Reapers Mist: Third in the Reaper Trilogy by Justin Gowland

by Gowland, Justin

  Rees sniggered.

  “Grow up!” I said smiling.

  Chapter Five

  We sat for a few minutes before Rees said “What about farms? Don’t farmers use red diesel?”

  “Would we be able to use red diesel?” I asked.

  “Yeah, the red is a dye the government makes them put in the diesel so they don’t sell it to the public.” He replied.

  “That’s cool. We’re going to need the maps and Jacob might be handy with his local knowledge. Becky and her group had the maps last so we can wait till she wakes up and comes down.” I said.

  We sat drinking tea and coffee waiting for the others to wake. Christine came in said morning and went to help Maddie in the kitchen to make breakfast. Not long after the two girls went into the gift shop and sat in front of the TV. We heard the Xbox start up then some music started to float into the café. I leaned over so I could see the TV and saw they had a music game playing. It had been a while since I heard some music. Even if it was the shit kids listened to before all this crap.

  I was happy listening when Marc and Becky came downstairs.

  “Morning you two.” I said.

  “Hey bud. What you doing up this early?” Marc said.

  “Well I and Rees here thought we would go for a run and we just got back. We thought a slacker like you would have still been in bed. I mean we did about six laps round the castle and you’re snuggled up in bed.” I said smiling.

  “I would have come with to if you had said something last night.” He said looking crestfallen.

  “Don’t be bloody daft Marc! Walker and I are not that stupid. We’ve just been sitting here drinking and talking about what to do today.” Rees said.

  I burst out laughing and Marc looked so pissed that I had joked at his expense.

  Trying to stop laughing at his pissed off face, every time I started to say something to Becky. Marc’s face just set off my laughter even more.

  “Walker will you calm the fuck down mate. It was not that funny. Becky what this idiot is trying to ask is do you have the maps?” Rees asked.

  “Yeah, think they are in our room upstairs. Marc babe can you go and get them for us, please?” She answered.

  “Ok be right back, and Jay?” Marc said.

  “Yes?” I said.

  “You’re a twat.” And with that Marc went off upstairs.

  I laughed at him.

  “You do know that you have a knack of pissing your brother off don’t you?” Becky said.

  “Yeah, it can be fun sometimes.” I said.

  “Well stop it. You mean everything to him, you’re his only family. So stop being a prick and be a brother. With all that being said, what hare brained scheme are you and Rees thinking up now?”

  “We had been talking about fuel for the generator and where to get it safely.” Rees said.

  “It runs diesel so we thought if there were any farms around, we might be able to get it from there.” I said.

  “You’re probably right red diesel isn’t any different from normal. My dad always had a big tank behind the barn with it in. In the end it would be easier than getting it from a petrol station.” She said.

  Marc came back down the stairs with the map and we spread it out on the table. Just looking at I could tell finding the right farm might be a problem. There was a lot of land in the area without towns or landmarks.

  “I think this probably when we could do with help from Jacob.” I said.

  Rees nodded and looked at Becky.

  “Well, I could give you some general ideas as to where farms would be. But it is going to have to be up to you to find them.” She said, sitting down at the table with a pen, marking off areas.

  “Rees can you go find Jacob please?” I asked.

  He grunted, got up and went out to find Jacob. Marc went into the gift shop and was watching the girls on the Xbox. Maddie and Christine started to move the pots onto the counter for everyone’s breakfast.

  After a while Chris walked in and came over to where Becky and I were sat.

  “Dad and Rees are measuring how much pipe would be needed in that bath house thing under the castle. They said that they wouldn’t be long.” He said.

  “Thanks Chris.” I said.

  He just shrugged his shoulders and went over to the counter and got a bowl of porridge. I looked over at the food and my stomach grumbled. Seeing as Rees and Jacob weren’t going to be here anytime soon I wanted food. I stood and walked over to the counter and as soon as my hand touched the bowls. Rees and Jacob entered the café. (Bollocks, I wanted food and I was going to get food.)

