by E A Lake
“Henry just told me that Ruth had informed you of their intentions the other day. Didn’t you understand?” Hunter seemed confused.
Theresa’s face tightened. “I thought Ruth was just putting on a show for Sheila. You know, a little white lie to get her back on board.” She studied Hunter’s frown carefully.
“Why would you think they’d ever come back, Sister?” Hunter asked.
“That’s what Corporal Ramos told me when he dropped us off. He said they’d be back through with a new load of supplies in a month or so.” Seeing Hunter’s expression darken, Theresa lost her enthusiasm.
Finally, he shook his head at her. “They’re not coming back, Sister. Not in a month, not in three months, not in a year. You’re on your own out here. That’s why the garden is so important.”
Sister Theresa felt her stomach twist and turn. “But the Captain told the Reverend Mother they would keep us supplied. He promised.”
Hunter shook his head again. “I suppose to help the Church out they said they would. But think about it. Gas supplies are low everywhere. How can they afford to use up 20 gallons of precious fuel just to bring you supplies every month? I’m sure the militia meant well, but they aren’t going to do that.” Hunter noticed the first signs of frustration cross Theresa’s face. “They have other places west and south of here you know.” Theresa nodded at his words. “From what the Amish say, they’re all on their own. Every last one of them. To our knowledge, they’ve never been resupplied by the militia.” Hunter waited for some sign of acknowledgement.
Theresa looked up at him sadly. “So, they basically lied to me. Brought me here under false pretenses.” She sighed heavily and glared at the ground.
“Yeah, I suppose they did. But you’re safe, the girls are safe, and the babies are safe. You can see where they sell that to the Church as a win-win. And now that they’ve done something for the Church, the militia can get favors from them in return.” The pair watched an Amish buggy go by on the road. Hunter waved at its unknown occupants. “The militia only did what they needed to do to get the Church on their side. I’m sure they have bigger plans now that they’ve done such a large favor for your Church. They’ll use them to convince the parishioners to go along with whatever the benevolent militia says.” Hunter saw he was bursting her belief bubble, but Theresa needed the truth.
Theresa glanced off, deep in thought. She rubbed her thin face with her fingers. Finally, her attention came back to Hunter. “And you’re sure they won’t be back?”
Hunter rolled his eyes and looked away for a moment. “The Captain told me that much. Captain Spurless. He said he was giving me my pay upfront because he wasn’t ever coming back, any of them. He wanted me to take another place about ten miles to the east, too. But once he told me there were eleven of you, I knew I could only handle one, no more than that.” Hunter watched as tears formed in the corners of Theresa’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Sister. Really I am.”
Sister Theresa nodded slightly to Hunter. “I know you are. Thank you for your honesty.” She looked away and continued. “I’m just not sure I’m totally prepared for this. I thought there’d be more help. Well, more help than just you.” She looked at Hunter, more desperate. “We don’t have any money, Hunter. I mean we might have $40 between us all. What are we supposed to use for currency? There will obviously be some things we need. Just how am I supposed to care for ten people like this?”
Theresa shook her head, and some auburn hair fell out of the side of her headdress. She had given up her usual dress the day before the girls had arrived. She chose to keep her headdress for the time being. She quickly tucked the stray strands back up inside.
“You’ll just make do. Years ago, people didn’t have a lot of cash. They survived. The Amish will help out some. I’ll help with food and maintenance around here. The few things you have to have can be bartered somehow. Have some faith, Sister. Isn’t that what you’re all about anyway?”
“Faith? Or miracles? I’m not sure what we’re looking at here.” Theresa suddenly took on a terrified look. “What are we supposed to do for formula when that runs out?”
Hunter shrugged. “Ask Rebecca or Ruth. I suppose they just use cow’s milk, right?” Hunter patted Theresa’s back. “You’ll figure it out, Sister. You will, I’m sure of that. Let’s just keep this between ourselves for now.” Theresa nodded in agreement. “No sense in worrying the girls about something they have no control over in the end.” Hunter helped the young nun to her feet. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning, Sister. Things will look better then.” He turned and left.
