by JEFF MOTES
“Oh, Will! Thank God you’re here!”
I return her embrace, my heart aching for my friend. After a few seconds, I push back. “Let me untie your legs and get your clothes.”
Her clothes are scattered all over the floor. After freeing her feet, I pick up her clothes and hand them to her then head for the door, keeping my eyes averted.
“Don’t leave, Will! Please don’t leave!”
I stop at the door and look down the hall. She dresses quickly then comes up behind me and wraps her arms around my chest.
“Please don’t ever leave me. I need you!”
“Let’s go outside. The others will be here soon.”
She moves to my side but refuses to let go. When we step out onto the porch, I see Pastor Ezell and the others fast approaching.
Chapter 36
Will
Finality
Day 10
Amy is holding me close, her head on my chest. Fear has gripped her, and her embrace is tight. I’m starting to tremble as the ice thaws in my veins. Pastor Ezell drives up to the porch, and Lizzy climbs off the trailer, leaving her shotgun on the floor.
“Amy, are you all right?” she asks, coming up the stairs.
Amy remains silent, holding me tightly.
Lizzy steps closer and gently places her hand on Amy’s back. “Amy, I’m here,” she says, her voice gentle and soothing. “Everything is going to be okay. We won’t let anything happen to you. I love you, Amy.”
Amy’s vice grip around me gradually lessens. She takes Lizzy’s hand and embraces her friend. The tears begin to flow, and Amy’s sobs are heavy. Holding her close, Lizzy cries as well. James and Pastor Ezell are tearing up. I want to cry, too.
“I want to go home!” Amy moans.
“Come on, Amy,” Pastor Ezell says. “We’ll take you and Lizzy home.”
Still arm in arm, Lizzy and Amy follow Pastor Ezell down the steps of the trailer.
“Lizzy,” I call out, “I’ll be back soon.”
She nods and smiles faintly.
The other guys load up, and soon the trailer is pulling away. I gaze at Lizzy as the trailer moves away. So much is being required of her.
Dear God, grant her strength.
“Will, check the inside for the keys to the 4-wheeler,” James says. “I’ll check the guy out here.”
I go in the door and search the coffee table, the kitchen counter, and the kitchen table. Finding nothing, I go down the hall. In the bedroom, I pick up a pair of dirty jeans off the floor and search the pockets, pulling two sets of keys out. One set has lots of keys, maybe a dozen. The other has only one key, and it looks like one for a 4-wheeler. On the nightstand is a revolver. I briefly consider taking it, but I don’t want to have anything to do with anything owned by these evil people.
My eyes pass over Cole’s lifeless body, and a shudder runs through my body. I did right. I know I did. I don’t want to hurt people. I don’t want to be a killer! Yet this apocalyptic time is requiring men to do things they don’t want to do. I make a hard fist, trying to steady my hands, then walk out the door.
In the kitchen, James is stuffing a large garbage bag with anything useful he can find. I go out to the 4-wheeler, put the key in the ignition, and crank the engine. It fires right up. I switch the key off and check the fuel. It has a half-tank of gas. Both fuel cans are empty. I tie them both to the back rack.
James comes down the stairs carrying the garbage bag in one hand and a shotgun in the other. It doesn’t look like there’s much in the garbage bag.
“You ready?” I ask.
“Yeah. Was there any fuel in those cans?”
“No. Empty. I just thought they might be useful.”
“Will, I’ll get you some gas. Don’t worry.”
He climbs on the 4-wheeler behind me, and we drive for the road. At the main woods road, I stop and turn my iPhone on, then open the GPS app and set a track for the waypoint where James’ 4-wheeler is located.
We arrive at the location, then I drive around the old fallen tree. His 4-wheeler is right where we left it. Not knowing this area at all, I follow him out to the highway. At the pavement, we turn north. When we near Split Road, James turns. We must be going back to the Hiltons’.
Once there, we park. Maybe he’s going to release Mrs. Hilton and her daughter.
“Will, wait out here. Watch the area. I won’t be long.”
“All right.”