  I just carried on putting porridge into my bowl. Whilst Rees cast me the evil eye and sat down with Jacob and Becky.

  “Rees, you want some of this?” I asked.

  “Oh, thank you that would be nice!” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

  “Becky? Jacob?” I said, not even acknowledging what Rees had said.

  “No thank you Jay.” Becky said.

  “Please, can you put some sugar on it as well?” Jacob asked.

  I spooned some in a bowl and put two spoonfuls on the top. Placing the bowls on the table I sat down.

  “Jacob any idea round here where we could find a fairly large farm? The larger the better chance of there being fuel on site.” Becky asked.

  I sat eating my porridge as Jacob looked over the map of the area nearby. After about ten minutes he put his finger on a spot not far from Bamburgh Castle.

  “Last time I stayed at the caravan we spent the day at Bamburgh Castle. There was a large farm about five miles outside the town. It is probably big enough.” He said.

  I looked at where he had pointed and it was on the far side of the town. Just had to be the opposite side to where we were. The only way to get there would be by driving through the middle of the town. Now that was something I didn’t want to do. I had to admit we hadn’t seen many Reapers around the countryside. But it stood to reason that they might stay close to a large food source like a town.

  “Ok anything on this side that you can think about?” I asked, pushing the bowl away from me.

  Jacob looked over the map again before lifting his head saying “Sorry, Jay there are a few smaller farms but nothing I can think of that might be big enough.”

  “It’s alright mate. Rees you have any ideas?”

  “Well, seeing as it is on the other side of Bamburgh. And it was about an hour away before this. It might take us quite a while to get through there and back.” He replied.

  I was thinking about what Jacob, I and Rees discussed yesterday about fall back positions.

  “What you thinking about Jay?” Becky asked.

  I tried to put my thoughts into something that would come out right and sound like a plan.

  “Well, we…” and I pointed to Jacob, Rees and myself. “We had been talking yesterday about places to fall back to. Didn’t we say that the island was off the coast near Bamburgh?”

  “Yeah, it was.” Rees said.

  “Ok, so we need to go to this farm to check for fuel. Also from the looks of the map there’s a marina there. I think we might be able to kill two birds with one stone. Here’s what I have in mind. We take both vehicles with two teams. One team gets to the marina and manages to get a boat big enough and sail it up here. The other team continues on through the town and gets to the farm and gets the fuel. Now the question is who wants to go then we can sort out teams.”

  “Walker, it’s a given that I am coming.” Rees replied.

  Nodding Becky said “I’ll come.”

  “Well, if you don’t mind, I would like to come. I don’t feel like I am pulling my weight at the minute.” Jacob said.

  “Ok, with me that makes four. I think we could probably still use at the least another person on per team.” I said.

  Looking round I saw Marc standing behind the couch in the gift shop. He was watching the two girls playing on a dance game. I had to smile because he didn’t think
anyone was watching him. Because he started to scratch his arse, like he was trying to dig himself another hole.

  “Marc?” I called out.

  He dropped his hand a spun round, “What?”

  “We are doing a couple of things on the mainland today. Do you fancy coming?” I asked.

  “What you doing?” He asked Becky.

  Becky tilted her head and asked, “I am going out, why?”

  “Nothing it was just that if you were going so was I.” He replied blushing.

  Maddie came out of the kitchen and said “I’ve been listening. Is it ok if I tag along? I’ve not been out of the castle since we got here and I would like to stretch my legs.”

  “Can’t see any of it being a problem and we have enough for the two teams. We just need to decide who does which job?” I asked.

  I looked at everyone in turn. No one wanted to say anything.

  “Ok, the way I see it, Rees and I can run each team. Now has anyone got a clue how to run a boat?” I asked.

  Maddie to my surprise spoke up, “I have been on a few pleasure boats on the broads. I think that I can figure it out if they have anything I recognize.”

