found in a barn about three miles from the homestead. He’d searched every barn for miles and it was the best he could find. It was rusty, and the footboards rotted out, but he’d been working on it as he looked for an animal capable of pulling it. He had been just about to lose hope of finding anything that had not become someone’s last meal when he’d come upon a pony feeding on bramble leaves in the woods as he crossed from one farm to the next. He was a cunning little fellow, hiding out like that and it had taken the better part of a day to get near enough to get a halter on him. The children had been thrilled to see him and all clamored around asking for pony rides, but this was for the Bertrands, and he needed him in tip-top shape for their journey. So, as hard as it was to see all the disappointed faces, he’d said no to rides. Kylie and Keegan had been content to help him bathe and brush the little guy.
Walker squirted more oil on the springs and then bounced up and down, testing them. He wanted as smooth a ride as he could give Mrs. B, knowing that would be important to Mr. Bertrand. He was incredibly touched by the love the two shared even after all these years in this deep hardship and the trials they all were facing.
When he heard footfalls on the gravel drive, Walker hopped down from the buggy and ran to the open barn door. He stopped in his tracks when he heard the kid, through gasped breaths, spout out, “A runner from Choupique is at the checkpoint down on Highway 108.” Beau was huffing so bad that Walker could barely make out what he was saying, but it must be bad for the kid to have run all that way, and he had run hard by the looks of him. He was drenched in sweat, scraped and cut from apparent falls, and dirty from head to toe from fording canals and gullies. Whatever it was—it was bad news.
Will met the kid in the middle of the drive and placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Just take a deep breath. Inhale slowly. Now exhale, slowly, Beau.”
Beau did as he was instructed, and when he could speak, Will asked him, “Have the Chinese broken through the American lines?”
The boy nodded. His eyes were wide. His jaw clenched tight.
“How close?”
“Ten miles and moving fast. They’re in a hurry,” the kid said through gritted teeth. He rubbed his scraped palms on his filthy jeans.
“Let’s get you inside and have someone clean up those cuts while I round everyone up.”
“Are we leaving now?” the boy asked, almost in a whisper.
“Yes. We have no choice.”
“The Bertrands?”
Will sucked in a breath. It was too painful to acknowledge to himself, let alone to this boy.
“Walker will try.”
Walker’s heart leaped. It was the moment he’d been dreading.
“He won’t go.”
“I know. But Walker is pretty persuasive. There’s a chance. Now, there’s no time to waste. Get cleaned up and get into position.”
Walker choked up upon hearing the confidence Will placed in him. It only increased the pressure to succeed.
“Yes, sir.”
Will glanced back over his shoulder at the kid as he ran toward the gate, likely to alert Pete and his team. They’d need to know first and head out in front of the group. The time of preparations had ended, and it was now time to put them to the test. Walker prayed they passed muster.
Walker took off to catch up to Will. He needed to know where his mind was at—what he was thinking.
“Did you hear?” Will asked as Walker approached him as he opened the gate.
“Yes. I’m heading to the Bertrands. Unless you need me somewhere else.”
“No. Not right now. You go and try to convince that old codger to come with us. After that, will you help Victory round up all five of her children? That youngest is always running off, and we don’t have time for a game of hide and seek right now.”
“I’ll round them up and get them to the barn. I’ll make sure no one is left behind, Will.”
Will’s lips formed a slight smile. “I know you will try your best, Walker. That is all we can do.” We’re so lucky to have you. Your knowledge and fortitude are so needed—more than you could ever know.”
“Thanks, Will. Anything I can do to help—I’m there.”
“I know.” Will stepped through the gate, stopped, and turned to face Walker. “That is what I admire about you most, I think.”
Walker looked away.
“You’re selfless, Walker. These people are practically strangers to you, but here you are.”
“It’s my duty,” Walker mumbled.
“Before you go to the Bertrands, will you find Isabella and tell her where I’ve gone and why?”
Walker nodded. He knew that it really should come from Will, but he understood the urgency of the moment. There just wasn’t time. They’d run out of time. He’d run out of time. His task was at hand. He couldn’t afford to fail. He couldn’t live with that on his conscience. The Bertrands deserved a chance as much as anyone else. He wanted to give that to the elderly couple. He felt compelled yet didn’t know why. Maybe it was the memories of his grandfather and the helplessness he’d seen on his face as he watched Walker’s grandmother wither away under Alzheimer’s. Mr. B reminded him of his grandfather, but it was more than that. It went against his humanity to consider abandoning the old couple to what would come if they were left behind.