James draws his Walther and screws the suppressor on, then steps in the door. A sense of finality comes over me. I have no feelings about it one way or the other after what these people have done to Keisha and Amy.
Coming down the steps, James unscrews the suppressor and re-holsters the Walther.
I toss him the set of keys I got at the camp.
He catches them and then glances at the shed. “Thanks, I’ll check this out later. Let’s go.”
Chapter 37
Lizzy
Comfort
Day 10
Amy didn’t want to talk with her dad much after we got here. Mrs. Wright follows us up the stairs to Amy’s bedroom, and Amy collapses on her bed. Her cries are deep, and Mrs. Lynn lays down next to her and holds her close. My eyes are watering again. I hurt for my friend. She didn’t talk much while we were riding back except to ask where Will was. Something traumatic has happened to her, but I can only guess what.
“Mom,” Amy manages to speak between sobs. “I want a hot bath.”
“Of course, sweetheart. I’ll go heat some water for you. Lizzy, stay up here with her, if you don’t mind.”
There is nowhere else I would rather be when my friend is suffering so much. I crawl into the bed and wrap my arms around Amy. She lays her head on my shoulder. Her cries have turned into whimpers.
“Lizzy, please don’t leave. Please don’t let Will leave. I will die if you leave.”
My heart is hurting again. I feel her fear. But I must leave. I must go to my grandmother.
“I’ll talk to Will again about letting you come. I don’t know if he has enough for your parents, too.”
“I can’t stay here, Lizzy. If I do, I’m going to die. Please don’t let me die.”
Why can’t Mr. Wright act like a real man? They have to move. It’s not safe here, alone with no help. He’s been told over and over, yet he refuses to listen. I don’t think I could convince Will to let Mr. Wright go to Repose, but I might be able to get him to take Amy. I’ll try. But whether he does or doesn’t, I’m leaving with him tomorrow.
Mrs. Wright enters the room carrying a large pot of steaming hot water. “Watch out girls. This water is boiling hot!” She takes it to the bathroom and pours it into the tub. “Lizzy, I have two more pots of hot water. Come help me.”
Amy doesn’t want to let me go.
“I’ll be right back, Amy.”
She releases me, and I follow Mrs. Lynn down the stairs and onto the back porch. She hands me two hot pads then picks up one of the pots, and I get the other. We walk slowly to keep the water from sloshing out and burning our hands. My arms feel like jelly by the time we make it up the stairs. Mrs. Lynn’s hair is streaked with sweat. The red mark on her face is bright and prominent. I didn’t know Mr. Wright could do something like that. Maybe I can talk Will into taking Mrs. Lynn to Repose, too.
In the bedroom, Mrs. Lynn reaches for Amy’s hand to help her up, but Amy holds her arms out for me. There is a slight tremble in the corner of Mrs. Lynn’s mouth as she pulls back her hand.
“Amy, honey, I’m going to go fix something to eat. I’ll let you know when everything is ready.”
I help Amy to the bathroom. She removes her clothes while I get her a washcloth and towel. I sit with my back to the wall while she bathes. She has bruises all over and a bright pink band of irritated skin around each of her wrists and ankles.
Poor Amy. What happened to you?
She stares straight ahead without speaking. The washcloth is thick with suds. She washes her face and c
hest then moves the cloth lower down her body. She starts scrubbing harder and harder. She’s going to hurt herself. I go to my knees next to the tub and take the washcloth.
“Amy, let me help you.”
I rinse the cloth off in the warm water, then add more soap and wash her back. The cucumber and melon body wash has a light, refreshing smell, and I hope it lifts Amy’s spirits.
Dear God, please bring healing and comfort to my friend! Please show us what to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Mrs. Lynn brought soup up for supper, but Amy didn’t want to eat much. As the sky begins to darken, we lay down to rest.
Chapter 38
Jimmy
No Trade
Day 10
Amy, Lynn, and Lizzy are upstairs. The relief of seeing my daughter safe is overwhelming, though I don’t know much of what she’s been through. My mind has been wandering, and I miss most of what Pastor Ezell is saying.
“I’m sorry, Pastor, my mind was drifting.”