Theresa watched the thin man disappear down the drive and then to the north. She realized that she didn’t even know where he lived or just how far he walked every day. Suddenly it occurred to her there was a lot she didn’t know. She needed to pull herself together so that the teens could follow her strong lead. That was her plan for tonight. Tomorrow, she would solve problems as they came along.
Chapter Fourteen
Early the next morning, Henry Mueller pulled up in his wagon with Rebecca by his side. Mrs. Mueller thought it best if Rebecca spent more time with the girls and their young ones again. From what Rebecca had reported to her mother, all of the girls had issues. Well, maybe all but Sara.
To Henry and his daughter’s surprise, Hunter sat on the back steps awaiting their arrival. Henry waved at his friend; Rebecca could only shake her head. She wondered what that man was up to.
“He must have wandered in from an all-night drunk, Father. That’s the only logical explanation for him being here so early.” Rebecca dismounted the wagon and hurried over to smell Hunter. No scent of any lingering alcohol this morning. She scowled harshly at him. Hunter grinned back at the young woman.
“Well good morning to you too, Rebecca. Do I get to smell you now?” Henry laughed at Hunter’s mood as he approached.
“I’m afraid she always expects the worst of you, Hunter.” Henry plodded across the yard and stopped next to where Hunter sat. Rebecca frowned again.
“I’m sure you are up to something. This isn’t like you at all.” Rebecca quickly went up the steps, and into the house. Hunter grinned at Henry.
“She’s a real fun one, Henry.” Hunter and Henry shared a good laugh in Rebecca’s absence. Henry hoped her husband would return soon and take his trying daughter off his hands.
“Is it just you and I then, Hunter? Any more help to be had inside?” Henry hadn’t met the girls yet, so he had no idea of their physical abilities.
Hunter shook his head. “Nah, just you and me. They’re a bunch of scrawny girls. None of them are any bigger than Sister Theresa, and she’s not very big herself. So I’m afraid it’s just you and me, my friend.” Hunter rose sensing Henry wanted to get right to work.
Henry looked toward the door. “Perhaps I should go meet them all this morning. I’ve only met the Sister, and I saw one of the older ones with Rebecca the other day. So introductions are probably in order.” Henry and Hunter went inside to meet the rest of the gang. Henry was in for a shock.
Four of the five babies were crying this morning, no – more like screaming. Exactly what was wrong was hard to say, but the whole lot, minus one, was unhappy. The only one sleeping was Cal, Emily’s little one, who normally led the crying. Maybe it was because the poor fellow was up most the night screaming.
Rebecca jumped right in to help. Everyone received a baby as they wandered past the Amish teen. That included Henry and Hunter. Henry seemed to hold his own with a little one. He even got Karen’s child, Rose, to stop crying and focused on his long beard and strange face. Hunter wasn’t so lucky. Poor Sara, who normally was so happy, was crying this morning along with Matty. No matter what she did, he wouldn’t stop crying. Hunter’s luck wasn’t much better.
Sister Theresa came in with bottles and clean diapers. Maybe this would help; it sure couldn’t hurt. Rebecca took further charge and got the worst of the screamers changed and into their mother’s arms with a fresh b
ottle. One by one, they stopped crying, and things began to settle down. That’s when Henry and Hunter made their escape.
“That was a little more than I expected,” Henry said to Hunter as they mounted the wagon. The rear door opened, and both men looked up. Theresa walked across the yard toward Henry’s wagon.
“Hunter, I don’t see any more meat in our supplies. Do you have a plan for procuring more?” Theresa appeared tired and worn out. Hunter decided to take it easy on her, for the moment at least.
“I’ll see what I can rustle up today or tomorrow. Probably have to sneak up in the woods toward nightfall and pop a yearling.” Hunter glanced at Henry nodding his agreement. “After we get done with the fence, I’ll run over to the store and get whatever they might have. That will give you a little variety for a while.”