Savanah was in the kitchen when Walker burst through the door. She drew in a breath and held it.
“It’s time,” Walker said.
“Where’s Will? Jason?” Savanah asked in a near whisper.
“Will ran to get Pete and his boys. He wanted me to inform everyone here. Where’s Isabella and Cayden?”
“Isabella?” Savanah asked, looking toward the door. She looked confused. They were likely spread over the two homesteads with Kendra tending to the Bertrands, and Kylie off God knows where. It was hard keeping track of them with so many places for them to be.
Savanah returned her gaze to Walker. “I don’t know where she is.”
“That’s okay. I’ll find her before I head over to the Bertrands. Do you need me to help you with the kids?”
“My kids,” she whispered. Her hand flew up to her neck.
Walker was a trained observer. His law enforcement experience had alerted him to her panicked state. He walked over, placed a hand o
n her now trembling shoulder, and spoke softly. “It’s going to be all right. We’ve practiced this over and over. Everyone knows what to do. I will sound the alarm, and everyone will come running—even Kylie. She knows there’s a treat waiting for her if she does.”
That had been his idea. He and Kylie had an understanding.
“Thank you, Walker. I’ll sound the alarm. You go do what you need to do. I pray you succeed; Mr. B is a stubborn old cuss.”
He straightened and removed his hand from hers. “You sure?”
“I’m sure. You’re right. When everyone hears the alarm, they’ll all come running. I’ll have more help than I know what to do with.”
“Okay. I’ll be back in a jiffy with the Bertrands. We’re going to make it in time, Savanah. Have faith.”
Faith was something in short supply these days. It seemed that every day only brought more sorrow with no possible end in sight.
“Thanks,” she said.
Walker found Isabella in one of the RVs helping care for a sick child. She took a deep breath as Walker explained the news the kid had brought and where Will had run off to. She stiffened her spine and gathered herself with grace but took it seemingly in stride. Walker watched her go through the process of acceptance and move into action. She gave him a curt nod. “All right. It’s go-time. We all have lots to do, Walker. Godspeed with the Bertrands.”
“Thanks, Isabella. I may well need God’s intervention on this one.”
Walker wasted no time rushing back to the barn to hook the pony to the cart. He threw the blankets into the back of the short wagon and yanked on the pony’s reins. He jerked his head a few times, but Walker was firm and insistent. The animal yielded to the tug and moved through the barn door, down the drive, and out onto the pavement. As Walker pulled the pony and cart toward the Bertrands’ house, he saw their front door open, and Mr. B stepped out onto the porch, shutting the door behind him.
“Walker,” Mr. Bertrand said, stuffing his hands into the front pockets of his blue Dickies work pants.
“We received news from down south. It’s time,” Walker blurted out. It wasn’t how the conversation had gone in his head. He’d rehearsed a different approach, but he could tell from Mr. B’s tone that the soft approach wasn’t going to work.
“And the cart?”
“For Mrs. B.”
“Come on inside.”
The smell of Savanah’s herbs brewing on the stove filled the house. Mr. B led Walker to the master bedroom, where Mrs. Bertrand lay covered to her chin with blankets. The sight of her wrenched Walker’s heart; she looked so frail. Her hair had been lovingly combed and a braid pulled to one side. Her eyes opened as they entered the room. She turned toward the door, and Walker could see her struggle to focus.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. B, I’m sorry—”
“Don’t be. I love to have visitors, especially handsome ones like yourself.” Her lips curled up and then fell. “But from the sound of those hooves on my drive, I imagine this is something more than a social call.”
“I came to fetch you. It’s time. The Chinese have broken through, and they’re advancing quickly.”
She turned her head ever so slightly toward her husband. They stared at one another for a long moment before she spoke. “We appreciate your concern, Walker, and all the trouble you’ve gone to on our—my—behalf, but we’re still firm in our stance. Her eyes scanned the dresser to her right where framed photos had been lovingly placed of her children, grandchildren, and likely even great-grandchildren.
“This here is our home and has been so for over sixty years. I’ve lived a long and wonderfully blessed life. I want to stay here in my own bed for whatever time I have left—even if it is only hours or days.” She turned, and their eyes met. “You might not understand that, Walker, but I pray that you live long enough that you see your golden days, and then you will.”
“Mrs. B. This doesn’t have to be—”
“It’s my decision. I’ve made up my mind, and I’m not going.”