“I was telling you Will should be here shortly. He’s been through a lot today. Give him some space.”
“Space? What do you mean by that?”
He sighs. “Jimmy, that young man has had to do some hard things today. Don’t press him for details. I will say this. You won’t be having to worry about the Hiltons anymore. I’ll come back tomorrow and check on y’all.”
“Wait,” I call out. Stepping down from the steps, I move closer and hold out my hand. “Thank you for what you and your men did. I can never repay you.”
He takes my hand. “Jimmy, I’m glad we were able to make a difference. You need to move your family inside our watch area.”
“I’ll think about it a little more and let you know something soon.”
“All right, Jimmy, we’ll talk soon. Good night.”
He mounts the 4-wheeler and pulls away.
When I go into the house, Lynn is taking a large pan of water outside.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“Amy wants a hot bath. I’m heating water on the grill.”
There is a large red mark on the side of her face, and I have to turn away knowing I put it there. I’ve never raised my hand against Lynn or Amy before. Guilt floods my soul, and I reach for her hand. “I’m sorry about earlier. I don’t know what came over me. I wasn’t myself.”
She jerks her hand away and looks me straight in the eyes, pointing to her face. “Does this make you feel like a man? I’m not covering it up. You’re going to have to look at it every day. It’s going to be open for the whole world to see.” She turns to the grill then says, “You can leave now.”
A 4-wheeler is coming down the drive as the sun is starting to set. It’s Will; he looks tired and haggard. He stops close to the porch and gets off.
“Hey, Will,” I say. “Where did you get that?”
“The previous owners don’t have a need for it anymore.” He takes the key out and puts it in his pocket. The significance of his gesture is not lost upon me.
“Will, I’m sorry about earlier today. You were right, I wasn’t being myself. I appreciate you helping the others rescue Amy.”
“Don’t worry about it, Mr. Wright. You were under a lot of stress. How’s Amy?”
“I guess she’s okay. Lizzy took her upstairs as soon as they got here and hasn’t come down. Lynn is heating her some water for a bath.”
He stands there staring ahead for a few moments without saying a word, then with a big sigh, he heads for the door.
“Wait, Will. What happened out there?”
He stops walking and without looking at me, he says, “We found her and brought her home. That’s all I’m going to say about it.” After a brief pause, he goes on. “James Harris said he would bring me some fuel tonight. When he does, have him bring it to the porch. Mr. Wright, I’m tired. I’ve got to lay down. Wake me when you need a break.”
Without waiting for me to respond, he steps through the door, pauses, looks up the stairs, then heads to his room.
I sit on the steps and look up at the stars. There aren’t many clouds tonight, and the stars are bright. I consider the things that have happened since the EMP and realize I’m a total failure. Nothing has worked right for me. Everything has gone wrong. Why?
I place my head in my hands, pushing all thoughts away. But they won’t stay away. Amy being kidnapped has shaken me to my core. I don’t know for certain what happened to her, my mind assumes the worst. And it’s all because Will refused to take her to Repose, and then he didn’t shoot those guys. He just let them take her away. He should be ashamed of himself, and I’m glad he’s leaving in the morning.
He put the keys to the 4-wheeler in his pocket, sending the message that it belonged to him. Well, he’s got the truck. Why does he need the 4-wheeler, too? I’m going to talk with him about it in the morning. I assume he killed the Hiltons to get the 4-wheeler. Well, it was my daughter who was kidnapped. I have as much right to it as anybody else.
My thoughts are interrupted by the sounds of yet another 4-wheeler coming up our drive. I slink back inside the house, not knowing who is approaching. The vehicle stops near Will’s truck. Someone lets the tailgate down, then closes it back.
“Jimmy,” a voice calls out.
I don’t say anything. Pastor Ezell said we didn’t have to worry about the Hiltons anymore, but what if he’s wrong?
“Jimmy, it’s James Harris. Come out so we can talk.”
His voice has become louder. I’m afraid he might wake those in the house. Fumbling for my flashlight, I switch it on and shine it on the man on my way down the steps. His hand covers his eyes.
“Get that damn thing out of my eyes!”