Theresa finally smiled. “Thank you. Thank you to both of you for your work today, in advance. I don’t want to forget to keep saying my thanks for all the blessing bestowed upon us.” Theresa turned and went back in the house. As the wagon started moving, Hunter winked at his friend.
“Sometimes when she talks I feel like I’m in church,” Hunter stated.
Henry laughed at Hunter’s words. “Makes me feel like I’m speaking with my wife.” Henry laughed heartily as they started down the road.
The men took the rest of the morning, and well into the afternoon, to get the 6-foot fence disassembled, rolled up and loaded onto the wagon. Hunter thought the project would go faster, that was his hope at least. But what they found was the fencing was four sections, along with a crude door to get in and out of the enclosure.
Mid-project, Henry and Hunter paused for some water. The day wasn’t hot, but the sun and the work had both of them sweating profusely. Henry pondered a thought.
“Hunter,” Henry finally spoke. “I think the ladies have an issue with food.” Henry saw his friend’s head bob, so he knew he was listening. “They may have enough for three more weeks, but not much after that. At least that’s what Ruth and Rebecca have reported to me.”
Hunter took another swig from Henry’s canteen and looked at his bearded face. “Yeah,” he started slowly, “the Sister and I were discussing that last night before I left. Apparently, she thought Ruth was just bluffing to get one of the girl’s attention.” He frowned and leaned back against the wagon. “But I think she gets it now. She understands how important the garden will be.”
Henry rubbed his beard. Slowly, he continued. “I think I can get most of the neighbors to donate some food for them. Most of us have a nice reserve…just in case.” Hunter chuckled understanding how frugal his neighbors were. “But, I don’t think it’s a permanent solution, Hunter. Do you?”
Slowly, Hunter turned his face in Henry’s direction. “What are you getting at Henry? Just spit it out,” Hunter replied stone faced.
“I know a man over by Baraboo. He has a large stash of food from last year’s harvest; corn, beans, tomatoes, fruit. Even some meat.” Henry’s eyebrows flashed at Hunter. “And he’s open for a trade. Any trade I hear said, but he’s really looking for one item in particular.”
Letting out a gasp, Hunter rolled his hand at Henry. “And?”
Henry shrugged before beginning. “Alcohol. The man will trade whatever you need for a stash of alcohol, they claim.”
Hunter laughed at his Amish friend. “Baraboo’s dry, Henry. Everyone knows that. There ain’t no way their local militia will let a drop in.” He stared off into the sky and sighed. “Good try though.”
He knelt next to Hunter, catching his attention. “I said over by Baraboo, Hunter. Not in it.” Henry’s glare intensified. “I just happen to know someone who has a nice stash of the demon spirits. Ten cases from what I could tell.”
Hunter’s lips wrinkled. “Does that same stash include about ten pounds of tobacco, too?” He shook his head. “It’s not yours to give away. That’s all I’m ever getting from the militia. Full payment. Intended for me and only me.” Hunter moved directly next to Henry. “Not open for discussion, Henry. You’ll have to come up with a better plan.”
Watching Hunter return to work, Henry’s mouth twisted slightly. Nodding, he joined his friend tearing down the last fence section.
As the wagon rolled back in the yard, Rebecca waited for their return and met the men. Greeting them with her usual stoic face, she noticed they had managed to get what they needed, and it seemed they made it in one trip.
“Come inside and have a sandwich. You must be starving by now.” Rebecca turned and went back inside, followed by the men. As many up and downs Hunter had with Rebecca and most of the Amish community, he appreciated their ability to have meals ready. This was another example of their preparedness. One he truly appreciated.
The house was calmer in the afternoon’s warmth. Most of the babies were fed and napping as the men quietly ate their lunch. Some of the girls were outside exploring the three standing buildings and barn on the farmstead. Sara and Sheila sat in the living room keeping an eye on the babies, with Sister Theresa’s help. Rebecca waited on the men so they could eat quickly and get back to work.