Walker’s gaze fell to Mr. B, who now stood at the foot of the bed looking down upon his wife. Walker was immediately taken back to the scene of his grandfather, but he didn’t see that same helpless and hopeless look. They had resigned themselves to their fate. They seemed so calm in the face of it all. How could they be? How did one lose that innate sense of self-preservation?
“You’re a leader, Walker. They need you. Will and Jason have families to protect and look out for. You, you can see the bigger picture and take care of the whole group. Pete and his boys will be concerned with completing the mission with success but ultimately, they too will make their families their top priority. The community needs you as the leader to look out for everyone’s well-being. You’re up to the task. Don’t doubt yourself. God will go before you. He will strengthen and guide you. You’ll know the right things to do. You’ll be instrumental in getting everyone there safely. It may mean making tough calls and being stern when the others need it. You’re up to that as well. Your training will carry you through, I’m sure. You are the man for this job, Walker. You won’t fail. And God won’t fail you.”
A lump had formed in Walker’s throat. It meant so much coming from a man like Mr. Bertrand. Having his vote of confidence was uplifting, even though Walker didn’t see himself in that light. He’d do whatever it took—that was the truth—but the leadership role would remain with Will, Jason, and Pete. And he was fine with that.
“They need you too, Mr. B. They need your guidance and godly wisdom. It’s the one absolutely necessary thing that the community lacks.”
“I appreciate that, son. But we’ve made up our minds.” Mr. Bertrand lowered himself into the club chair beside his wife’s bed, picked up the shotgun, and placed it in his lap. “We’re going to stay right here.”
Ten
Savanah
Savanah rushed to the outdoor kitchen and pulled on the rough rope tied to the dinner bell. It clanged, and she pulled twice more, waited, and pulled three more times—the signal for trouble.
Karson reached her first. “It's time?”
“Yes, son. You know what to do?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll get my pack and the little ones’ and meet you here.”
“And your rifle?”
“Yes, ma’am. I wouldn’t forget it. We’ll find ammo for it on the way, I bet. I’ll make grandpa proud and bag me a big ole buck. You’ll see.”
She reached out and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m so proud of you, Karson. Do you know that?”
“I’m proud of you. Gran and Granddad would say so too,” Karson said as he stepped back.
Savanah’s eyes scanned the home her grandfather had built, along with the barn. It was hard to see the pasture and large garden plots with all the campers and tents blocking the view and it hurt her to the core to abandon the place that her family had put so much blood, sweat, and tears into.
“We’ll come back,” Karson said.
“I know. As soon as this is all over, we’ll come back and make it even better than it was,” Savanah said, wiping a tear from her cheek.
She caught a glimpse of Jason and some of the others running from the western pasture. “Get your bag, Savanah. I’ll get everyone lined up,” Jason called as he ran.
“Have you seen Keegan or Kylie?” she asked.
“No. They’ll come. Get your pack.”
She heard the fear in his voice. It threw her for a moment. He was supposed to be her rock. She couldn’t do this. She wasn’t ready for this. Not for the road. This could not be happening.
“Go, Savanah!”
She looked back at him as she sprinted toward the house. Their go-bags were lined up by the door. Karson already had his strapped on and was gathering up Kylie’s and Keegan’s. They met in the doorway. “Do you need me to help you tighten the straps on yours?” he asked.
“No. Take care of your siblings. Make sure theirs are tight. Don’t let Kylie fidget and get it too loose.�
��
“I won’t.”
Savanah mussed his hair as he passed through the door on his way to the meeting spot in front of the house. As she stepped inside, she caught a glimpse of people gathering there through the lace curtains on the front window. She scooped up her pack and plunged her arms through the straps, jumped a few times while pulling down tight on them to make sure they were secure, and turned back toward the door. She stopped, spun around for one last look, and spotted the framed photos lined up on a side table by the far wall. All those baby pictures, vacation photos, and photographs of her parents and grandparents. How could she just leave them behind? How could she leave all this—behind?
“Savanah!” Jason called through the front window. “Let’s go!”
She ran to the front door and flung it open expecting to see all four of her children standing in the line next to Jason. All she saw were Karson and Keegan.
“Where’s Kylie?” Panic laced her voice. She reached into her pocket and found the piece of butterscotch candy that Walker had promised Kylie. It should have worked. No kid had a sweet tooth like her daughter.
“Kendra is looking for her at the Bertrands. She thought she might have seen Walker heading that way.”