  “Right, we have someone who knows boats. The next thing is to split the rest of us up. Becky how about you, Marc and Rees be the farm team. I, Maddie and Jacob will be the boat team. Because we will have to go through the town and the marina is about halfway. We can all head to the marina first. Then Rees, you and your team head to the farm. I know that you might need the extra firepower on the way back. So what I suggest is that once Maddie and Jacob have a boat. They head back here and moor up. I will move to this road here.” I pointed to the road that Rees would have to take on the way back. “I’ll find a house or something and get up high. In case you need me to cover you as when you’re heading back through town. We’ll take the two radios. I will have one and you can have the other. When you get near to this road start using it and I will try to answer. Anyone have any questions?” I said.

  “Are you going to be ok by yourself?” Rees asked looking worried which was strange for him.

  “Look, it isn’t far from the marina. As long as I stay on the back streets and alleys I should be ok.” I answered.

  I looked at Maddie and she grabbed my hand and smiled.

  (Yup Mr. Twitchy raised his ugly head.)

  “Jay, you do know that if you get stuck. We’re not going to be able to help you.” Becky said.

  “You know! I did think of that.” I said smirking.

  Maddie slapped my arm and said “Jay people are scared that you're digging a hole you won’t be able to get out of.”

  I did see their point of view. “I have a feeling that getting the boat is going to be the easy part. The hard part is going to be heading back through town with the fuel. If the Reapers follow Rees and Becky to the farm then they are going to have to fight their way back through that town. We might need my rifle to help.” I said.

  “If that’s the case why don’t you go with Becky and Rees? That way I can go with Maddie and Jacob.” Marc said.

  I shook my head and said “This way we can have a rifle covering both of our teams and not just one.”

  “Marc, Walker does have a point mate. Ok, let’s do it that way.” Rees said.

  “Right guys, why don’t you get yourselves ready and we can meet at the gate in say fifteen?” I said.

  I looked at everyone and got a few nods and replies. We got up and went off to get ready. Maddie and I went to our room and I started to pull on my combat pants and jacket. Maddie came over and slipped her arms round my chest. She rested her head on it. I could feel her breathing sharply against me.

  “Are you sure this is the best way to do this Jay?” She said softly.

  I stroked her hair and breathed in before answering. “It’s the only way we can be sure everyone has security. And I have to be the one to do it. I trust Rees with my life. But I want to be the one watching over you.” I said.

  “Ok, I understand, but before we go give me a kiss.” She said.

  She tilted her head up and I smiled, bending my head I kissed her lips. We stood there for what felt like a long time. Just holding each other and kissing. There was a knock on the door. Maddie broke away from me and went to open the door to find Becky stood there.

  “You ready yet Maddie?” Becky asked.

  “Not quite, I got a little sidetracked.” Maddie said, casting me an impish smile.

  “Hey, don’t blame me.” I said, walking past them.

  I started to head down into the café, but I could hear a whispered conversation. As I go to the bottom there was a quiet squeal from the top of the stairs. Looking round I saw Marc at the gift shop watching Chris play on the Xbox. I walked over and nudged his arm.

  “Do you know what has those daft women of ours, so excited?” I asked.

  “Not really. Probably just happy they are both getting out for the day. You know what women are like about going shopping.” He said laughing.

  I shook my head at him. (My kid brother can be a sexist tit every now and then. You see what I did there? ‘Tit’ Heh I crack myself up now and then.)

  “Will you let Maddie know I am near the gate when they come down?” I said and walked out into the courtyard garden.

  Chapter Six

  I took my time walking over to the castle. The sun had burned off the gray clouds and blue sky was above. I got to the castle and made my way through to the main hall. I heard giggling. I turned to see Derek’s two girls running down the stairs one chasing the other. They flew past me and down the steps into the kitchen. I walked out the main doors to find Rees going through range safety on the pistols with Derek and Jacob. I sat on the steps with my rifle in between my legs watching them.