“If we can get a few of the girls to help put that fence back up now, things will go faster.” Hunter addressed Theresa on one of her many trips from the living room to the kitchen and back again. “Actually, if you could help along with Karen and Mary that would be perfect. The others can watch the kids, and Rebecca can help them out.” Theresa nodded at Hunter and went to assemble her team.
Four more hours of hard work were needed to get the fence unloaded, reassembled, and set into place. Once finished, five workers stood exhausted, admiring the enclosure. Though not perfect by any means, it would keep most of the wild animals out of the garden.
Henry patted Hunter’s shoulder as he walked back toward the house. “You’ve done well, Hunter. We had good help, but this was your idea, and it all went well. Now, at least, they stand a chance of harvesting something from the garden instead of just feeding the deer. God has given us a good day.” Henry and Hunter returned to the wagon, loading up the extra tools Henry had brought.
Rebecca and Henry left just after sunset to get back to their own place. Henry’s older boys should have taken care of most of the daily duties, but he needed to be sure they had done the evening chores properly. Theresa, Sara, Mary and Hunter watched them leave and waved goodbye.
“Ready for some supper?” Theresa spoke to Hunter as the others went inside to check on the babies. Hunter couldn’t tell whether it was a question, a request, or an order.
He nodded at Theresa. “Yeah, I’m starved. Tomorrow I’ll bring my rifle and see if we can’t pick off a nice doe for some extra meat.” Hunter glanced at Theresa, still watching the wagon in the distance. “Do you know anything about butchering deer, Sister?”
Theresa kept watching the wagon. A broad smile crossed her face. That was something she could certainly handle, and tomorrow he’d see just how useful she could be.
Chapter Fifteen
Hunter sat quietly by a creek in the middle of the 10-acre woodlot on the northeast corner of the property. A sliver of pink on the eastern horizon told him he was plenty early for this hunt. With any luck, one simple deer would cross the creek, and the girls would have meat to last almost a month. Hunter remembered he needed to go borrow the Mueller’s grinder so they could have some ground meat, besides steaks and chops. Ground always went a lot further.
Hunter pondered his life of the past four or five days. He never dreamt that he would be this involved with other people again. For the last five years, he had kept mostly to himself. He didn’t avoid other people; he just didn’t need much company. And who liked to keep company with a drunk?
A quick laugh came across Hunter. He hadn’t had a drink in the last three days. That was probably a record for him. Six years ago, he was never much of a drinker. But so much had changed, and all for the bad. Now weeks went by like a blur, a drunken haze perhaps. Winter was the worst. Day after day of the same
thing, alone inside a cramped cabin. He went months without being sober. That was all there was to do now, drink. Right?
And yet, it had now been several days without touching the stuff. He was just too busy, he told himself. That was the issue. Up with the sun and home with the stars. Maybe once he got these girls settled in, he could get back to his own life. But he was certain Sister Theresa wasn’t the reason he hadn’t been drinking.
Oh, the good Sister had made it known from the very start she didn’t appreciate Hunter even smelling of booze. She was plain and straightforward on that. But she wasn’t the reason. She and her little rants. If anything, it was those poor girls with her. Hunter had a heart, sometimes. He could see they were in way over their heads. They just needed to get settled before he could continue with his life.
Hunter wanted to be a better man. But why? What was the point anymore? Civilization would continue to decline for the rest of his lifetime, of that, he was sure. Maybe even the next two or three lifetimes would worsen. Maybe 50, maybe a hundred years from now things would return to what they once were. For the foreseeable future, though, Hunter held no hope.
He wasn’t sure why he would want to get involved with other people any longer – or ever, perhaps. He had enough of his own problems. Food was harder and harder to find. If you wanted something, you needed to grow or kill it yourself. Each day brought new challenges in the search for food. There just wasn’t enough to go around anymore.
If food was hard to find, fuel was nearly impossible. Production of any fuel stopped six years ago. With each passing year, those idle refineries fell into further disrepair. There were pockets here and there where fuel could be found. There was a city, Baraboo, or maybe Lake Delton, that claimed to have enough fuel to last five more years. Hunter doubted those statements.