“Sorry, just wanted to make sure it was you.” He’s leaning against his 4-wheeler with his arms crossed. I stop close to him and extend my hand. “James, I appreciate what you did earlier today. You know, helping my daughter and all.”
He doesn’t take my hand. “Why did you steal gas from Will?”
His voice has an edge to it, and I don’t like it.
“What do you mean?”
“The gas you traded to me came out of Will’s truck. He told me you offered to give him gas from your truck, but your truck has an anti-siphon device on it. There is only one place you got that gas from.”
“So? What difference does it make? He doesn’t know I took it or that you have it now. He thinks the Hiltons stole it.”
“Jimmy, I sometimes do things others might not think is right,” he says, a sharp edge to his voice, “but I don’t steal from my friends. And I don’t deal with people who steal from my friends.”
“Just give it back to him, and I’ll trade you something else for the supplies.”
“You idiot. I’ve already traded most of the gas. It’s gone. I put what’s left in the bed of his truck, and you damn sure better not touch it.”
“All right, I’m sorry. It was a mistake. I admit it. I only wanted to make sure you got your gas. I’ve got some other stuff I can give you for the gas you brought back.”
“Our trading days are over. I don’t want anything else to do with you. That boy is more of a man than you’ll ever be. You better hope he doesn’t find out you stole his gas or he may do to you what he did to the Hiltons.”
“W-what about my family?” I splutter. “What are we going to do for food if you don’t trade with us?”
“That’s not my problem.”
He gets on the 4-wheeler and drives off into the night.
Damn! Damn! Damn!
Now what am I going to do? James was my source of food, and now it’s gone. Damn!
Chapter 39
Jimmy
The Clarke County Sheriff’s Office
Day 11
I can’t sleep, and I don’t want to talk to Will right now, so I’m going to let him sleep. I’ll be glad when he and Lizzy leave in the morning. Nearly all the food he brought is gone, and he’s going to become nothing but a liability. Although it’s obvious h
e isn’t going to fall for Amy, it seemed he would have cared enough about her not to let those bastards take her.
James Harris has all of sudden found religion and doesn’t want to trade any longer. The food I got from him in exchange for the gas should last us about two weeks. That is, two weeks with Will and Lizzy gone. Then what? Maybe I can shoot some more deer. Deer! I forgot about the deer in the cooler. I hope it hasn’t spoiled. With all this crap going on with Amy, I forgot all about it. I’ll put it in the smokehouse in the morning.
The 4-wheeler Will took from the Hiltons has got to stay here. We need the transportation. I also have to figure out how to get the gas from mine and Lynn’s vehicles. I check the fuel tank in the 4-wheeler. There’s not much left in there. Maybe I could pour a little in from the fuel can James Harris left.
“You damn sure better not touch it.”
Why should I care what James Harris says? He’s not dealing with me anymore. I pull out the pistol James traded to me for some of the gas. He said it was a Hi-Point 9mm and one of the best pistols made. If I know James, it’s probably one of the cheapest pistols around. But at least I have one. It came with two magazines and a hundred round-nose bullets. He showed me how to use it, though I haven’t loaded it yet. I will later. If he keeps pushing me, he’s going to regret trading me this pistol.
When Will and Lizzy leave, I’ll take the 4-wheeler around to the abandoned houses around here and see what I can find. If the Hiltons are all dead, maybe I should check their place out too. I can’t take all the gas out of the can James left. If I do, Will won’t be able to leave, and I need him and Lizzy gone.
I’ll talk to Will about it in the morning. Either he leaves it willingly or…I pat the pistol in my pocket. Or I’ll make him leave it.
“He may do to you what he did to the Hiltons,” Harris had said.
What did Will do? I better be careful. The boy may be more dangerous than I’m thinking.
I go out to his truck. His radio was dead earlier. I guess he played with it too much this morning after he got up. Right now it’s sitting on the truck seat plugged into a car charger. This morning was the first time he’s left the truck unlocked. After they refused to let me help rescue my own daughter, I went through his pack and found a car charger for the radio. It’s plugged into the cigarette lighter in the truck. The radio should be charged by now.