  Looking down the range I saw Derek had painted some rough human shaped targets on the backstop. Rees must have finished doing the range safety because he handed a pistol to Jacob. He stepped up to the line painted on the floor and stood in a weaver stance. He looked round and clicked the safety off. He squeezed the trigger and the loud retort of the weapon bounced off the walls. Jacob nearly dropped the pistol. Turning his head he shouted “That bloody hurts your hand, doesn’t it?”

  “Don’t turn your fucking head and look where you’re aiming when your safety is off you TWAT!” Yelled Rees, he was probably louder than the actual shot.

  I smiled and shook my head. That’s one thing about Rees, safety is all important to him with any firearm. And if you fuck up you’ll know about it. Jacobs head whipped back round to look down the range. He went bright red, but to give him his due he finished the other four rounds before calling safe. Only then did he flick the safety and turn to face Rees.

  Rees looked down the range, then turned to face Jacob and said “That’s not bad. Your first shot went high right. Your second shot hit high left, then the next three hit center mass. So not bad for your first shots I think for today we can give you a shotgun. Aim center mass with one of those and anything you hit will go down. Derek we can try and run through some shots either when we get back or tomorrow.”

  Derek nodded and walked past me and into the castle. Rees walked over to the wall where he had put a large duffle bag. Reaching inside, he pulled the under/over shotgun out. He must have cut some of the barrel off because it was now a sawn off. He handed it to Jacob and then pulled out a box of shells. Jacob grabbed about five handfuls and put them in his jacket pockets. By this time the girls were coming through the door still laughing. With Marc behind them seeing me sitting on the steps with a quizzical look on my face, he just shrugged his shoulders. I stood up and shook out my legs and stretched my back.

  “Ok guys Rees has gone through some safety with Jacob. Girls when you're finished pissing about can you get your gear?” I said.

  “Jay, fuck off. We’re happy!” Said Becky and they both started to laugh again as they got their weapons from Rees.

  “Red flood day is it?” I asked.

  Maddie�
��s head shot round like it was on a spring “What the fuck did you say?” looking like she could rip me a new arse.

  I lowered my head and said in a quiet voice “Nothing.”

  Marc started to laugh and said “Ooo...Shot down!”

  “And what the fuck do you think you’re so happy about?” Becky said.

  His head dropped and went red. Rees was standing with a smile on his face. The two girls turned to look at him and Maddie said “Well?”

  “Hey, I am not that fucking stupid.” He replied.

  “We ready?” Becky asked.

  Various nods showed that we were ready. I don’t think any of us men were willing to say anything. Rees and Jacob lifted the bar from its place and we filed out. We walked down to hard standing where the vehicles were parked. Rees, Marc and Becky were taking the Land Rover. I, Maddie and Jacob were to take the Juke. We climbed into the vehicles and I turned on the radio I was carrying.

  “Walker are you there?” Rees said over the radio.

  “Yeah let’s get going.” I replied.

  Jacob was driving our car. Maddie was sitting in the back with me in the passenger seat. I had my rifle in between my legs. We followed the Land Rover through the village and to the causeway. Slowly taking our time across from the island to the mainland I could see the tide was beginning to turn just as we reached the mainland. The sea seemed to attack the causeway. And within a minute or two it was underwater.

  “We left that a bit late.” I said into the radio.

  “Yeah I thought we might have missed our window to get across.” Rees replied over the radio.

  We headed south and came to the small village/town that Becky and her team had been to the day before. We managed to skirt round the outside of it. And continued on down the road we came across a few cars that needed to be moved. Rees and I covered whilst Jacob and Marc pushed or drove them off the road. After the first few it was decided that Becky and Maddie drove the vehicles.

  After about two hours we crested a hill stopped and stared at Bamburgh Castle. The large castle sat on a pile of rock above the actual town with its back to the sea.